Abstract: A collapsible post structure having a frangible region that allows the post to collapse when the latter is struck. The post structure includes an elongated anchoring member. The anchoring member having an anchoring member hollow section that extends longitudinally into one longitudinal end thereof and defining an anchoring member inner surface. The post structure also includes an elongated supporting member. The supporting member having a supporting member hollow section that extends longitudinally into one longitudinal end thereof and defining a supporting member inner surface. The post structure further includes a connecting component, the connecting component having a connecting component first section and a connecting component second section. The connecting component first section and the connecting component second section are configured and sized so as to be respectively insertable into the anchoring member hollow section and the supporting member hollow section.

Abstract: An electrophotographic type image forming apparatus is provided with a base frame for supporting an image forming unit and an optical unit frame located above the base frame for supporting an optical unit, the optical unit frame having an extension portion positioned above the discharge tray. The apparatus is further provided with a reinforcing member attached to the optical unit frame. The reinforcing member has an attachment portion extending in a horizontal direction for reinforcing the extension portion of the optical unit frame, and a restricting portion extending in a vertical direction and having a lower end operable to come into contact with a specified portion of the base frame when the optical unit frame is subjected to an excessive load. The optical unit frame is prevented from deformation because the lower end of the restricting portion comes into contact with the base frame when an excessive load is applied to the optical unit frame, which assures high quality image formation.

Abstract: A is a pivot connection and detent mechanism for a vehicle mirror (10) comprising:a mounting bracket (14) that is attached to a motor vehicle having at least one pivot connection member a mirror assembly (11) including a mirror and at least one pivot connection for pivotal connection to the pivot connection member or members of the mounting bracket to allow angular movement of the mirror assembly (11) with respect to the mounting bracket (14), at least one detent recess (30) on at least one of the pivot connection members of either the mounting bracket (14) or the mirror assembly (11), a resilient arm held at its first end with respect to the pivot connection member that connects to the other pivot connection member with the detent recess (30), and a detent member (30) located at the second end of the resilient arm (40). The detent member (44) is positioned so that it engages the detent recess (30) to hold the mirror assembly (11) with respect to the mounting bracket (14).

Abstract: A vehicle seat construction with a rear impact energy absorbing damping system along with a fully adjustable, fitted, contoured seat back. First and second damping systems are provided, the first being between the seat base and the floor of the vehicle with the second being between the seat base and seat: back. The damping systems include shock absorbing devices in the track construction and in the seat base construction in the region of connection to the seat back. The seat back is provided with a vertical telescoping and pivoting support frame arrangement for height and contour adjustment for the occupant, and air bags for adjusting the contour of the seat back to the back of the occupant. The seat back construction includes configurable and positionable components for the lower back, the middle back and the head/neck area of the occupant, each component including inflatable pockets for contouring of the front surface of the seat back.

Abstract: A flexible sign board for blade signs is provided. The sign board has a frame with a mounting bracket that is connected to a resilient support. The resilient support is a plurality of springs connected to a shelf or the wall bracket according to the desired application. The springs support and maintain the sign frame perpendicular to the wall or shelf the sign is attached to and thereby provides a "swing away" effect of the sign when bumped into or pushed out of the consumers way. The flexible sign frame and mounting thereof will not obstruct the consumer aisle, and thereby enables the increased visibility of the displayed items from a further distance. The flexible sign board system provides the ability to adapt the sign board to an infinite variety of varying shelf depths without using or taking away valuable retail shelf space.

Abstract: A movement actuator includes first and second modules that are constructed to fit together in different manners. The first module includes first and second actuator parts mounted for rotation relative to one another, a gear wheel rotatable arranged in the second actuator part, and a transmission system including a coupler coupled to the gear wheel and a worm wheel. The second module includes a motor housing and an electromotor mounted in the housing and having a drive shaft having mounted thereon a worm. When the two modules are coupled together, in any of the different manners, the worm engages the worm wheel, thereby coupling the electromotor through the transmission system and gear wheel to the actuator parts. As a result, the electromotor is operable to rotate the actuator parts relative to each other.

