Abstract: A mounting element for a rearview assembly may comprise a mount capable of being removably attachable to a button and having a tapered channel in a first end; a pivot comprising a first end capable of supporting the rearview assembly and a pivot ball; a pivot cup disposed at least partially within the tapered channel of the mount, having fingers extending from a first end and an annular surface having an outer diameter at a second end, the pivot cup being operable to at least partially accept and to exert a pivot torque on the pivot ball; and a coil spring having a first end, a second end, and an outer diameter similar to the diameter of the annular surface of the pivot cup, the coil spring disposed within the mount, the first end of the coil spring pressing against the annular surface of the pivot cup.

Abstract: A rearview device for a vehicle includes a moveable head assembly; a base assembly to be fixed to the vehicle; an actuator assembly; and a cradle configured to attach the actuator assembly to the moveable head assembly and/or the base assembly and a vehicle with such a rearview device. The cradle has at least one tool protrusion on each side that enables attachment to a tool and facilities rotation of the cradle during assembly of the rearview device.

Abstract: A mobile robot (for example, a robot used for package deliveries, among other purposes) may include a mast with a visual indicator for providing visibility to drivers and pedestrians in the environment proximate to the mobile robot. The mast may produce a large moment arm, which may result in the mast being more likely to break off from the robot. To mitigate or prevent damage to any components of the mast and/or the mobile robot when such a breakage occurs, described herein is an omni directional breakage joint that is used to connect the mast to the mobile robot. The omni directional breakage joint comprises multiple ball and socket joints that provide structural support between the mast and the mobile robot, while simultaneously allowing for a certain movement freedom of the mast and allowing for the mast to easily be engaged and disengaged from the mobile robot without causing damage to any components.

Abstract: An arrangement for mounting an inside rearview mirror in a vehicle. The inside rearview mirror has a mirror head that is adjustably mounted, by the agency of a mirror base, on a base plate permanently attached to the vehicle. The mirror base is mounted on the base plate through a first support point so as to be pivotable about a vehicle transverse axis and also through a second, detachable rear support point. The first support point is formed by two bearing side pieces of the base plate. Each of the bearing side pieces has a bearing eye in which the mirror base is mounted by means of bearing axle(s) so as to be pivotable about a vehicle transverse axis. At least one bearing side piece is designed to be slotted toward and transversely to the central axis of the bearing eye for installation of the relevant bearing axle.

Abstract: A mirror assembly (1) for a vehicle, the assembly including a casing (3), a base plate (9) fixed in the casing (6) and a receiving plate (8) rotatably attached to the base plate (9); a mirror plate (2) having a mirror glass (3) secured on a mounting plate (9); the mirror assembly (1) further having attachment means interposed between said receiving plate (8) and said mirror plate (2), said attachment means having a first part provided in the mirror plate (2) and a second part provided in the receiving plate (8), said first part having at least one centering element and at least one releasable locking element, and said second part having at least one second complementary centering element configured to receive the said first centering element and at least one opening (14, 140) configured to receive the said at least one locking element (12, 120).

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings described herein, a rearview device for a vehicle is provided that includes a moveable head assembly; a base assembly to be fixed to the vehicle; an actuator assembly; and a cradle configured to attach the actuator assembly to the moveable head assembly and/or the base assembly and a vehicle with such a rearview device.

Abstract: A holding device holds a vehicle component such as an internal rear view mirror on a pane surface of a motor vehicle. The holding device includes a base element having a fastening surface for attachment to the pane surface of the motor vehicle, a cover part for fastening to the base element and for holding a foot element, wherein the cover part is held on the base element by engaging at least one pin in an associated recess in a holding element of the cover part. The holding element has an auxiliary recess which is arranged offset to the recess in a direction of extension such that when force is applied in the direction of extension with an amount of force which is greater than a threshold amount, the cover part shifts on the base part and the at least one pin is at least partially accommodated in the auxiliary recess.

