Abstract: A vehicle rear view mirror includes a mirror body coupled to a base by a coupler, the coupler includes a bolt engaged to the base and a ball disposed on an upper portion of the bolt, and a shell force-fitted on the ball and embedded within the body such that the body is stably supported in place.

Abstract: A system mounting rain gutters end-to-end to a structure enabling cleaning of gutter sections by lowering a first end of a gutter section relative to a second end thereof, the system comprising a substantially U-shaped hinge member with a substantially U-shaped pivotable member connected thereto for pivotably supporting the second end of the gutter section. A wedge-shaped releasable member having a movable plate locked thereto releasably supports the first end of the gutter section.

Abstract: A rearview mirror with an operating condition display to be positioned in front of a driver's seat within the passenger cabin of a vehicle is composed of an operating display provided with an operating condition display portion visible through the windshield by illumination of preselected portions thereof and a rearview mirror which is capable of being adjusted to a predetermined angle of use with respect to the operating condition display construction.

Abstract: This specification relates to the invention of a vehicular visual safety device. The device utilizes a planar object, and an opposed convex reflecting mirror mounted on the inside surface of a vehicle windshield enabling the driver to see objects lateral, forward and below the level of the front windshield and front portion of the vehicle on the side of the vehicle opposite and lateral to the driver (passenger side) which heretofore encompassed a dangerous blind spots.

Abstract: A ferrule for use in a rain gutter to surround a spike which connects the gutter to a supporting wall, with the gutter beneath an overhanging roof edge. The ferrule has a bore formed with internal longitudinal ribs angularly spaced from each other to define channels. The spike has corners which fit into the channels whereby the ferrule is held against rotation relative to the spike.

Abstract: A rain gutter assembly including an elongated trough-like rain gutter having a rear wall, a trough and a leaf guard integrally connected by a pair of living hinges, grommets adapted to house a fastener for supporting the rain gutter, and a connector for sealingly connecting a pair of closely-spaced, aligned rain gutters.

Abstract: An elongated strip of extruded plastics material includes a generally flat longitudinally extending inner portion adapted to project under the shingles of a roof and a longitudinally extending outer portion adapted to seat on the outer edge portion of a rain gutter and project outwardly from the gutter to form a drip lip spaced from the gutter. A longitudinally extending intermediate portion of the strip integrally connects the inner portion to the outer portion and has a rounded nose surface above a U-shaped channel portion having longitudinally spaced slots for directing water from the inner portion into the gutter and for deflecting leaves and other debris onto the outer portion of the strip for dropping from the drip lip. A tab projects outwardly from the channel portion for hooking or retaining the strip onto the outer edge portion of the gutter.

Abstract: A manually operated remote control type door mirror having a base unit and a bracket unit which are separate from each other and can be assembled integrally, wherein the base unit comprises an attaching stay to be attached on the side of a vehicle body, a base extended from the attaching stay, a manipulation lever supported turnably to the attaching stay with one end being protruded to the inside of the vehicle body and with the other end being exposed to the inside of a recess formed in the base, and the bracket unit comprises a cylindrical member having one end to be combined with the recess of the base and a shaft having one end extended from the cylindrical member a bracket supported to the cylindrical member and a mirror tiltably held to the bracket and connected by way of a link mechanism to the mirror and the other end.

Abstract: An auxiliary mirror that can be easily attached to a vehicle's existing rear-view mirror to improve visibility of the back seat or blind spots. The auxiliary mirror is mounted on a pair of telescoping brackets for attachment on either side and above or below the existing rear-view mirror. The pair of L-shaped brackets have intersecting back plates and arms that clamp onto the upper and lower edges of the existing rear-view mirror. The brackets are clamped with a finger nut and bolt in one embodiment and with a stiff coil spring in another.

Abstract: A rear view mirror mounted on an interior surface of a vehicle has a base, a frame and a stay. The frame arranged on an upper surface of the stay contains an elastic engaging means including an arc-shaped leaf spring and on an inside wall surface of a cavity of the base, dents are formed for elastically receiving stoppers of respective ends of the arc-shaped leaf spring when the frame is engaged in the cavity. When an external force is applied to the stay, the stay easily drops out of the base due to removing the stopper from the dent.

