Spring Biased Patents (Class 248/478)
  • Patent number: 11835789
    Abstract: An improved mirror-based assembly is provided. The mirror-based assembly has at least one mirror panel, at least one support member, and at least three connection regions between the at least one support member and the at least one mirror panel, comprising at least a first connection region comprising a miter joint connection region, at least a second connection region comprising a non-miter joint connection region, and at least a third connection region, wherein the at least one mirror panel is connected to the at least one support member to minimize thermal expansion or contraction of the at least one mirror panel and a method for assembling the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: PLX, Inc.
    Inventor: Itai Vishnia
  • Patent number: 11762431
    Abstract: A rotating shaft structure includes a damping component, a first shaft body and a second shaft body. A first limiting slot is disposed on a circumferential surface of the first shaft body. The damping component is located between the first shaft body and the second shaft body. The damping component includes one or more damping groups. Each damping group includes an elastic part and a first ball. The first ball abuts against the circumferential surface of the first shaft body by using elastic force of the elastic part. A second end of the elastic part is elastically connected to the circumferential surface of the second shaft body. In a rotation process of the first shaft body, the first ball rolls relative to the circumferential surface of the first shaft body and can be positioned in the first limiting slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Qiang Zhan, Li Liao
  • Patent number: 11691568
    Abstract: A visual aid winglet for a vehicle includes a visual aid, a housing, a base, and an articulating structure. The housing is adapted to house the visual aid. The articulating structure is engaged between the base and the housing and is adapted to pivot the housing with respect to the base. The articulating structure includes a metallic biasing member and a damper for the absorption of vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: FICOSA NORTH AMERICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robin Clinet, Bruno Lescroart
  • Patent number: 11653812
    Abstract: A cleaning tool has a rotating section including: the pressing section including a rotation-control protrusion; a first coupling section; and a second coupling section. The second coupling section includes a plurality of rotation-control recessions that include: a base section that receives a sliding section; and a rotation-control wall section that fixes the arm angle by mating with a side surface section. The second coupling section also includes release-direction inclined sections whereby, in the housed state, the rotation-control protrusion can be moved from a first rotation-control recession to a second rotation-control recession, by the second coupling section sliding the sliding section to the first rotation-control wall section mated with the rotation-control protrusion, without pressing the pressing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: UNICHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomokazu Suda, Yasuhiko Kenmochi, Yuuka Manabe, Ayuka Yamamichi
  • Patent number: 11629813
    Abstract: A self-standing tablet device case covering the top, bottom, left, and right edges of a device comprising of a collapsible leg base centrally affixed on the back side of the tablet device case, whereby the collapsible base comprises of a folding base and adjustable legs that are hingedly connected to the folding base and fixedly connected at equal distances from the left and right sides of the self-standing tablet case and the non-exposed section of each adjustable leg resides within a housing that is fixedly connected to the back of the self-standing tablet case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Inventor: Antonia Holder
  • Patent number: 11498492
    Abstract: A retaining device for an exterior add-on part of a motor vehicle comprises a base part for exterior mounting on the motor vehicle, on which a connecting element is mounted with a first pivoting device, via which the connecting element can be pivoted relative to the base part about a first pivot axis between a working position and at least one protection position. A first spring device, via which the connecting element can be returned from the at least one protection position into the working position. A retaining element mounted on the connecting element, by a second pivoting device having a second spring device, to be pivotable about a second pivot axis between the working position and the protection position, wherein the retaining element can be returned to the working position by the second spring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Tobias Schmalriede, Johannes Link, Eduard Krumm, Thomas Grünig
  • Patent number: 11324314
    Abstract: A cabinet apparatus including a housing having a cavity, a door that closes the cavity, and a support assembly that is coupled to the cabinet assembly. The support assembly may be movable in accordance with several different types of movement. For example, the support assembly may be movable upwardly and downwardly relative to the cabinet assembly along a vertical axis that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cabinet assembly. The support assembly may be rotatable about a first rotational axis to move a holding component of the support assembly between a stowed position in which the holding component is stored away and a deployed position in which the holding component protrudes from a periphery of the cabinet assembly. The support assembly may be rotatable about a second rotational axis to adjust an angle at which the holding component protrudes from the periphery of the cabinet assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Inventor: Agostino Lobello
