Abstract: A micromachined apparatus for reflecting light is described that is designed to reduce losses in quality or intensity of light. Mirrors are used having lengths that are longer than their widths to reduce clipping of light when a mirror is located at an angle with respect to light falling thereon. Relatively long mirror torsion components are used to reduce forces required to pivot the mirrors. Regardless of the dimensions of the mirrors and the use of long torsion components, the mirrors are still located relatively close to one another. The relatively close positioning of the mirrors is due to a combined use of notches formed in support frames to which the torsion components are secured, oval shapes of the mirrors which take up less space than rectangular shapes, matching oval openings in the support frames, and the arrangement of the support frames in a non-rectangular array wherein tips of the support frames are located between one another.

Abstract: The invention concerns an optical device for producing a visual illusion by holding a mirror under a user's eyes. More particularly, the invention concerns a device for fixing on a user's head a horizontal support comprising a mirror and located just below his eyes. It consists of a support on which is fixed a mirror. Two perpendicular stop elements, resing on the user's cheeks, maintain the horizontal support. Two linknig branches with fixing straps are attached with the fixing straps to the branches so as to press one against the other above the user's head, thereby enabling adjustment of theheight of the device. Two fixing straps are attached to the branches to press one against the other behind the user's head so as to keep the whole device pressed against the user's face.

Abstract: A micromachined apparatus for reflecting light is described that is designed to reduce losses in quality or intensity of light. Mirrors are used having lengths that are longer than their widths to reduce clipping of light when a mirror is located at an angle with respect to light falling thereon. Relatively long mirror torsion components are used to reduce forces required to pivot the mirrors. Regardless of the dimensions of the mirrors and the use of long torsion components, the mirrors are still located relatively close to one another. The relatively close positioning of the mirrors is due to a combined use of notches formed in support frames to which the torsion components are secured, oval shapes of the mirrors which take up less space than rectangular shapes, matching oval openings in the support frames, and the arrangement of the support frames in a non-rectangular array wherein tips of the support frames are located between one another.

Abstract: Optical interleavers and de-interleavers that can be used to combine and separate optical signals are described. These devices are based on Mach-Zehnder interferometers having one or two Gires-Toumois mirrors. The optical designs disclosed herein include several key improvements over prior arts. These improvements of interleavers enabled lower cross talk and more accurate channel center frequencies. The new designs also improve on the stability of the devices and substantially reduce the manufacturing costs. With the usage of multi-fiber collimators, a pair of interleaver and de-interleaver is fabricated using the same optical block thereby further reducing the manufacturing costs.

Abstract: A vehicle wide-angle rearview mirror frame has a storage box pivotally connected at a lower front edge to a lower rear edge of the rearview mirror frame, so that the storage box could be opened or closed by turning the rearview mirror frame away from or toward a front opening of the storage box. The storage box is then clamped onto a mounting plate of the rearview mirror frame of the vehicle. Miscellaneous items may be conveniently positioned in the storage box behind the wide-angle rearview mirror frame for easy access of these items without affecting the original function of the rearview mirror.

Abstract: A panoramic imaging system includes multiple cameras and mirrors. The field of view of each camera is directed radially outward from a central axis of the imaging system by one of the mirrors, the target alignment planes for the mirrors being defined by a plurality of planar reference surfaces. Each mirror is mounted in a resilient mounting structure, and is held in place by the mirror contact region of a retaining structure. Each retaining structure also includes a base contact region clamped to one of the planar reference surfaces. The base contact region and the mirror contact region of each retaining structure are coplanar, so that each reflective surface is aligned with a planar reference surface. The properly directed fields of view of the plurality of cameras can be combined to form a panoramic image. According to an embodiment of the invention, the panoramic imaging system comprises an eight-sided camera.

Abstract: An external rearview mirror of an automotive vehicle has a mirror plate set including a mirror plate and a rear cover, a moving mechanism for the mirror plate set and including a bearing/electric motor set, a housing in which the mirror plate set and the bearing/motor set are accommodated, a base with which the housing is connected in an articulated manner, the base being fixable to a side of a vehicle, the mirror plate set and the bearing/motor set being directly fixed with one another with the use of parts including one part provided in the mirror plate set and another part provided in the bearing/engine set and connectable with the one part.

