IL218250A

IL218250A - Protective covering for a mirror mounted on a motorized vehicle

Info

Publication number: IL218250A
Application number: IL218250A
Authority: IL
Inventors: Daniel Kirschenbaum
Original assignee: Daniel Kirschenbaum
Priority date: 2012-02-22
Filing date: 2012-02-22
Publication date: 2013-03-24
Also published as: IL218250A0; WO2013124847A1

Abstract

A mirror-protecting device for protecting the housing of a side mirror of a vehicle, including an elastic and hollow dish like body, made of a single piece. The body includes an enclosed side wall, a base enclosing the first open end of the side wall, and a ring-like embracer, securely disposed at the second open end. An insertion-opening is formed in the body. The body further includes a locking-loop, being a continuous extension of the enclosed rim of the insertion-opening, adapted to mount the mirror-protecting device onto the housing. The inner surfaces of the base and the side-wall adjacently embrace the exterior surfaces of the housing of the side mirror. The stem of the side mirror is passed through the locking-loop, wherein the stem needs to be detached from the motorized vehicle in order to insert the stem through the locking-loop.

Description

PROTECTIVE COVERING FOR A MIRROR MOUNTED ON THE STEERING BAR OF A TWO WHEELED MOTORIZED VEHICLE PROTECTIVE COVERING FOR A MIRROR MOUNTED ON THE STEERING BAR OF A TWO WHEELED MOTORIZED VEHICLE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of mirror devices and more particularly, the present invention is related to a protective covering for a housing or support for a rearview mirror mounted on the steering bar of a two wheeled motorized vehicle or for a housing or support for an exteriorly mounted mirror on an automobile or the like vehicles, the protective covering being removably attached thereto and provided to protect the exposed surfaces of the support or housing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The use of side-view mirrors in two wheeled motorized vehicles, as well as in other motorized vehicles, is very common and is mandatory in some countries. However, being exteriorly mounted brings about an increased chance for a demand to the exposed surfaces of the mirror and the mirror's supporting structure by debris, dirt, grease, insects, dentation, scratching, abrasion, etc., which may physically strike or impinge against the exposed surface of such mirror mounts.

There is therefore a need, and it would be advantageous to provide a device for protecting certain exterior surfaces of the mirror and the mirror's support structure.

A conventional side mirror assembly of a two wheeled motorized vehicle includes the mirror, a body supporting the mirror, an attaching mechanism for securing the side mirror assembly to the vehicle (typically to the steering bar) and an elongated stem. The body of the mirror is pivotally or securely attached to a first end of the stem and the attaching mechanism is disposed at the other end of the stem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It should be noted that the present invention will now be described in terms of protecting the supporting structure of a side mirror of a two wheeled motorized vehicle, but the device of the present invention is not limited in be used for a side mirror of a two wheeled motorized vehicle and can be used for side, rearview mirrors of other vehicles.

The principle intentions of the present invention include providing a mirror-protecting device for protecting the housing of a side mirror of a vehicle, preferably a two wheeled motorized vehicle, which side mirror further includes a mirror, a stem and an attaching mechanism. The mirror-protecting device includes an elastic and hollow dish-like-body including an enclosed side wall having a first and a second open ends; a base enclosing the first open end of the side wall; and a ring-like embracer, securely disposed at the second open end of the dish-like-body, extending from the edge of the second open end, inwardly, enclosing a small portion of the second open end.

An insertion-opening, having preconfigured dimensions, is formed in the dish-like-body, wherein the insertion-opening extends from a location proximal to the ring-like embracer, generally towards the center of the base, and wherein the preconfigured dimensions of the periphery of the insertion-opening are smaller than the peripheral dimensions of the housing of the side mirror.

Preferably, the elasticity of the enclosed rim of the insertion-opening is lower than the elasticity of the side- wall and the base.

The insertion-opening facilitates mounting the mirror-protecting device onto the housing of the side mirror, by forcefully inserting the housing of the side mirror through the insertion-opening, wherein the inner surfaces of the base and the side-wall adjacently embrace the exterior surfaces of the housing of the side mirror, and wherein the ring-like embracer embraces the periphery of the housing of the side mirror to thereby hold the dish-like-body adjacently to the exterior surfaces of the housing of the side mirror.

