Mounted On Vehicle Having Handlebars (e.g., Bicycle, Motorcycle, Etc.) Patents (Class 359/842)
  • Patent number: 11884270
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and autonomous vehicles may obtain one or more images associated with an environment surrounding an autonomous vehicle; determine, based on the one or more images, an orientation of a head worn item of protective equipment of an operator of a vehicle; determine, based on the orientation of the head worn item of protective equipment, a direction of a gaze of the operator and a time period associated with the direction of the gaze of the operator; determine, based on the direction of the gaze of the operator and the time period associated with the direction of the gaze of the operator, a predicted motion path of the vehicle; and control, based on the predicted motion path of the vehicle, at least one autonomous driving operation of the autonomous vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Argo AI, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Whinnery
  • Patent number: 11724648
    Abstract: A modular vehicle mirror assembly includes a mirror module and an accessory module. The mirror module includes a mirror mounting plate having attachment points to allow a mirror to be removably mounted to the mirror module in a rearward-facing position. The accessory module includes an accessory mounting plate having accessory attachment points to allow an accessory to be removably mounted to the accessory module in a forward-facing position. The mirror module and the accessory module are releasably held together. The assembly allows the user to temporarily, releasably, and interchangeably mount a selected member of a group of accessories, such as headlights, fog lights, driving lights, pencil beam headlights, and cameras.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Super ATV LLC
    Inventor: Marcelo Danze
  • Patent number: 10696343
    Abstract: A side view mirror assembly includes a mirror unit connected to a plugging unit via a bar. The mirror unit includes a mirror located between a frame and a plate which is attached to the frame in a detachable manner. The plugging unit includes an expansible tube and external and internal end elements each of which includes a wedge. A nut is inserted in the internal end element. A threaded bolt is inserted in the external and internal end elements and the expansible tube and engaged with the nut. The threaded bolt is rotatable in a direction to remove the wedges from the expansible tube to allow the expansible tube to shrink to render the expansible tube easily insertable in a handlebar. The threaded bolt is rotatable in another direction to make the wedges abut against and expand the expansible tube to keep the expansible tube in the handlebar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Inventor: Tung-Lieh Li
  • Patent number: 10173741
    Abstract: A forward view mirror housing is coupled to an adjustable frame attachment which attached to the handle bar of a conventional bicycle allowing a user to view forward while riding in a forward leaning position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Inventor: Antonio J. Barajas
  • Patent number: 9445657
    Abstract: A wearable reflective device. The wearable reflective device includes a mirror, a base and a strap. The strap is attached to the base for securing the device to a user. The mirror is connected to the base by a pivotal element and a rotational element, wherein the pivotal element is configured to allow the mirror to pivot along a first plane, the rotational element configured to allow the mirror and pivotal element to rotate in a second plane. The first plane is substantially orthogonal to the second plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Crane IP Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Raymond Phillip Crane
  • Patent number: 9329359
    Abstract: A mirror housing is configured to retain a mirror unit including (i) a mirror having a perimeter, and (ii) a resilient member that contacts the perimeter of the mirror. The mirror housing comprises a first housing member including a member back and a first member edge, and a second housing member including a second member edge that is removably secured to the member back of the first housing member. The first housing member selectively receives the mirror unit substantially adjacent to the member back, with the first member edge contacting at least approximately 25% of an outer surface of the resilient member. The second housing member also contacts at least approximately 25% of the outer surface of the resilient member to impart a force on the resilient member against the first member edge to inhibit movement of the mirror unit relative to the mirror housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Inventor: Mon Spencer Owyang
  • Patent number: 9039211
    Abstract: A mirror assembly for mounting to a handlebar of a motorcycle or other cycle vehicle, including a handle enabling an operator of the motorcycle to rotate the mirror without requiring the operator to remove a hand from the handlebar. The rotation swivels the mirror from a view to the rear to a position with a view to the side. Upon releasing the handle, a compression spring within the assembly returns the mirror to its original position. The mounting arrangement for the assembly includes two portions rotatable perpendicularly to one another, permitting the mirror arrangement to be adjusted after coupling with the handlebar such that the stem of the mirror is plumb. This ensures that when the handle is engaged rotating the mirror, the orientation of the mirror is maintained such that the top edge of the mirror remains level during rotation and that the mirror stem remains plumb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Old School Products LLC
    Inventors: Vance A. Hoff, Phillip G. Larson, Perry D. Hoff, Mark R. Hoff
