Retractable Vehicle Mirror Patents (Class 359/841)
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Publication number: 20090185301Abstract: An exterior vehicle mirror system has a support mounted to the side of the vehicle; a support arm extending from said support to a distal end; a mirror housing movable along said support arm from a first position proximate said fixed support to a second position proximate said distal end, and enclosing a mirror unit and an electrically powered mirror unit adjust mechanism for adjusting said mirror unit about horizontal and vertical axes; an electrically powered pivoting and extending mechanism for pivoting said support arm about said support between an extended position and a folded position, and for moving said mirror housing along said support arm from said first position to said second position; and an electronic control system operable by a driver of the vehicle to control the operation of said powered pivoting and extending mechanism independent of the operation of said powered mirror unit adjust mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2009Publication date: July 23, 2009Applicant: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.Inventor: Keith D. Foote
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Patent number: 7562992Abstract: A holding member includes a bearing that receives a thrust force of at least one of a first gear and a second gear. The first gear and the second gear are in a non-contact state in a thrust direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2006Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Hiroyasu Onuki
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Patent number: 7546997Abstract: A fastening construction, in particular for a wing mirror unit of a motor vehicle, comprising a base part (1) which can be fixedly connected with a vehicle, and a rotation part (3) which is arranged to be coupled with the base part (1) and which in coupled condition constitutes a central shaft for pivotally bearing-mounting a wing mirror unit. The base part (1) and the rotation part (3) are provided with at least one projection and groove pair (19, 20) cooperating as a bayonet catch, such that the rotation part (3) can be displaced towards the base part (1) and that when the projection and groove pair are in engagement, the rotation part (3) is pivotable about the geometric axis (2), and, after passing an intermediate angular position (13), through cooperation of the projection and groove pair (19, 20), the rotation part (3) is locked relative to the base part (1), axially along the geometric axis (2).Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2002Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Assignee: MCi (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B.V.Inventor: Paulus Gerardus Maria Van Stiphout
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Patent number: 7543949Abstract: A hinge actuator comprising a first part which is pivotably connected with a second part, and an electric drive for pivoting the parts relative to each other. The first and the second parts include stops that cooperate in a first pivoting direction for defining a position of the actuator parts. A coupling is provided between the first and the second part, so that in a first position the first part and the second part are connected via the drive and, driven by the drive, can be pivoted relative to each other, and a second position in which the first part and the second part are not connected via the drive and can be pivoted relative to each other manually.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2006Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: MCi (Mirros Controls International) Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Albertus van den Brink, Milan Duchenne, Peter Alexander Hamming
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Publication number: 20090141377Abstract: A side mirror includes a mount seat mounted to a front cowl that covers a portion of the front of a vehicle body, a mirror stay supported on the mount seat with a basal end thereof supported in a turnable manner, and a mirror provided at a tip end of the mirror stay. The mount seat includes a base portion 41a extended in one direction and mounted to the front cowl, and a support portion provided on the base portion 41a to support the basal end of the mirror stay so that a direction Dp in which a turning shaft of the mirror stay extends is inclined to a length direction DL of the base portion. With this structure, a side mirror increased in degree of freedom in selecting a mount position on a front cowl can be provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2008Publication date: June 4, 2009Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yuuta KOBAYASHI, Kuniyuki TAKAHASHI
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Publication number: 20090135509Abstract: A mirror assembly for trucks, vans and the like, for providing front or rear viewing as the vehicle is moving forward or is backing up, for example, into a truck loading dock area. The mirror assembly comprises a mirror unit that is connected by a mirror arm to a support structure, e.g., a flange or bracket, that is fixed to the vehicle. The support structure projects minimally sideways of the vehicle and pivotably supports the mirror arm in a manner whereby the mirror unit and its arm can swing about a pivot axis, enabling the mirror and its arm to lie alongside a side wall of the vehicle or tightly against the rear of the vehicle. A return or rebound mechanism returns the mirror unit to its normal operational position automatically, once contact with an obstruction that has pivoted the mirror unit from its normal position, has been removed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2008Publication date: May 28, 2009Applicant: ROSCO INC.Inventor: Benjamin ENGLANDER
