Movable Or Disengageable On Impact Or Overload Patents (Class 248/900)
  • Patent number: 10882452
    Abstract: A folding device to move a mirror head relative to a mirror base of a motor vehicle exterior mirror, the folding device including a carrier operatively connected to one of the mirror head or the mirror base, a motor arranged in the carrier, and which has a motor shaft, an output device operatively connected to one of the mirror base or the mirror head, and a gear mechanism to operatively connect the output device to the motor shaft. The motor shaft and the output device are located parallel with each other, and the motor, the output device, and the gear mechanism are positioned relative to each other via the carrier, such that the axial spacings of the motor shaft, the output device, and the gear mechanism located therebetween are determined via the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: MAGNA Auteca GmbH
    Inventor: Bernhard Schadler
  • Patent number: 8844207
    Abstract: A portable dance floor system comprises a plurality of floor panels removably couplable together to form a dance floor assembly, with each floor panel comprising a perimeter frame circumscribing a core, and a dance floor surface substantially covering the frame and core. The frame has an extrusion with an outwardly facing channel having an opening, and an elongated cavity behind the channel. A plurality of bores can extend into the extrusion from a back of the extrusion, into the channel, and to the opening. A plurality of magnets can each be disposed in a different one of the plurality of bores. A retaining strip can be disposed in the elongated cavity and can hold the plurality of magnets in the plurality of bores between the retaining strip and the opening. The panel can include the core having an aluminum honeycomb between aluminum skins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Mity-Lite, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Bowers, Mitchell Health
  • Patent number: 8568055
    Abstract: An adjustment system for connections between metal structures which consists of two plates. The adjustment system comprises a first plate (1) provided with four radial slits (4), where one part of the structure to be connected can be joined, and a second plate provided with four circular slits (5) where another part of the structure to be connected can be joined. Joining screw pins (3) pass through the radial slits in plate (1) and through the circular slits in plate (2) in order to join the two parts by means of the corresponding nuts (6) which tighten the said plates together. The adjustment system makes it possible to adjust the position of the two plates (1 and 2) with respect to their movement on axes X, Y and Z.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: STEELROOT Portugal, LDA
    Inventor: Vasco Maria Marques Lito Velez Grilo
  • Patent number: 8448913
    Abstract: A highway guardrail terminal having horizontally extending guardrail elements mounted on a plurality of vertical posts. An anchor cable release mechanism having a cable release bracket attached to a W-beam rail element by cable release bolts has an arrangement of tapered slots and elongated openings to quickly release the cable release bracket from the W-beam rail element upon end-on vehicular impact to the terminal. The tapered slots have a geometry which lifts the bracket away from and out of a parallel alignment with the W-beam rail element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventors: John R. Rohde, John Reid, Dean Sicking, King K. Mak
  • Patent number: 8448594
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for providing a preliminary alert to the driver of a vehicle approaching an overhead obstacle. The inventive concept consists of a vertical mounting post to which is attached a non-marring horizontal height restrictor arm. The position of the height restrictor arm on the vertical post is at the same vertical distance from the roadway surface as is the vertical distance of the specific overhead obstacle for which an alert is provided. The height restrictor arm is affixed to the vertical post by means of a multi-directional pivotal connector comprising a hollow sphere, spring, and chain assembly. The pivotal connector allows the height restrictor arm to move, after contact by a vehicle, in a multitude of directions, fore and aft, up or down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: David Allen Dukes
  • Patent number: 8434731
    Abstract: The invention relates to a support structure for use in supporting a road sign or the like. A longitudinal tubular support member has a uniform cross-section that includes a plurality of circular or part-circular port sections for receiving an end anchorage. Enclosing wall sections extend between the port sections and are shaped to include a concave form so as to promote inward collapsing of the support member in the event of an impact to the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Varley and Gulliver Limited
