Mirror Patents (Class 296/1.11)
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Patent number: 11758274Abstract: A vehicular camera module includes a main circuit board electrically connected with an imager circuit board via a flexible ribbon cable. Electronic circuitry disposed at a main PCB of the main circuit board includes an image processor. With the imager operated to capture image data, captured image data is provided via the flexible ribbon cable to the electronic circuitry disposed at the main PCB of the main circuit board. The electronic circuitry disposed at the main PCB of the main circuit board includes an electrical connector configured for electrical connection to a connector of a vehicular wire harness. Electrical components disposed at a first side of the main PCB of the main circuit board, electrical components disposed at a second side of the main PCB of the main circuit board, and the electrical connector are electrically operatively coupled together by conductive traces and vias of the main PCB.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2021Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Jianguo Wang, Garret Achenbach, Ove Salomonsson, Tom H. Toma, Edward R. Ahlquist, Jr., Brian J. Winden, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen
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Patent number: 11718228Abstract: A vehicular camera system includes a camera module having an imager assembly, a main circuit board and a camera housing. The imager assembly includes (i) an imager disposed on an imager circuit board and (ii) a lens holder having a lens assembly that includes a lens barrel accommodating a lens. The imager assembly includes a flexible ribbon cable that electrically connects to an electrical connector at a multilayered PCB of the main circuit board. The camera housing includes an upper cover and a lower cover and includes a forward portion and a rearward portion. The main circuit board is accommodated within the forward and rearward portions, and the imager is disposed at the rearward portion and is not disposed at the forward portion of the camera housing. The lens holder is attached at the upper cover of the camera housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2020Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Garret F. Achenbach, Brian J. Winden, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen
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Patent number: 11247614Abstract: A detachable footrest assembly is provided. The assembly includes a frame having a first portion and a second portion. A footrest extends from the first portion of the frame. A first mount positioned such that the first mount is adapted to be received into a lower door hinge of a vehicle with a first pin that extends from a first mating portion which is threaded and which extends in a direction away from the first portion of the frame. A second mount is spaced apart from the first mount and positioned such that the second mount is adapted to be received into an upper door hinge of a vehicle with a second pin that extends from a second mating portion which is threaded and which extends in a direction away from the first portion of the frame. The first and second pins are substantially aligned.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2019Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: Elements Automotive, LLCInventor: Michael S. Matras
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Patent number: 11059430Abstract: A sensor mount structure, including: a first sensor device that includes a first sensor configured to detect surroundings information for a vehicle, and that is attached to an inner surface of a front windshield glass further toward a vehicle front and upper side than an interior mirror; a second sensor device that includes a second sensor configured to detect surroundings information for the vehicle, and that is attached to the inner surface of the front windshield glass further toward the vehicle front and upper side than the interior mirror and further toward the vehicle front side than the first sensor device; and a view angle hood member that is disposed at a vehicle front and lower side of the first sensor, the view angle hood member overlapping with the second sensor device in a vehicle front-rear direction in side view along a vehicle width direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2018Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Naoya Higashimachi, Hiroaki Ito, Koh Mizutani
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Patent number: 10239449Abstract: A warning light used in lane change of a vehicle is provided, in which the light is installed in a side of a rearview mirror housing where the rearview mirror is connected to the vehicle, or the lights are installed in the two sides of the two front doors of the vehicle, so that the lighting emitted by the light is deflected or directed at the driver's eyes in the vehicle. The warning light includes a housing, a light guide, at least one LED light, a circuit board and a mask which is sealed by mold welding disposed on a side of the housing. There are cavities arranged in the rearview mirror or the two sides of the vehicle's two front doors where the light is inserted and is detachably installed in the cavity. A prism in the light guide deflects and directs the emitted light toward the driver's eyes.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2015Date of Patent: March 26, 2019Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS (Taicang) AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Jun Wu, Zhongyin Shen