Abstract: An external mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a support arm adapted to be affixed to an associated vehicle side door and a housing movably mounted to the support arm. The housing has an adapter plate disposed within the housing for attachment of a glass assembly. The glass assembly includes a mirror affixed to a mirror backing plate. The mirror backing plate secures the glass assembly to the housing so that movement of the housing and glass assembly together and in tandem relative to the support arm adjusts a field of view of the mirror as viewed by an associated vehicle operator. The mirror backing plate is releasably connected to the adapter plate at a connection location which is concealed by a door removably mounted to the housing.

Abstract: A detachable rear-view mirror includes an exterior component, an interior component, and a strap. The exterior component includes a mirror portion that is coupled to a reflective surface and an exterior strap attachment portion that is connected to a strap, and is shaped such that the mirror portion is adapted to be detachably mounted to an exterior of a door of a vehicle and the exterior strap attachment portion is adapted to be inserted into a window channel of the door. The interior component includes an interior strap attachment portion and a window frame portion, and is adapted to be inserted into the window channel and the window frame portion is adapted to be detachably mounted to a window frame of the door. The strap includes a first end connected to the exterior strap attachment portion and a second end connected to the interior strap attachment portion.

Abstract: A portable surface finishing device based on coherent light source includes a cover, a laser source, an optical calibrating module and a laser scanning module. The cover includes a beam output opening. The laser source is disposed in the cover, and is for providing a laser beam. The optical calibrating module is disposed in the cover, and the laser beam passes through the optical calibrating module. The laser scanning module is disposed in the cover, and the laser beam from the optical calibrating module passes through the laser scanning module so as to linearly output on a target surface. The laser scanning module includes a multifaceted reflective structure, a rotation driving mechanism and an F-theta lens.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mounting structure configured to attach at an interior portion of the vehicle and a mirror head pivotally mounted at the mounting structure. The mirror head includes a mirror reflective element and a ball stud that pivotally mounts the mirror head at a socket element of the mounting structure. The ball stud is a metallic element having a base portion and a neck region that extends from the base portion, with a ball member at an end of the neck region distal from the base portion. The ball stud includes a passageway formed at least through the base portion and the neck region. A mounting portion is molded at least partially around the base portion to attach the ball stud at the mirror head. The passageway of the ball stud is at least partially filled with a polymeric material.

Abstract: Touch control module (13) with haptic feedback destined to be mounted on a control panel (5) of a motor vehicle via at least two fixing lugs (11) and fixation means wherein the fixation means comprise screws (1, 29) fastened to the control panel (5) perpendicular to the outer surface (7) of the control panel (5) for holding the touch control module (13) characterized in that silent blocks (9) are disposed between the fixing lugs (11) and the fixation means in that the fixation means comprise:—spacers (15) for pre-loading longitudinally the silent blocks (9) and,—retention means (17) for holding the spacers (15) in position on the screws (1, 29).

Abstract: In an in-vehicle camera 1, when an in-vehicle camera body 5 is hooked on a hook portion 33 of a bracket 3 attached to a windshield, a leaf spring 34 presses the in-vehicle camera body 5 against the bracket 3 to fix the in-vehicle camera body to the bracket 3. Therefore, the in-vehicle camera body 5 can be attached to the windshield without permitting the windshield to come off from the vehicle by the bracket's being strongly pushed such as by a jig, or without permitting the jig to scratch the windshield. Since the in-vehicle camera body is fixed to the bracket 3 by being pressed against the bracket 3 by the leaf spring 34, there is no problem of causing backlash relative to the bracket 3.

