Abstract: A heating element or heater for use with an automotive windshield is adapted to prevent the accumulation of ice and slush on windshield wipers. The heater is defined by a laminate having an electrical resistance member sandwiched between the first and second films forming the laminate. Contacts extend out of the laminate for connection to a source of power. The electrical resistance member, preferably, comprises a resistance wire which reaches a temperature sufficient to melt snow and ice accumulating on the windshield wipers, but which is insufficient to melt the laminate or to create a fire hazard. Optimally, the heater is powered through an automotive lighter outlet or accessory power outlet disposed within the interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: A heating element or heater for use with an automotive windshield is adapted to prevent the accumulation of ice and slush on windshield wipers. The heater is defined by a laminate having an electrical resistance member sandwiched between the first and second films forming the laminate. Contacts extend out of the laminate for connection to a source of power. The electrical resistance member, preferably, comprises a resistance wire which reaches a temperature sufficient to melt snow and ice accumulating on the windshield wipers, but which is insufficient to melt the laminate or to create a fire hazard. Optimally, the heater is powered through an automotive lighter outlet or accessory power outlet disposed within the interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: A clamping and support apparatus, for mounting on a tubular shaft, is usable as part of a vehicle side mirror assembly. The clamping and support apparatus includes a clamping member having an open configuration and a closed configuration and including a base having a raised boss thereon with an integral furrow formed therein to receive a side of a tubular shaft. The integral furrow is arcuate in cross-section, and the base further has a first flange extending outwardly thereon adjacent the raised boss. The clamping member also includes a cap including a half sleeve having an interior and an exterior, the half sleeve being integrally formed with the base and cooperating therewith to define a hollow space therebetween, the half sleeve further being attached to the raised boss at a side of the integral furrow. The clamping member has a V-shaped groove formed therein at the attachment of the half sleeve to the base, the V-shaped groove facing toward and communicating with the hollow space in the clamping member.

Abstract: A vehicle or other type mirror having a convex reflective surface is surrounded by an opaque or non-reflective band. The opaque band extends from the reflective surface to a mounting flange. The mounting flange is adapted to seat on a mounting frame. A gasket secures the mounting frame and the mounting flange together. The mirror is mounted to a vehicle by suitable mounting members. The mirror permits the entire reflective surface to be available for viewing without interference from the gasket or mounting frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in mounting a tubular structure on a vehicle fender includes a base member with at least one groove formed therein for receiving a tubular structure. A retaining member is preferably provided for clamping to the base member to releasably lock a tubular structure therebetween. Attachment members may be pressed into holes formed in a vehicle fender for receiving threaded fasteners therein to hold the apparatus in place and assembled.

Abstract: A combination curved and flat mirror lens has a comparatively flatter top portion and a substantially convex or curved lower portion integrally formed to the top portion. The lens has a maximum radius of curvature at one end thereof continuously varying to a minimum radius of curvature at an opposite end. A method for forming such a mirror lens includes cutting such a lens out of a large sheet of curved mirror glass.

Abstract: A thermoforming apparatus for fabricating seamless vehicle seat covers includes a clamp assembly for clamping and holding a thermoplastic sheet, a heater for heating material held by the clamp assembly, and a female cavity mold having a base section and a backrest section. The mold has an internal vacuum passageway formed therein, and also includes an external vacuum port for connecting to a source of vacuum. The vacuum port is in fluid communication with the internal vacuum passageway. A vacuum conduit connects the vacuum port to a vacuum source, by way of an electrically operable valve in fluid communication with the vacuum port. A method of thermoforming a seamless vehicle seat cover, and a seamless vehicular seat cover, which is a product of a thermoforming process, are also included.

Abstract: A magnetic coupler for use in semi-trailer rigs includes a contact member and a receiving member, the contact member having at least one biased contact which seats in a seat formed in the receiving member, the seat having an electrical conductor disposed therewithin. A member has a peripheral ring of opposite magnetic polarities in order to ensure magnetic attraction therebetween. Cooperating projection and keyway may be formed on the peripheral rings to assure proper alignment between the contact member and the receiving member.

Abstract: A mirror mounting assembly is attachable to a wing-window portion of a vehicular door. The assembly has at least one mirror mounted on a support. The assembly additionally has a bracket which fits into the wing-window portion of a vehicular door. The bracket has a base member to which the support is secured and a clamping plate, which secures the assembly within the window. The base has a first member and second member hingedly connected. These members may then be opened and closed around the support. By this, the assembly is formed for deployment in a wing-window.

Abstract: A vehicle video system including at least three video cameras electrically connected to a video signal relay device which directs video signals generated by each of the video cameras to either a video recorder or a monitor depending upon switching signals received to the video signal relay device. A video camera is automatically triggered to commence recording upon activation of a turn signal of a vehicle on which the system is deployed. A motion detector deployed on one vehicle can trigger a video camera deployed on another vehicle to commence recording. The system draws power from a battery of the vehicle.

Abstract: An oval elliptical mirror assembly with a generally convex reflective surface having a long axis and a short axis essentially normal to the long axis. The oval shape is provided to increase the field-of-view for a user along the long axis. The mirror assembly may be mounted on a flat mounting surface, such as a walls, or a varied mounting surface, such as the external surface of a vehicle. The mirror is mounted with the long axis positioned at any angle to provide for the desired field-of-view.

Abstract: A passenger vehicle video recording system for recording passengers on a passenger vehicle as well as passing traffic. The preferred embodiment of the passenger vehicle video recording system includes two video cameras wherein one video camera is mounted to the rearview mirror of the passenger vehicle and the other camera is mounted to the side of the vehicle. The system additionally includes a video recorder, the video recorder located inside the passenger vehicle. A switching signal determines which of the two video cameras is in communication with the video recorder so as to view passengers on the passenger vehicle and passing traffic.

Abstract: A mirror mounting bracket for mounting mirror assemblies to truck or van type vehicles which have slanted front ends that extend at an angle from the windshield toward the ground. The mounting bracket includes a mounting member which is attached to the vehicle and a clamping member with a living hinge which receives and holds the mirror assembly. The mounting member accommodates the slanted front end of the vehicle while the clamping member positions the mirror assembly vertical to the ground.

Abstract: The mounting assembly readily enables longitudinal or transverse adjustment of the position of the mirror relative to the vehicle. The mounting assembly includes a mirror shaft, a base member and a cover member to secure the upper end of the mirror shaft to the back of the mirror; a pair of anchors and sleeves which anchor the medial portion of the mirror shaft to the vehicle, and a clamping member and a bracket member to mount the lower end of the mirror shaft to the vehicle. The mirror shaft is secured within the clamping member, the clamping member is mounted onto the bracket member, and the bracket member is mounted onto the vehicle. The base member is secured to the back of the mirror, and the upper end of the mirror shaft is securely retained between the cover member and the base member. Two elongated anchors are cooperatively engaged with two sleeves which are medially disposed abut the mirror shaft.