Abstract: A breakaway mounting assembly supports a rearview mirror or other accessory on an improved windshield mounted button. The mounting assembly includes a base having a mount for the accessory or mirror, and a plurality of resilient flanges which engage, hold, and center the assembly on the button but flex to release the assembly if impacted from virtually any direction. Preferably, the resilient flanges are formed in one piece with a retainer mounted on the base by a plurality of mounting flanges also formed in one piece with the retainer and engaging a shoulder on the base. An open release space is defined between a pair of the flanges, while the base has an unobstructed open area aligned with the release space through which the button may be released when the mirror or accessory is impacted directly from the mirror reflecting surface. An inclined wall surface on the base cams the assembly off the button when the mirror or accessory is impacted from the side.

Abstract: A sign post is formed of a lower support component for anchoring within terrain, leaving an exposed upper portion above the surface of such terrain. The support component includes an array of longitudinally regularly spaced apertures. An upper support component formed having the same cross-sectional configuration and regularly spaced apertures is attached to the lower component at the exposed portion through the utilization of a splicing technique. The splice is formed as a stress transfer bar having two strategically positioned bores therein. These bores are spaced apart longitudinally a distance representing an even integer of the upper and lower component aperture spacing. Breakaway bolts are positioned through one of the components and into and through the stress transfer bar, and then the second component is attached with nuts being positioned and tightened over the bolts as they extend through the stress transfer bar.

Abstract: A detachable support attachable to a swimming pool having a clamp, and a hook assembly attached to the clamp, wherein the hook assembly disengages from the clamp when the load force exerted on the hook exceeds a predetermined level.

Abstract: A pivoting mailbx post is provided having a mailbox support arm that can be pivoted 360 degrees and easily returned to its normal resting position. It has an adjustment nut that allows increased tension on mailbox support arm for various weather conditions. At all times the support arm is maintained in a horizontal position and does not tilt. The homeowner can swing support arm completely around to empty contents without venturing into the street and traffic. This invention can be easily assembled and transported by the majority of homeowners. The pivoting mailbox will also have the ability to have damaged parts replaced.

Abstract: A post device, which is yieldable when hit by a vehicle, comprises a post with a base having at least three spaced-apart fixtures fixedly attached thereto, and a foundation with a fixing device supporting at least three spaced-apart rods, which are arranged to cooperate with the fixtures, thereby securing the post to the foundation. The fixtures are arranged on the outside of the base and embrace the associated rods and are each provided with a through opening or slot which is oriented substantially in the longitudinal direction of the post. Stop devices each engage an associated rod and an upper portion of an associated fixture.

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

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

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

Abstract: A detent mechanism that acts between two components that rotate with respect to one another to control rotation from a first set position to at least a second set position. The detent mechanism (10) comprises at least one rotating cam (23) positioned between adjacent surfaces of two components (11 and 16). The cam (23) is spaced from the axis of rotation of the two components (11 and 16). The cam (23) is journalled for rotation on one of the components (11) about an axis that is substantially transverse to the axis of rotation between the two components (11 and 16). The operating surface (25) of the cam (23) comprises at least one cam lobe that is caused to rotate as the two components (11 and 16) rotate. The cam (23) acts to separate the two components (11 and 16). Spring (17) acts to urge the adjacent surfaces together so that a predetermined torque is required to cause relative rotation between the components (11 and 16).

Abstract: A vehicle seat for absorbing energy exerted on the seat during impact including a seat frame having at least one generally vertical segment, a support apparatus including at least one generally vertical pole and at least one coupler fixedly mounted on the at least one pole of the support apparatus and circumferentially mounted on the at least one generally vertical segment of the seat frame, the at least one coupler having at least one deformation member engaging an indentation in the at least one segment such that displacement of the seat frame relative to the support apparatus occurs only when the force of the impact acting on the seat frame exceeds a preselected threshold.

Abstract: Apparatus for dampening vibration of a steering column which permits quick release and axial collapse of the steering column in a collision. Mounting brackets on the steering column have slide bars which fit in grooves in support brackets secured to the vehicle frame. Wedges fit in recesses between the slide bars and grooves to dampen vibration. The wedges release instantly when the steering column collapses in a frontal impact, allowing the collapse of the steering column without interference.

