Pivotal Connection Patents (Class 248/479)
  • Patent number: 11921351
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a mirror is attached to the gooseneck with a mounting bracket. The gooseneck attaches to a second mounting bracket that is affixed to the sewing machine. According to a further embodiment, optional magnets can be affixed to the back of the mirror, thus allowing the user to keep pins off the work surface (by attaching the pins to the back of the mirror).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: American Sewing Machine, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Guccione
  • Patent number: 11745661
    Abstract: An omni-directional self-orienting structure for a motorcycle, ATV, UTV, off road vehicle, snowmobile, bicycle or other vehicle. The structure extends from the vehicle and will deflect or breakaway under an applied force such as an impact, for example by a tree branch strike or crash. The structure can re-position and re-orient itself once the force is removed. Examples of the structure are hand guards, side mirrors, turn signals, extended lights, mounts and antennas. Apparatus and method claims are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Inventor: Takie Adonis Stanger
  • Patent number: 11708028
    Abstract: A vehicle-mounted display device includes a glass plate including a first arcuate surface at a first outer circumferential edge part and facing a front surface side, a casing that supports the glass plate from a rear surface side and including a housing and a frame that projects therefrom, and a display unit stored in the casing. A rear surface of the glass plate and a front surface of the frame are spaced and face each other. The frame includes a projection that projects from the front surface of the frame toward the rear surface of the glass plate at a second outer circumferential edge part of the front surface of the frame. The projection includes a second arcuate surface and a center and a radius of the second arcuate surface that are identical to a center and a radius of the first arcuate surface, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Norihito Kitajima, Tomoaki Yamamoto, Yuji Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 11647834
    Abstract: A display support system includes a display support system having a pair of posts spaced apart in a first direction and upper and lower vertically spaced beams extending in the first direction. Each of the upper and lower beams has first and second ends coupled to the posts. A pair of receivers are carried by each of the upper and lower beams, wherein the receivers open upwardly in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and wherein the receivers are movable relative to the upper and lower beams in at least the second direction. A plurality of mounting members, each having an insert portion, are removably received in one of the receivers, wherein the mounting members are adapted to be coupled to the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: STEELCASE INC.
    Inventors: Santiago Carral O Gorman, Mark McKenna, Giorgio Verduzio, Matthew David Remelts, Mark Dinneweth
  • Patent number: 11634075
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provide for an actuator system for a rear view device of a motor vehicle, configured for adjustment of a component when being connected to the actuator system The actuator system may include a drive system arranged to rotate a bayonet gear, which is coupled via at least one engagement element to a latching barrel to axially move or rotate the latching barrel along or around a rotational axis, wherein the latching barrel is configured to engage into at least one of two worm gears or to rotate the engaged worm gear when being moved or rotated. The latching barrel may be cylindrically shaped with a cylindrical surface as an engagement surface and oppositely arranged first and second sides each directed towards one of the two worm gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Motherson Innovations Company Limited
    Inventors: Tom Harris, Warwick Jones
  • Patent number: 11628771
    Abstract: A powerfold actuator system for a rear view device, a rear view device includes such an actuator system and a vehicle includes such a rear view device. The powerfold actuator system includes a core base fixedly attached to the vehicle, a housing structure attached to the rear view device, which is arranged to rotate around the core base, and at least a drive system to rotate the housing structure being contained in the core base and comprising at least a motor, a gearing structure, and a pawl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Motherson Innovations Company Limited
    Inventors: Tom Harris, Gareth Aspden
  • Patent number: 11491917
    Abstract: A tilting mechanism of a view device for a vehicle has a configuration in which a rotating section is rotatably supported on a shaft of a fixed portion. A helical compression spring is fitted onto the shaft. A plate is attached to the free-end side of the shaft via a washer. An outer circumferential surface of the shaft and a center hole of the washer include respective different diameter portions. A gap g in a radial direction is formed between the outer circumferential surface of the shaft and an inner circumferential surface of the center hole of the washer. The tilting mechanism includes a deviation mechanism. The deviation mechanism makes the gap g become narrow or zero at the different diameter portions at at least one place, the different diameter portions facing each other, by making the washer move relative to the shaft in the radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: MURAKAMI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshiharu Yamashita, Yoshiaki Nagashima
  • Patent number: 11292389
