Parallel Pivot Axes Patents (Class 248/486)
  • Patent number: 11275236
    Abstract: An adjusting device includes a base body, at least two drive elements, and a movable platform. Each of the drive elements abuts against a lever transmission device to perform a defined adjustment motion relative to the base body as a tilting motion about an axis through the platform and/or a translational motion parallel to an axis perpendicular to a platform plane. Joint elements allow for a tilting motion of the platform solely about the tilting axis. A spring element counteracts a parasitic translational motion in the platform plane and/or a parasitic rotatory motion of the platform about an axis of rotation arranged perpendicular to the platform plane due to the adjustment motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: PHYSIK INSTRUMENTE (PI) GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Mathuni, Arne Bramigk, Harry Marth, Daniela Troll
  • Patent number: 11077796
    Abstract: An extended mirror mounting assembly for mounting one or more mirrors to a vehicle is provided. The mirror mounting assembly has one or more mirror mounting arms, each including an arm portion and configured to support the mirrors. The mirror mounting assembly has a lower support member including a lower base end portion configured to be connected to the vehicle at a first vehicle location and a lower distal end portion configured to be connected to the mirror mounting arms at a first mount location. The mirror mounting assembly has an upper support member including an upper base end portion configured to be connected to the vehicle at a second location and an upper distal end portion configured to be connected to the mirror mounting arms at a second mount location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: ROSCO, INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin Englander, Julian Serer, Joe Ippolito, Arti Karkar
  • Patent number: 10982841
    Abstract: A light frame (10) that is accessible from one side, while mounted, in order to easily replace content being displayed. The frame (10) includes a transparent front panel (11), a frame (12), a rear panel (18) and a light guide panel (15). In use, the rear panel (18) and light guide panel (15) are displaceable, e.g. by a hinge or releasable connection, from the front panel or frame to provide access from the rear through the frame to content being displayed adjacent to the front panel. When hanging (e.g. by virtue of a cable system) in a shop window, the light frame can be opened from the rear side without having to disassemble it to replace content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: ARTICULIGHT DISPLAY LIMITED
    Inventor: Mark Adrian James
  • Patent number: 10433659
    Abstract: An interactive retail display unit includes a movable case having a plurality of shelves, an upper rail assembly including a rail having a first end and an opposing second end and at least one bearing slidably coupling the movable case to the rail and a lower track and roller assembly. The lower track and roller assembly includes a track having a first end corresponding with the first end of the rail, an opposing second end corresponding with the second end of the rail and a plurality of wheels mounted to a bottom of the movable case. The movable case is configured to move along the rail and the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Sara L. Pedersen, Christopher S. Case
  • Patent number: 10293753
    Abstract: A rearview assembly for a motor vehicle includes a dome, a foot attachable to the motor vehicle, a head rotatable relative to the foot, the head including at least one base body with a bearing opening for receiving an axis of rotation associated with the foot, where the foot is shaped together with the dome as an injection molded part, the dome includes at least one first stop element for engagement with at least one complementary second stop element of a cap nut screwed onto the dome, the cap nut providing a stop for a spring which extends around the dome, and the cap nut is an injection molded part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Andreas Herrmann, Artem Rudi
  • Patent number: 9868399
    Abstract: Remote controlled electric mirrors include a main frame, housing horizontal and vertical electrical ram actuators. The body portion of each actuator is pivotally mounted to the main frame. The main frame includes clamp brackets on its lower side, for mounting to support arms extending from a motor vehicle. An elongated swivel member is pivotally mounted to the front of the main frame, for rotation about a horizontal axis. A movable portion of the vertical actuator is pivotally connected to the swivel member. The swivel member includes an upper pin and a lower pin. An upper bracket on the rear of the mirror frame includes an aperture, slip-fitted over the upper pin. An apertured clamp is slip-fitted over the lower pin, and bolted to a lower bracket on the mirror frame. The movable portion of the horizontal actuator is pivotally connected through a heim joint to rear of the mirror frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Inventors: William A. Ebert, Adam John Sullivan
  • Patent number: 9700154
    Abstract: A showcase for preservation and display of objects is described. The showcase has a fixed casing and at least one openable panel made of glass mounted on the fixed casing through opening supports, which have a pair of upper rods and a pair of lower rods, all having the same length as each other, pivoted to the fixed casing at respective first upper and lower rod pins, and an intermediate structure, pivoted to the upper and lower rods at respective second upper and lower rod pins. A hinging system is provided along the main direction, between the openable panel and the intermediate structure, so as to allow the openable panel to rotate with respect to the intermediate structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: GOPPION S.p.A.
