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 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.

Abstract: A motorized tilt actuator assembly comprises one or more threaded jack screws attached to a mirror glass case and traveling along one or more threaded actuator shafts with rotation of the motor. When a jack screw reaches its limit of travel, relative movement between the actuator shaft and the glass case can occur through a slip clutch mechanism during such time as the motor continues to operate. In one embodiment, the relative movement is accommodated by a spherical actuator head rotating in a compressively spring-biased socket. In another embodiment, the relative movement is accommodated by slippage along a friction surface interposed between the actuator shaft and the motor. Manual repositioning of the mirror can be accommodated by slippage of the jack screw threads past the actuator shaft threads, or by a coarse threaded interconnection of the jack screw and the actuator shaft.

Abstract: A vehicular mirror system comprises a base frame attached to a motor vehicle and a support frame supporting a reflective element assembly and pivotally attached to the base frame for pivoting the reflective element assembly between a folded position and an unfolded position. A detent assembly intercommunicating the support frame and the base frame comprises a plurality of spaced bosses and recesses positioned at different radii and enabling pivoting of the support frame with minimal vertical displacement of the support frame relative to the base frame.

Abstract: A vehicle mirror assembly for mounting an exterior rearview mirror to a vehicle body, the assembly having a support arm pivotally mounted to the vehicle for supporting the mirror, and a stabilizer bar having a first end pivotally mounted to the vehicle and a second end attached to the support arm, the assembly comprising: a connector head carried by one of the second end of the stabilizer bar and the support arm, and a connector receiver carried by the other stabilizer bar and support arm. The connector receiver includes a retention slot 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; and an elongated convex biasing spring carried in the retention slot biasing the first and second locking elements together to provide a reliable interlocking connection between the stabilizer bar and support arm.

Abstract: A conical rotary joint is provided for a vehicle mirror assembly and the like having a fixed mount and a moveable support arm. A base is carried by one of the fixed mount and moveable arm, and a conical receptacle is carried by the base. A conical plug body is received in the conical receptacle. The conical plug is carried by the other of the fixed mount and support arm. The conical receptacle has a conical bearing surface which mates with the conical bearing surface of the conical plug. A biasing element presses the conical bearing surfaces together in a tight fit to reduce play and wear. First and second indents correspond to operating and folded positions of the support arm, and biased operator has a first deflected position in which the operator engages with a selected indent to retain the support arm in position.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting objects such as a fireplace mantel to a wall. The assembly includes a ledger strip for mounting on a wall and one or more mounting devices that are located on the mantel. Each mounting device includes a plunger slideably mounted within a main body and coupled to the mantel, and a compressible member cooperating with the plunger. The compressible member allows the mantel to be positioned on the wall when the mounting device is rested on the ledger strip. The compressible member allows the ledger strip to be quickly attached to the wall without highly-precise measurement, and the mantel to be accurately and securely positioned yet easily adjusted.

Abstract: A detent joint interconnecting first and second hinge pieces of vehicle mirrors. The detent joint includes an axis of rotation around which the hinge pieces are pivoted. A spring urged detent element carried by one of the hinge pieces for movement along a plane transverse to the axis of rotation and is movable in a direction of engagement. The detent element includes a surface with at least two protruding teeth. The hinge also includes a counter surface with complementary cuts formed therein which act with the teeth of the detent element to provide that at least two teeth of the detent element engage with the complementarily cuts in the counter surface to provide a detent position.

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).

Abstract: A single shell side-view mirror assembly is disclosed which provides improved aerodynamic features and improved vibrational resistance characterized by an aerodynamically domed shell structure, interchangeable mirror elements, an electrically activated vibration dampening element and a static vibration dampening elements.

Abstract: A mirror mounting assembly including a mirror support, a base portion, a pivoting joint between the support and the base portion allowing the support to pivot with respect to the base portion, a link extending between the support and the base portion, a first end of the link being held with respect to either the support or the base portion, an aperture provided in the support or the base portion into which the second end of the link locates, a tight sliding fit between the aperture and the link, the link moving through the aperture allowing the support to be adjusted with respect to the base portion, the fit being such that unwanted movement between the support and base portion is prevented during normal use.