When mounting the mirror-protecting device onto the housing of the side mirror, the dish-like-body deforms to fit to the exterior dimensions of the housing of the side mirror.

Optionally, the inner surface of the dish-like-body is glued to the external surface of the housing of the side mirror.

Optionally, the dish-like-body further includes one or more accessory holders.

Optionally, the dish-like-body further comprises one or more one or more led lights integrated thereto.

Optionally, the dish-like-body further comprises a communication connector such as a USB connector.

Optionally, the dish-like-body further comprises a locking-loop, secured to the enclosed rim of the insertion-opening. The the insertion-opening facilitates mounting the mirror-protecting device onto the housing of the side mirror, by forcefully inserting the housing of the side mirror through the insertion-opening. The inner surfaces of the base and the side-wall adjacently embrace the exterior surfaces of the housing of the side mirror, wherein the ring-like embracer embraces the periphery of the housing of the side mirror to thereby hold the dish-like-body adjacently to the exterior surfaces of the housing of the side mirror. The stem of the side mirror is passed through the locking-loop.

Preferably, the elasticity of the locking-loop is lower than the elasticity of the side-wall and said base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will become fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings, which drawings are generally not drawn to scale and are given by way of illustration only and thus, not limitative of the present invention, and wherein: Fig. 1 is a top isometric view of a mirror-protector, according to embodiments of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the mirror-protector shown in Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 is a bottom perspective view illustration of mirror-protector shown in Fig. 1, mounted on of a side mirror of a two wheeled motorized vehicle.

Fig. 4 is a top isometric view of a mirror-protector, according to other embodiments of the present invention; Fig. 5 is a cross-section (ΑΑ') view illustration of the mirror-protector shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the mirror-protector shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 7a is a front view illustration of the mirror-protector shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 7b is a side view illustration of the mirror-protector shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 7c is a top view illustration of the mirror-protector shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 7d is a bottom view illustration of the mirror-protector shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 8 is a bottom perspective view illustration of the mirror-protector shown in Fig. 2, mounted on of a side mirror of a two wheeled motorized vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Before explaining embodiments of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the host description or illustrated in the drawings.

An embodiment is an example or implementation of the inventions. The various appearances of "one embodiment," "an embodiment" or "some embodiments" do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiments. Although various features of the invention may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the invention may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, the invention may also be implemented in a single embodiment.

Reference in the specification to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "some embodiments" or "other embodiments" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least one embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the inventions. It is understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is not to be construed as limiting and are for descriptive purpose only.

Meanings of technical and scientific terms used herein are to be commonly understood as to which the invention belongs, unless otherwise defined. The present invention can be implemented in the testing or practice with methods and materials equivalent or similar to those described herein.

Reference is now made to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a top isometric view of a mirror-protector 100, according to embodiments of the present invention. Mirror-protector 100 includes an elastic and hollow dish-like-body 110, having a typically concave base 112 (with respect to the inner surfaces of dish-like-body 110) and side-wall 114. Reference is also made to Fig. 2 showing a bottom perspective view of mirror-protector 100. Dishlike-body 110 further includes a ring-like-embracer 116, securely disposed at the open end of dish-like-body 110, extending from the open end of dish-like-body 110, inwardly, enclosing a small portion of the open end of dish-like-body 110. An insertion-opening 120, having preconfigured dimensions, is formed in dish-like-body 110. Insertion-opening 120 extends from a location proximal to ring-like-embracer 116, generally towards the center of base 112 but typically, not reaching the center of base 112. Insertion-opening 120 has an enclosed rim including a peripheral-rim-portion 124, proximal to ring-like-embracer 116, and an internal-rim-portion 122, proximal to the center of base 112.