Abstract: The protective helmet comprises within its thickness at least one optical path, having a dorsal entry and a frontal exit, for conveying to the eye (O) of the user an image of the scene behind said user's back. An objective lens (11) is disposed at the point of said dorsal entry aperture. An eyepiece and a reflecting optical member are disposed at the point of said frontal exit, said reflecting optical member being positioned so as to reflect the image coming from said eyepiece toward the eye of the wearer of the helmet; and at least one refractive member is disposed along said optical path, between said lens and said eyepiece (23).

Abstract: A bearing apparatus for pivotally moving a carrying arm relative to an anchorage is provided. The carrying arm may carry a mirror for a vehicle, the anchorage mountable to the vehicle. The bearing apparatus has a bushing located between the carrying arm and the anchorage in which a pivot bearing apparatus is moveably disposed. In one embodiment the pivot bearing apparatus has a control component and a come-along part relationally disposed about a shaft and movably connected to the control component. When the shaft is rotated, the come-along part moves along the shaft to rotate the control component. In turn, the control component transfers its rotation to pivot the carrying arm.

Abstract: In a reflector (10) including a mirror base member (11) having a concave surface, a reflecting film (12) is formed on the concave surface. For preventing the fragments of the broken lamp from flying forward, a protective glass plate (13) is attached to the mirror base member. At least one of the mirror base member and the protective glass plate is made of a glass member whose mechanical strength is enhanced. The mechanical strength of the glass member may be enhanced by ion exchange.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a reflective element, a housing or casing supporting the reflective element, and the casing including a storage space. The storage space provides storage for at least one accessory and for storing the accessory in the location easily accessible by an occupant of the vehicle whereby the accessory can be inserted into and removed from the storage space for use by an occupant of the vehicle. The storage space may take the form of a recess provided in a top wall of the casing, a recessed portion provided in a front wall, back wall, or end wall of the casing. In one form, the recessed portion houses a pendent accessory which is movable between a retracted position within the recess to an extended position for viewing by an occupant of the vehicle. For example, the pendent accessory may include a reflective element or a display element, for displaying information to an occupant of the vehicle.

Abstract: An external rearview mirror of an automotive vehicle has a mirror plate set including a mirror plate and a rear cover, a moving mechanism for the mirror plate set and including a bearing/electric motor set, a housing in which the mirror plate set and the bearing/motor set are accommodated, a base with which the housing is connected in an articulated manner, the base being fixable to a side of a vehicle, the mirror plate set and the bearing/motor set being directly fixed with one another with the use of parts including one part provided in the mirror plate set and another part provided in the bearing/engine set and connectable with the one part.

Abstract: Car rearview mirror structure comprising an arched mirror seat, an I-shaped adjustment bar, a T-shaped bracket, a fixing support lever, auxiliary mirrors, anti-collision warning device, auxiliary mirror seat places and decorative outer frame. The arched mirror seat is a flat rectangular and arched hollow shade body. The inner side thereof is provided with opposite insertion seats having insertion channels in which a spring and a locating steel ball are disposed. A cover plate is locked on the insertion seat to fix the spring and steel ball therein. The insertion plate of the auxiliary mirror is inserted in the insertion channel of the insertion seat. By means of the ball rod, the auxiliary mirror can be universally turned. T-shaped bracket is inserted in the T-shaped bracket cavities of the insertion seat. The T-shaped bracket is locked with the fixing support lever and provided with a restoring spring and spring socket for providing reaction force when micro-adjusting the mirror seat.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to materials and methods that provide a person conducting activity at the rear of a vehicle, such as when loading items into the trunk of a car or the rear of a van the opportunity to observe the area immediately to the rear and rear sides of the vehicle without turning around and facing in that direction. One embodiment concerns a mirror or other reflective material adapted for mounting inside a trunk or rear of a van to permit a user to observe behind them at the same time that they are facing toward the open trunk or van hatchback.

Abstract: A position sensing device for a mirror assembly displaced by an electric motor for a mirror assembly having a memory unit which relies upon position information. The position sensing device connects directly between the housing reinforcement member and the mirror glass. The position sensing device also includes inherent damping capabilities. A dampening assembly provides additional damping capabilities, thereby further limiting vibration of the mirror due to road and wind vibration.

