Pivotal Connection Patents (Class 248/479)
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Publication number: 20140139938Abstract: A vehicle folding rear view mirror support mechanism having first (15) and second (16) pivotally interconnected support arm means. A first end (15b1) of the first support arm means is pivoted on a mounting bracket (18) for attachment to the vehicle, a second end (15c1) of the first support arm means is pivotally connected with a first end (16b1) of the second support arm means, and a mirror mount (22) is pivotally connected to a second end (16c1) of the second support arm means. The first and second arm means (15, 16) are movable between a retracted reduced width position in which the two arm means are in a side by side substantially parallel relationship and an extended increased width position in which the two arm means are substantially end to end and the mirror mount (22) is supported at its maximum distance from the mounting bracket (18).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2013Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: AGCO International GmbHInventor: Erich Freytag
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Patent number: 8720845Abstract: A wear compensator for a pivoting detent joint comprising a carrier base having a bearing housing and a bearing ring disposed in an interior channel of the bearing housing. A pivot cylinder is carried in the interior channel bearing against the bearing ring. An inner cone slidably carried in a cylinder recess of the pivot cylinder. A biasing element forcing the inner cone into the cylinder recess to biases the cylinder wall against the bearing ring. A support arm pivotally mounted to the bearing housing including a lower pivot block receiving and supporting the pivot cylinder in the interior channel, and an upper pivot block having an arm detent ring engaging a base detent ring carried by the bearing housing. Accordingly, the pivot cylinder rotates on the bearing ring and the arm detent ring rotates on the base detent ring to adjust the position of the support arm.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Lang-Mekra North America, LLCInventors: Emmanuel Courbon, Andreas Enz, Ramesh Noone
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Publication number: 20140124643Abstract: Deformation of an assembly portion side portion of a rotating portion is suppressed in a rotating mechanism. In a vehicle door mirror device, a case rotates with respect to an assembly portion of a stand on actuation of a stowage mechanism, thereby rotating a bracket and a mirror integrally with the case. The case is housed inside a housing sleeve of the bracket from the lower side. A reinforcement is fixed to the lower side of the case, the reinforcement thereby restricting deformation of a lower side portion of the case. Vibration deformation of the lower side portion of the case due for example to vibration of the vehicle can accordingly be suppressed, enabling the occurrence of chattering of the mirror to be suppressed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2013Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-SeisakushoInventors: Takehiro HAMADA, Masakazu IWATSUKI
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Patent number: 8708505Abstract: The present invention provides a door mirror and assembly method therefor with improved assembly performance. A housing support member, housing, and base of a manually retractable door mirror are assembled using screws, a coil spring, and a plate. During assembly, the housing support member is supported in an upside-down position by a jig, and the housing and base are placed in sequence in an upside-down position on the housing support member from above. An electric drive mechanism, fitting, housing, and base of an electrically retractable door mirror are assembled using screws. During assembly, the electric drive mechanism is supported in an upside-down position by a jig, and the fitting, housing, and base are placed in sequence in an upside-down position on the electric drive mechanism from above.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2010Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Murakami CorporationInventor: Kota Iseki
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Patent number: 8696145Abstract: A mirror mounting assembly for mounting a mirror on a vehicle bulkhead. The assembly includes a mirror element and a main support arm having a first end and a second end. The mirror element is connected to the first end of the main support arm. The second end of the main support arm is mountable to the vehicle. A pair of brackets are configured to conform to an engine bay side wall of the vehicle. Each bracket has a center portion and two laterally extending flanges that extend at an angle from the center portion in opposite directions. One of the flanges of each bracket is connectable to the bulkhead of the vehicle in the engine bay. A first additional support arm has a first end connected to a first one of the brackets and a second end connected to the main support arm. A second additional support arm has a first end connected to the main support arm and a second end connectable to the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2010Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Rosco Inc.Inventor: Benjamin Englander
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Publication number: 20140061425Abstract: A display system includes a base member, a rear support member which is connected to one end of the base member in an upward and downward direction, a display device, a support unit which is disposed on an upper portion of the rear support member, and supports the display device such that the display device is movable in position and changeable in position in at least two axial directions, a sound output device which is disposed on the display device and the rear support member, and a control device which controls operations of the support unit, the sound output device and the display device. A bed, a mattress, a bedding covering or the like is provided on the base member such that a user can watch a screen of the display device in a posture where the user has lain above the base member.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Inventor: Shik Eoh
