With Mirror Supporting Column Or Sliding Adjustment Patents (Class 359/881)
  • Patent number: 6394616
    Abstract: A mirror assembly for use on an automotive vehicle comprises a support base for mounting the mirror assembly to the vehicle. A support arm extends longitudinally between a proximal end pivotally coupled to the support base and an opposite distal end. The mirror assembly further includes a housing coupled to the support arm and slidable between a retracted position adjacent to the proximal end and an extended position adjacent to the distal end and spaced from the proximal end. A glass mirror pane is operatively coupled to the housing for providing a reflective view from the mirror assembly. The mirror assembly also includes a drive mechanism coupled between the support arm and the housing for providing both power actuated and manual sliding movement of the housing along the support arm between the retracted position and the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Magna Mirror Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith D. Foote, Ian Boddy, Kenneth C. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6386719
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Enroute, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip H. Lee
  • Patent number: 6382802
    Abstract: A portable floor mirror system for allowing an individual to set up a mirror at a desired height and desired ambient light conditions situation that includes a tripod assembly with collapsible legs that supports a mirror assembly having a two-sided rotatable mirror which includes a triple magnification mirror on one side and a one magnification power mirror on the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Donna M. Goodman
  • Patent number: 6375334
    Abstract: A rear-view mirror for a vehicle, especially for lorries, includes a mirror housing in which at least one mirror glass is arranged and an upper arm, a first end of which is connected to the mirror housing and a second end of which is connected to a door of the vehicle. A lower arm, a first end of which is connected to the mirror housing and a second end of which is connected to the door in an area located below the level at which a lower edge of a side window of the door is located, where the second end of the upper arm is connected to a hinge which connects the door to the bodywork of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: AB Volvo
    Inventors: Mikael Hildesson, Dan Frykholm
  • Patent number: 6375333
    Abstract: A mirror carrier plate assembly is slidably engageable along a sliding direction by a holding plate of a mirror housing for securing the mirror carrier plate assembly to the housing. The holding plate has two opposite sides. The mirror carrier plate assembly includes a substantially planar mirror carrier plate having a first surface for receiving a mirror and a second surface opposite the first surface, and at least two sets of projecting clips extending from the second surface of the mirror carrier plate and configured to receive and matingly retain the opposite sides of the holding plate. The sets are disposed substantially along the sliding direction. At least one of the sets of projecting clips is disposed on the mirror carrier plate along a first curved line so that a first portion of the one set is disposed further from a line extending in the sliding direction than a second portion of the one set. Related rear view mirror assemblies are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Mekra Lang GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Heinrich Lang
  • Publication number: 20020044366
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventor: Hisayuki Mukae
  • Patent number: 6371618
    Abstract: A single shell side-view mirror assembly is disclosed which provides improved aerodynamic features and improved vibrational resistance characterized by an aerodynamically domed shell structure, interchangeable mirror elements, an electrically activated vibration dampening element and a static vibration dampening elements. A mirror unit of the mirror assembly is disposed within a shell housing but is coupled directly to and supported by a support member mounting plate such that the mirror unit is substantially rigidly coupled to a support member without being supported by the shell housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Rosco Inc.
