Mirror Or Picture Position Adjustable Patents (Class 248/476)
  • Patent number: 6478435
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a mirror. A body is adapted to couple to and support the mirror in multiple of orientations to allow the mirror to reflect light from and to multiple areas. Multiple tabs are coupled to the body and adapted to interfere with adjacent portions of a car seat, to which the body is mounted, and a rear ledge of a car to inhibit the body from moving relative to the car seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: The First Years Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Monahan, Rene Polin, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20020130241
    Abstract: A mirror device for a vehicle, capable of preventing entrance of water into a motor case, and capable of ensuring smooth and appropriate rotation of the motor case even if a soft material is used for a cover. A supporting cylinder formed at a bottom wall portion of the motor case is rotatably supported at a lower end side of a shaft. A cylindrical member is formed continuously from a motor base having the same rigidity as the motor case. An upper end portion of the shaft is covered with the cylindrical member, which is rotatably supported by the shaft. The motor case and the motor base are interlocked, so they are rotatably supported together on the upper and lower ends of the shaft, and smooth rotation of the motor case can be ensured. Entrance of water between the shaft and the cover is prevented by the cylindrical member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventor: Shigeki Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20020130240
    Abstract: An accessory-mounting assembly for mounting accessories at a distance from exterior surfaces of a vehicle. The accessory-mounting assembly is constructed such that it has a “break away” feature whereby an accessory-mounting component may pivot about a pivot axis when it is subjected to a substantial impact. Thus, the risk of damage to the vehicle, the accessory-mounting assembly, and the accessories mounted to the accessory-mounting assembly when the accessory-mounting assembly is subjected to a substantial impact is reduced. The accessory-mounting assembly includes four brackets that are fixedly engaged to exterior surfaces of the vehicle and from which the other components of the accessory mounting assembly are suspended. Three of the four brackets that are fixedly engaged to the vehicle are integrally engaged to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: William Frazier, Jason R. Thompson, Matthew R. LaFontaine
  • Patent number: 6439535
    Abstract: An assembly (20) of artwork (21) and backing (22) wherein a combination of floater anchors (24), hard anchors (26), and soft anchors (25) produce a floatability of artwork about its backing and which eliminates curling or rippling to it due to temperature and humidity changes. The floater anchor (24) is formed from a pair of tape pieces (35-1, 35-2) fastened together by a pair of crossing ties (37, 38) that interlace the pieces (35-1, 35-2). Piece (35-1) is adhered to artwork (21) and piece (35-2) is adhered to backing (22), whereby artwork (21) can shift about backing (22) to the extent of the spacing distance between the attachment, such as by glue spots (40), of ties(37, 38)to pieces (35-1, 35-2). Hard anchors (26) are formed by providing ribbons (42) of glue between pieces (35-1, 35-2) and ties (37, 38) so that the pieces (35-1, 35-2) do not shift between each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Felix Mirza
  • Publication number: 20020109064
    Abstract: A picture hanger with a height adjustable hook allows the height of the picture to be adjusted from time to time. The hanger uses a back plate on which two opposed crenelated tracks are positioned. Moving in the crenelated tracks are two spring biased crenelated cars. The hook is attached to the crenelated cars. Additional stability is provided to the cars by either a traveling plate which moves between the tracks and the back plate or a traveling block which is slidably mounted in a channel in the back plate and on a rod positioned in the channel of the back plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Michael Zuller
  • Publication number: 20020097509
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus for a deformable mirror that has a peripheral mounting portion with oppositely-facing and parallel mounting surfaces. A base member and a mounting ring have juxtaposed peripheral flange portions with rubber o-rings for engaging the parallel mounting surfaces of the mirror. A plurality of set screws are provided in the base member and the mounting ring in the peripheral flange portions and engage the o-rings for applying and adjusting a mounting force to the mounting surfaces of the mirror. The base member is also provided with set screws in the perimeter for engaging and centering the mirror.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Applicant: Zyoptics, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Elon Graves, Malcolm J. Northcott
  • Patent number: 6416192
    Abstract: A mirror assembly has a pair of telescoping tubular supports extending between a support base and a mirror head to provide adjustment of the mirror head toward and away from the support base. Friction shoes within the tubular supports releasably hold such supports against unintentional telescoping movement. Cooperating stops on the telescoping supports limit outward movement of the mirror head and prevent complete separation of the telescoping supports. The tubular supports are hingedly attached to the support base for rotation about a vertical axis, and cooperating detents and spring elements on the supports and support base releasably hold the supports against rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventors: Paul Home, Paul R. Henion, Peter Robert Rothe, David Henderson Woollard, Barry Whitford, Trevor Fimeri, Simon Orme