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Publication number: 20140055617Abstract: A mirror mounting assembly for a rearview mirror, including a housing connector having a first pivot member operably connected with an extension tube. A mount includes a windshield bracket and a sensor assembly. The windshield bracket is proximate to the sensor assembly and supports the sensor assembly against the vehicle windshield. A second pivot member includes a first end operably connected with the extension tube and a second end operably connected with the mount.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2013Publication date: February 27, 2014Inventors: Danny L. Minikey, JR., Nigel T. Lock, Jeremy A. Fogg
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Patent number: 8657249Abstract: A carrier base with a lateral base extension having a base hollow interior channel. A tooth ring on the lateral base extension. A stop block channel within the base tooth ring. A support arm pivotally carried on the lateral base extension for carrying a mirror head. A tooth ring included on the support arm engaging the base tooth ring in interlocking cooperation. A stop block carried by the support arm within the support arm tooth ring so that the stop block travels between a first end wall and a second end wall to control movement of the support arm. A connecting bolt carried by the support arm extending through the tooth rings into the hollow base interior channel. A leaf spring biasing the connecting bolt into the hollow base interior channel to draw the support arm against the lateral base extension.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2011Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Lang-Mekra North America, LLCInventors: Emmanuel Courbon, Ramesh Noone, Mathieu Lhoste-Clos
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Patent number: 8646922Abstract: A mirror mounting assembly for mounting a mirror on a vehicle bulkhead. The assembly includes a mirror element and a main support arm having a first end and a second end. The mirror element is connected to the first end of the main support arm. The second end of the main support arm is mountable to the vehicle. A pair of brackets are configured to conform to an engine bay side wall of the vehicle. Each bracket has a center portion and two laterally extending flanges that extend at an angle from the center portion in opposite directions. One of the flanges of each bracket is connectable to the bulkhead of the vehicle in the engine bay. A first additional support arm has a first end connected to a first one of the brackets and a second end connected to the main support arm. A second additional support arm has a first end connected to the main support arm and a second end connectable to the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2010Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Rosco Inc.Inventor: Benjamin Englander
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Publication number: 20130334391Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2013Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: VELVAC INCORPORATEDInventors: Thomas L. Roberts, Jeffery R. Porter
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Patent number: 8590855Abstract: A novel handlebar mounting device structured to mount to a mirror mount receiver on a handlebar where a mirror mounting stem supporting a mirror normally resides. The novel handlebar mounting device includes a pivot arm having a pivot base and a coupler interface with therebetween a pivot joint having an adjustable rotational stiffness. The pivot joint is formed of an arm and a hub relatively rotatably suspended therefrom, an elastomeric interface between the arm and the hub, and a means for compressing the elastomeric interface between the arm and the hub. A coupler component is formed on the coupler interface. A connector is adapted for securing the pivot base to a mirror mount receiver on a handlebar where a mirror mounting stem supporting a mirror normally resides.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2009Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
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Patent number: 8534636Abstract: Mounting construction for mounting an adjustment instrument to a carrier for an outside mirror unit, comprising first mounting parts on the adjustment instrument and second mounting parts on the carrier, which mounting parts guide the adjustment instrument from a first position to a second position in a direction along the carrier, the mounting parts cooperating with each other in the second position to fix movement of the adjustment instrument relative to the carrier in a direction transverse to the carrier, while in the first position the adjustment instrument and the carrier are clear of each other.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2008Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: MCi (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Stefan Frits Brouwer, Paulus Gerardus Maria Van Stiphout
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Patent number: 8517331Abstract: A mirror mount includes a one-piece molecularly continuous base member and a mirror arm. The mirror arm fastens a mirror to the base member. The base member may also have first and second ends, a side portion, and a reinforcement. The side portion extends between the first and second ends. The first end is generally vertical when the base member is affixed to a fender, and the first end receives a generally horizontal fastener that passes through the first end, through two portions of the fender, and into the base member so as to fasten the base member to the fender. The side portion has a contour that generally follows a profile of the fender. The reinforcement reinforces the first end.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2010Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Velvac IncorporatedInventors: Thomas L. Roberts, Jeffery R. Porter
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Patent number: 8485676Abstract: Apparatus for increasing a person's field of view is disclosed. The apparatus includes a mounting base. A receiver is rotatably mounted to the mounting base. A center arm section including a plurality of rigid segments is adjustably mounted at one end to the receiver. The apparatus also includes an upper arm section. A ball and socket connection is included between the upper arm section and the center arm section. The apparatus also includes a plurality of mirrors mounted on the upper arm section.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2010Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Inventor: Donald William McCarty, Jr.
