Abstract: A pivot and detent mechanism is disclosed. The mechanism includes: a base 30 for mounting on a vehicle; an arm 40 for supporting a mirror head 20, the arm 40 pivotally connected to the base 30 to allow angular movement of the head 20, the arm having spaced apart first and second flexible branches 44 and 44?; and a deploy detent recess and a cooperating detent member 46 set, the deploy detent member 46 engageable with the detent recess to hold the mirror head 20 with respect to the base 30 in a deployed position. The flexible branches 44 and 44? are resiliently movable with respect to each other to allow disengagement and engagement of the deploy detent member 46 from the detent recess upon the application of sufficient force to the mirror head 20 allowing the head 20 to move from the deployed position to a non-deployed position. An improved pre-loaded spring is also disclosed.

Abstract: A electric motor and motor housing assembly includes an electric motor body having spaced apart sockets for receiving and frictionally engaging spaced apart electrical power supply terminals. A housing supports the motor. The housing defines an aperture over the sockets. The assembly also includes a connector body. A pair of spaced apart electrical terminals extends outwards from the connector body and is receivable by the sockets. A motor body gripping portion extends from the connector body. The gripping portion mechanically latches to the motor body thereby substantially preventing relative movement between the terminals and the sockets. A pliable member is mounted between the connector body and the housing. The pliable member allows relative movement between the connector body and the housing while the motor moves relative to the housing under varying loads.

Abstract: A method for extending the functionality of a traditional vehicle mirror control switch to make use of a normally unused third state of the switch, to allow integration of extra mirror function operations such as powerfold and power telescoping. The method allows for reduced manufacturing costs and time. A modified switch arrangement is also disclosed.

Abstract: A power-folding vehicle mirror assembly is described, including: a base; a mirror head assembly mounted to the base for movement from a drive position to a front position and for movement from the drive position to a park position; a first clutch body mounted to the base; a second clutch body mounted to the head, and biased towards engagement with the first clutch body; a sun gear mounted to the base for rotation about a first axis; a planetary gear mounted to the mirror head assembly for rotation about a second axis; a motor operably connected to the planetary gear; at least one drive train detent recess and projection pair forming a drive train detent system; and a head assembly to base detent system operably interposed between the head assembly and the base, wherein the mirror head is moveable between a drive position and a park position.

Abstract: The present application includes a vehicle mirror which includes an approach light in the attachment assembly. The approach light is a single light source positionable in relation to predetermined inputs for directing light to various areas, depending on the inputs. Additionally, an intercom system is provided for communication between the interior of the vehicle and exterior of the vehicle, by way of the vehicle mirror. Also, a remote sensor is utilized to set predetermined memory positions of interior vehicle components such as seats, steering columns and brake pedals. This allows customization of the interior components upon an individual's approach to the vehicle.

Abstract: An exterior rear vision mirror assembly (10) for a motor vehicle, the assembly (10) having a base (14) to be attached to the vehicle, at least one arm (15, 16) extending from the base (14) and a mirror head (11) mounted to the at least one arm (15, 16) and having a mirror (13), the mirror head (11) and arm (15, 16) is adapted to be rotated about an axis in the base (14), a power fold system having a motor assembly (24) in the at least one arm or each arm (15, 16) to drive the mirror (13) from a driving position to a foldaway position and from the foldaway position to the driving position and an override system including a clutch (64) is provided so that the mirror (13) can be manually moved to the foldaway position.

Abstract: A power-folding vehicle mirror assembly is described, including: a base; a mirror head assembly mounted to the base for movement from a drive position to a front position and for movement from the drive position to a park position; a first clutch body mounted to the base; a second clutch body mounted to the head, and biased towards engagement with the first clutch body; a sun gear mounted to the base for rotation about a first axis; a planetary gear mounted to the mirror head assembly for rotation about a second axis; a motor operably connected to the planetary gear; at least one drive train detent recess and projection pair forming a drive train detent system; and a head assembly to base detent system operably interposed between the head assembly and the base, wherein the mirror head is moveable between a drive position and a park position.

Abstract: An exterior mirror for a vehicle, which is forward foldable for storage and shipment of a vehicle. The mirror may also fold to the rear and includes lights and accessories in the sail and the mirror casing.

Abstract: An exterior mirror for a vehicle, which is forward foldable for storage and shipment of a vehicle. The mirror may also fold to the rear and includes lights and accessories in the sail and the mirror casing.

Abstract: A pivot and detent mechanism is disclosed. The mechanism includes: a base 30 for mounting on a vehicle; an arm 40 for supporting a mirror head 20, the arm 40 pivotally connected to the base 30 to allow angular movement of the head 20, the arm having spaced apart first and second flexible branches 44 and 44?; and a deploy detent recess and a cooperating detent member 46 set, the deploy detent member 46 engageable with the detent recess to hold the mirror head 20 with respect to the base 30 in a deployed position. The flexible branches 44 and 44? are resiliently movable with respect to each other to allow disengagement and engagement of the deploy detent member 46 from the detent recess upon the application of sufficient force to the mirror head 20 allowing the head 20 to move from the deployed position to a non-deployed position.