  • Publication number: 20020085296
    Abstract: A mirror assembly for a vehicle has a visor which houses a mirror main body (a mirror), a stay cover provided between the visor and the vehicle, and a base which is assembled so as to pass through the stay cover. In the present invention, the base, which is mechanically connected to the visor and a vehicle body, has a pair of front and rear walls, which are disposed along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and which oppose one another, and a pair of upper and lower walls which are disposed along a vertical direction of the vehicle and oppose one another. In order to ensure strength with respect to all conditions, a first rib is provided between the front and rear walls, and a second rib is provided between the upper and lower walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventor: Yasunori Hattori
  • Publication number: 20020085295
    Abstract: A mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a visor which houses a mirror main body (a mirror), a stay cover provided between the visor and the vehicle, and a base which is assembled so as to pass through the stay cover. In the present invention, in a state in which inclined surfaces formed at both the stay cover and the visor press-contact one another, the stay cover is nipped by the base and the visor. The stay cover is held by nipping force of the base and the visor such that the visor and the stay cover are assembled without gaps therebetween, without a need to separately prepare a fixing member of the stay cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventor: Masatsugu Ohashi
  • Publication number: 20020080505
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a mirror. A body is adapted to couple to and support the mirror in multiple of orientations to allow the mirror to reflect light from and to multiple areas. Multiple tabs are coupled to the body and adapted to interfere with adjacent portions of a car seat, to which the body is mounted, and a rear ledge of a car to inhibit the body from moving relative to the car seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: The First Years, Inc., a Delaware corporation
    Inventors: Robert D. Monahan, Rene Polin
  • Patent number: 6402329
    Abstract: A device such as a secondary mirror of a space telescope is mounted isostatically on a support structure through an integrated compact assembly including three mounting devices, which are preferably identical and uniformly distributed around an axis of symmetry of the device to be supported. Each device is in the form of a deformable triangle in which a first arm materialized by at least a variable length arm is connected to the support structure, and in which the opposite vertex materialized by a support part is connected to the device to be supported. Friction free hinges with zero play connect the arms of the triangle together. Thus the position of the device to be supported can be corrected along six degrees of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventors: Bruno Bailly, Michel Vacance
  • Publication number: 20020063977
    Abstract: Adjusting device for the outside mirror of a motor vehicle, comprising a drive housing, on which is mounted by means of a central ball and cap bearing a mirror glass carrier, which is provided preferably with intersecting metal toothed strips, chains or the like, which, enveloping the shell-like drive housing, are in engagement with the output toothed gears of two drive motors, disposed in the drive housing, and comprising a line feed-through, which is designed preferably as a feed-through plug and belongs to the drive housing, for connecting the electrical consuming devices to the outer current and control lines, whereby the line feed-through is molded to an adapter element, which can be inserted into a recess of the drive housing and which preferably closes said drive housing so as to seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventors: Werner Seichter, Richard Guttenberger
  • Publication number: 20020063979
    Abstract: Adjusting device for the outside mirror of a motor vehicle, comprising a drive housing, on which is mounted by means of a central ball and cap bearing a mirror glass carrier, which is provided with intersecting metal toothed strips, chains or the like, which, enveloping the shell-like drive housing, are in engagement with the output toothed gears of two drive motors, disposed in the drive housing, and comprising an electric contactor for the mirror glass to supply electric energy for the mirror heater, the mirror dimmer or other consuming devices, whereby the energy is transported by means of toothed strips, which are electrically insulated from each other in the crossing area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventors: Arno Schieweck, Andreas Harbauer
  • Publication number: 20020063978
    Abstract: Adjusting device for the outside mirror of a motor vehicle, comprising a drive housing, on which is mounted a mirror glass carrier that is mounted by means of a central ball and cap bearing and that is provided with intersecting toothed strips, chains or the like, which, enveloping the shell-like drive housing, are in engagement with output toothed gears of two drive motors, disposed in the drive housing, and comprising an electric contactor for the mirror glass to supply electric energy to heat the mirror, dim the mirror or the like, wherein the contact connecting lines are guided through the central axis of the ball and cap bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventors: Richard Guttenberger, Werner Seichter