    Inventors: Anthony Everitt, Darren Copeland
  • Patent number: 8430428
    Abstract: The instant invention includes a mounting capsule for a steering column assembly of a vehicle. The mounting capsule has a first capsule portion and a second capsule portion coupled together during normal operation. The first capsule portion includes a first arm and a second arm each having a first taper and a second taper. The second capsule portion includes a first groove and a second groove tapered in a complimentary configuration to the first and second arm for receiving the first and second arm. Frictional forces between the first and second capsule portions aid in coupling the first and second capsule portions and effectively reduce lateral and vertical movement in a steering column assembly during operation. Upon an impact event exerting a predetermined impact force the first and second capsule portions disengage allowing the steering column assembly to collapse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventor: Melvin Lee Tinnin
  • Patent number: 8214965
    Abstract: The invention relates to a windscreen wiper device (10), in particular for a motor vehicle, screwed to a chassis (12). Conventional windscreen wiper devices do not yield on an impact with a pedestrian and hence represent a significant injury risk for pedestrians. According to the invention, the risk of injury may be reduced whereby the housing openings (30), provided for housing screws (11) in the chassis (12) comprise a slot (31) at the edge of the housing opening (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Heiko Volz, Juergen Rapp, Thomas Steimel
  • Patent number: 8117710
    Abstract: The invention relates to a windshield wiper device (10), in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a support (12), on which a bearing (18) is arranged, which supports a wiper shaft (22). In this case, a retaining element (20) is provided, which detachably connects the bearing (18) to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Achim Kraus, Francois Schabanel
  • Patent number: 7856916
    Abstract: Recoil artillery systems and isolation systems are provided. An isolation system is provided for mounting an inertial navigation system onto an artillery system having a barrel adapted to move along a longitudinal axis during a firing sequence. The system includes an inner cradle, an outer cradle, first and second elastomeric isolators, and a first single axis damper. The first elastomeric isolator is mounted between the inner and outer cradles. The second elastomeric isolator is mounted between the inner and outer cradles. The first single axis damper is aligned substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis and includes a first end and a second end, the first end is mounted to the first inner sidewall, and the second end is mounted to the first outer sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Robert B. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7832695
    Abstract: A bendable mailbox or sign post comprises a foundation defined at one of a dirt, a concrete, and an asphalt surface. A top assembly releasably couples with the foundation and has a plate and a stub extending upward from the plate. The elongated post extends vertically from a bottom end connected with the top assembly. A resilient interconnection is provided between the post and the top assembly, whereby the post pivots about the bottom end and deflects from its vertical orientation when a lateral force is applied to the post and the post returns to the vertical orientation when no lateral force is applied. A frangible interconnection may be provided between the resilient interconnection member and one of the post and the stub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Flexpost, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Ebel, Brian Kronenmeyer
  • Patent number: 7784748
    Abstract: The invention relates to a swing away mail box post which is simple to operate and manufacture. It includes two parts: a stationary base; and, a rotating stem (the latter of which is attached to the mailbox post itself). There is only one moving part, the stem rotates on the base as you desire. You just set the desired direction upon base installation by relying on a directed notch or keyway that interacts with a stem mounted screw to bias the location of the stem with respect to the base post. The installation of the base is straight forward, and the stem is adaptable to any standard type mailbox post, i.e., 3? round metal, 4?×4? wood, and 3½?×3 ½? P.V.C. sq. type post. This mailbox post system also includes two base configurations, one for stable packed soil, grass, etc. and one for sandy (i.e., loose) soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: David William Biddiscombe
  • Patent number: 7774965
