Illumination – Supported by vehicle structure – Automobile
Reexamination Certificate
1997-09-24
2001-09-04
Patel, Nimeshkumar D. (Department: 2879)
Illumination
Supported by vehicle structure
Automobile
C362S136000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06283622
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to portable mirrors and, more particularly, to a mirror and harness combination capable of being affixed safely to an automobile headrest.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the related art, many types and methods of mounting a mirror are known. Further, many of these types and methods have been associated with automobiles.
A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related:
U.S. Pat. No.
Inventor
Issue Date
5,576,898
Sheri J. Rubin
Nov. 19, 1996
5,361,169
Jerry L. Deal
Nov. 1, 1994
5,285,321
Patricia Nolan-Brown
Feb. 8, 1994
4,951,910
William B. March
Aug. 28, 1990
4,902,118
Sherryll Harris
Feb. 20, 1990
4,809,137
Kiyoshi Yamada
Feb. 28, 1989
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,576, 898, an optical system for viewing the rear seat of a vehicle. Although mountable in the rear passenger compartment of a vehicle, such a device as disclosed would not function very affectively for use by the rear passenger's themselves in that the mounting mechanism includes overhead tracks.
Similarly, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,285,321, a device for observing an infant in a rear seat that again requires overhead attachment.
Again, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,902,118, an infant observation mirror for car travel is disclosed specifically adapted to attached to a rear seat and face forward.
While mirrors and affixments therefore are incorporated into this invention in combination, other elements are different enough as to make the combination distinguished over these and other related art. Consequently, a need has been felt for providing an apparatus and method which can secure a vanity mirror for a rear passenger in a useful, safe, secure, and portable manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved optical viewing apparatus for back seat passengers in motor vehicles.
It is a feature of the present invention to provide a harness for attachment to a seat headrest in a detachable, adaptable manner.
Briefly described according the preferred embodiment, the present invention consists of a reflective surface and an easy open/close cover. The cover uses a simple closure device to hold it in place when the mirror is not in use. Also included is a battery-powered illumination system. An on/off/dimmer control switch lets the user to control the level of illumination. Using straps with an attached closure device, the harness is secured to the backside of a headrest.
An advantage of the present invention is that the mirror compartment holds a reflective surface, illumination device and associated electrical and hardware components, thereby providing multiple functionality.
Another advantage of the present invention is that a reflective surface provides viewing surface for backseat passengers.
Yet another advantage of the present invention includes a mirror cover for protecting reflective surfaces from scratches. Further, the mirror cover shields passengers from mirror surface in the event of an accident, is aesthetically pleasing in appearance, and allows the user to cover the mirror so they don't have to continually stare at their own reflection.
Finally, the straps provided secure the invention in place around the head rest and can be undone to remove invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4681366 (1987-07-01), Lobanoff
patent: 4809137 (1989-02-01), Yamada
patent: 4902118 (1990-02-01), Harris
patent: 4951910 (1990-08-01), March
patent: 5285321 (1994-02-01), Nolan-Brown
patent: 5361169 (1994-11-01), Deal
patent: 5564813 (1996-10-01), Curtindale
patent: 5576898 (1996-11-01), Rubin
patent: 5813354 (1998-09-01), Scott
Chupp Michael W.
Mishler Roxie E.
Gugliotta John D.
Hopper Todd Reed
Patel Nimeshkumar D.
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