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Patent number: 7533997Abstract: A fixing member is separate from a bearing member, and suppresses a radial force acting on a gear that meshes with a final-stage gear of a rotation-force transmission mechanism that transmits a rotational force to a mirror assembly of an outside mirror device for a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2007Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Hiroyasu Onuki
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Patent number: 7530700Abstract: An exterior vehicle mirror system has a support mounted to the side of the vehicle; a support arm extending from said support to a distal end; a mirror housing movable along said support arm from a first position proximate said fixed support to a second position proximate said distal end, and enclosing a mirror unit and an electrically powered mirror unit adjust mechanism for adjusting said mirror unit about horizontal and vertical axes; an electrically powered pivoting and extending mechanism for pivoting said support arm about said support between an extended position and a folded position, and for moving said mirror housing along said support arm from said first position to said second position; and an electronic control system operable by a driver of the vehicle to control the operation of said powered pivoting and extending mechanism independent of the operation of said powered mirror unit adjust mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2007Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.Inventor: Keith D. Foote
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Patent number: 7517099Abstract: A blind spot safety system includes a side view mirror assembly. The side view mirror assembly includes a mirror housing attached to an automobile, a power supply, an adjustment motor, a mirror adjustment mechanism, and an adjustable mirror. A blind spot mirror track is incorporated into the mirror housing. The track's distal end is co-located with the blind spot mirror port. The blind spot mirror is slidingly attached inside the track. The blind spot motor and linkage assembly are attached to the mirror housing, the blind spot mirror and power supply. A signaling circuit is attached to the power supply and the blind spot motor, and it relays signals from the automobile computer, directing the blind spot mirror to extend or retract. A defroster prevents freezing and a proximity detector monitors blind spots and directs the operation of hazard indicators attached to the side view mirror assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2004Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Inventor: Arthur Andre Hannah
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Publication number: 20090086347Abstract: A vehicle side mirror includes a mirror body, a mirror base fastened to a body panel, and a mirror housing, which houses the mirror body and is supported by the mirror base, and the mirror housing has a housing body, which houses the mirror body on a back side of a vehicle and is attached to the mirror base, a cover member, which is mounted on the housing body so as to cover a front face of the housing body, and a reinforcement plate, which is mounted on the front face between the cover member and the front face of the housing body along the front face.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2008Publication date: April 2, 2009Inventor: Atsushi KAWAMURA
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Publication number: 20090086346Abstract: A side mirror assembly for a motor vehicle includes a base that is fixedly secured to the motor vehicle. A structural member is secured to the base. The structural member extends between a base end and a distal end. A mirror housing defining a mirror opening is operatively connected to the structural member. A mirror is mounted within the mirror housing and exposed through the mirror opening for an operator of a motor vehicle to view rearward of the motor vehicle without turning completely around. An approach light is fixedly secured to the structural member to emit visible light downwardly therefrom.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2007Publication date: April 2, 2009Applicant: SCHEFENACKER VISION SYSTEMS USA, INC.Inventor: Paul R. Henion
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Patent number: 7510286Abstract: Exterior rearview mirror for vehicles, preferably for motor vehicles. The exterior rearview mirror has a mirror base with a bracket. Supported on the mirror base is a mirror head with a bracket that can be folded about one axis in the direction of travel and one axis opposite the direction of travel. In order to design the exterior rearview mirror to ensure foldability of the mirror head in a simple manner, the brackets on the mirror-head side and mirror-base side are each equipped with joint parts that are detachably connected to one another to form the two pivot/fold axes for the mirror head. As a result, the exterior rearview mirror is economical to manufacture and also to assemble. Due to the small number of components and its lack of susceptibility to problems, the exterior rearview mirror is especially suitable for use in motor vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2005Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Inventors: Bernd Waldmann, Klaus Weller, Florin Secanu, Karl-Heinz Leonberger
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Publication number: 20090080096Abstract: A vehicle external rear view mirror assembly comprising a bracket and a mirror head, a pair of parallel outer arm assemblies (20, 20?) having a front portion and a rear portion, the front portion having a rack (28, 28?), a pair of parallel inner arm assemblies (40, 40?) and extending into respective outer arm assemblies (20, 20?), each inner arm assembly (40, 40?) having a front portion and a rear portion, a pair of driving pinion gears (50, 50?), each engaging a respective rack (28, 28?), a pinion drive shaft (53), a drive motor (60), and a gear train, the drive motor (60) driving the inner arm assemblies (40, 40?) to move telescopically with respect to their respective outer arm assemblies (20, 20?), wherein each outer arm assembly (20, 20?) is recessed back from the distal end towards the bracket to allow the pinion drive shaft assembly to travel towards the bracket behind the front portion of the outer arm assembly (20, 20?).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2005Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty LtdInventors: Garry Fimeri, Mark Leonid Olijnyk, Matthew John Reedman, Simon Belcher