    Inventors: Sol Englander, Benjamin Englander
  • Patent number: 6367939
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: John W. Carter, Robert W. Grimes, III
  • Publication number: 20020027728
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: Lang-Mekra North America, LLC
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Wolfgang Seiboth, Stefan Centmayer
  • Patent number: 6352348
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Lang-Mekra North America, LLC
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Wolfgang Seiboth, Stefan Centmayer
  • Patent number: 6336726
    Abstract: A fastening member for securing a rearview mirror housing to a vehicle and a related rearview mirror assembly are disclosed. The housing has a mirror carrier plate secured therein and defining an opening extending through the housing, the mirror carrier plate including at least one fastening connector disposed adjacent the opening. The fastening member includes a first support arm having a first end and a second end, the first end of the first support arm for securing to the vehicle, a second support arm having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second support arm for securing to the vehicle, the second support arm extending substantially parallel to the first support arm, and a connecting piece extending substantially perpendicular to the first and second support arms and formed integrally with the first and second support arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Lang-Mekra North America, LLC
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Albrecht Popp, Jürgen Pfanz
  • Patent number: 6325519
    Abstract: A mirror carrier plate assembly is disclosed and is slidably engageable along a sliding direction by a holding plate of a mirror housing for securing the mirror carrier plate to the housing, the holding plate having a first surface opposing the mirror carrier plate, a second surface opposite the first surface, and at least one receiving channel extending from the second surface, the holding plate defining a penetration opening therethrough adjacent the receiving channel. The mirror carrier plate assembly includes a substantially planar mirror carrier plate having a first surface for receiving a mirror and a second surface opposite the first surface, and at least one anchoring element extending from the second surface of the mirror carrier plate, the anchoring element configured to extend through the penetration opening and into the receiving channel, and being slidably receivable in the receiving channel in the sliding direction. A related rear view mirror assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: MEKRA Lang GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Heinrich Lang
  • Publication number: 20010046094
    Abstract: Side-view mirrors are provided in which, without adversely affecting operations of retracting side-view mirrors and adjusting mirror surfaces, mechanisms are greatly simplified and a waterproofing/dustproofing mechanism can be omitted, thereby resulting in much lower manufacturing costs. In a switching driving section of the control device which adjusts the mirror surfaces of a pair of left-side and right-side side-view mirrors, a motor is selectively meshed with gears or gears by a switching operation by a plunger. The mirror surfaces of the side-view mirrors can thereby be adjusted to an arbitrary mounting angle. Namely, driving mechanisms provided for each of a left-side and a right-side as in conventional structures are combined into the single switching driving section, and thus the manufacturing costs are greatly reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Hirano, Kyozo Omi
  • Publication number: 20010038504
    Abstract: A device which enables a driver of a vehicle to monitor an infant in a rear seat by the rear view mirror of the vehicle, where the device is portable, universally applicable to passenger vehicles and non-destructive of the vehicle interior yet secure against vehicular vibration. The device consists of a non-threaded telescoping mast that is held into a selected position by a clip, and a mirror for viewing the infant which mast is positioned between the top of the backseat and the headliner secured by outward pressures from a backseat pad and an upper pivotal pad. The pivotal pad can be attached to the mast by a ball and socket for allowing 360 degrees of pivot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventor: Dennis H. Menefee
  • Patent number: 6305809
    Abstract: A mirror for viewing the face at different magnifications selectable by the user includes a first, oval primary mirror comprised of a front mirror plate having a first magnification and a rear mirror plate concavely curved to provide a second, greater magnification, the front and rear primary mirror plates being held in a back-to-back arrangement within a bezel ring. The ring is pivotably supported within a yoke attached to the upper end of a stanchion which protrudes upwardly from a base, allowing the primary mirror to be pivoted about a horizontally disposed minor axis of the primary mirror, or about a vertical axis through the stanchion, thus presenting either the front or rear reflecting surface to a person located in front of the mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Zlatko Zadro
  • Patent number: 6305810
