Abstract:
A portable wide-view mirror apparatus that allows a driver to see the rear half of the right blind-side of a trailer and right-side obstacles during a right blind-side backing maneuver. Generally, a notebook-like design wherein the mirror opens up from the attached base for use. The mirror is placed on the passenger side of the dashboard inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle, is positioned by the driver at the beginning of the backing maneuver to provide a wide rearward view out the passenger side window, and is adjusted when necessary by the driver during the backing maneuver. The mirror is folded down when not in use. The portable mirror is especially useful to the commercial truck driver as an aid in the right blind-side backing maneuver of a semi-tractor trailer. In the event the driver changes trucks, the driver retains the portable mirror for use in the new truck.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
   The present invention relates in general to a portable wide-view mirror apparatus for right blind-side backing of a vehicle with an attached trailer, and in particular to a portable wide-view mirror apparatus for right blind-side backing of a semi-tractor trailer unit. 
   Mirrors are used to help a driver back a trailer in nearly all situations. Mirrors assist the driver by allowing the driver to see blind spots which the driver cannot see by looking rearward from the drivers seat out either the drivers side window, the passenger side window or other rear windows if present and offering an unobstructed rearward view. 
   Backing maneuvers with a trailer can be time consuming and dangerous. This is most particularly true in a right-side backing maneuver when the right side mirror&#39;s view becomes blocked by the turning trailer and no longer provides visual assistance in backing. The period of right-side backing which takes place from the time the trailer begins blocking the right-side mirror and while the right rear of the trailer remains out of the driver&#39;s view from any mirror or window, is known as a right “blind-side” backing maneuver. 
   Left-hand backing maneuvers are not typically considered blind-side backing maneuvers for most vehicles because even when the trailer turns at an angle which blocks the left side mirror, the driver need only turn his head and look out of the left side window for a rearward view to complete the backing maneuver. This allows the driver to see the left rear side of the trailer for the entire maneuver by using the left-hand mirror and driver&#39;s side window. 
   Interior rear view mirrors may be used in most passenger vehicles to help prevent right blind-side backing, but they cannot be used in instances where the rear window of the vehicle is obstructed or non-existent. Semi-tractor trailer units are an example of vehicles which are expected to have an obstructed rear view, and which therefore do not come equipped with interior rear view mirrors, and are not equipped to prevent blind-side backing. 
   For right blind-side backing maneuvers, where the driver is without the help of some type of blind-side backing equipment, the driver then is required to get out of the truck and check the progress frequently. In a moderate to tight right blind-side backing maneuver the driver may need to get out of the truck every few feet and walk around to the right side of the truck to view his progress, then decide what, if any, corrections need to be made, walk back around the truck, climb back into the cab, back up a few more feet and then stop, climb back out, and check on his progress again. This can turn what would be a simple parking maneuver, with the appropriate visual feedback, into a stressful, risky and time consuming ordeal. An alternative method has a second person stand on the right side of the truck where the driver can see that second person, and the second person relays information on the backing procedure to the driver. Under this circumstance the driver must rely on the accuracy of the information being relayed to him by the person directing him, since he has no visual feedback of his own, and this can again be a risky proposition for the driver. 
