Abstract: An extendable exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror subassembly, a bracket which is adapted for mounting to a vehicle, and a support which mounts the mirror subassembly to the bracket. Support extends into the housing which is movable along the support. The housing includes a retracted position and at lease one outboard position, which define a direction of extension. The mirror assembly further includes a drive assembly which is supported in the housing and drivingly coupled to the support. The drive assembly selectively moves the housing along the support. The mirror assembly further includes a clutch mechanism which drivingly decouples the drive assembly from the support when a force of sufficient magnitude is applied to the housing in the direction of extension such that the housing can be manually moved along the support.

Abstract: An automobile rearview mirror mount assembly adapted to mount sensors and wiring for automotive occupancy sensing (AOS) systems for sensing the nature or type of occupant and the location of the occupant with respect to the vehicle interior, particularly AOS systems employing Keep-Out-Zone-Incursion (KOZI) sensors. The mirror mount assembly provides a protected conduit for AOS wiring independent of the windshield, allowing windshield replacement without the removal or possible damage to the wiring. The mirror mounting assembly is characterised by a elongated cantilevered arm extension of the mirror mount, the arm being pivoted from the vehicle roof or a roof- or header-mounted AOS console, The mirror mounting assembly includes a bracket incorporating one or more AOS sensor(s), preferably a Keep-Out-Zone-Incursion (KOZI) sensor(s). The cantilevered arm carries the electronic connections linking the sensors to the AOS system.

Abstract: The tape comprises a self-adhesive strip intended to be applied on an object, a backing strip covering one side of the adhesion strip and which is pulled off the adhesion strip after this strip is applied, additional means of adherence provided on the backing strip increasing the adhesive force between the backing strip and the adhesion strip and avoiding the curling of the latter when is applied.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror system for use in a vehicle includes an information display providing the status of a supplemental inflatable restraint system (SIRS) to the driver or a passenger in the vehicle. The SIRS status information display includes a light-emitting display element responsive to the SIRS to indicate enablement of the SIRS, and preferably to an automatic occupant sensor included in the SIRS. Preferably, the display includes indicia, such as air bag active or air bag inactive indicia, and at least one light source for backlighting the indicia. A photo sensor may be included to vary the brightness of the display in relation to the ambient light level adjacent the assembly, or to control the variable reflectance of a reflective, electro-optic mirror element in the assembly or to control a twilight headlight sentinel of the vehicle. A second information display may be included in the assembly to display other information related to the vehicle or vehicle accessories.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly incorporating one or more vehicle information displays includes an information display area in a portion of the rearview mirror housing which is at an angle to the plane of the reflective mirror element to provide improved visibility of the display by a front seat passenger. The information display can be provided in either the chin or eyebrow area of the rearview mirror housing, in the end of the mirror housing, or, alternately, in the field of view of the reflective mirror element itself or as a combination thereof.

Abstract: An electrically operable pivoting mechanism (10) for causing a mirror housing (3) of a wing mirror to pivot. The mirror housing can be brought from any position into any other position manually, and can be brought from any position into the normal operational position electrically by means of the mechanism (10). The mechanism (10) has a construction which is simple an an therefor be easily manufactured. The mechanism comprises a plurality of arcuate grooves and corresponding configured projections engaging the grooves for defining the extreme positions of the mirror housing.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly, especially suited for towing vehicles, includes a dual purpose spring that provides a break-away feature and holds a mirror subassembly in one of a plurality of positions along a mounting arm. The exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a housing supporting a reflective element, a mounting bracket adapted for mounting to a vehicle, and an arm supporting the housing and mounted to the mounting bracket. The arm is adapted to pivot about the mounting bracket between a normal operating position and a folded, break-away position and includes a spring cooperating with the arm to selectively bias the arm into frictional engagement with the housing to hold the housing and mirror-subassembly in a fixed position along the arm and with the mounting bracket to hold the arm in one of the two positions.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A rearview mirror support and information display assembly for vehicles includes a rigid mirror stay preferably having a mirror support for an independently adjustable rearview mirror and a breakaway mount which releasably couples the stay and any supported rearview mirror to a windshield mounted button or a header mounted base such that the entire assembly is released on impact. An information display is positioned on the assembly adjacent the position of a rearview mirror when supported thereon to convey information to the vehicle driver/occupants. Preferably, the display is mounted in a housing which conceals a light source or other emitter for the display, the housing being removably secured to the mirror stay to allow servicing and access to a concealed wire passageway.