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Patent number: 10232780Abstract: A vehicle camera cover assembly includes a base bracket, an upper cover and a lower cover. The upper cover has an upper attachment section that aligns with and attaches to a first attachment section of the base bracket. The upper cover has a retention flange dimensioned and positioned to overlay an inner flange of the base bracket with the upper cover attached to the base bracket. The lower cover has a lower attachment section that removably connects to a second attachment section of the base bracket. The lower cover has an outer flange dimensioned and positioned such that with the upper cover and the lower cover installed to the base bracket, the outer flange covers and contacts the retention flange thereby confining the retention flange between the outer flange and the inner flange restricting movement of the upper cover relative to the lower cover and the base bracket.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2017Date of Patent: March 19, 2019Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.Inventors: Neil Francus, Chhay Chau
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Patent number: 10173593Abstract: A lane display device using an outside mirror is disclosed. The lane display device includes a lane detection unit detecting a lane from a side view image of a vehicle; a control unit determining a position of the lane on an outside mirror corresponding to a position of the lane detected by the lane detection unit, and controlling the outside mirror to display the lane in the determined position; and the outside mirror including a display unit and a half mirror and displaying the lane.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2016Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANYInventors: Kyung Ho Yoo, Jin Hyuk Choi
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Patent number: 9016747Abstract: At least two reinforcing members are provided apart from each other in a vertical direction, a connecting member formed integrally with or separately from a door mirror reinforcement is provided, and the connecting member interconnects the two reinforcing members vertically at a position which is located in back of front ends of the two reinforcing members. Accordingly, the better visibility can be provided, the attachment rigidity can be increased, and the door strength can be properly improved.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2013Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventor: Daishi Kuroki
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Publication number: 20150046042Abstract: A vehicle door assembly includes a door having a window and a mirror assembly. The mirror assembly includes a housing defining a cavity having an opening. A mirror is mounted with respect to the housing, disposed within the cavity, and has a reflective surface that is visible through the opening. The housing is mounted with respect to the door such that the housing is selectively movable between an extended position, in which the opening of the cavity is unobstructed, and a retracted position, in which the opening of the cavity is obstructed by the window.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2013Publication date: February 12, 2015Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Charles H. Heard
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Publication number: 20150028615Abstract: A vehicular outside mirror device according to the present invention is provided with a base assembly and a mirror assembly. The base assembly is made of a base, a gasket, and a cover. In the base and the cover, an engagement portion and an elastic engagement claw portion are respectively provided. In the base and the gasket, an engagement pin and an engagement hole are respectively provided. In the gasket, a pressing portion is provided. As a result, the present invention is capable of integrally assembling the base, the gasket, and the cover with each other without a need to use a screw. In this manner, its related manufacturing costs can be reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2014Publication date: January 29, 2015Inventor: Takeshi TAKATA
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Publication number: 20150008692Abstract: A mirror pane, a mirror pane carrying element, a cover, and a supporting device associated with the carrying element and the cover includes supporting elements formed on an inner surface of the cover extending perpendicular to an inner surface of the mirror pane. It may also include reinforcing ribs in portions of the mirror pane to be received into slots of the carrying element. A clipping device is provided for coupling the mirror pane to the carrying element which includes a number of flanges and a number of corresponding openings whose plane is mutually perpendicular.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2014Publication date: January 8, 2015Applicant: FICO MIRRORS, S.A.Inventors: JOSE MANUEL ESPINOSA MORALES, ADOLFO CABALLERO GUIRADO, ROBERT LOPEZ GALERA, JOSE ANGEL TORNERO JAEN
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Patent number: 8864094Abstract: A mirror mount that mounts a mirror to a fender of a vehicle includes a base member having a first end generally vertical when the base member is affixed to a fender and arranged to receive a fastener passing through the first end, through the fender, and into the base member so as to fasten the base member to the fender, a second end, a side portion extending between the first end and the second end and having a contour that follows an exterior profile of the fender, and a reinforcement reinforcing the first end.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2013Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Velvac, IncorporatedInventors: Thomas L. Roberts, Jeffery R. Porter