Abstract: A carrier plate including mounting tabs. A cover including attachment sockets releasably engaging the mounting tabs. A spring clip carried in each of the attachment sockets releasably engaging the mounting tabs. A bezel extending around the carrier plate including a bezel lip extending along select portions of the bezel, and a cover lip receiving slot disposed along select portions of the bezel not including the bezel lip. A cover lip included on the cover extending along select portions of a perimeter edge of the cover, and a bezel lip receiving slot extending along select portions of the perimeter edge not including the cover lip. The cover lip is received into the cover lip receiving slot and the bezel lip is received into the bezel lip receiving slot for mounting the cover to the carrier plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a glove and storage box assembly (1) which is located in vehicles, into which articles are placed, opened slowly and prevented from vibrating after being opened, has low production cost, does not resist while being dosed and does not make a sound during opening and closing. The inventive glove and storage box assembly (1) essentially comprises at least one shell (2) which has at least one clearance (3) providing access to the chamber formed in the vehicle cockpit in order that articles are placed on thereof and at least one cover (4) which is disposed on the shell (2) and ensures to access the clearance (3) from out-side by opening and closing.

Abstract: Ball pivot assemblies for mounting panels to a cable regardless of panel geometry or orientation include a ball pivot. The ball pivot includes geometry configured to enable a panel to pivot about the ball pivot in a plurality of orientations in a plurality of planes with respect to the cable. One or more implementations of the present invention can include a ball socket configured to receive the ball pivot, and provide a secure interface between the ball pivot assembly and the panel. Also, systems of at least one implementation of the present invention include a plurality of panels mounted to one or more cables using one or more ball pivot assemblies. In addition, one or more implementations of the present invention include methods of mounting panels using one or more ball pivot assemblies.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly comprises a two-ball connector having at least one pivot ball thereon, a receiver having a plurality of fingers defining a ball receiving area, and a spring forming a circle. The spring is placed around the fingers of the receiver and the at least one pivot ball is placed into the ball receiving area of the receiver. The two-ball connector can be made of a high strength material and formed on a screw machine. The receiver does not experience a weight loss changing the torque force between ?40° Celsius and 85° Celsius, thereby substantially maintaining the torque force at a substantially constant level between ?40° Celsius and 85° Celsius.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a stay device for a vehicle comprising a mount having a ball formed protrudely on a front surface thereof and a wire passage formed therein and extended into the ball; a body coupled to the mount through the ball of the mount, the body having a wire passage formed therein; a plate spring provided for pressurizing the body; a body cover for wrapping the body and the plate spring; and a pivot ball assembly having a ball protrudely formed on a rear surface thereof, the pivot ball assembly being coupled to the body.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a mirror head assembly including a rearwardly-extending ball section, and a mirror support assembly including a tube having a larger-diameter mid-section and a smaller-diameter tapered end section. A socket on the mirror support assembly, when in the end section, captures the ball section with friction to permit angular adjustment but with enough friction to maintain a selected angular position. A spring biases the socket from the mid-section into the end section, but is compressible so that assembly is possible by pressing the ball section against the socket, causing the socket to move from the end section into the mid-section where the ball section snaps into the socket. It is conceived that the ball section and socket components can be reversed, and also that the mirror support assembly can include a two-ball mount, with a ball-and-socket connection at each end.

Abstract: A ball head assembly has a holding base, a clamping collar, a ball, a holder and an anti-escape mechanism. The anti-escape mechanism is mounted on the holding base, is connected to the ball and has a supporting rod, a supporting block, a dragging member and a nut. The supporting rod extends through the bottom of the holding base and has a spherical end rotatably connected to the ball and a threaded end. The supporting block is mounted around the supporting rod and rotatably mates with the bottom of the holding base. The dragging member is mounted around the supporting rod and has a first end abutting against the supporting block and a second end. The nut is screwed onto the threaded end of the supporting rod and abuts against the second end of the dragging member.

Abstract: A rearview mirror mounting assembly comprises a mounting arm which is pivotally secured to a mounting base and may be further pivotally attached to an accessory or an interior rearview mirror. The mounting arm comprises a ball receiving portion for receiving and pivotally engaging a ball member on the mounting base. The ball receiving portion tightly engages the ball member in response to a biasing force exerted on the ball receiving socket by a biasing member within the mounting arm. The biasing member is aligned and guided within the mounting arm via at least one confinement member, such as an annular guide portion, extending longitudinally within the arm and surrounding at least one substantially flat or planar surface, which the biasing member engages. Preferably, one of the surfaces is rigidly secured to the arm, thereby reducing potential vibration between the arm and the interior rearview mirror.

