Importance

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Abstract

This invention provides a plano-multiradius reflective element assembly suitable for use in an exterior sideview mirror assembly mounted to the side body of an automobile. The plano-multiradius reflective element assembly includes a plano reflective element which has a rearward field of view, when mounted in an exterior sideview mirror assembly mounted to the side body of an automobile, with unit magnification. The plano-multiradius reflective element assembly also includes an auxiliary reflective element including a multiradius portion with a rearward field of view. The plano reflective element provides a distortion-free rearward field of view and serves as the principal rearward-viewing portion of the plano-multiradius reflective element assembly. The multiradius portion provides a wide angle rearward field of view, and typically supplements the rearward field of view of the plano portion. The plano reflective element and the multiradius portion are separated by a demarcation element which enables the driver to readily delineate a rearward view in the plano portion from a rearward view in the multiradius portion. The plano reflective element and the multiradius reflective element are individually, separately, and adjacently attached to a single backing plate which is mounted to an actuator of the exterior sideview mirror assembly. By adjusting the position of the backing plate within the housing of the exterior sideview mirror assembly via the actuator, the rearward field of view of both the plano reflective element and the multiradius reflective element are simultaneously and similarly aligned.

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First Claim