Spring Biased Patents (Class 248/478)
  • Patent number: 5568326
    Abstract: A car rearview mirror comprises a mirror unit having a hemispheric convex surface formed thereon and a central support formed integrally therewith on the opposite side to the hemispheric convex surface to receive a leaf or wire spring at the center of the latter, and a mirror housing having a hemispheric concave surface formed thereon and two end supports formed integrally therewith to retain the spring at the opposite ends, respectively, of the latter. The hemispheric convex surface of the mirror unit is fitted to the hemispheric convex surface of the mirror housing in such a manner that the mirror unit can be pivoted in relation to the mirror housing. To assemble the rearview mirror, the spring is bowed and supported at the center thereof on the central support and at the opposite ends thereof on the two end supports. Namely, the car rearview mirror can have a reduced number of parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Norio Yoshida, Osamu Tsuyama
  • Patent number: 5566029
    Abstract: A mirror assembly adapted to be rotatably mounted with respect to a support structure such as a wheeled vehicle of the class that includes trucks, tractors, large recreational vehicles, etc. A rotatable housing carries a mirror and there is a fixed mounting bold for supporting the housing. A motor is connected to the housing so as to rotate it when power is applied to the motor. A clutch is associated with the motor in order to preclude damage if power is applied to the motor but the housing is incapable of moving. The clutch includes two pairs of metallic spring washers which are of the Belleville type and which have concave faces. The two washers of each pair are in contact and are oriented in the same direction, so that there is a substantial area of metal-to-metal contact between the washers of each pair of washers. A lubricant such as graphite is interposed between the pairs of Belleville washers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Moto Mirror Inc.
    Inventor: David F. Zebold
  • Patent number: 5557476
    Abstract: A foldable outside rearview mirror assembly includes a shaft arranged on an extending portion of the base, a frame having an and plate rotatably inserted into a root portion of the shaft, a mirror housing secured on the frame, a positioning device is mounted on the periphery of the shaft, a first washer is arranged at the upper portion of the positioning device, a second washer is secured on the upper end of the shaft, and a coil spring is arranged around the outer periphery of the shaft between the first and the second washers. The positioning device has a plate connected to the shaft in locking the rotation thereof, several convex portions provided on the same circumference of the plate, and several concaves formed at the frame end plate to insertingly engage with the convex portions. Thereby the frame of the outside rearview mirror is prevented from moving vertically and the chattering is not caused on the mirror surface at the time of the outside mirror foldably rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Eiji Murakami
    Inventor: Katsuyoshi Oishi
  • Patent number: 5539584
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a power pack for an exterior automotive mirror assembly having a central depression in its upper housing whereby a large diameter pivot cup can be used. The pivot cup, of this power pack, is separate from the mirror casing and is retained by a unique spring retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: United Technologies Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Perry, Kerry L. Helmer
  • Patent number: 5477392
    Abstract: The electrically powered foldable outer rearview mirror includes a base (43); a shaft (10) mounted on the base and including a protruding cylindrical portion (11) and a flange portion (20) having a slide surface (Sa); and a frame (15) rotatably engaged on the cylindrical portion (11), the frame (15) having a root portion (24) provided with an annular-shaped sliding portion (S) bearing on the slide surface (Sa) to slide smoothly around the cylindrical portion (11). The frame is provided with an annular-shaped plate stopper element (14) in a rear surface of the root portion (24) and inside of the annular sliding portion (S). The flange portion (20) has a shaft stopper element (32) loosely engaged in an arc-shaped groove (31) provided in the frame root portion (24) and balls (13,13) accommodated in respective hemispherical apertures (12,12) provided in the flange portion (20) and located so that the balls (13,13) engage in recesses (14c) in a plate stopper element (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: Murakami Kaimeido Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Mochizuki, Naoto Iwanabe
  • Patent number: 5467222