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Publication number: 20090067073Abstract: A fully adjustable mirror is attached to a housing having a ball and socket mount modified to allow the mirror support shaft to pass through. A collet with a knurled locking collar slides and locks at any desired point along the length of a straight mirror receiving shaft. The shaft is drilled and threaded to accept an end piece if a proper end is not cast as part of shaft to fit a desired mirror mount on the handlebars or bodywork of a vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2008Publication date: March 12, 2009Inventor: John Henry Vanderslik
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Patent number: 7490946Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror system comprises a reflective element assembly, a base frame coupling the reflective element assembly to a vehicle, a support arm for coupling the reflective element assembly to the base frame, and a pivot connection for pivotally coupling the support arm to one of the base frame and the reflective element assembly. The pivot connection comprises a pedestal having at least two detent ribs, and an opening for receipt of the pedestal therethrough having at least two detent channels. Pivoting of one of the support arm relative to the base frame and the reflective element assembly relative to the support arm moves a first one of the at least two detent ribs out of a first one of the at least two detent channels and into a second one of the at least two detent channels.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2006Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.Inventors: Keith D. Foote, James A. Ruse
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Patent number: 7490945Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 18, 2005Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Visiocorp Patents S.a.r.l.Inventor: Ryan Proctor
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Patent number: 7488081Abstract: A retracting mechanism, which rotates a mirror for viewing a region substantially to a rear of the vehicle, has a motor, a cover which accommodates another end side of the motor, and a case main body which accommodates one end side of the motor and is rotatably supported at a vehicle body. In the retracting mechanism, the case main body and the cover are positioned due to a first fit-together portion, which is provided at a hanging-down wall of the cover, and a second fit-together portion, which is provided at a standing wall of the case main body, fitting-together with one another. The first fit-together portion and the second fit-together portion are both formed in shapes which are concentric with a rotating shaft. Accordingly, accuracy of positioning the case main body and the cover can be ensured to be good with the rotating shaft as a reference.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2006Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-SeisakushoInventors: Shigeki Yoshida, Isao Sumi
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Publication number: 20090009896Abstract: The present invention relates to a mirror and mirror system which can be used in connection with large vehicles, such as school buses, to provide the driver of such vehicles with the ability to view the entire side of the vehicle. While such vehicles currently include side view mirrors attached to the front of the vehicle, these mirrors contain blind spots, such as the area immediately in front of the rear wheel of the vehicle. The current invention overcomes such blind spots by attaching a second mirror to the rear portion of the vehicle that provides a forward view from the rear of the vehicle, including a view of such blind spots. Such front and rear mirrors may be aligned so that the view of the rear mirror is portrayed within the view of the front mirror. As such, the present invention provides the driver with a complete view of the passenger side of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2008Publication date: January 8, 2009Inventor: Gloria Buley
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Patent number: 7474203Abstract: A system for automatically moving a vehicle's mirrors between open and closed positions in response either to a signal received from a remote transmitter or to an action normally taken in the ordinary course of operating the vehicle, and thereby avoiding damage to the mirror. The system includes the mirror, a motor for moving the mirror to the open and closed positions, and an onboard controller for automatically providing an actuation signal to the motor in response to the occurrence of an actuation condition which results from an action normally taken in the ordinary course of operating the vehicle. The system may also include the remote transmitter located in an area of close clearance to provide a signal which causes the onboard controller to provide the actuation signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2007Date of Patent: January 6, 2009Inventor: Kirk B. Urick
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Patent number: 7473001Abstract: The invention is directed to a mirror adjustment mechanism with an electrical connection having at least one pair of contact parts disposed movably relative to each other. The contact parts jointly form a sliding contact for maintaining electrical contact during pivotal motion of a mirror connector relative to a base frame, while one of the contact parts of the sliding contact is fixedly connected with the mirror connector.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2002Date of Patent: January 6, 2009Assignee: MCi (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Andreas Johannes Petrus Schalkwijk, Marius Brand