    Inventor: Alessandro Goppion
  • Patent number: 8851727
    Abstract: A vehicle tail light operational indicator is mounted to a vehicle tail light to visually communicate the proper operation of turn signals, tail lights, and brake lights to an operator seated in the driver's seat of a motor vehicle. The vehicle tail light operational indicator comprises a reflecting light bar positioned to be viewable in a side view mirror of the vehicle. The vehicle tail light operational indicator further comprises a pair of base anchors that are adhesively attached to a vehicle tail light and which support the light bar. Each base anchor further includes a hinge and threaded adjuster which allows adjustment of the vehicle tail light operational indicator on various tail light designs as well as allowing the vehicle tail light operational indicator to pivot without damage if accidentally struck by an object while driving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel Theisen
  • Patent number: 8696145
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Rosco Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin Englander
  • Patent number: 8646922
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Rosco Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin Englander
  • Patent number: 8333479
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Rosco Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin Englander
  • Publication number: 20120145872
    Abstract: The invention relates to a kinematic mount having a base part (8) and a bracket part (7), which is positioned on the base part (8), and which is tiltable relative thereto around at least one tilting axis. The invention provides that the mount has at least one pivot lever (22, 23), which is connected to the base part (8) by way of a first joint (25), and which is connected to the bracket part (7) by way of a second joint (27, 24, 28), which is spaced apart from the first joint (25) in a longitudinal direction of the pivot lever (22, 23). The base part (8), the pivot lever (22, 23), and the bracket part (7) form a gear unit, which converts a movement of an actuator (11, 12) impacting the pivot lever (22, 23) into a tilting of the bracket part (7) relative to the base part (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: TOPTICA PHOTONICS AG
    Inventors: Rainer Heidemann, Frank Lison
  • Patent number: 8128245
    Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a make-mirror designed to direct airflow to a user's face, and includes a mirror embedded in a housing that encases a fan, and is vented to direct airflow to a user's face. Various embodiments may include lighting, bases, stands, extension arms, components for flush mounting the invention to a wall, electrical wiring, battery adapted power components, and solar power components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: Lisa Limjoco
  • Patent number: 7837338
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Rosco, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin Englander
  • Publication number: 20100270454
    Abstract: An apparatus for concealing a multimedia device. The apparatus may include a horizontal base with two vertical members, each vertical member being affixed to the horizontal base, with each vertical member having a metal plate affixed to the inner side of each vertical member. The apparatus may also include a pair of angular brackets, each bracket being rotationally coupled with each metal plate, a horizontal cross-piece, with each end of said cross-piece affixed to each angular bracket, a backing panel coupled with a picture frame and an art panel the backing panel being affixed to the horizontal cross-piece and a horizontal brace which is designed and adapted to support the weight of the picture frame, backing panel and the art panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: Elliott Banfield
  • Patent number: 7600879
    Abstract: A rear seat viewing system for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The rear seat viewing system includes a mirror attached to a mirror mounting device. The mirror mounting device may retract the mirror into an exterior surface of a rear seat in a stowed position and extend the mirror outside of the exterior surface of the rear seat in an employed position. A linkage mechanism attached to the mirror mounting device can allow horizontal and vertical adjustment of the mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Brian Reynolds
  • Patent number: 7290892
    Abstract: An angle adjustable mirror support for a bathroom includes a mirror, a shaft mounted on the frame of the mirror, two connecting members each mounted on the frame of the mirror and each secured to the respective end of the shaft, two fixing seats each mounted on the respective connecting member, and two locking members each mounted on the respective fixing seat and each secured to the respective connecting member. Thus, the shaft has two ends each rested on the inner face of the respective side of the frame of the mirror, so that the shaft is mounted on the frame of the mirror easily without the possibility of breaking the mirror face of the mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Horng Lai Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Dang Shieh
  • Patent number: 7270430
