GB2570309A

GB2570309A - A wing mirror for a vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2570309A
Application number: GB1800828.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Penzato Sam
Original assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Current assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2018-01-18
Filing date: 2018-01-18
Publication date: 2019-07-24
Anticipated expiration: 2038-01-18
Also published as: GB2570309B; GB201800828D0

Abstract

A wing mirror 1 for a vehicle is moveable between an extended position and a folded position, the wing mirror comprises a first mirror surface 11A and a second mirror surface 11B; wherein the second mirror surface is moveable relative to the first mirror surface such that, when the wing mirror is in the extended position the first mirror surface and the second mirror surface are substantially located in the same plane to form a single mirror and, when then wing mirror is in its folded position, the second mirror surface is located at an angle to the first mirror surface. The wing mirror may be housed in a housing 17 and the mirrors may be movable within said housing. The movement of folding the mirror may actuate the second mirror surface to move from its first position to its second via gears or an actuator. The housing may be part or fully transparent and may comprise a light guide as an indicator light.

Description

A WING MIRROR FOR A VEHICLE

Technical field

This disclosure relates generally to a wing mirror for a vehicle and particularly, but not exclusively, to a wing mirror for a vehicle that enables a driver to see areas adjacent the vehicle when the mirror is in a folded position.

Background

Many cars are equipped with either automatic or manual folding wing mirrors. Such wing mirrors are usually moveable between an ‘extended position’ and a ‘folded position’. The extended position refers to the position of the wing mirror when the vehicle is being driven (usually in this position the wing mirror extends at angle between approximately 45 and 90 degrees to the car body). The folded position refers to the position of the wing mirror when the vehicle is not being driven (usually in this position the wing mirror is brought closer to the car body so that it is approximately parallel to the car body). The folded position may be useful when, for example, parking against a wall or a tight parking bay since this position reduces the overall width of the vehicle. The folded position also therefore reduces the risk of other motorists damaging the wing mirror. The wing mirror may be automatically or manually brought into its folded position.

A problem with conventional wing mirrors however is that they are essentially non-functional when in their folded position. For example, a wing mirror in its extended position enables the driver to see, when looking into the wing mirror, hazards that are behind and/or alongside the vehicle. This enables the driver of the vehicle to better ascertain if there are any hazards (for example, vehicles or cyclists in adjacent lanes, etc.). When the driver is exiting the stationary vehicle they may also use the wing mirror to check for hazards (e.g. approaching pedestrians, vehicles or cyclists) so that they can exit the vehicle with care. Exiting the vehicle with an extended mirror however is not always possible or convenient.

When the vehicle is stationary and the wing mirror is in its folded position extra care is required by the driver to check for hazards since the wing mirror is no longer in a position to be used to check for hazards. The wing mirror is therefore non-functional in its folded position in that the driver cannot use the wing mirror to check for hazards in the way that the wing mirror can be used for this purpose when in its extended position.

Accordingly, there is a need for improvements in the art of wing mirrors for vehicles.

Statements of Invention

According to an aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a wing mirror for a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle, the wing mirror being moveable between an extended position and a folded position, the wing mirror comprising a first mirror surface and a second mirror surface. The second mirror surface is moveable relative to the first mirror surface such that, when the wing mirror is in the extended position the second mirror surface is in a first position such that the first mirror surface and the second mirror surface are substantially located in the same plane to form a single mirror and, when the wing mirror is in its folded position, the second mirror surface is in a second position, located at an angle to the first mirror surface.

When the second mirror surface is in its second position, the second mirror surface may be located at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the first mirror surface. This angle may ensure that the area adjacent the vehicle most likely to contain hazards (e.g. oncoming vehicles, cyclists pedestrians) can be seen by the driver looking through wing mirror when in its folded positon, via the angled position of the second mirror surface.