   Numerous patents have been developed to aid a driver in a right blind-side backing maneuver. Some prior art allows the exterior passenger-side mirror to be manually adjusted to keep the right rear corner of the trailer in view. The driver must still stop often, leaving the driver&#39;s seat to readjust the exterior mirror, which is still time consuming, but he does not then need to rely on another person to direct him. Some prior art allows the exterior passenger-side mirror to automatically position itself so the driver can see the rear corner of the trailer and obstacles continuously during right blind-side backing maneuvers. These systems are fairly expensive and must be installed onto the semi-tractor. They also do not provide a wide-angle view of the entire rear half of the right side of the trailer, due to their distance from the driver and practical limitations on the width of exterior side-view mirrors. None of the prior art is portable. None of the prior art uses an interior dash mounted mirror system which is within reach and thereby directly and easily adjusted by the driver while remaining in his seat. None of the prior art is inexpensive enough to allow the equipment to be purchased and used by the driver, who is ultimately responsible for safe backing procedures. Most of the prior art depends on investment by the trucking company to modify their trucks and equipment to employ the prior art mirrors or blind side backing equipment. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,253,738 issued Mar. 3, 1981 to Linkous is an exterior mounted manually adjustable mirror apparatus to assist tractor-trailer drivers in backing maneuvers. This mirror apparatus cannot be adjusted from the driver&#39;s seat. This mirror apparatus is not portable and is designed to replace the original equipment semi-truck mirror, making it impracticable for a commercial truck driver that is not an owner-operator. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,479,297 issued Dec. 26, 1992 to Summers is an exterior mounted self-positioning mirror apparatus complete with an electrical system to allow repositioning the mirror during right-hand backing procedures. It is not portable and is also designed to replace the truck OEM semi-truck mirror, making it impracticable for a pick-up truck owner or a commercial truck driver that is not an owner-operator. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,052,792 issued Oct. 1, 1991 to McDonough includes an exterior fixed and moveable mirror. The moving mirror moves on a signal from the blinker switch. This mirror is not portable and would also replace the existing OEM mirror and would need to be tied into the truck electrical system. This level of complication makes it impracticable to be owned and used by a commercial driver. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,693,519 issued Feb. 17, 2004 to Kierstead uses a video camera mounted to the exterior of the cab and a video monitor mounted on the dashboard to allow the driver to view blind spots on the right side of the trailer for general driving. This system will also provide assistance in blind-side backing maneuvers. This vehicle monitoring system is not portable and would appear to be quite expensive. It will also not provide as large or clear of a view as a wide direct reflecting mirror. 
   Most trucking companies don&#39;t use any of the prior art devices for one or more reasons. New trucks are either bought or leased and self-positioning mirrors for blind-side backing do not come as standard equipment due to excess additional cost. 
   Another industry feature that makes the blind-side mirror a higher priority item for the driver than the trucking company is the manner in which loads are picked up and delivered. Trucking companies make money when loads are delivered on time and without incident. The driver makes money when the truck is moving down the road. Trucking companies will sometimes pay the driver a flat fee for picking up or dropping off a trailer. The fee doesn&#39;t change for drops that take five minutes or thirty minutes. As long as the load is on time, the company earns the contracted amount of money blind-side backing maneuvers that take longer because the driver must continually get out of the truck to see the trailer and obstacles, cuts into the earning potential of the driver more than the trucking company. Therefore, making safe and quick blind-side backing maneuvers is a much higher priority for the driver than it is for the trucking companies. 
   What is needed then, is a blind-side backing apparatus which is simple and easy to use from within the passenger compartment, which allows the driver to quickly and efficiently perform a right blind-side backing maneuver, which is portable so that the driver may easily move it from vehicle to vehicle, and which is inexpensive enough that the individual commercial truck driver can afford to own it for use in whatever truck or trucks he must drive on a given day, and so that trucking companies can afford to purchase them on a fleet wide basis. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a mirror apparatus and method for right blind-side backing of a trailer which allows a driver to quickly and efficiently perform a solo right blind-side backing maneuver in a timely and cost effective manner. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a mirror apparatus for right blind-side backing of a trailer which provides a wide-angle rearward view out of the passenger side window when properly positioned within the passenger compartment of a vehicle. 
   It is a further object of the present invention to provide a mirror apparatus for right blind-side backing of a trailer which provides a view of the rear half of the right blind-side of a trailer when properly positioned within the passenger compartment of a vehicle. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a mirror apparatus for right blind-side backing of a trailer which is within the driver&#39;s reach and can be easily adjusted if necessary by the driver at any time while backing and does not require the driver to leave his seat during the backing maneuver. 
   It is a further object of the present invention to provide a mirror apparatus for right blind-side backing of a trailer which is portable. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a mirror apparatus for right blind-side backing of a trailer which is inexpensive compared to prior art. 