Abstract: A hinged support assembly for mounting a swinging and dumping type rain gutter beneath the eaves on the fascia boards. The support comprises a bracket component and a wraparound hanger component mounting the gutters between an operative position wherein they underlie the eaves and an inverted position wherein they discharge their contents and are subject to washing by means of a hose. The support assembly is applicable for use with all of the usual gutter arrangements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hook having a spiral, curved in such a way so as to exert pressure on most curved or bent surfaces, such as a rain gutter, from which it may be hung. The hook is designed to have a wire of Christmas lights or other type of cord passed through the opposite end. In operation, the hook is held tightly against the gutter wall by the curvature of its spiral shape. The disclosed technique allows the application and removal of the device and Christmas lights without using a ladder or requiring any permanent modification of the home.

Abstract: A mechanism for protecting an eavestrough against the accumulation of leaves and other debris. Apertured cover plates are positioned along the eavestrough to intercept water descending from the roof into the trough. The water passes through the apertures, while the debris is trapped on the cover plate surface. Debris accumulations on the cover plate can be removed by a sweeper mechanism that is movable longitudinally along the cover plate surface. An angled blade on the sweeper mechanism plows the debris forwardly off the front edge of the cover plate.

Abstract: A support tube including inter-folded legs is readily mounted upon a support surface, with a telescoping rod received within the tube. The upper terminal end of the rod includes a socket connection mounting rotatably therewithin a convex mirror for positioning rearwardly of a vehicle to permit an operator to visually observe operation of tail light assemblies of the vehicle. A modification of the invention includes signal alert apparatus removably mounted to the rod for use as an alert device during maintenance of vehicular light assemblies.

Abstract: A motor-powered adjustable rear view mirror for motor vehicles, particularly lorries, comprises a housing which supports and accommodates a mirror glass. Positioning drives are provided by means of which the housing can be pivoted and adjusted about two pivot axes which extend substantially at right angles to each other. In order to make the mirror of the simplest possible construction and so that it can be easily assembled and has a shallow but very stable design, each positioning drive is stationary in relation to the housing and is coupled via a slider-crank transmission to a base plate, the slider-crank transmission comprising a crank and a push rod connected thereto via a crank joint. The push rod is coupled to the base plate via a sliding bearing.

Abstract: A motor vehicle auxiliary front view mirror, comprising a base attached to the front window frame of a motor vehicle for holding a mirror through a toggle linkage. The toggle linkage has a ball portion at one end fastened in a ball socket on the base and adjustably stopped at a desired position against a packing block, and a split flange at an opposite end movably retained in a ball joint inside a ball socket on the back of the mirror permitting the mirror to be rotated on the split flange for angle position change.

Abstract: A U-shaped clamp fastens to a boat windshield frame with set screws and incorporates a protruding member having a recess with a hemispherical radius at the inner end and a straight bore tapped with internal threads at the outer end. A ball having a matching radius is held captive in the recess by a nut that engages the internal threads. The nut has a partial radius that matches the radius of the ball. A slotted elongated arm fastens to a mirror at the slotted end, and has an elbow at the other end that passes through a large opening in the nut and fastens to the ball. Another embodiment has a ball mounted on the protruding member that mates with a cylindrical ball socket member having a ledge at one end adapted to engage the ball. The ball socket member has a split that is squeezed together to hold the ball. Another embodiment has a cylindrical pivot member rather than a ball-socket pivot. In one embodiment the protruding member is formed as an integral part of the boat windshield frame.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a gutter ferrule comprised of a plastic material, such as ABS or polypropolene. The advantages of producing the ferrule from a plastic material include the ability to injection mold the ferrule such that the entire piece is continuous without any seams. The plastic ferrule is generally a tubular shape in which one end has a funnel portion formed to it in a continuous fashion. The funnel portion enables a worker to more easily guide a support spike through the gutter walls and gutter ferrule into a support structure such as the eave of a roof. In the preferred embodiment, the funnel portion has a generally rectangular opening, however, other shapes offer the same advantages.

