It is an inherent problem when a vehicle is towing a carriage, and more particularly a carriage of greater width, that the existing normal vehicle mirror arrangements within a vehicle are inadequate to provide an appropriate rear view image for safe vehicle operation. Clearly, the interior rear view mirror which provides an image through the rear window of the vehicle will be blocked by a towed carriage which has a height greater than that rear view mirror whilst the wing or side mirrors will not have a field of view which extends sufficiently broadly to provide a safe rear view image of sufficient depth.

It is known to provide side or wing mirror extensions which broaden the field of view for those mirrors in order to provide a greater rear view depth for safe operation of a vehicle. Furthermore, it is known to provide side or wing mirrors which are secured upon housings with motorised displacement in order to project those mirrors further from the vehicle and so broaden or displace the field of view for the rear view image to achieve a safe depth for operational purposes. One such arrangement is disclosed in US 5,572,376.

Unfortunately, with regard to wing or side mirror extensions, it will be understood that assembly and dis-assembly can be at least inconvenient and may be time consuming such that upon reaching a destination it is not unusual for a driver of a vehicle even after the towed carriage is detached to retain such mirror extensions. Similarly, with regard to wing or side mirrors which may be displaced by manual or motorised action in order to provide a broader rear view image when

towing a carriage, it is possible that such displaced positioning of side mirrors may continue after the towed carriage is detached from the vehicle.

Clearly, any side or wing mirror extensions or further projection beyond that required for normal vehicle use will widen the vehicle with the inherent possibility of greater contact with pedestrians or other road users i. e. cyclists. Furthermore, it will be understood that displaced wing or side mirrors will also have an altered field of view creating different blind spots to those of the side or wing mirror in its normal configuration within the vehicle. In any event, rather than providing additional safety within a vehicle it will be understood that a projected side or wing mirror when not used to accommodate a towed carriage can present additional rather than reduced problems for safe vehicle operation.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a vehicle mirror arrangement for a vehicle and towed carriage combination, the arrangement comprising a mirror arranged to project externally of a vehicle and so provide a rear view image from the vehicle in use, the mirror being coupled to a displacement mechanism through a housing member such that the mirror may be displaced for further projection from the vehicle in order to displace or broaden the rear view image to extend beyond a towed carriage coupled to a coupling to the vehicle in use, the arrangement including a controller connected to the displacement mechanism and the coupling such that projection by the displacement means is controlled by the coupling in terms of its status with regard to any towed carriage secured to the coupling and therefore the vehicle in use.

Typically, the displacement means will only be operational when the coupling is formed between the towed carriage and the vehicle in use.

The coupling may determine in use a type or configuration of the towed carriage for responsive displacement of the mirror by the displacement mechanism in accordance with that determined type or configuration of that towed carriage.

Normally, the controller will incorporate an automatic retraction facility whereby when the coupling between the towed carriage and the vehicle is broken the displacement mechanism is arranged to return the mirror to a normal configuration of projection externally from the vehicle.

The controller may allow manual adjustment of the mirror only when the coupling is made between the vehicle and towed carriage.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to accompanying drawings in which:- Figure 1 is a schematic plan view for a normal vehicle mirror arrangement configuration; Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of a displaced vehicle mirror arrangement configuration; Figure 3 is pictorial representation of a vehicle mirror arrangement in a normal configuration consistent with Figure 1; and, Figure 4 is a pictorial representation of a mirror arrangement in a displaced configuration consistent with Figure 2.

Figure 1 illustrates a vehicle 1 in which side or wing mirrors 2,3 are arranged to provide respective rear view images from the vehicle 1 to enable that vehicle 1 to be driven safely. There is also provided an interior rear view mirror 4 which

itself allows a driver of the vehicle 1 to view a rear image from the vehicle 1. Use of such mirrors is well known to those skilled in the art and it will also be understood that each of the mirrors 2,3,4, may be adjusted for individual vehicle 1 driver requirements in terms of height and preference.

With the mirrors 2,3 projecting externally from the vehicle 1 typically, about the front door jamb an adequate image defined by broken lines 5,6 can be given which has sufficient depth for the driver of the vehicle 1 to be aware of vehicles approaching to overtake or pass the vehicle 1. Clearly, when the vehicle 1 is in motion the depth of the rear view mirror image should be sufficient to accommodate a sufficient distance behind the vehicle 1 for safety purposes. It will be understood that the driver of the vehicle 1 should not be required to move to a great extent in order to view images through the respective mirrors 2,3. Thus, although it will be understood that the driver of the vehicle 1 may alter the image 5,6 reviewed through the mirrors 2,3, it will be understood that the image is essentially a reflection and thus subject to normal limitations in terms of incident angles etc. for review by the driver of the vehicle 1. Thus, for example, shown in alternate long and short broken lines 8, a driver of the vehicle 1 may tilt or move the mirror 2 such that a different rear view image is provided but there is a blind spot at the position A. In such circumstances, it will be appreciated that the rear view image seen through the mirrors 2,3 expands from the vehicle 1 but care must be taken to ensure there is sufficient depth in that rear view image for safe operation of the vehicle 1.

