Adjustment By Selectively Engaging Projections And Recessions Patents (Class 248/477)
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Patent number: 7290892Abstract: An angle adjustable mirror support for a bathroom includes a mirror, a shaft mounted on the frame of the mirror, two connecting members each mounted on the frame of the mirror and each secured to the respective end of the shaft, two fixing seats each mounted on the respective connecting member, and two locking members each mounted on the respective fixing seat and each secured to the respective connecting member. Thus, the shaft has two ends each rested on the inner face of the respective side of the frame of the mirror, so that the shaft is mounted on the frame of the mirror easily without the possibility of breaking the mirror face of the mirror.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2005Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Horng Lai Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ming-Dang Shieh
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Patent number: 7287869Abstract: A vehicle mirror apparatus includes a stationary side shaft holder which has a shaft (3) and which is provided on a mirror base and a housing (5) which has rotating unit (6) and which can rotate around the shaft (3), the shaft (3) passing through the housing (5). The housing (5) has a shaft holding portion (22) to which a root portion (21) of the shaft (3) is fined, rotation of the housing (5) is supported by sliding the shaft holding portion (22) over the root portion (21) of the shaft (3), one of the shaft holding portion (22) and the root portion (21) of the shaft (3) is formed with projection which project toward the other one of shaft holding portion (22) and the root portion (21) and abut against the other portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2005Date of Patent: October 30, 2007Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Hiroyasu Onuki
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Patent number: 7261272Abstract: A conical rotary joint is provided for a vehicle mirror assembly and the like having a fixed mount and a moveable support arm. A base is carried by one of the fixed mount and moveable arm, and a conical receptacle is carried by the base. A conical plug body is received in the conical receptacle. The conical plug is carried by the other of the fixed mount and support arm. The conical receptacle has a conical bearing surface which mates with the conical bearing surface of the conical plug. A biasing element presses the conical bearing surfaces together in a tight fit to reduce play and wear. First and second indents correspond to operating and folded positions of the support arm, and biased operator has a first deflected position in which the operator engages with a selected indent to retain the support arm in position.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2005Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Lang Mekra North America, LLCInventor: Emmanuel Courbon
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Patent number: 7240888Abstract: A locking system for adjustably mounting a mirror mounting support arm with a motor vehicle which includes a locking device for securing with a motor vehicle having a recess at one end for receiving an end of a support arm. The recess is formed with a stem having at least one key formed along its length. The support shaft end is formed with at least one slot which is sized and located to matingly fit with the key. The system also includes an anchor plate for securing with the vehicle which is also adapted to mount a support arm holder. The support arm holder includes a body portion having a shoulder adjacent one end and a recess. The recess is formed with a stem therein and a key along the stem. This recess is adapted to receive a second end of the support arm. In use, the first and second support arm ends are inserted into the recesses about the stems with the slots engaged by the keys.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2004Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: Lang-Mekra North America, LLCInventor: Emmanuel Courbon
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Patent number: 7216885Abstract: A trailer mounted and adjustable mirror assembly for attachment to a trailer or hitch being towed by a towing vehicle. The assembly, when secured, helps facilitate securement of the trailer to the towing vehicle while the driver/operator remains in the towing vehicle. The assembly comprises a removable clamp mounting a pair of adjustable, telescopic tubular members on which is mounted a pivotal mirror mechanism pivotal throughout 360° and countless angles relative to the plane of the pivotal mirror mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2004Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Inventor: Brian Stopka
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Patent number: 7201357Abstract: A vertically adjustable wall hanger device comprising a hanger and a hanger mount. The hanger comprises a main hanger body, a first set of serrations positioned in side-to-side spaced relation to one another on a back side of the main hanger body, and a center slot on the main hanger body and a hanging hook provided on the main hanger body. The hanger mount comprises a main mount body having a second set of serrations on a body face positioned in side-to-side spaced relation and sized and shaped similar and confronting the first set of serrations. The second set of serrations is located on a back side of the main hanger mount body with the hanger mount body having a screw hole confronting the center slot on the main hanger body. A center hanger mount is held in the main mount body positioned in co-axial alignment with the center slot provided in the main hanger body.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2005Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Inventors: Cory D. Price, Royletta E. Price