Abstract: A support structure for a motorcycle's rearview mirror is constructed so as to dampen any vibrations which would normally be transmitted to the rearview mirror, and to reduce the risk of rattling noises in the rearview mirror assembly. The support structure includes a mirror stay, in the form of an elongated tubular extension, which serves to distance the rearview mirror from the motorcycle. One end of the mirror stay is connected to the motorcycle through a mirror stay supporting structure, which allows the mirror stay to rotate within a limited range. A rearview mirror housing is connected to the other end of the mirror stay. The connection between the mirror stay and the rearview mirror housing is accomplished by a rearview mirror main body supporting structure. The rearview mirror main body supporting structure allows the mirror housing to assume various orientations relative to the mirror stay.

Abstract: An escape device for an inner mirror includes a stay base mounted on a ceiling of a cabin of a vehicle a stay suspended from and supported by the stay base and connected to the stay base pivotably about an axis extending horizontally in the direction of width of the vehicle, the stay having a mirror body attached to a lower portion thereof, and a stop mechanism provided between the stay base and the stay for stopping the pivotal movement of the stay about the axis relative to the stay base and thereby holding the stay in a suspended state in a normal mode of use and, when an external force exceeding a predetermined value is applied to the stay in the forward direction of the vehicle, disengaging the stay by the external force to allow the pivotal movement of the stay about the axis.

Abstract: A breakaway mirror assembly includes a housing forming a cavity therein. The housing has an opening in an end thereof. An applique is fixedly coupled to the door of an automotive vehicle. A pairs of springs has one end mounted to the applique on a pair of spring mounts. The other end of springs extend into the housing through the opening in the housing. An elongated bracket is connected to the opposite end of each spring. The spring force applied to the housing through the bracket holds the housing to the applique during operation of the automotive vehicle.

Abstract: A glass holding device of the invention is provided for easily attaching and positioning a glass plate to an upper flange. The glass holding device includes a stopper base to be attached to the upper flange, and a stopper to be attached to the glass plate. The stopper base includes a fitting hole for receiving a rising wall of the upper flange therein, a first engaging portion situated at a side near the fitting hole, and an abutment portion situated at a lower side of the fitting hole to support a lower side of the upper flange when the stopper base engages the upper flange. The stopper includes a base portion attached to the glass plate, a leg extending downwardly from the base portion, and a second engaging portion formed at a distal end of the leg. The second engaging portion engages the first engaging portion to hold the glass plate.

Abstract: A regulated attachment for mounting a rearview mirror to a button having a surface thereon secured to a surface of a vehicle windshield. The button has lateral side surfaces facing away from each other and toward the windshield to define a groove therewith. The bracket includes a body member having a rearview mirror supporting structure thereon and a mounting for a spring clip. The spring clip includes side walls for gripping and securing the body member to the button. The spring clip further includes an elongated base portion and longitudinally extending and laterally spaced resilient side flanges projecting from the base portion and away from the body member. Each of the side flanges extend parallel to a respective side surface and define a tongue adapted to be slidably received in a corresponding one of the grooves in a tongue and groove fashion.

Abstract: An external mirror for a motor vehicle includes a mirror base attachable to the vehicle, a mirror head which bears a mirror, which head can be rotated relative to the base by a motor, and which is mounted on the mirror base by an articulation, and when subjected to an impulse can yield in a deflection direction in which it is tilted toward the vehicle from the operating position of the mirror head. The articulation includes a tubular element fixed to the mirror base, and the articulation further has a bushing which is pressed coaxially over the tubular element by a spring, and a mechanism for limiting the rotational excursion of the mirror head around the tubular element.

Abstract: A is a pivot connection and detent mechanism for a vehicle mirror (10) comprising:a mounting bracket (14) that is attached to a motor vehicle having at least one pivot connection member a mirror assembly (11) including a mirror and at least one pivot connection for pivotal connection to the pivot connection member or members of the mounting bracket to allow angular movement of the mirror assembly (11) with respect to the mounting bracket (14), at least one detent recess (30) on at least one of the pivot connection members of either the mounting bracket (14) or the mirror assembly (11), a resilient arm held at its first end with respect to the pivot connection member that connects to the other pivot connection member with the detent recess (30), and a detent member (30) located at the second end of the resilient arm (40). The detent member (44) is positioned so that it engages the detent recess (30) to hold the mirror assembly (11) with respect to the mounting bracket (14).