    Abstract: A vehicle external review-view mirror assembly having an extension and retraction mechanism for a telescopic arm support that connects a mirror head to a mirror mounting bracket is disclosed. The assembly comprises: a hollow outer arm extending from the bracket, an inner arm mounted to the head and extending into the outer arm for relative sliding movement out of and into the outer arm; a driving wheel rotatably mounted to the inner arm or the head; a driven wheel rotatably mounted to the inner arm and positioned within the outer arm at a location spaced apart from the driven wheel; and a toothed belt extending between the driving wheel and the driven wheel for power transmission between them. A pair of laterally spaced apart contact rollers are mounted coaxially with the driven wheel, the pair of contact rollers engaging spaced apart bearing surfaces depending from the outer arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark L. Olijnyk, Daniel J. Flynn
  • Patent number: 7252398
    Abstract: A mirror mounting assembly for mounting a mirror on a vehicle bulkhead. The assembly includes a generally Z-shaped mirror mounting bracket configured for attachment to a structural portion of the vehicle inside an engine bay of the vehicle, and a support member connected to the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket includes a first flange and a second flange extending laterally in opposite directions from opposed edges of a connecting web. The first flange has two through-holes sized and positioned for connection to the structural portion inside engine bay by existing body panel mounting screws. The second flange and the connecting web are sized and configured so that the second flange extends out of the engine bay upon installation of the bracket. The support member carries a pivot element sized and configured to pivotally support a first support arm assembly for a rear view mirror unit and a second support arm assembly for a cross view mirror unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Rosco, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin Englander
  • Patent number: 7210800
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: Benjamin Englander
  • Patent number: 7055973
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Rosco Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin Englander
  • Patent number: 7048394
    Abstract: A mechanism for adjustable installation of band plate-like members facilitates the separate adjustment of a cylindrical mirror in the normal direction of the reflecting face of the mirror, in a direction intersecting the normal direction, and the orientation of the reflecting face. A mirror holder housing a cylindrical mirror is disposed in a frame. Support shafts of the mirror holder penetrate holder plates attached slidably to the frame. Adjustment plates are linked to the ends of the support shafts from outside the holder plates, which are slid to allow the mirror holder to move in the normal direction of the reflecting surface of the mirror. The adjustment plate is rotated with respect to the holder plate to rotate about the support shafts and slides with respect to the holder plate and moves in a direction different from the normal direction to adjust the magnification, register, and skew of the mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Fujinon Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Takase, Mitsuhiro Ohno
  • Patent number: 6962422
    Abstract: A single shell side-view mirror assembly is disclosed which provides improved aerodynamic features and improved vibrational resistance characterized by an aerodynamically domed shell structure, interchangeable mirror elements, an electrically activated vibration dampening element and a static vibration dampening elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Roscoe, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin Englander
  • Patent number: 6877868
    Abstract: A vehicle external review-view mirror assembly having an extension and retraction mechanism for a telescopic arm support that connects a mirror head to a mirror mounting bracket is disclosed. The assembly comprises: a hollow outer arm extending from the bracket, an inner arm mounted to the head and extending into the outer arm for relative sliding movement out of and into the outer arm; a driving wheel rotatably mounted to the inner arm or the head; a driven wheel rotatably mounted to the inner arm and positioned within the outer arm at a location spaced apart from the driven wheel; and a toothed belt extending between the driving wheel and the driven wheel for power transmission between them. A pair of laterally spaced apart contact rollers are mounted coaxially with the driven wheel, the pair of contact rollers engaging spaced apart bearing surfaces depending from the outer arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Leonid Olijnyk, Daniel Joseph Flynn
  • Patent number: 6764056
    Abstract: An improved rearview mirror structure mainly includes a support bar, a mirror frame and an anchor post. The support bar has a chute formed on a front end and at least one anchor rack on a rear end. The mirror frame has a sliding strut housed in the chute. The anchor rack is coupled on the anchor support and may be anchored thereon by turning a first adjust bolt. The mirror frame is anchored and adjustable upwards and downwards, and to the left and the right to reach a desired elevation. Thus the rearview scope may be expanded without producing any dead angle to achieve driving safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: Shiow-Lih Wu
  • Publication number: 20040036000