  • Patent number: 11247613
    Abstract: An external mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a support arm adapted to be affixed to an associated vehicle side door and a housing movably mounted to the support arm. A glass assembly is attached to the housing. A bracket is supported within the housing for mounting an actuator, and the actuator is configured to selectively adjust the housing and glass assembly together and in tandem relative to the bracket to adjust a field of view of the glass assembly as viewed by an associated vehicle operator. A pin disposed between the housing and the bracket is configured to transfer an impact or load exerted on the housing into the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignees: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jacob A. Rothschild, Oscar A. Caraan, Matthew Scott Van Oeveren
  • Patent number: 11235705
    Abstract: A bracket assembly for mounting a mirror is provided. The bracket assembly includes a mirror clamp part, a base support part, and a frame clamp part. The mirror clamp part includes a dome connecting surface engageable with a socket of the mirror to allow rotation of the mirror. The mirror clamp part also includes a first engaging surface having a plurality of first teeth. The bracket assembly also includes a disk member having a plurality of second teeth engageable with the first teeth to allow rotation of the mirror clamp part. The disk member is also coupled to the to the base support part. The frame clamp part is slidable with respect to the base support part for changing a frame receiving opening. The bracket assembly further includes a first tightening mechanism and a second tightening mechanism to selectively vary an impact force required to rotate the mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Huizhou Kunbo Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ruifeng Yuan
  • Patent number: 11142127
    Abstract: A pivot joint system of a rear view device includes a base to be fixed to a vehicle and a head rotatable relative to the base, the pivot joint system acting between two components that rotate with respect to one another around an axis to control rotation from a first set position to at least one second set position, with each of the two components including a cylindrical section and a resilient means being arranged within a cylindrical space between said cylindrical sections to act between the two components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Callum Scott-Collins, Andrew Lettis
  • Patent number: 11034301
    Abstract: A vehicle door mirror device includes a mirror housing that has as some of constituent elements thereof a housing main body having fixed thereto an actuator for driving the mirror so as to tilt the mirror in a fore-and-aft direction and a left-and-right direction, a support shaft that is standingly provided on a mirror base mounted on a front side door, and an electric retraction unit that is pivotably supported on the support shaft and is fixed to the housing main body while being housed within the mirror housing so as to exert power for pivoting the mirror housing around an axis of the support shaft between a retracted position and a raised position, wherein fastening directions for fastening members that fasten the electric retraction unit and the actuator to the housing main body are set in the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Honda Lock
    Inventor: Junichi Tomiyama
  • Patent number: 11007939
    Abstract: A support assembly for a mirror head includes a support arm defining a longitudinal axis. A top slot wall and a bottom slot wall of the support arm extend at least partly along the longitudinal axis and at least partly define a slot therebetween. The top slot wall defines an opening therethrough. A ramp extends from the bottom slot wall towards the top slot wall adjacent to the opening. The support assembly further includes inboard and outboard trunnions that are adapted to be at least partly and movably received in the slot. A carriage is coupled to the outboard trunnion and the mirror head. A support brace is rotationally coupled to the inboard and outboard trunnions. The outboard trunnion selectively travels on the ramp and through the opening to allow the support brace to be inclined obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis and the carriage to be rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Motherson Innovations Company Limited
    Inventor: Douglas James Wilson
  • Patent number: 10981508
    Abstract: A vehicle door mirror includes a mirror housing accommodating an electrical component therein, a base member made from a resin, and a shaft having a cord through hole through which a cord that is to be connected to the electrical component is inserted, the shaft being standingly provided on the base member so as to pivotably support a base end portion of the mirror housing. The base member has a slit formed therein. The slit has an outer end opening on a side edge of the base member so that the cord guided out from the cord through hole toward the base member side can be inserted through the slit. A linking part that links paired mutually opposing side faces of the slit together via an inner end part of the slit is formed on the base member so as to have a shape protruding downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Honda Lock
    Inventors: Junichi Tomiyama, Koichi Izaki, Tetsuya Oda
  • Patent number: 10912404
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an adjustable side rear view mirror assembly for attachment to a vehicle. The mirror assembly includes one or more rotary lock mechanisms which allow the mirror assembly to rotate between a series of designated positions. The mirror assembly includes an interlocking “clam-shell” construction for the mirror housing, as well as reflective mirror members which are laminated to surfaces on the mirror housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: ROSCO, INC.