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Patent number: 8727412Abstract: To avoid wind noises and to reduce soiling of mirror glass during travel in the rain, the exterior rear view mirror for a motor vehicle has a droplet channel in a first circumferential region of the mirror housing that includes the housing top and a separation edge in a second circumferential region on the housing bottom. The droplet channel and the separation edge overlap in a lateral region. Rain droplets that strike the mirror housing during travel flow both on the bottom housing side and on the top housing side toward the rear edge of the housing. Water droplets flowing on the bottom are collected by the separation edge and are blown away by the air flow which is directed down at the separation edge. On the housing top side, the droplets are collected by the droplet channel and conducted away laterally toward the housing bottom.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2012Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Thomas Wolf, Gabi Koerner, Marcus Mueller
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Publication number: 20140132029Abstract: At least two reinforcing members are provided apart from each other in a vertical direction, a connecting member formed integrally with or separately from a door mirror reinforcement is provided, and the connecting member interconnects the two reinforcing members vertically at a position which is located in back of front ends of the two reinforcing members. Accordingly, the better visibility can be provided, the attachment rigidity can be increased, and the door strength can be properly improved.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2013Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATIONInventor: Daishi KUROKI
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Patent number: 8668243Abstract: A vehicle boundary layer air flow control structure is provided with a vehicle body and a side view mirror. The vehicle body includes an exterior contoured surface with an air flow deflector. The side view mirror is attached to the vehicle body to provide a diagonally rearward direction to be viewed from a driver's seat. The air flow deflector has a downward air flow guiding surface provided in a vehicle body region of the exterior contoured surface of the vehicle body along which an air flow heading toward the side view mirror passes. The downward air flow guiding surface extends in an air flow direction of the air flow with respect to the side view mirror to divert the air flow underneath the side view mirror.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2010Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Satoshi Komiya, Kazuhito Sugimoto, Hirofumi Kondou, Yuichi Morinaka, Tomohiro Koyahata, Masato Inoue, Kenichiro Koizumi, Hitoshi Takagi, Yuji Ishihara, Kazuaki Nakajima
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Patent number: 8625815Abstract: A rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly including a control. The interior rearview mirror assembly may include a video display device operable to display video information for viewing by a driver of the equipped vehicle through an electrochromic reflective element of the interior rearview mirror assembly. The control may include a digital signal processor disposed in the interior rearview mirror assembly. The interior rearview mirror assembly may include a vehicle bus node. When the interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted in the equipped vehicle, the vehicle bus node may be connected to a vehicle bus of the equipped vehicle, and at least one of (a) the control conveys signals to the vehicle bus via the vehicle bus node and (b) the vehicle bus conveys signals to the control via the vehicle bus node.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2010Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Jonathan E. DeLine, Niall R. Lynam, Ralph A. Spooner, Philip A. March
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Publication number: 20130328337Abstract: The invention relates to a device for mounting an object to a structure in a vibration-free manner. The device has an elastic arrangement that supports the object at the structure in a stiff manner in the directions of at least two of the total of six translational and rotational degrees of freedom and in a soft manner in the directions of at least one of the total of six translational and rotational degrees of freedom. Main modes of motion of the object in the directions of the rigid support have natural frequencies that are higher than any main mode of motion of the object in any direction of the soft support at least by a factor of ten. The soft support is undamped, and a damping device is provided for any main mode of motion of the object in any direction of the soft support.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2013Publication date: December 12, 2013Applicant: Deutsches Zentrum fur Luft-und Raumfahrt e.V.Inventors: Joerg Melcher, Bjoern Timo Kletz, Julian Redlich