Abstract: The improved gutter shield assembly is arranged for attachment to a roof constructed of partially overlapping shingles which define thin spaces between them. The shield assembly includes a mesh-like barrier which prevents debris from entering the gutter. The barrier has a plurality of openings for permitting the passage of water from the shingles through the barrier and into the rain gutter below. Attachment devices which are devoid of nails are used to attach the shield assembly. Such attachment devices may include J-shaped hooks, bent tabs or both. The barrier is thereby attached while yet avoiding piercing of shingles and consequent impairment of the rainproof integrity of such shingles. In another embodiment, the barrier is permanently attached to the roof.

Abstract: A vehicle external rear view mirror assembly comprising a frame, a mirror secured in frame, a base for securing the frame with the mirror to a vehicle body, a lever assembly for rotatably connecting the frame with the mirror to the base, and an articulation assembly for pivotally attaching the frame with the mirror to the lever assembly.

Abstract: The auxiliary external rear view mirror set has a smaller auxiliary convex mirror mounted on a smooth comparatively larger base mirror so that the smaller auxiliary convex mirror may be tilted to a limited extent to more precisely position the wide angle field of view it provides. The convex mirror is attached to a tilting plate by an adhesive means. The tilting plate has a central projecting member with a cavity. A support plate attached to the smooth base mirror by another adhesive means has a corresponding central bar with a spherical head which engages in the cavity of the tilting plate so that the convex mirror and tilting plate are pivotable. Stop pieces mounted on the support plate spaced from the central bar are positioned to be engagable with offset members attached to the rear side of the tilting plate so that the tilting of the convex mirror is limited to some extent.

Abstract: A clip for supporting a guard screen on a rain gutter to keep leaves and other debris from entering the gutter, the clip extending from an outer to an inner wall of the gutter and having means for attaching the clip thereto, the screen being supported on the clip, means being provided to attach the screen to the clip preventing upward movement of the screen relative to the clip and longitudinal movement of the screen relative to the gutter.

Abstract: An eavestrough fitting according to the present invention comprises a moulded plastic member having an improved gasket secured thereto. The gasket has at least two ribs extending across the member and up the sides thereof with the ribs sized to form a seal with an appropriately shaped eavestrough inserted within the fitting. The moulded plastic member has a generally flat base connected to outwardly angled sidewalls which terminate in a short vertical section. The gasket conforms to the shape of the moulded plastic member and includes a raised land interior to the ribs. This raised land limits the extent of deformation of the ribs while providing a resilient base for supporting the eavestrough section within the fitting. The raised land allows the eavestrough section interior to the ribs to be in contact with the land and the lower surface of the eavestrough such that grit and other debris has less of a tendency to become lodged beneath the eavestrough section.

Abstract: An eavestrough fitting according to the present invention comprises a body portion of a shape generally corresponding to the eavestrough to be axially received therein, with a fitting on the interior surface including an abutment member positioned to limit the extent to which an eavestrough is axially inserted within the fitting. Retaining tabs extend above and project outwardly from the abutment member and define a slot like opening between the retaining tabs and interior surface of the fitting into which an end portion of the eavestrough is inserted and retained. A sealing arrangement is moulded to the fitting on the interior surface of the fitting in front of the retaining tabs and forms an effective seal between the lower surface of the eavestrough and the eavestrough fitting. This fitting allows for an effective method of joining lengths of eavestrough, whether they be symmetrical or nonsymmetrical, and positively retain the eavestrough within the fitting.

Abstract: A plurality of spaced brackets each has mutually perpendicular first and second legs with a lip upstanding from the end of one of the legs. A third leg extends from the upstanding second leg parallel to the first leg and overhangs the first leg. A bracket mounting flange extends from the end of the third leg for securing the bracket to the face of a fascia board, the first, second and third legs being beneath the soffit region. The lip and legs are so dimensioned and spaced to releaseably secure a standard K-gutter thereto without additional fasteners. The gutter is partially under the soffit. A sheet layer has an edge beneath the shingles and curves around in front of and below the fascia above the gutter mouth forming a relatively small entrance region with the gutter. The apex of the curve extends beyond the gutter so that debris carried by water run off falls to the ground while the run off flows around the layer into the gutter.