  • Patent number: 9019091
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror system includes a rearward facing camera, an interior rearview mirror assembly and a video display screen disposed behind a mirror reflective element of the interior rearview mirror assembly. The video display screen is viewable by a driver of the vehicle when the driver is normally operating the vehicle, and the video display screen is operable to display information for viewing by a driver of the vehicle through the mirror reflective element when the mirror assembly is normally mounted in the vehicle and when the video display screen is operated to display information. When the vehicle is executing a reversing maneuver, the video display screen displays images captured by the rearward facing camera to assist the driver in reversing the vehicle, and the video display screen is operable to display other information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin C. McCarthy, Eugenie V. Uhlmann, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 9016167
    Abstract: Integrated hand and controls protection system for vehicles utilizing handlebars for steering, consisting of; hand/controls guards (guards), integral/stowable mirror assembly, damper mount, display guard and integral electrical accessory mounting provisions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventors: Paul Degarate, Paul Davidovich, Rodney A. Brenneman
  • Patent number: 8979285
    Abstract: A forward view bicycle mirror assembly for attachment to a handlebar of a bicycle includes an elongated assembly frame adapted for attachment to the handlebar; a mirror carriage slidably carried by the assembly frame, the mirror carriage selectively adjustable in position along a longitudinal axis of the assembly frame; and a forward view mirror carried by the mirror carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Larry Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20150049398
    Abstract: A reflector assembly is configured to reflect light from within the spokes of a rim on a bicycle. The reflector assembly includes a reflective material holder having a body, fit within the spokes of a bicycle rim. A window is mechanically coupled to the body; wherein the window has covered edges and an uncovered center. A highly reflective prismatic plastic inserted into the window. The window covers edges of the highly reflective prismatic plastic are inserted into the window. The light reflects off of the highly reflective prismatic plastic to illuminate the bicycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventor: MARK ERIC LEWICKI
  • Patent number: 8891153
    Abstract: This invention discloses a low cost method to manufacture electrooptic devices at low cost and discloses materials that may be used in fabrication of electrooptic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Ajjer, LLC
    Inventors: Anoop Agrawal, Juan Carlos Lopez Tonazzi
  • Patent number: 8814371
    Abstract: A wide angle center mounted motorcycle blind spot mirror that is mounted forward and above the motorcycle instrument panel clocks directly in the riders line of view that will give full visual coverage of the riders blind spot areas including the rider also, the mirror, can have several mounting points including the fly screen, fairing, headlamp, handle bars or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Hunter Create Limited
    Inventor: Stephen Hunter
  • Publication number: 20140118855
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a body structure, a mirror assembly, a controller, and a position sensor. The mirror assembly includes a mirror housing, housing motor, and mirror. The housing motor is operably coupled with the mirror housing and the body structure and is configured to facilitate movement of the mirror housing relative to the body structure. The controller is in electrical communication with the housing motor. The position sensor is in electrical communication with the controller. The controller is configured to detect a position of a rider of the vehicle and to facilitate selective operation of the housing motor to result in movement of the mirror housing to correspond with the detected position of the rider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Joseph P. W. Whinnery, Brian K. Lickfelt
  • Patent number: 8690364
    Abstract: A side mirror includes a mount seat mounted to a front cowl that covers a portion of the front of a vehicle body, a mirror stay supported on the mount seat with a basal end thereof supported in a turnable manner, and a mirror provided at a tip end of the mirror stay. The mount seat includes a base portion 41a extended in one direction and mounted to the front cowl, and a support portion provided on the base portion 41a to support the basal end of the mirror stay so that a direction Dp in which a turning shaft of the mirror stay extends is inclined to a length direction DL of the base portion. With this structure, a side mirror increased in degree of freedom in selecting a mount position on a front cowl can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuta Kobayashi, Kuniyuki Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20130286493
    Abstract: A mirror assembly for mounting to a handlebar of a motorcycle or other cycle vehicle, including a handle enabling an operator of the motorcycle to rotate the mirror without requiring the operator to remove a hand from the handlebar. The rotation swivels the mirror from a view to the rear to a position with a view to the side. Upon releasing the handle, a compression spring within the assembly returns the mirror to its original position. The mounting arrangement for the assembly includes two portions rotatable perpendicularly to one another, permitting the mirror arrangement to be adjusted after coupling with the handlebar such that the stem of the mirror is plumb. This ensures that when the handle is engaged rotating the mirror, the orientation of the mirror is maintained such that the top edge of the mirror remains level during rotation and that the mirror stem remains plumb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: OLD SCHOOL PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventors: Vance A. Hoff, Phillip G. Larson, Perry D. Hoff, Mark R. Hoff
