Abstract: A vehicular dual-state interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror head that accommodates an electrochromic mirror reflective element. A video display device is disposed behind a viewable reflective region of the mirror reflective element. With the mirror assembly operating in a first state, the video display device does not display video images at the display screen and the driver of the vehicle views rearward via reflection at the viewable reflective region. With the mirror assembly operating in a second state, the video display device displays video images at the display screen for viewing by the driver. A touch sensor is disposed at an overhang region of the reflective element behind the front substrate and below the video display device. The video display device is operated responsive at least in part to a touch event at the first surface of the front substrate of the electrochromic mirror reflective element.

Abstract: A connector (10) for detachably interconnecting the intermediate portion of a first, primary line (16) and the end portions of secondary lines (24) includes two separate, identical opposing members (30) having complementary, substantially planar mating faces (32). Grooves (34) extend centrally across the mating faces (32) of the connector members (30) to cooperatively define a primary passageway (36) extending through the connector member at the interface of the two connector members to snugly receive the primary line (16) therein. A hollow post (50) extends transversely from the mating face (32) of each connector member to engage within a close fitting, aligned socket (52) formed in the opposite connector member thereby to clamp the two connector members together. The two opposing connector members (30) also have portions cooperatively defining a pair of secondary passageways (40) extending through the connector (10) at the interface of the two connector members (30).

Abstract: A connector (12) for detachably interconnecting the intermediate portions of first and second lines includes a body (32) formed with a first cross hole (34) and a slit (36) extending from the outer periphery of the body crosswise through a portion of the body to intersect the first cross hole (34) along the length thereof. The intermediate portion of the first line (30) is slid transversely through the slit (36) into engagement within the first cross hole. A second cross hole (40) extends through the body at an orientation generally transversely to the first cross hole (34) to cross through slit (36). A groove (42) extends around the outer periphery of the body (32) and intersects the ends of the second cross hole (40). A second line (22), doubled upon itself, is threadably engaged through the second cross hole (40) and then looped around the body (32) to seat within groove (42), thereby preventing the second line from being detached from the body when the ends of the second line are drawn taut.

Abstract: A structural framework (20) is constructed from primary members (22) that are interconnected in adjacent side-by-side relationship by an expanable, unitary fastener member (26) receivable within the aligned slots (28) formed in the primary members (22). The fastener members (26) are enlargeable to occupy the entire volume of the primary member slots (28) to securely lock the primary members together. The primary members (22) may be secured together to form a frame structure (20) in a desired shape since the swaging effect imposed on the fastener members when they are enlarged causes the fastener members to retain the shape of the primary members (22).