The wing mirror may comprise a wing mirror housing, wherein the first and second mirror surfaces may be contained within the wing mirror housing. In particular, when the second mirror surface is in its first position the first and second mirror surfaces may form a single mirror; they may be substantially parallel, substantially aligned, and/or substantially contained within the same plane. Being contained within a single mirror housing, in this configuration, the wing mirror of the present invention may take on the appearance of a conventional wing mirror.

The second mirror surface may be moveable within the wing mirror housing. This may allow the wing mirror to maintain its aerodynamic design since movement of the second mirror surface does not affect the shape of the wing mirror housing. The housing may therefore extend around the second mirror surface, when the second mirror surface is in its second, angled, position.

Part of the single wing mirror housing may be retractable within the wing mirror housing. In this configuration a ‘wedge’ of the entire wing mirror may effectively retract/telescope into the housing to move the second mirror surface into its second, angled position. Then, in its folded position, the driver may look at a planar surface of the wing mirror without protruding edges (e.g. the protruding edges of the housing, as would be visible if the second mirror surface moved within the housing). To facilitate this, the second mirror surface may be attached to the retractable part of the wing mirror housing such that movement of the second mirror surface is by virtue of the retractable part of the wing mirror housing.

The wing mirror may be configured such that movement of the wing mirror from its expanded to its folded positon actuates the second mirror surface to move to its position at an angle to the first mirror surface. This has the advantage that actuation of the wing mirror into its folded position may also actuate the second mirror surface to its second, angled, position. Minimum activity is therefore required by a driver to place the wing mirror in a configuration where it is functional in its folded position.

Movement of the second mirror surface may be activated via a gear mechanism or via an actuator for moving the second mirror surface.

The second mirror surface may be pivotably mounted to the housing or another part of the wing mirror so as to enable pivotable movement between its first and second positions. Alternatively, the second mirror surface may be rotatably mounted to the housing or another part of the wing mirror so as to enable rotatable movement between its first and second positions.

The angle of the second mirror surface relative to the first mirror surface may be less than 90 degrees. Alternatively, the angle of the second mirror surface may be greater than 90 degrees (e.g. approximately 135 degrees). Here, by “surface” it is meant a substantially planar object having a depth less than its individual lengths and widths. By one surface being at an angle to another it is meant that the angle of intersection of lines that are parallel to the lengths or widths of the surfaces.

For example, when it is stated that the second mirror surface is approximately 90 degrees to the second mirror surface it is meant that, when the two mirror surfaces are placed within a wing mirror; their widths (being defined as the end-to-end distance parallel to the road surface when the wing mirror is mounted to a car body) intersect at an approximately 90-degree angle. This will be apparent to the skilled person below with reference to the drawings.

The angle of the second mirror surface in its second position, relative to the first mirror surface, need not be 90 degrees. Any angle enabling the driver to see areas adjacent to the vehicle that could contain hazards when the wing mirror is in its folded position is within the scope of this disclosure.

When the wing mirror is in its folded position and the second mirror surface is in its second position, the second mirror surface may be at an angle relative to the car body (i.e. a longitudinal axis thereof). The wing mirror may be folded to be approximately parallel to the car body, i.e. the first mirror surface in the wing mirrors folded position may be approximately parallel to the car body. In this example the second mirror surface may be at an angle relative to the first mirror surface and at an angle relative to the car body and these angles may be the same. The angle of the second mirror surface in its second position relative to the car body may be approximately 90 degrees. When the wing mirror is in its folded position the first mirror surface may be parallel to the car body.

Part of the wing mirror housing surrounding the second mirror surface may be transparent and the transparent part of the wing mirror housing may be a light guide for an indicator light.

As above, and as described in more detail below, the mechanism for moving the second mirror surface can be a “standalone” mechanism in which movement of the second mirror surface is independent from movement of the wing mirror. Alternatively, movement of the second mirror surface can be dependent on the movement of the wing mirror, in that movement of the wing mirror from its extended to its folded position actuates the second mirror to move from its first to its second position.