   It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a mirror apparatus for right blind-side backing of a trailer which can be quickly closed and out of the way of the driver when not in use. 
   These and other objects and advantages of the present invention are realized in one embodiment of a portable wide-view mirror apparatus for right blind-side backing of a semi-tractor trailer, comprising a viewing mirror, a mirror frame to which said mirror is attached, a friction type of hinge, a base which is attached from its rear edge to said mirror frame&#39;s bottom edge by said friction hinge, and a lower base upon which the upper base and supported mirror and frame may pivot and also slide forwards and backwards, and which includes a pair of removable, adjustable legs near the bottom rear corners. Generally a notebook-like design wherein the mirror opens up from the attached base for use, and when placed upon the passenger side of the dashboard, may be pivoted to display to the driver a wide rearward view out the passenger side window, which during a right blind-side backing maneuver displays the rear half of the right blind-side of the trailer. 
   Other objects and features of the invention will become clear upon a reading of the Detailed Description. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     The present invention may be understood from the description of the embodiment which follows and from the accompanying drawings. The drawings are hereby expressly made a part of the specification. 
       FIG. 1A  is an aerial view of a semi-tractor trailer unit prior to beginning a right blind-side backing maneuver. 
       FIG. 1B  is an overhead view of a semi-tractor trailer unit in a medium radius right blind-side backing maneuver. 
       FIG. 1C  is an overhead view of a semi-tractor trailer unit in a tight radius right blind-side backing maneuver. 
       FIG. 1D  is an overhead view of a semi-tractor trailer unit in a very tight radius (ninety degree) right blind-side backing maneuver. 
       FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the portable wide-view mirror apparatus, as it would look from the driver&#39;s seat if the mirror was opened up into the viewing position and the mirror panel and upper base were slid forward into the on-dash position and the mirror apparatus was placed on the dash in front of the passenger seat. 
       FIG. 3  is a side view of the mirror apparatus depicted in  FIG. 2 , with the mirror panel opened up into the viewing position and with the mirror panel and upper base slid forward into the on-dash position for use by the driver. 
       FIG. 4  is a side view of the mirror apparatus depicted in  FIG. 2 , after the mirror panel has been folded down into the on-dash position, but before the mirror panel and upper base have been slid backward into alignment with the lower base for storage. 
       FIG. 5  is a side view of the mirror apparatus depicted in  FIG. 2 , with the mirror panel folded down and with the mirror panel and upper base slid backwards into the storage or travel position. 
       FIG. 6  is an isometric view of the portable wide-view mirror apparatus depicted in  FIG. 2 , with the mirror apparatus in a pivoted position on its lower base, and displaying the driver&#39; rearward view for the right-hand backing maneuver being performed in  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 7  is an aerial view of a semi-tractor trailer unit performing a right “blind-side backing maneuver into an open spot in a row of parked semi-trailers in tight quarters. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
   Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the various drawings to depict like or similar elements of the claimed mirror apparatus. For the purpose of presenting a brief and clear discussion of the mirror apparatus, the preferred embodiment will be discussed in conjunction with a semi-tractor trailer unit. This is for representative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting in any manner. 
