公开(公告)号：US08154418B2

公开(公告)日：2012-04-10

申请号：US12414190

申请日：2009-03-30

Applicant: Kenneth C. Peterson ,  Keith D. Foote ,  Richard R. Hook ,  Eric S. Deuel ,  Niall R. Lynam

Inventor： Kenneth C. Peterson ,  Keith D. Foote ,  Richard R. Hook ,  Eric S. Deuel ,  Niall R. Lynam

IPC: G08B5/00 ,  B60Q1/00 ,  H04N7/18

CPC classification number: G02B27/01 ,  B60R1/12 ,  B60R2001/1215 ,  B60R2001/1253 ,  B60R2300/101 ,  B60R2300/207 ,  B60R2300/70 ,  B60R2300/806 ,  G02B2027/0118 ,  G02B2027/014 ,  G02F1/157 ,  G02F2203/09 ,  G06F3/0421 ,  G06F3/044 ,  G06F3/04886

Abstract: A mirror system of a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a reflective element and an information input display providing a display representative of a plurality of input characters. The information input display is disposed behind the reflective element and viewable through the reflective element and a transflective mirror reflector of the reflective element when the information input display is backlit by a backlighting device. A control is operable to determine a location of a touch or proximity of an object at the reflective element and correlate the determined location to an input character of the information input display. The mirror system may include a video display for displaying video images and the information input display may be disposed at a main viewing region of the reflective element so as to provide an information input display that is larger than the video display.

Abstract translation: 车辆的镜子系统包括具有反射元件的内部后视镜组件和提供代表多个输入字符的显示器的信息输入显示器。 当信息输入显示器被背光装置背光时，信息输入显示器设置在反射元件的后面并可通过反射元件和反射元件的透反射反射镜观看。 控制可操作以确定在反射元件处的物体的触摸或接近的位置，并将确定的位置与信息输入显示的输入字符相关联。 镜系统可以包括用于显示视频图像的视频显示器，并且信息输入显示器可以被布置在反射元件的主观看区域处，以便提供大于视频显示器的信息输入显示器。

公开(公告)号：US08102279B2

公开(公告)日：2012-01-24

申请号：US13107307

申请日：2011-05-13

Applicant: Keith D. Foote ,  Niall R. Lynam

Inventor： Keith D. Foote ,  Niall R. Lynam

IPC: G08G1/16

CPC classification number: B60R1/1207 ,  B60Q1/0076 ,  B60Q1/0088 ,  B60Q1/2607 ,  B60Q1/2665 ,  B60Q1/2696 ,  B60Q1/34 ,  B60Q1/50 ,  B60Q1/525 ,  B60R1/0602 ,  B60R1/072 ,  B60R1/08 ,  B60R1/081 ,  B60R1/088 ,  B60R2001/1215 ,  B60R2300/802 ,  B60R2300/8093 ,  F21V23/005 ,  F21V23/0464 ,  F21Y2115/10 ,  G08G1/167

Abstract: A mirror reflective element sub-assembly suitable for use for an exterior rearview mirror assembly of a vehicle includes a mirror reflective element and a mirror back plate having a generally planar portion and an indicator receiving portion established via a plastic injection molding operation. The indicator receiving portion includes a wall structure extending at an angle from the generally planar portion adjacent to an aperture established through the mirror back plate. A signal indication module has a light source and a housing that is at least partially received at the wall structure of the indicator receiving portion of the mirror back plate. When the light source is activated, light emitted by the light source emanates through the aperture of the mirror back plate and through the mirror reflective element at an angle relative to the generally planar portion of the mirror back plate.