Abstract: An automotive rear view mirror assembly 7 is provided. The mirror assembly 7 has a flexible mirror surface 10. The mirror surface 10 has a first state of curvature about a first axis 14. In the first state of curvature, the mirror surface 10 is flat. The mirror surface 10 has a second state of curvature that is typically convex. To move the mirror surface between the first and second states of curvature, there is provided an actuator 18. The actuator may be mechanically, hydraulically, pneumatically or electrically actuated.

Abstract: A reflective device includes a panel having one or more peripheral or concentric ribs, the ribs each includes an inclined surface inclined relative to the panel for reflecting purposes and for allowing the objects or the scene or the view around the reflective device to be reflected and seen with the ribs. The concentric ribs each includes a perpendicular surface perpendicular to the panel and a cusp formed between the perpendicular surface and the inclined surface. The panel includes a number of areas each having a number of the concentric ribs for reflecting purposes.

Abstract: A make-up or vanity mirror which is adapted to be mounted in a vehicle in such a manner that it may be optimally positioned for use by the driver/passenger without impairing the driver's vision when the vehicle is in motion. The mirror assembly may be added as an aftermarket accessory to existing vehicles or may be installed as original equipment.

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.

Abstract: The micro-mirror apparatus of the invention has; a mirror 33, a plurality of torsion springs 35, 36 for supporting the mirror 33 so as to be tiltable relative to an upper substrate 27, a lower substrate 21 arranged facing a lower face of the mirror 33, a convex portion 34 provided on an upper face of the lower substrate 21 and a plurality of lower electrodes 22, 23 formed on an outer face of the convex portion 34. For the torsion spring 36, an aspect ratio of height/width in a cross-section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction thereof is at least 1.8.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror for vehicles has a mirror base and a mirror head connected to the mirror base so as to be pivotable between a position of use and a parking position. A locking member locks the mirror head in the parking position. The mirror head has a counter locking member interacting in a locking position with the locking member for locking the mirror head in the parking position. A guide guides the counter locking member from the locking position into a release position when the mirror head is moved from the parking position into the position of use.

Abstract: The device according to the invention is characterized in that a toothed rack (7) is articulated to the mirror foot (2) into which a toothed wheel (6) engages which is moved by a drive (5) fastened to the mirror frame (1). The mirror frame (1) is also articulated to the mirror foot (2) via an intermediate joint (8) articulated via a second rotating axle (10) different from the first. A hooked spring (12) which locks the mirror frame (1) to the mirror foot (2) enables the mirror frame (1) to move between two predetermined positions. The mirror frame can be moved from any position thereof by the drive (5) into the two positions and between the two positions.

Abstract: A door mirror structure is provided which can improve assembly workability of a door mirror. A cord is pulled out from a base end portion of a door mirror body. In an overhanging portion of a door mirror base, a slot is formed in place of a conventional cord insertion hole. Therefore, at a door mirror assembly line, the cord can easily be inserted into the slot from an arrow A direction. As a result, the assembly workability of the door mirror can be improved.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle is provided. The assembly has a holding component and clamping parts to clamp the mirror assembly to the holding component. Alternative embodiments of the holding component and clamping parts are also disclosed.

Abstract: Adjustable rearview mirror for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, an aircraft, or a water craft, having a drive housing that is connected to a mirror carrier in a rotationally secured manner, with the connection between the mirror carrier and the drive housing being a snap connection.

Abstract: A tensioner to provide resistance to rotation of a shaft relative to a surface from which the shaft originates. The tensioner comprise a shaft collar split into at least two pieces; at least one connector for fastening the split pieces of the shaft collar together about the shaft; and a bushing split into at least two pieces. The bushing is adapted to contact an interface between the shaft and the surface from which the shaft originates. At least one axially adjustable member corresponding to each bushing piece and having a corresponding axial guide within the shaft collar is insertable in the corresponding axial guide and adjustable to exert pressure upon the bushing to push the bushing into or against the interface. The tensioner may be adapted specifically for use with a side-view mirror shaft, such as is commonly found on pick-up trucks and the like, and may be adaptable for use in configurations with or without grommets as the interface between the shaft and a mounting bracket for the shaft.