Abstract: A rear view mirror assembly comprising a frame and a mirror supported by the frame. The mirror includes a first mirror section and a second mirror section pivotally coupled to the first mirror section. A screw drive is supported by the frame for rotation relative to the frame, and has a first threaded surface. An arm has an inner arm end supported by the screw drive and extends outwardly from the screw drive to an outer arm end. The inner arm end has a second threaded surface that engages the first threaded surface. The outer arm end supports the second mirror section. An arm cam projects from the outer arm end away from the second mirror section and defines a first cam surface. A frame cam projects from the frame toward the second mirror section and defines a second cam surface contacting the first cam surface.

Abstract: A folding side mirror for an automobile having a hinge structure with dissimilar metals while avoiding problems associated with galvanic corrosion. The hinge structure includes a spring and an inner base. The spring and inner base are formed from dissimilar metals, such as steel and magnesium, respectively. The spring is isolated from the inner base by a washer member, which is preferably formed from plastic.

Abstract: An articulated arm of the rear mirror for cars, bicycles and/or to that of an additional internal car rear mirror, suitable for efficient mounting either on the handlebar or inside the car and allowing for simple adjustment of the viewing position. The articulated rear mirror arm referred to in this invention allows for simple adjustment and arresting of the selected position by means of the articulated parts including the rod shaped structure of the carrier element, the intermediate connection element and the fixing element. The mirror is with its frame fixed to one end of the intermediate connection element, thereby forming an articulation.

Abstract: A locking device is provided for mounting a support arm for a mirror assembly to a motor vehicle. The locking device including an extension, a complementary extension, and a key to lock the locking device together. A complementary brace cooperates with the locking device to mount another portion of the support arm to the motor vehicle. A method for using the locking device and the brace is also provided.

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 {square root}2(1.414).

Abstract: This invention is a pivot assembly 10 that connects mirror head 11 and a mirror mounting bracket 12 of a rear vision mirror that comprises a spigot 17, a plate 14 with an aperture 26 that is journalled to the spigot 17. A detent is located between the plate 14 and the spigot 17 which holds these components together to in turn hold the mirror head 11 in at least one required position with respect to the mirror mounting bracket 12. The detent changes from a locked position where the plate 14 is held with respect to the spigot 17 to a disengaged position when the plate 14 is rotated with respect to the spigot 17. A spring 40 acts against the detent to hold it in its locked position. The spring 40 yields to allow the detent to move to its disengaged position as the plate 14 is rotated with respect to the spigot 17. An attachment mechanism is provided both on the spigot 17 and the plate 14 that allows the spigot 17 to be secured to either one of the mirror head 11 or mirror mounting bracket 12.

Abstract: An extendable exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror subassembly, a bracket which is adapted for mounting to a vehicle, and a support which mounts the mirror subassembly to the bracket. Support extends into the housing which is movable along the support. The housing includes a retracted position and at lease one outboard position, which define a direction of extension. The mirror assembly further includes a drive assembly which is supported in the housing and drivingly coupled to the support. The drive assembly selectively moves the housing along the support. The mirror assembly further includes a clutch mechanism which drivingly decouples the drive assembly from the support when a force of sufficient magnitude is applied to the housing in the direction of extension such that the housing can be manually moved along the support.

Abstract: A locking device is provided for mounting a support arm for a mirror assembly to a motor vehicle. The locking device including an extension, a complementary extension, and a key to lock the locking device together. A complementary brace cooperates with the locking device to mount another portion of the support arm to the motor vehicle. A method for using the locking device and the brace is also provided.