Mirror-protector 100 is made of elastic materials, wherein the enclosed rim of insertion-opening 120 is made of flexible materials but with lower elasticity. Reference is also made to Fig. 3, showing a bottom perspective view of mirror-protector 100, mounted on of a side mirror assembly 20 of a two wheeled motorized vehicle (not shown). Side mirror assembly 20 includes a mirror-body 22 for supporting the mirror (not shown) and an elongated stem 24. The preconfigured dimensions of the enclosed rim of insertion-opening 120 are smaller than the peripheral dimensions of mirror-body 22.

To mount mirror-protector 100 onto side mirror assembly 20, mirror-body 22 is forcefully inserted through insertion-opening 120, stretching the enclosed rim of insertion-opening 120, wherein the mirror faces towards the open end of dish-like-body 110. Dish-like-body 110 deforms to fit the exterior dimensions of mirror-body 22, wherein the inner surfaces of base 112 and side-wall 114 adjacently embrace the exterior surfaces of the mirror-body 22, and wherein ring-like-embracer 116 embraces the periphery of mirror-body 22 to hold dish-like-body 110 adjacently to the exterior surfaces of the mirror-body 22.

Reference is now made to Fig. 4, showing a top isometric view of a mirror-protector 200, according to embodiments of the present invention. Mirror-protector 200 includes a hollow, dish-like-body 210, having a typically concave base 212 (with respect to the inner surfaces of dish-like-body 210) and side-wall 214. Reference is also made to Fig. 5, showing a cross-section (ΑΑ') view of the mirror-protector 200, and to Fig. 6, showing a bottom perspective view of mirror-protector 200. Dish-like-body 210 further includes a ring-like-embracer 216, securely disposed at the open end of dish-like-body 210, extending from the open end of dish-like-body 210, inwardly, enclosing a small portion of the open end of dish-like-body 210. An insertion-opening 220, having preconfigured dimensions, is formed in dish-like-body 220. Insertion-opening 220 extends from a location proximal to ring-like-embracer 216, generally towards the center of base 212 but typically, not reaching the center of base 212. Insertion-opening 220 has an enclosed rim including a peripheral-rim-portion 224, proximal to ring-like-embracer 216, and an internal -rim-portion 222, proximal to the center of base 212.

Reference is also made to Fig. 7a, showing a front view illustration of the mirror-protector 200; to Fig. 7b, showing a side view illustration of the mirror-protector 200; to Fig. 7c, showing a top view illustration of the mirror-protector 200; and to Fig. 7d, showing a bottom view illustration of the mirror-protector 200. Dish-like-body 210 further includes a locking-loop 230, secured to the enclosed rim of insertion-opening 220, typically to peripheral-rim-portion 224. Locking-loop 230 is made of flexible materials but with low elasticity. Therefore, the dimensions of locking-loop 230 are preconfigured to prevent passing of a mirror-body 22 through locking-loop 230.

Mirror-protector 200 is made of elastic materials, wherein the enclosed rim of insertion-opening 220 is made of flexible materials but with lower elasticity. Reference is also made to Fig. 8, showing a bottom perspective view of mirror-protector 200, mounted on of a side mirror assembly 20 of a two wheeled motorized vehicle (not shown). Side mirror assembly 20 includes a mirror-body 22 for supporting the mirror (not shown) and an elongated stem 24. The preconfigured dimensions of the enclosed rim of insertion-opening 220 are smaller than the peripheral dimensions of mirror-body 22.

There are a few alternatives for mounting mirror-protector 200 onto side mirror assembly 20. In a first alternative, one may ignore locking-loop 230 by bending locking-loop 230 away from internal-rim-portion 222, and inserting mirror-body 22 through insertion-opening 220, stretching the enclosed rim of insertion-opening 220, wherein the mirror faces towards the open end of dish-like-body 210, as in the case of mirror-protector 100.

In a second alternative, to mount mirror-protector 200 onto side mirror assembly 20, one has to detach mirror-body 22 from elongated stem 24, thereby facilitating insertion of mirror-body 22 either through the open end of dish-like-body 210 or through insertion-opening 220. The attaching mechanism, of elongated stem 24 to mirror-body 22, is aligned to facilitate reattachment of elongated stem 24 to mirror-body 22, wherein the attachment is done through locking-loop 230.

