Abstract: A spring loaded drawer, such as an ashtray assembly (100) for use in automobiles or other vehicles includes a stationary frame (102) and a movable drawer (120) slidably mounted therein. A catch mechanism (164, 166, 168) releasably maintains the drawer (120) in a closed position. A damping assembly (180) mounted to the frame (102) includes an outer barrel (182), a rotatable inner barrel (190) interconnected to a gear (194) which engages a rack (160) mounted to the drawer (120), and a fluid-filled annular chamber (206) formed between the barrels (182, 190). When the catch mechanism (164, 166, 168) is released, a torsion spring (200) coupled to the inner barrel (190) is unloaded, causing the inner barrel (190) to rotate and the drawer (120) to move forward to an open position. The fluid within the annular chamber (206) produces a shear damping effect on the drawer movement.

Abstract: A mirror assembly for a vehicle comprises a housing (12) and a mirror assembly (18, 20) mounted therein. The housing includes attachment means (30, 32, 34, 36) for supporting the mirror (18, 20) in the housing (12). Support means (22) pivotably mounts the mirror assembly (10, 18) to the attachment means (30, 32, 34, 36). The support means (22) includes first and second arm means (40, 42, 44, 46) which mount the support means (22) to the attachment means (30, 32, 34, 36). The first arm means (44, 46) are mounted in tension and the second arm means (40, 42) are mounted in compression. The prestressing of the first and second arm means (40, 42, 44, 46) serves to reduce vibration of the mirror relative to the vehicle and thereby substantially reduce blurring of images on the mirror.