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Publication number: 20130062497Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Christopher J. Van Huis, Peter T. Kantola, Ulrich A. Kuester, Danny L. Minikey, JR.
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Patent number: 8366285Abstract: A foldable rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly comprises: a mounting bracket mountable to a vehicle, the mounting bracket having a base with detent features disposed on a detent circle on the base; a mirror head frame rotatably mounted to the mirror base for rotation about a mirror head axis, the frame having detent features to match the detent features of the base, the detent features of the base and the frame forming a detent system, the detent system having at least a drive position. The frame is shaped to provide an aperture to receive either of: a manual fold insert; or a power fold mechanism having a clutch mechanism, the aperture at least partially inboard in a radial direction with respect to the detent features on the frame whereby at least the clutch mechanism of the power fold mechanism can be accommodated to operate on a smaller radius than that of the detent features.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2009Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: SMR Patents S.a.r.l.Inventors: Maarten Johannes Schuurmans, Daniel Joseph Flynn
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Publication number: 20130015314Abstract: A support arm carried by a carrier base. A base tooth ring on the carrier base and an arm tooth ring on the support arm, wherein the arm tooth ring releasably interlocks with the base tooth ring. A base column having a hollow interior chamber carried by the carrier base, and an arm column carried by the support arm extending into the hollow interior chamber. A first stop block channel disposed in a bottom surface of the base column, and a second stop block channel disposed in the support arm adjacent an exterior side of the arm column. A first stop block carried by a distal end of the base column received into the second stop block channel, and a second stop block carried by a distal end of the arm column being received into the first stop block channel to define a range of pivotal movement.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2011Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicant: Lang-Mekra North America, LLCInventor: Emmanuel Courbon
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Patent number: 8336845Abstract: A support arm carried by a carrier base. A base tooth ring on the carrier base and an arm tooth ring on the support arm, wherein the arm tooth ring releasably interlocks with the base tooth ring. A base column having a hollow interior chamber carried by the carrier base, and an arm column carried by the support arm extending into the hollow interior chamber. A first stop block channel disposed in a bottom surface of the base column, and a second stop block channel disposed in the support arm adjacent an exterior side of the arm column. A first stop block carried by a distal end of the base column received into the second stop block channel, and a second stop block carried by a distal end of the arm column being received into the first stop block channel to define a range of pivotal movement.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2011Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Lang-Mekra North America, LLCInventor: Emmanuel Courbon
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Patent number: 8333479Abstract: A mirror mounting assembly for mounting a mirror on a vehicle bulkhead. The assembly includes a mirror element and a main support arm having a first end and a second end. The mirror element is connected to the first end of the main support arm. The second end of the main support arm is mountable to the vehicle. A pair of brackets are configured to conform to an engine bay side wall of the vehicle. Each bracket has a center portion and two laterally extending flanges that extend at an angle from the center portion in opposite directions. One of the flanges of each bracket is connectable to the bulkhead of the vehicle in the engine bay. A first additional support arm has a first end connected to a first one of the brackets and a second end connected to the main support arm. A second additional support arm has a first end connected to the main support arm and a second end connectable to the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2010Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: Rosco Inc.Inventor: Benjamin Englander
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Patent number: 8262240Abstract: Then invention is related to a rear view mirror attached to a vehicle comprising a mirror housing. The reflective element is fixed in relation to the mirror housing and the mirror housing is movable versus the vehicle by separately extendable elements.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2009Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: SMR Patents S.a.r.l.Inventor: Raimund Negel
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Patent number: 8226252Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle including an extendable mirror for improved rearward viewing is disclosed. Several embodiments of the rearview mirror assembly each comprise a mirror housing, a mirror disposed in the mirror housing, and some structure to allow extension of the mirror between an inboard position and an outboard position. In one embodiment, the mirror assembly includes structure to allow rotation of the mirror between inboard and outboard positions. The mirror may comprise a post disposed in a mirror shell and extending along a longitudinal horizontal axis which extends through a plane defined by the mirror, offset from a central vertical axis of the mirror. In another embodiment, the means for rotating the mirror comprises a pivot part having a shaft disposed in an aperture in the mirror shell, which is disposed along the longitudinal horizontal axis.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2011Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Inventor: Jimmie Lewis