  • Publication number: 20020057507
    Abstract: Actuator for a mirror disc to be mounted on a motor vehicle with a drive housing that may be fixed relative to the motor vehicle and accepts at least one electric drive in a drive chamber and a carrier element for the mirror disc. The carrier element is mounted such that it may be pivoted relative to the drive housing around two different pivot axes and may be driven by the at least one electric drive. The drive housing is constructed in two parts, forming the aforementioned drive chamber and a component chamber for accepting electronic components. The component chamber is separated from the drive chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Inventors: Richard Guttenberger, Arno Schieweck
  • Patent number: 6382805
    Abstract: An external rearview mirror has a mirror plate, a device for regulating a position of the mirror plate and including an activator, a support structure for supporting the activator, a housing accommodating the mirror plate, the activator and the support structure, a vertical pivot point located inside the housing, a device for stabilization of mirror positions incorporated in the support structure and assembled in an articulated way around the post, a base placable on a side of a vehicle and having a protuberance in which the post is supported, and a reinforcing structure located in the base, the support structure, the post and the reinforcing structure being composed of a plastic material which is similar to a plastic material for other components wherein a main part, a fitting part, receptors of screws, a lateral part in form of a sleeve and its indented side, are all composed of a plastic material and together form a single integral element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Metagal Industria e Comercio LTDA
    Inventor: Pedro Takashi Miyabukuro
  • Patent number: 6364496
    Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly having a pivot structure and first and second pairs of helical structures consisting of shape memory alloy wires which serve to adjust the position of the mirror. The wires may be individually heated by conducting an electrical current to effect the contracted memory position. When the current is switched off, a wire cools and can easily be stretched to mechanically transform the wire to a martensitic phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Magna Mirror Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Boddy, Keith D. Foote, James A. Ruse
  • Publication number: 20020033437
    Abstract: Picture frames and frame bases attached to pictures that are able to be mounted flush against a wall are described in this invention. Special recessed areas and frame connections make contact with one or more special wall brackets. The wall brackets are anchored into the wall and are connected to the frame in a number of ways. One of the ways is with the use of a screw that has a threaded bar moving on it. The screw goes through the top of the frame and is locked to the inside face of the frame so that it remains in place when the screw is turned. When the screw is turned the threaded bar moves into a recess in the wall bracket and pushes the picture up until the picture bottom hits a second wall bracket. This second bracket locks the picture onto the wall. The embodiments presented demonstrate various other means of locking the picture flush against the wall, as well as, means for leveling and adjusting the position of the picture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Inventor: Robert Lemire
  • Patent number: 6349916
    Abstract: An assembly is disclosed for adjustably mounting a vehicle external mirror, the assembly including a first arm segment for securing to the vehicle a second arm segment for securing to the external mirror, and an axle member secured to one of the first and second arm segments and extending through an opening defined through the other of the first and second arm segments, the axle member defining a swivel axis therethrough and the first and second arm segments being pivotable and adjustably securable relative to each other about the swivel axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Mekra Lang GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Albrecht Popp
  • Publication number: 20010050329
    Abstract: A mount assembly for a flat mirror or monitor has an outer frame fixed in a motor-vehicle roof and forming an opening, a member forming a side of the opening and pivotal in the frame about a horizontal first axis, and an inner frame fittable in the opening adjacent the member and carrying the flat mirror or monitor. A connector is pivotal in the member about a second axis transverse to the first axis. A slide joint secures the connector to the inner frame for movement of the inner frame parallel to the transverse second axis on the connector. The slide joint includes a slot formed in the connector and extending in the direction and a screw seated in the movable frame and extending transversely through the slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Applicant: SARNATECH & CRONE GMBH
    Inventors: Roland Kutzehr, Andreas Fallmann, Mirko Gutbier
  • Patent number: 6322223
    Abstract: A mounting for optical components, e.g. in spectroscopic apparatus, has a rotatable baseplate 10, on which a plurality of quadrant-shaped mounting plates 12 can be kinematically located. Each mounting plate 12 carries respective optical components, which can be brought into and out of an optical path by rotation of the base plate 10. One or more of the mounting plates 12 carries both a housing 14 for components such as filters 20,22 and also a beam steering mirror 24 on a bracket 16. A gap is provided between the housing 14 and the mirror 24, so that the light beam 30 in the optical path can pass unhindered through the gap when this mounting plate is in an inoperative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Renishaw PLC