    Abstract: An illuminated emergency sign comprises a main body, a rotary body, side covers, a circuit board, a LED lamp indicator, an acrylic sign panel, and a canopy. The acrylic sign panel is connected to the lower end of the rotary body. In the rotary body is disposed a LED lamp panel. The LED lamp indicator is disposed on the LED lamp panel. The rotary body is rotatably connected to the lower end of the main body. In the main body is disposed a battery. The side covers are connected to both ends of each of the main body and the rotary body. The canopy is disposed on the top of the main body. The sign panel of such an illuminated emergency sign can be rotated within 180 degrees and fixed at a proper angle under action of the friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Je Woo Corporation, Ltd., Hui Yang
    Inventor: Sung-Keun Lee
  • Patent number: 7744229
    Abstract: In some embodiments of outer rear-view mirrors, a mirror head (12) and a mirror base (11) are joined together in an articulated manner by a hinge (15, 16). The mirror head (12) can pivot out of a normal operational position in or against the travelling direction (10) and be fixed in the position swivelled against the travelling direction (10). For the outer rear-view mirror to be pivotable out of its normal operational position in or against the travelling direction (10), the intermediate joint (30) has two parallel joint axes arranged between the mirror base and the mirror head, and a U-shaped projection (37). The outer rear-view mirror is advantageously used in motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Roland Oehmann, Kürsat Sonntag
  • Patent number: 7740190
    Abstract: A boom breakaway assembly for a spray boom used by a vehicle. The boom breakaway assembly includes a reciprocating system having a first position and a second position, a retention system, and a bias system. In the first position, the bias system applies a maximum effective bias rate to the reciprocating system and the retention system applies a holding force upon the spray boom to maintain the spray boom in a desired outward position. In the second position, the bias system applies a minimal effective bias rate to the reciprocating system and the retention system reduces or disengages the holding force upon the spray boom, thereby allowing the spray boom to move from the outward position to a breakaway position when the spray boom encounters an obstacle. The bias system returns the reciprocating system to the first position once the spray boom clears the obstacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: John Peterson, Steve Seubert, Dave Friesner
  • Patent number: 7562927
    Abstract: The invention relates to a windshield wiper device, in particular for a motor vehicle, with a molded tube (10) that is connected to the bodywork (13) and/or a mounting plate that is connected to the bodywork (13), which is particularly a mounting plate for a wiper motor. The windshield wiper device is located in a region, which is often an impact zone in a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian. As a result, the components of the windshield wiper device often represent a high risk of injury to pedestrians. The objective of the invention is to improve the windshield wiper device so that the risk of injury to pedestrians is reduced during a collision with the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Rapp, Thomas Steimel
  • Patent number: 7523912
    Abstract: A pivot assembly that can be retrofitted to existing traffic poles. The pivot assembly comprises a bearing assembly disposed between a top plate and a bottom plate. The bottom plate connects to the existing pole foundation with the standard anchor bolt arrangement. Similarly, the top plate connects to the base plate of the traffic pole using additional bolts. Bearings in the pivot assembly allow the pole to rotate relative to the foundation. Preferably, roller bearings are utilized, as these can be contained substantially within the pivot assembly without extending down into the foundation or up into the pole. This means the pivot assembly can be installed in existing, standard traffic poles and foundations without modifying either. The pivot assembly does not interfere with existing wiring or access openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Pelco Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond M. Woods
  • Patent number: 7490945
    Abstract: A folding assembly for a vehicle side mirror that employs specialized ramped détentes. The folding assembly includes a pivot tube and a pivot spring rotatably coupled to a case frame and rigidly coupled to a base frame. The base frame includes a series of ramped détentes that are seated within corresponding recesses in the case frame. The inside angle (?1) of the ramps of the détentes is steeper than the outside angle (?2) of the ramps of the détentes according to a predetermined formula so that when the case frame is rotated relative to the base frame, and the détentes move out of their recesses, the force of the rotation is distributed along the entire length of the ramp to increase the durability performance of the mirror and thus its longevity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Visiocorp Patents S.a.r.l.