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Patent number: 7125130Abstract: An interior blind spot mirror which is mounted on the pillar of the window frame inside a vehicle on the driver's side, or on the passenger's side, completely eliminates the blind spot. The interior blind spot mirror includes an extension serving as a bridge between the mirror and the base which can be removed from the extension. There are two ball joints on either end of the extension which enable a user to conveniently adjust the mirror to a desired position. The base includes a soft pad sandwiched between the base and the double stick foam adhesive so that the base can fit pillars of different shapes. The interior blind spot mirror also includes an alternative base constructed of soft material such as polymer which can be mounted on different shapes of pillars of the window frames without the soft pad being attached to the bottom of the base. There is a mounting box on top of the base having a U-shaped notch into which the joint box on the lower end of the extension can be slidably affixed.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2004Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Inventor: Xiaoda Xiao
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Patent number: 7048393Abstract: A door mirror assembly for a vehicle is provided, which includes a housing, a frame supporting the housing internally. The housing has a shell with a front aperture, two fixation ports and an engagement port. On the other hand, the frame has a main body to be enclosed by the shell, two fixation elements and an engagement element. The door mirror assembly further includes two fixation sections formed by fixing the two fixation ports and two fixation elements with fasteners and an engagement section formed by engaging the engagement port and engagement element. The door mirror assembly has a feature that the engagement section is adapted to be on the circumference of a circle, the center of circle lies on an axis defined by the two fixation sections, so that the rotational displacement of housing relative to the frame can be restricted.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2003Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Murakami CorporationInventor: Kazuhiro Sugiyama
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Patent number: 7048394Abstract: A mechanism for adjustable installation of band plate-like members facilitates the separate adjustment of a cylindrical mirror in the normal direction of the reflecting face of the mirror, in a direction intersecting the normal direction, and the orientation of the reflecting face. A mirror holder housing a cylindrical mirror is disposed in a frame. Support shafts of the mirror holder penetrate holder plates attached slidably to the frame. Adjustment plates are linked to the ends of the support shafts from outside the holder plates, which are slid to allow the mirror holder to move in the normal direction of the reflecting surface of the mirror. The adjustment plate is rotated with respect to the holder plate to rotate about the support shafts and slides with respect to the holder plate and moves in a direction different from the normal direction to adjust the magnification, register, and skew of the mirror.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2001Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Fujinon CorporationInventors: Yoshiyuki Takase, Mitsuhiro Ohno
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Patent number: 6971757Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an automotive outside mirror assembly, and in particular, to a mirror adjustment mechanism with a compact and slim structure, allowing a precise adjustment of the mirror over a wider adjustment angle.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2004Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: Pro Quip International Korea Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hyuk-Joon Ro
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Patent number: 6957797Abstract: A device and method for locating the point on a wall at which a nail, or other wire suspending element, is to be installed for the hanging of pictures and the like. The device includes a retrieval arm operable for engaging the framing wire of a picture and a wall striking element operable for marking on a wall the place for a nail or other hardware to be secured. The device also includes a flanged assembly operable for receiving the retrieval arm and selectively engaging and disengaging the retrieval arm. The flanged assembly is disposed for promotional information or attachments.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2004Date of Patent: October 25, 2005Inventor: John W. Strobel
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Patent number: 6930244Abstract: A line carrier for supporting wiring and tubing extending between a vehicle and a slide-out room of the vehicle comprises an elongated strip of a flexible and material having a first end secured to a skirt of the slide-out room which extends below the vehicle floor and a second end which is pivotally mounted on a pivot pin extending below the vehicle floor. A plurality of retainers with line receiving holes formed therein are secured to the elongated strip. Wires or tubing are threaded through the line receiving holes in the retainers to connect or secure the wires and tubing to the elongated strip. When the slide-out room is retracted, the elongated strip forms a coil on which the wires and tubing are supported. As the slide-out room-advances to an extended position, the elongated strip uncoils and the second end pivots about the pivot pin.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2003Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Inventor: Michael W. Nebel