    Inventors: Brian J E Smith, Roger M Badland
  • Patent number: 6299123
    Abstract: The system for adjustably mounting an item to a vertical surface comprises a track and cooperating head of an attachment member slidably engaged to one another. One of the system structures engages an item to be mounted and the other of the system structures engages the vertical surface. Relative position between the structures may be adjusted and maintained, with the structures being releasably locked together once engaged. Further, if desired, the system may be engaged to an alarm apparatus to alert of tampering with the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: George Shandor Hayde
  • Patent number: 6279257
    Abstract: Picture frames and frame bases attached to pictures that are able to be mounted flush against a wall are described. Special recessed areas and frame connections make contact with one or more wall brackets. The wall brackets are anchored into the wall and are connected to the frame in a number of ways. One of the ways is with the use of a screw that has a threaded bar moving on it. The screw goes through the top of the frame and is locked to the inside face of the frame so that it remains in place when the screw is turned. When the screw is turned the threaded bar moves into a recess in the wall bracket and pushes the picture up until the picture bottom hits a second wall bracket. This second bracket locks the picture onto the wall. The embodiments presented demonstrate various other ways of locking the picture flush against the wall, as well as, ways for leveling and adjusting the position of the picture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Robert Lemire
  • Patent number: 6276805
    Abstract: A mirror assembly has a pair of telescoping tubular supports extending between a support base and a mirror head to provide adjustment of the mirror head toward and away from the support base. Friction shoes within the tubular supports releasably hold such supports against unintentional telescoping movement. Cooperating stops on the telescoping supports limit outward movement of the mirror head and prevent complete separation of the telescoping supports. The tubular supports are hingedly attached to the support base for rotation about a vertical axis, and cooperating detents and spring elements on the supports and support base releasably hold the supports against rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventors: Paul Home, Paul R. Henion, Peter Robert Rothe, David Henderson Woollard, Barry Whitford, Trevor Fimeri, Simon Orme
  • Patent number: 6276807
    Abstract: In a method for mounting first and second adjusting means for pivoting a mirror element about two mutually substantially perpendicular axes in the housing of a mirror to be secured in or to a vehicle, each of the adjusting means is arranged on a mounting plate member, whereafter, depending on the desired distance between the intersection of the axes and the points of application of the adjusting means on the mirror element, the two mounting plate members are positioned relative to each other and, in the relative position they have thus assumed, are mounted in the housing of a mirror. The two mounting plate members are connected for movement relative to each other in the plane of the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Stefan Frits Brouwer
  • Patent number: 6264339
    Abstract: A make-up or vanity mirror which is adapted to be mounted in a vehicle in such a manner that it may be optimally positioned for use by the driver/passenger without impairing the driver's vision when the vehicle is in motion. The mirror assembly may be added as an aftermarket accessory to existing vehicles or may be installed as original equipment. The mirror is mounted on a flexible extension arm which is secured to a base which may be quickly secured to the posts of the head rest on a typical seat or to another portion of the vehicle. The mirror may include a peripheral lighting system to provide localized illumination. The power source for the lighting system may be self-contained with a battery pack mounted in the clamp base and a wire carried in the interior of the flexible extension arm. It is also possible to house the battery pack directly in the mirror housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: Christian von Glasow
  • Patent number: 6245177
    Abstract: Use of a piece of adhesive film for bonding a) a plate (6) to an article (5) to be mounted or hung up in such a way that the bond can be separated again without damage and without leaving a residue, by means of b) a double-sided adhesive film (1) having a tab (2) which projects from the adhesive join and which can be pulled in the direction of the bond plane to separate the bond, where c) the plate (6) has a device (7) via which mounting or hanging can take place in a manner known per se, and where d) the bonding is hidden to the viewer of the mounted or hung article (5), if appropriate by the article (5) itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Beiersdorf AG
    Inventor: Bernd Lühmann
  • Patent number: 6244718
    Abstract: Visual display monitors having a mirror providing a rear view are disclosed. The mirros include support structure to attach a reflective surface to the monitor such that the surface is rotatable while while maintaining a generally fixed orentation relative to the screen of the monitor. The mirror may include a case having front and rear portions rotatable relative to each other. The reflective surface may be rotatable within the front portion. Mirrors may be pivotally connected to monitors for some applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: DesignAware Trading Limited
