Retractable Vehicle Mirror Patents (Class 359/841)
  • Publication number: 20080037145
    Abstract: A rear view system for a transportation device includes a rear view means, a sensor and a controller. The sensor is used for generating a movement signal according to the movement of the transportation device. The controller is used for controlling the rotation of the rear view means according to the movement signal. Moreover, a method for adjusting the visual angle of a rear view means equipped in a transportation device is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Fu-Jeng Chen
  • Patent number: 7322710
    Abstract: A rearview mirror tilt actuator comprises a clutch assembly that selectively transfers torque from an actuator motor to one of at least two output shafts based upon the speed of the motor. One output shaft can pivot the mirror about a first axis of rotation; another output shaft can pivot the mirror about a second axis of rotation. One output shaft can pivot the mirror housing; the other output shaft can extend and retract the mirror housing. At a low speed, the clutch assembly is disengaged, thus only the first output shaft is activated. At a high speed, the clutch assembly is engaged, thus both output shafts are activated The mirror assembly described herein also has an improved mass configuration which allows for lower moments of inertia in the direction of mirror travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Magna Donnelly Mirrors North America L.L.C.
    Inventors: Keith D. Foote, Ian Boddy, Kris D. Brown, Kenneth C. Peterson, James A. Ruse
  • Patent number: 7314285
    Abstract: A vehicular external rearview mirror system comprises a support arm pivotally connected to a base assembly attached to the vehicle. The pivot connection comprises an assembly of rotating plates separated by ball bearings and operated by a powerfold assembly. During normal operation of the mirror system, the ball bearings remained seated in bearing seats to enable the plates to rotate as a single unit when the powerfold assembly is actuated. However, manual folding or unfolding of the mirror system urges the ball bearings out of their bearing seats to travel along a raceway in one of the plates to facilitate the rotation of the plates relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Magna Donnelly Mirrors North America L.L.C.
    Inventors: James A. Ruse, Kris D. Brown
  • Patent number: 7303295
    Abstract: A rear view mirror assembly including a housing and a mirror frame mounted in the housing. A pivot base sub-assembly is rotatably mounted in the housing and in mechanical communication with the mirror frame. A stored energy device is fixed to the housing and coupled to the pivot base sub-assembly. A control knob is in communication with the pivot base sub-assembly and adapted to control a scanning position of the mirror frame. The rear view mirror assembly could include a stationary base portion attached to a vehicle door and a mirror housing pivotable with respect to the stationary base portion, such that the mirror housing can be pivoted to view a desired portion of the rear view spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Inventor: Irving D. Press
  • Patent number: 7303293
    Abstract: A vehicle mirror assembly for mounting an exterior rearview mirror to a vehicle body, the assembly having a support arm pivotally mounted to the vehicle for supporting the mirror, and a stabilizer bar having a first end pivotally mounted to the vehicle and a second end attached to the support arm, the assembly comprising: a connector head carried by one of the second end of the stabilizer bar and the support arm, and a connector receiver carried by the other stabilizer bar and support arm. The connector receiver includes a retention slot for receiving the connector head. A first locking element is carried by the connector head, a second locking element is carried within the retention slot; and an elongated convex biasing spring carried in the retention slot biasing the first and second locking elements together to provide a reliable interlocking connection between the stabilizer bar and support arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Lang Mekra North America, LLC
    Inventors: Emmanuel Courbon, Andreas Enz
  • Patent number: 7303294
    Abstract: A vehicular external rearview mirror system comprises a support arm pivotally connected to a base assembly attached to the vehicle. The pivot connection comprises an assembly of rotating plates separated by ball bearings and operated by a powerfold assembly. During normal operation of the mirror system, the ball bearings remained seated in bearing seats to enable the plates to rotate as a single unit when the powerfold assembly is actuated. However, manual folding or unfolding of the mirror system urges the ball bearings out of their bearing seats to travel along a raceway in one of the plates to facilitate the rotation of the plates relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Magna Donnelly Mirrors North America L.L.C.