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Publication number: 20080297927Abstract: In a vehicle outside mirror device, a gear case of a casing has an engagement portion with which a shaft bearing member engages so as not to be movable in a direction orthogonal to an axial direction of a shaft. In addition, the gear case and a cover of the casing include a fixation portion that sandwiches the shaft bearing member in the axial direction of the shaft and fixes the shaft bearing member.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2008Publication date: December 4, 2008Inventor: Hiroyasu ONUKI
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Patent number: 7455414Abstract: A retractable mirror assembly for a vehicle which retracts towards and extends away from a vehicle body wherein the mirror compensates for the change in position so that the same perspective is maintained. The mirror assembly comprises the vehicle body in which a mirror housing that surrounds a mirror backing plate having a mirror glass is retracted and expanded to and from the vehicle body. A second support bracket and a stationary bracket are connected and move in relation to one another in order to rotate the mirror backing plate and mirror so that the mirror maintains the same perspective while the mirror assembly is being retracted and expanded to and from the vehicle body.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2007Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: Visiocorp Patents S.a.r.l.Inventors: Bernard Duroux, Daniel Dumont
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Patent number: 7455413Abstract: A mirror assembly for trucks, vans and the like, for providing front or rear viewing as the vehicle is moving forward or is backing up, for example, into a truck loading dock area. The mirror assembly comprises a mirror unit that is connected by a mirror arm to a support structure, e.g., a flange or bracket, that is fixed to the vehicle. The support structure projects minimally sideways of the vehicle and pivotably supports the mirror arm in a manner whereby the mirror unit and its arm can swing about a pivot axis, enabling the mirror and its arm to lie alongside a side wall of the vehicle or tightly against the rear of the vehicle. A return or rebound mechanism returns the mirror unit to its normal operational position automatically, once contact with an obstruction that has pivoted the mirror unit from its normal position, has been removed.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2005Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: Rosco, Inc.Inventor: Benjamin Englander
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Patent number: 7452088Abstract: A mirror unit for a vehicle includes a base from which extends an arm holding a mirror housing. The arm is pivotably mounted in the base to permit the mirror to be pivoted toward the vehicle in the event that the mirror is struck, for example. The extended position of the mirror when not folded is defined by a detent in the pivoting movement. The detent position of the mirror is the result of a bolt that presses a spring. The spring in turn presses a hub on the arm against an indexing pivot post, so that ramps on the hub bear against ramps on the indexing pivot post and define the detent position of the mirror. The indexing pivot post has an arrangement of teeth that engage into tooth recesses on the base when pressed thereagainst by the spring. The detent position of the mirror can be changed by the user by the user releasing the bolt to relieve spring pressure on the teeth so that the teeth of the indexing pivot post disengage from the tooth recesses and can be pivoted to a new detent position.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2007Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Velvac, IncorporatedInventors: Robert R. Brester, Thomas L. Roberts
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Patent number: 7448762Abstract: A sideview mirror includes multiple parts, wherein the mirror body, the washer, the spring, the support member, the bearing, the rotation member, and the mounting member are combined to form a window corner type sideview mirror, while the mirror body, the washer, the spring, the support member, and the mounting member are combined to form a car side body type sideview mirror. Thus, the window corner type sideview mirror only needs to provide the fixing member additionally to replace the bearing, the rotation member, and the mounting member to form the car side body type sideview mirror, so that the sideview mirror is both available for a window corner type sideview mirror and a car side body type sideview mirror.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2006Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Inventor: Fu-Chu Su
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Publication number: 20080266688Abstract: The present invention relates to a folding mechanism for exterior rear-view mirrors in an automotive vehicle, comprising a housing integral with a mirror-carrying casing, and an actuated ring acting as an axis of rotation of the mentioned casing with respect to a support chassis fixed to the vehicle, the ring being provided with first positional fixing means susceptible to coupling the mentioned ring to the support chassis and with second positional fixing means which, in collaboration with a stop element integral with the housing and loaded by un elastic member, limit the rotation of the mentioned casing around the ring and according to one rotating direction, all this with the stop element and the elastic member being integrated in a single piece with elastic properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2005Publication date: October 30, 2008Applicant: FICO MIRRORS, SAInventors: Jorge Errando Smet, Santiago Miguel Sanz, Angel Perez Trujillo