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Patent number: 6856437Abstract: A fast steering mirror for use in free space optical communication systems. The fast steering mirror includes a gimbaled movement comprising an outer gimbal pivotally coupled to a base member and an inner gimbal pivotally coupled to the outer gimbal. A mirror that is posited by the apparatus is coupled to the inner gimbal. A first pair of voice coil drivers including a pair of magnetized stators fixedly coupled to the base member and a pair of voice coils fixedly coupled to the outer gimbal are provided along with a second pair of voice coil drivers comprising a pair of magnetized stators coupled to the base member and a pair of voice coils coupled to the inner gimbal. Selectable drive currents may be provided to the windings in the voice coils to position the mirror. In one embodiment, the fast steering mirror further includes a reference position seek mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2002Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Terabeam CorporationInventors: John D. Witt, Tyler M. Anderson
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Patent number: 6830352Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle is provided. The assembly has a holding component and clamping parts to clamp the mirror assembly to the holding component. Alternative embodiments of the holding component and clamping parts are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2001Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Assignee: Lang Mekra North America, LLCInventors: Heinrich Lang, Wolfgang Seiboth, Stefan Centmayer
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Patent number: 6802089Abstract: A sliding rail consisting of two standards reciprocally defining a slotting wherein there is housed a shower support, into which there is obtained a recess intended to partly house a block forming a sliding guide for the support on the slotting. The sliding being allowed by the horizontal pivoting of the support relative to the block and by the consequent insertion or removal of the teeth provided on the support.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2002Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Assignee: Sanicro S.r.l.Inventor: Serafino Cropelli
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Patent number: 6666425Abstract: A vertically adjustable wall hanger includes a main body that is securable to a vertical surface with mounting screws, nails, or other similar fasteners, and an adjustable bracket. The main body includes a pair of mounting apertures and is generally symmetrical about a plane passing through the axes of the mounting apertures. The main body also includes a vertically-oriented linear ratchet having a plurality of teeth, and a pair of parallel, outwardly-facing, spaced-apart peripheral tracks or grooves. Each of the tracks is open at the top of the main body. The adjustable bracket includes a pair of cylindrical locator pins that enter the tracks at the top of the main body and slide within them. The adjustable bracket also includes a pawl that engages the linear ratchet. The locator pins allow the adjustable bracket to be rotated upwardly, so that the pawl may be disengaged from the linear ratchet, the adjustable bracket moved up or down, and the pawl re-engaged with the ratchet.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2003Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Inventor: Jerry Lee Ferguson
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Patent number: 6609800Abstract: A vehicle door mirror having a housing. The housing connects to a vehicle door via a stem. An intermediate member is inserted between the housing and the vehicle door to effect relatively smooth abutment between the intermediate member and each of the housing and the vehicle door. The cylindrical stem extends from the housing through the intermediate member and through the vehicle door. The stem includes primary engagement members to engage with complementary engagement members formed in a mounting hole of the door. The engagement members prevent removal from the mounting hole when the stem is in a predetermined orientation. A spring is compressed between the housing and the stem to cause retraction of the stem inward of the housing. Such inward movement urges the primary engagement members into engagement with the complementary engagement members.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2002Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems UK LimitedInventors: Andrew J. Assinder, Graham Rehill
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Patent number: 6598983Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly includes a support structure fixedly mounted to the exterior side of the motor vehicle. A mounting structure comprising a generally U-shaped member having a bight portion and a pair of leg portions defining spaced apart and parallel tubular members is mounted to the support structure for angular movement about a generally vertically extending axis with respect to the vehicle. A mirror housing is slidably mounted to the mounting structure and includes a pair of openings for slidably receiving the tubular members therein. A mirror is mounted to the mirror housing. A clamp is secured to the mirror housing and has a removable clamp-associated insert providing a mounting structure engaging surface for engaging the mounting structure in tightly fit relation so that the mirror housing can be manually repositioned in a lateral direction towards or away from the vehicle through an infinite range of positions.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1998Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Magna Mirror Systems Inc.Inventor: Ian Boddy