     FIGS. 1A through 1D  depict a semi-tractor trailer unit  12  as it progresses through a right-hand backing maneuver. Dashed lines coming from the exterior side-view mirrors of the semi-tractor  14  depict the line of sight of the driver  16  of the semi-tractor trailer unit  12  as he or she looks at the mirrors. As is clearly shown in  FIG. 1B , once the angle between the tractor  14  and trailer  18  reaches a minimal angle beyond a straight line, the fixed exterior right side-view mirror only reflects a view of the front side of the semi-trailer  18  to the driver  16 . Dashed line  24  in  FIGS. 1C and 1D  depicts the driver&#39;s direct view out the passenger side window during the right-hand backing maneuver, and clearly shows that the driver  16  has no direct view of the rear half of the right side of the trailer  18  until a very tight radius is reached, at which point only the right rear corner  22  of the trailer comes into view. The present invention, the portable wide-view mirror apparatus  10 , is shown in use on the passenger side of the dashboard, where it is easily adjusted to provide a clear view of the rear half of the right-side of the trailer  18 , and in particular, the right rear corner of the trailer  22 , and any obstacles the trailer might be approaching. Dotted lines coming from the mirror apparatus  10 , enclose a shaded area  20  depicting the angle of rearward view coverage provided by the mirror apparatus. As is clearly shown in  FIGS. 1B ,  1 C and  1 D, at any angle during a right-hand backing maneuver the entire rear half of the right side of the trailer  18  is kept in full view by simply pivoting the mirror apparatus  10  as the turn gets progressively tighter, without the driver  16  ever being required to leave his seat. As noted above, the present invention is particularly useful in a semi-tractor trailer unit, but may be used in any type of motor vehicle. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the preferred embodiment  10  of the mirror apparatus, includes a planar viewing mirror  26  and a mirror frame  28  which has on its front surface a recessed inner surface sized to accommodate the viewing mirror  26  and within which said viewing mirror  26  is affixed. The outer edge of the mirror frame  28  surrounds the outer edge of the viewing mirror  26 . This embodiment has a flush fit and smooth surface between the viewing mirror  26  and the mirror frame  28  for the lower approximate two-thirds of the mirror frame  28 . The upper one-third of the mirror frame  28  extends outward beyond the surface of the viewing mirror  26  providing for overlap of the upper base  42  when folded down, as shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  4  and  5 , and is sized accordingly. The purpose of the mirror frame  28  is to provide support and protection to the viewing mirror  26  and to provide a rigid platform for securing the viewing mirror  26 . The mirror frame  28  will be constructed of a material that is both light and inexpensive to satisfy the objectives of the invention. Example construction materials include but are not limited to low-density polyethylene or aluminum sheeting. The mirror frame  28  and attached viewing mirror  26  comprise the mirror panel  30 . 
   The mirror panel  30  is attached to the upper base  42 , by a hinge  34  attached along the upper base&#39;s rear edge and attached to the bottom edge of the mirror panel  30 . This is a friction type hinge that can hold the mirror panel  30  securely in any position in which the mirror panel  30  can rotate about the hinge  34 . The hinge  34  allows the driver to lift and lower the mirror panel  30  by holding the base with one hand and rotating the mirror panel  30  up with the other hand to expose and use the viewing mirror  26 . Opening the mirror apparatus  10  in this manner is similar to opening the cover on a book or the cover on a laptop computer. The hinge  34  allows the mirror panel  30  to be folded down flat onto the upper base  42  for storage when not in use. The hinge  34  does not need lubrication and is maintenance free for the life of the mirror apparatus  10 . Side mount or other type hinges which allow for rotation of the mirror panel  30  from a closed position into an upright viewing position over the base may also be used. 
   The upper base  42  is attached to the lower base  40  by a centrally located pivot bolt  36  which extends through a pivot groove  38  in the upper base  42  and screws into and is affixed to the lower base  40 . The pivot groove  38  extends from interior of the front edge to interior of the rear edge of the upper base  42 , and is centrally located between the left and right side edges of the upper base  42 . The pivot bolt  36  is a simple bolt type fastener which allows the upper base  42  and attached mirror panel  30  to pivot around the pivot bolt  36  in a circular manner over the lower base  40  while providing enough tension so that the mirror panel  30  will hold its position once it is pivoted into place. The pivot attachment of the upper base  42  to the lower base  40  allows for adjustment by the driver of the viewing angle while backing. The pivot groove  38  allows the upper base  42  and attached mirror panel  30  to slide forwards and backwards past the pivot bolt  36  for the length of pivot groove  38  in a linear manner over the lower base. The sliding attachment of the upper base  42  to the lower base  40  allows the upper base  42  and attached mirror panel  30  to slide forward when it is necessary to provide clearance for sloping windshields, while allowing the lower base  40  to remain securely positioned on the dashboard. 