Description of the Figures

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to illustrate how it may be put into effect, reference is now made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figures 1A and 1B are plan views of a wing mirror according to the present invention being attached to a car body, the wing mirror being in an extended position (Fig. 1A) and a folded position (Fig. 1B);

Figure 2 is a schematic view of the areas adjacent to the vehicle that can be seen by the driver when looking into the wing mirror when in its extended position;

Figure 3 is a forward facing view of a wing mirror in its extended position according to the present invention;

Figures 4A and 4B are plan views of a wing mirror according a first embodiment of the present invention, the wing mirrors being in an extended (Fig. 4A) and a folded position (Fig. 4B);

Figures 5A and 5B are plan views of a wing mirror according a second embodiment of the present invention, the wing mirrors being in an extended (Fig. 5A) and a folded position (Fig. 5B);

Figures 6A and 6B are schematic views of an exemplary mechanism for moving the wing mirrors according to the first embodiment depicted in Figures 4A and 4B;

Figures 7A and 7B are schematic views of an exemplary mechanism for moving the wing mirrors according to the second embodiment depicted in Figures 5A and 5B; and

Figures 8A and 8B are schematic views of a further example of a wing mirror according of the invention, the wing mirrors being in an extended (Fig. 8A) and a folded position (Fig. 8B).

Detailed Description

Terms such as “up”, “down”, “right”, “left” are to be understood as descriptive terms that relate exclusively to the figure that they describe. Accordingly they should not be construed in a limiting way.

Figure 1A shows a wing mirror 1 attached to a car body 3 via a mount 5 in a position referred to as an ‘extended position’. Figure 1B shows the wing mirror 1 attached to the car body 3 via mount 5 in a position referred to as a ‘folded position’. It will be readily appreciated that the mount 5 connects or otherwise joins the wing mirror 1 to the car body 3 such that the wing mirror 1 is moveable (e.g. rotatable) about the mount 5 between the extended and folded positions.

It will be readily appreciated from the figures that the extended position refers to the position of the wing mirror 1 when the vehicle is being driven, and in this position the wing mirror 1 is approximately between 45 and 90 degrees to the car body 3 (in that its mirror surface, to be described later, is approximately between 45 and 90 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the car body 3), as shown in Figure 1A. In this way the wing mirror 1 projects, or protrudes, out from the car body when in its extended position. It will also be appreciated that the folded position refers to the position of the wing mirror 1 when the vehicle 3 is not being driven; and the wing mirror 1 has been folded in toward the car body 3. In this position the wing mirror 1 is approximately in alignment with the car body 3, in the sense that its longitudinal axis is as parallel as possible to the longitudinal axis of the car body 3, as in the folded position the intention is to minimise the width of the vehicle so that the vehicle as a whole becomes a smaller (narrower) obstacle. Although the terms approximately between 45 and 90 degrees and approximately parallel have been used to refer to the orientation of the wing mirror 1 relative to the car body 3 when the wing mirror 1 is in its extended and folded positions, it will be appreciated that certain positions of a vehicle’s wing mirror may be considered the extended and folded positions (e.g. extending maximally outward, folding as close as possible to the vehicle body) even though such positions may not be considered to fall within 45 and 90 degrees, or considered parallel.

Accordingly, any wing mirror with an extended position (the position of the wing mirror when the vehicle is being driven) and a folded position (the position of the wing mirror when the vehicle is not being driven) is within the scope of this disclosure.

Figure 2 shows the areas which are visible by a driver of the vehicle when the driver is seated in the vehicle and looking at the wing mirror 1 when the wing mirror 1 is in its extended position. Here, by “driver” it is meant any person since for the purposes of this discussion the driver may not actually be in the driver’s seat and may not actually be driving the vehicle. The driver is located at point A seated in car seat 7. When the driver turns their head to look at the wing mirror 1 the areas directly visible in front of the driver (including the wing mirror 1) are defined by sight lines 9 and 10. Here, sight lines 9 and 10 are intended to encompass the driver’s direct line of sight/centre of gaze and also their peripheral vision. The cone-shaped area defined by sight lines 9 and 10 therefore represents the areas that can be seen by the driver.