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Patent number: 6592231Abstract: A mirror assembly has a pair of telescoping tubular supports extending between a support base and a mirror head to provide adjustment of the mirror head toward and away from the support base. Friction shoes within the tubular supports releasably hold such supports against unintentional telescoping movement. Cooperating stops on the telescoping supports limit outward movement of the mirror head and prevent complete separation of the telescoping supports. The tubular supports are hingedly attached to the support base for rotation about a vertical axis, and cooperating detents and spring elements on the supports and support base releasably hold the supports against rotation.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2002Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Inventors: Paul Home, Paul R. Henion, Peter Robert Rothe, David Henderson Woollard, Barry Whitford, Trevor Fimeri, Simon Orme
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Patent number: 6572067Abstract: An assembly for hanging picture frames and other objects to a vertical support includes a base adapted to be mounted to the vertical support, a wheel supported by the base and rotatable on the base, and a hook rotatably coupled to the wheel and adapted to rotate upon rotation of the wheel relative to the base. The hook includes a hooked portion that receives an item to be mounted thereon.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2002Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Inventors: Peter Kamenstein, Joseph P. Opramolla, Robert Howitt
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Patent number: 6565220Abstract: A swivel mirror assembly for providing an infinite number of perspective views by means of pivoting the mirror assembly to various desired positions. The swivel mirror assembly includes a frame assembly which is pivotally coupled to a support surface and a mirror assembly which is pivotally coupled to the frame assembly, whereby allowing the frame to be positioned with respect to the support surface and the mirror assembly positioned with respect to the frame assembly such that an infinite number of perspective views can be achieved. In an embodiment, a second mirror is used to facilitate viewing a rear side of the head.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2001Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Inventor: Roger D. Hayward
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Patent number: 6527244Abstract: An assembly for hanging picture frames and other objects to a vertical support includes a base with locking grooves that is mounted to the vertical support and a wheel disposed on the base and which is movable thereon. The wheel includes a set of teeth disposed around its perimeter and where one of those teeth is received within one of the base's locking grooves. A mounting knob fixed off-center to the front surface of the wheel is designed to receive the item to be mounted thereon. To mount a picture frame or other object, the assembly is mounted to the vertical support, the object to be mounted is mounted on the assembly's knob, the amount of correction to the mounted object's vertical and/or horizontal position is ascertained, the object is removed from the knob, the wheel of the assembly is moved accordingly and then locked in place, and the object is re-mounted on the knob.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2001Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Inventors: Peter Kamenstein, Joseph P. Opramolla, Robert Howitt
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Patent number: 6511192Abstract: A mirror assembly in which the mirror housing and multi-function backing plate provide various useful functions. The multi-function backing plate supports not only a conventional reflective element but also supports a wide angle reflective element. The wide angle reflective element may be adjustable. The multi-function backing plate supports an indicator light assembly so that the mirror assembly can provide an indicator light function. The multi-function backing plate also support a recessible spot or approach lamp which, when the mirror is in an operative position, is recessed within the housing. When the mirror is in an inoperative state, the multi-function backing plate can be rotated so as to expose the spot or approach light. Various light pipe configurations enable transmission of light projected from a light source mounted to and behind the multi-function backing plate to project light through the light pipe externally to the mirror housing to provide an indicator light function.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2000Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: Britax Vision Systems (North America) Inc.Inventors: Paul R. Henion, James S. Sturek, Graham B. McCloy, Robert W. Gilbert, Bernard Duroux, Neil J. Francis
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Publication number: 20020179802Abstract: The accessory kit is provided for use with an adjustable hanging system and comprises at least one accessory for engaging a track of the adjustable hanging system for allowing depot and/or wire hanging of an object engaged thereto; at least one accessory for engaging a track of the adjustable hanging system for allowing for transport of an object engaged thereto in a secure and cushioned fashion, or at least one accessory for increasing the distance between the item hung with the hanging system and a supporting surface therefor.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2001Publication date: December 5, 2002Inventor: George Shandor Hayde
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Publication number: 20020149865Abstract: A mirror angle adjustment mechanism assembled by engaging latching members of a support pivot, which have been in the state inserted through openings provided in a second hemisphere portion of a mirror holder inner, with a case pivot. A plurality of elastic plates on the support pivot are compressed against the second hemisphere portion such that the second hemisphere portion is held between the plurality of elastic plates and a first hemisphere portion provided at the case pivot. Since this mirror angle adjustment mechanism requires only three parts, the case pivot, the mirror holder inner and the support pivot, the number of parts can be reduced and ease-of-assembly can be improved.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2002Publication date: October 17, 2002Applicant: c/o KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHOInventor: Narumi Ishigami