    Inventors: James A. Ruse, Kris D. Brown
  • Patent number: 7296903
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror mechanism for a skid loader includes a support and a mirror attached to the support. The support is configured to extend from a movable lifting arm of the skid loader, and the mirror is attached to the support opposite the movable lifting arm and positioned to enable an operator of the skid loader to visualize substantially an entirety of a tail swing path on either rear side of the skid loader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Inventor: Iver Peterson
  • Patent number: 7293887
    Abstract: A vehicular exterior mirror system comprises an exterior mirror assembly and an electronic control system. The exterior mirror assembly has a fixed support adapted to be mounted to the side of the vehicle and has a mirror housing supported by a support arm and movable along the support arm from a first position proximate to the fixed support to a second position proximate to a distal end of the support arm. The exterior mirror assembly comprises a first electrically powered mechanism for pivoting the support arm about the fixed support, a second electrically powered mechanism for moving the mirror housing along the support arm and a third electrically powered mechanism operable to adjust a mirror unit of the mirror housing to a desired adjusted position. The electronic control system is operable by the driver of the vehicle to control operation of at least the first electrically powered mechanism independent of operation of the second electrically powered mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Magna Donnelly Mirrors North America L.L.C.
    Inventor: Keith D. Foote
  • Patent number: 7290890
    Abstract: A retracting mechanism for storing or erecting a mirror includes, at a coupled portion of an output shaft of a drive motor and a worm gear, coupling retaining portions fitted together in a press-fitted state and rotational force transmitting portions opposing each other in a state where a predetermined gap is present between them. The coupling retaining portions are configured by a circular shaft portion and a circular fitting hole, and the rotational force transmitting portions are configured by a double D-cut portion and double D-protruding portions. The rotational force of the output shaft is transmitted by the rotational force transmitting portions, and the coupled state of the output shaft and the worm gear is retained on the same axial line and the slanting of the worm gear is prevented by the coupling retaining portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventors: Shigeki Yoshida, Yoshio Tsujiuchi
  • Patent number: 7290891
    Abstract: A mirror mounting assembly for mounting a mirror on a vehicle bulkhead. The assembly includes a generally Z-shaped mirror mounting bracket configured for attachment to a structural portion of the vehicle inside an engine bay of the vehicle, and a support member connected to the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket includes a first flange and a second flange extending laterally in opposite directions from opposed edges of a connecting web. The first flange has two through-holes sized and positioned for connection to the structural portion inside engine bay by existing body panel mounting screws. The second flange and the connecting web are sized and configured so that the second flange extends out of the engine bay upon installation of the bracket. The support member carries a pivot element sized and configured to pivotally support a first support arm assembly for a rear view mirror unit and a second support arm assembly for a cross view mirror unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Benjamin Englander
  • Patent number: 7287867
    Abstract: A power telescoping vehicle mirror assembly (10) comprising a bracket (12) mountable to a vehicle, a mirror head (15), telescopically mounted to the bracket (12), a mirror (16) mounted to the head (15), a power telescope motor mechanism (30) for telescopically moving the head (15) with respect to the bracket (12), a position controller for controlling the extent to which the mirror head (15) extends with respect to the vehicle, a switch operable by a driver of the vehicle, the switch providing a signal to the position controller, and an input means for providing the position controller with a set point, wherein upon actuation of the switch, the head (15) telescopically moves with respect to the bracket (12) from a retracted position to a partially extended position determined by the set point. In an other embodiment, a spotter mirror, and a spotter mirror motor mechanism for adjusting the orientation of the spotter mirror with respect to the mirror head is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Jason Kingsley Wellington, James Nicholas Dickson
  • Patent number: 7270429
    Abstract: The invention relates to an exterior vehicle mirror having a mirror assembly mounted to a vehicle. A drive assembly comprises a drive screw coupled to a motor and a drive nut threadably mounted on the drive screw. The rotation of the drive screw by the motor causes the drive nut to traverse the drive screw. As the drive nut traverses the drive screw, it causes the extension and retraction of the mirror assembly. A slip clutch is interposed between the motor and the drive screw to enable the motor to continue to operate without damage if the mirror assembly reaches full extension or retraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Magna Donnelly Mirrors North America L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kenneth C. Peterson
