Abstract: A rearview mirror support bracket is disclosed having a body defining a front surface, a rear surface, a top end and a bottom end. A pair of elongated, spaced, opposed clips are formed on the back surface of the body. The clips define grooves for receipt of a windshield mounted button. The body has an I-beam configuration in cross section and includes a central web and front and rear flanges defining the front and back surfaces. A wall surrounds the opposed clips and defines an open end through which the button may be slid. Resilient tension and support members are defined by the rear flange in the clip area. At least one resilient retainer is defined by the rear flange. The retainer engages the button and retains the bracket on the button after assembly. The front flange adjacent its lower end defines a spherical ball which is adapted to be snap fitted into a correspondingly configured socket included in a mirror case assembly.

Abstract: The specification discloses a vehicle window assembly including a slidable window glass supported by and guided along only one edge of the glass. More specifically, the assembly comprises a window glass, a molded guide bonded to one edge of the glass, and a pillar defining a channel in which the guide is slidingly received. The pillar and guide cooperate to permit the guide to move axially within the channel and to prevent the guide from passing transversely out of the channel so that the window glass must travel in a linear path. Also disclosed is a latch supported by the glass and extending through the guide. The latch includes an actuating portion located outside the pillar and a catch portion located and hidden within the pillar.

Abstract: A day/night rearview mirror assembly for vehicles including a one-piece, molded, resinous mirror case having flexible, resilient portions and a substantially rigid pivot actuator which is biased by the case into either a day or night position. Movement of the actuator changes the position of the case and mirror element thereby changing the amount of light reflected. An interference fit between supports for the actuator within the case and the pivot actuator expands and pre-stresses the case to provide a predetermined biasing force which must be overcome by a pivoting force to move the actuator between its positions. A continuous lip extending around the periphery of the case allows snap-in insertion and permanent retention of a preferably prismatic mirror element. The retaining lip is sized to maintain coverage of the edge of the mirror element even during flexing of the case while the actuator is pivoted.

Abstract: An inside rearview mirror assembly for vehicles preferably including four parts, namely, a molded breakaway mirror support bracket, a molded mirror case, a prismatic reflective mirror element, and a rigid, molded pivot actuator for moving the case and mirror element between day and night positions for reduced glare. The support bracket has a body with an I-beam configuration in cross section and vibration reducing ribs extending between front and rear flanges adjacent a central web defining the I-beam shape. Resilient clips define grooves for receipt of a windshield mounted button over which the bracket is slid and snapped on. Resilient tension and support members are included along with at least one resilient retainer to keep the bracket on the button. The case includes a peripheral lip allowing snap-in insertion of the mirror element and flexible resilient portions which provide a biasing force urging the pivot actuator into either the day or night position.

Abstract: A hinged window assembly for vehicles adapted to be installed substantially entirely from the vehicle exterior. The assembly includes a window pane and at least one hinge preferably bonded with a suitable adhesive directly to the window pane surface without any hinge securing structure extending into or through the window. In a preferred form, the hinge is formed from flexible, resilient metal and cooperates with a sealing weather strip forming a seal between the preferred glass window pane and a vehicle body. Preferably, the fastening structure for attaching the hinge to a vehicle body is concealed from view behind the assembly when viewed from the vehicle exterior.

Abstract: A lightweight, economical window assembly for vehicles which is assembled to a vehicle as a unit preferably from the exterior, while providing strength, decorative trim, as well as a sealing function. The assembly includes a window pane, one of several types of decorative frame or trim members surrounding the pane, and one or more attaching members secured directly to the pane but concealed from view from the exterior of the assembly. Preferably the pane is glass and the attaching members are metallic studs rigidly and securely bonded directly to the glass surface with a suitable adhesive system such as that marketed under the Tenabond trademark.