The wing mirror 1 comprises a substantially planar surface 11 which is, or comprises, a reflective surface, hereafter referred to as a mirror surface 11. Mirror surface 11 enables the driver to see areas adjacent to the vehicle and therefore see potential hazards such as oncoming cars, pedestrians or cyclists etc. When the driver is seated at point A in seat 7 and looking into the wing mirror 1 to scan for potential hazards the areas visible by the driver through looking into the mirror are defined by sight lines 14 and 15. Hence, the unbounded area delimited by mirror surface 11, and sight lines 14 and 15, may be referred to as a “visibility cone” which represents the areas visible to the driver by looking at the wing mirror 1. Any hazard in the visibility cone can therefore be seen by the driver when seated at point A and looking into the wing mirror 1. The area 13 in this visibility cone that is most likely to contain hazards that would force the driver to wait before opening their door, i.e. the area alongside the vehicle, may be referred to as a “hazard-prone area” 13. The hazard-prone area 13 is therefore a subset of the visibility cone. It will therefore be appreciated that oncoming cyclists, pedestrians, etc. and any obstacle that the driver of the vehicle should be aware of, e.g. before exiting the vehicle, are contained with the hazard-prone area 13.

It will be readily appreciated therefore that when the wing mirror 1 is in its folded position, depicted in Figure 1B, that if the mirror surface 11 remains in the same position, then the mirror surface 11 is no longer approximately 90 degrees to the car body 3, and therefore the visibility cone when the wing mirror 1 is in its folded position does not encompass (all of) the visibility cone when the wing mirror 1 is in its expanded positon. Although the visibility cone when the wing mirror is in its folded position may encompass some of the visibility cone when the wing mirror is in its expanded position (e.g. parts of the side of the car), it will be readily understood that it may not encompass the hazard-prone area 13. Hence, a potential hazard may not be in the visibility cone of the wing mirror 1 when in its folded position, and therefore may not be visible to the driver. To solve this problem the mirror surface 11 comprises first and second mirror surfaces (not shown in Figure 2), the second mirror surface being moveable relative to the first mirror surface so that when the wing mirror 1 is in its folded position the second mirror surface is moveable to a position in which those hazards are visible. In other words, the second mirror surface is moveable to a position in which the visibility cone when the wing mirror 1 is in its folded position comprises part of the visibility cone when the wing mirror 1 is in its expanded position, and comprises the hazard-prone area.

Figure 3 shows wing mirror 1 attached to mount 5. Wing mirror 1 comprises a first mirror surface 11A and a second mirror surface 11B contained within housing 17. First mirror surface 11A and second mirror surface 11B are substantially planar, substantially aligned, and substantially parallel so that, together, the first and second mirror surfaces 11A and 11B define a single, substantially planar, mirror surface 11. Dotted line 12 exemplifies the meeting point of the two mirror surfaces 11A and 11B but it will be appreciated that the point at which mirror surfaces 11A and 11B meet may be substantially undetectable. The first and second mirror surfaces 11 A, 11B may each comprise a straight edge, the respective straight edges being adjacent to one another. As will be described below, the second mirror surface 11B is moveable relative to the first mirror surface 11 A, and the remainder of the wing mirror 1. As will also be described below, the second mirror surface 11B can be either independently moveable from the remainder of the wing mirror 1, or its movement may be dependent on the movement of the wing mirror 1. For example, movement of the wing mirror 1 from its expanded to its folded position may automatically actuate movement of the second mirror surface.

First mirror surface 11A is located (e.g. has its centre point) at a proximal end of the wing mirror 1 (i.e. the end closest to the car body 3). The first mirror surface 11A occupies part, or most of, a centre portion, and all of the proximal part, of the mirror surface 11 and wing mirror 1. First mirror surface 11A extends to the proximal extremity of the housing 17 of the wing mirror 1. Second mirror surface 11B is located approximately off-centre (to the distal end) of the wing mirror 1 and occupies all of the distal end of wing mirror 1, (i.e. the end furthest from the car body 3). The second mirror surface 11B extends to the distal extremity of the housing 17. As depicted in Figure 3 second mirror surface 11B occupies a smaller area of the wing mirror 1 and wing mirror housing 17 than first mirror surface 11 A, which occupies a larger area. First mirror surface 11A therefore has a greater area than second mirror surface 11B.