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Publication number: 20020109064Abstract: A picture hanger with a height adjustable hook allows the height of the picture to be adjusted from time to time. The hanger uses a back plate on which two opposed crenelated tracks are positioned. Moving in the crenelated tracks are two spring biased crenelated cars. The hook is attached to the crenelated cars. Additional stability is provided to the cars by either a traveling plate which moves between the tracks and the back plate or a traveling block which is slidably mounted in a channel in the back plate and on a rod positioned in the channel of the back plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventor: Michael Zuller
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Patent number: 6371619Abstract: A vehicle door mirror having a housing. The housing connects to a vehicle door via a stem. An intermediate member is inserted between the housing and the vehicle door to effect relatively smooth abutment between the intermediate member and each of the housing and the vehicle door. The cylindrical stem extends from the housing through the intermediate member and through the vehicle door. The stem includes primary engagement members to engage with complementary engagement members formed in a mounting hole of the door. The engagement members prevent removal from the mounting hole when the stem is in a predetermined orientation. A spring is compressed between the housing and the stem to cause retraction of the stem inward of the housing. Such inward movement urges the primary engagement members into engagement with the complementary engagement members.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2000Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Assignee: Britax Wingard LimitedInventors: Andrew J. Assinder, Graham Rehill
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Patent number: 6325519Abstract: A mirror carrier plate assembly is disclosed and is slidably engageable along a sliding direction by a holding plate of a mirror housing for securing the mirror carrier plate to the housing, the holding plate having a first surface opposing the mirror carrier plate, a second surface opposite the first surface, and at least one receiving channel extending from the second surface, the holding plate defining a penetration opening therethrough adjacent the receiving channel. The mirror carrier plate assembly includes a substantially planar mirror carrier plate having a first surface for receiving a mirror and a second surface opposite the first surface, and at least one anchoring element extending from the second surface of the mirror carrier plate, the anchoring element configured to extend through the penetration opening and into the receiving channel, and being slidably receivable in the receiving channel in the sliding direction. A related rear view mirror assembly is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 1999Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: MEKRA Lang GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Heinrich Lang
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Patent number: 6318870Abstract: A ball and toggle assembly for a prismatic interior rearview mirror of a vehicle comprises a ball and body member and a toggle member. The ball and body member and the toggle member are separately formed from separate polymeric materials and joined together. The flexural moduli of the separate materials are selected such that the ball and body member is substantially rigid while the toggle member is flexible. The toggle member is preferably molded over the body member and secured thereto via a mechanical interconnection of the toggle member material to the body member material. Preferably, the ball and body member comprises an engineering polymer, such as a glass-filled thermoplastic material, while the toggle member comprises a polyolefin, such as a homopolymer or co-polymer polypropylene material.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2000Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Ralph A. Spooner, Jerry L. Beck
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Patent number: 6276807Abstract: In a method for mounting first and second adjusting means for pivoting a mirror element about two mutually substantially perpendicular axes in the housing of a mirror to be secured in or to a vehicle, each of the adjusting means is arranged on a mounting plate member, whereafter, depending on the desired distance between the intersection of the axes and the points of application of the adjusting means on the mirror element, the two mounting plate members are positioned relative to each other and, in the relative position they have thus assumed, are mounted in the housing of a mirror. The two mounting plate members are connected for movement relative to each other in the plane of the mounting plate.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2000Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Stefan Frits Brouwer
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Patent number: 6245177Abstract: Use of a piece of adhesive film for bonding a) a plate (6) to an article (5) to be mounted or hung up in such a way that the bond can be separated again without damage and without leaving a residue, by means of b) a double-sided adhesive film (1) having a tab (2) which projects from the adhesive join and which can be pulled in the direction of the bond plane to separate the bond, where c) the plate (6) has a device (7) via which mounting or hanging can take place in a manner known per se, and where d) the bonding is hidden to the viewer of the mounted or hung article (5), if appropriate by the article (5) itself.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 1999Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Assignee: Beiersdorf AGInventor: Bernd Lühmann