Abstract: A crash barrier including a post secured to a base at its lower end, the post having a front face to which one or more rails are secured, the post also having two side faces and a rear face. The rear face of the post is formed with a horizontally extending notch having upper and lower surfaces. When an impact load is transmitted to the front face of the post, the post is caused to distort in a region including the notch so that the upper and lower surfaces of the notch close towards one another prior to any fracture at or adjacent the front face of the post or at or adjacent its lower end.

Abstract: A side mounted vehicular rear view mirror of the type which comprises a hollow tubular steel gooseneck support arm which can be rotated forwardly or rearwardly relative to a clamp type mount on the vehicle body to fold the mirror against the vehicle body side to prevent damage to the mirror in, for example, a vehicle carwash or other narrow passageway. The clamping structure comprises a mount having longitudinally spaced semi-cylindrical bearing seats adapted to receive a length of the gooseneck arm and a spring steel clamp having opposing complemental bearing surfaces and an arcuate detent which engages a straight sides slot formed in the gooseneck arm where it overlies the spaced apart bearing seats. The spring clamp flexes to provide a relatively high break away torque and a relatively low continued rotation torque.

Abstract: A flexible sign board for blade signs is provided. The sign board has a frame with a mounting bracket that is connected to a resilient support. The resilient support is a plurality of springs connected to a shelf or the wall bracket according to the desired application. The springs support and maintain the sign frame perpendicular to the wall or shelf it the sign is attached to and thereby provides a "swing away" effect of the sign when bumped into or pushed out of the consumers way. The flexible sign frame and mounting thereof will not obstruct the consumer aisle, and thereby enables the increased visibility of the displayed items from a further distance. The Flexible sign board system provides the ability to adapt the sign board to an infinite variety of varying shelf depths without using or taking away valuable retail shelf space.

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

Abstract: A hanger for positioning an object such as electrical wire or an ornament in remote locations such as in trees. The hanger has a first loop shaped portion for releasably mounting the hanger on a support at a remote location. The first loop shaped portion is a synthetic organic resin having a memory such that after deformation thereof the first portion returns substantially to its original shape. A second loop shaped portion is integral with the first portion for holding an object such as a wire or an ornament; however, the second loop shaped portion is stiffer than the first loop shaped portion such that a pulling force applied to the object or to the second portion results in said first portion deforming and releasing the support while the second portion still holds the object. The first and second portions each form loops open at one end to facilitate positioning the first portion on the support and an ornament or wire in the second portion.

Abstract: A motor vehicle steering column including a longitudinally collapsible mast jacket, a lower mount whereat the mast jacket is supported for vertical pivotal movement, and an upper mount consisting of a pair of stationary rigid strikers and a pair of releasable capsules on the mast jacket each of which receives in plug-in fashion and automatically retains a corresponding one of the strikers. Each of the capsules includes a socket, a plunger bore intersecting the socket, a plunger in the plunger bore, and a plunger spring biasing the plunger toward an extended position partially obstructing the socket. Each striker has a cam at a distal end thereof and an inverted frustoconical body. When the mast jacket is pivoted vertically up, the cams on the strikers shift the plungers inward in the plunger bores.

Abstract: A bottle holder for an automobile. The bottle holder includes a cradle or similar structure for securing a bottle in a predetermined position, a clamp for securing the bottle holder inside the automobile, and a partially rigid neck connecting the clamp to the cradle. The neck includes a frangible joint which shears in the event of a collision. The cradle and bottle are thereby no longer bound near the feeding child. The frangible joint preferably comprises a prescored tube, which breaks along a predetermined circumferential inscribed line in a collision. The frangible joint is manually removable and installable to the neck, so that it can be renewed should it break. Optionally, a flaccid tether is provided to restrain the freed cradle and bottle from being thrown uncontrollably about the automobile cabin.

Abstract: A ground leveler attachment for a ground working device comprises a bracket fastened to a shank supporting a ground breaking tool, a carrier arm connected to the bracket, a pair of leg supports in pivotal contact with the carrier arm, a pair of springs biasing the legs supports into pivotal contact with the carrier arm, a pair of leg members extending from the leg supports, and a pair of levelers rotatably mounted upon the leg members and biased into a ground engagement position by the springs. The levelers independently and resiliently retract upon contact with a relatively immoveable object or objects to avoid being broken off from the leg members or severely damaged beyond usefulness.