    Abstract: A vehicular interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror head that is pivotally attached via a pivot joint at a mounting structure and that accommodates a reflective element. A display device is disposed within the mirror head. An actuator is disposed within the mirror head and includes an actuator base attached at a rear portion of the reflective element, an actuator body that is pivotally attached at the actuator base, and an electrically operable motor. When the motor is electrically operated, the actuator body pivots relative to the actuator base to pivot the mirror head relative to a socket element of the pivot joint. Pivotal movement of the mirror head relative to the socket element adjusts the reflective element between a mirror mode orientation and a display mode orientation. When the reflective element is in the display mode orientation, the display device is actuated to display video images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Anthony J. LaCross, Darryl P. De Wind, Mark L. Larson, Rodney K. Blank, Christopher R. Koetje, Eric Peterson
  • Patent number: 11173843
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror head pivotally mounted at a mounting base configured for attachment at a side of a vehicle. The mirror head includes a mirror casing and a reflective element adjustably disposed at the mirror casing. A powerfold actuator is operable to pivot the mirror head relative to the mounting base between at least a folded position and a drive position. The powerfold actuator includes a primary detent that is engaged to retain the mirror head at the folded or drive position when the mirror head is pivoted via the actuator to the folded or drive position. The powerfold actuator includes a secondary detent. When the powerfold actuator pivots the mirror head between the folded and drive positions, the secondary detent is disengaged. When the mirror head is manually pivoted, the primary detent is disengaged and the secondary detent is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Peterson, Mitchell J. Wesley
  • Patent number: 11040662
    Abstract: A viewing device for a vehicle including: a supporting body provided at a vehicle body side; a pivoting body that is pivotably supported at the supporting body, with a gap being provided between the pivoting body and the supporting body in a radial direction of pivoting; a viewing instrument that is provided at the pivoting body, that facilitates viewing by a vehicle occupant, and that is folded in or folded out as a result of the pivoting body being pivoted to one side or to another side; and a restricting portion that is provided at one of the supporting body or the pivoting body, and that restricts communication between one side and another side of the gap, with the restriction of communication between the one side and the other side of the gap being released when the viewing instrument is folded in or folded out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Sawada, Takehiro Hamada, Yuto Nakayama, Nobuhiro Kudo
  • Patent number: 10797558
    Abstract: This invention enables to downsize an electric retracting unit. An electric retracting unit includes a frame that houses a power transmission mechanism and a motor holding member that holds a motor. The frame and the motor holding member are fixed to each other. A structure of the fixation includes a structure in which a screw is inserted from the frame side and screwed into the motor holding member. At least one fixation place including this fixation structure is disposed at a position at which at least a part of the at least one fixation place overlaps a motor body of the motor as viewed in a direction parallel to an axis of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: MURAKAMI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masahiro Motomiya, Kenji Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 10748389
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for damping haptic vibrations. A haptic output device is positioned within a device housing. The haptic output device has a haptic actuator and a haptic mass, the haptic mass being movable relative to the housing. A damper is positioned within the device housing. A controller is programmed to generate and deliver a haptic signal to the haptic actuator at a first time, and to generate and deliver a damping signal to the damper at a second time, the second time occurring after the first time. The method comprises moving a haptic mass, the haptic mass position in a housing; vibrating the housing in response to moving the haptic mass; damping movement of the haptic mass after a period of time; and substantially eliminating vibration of the housing in response to damping movement of the haptic mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Vahid Khoshkava, Juan Manuel Cruz Hernandez, Danny A. Grant, Kaniyalal Shah, Christopher Ullrich
  • Patent number: 10577045
    Abstract: What is provided is a cargo bicycle apparatus and a kit for converting an existing bicycle into a cargo bicycle. The cargo bicycle apparatus comprises a cargo attachment that easily attaches and detaches from an existing bicycle to make the existing bicycle more utilitarian and functional. The cargo attachment connects with the existing bicycle in a way that prevents damage or permanent modification to the existing bicycle. Since no specialized tools or mechanical skills are required in the assembly of the cargo bicycle apparatus, the cargo attachment provides the operator with greater convenience and flexibility for converting an existing bicycle into a cargo bicycle apparatus. In addition, the cargo attachment is configured to automatically adjust to the geometry of nearly all existing bicycles without having to modify the geometry of the cargo attachment to match the geometry of a particular bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Hauler Cycles, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher Jon Walter
  • Patent number: 10543784