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Patent number: 7441911Abstract: A vehicular external rearview mirror system comprises a twin-arm assembly comprising a pair of parallel support arms connected at one end to a base attached to the vehicle and movably connected at another end to a reflective element assembly through a movable support bracket. The support bracket supports a reflective element assembly and is attached to the twin-arm assembly through a pair of integral bearings which translate along the arms to extend or retract the reflective element assembly. In one embodiment, the bearing imparts a friction force to the arm to enable the bracket to be moved along the arm under the influence of an extension/retraction force, but to maintain the bracket at a selected position along the arm when the force is removed. In another embodiment, the bearing is adapted for frictionless translation of the bracket along the arms under the influence of a powerextend actuator.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2007Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.Inventors: James A. Ruse, Keith D. Foote, Kenneth C. Peterson
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Patent number: 7441910Abstract: A vehicular pivot mirror assembly comprises a reflective element assembly pivotably attached to a support arm to enable rotation of the reflective element assembly relative to the support arm about a pivot connection. A positioning assembly enables rotation of the reflective element assembly in response to a rotational force applied to the reflective element assembly and prevents rotation of the reflective element assembly when the rotational force is removed.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2005Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth C. Peterson, Ian Boddy, Keith D. Foote
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Patent number: 7441912Abstract: An outside mirror device for a vehicle includes a mirror assembly that is rotatably attached to a body of the vehicle through an electric retracting unit and a base. The electric retracting unit includes bearing portions at both ends of a first stage gear of a rotational force transmitting mechanism. The bearing portions are supported by bearing holes in the bearing member as a single member, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2007Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Hiroyasu Onuki
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Publication number: 20080259474Abstract: A rotation range control mechanism includes a clutch holder provided around a shaft, a washer fixed to a casing, a control convex portion arranged on the clutch holder, and contact portions arranged on the washer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2007Publication date: October 23, 2008Inventor: Hiroyasu Onuki
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Publication number: 20080253006Abstract: A mirror mounting assembly for mounting a mirror on a vehicle bulkhead. The assembly includes a mirror element and a main support arm having a first end and a second end. The mirror element is connected to the first end of the main support arm. The second end of the main support arm is mountable to the vehicle. A pair of brackets are configured to conform to an engine bay side wall of the vehicle. Each bracket has a center portion and two laterally extending flanges that extend at an angle from the center portion in opposite directions. One of the flanges of each bracket is connectable to the bulkhead of the vehicle in the engine bay. A first additional support arm has a first end connected to a first one of the brackets and a second end connected to the main support arm. A second additional support arm has a first end connected to the main support arm and a second end connectable to the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2008Publication date: October 16, 2008Applicant: Rosco, Inc.Inventor: Benjamin Englander
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Patent number: 7427142Abstract: A vehicle outside mirror includes a drive unit that generates a driving force, a plate that holds the drive unit, a drive gear that transmits the driving force from the drive unit, a gearcase having a housing for the drive gear, a fixing unit that fixes the plate and the gearcase in an integrated manner, and a lubricant blocking structure formed between the housing and the fixing unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2005Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Hiroyasu Onuki
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Patent number: 7419273Abstract: A pivoting exterior rearview mirror assembly comprises a mirror housing, a base, a support frame, a pivot assembly, and associated elements comprised primarily of a plastic or polymeric material. The pivot assembly is provided with a pivot reinforcement made of a relatively high-strength material, such as steel. The base is provided with a cantilever reinforcement made of a relatively high-strength material, such as steel. The reinforcing steel increases the load carrying capability of the plastic and reduces the potential material failure of unreinforced plastic.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2004Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Magna Donnelly Mirrors North America, LLCInventors: James A. Ruse, Keith D. Foote, Kenneth C. Peterson
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Publication number: 20080192369Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2006Publication date: August 14, 2008Applicant: SCHEFENACKER VISION SYSTEMS GERMANY GMBHInventors: Roland Oehmann, Kursat Sonntag
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Publication number: 20080186603Abstract: A vehicle mirror device includes a drive unit to turn a mirror unit with respect to a base unit. The drive unit includes a motor and a control circuit. The motor is driven with a battery voltage. A current supply to the motor is cut OFF when a motor current flowing in the motor exceeds a threshold, and the control circuit changes the threshold depending on the battery voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2008Publication date: August 7, 2008Inventors: Yuji SHO, Takashi Ogawa
