Rear-view mirror assembly

Abstract

A rear-view mirror assembly (100) is disclosed. The rear-view mirror assembly (100) includes a rear view mirror (1), a mirror holding plate (3) to hold the rear view mirror, the mirror holding plate (3) includes a cavity (3b) having a first hole, a mirror housing (11) to hold the mirror holding plate and the rear view mirror (1), the mirror housing includes a third hole (11e), a spherical support (5) including a second hole (5a) and a plurality of guides, a supporting which provides a compression force to a rear-view mirror assembly (100). The screw (9) is configured to mate with the third hole (11e) while passing through the first hole and the second hole (5a). The spherical support (5) and the recoil member allow independent movement of the rear view mirror (1) independently with respect to the mirror housing (11) in planar orientation. FIG.1a

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to a mechanism of a rear view mirror assembly for two –wheeled vehicles. More specifically, the present invention relates to a rear-view adjustment mechanism of two-wheeled vehicles.BACKGROUND

[002] A rear-view mirror assembly forms an essential part of a vehicle. In order for the driver to drive the vehicle safely i.e. safely changing the lanes, detecting the nearby approaching vehicles etc., the rear view mirror is required to be adjusted in a manner that is suitable to the driver. The adjustment mechanism of the rear-view mirror therefore plays an important role for the driver while driving a vehicle.

[003] In the conventional rear view mirror assemblies for two-wheelers, the rear-view mirror plate cannot be moved independently without moving the whole rear-view mirror assembly. The aforesaid restriction creates a lot of problems for the driver while driving the vehicle once the setting is changed. At times, the conventional rear view mirror is loosened from mirror stay while adjusting the mirror, which becomes a risky affair while the two-wheeler is in motion. for example, when the range of angle up to which the driver is able to view the area behind his / her vehicle gets disturbed, it takes efforts to get it back to desired angle / range unless vehicle is stopped and is adjusted.

[004] The conventional two-wheeler rear-view mirror assembly is designed in such a way that if the driver moves a single component of the said assembly (especially mirror plate), the whole assembly moves with the component including the rear-view mirror plate. For example, if the driver moves any component of the rear-view mirror assembly, the position of the rear-view mirror as fixed by the driver for his / her convenience also changes. As a result, the driver is required to fix the position of the rear-view mirror every time he / she moves any component of the rear-view mirror assembly.

[005] Moreover, the vibrations produced while driving the vehicle (for example, bumps, potholes, speed breakers etc.) changes the position of the rear-view mirror as fixed by the driver. As a result, the driver is forced to fix the position of the rear-view mirror every time vibrations are produced while driving the vehicle.

[006] Therefore, a rear-view mirror assembly for two- wheelers which provides a user-friendly mechanism and overcomes the drawbacks / hurdles of the present invention is required to be devised. SUMMARY

[007] In an embodiment, a rear-view mirror assembly is disclosed. The rear-view mirror assembly of the present invention includes a rear view mirror, a mirror holding plate, a mirror housing, a supporting means and a spherical support. In an embodiment, a mirror holding plate is utilized to hold the rear view mirror. The mirror holding plate includes a cavity having a centrally disposed first hole.

[008] In an embodiment, a mirror housing is utilized to hold the mirror holding plate and the rear view mirror. The mirror housing includes a protrusion having a third hole.

[009] In an embodiment, a spherical support is seated within the cavity of the mirror holding plate. The spherical support includes a second hole and a plurality of guides.

[0010] The spherical support and the recoil member allow independent movement of the rear view mirror independently with respect to the mirror housing in planar orientation.

[0011] In an embodiment, a supporting means disposed within the spherical support that provides a compression force to a rear-view mirror assembly. The supporting means including a screw and a recoil member. The screw is configured to mate with the third hole while passing through the first hole and the second hole. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale.

[0013] Fig. 1 depicts an exemplary embodiment of the two- wheeler rear-view mirror assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Fig. 1a depicts an exploded view of the rear-view mirror assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Fig. 2 illustrates the working of the rear-view assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] Prior to describing the invention in detail, definitions of certain words or phrases used throughout this patent document will be defined: the terms "include" and "comprise", as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term "or" is inclusive, meaning and / or; the phrases "coupled with" and "associated therewith", as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like; Definitions of certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, and those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that such definitions apply in many, if not most, instances to prior as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.

