GB2338691A

GB2338691A - Panoramic safety mirror

Info

Publication number: GB2338691A
Application number: GB9813464A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Rochester
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-06-23
Filing date: 1998-06-23
Publication date: 1999-12-29
Also published as: GB9813464D0

Abstract

A mirror-finished surface on some suitable material, such as glass or plastic which is curved in one plane over some or all of its length and which is mounted to a vehicle, such as an automobile; whereby the curvature of the mirror-finished surface is so pronounced that when properly mounted in or on a suitable mounting, it provides the driver of said vehicle with a view, preferably through an angle of 90 degrees.

Description

7 i 2338691 SPECT7 M 1 OCCOF This invention relates to a new type of

mircur f= use in vehicular applications, especially automobiles. Hereinafter this new type of mirror will be referred to as a FANTRAMIC SAFEIV MIFROR.

Mirrors are employed on vehicles to facilitate views of the immediate surroundings not within the drivers field of vision when facing the direction = travel. mainly for the purpose of detecting the presence of wther vehicles in cimme proximity.

However, it is generally accepted that timnal mirrors of the type currently used an most vehicles have Wlind =pots"; that is to say, there are generally areas that cannot be seen by viewing the images in those mirrorm.

= overcome this pr=blem a variety of sw-walled "blind-spct" mirrors are widely available as accesswriew and consist W smaller additional are used in conjunction with the usual larger mirrors provided as standard The main drawback of using this combination of mirror and "blind-spot" mirror is that it is next to impossible to take in the images frcm both mincare simultanecusly, despite the mirncns being ncrmall-.--i placed together, the smaller "blind-spwt" mirror Wten adhergd to one corner wf the larger. That in to may, it is difficult for the brain to take in the two disjointed. disconnected images and form an overall picture of the scene.

In the case of thin inventimn, herein expounded, the drawback described above is eliminated. it is enVisaged that FANGRAMIT SACKY MIRECES will be fitted in, pairs to vehicles, one on each side; in the case = autwmcbileE. in the place of and in the same manner as Conventional down mirrors. PRAGEWC: SAFETY MIRWRE are designed W give a stretched, ie. panoramic view, enzcmpaEsing a full 30 degrees angle of vision, thereby eliminating all possibility =f "blind---pcts".

A - The distinguishing feature MIRROR which differentiates it vehicle curved in one plane, (albeit, relatively deliberately distorted, elm-iga,Le,:j image The ability W the PANORAMIC SAFETY MIRROR to encompass such a wide angle of view (a full 90 degrees) is due to the curvature of its surface. it is envisaged that the PANORAMIC SAFETY MIRROR will be made available in purp=se-made hmusings, differing housinge to suit differing vehicle makes and models, replacing those currently used for conventional mirrors. Another form (without a hnusing), to convert conventional mirror asis also envisaged.

mirror is that same or =f the PANORAMIC SAFF-EEI1 v f "--;IT, a all of its surface is in the Wher plane it or completely flat), which yields a J 55 The accompanying line drawings illustrate i pctential application of this inventian (as disclosed above) as fwilwws:

Figure 1: Represents in perspentive a PANORAMIC SAFETY MIRROR (see 1) complete with hausing (see 2) contain the fine adjustment mechanisms and/wl- heating elementis) also found an its zonventicnal.

ccunterpart, mounted on the side of an autancLile. F= greater clarity the size of the mirror and housing exaggerated, as is its apparent curvature.

is Figure 2: Shows in perspective a FAMORAMIC MIEFOR in aresther form: as a conversion kit for attachnent, possibly by means of an adhesive bazling, to a Conventional ITlir-r, r

Claims

CLAIMS A SAFIE-1.7r MiRPOR comprising a mirral finished surface for mounting to a vehicle and pnovid ing a wide angle view by means of curvature of part or all of the said surface in one plane.

1.

2. A FAMORAMIT SAREC MIRROR as claimed in claim 1 wherein the mirrwrfinished surface is contained within a hcusing made for the purpose.

3. A FANCIF-AMIC EARE71 DERFOR ass claimed in either of the abcve claimsi where the mirror-finished surface is provided by a suitable material, such as glass or plastic..

4, A FAWRNSC SWETT MIRROR as claimed in any of the ab=ve claims, wherein the mirrcr-finished surface is contained within a housing made of any suitable material, such as plastic or glass-reinforced plastic.

5. A SARE7V MiFFOR 2% claimed in any of the above Z1aims, wherein the mirrcr-finished surface conri stitutes a rear-view mirror.

6. A SARE7V MIRROR as claimed in claim 1 or.

3. 1A GARE7Y MiRECR as claimed in any of the above claims wherein the curvature of the =mid mirrm'.r-l finished surface in such that when mounted at an ap- prmpriate angle on the vehicle it allows a view thrmugh an angle of 90 degrees.

reflected .3 -

claim 3, wherein it man be attached to a conventional mirror assembly.

7. A FANGRAMIC EAFETY MIRROR an claimed in any of the above claims for use on an automobile.