Abstract: A movement actuator includes first and second modules that are constructed to fit together in different manners. The first module includes first and second actuator parts mounted for rotation relative to one another, a gear wheel rotatable arranged in the second actuator part, and a transmission system including a coupler coupled to the gear wheel and a worm wheel. The second module includes a motor housing and an electromotor mounted in the housing and having a drive shaft having mounted thereon a worm. When the two modules are coupled together, in any of the different manners, the worm engages the worm wheel, thereby coupling the electromotor through the transmission system and gear wheel to the actuator parts. As a result, the electromotor is operable to rotate the actuator parts relative to each other.

Abstract: A breakaway mounting assembly supports a rearview mirror or other accessory on an improved windshield mounted button. The mounting assembly includes a base having a mount for the accessory or mirror, and a plurality of resilient flanges which engage, hold, and center the assembly on the button but flex to release the assembly if impacted from virtually any direction. Preferably, the resilient flanges are formed in one piece with a retainer mounted on the base by a plurality of mounting flanges also formed in one piece with the retainer and engaging a shoulder on the base. An open release space is defined between a pair of the flanges, while the base has an unobstructed open area aligned with the release space through which the button may be released when the mirror or accessory is impacted directly from the mirror reflecting surface. An inclined wall surface on the base cams the assembly off the button when the mirror or accessory is impacted from the side.

Abstract: A positioning device intended for use in a housing of a car sideview mirror to turn the housing to a viewing position where the driver is allowed to have a rear view, a front parking position where the rear side of the housing is generally parallel with the car body and to a rear parking position where the mirror side of the housing is generally parallel with the car body, has a stationary member to be coupled to a base of the sideview mirror and a rotary member to be coupled to the housing. The stationary member has a pair of arcuate grooves formed therein and the rotary member has also a pair of arcuate grooves therein correspondingly to those in the stationary member. The corresponding arcuate grooves in the stationary and rotary members define together regions, respectively, in each of which a ball is retained so as to roll. Also a stopping mechanism is provided between the rotary and stationary members to limit the turning of the housing to a predetermined range.

Abstract: A vehicle mirror assembly comprising a housing assembly, a mirror unit, a support assembly to support the housing assembly, a power operated pivot assembly between the support assembly and the housing assembly to enable the housing assembly to be pivoted with respect to the support assembly about a generally upright axis (1) between an operative position and a folded position in response to the power operation of the pivot assembly and (2) from the operative position thereof in either direction in response to an unwanted impact blow applied in either direction thereto. A spring biased pivotal control system is disposed between a movable tubular member of the pivot assembly and the support assembly to provide a control resistance to pivotal movement of the movable tubular member and hence the housing assembly connected thereto.

Abstract: A vehicle mirror assembly comprising a housing assembly, a mirror unit, a support assembly to support the housing assembly thereon, a power operated pivot assembly between the support assembly and the housing assembly to enable the housing assembly to be pivoted with respect to the support assembly about a generally upright axis (1) between an operative position and a folded position in response to the power operation of the pivot assembly and (2) from the operative position thereof in either direction in response to an unwanted impact blow applied in either direction thereto. A spring biased pivotal control system is disposed between a movable tubular member of the pivot assembly and the support assembly to provide a control resistance to pivotal movement of the movable tubular member and hence the housing assembly connected thereto.

Abstract: A vehicle mirror assembly comprises a housing assembly and a mirror unit mounted on the housing assembly. A support assembly is provided which is constructed and arranged to be fixedly mounted on a vehicle and to support the housing assembly thereon in an operative position extending laterally outwardly from the vehicle so that the mirror unit serves as an exterior rear view mirror for the driver of the vehicle. A power operated pivot assembly is provided between the support assembly and the housing assembly constructed and arranged to enable the housing assembly to be pivoted with respect to the support assembly about a generally upright axis (1) between the operative position thereof and a folded position with respect to the vehicle in response to the power operation of the pivot assembly and (2) from the operative position thereof in either direction in response to an unwanted impact blow applied in either direction thereto.

Abstract: A side mounted vehicular rear view mirror of the type which comprises a hollow tubular steel gooseneck support arm which can be rotated forwardly or rearwardly relative to a clamp type mount on the vehicle body to fold the mirror against the vehicle body side to prevent damage to the mirror in, for example, a vehicle carwash or other narrow passageway. The clamping structure comprises a mount having longitudinally spaced semi-cylindrical bearing seats adapted to receive a length of the gooseneck arm and a spring steel clamp having opposing complemental bearing surfaces and an arcuate detent which engages a straight sides slot formed in the gooseneck arm where it overlies the spaced apart bearing seats. The spring clamp flexes to provide a relatively high break away torque and a relatively low continued rotation torque.