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Patent number: 6227675Abstract: An interior rearview mirror for vehicles has a housing having an interior. A mirror support has a first end and a second end, wherein the housing is connected to the first end of the mirror support and wherein the first end projects into the interior of the housing. A mirror pane is mounted in an opening of the housing. A switching member is mounted in the interior of the housing and is pivotable on the first end of the mirror support. An adjusting lever is mounted in the housing and projects from the housing. At least one spring is configured to act on the adjusting lever. The adjusting lever is movable against a force of the at least one spring and acts on the switching member for pivoting the mirror pane from a normal viewing position into a non-glare position. The switching member receives the force of the at least one spring exerted onto the adjusting lever and thus prevents deformation of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2000Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Assignee: Reitter & Schefenacker GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Jens Mertens, Robert Apfelbeck
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Patent number: 6174062Abstract: In an adjustable rearview mirror, especially an outside mirror, for a motor vehicle, whereby a first element (1) is affixable to the vehicle and a second element (2), rotatably attached to the first element (1), has or forms a mount for a mirror (4), whereby the two elements (1, 2) are designed as dish-shaped elements (1, 2) that nest with one another at least partially and are guided or bear against one another via outside and inside areas of contact forming a segment of a spherical surface and whereby a drive (6) is provided between the first and the second element (1, 2) is proposed, characterized in that the outer element (2) is designed on part of its inner surface with a gear-tooth system extending along a circular section of the inner surface of the outer element (2), with which a pinion (8) of a drive (6) mounted in the inside of the inner element (1) meshes for adjustment of the outer element (2) relative to the inner element (1), by which means can be achieved with a simple construction a design thaType: GrantFiled: September 11, 1998Date of Patent: January 16, 2001Assignee: Magna Auteca Zweigniederlassung der Magna Holding AGInventors: Peter Schillegger, Gerald Fink, Wolfgang Pacher
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Patent number: 6132052Abstract: A housing for an actuator assembly for adjusting the orientation of a mirror element in a mirror assembly provides an improved electrical distribution system that eliminates loose wires, most connections, and the need for a seal between the housing and its external connections to a vehicle power supply. The housing includes a housing member supporting at least one actuator motor for driving at least one mirror element positioning member. The positioning member extends from the housing member to engage the mirror element's backing plate. The motor is powered from the vehicle power supply through the electrical distribution system which is molded with the housing member. Preferably, the electrical distribution system includes a plurality of leads that are electrically coupled at their distal ends to a plurality of external connectors, which extend out of the housing member for external connection to the vehicle power supply.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 1999Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: David J. Huizenga, Robert Lee Bingle, Desmond J. O'Farrell, David Kevin Willmore
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Patent number: 6109586Abstract: A rearview mirror support bracket for mounting a reflective element in a rearview mirror assembly housing in which the rearview mirror assembly housing is mounted to a vehicle by a vehicle mounting bracket includes a support bracket having a reinforced polyolefin body, and most preferably a glass filled polypropylene body, with a mounting surface for supporting one of electrical actuator and an adapter member and having an arm for connection to the vehicle mounting bracket. The support arm includes a collar for rotatably mounting the rearview mirror support bracket on a post or pivot of the vehicle mounting bracket and includes a plurality of detents for engaging in spaced recesses of the base of the vehicle mounting bracket for releasably coupling the rearview mirror support bracket to the vehicle mounting bracket. Preferably, the detents comprise a dissimilar material from the support bracket, for example a plastic or metal material.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1998Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventor: Steven G. Hoek
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Patent number: 6062697Abstract: A detachable mirror designed to allow the driver of a vehicle to view the hitch ball when attempting to align the hitch ball with a trailer hitch. The invention has a stable triangular base and an adjustable mast for positioning a small mirror in the correct location.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1998Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Inventors: Larry A. Bryant, Daryl L. Beadle