    Abstract: A locking device is provided for mounting a support arm for a mirror assembly to a motor vehicle. The locking device including an extension, a complementary extension, and a key to lock the locking device together. A complementary brace cooperates with the locking device to mount another portion of the support arm to the motor vehicle. A method for using the locking device and the brace is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: Lang-Mekra North America, LLC
    Inventor: Emmanuel Courbon
  • Patent number: 6565220
    Abstract: A swivel mirror assembly for providing an infinite number of perspective views by means of pivoting the mirror assembly to various desired positions. The swivel mirror assembly includes a frame assembly which is pivotally coupled to a support surface and a mirror assembly which is pivotally coupled to the frame assembly, whereby allowing the frame to be positioned with respect to the support surface and the mirror assembly positioned with respect to the frame assembly such that an infinite number of perspective views can be achieved. In an embodiment, a second mirror is used to facilitate viewing a rear side of the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Roger D. Hayward
  • Patent number: 6375334
    Abstract: A rear-view mirror for a vehicle, especially for lorries, includes a mirror housing in which at least one mirror glass is arranged and an upper arm, a first end of which is connected to the mirror housing and a second end of which is connected to a door of the vehicle. A lower arm, a first end of which is connected to the mirror housing and a second end of which is connected to the door in an area located below the level at which a lower edge of a side window of the door is located, where the second end of the upper arm is connected to a hinge which connects the door to the bodywork of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: AB Volvo
    Inventors: Mikael Hildesson, Dan Frykholm
  • Patent number: 6371620
    Abstract: An external mirror assembly for a vehicle is disclosed including a mirror head assembly including a housing, mirror secured to the housing, and two support arms extending from the housing. A mirror holder is disposed between the two support arms for mounting the mirror head assembly to the vehicle. A first connecting member secures together the mirror holder assembly and the mirror holder; and a second connecting member assembly secures together the mirror head assembly and the mirror holder. The second connecting member includes an extension extending radially therefrom, and one of the support arms defines an axially extending opening and a slot extending axially along the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Lang-Mekra North America, LLC
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Dirk Krzysanowski
  • Patent number: 6305809
    Abstract: A mirror for viewing the face at different magnifications selectable by the user includes a first, oval primary mirror comprised of a front mirror plate having a first magnification and a rear mirror plate concavely curved to provide a second, greater magnification, the front and rear primary mirror plates being held in a back-to-back arrangement within a bezel ring. The ring is pivotably supported within a yoke attached to the upper end of a stanchion which protrudes upwardly from a base, allowing the primary mirror to be pivoted about a horizontally disposed minor axis of the primary mirror, or about a vertical axis through the stanchion, thus presenting either the front or rear reflecting surface to a person located in front of the mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Zlatko Zadro
  • Patent number: 6304377
    Abstract: A wall and/or projection board which can be used on both sides and can be engaged in a horizontal wall rail. At least a first engagement element is connected to the wall-board element via a vertical pivot-spindle connection. The vertical pivot-spindle connection is designed such that, following disengagement of a second engagement element, the wall-board element can be pivoted through 180° about the vertical pivot-spindle connection retained by the first engagement element and can be engaged in the wall rail on the other side in relation to the first engagement element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Werndl BüroMöbel AG
    Inventor: Andreas Murr
  • Patent number: 6193377
    Abstract: A dual rear view mirror assembly for trucks and other vehicles comprising a bracket assembly having an upper portion and a lower portion, each bracket portion having an inboard end adapted to be attached to a truck and like vehicles forwardly of the driver and to one side thereof, each bracket portion having an outboard end with attachment mechanisms, an inboard first mirror having a supporting strip on its upper edge, lower edge and inboard edge, the supporting strip including adjustable support means coupled to the bracket assembly for allowing the adjustment of the first mirror at its inboard end about a vertical axis, and an outboard second mirror having a supporting strip on its upper edge, lower edge and outboard edge, the inboard edge of the second mirror being located adjacent to the outboard edge of the first mirror, and adjustment means coupling the first mirror and second mirror about a vertical axis extending through the line of coupling between the first and second mirrors whereby the second mirr
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: Gary W. Spigner
  • Patent number: 6059415
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Metagal Industria e Comercio Ltda
    Inventors: Ricardo Poveda Moreno, Fabio Koiti Anze, Paulo Roberto Milani
  • Patent number: 6012819