    Inventors: William Schmidt, Jack N. Perry, II
  • Patent number: 10730437
    Abstract: An electric folding device for an outer rearview mirror includes a shell, a foundation bed, a base, a pin shaft, an electric driving unit used for driving the shell to rotate relative to the base around the axis of the pin shaft. A spring is arranged on the pin shaft in a sleeving mode, and a connecting piece is provided, which makes the shell manually rotate relatively to the foundation bed. A cam assembly is provided among the connecting piece, the foundation bed and the base. During the electric folding process, driven by the electric driving unit, the cam assembly enables the foundation bed to lift up and rotate along the pin shaft through the relative slide of the cam assembly and the elastic force of the spring. The device is compact in structure with better anti-jitter performance and smooth electric folding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Inventors: Heng Wan, Guoda Yan, Zhengdong Jiang, Zhenning Shu
  • Patent number: 10717389
    Abstract: This invention intends to enhance motor holding performance of a motor holding member in an electric retractable view device for a vehicle. An electric retracting unit includes a rotating body. The rotating body includes an outer plate (motor holding member) that holds a motor body of a motor. The outer plate includes a barrel and a claw engagement piece. The barrel receives the motor body in an inner space. The claw engagement piece engages with a rear end face (engaged portion) of the motor body received in the barrel and locks the motor so as to prevent axial movement. An engagement surface of the engagement claw of the claw engagement piece is disposed at a position on a deeper side of the inner space relative to an open end of the inner space of the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: MURAKAMI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masahiro Motomiya, Kenji Ichikawa, Takayuki Miyazaki, Mizuki Toyama
  • Patent number: 10703280
    Abstract: The actuator mechanism comprises a first member associated with a pivotable rear-view mirror housing and movable therewith, a third member configured to be moved in directions towards and away from the first member, and a second member adapted to be locked in rotation to a fixed part of a motor vehicle as the first member is rotated by a first torque that does not exceed a maximum predetermined torque, and to move the third member in a direction towards the first member as the first member is rotated with a second torque that exceeds the maximum predetermined torque, causing the first member and the third member to be interlocked in a predetermined position of the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: FICOMIRRORS, S.A.U.
    Inventors: Eduard Ferre Alabern, Juan Linares Casals
  • Patent number: 10639430
    Abstract: Embodiments of the shield assemblies include a shield that is pivotably secured to a needle hub. A ball-and-socket hinge secures the shield and the hub to one another. The assembly includes a reversible shield lock to hold the shield in the needle-protected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: B. Braun Melsungen AG
    Inventors: Janko Bubenik, Harald Heckmann, Volker Harms
  • Patent number: 10632923
    Abstract: The description relates to a bearing assembly for rotatably or pivotally connecting a first (4) and a second (6) component to each other, wherein the two components (4, 6) are connected by a connecting element (8) disposed to be coaxial to a rotary or pivot axis (A); each of the two components (4, 6) comprises at least one first contact zone (10.4, 10.6), the contact zones (10.4, 10.6) having first abutment faces (12.4, 12.6) which are complementary with respect to each other; the respective first abutment faces (12.4, 12.6) being urged towards each other with an elastic preload force by a biasing part; and a latching geometry acting as a first latching means (14) being arranged between the first abutment faces (12.4, 12.6). Each of the two components (4, 6) has at least one second contact zone (18.4, 18.6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: MEKRA LANG GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Werner Lang, Elmar Finkenberger, Bastian Renk
  • Patent number: 10051242
    Abstract: A visualization system is provided for permitting a driver of a vehicle to observe a 180 degree rearward view of his or her vehicle and surroundings. The visualization system can include a display device which provides a 180 degree substantially rearward view. The 180 degree substantially rearward view can be seamless and/or undistorted. The display device can be positioned within the vehicle in front of the driver. The display device can be mounted on the inside surface of a windshield of the vehicle. At least a portion of the display device can be positioned above the eyes of the driver of the vehicle when the driver is seated in the driver's seat of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Inventor: Tobby Joe
  • Patent number: 9950670
    Abstract: A rear-view mirror assembly comprises a fixed base member, a mirror housing that can be rotated relative to the base member, a shaft, an elastic element for applying a force on the base member and the mirror housing through the shaft, shaft axially retaining means, and safety means for preventing the shaft from being released comprising a first and second stop portions formed in the mirror housing and the shaft respectively and arranged such that in different shaft angular positions the first and the second stop portions do not interfere with one another such that the shaft can be inserted in the shaft housing, or the first and second stop portions interfere with one another preventing the shaft from being released from the shaft housing by the action of the elastic element in case of failure of the shaft retaining means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: FICO MIRRORS, S.A.U.