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Publication number: 20130328339Abstract: A back coat, a metal thin film and a top coat are applied to an outer surface of a base member of a visor cover of a vehicle door mirror device, and in particular the metal thin film is formed by vapor deposition. The film thickness of the metal thin film can accordingly be made thinner than a case of when forming a metal film by plating, and the thickness of the metal thin film is easily managed. Accordingly, unwanted deformation of the visor cover when forming the metal thin film to the outer surface of the visor cover is not occurred, or deformation occurring in the visor cover can be suppressed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2013Publication date: December 12, 2013Inventors: Takehiro HAMADA, Masakazu IWATSUKI, Koichi HARUTA, Takafumi SAITO, Kengo OKAMOTO, Shinobu CHIBA
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Publication number: 20130292959Abstract: Vanity mirror assemblies are provided for vehicles having a body, front seats, a rear portion behind the front seats, and a vanity mirror assembly. The vanity mirror assembly includes a housing, a light source, a display screen, and a two-way mirror. The light source is disposed in the rear portion of the vehicle. The display screen is disposed within the housing between the front seats and the light source. The two-way mirror is disposed within the housing between the light source and the display screen. The display screen is movable with the two-way mirror.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2012Publication date: November 7, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: MARK WEST
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Patent number: 8342702Abstract: A mount structure of a vehicle door mirror on a side door, the side door including: a door body having an outer panel and an inner panel which are joined together; and a door sash provided at an upper part of the door body so as to form an outer frame of the door body, wherein a door mirror mounting unit which mounts the door mirror is provided at an upper edge of the door body and at a vehicle front side of the door sash.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2008Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tomohiro Ohe
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Publication number: 20120241238Abstract: A three wheeled vehicle is disclosed having a vehicle frame with a frame sidewall providing a substantially flat surface, with recesses in the flat surface. Alignment arms have inner ends and outer ends, where the inner ends are mounted to the frame sidewall, and the outer ends mount a wheel hub. The inner ends have couplings with pivotal portions and fixed portions, the pivotal portions being at least partially positioned within the recesses, and the fixed portions being attached to the substantially flat surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2012Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: Poliaries Industries Inc.Inventors: James A.J. Holroyd, Gustavo A. Aramayo, Brian T. Utter, Jason J. Hohenstein, Vittorio Tomolillo, Mark Alan Ziliak
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Patent number: 8191955Abstract: Methods of and devices for providing naturally driven routing of air bleed derived from the external air pressure field typically developed about a moving vehicle were conceived. By design, internal duct ways to be used for providing an open flow path from relatively higher air pressure sources (such as that in the undercarriage region of a driven car) into lower base pressure regions (typically developed aft of blunt trailing body regions) as are generally found on road and ‘airdrop” cargo delivery air vehicles having open rear doors. Low energy air bleed flow injected into the vehicle's separated afterbody region acts to replenish entrained base flow and its base drag reduction is thereby, achieved.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2010Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Inventor: Henry August
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Patent number: 8157314Abstract: Provided is an overhead console for a vehicle including a housing installed in the front of an indoor ceiling of the vehicle, having an opening opened downward, and including a rotary shaft installed in the opening, a mirror case rotatably coupled to the rotary shaft of the housing and having an insertion part formed therein, a conversation mirror attached to the mirror case and including a mirror that enters and exits in a direction of a driver, and a spectacles-case inserted into the insertion part of the mirror case and rotatably coupled to the rotary shaft of the housing, to which the mirror case is coupled.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2008Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: GM Daewoo Auto & Technology CompanyInventor: Sung-jin Gwon
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Publication number: 20110204667Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a door mirror for an automobile in which a variation in a gap between a bottom wall of a housing and a pedestal portion of a door-mirror base is eliminated. In this door mirror for an automobile, even if distortion, contraction error or the like occurs in a lower housing after molding, if the frame and the shaft are assembled rotatably with accuracy, since a lower end face of a shaft container portion provided on the frame rotatably connected to the shaft fixed to a pedestal portion of the door-mirror base is in contact with the peripheral edge portion of an opening portion in the inner face of a bottom wall of the lower housing, the housing can be fixed to the frame without an error in the positional relationship between the peripheral edge portion of the opening portion of the lower housing and the shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2010Publication date: August 25, 2011Applicant: MURAKAMI CORPORATIONInventor: Kentaro SUZUKI