Abstract: A break-away vehicle exterior rearview mirror system which is suitable for use in a vehicle, includes an exterior rearview mirror assembly including a movable portion and a fixed portion, which is adapted for mounting the movable portion to a vehicle. The movable portion includes a reflective element housed in a movable portion. An exterior rearview mirror assembly further includes a pivot member with the movable portion being pivotally mounted to the fixed portion by the pivot member for pivoting about a pivot axis from a normal operating position to a break-away position closer to the side of the vehicle. The fixed portion includes a first engagement element, with the movable portion including a second engagement element. Either the movable portion or the fixed portion generates resilient force, with the engagement elements being urged into releasable engagement with each other by the resilient force to thereby engage the movable portion with the fixed portion about the pivot axis.

Abstract: A vehicle door mirror having a housing. The housing connects to a vehicle door via a stem. An intermediate member is inserted between the housing and the vehicle door to effect relatively smooth abutment between the intermediate member and each of the housing and the vehicle door. The cylindrical stem extends from the housing through the intermediate member and through the vehicle door. The stem includes primary engagement members to engage with complementary engagement members formed in a mounting hole of the door. The engagement members prevent removal from the mounting hole when the stem is in a predetermined orientation. A spring is compressed between the housing and the stem to cause retraction of the stem inward of the housing. Such inward movement urges the primary engagement members into engagement with the complementary engagement members.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror has a holding part and a mirror base connected by a snap connection to the holding part. A covering in the form of a sleeve encloses the mirror base and is configured to be received in a cover provided in the vehicle. The mirror base is adjustable relative to the holding part. The snap connection has a spring snap-connected to the holding part, wherein the spring has a coupling member and the mirror base is fixedly connected to the coupling member in a mounted position of the mirror base.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror for motor vehicles has a mirror support having a first end to be fastened to a motor vehicle and a second end. A mirror head is connected to the second end of the mirror support by a snap connection. The snap connection has at least one catch member provided on a projection of the mirror head. The catch member or members engage a projecting rim of a receptacle provided on the mirror support.

Abstract: An outside rear view mirror for a motor vehicle, with a mirror foot to be fixed to the motor vehicle and a mirror head, whereby the mirror head, which carries a mirror glass, can be swivelled around a swivel axis relative to the mirror foot between a driving position (F) and a park position (P) by a drive, and is fixed to the mirror foot with a swivel joint, can be folded against the motor vehicle from an operating position (F to P) under a force acting externally on the mirror head, whereby a cooperation between parts fixed to the mirror foot and mirror head can be disengaged in order to avoid damage to the drive. The outside rear view mirror has a rapid synchronization of the cooperation between parts when the mirror has been folded manually.

Abstract: A single shell side-view mirror assembly is disclosed which provides improved aerodynamic features and improved vibrational resistance characterized by an aerodynamically domed shell structure, interchangeable mirror elements, an electrically activated vibration dampening element and a static vibration dampening elements. A mirror unit of the mirror assembly is disposed within a shell housing but is coupled directly to and supported by a support member mounting plate such that the mirror unit is substantially rigidly coupled to a support member without being supported by the shell housing.

Abstract: A vehicle door mirror having a housing. The housing connects to a vehicle door via a stem. An intermediate member is inserted between the housing and the vehicle door to effect relatively smooth abutment between the intermediate member and each of the housing and the vehicle door. The cylindrical stem extends from the housing through the intermediate member and through the vehicle door. The stem includes primary engagement members to engage with complementary engagement members formed in a mounting hole of the door. The engagement members prevent removal from the mounting hole when the stem is in a predetermined orientation. A spring is compressed between the housing and the stem to cause retraction of the stem inward of the housing. Such inward movement urges the primary engagement members into engagement with the complementary engagement members.

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.

Abstract: An extendable exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror subassembly, a bracket which is adapted for mounting to a vehicle, and a support which mounts the mirror subassembly to the bracket. Support extends into the housing which is movable along the support. The housing includes a retracted position and at lease one outboard position, which define a direction of extension. The mirror assembly further includes a drive assembly which is supported in the housing and drivingly coupled to the support. The drive assembly selectively moves the housing along the support. The mirror assembly further includes a clutch mechanism which drivingly decouples the drive assembly from the support when a force of sufficient magnitude is applied to the housing in the direction of extension such that the housing can be manually moved along the support.