    Abstract: A foldable outside rearview mirror assembly includes a shaft arranged on an extending portion of a base, a frame having an end plate rotatably inserted into a root portion of the shaft, a mirror housing secured on the frame, a positioning device is mounted on the periphery of the shaft, a first washer is arranged at the upper portion of the positioning device, a second washer is secured on the upper end of the shaft, and a coil spring is arranged around the outer periphery of the shaft between the first and the second washers. The positioning device has a plate connected to the shaft in locking the rotation thereof, several convex portions provided on the same circumference of the plate, and several concaves formed at the frame end plate to insertingly engage with the convex portions. Thereby the frame of the outside rearview mirror is prevented from moving vertically and the chattering is not caused on the mirror surface at the time of the outside mirror foldably rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Eiji Murakami
    Inventor: Katsuyoshi Oishi
  • Patent number: 5436769
    Abstract: A drive unit for adjusting the orientation of a reflective member of rear view mirror assembly for a motor vehicle is assembled within a drive housing. The drive housing contains an electric motor arranged to drive a jacking nut which is supported within the housing by first and second bearing surfaces formed on opposite walls of the housing. The drive housing is formed in two parts, each of which comprises a base portion and a peripheral side wall portion dimensioned so that, when the two parts are assembled together, part of the side wall portion of one part surrounds a corresponding part of the side wall portion of the other part. After assembly, glue is inserted between the side wall portions so as to hold the two parts together with their respective bearing surfaces spaced apart by a distance determined by the size of the jacking nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Britax Rainsfords Pty. Limited
    Inventors: Robert W. Gilbert, Garry G. L. Fimeri
  • Patent number: 5432640
    Abstract: A spigot type breakaway mirror (10) for automobile exterior use includes both a supporting base (11) and a mirror subassembly (16), the base (11) having an upstanding spigot (12) which has a curved constraining surface (13), and the mirror subassembly (11) is provided with a locating surface (17) engageable over constraining surface (13) which constrains pivotal movement of the mirror subassembly to be about the spigot, but there are provided a cam pad (23) and recess surface (24) on the base and mirror subassembly respectively, and a spring (20) which cooperates between the base and mirror subassembly to retain the cam and recess surfaces in engagement, but the cam pad (23) and recess (24) surfaces cause the mirror subassembly (16) to cam outwardly away from the supporting base (11) if the mirror subassembly is caused to deflect upon striking an obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Britax Rainsfords Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert W. Gilbert, Neil J. Francis
  • Patent number: 5384660
    Abstract: A foldable outside rearview mirror assembly includes a shaft arranged on an extending portion of a base, a frame having an end plate rotatably inserted into a root portion of the shaft, a mirror housing secured on the frame, a positioning device is mounted on the periphery of the shaft, a first washer is arranged at the upper portion of the positioning device, a second washer is secured on the upper end of the shaft, and a coil spring is arranged around the outer periphery of the shaft between the first and the second washers. The positioning device has a plate connected to the shaft in locking the rotation thereof, several convex portions provided on the same circumference of the plate, and several concaves formed at the frame end plate to insertingly engage with the convex portions. Thereby the frame of the outside rearview mirror is prevented from moving vertically and the chattering is not caused on the mirror surface at the time of the outside mirror foldably rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: Eiji Murakami
    Inventor: Katsuyoshi Oishi
  • Patent number: 5342015
    Abstract: Rear view mirrors for a tractor are mounted on elongated arms which may be adjusted laterally to change the lateral spacing between the mirrors and the tractor, which automatically swing rearwardly or forwardly upon striking an obstruction, and which may be quickly and easily folded to and held in a compact storage position extending longitudinally of the tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignees: Steven Brownlee, Farmer's Factory Company
    Inventors: Paul Burton, Steven D. Brownlee
  • Patent number: 5327294
    Abstract: An external mirror assembly for vehicles, which can be fastened to a fixture on the bodywork side and which exhibits a mirror casing in which a mirror glass is securable to a holding part. The mirror casing, following the fitting of the holding part to the vehicle, can be pushed over the holding part and can be detachably secured in an end position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventors: Jorg-Uwe Koske, Volker Nickel, Robert Schwed, Richard Merz, Arnold Klimas
  • Patent number: 5313336
    Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly for use on a motor vehicle includes a bracket swingably mounted on a base connected to a motor vehicle body and a mirror holder support member housed in a frame of the bracket. The frame of the bracket has a plurality of projecting engaging edges which engage the mirror holder support member. The mirror holder support member is biased into abutment against the engaging edges of the bracket frame under the bias of a resilient plate fastened to the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Matsuyama Seisakusho
    Inventors: Masahito Sakao, Masaharu Tsuruoka
  • Patent number: 5165081
    Abstract: An auxiliary mirror that can be easily attached to a vehicle's existing rear-view mirror to improve visibility of the back seat or blind spots. The auxiliary mirror is mounted on a pair of telescoping brackets for attachment on either side and above or below the existing rear-view mirror. The pair of L-shaped brackets have intersecting back plates and arms that clamp onto the upper and lower edges of the existing rear-view mirror. The brackets are clamped with a finger nut and bolt in one embodiment and with a stiff coil spring in another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Inventor: Dennis W. Drumheller
  • Patent number: 5115353
    Abstract: A mirror apparatus includes a holder formed into a cup-shaped configuration and having an opening enclosed by a holding portion which is in the form of an inward projection. A mirror is disposed within the holder and has an outer surface exposed through the opening and a rear surface. A supporting member engages with the rear surface of the mirror in a surface-to-surface manner and permits transmission of ultrasonic vibrations. An elastic device urges the mirror on the holding portion via the supporting member independently from deformation of holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kelji Mori, Hidekazu Kogita
  • Patent number: 5107374
    Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly for an industrial vehicle comprising a C-shaped supporting element, a mirror attached to this supporting element, hinging means for attaching the supporting element in a projecting position to the body of the vehicle defining at least one preferential angular position of the supporting element, and a telescopic rod connected to a lower arm of the supporting element and to a bracket fixed to the vehicle body, so as to reduce the vibrations during use of the supporting element and equipped with elastic means exerting a return force on the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignees: Gilardini S.p.A., Iveco Fiat S.p.A.
    Inventors: Elio Lupo, Alberto Zuccotti
  • Patent number: 5106177
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an easily removable and storable surveillance driving mirror for the aforesaid purpose, and wherein the vibration due to vehicles motion is substantially eliminated. My surveillance safety mirror design includes a heavy duty vinyl tape backed convex mirror (horizontal plain only), rubber pads on the tip of the spring-loaded clamp, threaded collar, off-set (off center) ball/socket housing, pivotal ball arm and a spring-loaded edge bordered clamp. My design is more versatile in function, by the very nature of the spring-loaded clamp, pivotal ball arm, threaded collar and off-center ball socket housing. It can be attached to any suitable point in the vehicle, the most ideal/suitable point being on the vehicle's existing rear-view mirror's day/night selector switch. This provides for conventional monitoring, without distracting or obstructing the view of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Inventor: Devendra P. Dolasia
  • Patent number: 5081546
    Abstract: An exterior rear view mirror for a motor vehicle has a housing containing a reflective member and being adapted to be secured to a bracket, mounted on the vehicle body, by first and second arms. Each arm is pivotally connected to the bracket for relative angular movement about a pivot axis. In order to hold the housing at a predetermined orientation relative to the bracket means, a first pair of detent formations on the second support element diametrically spaced on opposite sides of the pivot axis is adapted to engage with a first pair of complementary formations on one face of a washer located between the second support element and the bracket means, and a second pair of detent formations on the opposite face of the washer diametrically spaced apart from one another relative to the pivot axis and orientated at 90.degree. to the first pair of complementary formations, the second pair of detent formations, is adapted to engage with a second pair of complementary formations on the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: Britax Wingard Limited
    Inventor: John Bottrill
  • Patent number: 5073019
    Abstract: A vehicle external rear view mirror assembly comprising a frame, a mirror secured in frame, a base for securing the frame with the mirror to a vehicle body, a lever assembly for rotatably connecting the frame with the mirror to the base, and an articulation assembly for pivotally attaching the frame with the mirror to the lever assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Assignee: Metagal Industria e Comercio Ltda.