[0017] Wherever possible, same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to same or like parts. Moreover, references to various elements described herein are made collectively or individually when there may be more than one element of the same type. However, such references are merely exemplary in nature. It may be noted that any reference to elements in the singular may also be construed to relate to the plural and vice-versa without limiting the scope of the disclosure to the exact number or type of such elements unless set forth explicitly in the appended claims.

[0018] Particular embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

[0019] In accordance with the present disclosure, a rear-view mirror assembly is provided. The rear-view mirror assembly of the present invention is a mechanical assembly which may be utilized in association with a vehicle, say a two- wheeler. The rear-view mirror assembly of the present invention provides a view of the area behind the vehicle to the driver. The rear-view mirror assembly of the present invention includes a manually adjustable rear-view mirror by tip tap movement. The rear-view mirror may be manually adjusted by pressing a predefined location of the rear-view mirror. The mechanism for manually adjusting the rear-view mirror is devised in such a way that planar adjustment of the rear-view mirror is executed without altering the position of the remaining components of the rear-view mirror assembly.

[0020] The rear-view mirror assembly is mounted on a mirror housing which may be placed externally and / or internally with respect to the vehicle.

[0021] The rear-view mirror assembly of the present invention provides a user-friendly mechanism for adjusting the rear-view mirror. The rear-view mirror in the said assembly may be independently adjusted according to the requirements of the driver and allows a safe and comfortable ride for the driver. The rear-view mirror assembly of the present invention provides a wide view of the area behind the vehicle of the driver. The advantages further offered by the rear-view mirror assembly of the present invention are :- a) The fixed housing locks the position of the mirror thus the view is not disturbed and viewing angle is adjusted quickly and conveniently.b) Adjustment of mirror for viewing position is easier and precise because of tip tap movement.c) Loosening of the rear view mirror assembly from stem (as in conventional 2- wheeler rear view mirror) is avoided which is a common problem in today’s normal rear view mirror assemblies.d) The position of mirror is not easily disturbed by vibrations produced by a vehicle.e) The present design gives room to place indicators / light signaling device to mirror housing 11 (which is supposed to be fixed at a stable position)

[0022] Now referring specifically to the drawings, Fig. 1 depicts an exemplary embodiment of the rear-view mirror assembly 100 of the present invention. The rear-view mirror assembly 100 of the present invention may be deployed in any type of vehicle. In an embodiment, the rear-view mirror assembly 100 is deployed in a two-wheeler.

[0023] The rear-view mirror assembly 100 may be disposed at a predefined location which may lie internally and / or externally with respect to the vehicle. In an exemplary embodiment, the rear-view mirror assembly 100 is deployed at a handle / visor portion of a two-wheeler vehicle. In another embodiment, the rear-view mirror assembly 100 is deployed externally (as in covered two- wheeler).

[0024] The rear-view mirror assembly 100 may be deployed at a predefined location on the vehicle via an attachment means. The attachment means may include without limitation, adhesive, nuts and bolts. In an embodiment, the rear-view mirror assembly 100 is deployed on the handle / visor portion of a two-wheeler vehicle and / or at the side portion of an all covered two-wheeler vehicle via locating pins / fasteners.

[0025] The rear-view mirror assembly 100 may have predefined dimensions which depend upon the type of the associated vehicle. In an embodiment, the predefined dimensions of the rear-view mirror assembly of the present invention are in the range of 230mmX150mm X 60mm.

[0026] The rear-view mirror assembly 100 of the present invention may include various components (described below in Fig. 1a). The components of the rear-view mirror assembly 100 are designed in such a way that they move independently with respect to each other. For example, a rear-view mirror may be adjusted independently by the driver without changing the position of the remaining components of the rear-view mirror assembly 100. In an embodiment, all the adjustments made in the rear-view mirror assembly 100 may be along a longitudinal axis or a lateral axis of the rear-view mirror assembly 100.

[0027] Fig. 1a depicts an exploded view of the rear-view mirror assembly 100 of the present invention. As described above, the components of the rear-view mirror assembly 100 may include without limitation, a rear-view mirror 1, a mirror holding plate 3, a spherical support 5, a recoil member 7, a screw 9 and a mirror housing 11.

[0028] The rear-view mirror 1 is utilized for viewing the area behind the vehicle of the driver. The rear-view mirror 1 may have any shape known in the art. In an embodiment, the rear-view mirror 1 is a non-rectangular-shaped mirror with curved edges.

[0029] The rear-view mirror 1 of the present invention moves independently without altering the remaining components of the rear-view mirror assembly 100. The rear-view mirror 1 is a manually adjustable rear-view mirror. The rear-view mirror 1 may be adjusted according to the height and viewing position / angle of the driver.