Abstract: A micromirror actuator includes a substrate; two posts having predetermined heights and installed a predetermined distance apart on the substrate; a torsion bar ends of which are fixed to respective posts; a stopper extending from a portion of the torsion bar and contacting or coming apart from the surface of the substrate; a mirror connected to the middle portion of the torsion bar; parallel elements connected to the torsion bar being isolated from the mirror and causing the torsion bar to be distorted; and a magnet providing a rotation force to the parallel elements through being affected by an external magnetic field. Accordingly, the rotation characteristics of the mirror of the micromirror actuator of the present invention become insensitive to a change of the strength of the external magnetic field applied after the stopper contacts the surface, thereby uniformly maintaining the rotation angle of the mirror at a desired level.

Abstract: A mirror device includes a base for attaching onto a supporting wall and having a stud, a socket secured onto the stud and having a ball, a barrel rotatably engaged onto the ball, and a mirror secured onto the barrel and rotatable and adjustable relative to the base, for allowing the mirror to be directed toward any selected angular position relative to the base. The socket includes a shank coupled to the ball with a neck. A lock sleeve is rotatably engaged onto the ball and threaded to the barrel and has a peripheral flange rotatably engaged between the ball and the shank.

Abstract: A system for aligning the reflective surface of a front surface mirror with a reference surface on a base structure includes a resilient support structure and a retaining structure. The front surface mirror is mounted on the resilient support structure. A contact region of the retaining structure is placed across a portion of both the reference surface and the reflective surface and is clamped to the reference surface. Because the contact region represents a coplanar portion of the retaining structure, and because the resilient support structure holds the reflective surface against the contact region, the reflective surface is aligned with the reference surface. An eight-sided camera according to the invention includes eight mirrors, each mirror being mounted in a resilient mounting structure and being clamped down by a retaining structure having a coplanar contact region spanning a reference surface and the mirror reflective surface.

Abstract: An external rearview mirror, has a mirror plate; a regulating mechanism for position regulation of said mirror plate, by moving the mirror plate, a transmission device including a sole transmission cable formed as an internal cable, an external sleeve; fixed in a housing the mechanism, and a button connected with the cable so that the cable can be pulled or pushed inside a sleeve against a force of a spring depending of movements of the button.

Abstract: Phase and free spectra range adjustable reflectors, referred to herein as nano tuner (NanoT) reflectors, provide building blocks for the manufacturing of passive and active devices used for dense wavelength division multiplexing applications. Specifically, NanoT can be used to fabricate interleavers, multichannel filters and dispersion compensators, optical spectrum synthesizers and other valuable devices. Various embodiments are disclosed. Each provides at least one hermetically sealed optical cavity connected to a tuning device through a channel. The tuning device permits modification to the density of an optical medium contained in the cavity. In the preferred embodiments disclosed, the optical medium comprises one or more selected gases which determine the index of refraction in the cavity. The cavity is formed between two optical windows having facing surfaces coated by partially or wholly reflective coatings. The facing surfaces are separated by a selected distance by a precise spacer.

Abstract: A telescope is provided with a rearview mirror having a mirror surface opposite to the observer. The rearview mirror is located on both sides of the eyepiece, the objective lens, or the telescope body and can be rotatably attached, insertably attached, clipped, or fastened. The rearview mirror is parallel to or tilting to the lens of the eyepiece. The objective lens can be circular, square, or any other shape.

Abstract: A light-weight and highly rigid mirror support structure is provided which is capable of maintaining a relation between the relative positions of a main mirror and an auxiliary mirror even with environmental variations in the place of installation or deformations of a mounting surface, and of preventing a deformation of the main mirror and the auxiliary mirror which would otherwise cause performance deterioration. A main mirror (1) and an auxiliary mirror (2) are disposed a predetermined distance apart from each other in a face-to-face relation. A main mirror support member (3) and an auxiliary mirror support member (4) serve to support the main mirror (1) and the auxiliary mirror (2), respectively. A plurality of rods (15a) connect the main mirror support member (4) and the auxiliary mirror support member (4) with each other.