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

Abstract: A breakaway post coupling with a hollow, tubular sleeve which accomodates a ground-mounted stub post and a top, sign-supporting post. The sleeve is held onto the posts by a plurality of pins which engage a corresponding plurality of slots in the sleeve. Collars slidably engage the sleeve and force the pins into the post material as the collars are drawn over the sleeve and pins. A plurality of cutouts in the sleeve define a shear point in the coupling. When the top post is struck by a vehicle, the coupling breaks at the shear point, leaving an intact stub post upon which a new top post can be joined.

Abstract: A frangible guy attachment adapted to be connected between a cable guy and a stationary guy anchor includes first and second elongated coaxial rods. The rods can either be formed as separate elements or can be formed integrally. In both cases the rods are constructed of an elongated rigid structural material. An intermediate coupler is coaxially fixed between the rods. The rigidity of the coupler exceeds that of the rods to concentrate shock bending stresses at an axial transition between one rod and the more rigid coupler. This stress concentration will cause the rod to fracture and break as a result of the sudden impact. A special clevis interconnects the lower end of the lower elongated rod and a conventional guy anchor, preventing subsequent attachment of additional cable guys to the anchor.

Abstract: A support arrangement for supporting an object above ground level is designed to reduce hazards for passing motorists. The support arrangement includes an above-ground portion rigidly connected to an in-ground portion by a frangible connector assembly. The above-ground portion can include a generally horizontally extending portion for supporting an object in a cantilevered manner. The horizontally extending portion is formed as part of a moveable portion connected to a generally vertically extending fixed portion by a rotatable connector assembly. The support arrangement is designed to bend and break away in a predetermined manner when impacted and, if it does not break, the rotatable connector is designed to permit the moveable portion to be pulled free and thrown clear of the vehicle. If only the cantilevered object is impacted, the object and moveable portion can rotate out of the path of the impacting force. Once the impacting force has passed, the moveable portion will return to an at-rest position.

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

Abstract: A breakaway base and upper-separation joint for use with highway luminaire supports. The breakaway base, circular in cross section, has a lower-base section with a first rim, an upper-base section with a second rim, a split-ring retainer, and a perimeter band. The split-ring retainer captures the first rim of the lower-base section and the second rim of the upper-base section. The perimeter band encircles the split-ring retainer. In response to a vehicle impact with the upper-base section, the perimeter band fractures, causing disjunction of the split-ring retainer and allowing the upper-base section to separate from the lower-base section. Alternatively, the breakaway base is radial-spoked when viewed from above and has a first plurality of rims on the lower-base section, a second plurality of rims on the upper-base section, a plurality of retainer segments to engage and capture the first and second plurality of rims, and a plurality of fasteners to secure the retainer segments against the rims.

Abstract: A break-way connector for a sign post having a stud rigidly welded to two spaced-apart channel members, with a central portion of the stud between the channel members having a groove and a pair of radial bores centered on the groove to define an area for shearing upon sudden impact, the break-away connector joining together an in-ground post and an above-ground post for holding a sign.

Abstract: The electrically powered foldable outer rearview mirror includes a base (43); a shaft (10) mounted on the base and including a protruding cylindrical portion (11) and a flange portion (20) having a slide surface (Sa); and a frame (15) rotatably engaged on the cylindrical portion (11), the frame (15) having a root portion (24) provided with an annular-shaped sliding portion (S) bearing on the slide surface (Sa) to slide smoothly around the cylindrical portion (11). The frame is provided with an annular-shaped plate stopper element (14) in a rear surface of the root portion (24) and inside of the annular sliding portion (S). The flange portion (20) has a shaft stopper element (32) loosely engaged in an arc-shaped groove (31) provided in the frame root portion (24) and balls (13,13) accommodated in respective hemispherical apertures (12,12) provided in the flange portion (20) and located so that the balls (13,13) engage in recesses (14c) in a plate stopper element (14).