  • Patent number: 7270430
    Abstract: A vehicle external review-view mirror assembly having an extension and retraction mechanism for a telescopic arm support that connects a mirror head to a mirror mounting bracket is disclosed. The assembly comprises: a hollow outer arm extending from the bracket, an inner arm mounted to the head and extending into the outer arm for relative sliding movement out of and into the outer arm; a driving wheel rotatably mounted to the inner arm or the head; a driven wheel rotatably mounted to the inner arm and positioned within the outer arm at a location spaced apart from the driven wheel; and a toothed belt extending between the driving wheel and the driven wheel for power transmission between them. A pair of laterally spaced apart contact rollers are mounted coaxially with the driven wheel, the pair of contact rollers engaging spaced apart bearing surfaces depending from the outer arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark L. Olijnyk, Daniel J. Flynn
  • Patent number: 7261428
    Abstract: A vehicular mirror assembly comprises a base, a mirror housing, and an actuator. The mirror housing has a reflective element therein, and is coupled with the base for at least a normal path of movement between a retracted position where the mirror housing is adjacent the base and an extended position where the mirror housing is distal to the base. The actuator is operatively mounted between the base and the mirror housing for selectively moving the mirror housing with respect to the base through the normal path of movement. The actuator comprises a motor having a rotatable motor shaft, a gear assembly coupled with the motor shaft and rotatable with rotation of the motor shaft, and a rotatable drive shaft coupled with the gear assembly and the mirror housing for moving the mirror housing through the normal path of movement with rotation of the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Magna Donnelly Mirrors North America, L.L.C.
    Inventors: James A. Ruse, Keith D. Foote, Kenneth C. Peterson
  • Patent number: 7261427
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Magna Donnelly Mirrors North America L.L.C.
    Inventors: James A. Ruse, Keith D. Foote, Kenneth C. Peterson
  • Patent number: 7252398
    Abstract: A mirror mounting assembly for mounting a mirror on a vehicle bulkhead. The assembly includes a generally Z-shaped mirror mounting bracket configured for attachment to a structural portion of the vehicle inside an engine bay of the vehicle, and a support member connected to the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket includes a first flange and a second flange extending laterally in opposite directions from opposed edges of a connecting web. The first flange has two through-holes sized and positioned for connection to the structural portion inside engine bay by existing body panel mounting screws. The second flange and the connecting web are sized and configured so that the second flange extends out of the engine bay upon installation of the bracket. The support member carries a pivot element sized and configured to pivotally support a first support arm assembly for a rear view mirror unit and a second support arm assembly for a cross view mirror unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Rosco, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin Englander
  • Patent number: 7216993
    Abstract: A vehicle external mirror assembly (10) comprising a bracket mountable to a vehicle door (8), a mirror head (20) pivotally mounted to the bracket (15), a main rear view mirror (22) mounted to the head (20), and an auxiliary mirror (30) mounted to the head (20). The auxiliary mirror (30) provides the vehicle driver with vision alongside and behind the vehicle when the mirror head (20) is in a folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Lts
    Inventor: Andrew Peter Murray
  • Patent number: 7216885
    Abstract: A trailer mounted and adjustable mirror assembly for attachment to a trailer or hitch being towed by a towing vehicle. The assembly, when secured, helps facilitate securement of the trailer to the towing vehicle while the driver/operator remains in the towing vehicle. The assembly comprises a removable clamp mounting a pair of adjustable, telescopic tubular members on which is mounted a pivotal mirror mechanism pivotal throughout 360° and countless angles relative to the plane of the pivotal mirror mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Brian Stopka
  • Patent number: 7216994
    Abstract: A mirror system for a vehicle comprising an exterior rearview mirror assembly, which includes a fixed portion which is configured to mount to a side of the vehicle. The movable portion includes a reflective element and a reflective element actuator. The reflective element has a generally rearward field of view when the mirror system is mounted to the vehicle. The reflective element actuator provides selective adjustment of an orientation of the reflective element to adjust the rearward field of view to a desired orientation, and the movable portion is movably mounted to the fixed portion. The movable portion actuator selectively moves the movable portion between a viewing position wherein the movable portion extends outwardly from the vehicle at an angle with respect to the side of the vehicle and another viewing position wherein said movable portion extends outwardly from the vehicle at another angle with respect to the side of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventor: Leo W. Pavao