The teachings of this disclosure can be applied to other types of wing mirrors located at other portions of the vehicle. For example, it may be desired to have the second mirror surface 11B located at the top or bottom of the wing mirror, and the area of the second mirror surface 11B may be greater than the area of the first mirror surface 11 A.

Figure 4A shows the wing mirror 1 in its extended position. In the extended position, the first mirror surface 11A and the second mirror surface 11B are substantially planar in that they form a single substantially planar mirror surface. In this configuration the second mirror surface 11B has adopted a first positon in which it is parallel and aligned to the first mirror surface and forms a single mirror surface with first mirror surface 11 A. A portion of the mirror housing 17 extends around the second mirror surface 11B. The housing 17 has an aerodynamic design that extends around the both first and second mirror surfaces 11A and 11B. Second mirror surface 11B is moveable, e.g. rotatable, about a point schematically illustrated at 19.

Figure 4B shows the wing mirror 1 in its folded positon. In the folded position, the second mirror surface 11B has moved, via point 19, and has adopted a second positon, angled at approximately 90 degrees relative to the first mirror surface 11B. It will be readily appreciated that the angle, relative to the first mirror surface, adopted by the second mirror surface 11B is such that the driver can use the second mirror surface 11B in this positon to check for hazards that would not be visible were the second mirror surface 11B in its first position. It will therefore also be appreciated that the visibility cone, defined by the areas visible by a driver looking into the (second mirror surface 11B of the) wing mirror 1 comprises part of the visibility cone (the hazard-prone area 13) when the wing mirror 1 is in its extended positon and the second mirror surface 11B is in its first position (Figure 4A). Therefore, areas not previously visible to the driver are now visible by virtue of the second mirror surface 11B being at an angle to the first mirror surface 11 A. It will also be appreciated that the second mirror surface 11B may be at the same or a different angle to the mount 5, car body 3, etc. than the angle made when the second mirror surface 11B was in its first position (shown in Figure 4A).

Housing 17, which extends around first and second mirror surfaces 11A and 11B comprises a distal end which is wedge shaped and has moved with the second mirror surface 11B. Thus, in Figure 4A, when the wing mirror 1 is in its extended position, the distal end of housing 17 is approximately wedge-shape and continues the housing profile to a terminal point at the distal extremity of the wing mirror. The distal end of the wedge is curved and continues aerodynamic profile of rest of wing mirror housing when in the extended position. However, when the wing mirror 1 has moved to its folded position as depicted in Figure 4B, part of the housing 17 has moved with the second mirror surface and has retracted relative to the remainder of the wing mirror 1. The housing part may rotate relative to the remainder of the wing mirror 1, e.g. about point 19. This will be later contrasted with the embodiment depicted in Figure 5A and 5B.

Part of the housing 17 surrounding the second mirror surface 11B is therefore retractable within the wing mirror 1. The moveable part of the housing 17 may be attached to the second mirror surface 11B such that there is no relative movement between the moveable part of the housing 17 and second mirror surface 11B. The second mirror surface 11B is therefore moveable by virtue of being attached to moveable part of the housing 17. Alternatively, the second mirror surface 11B may be independently moveable from moveable part of the housing 17 such that both components move for the wing mirror to be in the folded position depicted in Figure 4B.

Point 19 acts as a pivot about which the second mirror surface pivotably moves between its first and second positions. Second mirror surface 11B is therefore pivotably connected relative to first mirror surface 11 A. Second mirror surface 11B may, in the alternative or in addition be pivotably connected to the wing mirror 1 and/or wing mirror housing 17.