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Patent number: 8226064Abstract: A sliding torque between a pivot portion and a fitting portion may be preferably secured. In an inner mirror device, pivot portions are arranged on both end portions in an axis line direction of a stay formed by a resin material. One pivot portion is fitted in a fitting hole of a holder main body, and the other pivot portion is fitted in a fitting hole of a device main body. In this manner, the holder and the device main body are connected to each other through the stay. In this case, plural notches are formed in the pivot portions, and outside dimensions of the pivot portions may be elastically expanded and reduced. A metal spring pin is pressed into the stay, and the spring pin biases the pivots in a dimension-expansion direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2009Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-SeisakushoInventor: Masatsugu Ohashi
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Patent number: 8201799Abstract: A composition comprising particles for damping vibrations performed by cooperating surfaces of a mirror adjustment mechanism relative to each other. The cooperating surfaces adjustably connect a mirror holder for supporting the mirror element with a base plate that can be fixedly mounted to a motor vehicle. In an embodiment, the particles positioned close to one of the surfaces are arranged to move to a lesser extent relative to that surface upon a high-frequency pivoting of the cooperating surfaces than particles that are further removed from that surface. A method for assembling a mirror adjustment mechanism for adjusting a mirror element of a mirror unit of a motor vehicle mirror and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting a mirror element of a mirror unit are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2005Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: MCi (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Stefan Frits Brouwer, Marius Brand, Rudolf Pieter Hoogenboom
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Publication number: 20120145871Abstract: It is important to mount a mirror assembly on a shaft in such a manner as to enable tilting without a backlash. According to the present invention, an inner circumferential face of a cylinder portion 20 of a notch member 15 of a clutch mechanism 8 comes into contact with an outer circumferential face of a shaft 3, and an outer circumferential face of the cylinder portion 20 of the notch member 15 of the clutch mechanism 8 comes into contact with an inner circumferential face of a housing portion 9 of a mirror assembly 4, respectively. As a result, the present invention is capable of mounting the mirror assembly 4 on the shaft 3 in such a manner to enable tilting without a backlash, by means of the cylinder portion 20 of the notch member 15 of the clutch mechanism 8.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2011Publication date: June 14, 2012Inventor: Jouichi KAWANISHI
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Publication number: 20120138767Abstract: An optical component (12) such as a mirror is supported by a device (17) comprising two levers (3, 4) for example articulated by flexible strips (9) such that their centre lines (13, 14) intersect at a point (15) defining a pivot and located beyond the end (2) of the device (17), at mid-depth of the component (12), the weight of which is vertically in line with this point (15), does not cause deformation of the component.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2010Publication date: June 7, 2012Inventors: Christian Chappuis, Francois Macias
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Patent number: 8190355Abstract: A data processing method for alerting a first vehicle when entering and/or residing in a blind spot of at least one second vehicle and a system and a computer program implementing such a method. A method in accordance with an embodiment includes: determining and dynamically updating the position of second vehicle, the blind spot of the second vehicle, and the time for the first vehicle to enter the blind spot. An alarm signal is generated when the first vehicle is entering or residing in a blind spot of the second vehicle. The method also includes steps to generate direction for the first vehicle to avoid entering in or to leave the blind spot of the second vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2008Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Ossama Emam, Dimitri Kanevsky
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Publication number: 20120119053Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2011Publication date: May 17, 2012Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHOInventors: Kenichi SUGISAKA, Masami KATO