    Inventor: Jose Mendoza Viciosa
  • Patent number: 9857021
    Abstract: A swivel supporting device comprising a stand, a baseplate and a switchable structure connecting with the stand and the baseplate is provided. The switchable structure includes a plurality of washers being axially associated with each other. An external force for driving the stand and the switchable structure rotating with respect to the baseplate is capable of being adjusted depending on the extent of the engagement interference between the washers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Syncmold Enterprise Corp.
    Inventors: Ching-Yi Yeh, Juei-Hsien Wang
  • Patent number: 9845054
    Abstract: A mirror base, a mirror housing rotatable to the mirror base between a non-driving retracted position and a driving protracted position around an axis (X), a non-metallic spring for providing an axial spring force between the mirror base and the mirror housing whose force differs at least between the non-driving retracted and the driving protracted positions; and a first guide portion for contacting a first contact area of the non-metallic spring, and a second guide portion for contacting a second contact area of the non-metallic spring. The guide portions are configured such that, during rotation of the mirror housing to the mirror base, at least one deformable portion of the non-metallic spring between the first and second contact areas is deformed in a direction (Y) substantially perpendicular to the mirror rotation axis (X).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: FICO MIRRORS, S.A.
    Inventors: Adolfo Caballero Guirado, Miguel Ángel Gómez Castilla, José Manuel Espinosa Morales
  • Patent number: 9840200
    Abstract: A mirror assembly includes attachments for connecting a mirror retaining plate and a connector assembly, and methods for connecting a mirror retaining plate and a connector assembly, are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Mekra Lang North America, LLC
    Inventors: Rolf Reitz de Swardt, Andreas Enz, Alexandre Petroff
  • Patent number: 9254788
    Abstract: A vehicle folding rear view mirror support mechanism having first (15) and second (16) pivotally interconnected support arm means. A first end (15b1) of the first support arm means is pivoted on a mounting bracket (18) for attachment to the vehicle, a second end (15c1) of the first support arm means is pivotally connected with a first end (16b1) of the second support arm means, and a mirror mount (22) is pivotally connected to a second end (16c1) of the second support arm means. The first and second arm means (15, 16) are movable between a retracted reduced width position in which the two arm means are in a side by side substantially parallel relationship and an extended increased width position in which the two arm means are substantially end to end and the mirror mount (22) is supported at its maximum distance from the mounting bracket (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: AGCO INTERNATIONAL GmbH
    Inventor: Erich Freytag
  • Patent number: 9131132
    Abstract: A camera phone mount having an end wall, an outer wall, an inner wall and an open end that form a cavity that receives a vertical support arm. Attached to the outer surface of the inner wall is an elongated mounting plate. A reusable adhesive pad is attached to an inner surface of the elongated mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: TRANSAMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL
    Inventor: John M. Graether
  • Patent number: 8714759
    Abstract: A connector head carried by the stabilizer arm. A first retaining sidewall and a second retaining sidewall included in the connector head extending outward from the stabilizer arm and defining a longitudinal channel. A plurality of spiked projections carried by at least one of the first and second retaining sidewalls, wherein a point of each spike is directed back towards the stabilizer arm. An elastic block carried in the longitudinal channel so that the spiked projections penetrate the elastic block to hold the elastic block in the longitudinal channel. A receiver having a retention slot cooperating with the connector head to releasably secure the stabilizer arm. A knob projecting upward from a base surface of the retention slot for engaging the elastic block in a friction fit arrangement between the connector head and the retention slot so that the stabilizer arm is releasably secured in the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Lang-Mekra North America, LLC
    Inventor: Andreas Enz
  • Publication number: 20130092812