    Inventor: Ryan Proctor
  • Patent number: 7261272
    Abstract: A conical rotary joint is provided for a vehicle mirror assembly and the like having a fixed mount and a moveable support arm. A base is carried by one of the fixed mount and moveable arm, and a conical receptacle is carried by the base. A conical plug body is received in the conical receptacle. The conical plug is carried by the other of the fixed mount and support arm. The conical receptacle has a conical bearing surface which mates with the conical bearing surface of the conical plug. A biasing element presses the conical bearing surfaces together in a tight fit to reduce play and wear. First and second indents correspond to operating and folded positions of the support arm, and biased operator has a first deflected position in which the operator engages with a selected indent to retain the support arm in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Lang Mekra North America, LLC
    Inventor: Emmanuel Courbon
  • Patent number: 7167294
    Abstract: An automobile exterior sideview mirror system includes an exterior sideview mirror assembly, which includes a reflective element assembly. The reflective element assembly includes a first reflective element having a unit magnification and a second reflective element having a curvature. The first reflective element and the second reflective element are supported at a support element. The mirror system preferably further includes an actuator, which is operable to adjust the orientation of the reflective element assembly. The second reflective element is disposed adjacent to and separate from the first reflective element when it is included in the exterior sideview mirror assembly. Further, a demarcation element is provided between the first reflective element and the second reflective element. A portion of the second reflective element adjacent the demarcation element has a front surface that is generally coplanar with the front surface of the first reflective element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Niall R Lynam, John O Lindahl, Hahns Y Fuchs
  • Patent number: 7108445
    Abstract: An adapter is for use in cooperation with a post. The adapter includes an upper adapter portion which will be attached to a first part of the post, and a lower adapter portion which will be attached to a second part of the post. The adapter also includes a cylindrically helical spring connecting the upper adapter portion to the lower adapter portion so as to allow relative movement between the upper and lower adapter portions, including either rotational movement in which the post remains upright, or movement in which the first part of the post bends, or both. At least one of the two adapter portions is shaped to receive the helical spring as a screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: Joseph Henriques
  • Patent number: 7065911
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an elongated body formed from recycled tire material. At least one reinforcing member extends within the body and is disposed between opposed end portions thereof. Such a reinforcing member is preferably positioned substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis and may have a substantially V-shape, a substantially U-shape or a substantially cylindrical shape, for example. The apparatus further includes a connecting mechanism for removably connecting select ones of the opposed end portions thereof to a support surface or an object, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Phillip G. Silva
  • Patent number: 7014327
    Abstract: A vehicle mirror assembly includes a mounting bracket for attachment of the mirror assembly to a vehicle. The bracket is in communication with a mounting arm at a first end thereof. The mounting arm has a second end that is in communication with a mirror. The mirror assembly includes at least one release mechanism that allows the mounting arm to pivot with respect to the bracket when the mounting arm is subject to a force of at least a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Mirror Lite Company
    Inventors: William Schmidt, Daniel Swain
  • Patent number: 6932387
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for adjusting an energy absorbing system of an automobile vehicle steering column mounted in a support assembly which is connected to and attached to the structure of the vehicle by fixing devices each having a respective fixing axis. At least one fixing device includes at least one energy absorbing capsule disposed in the support assembly on a retaining axis and clamped in the support assembly by fastening devices. The fixing axis and the retaining axis coincide. The fastening devices are independent of the fixing devices and include a nut and a rod shoulder in order to allow adjustment to achieve the required clamping of the fastening devices to obtain the required energy absorption. Adjustment of the clamping of the energy absorbing capsule or capsules is therefore independent of the clamping of the devices for fixing the support assembly to the vehicle structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: NACAM France SA
    Inventors: André Laisement, Alain Carrer, Jean-Marc Gatti
  • Patent number: 6926414