Abstract: A mirror assembly for use in vehicles having a support bracket which provides an adjustment mechanism to position the mirror under a substantially constant clamping pressure over a wide range of ambient temperature conditions. The support bracket includes a generally spherical socket which receives a polymeric ball cup substantially enclosing a ball member extending from the mirror. A spring forces the cup and ball member into the socket and causes the polymeric cup to compress about the ball member. The bracket may be used on both header- and windshield-mounted mirror assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a vehicle accessory mounting button, windshield arrangement and a method for making the same which uses nonelastomeric, thermosetting, structural adhesives, preferably in film form, to adhere the accessory mounting button to the interior surface of a windshield. The adhesives provide outstanding long-term adhesion and good accessory assembly vibration performance even under rigorous climate conditions while simultaneously being compatible with conventional autoclaving processes used in windshield manufacturing. Thermosetting structural adhesives suitable to achieve the objectives of this invention include modified epoxies, which have a cure temperature below 325.degree. F., a modulus of elasticity at 85.degree. C. of at least about 10,000 psi when cured, and are compatible with current windshield manufacturing processes.

Abstract: A foldable outside rearview mirror assembly includes a shaft arranged on an extending portion of the base, a frame having an and plate rotatably inserted into a root portion of the shaft, a mirror housing secured on the frame, a positioning device is mounted on the periphery of the shaft, a first washer is arranged at the upper portion of the positioning device, a second washer is secured on the upper end of the shaft, and a coil spring is arranged around the outer periphery of the shaft between the first and the second washers. The positioning device has a plate connected to the shaft in locking the rotation thereof, several convex portions provided on the same circumference of the plate, and several concaves formed at the frame end plate to insertingly engage with the convex portions. Thereby the frame of the outside rearview mirror is prevented from moving vertically and the chattering is not caused on the mirror surface at the time of the outside mirror foldably rotates.

Abstract: A displacement mechanism of a motor vehicle inside rearview mirror having a mirror plate mounted on the frame which is articulated on the lower end of a supporting arm having an upper end connected to an inside ceiling of the motor vehicle, the displacement mechanism comprises an axis provided in the lever, a transverse crankshaft supportable on the frame, a sphere provided on a lower end of the supporting arm, a trapezoidal plate having a smaller base which is turned downward and is coupled to an inside end of the axis, the trapezoidal plate having an intermediate region mounted on the transverse crankshaft, the trapezoidal plate having a central region provided for the sphere, the trapezoidal plate having an upper bigger base articulatable on the frame, the transverse crankshaft being somewhat resilient and including a longer intermediate segment which crosses transversely the trapezoidal plate and is articulated on it and short biased segments extending from ends of the intermediate segment and having end

Abstract: An alternative mounting bracket arrangement for an exterior rear view mirror assembly which is normally supported by a door-half hinge plate of a vehicle removable front door. With the door removed the bracket may be readily bolted to an open knuckle of the body-half hinge plate. The bracket has upper and lower apertured flanges, vertically spaced for receiving the knuckle therebetween, with each flange formed with matching body engaging notch means. Upon insertion of an attaching bolt through the flange apertures the bracket is secured at a determined orientation.

Abstract: A mirror assembly for use in vehicles having a support bracket which provides an adjustment mechanism to position the mirror under a substantially constant clamping pressure over a wide range of ambient temperature conditions. The support bracket includes a generally spherical socket which receives a polymeric ball cup substantially enclosing a ball member extending from the mirror. A spring forces the cup and ball member into the socket and causes the polymeric cup to compress about the ball member. The bracket may be used on both header- and windshield-mounted mirror assemblies, and may include an adjustable clamping member forming a portion of the socket whereby the clamping pressure may be further adjusted.

Abstract: An advertising display mounting device is provided for attaching promotional displays, dispensers, or other objects to a price channel mounted on the edge of a grocery or other retail store shelf. This mounting device uses clips which are adapted to mate with the price channel of the shelf. The clips are forced into a mated relation with the price channel by a locking slide. The invention also provides for a means by which to attach an advertising display to the advertising display mounting device.