    Inventor: Ellis Fitzroy Petersen Whitcomb
  • Patent number: 6241210
    Abstract: A device that provides adjustable hanging of an item, such as a picture frame, on a vertical support such as a wall. The hanger may provide for automatic, in situ, and/or substantially continuous vertical adjustment, and/or horizontal adjustment. The adjustable hanger may comprise a first portion affixed to the vertical support, and a second portion that engages with the first portion and fixedly attaches to or is incorporated in the reverse side of the item, with one or both of the aforementioned portions being formed to allow automatic, in situ, continuous vertical adjustment and selective locking with respect to the other portion through a clamp, bias, or similar means; one or both these portions may also be formed to allow horizontal adjustment and repositioning with respect to the other portion. Also disclosed is a device for horizontally extending the available range of mounting positions for items that need to be supported by a stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: HangGlider Partners
    Inventor: Thomas J. Brindisi
  • Patent number: 6202976
    Abstract: A plastic button for use in a rearview mirror mounting system. The plastic (e.g. polymer or polycarbonate) buttons holds tighter tolerances than conventional metal buttons. Additionally, it has improved flatness characteristics. No metal grinding is required to make the plastic buttons, which may be injection molded. Furthermore, the coefficient of expansion is satisfactory in view of a flexible adhesive utilized, and the button manufacturing process is cheaper than for conventional metal buttons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy M. Johnson, Joseph Bruce
  • Patent number: 6174062
    Abstract: In an adjustable rearview mirror, especially an outside mirror, for a motor vehicle, whereby a first element (1) is affixable to the vehicle and a second element (2), rotatably attached to the first element (1), has or forms a mount for a mirror (4), whereby the two elements (1, 2) are designed as dish-shaped elements (1, 2) that nest with one another at least partially and are guided or bear against one another via outside and inside areas of contact forming a segment of a spherical surface and whereby a drive (6) is provided between the first and the second element (1, 2) is proposed, characterized in that the outer element (2) is designed on part of its inner surface with a gear-tooth system extending along a circular section of the inner surface of the outer element (2), with which a pinion (8) of a drive (6) mounted in the inside of the inner element (1) meshes for adjustment of the outer element (2) relative to the inner element (1), by which means can be achieved with a simple construction a design tha
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Magna Auteca Zweigniederlassung der Magna Holding AG
    Inventors: Peter Schillegger, Gerald Fink, Wolfgang Pacher
  • Patent number: 6170957
    Abstract: A motor-adjustable rear-view mirror has a housing, a mirror glass assembly, at least one mirror adjustment drive that effects alignment of the mirror adjustment drive to the reinforcement plate, in which the fastening device has at least one section for transmission of electrical energy and/or electrical signals to the mirror adjustment drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Donnelly Hohe GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Rudolf Kaspar
  • Patent number: 6170793
    Abstract: A track system for suspending a wall hanging on a wall surface comprises a track, a plurality of longitudinally spaced connectors, and at least one carriage having a suspending device. Each connector consists of a threaded sleeve, a pair of nuts, a washer, a wood screw and a center point guide to protect the wall surface. Each threaded sleeve is dimensioned to fit within a corresponding aperture in the back wall of the track and to receive a pair of nuts on its threaded outer surface. The nuts are positioned on the threaded sleeve on either side of the track's back wall so that the back wall is securely gripped between the nuts. The lateral offset distance between the back wall of the track and the wall surface can be adjusted by changing the relative position of the nuts on the threaded sleeve so as to compensate for any irregularities in the wall surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Gregory A. Clarke
  • Patent number: 6152418
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a bracket mountable to a surface and including multiple separated fingers extending at least partially transverse to gravitational pull when the bracket is mounted to the surface. A connector is adapted to be received by at least one of the fingers at multiple locations relative to the bracket such that the connector overlaps the at least one finger relative to the gravitational pull, the connector providing a lip directed at least partially transverse to the gravitational pull when the connector is received by the bracket and the bracket is mounted to the surface. A positioner is adapted to adjustably receive an elongated member and to be coupled to the connector overlying a portion of the lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Richard L. Panicci
  • Patent number: 6132051
    Abstract: A mirror attachment for attachment to a rearview mirror of a vehicle to enhance a user's view behind the user. The mirror attachment includes a mirror member with front and back faces. The back face of the mirror member has a light reflecting mirrored surface. A pair of shafts are provided each having a pair of opposite ends. A first of the ends of a first of the shafts is pivotally coupled to the front face of the mirror member. A second of the ends of the first shaft is pivotally coupled to a first of the ends of a second of the shafts. A clamp member is provided having a pair of arms. A second of the ends of the second shaft is pivotally coupled to the clamp member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventors: Kenneth Morell, Renee Morell