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror head and a light module disposed at a mirror casing. A blind zone indicator light emitting diode and a turn signal indicator light emitting diode are disposed at a single circuit board and are operable to emit light for a blind zone indicator and a turn signal indicator, respectively. The blind zone indicator and the turn signal indicator are disposed along a forward and sideward portion of the mirror casing, where the turn signal indicator is viewable and the blind zone indicator is not viewable along the forward and sideward portion of the mirror casing. When the blind zone indicator light emitting diode is operated and when the exterior rearview mirror assembly is attached at the side of the vehicle, the blind zone alert is viewable by the driver of the vehicle outboard of the mirror reflective element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Justin E. Sobecki, Kenneth C. Peterson, Darryl P. De Wind, Jake A. Mohan, Matthew V. Steffes, Eric S. Deuel
  • Patent number: 10512177
    Abstract: A housing that accommodates and clads electrical components includes a first housing part with a contact area that bears against a windshield of a motor vehicle. A second housing part, which is connected to the first housing part to form a cavity, where the electrical or electronic components are arranged in the cavity. The first or the second housing part has a number of conductor tracks that are conductively connected to the electrical components. In addition, the disclosure relates to a motor vehicle having a housing of this kind and an on-board electronics system, wherein at least some of the conductor tracks are connected to the on-board electronics system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Sebastian Stauff, Sascha Haase
  • Patent number: 10442360
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror head having a reflective element. A display device is disposed in the mirror head and behind the reflective element. The display device, when actuated, is viewable through the reflective element. The mirror head is adjustable between a mirror mode orientation, where the driver of the vehicle views rearward of the vehicle via the reflective element, and a display mode orientation, where the driver of the vehicle views images displayed by the display device through the reflective element. When in the display mode orientation, the reflective element is angled upward or downward relative to the orientation of the reflective element when in the mirror mode orientation. An actuator is pivotally mounted at the mirror head and includes a pivot element that adjustably mounts the mirror head at a mirror mount that attaches at the interior surface of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Anthony J. LaCross, Darryl P. De Wind, Mark L. Larson, Rodney K. Blank, Christopher R. Koetje, Eric Peterson
  • Patent number: 10399629
    Abstract: A motorcycle fairing assembly includes: a fairing including an inner fairing and an outer fairing; and a fairing adjustment device which is provided between a motorcycle main body and the fairing and includes height adjuster for adjusting a coupling height of the fairing with respect to the motorcycle main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Inventor: Hyun-Eui Lee
  • Patent number: 10328857
    Abstract: A door mirror includes a first attachment section in which an abutting portion is provided at a plating visor so as to extend along a vehicle up-down direction, and in which a restricting portion that abuts the abutting portion is provided at a visor cover; and a second attachment section in which an engagement portion is provided at the plating visor so as to extend along the vehicle up-down direction, and in which a catch portion that engages with the engagement portion is provided at the visor cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventor: Takehiro Hamada
  • Patent number: 10261648
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror head and an exterior mirror reflective element fixedly attached at the mirror head. An attachment portion is configured for attachment at an exterior portion of the vehicle. The mirror assembly includes a multi-axis adjustment mechanism having at least one electrically-operable actuator. The multi-axis adjustment mechanism is operable to move the mirror head, with the exterior mirror reflective element fixedly attached thereto, about multiple axes relative to the attachment portion. The exterior mirror reflective element moves in tandem with movement of the mirror head relative to the exterior portion of the body of the vehicle to adjust the rearward field of view of a driver of the vehicle who views the exterior mirror reflective element when operating the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: John T. Uken, Darryl P. De Wind, Keith D. Foote, Joseph M. Mambourg, Rodney K. Blank, Mark L. Larson, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 10150354
    Abstract: A vehicle door assembly includes a door structure having an inner panel and an outer panel defining an internal cavity that extends about a window surround above a vehicle waistline. The door assembly further defines mirror attachment holes and a plurality of collars affixed within the internal cavity. Each collar defines a bore in alignment with a mirror attachment hole of the door structure. The door assembly also includes a mirror assembly having a plurality of protruding fasteners attached to the door structure. The protruding fasteners compressively sandwich the collars within the internal cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Anthony Brancaleone, Matthew Ammons, Prashant Agrawal
  • Patent number: 10118554
    Abstract: A rear view element folding device for a motor vehicle is disclosed for approaching at least one pivot position of an element housing relative to an element foot that can be mounted on the motor vehicle. The rear view element folding device locks or unlocks at least one resting position of the element housing relative to the element foot. A method for triggering such a rear view element folding device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: SMR PATENTS S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Romeo Wieczorek, Peter Hein, Alexander Czechowicz, Andreas Herrmann