Abstract: A mechanically adjustable rear-view mirror has a mounting unit (7) to attach it to a truck. A servomotor unit (20) is mounted between a base plate (18) attached to the mounting unit and a support plate (19) running roughly parallel to the base plate. The base plate is firmly attached to a housing (1) containing the mirror (3). The servomotor unit (20) contains two servomotors (31, 32) which are attached to the support plate (19) and connected to the base plate (18) via actuators (37, 38) and universal joints (41, 42). In addition, a bearing support (43) which is also connected to the base plate (18) by a universal joint (44) is attached to the support plate (19). A pair of universal joints (41, 44 or 42, 44) form a pivot axis for the opposite servomotor (31, 32). This construction is simple, is easy to install and is very stable.

Abstract: A gutter guard formed of a flexible strip of lattice-like plastic or expanded metal material has an upper edge insertable beneath the lower ends of the lowermost course of shingles overlying the gutter of a sloped roof, and has a lower edge which extends over and around the upper outer gutter edge. Tabs cut into material above the lower edge of the strip can be easily depressed downwardly by hand during installation to engage from below the underside of the inwardly facing lip at the outer gutter edge. Alternating flaps formed between the tabs, or a continuous outer edge extending along the tabs, project beyond the tabs and fold in line with the lower tab ends to hook over and around the gutter lip. The hooked outer edge is either flat initially and plastically deformable at installation over the gutter edge, or it is preformed into a hook extending below the tab ends. The material is sufficiently flexible so as to package in a roll.

Abstract: A side view mirror assembly having a housing and a spring biased mirror installed within the housing, the mirror having its reflecting surface facing outwardly of the housing, and a mirror orientation adjusting assembly including a pair of nested hemispheres detachably engaged for limited movement one relative to the other, one of said hemispheres having the mirror secured thereto, a clamp including a high strength spring arranged to immobilize said hemispheres in an effectively locked condition, and an electromagnet disposed when energized to reduce the effective force of the spring on the clamp so as to permit limited movement of the mirror carrying hemisphere for adjusting the orientation thereof. A suitable switch is coupled between the electromagnet and the vehicle battery, the ignition switch of the vehicle being interposed between said first mentioned switch and the vehicle battery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel removable, yet secure, gutter and fastener system. More particularly, the invention relates to elongated roof gutter sections which include a bottom member and a front wall and a rear wall attached lengthwise along the member's opposite edges thereby forming a channel. The gutter sections further include an overhanging lip consisting of the bottom member and protruding away from the channel at either end of the channel. The elongated roof gutter sections are removably mounted using a hook and slot, or an interlocking flange system to an elongated fastener member which, in turn, is mounted along the roof line of a building.

Abstract: A blind spot mirror to be adhesively mounted on an inner surface of a windshield. The mirror is mounted on a flat surface on a friction ball which is part of a ball joint for adjusting the mirror.

Abstract: Bracket unit for fixing a gutter to an eaves section (1), comprising fixing means consisting of a bolt (6) for insertion through a bore formed in the eaves, and mating therewith a nut (4), a bracket part (10; 31; 35, 36), a curved bottom end part of which is suitable for supporting the gutter, and an elongated supporting part (3; 20) with an insertion space (8; 29) for the accommodation and retention therein of the other, top end part (9; 30; 37) of the bracket part (10; 31; 35, 36), a supporting surface to be fitted against a bottom side of the eaves, and a bore (12, 15; 25) for passage of the bolt (6), said bore being directed at right angles to the supporting surface and running through the supporting surface, and also comprising positioning means for positioning the supporting part (3; 20) and the bracket part (10; 31; 35; 36) relative to each other from a number of positions, while the supporting part (3; 20) consists of only one part which is to be fitted on the bottom side of the roof section (1), and

Abstract: A relatively small convex mirror is retractably mounted to a housing, located at the roof-line of a vehicle at the center windshield area for movement between a use position extended from the housing to permit a front seat occupant to view the face of a rear seat occupant and a stored position retracted within the housing.