    Abstract: A hinge actuator for a wing mirror of motor vehicle, which is operative between an extreme fold-in position and an extreme fold-out position and between the extreme fold-out position and an extreme fold-over position, comprising a mirror base, provided with a frame with a frame part which extends around a base shaft and supported on a base flange. A first cam track located between the base shaft and the frame part, with at least one bearing element, is present, and a first elastic element extending on a side along this track. During a rotation of the frame relative to the base shaft between the extreme fold-in position and the extreme fold-out position, the first elastic element contact with the bearing element undergoes a deformation, while during a rotation between the extreme fold-out position and the extreme fold-over position, the first elastic element undergoes a further-going deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Paulus Gerardus Maria Van Stiphout
  • Patent number: 6918566
    Abstract: A retaining apparatus (H) for retaining a room accessory such as a mirror assembly (4) comprises a base (1), a linear spring (2), and a base inner (3). The linear spring (2) includes linear parts (21) and a curved part (22), which are connected together with hairpin parts (23). A base (1) is attached between the linear parts (21) while a flange (39) provided at the base inner (3) is attached inside the curved part (22). The flange (39) is provided at a socket (38). A pivot (52) of a stay 5 of the mirror assembly (4) is pressed into the socket (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Murakami Corporation
    Inventors: Hisaya Suzuki, Masahiko Marusawa, Noriyuki Tsutsumi
  • Patent number: 6896378
    Abstract: This invention relates to a mirror head (10) for an external vehicle mirror that comprises a load carrying structure (11) that is located within the mirror head, a connector (16) on the load carrying structure (11) that connects the mirror head (10) with respect to the vehicle, a shell (12, 13, 14) forming the external surface of the mirror head (10) within which at least a portion of the load carrying structure (11) locates, said connector (16) being positioned to enable connection with respect to the vehicle, and foam within the internal cavity of the shell (12, 13, 14), that acts to bond the load carrying structure (11) with respect to the shell components (12, 13, 14). This assembly provides a lighter mirror head (10) by comparison to conventional construction techniques while at the same time remaining rigid. It provides a means whereby loads can be transferred to the foam which are in turn transferred to the external shell components (12, 13, 14) of the mirror head (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Robert William Gilbert, Gary Gordon Leslie Fimeri, Paul Michael Schwarz, Patrick Joseph McCaffrey
  • Patent number: 6880665
    Abstract: A pedal support for a motor vehicle includes a first partial spindle, a second partial spindle, a clamp, a bracket connected to a crash-deformable bodywork part of the motor vehicle, and a stay in engagement with another part of the pedal support and connected to a crash-stable bodywork part of the motor vehicle. The bracket includes side walls, each having an outside. The first partial spindle and the second partial spindle are each mounted in one of said the walls and spaced apart in an axial direction. A spring force acts on the partial spindles in the axial direction. The clamp includes two parallel limbs, each limb being connected to one of the partial spindles and bearing against the outside of one of the side walls, such that a relative movement of the crash-deformable bodywork part to the crash-stable bodywork part urges the partial spindles away from each other so as to release a pedal supported by the partial spindles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Edscha Betaetigungssysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Christine Margarete Oprisch
  • Patent number: 6854154
    Abstract: A motor bracket is attached at one end of a vehicle body so as to be able to slide, and is fixed at the other end to the vehicle body. And weak points are provided in the vicinity of a motor bracket fixing section. Weak points are also provided in the vicinity of a first fixing section of a first pivot holder. On the other hand, weak points are also provided in the vicinity of a second fixing section of a second pivot holder. Since the motor bracket slides and becomes detachable if the weak points are ruptured, it is possible to absorb an impact at the wiper motor. Since the first and second pivot holders are also detached if the weak points and weak points are ruptured, it is possible to improve the overall impact absorbing performance of the vehicle wiper assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tadashi Masuda
  • Patent number: 6843575
    Abstract: Even when a stay is mounted to a mounting surface with tilting angle different according to types of vehicles, a predetermined or more tilting range of the mirror assembly can be obtained, thereby securing a rear field of view. As a result, since an inside mirror can be for general-purpose use of types of vehicles having a mounting surface with different tilting angles, the inside mirror does not have to be designed and manufactured according to each type of vehicles, thereby lowering the cost of the inside mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenichi Wachi