    Abstract: A device for viewing or observing an infant within a rearwardly facing infant car safety seat disposed upon the rear seat of a vehicle such as an automobile. The viewing device comprises a base unit which is attachable to the safety seat, and an elongate, bendable stem, the proximal end of which is releasably attached to the base unit. The viewing device further comprises a reflective surface which is attached to the distal end of the stem. The stem may be bended or deformed to maintain the reflective surface at a selected orientation relative to the safety seat, and more particularly to the infant residing within the safety seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Elizabeth A. Mercado
  • Patent number: 6302550
    Abstract: A rear mounted mirror assembly for motor vehicles including a base member coupled with respect to a rear of a motor vehicle. The base member includes a first plate and a second plate. The first plate and the second plate each have opposed upper and lower edges and opposed inner and outer edges. The first plate is fixedly secured to the rear of the motor vehicle. The inner edges of the first and second plate are joined by a hinge whereby the second plate is foldable between a first position essentially in a coplanar relationship with the first plate and a second position essentially perpendicular to the first plate. A telescoping rod is secured to the base member. A convex mirror is secured to an upper end of the telescoping rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventor: Charles Krieg
  • Publication number: 20010026411
    Abstract: In a door mirror in accordance with the present invention, at a connecting portion near a driver's seat or a passenger seat, an opposing portion which is a boundary between the connecting portion and a lid is exposed on the surface of a visor at a side toward the substantial rear of a vehicle. Therefore, even if steps are formed at the opposing portion and slight irregularities are thereby formed on the surface of the visor, air flow does not flow over the opposing portion, or orientation of air flow is not rapidly changed or turbulence is not generated over or below the opposing portion. In this way, noise such as wind noise generated near the connecting portion can be reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventors: Wataru Horio, Tadashi Ejiri, Toshinobu Mizutani, Tadayoshi Kato, Masahide Inayama
  • Patent number: 6296363
    Abstract: An improved mirror mounting assembly is designed for use with an existing mirror to enable viewing front, back, top and sides, of user's head during hair grooming and styling. The mirror assembly contains a mirror panel which is adjusable relative to existing mirror. The viewer sees two images: the normal frontal image of the back of viewer's head and shoulders. The mirror panel rotates to a protected position to prevent damage to panel and supporting structure when assembly is mounted on a door and door is opened against adjacent wall. Door mounting requires no tools. A modified support bracket permits securing assembly to a wall opposed to existing mirror. The mirror mounting assembly is convenient, protected, self-storing, safe and non-complex and enables user to readily view the front, back, top and sides of his or her head for hair grooming and styling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: J. Roland Chabot
  • Patent number: 6276805
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventors: Paul Home, Paul R. Henion, Peter Robert Rothe, David Henderson Woollard, Barry Whitford, Trevor Fimeri, Simon Orme
  • Patent number: 6264339
    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. The mirror is mounted on a flexible extension arm which is secured to a base which may be quickly secured to the posts of the head rest on a typical seat or to another portion of the vehicle. The mirror may include a peripheral lighting system to provide localized illumination. The power source for the lighting system may be self-contained with a battery pack mounted in the clamp base and a wire carried in the interior of the flexible extension arm. It is also possible to house the battery pack directly in the mirror housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: Christian von Glasow
  • Patent number: 6264340
    Abstract: A device which enables a driver of a vehicle to monitor an infant in a rear seat by the rear view mirror of the vehicle, where the device is portable, universally applicable to passenger vehicles and non-destructive of the vehicle interior yet secure against vehicular vibration. The device consists of a threaded telescoping mast having a mirror for viewing the infant which mast is positioned between the top of the backseat and the headliner and secured by outward pressures developed by a wing nut positioned on the mast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: Dennis Menefee
  • Patent number: 6252730
    Abstract: An improved mirror mounting assembly is designed for use with an existing mirror for hair grooming and styling. The mirror assembly contains a mirror panel which is adjustable relative to an existing mirror for proper viewing. Once adjusted, the mirror angle does not normally require further adjustment since effective viewing is possible for a range of user heights. The mirror panel rotates to a protected position to prevent damage to either panel or assembly when the assembly is mounted on a door and door is opened against an adjacent wall. Similarly, mirror panel rotates to a protected position to prevent damage when the assembly is secured to a wall and an adjacent door is opened against the mirror panel. The mirror panel rotates from its protected position back to its preset viewing angle without intervention by user. The invention includes mounting and support elements which permit the assembly to be removably mounted over top edge of a door without tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventor: J. Roland Chabot