    Inventor: Antonio Ferreira do Espirito Santo
  • Patent number: 5039051
    Abstract: An equipment supporting device including a supporting member for rotatably supporting an equipment on its opposite sides through a horizontal pivotal axis; a pair of engaging shafts displaceably mounted directly or indirectly on the opposite sides of the equipment and normally biased outwardly; an operating portion mounted on the equipment and connected to the engaging shafts; a pair of small-diameter portions having a diameter smaller than that of the engaging shafts and extending outwardly from outer ends of the engaging shafts; a pair of guide grooves formed through opposite side portions of the supporting member for retaining the small-diameter portions in such a manner that the small-diameter portions can be moved in a direction perpendicular to an axis thereof; a plurality of engaging recesses formed on opposite side edges of each of the guide grooves and arranged at given intervals, a couple of the engaging recesses being engaged with an outer circumference of each of the engaging shafts; and a pair of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Tokyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takao Umebara, Hozumi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 4998812
    Abstract: A telescopic exterior rear-view mirror for motor vehicles which includes a first side mirror device having an inner chamber and a second side mirror adapted to move laterally outwardly from a retracted position in the chamber of the first side mirror device into an extended position in a telescopic fashion, a spring disposed between adjacent side walls of the first side mirror device and the second side mirror device for expelling the second side mirror device from the collapsed position into the extended position and a lock and release means for locking the second side mirror device in the collapsed position and operating to release the second side mirror device therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Inventor: Mei-Wen H. Hou
  • Patent number: 4988068
    Abstract: A remote controlled rearview mirror assembly is disclosed, in which a mirror body is foldably mounted on a shaft forwardly or rerawardly, a mirror is tiltably mounted on a pivot in the mirror body, and a mirror angle control lever with a ball joint provided on the shaft is mounted on the back side of the mirror via a mirror operation arm. The ball joint consists of a pair of semi-spherical members being vertically separable with a clutch provided between opposed surfaces of these members. When the mirror body is folded forwardly or rearwardly from its neutral position, the ball joint is separated into the upper and lower semi-spherical members by the clutch between the opposed surfaces of the members, so that the connection between the control lever and mirror operation arm is released. When the mirror body is returned to the neutral position, the clutch is engaged again to restore the connection between the control lever and mirror operation lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Assignee: Murakami Kameido Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tohru Yamana, Toshiaki Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 4981279
    Abstract: An adjustable rear view mirror for an automotive vehicle adapted to be mounted on a door and comprising a housing including a mounting flange at one end and an opening adjacent the other end, an end bracket in the housing, a mirror and a mounting mechanism supporting the mirror in the opening of the housing. The mounting mechanism comprises an adaptor connected to the mirror, a cup, a sleeve and a retainer. The adaptor includes a spherical portion having a slot. The cup is mounted on the end bracket, or alternatively, on the housing and engages the outer spherical portion of the adaptor. The sleeve has a rib on its outer surface and spaced from the rib is a groove on the inner surface of the sleeve. The sleeve engages the inner surface of the adaptor and is positioned so the rib is received in a slot of the adaptor. The retainer engages the inner surface of the sleeve and has a rib received in the groove of the sleeve. A spring yieldingly urges the retainer on the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Assignee: Sheller-Globe Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph S. Andreas, Larry J. Harter, Charles A. Willoughby
  • Patent number: 4907871
    Abstract: A telescopic exterior rear-view mirror for motor vehicles which comprises a first side mirror device having an inner chamber and a second side mirror adapted to move laterally outwardly from a retracted position in the chamber of the first side mirror device into an extended position in a telescopic fashion, a spring disposed between adjacent side walls of the first side mirror device and the second side mirror device for expelling the second side mirror device from the retracted position into the extended position and a lock and release means for locking the second side mirror device in the retracted position and operating to release the second side mirror device therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Inventor: Mei-Wen H. Hou