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a safe reflective mirror with enlarged visual field, which comprises a case, two reflective mirrors and a fixing base. The case is installed to the other side of the driver within the vehicle by the fixing base. There is a viewing window pointing toward the front of the vehicle on the front end of the case and a display window, opposite to the viewing window, that is on the other side of the case and always pointing toward the driver. There are rotation axes located at positions extended from the viewing window and display window inside the case. The backs of the reflective mirrors are equipped with control rods, with which the two mirrors are mounted on the two rotation axes. The rods extend outside the case for adjusting the viewing angles of the mirrors to allow the drive obtain a wider visual field and thus driving safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Inventor: Chun-Teng Pai
  • Patent number: 5979927
    Abstract: An apparatus for aligning hitches of towing vehicles and towed vehicles consisting of a base box detachably fastened to a trailer tongue. A scissors lift consisting of a series of levers is pivotally connected in the base box and a top box is pivotally mounted on the upper portion of the scissors lift. When the top box is lifted, the top box, having a mirror fastened to the underside, is set at a 45.degree. angle to focus the relative positions of the hitch ball and the hitch cup in the rear view mirror of the towing vehicle for alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Dennis R. Hale
  • Patent number: 5865415
    Abstract: A mirror tilt mechanism is provided for tilting a mirror assembly to a predetermined angle with respect to a vertical axis of the wall surface upon a relatively minor force being placed on the bottom portion of the mirror assembly. This mirror tilt mechanism includes a bracket member for mounting the mirror tilt mechanism to the wall surface and an arm member for engaging the mirror assembly to be tilted. This arm member is pivotally mounted to the bracket member such that the arm member is pivotally movable between a first position, wherein the mirror is supported in a generally vertical orientation with respect to the vertical axis of the wall surface, and a second position, wherein the mirror is supported at a predetermined angle with respect to the vertical angle of the wall surface such that the mirror is angled generally downwardly. In this manner, the mirror is "accessible" for use by handicapped individuals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Kasa, Inc.
    Inventor: Victor Hoernig
  • Patent number: 5784213
    Abstract: An accessory mirror apparatus that can be mounted on the tailgate, trunk, rear window or other part of a tow vehicle, and oriented to enable the driver of the tow vehicle to see a reflection of the trailer tongue in the mirror while backing up. The apparatus includes a convex mirror rotatably mounted in a bracket. The bracket extends downwardly from the mirror in a pair of elongate leg portions, each of which includes a lockable hinge member which enables the leg portion to be folded. Each leg portion extends downwardly to a first U-shaped bend, then upwardly to a second U-shaped bend, such that the combination of the first and second bends provides a hook member for hanging on tailgates. Each leg portion terminates in a suction cup member to be used for installation on other vehicle applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: Gary Howard
  • Patent number: 5751460
    Abstract: An articulated optical system has a pair of actuators (42, 44) each of which pivot a head mirror (34) about respective parallel axes (E.sub.1, E.sub.2) to direct the line-of-sight of an optical beam through a window (36) of a vehicle (30) to an optical sensor (38). Of the actuators, a coarse actuator (42) pivots the mirror (34) through substantially the entire desired field of regard of the optical system, and a fine actuator (44) pivots the mirror (34) for fine adjustment, e.g., less than five degrees. The coarse actuator (42) is positioned so that the axis thereof (E.sub.1) is located as close as possible to an edge of the mirror (34), so that the radial distance therebetween is small; therefore, the size of the window (36) is minimized with respect to the diameter (d.sub.b) of the optical beam. The fine actuator (44) is attached to approximately the geometric center of the mirror (34), so that the mirror (34) is statically balanced about the elevation axis (E.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: John P. Harrell, Bryce A. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 5685515
    Abstract: A mirror tilt mechanism is provided for tilting a mirror assembly to a predetermined angle with respect to a vertical axis of the wall surface upon a relatively minor force being placed on the bottom portion of the mirror assembly. This mirror tilt mechanism includes a bracket member for mounting the mirror tilt mechanism to the wall surface and an arm member for engaging the mirror assembly to be tilted. This arm member is pivotally mounted to the bracket member such that the arm member is pivotally movable between a first position, wherein the mirror is supported in a generally vertical orientation with respect to the vertical axis of the wall surface, and a second position, wherein the mirror is supported at a predetermined angle with respect to the vertical angle of the wall surface such that the mirror is angled generally downwardly. In this manner, the mirror is "accessible" for use by handicapped individuals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Kasa, Inc.