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Publication number: 20110140471Abstract: A folding motorcycle mirror includes, a mirror assembly including a first ball, a mount assembly including a second ball, and a clamp assembly engaging the first ball and the second ball.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2009Publication date: June 16, 2011Inventor: Ned Suesse
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Patent number: 7857278Abstract: The operation torque during disengaging of clutch projections out of clutch grooves, is effectively suppressed from excessively increasing immediately after start of device assembling. In a door mirror device, a gear plate has clutch grooves made substantially in trapezoidal form, in circumferential cross-section, increasing in width from a groove bottom to an opening end. A clutch disk has clutch projections made substantially in trapezoidal form, in circumferential cross-section, decreasing in width in taper form from a base toward a tip wherein the top surfaces are made in an inverted radial form decreasing in width from inner periphery to outer periphery. Due to this, when a torque exceeding a set value is transmitted to the gear plate, the pressure-contact area of the clutch projection with the clutch groove gradually moves from inner periphery to outer periphery while moving the clutch disk upward against a bias force of a clutch spring.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2007Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-SeisakushoInventors: Shigeki Yoshida, Yoshio Tsujiuchi
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Patent number: 7712810Abstract: To improve a force by which a base holds an inner mirror, a base 4 keeping a base inner 6 for holding an inner mirror 2 is constituted by a first base 30 bonded to a front window 3 and a second base 40 clasped by the base inner 6; the second base 40 comprises a recessed mating part 43 where the first base 30 is fitted, and wider parts 41a, 41b abutting against side faces 33a, 33b of the first base 30 and extending outward from the side faces 33a, 33b of the first base 30; when the first base 30 is fitted into the mating part 43 of the second base 40, the mating width of the base 4 mating with the base inner 46 can be expanded by the width of the wider parts 41a, 41b of the second base 40, whereby the force by which the base 4 holds the inner mirror 2 can be improved even if the first base 30 is commoditized.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2008Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Murakami CorporationInventors: Yoshito Tanaka, Akira Fukai
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Patent number: 7712809Abstract: An exterior accessory assembly or module for a vehicle door assembly comprises an exterior rearview mirror and/or door cap assembly, which may further include a cover member, a door handle, window frame, window seal and/or an exterior rearview mirror assembly. The exterior rearview mirror and/or the cap assembly may mount to the modular door and provide an exterior rearview mirror, a window frame and/or door handle. The latch and/or mirror connectors provide for connection to the handle and/or mirror assembly, respectively, of the accessory module as the accessory module is affixed to the door frame. Preferably, the exterior mirror and/or cap assembly and door frame include corresponding electrical connectors for connecting electrical accessories of the accessory module to a door wiring or harness.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2007Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Niall R. Lynam, Peter J. Whitehead, David E. Nestell, Loren B. Renkema
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Patent number: 7712819Abstract: Described herein is a door for a motor vehicle provided with a supporting framework, supporting means for supporting an external rear-view mirror, a lock, and a key assembly, which is operatively connected to the lock and can be selectively actuated via a control key for disabling/enabling opening of said lock from the outside of the motor vehicle. The key assembly is rigidly fixed to the framework, and is covered, towards the outer side of the door, by the means for supporting the rear-view mirror and is accessible from the outside through a seat made in the supporting means themselves.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2004Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Intier Automotive Closures S.p.A.Inventor: Franco Giovanni Ottino
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Patent number: 7686487Abstract: A door mirror comprising a mirror portion and a side blinker which is one example of lamp bodies allows easily performed maintenance for the side blinker. It is also structured so as to make a lamp body elongated in lateral dimension. A second opening is formed on the back side of a mirror housing with fixing pieces formed on the second opening. A lamp unit integrates a lens portion with the back face of a base body having an inner base and an outer base which covers the front face of the inner base and is structured so that the base end side avoids the vehicle body mounting portion. The lamp unit is inserted into the second opening through the back face side of the mirror housing, and fixing pieces on the lamp unit and the mirror housing-fixing pieces are tightened by screws.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2006Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Mitsuba CorporationInventors: Yoshihiro Takahashi, Yosuke Fukasawa, Motosuke Ishizawa, Takao Umezawa