Abstract: A mirror surface angle adjusting device is provided which can be used at both left and right outer mirror devices of a vehicle. At a mirror driving unit, positional relationships between respective points (fulcrum of swinging A1 and A2, first adjusting points B1 and B2, second adjusting points C1 and C2, first mounting points D1 and D2, second mounting points E1 and E2, and third mounting points F1 and F2) are set such that the points have line symmetry with respect to 45° direction reference lines P1, P2. Accordingly, from a functional standpoint as well, there are no obstacles at a time of mounting, and as a result, a same type of mirror driving unit can be used at both a left door mirror device and a right door mirror device.

Abstract: A rearview mirror mounting assembly comprises a mounting arm which is pivotally secured to a mounting base and may be further pivotally attached to an accessory or an interior rearview mirror. The mounting arm comprises a ball receiving portion for receiving and pivotally engaging a ball member on the mounting base. The ball receiving portion tightly engages the ball member in response to a biasing force exerted on the ball receiving socket by a biasing member within the mounting arm. The biasing member is aligned and guided within the mounting arm via at least one confinement member, such as an annular guide portion, extending longitudinally within the arm and surrounding at least one substantially flat or planar surface, which the biasing member engages. Preferably, one of the surfaces is rigidly secured to the arm, thereby reducing potential vibration between the arm and the interior rearview mirror.

Abstract: Disclosed is a positioner for transmitting movement in up to six degrees-of-freedom to an object on the positioner, the positioner comprising a base plate, a first plate mounted on the base plate by a first mechanical linkage, a first actuator arrangement for moving the first plate, a second plate mounted on the first plate by a second mechanical linkage, a second actuator arrangement for moving the second plate, and a holder attached to the second plate for mounting the object. One of the first and second plates is movable in a plane in up to three degrees-of-freedom, and the other of the first and second plates is movable in up to three degrees-of-freedom that are out of the plane. It is also possible to add an additional plate, including an actuator arrangement for moving the additional plate, mounted by a mechanical linkage between the second plate and the holder.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for vehicles incorporates a rearview mirror mount, a rearview mirror, and a rearview mirror support. The support is pivotally attached to the mirror mount by a first pivot element, and to the rearview mirror by a second pivot element. The mirror mount, support, a rearview mirror housing, and the pivot elements are each formed by molding from polymeric material having a respective color. In various embodiments, the colors may all be substantially the same, such as black, gray, tan, brown, burgundy, green, or another color, or may be different. In one form, the rearview mirror housing includes at least one electrical accessory. Electrical conductors may extend through the pivot elements and mirror support to the rearview mirror housing to provide an electrical connection for the electrical accessory to the vehicle electrical system.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly having a pivot structure and first and second pairs of helical structures consisting of shape memory alloy wires which serve to adjust the position of the mirror. The wires may be individually heated by conducting an electrical current to effect the contracted memory position. When the current is switched off, a wire cools and can easily be stretched to mechanically transform the wire to a martensitic phase.

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

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

Abstract: A support structure for a motorcycle's rearview mirror is constructed so as to dampen any vibrations which would normally be transmitted to the rearview mirror, and to reduce the risk of rattling noises in the rearview mirror assembly. The support structure includes a mirror stay, in the form of an elongated tubular extension, which serves to distance the rearview mirror from the motorcycle. One end of the mirror stay is connected to the motorcycle through a mirror stay supporting structure, which allows the mirror stay to rotate within a limited range. A rearview mirror housing is connected to the other end of the mirror stay. The connection between the mirror stay and the rearview mirror housing is accomplished by a rearview mirror main body supporting structure. The rearview mirror main body supporting structure allows the mirror housing to assume various orientations relative to the mirror stay.