    Inventor: Victor Hoernig
  • Patent number: 5566029
    Abstract: A mirror assembly adapted to be rotatably mounted with respect to a support structure such as a wheeled vehicle of the class that includes trucks, tractors, large recreational vehicles, etc. A rotatable housing carries a mirror and there is a fixed mounting bold for supporting the housing. A motor is connected to the housing so as to rotate it when power is applied to the motor. A clutch is associated with the motor in order to preclude damage if power is applied to the motor but the housing is incapable of moving. The clutch includes two pairs of metallic spring washers which are of the Belleville type and which have concave faces. The two washers of each pair are in contact and are oriented in the same direction, so that there is a substantial area of metal-to-metal contact between the washers of each pair of washers. A lubricant such as graphite is interposed between the pairs of Belleville washers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Moto Mirror Inc.
    Inventor: David F. Zebold
  • Patent number: 5563744
    Abstract: An exterior mirror assembly for a motor vehicle comprising a housing (11) containing a first mirror carrier (10, 50, 80) having a first substantially plane mirror (12, 58, 82) mounted thereon and a second mirror carrier (16, 52, 82) mounted adjacent to the first mirror carrier (10, 50, 80) for angular movement about an axis (18, 56, 86) parallel to an adjacent edge of the first mirror (12, 58, 82). The second mirror carrier (16, 52, 82) has a plane mirror (24, 66, 98) on a first face and a convex mirror (26, 68, 100) on a second face. When the second mirror carrier (16, 52, 82) in a first orientation, the mirror (24, 66, 82) on the first face forms a substantially continuous reflective surface with the mirror (12, 58, 88) on the first mirror carrier (10, 50, 80) of substantially uniform curvature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Britax Wingard Limited
    Inventor: James A. Matsumiya
  • Patent number: 5516073
    Abstract: An alternative mounting bracket arrangement for an exterior rear view mirror assembly which is normally supported by a door-half hinge plate of a vehicle removable front door. With the door removed the bracket may be readily bolted to an open knuckle of the body-half hinge plate. The bracket has upper and lower apertured flanges, vertically spaced for receiving the knuckle therebetween, with each flange formed with matching body engaging notch means. Upon insertion of an attaching bolt through the flange apertures the bracket is secured at a determined orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: James S. McMahan
  • Patent number: 5375014
    Abstract: A vehicle retractable mirror structure comprising an arm member mounted on a vehicle body for a pivotable movement relative to the vehicle body between an operative position wherein the arm member projects sidewardly with respect to the vehicle body and a retracted position wherein the arm member is positioned close to the vehicle body, and a mirror assembly mounted on the arm member for a pivotable movement with respect to the arm member. There is provided an interconnecting motion transmitting mechanism between the arm member and the mirror assembly for moving the mirror assembly with the arm member so that the mirror assembly is moved to an operative position wherein the mirror member is projected sidewardly with respect to the vehicle body when the arm member is moved to the operative position and a retracted position wherein the mirror member is positioned close to the vehicle body when the arm member is moved to the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naofumi Fujie, Hidekazu Kogita, Hideki Kawabata, Keiji Mori
  • Patent number: 5268796
    Abstract: A powered vehicle mirror includes a support shaft securable to a pair of support brackets in a fixed attachment. A mirror housing supports a mirror and defines an interior cavity through which the support shaft extends. A bidirectional motor and speed reduction gear mechanism is coupled to a rotatable threaded shaft having a pair of threaded shuttles supported thereby. A multiple arm linkage mechanism is coupled between the threaded shuttles and the support shaft such that rotation of the threaded shaft during motor energizing causes the threaded shuttles to be drawn closer together or spread farther apart and produce a rotational force against the support shaft which operates to pivot the mirror. A solenoid brake mechanism is operative to captivate a brake plate and prevents run-on or overshoot during mirror angular changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Inventors: Reg Tomerlin, Edward A. Chambers
  • Patent number: 5225943
    Abstract: A rear view mirror unit for a commercial vehicle, comprising a mirror, a support element to which this mirror is fixed, pivot means for connecting the support element in such a manner as to project from at least one region of the vehicle body defining at least one preferential angular position of the support element itself with respect to the body, and a cable slidably engaging a bushing fixed to the support element and connected to a coil spring with its front end, the free ends of the cable and the spring are connected to respective brackets fixed to the body to the sides of the said pivot means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Gilardini S.p.A.