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Patent number: 8152124Abstract: An adjustable support arm for a vehicle exterior rearview mirror assembly comprising a holder base adapted for mounting to the vehicle; a holder pivotally carried on the holder base; a pivot control unit included in the holder for engaging the holder base to resist rotation of the holder on the holder base; the pivot control unit including: a compression spring disposed within a retainer opening of the holder; a bushing carried on the compression spring for engaging a bearing surface in the retainer opening; and, a retainer carried in the retainer opening and coupled to the holder base to retain the compression spring and the bushing in the retainer opening, wherein the retainer is constructed and arranged to direct the bushing laterally against the bearing surface and the compression spring biases the bushing against the retainer in sliding engagement to resist rotation of the holder on the holder base.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2008Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Lang-Mekra North America, LLCInventor: Michael Dean Branham
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Publication number: 20110284715Abstract: A mirror mount includes a one-piece molecularly continuous base member and a mirror arm. The mirror arm fastens a mirror to the base member. The base member may also have first and second ends, a side portion, and a reinforcement. The side portion extends between the first and second ends. The first end is generally vertical when the base member is affixed to a fender, and the first end receives a generally horizontal fastener that passes through the first end, through two portions of the fender, and into the base member so as to fasten the base member to the fender. The side portion has a contour that generally follows a profile of the fender. The reinforcement reinforces the first end.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2010Publication date: November 24, 2011Inventors: Thomas L. Roberts, Jeffery R. Porter
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Publication number: 20110226926Abstract: The invention relates to a holder for holding clampingly a flat object such as a photo, greetings card or drawing, wherein the holder is adapted to be fixed clampingly to a structure, wherein the holder has a decorative appearance. The decoration serves here to obtain a more attractive appearance. Although practical, a hospital bed or hospital room is also cheerless. When a patient is sent a get-well card or photo, it is now usually arranged on a noticeboard behind the patient. The card is hereby situated outside the field of vision of the patient. According to a preferred embodiment, the holder is adapted to be fixed clampingly to a structure at the foot of a bed, in particular a hospital bed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2010Publication date: September 22, 2011Inventor: Augustinus Martinus Maria Ammann
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Patent number: 8016436Abstract: There is provided a vehicle door mirror capable of restraining whistling sounds produced by an airflow passing through a gap between a mirror base and a mirror housing when the vehicle is running. A vehicle door mirror is formed by rotatably supporting a mirror housing on a mirror base. A concave part is formed in a downward surface of the mirror housing that is rotated relative to the mirror base in a state in which the downward surface faces to an upward surface of the mirror base. Protrusions are formed in the entire region of the concave part. The protrusions project to a position close to the upward surface of the mirror base beyond the position of the outside portion of the concave part of the downward surface. The cross section of a front edge of the concave part is formed so as to be rounded.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2009Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Murakami CorporationInventor: Masayuki Sugiyama
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Publication number: 20110192952Abstract: An angle adjustment device for a vehicle rear view mirror is capable of improving the angle-adjustment capability of the movable board while preventing shaking of the movable board with respect to the fixing seat assembly, thus improving safe driving. The angle adjustment device comprises: a fixing seat assembly, a movable board, two arc-shaped racks and two driving units. The movable board and the arc-shaped racks are designed to be movable along the circle path around the center of the pivot connecting portion of the movable board, so that the angle-adjustment capability of the movable board can be improved.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2010Publication date: August 11, 2011Inventor: Chin-Hui CHIANG
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Patent number: 7934842Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle including an extendable mirror for improved rearward viewing is disclosed. Several embodiments of the rearview mirror assembly each comprise a mirror housing, a mirror disposed in the mirror housing, and some structure to allow extension of the mirror between an inboard position and an outboard position. In one embodiment, the mirror assembly includes structure to allow rotation of the mirror between inboard and outboard positions. The mirror may comprise a post disposed in a mirror shell and extending along a longitudinal horizontal axis which extends through a plane defined by the mirror, offset from a central vertical axis of the mirror. In another embodiment, the means for rotating the mirror comprises a pivot part having a shaft disposed in an aperture in the mirror shell, which is disposed along the longitudinal horizontal axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2007Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Inventor: Jimmie L. Lewis