  • Patent number: 6829854
    Abstract: A lighted flexible display device or sign, useful for advertising purposes, and having a battery supply mount. The display device herein is a lighted display and is constructed to be flexible in the presence of inadvertent bumping or deflection thereof. The mounting resilient such that, when the deflecting force is removed, the sign springs back to its normal lateral position. The mount for the display device includes a battery supply, with such supply being electrically connected to the electrical circuit of the sign. This is accomplished by means of electrical leads passing through a deflection restoration spring, by such leads passing through a resilient tongue, or with connectors used in a spring-biased pivotal construction for connecting the battery supply to the electrical lighting circuit of the sign.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventor: Randy B. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 6753471
    Abstract: An electrical assembly containing one or more electrical devices is provided for mounting on a wall or other support. The assembly includes a housing having a rear wall and a front wall. The front wall is typically a faceplate with openings exposing the electrical devices. A cover is pivotally connected to the housing to enclose the front wall and protect the electrical devices. The rear wall includes a removable panel which can be removed to form an opening. An adapter which functions as a mounting device has a column with an axial passage where the mounting device is coupled to an electrical box. The column is inserted through the opening in the rear wall of the housing for mounting the assembly on the electrical box. In one embodiment, the housing includes a sleeve dimensioned to receive the column of the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven J. Johnson, Robert W. Jorgensen
  • Patent number: 6726337
    Abstract: An extendable exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror subassembly, a bracket which is adapted for mounting to a vehicle, and a support which mounts the mirror subassembly to the bracket. Support extends into the housing which is movable along the support. The housing includes a retracted position and at lease one outboard position, which define a direction of extension. The mirror assembly further includes a drive assembly which is supported in the housing and drivingly coupled to the support. The drive assembly selectively moves the housing along the support. The mirror assembly further includes a clutch mechanism which drivingly decouples the drive assembly from the support when a force of sufficient magnitude is applied to the housing in the direction of extension such that the housing can be manually moved along the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Peter John Whitehead, Michiel Pieter van de Ven
  • Patent number: 6717712
    Abstract: This invention provides a reflective element assembly suitable for use in an exterior sideview mirror assembly mounted to the side body of an automobile. The reflective element assembly includes a first reflective element and a second reflective element. The second reflective element is angled downwardly and forwardly with respect to the first reflective element when the mirror assembly is mounted to a side of an automobile to provide an increased field of view. In one form, both reflective elements are commonly supported on a bezel, which is mounted to the mirror assembly casing. In another form, the reflective elements are separately mounted, with the second reflective element fixedly mounted to the casing and the first reflective element movably supported in the mirror casing, for example, on an actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Niall R. Lynam, John O. Lindahl, Hahns Yoachim Fuchs
  • Publication number: 20040041072
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mounting device comprised of a base configured for attachment to a desired mounting surface and to secure a resilient connector extending away from a connector support. The resilient connector further comprising a flexible snubber and a spring surrounding the snubber. At least two alignment surfaces are provided, disposed around the resilient connector, where the alignment surfaces adjoining each other. The alignment surfaces may be disposed on an alignment loop, or a plurality thereof, disposed around the resilient connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: George Kringel, Frank Calderazzo
  • Publication number: 20030205006
    Abstract: A breakaway post base includes a pair of adjacent slip plates to allow separation of the upper portion of a traffic sign or the like from its permanently mounted base. The two plates are triangular with notches at their apices, with the plates and related structure secured together by bolts through the apex notches. An impact on the upper post dislodges the bolts, allowing the upper post to move freely and preventing significant damage to the sign structure. At least one of the slip base plates includes a sleeve extending therefrom, into which one end of the post is installed. The post is prevented from rotating relative to the slip base by a series of set screws installed through the slip base sleeve and locking the post immovably therein. Thus, a sign supported by the present assembly cannot rotate relative to the slip base plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Michael D. Conner, Stanley E. Partee