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

Abstract: An antenna protecting device for motor vehicles including a triangular base having a cavity at an inner bottom thereof, a spherical container having a neck portion rotatably connected with the triangular base and provided at a bottom with a spring-loaded ball, a bracket extending upwardly from the spherical container and having a platform at an upper end, a hemispherical seat engaged with a lower portion of the spherical container and having an orifice which is smaller than the ball in diameter, a protective rod partly inserted in the spherical container through the bracket, and an antenna connected with the platform of the bracket.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for a vehicle rearview mirror has breakaway capability and includes a base for attachment to an interior portion of a vehicle and a support for releasable attachment to the base. A rearview mirror assembly is mounted on an end of said support. The support and base include removable electrical connectors for removably, electrically connecting any one of a variety of selectable electrical circuits in the rearview mirror assembly to wiring in the vehicle roof structure. A spring clip is provided to releasably connect the support member to the base such that a predetermined level of force is required to cause the support to release from the base and thereby permit the rearview mirror to break away.

Abstract: A mailbox assembly, includes an upstanding post, installable alongside a roadway, and a mailbox support structure swingably supported on the post, for rotation in a horizontal plane, is described. In the event that a vehicle should leave the roadway and crash into the mailbox, the support structure will swing out of the vehicle path to prevent destruction of the mailbox or support structure. The support structure includes a vertical shaft that is releasably retained in a normal operating position in which the mailbox is accessible to the driver of a vehicle. The support structure can be deflected rotationally by a vehicle crash force, but is resistant to smaller forces, e.g. wind forces or manual forces.

Abstract: An apparatus for hanging one or more cables such as a coaxial cable and the like from a support bracket. The support bracket having a first clamp and a second clamp. The first clamp of the support bracket is attached to a suspension structure such as a pole, pipe, building structure, etc. The method for hanging the cable comprising the inserting of a portion of the cable inside a plastic removable and reusable guide sleeve. The guide sleeve placed inside the second clamp of the support bracket. Also, a guide roller may be used instead of the guide sleeve with the guide roller attached to the second clamp with the cable supported on the roller. The cable is than stretch to a desired tension and the guide sleeve or guide roller is removed from the second clamp and the cable. A rubber grommet is placed around a portion of the cable and the grommet and cable are inserted inside the second clamp of the support bracket. The second clamp is than tightened around the grommet with the cable secured thereon.

Abstract: A bendable marker for use in areas where the marker is required to be flexible is provided with a base and a marker post which are joined together by a flexible sleeve. The flexible sleeve has a plurality of evenly spaced ribs which extend longitudinally along the sleeve from an upper end to a lower end. The ribs are evenly spaced apart with a groove being formed between each of the ribs. The ribs protrude from both the inner and outer surfaces of the flexible sleeve. If the marker post is struck, the flexible sleeve allows the marker post to bend relative to the base. The ribs strengthen and enhance the resiliency of the sleeve.

Abstract: A decorative pivoting mailbox assembly for road-side use which is less susceptible to damage from snow plows or automobiles. The assembly is attached to any standard vertical mailbox post and forms a platform for attaching the mailbox. Once the mailbox is attached, the invention acts as a self-centering hinge which allows the mailbox to swing in excess of 90 degrees from its original position to either side. It then returns via a spring, gravity and inherent hinge design to its original position. At all times, the mailbox is kept in a horizontal attitude and does not tilt. This invention allows the mailbox to be cantilevered out over the street to assist in mail insertion yet allows the homeowner to swing it sideways and empty the contents without venturing into the street and traffic.

Abstract: A spigot type breakaway mirror (10) for automobile exterior use includes both a supporting base (11) and a mirror subassembly (16), the base (11) having an upstanding spigot (12) which has a curved constraining surface (13), and the mirror subassembly (11) is provided with a locating surface (17) engageable over constraining surface (13) which constrains pivotal movement of the mirror subassembly to be about the spigot, but there are provided a cam pad (23) and recess surface (24) on the base and mirror subassembly respectively, and a spring (20) which cooperates between the base and mirror subassembly to retain the cam and recess surfaces in engagement, but the cam pad (23) and recess (24) surfaces cause the mirror subassembly (16) to cam outwardly away from the supporting base (11) if the mirror subassembly is caused to deflect upon striking an obstruction.