A difficulty with regard to normal wing or side mirrors 2,3 is as illustrated with regard to a towed carriage 9 shown in broken lines such that the interior rear view mirror is blocked by that carriage 9 whilst the normal configuration of the mirrors 2,3 is such that their respective rear view images are blocked by that

carriage 9 with the result that the driver of the vehicle may have limited reference to the rear of the vehicle 1.

As indicated previously, the driver could move in order to alter the viewed image through the mirrors 2,3 or tilt those mirrors 2,3 in order to provide a different rear view 8. However, in either event, the driver will be distracted and secondly, the image may not have sufficient depth for safe operation of the vehicle particularly when in motion.

In order to overcome the above problems it is known to either provide wing or side mirror 2,3 extensions or as in accordance with the present invention, displace the respective mirrors 2,3 so that they project further externally of the vehicle 1 and so provide an alternative rear view image which avoids the towed carriage behind the vehicle 1 or expands the image so that an adequate rear view image is provided.

Figure 2 illustrates the vehicle 1 with mirrors 2,3 arranged to project externally further from the vehicle 1 upon respective housings 10,11. In such circumstances, the respective mirrors 2,3 provide rear view images as viewed by a vehicle driver from a seat 11 which is defined by broken lines 18,19 so that the rear view image has sufficient depth for safe operation of the vehicle whilst avoiding the towed carriage 9. Thus, the driver of the vehicle 1 will be able to manoeuvre that vehicle 1 at speed with the assurance that he has sufficient knowledge of other vehicles about the vehicle 1.

Displacement of the mirrors 2,3 may take the form of ratchet or screw arrangements to provide projection of the mirrors 2,3 further from the vehicle 1.

The housings 10,11 may incorporate respective latches to enable the mirrors 2,3 to be displaced to varying degrees dependent upon the towed carriage 9 behind the

vehicle 1. Displacement of the mirrors 2,3 may be manually performed or through propulsion provided by, for example, electric motors under the control of a controller (not shown).

Clearly, operation of the vehicle 1 when there is no towed carriage 9 secured to the vehicle 1 with the mirrors 2,3 is potentially dangerous. The displaced mirrors 2,3 significantly increase the width profile of the vehicle 1 and so a possibility of inadvertent collision with pedestrians, cyclists or other road users.

Furthermore, it will be understood that by location of the mirrors 2,3 at the towed or displaced configuration shown in Figure 2 that the image 18,19 provided by those respective mirrors 2,3 is significantly different from that for normal vehicle operation depicted in Figure 1 so that a driver of the vehicle in that displaced configuration of the mirrors 2 may forget the altered images 18,19 and drive the vehicle 1 in accordance with his or her expected rear view image for normal vehicle 1 operation and so miss other vehicles or objects at a blind spot B.

From the above it will be appreciated that it is at least desirable that the vehicle 1 is not driven with the mirrors 2,3 in the displaced configuration depicted in Figure 2 unless a towed carriage 9 is in combination with that vehicle 1.

For information, the towed carriage 9 may be a trailer or caravan with a width significantly greater than that of the vehicle 1. However, as intimated previously, the actual towed carriage 9 behind the vehicle 1 may vary in terms of width and height so that the respective displacement of the mirrors 2,3 for a particular specific towed carriage 9 may be varied to provide the best image 18,19 for operation of that vehicle 1 in towed combination with the carriage 9.

Clearly, the carriage 9 is secured to the vehicle 1 through a coupling 12 with a respective vehicle coupling part 13 secured to the vehicle 1 whilst a carriage

coupling part 40 is secured to the carriage 9. Thus, when the parts 13,14 are secured together to constitute the coupling 12, it will be appreciated that the vehicle 1 and the carriage 9 are robustly combined for driven motion.

Typically, the coupling 12 in addition to providing a mechanical connection between the respective vehicle and the carriage 9 will also incorporate service wiring in order to power indicator lights in the carriage 9 and also possibly operate braking actuators in the carriage 9. In any event, the coupling 12 in accordance with the present invention incorporates respective connectors whereby upon a combination of the coupling parts 13,14 and electrical closed circuit is provided so that a controller can determine that the coupling 12 has been made. In such circumstances, in accordance with the present invention displacement of the respective mirrors 2,3 is allowed either automatically or under manual switching to that required for the rear view image 18,19 necessary for safe vehicle 1 operation. If the controller does not determine through the respective connectors or merely through a close circuit in the coupling 12 that a coupling has been made then displacement of the respective mirrors 2,3 is prohibited.