    Abstract: A wear compensator for a pivoting detent joint comprising a carrier base having a bearing housing and a bearing ring disposed in an interior channel of the bearing housing. A pivot cylinder is carried in the interior channel bearing against the bearing ring. An inner cone slidably carried in a cylinder recess of the pivot cylinder. A biasing element forcing the inner cone into the cylinder recess to biases the cylinder wall against the bearing ring. A support arm pivotally mounted to the bearing housing including a lower pivot block receiving and supporting the pivot cylinder in the interior channel, and an upper pivot block having an arm detent ring engaging a base detent ring carried by the bearing housing. Accordingly, the pivot cylinder rotates on the bearing ring and the arm detent ring rotates on the base detent ring to adjust the position of the support arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: LANG-MEKRA NORTH AMERICA, LLC
    Inventors: Emmanuel Courbon, Andreas Enz, Ramesh Noone
  • Publication number: 20130037684
    Abstract: A connector head carried by the stabilizer arm. A first retaining sidewall and a second retaining sidewall included in the connector head extending outward from the stabilizer arm and defining a longitudinal channel. A plurality of spiked projections carried by at least one of the first and second retaining sidewalls, wherein a point of each spike is directed back towards the stabilizer arm. An elastic block carried in the longitudinal channel so that the spiked projections penetrate the elastic block to hold the elastic block in the longitudinal channel. A receiver having a retention slot cooperating with the connector head to releasably secure the stabilizer arm. A knob projecting upward from a base surface of the retention slot for engaging the elastic block in a friction fit arrangement between the connector head and the retention slot so that the stabilizer arm is releasably secured in the receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: LANG-MEKRA NORTH AMERICA, LLC
    Inventor: Andreas Enz
  • Patent number: 8226064
    Abstract: A sliding torque between a pivot portion and a fitting portion may be preferably secured. In an inner mirror device, pivot portions are arranged on both end portions in an axis line direction of a stay formed by a resin material. One pivot portion is fitted in a fitting hole of a holder main body, and the other pivot portion is fitted in a fitting hole of a device main body. In this manner, the holder and the device main body are connected to each other through the stay. In this case, plural notches are formed in the pivot portions, and outside dimensions of the pivot portions may be elastically expanded and reduced. A metal spring pin is pressed into the stay, and the spring pin biases the pivots in a dimension-expansion direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventor: Masatsugu Ohashi
  • Patent number: 8100455
    Abstract: An overhead console may include a conversation mirror having a fitting protrusion formed on one end thereof, a housing having adjoining main and auxiliary spaces defined therein, wherein the auxiliary space releasably stores the conversation mirror, a cover pivotally coupled to the housing to open or close the main space, wherein the cover has a bucket to be selectively engaged to the main space, a latch part provided in an upper portion of the auxiliary space, wherein the fitting protrusion of the conversation mirror is fastened into or unfastened from the latch part so that the conversation mirror is stored inside or released from the auxiliary space, and an elastic member fixing the auxiliary space and the conversation mirror, wherein the elastic member applies an elastic force in a direction to release the conversation mirror from the auxiliary space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Gwon Hak Lee
  • Patent number: 8075146
    Abstract: A fixing device for position regulating mechanisms for external rear-view mirrors for motor vehicles, applicable to external rear-view mirrors of the type which are comprised of a support (1), attached to which is a housing (6) which encases or is part of the aforementioned position regulating mechanism (2), to which a mirror support plate is affixed, it being possible to operate the same, manually or electrically, from the interior of the vehicle. The support (1) comprises elastic pressure exertion means (4) comprising a portion of the base (5) arranged on the support (1) and are provided with at least one tab (7), which pressure exertion means (4) are intended to withstand the pressure of the housing of the regulating mechanism when the latter is attached to the support by means of the fixing means, said pressure means being elastically distorted in such a way that they exert an effort force on the housing against the fixing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Fico Mirrors, S.A.