[0030] The rear-view mirror 1 includes without limitation, a first portion A and a second portion B. In an embodiment, the first portion A is associated with the left side of the rear-view mirror 1. The second portion B is associated with the right side of the rear-view mirror 1 and vice versa in case of LH rear view mirror. In an embodiment, the rear-view mirror 1 is adjusted by manually pressing (via the fingers of the driver) / tip tap movement, the first portion A or the second portion B of the rear-view mirror 1.

[0031] The rear-view mirror 1 may be adjusted independently along the planar axis of the rear-view mirror assembly 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the position of the rear-view mirror 1 can only be adjusted within the extremities of the rear-view mirror assembly 100. The rear-view mirror 1 may be adjusted to an angle range that provides wide view of the area behind the vehicle of the driver. In an embodiment, the viewing angle up to which the rear-view mirror 1 is adjusted ranges from +8° to -8°.

[0032] The rear-view mirror 1 is secured within a mirror holding plate 3 (described below). The rear-view mirror 1 may be fastened by without limitation, a dual side tape 1a or the shrink fit. In an embodiment, the rear-view mirror 1 is secured within the mirror holding plate 1 via the dual side tape. The dual side tape 1a also shields the rear-view mirror 1 during adverse weather conditions (e.g. change in temperature etc.). In another embodiment, the rear-view mirror 1 is secured within the mirror plate 3 via shrink fit. The mirror plate 3 is heated in order to expand the mirror plate 3 and then the rear-view mirror 1 is positioned within the extremities of the mirror plate 3. Once the mirror plate 3 cools down / shrinks down, the rear view mirror 1 is fixed on to the mirror plate 3.

[0033] The mirror holding plate 3 may be made of without limitation, plastic. The mirror holding plate 3 may have a shape complimentary to the rear-view mirror 1. The mirror holding plate 3 may include without limitation an inner surface 3a, an outer surface (not shown) and a protruded edge 3c. The mirror holding plate 3 is utilized to secure the rear-view mirror 1 within its inner surface 3a. The mirror holding plate 3 includes a cavity 3b at the center of the inner surface 3a.

[0034] The cavity 3b may include without limitation one or more elongated slots 3d and a first hole (not shown). The elongated slots 3d are provided to seat the spherical support 5 and direct the movement of mirror holding plate 3 w.r.t. spherical support5 (described below) The first hole is provided to facilitate the movement of the mirror holding plate 3 in order to articulate inside the mirror housing 11 (described below).

[0035] The protruded edge 3c of the mirror holding plate 3 is used to secure / mount the rear-view mirror 1 within the inner surface 3a of the mirror holding plate 3. The protruded edge 3c of the mirror holding plate 3 includes without limitation guides, channels and ridges facilitating adjustment of the rear view mirror 1.

[0036] The guides, channels and ridges are provided for manual adjustment of the rear-view mirror 1. The guides, channels and ridges also help in restricting any unwanted movement of the rear-view mirror 1 (with the help of spherical support 5) say, circular movement around the an axis of a third hole 11e in the mirror housing 11 (described below).

[0037] The outer surface of the mirror holding plate 3 includes without limitation, one or more ribs (not shown). In an embodiment, the outer surface of the mirror holding plate 3 included four ribs. The ribs may be provided at the center of the outer surface of the mirror holding plate 3. The ribs may be in the form of an embossed line on the outer surface 3 of the mirror holding plate 3. The ribs help in restricting the movement of the mirror holding plate 3 along with the rear-view mirror 1.

[0038] In an embodiment, the mirror holding plate 3 moves when a driver manually adjusts the rear-view mirror 1 as the mirror holding plate 3 is coupled to the rear-view mirror 1. For example, when the driver presses any point included in the first portion A of the rear-view mirror 1, the rest of the rear-view mirror assembly 100 (normally housing) will stay fixed in its initial position and only the rear-view mirror 1 along with the mirror holding plate 3 will tilt towards the left side of the rear-view mirror 1 and vice-versa.

[0039] The spherical support 5 may be a cup shaped structure (usually hemispherical & complementary surface to 3b) as shown in Fig. 1a. The spherical support 5 is seated inside the cavity 3b provided on the inner surface 3a of the mirror holding plate 3. Once seated in the cavity 3b, the spherical support 5 restricts the circular motion of the rear-view mirror 1 around axis 11e. The spherical support 5 does not allow the rear-view mirror 1 to fall out of the mirror holding plate 3. The spherical support 5 acts as a supporting means for the rear-view mirror 1.