  • Patent number: 7210802
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: Gloria Buley
  • Patent number: 7210800
    Abstract: A mirror mounting assembly for mounting a mirror on a vehicle bulkhead. The assembly includes a mirror element and a main support arm having a first end and a second end. The mirror element is connected to the first end of the main support arm. The second end of the main support arm is mountable to the vehicle. A pair of brackets are configured to conform to an engine bay side wall of the vehicle. Each bracket has a center portion and two laterally extending flanges that extend at an angle from the center portion in opposite directions. One of the flanges of each bracket is connectable to the bulkhead of the vehicle in the engine bay. A first additional support arm has a first end connected to a first one of the brackets and a second end connected to the main support arm. A second additional support arm has a first end connected to the main support arm and a second end connectable to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: Benjamin Englander
  • Patent number: 7207683
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes an extendable mirror for improved rearward viewing. The mirror assembly includes a mirror housing, a mirror disposed in the mirror housing, and a structure to allow extension of the mirror between an inboard position and an outboard position. The mirror can include a post disposed in a mirror shell extending along a longitudinal axis offset from a central axis of the mirror. The structure for rotating the mirror can include a pivot part having a shaft disposed in an aperture in the mirror shell which is disposed along the longitudinal axis. The structure for extending the mirror can include a groove in the mirror housing in which the mirror frame is slidably disposed. The frame may be slid relative to the mirror housing from the inboard position to the outboard position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Jimmie L. Lewis
  • Patent number: 7207684
    Abstract: An exterior mirror assembly for a vehicle having a housing rotatably mounted to a base between an operable position and a retracted position. A mirror is supported by the housing and is movable with the housing between the positions. A female detent is disposed on the shaft of the base. A male detent is disposed on the housing within the chamber and is aligned with the female detent when the housing is in the operable position and is misaligned with the female detent when the housing is in the retracted position. An elastomeric material is disposed within the chamber between the shaft and the housing and between the detents for isolating movement between the base and the housing and for resisting the rotational movement of the housing relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventors: Anand Huprikar, Daniel G. Dickson, Michael Kronell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7204600
    Abstract: An outside rear view mirror for vehicles, particularly passenger cars, includes at least one mirror base fastened to the vehicle, a mirror head which can be swivelled relative to the mirror base, an intermediate member whose one end is connected in a hinged manner by way of a first swivel axis with the mirror base, and whose other end is connected in a hinged manner by way of a second swivel axis with the mirror head. At least one spring element extends transversely with respect to the swivel axes and which, in the driving position of the outside rear view mirror, presses the mirror head against the mirror base. So that, in the driving position of the outside rear view mirror, the mirror head can be held in position at the mirror base by simple devices in a stiff and play-free manner, it is provided that a centering detent device effective in at least two planes is disposed between the mirror head and the mirror base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Marcus Mueller
  • Patent number: 7185930
    Abstract: The brush-guard with adjustable rear-view mirrors is an accessory vehicle brush-guard having at least one rear-view mirror telescopically mounted in one of the guard's vertical tubular members, or through parallel horizontal members. The rear-view mirror is disposed on the top of a stem that is vertically telescopically extendable from the brush guard. In a preferred embodiment, the brush-guard with adjustable rear-view mirrors includes a pair of rear-view mirrors, each of the mirrors being disposed at opposite, distal ends of the brush guard. The rear-view mirrors may be either manually or electrically adjustable in height. Each of the rear-view mirrors may include a back shell having an illuminated design or logo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Michael D. Helzner
  • Patent number: 7178925
    Abstract: A retractable mirror assembly for a tractor trailer includes a base component having a pair of arms and a motorized hydraulic cylinder mounted on the upper surface thereof. The arms are pivotally attached at a lower end to the base component and at an upper end to a mirror. The hydraulic cylinder includes an upper distal end that is pivotally attached to an outer edge of the mirror. A control panel within the vehicle passenger compartment activates the motor allowing a driver to automatically extend and retract the mirror between an operable and inoperable position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Donald R. Tidwell
  • Patent number: 7172298
