Abstract: A first locking arm connected to a second locking arm on a locking hinge axis. A pair of bearing surfaces on the first locking arm have a first axial spacing, and the second locking arm having a bearing block carrying bearing counter surfaces engaging the bearing surfaces providing a hinged connection between the locking arms. The bearing counter surfaces having a second axial spacing. A first locking element having a first locking surface affixed on one of the bearing surfaces, and a second locking surface affixed on one of the bearing counter surfaces engaging the first locking surface. A spring element biasing the first and the second locking surfaces together. The first axial spacing is less than the second axial spacing so that there is a second spring force acting on the first and second locking surfaces superimposed on the first spring force.

Abstract: A first locking arm connected to a second locking arm on a locking hinge axis. A pair of bearing surfaces on the first locking arm have a first axial spacing, and the second locking arm having a bearing block carrying bearing counter surfaces engaging the bearing surfaces providing a hinged connection between the locking arms. The bearing counter surfaces having a second axial spacing. A first locking element having a first locking surface affixed on one of the bearing surfaces, and a second locking surface affixed on one of the bearing counter surfaces engaging the first locking surface. A spring element biasing the first and the second locking surfaces together. The first axial spacing is less than the second axial spacing so that there is a second spring force acting on the first and second locking surfaces superimposed on the first spring force.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle is disclosed, the rearview mirror assembly including a support structure for mounting the mirror assembly to the vehicle. The support structure includes a first part for substantially permanent connection to the vehicle and a second part for selective connection to the first part. A support arm is provided on which at least one mirror is mounted, the second part of the support structure being disposed on the support arm. A locking mechanism is disposed on the support structure for selectively locking together the first and second parts of the support structure to thereby secure the support arm and mirror to the vehicle.

Abstract: A rearview mirror system includes components that can be used on both the left and right side of a vehicle. Only one carrier plate need be used to mount the mirrors. By changing mounting procedure on the two identical carrier plates, one carrier plate may be used for both the right and left mirrors, thereby reducing the number of components. A wedge-shaped transition piece may be used to provide the asymmetric mounting to thereby allow for mounting on the right and left sides of vehicles.

Abstract: A horn shaped rearview mirror assembly for vehicles is disclosed including a support structure for mounting the mirror assembly to the vehicle, and a support arm including a carrier structure having a vehicle end and a free end, the vehicle end connected to the support structure. The support arm also includes a molded component secured to the carrier structure, the molded component including a mirror housing. A main rearview mirror is affixed to the mirror housing for providing the driver a rearview of the vehicle, and a single supplemental mirror is affixed to the mirror housing above the main mirror for providing the driver a view of at least two dead zones disposed about the vehicle.

Abstract: A clamping support for fastening a rearview mirror onto a vehicle is disclosed. The clamping support comprises a clamp reception fixture for attachment to the vehicle, an insertable component including a mirror end and a vehicle end, wherein the mirror end is connectable to the rearview mirror and the vehicle end is insertable in a first direction into the reception fixture, and a clamp wedge disposed within the insertable component and slidable in a second clamping direction perpendicular to the first direction. Movement of the clamp wedge in the clamping direction within the insertable component urges the clamp reception fixture and the insertable component into frictional engagement to thereby secure the rearview mirror to the vehicle. A related rear view mirror assembly is also disclosed.

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.