    Inventor: Jose Mendoza Vicioso
  • Patent number: 8056879
    Abstract: A high precision mirrormount comprises a retaining plate retaining reflecting mirror; an adjusting plate behind the retaining plate; a retaining ball fixed between the retaining plate and the adjusting plate; a fine-adjusting plate installed at the backside of the adjusting plate; a tension shaft fixed to the adjusting plate and exposing out of the fine-adjusting plate; tension springs being installed around the tension shaft; a first adjusting screw serving to coarsely adjust the adjusting plate to move closer or far away from the retaining plate; and a second adjusting screw having one end resisting against an elastic element which has an elastic coefficient of the elastic element being very smaller than those of the tension springs. Thus, the second adjusting screw has an effect of fine adjustment. In 2D case, two above structures are formed along an X axis and a Y axis respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventors: Sie-Poon Chang, Peter Chang
  • Patent number: 7959309
    Abstract: A mirror assembly for trucks, vans and the like, for providing front or rear viewing as the vehicle is moving forward or is backing up, for example, into a truck loading dock area. The mirror assembly comprises a mirror unit that is connected by a mirror arm to a support structure, e.g., a flange or bracket, that is fixed to the vehicle. The support structure projects minimally sideways of the vehicle and pivotably supports the mirror arm in a manner whereby the mirror unit and its arm can swing about a pivot axis, enabling the mirror and its arm to lie alongside a side wall of the vehicle or tightly against the rear of the vehicle. A return or rebound mechanism returns the mirror unit to its normal operational position automatically, once contact with an obstruction that has pivoted the mirror unit from its normal position, has been removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Rosco Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin Englander
  • Patent number: 7883225
    Abstract: A connector assembly for releasably attaching a stabilizer arm to a support arm of a vehicle exterior rearview mirror. The assembly includes a connector head carried by the stabilizer arm and a connector receiver is carried by the other of said stabilizer arm and support arm. A retention slot is included in said connector receiver for receiving said connector head. A biasing element is carried in said retention slot for biasing against said connector head when received in said retention slot. A catch tongue projects from one of said connector head and said biasing element. A catch recess is carried by the other of said connector head and said biasing element which is complementary to said catch tongue for interlocking said connector head with said biasing element in said retention slot to provide an increased surface area of engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Lang-Mekra North America, LLC
    Inventors: Emmanuel Courbon, Andreas Enz
  • Patent number: 7878477
    Abstract: A mirror assembly comprising a mounting bracket for attachment to a vehicle exterior; a first pivot plate on the mounting bracket having a concave upper surface with a series of grooves formed therein; a support arm pivotally carried on the first pivot plate of the mounting bracket; and, a second pivot plate carried by the support arm having a base surface with a plurality of protruding teeth engaging the grooves in the first pivot plate so that a pivot gap is defined between the upper surface of the first pivot plate and the base surface of second pivot plate; whereby the pivot gap allows the teeth to both pivot and slide in the grooves of the first pivot plate so that the support arm is pivotal in a multi-axis arrangement with the mounting bracket to accommodate misalignment between the mounting bracket and the support arm during installation on a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Lang-Mekra North America, LLC
    Inventor: Emmanuel Courbon
  • Patent number: 7874687
    Abstract: A vehicular exterior mirror assembly comprises a base assembly adapted for fixed attachment to an exterior portion of the vehicle and a reflective element assembly pivotally attached to the base assembly and supported thereby. A pivot member having a perimeter wall is interposed between the base assembly and the reflective element assembly and defines an axis of rotation between the base assembly and the reflective element assembly. A side-acting detent assembly is mounted to one of the base assembly and the reflective element assembly, and has a side-acting detent assembly member positioned to exert a force against the perimeter wall of the pivot member normal to the axis of rotation. One of the pivot member and the side-acting detent assembly member comprises at least one indentation and the other of the pivot member and the side-acting detent assembly member comprises a bearing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Boddy, Rex E. Blakeman
  • Patent number: 7815323