Abstract translation: 适用于车辆外部后视镜组件的镜面反射元件子组件包括镜面反射元件和具有通过塑料注射成型操作建立的大致平面部分和指示器接收部分的镜面后板。 指示器接收部分包括壁结构，该壁结构从与通过镜背板建立的孔相邻的大致平面部分成一定角度延伸。 信号指示模块具有至少部分地被接收在镜背板的指示器容纳部分的壁结构处的光源和壳体。 当光源被激活时，由光源发射的光通过反射镜背板的孔径并通过镜反射元件以相对于镜背板的大体平面部分成一定角度发射。

公开(公告)号：US07883223B1

公开(公告)日：2011-02-08

申请号：US11745538

申请日：2007-05-08

Applicant: Keith D. Foote ,  Ian Boddy ,  Kenneth C. Peterson

Inventor： Keith D. Foote ,  Ian Boddy ,  Kenneth C. Peterson

IPC: G02B7/182 ,  B60R1/06

CPC classification number: B60R1/06 ,  B60R1/072 ,  G02B7/182

Abstract: A mirror system for a motor vehicle comprises a reflective element assembly, a support bracket, a tilt actuator, and a fastener system for fastening at least one of the reflective element assembly and the tilt actuator to at least one of the tilt actuator and the support bracket. The fastener system comprises a projection on one of the reflective element assembly and the support bracket, and a receptacle on the other of the support bracket and the tilt actuator. The projection can be removably interlocked with the receptacle to fasten the reflective element assembly or the tilt actuator to the tilt actuator or the support bracket, respectively.

Abstract translation: 用于机动车辆的镜子系统包括反射元件组件，支撑托架，倾斜致动器和紧固件系统，用于将反射元件组件和倾斜致动器中的至少一个紧固到倾斜致动器和支撑件中的至少一个 托架。 紧固件系统包括在反射元件组件和支撑托架中的一个上的突起，以及在支撑支架和倾斜致动器中的另一个上的插座。 突起可以与插座可拆卸地互锁，以将反射元件组件或倾斜致动器分别固定到倾斜致动器或支撑支架。

公开(公告)号：US07530700B2

公开(公告)日：2009-05-12

申请号：US11935531

申请日：2007-11-06

Applicant: Keith D. Foote

Inventor： Keith D. Foote

IPC: G02B7/18 ,  G02B7/182

CPC classification number: B60R1/074 ,  B60R1/072 ,  B60R1/078

Abstract: An exterior vehicle mirror system has a support mounted to the side of the vehicle; a support arm extending from said support to a distal end; a mirror housing movable along said support arm from a first position proximate said fixed support to a second position proximate said distal end, and enclosing a mirror unit and an electrically powered mirror unit adjust mechanism for adjusting said mirror unit about horizontal and vertical axes; an electrically powered pivoting and extending mechanism for pivoting said support arm about said support between an extended position and a folded position, and for moving said mirror housing along said support arm from said first position to said second position; and an electronic control system operable by a driver of the vehicle to control the operation of said powered pivoting and extending mechanism independent of the operation of said powered mirror unit adjust mechanism.

Abstract translation: 外部车辆后视镜系统具有安装在车辆侧面的支撑件; 从所述支撑件延伸到远端的支撑臂; 镜子壳体可沿着所述支撑臂从靠近所述固定支撑件的第一位置移动到靠近所述远端的第二位置，并且包围反射镜单元和电动镜单元调节机构，用于围绕水平和垂直轴线调节所述镜单元; 电动转动和延伸机构，用于在延伸位置和折叠位置之间围绕所述支撑件枢转所述支撑臂，并且用于沿着所述支撑臂将所述镜子壳体从所述第一位置移动到所述第二位置; 以及由所述车辆的驾驶员操作的电子控制系统，以独立于所述动力镜单元调节机构的操作来控制所述动力转向和延伸机构的操作。

公开(公告)号：US07441911B2

公开(公告)日：2008-10-28

申请号：US11842524

申请日：2007-08-21

Applicant: James A. Ruse ,  Keith D. Foote ,  Kenneth C. Peterson

Inventor： James A. Ruse ,  Keith D. Foote ,  Kenneth C. Peterson

IPC: G02B5/08 ,  G02B7/182 ,  B60R1/06

CPC classification number: B60R1/078 ,  B60R1/0605 ,  B60R1/076

Abstract: A vehicular external rearview mirror system comprises a twin-arm assembly comprising a pair of parallel support arms connected at one end to a base attached to the vehicle and movably connected at another end to a reflective element assembly through a movable support bracket. The support bracket supports a reflective element assembly and is attached to the twin-arm assembly through a pair of integral bearings which translate along the arms to extend or retract the reflective element assembly. In one embodiment, the bearing imparts a friction force to the arm to enable the bracket to be moved along the arm under the influence of an extension/retraction force, but to maintain the bracket at a selected position along the arm when the force is removed. In another embodiment, the bearing is adapted for frictionless translation of the bracket along the arms under the influence of a powerextend actuator. In yet another embodiment, the bearing is integrated into the movable support bracket for frictional support of the bracket on the arms.