Abstract: A swivel mount for a radiation shield having a bearing mounted at the end of a support arm with the bearing engaged to the shield between clamping members proximate the balance center of the radiation shield whereby the shield can be positioned at variable orientations.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating a driver's side view mirror in a motor vehicle that has a directional indicator lever is provided and consists of a structure for adjustably holding a mirror within a housing in which the housing is secured on an outer surface of the driver's side of the motor vehicle. A mechanism is electrically activated by the directional indicator lever for moving the mirror from a normal position into the passing position so that a driver within the motor vehicle can see into the passing lane in order to safely steer the motor vehicle into the passing lane. The mechanism then moves the mirror back into the normal position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-purpose universal fit roof-rain gutter protection system which is useful in keeping debris out of roof-rain gutters and drain spouts. The roof-rain gutter shield comprises an elongated resilient weather-proof planar sheet which has a linear gutter lip engaging inverted "L" surface along one of its elongated sides and on the opposite elongated side, has a plurality of fingers extending in series perpendicularly from the edge of the sheet. The sheet has in the central area a plurality of elongated openings arranged in rows and extending laterally along the sheet relative to the length of the sheet. The sheet may also have a series of auxiliary openings between the inverted "L" surface and the central area openings.

Abstract: A mirror assembly for use in observing an infant during travel in a vehicle in which the infant is located in a rear seat and faces toward the back of the vehicle is provided. The assembly includes a plate having a mirrored surface and a plate support having a plate receptacle on one side for holding an image forming surface of the plate in an outwardly exposed position. The plate support also has a tapered cross section in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plate with the width at the top of the support being larger than that at the bottom. Strap means are connected to the support and can be coupled to a rear seat back so as to hold the support in a selected lateral and vertical position on the seat back.

Abstract: A foldable mounting assembly for a vehicle accessory includes a base attached to a vehicle headliner and having a stem extending therefrom for attachment of a vehicle accessory such as a rearview mirror to an end of the stem opposite the base. A spring-loaded cam cooperatively interconnects the end of the stem to the base such that the stem and accessory attached thereto can be moved from a stored position closely adjacent the headliner for shipment thereof to a lowered locked-in-place use position.

Abstract: An exterior mirror for a vehicle includes a mirror housing in which a mirror is fixed and which is held in normal use position on a mirror mounting and can be swung forwards and backwards relative to the mirror mounting, with a retention member fixed on the mirror mounting extending into the mirror housing. One part of the mirror mounting protrudes from the vehicle body when fitted on the vehicle body so that, in the normal use position, the mirror housing completely laterally surrounds the one part of the mirror mounting, and an edge of the mirror housing which is at the mirror mounting side, rests without pressure against the vehicle body. Furthermore, a retention member which is fixed on the mirror mounting and extends into the mirror housing has at least one flexible band which is anchored at one end at the mirror mounting and extends through a slot in a transverse wall of the mirror housing, the transverse wall being situated at the mirror mounting side.

Abstract: A gutter assembly with a leaf and pine needle guard for attachment along the roof edge of a structure. Mounting brackets are provided for securing the assembly to the structure along its length. The gutter assembly includes a curved water shed surface with a plurality of openings along its vertical portion which selectively allow the water to enter the gutter positioned below while excluding pine needles, leaves and other debris from engagement within the gutter.

Abstract: A breakaway rear vision mirror has a mounting base and a pivoted assembly. A control lever is pivoted to the base and coupled to a mirror backing plate which carries a mirror, which is adjusted for position by the lever.The hinge between the mounting base and pivoted assembly is releasable, but held together by a spring which co-acts between the pivoted assembly and the lever, thereby applying a pressure which urges the lever into firm frictional contact with the mounting base and tends to retain the mirror in its set position.

Abstract: A breakaway rear vision mirror assembly having a mounting frame and a pivoted assembly which carries the mirror, the pivoted assembly being coupled to the mounting frame by means of an elongate U-shaped spring, the ends of which are coupled to the mounting frame and an intermediate portion which bears on the pivoted assembly to return the pivoted assembly to a usable position after it has been deflected.

Abstract: A rear vision mirror assembly has a mounting member to which a mirror backing plate is pivoted for tilting about two planes (a "universal" tilt), a mirror carried on the backing plate, and a blade which projects from the mounting plate and which frictionally engages a metal spring retainer or spring retainers.