  • Publication number: 20130155533
    Abstract: A wide angle center mounted motorcycle blind spot mirror that is mounted forward and above the motorcycle instrument panel clocks directly in the riders line of view that will give full visual coverage of the riders blind spot areas including the rider also, the mirror, can have several mounting points including the fly screen, fairing, headlamp, handle bars or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: Hunter Create Limited
    Inventor: Stephen Hunter
  • Patent number: 8459810
    Abstract: An adjustable rear view mirror includes a mounting seat, and a connecting unit including a rotating seat that is rotatably connected to the mounting seat by a first adjusting member on which a first washer is sleeved, and that has a supporting wall unit. A supporting rod has a pivot end pivotably connected to the supporting wall unit by a second adjusting member on which a second washer is sleeved, and an opposite supporting end connected to a rear view mirror body. The first and second washers are coated with PTFE coatings for reducing resistance to rotation of the rotating seat relative to the mounting seat and rotation of the supporting rod relative to the supporting wall unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Ken Sean Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Pin-Hsing Wu
  • Patent number: 8439510
    Abstract: An apparatus for viewing an oblique forward area of a vehicle whereby light incident from outside a passenger compartment is prevented from reflecting. The apparatus includes a sub-window pane supported by a front pillar and a sub-pillar, a mirror housing of a door mirror for displaying a rear of the vehicle, and a first reflective mirror for displaying an area in front and to one side of the vehicle. The first reflective mirror is provided to the mirror housing. The apparatus also includes a second reflective mirror for reflecting the light reflected by the first reflective mirror toward a driver. The sub-window pane is disposed further toward the outside in a vehicle widthwise direction than a line passing over cross-sectional vehicle-widthwise direction centers of the front pillar and the sub-pillar. An outside edge of the second reflective mirror is positioned in the vicinity of the sub-window pane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Uematsu, Yuya Kishimoto, Norio Mugikura, Tomoaki Hosobe, Shirena Takai, Ryosuke Matsuoka
  • Publication number: 20110261453
    Abstract: A minor based front viewing system is disclosed. The front viewing system may be worn by the rider similar to an eyeglass or mounted to a handlebar region of the bicycle. The rider can also wear an aerodynamic helmet and use the front viewing system or video display system in conjunction with the aerodynamic helmet so that the rider can maintain his/her head in a down position to take advantage of the aerodynamic characteristics of the aerodynamic helmet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: James Michael Felt
  • Publication number: 20110051442
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a bike handlebar grip structure, which comprises an elastic grip body and a caution/direction light device. The elastic grip body can elastically and detachably sleeve the handlebar and has a switch device. The caution/direction light device is hanged to the outer end of the elastic grip body and electrically connected to the switch device of the elastic grip body. The width and length of the caution/direction light device are greater than the diameter of the elastic grip body. The present invention can be conveniently assembled to or disassembled from a bike. Further, the caution/direction light device of the present invention is hanged to the outer end of the handlebar. Thus, the preset invention can promote the warning effect and biking safety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: Chin-Yu CHANG
  • Patent number: 7837339
    Abstract: An open vehicle rear view system includes left and right mirror housings. A mirror holder for holding a mirror is supported in each mirror housing so as to pivot between a normal view position for obtaining a normal rear view and a changed view position which is changed from the normal view position. An actuator is provided between the mirror housing and the mirror holder. The actuator includes an electric motor rotatable in forward and reverse directions and a reduction mechanism for reducing output of the electric motor. A drive control circuit controls operation of the electric motors so as to simultaneously pivot both the mirror holders according to operation of an operating member operated by a driver in order to select the normal view position or the changed view position of the mirror holders. Thus, it is possible to easily change a rear view when necessary, while eliminating the need for the driver to change his posture and reducing electric power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Honda Lock
    Inventor: Hiroshi Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 7780298
    Abstract: Extenders are provided that can be mounted on the existing rearview mirror mounting hole of motorcycle handlebars to provide a new mounting hole for the rearview mirrors that is laterally spaced from the original hole. The extenders allow the stock mirrors to be positioned for greater visibility without causing undue vibration in the mirror. The extenders can be constructed with a blind hole that allows for a clean and visually appealing installation. The extenders can also be constructed with spaced apart arms that define a hole. The hole can serve to reduce wind drag, reduce construction costs or function as a place for mounting things to the motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventor: Richard Greathouse