Abstract translation: 车辆外部后视镜系统包括双臂组件，其包括一对平行的支撑臂，其一端连接到附接到车辆的基座，并且在另一端可移动地通过可移动支撑支架可移动地连接到反射元件组件。 支撑支架支撑反射元件组件，并且通过一对整体式轴承将其连接到双臂组件，所述一对轴承沿着臂平移以延伸或缩回反射元件组件。 在一个实施例中，轴承向臂施加摩擦力，以使托架能够在伸出/缩回力的影响下沿着臂移动，但是当力被移除时，将支架保持在沿着臂的选定位置 。 在另一个实施例中，所述轴承适于在所述支架致动器的影响下沿所述臂的所述支架的无摩擦平移。 在另一个实施例中，轴承被集成到可移动支撑支架中，用于支撑臂在臂上的摩擦支撑。

公开(公告)号：US07441910B1

公开(公告)日：2008-10-28

申请号：US11160615

申请日：2005-06-30

Applicant: Kenneth C. Peterson ,  Ian Boddy ,  Keith D. Foote

Inventor： Kenneth C. Peterson ,  Ian Boddy ,  Keith D. Foote

IPC: G02B5/08 ,  G02B7/182 ,  B60R1/06

CPC classification number: B60R1/078

Abstract: A vehicular pivot mirror assembly comprises a reflective element assembly pivotably attached to a support arm to enable rotation of the reflective element assembly relative to the support arm about a pivot connection. A positioning assembly enables rotation of the reflective element assembly in response to a rotational force applied to the reflective element assembly and prevents rotation of the reflective element assembly when the rotational force is removed.

Abstract translation: 车辆枢轴反射镜组件包括可枢转地附接到支撑臂的反射元件组件，以使反射元件组件相对于枢转连接件相对于支撑臂旋转。 定位组件能够响应于施加到反射元件组件的旋转力而旋转反射元件组件，并且当旋转力被移除时防止反射元件组件旋转。

公开(公告)号：US07370985B2

公开(公告)日：2008-05-13

申请号：US10707567

申请日：2003-12-22

Applicant: Ian Boddy ,  Keith D. Foote

Inventor： Ian Boddy ,  Keith D. Foote

IPC: G02B5/08 ,  G02B7/182 ,  B60R1/06

CPC classification number: B60R1/072

Abstract: A motorized tilt actuator assembly comprises one or more threaded jack screws attached to a mirror glass case and traveling along one or more threaded actuator shafts with rotation of the motor. When a jack screw reaches its limit of travel, relative movement between the actuator shaft and the glass case can occur through a slip clutch mechanism during such time as the motor continues to operate. In one embodiment, the relative movement is accommodated by a spherical actuator head rotating in a compressively spring-biased socket. In another embodiment, the relative movement is accommodated by slippage along a friction surface interposed between the actuator shaft and the motor. Manual repositioning of the mirror can be accommodated by slippage of the jack screw threads past the actuator shaft threads, or by a coarse threaded interconnection of the jack screw and the actuator shaft.