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Publication number: 20110031370Abstract: A novel handlebar mounting device structured to mount to a mirror mount receiver on a handlebar where a mirror mounting stem supporting a mirror normally resides. The novel handlebar mounting device includes a pivot arm having a pivot base and a coupler interface with therebetween a pivot joint having an adjustable rotational stiffness. The pivot joint is formed of an arm and a hub relatively rotatably suspended therefrom, an elastomeric interface between the arm and the hub, and a means for compressing the elastomeric interface between the arm and the hub. A coupler component is formed on the coupler interface. A connector is adapted for securing the pivot base to a mirror mount receiver on a handlebar where a mirror mounting stem supporting a mirror normally resides.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2009Publication date: February 10, 2011Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
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Patent number: 7878477Abstract: A mirror assembly comprising a mounting bracket for attachment to a vehicle exterior; a first pivot plate on the mounting bracket having a concave upper surface with a series of grooves formed therein; a support arm pivotally carried on the first pivot plate of the mounting bracket; and, a second pivot plate carried by the support arm having a base surface with a plurality of protruding teeth engaging the grooves in the first pivot plate so that a pivot gap is defined between the upper surface of the first pivot plate and the base surface of second pivot plate; whereby the pivot gap allows the teeth to both pivot and slide in the grooves of the first pivot plate so that the support arm is pivotal in a multi-axis arrangement with the mounting bracket to accommodate misalignment between the mounting bracket and the support arm during installation on a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Lang-Mekra North America, LLCInventor: Emmanuel Courbon
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Patent number: 7862189Abstract: A mirror device for observing an infant in a rear-facing child safety car seat secured to the rear seat of a vehicle including a front seating area, a rear seating area, and a rear seat within the rear seating area, the rear seat having an upwardly-extending headrest. The mirror device includes a mirror and backing assembly having a rear surface, and an attachment connected to the rear surface for attaching the mirror device to the headrest. The attachment in turn includes a swivel device having a concavity element including a first bowl-like structure having a concave working surface; and a corresponding convexity element including a second bowl-like structure having a convex working surface configured to engage the concave working surface. The concavity and convexity elements are frictionally maintained in a desired adjusted position with reference to each other, while at the same time permitting manual adjustment.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2010Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: BRICA, Inc.Inventor: Lawrence O. Freese
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Patent number: 7857278Abstract: The operation torque during disengaging of clutch projections out of clutch grooves, is effectively suppressed from excessively increasing immediately after start of device assembling. In a door mirror device, a gear plate has clutch grooves made substantially in trapezoidal form, in circumferential cross-section, increasing in width from a groove bottom to an opening end. A clutch disk has clutch projections made substantially in trapezoidal form, in circumferential cross-section, decreasing in width in taper form from a base toward a tip wherein the top surfaces are made in an inverted radial form decreasing in width from inner periphery to outer periphery. Due to this, when a torque exceeding a set value is transmitted to the gear plate, the pressure-contact area of the clutch projection with the clutch groove gradually moves from inner periphery to outer periphery while moving the clutch disk upward against a bias force of a clutch spring.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2007Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-SeisakushoInventors: Shigeki Yoshida, Yoshio Tsujiuchi
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Patent number: 7837338Abstract: A mirror mounting assembly for mounting a mirror on a vehicle bulkhead. The assembly includes a mirror element and a main support arm having a first end and a second end. The mirror element is connected to the first end of the main support arm. The second end of the main support arm is mountable to the vehicle. A pair of brackets are configured to conform to an engine bay side wall of the vehicle. Each bracket has a center portion and two laterally extending flanges that extend at an angle from the center portion in opposite directions. One of the flanges of each bracket is connectable to the bulkhead of the vehicle in the engine bay. A first additional support arm has a first end connected to a first one of the brackets and a second end connected to the main support arm. A second additional support arm has a first end connected to the main support arm and a second end connectable to the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2008Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Rosco, Inc.Inventor: Benjamin Englander