  • Patent number: 6641271
    Abstract: A sideview mirror for a vehicle. A pivot assembly is provided between the mirror head and the mounting bracket. The pivot assembly allows the mirror head to pivotally rotate with respect to the mounting bracket. A load support structure provides a design to provide improved resistance to cantilever forces imposed on the mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Andrew John Churchett
  • Patent number: 6637898
    Abstract: A manually foldable door mirror has a stand, a bracket which is supported by the stand, and a mirror portion which is fixed to the bracket. A first surface is formed on the stand. A support shaft extends from the stand. A first projection and a second projection are located on the first surface at a predetermined interval with respect to an axis of the support shaft. A second surface is formed on the bracket. A first recess and a second recess are located on the second surface at a predetermined interval with respect to the axis of the support shaft. When the first projection fits in the first recess and the second projection faces to the second recess, the mirror portion is held at the normal position. When the second projection fits in the first recess and the first projection faces to the second recess, the mirror portion is held at the folded position. A circumferential width of the second recess is greater than those of the first and second projections. A spring urges the bracket to the stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Yasunori Hattori, Bunji Inagaki
  • Patent number: 6609800
    Abstract: A vehicle door mirror having a housing. The housing connects to a vehicle door via a stem. An intermediate member is inserted between the housing and the vehicle door to effect relatively smooth abutment between the intermediate member and each of the housing and the vehicle door. The cylindrical stem extends from the housing through the intermediate member and through the vehicle door. The stem includes primary engagement members to engage with complementary engagement members formed in a mounting hole of the door. The engagement members prevent removal from the mounting hole when the stem is in a predetermined orientation. A spring is compressed between the housing and the stem to cause retraction of the stem inward of the housing. Such inward movement urges the primary engagement members into engagement with the complementary engagement members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems UK Limited
    Inventors: Andrew J. Assinder, Graham Rehill
  • Patent number: 6584870
    Abstract: A shift lever device having a shift lever which allows selection of an arbitrary shift range by shift operation and includes a support which rotatably supports the shift lever and includes breakable portions which break when an impact force above a preselected magnitude is applied to the shift lever. Accordingly, when an axial impact force indicative of a sudden deceleration is applied to the shift lever, the support is broken. The breakage of the support allows safer absorption of the impact force applied to the shift lever. The breakable portions may take the form of a frangible pin or bracket that pivotally supports the shift lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventors: Masaya Nishimura, Kazuhiro Sato, Masaki Fujita, Yoshitaka Watanabe, Hitoshi Kanazawa, Noriyasu Shamoto
  • Patent number: 6578973
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror for motor vehicles has a mirror base and a mirror head connected to the mirror base. The mirror head is pivotable about a first pivot axis relative to the mirror base from a position of use into a parking position. A securing device exerting a securing force onto the mirror head at least in the parking position is provided. A tension spring exerting a spring force onto the mirror head is also provided, wherein the securing force counteracts the spring force. A cam disc is pivotably supported on the mirror base about a second pivot axis, wherein the mirror head has a support and wherein the tension spring has a first end connected to the cam disc and a second end connected to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Reitter & Schafenacker GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Robert Apfelbeck
  • Publication number: 20030107826
    Abstract: A mirror system for improving a motorist's field of vision, and comprising at least one mirror having a convex reflecting surface, and a housing capable of being mounted beneath an exterior surface of a vehicle for accommodating therein the at least one mirror when not in use. A mechanism within the housing elevates the at least one mirror out of the housing through an opening in the exterior surface of the vehicle and rotates the at least one mirror after its elevation through the opening into a line of sight of the motorist thus allowing a cross-section of the opening to have a smaller area than a cross-section of the at least one mirror. After use, the mechanism retracts the mirror(s) into the housing, preferably automatically under control of a controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Applicant: PROLOG LTD.