  • Patent number: 7771064
    Abstract: A side mirror includes a mount seat mounted to a front cowl that covers a portion of the front of a vehicle body, a mirror stay supported on the mount seat with a basal end thereof supported in a turnable manner, and a mirror provided at a tip end of the mirror stay. The mount seat includes a base portion 41a extended in one direction and mounted to the front cowl, and a support portion provided on the base portion 41a to support the basal end of the mirror stay so that a direction Dp in which a turning shaft of the mirror stay extends is inclined to a length direction DL of the base portion. With this structure, a side mirror increased in degree of freedom in selecting a mount position on a front cowl can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuta Kobayashi, Kuniyuki Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20090316285
    Abstract: A multifunctional safety, information and comfort device to be mounted on a vehicle, preferably a bicycle, comprises a rear-view mirror, an alphanumeric and iconographic display, sensors for measuring kinetic and environmental parameters, electronic components for measuring time and controlling said device, and an independent power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: SELLE ITALIA S.R.L.
    Inventor: Riccardo Bigolin
  • Publication number: 20090237821
    Abstract: A rear mirror of a vehicle having a display includes a seat having a dynamic unit at one side thereof; the dynamic unit being connected to a power source through a power; a body having a display unit; the body being slideable along the seat; one side of the body being installed with a teeth strip engageable with a gear of the dynamic unit; and a mirror body having a mirror surface installed at a front side of the seat. When the body slides inwards, the mirror body can be hidden between the mirror body and the seat; and when the body slides outwards, the mirror body protrudes out of the mirror body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventor: Shin-Nan Li
  • Patent number: 7585081
    Abstract: A fully adjustable mirror is attached to a housing having a ball and socket mount modified to allow the mirror support shaft to pass through. A collet with a knurled locking collar slides and locks at any desired point along the length of a straight mirror receiving shaft. The shaft is drilled and threaded to accept an end piece if a proper end is not cast as part of shaft to fit a desired mirror mount on the handlebars or bodywork of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Inventor: John Henry Vanderslik
  • Publication number: 20090141377
    Abstract: A side mirror includes a mount seat mounted to a front cowl that covers a portion of the front of a vehicle body, a mirror stay supported on the mount seat with a basal end thereof supported in a turnable manner, and a mirror provided at a tip end of the mirror stay. The mount seat includes a base portion 41a extended in one direction and mounted to the front cowl, and a support portion provided on the base portion 41a to support the basal end of the mirror stay so that a direction Dp in which a turning shaft of the mirror stay extends is inclined to a length direction DL of the base portion. With this structure, a side mirror increased in degree of freedom in selecting a mount position on a front cowl can be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuuta KOBAYASHI, Kuniyuki TAKAHASHI
  • Publication number: 20090067073
    Abstract: A fully adjustable mirror is attached to a housing having a ball and socket mount modified to allow the mirror support shaft to pass through. A collet with a knurled locking collar slides and locks at any desired point along the length of a straight mirror receiving shaft. The shaft is drilled and threaded to accept an end piece if a proper end is not cast as part of shaft to fit a desired mirror mount on the handlebars or bodywork of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: John Henry Vanderslik
  • Publication number: 20090046383
    Abstract: Extenders are provided that can be mounted on the existing rearview mirror mounting hole of motorcycle handlebars to provide a new mounting hole for the rearview mirrors that is laterally spaced from the original hole. The extenders allow the stock mirrors to be positioned for greater visibility without causing undue vibration in the mirror. The extenders can be constructed with a blind hole that allows for a clean and visually appealing installation. The extenders can also be constructed with spaced apart arms that define a hole. The hole can serve to reduce wind drag, reduce construction costs or function as a place for mounting things to the motorcycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Richard Greathouse
  • Publication number: 20080204912
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable mirror, in particular to an outside mirror of a motor vehicle, with a hinge, which links a mirror support to a mirror base so that the mirror can be twisted about an axis of rotation. An elastomeric element is arranged between the mirror base and the mirror support and is form-fitted or bonded to the mirror support and/or to the mirror base and holds the mirror support in a first position. Compression elements are arranged on the mirror support and/or on the mirror base and compress the elastomeric element when the mirror support is moved from a first position into a second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: Visiocorp Patents S.a.r.l.