[0040] The spherical support may include, without limitation guides and a second hole 5a. The second hole 5a is provided so that the spherical support 5 is appropriately aligned with the first hole of the cavity 3b of the mirror holding plate 3.

[0041] The recoil member7 is provided within the spherical support 5. The recoil member 7 used in the rear-view mirror assembly 100 may be any recoil member known in the art. In an embodiment, the recoil member7 used in the rear-view mirror assembly 100 is a compression spring.

[0042] The recoil member 7 generates a compression force with the help of the screw 9 (described below) that translates into an adjustment force for the rear-view mirror 1. The compression force generated by the recoil member 7 is dependent on the force applied by the driver at the time he / she manually presses the rear-view mirror 1. In an embodiment, the minimum and maximum force which can be applied to the rear-view mirror is subjective and can be adjusted by tightening the screw 9. In another embodiment, say the driver applies his / her maximum force to adjust the rear-view mirror 1. The rear-view mirror 1 will only tilt up to its maximum viewing angle value i.e. ± 8°. Once the rear-view mirror 1 tilts to its maximum viewing angle range further tilting of the rear-view mirror 1 is restricted by the ribs provided on the backside of the mirror holding plate 3. The compression force generated by the recoil member 7 accounts for the friction between the mirror holding plate 3 and the protrusion 11d provided in the mirror housing 11 (described below).

[0043] The screw 9 may include without limitation, a head and a tail. The head of the screw 9 is positioned in association with the compression recoil member7 and acts a supporting means (fastener) to prevent falling of the mirror holding plate 3 from mirror housing 11. The tail of the screw 9 passes through the recoil member 7 and is fitted within the protrusion 11d in mirror housing 11 (described below). In an embodiment, the screw 9 is a self-tapping screw. . In alternate embodiment, the tail of the screw 9 is threaded and is fitted within the protrusion 11d via corresponding threads on the third hole 11e.

[0044] The screw 9 fastens the spherical support 5 on to the mirror holding plate 3 by means of recoil member 7. The compression force is generated by the recoil member 7 which keeps the spherical support 5 sandwiched between recoil member 7 and mirror holding plate 3.

[0045] In an embodiment, the head of the screw 9 is used to compress the compression recoil member 7 to exert a force on the spherical support 5 as to make contact with the cavity 3b which in turn increases the friction. This increased friction decides the adjustment force of the mirror. The tail of the screw 9 helps in securing the spherical support 5 on to the cavity 3b in the mirror holding plate 3. The screw 9 hence adjusts the said force at a high or at a low depending upon the requirements of the user.

[0046] The mirror housing 11 acts as a protective cover for the aforesaid components of the rear-view mirror assembly 100. The mirror housing 11 may be made of, without limitation plastic.

[0047] The mirror housing 11 may include, without limitation an enclosure 11a and an extension portion 11b. In an embodiment, the enclosure 11a is utilized for housing the remaining components of the rear-view mirror assembly 100. The enclosure 11a acts as a shield for the mirror holding plate 3 and the aforesaid components disposed inside the mirror holding plate 3. The enclosure 11a includes without limitation, an inner surface 11c, an outer surface and class A (not shown).

[0048] The inner surface 11c of the enclosure 11a further includes without limitation, a protrusion 11d provided in the form of an embossed surface. The protrusion 11d includes without limitation, the third hole 11e. The protrusion 11d is provided to seat the cavity 3b of the mirror plate 3. In an embodiment, the cavity 3b is seated within the protrusion 11d by fastening the threaded screw 9 or the self-tap screw 9.

[0049] The third hole 11e of the protrusion 11d is provided to mate with the tail of the screw 9. In an embodiment, the third hole 11e includes a plurality of threads to firmly secure and mate with the screw 9.

[0050] The extension portion 11b acts as a handle and a base for the rear-view mirror assembly 100. The extension portion 11b is disposed at a location where the rear-view mirror assembly 100 is required to be deployed and usually fixed on handle / visor of 2- wheeler.

[0051] In an embodiment, the mirror housing 11 remains fixed at its initial position when the rear-view mirror 1 along with the mirror holding plate 3 is manually adjusted by the driver.

[0052] Optionally / additionally, the mirror housing 11 being a fixed component of the rear-view mirror assembly 100 may be utilized as a carrier of indicators or light signaling devices. In an embodiment, the said devices are disposed on the boundary of the mirror housing 11.