  • Patent number: 10112669
    Abstract: A mounting system for a bicycle light, camera, bike computer, smartphone or other device has versatile application to front or rear of the bike, to fix the light or device in position at the desired orientation. The mounting system has a ball arm engaged by adjustable clamps, one on each of two ball ends of the ball arm, providing a wide range of adjustments to attach the light housing or device to different configurations of bicycle stems and to seat rails below the seat, accommodating a range of different spacings and angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Light & Motion Industries
    Inventors: Benjamin McGeever, Dave Heiss
  • Patent number: 10099619
    Abstract: A mirror assembly includes a support arm, a mirror housing carried on the support arm and a mirror body held in the housing. A dynamic surface is provided on the support arm. A control module is configured to displace the dynamic surface between a home position and a deployed position. In the deployed position a wind stream flowing over the dynamic surface is redirected and wind noise throb is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Nolen Thomas Barnes, III
  • Patent number: 10093235
    Abstract: An automotive side view mirror attachment assembly includes first and second loading surfaces for engaging a mounting member of a side view mirror assembly, wherein the first and second loading surfaces are disposed within an interior of a vehicle door, such that, in assembly, a mounting member of the mirror assembly is substantially or fully disposed within the interior of a vehicle door, thereby minimizing the overall mirror footprint by eliminating the need for an external base for attachment of a mirror assembly to a vehicle door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Craig Pearson, Robert Anthony Brancaleone
  • Patent number: 9987987
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustment instrument for an exterior mirror unit for a vehicle. The adjustment instrument comprises a housing which is pivotably adjustable between a park position, a drive position and a fold-over position with respect to a base. The adjustment instrument further comprises an electrical drive unit provided in the housing, and a drive ring for coupling with the electrical drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: MCi (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Paulus Gerardus Maria van Stiphout, Peter Alexander Hamming
  • Patent number: 9937864
    Abstract: A system and/or apparatus provided as a side-view or rear-view mirror for providing a plurality of independently moveable reflective surfaces to enable a driver increased visibility. To increase visibility for the driver, the system and/or apparatus includes a camera for providing images around a vehicle to the driver within a vehicle during low-light or poor lighting conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: ROSCO, INC.
    Inventor: Benjamin Englander
  • Patent number: 9925920
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes at least one sensor that can detect a first target vehicle in a first blind spot and a second target vehicle in a second blind spot. The first blind spot is associated with an adjacent lane relative to a host vehicle and the second blind spot is associated with an extended lane relative to the host vehicle. A processor can generate a first alert signal when the first target vehicle is detected and a second alert signal when the second target vehicle is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Oliver Lei, Allen R. Murray, Tuan Anh Be, David Joseph Orris
  • Patent number: 9925923
    Abstract: Provided is a vehicular door mirror capable of configuring an engagement structure for holding a folded storage position of a door mirror unit without design problems. When a door mirror unit is rotated from a deployed use position to a folded storage position, a protrusion portion disposed on a groove upper surface of a rotation regulating groove of a bearing portion on the door mirror unit side slidably contacts and rides over, during the rotating process, a protrusion portion disposed on the upper edge of a rotation regulating piece of a shaft until the protrusion portions fall into a mutual engagement, whereby the folded storage position of the door mirror unit is held.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: ICHIKOH INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Yasuo Ochiai
  • Patent number: 9878668
    Abstract: It is important to eliminate or reduce dispersion in clutch torque of a clutch mechanism for each product to its required minimum. According to the present invention, a clutch member 25 that is manufactured separately from a gear member 33 of a clutch gear 32 is formed of a resin member. As a result, there is no need to apply a treatment of eliminating surface roughness or a surface hardening treatment in the clutch member 25, and therefore, no dispersion occurs in surface roughness or surface hardening of a clutch protrusive portion 40 of the clutch member 25 that is made of a resin member, and the dispersion in clutch torque can be eliminated or can be reduced to its required minimum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: ICHIKOH INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Ikuo Sakata
  • Patent number: 9758100
    Abstract: A base member fixed to a vehicle, a housing with a rearview mirror, a motor component to rotate the rearview housing relative to the base, two sets of ramps independent of each other, capable of sliding on corresponding fixed ramps of the base element and first and second resilient elements. The ramps of the first and second sets have different inclinations and the resilient elements have different spring rates from one another, depending on whether the drive housing is manually or motor driven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: FICO MIRRORS, S.A.