    Abstract: A power-folding vehicle mirror assembly is described, including: a base; a mirror head assembly mounted to the base for movement from a drive position to a front position and for movement from the drive position to a park position; a first clutch body mounted to the base; a second clutch body mounted to the head, and biased towards engagement with the first clutch body; a sun gear mounted to the base for rotation about a first axis; a planetary gear mounted to the mirror head assembly for rotation about a second axis; a motor operably connected to the planetary gear; at least one drive train detent recess and projection pair forming a drive train detent system; and a head assembly to base detent system operably interposed between the head assembly and the base, wherein the mirror head is moveable between a drive position and a park position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Mark Olijnyk, Daniel J. Flynn
  • Patent number: 7168816
    Abstract: A vehicle door mirror device has a detent plate which is provided in the bottom of a housing having a motor actuator therein and a detent piece which is arranged at a stand or a stay. Depressions are formed in the detent plate, protrusions are formed on the detent piece, and a stopper is provided on the stand. A restricting wall is provided at the bottom portion of the housing. The range of the turning angle of the housing is set from the state where the stopper is in contact with the restricting wall to where the protrusion on the detent piece comes into contact with the depression on the detent plate. The same detent piece can be used while changing the rotation angle of the housing by changing the position of the detent piece relative to the stand, whereby the types of parts used can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventor: Shigeki Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7168830
    Abstract: An exterior mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a signal light that provides an advanced notification system to approaching vehicles that the driver of the vehicle intends to turn or make a lane change. The exterior mirror assembly includes a housing with a reflective element and a positioning device for adjusting the position of the reflective element in the housing, and at least one signal light positioned in the housing. The signal light includes a light source and a light conduiting member which is adapted to project a pattern of light from the housing and yet restrict light from extending into the vehicle so that a driver seated in the vehicle does not directly observe the pattern of light. The light source may be provided by a light pipe which is optically coupled to a remote light source located, for example, in the vehicle. Preferably, the pattern of light extends rearwardly, forwardly, and laterally from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Todd W Pastrick, Michiel P van de Ven, Peter J Whitehead, Rick Mousseau, Niall R Lynam
  • Patent number: 7165852
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly of a vehicle includes a pivot joint assembly pivotally mounting a movable portion to a base portion of the mirror assembly. The pivot joint assembly includes a support member, a receiving portion and a bracing member. The bracing member engages the receiving portion and extends radially inward toward the support member. The receiving portion is slidably movable relative to the bracing member in the longitudinal direction. A retaining clip is positioned at least partially around the support member and engages the bracing member and limits longitudinal movement of the bracing member relative to the support member. The bracing member is rotationally slidable relative to the receiving portion and/or the retaining clip in response to rotational movement of the receiving portion relative to the support member about a pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Leo W. Pavao, Daniel D. Kasbohm, Amit S. Barve
  • Patent number: 7167294
    Abstract: An automobile exterior sideview mirror system includes an exterior sideview mirror assembly, which includes a reflective element assembly. The reflective element assembly includes a first reflective element having a unit magnification and a second reflective element having a curvature. The first reflective element and the second reflective element are supported at a support element. The mirror system preferably further includes an actuator, which is operable to adjust the orientation of the reflective element assembly. The second reflective element is disposed adjacent to and separate from the first reflective element when it is included in the exterior sideview mirror assembly. Further, a demarcation element is provided between the first reflective element and the second reflective element. A portion of the second reflective element adjacent the demarcation element has a front surface that is generally coplanar with the front surface of the first reflective element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Niall R Lynam, John O Lindahl, Hahns Y Fuchs
  • Patent number: 7165853
    Abstract: The present application includes a vehicle mirror which includes an approach light in the attachment assembly. The approach light is a single light source positionable in relation to predetermined inputs for directing light to various areas, depending on the inputs. Additionally, an intercom system is provided for communication between the interior of the vehicle and exterior of the vehicle, by way of the vehicle mirror. Also, a remote sensor is utilized to set predetermined memory positions of interior vehicle components such as seats, steering columns and brake pedals. This allows customization of the interior components upon an individual's approach to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Robert W. Gilbert, Kash A. Munir, Mark Olijnyk, Patrick McCaffrey, Paul M. Schwarz, Alex Gersch, Paul van de Loo, Maarten J. Schuurmans, Andrew D. Herps, Adam S. Peacock, Richard G. Teal, Chris Moase