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Patent number: 7407299Abstract: The present invention relates to a mirror and mirror system which can be used in connection with large vehicles, such as school buses, to provide the driver of such vehicles with the ability to view the entire side of the vehicle. While such vehicles currently include side view mirrors attached to the front of the vehicle, these mirrors contain blind spots, such as the area immediately in front of the rear wheel of the vehicle. The current invention overcomes such blind spots by attaching a second mirror to the rear portion of the vehicle that provides a forward view from the rear of the vehicle, including a view of such blind spots. Such front and rear mirrors may be aligned so that the view of the rear mirror is portrayed within the view of the front mirror. As such, the present invention provides the driver with a complete view of the passenger side of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2007Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Inventor: Gloria Buley
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Patent number: 7407300Abstract: The present invention relates to a mirror and mirror system which can be used in connection with large vehicles, such as school buses, to provide the driver of such vehicles with the ability to view the entire side of the vehicle. While such vehicles currently include side view mirrors attached to the front of the vehicle, these mirrors contain blind spots, such as the area immediately in front of the rear wheel of the vehicle. The current invention overcomes such blind spots by attaching a second mirror to the rear portion of the vehicle that provides a forward view from the rear of the vehicle, including a view of such blind spots. Such front and rear mirrors may be aligned so that the view of the rear mirror is portrayed within the view of the front mirror. As such, the present invention provides the driver with a complete view of the passenger side of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2007Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Inventor: Gloria Buley
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Patent number: 7407298Abstract: A vehicle door mirror is configured to be mounted on outside of a vehicle in a retractable manner from a set position to a retracted position. When moving to the set position or the retracted position, the vehicle door mirror is moved at a first speed from a start position to a position right before a stop position, and is further moved from the position right before the stop position to the stop position at a second speed that is slower than the first speed.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2006Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyasu Onuki, Takashi Ogawa, Hajime Yagi
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Publication number: 20080174892Abstract: A bracket for releasably appending a fixture to the rear view mirror assembly of the vehicle. The rear view mirror assembly includes a windshield mounting bracket pivotably supporting a mirror shaft on its first end and a rear view mirror on its second end. The bracket includes a top element and bottom element sized to, upon assembly, surround and capture a section of the mirror shaft between its first and second ends. An L-shaped bracket is further provided joining either a stand off or the top element of the bracket to position a fixture adjacent the rear view mirror and to be visible to a driver while operating the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2008Publication date: July 24, 2008Inventor: Michael A. Giordano
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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: 7393111Abstract: An outside mirror for a motor vehicle has a mirror foot (1) fastenable to the vehicle and a mirror carrier (3) fastenable to the mirror foot so as to be capable of swivelling about a swivelling axis. The mirror carrier (3) is fastenable to the mirror foot (1) by virtue of the latching of at least one first detent element (11) in a first detent contour (12). In this the position of the mirror carrier (3) relative to the mirror foot (1) at at least one defined swivel angle may be secured by virtue of the latching of at least one second detent element in a second detent contour (15, 16). The mirror carrier (3) in the latched state of the first detent element (11) is displaceable counter to the pressure of a spring element (11) at least far enough in the direction of the swivelling axis for the second detent element to be unlatchable from the second detent contour (15, 16) through swivelling of the mirror carrier (3).Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: Donnelly Hohe GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Hans-Joachim Fuchs, Helmut Weimer
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Patent number: 7384162Abstract: A vehicle outside mirror includes a base that is fixed to a body of a vehicle; a shaft that is fixed to the base; and a mirror assembly that is retractably installed on the shaft. The mirror assembly includes a mirror housing with one side opened and other side closed; a mirror unit that is provided in an opening portion of the mirror housing, having a reflecting surface; and a cover that is fixed to a closed portion of the mirror housing to cover the closed portion. The mirror housing includes a fixed portion that is fixed to the shaft retractably around the shaft via a retractable mechanism; and a wall portion that is provided in such a manner that the shaft and the retractable mechanism are invisible from the opening portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2005Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Teruaki Shinohara