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Patent number: 7828452Abstract: A mirror support assembly for a motor vehicle comprising an upper support arm, an upper mounting element for mounting the upper support arms to the vehicle, a lower support arm, and a lower mounting element for mounting the lower support arm to the vehicle. A mirror head brace for uniting the upper and lower support arms includes a cast structural member made by pressure casting. The mirror head brace includes at least one longitudinal groove which determines a defined angular setting between the mirror head brace and the upper and lower support arms. The plurality of scorings functionally determine different angular settings relative to the mirror support arms of a mirror head 12 which is carried by mirror head brace.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Lang-Mekra North America, LLCInventors: Markus Meier, Jurgen Pfanz, Albrecht Popp, Simon Deffner
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Patent number: 7748857Abstract: A vehicle external rear view mirror assembly comprising a bracket and a mirror head, a pair of parallel outer arm assemblies (20, 20?) having a front portion and a rear portion, the front portion having a rack (28, 28?), a pair of parallel inner arm assemblies (40, 40?) and extending into respective outer arm assemblies (20, 20?), each inner arm assembly (40, 40?) having a front portion and a rear portion, a pair of driving pinion gears (50, 50?), each engaging a respective rack (28, 28?), a pinion drive shaft (53), a drive motor (60), and a gear train, the drive motor (60) driving the inner arm assemblies (40, 40?) to move telescopically with respect to their respective outer arm assemblies (20, 20?), wherein each outer arm assembly (20, 20?) is recessed back from the distal end towards the bracket to allow the pinion drive shaft assembly to travel towards the bracket behind the front portion of the outer arm assembly (20, 20?).Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2005Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: SMR Patents S.a.r.l.Inventors: Garry Fimeri, Mark Leonid Olijnyk, Matthew John Reedman, Simon Belcher
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Patent number: 7735196Abstract: A retaining hinged connection, with a more simple assembly operation, having fewer components than does the conventional retaining hinges. An outside mirror is proposed to be engaged with such a retaining hinged connection. The connection is achieved in that the retaining axle component is designed with at least one retaining element and advantageously including a compression spring. This invention eliminates the use of bolts for securing the hinge assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2007Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Lang-Mekra North America, LLCInventors: Stefan Centmayer, Sebastian Heger, Werner Lang
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Patent number: 7717394Abstract: A vehicle interior accessory retainer includes a base, a base inner and a plate spring. In the base inner, upper and front openings are formed in upper and front parts, respectively, side walls are formed in side parts in the upper opening, a lower part is formed at a position opposite to the upper opening with the side walls in between, and a stay mount part is provided in the lower part. The plate spring has a planar portion, upright portions, and base-retaining pieces. The stay mount part has a projection. A nip part is formed between the projection and the lower part of the base inner. A through hole is formed in the planar portion in the plate spring. A tension applying part is formed between the upper surface of the lower part in the base inner and the projection in the stay mount part.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2007Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Murakami CorporationInventors: Yoshito Tanaka, Masahiko Ito, Yoshitake Nakazawa, Akira Fukai
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Patent number: 7717576Abstract: A mirror mounting assembly for mounting a mirror on a vehicle bulkhead. The assembly includes a mirror element and a main support arm having a first end and a second end. The mirror element is connected to the first end of the main support arm. The second end of the main support arm is mountable to the vehicle. A pair of brackets are configured to conform to an engine bay side wall of the vehicle. Each bracket has a center portion and two laterally extending flanges that extend at an angle from the center portion in opposite directions. One of the flanges of each bracket is connectable to the bulkhead of the vehicle in the engine bay. A first additional support arm has a first end connected to a first one of the brackets and a second end connected to the main support arm. A second additional support arm has a first end connected to the main support arm and a second end connectable to the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2006Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Rosco Inc.Inventor: Benjamin Englander
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Publication number: 20100001165Abstract: A support structure for a display device includes a connecting element rotatably connected to the main body, a retractable element rotatably connected to the connecting element and retractable according to the size of the display device, and a supporting element connected to the retractable element and having a hole, wherein the supporting element contacts a surface to support the display device on the surface or to be hung onto a wall by the hole.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2008Publication date: January 7, 2010Applicant: HANNSPREE, INC.Inventors: Wen-Hung Huang, Guan-De Liou, Stephen Tsai