    Inventor: Derk Ekenhorst
  • Publication number: 20080141821
    Abstract: Integrated hand and controls protection system for vehicles utilizing handlebars for steering, consisting of; hand/controls guards (guards), integral/stowable mirror assembly, damper mount, display guard and integral electrical accessory mounting provisions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: Physical Logic AG
    Inventors: Paul Degarate, Paul Davidovich, Rodney A. Brenneman
  • Patent number: 7230523
    Abstract: A rear view mirror/video display includes a one-way mirror and a selectively activated video display that is mounted immediately behind the one-way mirror so that the driver is presented with a typical semi-obstructed rearward view when the video display is deactivated, and an unobstructed rearward view of substantially the same size and aspect ratio when the video display is activated. The video image is obtained from an imaging device mounted to capture a rearward field-of-view that is unobstructed by vehicle body panels but otherwise corresponds in content with that of the image reflected by the one-way mirror. Activation and deactivation of the video display may be manual, but is preferably automatic based on vehicle operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Harter, Jr., Gregory K. Scharenbroch
  • Patent number: 7127965
    Abstract: A grip/mirror combination includes an auxiliary grip and a mirror device. The auxiliary grip can be mounted on a bicycle handle so that a rider can hold the auxiliary grips while riding the bicycle. While riding the bicycle, the rider can extend the mirror device from the auxiliary grip in order to provide a clear view of vehicles beside and behind him. When the bicycle is parked, the mirror device can be concealed in the auxiliary grip, thus protecting the mirror device from being hit by any vehicle passing by it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: Louis Chuang
  • Patent number: 7040771
    Abstract: A rear view bicycle mirror assembly (10) for attachment to a bicycle frame (3) comprising a mirror (14) and mounting body (12). The mounting body (12) comprising a mounting means for mounting the mirror onto the frame of the bicycle. The mounting means comprises a first mounting foot (18) for abutment and mounting on a first tube (6) of the bicycle frame, and a second mounting foot (24) for abutment and engaging a second tube (4) of the bicycle frame at an angle to said first tube and first mounting foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventor: Tony McGuinness
  • Patent number: 6896385
    Abstract: A vehicle mirror assembly is provided which can be moved via a power-transmitting assembly between folded and unfolded positions and the unfolded position and an extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Magna Donnelly, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith D. Foote
  • Patent number: 6851813
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly, especially suited for towing vehicles, includes a casing which houses a reflective element and a support supporting the casing and adapted to mount a vehicle. The mirror casing is adapted to pivot about the support between an inboard position and an extended outboard position thereby extending the field of view of the mirror assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventor: Wayne Vandenbrink
  • Publication number: 20040246602
    Abstract: A rear view bicycle mirror assembly (10) for attachment to a bicycle frame (3) comprising a mirror (14) and mounting body (12). The mounting body (12) comprising a mounting means for mounting the mirror onto the frame of the bicycle. The mounting means comprises a first mounting foot (18) for abutment and mounting on a first tube (6) of the bicycle frame, and a second mounting foot (24) for abutment and engaging a second tube (4) of the bicycle frame at an angle to said first tube and first mounting foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Tony McGuinness
  • Patent number: 6799856
    Abstract: A first power mechanism (20) is provided in association with a fixed support (18) and with a swingable structure (16) and pivots the swingable structure (16) relative to the fixed support (18) between an extended position and a folded position adjacent the vehicle. A second power mechanism (24) is operatively associated with a swingable structure (16) and a mirror housing (12) to move the mirror housing (12) between inner and outer extended positions. A third power mechanism (28) moves the mirror unit (14) into a desired adjusted position about horizontal and vertical axes. An electronic control controls the operation of the first power mechanism (20) and the second power mechanism (24) and the third power mechanism (28) to control the powered pivoting of swingable structure (16) and to control the generally horizontal movement of mirror housing (12) to various positions located between inner and outer limiting positions and to adjust the mirror about vertical and horizontal axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Magna Mirror Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith D. Foote, Ian Boddy