  • Patent number: 6109586
    Abstract: A rearview mirror support bracket for mounting a reflective element in a rearview mirror assembly housing in which the rearview mirror assembly housing is mounted to a vehicle by a vehicle mounting bracket includes a support bracket having a reinforced polyolefin body, and most preferably a glass filled polypropylene body, with a mounting surface for supporting one of electrical actuator and an adapter member and having an arm for connection to the vehicle mounting bracket. The support arm includes a collar for rotatably mounting the rearview mirror support bracket on a post or pivot of the vehicle mounting bracket and includes a plurality of detents for engaging in spaced recesses of the base of the vehicle mounting bracket for releasably coupling the rearview mirror support bracket to the vehicle mounting bracket. Preferably, the detents comprise a dissimilar material from the support bracket, for example a plastic or metal material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventor: Steven G. Hoek
  • Patent number: 6095479
    Abstract: A device that provides automatic, in situ, substantially continuously adjustable mounting of an item on a vertically oriented support, comprising a first portion affixed to the vertical support, and a second portion that fixedly attaches to or is incorporated in the reverse side of the item. One or both of the two portions is formed to allow automatic, in situ, continuous vertical adjustment and repositioning with respect to the other portion, and one or both portions may also be formed to allow horizontal adjustment and repositioning with respect to the other portion. Also, a device for horizontally extending the available range of mounting positions for items that need to be supported by a stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: HangGlider Partners
    Inventor: Thomas J. Brindisi
  • Patent number: 6079837
    Abstract: A new visibility aid for providing a mirror for assisting in the hitching of a trailer to a towing vehicle and method of use have been developed. The visibility aid comprises a mounting portion adapted to be fit to a receiving portion of a towing vehicle and an extension coupled to the mounting portion. Attached to the extension is a reflective member. The mounting portion is constructed of a bendable member arranged for being configured by the user for a custom fit to the towing vehicle. The visibility aid is also uniquely designed to be adapted by the user to form a custom fit with various types of towing vehicle. The mounting portion is coated with a buffering material to avoid scratch damage to the receiving portion of the towing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventor: Ricky Lee Singleton
  • Patent number: 6062525
    Abstract: A device that is hung on a wall and provides for continuously adjusting the vertical and horizontal position of an object that is hung on the device by the use of two screws and two threaded holders. The object is hooked in a serpentine fashion onto the threaded vertical adjusting holder which rides up and down on a vertical screw that is supported by the threaded horizontal adjusting holder such that it is free to rotate on the horizontal adjusting holder. The threaded horizontal adjusting holder rides back and forth on a horizontal screw that is supported by brackets nailed into the wall. The horizontal adjusting holder is also able to move radially away from the wall for easing the attachment and adjustment of the object on the vertical adjusting holder. A screwdriver or wrench is used to turn the screws for positioning the object to the desired location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventor: Robert Lemire
  • Patent number: 6062699
    Abstract: A rear view safety mirror includes two single-planed mirrors mounted at an angle to one another. In the preferred embodiment, the inside mirror is mounted at a steeper pitch than the outside mirror. Preferably, the mirrors are mounted in pockets or slots in a one piece molded plastic housing, wherein the pockets or slots are configured to have the angle. The plastic housing is mounted to the vehicle in a conventional manner, thereby providing the vehicle's operator with familiar adjustment control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventor: Joseph C. O'Dea
  • Patent number: 6059250
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tilting device that makes it possible to tilt around at least one axis, with a tilting member, a base member, and an elongated holding device arranged beneath the tilting member. At least two stabilizing members, of rectangular shape, are installed, offset from each other, on the base member. Connecting members between the holding device and the stabilizing members engage the holding device at different heights. During movement of at least one stabilizing member, at least another stabilizing member remains rigidly fixed at one location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung
    Inventors: Martin Reuter, Stefan Richter
  • Patent number: 6053469
    Abstract: An system for orienting optical components comprises a spherical mirror support that rests in an indentation and a separate fixture for aligning the support. The alignment fixture engages the support for alignment and then is removed once the desired orientation has been secured by a simple clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: General Scanning, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven M. Burgarella