  • Patent number: 7163300
    Abstract: An exterior rear vision mirror assembly (10) for a motor vehicle, the assembly (10) having a base (14) to be attached to the vehicle, at least one arm (15, 16) extending from the base (14) and a mirror head (11) mounted to the at least one arm (15, 16) and having a mirror (13), the mirror head (11) and arm (15, 16) is adapted to be rotated about an axis in the base (14), a power fold system having a motor assembly (24) in the at least one arm or each arm (15, 16) to drive the mirror (13) from a driving position to a foldaway position and from the foldaway position to the driving position and an override system including a clutch (64) is provided so that the mirror (13) can be manually moved to the foldaway position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Olijnyk, Daniel Joseph Flynn
  • Patent number: 7159992
    Abstract: A vehicle mirror assembly is provided which can be moved via a power-transmitting assembly between folded and unfolded positions and the unfolded position and an extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Magna Donnelly Mirrors North America, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Keith D. Foote
  • Patent number: 7147334
    Abstract: When a vehicle mirror assembly is assembled, a bracket is firstly set as an assembling reference member, disposed on a bracket jig and positioned with respect to the bracket jig. Next, a retracting unit, a mirror surface adjustment unit, a door mirror stay and a mirror are mounted to the bracket. Finally a door mirror visor is mounted to the bracket. The bracket is made common regardless of a vehicle type thus a fixed bracket jig can be used resulting in cost reduction. Further, as the door mirror visor is mounted in a final process, defects of the door mirror visor due to scratches can be reduced thereby improving the production efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventors: Bunji Inagaki, Fuminori Teraoka, Hiroki Iwasa, Kiyoharu Iga, Michiyasu Yajima
  • Patent number: 7147335
    Abstract: An apparatus 10 provides an angled mirror 24 on a rear portion of the motor vehicle 12 that will be viewable in the side view mirror 12 to permit the driver 18 to see perpendicularly approaching traffic while backing out. The apparatus 10 is to be mounted on both sides of the vehicle 12 and may be manufactured in new vehicles or retrofit to existing ones. When manufactured in new vehicles 12, the apparatus 10 may be selectively adjusted by the driver using controls and technology similar to that currently in use for adjusting side view mirrors such as cables or RF signals. Furthermore, the mirror may be retractable to sit flush with the body of the vehicle 12 to maintain the aerodynamic properties thereof. Many other features may be integrated with the apparatus 10 such as a heating element for defrosting/defogging the mirror, a protective door that covers the mirror when in the retracted position and so forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventor: Roger Dickinson
  • Patent number: 7137715
    Abstract: A pivot assembly for a vehicle external mirror having a mirror head mounted to a mirror base, the assembly comprising a first member (20), a second member (30), the first and second members (20, 30) mounted in or being part of the mirror base and the mirror head respectively, the first and second members (20, 30) having respectively first and second detent sides (24, 34), inner sides (26, 36) and apertures (28, 38) extending from the detent side (24, 34) to the inner sides (26, 36) respectively, detent means (56, 59), a spigot (50), a spring (60), means (56, 72) for applying a pre-load to the spring (60), the initial relative rotation between the second member (30) and the first member (20) in a first direction causes loading of the spring (60), the pre-load is maintained during subsequent relative rotations between the second (30) and the first member (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Maarten J. Schuurmans, Michael Holbrook
  • Patent number: 7128430
    Abstract: The improved actuator for rear-view mirrors includes a single pulling mechanism and a locking mechanism. The pulling mechanism includes a linear cylinder and a stop dispose next to a free end of the body of the linear cylinder. The locking mechanism has matching first and second locking elements, where at least one of the locking elements is integral with the pulling mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventors: Daniel Serrano Fernandez, Pedro Serrano Fernandez, Daniel Serrano Gil
  • Patent number: 7125127
    Abstract: An outside rearview mirror flexing mechanism, which is capable of moving the outside rearview mirror between a flexed position and an extended position and vice versa, and which is of the type comprising an electric motor, a mechanical transmission and an electronic control circuit. The flexing mechanism is capable of attaining an activated state by being connected to an electrical power source, and it is capable of being in a locked position and in an unlocked position. The flexing mechanism is provided with a position detector which is capable of detecting the locked position and the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Fico Mirrors, S.A.