  • Patent number: 4907869
    Abstract: To reliably reduce the risk of injury in the returning tilting movement of the mirror housing from a rearward tilted end position into a position of normal use a spherical cap is mounted to a pedestal for the mirror housing which covers the open space between a front edge section of the mirror housing and the pedestal when the mirror housing is tilting rearwardly. Stops are provided for ensuring safe support of the mirror housing when assuming the rearward tilted end position thereof. The stops can be removed only by an application of force to the mirror housing whereafter the mirror housing tilts from said rearward tilting end position into the position of normal use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Assignee: Hohe KG
    Inventors: Christoph Schwarz, Herwig W. Polzer
  • Patent number: 4893916
    Abstract: An electrically and manually operable mirror for a vehicle including a base, a housing rotatably coupled to the base, a transmission gear rotatably coupled to the base and provided between the base and the mirror, a first clutch provided between the transmission gear and the housing, a second clutch provided between the transmission gear and the base and a motor for driving the transmission gear when electric power is applied to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Assignee: Koito Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toranoosuke Sakuma, Hiroyuki Saitoh
  • Patent number: 4860989
    Abstract: A mirror support structure is provided and consists of a framework that is adjustable and can be worn on the shoulders of a person using the mirror so that both hands can be free for other uses. In another form the framework can stand on a flat surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Inventors: James H. Rose, George Spector
  • Patent number: 4852970
    Abstract: A visual signal device for a bicycle comprising a base portion secured to the front fork or the rear fork of the bicycle having an upstanding channel-shaped support member selectively rotatably mounted thereon. A light reflective surface is provided on one side of the support member and a highly visible day glow orange material is provided on the other side thereof. A plurality of flat members are pivotally connected at their lower ends to the support member and may be pivotally moved from a stored position to an operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1989
    Inventor: John V. Kitrell
  • Patent number: 4852971
    Abstract: A fender mounted visual signal device for a bicycle comprising a base portion which is mounted on the fender and having an upstanding channel-shaped support member selectively rotatably mounted thereon. One side of the support member has a light reflective surface provided thereon with the other side of the support member having a highly visible day glow orange material positioned thereon. A plurality of flat members are pivotally connected at their lower ends to the support member and may be pivotally moved from a stored position to an operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1989
    Inventor: John V. Kitrell
  • Patent number: 4832477
    Abstract: A door mirror assembly for automobiles having a vehicle side member which includes a strut, a lower case supported about the strut, an upper case fixed to the lower case, reduction gears and a motor accommodated in a space inside both cases, a driving gear which meshes with a final gear of the reduction gears and which is held around the strut, and a spring which urges the driving gear upwards and the lower case downwards. The lower case is supported on a lower part of the strut, while the upper case is supported about an upper part of the strut, and a shaft is disposed by the side of the strut and in parallel therewith and has its ends supported by the lower and upper cases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nozomu Torii, Keiji Mori, Hidekazu Kogita
  • Patent number: 4786156
    Abstract: A remote control side mirror device for a vehicle capable of rotating a mirror housing with respect to a mirror base fixed to an automotive body by a motor driven remote control. The motor driven by a remote control is fixed in the mirror housing to rotate a first gear through a reduction gear. A support shaft for rotatably supporting the mirror housing vertically is formed at the mirror base, and a second gear engaged in mesh with a first gear is arranged at the mirror housing side of the support shaft. Since the second gear is stationarily connected by the frictional force to the support shaft through a friction transmitting mechanism. When the motor is driven, the mirror housing is rotated around the support shaft of the mirror base. When the mirror housing receives a strong external force, the second gear can slide around the support shaft to prevent the reduction gear from damaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries Limited
    Inventors: Kunio Kotani, Tatsuo Nakamura, Masagoro Kushida
  • Patent number: 4692000