Abstract: An external rearview mirror for motor vehicles includes a support having a spherical inner support surface and a mirror holder pivotably connected to the support. At least one guide element for supporting the mirror holder in a selected position relative to the support is provided. The at least one guide element has a curved outer surface resting at the spherical inner support surface. At least one spring for securing face-to-face the curved outer surface of the at least one guide element at the spherical inner support surface is provided.

Abstract: A vehicle mirror assembly comprising a housing assembly, a mirror unit, a support assembly to support the housing assembly, a power operated pivot assembly between the support assembly and the housing assembly to enable the housing assembly to be pivoted with respect to the support assembly about a generally upright axis (1) between an operative position and a folded position in response to the power operation of the pivot assembly and (2) from the operative position thereof in either direction in response to an unwanted impact blow applied in either direction thereto. A spring biased pivotal control system is disposed between a movable tubular member of the pivot assembly and the support assembly to provide a control resistance to pivotal movement of the movable tubular member and hence the housing assembly connected thereto.

Abstract: A vehicle mirror assembly comprising a housing assembly, a mirror unit, a support assembly to support the housing assembly thereon, a power operated pivot assembly between the support assembly and the housing assembly to enable the housing assembly to be pivoted with respect to the support assembly about a generally upright axis (1) between an operative position and a folded position in response to the power operation of the pivot assembly and (2) from the operative position thereof in either direction in response to an unwanted impact blow applied in either direction thereto. A spring biased pivotal control system is disposed between a movable tubular member of the pivot assembly and the support assembly to provide a control resistance to pivotal movement of the movable tubular member and hence the housing assembly connected thereto.

Abstract: A vehicle mirror assembly comprises a housing assembly and a mirror unit mounted on the housing assembly. A support assembly is provided which is constructed and arranged to be fixedly mounted on a vehicle and to support the housing assembly thereon in an operative position extending laterally outwardly from the vehicle so that the mirror unit serves as an exterior rear view mirror for the driver of the vehicle. A power operated pivot assembly is provided between the support assembly and the housing assembly constructed and arranged to enable the housing assembly to be pivoted with respect to the support assembly about a generally upright axis (1) between the operative position thereof and a folded position with respect to the vehicle in response to the power operation of the pivot assembly and (2) from the operative position thereof in either direction in response to an unwanted impact blow applied in either direction thereto.

Abstract: An automotive exterior mirror assembly being comprised of a mirror which is held in place and adjusted through a hand set adjustment mechanism which, in turn, is fastened to a bracket; the bracket is attached to an aesthetically pleasing shell. The hand set adjustment mechanism is a low profile assembly, having all of its components mounted from one side. The components are a base, a pivot cup, a sleeve, a retainer, a spring, and a spring retainer. The hand set adjustment mechanism has a partially spherical base with a post centrally extending therefrom for compressibly mounting a pivot cup thereupon. The post extends between the inside of the base and the backside of the mirror casing.

Abstract: A foldable outside rearview mirror assembly includes a shaft arranged on an extending portion of the base, a frame having an and plate rotatably inserted into a root portion of the shaft, a mirror housing secured on the frame, a positioning device is mounted on the periphery of the shaft, a first washer is arranged at the upper portion of the positioning device, a second washer is secured on the upper end of the shaft, and a coil spring is arranged around the outer periphery of the shaft between the first and the second washers. The positioning device has a plate connected to the shaft in locking the rotation thereof, several convex portions provided on the same circumference of the plate, and several concaves formed at the frame end plate to insertingly engage with the convex portions. Thereby the frame of the outside rearview mirror is prevented from moving vertically and the chattering is not caused on the mirror surface at the time of the outside mirror foldably rotates.