    Inventors: Josë Mendoza Vicioso, Daniel Crespo Febrero
  • Patent number: 9715067
    Abstract: A head up display include an image source, and a waveguide. The waveguide has a first diffraction grating and a first end and a second diffraction grating at a second end. The waveguide is positioned as a combiner and allows viewing of an outside scene and information from the image source. The first and second diffraction gratings are surface relief gratings having a high index of modulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Brown, Kurt A. Stahl, Robert B. Wood, Lincoln J. Burns
  • Patent number: 9694752
    Abstract: A rearview mirror for a vehicle includes a housing defining an interior cavity and an open side and further includes a substrate having a reflective surface thereon extending within the open side of the housing and an actuation mechanism moveably coupling the substrate with the housing. The actuation mechanism includes a mounting plate rotatably coupled within the cavity at a first end thereof. The mounting plate defines a socket open opposite the first end and first and second scalloped surfaces adjacent the socket. The actuation mechanism further includes an actuation wheel rotatably coupled within the cavity of the housing and engageable with the socket to cause rotation of the mounting plate and engageable with the first scalloped surface to secure the mounting plate in a first position and with the second scalloped surface to secure the mounting plate in a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ulrich A. Kuester
  • Patent number: 9669762
    Abstract: An automotive side view mirror attachment assembly includes first and second loading surfaces for engaging a mounting member of a side view mirror assembly, wherein the first and second loading surfaces are disposed within an interior of a vehicle door, such that, in assembly, a mounting member of the mirror assembly is substantially or fully disposed within the interior of a vehicle door, thereby minimizing the overall mirror footprint by eliminating the need for an external base for attachment of a mirror assembly to a vehicle door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Craig Pearson, Robert Anthony Brancaleone
  • Patent number: 9580016
    Abstract: An adjustment assembly for adjusting the reflecting surface of a glass assembly in an external rearview vehicle mirror, where two linear adjusting motors act on two points of the glass assembly, where the adjusting motors are positioned between the glass assembly and a mirror carrier in the mirror head. The adjusting motors are connected to the glass assembly and/or the mirror carrier via at least one elastomeric connecting piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: SMR PATENTS S.A.R.L.
    Inventor: Andreas Herrmann
  • Patent number: 9487142
    Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror head pivotally mounted at a mounting base configured for attachment at a side of a vehicle. The mirror head includes a mirror casing and a reflective element adjustably disposed at the mirror casing. A powerfold actuator is operable to pivot the mirror head relative to the mounting base between at least a park detent position and a drive detent position. The mirror head is manually pivotable to a non-detent position other than the park detent position and the drive detent position. Responsive to the mirror head being at a non-detent position and responsive to a single actuation of a user input, the powerfold actuator is operable to pivot the mirror head to either the park detent position or the drive detent position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Justin E. Sobecki, Kenneth C. Peterson, Darryl P. De Wind, Jake A. Mohan, Matthew V. Steffes, Eric S. Deuel
  • Patent number: 9427098
    Abstract: A mounting system and method for displaying viewable content on a supporting surface includes a frame assembly having a backing, a frame, means for securing viewable content between the backing and frame, and means for removing and replacing viewable content. The system includes a mount removable connected to the supporting surface and having an outer conduit having an inner surface, an aperture extending in a longitudinal direction, and a circumferential groove disposed within the inner surface. An anchor is integrally connected to the backing of the frame assembly and has a central axis. The anchor has an inner conduit and a spring-loaded pin having a longitudinal axis and configured to be inserted into the aperture of the outer conduit of the mount along the longitudinal direction. The system includes means for connecting the anchor and mount in a rotatable relationship about the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Art Forth LLC
    Inventors: Rajib Chowdhury, Parker Pruett
  • Patent number: 9415831
    Abstract: A bicycle hydraulic operating device comprises a bracket, a hydraulic cylinder, a piston, a lever, a fluid reservoir, and a lid. The bracket is configured to be mounted to a bicycle handlebar. The piston is movably disposed within the hydraulic cylinder. The lever is pivotally provided around a pivot axis relative to the bracket and is operatively coupled to the piston to move the piston within the hydraulic cylinder in response to pivotal movement of the lever. The fluid reservoir is disposed on the bracket and having an opening configured to face substantially in a downward direction in a state where the bracket is mounted to the bicycle handlebar. The lid is configured to cover the opening of the fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Osamu Kariyama, Tatsuya Matsushita, Keiji Matsueda, Takashi Itou, Masahiro Nakakura
  • Patent number: 9340161