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Patent number: 6059415Abstract: The rearview mirror, especially for an automobile, has an improved retention device for holding the mirror in a predetermined fixed position. This retention device (6) includes at least one fixing element for securing the mirror supporting arm (3) in a predetermined fixed position relative to its base (4). The fixing element or elements project from an internal surface of the holding member (40) or project from the pivot (30) provided on the supporting arm (3) and each include an elastic element (61) pressing in a radial direction from the holding member (40) toward the pivot (34) or from the pivot (34) to the holding member (40) and a corresponding recess (62) provided in the pivot (30) or in the holding member in which each elastic element (61) engages.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1998Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Assignee: Metagal Industria e Comercio LtdaInventors: Ricardo Poveda Moreno, Fabio Koiti Anze, Paulo Roberto Milani
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Patent number: 6032915Abstract: A device that provides automatic, in situ, continuously adjustable mounting of an item on a vertical support, comprising a first portion affixed to the vertical support, and a second portion that fixedly or releasably engages with the first portion and fixedly attaches to or is incorporated in the reverse side of the item. One or both of the two portions is formed to allow automatic, in situ, continuous vertical adjustment and repositioning with respect to the other portion, and one or both portions may also be formed to allow horizontal adjustment and repositioning with respect to the other portion. Also, a device for horizontally extending the available range of mounting positions for items that need to be supported by a stud.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1997Date of Patent: March 7, 2000Inventor: Thomas J. Brindisi
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Patent number: 5993017Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror has a mirror head carrier and a mirror connected to the mirror head carrier. A cover is slipped onto the mirror head carrier. A spring secures the cover to the mirror head carrier in an unstressed position of the spring. The spring has at least one locking member and the cover has a counter locking member, wherein the at least one locking member engages the counter locking member to secure the cover at the mirror head carrier. The spring has a securing latch securing the spring in an elastically compressed position, wherein the spring in the elastically compressed position releases the cover.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1999Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignee: Reitter & Schefenacker GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Vasile Romas
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Patent number: 5969891Abstract: The multi-use articulation includes a stationary articulation section (10), mounted on the internal face of the rear wall of the housing (2), a moveable articulation section (20) on which the mirror plate (1) is mounted and a U-shaped connecting element (30) for torque adjustment and vibration absorption connecting both sections. The U-shaped connecting element (30) of the articulation sections has respective outwardly extending end portions (31) connected to a pair of opposite hook-shaped projections (23) of the moveable articulation section (20) so that the hook-shaped projections (23) and/or end portions (31) of the U-shaped element (30) can provide an axially tighter or looser assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1998Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: Metagal Industria E Comercio Ltda.Inventors: Dejail Otenio, Roberto Cermak
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Patent number: 5969890Abstract: A vehicle exterior rearview mirror assembly, especially suited for vehicles used for towing trailers, which selectively holds a mirror subassembly in one of a plurality of positions along a mounting arm to provide at least an inboard, non-towing position and an outboard, towing position. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror assembly includes the mirror subassembly, which includes a housing and a reflective element supported in the housing, a mounting bracket adapted for mounting to a vehicle, and a support for mounting the mirror subassembly to the mounting bracket. The support includes a pair of arms which cooperate with the housing to support the mirror subassembly in one of two or more extended positions from the mounting bracket.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 1997Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventor: Peter J. Whitehead
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Patent number: 5878987Abstract: The system for adjustably mounting an item to a vertical surface comprises a track and cooperating slide slidably engaged to one another. One of the system structures engages an item to be mounted and the other of the system structures engages the vertical surface. Relative position between the structures may be adjusted and maintained, with the structures being releasably locked together once engaged. Further, if desired, the system may be engaged to an alarm apparatus to alert of tampering with the system.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1997Date of Patent: March 9, 1999Inventor: George Shander Hayde
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Patent number: 5605313Abstract: A hanger for suspending an object from a vertical surface. The inventive device includes an object mounting assembly for securing to a rear surface of an object. A vertical surface mounting assembly is provided for mounting to a vertical surface such as a wall or a pane of glass. The vertical surface mounting assembly includes a mounting projection received within a central receiver of the object mounting assembly so as to adjustably and removably couple the object to the vertical surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1995Date of Patent: February 25, 1997Inventors: Donald L. Erickson, Linda L. Serna-Erickson
