Abstract: An adjustable support arm for a vehicle exterior rearview mirror assembly comprising a holder base adapted for mounting to the vehicle; a holder pivotally carried on the holder base; a pivot control unit included in the holder for engaging the holder base to resist rotation of the holder on the holder base; the pivot control unit including: a compression spring disposed within a retainer opening of the holder; a bushing carried on the compression spring for engaging a bearing surface in the retainer opening; and, a retainer carried in the retainer opening and coupled to the holder base to retain the compression spring and the bushing in the retainer opening, wherein the retainer is constructed and arranged to direct the bushing laterally against the bearing surface and the compression spring biases the bushing against the retainer in sliding engagement to resist rotation of the holder on the holder base.

Abstract: A pivoting detent joint for an exterior vehicle mirror assembly comprising a support arm for carrying a mirror head; a mounting bracket for being affixed to a vehicle exterior and carrying said support arm; a base keyway included in said mounting bracket; a key received in sliding engagement with said base keyway along a first axis; a lower detent member having a detent keyway receiving said key in sliding engagement along a second axis perpendicular to said first axis; and, an upper detent member carried by said support arm engaging said lower detent member to hold said support arm in a selected position; whereby said support arm pivots along said first axis and said second axis to accommodate misalignment between said mounting bracket and said support arm to maintain proper detent resistance of said upper and lower detent members.

Abstract: An exterior vehicle mirror assembly comprising a housing including at least one retainer clip slot; a bezel carried on said housing; a retainer clip flange extending from said bezel generally adjacent said retainer clip slot; at least one retainer clip carried by said retainer clip flange having a slanted bearing face engaging said housing adjacent said retainer clip slots, and a securing lip disposed below said slanted bearing face that extends into said retainer clip slot to secure said bezel to said housing; wherein said slanted bearing face bears against said housing to prevent flexing of said retainer clip from disengaging said securing lip from said retainer clip slot when a force is applied to attempt removal of said bezel from said housing.

Abstract: A pivoting detent joint for an exterior vehicle mirror assembly comprising a support arm for carrying a mirror head; a mounting bracket for being affixed to a vehicle exterior and carrying said support arm; a base keyway included in said mounting bracket; a key received in sliding engagement with said base keyway along a first axis; a lower detent member having a detent keyway receiving said key in sliding engagement along a second axis perpendicular to said first axis; and, an upper detent member carried by said support arm engaging said lower detent member to hold said support arm in a selected position; whereby said support arm pivots along said first axis and said second axis to accommodate misalignment between said mounting bracket and said support arm to maintain proper detent resistance of said upper and lower detent members.

Abstract: An adjustable support arm for a vehicle exterior rearview mirror assembly comprising a holder base adapted for mounting to the vehicle; a holder pivotally carried on the holder base; a pivot control unit included in the holder for engaging the holder base to resist rotation of the holder on the holder base; the pivot control unit including: a compression spring disposed within a retainer opening of the holder; a bushing carried on the compression spring for engaging a bearing surface in the retainer opening; and, a retainer carried in the retainer opening and coupled to the holder base to retain the compression spring and the bushing in the retainer opening, wherein the retainer is constructed and arranged to direct the bushing laterally against the bearing surface and the compression spring biases the bushing against the retainer in sliding engagement to resist rotation of the holder on the holder base.

Abstract: An exterior vehicle mirror assembly comprising a housing including at least one retainer clip slot; a bezel carried on said housing; a retainer clip flange extending from said bezel generally adjacent said retainer clip slot; at least one retainer clip carried by said retainer clip flange having a slanted bearing face engaging said housing adjacent said retainer clip slots, and a securing lip disposed below said slanted bearing face that extends into said retainer clip slot to secure said bezel to said housing; wherein said slanted bearing face bears against said housing to prevent flexing of said retainer clip from disengaging said securing lip from said retainer clip slot when a force is applied to attempt removal of said bezel from said housing.

Abstract: A housing supporting a reflective mirrored element and having an internal support structure. A stationary mounting rod passing through the internal support structure and extending from the housing for attachment to a vehicle support arm. The housing and internal support structure rotate about the mounting rod. A stabilizing unit interconnecting the mounting rod and the internal support structure for resisting rotation of the housing around the mounting rod. The stabilizing unit includes a bushing fixed to the mounting rod engaging a bearing surface of the internal support structure in a sliding friction arrangement, and a clamping member biasing the bushing against the bearing surface to impart a clamping force between the bushing and the bearing surface, so that rotation of the internal support structure about the mounting rod is resisted to reduce mirror shaking caused by vibrations and loose connections between the mounting rod and the internal support structure.

Abstract: A connection sleeve having an open hollow end portion and being carried by one of the mirror support arm and the vehicle mount. A connector shaft carried by one of the mirror support arm and the vehicle mount for being received within the connection sleeve. A longitudinal wedge pocket formed in the connector shaft having a slanted pocket contact surface. A camming wedge disposed within the wedge pocket having a slanted bearing surface adapted to bear against the slanted pocket contact surface and the connection sleeve. An operator for moving the camming wedge into the wedge pocket against the slanted pocket contact surface whereby the wedge and connector shaft are simultaneously forced against the connection sleeve to provide a tight vibration resistant connection between a mirror support arm and a vehicle mount.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting a mirror assembly and an antenna assembly with a vehicle cab including a radio which includes grounding the antenna assembly with the vehicle cab. The mounting assembly includes a conductive metal support rod connected with a mounting bracket formed of molded polymeric resin including a conductive filler. The antenna assembly includes an antenna mounted to a support which is secured with the support rod. Also, an antenna cable extends from the antenna through the mounting rod and the cab assembly in usual manner. The arrangement provides a conductive path to the vehicle cab and radio.

Abstract: A vehicle mirror assembly for mounting a mirror to a vehicle body includes a connection head, a positive lock assembly, and a holder. The holder and the connection head are attached to one or the other of a tie bar and a mirror support arm and rotatably secured together. Methods of assembling and using the vehicle mirror assembly are also provided.