  • Patent number: 6239926
    Abstract: A visual observation system, using the towing vehicle's rearview mirror and a trailer mounted mirror apparatus to align the vehicle's hitch ball and the trailer's hitch receiver without having to use a second person to observe the hitch and guide the driver. The driver does not have to leave the vehicle to observe the relative position of the trailer hitch and the vehicle ball. This allows the driver to align the hitch without damaging the vehicle or the trailer. This apparatus uses a mirror assembly (60), comprising a combination of a convex mirror and a flat mirror mounted on a offset bracket attached to telescoping support (50), on a rotating base assembly (30) offset to the side of the trailer tongue, forming a unit that can be rotated into offset storage clip (75), mounted on the trailer tongue, or easily removed for storage without the use of tools. The unit gives a large field of vision while backing up the vehicle, using the convex mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Desh Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard F. De Shazer
  • Patent number: 6220717
    Abstract: A rear view mirror device for use with an elevated hunter platform is disclosed. The device includes a frame member retaining a mirror element on a front side. A back side of the frame member includes a rod receiving portion for receiving and retaining a top end of a flexible rod. A bottom end of the flexible rod attaches by a screw and wing nut to a center portion of a clamp. The clamp includes a pair of handles and a pair of fingers which are actuated by a spring disposed within the clamp center portion. To deploy the device, pressure is applied to the handles which opens the fingers. The device is then located to its desired position on the elevated hunter platform whereafter the pressure on the handles is released causing the fingers to engage a rail of the platform. The mirror element can then be positioned by rotating the device about a plurality of axises such that the hunter does not have to turn his head to see the area behind or to the side of his forward facing view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Anthony Pastore
  • Patent number: 6213609
    Abstract: A mirror assembly for use on an automotive vehicle comprises a support base for mounting the mirror assembly to the vehicle. A support arm extends longitudinally between a proximal end pivotally coupled to the support base and an opposite distal end. The mirror assembly further includes a housing coupled to the support arm and slidable between a retracted position adjacent to the proximal end and an extended position adjacent to the distal end and spaced from the proximal end. A glass mirror pane is operatively coupled to the housing for providing a reflective view from the mirror assembly. The mirror assembly also includes a drive mechanism coupled between the Support arm and the housing for providing, both power actuated and manual sliding movement of the housing along the support arm between the retracted position and the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Magna Mirror Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Keith D. Foote, Ian Boddy, Kenneth C. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6213608
    Abstract: A viewing mirror device to assist a vehicle driver when connecting the vehicle to a trailer. The mirror device comprises a viewing mirror, an attachment tube or channel for attaching the device to the vehicle hitch, and a mast that connects the viewing mirror to the attachment tube or channel. The position of the viewing mirror can be adjusted so that the vehicle driver can see both the vehicle hitch connection point and the trailer tongue connection point in the mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Evergreen Innovations, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Alan George Osgood
  • Patent number: 6206530
    Abstract: A frame (10) is disclosed having a top member (12) and a base member (14). A support member (16) having two ends (18, 20) is pivotally connected to the top member (12) at one end (18) and the base member (14) at the other end (20). The top member (12) and the base member (14) rotate about their respective pivot connections with the support member (16) to alternate the collapsible frame (10) between a closed position and an opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: The TonJon Company
    Inventor: Allen F. Eberts
  • Patent number: 6193377