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Patent number: 5584462Abstract: A hanger for adjustably suspending an object from a wall. The inventive device includes a wall bracket securable to a wall surface. An adjustable bracket is slidably positioned through the wall bracket and includes a depending hook for suspending an object. A securing fastener is directed through the adjustable bracket and can be rotatably advanced to lock the adjustable bracket relative to the wall bracket in a desired position.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1995Date of Patent: December 17, 1996Inventor: Douglas M. Reese
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Patent number: 5566030Abstract: A multi-stage adjustable mirror support in a car has a sucker covered by a sucker cover and a post on the sucker. The post passes through the sucker cover. A press body which is on the sucker cover connects the post pivitedly. The front of the sucker cover receives a gear seat. The gear seat has a chamber to receive a gear, a hole and a recess. A lower link has two parallel side plates to receive the front of the sucker cover. The upper end of the lower link receives the lower end of the middle link pivitedly. An upper link has two parallel side plates to receive the upper end of the middle link pivitedly. The interspace between the upper ends of the spaced side plates receives two arms of a swivel. The swivel has a ball end and two parallel arms. Each arm has a central hole. The interspace between two parallel arms receives a gear seat. The gear seat has a chamber to receive a gear, a hole and a recess. The upper link, the gear seat and the swivel are connected pivotedly.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1995Date of Patent: October 15, 1996Inventor: Chin-Chuan Yue
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Patent number: 5523894Abstract: A mirror holder support structure for a collapsible rearview mirror assembly on an automobile includes a mirror holder holding a mirror. The mirror holder has a spherical receptacle on a rear surface, with respect to the orientation of the motor vehicle, of the mirror holder. A support assembly which supports the mirror holder has a front casing member and a rear casing member. The support assembly further includes a pivot support having a spherical portion rotatably fitted in the spherical receptacle whereby the mirror holder is swingably supported on the support assembly, the pivot support being integrally formed on a rear surface of the rear casing member. The front and rear casing members are stiffened by a stiffener disposed in a chamber defined between the front and rear casing members. The pivot support and the front casing member are joined to each other by a fastener such as a screw on the axis of the pivot support.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 1992Date of Patent: June 4, 1996Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Matsuyama SeisakushoInventor: Hideo Koiwai
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Patent number: 5483385Abstract: A side-view mirror comprises a fixed support fixed to the vehicle, and a U-shaped member including a bight portion secured to the fixed support and a plurality of legs extending from the bight portion outwardly from the vehicle. A moveable mirror housing has a receiving portion constructed and arranged to receive the legs of the U-shaped member, the mirror housing being manually engageable to be moved along a length of the legs upon application of sufficient manual force thereto to enable desired lateral positioning thereof for optimal side-view visibility. An engagement element is constructed and arranged to provide sufficient engagement between the receiving portion of the mirror housing and at least one of the legs of the U-shaped member to inhibit unwanted movement of the mirror housing along the legs when application of the manual force thereto is discontinued.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1994Date of Patent: January 9, 1996Assignee: Lowell Engineering Corp.Inventor: Ian Boddy
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Patent number: 5480120Abstract: An adjustable hanger apparatus is provided for hanging an object on a vertical surface and includes a first hanger assembly for mounting on the vertical surface and a second hanger assembly for mounting on the object. The first hanger assembly includes a first connector portion. The second hanger assembly includes a longitudinal axis and includes a plurality of second connection portions arrayed along the longitudinal axis. The second connection portions are adapted to connect to the first connector portion of the first hanger assembly, such that, when a selected second connection portion is connected to the first connector portion, the object hangs by the second hanger assembly and the first hanger assembly next to the vertical surface. Adjustment of vertical position of the object on the vertical surface is obtained by selecting a specific second connection portion along the longitudinal axis.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1994Date of Patent: January 2, 1996Inventor: Bobby R. Bruner
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Patent number: 5432643Abstract: An auxiliary mirror device is for securing to a rear view mirror of a vehicle, and includes a base secured to the rear view mirror and a housing rotatable relative to the base. The housing includes a tapered portion for engaging with an optical reflecting member which includes an angular position that may be adjusted relative to the base when the housing is rotated relative to the base. The housing includes a tooth for engaging with a number of teeth formed in the base so as to position the housing relative to the base.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1994Date of Patent: July 11, 1995Inventor: Chi S. Huang
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Patent number: D449775Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2000Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Assignee: Street Scene Manufacturing, Inc.Inventor: Tony J Ervolina