Abstract: A moving mirror support device for use with photo-interferometers having first leaf springs arranged in parallel with one end thereof being fixed to a base; a coupling plate fixed to the other ends of the first leaf springs; and second leaf springs arranged in parallel with each of the first springs with one end thereof being fixed to the coupling plate and the other end being fixed to the moving mirror, whereby longitudinal and transverse displacements of the moving mirror can be more accurately controlled.

Abstract: A mirror mounting assembly for attaching a mirror mounting bar to a vehicle includes a bracket for attachment to the vehicle and a connector for attachment to the mounting bar. A first detent piece is non-rotatably mounted to the bracket and includes a contact surface defining alternating radial grooves and ridges, the first detent piece also including at least one shoulder.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror for vehicles has a housing having an interior. A mirror support has a first end and a second end, wherein the housing is connected to the first end of the mirror support and wherein the first end projects into the interior of the housing. A mirror pane is mounted in an opening of the housing. A switching member is mounted in the interior of the housing and is pivotable on the first end of the mirror support. An adjusting lever is mounted in the housing and projects from the housing. At least one spring is configured to act on the adjusting lever. The adjusting lever is movable against a force of the at least one spring and acts on the switching member for pivoting the mirror pane from a normal viewing position into a non-glare position. The switching member receives the force of the at least one spring exerted onto the adjusting lever and thus prevents deformation of the housing.

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.

Abstract: An arrangement for a rearview mirror for an automotive vehicle utilized for towing a trailer is provided and includes a base support for connection to the vehicle; a single support arm having a first end connected with the base support, the support arm having a plurality of opposing indentions axially separated from one another on the support arm; a mirror housing, having a closed front end and an open rear end, and a side end adjacent the vehicle with an aperture to receive the support arm therethrough; upper and lower spring supports mounted within the mirror housing oriented towards an indention; a first and second springs mounted by the spring supports; a first detent ball biased towards the indentions in the support arm by the first spring to capture a position of the mirror housing upon the support arm; a second detent ball biased towards the indentions in the support arm by the second spring to capture the position of the mirror housing on the support arm; a stop mounted on the support arm to prevent t

Abstract: A rearview mirror system for vehicles comprises a plurality of base-housing sets adapted for a variety of car body styles, each of the sets comprising a base and a housing incorporating a mirror and adapted for the base, the set being to be installed to the right of the car body; a plurality of base-housing sets adapted for a variety of car body styles, each of the sets comprising a base and a housing incorporating a mirror and adapted for the base, the set being to be installed to the left of the car body; and a plurality of positioning units each coupled to each of the base-housing sets to turn the housing to a viewing position where the housing protrudes laterally from the car body and the mirror gives the driver a necessary rearview to one of parking positions where the housing is directed toward the car tail or the car head.

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.

Abstract: A rear view mirror assembly comprising a bracket adapted to be mounted on a vehicle body, and a case, in which a reflective member is pivotally mounted. A lead screw is mounted in the bracket. A pair of arms projecting laterally from the reflective member beyond the periphery thereof and have ridge formations which engage with the lead screw so that rotation of the lead screw causes angular movement of the reflective member.

Abstract: An assembly for adjustably mounting a vehicle external mirror includes a first arm segment for securing to the vehicle, and a second arm segment for securing to the external mirror. An axle member is secured to one of the first and second arm segments and extends 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. A securing member is attached to the axle member for securing the first and second arm segments together about the axle member. A bearing brace having a fixed end is secured to one of the first and second arm segments and a free end extending from the fixed end, the bearing brace configured and secured so as to form a leaf spring. A plurality of teeth extend from one of the bearing brace and the other of the first and second arm segments.

