Retractable Vehicle Mirror Patents (Class 359/841)
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Patent number: 7040770Abstract: An exterior mirror for a vehicle, which is forward foldable for storage and shipment of a vehicle. The mirror may also fold to the rear and includes lights and accessories in the sail and the mirror casing.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2000Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd.Inventors: Mark Olijnyk, Patrick McCaffery, Paul Schwarz, Alex Gersch, Paul VanDeLoo
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Patent number: 7036945Abstract: A manual mirror device includes a mirror base, a shaft, a housing, a compression coil spring, a mirror unit, and engaging units. The mirror base is fixed to a vehicle. The shaft penetrates the mirror base and a lower portion of the housing. The housing turns integrally with the shaft. The compression coil spring generates elastic force for rotatably attaching the shaft and the housing to the mirror base. The mirror unit with a mirror is fitted to the housing. One engaging unit is provided on a surface of the shaft opposed to the mirror base. The other engaging unit is provided on a surface of the mirror base opposed to the shaft. The mirror unit is fixed to an operated position by engaging one engaging unit with the other engaging unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2004Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Ikuo Sakata
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Patent number: 7014327Abstract: A vehicle mirror assembly includes a mounting bracket for attachment of the mirror assembly to a vehicle. The bracket is in communication with a mounting arm at a first end thereof. The mounting arm has a second end that is in communication with a mirror. The mirror assembly includes at least one release mechanism that allows the mounting arm to pivot with respect to the bracket when the mounting arm is subject to a force of at least a predetermined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2002Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Mirror Lite CompanyInventors: William Schmidt, Daniel Swain
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Patent number: 7008067Abstract: An electrically operable pivoting actuator for a door mirror is disclosed. The pivoting actuator comprises a frame, an electromotor, and an annular coupling member secured onto a horizontally extended support of the door mirror, the coupling member comprising two diametrically opposite protuberances wherein one protuberance is adapted to engage with a stop on the frame for stopping a clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the coupling member relative to the frame so as to define a predetermined angle ? of the fold-in door mirror as an angle between an extreme position of the stop engaged with one protuberance and another extreme position of the stop engaged with the other protuberance. The invention can be produced in a large scale for reducing the manufacturing cost and is adapted to install in any of a variety of door mirrors of motor vehicles without further modifications.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2004Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: Chaw Khong Technology co., Ltd.Inventor: Chih-Pang Hsu
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Patent number: 7008068Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 23, 2005Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-SeisakushoInventor: Shigeki Yoshida
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Patent number: 6984048Abstract: A door mirror which is installed on a motor vehicle's body in such a manner as to project laterally from the vehicle's body so as to reflect on a surface of the mirror what is behind the vehicle's body, wherein the mirror surface of the door mirror is divided into?two parts, and thus divided mirror surfaces are respectively provided with reflection angle adjusting mechanisms so that reflection angles of the divided mirror surfaces can be independently and arbitrarily adjusted, and the divided mirror surface positioned on the outer side can be turned to project laterally from the door mirror to face outward.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2003Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: Atras Auto Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hideyasu Yamabe
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Patent number: 6979091Abstract: A door mirror set plate is formed of synthetic resin. On a base plate, a support shaft is vertically provided to rotatively support a door mirror body. A curved surface section is embedded at an outside periphery of a base of the support shaft. A flat section is formed to support a thrust washer so as to cross the curved surface section. Inside the support shaft, there is formed a wiring hole provided with a large diameter section, a small diameter section, and a step section. When a conducting wire is inserted into the wiring hole, the tip of a covering touches the step section for positioning. A stopper and a positioning protrusion are integrally formed on a base plate top surface. The stopper restricts rotational angles of the door mirror body. The positioning protrusion holds the door mirror body at a neutral position.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2003Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: Mitsuba CorporationInventor: Osamu Ichikawa
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Patent number: 6976761Abstract: An exterior mirror for a vehicle, which is forward foldable for storage and shipment of a vehicle. The mirror may also fold to the rear and includes lights and accessories in the sail and the mirror casing.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2003Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty LtdInventors: Mark Olijnyk, Patrick McCaffery, Paul Schwarz, Alex Gersch, Paul VanDeLoo