Abstract: A foldable outside rearview mirror assembly includes a shaft arranged on an extending portion of a base, a frame having an end plate rotatably inserted into a root portion of the shaft, a mirror housing secured on the frame, a positioning device is mounted on the periphery of the shaft, a first washer is arranged at the upper portion of the positioning device, a second washer is secured on the upper end of the shaft, and a coil spring is arranged around the outer periphery of the shaft between the first and the second washers. The positioning device has a plate connected to the shaft in locking the rotation thereof, several convex portions provided on the same circumference of the plate, and several concaves formed at the frame end plate to insertingly engage with the convex portions. Thereby the frame of the outside rearview mirror is prevented from moving vertically and the chattering is not caused on the mirror surface at the time of the outside mirror foldably rotates.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for a vehicle rearview mirror has breakaway capability and includes a base for attachment to an interior portion of a vehicle and a support for releasable attachment to the base. A rearview mirror assembly is mounted on an end of said support. The support and base include removable electrical connectors for removably, electrically connecting any one of a variety of selectable electrical circuits in the rearview mirror assembly to wiring in the vehicle roof structure. A spring clip is provided to releasably connect the support member to the base such that a predetermined level of force is required to cause the support to release from the base and thereby permit the rearview mirror to break away.

Abstract: A fixing device for an inside rearview mirror of a vehicle comprises an arm having a lower end articulately connectable with a mirror supporting frame of a rearview mirror and an upper end mountable on a vehicle ceiling, and means for mounting the upper end of the arm on the vehicle ceiling and formed as a coupling, the coupling including a first coupling part having a substantially horizontal plate, two side wings extending substantially vertically from the plate, a front wing and a rear end which is open, the first coupling part being also provided with two fitting guides extending on and along the horizontal plate and each including a T-shaped wing section and a rib located between the wing section and a respective one of the side wings, the first coupling part being also provided with a U-shaped spring having a transverse branch and two parallel side branches, the coupling further including a second coupling part having a base plate fixable to the ceiling of the vehicle, an inverted U-shaped central rib a

Abstract: A spigot type breakaway mirror (10) for automobile exterior use includes both a supporting base (11) and a mirror subassembly (16), the base (11) having an upstanding spigot (12) which has a curved constraining surface (13), and the mirror subassembly (11) is provided with a locating surface (17) engageable over constraining surface (13) which constrains pivotal movement of the mirror subassembly to be about the spigot, but there are provided a cam pad (23) and recess surface (24) on the base and mirror subassembly respectively, and a spring (20) which cooperates between the base and mirror subassembly to retain the cam and recess surfaces in engagement, but the cam pad (23) and recess (24) surfaces cause the mirror subassembly (16) to cam outwardly away from the supporting base (11) if the mirror subassembly is caused to deflect upon striking an obstruction.

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 breakaway bracket is provided for mounting a rearview mirror to a button on the inner surface of a vehicle windshield. The bracket includes a spring clip which has a base portion, longitudinally extending, opposed, resilient side flanges, and a resilient locking flange which extends from the base portion. The side flanges have grooves and the locking flange has tabs so that when the bracket is mounted to the button, the grooves receive side surfaces of the button in tongue-and-groove fashion, and the tabs firmly engage a bottom surface of the button.

Abstract: An advertising display mounting device is provided for attaching promotional displays, dispensers, or other objects to a price channel mounted on the edge of a grocery or other retail store shelf. The advertising display mounting device has first and second clips adapted to mate with the price channel of a grocery or other retail store shelf. The clips are forced into mated relation with the price channel by a locking slide. First clip means is provided having a plurality of teeth. Second clip means has a slot formed therein for accepting first clip means so that first and second clips are oriented parallel to each other and to the price channel. A channel formed in second clip means accepts a locking slide, also having one or more teeth for cooperating with the corresponding teeth on first clip means. As locking slide is forced into the channel, first and second teeth mesh and move the first clip relative to the second clip to lock the mounting device in the price channel.

Abstract: A mirror swing lock mechanism comprises an arm mounted at one end to the outside surface of a vehicle and a mirror heat assembly. The head assembly includes a first planar surface supported on a second planar surface associated with said arms coacting detent elements are formed in said planar surfaces for locating said mirror head assembly in either a first laterally extended rear viewing position or a second non rearward viewing position generally folded against the vehicle surface.