Abstract: The micro-mirror apparatus of the invention has; a mirror 33, a plurality of torsion springs 35, 36 for supporting the mirror 33 so as to be tiltable relative to an upper substrate 27, a lower substrate 21 arranged facing a lower face of the mirror 33, a convex portion 34 provided on an upper face of the lower substrate 21 and a plurality of lower electrodes 22, 23 formed on an outer face of the convex portion 34. For the torsion spring 36, an aspect ratio of height/width in a cross-section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction thereof is at least 1.8.

Abstract: A motor vehicle rearview mirror, comprising a mirror housing; a carrier, which is mounted therein and on which a mirror glass drive, which includes at least one drive motor and a downstream step down gear and with which a mirror glass carrier, which can be driven by the mirror glass drive, can be swiveled around two swivel axes, arranged at right angles to each other; and connections at least to supply at least one drive motor. At least the supply of at least one drive motor occurs by means of an electronic module, which is connected electrically to the mirror glass drive by means of at least one first output plug.

Abstract: A mount adjustably supports a mirror assembly to a vehicle windshield. The mount includes a housing with a pocket shaped to completely receive a portable communication device, such as a portable telephone, with the device's antenna extending from the pocket. A door on the mount is positioned to close and positively capture the communication device in the mount housing. The door includes a push-push latch to provide secure retention of the communication device, but further includes a dampener for smooth door movement. The door is aesthetically designed for optimal function and appearance.

Abstract: An external rearview mirror has a mirror set, a base receiving the mirror set in an articulated way, a regulating device for positioning the mirror plate, a support structure for the regulating device, a housing accommodating components of the mirror set and fixed in the support structure, and a stabilization device for stabilizing a mirror position and incorporated in the support structure, wherein the stabilization device includes, a first indented surface provided on the mirror set and disposed in the sleeve, a second indented surface provided on the base adjacent to the first indented surface to the sleeve, and an axial compression spring arranged around the pivot post and pressing the sleeve for connecting the indented surfaces with one another, so that the mirror set is either not deflected and does not have its integrity or torque strength endangered,or is deflected and has its integrity preserved.

Abstract: A reflective element for coupling to still and motion cameras for providing a self-reflection to a photographic subject is founded on a reflective element body comprising an upstanding face panel coupled to a base panel in an L-shaped configuration. A thin plastic film with a reflective metal deposit thereon is affixed to the upstanding face panel for providing the self-reflection to the photographic subject. Ideally, the thin plastic film and the reflective metal deposit are crafted to form a one-way mirror so that a photographer's view of the subject is not obscured. The reflective element can be coupled to the camera by a hook and loop combination to allow the reflective element to be affixed to the camera by a pressing of the two together and to allow the two to be separated by a mere pulling apart.

Abstract: An internal rearview mirror has a mirror assembly, and an assembling device for connecting the mirror assembly to a windshield, the assembling device including a first base connected with the mirror assembly provided with a fixation device, and a second base fixable to the windshield and formed so that the first base being detachably connectable to the second base, the first base having a superior face adapted to be adjacent to the windshield and provided with a resilient pawl with a projection, and the second base having a posterior edge, formed so that when the first base is forced onto the second base the pawl with the first projection first resilient deflect and thereafter the projection engages behind a posterior edge of the second base so as to retain the bases assembled with one another.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a mirror. A body is adapted to couple to and support the mirror in multiple of orientations to allow the mirror to reflect light from and to multiple areas. Multiple tabs are coupled to the body and adapted to interfere with adjacent portions of a car seat, to which the body is mounted, and a rear ledge of a car to inhibit the body from moving relative to the car seat.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle having a mirror element attached to a carrier plate is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of assembling a rearview mirror assembly with an exchangeable mirror element.

Abstract: Proposed is a rearview mirror in which a reflective coating (16) is found on the outer side (12) of a mirror carrier (6). This carrier (6) then, no longer serves for the support of a separate mirror element, for instance, a glass plate or the like and further the carrier (6) is not provided on its own inner surface (14) with the reflective coating (16). In other words, the carrier (6), that is, the material of the carrier (6), need not show any special qualities of an optical nature. Thus, preparatory steps for the machining and finishing of the inner surface (14), such as polishing, before application of the reflective coating (16), which steps are expensive in time and cost, can be dispensed with, since the reflective coating (16) is, in the present invention, directly on the outside (12) of the said carrier.