Abstract: A displacement mechanism of a motor vehicle inside rearview mirror having a mirror plate mounted on the frame which is articulated on the lower end of a supporting arm having an upper end connected to an inside ceiling of the motor vehicle, the displacement mechanism comprises an axis provided in the lever, a transverse crankshaft supportable on the frame, a sphere provided on a lower end of the supporting arm, a trapezoidal plate having a smaller base which is turned downward and is coupled to an inside end of the axis, the trapezoidal plate having an intermediate region mounted on the transverse crankshaft, the trapezoidal plate having a central region provided for the sphere, the trapezoidal plate having an upper bigger base articulatable on the frame, the transverse crankshaft being somewhat resilient and including a longer intermediate segment which crosses transversely the trapezoidal plate and is articulated on it and short biased segments extending from ends of the intermediate segment and having end

Abstract: A mirror assembly for use in vehicles having a support bracket which provides an adjustment mechanism to position the mirror under a substantially constant clamping pressure over a wide range of ambient temperature conditions. The support bracket includes a generally spherical socket which receives a polymeric ball cup substantially enclosing a ball member extending from the mirror. A spring forces the cup and ball member into the socket and causes the polymeric cup to compress about the ball member. The bracket may be used on both header- and windshield-mounted mirror assemblies, and may include an adjustable clamping member forming a portion of the socket whereby the clamping pressure may be further adjusted.

Abstract: A foldable outside rearview mirror assembly includes a shaft arranged on an extending portion of a base, a frame having an end plate rotatably inserted into a root portion of the shaft, a mirror housing secured on the frame, a positioning device is mounted on the periphery of the shaft, a first washer is arranged at the upper portion of the positioning device, a second washer is secured on the upper end of the shaft, and a coil spring is arranged around the outer periphery of the shaft between the first and the second washers. The positioning device has a plate connected to the shaft in locking the rotation thereof, several convex portions provided on the same circumference of the plate, and several concaves formed at the frame end plate to insertingly engage with the convex portions. Thereby the frame of the outside rearview mirror is prevented from moving vertically and the chattering is not caused on the mirror surface at the time of the outside mirror foldably rotates.

Abstract: A foldable outside rearview mirror assembly includes a shaft arranged on an extending portion of a base, a frame having an end plate rotatably inserted into a root portion of the shaft, a mirror housing secured on the frame, a positioning device is mounted on the periphery of the shaft, a first washer is arranged at the upper portion of the positioning device, a second washer is secured on the upper end of the shaft, and a coil spring is arranged around the outer periphery of the shaft between the first and the second washers. The positioning device has a plate connected to the shaft in locking the rotation thereof, several convex portions provided on the same circumference of the plate, and several concaves formed at the frame end plate to insertingly engage with the convex portions. Thereby the frame of the outside rearview mirror is prevented from moving vertically and the chattering is not caused on the mirror surface at the time of the outside mirror foldably rotates.

Abstract: A breakaway accessory mounting assembly for supporting rearview mirrors or other accessories on vehicles includes a coupler for installation on a base of the type secured to the inside windshield surface or another vehicle panel. The coupler has a support for mounting the rearview mirror or other accessory and a spring clamp retaining band extending around the coupler, preferably within a corresponding shaped recess, at a position spaced from and independent of the accessory support for releasably holding the coupler on the base until an impact force causes the assembly to release from the base. The spring clamp retaining band includes a pair of converging, inwardly angled, spaced spring flanges which project from the coupler to resiliently engage the base sides and allow both sliding installation and release of the assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power pack for an exterior automotive mirror assembly having a central depression in its upper housing whereby a large diameter pivot cup can be used. The pivot cup, of this power pack, is separate from the mirror casing and is retained by a unique spring retainer.