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Publication number: 20100064592Abstract: A mount structure of a vehicle door mirror on a side door, the side door including: a door body having an outer panel and an inner panel which are joined together; and a door sash provided at an upper part of the door body so as to form an outer frame of the door body, wherein a door mirror mounting unit which mounts the door mirror is provided at an upper edge of the door body and at a vehicle front side of the door sash.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2008Publication date: March 18, 2010Inventor: Tomohiro Ohe
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Publication number: 20100060024Abstract: An external rear view mirror assembly to be fitted to a motor vehicle is disclosed. The assembly comprises: a mirror base mountable to a vehicle; a mirror head frame rotatably mounted to the base for rotation about a mirror head axis; a detent operably interposed between the base and the frame; a spring acting between the frame and the base in a direction parallel to the axis, the spring for holding the detent engaged; and a power fold mechanism operably interposed between the base and the frame, the power fold mechanism having a drive train and a clutch mechanism, the clutch mechanism comprising a pair of axially spaced apart clutching faces, connecting the drive train to the base when the drive train is driving, the clutch mechanism arranged and constructed such that forces are not transmitted from the frame to the drive train when the drive train is not driving.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2009Publication date: March 11, 2010Applicant: Visiocorp Patents S.à.r.l.Inventors: Daniel Joseph Flynn, Maarten Johannes Schuurmans, Garry Gordon Leslie Fimeri
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Patent number: 7648185Abstract: A mirror assembly (30) has a housing (32) that houses a mirrored reflecting surface (40) for enabling a person in a driver's compartment of a vehicle cab (10) to look through a side door window opening (20) and see a field of view toward the rear of the vehicle. The mirror assembly mounting (32) includes a mounting bar (42) that is attached to the side door, that has a length running along the top margin of the door, and that along at least a portion of that length comprises an upwardly open channel (50) for collecting rainwater runoff from the roof and carrying it rearward before the runoff can wash across the window opening.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2005Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLCInventors: David J. Beigel, Travis E. Dennison
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Publication number: 20090295181Abstract: The present invention is concerned with an accessory module system for a vehicle, the system comprising an accessory module assembly for location against an interior of a vehicle windscreen and which defines a plurality of sites for the modular location of one or more electronic accessories or the like, in particular for communicating with and/or through the vehicle windscreen, the accessory module system also including a cover assembly for location between the windscreen and a rigid frame assembly forming part of the accessory module assembly, the cover assembly being resiliently deformable in order to be capable of closely conforming to the shape of the windscreen.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2005Publication date: December 3, 2009Applicant: MAGNA DONNELLY ELECTRONICS NAAS LIMITEDInventors: Patrick Lawlor, Patrick Dowling, Niall R. Lynam
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Publication number: 20090134304Abstract: A system for fastening an exterior mirror to a vehicle door has a reinforcement which is disposed fixedly in the vehicle door. The reinforcement has an insertion channel which receives an exterior mirror foot and a clamping device which can be actuated by at least one screw. A passage opening which is aligned with the insertion channel and is intended for the exterior mirror foot is provided in a door outer skin, and the at least one screw of the clamping device is accessible via an upwardly open door channel of the vehicle door.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2008Publication date: May 28, 2009Applicant: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Klaus Rieder, Andreas Kohler, Marcus Muller
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Patent number: 7530625Abstract: A side view mirror assembly for minimizing noise generated during movement of a vehicle having the assembly mounted thereto. The assembly includes a sail mountable to the vehicle, an arm mounted to or formed with the sail, and a mirror mountable to the arm. The sail may include a spoiler having a generally triangular cross-section for deflecting air flow away from the vehicle and thereby minimizing noise generated during movement of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2007Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Bill Gulker, Terry Sullivan, Debra Karen Yale