    Inventor: Elio Lupo
  • Patent number: 5217197
    Abstract: An extension device to extend an original equipment vehicle side rear view mirror away from the vehicle so that the mirror may be used with wide loads. One end of a U-shaped extension device is inserted in the original mirror mounting bracket on the vehicle and the original mirror support arm is inserted in a sleeve that is rigidly secured to the other end of the extension device. Threaded fasteners, which are accessible to the driver through the vehicle window, extend through the sleeve to lock the mirror in adjusted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Inventor: Vernon J. Spitzer
  • Patent number: 5161321
    Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for display and storage, and more particularly relates to an reversible wall panel system for storage and display. The apparatus provides approximately double the useable space of the area on which it is mounted. The apparatus is comprised of a panel rotatably mounted on a frame via integral pivot arms. Springs help maintain an essentially coplanar relationship between the panel and frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Inventor: Horst F. Kuhnke
  • Patent number: 5111342
    Abstract: A tailer-hitch-viewing mirror tool that can be temporarily mounted on the tailgate of a pickup truck or the rear window of a station wagon, camper, or other towing vehicle. It easily adjusts to pickup truck's tailgate or other towing vehicle's rear window and can be utilized by anyone without special skills or instruction. It conveniently allows the driver of the towing vehicle to align its hitch ball to the mating trailer hitch socket by affording the driver a clear view of the hitch parts from the driver's seat. The driver slowly backs up while viewing the mating hitch parts through the tailgate or rear-window-mounted mirror, whereby he or she can align the hitch ball to the mating trailer hitch, completing the task quickly, comfortably, and without assistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Inventor: David M. Quesada
  • Patent number: 5102089
    Abstract: A vehicle roof-view mirror assembly which, because of the various optional adjusting means, allows the use of the mirror assembly with a wide assortment of vehicles and vehicle types. The vehicle roof-view mirror assembly or system for viewing the roof area and the space above the roof area maybe incorporated into the vehicle as original equipment or a factory installed assembly and/or is custom made for the make and model of vehicle on which the assembly is incorporated especially when the view expanding mirror is external to and forward of the vehicle windshield or windscreen. The adjustment of the mirror in order to better view the roof area may be done remotely by well known systems such as is used for the remote control of presently used side-view mirrors. There may also be incorporated a heater system in order to keep the mirror free of ice and snow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Inventor: August Baur
  • Patent number: 5081546
    Abstract: An exterior rear view mirror for a motor vehicle has a housing containing a reflective member and being adapted to be secured to a bracket, mounted on the vehicle body, by first and second arms. Each arm is pivotally connected to the bracket for relative angular movement about a pivot axis. In order to hold the housing at a predetermined orientation relative to the bracket means, a first pair of detent formations on the second support element diametrically spaced on opposite sides of the pivot axis is adapted to engage with a first pair of complementary formations on one face of a washer located between the second support element and the bracket means, and a second pair of detent formations on the opposite face of the washer diametrically spaced apart from one another relative to the pivot axis and orientated at 90.degree. to the first pair of complementary formations, the second pair of detent formations, is adapted to engage with a second pair of complementary formations on the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: Britax Wingard Limited
    Inventor: John Bottrill