    Abstract: A dual rear view mirror assembly for trucks and other vehicles comprising a bracket assembly having an upper portion and a lower portion, each bracket portion having an inboard end adapted to be attached to a truck and like vehicles forwardly of the driver and to one side thereof, each bracket portion having an outboard end with attachment mechanisms, an inboard first mirror having a supporting strip on its upper edge, lower edge and inboard edge, the supporting strip including adjustable support means coupled to the bracket assembly for allowing the adjustment of the first mirror at its inboard end about a vertical axis, and an outboard second mirror having a supporting strip on its upper edge, lower edge and outboard edge, the inboard edge of the second mirror being located adjacent to the outboard edge of the first mirror, and adjustment means coupling the first mirror and second mirror about a vertical axis extending through the line of coupling between the first and second mirrors whereby the second mirr
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: Gary W. Spigner
  • Patent number: 6179428
    Abstract: An arrangement for a rearview mirror for an automotive vehicle utilized for towing a trailer is provided and includes a base support for connection to the vehicle; a single support arm having a first end connected with the base support, the support arm having a plurality of opposing indentions axially separated from one another on the support arm; a mirror housing, having a closed front end and an open rear end, and a side end adjacent the vehicle with an aperture to receive the support arm therethrough; upper and lower spring supports mounted within the mirror housing oriented towards an indention; a first and second springs mounted by the spring supports; a first detent ball biased towards the indentions in the support arm by the first spring to capture a position of the mirror housing upon the support arm; a second detent ball biased towards the indentions in the support arm by the second spring to capture the position of the mirror housing on the support arm; a stop mounted on the support arm to prevent t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Craig R. Krass
  • Patent number: 6139159
    Abstract: A vehicle exterior rearview mirror assembly, especially suited for vehicles used for towing trailers, which selectively holds a mirror subassembly in one of a plurality of positions along a mounting arm to provide at least an inboard, non-towing position and an outboard, towing position. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror assembly includes the mirror subassembly, which includes a housing and a reflective element supported in the housing, a mounting bracket adapted for mounting to a vehicle, and a support for mounting the mirror subassembly to the mounting bracket. The support includes a pair of arms which cooperate with the housing to support the mirror subassembly in one of two or more extended positions from the mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventor: Peter J. Whitehead
  • Patent number: 6130790
    Abstract: A mirror assembly for releasable attachment to the windshield a land vehicle. The assembly includes a mount having a base plate and at least one suction cup. A telescoping arm extends from the base plate and joins a mirror thereto. The length of the arm may be set by means of a clamp which it carries. Swivel balls on the opposite ends of the arm permit the position of the mirror relative to the mount to be further adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Inventor: Bin Tu
  • Patent number: 6069340
    Abstract: An electrode holder mirror device for welding purposes and method therefor comprises a body structure which comprises an open sleeve member and a flange section. The flange section functions to releasably engage a handle portion of an electrode holder through usage of a fastening means. A telescoping mirror assembly comprises a telescoping male member releasably inserted into the open sleeve member at one end thereof. A mirror housing is rigidly affixed to a distal end of the telescoping male member. The telescoping male member and swivel means function to position the mirror rotationally about its longitudinal and latitudinal axes, allowing the device to be placed in a position to allow a welder to adequately view a process being performed. The position of the mirror about its longitudinal and latitudinal axes may adjusted manually or automatically, wherein a substantially crescent-shaped trigger mechanism allows a welder to adjust the mirror with one finger while wearing welding gloves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Paul Joseph DeCanio
    Inventor: Paul Joseph DeCanio
  • Patent number: 6062697
    Abstract: A detachable mirror designed to allow the driver of a vehicle to view the hitch ball when attempting to align the hitch ball with a trailer hitch. The invention has a stable triangular base and an adjustable mast for positioning a small mirror in the correct location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventors: Larry A. Bryant, Daryl L. Beadle
  • Patent number: 6059419
    Abstract: A single shell side-view mirror assembly is disclosed which provides improved aerodynamic features and improved vibrational resistance characterized by an aerodynamically domed shell structure, interchangeable mirror elements, an electrically activated vibration dampening element and a static vibration dampening elements. A mirror unit of the mirror assembly is disposed within a shell housing but is coupled directly to and supported by a support member mounting plate such that the mirror unit is substantially rigidly coupled to a support member without being supported by the shell housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Rosco, Inc.