    Abstract: A mirror housing for holding a mirror is automatically swung and collapsed by remote operation in the car. The mirror housing supported by a base is swung round a fixed shaft and shifted to a predetermined position by a drive mechanism which includes a drive motor, speed reducer mechanism and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1987
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuto Wada, Yoshihiko Ishiyama, Makoto Yamashita
  • Patent number: 4681409
    Abstract: An outside rear view mirror for cars wherein a mirror housing which is formed independently of a base is swingably supported by the base through a speindle member and automatically swung toward the car body by remote operation in the car room, and wherein when load is forcedly added to the mirror housing from outside, the mirror housing is swung toward the car body by a buffer mechanism, which is arranged between the base and the mirror housing, to thereby absorb the impact of the load added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1987
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masao Enomoto
  • Patent number: 4674850
    Abstract: In a transparent molded segmented mirror having individual sectors on a transparent molding and comprising a myriad of reflecting surfaces at the rear side of the mirror away from the viewer, said surfaces located to produce, in the eyes of the viewer, a virtual image, or separate virtual images from separate portions of such molded mirror, there being zones separating the reflecting surfaces, the improvement comprising:(a) a material coating said zones and which includes a light absorber,(b) such material having approximately, the same index of refraction as the transparent molding,(c) whereby undesirable reflections from said zone are substantially reduced, because light impinging thereon cannot be reflected, but is only absorbed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1987
    Assignee: Roxor Corporation
    Inventor: C. James Blom
  • Patent number: 4651965
    Abstract: An external rear-view mirror for motor vehicles, which can be adjusted from inside, has a body connected through a first articulated joint to a support member by an arm that can be oriented relative to this support member by a second articulated joint. The two articulated joints comprise two hemispherical elements formed on the orientable arm and cooperating with corresponding hemispherical elements carried by the body and the support member respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1987
    Assignee: Fiat Auto S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Vigna, Piercarlo Spadarotto
  • Patent number: 4645170
    Abstract: The mirror head of an outside rear view mirror is constituted by a mirror assembly mounted as a unit inside a housing having an upright front opening bounded by housing wall portions which converge in backward direction and, laterally, include a lower wall portion merging via an inner lower wall portion into an upwardly extending inner wall portion adapted to be positioned close to a window area of an automobile. The mirror assembly comprises a support bracket extending at an angle from a bracket foot portion mounted on the inner lower wall portion of the housing to a free end portion of the bracket which, through connections including a tensioned ball joint, holds a reflecting mirror plate securely yet adjustably positioned inside the housing opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Bernard C. Sharp
  • Patent number: 4632524
    Abstract: In a transparent molded segmented mirror having individual sectors on a transparent molding and comprising a myriad of reflecting surfaces at the rear side of the mirror away from the viewer, said surfaces located to produce, in the eyes of the viewer, a virtual image, or separate virtual images from separate portions of such molded mirror, there being zones separating the reflecting surfaces, the improvement comprising:(a) a material coating said zones and which includes a light absorber,(b) such material having approximately, the same index of refraction as the transparent molding,(c) whereby undesirable reflections from said zone are substantially reduced, because light impinging thereon cannot be reflected, but is only absorbed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1986
    Assignee: Roxor Corporation
    Inventor: C. James Blom
  • Patent number: 4630905
    Abstract: In a transparent molded segmented mirror having individual sectors on a transparent molding and comprising a myriad of reflecting surfaces at the rear side of the mirror away from the viewer, said surfaces located to produce, in the eyes of the viewer, a virtual image, or separate virtual images from separate portions of such molded mirror, there being zones separating the reflecting surfaces, the improvement comprising:(a) a material coating said zones and which includes a light absorber,(b) such material having approximately, the same index of refraction as the transparent molding,(c) whereby undesirable reflections from said zone are substantially reduced, because light impinging thereon cannot be reflected, but is only absorbed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1986