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Publication number: 20090115081Abstract: A mirror assembly may include a middle portion having a first side, a second side, and a perimeter, where the first side comprises a reflective portion. A front portion may be substantially transparent and may be formed by injecting a first thermoplastic material into a mold on the first side of the middle portion. A back portion may be substantially opaque and may be formed by injecting a second thermoplastic material into the mold on the second side of the middle portion. The front portion and the back portion together may substantially encompass the perimeter of the middle portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2007Publication date: May 7, 2009Inventors: Steven Thiele, Brent Gaertner
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Publication number: 20090096235Abstract: To improve a force by which a base holds an inner mirror, a base 4 keeping a base inner 6 for holding an inner mirror 2 is constituted by a first base 30 bonded to a front window 3 and a second base 40 clasped by the base inner 6; the second base 40 comprises a recessed mating part 43 where the first base 30 is fitted, and wider parts 41a, 41b abutting against side faces 33a, 33b of the first base 30 and extending outward from the side faces 33a, 33b of the first base 30; when the first base 30 is fitted into the mating part 43 of the second base 40, the mating width of the base 4 mating with the base inner 46 can be expanded by the width of the wider parts 41a, 41b of the second base 40, whereby the force by which the base 4 holds the inner mirror 2 can be improved even if the first base 30 is commoditized.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2008Publication date: April 16, 2009Applicant: MURAKAMI CORPORATIONInventors: Yoshito Tanaka, Akira Fukai
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Publication number: 20090021034Abstract: A device to adjust the orientation of a mirror of a motorcar includes a body to accommodate a first and a second electric motor and a first and a second gear driven by first and second motor respectively. Gear rods are formed as circular arc sections and the body accommodates means to resiliently press the first and second gear rod against the first and second gears, respectively, eliminating relative movement between the gearing of the gear rods and the gears in operation conditions. Each of the gears include a safety clutch, allowing the gears to slip in overload conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2008Publication date: January 22, 2009Applicant: Visiocorp Patents S.a.r.lInventors: Juergen Tilg, Daniel Joseph Flynn
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Publication number: 20080290690Abstract: A side view mirror assembly for minimizing noise generated during movement of a vehicle having the assembly mounted thereto. The assembly includes a sail mountable to the vehicle, an arm mounted to or formed with the sail, and a mirror mountable to the arm. The sail may include a spoiler having a generally triangular cross-section for deflecting air flow away from the vehicle and thereby minimizing noise generated during movement of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2007Publication date: November 27, 2008Inventors: Bill Gulker, Terry Sullivan, Debra Karen Yale
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Publication number: 20080277177Abstract: A wiring system and method are provided for an automobile having a windshield, a headliner, an auxiliary system, and a rearview mirror having a function and control mechanism associated with the auxiliary system. The wiring system includes a first interface coupled to the rearview mirror, and at least one conductor coupled to the first interface for coupling the auxiliary system to the function and control mechanism of the rearview mirror. A portion of the at least one conductor extends from the headliner to the first interface and at least half of the portion of the at least one conductor is bonded to the windshield.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2007Publication date: November 13, 2008Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Steven E. Morris, Jennifer P. Lawall
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Patent number: 7445392Abstract: For observing lateral areas of a motor vehicle, a camera is inserted into an existing cavity of a mirror base. The camera is clampingly held between a holding cage and a covering cap. An opening for a camera lens is provided in the covering cap. Through the camera lens opening, the lateral vehicle areas can be observed and displayed in an indicating device of an inside rearview mirror.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2005Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Juergen Straehle, Alexander Boehlendorf
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Patent number: 7441821Abstract: A system and method for remote actuation of a vehicle head restraint includes an actuator arrangement configured to effect movement of a head restraint from a raised position to a lowered position. A sensor defines a first area, and is configured to output signals to the actuator arrangement to facilitate movement of the head restraint from its raised position to its lowered position when an object comes within a predetermined distance of the first area. The sensor is disposed proximate a rearview mirror in the vehicle such that a vehicle operator can simultaneously view the head restraint in the mirror and the first area.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2005Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Nagarjun Yetukuri, Gerald Locke, Sai Prasad Jammalamadaka
