Optical: systems and elements – Mirror – With support
Reexamination Certificate
2001-01-25
2002-04-09
Sikder, Mohammad (Department: 3727)
Optical: systems and elements
Mirror
With support
C359S881000, C359S871000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06367939
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to vehicle mirror apparatus, and more particularly relates to a mirror and mounting assembly including a docking station for receiving an electronic device, such as a telecommunication device.
It is known to provide a rearview mirror assembly with a holster to receive a portable telematic communication device, such as a telephone. (For example, see Palett U.S. Pat. No. 6,026,162.) However, improvements are desired in more positively retaining the portable telephone to the mirror in the event of a vehicle crash so that the telephone does not become part of flying debris that could injure a passenger. Further, improvements are desired for aesthetics (such as to fully hide the telematic communication device), for simplicity of manufacture, and for ensuring complete nesting of the portable communication device and/or telematics device in the docking station of the mirror, so that all contacts for recharging and for remote antenna, microphone, speakers, and the like are reliably made.
Accordingly, an apparatus is desired solving the aforementioned problems and having the aforementioned advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect of the present invention, a rearview vehicle mirror apparatus includes a mirror assembly and a mount supporting the mirror assembly, with the mount being adapted to support the mirror assembly on a vehicle windshield. One of the mirror assembly and the mount includes a first housing with a pocket shaped to receive a portable electronic communication device, such as a telematic device or cellular phone, and further includes a door shaped to cover the pocket. The door is movable between an open position providing access to the pocket and a closed position for positively retaining the communication device within the pocket.
In another aspect of the present invention, a rearview vehicle mirror apparatus includes a mirror assembly having a housing and a mount supporting the mirror assembly, where the mount is adapted to adjustably support the mirror assembly proximate a vehicle windshield. One of the housing and the mount includes a pocket with an access opening shaped to receive a portable electronic communication device, and further includes a retainer shaped to selectively cover at least a portion of the access opening to positively retain the communication device in the pocket.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus is provided for holding a portable electronic communication device that includes a body and an antenna. The apparatus includes a mirror assembly having a first housing and a mirror supported in the first housing. A mount supports the first housing and includes a second housing. At least one of the first and second housings includes a pocket shaped to completely receive the body of the communication device.
These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.
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Carter John W.
Grimes, III Robert W.
Gentex Corporation
Price Heneveld Cooper Dewitt & Litton
Rees Brian J.
Sikder Mohammad
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