    Inventors: Sol Englander, Benjamin Englander
  • Patent number: 6059417
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided that enables a person reclined on a bed to comfortably view a television screen (36) that is set up for ordinary viewing, which is small and lightweight, of low cost, and easily used. The apparatus includes a frame (64) that can be mounted on a wall (66) and a pair of mirrors (60, 62) mounted on the frame. A first of the mirrors (60) lies above the head (H) of the reclined viewer so he can comfortably view the first mirror, while the second mirror (62) lies lower and forward of the first mirror to reflect light from the screen toward the first mirror, with the first mirror then reflecting the light to the viewer. The frame includes a wall mount (72) that lies behind and above the viewer's head, an arm (64) extending forwardly from the mount, and a mirror support lying at the outer end, or forward end, of the arm. Each of the mirrors is pivotally mounted on the mirror support about a primarily horizontal axis to allow the viewer to look up or down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: James Z. Tatoian
  • Patent number: 6039455
    Abstract: An infant observation mirror 10 is attachable to a rear-facing infant car seat 200. A fastening assembly 20 includes a C-clamp which attaches to the upper edge of the back of the car seat. Alternative versions of the fastening assembly include a modified alligator clamp and a resilient spring clamp. A first end of a curved arm assembly 50 extends from the fastening assembly over the car seat. A preferred curved arm assembly provides a resilient skeleton the shape of which may be adjusted and a soft protective covering. A mirror assembly 60 is supported by the second end of the curved arm assembly, and typically provides a light-weight mylar plastic mirror. An adjustment assembly 70 allows rotation of the mirror about a horizontal and a vertical axis. A lighting assembly 90 provides soft lighting to illuminate the child during night driving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventor: Karen Sorenson
  • Patent number: 5997147
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided that enables a person reclined on a bed to comfortably view a television screen (36) that is set up for ordinary viewing, which is small and lightweight, of low cost, and easily used. The apparatus includes a frame (64) that can be mounted on a wall (66) and a pair of mirrors (60, 62) mounted on the frame. A first of the mirrors (60) lies above the head (H) of the reclined viewer so he can comfortably view the first mirror, while the second mirror (62) is positioned to reflect light from the screen toward the first mirror, with the first mirror then reflecting the light to the viewer. In one apparatus, the frame includes a wall mount (72) that lies behind and above the viewer's head, an arm (64) extending forwardly from the mount, and a mirror support lying at the outer end of the arm. Each of the mirrors is pivotally mounted on the mirror support about a primarily horizontal axis for fine adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: James Z. Tatoian
  • Patent number: 5971555
    Abstract: A mirror assembly comprising a U shaped perimeter frame and a planar mirror pivotally mounted to the frame. To mount the mirror assembly to the vehicle, there are a plurality of suction cups adjustably mounted at various locations along the frame so that these can be moved to the proper position. The angular position of the frame is set by means of a positioning arm pivotally connected to the frame and slide mounted to the U shaped frame. The assembly is arranged so that the mirror and the mounting arm can be moved to a collapsed position so as to lie within the plane defined by the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventors: Larry M. Wilcox, Donald L. Musselman
  • Patent number: 5969890
    Abstract: A vehicle exterior rearview mirror assembly, especially suited for vehicles used for towing trailers, which selectively holds a mirror subassembly in one of a plurality of positions along a mounting arm to provide at least an inboard, non-towing position and an outboard, towing position. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror assembly includes the mirror subassembly, which includes a housing and a reflective element supported in the housing, a mounting bracket adapted for mounting to a vehicle, and a support for mounting the mirror subassembly to the mounting bracket. The support includes a pair of arms which cooperate with the housing to support the mirror subassembly in one of two or more extended positions from the mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventor: Peter J. Whitehead
  • Patent number: 5930060
    Abstract: A mirror device includes a mirror attached to a frame which is pivotally coupled to a support at a pivot shaft. A cover is secured to the frame and made of electric conductive material. A conductive fastener is secured to the cover. One or more light bulbs are disposed in the cover and coupled to a contact switch which is coupled to the conductive fastener for coupling the light bulb to the cover and for allowing the contact switch to be actuated via the cover. A bracket is secured to the cover for supporting the light bulbs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: Sen Tien Shih
  • Patent number: 5923483
    Abstract: A self-attachable wheel spoke reflector is provided. The self-attachable wheel spoke reflector includes removable from sheet of reflectors. A preferred embodiment of the present invention is that the material be thermoplastic and most preferably vinyl. Another embodiment is that the self-attachable wheel spoke reflector be adhesive-backed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Printmark Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander Sloot
  • Patent number: 5903402
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventor: Steven G. Hoek
  • Patent number: 5886838