    Inventors: Francesc Daura Luna, Oriol Rovira Vera, Llorenc Servera Serapio
  • Patent number: 7114817
    Abstract: An extendable foldable mirror for use on a vehicle is a side view mirror that is longitudinally extendable. A mechanism is provided for moving the mirror (10) from a first normal viewing position to a second longitudinally extended position. The mirror element or mirror housing is adjusted in response to extension or retraction of the mirror to provide a consistent viewing picture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems UK Ltd.
    Inventors: Rob Evans, Roy Buckingham, Jerry Bottrill
  • Patent number: 7104660
    Abstract: A motorized retracting unit for a motorized retractable rearview mirror for a vehicle includes a shaft holder that has a main shaft, a gear case that is rotatably mounted on the main shaft, a plate, and a transmission mechanism that transmits driving power of a motor to the main shaft. The plate includes a plate member, a shaft supporting member that rotatably supports the main shaft, a motor mounting member on which the motor is mounted, and a flexible member that is provided between the shaft supporting member and the motor mounting member, enabling a relative movement of the shaft supporting member and the motor mounting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ikuo Sakata, Katsuyuki Izumi
  • Patent number: 7093947
    Abstract: A foldable mirror device for a vehicle, in which a case is mounted on a support shaft erected from a base. The case includes a ring-shaped support portion for supporting the shaft, a motor connected to a transmission for swinging the mirror, and a clutch portion for disengageably engaging with the base. The support portion can be strengthened by ribs between the support portion and other portions of the case. A worm gear of the transmission can be mounted on a motor output shaft to be freely movable therealong, and supported and constrained by supporting a bottom end of the worm gear on the case and accommodating an upper end of the worm gear in a cylindrical projection from a motor base which supports the motor. End portions of convexities and concavities at the engagement portion can be formed in a concave or convex screw shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventor: Shigeki Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7093946
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a base portion mounted to the vehicle and a movable portion that is pivotable relative to the base portion via a motor or motorized actuator or powerfold unit or the like. The powerfold unit is operable to pivot the movable portion relative to the base portion. The powerfold unit is mounted at one of the movable portion and the base portion and engages a receiving portion of the other of the movable portion and the base portion. A resilient element is positioned between and at least partially in engagement with the powerfold unit and the receiving portion. The resilient element is resilient and may at least partially compress as the powerfold unit is engaged with the receiving portion, thereby reducing or dampening vibration of the head portion relative to the base portion of the mirror assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Amit S. Barve, Richard J. Weber, Eric Shapin, Leo W. Pavao
  • Patent number: 7073914
    Abstract: A mirror system for a vehicle comprising an exterior rearview mirror assembly, which includes a fixed portion which is configured to mount to a side of the vehicle. The movable portion includes a reflective element and a reflective element actuator. The reflective element has a generally rearward field of view when the mirror system is mounted to the vehicle. The reflective element actuator provides selective adjustment of an orientation of the reflective element to adjust the rearward field of view to a desired orientation, and the movable portion is movably mounted to the fixed portion. The movable portion actuator selectively moves the movable portion between a viewing position wherein the movable portion extends outwardly from the vehicle at an angle with respect to the side of the vehicle and another viewing position wherein said movable portion extends outwardly from the vehicle at another angle with respect to the side of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventor: Leo W Pavao
  • Patent number: 7070288