  • Patent number: 6793354
    Abstract: A vanity mirror device for a trunk includes: a back plate of a vanity mirror, which is carried on an inner wall of a trunk lid, so that it can be turned between a housed position and any use position; and a clip device mounted on the back plate for grasping a retaining shaft provided on the inner wall of the trunk lid when the back plate is at the housed position. The clip device includes: a pair of resilient finger portions rising from the back plate and intersecting each other immediately before the retaining shaft; and claw portions which are formed at tip ends of the resilient finger portions and which are brought into engagement with opposite side of the retaining shaft by resilient forces of the resilient finger portions. Thus, it is possible to easily return the vanity mirror to the housed position, while increasing the retaining force for the vanity mirror when it is in a housed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Access Corporation
    Inventors: Hidehiko Kusakari, Hiroyasu Oomori
  • Patent number: 6672726
    Abstract: An extending and rotating rearview mirror assembly for use on an automotive vehicle includes a base member (34) for mounting the mirror assembly to the vehicle. An elongated support arm (38) is pivotally mounted to the base member for pivoting the mirror assembly between an operative position and a folded position. The support arm supports a mirror housing (30) having a glass mirror pane (24) therein for providing a rearward reflective view from the vehicle. A coupling assembly (20) interconnects the mirror housing and support arm for sliding mirror housing in a generally horizontal direction with respect to the base member and for rotating the mirror housing with respect to the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventors: Ian Boddy, Keith D. Foote
  • Patent number: 6652106
    Abstract: The invention relates to a reflector, including at least one flexible reflective element wrapped around a bicycle member, a backing in contact with an first end of the at least one flexible reflective element along a portion of a periphery of the backing, thereby defining a pocket, and a second end of the at least one flexible reflective element placed in between the backing and the at least one flexible reflective element by cooperation of the a second end being held in place by the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Printmark Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander Sloot
  • Patent number: 6634758
    Abstract: A vehicle handlebar mirror system (10) is provided having a flexible securement member (40) received within a bore (30) of the vehicle handlebar (12). A flexible securement member (40) has a mirror member (20) removably mounted in it for providing a rider of the bicycle with appropriate rear and side views. A second end (46) of the flexible securement member (40) receives an expanding plug member (50). The expanding plug member (50) frictionally engages both a second end (46) and an inner wall (32) of the handlebar (12). A fastener (60) threadedly engages both the flexible securement member (40) and the expanding plug member (50) thus maintaining position of flexible securement member (40) within handlebar (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventors: Robert J. Preis, Nils Dennis
  • Patent number: 6616286
    Abstract: In a vehicle door mirror device, a bracket is divided into a frame and a case member. Thus, the frame and the like for a vehicle right side and for a vehicle left side can both hold a mirror at a vehicle rear side thereof. A mounting hole and a supporting hole of a case member are provided to be symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane which passes through a widthwise direction center of the case member. Thus, even if a common case member is used both for a vehicle right side and for a vehicle left side by left and right sides of the case member being reversed, the mounting hole of the case member can be mounted to the frame and the like for the vehicle right side and the vehicle left side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventors: Kenichi Hayashi, Junichi Nakaho, Morihiko Ogasawara, Takashi Yamada
  • Publication number: 20030142422