Abstract: An exterior rear vision mirror assembly (10) for a motor vehicle, the assembly (10) having a base (14) to be attached to the vehicle, at least one arm (15, 16) extending from the base (14) and a mirror head (11) mounted to the at least one arm (15, 16) and having a mirror (13), the mirror head (11) and arm (15, 16) is adapted to be rotated about an axis in the base (14), a power fold system having a motor assembly (24) in the at least one arm or each arm (15, 16) to drive the mirror (13) from a driving position to a foldaway position and from the foldaway position to the driving position and an override system including a clutch (64) is provided so that the mirror (13) can be manually moved to the foldaway position.

Abstract: A vehicle external review-view mirror assembly having an extension and retraction mechanism for a telescopic arm support that connects a mirror head to a mirror mounting bracket is disclosed. The assembly comprises: a hollow outer arm extending from the bracket, an inner arm mounted to the head and extending into the outer arm for relative sliding movement out of and into the outer arm; a driving wheel rotatably mounted to the inner arm or the head; a driven wheel rotatably mounted to the inner arm and positioned within the outer arm at a location spaced apart from the driven wheel; and a toothed belt extending between the driving wheel and the driven wheel for power transmission between them. A pair of laterally spaced apart contact rollers are mounted coaxially with the driven wheel, the pair of contact rollers engaging spaced apart bearing surfaces depending from the outer arm.

Abstract: An exterior rear vision mirror assembly (10) for a motor vehicle, the assembly (10) having a base (14) to be attached to the vehicle, at least one arm (15, 16) extending from the base (14) and a mirror head (11) mounted to the at least one arm (15, 16) and having a mirror (13), the mirror head (11) and arm (15, 16) is adapted to be rotated about an axis in the base (14), a power fold system having a motor assembly (24) in the at least one arm or each arm (15, 16) to drive the mirror (13) from a driving position to a foldaway position and from the foldaway position to the driving position and an override system including a clutch (64) is provided so that the mirror (13) can be manually moved to the foldaway position.

Abstract: A rear view mirror control circuit arrangement is disclosed for a vehicle. The vehicle may have at least two rear view mirror assemblies each having a housing and respective motors located external of the vehicle. The motors are adapted and mechanically coupled to mirror elements so as to control the position of the mirror elements with respect to the vehicle for the viewing convenience of the vehicle driver. The control circuit arrangement consists of a common electronic control circuit located internal of the vehicle for controlling each motor and predetermined other functions of the rear view mirror assembly. This has the advantage that only one common control circuit is used to control multiple mirrors that being located internal of the vehicle, protects it from extreme environmental and physical conditions. Furthermore, it is cheaper to design and supply as an OEM product to vehicle manufacturers.

Abstract: The present application includes a vehicle mirror which includes an approach light in the attachment assembly. The approach light is a single light source positionable in relation to predetermined inputs for directing light to various areas, depending on the inputs. Additionally, an intercom system is provided for communication between the interior of the vehicle and exterior of the vehicle, by way of the vehicle mirror. Also, a remote sensor is utilized to set predetermined memory positions of interior vehicle components such as seats, steering columns and brake pedals. This allows customization of the interior components upon an individual's approach to the vehicle.

Abstract: A mirror parking mechanism for a vehicle exterior rear view mirror that rotates a mirror head to a parked position. It comprises a mirror mounting bracket (14), a mirror head (11) that is pivotally connected to the mirror mounting bracket (14) so that the mirror head (11) can rotate from a deployed position where the outermost portion of the mirror head (11) is positioned closer to the vehicle. A detent (22, 23) acts between the mirror mounting bracket (14) and the mirror head (11) that changes from a locked position where the mirror head (11) is held with respect to the mirror mounting bracket (14) to a disengaged position where the mirror head (11) is able to rotate with respect to the mirror mounting bracket (14). A spring (25) acts against the detent (22, 23) to hold it in a locket position a gear wheel (35) is secured with respect to the mirror head (11), and a worm drive (30) having a shaft (29) is journaled in bearings in the mirror mounting bracket (14).

Abstract: A minor parking mechanism for an exterior rear view mirror that rotates a mirror head to a parked position. The mechanism has a mirror mounting bracket, a mirror head pivotally connected to the mirror mounting bracket so the mirror head can rotate from a deployed position to a parked position. A detent acting between the mirror mounting bracket and the mirror head to lock and unlock the mirror head. A spring acts against and locks the detent in position. A worm drive in the mirror head moves longitudinally along a shaft and rotates about an axis to act against the spring, which in turn reduces the spring force applied to the detent to enable it to disengage whereupon continued rotation of the worm drive causes the mirror head to rotate.

Abstract: The present application includes a vehicle mirror which includes an approach light in the attachment assembly. The approach light is a single light source positionable in relation to predetermined inputs for directing light to various areas, depending on the inputs. Additionally, an intercom system is provided for communication between the interior of the vehicle and exterior of the vehicle, by way of the vehicle mirror. Also, a remote sensor is utilized to set predetermined memory positions of interior vehicle components such as seats, steering columns and brake pedals. This allows customization of the interior components upon an individual's approach to the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for extending the functionality of a traditional vehicle mirror control switch to make use of a normally unused third state of the switch, to allow integration of extra mirror function operations such as powerfold and power telescoping. The method allows for reduced manufacturing costs and time. A modified switch arrangement is also disclosed.

Abstract: An exterior mirror for a vehicle, which is forward foldable for storage and shipment of a vehicle. The mirror may also fold to the rear and includes lights and accessories in the sail and the mirror casing.