Abstract: An improved rearview mirror mounted telephone system mounted in a vehicle comprises a rearview mirror assembly having a housing and a reflective member associated with the housing in such a manner as to enable said reflective member to properly function as a rearview mirror; and an RF transceiver mounted to, within or on the rearview mirror assembly for providing a communication link with the rearview mirror assembly. The RF transceiver may be in communication with a portable telephone when the portable telephone is connected to the RF transceiver. The RF transceiver may be a cellular telephone transceiver.

Abstract: An improved rearview mirror mounted telephone system mounted in a vehicle comprises a rearview mirror assembly having a housing and a reflective member associated with the housing in such a manner as to enable said reflective member to properly function as a rearview mirror; and an RF transceiver mounted to, within or on the rearview mirror assembly for providing a communication link with the rearview mirror assembly. The RF transceiver may be in communication with a portable telephone when the portable telephone is connected to the RF transceiver. The RF transceiver may be a cellular telephone transceiver.

Abstract: An improved portable telephone and an improved inside rearview mirror assembly coacts with the portable telephone to provide an improved mobile telephone system. The portable telephone includes a housing of generally rectangular configuration defining a recess in one face of the housing, a microphone mounted in the housing, an arm pivotally mounted at one end thereof on the housing for movement between a stowed position in which it is positioned in the housing recess and an extended position in which the other end of the arm is positioned in spaced relation to the housing, and a speaker mounted on the other end of the arm. The rearview mirror assembly includes a bracket assembly mounted on top of the rearview mirror and including a holster defining a socket for receipt of the portable telephone. External contacts on the telephone coact with contacts in the socket to establish electrical communication between the telephone and the transceiver of the vehicle when the telephone is inserted into the holster.

Abstract: An improved portable telephone and an improved inside rearview mirror assembly coacting with the portable telephone to provide an improved mobile telephone system. The portable telephone includes a housing of generally rectangular configuration defining a recess in one face of the housing, a microphone mounted in the housing, an arm pivotally mounted at one end thereof on the housing for movement between a stowed position in which it is positioned in the housing recess and an extended position in which the other end of the arm is positioned in spaced relation to the housing, and a speaker mounted on the other end of the arm. The rearview mirror assembly includes a bracket assembly mounted on top of the rearview mirror and including a holster defining a socket for receipt of the portable telephone. External contacts on the telephone coact with contacts in the socket to establish electrical communication between the telephone and the transceiver of the vehicle when the telephone is inserted into the holster.

Abstract: An illuminated roof/luggage rack for automobiles and other vehicles incorporates turn indicators and/or side lights to enhance noticeability and safety. Preferably, the turn indicators are provided on all four corners of the rack structure, and the side lights run the entire length of the side members. Rear-facing braking lights may also be provided, all of which are operated in conjunction with the vehicle's electrical system. In one alternative embodiment, rows of lights on either side alternate ON and OFF to attract additional attention by appearing to flicker up and down or to simulate wave sequences. A somewhat different alternative embodiment includes illuminated side lettering or decorations. Such indicia, which may be permanent or changeable, may be used to exhibit commercial or personal messages, for example for HELP or for other announcements.

Abstract: An improved portable telephone and an improved inside rearview mirror assembly coacting with the portable telephone to provide an improved mobile telephone system. The portable telephone includes a housing of generally rectangular configuration defining a recess in one face of the housing, a microphone mounted in the housing, an arm pivotally mounted at one end thereof on the housing for movement between a stowed position in which it is positioned in the housing recess and an extended position in which the other end of the arm is positioned in spaced relation to the housing, and a speaker mounted on the other end of the arm. The rearview mirror assembly includes a bracket assembly mounted on top of the rearview mirror and including a holster defining a socket for receipt of the portable telephone. External contacts on the telephone coact with contacts in the socket to establish electrical communication between the telephone and the transceiver of the vehicle when the telephone is inserted into the holster.

Abstract: An improved portable telephone and an improved inside rearview mirror assembly coacting with the portable telephone to provide an improved mobile telephone system. The portable telephone includes a housing of generally rectangular configuration defining a recess in one face of the housing, a microphone mounted in the housing, an arm pivotally mounted at one end thereof on the housing for movement between a stowed position in which it is positioned in the housing recess and an extended position in which the other end of the arm is positioned in spaced relation to the housing, and a speaker mounted on the other end of the arm. The rearview mirror assembly includes a bracket assembly mounted on top of the rearview mirror and including a holster defining a socket for receipt of the portable telephone. External contacts on the telephone coact with contacts in the socket to establish electrical communication between the telephone and the transceiver of the vehicle when the telephone is inserted into the holster.

Abstract: A fashionable pair of spectacles with combined sliding and pivoting elements for viewing objects behind a forward facing user. The spectacles have temples at opposite ends of the eyepiece with longitudinal apertures for receiving closely fitting shafts. A pair of slender round shafts engage the apertures and have orthogonal forward end portions which project out of the apertures and receive reflective elements for viewing objects behind the user. In the first aspect of the invention, each reflective element is rotatably mounted to the orthogonal end of one shaft and is selectively adjustable by translating and rotating the shaft along and about the longitudinal axis of the corresponding temple aperture and by rotating the element about the axis of the orthogonal foward portion of the shaft.

Abstract: A fashionable pair of spectacles with single pivot folded rear vision elements for viewing objects behind a forward facing user. The spectacles are comprised of a binocular eyepiece of the kind having a conventional frame without side shields, a pair of spaced apart slender temples mounted to opposite ends of the eyepiece for rotation about a first pair of vertical axes and a pair of spaced apart folded elements mounted to the eyepiece for rotation about a second pair of vertical axes which are positioned inside of the first pair of axes. Each rear vision element has a reflective portion and a mounting portion at a fixed angular relationship to the reflective portion.

Abstract: A unitary sun visor and cellular telephone with means for transmitting and receiving telephone cells, answering incoming calls when a vehicle is unoccupied for maintaining contact with others, recording incoming calls when a vehicle is in motion, recording information, such as travel expenses and dictation for subsequent transcribing while on the road, and playing pre-recorded tapes while on the road. The unitary apparatus is adapted to be mounted to a vehicle's body structure above the vehicle's instrument panel, forward of the front seat occupant, and has an outer panel with opposing surfaces which is adjustable to a downward extending shading position and to an upward non-shading position adjacent to the vehicle's headliner.

Abstract: A compact cellular telephone for motor vehicles whose outer case is a vehicle sun visor. Operating controls for placing, receiving and processing incoming and outgoing calls are large and within the driver's normal field of vision so that the invention may be operated without distracting a driver's attention from the road. Controls for placing outgoing calls are positioned in a linear arrangement across the front surface of the lower case. Controls for selecting functions, also in a linear arrangement, are positioned on the lower surface of the case in parallel relationship to the outgoing call controls. All electronic components and circuitry of the telephone are mounted on a single printed circuit board in the interior of the case. An input jack is provided on the lower surface of the case for the optional use of a driver's headset in lieu of a microphone and speaker which are mounted in the interior of the case.