    Abstract: In a vehicle door mirror device (10), an outer side surface (20B), with respect to a vehicle, of a projection (20) of a door mirror stay (16) is made to be flat. Further, an angle of the outer side surface (20B) with respect to a front-rear direction of the vehicle, inward or outward with respect to the vehicle, is not more than 2 degrees. Therefore, wind arriving at the outer side surface (20B) flows rearward with respect to the vehicle with fluctuation thereof being suppressed, and its flow is straightened. Furthermore, a radius of curvature of a corner portion (20E) at an outer rear side, with respect to the vehicle, of the projection (20) is not more than 15 mm. Therefore, wind arriving at the outer side surface (20B) of the projection (20) is suppressed from flowing along the corner portion (20E), and its flow is straightened. Thus, wind noise performance of the door mirror stay (16) can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rik-A-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventors: Toshinobu Mizutani, Masakazu Iwatsuki, Masakazu Aoki, Masaaki Itou, Yasunobu Okatsu
  • Patent number: 7070287
    Abstract: A motorized pivoting and extending mechanism for a vehicular mirror assembly includes, alternatively, a force-reduction mechanism for reducing the friction within the mechanism, and a slip clutch mechanism for reducing overloading of the motor when the limits of mirror extension and retraction have been reached. Mirror power functions receive electrical power and control signals through a circular array of electrical contacts incorporated into the pivot connection irrespective of the pivotal orientation of the mirror. A motor shut-off circuit is able to shut off the motor within a predetermined period of time. The mirror can be angularly adjusted upon movement of the mirror between the retracted and the extended positions to maintain a common field of view for a driver of the vehicle to prevent the extension and/or retraction of the mirror from undesirably repositioning the field of view captured by the mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Magna Donnelly Mirrors North America L.L.C.
    Inventors: Keith D. Foote, Kris D. Brown, Kenneth C. Peterson, James A. Ruse
  • Patent number: 7055973
    Abstract: A mirror mounting assembly for mounting a mirror on a vehicle bulkhead. The assembly includes a mirror element and a main support arm having a first end and a second end. The mirror element is connected to the first end of the main support arm. The second end of the main support arm is mountable to the vehicle. A pair of brackets are configured to conform to an engine bay side wall of the vehicle. Each bracket has a center portion and two laterally extending flanges that extend at an angle from the center portion in opposite directions. One of the flanges of each bracket is connectable to the bulkhead of the vehicle in the engine bay. A first additional support arm has a first end connected to a first one of the brackets and a second end connected to the main support arm. A second additional support arm has a first end connected to the main support arm and a second end connectable to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Rosco Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin Englander
  • Patent number: 7052148
    Abstract: Provided is a door mirror of automobile. The mirror comprises a frame fitted with a piece of glass, a bracket mounted on a body of the automobile and shaped to matingly couple to the frame, and a gear mechanism disposed in the connecting portions of both the frame and the bracket. A clockwise or counterclockwise turning of the frame about a pivot of the gear mechanism causes meshed gearwheels of the gear mechanism to rotate the same, thereby adjusting an angle of the frame about the bracket in a smooth, precise way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Aloha Auto Industry Co.
    Inventor: Feng-Mei Kuo
  • Patent number: 7048393
    Abstract: A door mirror assembly for a vehicle is provided, which includes a housing, a frame supporting the housing internally. The housing has a shell with a front aperture, two fixation ports and an engagement port. On the other hand, the frame has a main body to be enclosed by the shell, two fixation elements and an engagement element. The door mirror assembly further includes two fixation sections formed by fixing the two fixation ports and two fixation elements with fasteners and an engagement section formed by engaging the engagement port and engagement element. The door mirror assembly has a feature that the engagement section is adapted to be on the circumference of a circle, the center of circle lies on an axis defined by the two fixation sections, so that the rotational displacement of housing relative to the frame can be restricted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Murakami Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 7044676
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Maarten J. Schuurmans