Abstract: A breakaway accessory mounting assembly for vehicles for supporting rearview mirrors and other accessories includes a base mounted on a vehicle panel surface such as a window, and a coupler engaging the base and having a support mounting the rearview mirror or other accessory. Retaining means such as a wire or stamped metal spring, or a resilient plate extend between the base and coupler and allow installation by slidably receiving the coupler on the base in a lateral direction followed by rotation of the coupler with respect to the base to an installed position about a predetermined first axis without further lateral sliding movement. The retaining means also resiliently hold the base and coupler together in the installed position, and allow release of the coupler from the base in three different separation modes when a predetermined force is imposed on the coupler or supported mirror or other accessory. Positioning means are provided to position the coupler in the installed position on the base.

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 holding device for an external rear-view mirror for a commercial vehicle has a support arm arranged on a pillow block in a manner pivotable about a pivot axis. In order to allow a free shifting of the mirror by pivoting of the support arm, the support arm is pivotable against a friction moment relative to the pillow block upon release of an elastic locking connection.

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 windshield mounted, vehicular accessory mounting assembly is adapted to be small and compact and to reduce occupant injuries upon impact. The assembly includes a base and a coupling member releasably mounted on the base. The coupling member includes a support for mounting a vehicle accessory such as a rearview mirror. A breakaway fastening assembly extends through an aperture in the base to allow separation of the coupling member and vehicle accessory from the base should an impact occur. A series of projections extend between the periphery of the base aperture and the coupling member and are received in corresponding recesses to position the coupling member, provide a stable, three point connection, and prevent its rotation unless it separates from the base. The assembly may also include a swivel support arm to allow adjustment of the accessory position and to further reduce injuries.

Abstract: To reliably reduce the risk of injury in the return tilting of a mirror housing from a tilted end position into a position for normal use, the mirror housing initially swings against an overcomable stop, which ensures a safety distance between the lifted mirror housing edge and the mirror base. This safety distance is dimensioned such that a trapping of fingers between the mirror housing edge and the mirror base does not occur. The stop can only be overcome by the mirror housing by renewed application of force to the mirror housing, after which the mirror housing then tilts into the position for normal use.

Abstract: Disclosed is an outside rear-view mirror for a vehicle, having a mirror base and a mirror housing which is adapted to assume a normal position for use relative to said mirror base and to rock forwardly and rearwardly and which is coupled to said mirror base by a rocker. To reduce the danger of injuries particularly of fingers, caused by a back-swinging mirror housing between said mirror and said mirror base, at least one spreading spring is provided one end of which abuts said mirror housing and the other end of which abuts said mirror base, and which urges said housing to a fully backward tilted position relative to said mirror base.

Abstract: A mirror case positioning device for holding the mirror case at least in a normal position, on one hand, and permitting the mirror case to lightly rotate between the normal position and a rest position. A first friction plate is secured on a lower face of a flange of a bracket for supporting the mirror case. A second friction plate as a resonance body is secured on an upper face of a flange of a column mounted on a support. A vibration element is mounted on the upper face of the flange of the column so as to cooperate with the second friction plate. The vibration element is operated by a supersonic generator. When the supersonic generator is not operated, the first and second friction plates contact frictionally with each other so that the mirror case is held at a desired position including the normal position.

Abstract: Combiner (12) is supported in position on the pilot's line-of-sight on hinge (24) and by means of a strut (26). When the combiner is impacted, the strut collapses as a bending column to permit the combiner to fold down before breaking.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for a vehicle interior rear view mirror has a base part for attaching directly to the inside surface of a vehicle windscreen, a mirror case support bracket having at one end a spherical ball for mounting a mirror case and at the other end a spring clip arrangement for sliding engagement with the base part to mount the bracket onto the base part. Bearing surfaces are provided on the base part and bracket respectively which come to bear against one another as the bracket approaches its fully engaged position during said sliding engagement and are effective to force the bracket slightly away from the base part against the resilient bias of the clip so as to increase the force exerted by the clip on the flange means in the fully engaged position.

Abstract: To reliably reduce the risk of injury in the return tilting of a mirror housing from a tilted end position into a position for normal use, the mirror housing initially swings against an overcomable stop, which ensures a safety distance between the lifted mirror housing edge and the mirror base. This safety distance is dimensioned such that a trapping of fingers between the mirror housing edge and the mirror base does not occur. The stop can only be overcome by the mirror housing by renewed application of force to the mirror housing, after which the mirror housing then tilts into the position for normal use.