    Abstract: A door mirror with a small dead angle which enables the driver to easily see the areas where the right and left front and rear wheels are touching the ground that could not been seen with conventional door mirrors due to dead angles, and to easily see the horizontal forward direction (if there are oncoming cars) on the side of the assistant driver's seat at the time of passing another car ahead by manipulating buttons on the driver's seat and, then, automatically returns to its initial state. The door mirror with a small dead angle comprises a support arm which includes a straight-moving screw, a slide plate that slides in the lengthwise direction thereof, and a mirror case pivoted on the slide plate to rotate. The door mirror may be further equipped with movable sources of light, may be constructed so as to be folded and may contain a fine adjustment mechanism in the mirror case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: Atsushi Kuramoto
  • Patent number: 5880895
    Abstract: An external mirror arrangement is provided including a holder for attachment to a truck vehicle body and for supporting at least one mirror. The holder includes a support arm pivotably secured to the vehicle body and a tie-bar releaseably coupled to the support arm and also attached to the vehicle body. The arrangements provides a releasable coupling that may be readily attached and reattached. A specific embodiment includes an interlocking groove and connection head providing the releasable coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: MEKRA Lang GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Wolfgang Seiboth, Albrecht Popp
  • Patent number: 5825563
    Abstract: A mirror for use in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus is mounted above a bed of the MRI apparatus. The mirror is mounted onto a support arm that extends above and over the bed. The support arm is preferably transparent so as to minimize the amount of claustrophobic feelings induced in a patient. The support arm is attached at a lower end onto a base and also has teeth for insertion within a channel of the bed. The base has a ridge which is inserted into a second channel of the bed and has a post with a cam-shaped end for locking the mirror to the bed. The mirror can be moved to any location along the length of the bed and can also be moved to either side of the bed. Consequently, the location of the mirror can be easily adjusted according to the position of the patient so that the patient will always receive images reflected off of the mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Prem K. Anand
  • Patent number: 5825490
    Abstract: An interferometer comprising a base forming an interior, and first and second optical members located in the interior of the base. The interferometer further comprises a first retainer assembly connecting the first optical member to the base, translation means for moving the second optical member relative the first optical member to vary the distance between the first and second optical members, and a second retainer assembly connecting the second optical member to the translation means. The preferred mechanical configuration and design features of the interferometer produce a very durable instrument that can rapidly scan and accurately filter light across a wide bandwidth. This uniquely designed instrument combines high speed switching, high resolution, wide bandwidth, and adjustable damping capabilities in a durable flight capable instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Edwin G. Haas, Theodore W. Hilgeman, Robert E. Ryan
  • Patent number: 5825564
    Abstract: A mirror support structure for mounting at the rear of a vehicle to support a mirror for convenient viewing of a trailer hitch element positioned at the rear of the vehicle. The trailer hitch can be observed while the observer is seated in the vehicle driver's seat. The mirror support structure includes a mounting member adapted to engage with and be supported by a surface at the rear of the vehicle, and a support arm that is slidably carried by the mounting member and that is positioned at an acute angle relative to the vehicle surface. A mounting arrangement is provided for securing a convex mirror to the support arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventor: Kevin P. Mazarac
  • Patent number: 5798882
    Abstract: An external rear view mirror for motor vehicles, particularly commercial trucks, includes a support arm and mounting devices for mounting the support arm to the motor vehicle. A housing defining an interior volume is provided with the support arm having a vertical portion extending completely through the housing interior volume. At least one support plate is removably attached directly to the support arm vertical portion. An adjustable mirror assembly is mounted to the support plate front side so as to be variably positionable relative thereto. An antenna mounting bracket is formed integral with and extends from the support plate back side into the housing interior volume. The antenna mounting bracket is configured for receipt of an antenna which extends out of the housing. The entire weight of the antenna and the antenna mounting bracket is supported by the support plate which is in turn attached directly to the support arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignees: Sabine Lang, Heinrich Lang
    Inventor: Heinrich Lang
  • Patent number: 5784213
    Abstract: An accessory mirror apparatus that can be mounted on the tailgate, trunk, rear window or other part of a tow vehicle, and oriented to enable the driver of the tow vehicle to see a reflection of the trailer tongue in the mirror while backing up. The apparatus includes a convex mirror rotatably mounted in a bracket. The bracket extends downwardly from the mirror in a pair of elongate leg portions, each of which includes a lockable hinge member which enables the leg portion to be folded. Each leg portion extends downwardly to a first U-shaped bend, then upwardly to a second U-shaped bend, such that the combination of the first and second bends provides a hook member for hanging on tailgates. Each leg portion terminates in a suction cup member to be used for installation on other vehicle applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: Gary Howard