    Assignee: Roxor Corporation
    Inventor: C. James Blom
  • Patent number: 4613215
    Abstract: A mounting bracket for an automotive vehicle rear view mirror. The bracket includes a mirror-supporting arm which normally extends outwardly from the side of the automotive vehicle. A spring-loaded detent maintains the mirror-support arm in its normal position. Manually applying a pivoting force above a certain magnitude to the arm overcomes the biasing force of the detent and permits rotation of the mirror-support arm and its mirror inwardly towards the automotive vehicle to reduce the overall vehicle width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1986
    Assignee: Orion Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Ian F. Ayton
  • Patent number: 4606619
    Abstract: A rear-view mirror mounted on an upper portion of a door panel or a door window of a vehicle. When the rear-view mirror receives a shock from forward or backward, a mirror body thereof is folded backward or forward to weaken the shock. Furthermore, when the vehicle is parked or transported, the mirror body can be easily kept in a folded state so that it occupies less space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1986
    Assignee: Murakami Kaimeido Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tohru Yamana
  • Patent number: 4335862
    Abstract: A mud flap mounting device for use with a tractor trailer truck is disclosed comprising a frame member adapted for attachment to the tractor truck and having an upper surface with a trough therein, a generally L-shaped support rod having a first leg adapted for attachment to a mud flap and a second leg rotatably mounted to the frame member to rotate between a first position wherein the mud flap is adjacent a wheel to a second position 180.degree. therefrom, and biasing means for yieldably maintaining the support rod in the first position and alternatively in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1982
    Inventor: Robert F. Sherman
  • Patent number: 4293191
    Abstract: An adjustable convex rearview mirror comprising a mirror housing carrying a convex mirror and a support housing pivotally coupled to the mirror housing and adapted to be rigidly secured to a planar surface, such as the exterior rearview mirror of a motor vehicle. The mirror housing telescopically receives a part of the support housing therein. The support housing has a cantilever arm thereon with a pin at the distal end. This pin is selectively received in a plurality of apertures in the mirror housing to selectively adjust the angular alignment of the mirror relative to the support housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1981
    Inventor: Matthew S. Kim
  • Patent number: 4283038
    Abstract: A mirror mounting device comprising at least one mirror mounting bracket having a mounting plate portion and a mirror hook at one end of the mounting plate portion, and an elongated longitudinally channeled mounting strip having a lengthwise extending intermediate wall portion and flange portions along the lengthwise edges of the intermediate wall portion and outturned lip portions on the flange portions disposed in a plane parallel to but offset from the intermediate wall portion. The flange portions of the strip are formed with slots that register in a direction crosswise of the strip, and the mounting plate portion of the mirror mounting bracket extends through the registering pair of slots in the flange portions and between the intermediate wall portion and the first and second lip portions for adjustment in a direction crosswise of the mounting strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1981
    Inventor: Thomas D. Kurtz
  • Patent number: 4213675
    Abstract: A device for manually adjusting the setting of an outside vehicle rear view mirror by manually operating a grip member provided in the interior of the vehicle. The device comprises a generally cylindrical holder body rotatably but axially non-displaceably mounted in a through-hole in a front door of the vehicle. In a cavity within the holder body there is pivotally disposed an adjustment arm having a first end portion situated on the outside of the door and carrying the mirror, and a second end portion protruding through a slot in an end cover being biased towards the inside end of the holder body and against the inner surface of the door. On said second end portion the arm carries a grip member on the inside of the door, this member being manually displaceable over the surface of end cover for pivoting the arm horizontally and thereby adjusting the mirror horizontally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1980
    Assignee: AB Volvo
    Inventor: Stig T. L. Pilhall
  • Patent number: 4186905