Abstract: Adjustable rearview mirror for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, an aircraft, or a water craft, having a drive housing that is connected to a mirror carrier in a rotationally secured manner, with the connection between the mirror carrier and the drive housing being a snap connection.

Abstract: A mirror assembly for use on an automotive vehicle comprises a support base for fixedly mounting the mirror assembly to the vehicle. The mirror assembly further includes an upper and lower support arm, each extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end. A collar having an upper chamber and a lower chamber is fixedly secured to the first ends of the support arms and pivotally coupled to the support base for pivoting the support arms about a generally vertical axis between an operative position extending laterally from the vehicle and a folded position pivoted adjacent and generally parallel to the vehicle. A housing is slidably coupled to the second ends of the support arms and slidable therealong between a retracted position adjacent the first ends and an extended position adjacent the second ends. A mirror pane is operatively coupled to the housing for providing an adjustable reflective view from the mirror assembly.

Abstract: A drop-and-slide attachment system for attaching a mirror to a vehicle rear-view mirror housing utilizes forward projecting, notched posts on a support panel fit axially into a slotted, mirror-back mounting plate. When the mirror mounting plate is moved laterally, the posts slide in the slots until notches engage arcuate edges at one end of each of the slots. During this lateral movement, a stop on the support panels bears against a compression spring on the mounting plate. When the mirror plate reaches the attached home position, a resilient latch snaps behind a retaining abutment of a catch on the support panel trapping the panel against the compressed spring. This construction requires only a very small gap between the edge of the mirror glass and the surrounding housing, thus providing a pleasing appearance.

Abstract: A micromachined apparatus for reflecting light is described that is designed to reduce losses in quality or intensity of light. Mirrors are used having lengths that are longer than their widths to reduce clipping of light when a mirror is located at an angle with respect to light falling thereon. Relatively long mirror torsion components are used to reduce forces required to pivot the mirrors. Regardless of the dimensions of the mirrors and the use of long torsion components, the mirrors are still located relatively dose to one another. The relatively close positioning of the mirrors is due to a combined use of notches formed in support frames to which the torsion components are secured, oval shapes of the mirrors which take up less space than rectangular shapes, matching oval openings in the support frames, and the arrangement of the support frames in a non-rectangular array wherein tips of the support frames are located between one another.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror for motor vehicles has a mirror base and a mirror head mounted thereon. A drive motor is provided to move the mirror head from a position of use into a parking position. The drive motor is connected to the mirror base by being snapped into place on the mirror base in a direction of insertion; preferably a locking plug-in connection is used for this purpose. The plug-in connection has receptacles on the mirror base and counter members on the motor that are received in the receptacles, respectively.

Abstract: A position sensing device for a mirror assembly displaced by an electric motor for a mirror assembly having a memory unit which relies upon position information. The position sensing device connects directly between the housing reinforcement member and the mirror glass. The position sensing device also includes inherent damping capabilities. A dampening assembly provides additional damping capabilities, thereby further limiting vibration of the mirror due to road and wind vibration.

Abstract: An extendable exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mounting bracket, a mirror subassembly, and a support which is supported by the mounting bracket. The mirror subassembly is supported by the support and is mounted for selective movement along the support arm to one of a plurality of viewing positions. The mirror subassembly includes a housing, a reflective element, and an actuator which supports the reflective element on a forward facing wall of the housing. The rearview mirror assembly further includes a clamping assembly which provides a force to urge frictional engagement between the housing and the support to limit movement of the mirror subassembly along the support. In preferred form, the support extends into the housing and frictionally engages an exterior surface of the forward facing wall.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror for vehicles has a mirror base and a mirror head connected to the mirror base so as to be pivotable in a travel direction of the vehicle and in a direction opposite to the travel direction. The mirror base has first and second bearings and the mirror head has first and second bearing elements engaging the first and second bearings, respectively. The first and second bearing elements are configured such that, when the mirror head pivots in the travel direction, the first bearing elements disengage the first bearings and the second bearing elements form a pivot axis within the second bearings and, when the mirror head pivots in the direction opposite the travel direction, the second bearing elements disengage the second bearings and the first bearing elements form a pivot axis within the first bearings.