In a third alternative, to mount mirror-protector 200 onto side mirror assembly 20, one has to detach side mirror assembly 20 from the vehicle, thereby facilitating insertion of elongated stem 24 through the open end of dish-like-body 210 and through locking-loop 230. Then, side mirror assembly 20 is reattached to the vehicle.

In all alternatives, mirror-body 22 is inserted such that the mirror faces towards the open end of dish-like-body 210. Dish-like-body 210 deforms to fit the exterior dimensions of mirror-body 22, wherein the inner surfaces of adjacently embrace the exterior surfaces of the mirror-body 22, and wherein ring-like-embracer 216 embraces the periphery of mirror-body 22 to hold dish-like-body 210 adjacently to the exterior surfaces of the mirror-body 22.

Referring back to Fig. 1 , mirror-protector 100, as well as mirror-protector 200, may include a variety of accessories attached to the dish-like-body (110, 210), according to variations of the present invention. For example, a keychain holder 190 may be integrated onto the external surface of the dish-like-body (110, 210). Also one or more led lights 192 may be integrated into the dish-like-body (110, 210). Also inlet devices, such as a USB connector, may be integrated into the dish-like-body (110, 210).

Optionally, the inner surface of the dish-like-body (110, 210) is glued to the external surface of the mirror-body 22.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with a specific best mode, it is to be understood that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations in which fall within the spirit and scope of the included claims. All matters set forth herein or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted in an illustrative and non-limiting sense. Such alternatives, modifications, and variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A mirror-protecting device for protecting the housing of a side mirror of a vehicle, which side mirror further includes a mirror, a stem and an attaching mechanism, the device comprising an elastic and hollow dish-like-body comprising: a) an enclosed side wall having a first and a second open ends; b) a base enclosing said first open end of said side wall; and c) a ring-like embracer, securely disposed at said second open end of said dish-like-body, extending from the edge of said second open end, inwardly, enclosing a small portion of said second open end, wherein an insertion-opening, having preconfigured dimensions, is formed in said dish-like-body; wherein said insertion-opening extends from a location proximal to said ring-like embracer, generally towards the center of said base; and wherein said preconfigured dimensions of the periphery of said insertion-opening are smaller than the peripheral dimensions of the housing of the side mirror.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the vehicle is a two wheeled motorized vehicle.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the elasticity of the enclosed rim of said insertion-opening is lower than the elasticity of said side-wall and said base.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein said insertion-opening facilitates mounting the mirror-protecting device, onto the housing of the side mirror, by forcefully inserting the housing of the side mirror through said insertion-opening, wherein the inner surfaces of said base and said side-wall adjacently embrace the exterior surfaces of the housing of the side mirror, and wherein said ring-like embracer embraces the periphery of the housing of the side mirror to thereby hold said dish-like-body adjacently to the exterior surfaces of the housing of the side mirror.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein said dish-like-body deforms to fit to the exterior dimensions of the housing of the side mirror.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the inner surface of said dish-like-body is glued to the external surface of the housing of the side mirror.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein said dish-like-body further comprises one or more accessory holders.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein said dish-like-body further comprises one or more one or more led lights integrated thereto.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein said dish-like-body further comprises a communication connector such as a USB connector.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein said dish-like-body further comprises a locking-loop, secured to said enclosed rim of said insertion-opening.

11. 1 1. The device of claim 10, wherein said insertion-opening facilitates mounting the mirror-protecting device onto the housing of the side mirror, by forcefully inserting the housing of the side mirror through said insertion-opening; wherein the inner surfaces of said base and said side- wall adjacently embrace the exterior surfaces of the housing of the side mirror; wherein said ring-like embracer embraces the periphery of the housing of the side mirror to thereby hold said dish-like-body adjacently to the exterior surfaces of the housing of the side mirror; and wherein the stem of the side mirror is passed through said locking-loop.

12. The device of claim 10, wherein the elasticity of said locking-loop is lower than the elasticity of said side-wall and said base.