Electricity: circuit makers and breakers – Multiple circuit control – Pivoted contact
Patent
1986-08-20
1988-12-20
Scott, J. R.
Electricity: circuit makers and breakers
Multiple circuit control
Pivoted contact
200 6127, 200 6154, G02B 508, H01H 316, H01H 900
Patent
active
047922206
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION
This invention relates to outside rearview mirrors for vehicles and particularly to an outside rearview mirror which can be temporarily shifted to a wider viewing-angle position by means of a switch arrangement integrated with the vehicle turn signal lever.
BACKGROUND
It is well-known that outside rearview mirrors have the disadvantage of leaving the driver of a vehicle with a "blind spot" between the field-of-view of the mirror and the beginning of a driver's peripheral vision. Objects such as motor vehicles in the blind spot cannot be seen by the driver, creating the potential for a serious accident while changing lanes or merging with traffic. One common method for overcoming this problem is for the dirver to glance over his shoulder at the blind spot to check for other vehicles. An obvious drawback of this method is that the driver is not watching where he is going for a short period of time. Another proposed solution has been the use of convex mirrors to effectively eliminate the blind spot. However, convex mirrors produce a considerable amount of image distortion and make objects look farther away than they really are. This can be more dangerous than having a blind spot, since the driver is lured into a false sense of security.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide convenient, reliable means, in the form of a temporarily shiftable outside rearview mirror, for eliminating a vehicle driver's blind spot during lane change and merging maneuvers.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide convenient, simple means for actuating a temporarily shiftable outside rearview mirror on a vehicle in the form of a switch mechanism located on the vehicle's turn signal lever.
These and other objects which will become apparent upon a reading of the following specification and claims, are accomplished by way of a shiftable outside rearview mirror capable of being mounted on the right side, left side, or both sides of a vehicle. The switch means is located on the end of the vehicle turn signal lever, movable in the plane of motion of the turn signal lever about an axis on the turn signal lever. Electrical actuating means which cause the mirror to move in response to the activation of the switch means consists of a first circuit comprising the switch means a relay, and a control system governing the duration of the mirror shift, and a second circuit comprising a motor which rotates the mirror in two directions, two on-off switches to limit the arc of rotation of the mirror, and switch contacts actuated by the relay.
To shift a left outside rearview mirror, the driver urges the switch means in a counter-clockwise direction, and to shift a right outside mirror, the driver urges the switch means in a clockwise direction. The control system of the first circuit in the electrical actuating means provides a minimum shift duration in response to a brief touch on the switch means and a correspondingly longer shift duration in response to a sustained pressure. The switch means moves independently of the turn signal lever for a short distance. If additional pressure is exerted on the switch means after it has reached the limit of its independent movement, then both the switch means and the turn signal lever arm will be actuated. To activate the turn signal alone, the driver must press only the turn signal lever arm in the appropriate direction.
Frequently it is necessary for a driver to deactivate the turn signal by hand, in which case he would not want to shift the mirror on the other side of the car. Means are provided with the electrical activating means which prevent the shifting of a mirror on one side of the vehicle while current is flowing to the turn signals on the opposite side.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a top view of a turn signal lever arm according to the invention;
FIG. 2 is a front view of a turn signal lever arm according to the invention;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the left end of the turn signal lever arm a
REFERENCES:
patent: 3199075 (1965-08-01), Simmons
patent: 3486811 (1969-12-01), Russell
patent: 3603748 (1971-09-01), Cryer
patent: 4027953 (1977-06-01), Jacob
patent: 4144424 (1979-03-01), Takeda et al.
patent: 4488777 (1984-12-01), Bauer et al.
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