It will be understood that the above manner of interrogation for determination of whether the coupling 12 is made or not will depend upon the particular control regime of the controller utilise within the vehicle 1. Normally, an existing control module within the vehicle 1 for other utilities and operations will be arranged to provide the controller function for the respective mirrors 2,3.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a simple make-or-break connection between the respective parts 13,14 of the coupling 12 could be used or alternatively more sophisticated magnetic proximity or other sensor arrangements could be used to determine whether the coupling 12 has been made and so whether displacement of the mirrors 2,3 is allowed. It will also be understood that a simple pressure or throw switch could be used with the weight of the coupling 12 as

formed upon coupling the vehicle and carriage used to activate the switch to show a coupling 12 has been made.

The displacement mechanism used to displace the mirrors 2,3 as indicated previously will be either manual or powered.

In a manual embodiment of the present invention the controller will release a locking mechanism to enable the mirrors 2,3 to be displaced manually to project further externally of the vehicle 1. Furthermore, in a manual embodiment of the present invention the lock mechanisms for the mirrors 2,3 at their respective displaced positions relative to the vehicle 1 will themselves be released when the coupling 12 is broken by separation of the respective parts 13,14 so that through an appropriate bias return, such as a tensioned mechanical spring, the mirrors 2,3 automatically returned to their normal configuration depicted in Figure 1. That bias return spring or other mechanism may be incorporated into the respective housings 10,11.

In a powered embodiment of the present invention it will be appreciated that the housings 10,11 will incorporate a suitable electrical motor or pneumatic/hydraulic displacement mechanism to force displacement of the mirrors 2,3 so that they further project externally from the vehicle 1. In such circumstances, upon making of the coupling 12 and detection by the controller the mirrors 2,3 will be displaced to the desired extent and then upon breaking of the coupling 12 the mirrors 2,3 will be automatically returned to their normal configuration either by the electric motor or pneumatic/hydraulic mechanism or as previously through release of a locking device against a bias towards that normal mirror configuration depicted in Figure 1.

Clearly, in its basic form the present invention simply comprises make-or- break determination by the controller in order to enable or disable external displacement of the mirrors 2,3. However, it will also be understood that the coupling 12 could be made whereby respective vehicle 1 and carriage 9 combinations may be determined by the controller such that the degree or extent of displacement for the respective mirrors 2,3 may be tailored to that particular vehicle 1 and carriage 9 combination. Such determination of the vehicle 1 and carriage 9 combination could be through specific coupling of identifying connectors in the coupling 12 or exchange of control signals between, for example, a transponder in the carriage 9 and the controller located in the vehicle 1 or through the coupling 12 incorporating sensors to enable determination of the respective width and height of the carriage 9 so that displacement of the mirrors 2,3 can be made to ensure adequate rear view images 18,19 as seen by the driver of the vehicle through the mirrors 2,3.

Generally, the controller utilise to control displacement of the mirrors 2,3 will allow displacement of those mirrors 2,3 upon determination of the coupling 12 to the degree required for adequate rear view images 18,19. However, it will be understood that individual drivers of the vehicle 1 will have different preferences with regard to specific adjustment of the mirrors 2,3 as a result of their height or driving position and so each mirror 2,3 be may individually adjustable by that driver at the displaced positions relative to the vehicle 1 only whilst the coupling 12 is still made. It will also be understood that the controller could memorise these respective fine tunings of the mirror 2,3 positions for individual vehicle drivers and so through appropriate switching revert to those adjustments of the mirrors 2,3 when a particular driver operates the vehicle 1.

To provide better control by a driver of a vehicle it will be understood that that driver of the vehicle may override the controller in terms of preventing

displacement of the mirrors 2,3 when the coupling 12 is made but that the driver will not be able to displace the mirrors 2,3 without the coupling 12 being made.

Figure 3 illustrates a mirror arrangement in a normal configuration consistent with mirrors 2,3 illustrated in Figure 1. Thus, a mirror housing 31 is coupled to a mirror mounting 32 which is secured to a vehicle. The housing 31 will generally be relatively stable but in accordance with normal or known arrangements will incorporate a mirror (not shown) which may be adjusted to provide a driver of a vehicle with a rear view image consistent with that driver's preferences, driving position and height.

Figure 4 illustrates a mirror arrangement in which the mirror housing 31 is displaced in accordance with the configuration depicted in Figure 2. Thus, the housing 31 has just been displaced further externally from a vehicle with respect to the mirror mounting 32 secured to that vehicle. A stork or housing 33 is used to provide for such displacement of the housing 31 away from the mounting 32 in order that the rear view image presented by the mirror in the housing 31 is displaced or broadened as described previously for a better rear view image about a towed carriage. Essentially, the housing 31 moves relative to the mounting 32 in the direction of arrowheads C with the housing 33 ensuring that there is a resilient assembly between the housing 31 and the mounting 32. Typically, the housing 33 will also provide or be acted upon by appropriate displacement means in order to move the housing in the direction of arrowheads C.

As an alternative to using proximity or dimension sensor or existing electrical coupling pins in the coupling 12 it will be appreciated that a simple contact switch may be used.

It will be understood that the degree of displacement for each respective mirror 2,3 could be different upon each side of the vehicle 1 dependent upon the shape of the carriage 9 and vehicle 1 planned operational requirements.