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Publication number: 20080246294Abstract: The side-view mirror at the driver side or the passenger side of a motor vehicle has a chamber on a top side of the side-view mirror's housing. The chamber has an opening facing a back side of the motor vehicle, which is sealed by a transparent screen. A circuit element having a light-producing element is installed in the chamber. The light-producing element protrudes a through hole of a reflection member. The circuit element is series-connected to a control circuit for flashing the light-producing element and a door-open switch. When a door on the same side as the side-view mirror is opened or closed, the door-open switch is closed or opened accordingly, which in turn allows electricity to be delivered to or disrupted from the light-producing element and the control circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2008Publication date: October 9, 2008Inventor: FU MING HSIAO
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Patent number: 7419199Abstract: A signal mirror assembly including a convex mirror and a signal indicator. The convex mirror defines a recess or cutout region. The signal indicator fits within the cutout region. The assembly can include a housing, and the convex mirror can include a perimeter extending substantially to the housing, except where the cutout region exists. A gasket can circumferentiate the housing, the mirror and a portion of the signal indicator to prevent water and debris from entering the assembly. The signal indicator also can include a surface parallel to the convex mirror surface. The cut out region and the corresponding signal indicator can be positioned in the housing such that the signal indicator is located at a position distal from the vehicle to enhance its visibility to the vehicle operator.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2006Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Hadley ProductsInventor: Christopher M. Dutton
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Publication number: 20080183355Abstract: A navigation system for a vehicle includes a control and a global positioning system. The control may receive a user input and may download directional information from an external service provider to the control in response to the user input and an initial geographic position of the vehicle. The directional information may comprise at least two instructions coded or associated with or linked to a respective geographic location. The control may provide an output corresponding to each of the instructions in response to a current actual geographic position of the vehicle. The control may provide each instruction only when the then current actual geographic position of the vehicle at least generally corresponds to the particular geographic location associated with the instruction.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: DONNELLY CORPORATIONInventors: David W. Taylor, Kevin C. McCarthy, Niall R. Lynam, Kenneth Schofield
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Patent number: 7399137Abstract: A pivot arrangement between a mirror head and a mirror mounting bracket of a rear vision mirror for a motor vehicle which uses a disc spring with a negative spring rate over part of its travel. The disc spring has a height to thickness ratio of greater than ?2(1.414).Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2006Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty LtdInventor: Maarten J. Schuurmans
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Patent number: 7400235Abstract: A lane departure warning mirror for a vehicle is disclosed that includes a reflecting member and a supporting member that supports the reflecting member on an area of a vehicle within a driver peripheral vision area, wherein the reflecting member is disposed so that an edge mark in a detection area is mirrored to the driver's peripheral vision area.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2006Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.Inventors: Hiroshi Kawazoe, Hiroshi Tsuda
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Patent number: 7334905Abstract: A rear view mirror assembly for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The motor vehicle includes a cab portion and a pair of pivotally movable lift arms that move up and down along the sides of the cab portion. The rear view mirror is disposed between the cab portion and the path of travel of the lift arm.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2004Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Inventor: Michael Houdyshell
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Publication number: 20080036230Abstract: A signal mirror assembly including a convex mirror and a signal indicator. The convex mirror defines a recess or cutout region. The signal indicator fits within the cutout region. The assembly can include a housing, and the convex mirror can include a perimeter extending substantially to the housing, except where the cutout region exists. A gasket can circumferentiate the housing, the mirror and a portion of the signal indicator to prevent water and debris from entering the assembly. The signal indicator also can include a surface parallel to the convex mirror surface. The cut out region and the corresponding signal indicator can be positioned in the housing such that the signal indicator is located at a position distal from the vehicle to enhance its visibility to the vehicle operator.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2006Publication date: February 14, 2008Applicant: HADLEY PRODUCTSInventor: Christopher M. Dutton