   The lower base  40  has attached from its bottom surface threaded adjustable leveling legs  32  which screw into the lower base near each rear corner. The purpose of the adjustable leveling legs  32  is to provide a level foundation on an uneven or forward sloping dashboard. For level or rearward sloping dashboards, it is not necessary or desirable to use the adjustable leveling legs  32 , and they may be removed from the lower base  40 . Other types of leveling legs may also be used, including flip-down leveling legs which may be recessed into the bottom surface of lower base  40 . 
   The upper base  42  and lower base  40  will be constructed of a material that is both light and inexpensive, however, they should be more heavily constructed than the mirror frame  28  to provide an appropriate counterbalance and added stability for the mirror panel  30  when in the open position. Example construction materials include but are not limited to low-density polyethylene or aluminum sheeting which may be weighted down when required. The upper base  42  and lower base  40  may also be made entirely from another suitable and appropriately dense material. The leveling legs  32  will be made of a hardened tarnish resistant, inexpensive material, with a rubberized surface on the foot end. 
   The bottom surface of the lower base  40  is constructed of a rubberized like material which allows a friction contact with the dashboard surface and prevents unwanted sliding of the mirror apparatus  10  while in use. The bottom surface of the lower base  40  and the top surface of the dashboard may also have attached to them a hook-loop fastening velcro type material to allow quick attachment and removal of the mirror apparatus  12  from the dashboard, and to provide a more secure attachment to ensure the prevention of unwanted movement of the mirror apparatus  10  while in use. 
   The mirror panel  30  is sized to provide the driver with a wide-angle view of the rear half of the right blind-side of the trailer, when the mirror apparatus is positioned on the passenger side of the dashboard and directed to reflect a rearward view out the passenger side window. In general, the mirror panel&#39;s  30  width will be one and one-half to two times its height, to provide the necessary wide-angle view, and, in general, the mirror panel&#39;s  30  height will be one-quarter to one-half the height of the windshield above the dashboard. For example, the approximate dimensions for a mirror apparatus which would be ideal for certain Kenworth truck-tractor dashboards is a mirror panel  30  which is seven inches tall and sixteen inches wide, hingedly attached to an upper base which is sixteen inches wide and four and one-half inches deep, which is pivotally and slide-ably attached to a lower base which is sixteen inches wide and seven inches deep. These dimensions provide for an upper base  42  whose depth is approximately two-thirds the height of the mirror frame  28  and creates overlap when the mirror panel  30  is folded down onto the upper base  42 , with the upper one-third of the viewing mirror  26  remaining exposed, as is shown in  FIG. 4 . However when the upper base  42  is made to slide to its rearward position along the pivot bolt  36  riding in the pivot groove  38 , and relative to the lower base  40 , the entire face of the mirror panel  30  is then protected by the lower base  40 , as is shown in  FIG. 5 . The dimensions of a portable wide-view mirror apparatus are not limited to those just stated above. Larger or smaller wide-view mirrors are deemed to be alternate embodiments of this invention. Somewhat varying dimensions may also be required for wide-view mirrors suitable for passenger vehicles and for other manufacturers of truck-tractors. 
     FIG. 3  is a side view of the mirror apparatus with the mirror panel  30  opened into the viewing position. This is the configuration the mirror would be in when used for right blind-side backing maneuvers by the driver. When the backing maneuvers are complete, the mirror panel  30  would be folded down and the mirror would take on the configuration of  FIG. 4 . 
     FIG. 4  is a side view of the mirror apparatus in the on-dash position. This is how the mirror apparatus looks when the driver has finished using the mirror apparatus for a right blind-side backing maneuver and has folded the mirror panel  30  down. The mirror apparatus may be left in this position until needed again. It is apparent that the dimensional difference between the height of the mirror panel  30  and the depth of the base creates overlap when the mirror panel  30  is folded down onto the base, with the upper one-third of the mirror panel  30  extending beyond the base. However directional arrows indicate how the mirror panel  30  and upper base may slide over the lower base to reach the configuration in  FIG. 5 . As in  FIG. 5 , the mirror is out of the way in this configuration. 