    Abstract: A connector assembly for releasably attaching a stabilizer arm to a support arm of a vehicle exterior rearview mirror. The assembly includes a connector head carried by the stabilizer arm. The connector head includes a convex bottom surface. A connector receiver is carried by the support arm. A retention slot is included in the connector receiver for receiving the connector head. A first locking element is carried by the connector head. A second locking element is carried within the retention slot for cooperating with the first locking element to releasably engage the connector head with the connector receiver. A biasing element is carried in the retention slot biasing against the convex bottom surface of the connector head for urging the first and second locking elements together, wherein the convex bottom surface pivots on the biasing element to accommodate misalignment between the connector head and the connector receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Lang-Mekra North America, LLC
    Inventors: Emmanuel Courbon, Andreas Enz
  • Patent number: 7815324
    Abstract: A mirror assembly is inclinably mounted on a resin shaft via a spring and a resin stopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ikuo Sakata
  • Publication number: 20100207005
    Abstract: A high precision mirrormount comprises a retaining plate retaining reflecting mirror; an adjusting plate behind the retaining plate; a retaining ball fixed between the retaining plate and the adjusting plate; a fine-adjusting plate installed at the backside of the adjusting plate; a tension shaft fixed to the adjusting plate and exposing out of the fine-adjusting plate; tension springs being installed around the tension shaft; a first adjusting screw serving to coarsely adjust the adjusting plate to move closer or far away from the retaining plate; and a second adjusting screw having one end resisting against an elastic element which has an elastic coefficient of the elastic element being very smaller than those of the tension springs. Thus, the second adjusting screw has an effect of fine adjustment. In 2D case, two above structures are formed along an X axis and a Y axis respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Sie-Poon Chang, Peter Chang
  • Publication number: 20090218470
    Abstract: A system for displaying photographs is disclosed. The system includes one or more horizontal members or bars that are secured to a wall, such as a wall of a house. The horizontal members are preferably immovably secured, as by wall anchors or nails. The horizontal members preferably include a profile, such as a shaped, hollow cross-sectional area, that is configured to mount two or more vertical members. Two or more vertical members or bars are then secured to the horizontal members. The vertical members may be mounted using the profiles, channels, or grooves of the horizontal members. They may be mounted using a connection stud, a tab or a clamp, such as a spring clamp. The vertical members preferably also include continuous, vertical grooves on their sides, for placing photographs into the grooves for display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: Snap Gallery, LLC
    Inventor: Peter S. Zlotocha
  • Publication number: 20090166505
    Abstract: A mirror assembly comprising a mounting bracket for attachment to a vehicle exterior; a first pivot plate on the mounting bracket having a concave upper surface with a series of grooves formed therein; a support arm pivotally carried on the first pivot plate of the mounting bracket; and, a second pivot plate carried by the support arm having a base surface with a plurality of protruding teeth engaging the grooves in the first pivot plate so that a pivot gap is defined between the upper surface of the first pivot plate and the base surface of second pivot plate; whereby the pivot gap allows the teeth to both pivot and slide in the grooves of the first pivot plate so that the support arm is pivotal in a multi-axis arrangement with the mounting bracket to accommodate misalignment between the mounting bracket and the support arm during installation on a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: Emmanuel Courbon
  • Patent number: 7490945
    Abstract: A folding assembly for a vehicle side mirror that employs specialized ramped détentes. The folding assembly includes a pivot tube and a pivot spring rotatably coupled to a case frame and rigidly coupled to a base frame. The base frame includes a series of ramped détentes that are seated within corresponding recesses in the case frame. The inside angle (?1) of the ramps of the détentes is steeper than the outside angle (?2) of the ramps of the détentes according to a predetermined formula so that when the case frame is rotated relative to the base frame, and the détentes move out of their recesses, the force of the rotation is distributed along the entire length of the ramp to increase the durability performance of the mirror and thus its longevity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Visiocorp Patents S.a.r.l.