    Inventors: Moshe Shafrir, Tal Dai
  • Patent number: 6573446
    Abstract: A installation system for mounting electrical receptacle boxes within a building structure. The electrical receptacle box has at least one of a front contact positioning device for contacting the front wall surface of a wall and a rear contact positioning device for contacting the rear surface of the wall to thereby position the electrical receptacle box with respect to the wall. A bracket for mounting the electrical receptacle box to a structural member includes a clamping bracket which exerts a clamping force on opposing faces of the structural component and is slidable along the length of the structural component before being fixedly secured thereto. Preferably, the clamping bracket includes an adjustable biasing portion which is deflectable to define a variable clamping gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventors: George H. Umstead, Steven M. Umstead
  • Patent number: 6565052
    Abstract: A support system for vertically hanging a flexible banner, the system including two horizontally extending arms for supporting a banner tautly. A dampener is connected at an inner end of each respective arm, the dampener including: a) a movable first element on which is fixed a respective horizontally extending arm; b) a fixed bracket second element for securement to a vertical support surface; and c) an intermediary elastic member mounted between the first and second elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Ets Doublet
    Inventor: Luc Doublet
  • Patent number: 6565218
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror for vehicles has a mirror base and a mirror head connected to the mirror base so as to be pivotable in and counter to a travel direction of the vehicle. At least one lifting device imparts to the mirror head a movement away from the mirror base when the mirror head is pivoted forwardly in the travel direction. The lifting device has a lifting element connected with the mirror head and a counter element connected with the mirror base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Reitter & Schefenacker GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Alexander Pirner, Florin Secanu
  • Patent number: 6561708
    Abstract: A foldable keyboard includes a clamping stage, and a retaining stage. The foldable keyboard has an accommodation region on rear edge thereof. A strip-shaped rail is formed in front of the accommodation region and a guiding groove is formed on an opposite side of the accommodation region. The clamping stage is laterally movable on the accommodation region. The clamping stage has a pair of bumps on a rear side thereof and each bump has a pivotal hole on an inner side thereof such that the clamping stage can be pivotally connected to the retaining stage. The retaining stage has a socket electrically connected to an internal circuit of the foldable keyboard and a portable electronic device can be inserted into the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Silitek Corporation
    Inventor: Winky Lin
  • Patent number: 6560906
    Abstract: A portable signpost assembly having a portable base structure and a frangible support post coupled to the portable base structure. The frangible support post includes a plurality of corners, wherein at least one of the corners, when viewed in cross section, includes a notch formed therein that promotes localized fracturing of the frangible support post upon contact from a motor vehicle. This enables the frangible support post to be broken away from the portable base structure upon impact from an errant vehicle to permit the sign and support post to travel over the vehicle without entering the passenger compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventor: David U. Hillstrom
  • Publication number: 20030086187
    Abstract: A stabilization device for a rear-view mirror of a motor vehicle includes a mirror set (1) having a sleeve (41) incorporated in a support structure (20) of the mirror set (1) and articulated in a pivot post (60) of a base member (70). The device proportions and determines the stabilization of the mirror set through an axially squeezing “F’ force to the pivot post (60) of the mirror set (1). The sleeve has a first indented surface (42) and a second indented surface (43) in the base (70) that is adjacent to the first indented surface (42). The first and second indented surfaces (42, 43) have corresponding profiles to engage one in the other. An axial compression spring (44) disposed about the pivot post (60) presses the sleeve (41) to couple the surface (42) of the mirror set (1) in the indented surface (43) of the base (70). A reaction washer (45), fixed around the pivot post (60), presses against the spring (44). The pivot post (60) has an intermediary radial hole (62).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventor: Leonidas Venancio de Melo Neto
  • Patent number: 6545217
    Abstract: An electrical junction box having a double-wall structure includes a container body and an upper cover to be mounted on the container body. A peripheral wall of the container body is composed of an outer wall and an inner wall. There is provided a horizontal rib between the outer wall and the inner wall for partitioning a space between the outer wall and the inner wall into an upper space and a lower space. A plurality of upper ribs and a plurality of lower ribs extending in a vertical direction are respectively provided at a determined interval above and below the horizontal rib. The horizontal rib is provided with communicating holes, between respective pairs of the upper ribs, which communicate the upper space with the lower space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Hidetoshi Sato
  • Patent number: 6543902
    Abstract: The invention relates to an outside rearview mirror for a motor vehicle. Said rearview mirror comprises a mirror base, to be attached to the motor vehicle; a mirror head, which carries a mirror glass. The invention also relates to a self-blocking drive, arranged in a multipart drive housing, with an electric motor, whose output shaft is in engagement in gear with a reduction gear and/or can be folded and moved back out of the service position (F to P) about a swivel axis and hinged to the motor vehicle under the effect of an external force; and the invention relates to electromechanical or electronic means, detecting a relative movement. In a known servo drive of this type, time consuming installation steps must be performed. Therefore, the object of the present invention is to enable a relatively arbitrary number of ways to lead the motor connections out and to enable the motor to move out of a blocked position while the installation remains simple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Bühler Motor GmbH
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Böhm