Figures 5A and 5B depict an alternate embodiment of the invention. As for Figure 4A, the wing mirror 1 is in its expanded position and second mirror surface 11B is in a first position in which it forms a single mirror surface with first mirror portion 11A. In the embodiment depicted in Figures 5A and 5B a distal part of the housing 17 does not move with the second mirror surface.

Housing 17 comprises a side wall 17A that partially encloses a space 17C that the second mirror surface sweeps through. The side wall 17A may be curved and may smoothly continue the aerodynamic profile of the housing 17 of the wing mirror 1 to a distal end of the wing mirror.

When the wing mirror 1 is in its expanded position depicted in Figure 5A the second mirror surface 11B is in its first position and extends across the space 17C. The second mirror surface 11B therefore “bridges the gap” between the (otherwise) free edges of the side wall 17A and the remainder of the wing mirror. The wing mirror 1 is substantially as depicted in Figure 3, with the exception that the housing rim disposed around the second mirror surface

11B is not joined to the second mirror surface 11B, as it was in the embodiment of Figures 4A and 4B.

The second mirror surface 11B is moveable within the housing 17. Specifically, the second mirror surface 11B is retractably moveable within the space 17C and within the curved housing side wall 17A. Referring to Figure 5B when the wing mirror 1 is in its folded position the second mirror surface 11B is in its angled second position relative to the first mirror surface. The second mirror surface 11B has retracted to within the housing 17, having swept past the curved side wall 17A, and through the space 17C. In its second, angled, position, curved side wall 17A still extends around the second mirror surface 11B and space 17C. The space 17C is now in front of instead of behind the second mirror surface. The housing configuration of Figure 5B therefore retains its aerodynamic design when the wing mirror is in its folded position.

Figures 6A and 6B show schematically an exemplary mechanism for moving the second mirror surface 11B into its second position, at the same time as the wing mirror 1 is moved into its folded position 1. Figure 6A shows the wing mirror 1 in its extended positon and Figure 6B shows the wing mirror 1 in its folded position. A gear arrangement 20 is shown inside the wing mirror 1 and is shown consisting of a first gear 21, second gear 22, and a third gear 23. First gear 21 is connected to a shaft 24, which may in turn be connected to the mount 5. The first gear 21 may not rotate relative to the mount 5. Wing mirror 1 may be rotatably connected to the mount 5 via shaft 24. Therefore, the wing mirror 1 is connected to the car body 3 via mount 5 and shaft 24. Second gear 22 is connected to shaft 25 which is connected to wing mirror 1. Second gear 22 may rotate relative to the wing mirror 1. Third gear 23 is connected to the second mirror surface 11B such that movement of the third gear 23 moves the second mirror surface 11B about point 19. The third gear 23 may be a partial gear that subtends an angle less than 360°.

In operation, when the wing mirror 1 is to be moved from its expanded position to its folded position, an actuator (not shown) is automatically (or manually, by the driver) actuated to move the wing mirror 1 in the direction of arrow X.

This inboard movement of the wing mirror 1 causes the second gear 22 to rotate relative to the wing mirror 1 since the first gear is fixed relative to the mount 5. Rotation of the second gear 22 causes rotation of the third gear 23, and therefore also the second mirror surface 11B. The second mirror surface 11B is therefore moved with the third gear 23 to the position shown in Figure 6B and to its second position, angled to the first mirror surface 11A.

Similarly, starting from the folded position of Figure 6B, an actuator is actuated to rotate the wing mirror 1 in direction Y. Second gear 22 therefore rotates relative to the wing mirror 1, causing third gear 23 to rotate. The rotation of third gear 23 moves the second mirror surface 11B into its first position in which it is substantially planar, parallel, and in alignment with the first mirror portion 11A such that mirror surfaces 11A and 11B form a single mirror surface 11.

It will be readily apparent that Figures 6A and 6B depict the operation/deployment of the wing mirror 1 according to Figures 5A and 5B since the second mirror surface 11B is moveable within the housing 17.