    Abstract: A truck mirror comprising a U-shaped support on which a mirror is pivotally mounted. The ends of arms of the support are pivoted to vertically spaced brackets that are adapted to be mounted on the truck. Pivot means are provided between the ends of the support arms and the brackets and comprise two members of low friction material fixed to the arms. The pivot members define a chamber in which an axially movable member is positioned. One of the pivot members has axially extending circumferentially spaced grooves therein and a movable member has complementary projections. The movable member is yieldingly urged toward the member having the grooves such that the mirror is held in angularly adjusted position but may be readily moved to a new angular position by manual manipulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1976
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1980
    Assignee: Dominion Auto Accessories Limited
    Inventor: Otto Brudy
  • Patent number: 4165156
    Abstract: An outside mounted vehicle mirror assembly including a unitary mirror head supporting bracket rotatable between a storage position generally parallel to the vehicle side wall and another position generally normal to the vehicle side wall and further wherein the mirror head is supported upon the unitary bracket for movement between inboard and outboard rearward viewing positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1979
    Assignee: Delbar Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence E. O'Connell
  • Patent number: 4163606
    Abstract: A hitch viewing trailer mirror designed to be used in cooperation with the rear view mirror in the powered vehicle that is to be connected to the trailer hitch coupler so that the vehicle driver can view the trailer hitch coupler while backing his vehicle into the correct position for connecting the trailer hitch coupler to the vehicle hitch ball. The device is simple in construction and the different parts of the device can be quickly assembled in various ways so as to adapt the device to trailers of different sizes and shapes which will be explained more in detail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1979
    Inventor: Peter M. Granno
  • Patent number: 4135694
    Abstract: This specification discloses a pivot support bracket for mounting a pivotable member supporting a mirror or the like. The bracket includes a base having an integral flange for strengthening and rigidifying the base and partially covering a coupling including a pivot axle between the base and the pivotable member. Further, the pivot axle serves both as the axis of rotation of the pivotable member and, together with a spring, as a structure for applying a constant, preset, externally nonadjustable biasing force against detent means which rotationally stabilize and resist rotation of the pivotable member with respect to the base. Applying a pivoting force above a certain magnitude to the pivotable member overcomes the biasing force and permits rotation of the pivotable member with respect to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1979
    Assignee: Donnelly Mirrors, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip D. Stegenga, Wayne Vandenbrink
  • Patent number: 4125244
    Abstract: A retrovisor, or rear vision mirror for automobiles, having a frame which may be supported on a mount for securing said retrovisor to a vehicle, said mounting and said frame having interengagable ratchet means such that upon the frame being resiliently mounted on the support with the ratchets interengaged, the frame will be held in a set position but will swing towards the vehicle if struck by an obstacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1976
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1978
    Assignee: Fifth Patroy Proprietary Limited
    Inventor: Leonard F. Lukey
  • Patent number: 4123030
    Abstract: A rear-view-mirror arrangement is provided that can be detactally mounted to the window of a vehicle especially towing vehicle. The arrangement comprises an extensible arm, first means at one end of said arm for receiving a mirror, and second means at the other end of said arm for removably attaching the arm to said window. Said second means comprises a member by means of which the mirror can be placed in full view of the driver of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1978
    Inventor: Nils G. Johansson
  • Patent number: 4105296
    Abstract: A vehicle rear-view mirror assembly for use on vehicles which, at times, are used for towing trailers of greater width than the vehicle, has a mirror supporting arm mounted on a base part adapted to be secured to a front fender of a vehicle so as to be turnable about a substantially vertical axis relative to the base part and from which the arm extends radially, and interengaging portions on the supporting arm and base part which are resiliently urged together so that the supporting arm can be located around said axis in different indexing positions of which two are disposed approximately at right angles to each other. A mirror head is mounted at the free end of said arm for adjustment about another substantially vertical axis through an angle approximately equal to the angle between said two indexing positions and can be held in its adjusted position relative to the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1978
    Assignee: Magnatex Limited
    Inventor: Robert D. Tomlin