Abstract: A side-mounted rear view mirror for automobiles is formed by mounting a pair of component mirrors, rigidly supported in close side-by-side relationship with their reflective surfaces lying in a common plane, to the door, or directly to the frame of the vehicle, adjacent the driver's or passenger's side window. The mounting means position one of the component mirrors outside the vehicle and the other inside the vehicle and allow the component mirrors to be rotated as a unit about common vertical and horizontal axes to accommodate the driver's size and posture.

Abstract: An angle adjusting apparatus for a percussion instrument has a ball member and a seat in slidable contact with the ball member. One of the ball member and the seat is mounted on a musical instrument support member of a musical instrument stand. The other of the ball member and the seat is mounted integrally with a musical instrument housing. Such construction of the angle adjusting apparatus makes a player's angle adjusting work of the percussion instrument easier, so that the player has no need to adjust it in an unnatural posture.

Abstract: This invention relates to rain gutter devices, and in one embodiment comprises a bracket for use in supporting a rain-water deflector. The bracket is in the form of a flat continuum having a straight upper section and a double-reverse lower section. The lowermost portion includes a tab adapted for receiving the top edge of an associated rain-gutter. The upper section includes tabs for insertion into corresponding apertures in associated rain-water deflectors. Other embodiments include such brackets in combination with rain-water deflectors having bracket tab apertures, each of which consists of a central opening and side-openings that are separated from their associated central opening by a narrow web. Thereby, upon movement of the rain-water shield in its long dimension as a result of thermal expansion and contraction, the associated bracket tabs will break through the webs, eliminating restraint on migration of the shields and avoiding buckling of the rain-water shield.

Abstract: A plastic gutter or eavestrough hanger for plastic symmetrical guttering with a cantilever support member with a lip or plurality of lips to interact with a similar corresponding lip or lips on symmetrical guttering to provide vertical support with lateral rigidity while allowing relative motion between the gutter hanger and the symmetrical guttering during times of expansion and contraction.

Abstract: A screen guard for covering eaves troughs on buildings. A screen which is framed with smooth rounded edging is laid atop the roof above the gutter edge and held tightly in place with a clip specifically shaped to grip the outermost gutter lip, support the framed screen and press the screen downward onto the roof. A small extension of the clip inward toward the roof permits the clip to support the screen during installation, and to guide it as it is locked into place.

Abstract: A universal mounting system for attaching replacement gutters to the roof of a building which has roof shingles already in place. It is particularly applicable in those instances in which an elongated hanger strap extends upwardly at longitudinally spaced locations along the length of commonly available gutter hardware. An elongated anchor plate is employed in conjunction with each hanger strap and has a width substantially greater than that of its associated hanger strap. In one instance, the anchor plate is folded about a transverse fold line so as to define a nailing pad and a support pad. An elongated, laterally extending, slot is formed adjacent the fold line to define a mounting strip between the slot and the fold line. The anchor plate is slipped under the roof shingles so as not to be visible and is positioned such that the slot is just exposed, then is attached to the roof by means of a nail piercing the nailing pad only.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a bilayer or antilacerative windshield comprised of a rigid substrate and an innerliner, including the steps of producing a hole in the innerliner, assembling the rigid substrate and the innerliner together in interfacial relation to each other, and then placing an insert into the hole. Thereafter, the rigid substrate and the innerliner are laminated together to thereby provide the antilacerative windshield, the insert serving to prevent flow of the innerliner into the hole during the laminating step. After the laminating step is completed, the insert is removed from the hole, to thereby open the hole to expose the adjacent surface of the rigid substrate. The mounting pad or "button" of a rear view mirror is then affixed to the exposed surface of the rigid substrate.

Abstract: A torque-limiting device for a mechanism controlling a vehicle rearview mirror in which the mirror is fixed on a supporting member mounted for pivoting about two perpendicular axes, on a yoke integral with a baseplate mounted in the casing. The tubular extension with the threaded portion of the control members is produced from a deformable material and is provided with at least one axial slot issuing into one of the ends of the tubular extension in such a way that any force applied axially on the control member enables the threaded end portion to disengage from the threaded hole, and the pinions are mounted on the bottom of a casing by way of a ball joint which is resiliently held in position so that the control members are always in alignment with the axis of the driving pinions.