The embodiment depicted in Figures 7A and 7B is identical in many respects to the embodiment depicted in Figures 6A and 6B. In particular, the mechanism for moving the wing mirror 1, and second mirror surface 11B is substantially the same. However, in the embodiment of Figures 7A and 7B part of the housing 17 moves with the wing mirror 1. In the embodiment of Figures 7A and 7B, the second mirror surface is connected or joined to a wedge-shaped section 17D of housing 17. The wedge-shaped housing section 17D is connected to third gear 23. It will therefore be readily apparent that movement of the wing mirror 1 from its expanded to its folded position, in the manner described above with reference to Figures 6A and 6B, causes wedge-shaped housing section 17D to move into the wing mirror. As the second mirror surface 11B is joined to the housing section 17D, this will move the second mirror surface 11B into its second position, angled to first mirror surface 11 A.

Similarly, movement of the wing mirror 1, from its folded to its expanded position, causes wedge-shaped housing section 17D to move outward. As the second mirror surface 11B is joined to the housing section 17D, this will move the second mirror surface 11B back to its first position, where it forms a single mirror surface with first mirror surface 11 A.

It will be appreciated that the mechanism for moving the wing mirror 1 to and from its expanded and folded positions is exemplary only and alternative configurations and mechanisms will be readily apparent to the skilled persons. For example, although spur-type gears are depicted any other gear (e.g. a helical gear) may be used. Additionally, although three gears are depicted any number may be used (for example four gears may be used, with the fist mounted to shaft 24 and moving with the wing mirror 1, not relative to, to impart the required rotation into the cutaway gear 23).

Any mechanism, such as a linkage, moving the second mirror portion 11B to its second, angled, position is within the scope of this disclosure. For example, an actuator separate to that used to move the wing mirror 1 may be used to move the second mirror portion independently of the movement of the wing mirror 1.

All or part of the wing mirror housing 17 may be transparent. In particular, the housing side wall 17A may be transparent. Then, according to the embodiment depicted in Figures 5A, 5B,

6A and 6B, the second mirror surface 11B retracts within a transparent part of the housing 17. All or part of the transparent housing, or transparent part of the housing, may optionally function as a light guide. For example, a light source may be disposed within the wing mirror, e.g. a source for the indicator light, and the transparent housing may be a light guide for the indicator light.

Figures 8A and 8B show one example of wing mirror 1. Figure 8A shows the wing mirror 1 in its extended position and Figure 8B shows the wing mirror 1 in its folded position. In the example of Figures 8A and 8B, a pivot 18 is spaced apart from the first and second mirror surfaces 11A, 11B and may be located within the mirror housing 17. Pivot 18 within the mirror housing 17 has two arms 18A and 18B. Arm 18A is connected to first mirror surface 11A and an arm 18B is connected to second mirror surface 11B.

The second mirror surface 11B is movable about pivot 18 between its first position, shown in Figure 8A, and its second position, shown in Figure 8B. Arm 18A is stationary relative to the wing mirror housing 17 and therefore is movable with the wing mirror housing 17 when the wing mirror 1 moves between its extended and folded positions. Arm 18B is movable relative to the wing mirror housing 17 such that the second mirror surface 11B is movable relative to the wing mirror housing 17. Therefore, in the folded positon shown in Figure 8B the second mirror surface 11B is movable to a second position at an angle relative to the first mirror surface 11 A. It will be appreciated that in the folded position the second mirror surface 11B is also movable to its second position which is at an angle relative to the car body.

As shown in Figure 8A the first and second mirror surfaces 11 A, 11B form a single mirror surface. The edges of mirror surfaces 11A and 11B may align (for example, the edges of mirror surfaces 11 A, 11B proximate the pivot). This means that when the wing mirror is in its extended position the single mirror surface formed by mirror surfaces 11A and 11B takes the appearance of a single, flat mirror since the two mirror surfaces 11A and 11B may cleanly abut. To a user looking at the wing mirror in its expanded position it may not therefore be visible that the mirror surface is comprised of two distinct mirror surfaces. This allows the advantages provided by a movable second mirror surface without compromising on the aesthetic or usability of the wing mirror when in its extended position.

