TODAY’S PATENT – REAR VIEW SAFETY MIRROR

The REAR VIEW SAFETY MIRROR was invented by Carl D. Emerick (Cridersville, OH) and Daniel E. Davis (Lima, OH) on the 2^nd of March 1976, bearing patent number US3940822A.

The invention related to rear view safety mirrors of the type generally used on large truck cabins and, more particularly, to an improved wiper assembly and heating element which are used with such mirrors to maintain them clear during inclement weather.

This invention works by a specially constructed electric motor having a rotary output mounted behind the mirror with the output shaft extending through a small hole in the mirror. A flexible wiper element is attached to the shaft so that it contacts the surface of the mirror. Moreover, the heat generated by the motor can be utilized to provide warm air to the casing behind the mirror to maintain a clear mirror. A separate electrical coil can also be mounted to furnish heat to the mirror’s surface. The proposed invention aims to be a economical alternative to expensive mechanical linkages or undue alterations of the conventional mirror mounting assembly. It would occupy a very small portion of the mirror assembly and could be easily adjusted to variety of vehicles to keep the mirrors clear in cold and snowy weather.