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

Abstract: This invention relates to a mount for redressably mounting a sign thereupon comprising a bracket member fixedly attached to an end of an elongate support member having essentially an angled cross section. The bracket member is mounted to a structure such as a bridge with the support member disposed generally horizontal relative to the ground such that the vertex is directed downward to display essentially a V shape. A tubular rotatable member having a square cross section is coaxially and rotatably mounted about the support member with a weighted pendulum swingably depending downwardly from the bottom wall of the rotatable member and with a sign support member extending upwardly from the top wall thereof to which a sign is fixedly attached. The support member provides two pivot points upon which the rotatable member rests with the sign in an upright position to substantially minimize swaying of the sign back and forth in the wind.

Abstract: A breakaway bracket is provided for mounting a rearview mirror to a button on the inner surface of a vehicle windshield. The bracket includes a spring clip which has a base portion, longitudinally extending, opposed, resilient side flanges, and a resilient locking flange which extends from the base portion. The side flanges have grooves and the locking flange has tabs so that when the bracket is mounted to the button, the grooves receive side surfaces of the button in tongue-and-groove fashion, and the tabs firmly engage a bottom surface of the button.

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

Abstract: A spring-loaded bracket includes a first part securable to a support, a second part mounted on the first part for angular movement relative thereto in opposite directions from a neutral position and a spring assembly biasing the second part to the neutral position. The spring assembly has a helical torsion spring carried by the first part and having first and second end portions at opposite ends. A first stop is carried by the first part to limit movement of the first spring end portion in a spring unwinding direction, and a second stop is carried by the first part to limit movement of the second spring end portion in a spring unwinding direction.

Abstract: A breakaway accessory mounting assembly for vehicles for supporting rearview mirrors and other accessories includes a base mounted on a vehicle panel surface such as a window, and a coupler engaging the base and having a support mounting the rearview mirror or other accessory. Retaining means such as a wire or stamped metal spring, or a resilient plate extend between the base and coupler and allow installation by slidably receiving the coupler on the base in a lateral direction followed by rotation of the coupler with respect to the base to an installed position about a predetermined first axis without further lateral sliding movement. The retaining means also resiliently hold the base and coupler together in the installed position, and allow release of the coupler from the base in three different separation modes when a predetermined force is imposed on the coupler or supported mirror or other accessory. Positioning means are provided to position the coupler in the installed position on the base.

Abstract: According to this invention a side mounted rear view mirror assembly, for vehicles having a mirror and mirror neck support member and further having generally horizontally disposed support bar means, comprises: a) a mirror support block means slidably mounted on the support bar means and having a first section through which the support bar means extends, and having a second section positioned rearwardly of the first section and depending downwardly, the second section having a neck support cavity therein within which the mirror neck support member may be inserted; and b) adjustment lock means in the block first section for releasably securing the block means to the support bar means at a desired position thereon; and lock means in the block second section adapted to hold and secure the neck support member in the neck support cavity.

Abstract: A foldable boom assembly including a hinge with inner and outer parts attached to inner and outer boom sections, respectively, permitting relative rotation of the inner and outer boom sections about a pivot axis. The outer end of the outer boom section swings rearwardly about the pivot axis upon contact with a foreign object. After passing the object, the outer boom section automatically returns to its original position. The outer boom section is capable of being folded to a position parallel to the inner boom section. A stop lug is located on one part of the hinge opposite a slot on the other part of the hinge. A movable plate is located on the same part of the hinge as the slot and is attached at a point above the slot such that the force of gravity causes the plate to cover the slot to cause the folding of the boom to be stopped at an intermediate position by contact between the stop lug and the plate.

Abstract: Disclosed is an outside rearview mirror for a vehicle which has a mirror base adapted to be mounted to a car body, and a mirror housing mounted to a support plate. The support plate is fastened foldably to the mirror base by a joint. The mirror housing has the form of a frame surrounding a mirror glass which is mounted by an adjustment device to the rearward face of the support plate. A cap is detachably clamped to the front face of the support plate and continues the outer contour of the mirror housing. Thereby the transfer of vibrations from the mirror housing to the mirror glass is cut down to a minimum and shifted to a frequency range which does not influence the perception of the image the mirror glass is presenting to the driver of the car.