Abstract: The rearview mirror, especially for an automobile, has an improved retention device for holding the mirror in a predetermined fixed position. This retention device (6) includes at least one fixing element for securing the mirror supporting arm (3) in a predetermined fixed position relative to its base (4). The fixing element or elements project from an internal surface of the holding member (40) or project from the pivot (30) provided on the supporting arm (3) and each include an elastic element (61) pressing in a radial direction from the holding member (40) toward the pivot (34) or from the pivot (34) to the holding member (40) and a corresponding recess (62) provided in the pivot (30) or in the holding member in which each elastic element (61) engages.

Abstract: An adjustable device for hanging a wire-supported object on a wall device comprises a first bar for attachment at to the wall in a horizontal position, a second bar perpendicular to the first bar and having a hook or hooks for accepting a wire secured to the object to be hung, and a connector with channels that hold the bars for sliding movement relative to each other. The first bar is secured to the wall at its ends and then the connector can be moved horizontally along the first bar and the second bar can be moved vertically within the connector. This permits the object to be positioned at precisely the desired position even after the hanger device is secured to the wall, unlike conventional devices that must be removed from the wall for repositioning. A spring-loaded pin on the connector is accepted into openings in the bars to lock them into the position that places the object on the desired position.

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).

Abstract: An automotive vehicle rear view mirror assembly automatically returnable from a rear seat viewing position to a rear window viewing position includes a bracket, a bracket rod having an axis and extending through and rigidly connected to the bracket, a resilient member disposed about the bracket rod and having an end, a mirror housing pivotally connected to the bracket rod, the housing having a wall portion in resilient contacting relationship with the end, and a flip lever attached to the mirror housing having a bracket receiving end with a bracket contacting surface.

Abstract: A mounting bracket system for a rearview mirror intended to be temporarily and readily affixed to a protruding surface of a watercraft or a vehicle. The instant invention finds particular advantage when a load is being towed or trailed and the normal rear line of sight is obscured. The mounting bracket of the instant invention is adapted to receive a conventional mirror assembly on one end, the other end terminates in a generally orthogonal, cylindrical appendage. The appendage is selectively oriented and contacted between two opposing clamping members. The first clamping member is affixed to a frame adapted to engage the protruding surface. The second clamping member is slidably displaceable relative to the first clamping member.

Abstract: An escape device for an inner mirror includes a stay base mounted on a ceiling of a cabin of a vehicle a stay suspended from and supported by the stay base and connected to the stay base pivotably about an axis extending horizontally in the direction of width of the vehicle, the stay having a mirror body attached to a lower portion thereof, and a stop mechanism provided between the stay base and the stay for stopping the pivotal movement of the stay about the axis relative to the stay base and thereby holding the stay in a suspended state in a normal mode of use and, when an external force exceeding a predetermined value is applied to the stay in the forward direction of the vehicle, disengaging the stay by the external force to allow the pivotal movement of the stay about the axis.

Abstract: A vehicle exterior rearview mirror assembly provides a break-away housing which exhibits increased dampening, reduce vibration, and consistent break-away force while requiring simplified tooling to manufacture. The mirror assembly includes a housing having a reflective element supported and a mounting bracket adapted for mounting to a vehicle. The mounting bracket includes a pivot extending between the mounting bracket and the housing, for pivotally mounting the housing to the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket and housing include a plurality of detent assemblies for releasably coupling the housing to the mounting bracket. At least two detent assemblies have a longitudinal extent which is substantially parallel to a line which extends through a center of rotation of the pivot. Preferably, the at least two detent assemblies are positioned on opposite sides of the pivot and are positioned on opposed sides of mounting bracket.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly, especially suited for towing vehicles, includes a dual purpose spring that provides a break-away feature and holds a mirror subassembly in one of a plurality of positions along a mounting arm. The exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a housing supporting a reflective element, a mounting bracket adapted for mounting to a vehicle, and an arm supporting the housing and mounted to the mounting bracket. The arm is adapted to pivot about the mounting bracket between a normal operating position and a folded, break-away position and includes a spring cooperating with the arm to selectively bias the arm into frictional engagement with the housing to hold the housing and mirror-subassembly in a fixed position along the arm and with the mounting bracket to hold the arm in one of the two positions.