    Abstract: The invention involves a mirror-speaker combination for mounting on a motorcycle. The mirror-speaker combination is comprised of an aft portion and a fore portion. The fore portion is releasably sealed with respect to the aft portion thereby presenting a housing. The aft portion has a concave interior surface. The fore portion has an exterior surface with a mirror-receiving section suitable to accommodate a mirror and with a sound-releasing section with at least one sound-releasing aperture therethrough. The fore portion also has an interior surface. A mirror is attached with respect to the exterior surface of the fore portion whereby a motorcycle operator is able to view objects behind him or her while on the motorcycle. A speaker is attached with respect to the interior surface of the fore portion whereby sound produced by the speaker may exit the housing through the at least one sound-releasing aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Jamie P. Spitzer, Rodney F. Malfroid
  • Publication number: 20030107827
    Abstract: An external rear-view mirror for a motor vehicle is described, comprising a mirror housing (1) and a mirror base (4). The mirror housing comprises a mirror (6), on its rear side (2) and at least one lamp device (7), with at least one light source, that has a light outlet opening with a cover screen (3), for the light source arranged in the mirror housing (1). According to the invention the at least one light source comprises several distributed light diodes (12, 13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventors: Manfred Marondel, Torsten Mueller
  • Patent number: 6561658
    Abstract: A rotation restricting structure of an automobile door mirror, in which a shaft is erected on the top surface of a projection portion of a mirror base, and in which a frame for supporting a mirror body is turnably fitted onto the shaft, wherein a stopper member for restricting a turning angle by engaging with the frame is provided between the frame and the shaft. The stopper member includes a projection, which is formed on the shaft base portion in such a way as to be integral therewith, and an angle adjusting plate provided separately from the projection. The adjusting plate having a thickness corresponding to a folding angle of the door mirror is attached to each or one of both the opposite side surfaces of the projection. Thus, even when the folding angle of the mirror body is changed, the frame and the shaft can be used in common among the door mirrors. Moreover, the strength of the stopper can be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Murakami Corporation
    Inventor: Toshihiro Mochizuki
  • Publication number: 20030072093
    Abstract: A vehicle handlebar mirror system (10) is provided having a flexible securement member (40) received within a bore (30) of the vehicle handlebar (12). A flexible securement member (40) has a mirror member (20) removably mounted in it for providing a rider of the bicycle with appropriate rear and side views. A second end (46) of the flexible securement member (40) receives an expanding plug member (50). The expanding plug member (50) frictionally engages both a second end (46) and an inner wall (32) of the handlebar (12). A fastener (60) threadedly engages both the flexible securement member (40) and the expanding plug member (50) thus maintaining position of flexible securement member (40) within handlebar (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Robert J. Preis, Nils Dennis
  • Patent number: 6497491
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly for use on an automotive vehicle comprises a base member having a mounting plate for fixedly securing the mirror assembly to the side of the vehicle and a base plate extending outwardly therefrom. An elongated support arm has a first end pivotally coupled to the base plate and an opposite second end supporting a concave mirror housing. The mirror housing includes a peripheral rim defining an opening for receiving a reflective glass mirror pane. The mirror pane includes a directional indicator for providing directional signaling of the intended vehicle path. The mirror assembly further includes a puddle lamp for illuminating areas adjacent to the vehicle for entry and exit and for signaling rearward of the vehicle. Finally, the mirror assembly includes a display panel operatively connected to the vehicle for displaying information indicative of the vehicles operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Magna Mirror Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Boddy, Kenneth Peterson
  • Patent number: 6485151
    Abstract: A motorcycle rear view mirror assembly for addition to motorcycles and like vehicles providing a view of both the rear sides, and directly behind and adjacent to the rear of the motorcycle which will increase the safety of the operator when changing lanes and will make the rider aware of vehicles approaching too close behind them. The device features a first mirror positionable to an angle to reflect the area to the side of a motorcycle into the view of the rider and a second mirror attached to said assembly adjacent to an outside edge of first mirror and a provision for adjustment of the face of the second mirror toward the inside edge of the first mirror to an operative angle between 3 and 25 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Michael P. Coleburn