     FIG. 5  is a side view of the mirror apparatus in the storage or travel position. In this position the mirror surface is fully protected from damage. This is the configuration the mirror apparatus would be in if the driver were carrying the mirror to another commercial truck. This could also be the position of the mirror apparatus when the mirror apparatus is stored on the dash of the truck or placed out of the way, such as in a storage compartment or under the seat. 
     FIGS. 3 ,  4  and  5  may be viewed in succession to get an idea of how the mirror apparatus is folded down for travel or for storage.  FIGS. 3 ,  4  and  5  may be viewed in reverse order to get an idea of how the mirror apparatus is opened up for use. 
     FIG. 6  presents an alternate view of the preferred embodiment shown in a pivoted position. The mirror apparatus  10  is shown with the upper base  42  and attached mirror panel  30 , pivoted about the pivot bolt  36  to the left in a clockwise direction over the lower base  40 . The viewing mirror  26  displays the driver&#39;s view from the mirror apparatus  10  in  FIG. 7  during the right blind-side backing maneuver being performed in  FIG. 7 . This view shows that the driver can clearly see the right blind-side of his semi-trailer and he can also see the front of the parked semi-trailer  44  next to which he is attempting to park his semi-trailer. The mirror view  26  also reveals that there is sufficient clearance between the driver&#39;s semi-trailer and the parked semi-trailer  44 , to continue the backing maneuver. 
     FIG. 7  is an aerial view of a semi-tractor trailer unit  12  performing a right blind-side backing maneuver into an open spot in a row of parked semi-trailers in tight quarters. This is a truck driver&#39;s most often encounter with right blind-side backing maneuvers, with a possible occurrence every night at truck stops or anytime a truck driver stops someplace while on the road. The mirror apparatus  10  is located on the passenger side of the dashboard of the semi-tractor  14 . As is clearly shown, the rear half of the right side of the semi-trailer  18 , including the right-rear corner of the semi-trailer  22 , and the parked semi-trailer  44  next to which the driver  16  is attempting to park are clearly within the angle of rearward view  20  provided by the mirror apparatus  10 . The driver&#39;s  16  direct line of sight  24  out the passenger side window of the semi-tractor  14  clearly shows that the driver  16  cannot directly see any portion of the right side of the trailer  18  or any obstacles it is approaching, including the already parked semi-trailer  44  next to which the driver  16  is attempting to park his semi-trailer  18 . It is clear that without the mirror apparatus  10  on the dashboard of the semi-tractor  14  to redirect the driver&#39;s  16  line of sight  24  correctly to see the trailer  18  and the parked semi-trailer  44  next to which the driver  16  is attempting to park, the driver would be backing “blind” while performing this right blind-side backing maneuver. By use of the mirror apparatus  10 , the driver  16  is no longer backing “blind”, and is able to remain sitting in the driver&#39;s seat during the backing maneuver. As the backing maneuver progresses, the mirror apparatus  10  may need to be rotated slightly on the dash by the driver  16  so he can see both the semi-trailer  18  and the parked semi-trailer  44  next to which he is attempting to park. To accomplish the repositioning of the mirror, all the driver must do is stop the truck, lean forward slightly, reach up and push or pull slightly on the upper base to pivot the upper base  42  and attached mirror panel  30 . The backing maneuver can then be continued until the semi-trailer  18  is securely positioned next to the parked semi-trailer  44 . Once the semi-trailer  18  is parked, the mirror apparatus  10  will not be needed for leaving the truck stop, so the mirror panel  30  may be folded down into the on-dash position as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
   The embodiment of the present invention shown and discussed is by way of illustration and not of limitation, and a wide variety of equivalent embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.