Abstract: Three adjustable supports, positioned at the vertices of a triangle, are used to support one structure from another structure. In one form of the support, a post threaded at its lower end extends from the first structure to a slot in the second structure. A spring is captured between a shoulder on the post and a facing shoulder on the second shoulder at the bottom of the slot. A threaded end of the post extends through an oversize bore in the second structure. A spherical washer has a flat side resting against the outer surface of the second support, and a spherical washer is engaged to the threaded end of the post such that the spherical surface of the washer contacts the spherical surface of the nut to provide freedom of movement.

Abstract: An external mirror for a motor vehicle which includes a mirror base which can be fixed to the body of the vehicle, a mirror housing which is swingable with respect to the base and which surrounds the mirror glass on all sides and projects rearwardly of the glass to form a generally encircling bead structure, a mounting plate which bears the mirror glass, a cap part which is releasably fixable to the mounting plate, and a base part of the mirror housing. To improve the appearance of the mirror device, the cap part of the housing is constructed to project rearwardly beyond the plane of the mirror glass, with the rearward projecting part of the cap forming at least a substantial part of the edge bead.

Abstract: A device for regulating a motor-driven foldable rear view mirror of an automobile is disclosed. The device has a shaft reinforcing ring having a plurality of U-shaped slots on its upper outside edge, and a frame reinforcing ring having a plurality of V-shaped slots on its upper inside edge. The frame reinforcing ring is placed about the shaft reinforcing ring, so that their slots are opposed to each other respectively. A plurality of regulating balls are seated on the slots of the reinforcing rings and placed in guide depressions of a shaft gear, so that the balls can move radially of the shaft. The reinforcing rings are tightly compressed by a compression coil spring and tightly kept in their places during the operation of the device.

Abstract: A detent mechanism that acts between two components that rotate with respect to one another to control rotation from a first set position to at least a second set position. The detent mechanism (10) comprises at least one rotating cam (23) positioned between adjacent surfaces of two components (11 and 16). The cam (23) is spaced from the axis of rotation of the two components (11 and 16). The cam (23) is journalled for rotation on one of the components (11) about an axis that is substantially transverse to the axis of rotation between the two components (11 and 16). The operating surface (25) of the cam (23) comprises at least one cam lobe that is caused to rotate as the two components (11 and 16) rotate. The cam (23) acts to separate the two components (11 and 16). Spring (17) acts to urge the adjacent surfaces together so that a predetermined torque is required to cause relative rotation between the components (11 and 16).

Abstract: An exterior side-mounted rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror shell having a sleeve mounted on a pivot cup. The pivot cup is selectively rotatable about the central axis of a post fixed to a vehicle. The assembly has complementary interlocking structure located at the base of the pivot cup and adjacent the base of the post. In combination with a spring and retainer which holds the spring against the pivot cup, these complementary structures allow for the selective rotation of the pivot cup about the post. The shell is mounted to the pivot cup in a non-rotatable fashion, by simply sliding the sleeve onto the pivot cup. The method of assembling the mirror assembly is thus simplified.

Abstract: A side mounted vehicular rear view mirror of the type which comprises a hollow tubular steel gooseneck support arm which can be rotated forwardly or rearwardly relative to a clamp type mount on the vehicle body to fold the mirror against the vehicle body side to prevent damage to the mirror in, for example, a vehicle carwash or other narrow passageway. The clamping structure comprises a mount having longitudinally spaced semi-cylindrical bearing seats adapted to receive a length of the gooseneck arm and a spring steel clamp having opposing complemental bearing surfaces and an arcuate detent which engages a straight sides slot formed in the gooseneck arm where it overlies the spaced apart bearing seats. The spring clamp flexes to provide a relatively high break away torque and a relatively low continued rotation torque.