    Abstract: An extended field of view exterior mirror element suitable for use in a driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly includes a reflective single glass element having a substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion and a curved outboard reflective glass portion. The substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion has a radius of curvature greater than at least approximately 12,000 millimeters and provides a first primary field of view rearward of the vehicle that subtends an angle that is not greater than approximately 20 degrees with respect to the driver-side of the vehicle. The curved outboard reflective glass portion provides a second auxiliary field of view rearward of the vehicle that encompasses a blind spot of the substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion. The reflective single glass element includes a demarcation that generally demarcates the substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion from the curved outboard reflective glass portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: DONNELLY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 9286521
    Abstract: A vehicle-borne camera-based observation system for monitoring areas adjacent a vehicle or passenger vehicle, such as a bus or schoolbus, is disclosed, to provide safer operation for passersby, including for children, and driver convenience. The system includes several cameras, and several monitors in a driver's area displaying all of the fields of view from the cameras, such that each monitor may be controllable to show either the field of view of a first camera or a the field of view of a second camera, according to a driver selection or according to an automatic selection. Night vision, automatic tracking, and illumination systems are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Rosco, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin Englander
  • Publication number: 20150108317
    Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a tablet holder securing a tablet to a stroller, chair, table, or the like. The tablet holder involves a multiple adjustable mechanisms to accommodate different size of the tablet and viewing angles. The tablet holder provides a secure platform for the user to interact with the tablet, and it is conveniently foldable and can be disassembled while not in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Luis Cruz
  • Patent number: 8925891
    Abstract: A rearview device mounting assembly configured for use with a vehicle including a bracket having a windshield engagement surface, a mount abutment surface, an internal clip engagement wall, and an external peripheral wall. A spring clip is coupled with a rearview device mount and includes a plurality of legs adapted for engagement with the internal clip engagement wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher J. Van Huis, Peter T. Kantola, Ulrich A. Kuester, Danny L. Minikey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8919973
    Abstract: A mirror base cover for an exterior rear view mirror assembly of a motor vehicle is described, which is provided with an opening for a part on the mirror base side of an articulated connection of a base bracket, which is preferably housed in an exterior rear view mirror housing, to a mirror base, which is covered by the mirror base cover. The opening has a larger design than is necessary for the part on the mirror base side of the articulated connection. A section of the opening remaining between the edge of the opening and the part on the mirror base side of the articulated connection is closed by a mirror base cap assembly. The mirror base cap assembly consists of a mirror base cap, only partly covering the remaining section of the opening, and a seal, moulded onto the mirror base cap, overlapping a gap remaining between the mirror base cap and the edge of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Arne Schmierer, Raimund Negel, Andreas Herrmann, Istvan Szmolenszki
  • Patent number: 8919972
    Abstract: An optical element adjustment mechanism is for loading a reflection optical device, which comprises a base and a loading element. The base is movably assembled to the reflection optical device. The base is a hollow tubular structure, and each side has an opening. The inner edge of one of the opening has a plurality loading surfaces extension to the central side, and two leaning surfaces protruded along a tube wall of the base. The loading element movably assembled to the base has a first surface, a second surface and two datum planes. The first surface is flattened against the plurality loading surfaces. The second surface has a connecting portion connected the optical element. The two datum planes are respectively flattened against the two loading surfaces. Wherein, at least one adjustment gasket is moveably assembled between the base and the loading element for precision adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: National Applied Research Laboratories
    Inventors: Po-Hsuan Huang, Yu-Cheng Cheng
  • Patent number: 8876077
    Abstract: A spherical orienting device includes a base, first and second actuation shafts, an orientable device, an inner member, a middle member, and an outer member. The first and second actuation shafts are rotatably held by the base for rotary actuation about first and second actuation axes, respectively, which intersect orthogonally at a spherical center of rotation. The orientable device is supported by first and second revolute support joints which are disposed for rotation about an orientation axis of the orientable device and a support axis, respectively. The inner member is fixed to the first actuation shaft and linked to the second support joint. The middle member is inwardly linked to the first support joint and outwardly linked to a middle revolute joint disposed for rotation about a linkage axis. The outer member is fixed to the second actuation shaft and linked to the middle revolute joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Patrick Maillard