    Inventor: Ryan Proctor
  • Patent number: 7490946
    Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror system comprises a reflective element assembly, a base frame coupling the reflective element assembly to a vehicle, a support arm for coupling the reflective element assembly to the base frame, and a pivot connection for pivotally coupling the support arm to one of the base frame and the reflective element assembly. The pivot connection comprises a pedestal having at least two detent ribs, and an opening for receipt of the pedestal therethrough having at least two detent channels. Pivoting of one of the support arm relative to the base frame and the reflective element assembly relative to the support arm moves a first one of the at least two detent ribs out of a first one of the at least two detent channels and into a second one of the at least two detent channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith D. Foote, James A. Ruse
  • Patent number: 7455413
    Abstract: A mirror assembly for trucks, vans and the like, for providing front or rear viewing as the vehicle is moving forward or is backing up, for example, into a truck loading dock area. The mirror assembly comprises a mirror unit that is connected by a mirror arm to a support structure, e.g., a flange or bracket, that is fixed to the vehicle. The support structure projects minimally sideways of the vehicle and pivotably supports the mirror arm in a manner whereby the mirror unit and its arm can swing about a pivot axis, enabling the mirror and its arm to lie alongside a side wall of the vehicle or tightly against the rear of the vehicle. A return or rebound mechanism returns the mirror unit to its normal operational position automatically, once contact with an obstruction that has pivoted the mirror unit from its normal position, has been removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Rosco, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin Englander
  • Patent number: 7452088
    Abstract: A mirror unit for a vehicle includes a base from which extends an arm holding a mirror housing. The arm is pivotably mounted in the base to permit the mirror to be pivoted toward the vehicle in the event that the mirror is struck, for example. The extended position of the mirror when not folded is defined by a detent in the pivoting movement. The detent position of the mirror is the result of a bolt that presses a spring. The spring in turn presses a hub on the arm against an indexing pivot post, so that ramps on the hub bear against ramps on the indexing pivot post and define the detent position of the mirror. The indexing pivot post has an arrangement of teeth that engage into tooth recesses on the base when pressed thereagainst by the spring. The detent position of the mirror can be changed by the user by the user releasing the bolt to relieve spring pressure on the teeth so that the teeth of the indexing pivot post disengage from the tooth recesses and can be pivoted to a new detent position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Velvac, Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert R. Brester, Thomas L. Roberts
  • Patent number: 7448762
    Abstract: A sideview mirror includes multiple parts, wherein the mirror body, the washer, the spring, the support member, the bearing, the rotation member, and the mounting member are combined to form a window corner type sideview mirror, while the mirror body, the washer, the spring, the support member, and the mounting member are combined to form a car side body type sideview mirror. Thus, the window corner type sideview mirror only needs to provide the fixing member additionally to replace the bearing, the rotation member, and the mounting member to form the car side body type sideview mirror, so that the sideview mirror is both available for a window corner type sideview mirror and a car side body type sideview mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventor: Fu-Chu Su
  • Patent number: 7441911
    Abstract: A vehicular external rearview mirror system comprises a twin-arm assembly comprising a pair of parallel support arms connected at one end to a base attached to the vehicle and movably connected at another end to a reflective element assembly through a movable support bracket. The support bracket supports a reflective element assembly and is attached to the twin-arm assembly through a pair of integral bearings which translate along the arms to extend or retract the reflective element assembly. In one embodiment, the bearing imparts a friction force to the arm to enable the bracket to be moved along the arm under the influence of an extension/retraction force, but to maintain the bracket at a selected position along the arm when the force is removed. In another embodiment, the bearing is adapted for frictionless translation of the bracket along the arms under the influence of a powerextend actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Ruse, Keith D. Foote, Kenneth C. Peterson
  • Patent number: 7399137
    Abstract: A pivot arrangement between a mirror head and a mirror mounting bracket of a rear vision mirror for a motor vehicle which uses a disc spring with a negative spring rate over part of its travel. The disc spring has a height to thickness ratio of greater than ?2(1.414).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Maarten J. Schuurmans
  • Patent number: 7393111
    Abstract: An outside mirror for a motor vehicle has a mirror foot (1) fastenable to the vehicle and a mirror carrier (3) fastenable to the mirror foot so as to be capable of swivelling about a swivelling axis. The mirror carrier (3) is fastenable to the mirror foot (1) by virtue of the latching of at least one first detent element (11) in a first detent contour (12). In this the position of the mirror carrier (3) relative to the mirror foot (1) at at least one defined swivel angle may be secured by virtue of the latching of at least one second detent element in a second detent contour (15, 16). The mirror carrier (3) in the latched state of the first detent element (11) is displaceable counter to the pressure of a spring element (11) at least far enough in the direction of the swivelling axis for the second detent element to be unlatchable from the second detent contour (15, 16) through swivelling of the mirror carrier (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Donnelly Hohe GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim Fuchs, Helmut Weimer