The following numbered statements form part of the present disclosure:

Statement 1. A wing mirror for a vehicle, the wing mirror being moveable between an extended position and a folded position, the wing mirror comprising a first mirror surface and a second mirror surface;

wherein the second mirror surface is moveable relative to the first mirror surface such that, when the wing mirror is in the extended position the second mirror surface is in a first position such that the first mirror surface and the second mirror surface are substantially located in the same plane to form a single mirror and, when the wing mirror is in its folded position, the second mirror surface is in a second position, at an angle to the first mirror surface.

Statement 2. The wing mirror of statement 1 wherein the second mirror surface in its second position is located at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the first mirror surface.

Statement 3. The wing mirror of statement 1 or 2 further comprising a wing mirror housing, wherein the first and second mirror surfaces are contained within the wing mirror housing.

Statement 4. The wing mirror of statement 3 wherein the second mirror surface is moveable within the wing mirror housing.

Statement 5. The wing mirror of statement 3 or 4 wherein part of the wing mirror housing is retractable within a remainder of the wing mirror housing.

Statement 6. The wing mirror of statement 5 wherein the second mirror surface is attached to the retractable part of the wing mirror housing such that movement of the second mirror surface is by virtue of the retractable part of the wing mirror housing.

Statement 7. The wing mirror of any preceding statement wherein the wing mirror is configured such that movement of the wing mirror from its extended to its folded position actuates the second mirror surface to move from its first position to its second position.

Statement 8. The wing mirror of any preceding statement wherein movement of the second mirror surface is effected via a gear mechanism.

Statement 9. The wing mirror of any preceding statement further comprising an actuator for movement of the second mirror surface relative to the first mirror surface.

Statement 10. The wing mirror of any preceding statement wherein the angle of the second mirror surface relative to the first mirror surface is less than 90 degrees.

Statement 11. The wing mirror of any preceding statement wherein all or part of the wing mirror housing surrounding the second mirror surface is transparent.

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Statement 12. The wing mirror of statement 11 wherein the transparent part of the wing mirror housing is a light guide for an indicator light.

Statement 13. A vehicle comprising the wing mirror of any of the preceding statements.

Claims

1. A wing mirror for a vehicle, the wing mirror being moveable between an extended position and a folded position, the wing mirror comprising a first mirror surface and a second mirror surface;

2. The wing mirror of claim 1 wherein the second mirror surface in its second position is located at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the first mirror surface.

3. The wing mirror of claim 1 further comprising a wing mirror housing, wherein the first and second mirror surfaces are contained within the wing mirror housing.

4. The wing mirror of claim 3 wherein the second mirror surface is moveable within the wing mirror housing.

5. The wing mirror of claim 3 wherein part of the wing mirror housing is retractable within a remainder of the wing mirror housing.

6. The wing mirror of claim 5 wherein the second mirror surface is attached to the retractable part of the wing mirror housing such that movement of the second mirror surface is by virtue of the retractable part of the wing mirror housing.

7. The wing mirror of claim 1 wherein the wing mirror is configured such that movement of the wing mirror from its extended to its folded position actuates the second mirror surface to move from its first position to its second position.

8. The wing mirror of claim 1 wherein movement of the second mirror surface is effected via a gear mechanism.

9. The wing mirror of claim 1 further comprising an actuator for movement of the second mirror surface relative to the first mirror surface.

10. The wing mirror of claim 1 wherein the angle of the second mirror surface relative to the first mirror surface is less than 90 degrees.

11. The wing mirror of claim 1 wherein all or part of the wing mirror housing surrounding the second mirror surface is transparent.

12. The wing mirror of claim 11 wherein the transparent part of the wing mirror housing is a light guide for an indicator light.

13. A vehicle comprising the wing mirror of any of the preceding claims.