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Patent number: 7377675Abstract: An exterior mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a signal light or security light that provides illumination at a side of the vehicle. The exterior mirror assembly includes a housing with a reflective element, and may include a positioning device for adjusting the position of the reflective element in the housing. The signal light includes a light source and may be adapted to project light from a non-folding portion or support member of the mirror housing.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2007Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Todd W Pastrick, Michiel P van de Ven, Peter J Whitehead, Rick Mousseau, Niall R Lynam
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Patent number: 7374299Abstract: A hinge actuator for a wing mirror unit includes a base plate, including base shaft with mirror support; output part; coupling ring; and gear wheel. The base plate and mirror support include cooperating stops. The coupling ring is arranged so as to be rotatable with limited travel about the base of the shaft between a first angle ?1, which corresponds to a folded-out position, and a second angle ?2. The coupling ring can cooperate with the mirror support via a first set of cooperating stops, and can cooperate with the base plate via a second set of cooperating stops, such that in the first angle ?1 of the coupling ring, the spring force is transmitted, through cooperation of the first set of stops, and that in the second angle ?2, the spring force, through cooperation of the second set of stops, is transmitted to the base plate.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2006Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: MCi (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Stefan Frits Brouwer, Albertus van den Brink, Peter Alexander Hamming, Marinus Roose, Andreas Johannes Petrus Schalkwijk, Eric Gerardus Paulus van Slagmaat, Paulus Gerardus Maria van Stiphout
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Patent number: 7360908Abstract: An exterior rear view mirror for a vehicle has a housing pivotally mounted on a base for angular movement about a first pivot axis and an electric motor for causing such movement. A controller operates the motor at either of two different speeds. The controller includes a counter for counting the number of revolutions of the output shaft of the motor so as to determining the angle through which the housing has been moved, thus enabling the housing to be restored to its original position by causing the motor to perform the same number of revolutions in the opposite direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2000Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Visiocorp Patents S.a.r.l.Inventors: Bernard Duroux, Daniel Dumont
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Publication number: 20080084623Abstract: An outside mirror device for a vehicle includes a mirror assembly that is rotatably attached to a body of the vehicle through an electric retracting unit and a base. The electric retracting unit includes bearing portions at both ends of a first stage gear of a rotational force transmitting mechanism. The bearing portions are supported by bearing holes in the bearing member as a single member, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2007Publication date: April 10, 2008Inventor: Hiroyasu ONUKI
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Publication number: 20080084624Abstract: A fixing member is separate from a bearing member, and suppresses a radial force acting on a gear that meshes with a final-stage gear of a rotation-force transmission mechanism that transmits a rotational force to a mirror assembly of an outside mirror device for a vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2007Publication date: April 10, 2008Inventor: Hiroyasu Onuki
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Patent number: 7354165Abstract: A vehicular mirror system comprises a base frame attached to a motor vehicle and a support frame supporting a reflective element assembly and pivotally attached to the base frame for pivoting the reflective element assembly between a folded position and an unfolded position. A detent assembly intercommunicating the support frame and the base frame comprises a plurality of spaced bosses and recesses positioned at different radii and enabling pivoting of the support frame with minimal vertical displacement of the support frame relative to the base frame.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2005Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: Magna Donnelly Mirrors North America, LLCInventors: James A. Ruse, Ian Boddy
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Patent number: 7350931Abstract: A vehicular pivot mirror assembly comprises a reflective element assembly pivotably attached to a support arm to enable rotation of the reflective element assembly relative to the support arm about a pivot connection. A positioning assembly enables rotation of the reflective element assembly in response to a rotational force applied to the reflective element assembly and prevents rotation of the reflective element assembly when the rotational force is removed.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2005Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: Magna Donnelly Mirrors North America LLCInventors: Kenneth C. Peterson, Ian Boddy, Keith D. Foote
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Publication number: 20080062497Abstract: An optical encoder for producing adjustable quadrature phased signals by positioning of a light-controlling member includes a light emitter including a non-collimated, point-source light emitting diode for emitting light and a light receiver that receives light from the light emitter. A light-controlling member is disposed between the light emitter and the light receiver and includes a plurality of transparent portions for passing light from the light emitter and a plurality of non-transparent portions disposed alternately with the transparent portions for blocking light from the light emitter. The light emitter and the light-controlling member are moveable relative to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2006Publication date: March 13, 2008Inventors: Alan D. Bredon, Troy Don Cook, Robert Procsal