Abstract translation: 电动倾斜致动器组件包括附接到镜面玻璃外壳的一个或多个螺纹千斤顶螺钉，并且随着电动机的旋转沿着一个或多个螺纹致动器轴行进。 当千斤顶螺杆达到其行程限制时，致动器轴和玻璃外壳之间的相对运动可以通过滑动离合器机构在马达继续运行的时间内发生。 在一个实施例中，相对运动由在压缩弹簧偏置的插座中旋转的球形致动器头容纳。 在另一个实施例中，相对运动通过插入在致动器轴和电动机之间的摩擦表面滑动来容纳。 可以通过将千斤顶螺纹滑过致动器轴螺纹或通过千斤顶螺钉和致动器轴的粗螺纹互连来适应手镜的反光镜重新定位。

公开(公告)号：US07195382B1

公开(公告)日：2007-03-27

申请号：US11160614

申请日：2005-06-30

Applicant: Keith D. Foote

Inventor： Keith D. Foote

IPC: B60Q1/26

CPC classification number: B60Q1/2665 ,  B60Q1/323 ,  B60R1/1207

Abstract: A ground illuminator for an external vehicle rearview mirror comprises an electrical light bulb installed in a housing having a transparent primary lens. A secondary lens it is interposed between the housing and the primary lens, and is spaced from the primary lens. The spacing between the lenses reduces the thermal conductivity between the lenses and provides a channel for airflow between the lenses, thereby minimizing the temperature of the primary lens due to illumination of the light bulb.

Abstract translation: 用于外部车辆后视镜的地面照明器包括安装在具有透明主透镜的壳体中的电灯泡。 副透镜被插入在壳体和主透镜之间，并且与主透镜间隔开。 透镜之间的间隔减小了透镜之间的热导率，并为透镜之间的气流提供了一个通道，从而由于灯泡的照明而使主透镜的温度最小化。

公开(公告)号：US07090363B1

公开(公告)日：2006-08-15

申请号：US10708389

申请日：2004-02-27

Applicant: Ian Boddy ,  Keith D. Foote ,  Kris D. Brown

Inventor： Ian Boddy ,  Keith D. Foote ,  Kris D. Brown

IPC: G02B7/182

CPC classification number: B60R1/072

Abstract: A rearview mirror for a motor vehicle comprises an internal frame supporting a reflective element and a motorized tilt actuator assembly for adjusting the reflective element about perpendicular axes. The reflective element is attached to the internal frame through a pivot connection. A positional memory module comprising a separate assembly is supported by the internal frame adjacent the pivot connection for electrically determining the horizontal and vertical tilt of the reflective element at a selected position as a change in voltage through a pair of simple electrical circuits. The reflective element can be returned to the selected position by adjusting the horizontal and vertical tilt of the reflective element according to the changes in voltage.

Abstract translation: 用于机动车辆的后视镜包括支撑反射元件的内部框架和用于围绕垂直轴线调整反射元件的电动倾斜致动器组件。 反射元件通过枢轴连接附接到内部框架。 包括单独组件的位置存储器模块由靠近枢转连接的内部框架支撑，用于通过一对简单的电路电压确定在选定位置处的反射元件的水平和垂直倾斜作为电压变化。 通过根据电压变化调整反射元件的水平和垂直倾斜，反射元件可以返回到选定位置。

公开(公告)号：US07070287B2

公开(公告)日：2006-07-04

申请号：US10420433

申请日：2003-04-22

Applicant: Keith D. Foote ,  Kris D. Brown ,  Kenneth C. Peterson ,  James A. Ruse

Inventor： Keith D. Foote ,  Kris D. Brown ,  Kenneth C. Peterson ,  James A. Ruse

IPC: G02B5/08

CPC classification number: B60R1/078 ,  B60R1/074

Abstract: A motorized pivoting and extending mechanism for a vehicular mirror assembly includes, alternatively, a force-reduction mechanism for reducing the friction within the mechanism, and a slip clutch mechanism for reducing overloading of the motor when the limits of mirror extension and retraction have been reached. Mirror power functions receive electrical power and control signals through a circular array of electrical contacts incorporated into the pivot connection irrespective of the pivotal orientation of the mirror. A motor shut-off circuit is able to shut off the motor within a predetermined period of time. The mirror can be angularly adjusted upon movement of the mirror between the retracted and the extended positions to maintain a common field of view for a driver of the vehicle to prevent the extension and/or retraction of the mirror from undesirably repositioning the field of view captured by the mirror.