Abstract: Lighting system including first and second enclosures, and pivotable joint assembly. First enclosure is elongated along first longitudinal axis and configured for mounting array of plurality of lighting modules; and includes: two opposing end panels spaced apart along first axis; first and second spaced-apart pairs of opposing elongated side panels; and four elongated enclosure edges joining together first and second pairs of side panels. Second enclosure is elongated along second longitudinal axis and configured for containing lighting module power supply; and includes: two opposing end panels spaced apart along second axis; third and fourth spaced-apart pairs of opposing elongated side panels; and four elongated enclosure edges joining together third and fourth pairs of side panels.

Abstract: A reflector particularly adapted for use in automotive light assemblies and other point light source applications. The reflector includes two nested aluminum discs. Each disc defines a plurality of semi-circular holes and includes a half-cone or other partial revolved surface extending from each hole. The half-cones of the first disc extend through the stamped holes of the second disc. The semi-circular holes on the two discs cooperate to define circular holes, and the half-cones at each circular hole cooperate to form full cones. Preferably, the disks are identical; and the first disc is rotated 180.degree. for nesting with the second disc. When the reflector is incorporated into a light assembly, LEDs or other point light sources are positioned within each full cone, and a lens is mounted over the reflector.

Abstract: A reflector particularly adapted for use in automotive light assemblies and other point light source applications. The reflector includes two nested aluminum discs. Each disc defines a plurality of semi-circular holes and includes a half-cone or other partial revolved surface extending from each hole. The half-cones of the first disc extend through the stamped holes of the second disc. The semi-circular holes on the two discs cooperate to define circular holes, and the half-cones at each circular hole cooperate to form full cones. Preferably, the disks are identical; and the first disc is rotated 180.degree. for nesting with the second disc. When the reflector is incorporated into a light assembly, LEDs or other point light sources are positioned within each full cone, and a lens is mounted over the reflector.

Abstract: A headliner for a vehicle is formed with accessories having clips for mounting the accessories and the headliner to the roof of a vehicle. The headliner is received within a tray that supports the headliner during shipping from the headliner manufacturing plant to the vehicle assembly plant. The tray further provides support for the headliner during installation of the headliner into the vehicle. Thus, the headliner can be manufactured without structural supports reinforced areas because the headliner is structurally supported by the tray during shipping and installation.

Abstract: A mounting clip assembly for mounting an accessory to a roof sheet metal bracket. A mounting clip is fastened to or molded with the accessory and comprises two diverging legs, which are snap-fit into an aperture in the roof sheet metal bracket. A locking bezel has a pair of lugs and a locking finger, which are inserted between the legs to prevent the relative movement of the legs. The locking finger is received within a slot on one of the legs to releasably fasten the bezel to the clip.

Abstract: A rearview mirror with lighting assembly for use in a vehicle, has a molded case adapted to support lights for illuminating portions of the vehicle interior, to support electrical switches, wiring, and electrical connectors, to support optical lenses for directing light, and to support a mirror element. The case includes ventilation around the lenses, past the lights, and out of the case for dissipating heat from the lighting. The electrical switches and connectors are mounted into the case. A preferred light arrangement provides illumination of areas below and outwardly of the case ends with targeted lighting areas in the lap areas of persons seated in the front seats of the vehicle, without allowing light to be directed toward the vehicle windshield or instrument panel to cause glare. A resilient sealing material is adhered to the back of the lens element for sealing with the case to prevent or minimize the emission of uncontrolled, stray light from the case.

Abstract: A breakaway accessory mounting assembly for supporting rearview mirrors or other accessories on vehicles includes a coupler for installation on a base of the type secured to the inside windshield surface or another vehicle panel. The coupler has a support for mounting the rearview mirror or other accessory and a spring clamp retaining band extending around the coupler, preferably within a corresponding shaped recess, at a position spaced from and independent of the accessory support for releasably holding the coupler on the base until an impact force causes the assembly to release from the base. The spring clamp retaining band includes a pair of converging, inwardly angled, spaced spring flanges which project from the coupler to resiliently engage the base sides and allow both sliding installation and release of the assembly.

Abstract: A reduced vibration day/night rearview mirror assembly provides improved stability of the mirror assembly. The assembly preferably includes a molded mirror case, a prismatic mirror element, and a two piece actuator assembly which provides reduced vibratory movement between a mirror mounting bracket and the mirror assembly. The actuator assembly includes a toggle member and a pivot lever which pivotally interconnect. The toggle member has a pivot journal defined along at least a portion of a first side and has a pivot surface defined along at least a portion of a second, opposing side. The pivot lever has a pivot shaft for pivotally mounting the lever in the mirror case and has an open-sided pivot channel generally parallel to and spaced from the pivot shaft for receiving and pivotally engaging the pivot surface of the toggle member. The case has cooperating supports for receiving the pivot lever pivot shaft and a pivot axle for engaging the toggle member pivot journal.

Abstract: A rearview mirror with lighting assembly for use in a vehicle, has a molded case adapted to support lights for illuminating portions of the vehicle interior, to support electrical switches, wiring, and electrical connectors, to support optical lenses for directing light, and to support a mirror element. The case includes ventilation around the lenses, past the lights, and out of the case for dissipating heat from the lighting. The electrical switches and connectors are mounted into the case. A preferred light arrangement provides illumination of areas below and outwardly of the case ends with targeted lighting areas in the lap areas of persons seated in the front seats of the vehicle, without allowing light to be directed toward the vehicle windshield or instrument panel to cause glare. A resilient sealing material is adhered to the back of the lens element for sealing with the case to prevent or minimize the emission of uncontrolled, stray light from the case.

Abstract: A vehicle accessory mounting assembly is disclosed for securely and stably supporting a rearview mirror or another vehicular accessory on the vehicle windshield or another vehicular surface without the need for an adjustable set screw. The assembly includes a support member slidably received on a base member by spaced sets of mating surfaces. A spring retainer on one of the base and support includes one retainer arm engaging and gripping an opposing, raised rib on the other member. A second retainer arm spaced from the first retainer arm urges the first arm against the rib. Spaced, raised contact areas are provided on the mating surfaces, while spaced sliding contact areas with a relieved area therebetween are provided on another contact surface to prevent movement and/or vibration between the base and support.

Abstract: A preassembled visor rod mount includes a bezel and a clamping ring rotatably movable with respect to the bezel to lock the mount in position once fitted within a socket formed in the roof. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the spaced tangs on the rotatable clamping ring include upwardly bent ends to cam the deflectable tangs over the roof edges. A pair of arcuate slots are provided through the bezel and a spanner wrench can be employed to extend through the bezel and engage apertures formed in the clamping ring for its rotation with respect to the bezel.