Abstract: A reduced vibration day/night rearview mirror assembly provides improved stability of the mirror assembly. The assembly preferably includes a molded mirror case, a prismatic mirror element, and a two piece actuator assembly which provides reduced vibratory movement between a mirror mounting bracket and the mirror assembly. The actuator assembly includes a toggle member and a pivot lever which pivotally interconnect. The toggle member has a pivot journal defined along at least a portion of a first side and has a pivot surface defined along at least a portion of a second, opposing side. The pivot lever has a pivot shaft for pivotally mounting the lever in the mirror case and has an open-sided pivot channel generally parallel to and spaced from the pivot shaft for receiving and pivotally engaging the pivot surface of the toggle member. The case has cooperating supports for receiving the pivot lever pivot shaft and a pivot axle for engaging the toggle member pivot journal.

Abstract: The present invention is a vehicle safety rearview mirror assembly with distortion offset element and method of using the same. The rearview mirror assembly comprises an elongated convex mirror. The convex mirror is independently supported by a double-ball-joint shank and a mounting base affixed on the windshield of the vehicle. The present invention also provides a method to offset the distortion created by the convex mirror. The method combines a safety reference and a safety locker to tell the driver whether and when it is safe to change lanes or make turns. The safety reference includes two opposite end portions of the rearward visual field respectively prescribed by the side windows of the vehicle, and the safety locker includes the central portion of the extended rearward visual field respectively prescribed by the rear window of the vehicle.

Abstract: A motor-powered adjustable rear view mirror for motor vehicles, particularly lorries, comprises a housing which supports and accommodates a mirror glass. Positioning drives are provided by means of which the housing can be pivoted and adjusted about two pivot axes which extend substantially at right angles to each other. In order to make the mirror of the simplest possible construction and so that it can be easily assembled and has a shallow but very stable design, each positioning drive is stationary in relation to the housing and is coupled via a slider-crank transmission to a base plate, the slider-crank transmission comprising a crank and a push rod connected thereto via a crank joint. The push rod is coupled to the base plate via a sliding bearing.

Abstract: A windshield mounted, vehicular accessory mounting assembly is adapted to be small and compact and to reduce occupant injuries upon impact. The assembly includes a base and a coupling member releasably mounted on the base. The coupling member includes a support for mounting a vehicle accessory such as a rearview mirror. A breakaway fastening assembly extends through an aperture in the base to allow separation of the coupling member and vehicle accessory from the base should an impact occur. A series of projections extend between the periphery of the base aperture and the coupling member and are received in corresponding recesses to position the coupling member, provide a stable, three point connection, and prevent its rotation unless it separates from the base. The assembly may also include a swivel support arm to allow adjustment of the accessory position and to further reduce injuries.

Abstract: An adjustable rear view mirror for an automotive vehicle adapted to be mounted on a door and comprising a housing including a mounting flange at one end and an opening adjacent the other end, an end bracket in the housing, a mirror and a mounting mechanism supporting the mirror in the opening of the housing. The mounting mechanism comprises an adaptor connected to the mirror, a cup, a sleeve and a retainer. The adaptor includes a spherical portion having a slot. The cup is mounted on the end bracket, or alternatively, on the housing and engages the outer spherical portion of the adaptor. The sleeve has a rib on its outer surface and spaced from the rib is a groove on the inner surface of the sleeve. The sleeve engages the inner surface of the adaptor and is positioned so the rib is received in a slot of the adaptor. The retainer engages the inner surface of the sleeve and has a rib received in the groove of the sleeve. A spring yieldingly urges the retainer on the cup.

Abstract: A side view mirror assembly having a housing and a spring biased mirror installed within the housing, the mirror having its reflecting surface facing outwardly of the housing, and a mirror orientation adjusting assembly including a pair of nested hemispheres detachably engaged for limited movement one relative to the other, one of said hemispheres having the mirror secured thereto, a clamp including a high strength spring arranged to immobilize said hemispheres in an effectively locked condition, and an electromagnet disposed when energized to reduce the effective force of the spring on the clamp so as to permit limited movement of the mirror carrying hemisphere for adjusting the orientation thereof. A suitable switch is coupled between the electromagnet and the vehicle battery, the ignition switch of the vehicle being interposed between said first mentioned switch and the vehicle battery.