  • Patent number: 6012697
    Abstract: A movable mirror supporting mechanism for supporting a movable mirror forming a part of an interferometric measurement system and having a rectangular cross-section onto an object, with a reflecting surface of said movable mirror being arranged normal to a measuring direction. The movable mirror supporting mechanism includes at least two fixtures for securing the movable mirror from above onto respective movable mirror supporting portions provided on the object. Positions on the movable mirror at which the movable mirror is secured onto the measuring object by the fixtures are defined to be out of that area of the reflecting surface of the movable mirror which is utilized for interferometric measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiya Ohtomo, Yutaka Hayashi
  • Patent number: 5993013
    Abstract: An automatic tilting side view mirror comprising a housing, a mirror pivotally connected to the housing, and a solenoid link pivotally connected to both the mirror and the housing. The solenoid link moves the mirror from a normal viewing position to its antiglare viewing position when the driver manually shifts the rear view mirror to an anti-glare viewing position or when the rear view mirror is automatically shifted to an anti-glare viewing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Michael Greiner
  • Patent number: 5984482
    Abstract: A mounting assembly (10) for a vehicle interior rearview mirror (12) of the automatic dimming type includes a vehicle mount (14) having a rearwardly projecting first ball portion (22), a tube (32) having a first end that receives the first ball portion and a second end including a rearwardly projecting second ball portion (38) fixed with respect to the tube and having a wire hole (40) therethrough, a ball clamp (44) within the tube for engaging the first ball portion (22), a helical spring (46) for biasing the ball clamp to a clamping relationship with the first ball portion, and a mirror socket (48) for receiving and clamping the second ball portion. The tube (32) of the mounting assembly and the first ball portion (38) are unitary in one embodiment, while another embodiment has the tube (32') and second ball portion (38') provided with flanges (52) and (54) that are biased into engagement with each other by the helical spring (46).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Wayne J. Rumsey, Daniel J. Bostwick
  • Patent number: 5969891
    Abstract: The multi-use articulation includes a stationary articulation section (10), mounted on the internal face of the rear wall of the housing (2), a moveable articulation section (20) on which the mirror plate (1) is mounted and a U-shaped connecting element (30) for torque adjustment and vibration absorption connecting both sections. The U-shaped connecting element (30) of the articulation sections has respective outwardly extending end portions (31) connected to a pair of opposite hook-shaped projections (23) of the moveable articulation section (20) so that the hook-shaped projections (23) and/or end portions (31) of the U-shaped element (30) can provide an axially tighter or looser assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Metagal Industria E Comercio Ltda.
    Inventors: Dejail Otenio, Roberto Cermak
  • Patent number: 5969892
    Abstract: A flexure/actuator is configured to reliably provide motion reduction, e.g. for positioning or adjusting telescope or other technical or scientific instrument components, preferably at cryogenic as well as higher temperatures. The flexure can be constructed to provide support and strength, preferably in all axes, such as may be needed to withstand launch forces. Preferably flexure axes are defined at upper and lower edges of sidewalls and at intermediate positions of sidewalls. Actuator activation adjusts distance between sidewall intermediate flexures and, by operation of sidewall flexures, adjusts the distance between upper and lower surfaces with a desired reduction ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp.
    Inventor: Robert B. Slusher
  • Patent number: 5969890
    Abstract: A vehicle exterior rearview mirror assembly, especially suited for vehicles used for towing trailers, which selectively holds a mirror subassembly in one of a plurality of positions along a mounting arm to provide at least an inboard, non-towing position and an outboard, towing position. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror assembly includes the mirror subassembly, which includes a housing and a reflective element supported in the housing, a mounting bracket adapted for mounting to a vehicle, and a support for mounting the mirror subassembly to the mounting bracket. The support includes a pair of arms which cooperate with the housing to support the mirror subassembly in one of two or more extended positions from the mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventor: Peter J. Whitehead
  • Patent number: 5947438
    Abstract: The present invention is a simple `U` channel cross section which has a plurality of threaded adjusters extending from one side of the channel to the other. The threaded adjuster further has an adjusting nut which is adapted to receive a picture hanging wire or cord. A preselected set of configurations provides for a picture hanger which provides horizontal, and vertical movement in one or several devices. The present invention is adaptable to include large pictures and small.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventor: Robert Lemire
  • Patent number: D449775
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Street Scene Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Tony J Ervolina