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Patent number: 7631977Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle is disclosed, the rearview mirror assembly including a support structure for mounting the mirror assembly to the vehicle. The support structure includes a first part for substantially permanent connection to the vehicle and a second part for selective connection to the first part. A support arm is provided on which at least one mirror is mounted, the second part of the support structure being disposed on the support arm. A locking mechanism is disposed on the support structure for selectively locking together the first and second parts of the support structure to thereby secure the support arm and mirror to the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2002Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: Lang Mekra North America, LLCInventors: Heinrich Lang, Albrecht Popp, Jürgen Pfanz
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Publication number: 20090261226Abstract: A pivoting detent joint for an exterior vehicle mirror assembly comprising a support arm for carrying a mirror head; a mounting bracket for being affixed to a vehicle exterior and carrying said support arm; a base keyway included in said mounting bracket; a key received in sliding engagement with said base keyway along a first axis; a lower detent member having a detent keyway receiving said key in sliding engagement along a second axis perpendicular to said first axis; and, an upper detent member carried by said support arm engaging said lower detent member to hold said support arm in a selected position; whereby said support arm pivots along said first axis and said second axis to accommodate misalignment between said mounting bracket and said support arm to maintain proper detent resistance of said upper and lower detent members.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2008Publication date: October 22, 2009Inventor: Michael Dean Branham
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Patent number: 7594731Abstract: A side mirror assembly for a motor vehicle includes a base which is fixedly secured to the motor vehicle. A tube is pivotably secured to the base. The tube extends between a pivot end and a distal end. A mirror housing defines a mirror opening and a tube opening. The mirror housing receives the distal end and a portion of the tube disposed adjacent the distal end through the tube opening. A mirror is mounted within the mirror housing and is exposed through the mirror opening for an operator of the motor vehicle to view rearward of the motor vehicle without turning completely around. A case frame is fixedly secured to the mirror housing at a position disposed adjacent the mirror. The side mirror assembly also includes a locking lever which is movable between an unlocked position allowing the case frame and the mirror housing to slide along the tube and a lock position for securing the case frame and the mirror housing at a desired position along the tube.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2007Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Assignee: Visiocorp Patents S.a.r.l.Inventors: Gary J. Sinelli, Paul R. Henion
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Patent number: 7543949Abstract: A hinge actuator comprising a first part which is pivotably connected with a second part, and an electric drive for pivoting the parts relative to each other. The first and the second parts include stops that cooperate in a first pivoting direction for defining a position of the actuator parts. A coupling is provided between the first and the second part, so that in a first position the first part and the second part are connected via the drive and, driven by the drive, can be pivoted relative to each other, and a second position in which the first part and the second part are not connected via the drive and can be pivoted relative to each other manually.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2006Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: MCi (Mirros Controls International) Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Albertus van den Brink, Milan Duchenne, Peter Alexander Hamming
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Publication number: 20090095872Abstract: An adjustable hinge assembly has a stationary leaf, a pivoting leaf, an extending arm and a mounting bracket. The stationary leaf connects securely to a base of a portable electronic device. The pivoting leaf is connected pivotally to the stationary leaf. The extending arm is mounted slidably on the pivoting leaf. The mounting bracket is mounted rotatably in the extending arm and connects securely to a cover of the portable electronic device having a rear edge. Consequently, the adjustable hinge assembly enables the portable electronic device to have a unique appearance and change position of the cover before opening the electronic device to prevent the cover from hitting the base.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2007Publication date: April 16, 2009Applicant: SHIN ZU SHING CO., LTD.Inventor: Chen-Wei Chiang
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Patent number: 7506857Abstract: A mirror supporting plate for supporting a mirror glass of a wing mirror for a motor vehicle includes a substantially flat support provided with a substantially rod-shaped actuator part for coupling with a drive. The actuator part is integrally formed with the support and is adjustable relative to the support from a first position in which the actuator part is oriented substantially in or along the plane of the support, to a second position in which the actuator part is oriented so as to reach substantially outwards relative to the support.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2004Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: MCI (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands, B.V.Inventor: Stefan F. Brouwer