  • Publication number: 20140319305
    Abstract: A mirror mount that mounts a mirror to a vehicle fender. The mount can include a base that faces a vehicle fender exterior without extending upwardly and under a hood of the vehicle. A support arm extends from the base and includes a distal end that joins with a mirror. One or more pillars extend away from the base. The pillars can be sized and shaped to extend through holes in the fender to a frame member of the vehicle disposed inwardly relative to the fender. The pillars are associated with a fastener to join with the frame member so that weight of the mirror, the base, the support arm and/or the pillars are substantially born by the frame member. This can reduce transmission of vibration inherent in the fender to the mirror, and/or can rigidly and structurally connect the mirror to the frame member, rather than the fender.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Hadley Products Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher M. Dutton, Daniel L. Cook
  • Patent number: 8864094
    Abstract: A mirror mount that mounts a mirror to a fender of a vehicle includes a base member having a first end generally vertical when the base member is affixed to a fender and arranged to receive a fastener passing through the first end, through the fender, and into the base member so as to fasten the base member to the fender, a second end, a side portion extending between the first end and the second end and having a contour that follows an exterior profile of the fender, and a reinforcement reinforcing the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Velvac, Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas L. Roberts, Jeffery R. Porter
  • Patent number: 8857780
    Abstract: A hanging facilitation assembly provides a frame for hanging an object on a wall surface constructed from drywall with minimal damage. The assembly includes a substantially planar frame having an upper edge, a front face, and a back face. A plurality of apertures extends through the frame between the front face and the back face. Each of the apertures extends downwardly through the frame from the front face towards the back face. Each of a plurality of straight connectors is insertable through an associated one of the apertures wherein the frame is configured to be attached to a vertical support surface by the connectors. A base member is pivotally coupled to a bottom edge of the frame. A projection extends from a back surface of the base member for insertion into the vertical support surface when the base member is pivoted into a coplanar position relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Nathaniel D. Goss
  • Patent number: 8807509
    Abstract: The invention provides a securing device for use in securing an object to a supporting surface, and/or for restraining an object relative to a supporting surface. The securing device includes a base (20) having a loading region (28) to which a force is applied by the object. The securing device also includes a first securing member (30) and a second securing member (50) for securing the base to the supporting surface, the base (20) pivotably engaging the first securing member (30) in order for the base to be able to transmit a force to the first securing member substantially without inducing a moment about the first securing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Inventeq Technologies
    Inventor: Adriaan Retief Swanepoel
  • Patent number: 8807510
    Abstract: Accuracy of positioning of a turning body to a mounting member when the mounting member and a support member are separate components is improved. In a vehicle door mirror device, a stand of a housing device is mounted to a base by being fastened with mounting screws. Axial directions of the mounting screws are angled with respect to an axial direction of the stand. An inner periphery abutting face and a vertical abutting face of the stand are abutted against an outer periphery abutting face and a perpendicular abutting face of the base in directions perpendicular to the axis of the stand. Thus, the stand is positioned to the base in whole directions perpendicular to the axis of the stand. Therefore, positioning accuracy of the housing device and a main body portion to the base in whole directions perpendicular to the axis of the stand can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventors: Kenichi Sugisaka, Masami Kato
  • Patent number: 8770769
    Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a door mirror for an automobile in which a variation in a gap between a bottom wall of a housing and a pedestal portion of a door-mirror base is eliminated. In this door mirror for an automobile, even if distortion, contraction error or the like occurs in a lower housing after molding, if the frame and the shaft are assembled rotatably with accuracy, since a lower end face of a shaft container portion provided on the frame rotatably connected to the shaft fixed to a pedestal portion of the door-mirror base is in contact with the peripheral edge portion of an opening portion in the inner face of a bottom wall of the lower housing, the housing can be fixed to the frame without an error in the positional relationship between the peripheral edge portion of the opening portion of the lower housing and the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Murakami Corporation
    Inventor: Kentaro Suzuki