[0053] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment for the working of the rear-view mirror assembly 100. The working of the rear-view mirror assembly commences at step 201.

[0054] At step 201, the rear-view mirror 1 is manually pressed by the driver. The driver manually presses the first portion A or the second portion B of the rear-view mirror 1 according to his / her requirements. When the driver manually presses the rear-view mirror 1, the mirror holding plate 3 which is coupled to the rear-view mirror 1 also moves.

[0055] At step 203, the movement of the rear-view mirror 1 takes place. Once, the driver manually presses the rear-view mirror 1, the compression force generated by the recoil member 7 results in friction between the (because of fastening of screw 9 with the third hole11e) results in friction between the spherical support 5 and the mirror holding plate 3. The said friction translates into a resistance to adjustment movement when the mirror is pressed. The compression force generated by the recoil member 7 is directly proportional to the resistance adjustment force experienced by the driver. Thus facilitating the movement of the rear-view mirror 1 in a direction that is executed by the driver.

[0056] In an embodiment, if the driver applies a minimum amount of force on the first end A of the rear-view mirror 1, the amount of compression force generated by the recoil member 7 will generate friction proportional to the amount of force applied by the driver. The spherical support 5 will guide the movement of the rear-view mirror 1 to a minimum viewing angle in the direction as executed by the driver.

[0057] The same will happen if the driver applies a minimum amount of force on the second end B of the rear-view mirror 1. However, in this case the rear-view mirror 1 will move in the opposite direction as executed by the driver.

[0058] The spherical support 5 sits on the protrusion 11d in the mirror housing 11 arresting any circular movement of the rear view mirror 1 and the mirror holding plate 3.

[0059] At step 205, the movement of the rear-view mirror 1 is restricted. Once the driver manually presses the ends (the first end A or the second end B) of the rear-view mirror 1, a frictional resistance force is generated because of the compression force exerted by the recoil member 7. The restriction in the movement of the rear-view mirror 1 secured within the mirror holding plate 3 is caused due to the ribs provided on the outer surface of the mirror holding plate 3.

[0060] In an embodiment, if the amount of frictional resistance force generated by the recoil member 7 is maximum, the driver will experience a maximum amount of resistance adjustment force on the ends (the first end A or the second end B) of the rear-view mirror 1. However, in this case the rear-view mirror 1 will only tilt up to its maximum viewing angle value i.e. 8°.

[0061] As a result, the rear-view mirror 1 will tilt only up to its maximum viewing angle value even if the driver applies his / her maximum force.

[0062] The scope of the invention is only limited by the appended patent claims. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings of the present invention is / are used.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A rear-view mirror assembly (100) comprising:a. a rear view mirror (1);b. a mirror holding plate (3) to hold the rear view mirror (1), the mirror holding plate (3) including a cavity (3b) having a centrally disposed first hole; c. a mirror housing (11) to hold the mirror holding plate and the rear view mirror, the mirror housing including a protrusion (11d) having a third hole (11e);d. a spherical support (5) seated within the cavity (3b) of the mirror holding plate (3), the spherical support (5) including a second hole and a plurality of guides;e. a supporting means disposed within the spherical support (5) for providing a compression force to a rear-view mirror assembly (100), the supporting means including a screw (9) and a recoil member (7);wherein the screw (9) being configured to mate with the third hole (11e) while passing through the first hole and the second hole; wherein the spherical support (5) and the recoil member (7) allow independent movement of the rear view mirror (1) independently with respect to the mirror housing (11) in planar orientation.

2. The rear-view mirror assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the assembly is deployed in two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicles.

3. The rear-view mirror assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mirror housing (100) includes:i. an enclosure 11a acting as a shield for the mirror holding plate (3) and the remaining components disposed inside the mirror holding plate (3)and ii. an extension portion 11b coupled to a desired portion acting as a handle and a base for the rear-view mirror assembly (100).

4. The rear-view mirror assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mirror holding plate (3) includes one or more ribs which are used to restrict the independent movement of the rear view mirror (1) with respect to the mirror housing (3).

5. The rear-view mirror assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mirror holding plate (3) includes an adjustment means for securing the rear-view mirror (1) within the surface of the mirror holding plate (3).

6. The rear-view mirror assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the adjustment means includes one or more of a guide, channel or ridge.

7. The rear-view mirror assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the recoil member (7) is a compression spring.

8. The rear-view mirror assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the screw (9) is one of a self-tapping screw or a threaded screw.