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Patent number: 6969038Abstract: A vehicle external mirror assembly (10) comprises three main parts: a vehicle-to-mirror assembly attachment bracket (15), a mirror housing (20) and a mirror (41). Housing (20) comprises a thin molded external plastic shell (50) and a foam core (21), the foam anchoring and supporting the shell. A load diffuser (45) may be positioned within foam (21) to reduce the maximum tensile and compressive stresses within the foam (21). Attachment bracket (15) is of a similar construction with a thin shell (15) internal foam (18) and load diffuser (16).Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2000Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty LtdInventors: Ingmar Manfred Birgden, Garry Gordon Leslie Fimeri, Robert William Gilbert, Duncan William Nash
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Patent number: 6969101Abstract: An exterior accessory assembly or module for a vehicle door assembly comprises an exterior rearview mirror and/or door cap assembly, which may further include a cover member, a door handle, window frame, window seal and/or an exterior rearview mirror assembly. The vehicle door assembly includes a door frame, which includes a cap and/or mirror mounting region, a lock and/or latch mechanism, a mirror connector, electronic controls, regulators, trim pieces, and/or the like, and is mountable to a vehicle at the vehicle assembly plant as a single unit. The exterior rearview mirror and/or the cap assembly may mount to the modular door and provide an exterior rearview mirror, a window frame and/or door handle. The exterior mirror and/or cap assembly and door frame may include corresponding electrical connectors for connecting electrical accessories of the accessory module to a door wiring or harness.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2003Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Niall R. Lynam, Peter J. Whitehead, David E. Nestell, Loren B. Renkema
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Patent number: 6962420Abstract: A vehicle mirror assembly for mounting a mirror to a vehicle body includes a connection head, a positive lock assembly, and a holder. The holder and the connection head are attached to one or the other of a tie bar and a mirror support arm and rotatably secured together. Methods of assembling and using the vehicle mirror assembly are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2003Date of Patent: November 8, 2005Assignee: Lang Mekra North America, LLCInventor: Michael Dean Branham
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Patent number: 6962422Abstract: A single shell side-view mirror assembly is disclosed which provides improved aerodynamic features and improved vibrational resistance characterized by an aerodynamically domed shell structure, interchangeable mirror elements, an electrically activated vibration dampening element and a static vibration dampening elements.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1996Date of Patent: November 8, 2005Assignee: Roscoe, Inc.Inventor: Benjamin Englander
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Patent number: 6955437Abstract: A mirror assembly is provided for use in “hitching” trailers to towing vehicles. The mirror assembly can be used for conventional ball and socket couplings, fifth wheel couplings and variations thereof. The mirror assembly is magnetically attached to the trailer tongue so it can be easily removed after coupling. The mirror assembly includes a telescoping stanchion mirror post and a swivel joint which can be vertically rotated. A ball joint connected to the back of the mirror allows the mirror to be turned in any of a variety of positions for precise alignment during the hitching process.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2004Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Inventor: Fred H. Roberts
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Patent number: 6929372Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 29, 2002Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty LtdInventors: Mark Olijnyk, Daniel Joseph Flynn
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Patent number: 6926414Abstract: A hinge actuator for a wing mirror of motor vehicle, which is operative between an extreme fold-in position and an extreme fold-out position and between the extreme fold-out position and an extreme fold-over position, comprising a mirror base, provided with a frame with a frame part which extends around a base shaft and supported on a base flange. A first cam track located between the base shaft and the frame part, with at least one bearing element, is present, and a first elastic element extending on a side along this track. During a rotation of the frame relative to the base shaft between the extreme fold-in position and the extreme fold-out position, the first elastic element contact with the bearing element undergoes a deformation, while during a rotation between the extreme fold-out position and the extreme fold-over position, the first elastic element undergoes a further-going deformation.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2001Date of Patent: August 9, 2005Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Paulus Gerardus Maria Van Stiphout
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Patent number: 6923547Abstract: In a door mirror device for a vehicle, a first helical gear and a second worm gear are rotated integrally by a first worm gear. In this way, the second worm gear is rotated around a second helical gear, and a mirror is retracted or extended. The first helical gear and the second worm gear can tilt. Rotating central shafts thereof are supported at both ends by first bearings and second bearings, respectively. Even if load is applied from the first worm gear or the second helical gear to the first helical gear or the second worm gear, it is possible to suppress integral tilting of the first helical gear and the second worm gear. Accordingly, when the mirror is retracted and when the mirror is extended, it is possible to suppress a change in a sound of operation and to make the sound of operation uniform.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2003Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-SeisakushoInventors: Shigeki Yoshida, Narumi Ishigami
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Patent number: 6916100Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 27, 2002Date of Patent: July 12, 2005Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventor: Leo W. Pavao
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Patent number: 6896378Abstract: This invention relates to a mirror head (10) for an external vehicle mirror that comprises a load carrying structure (11) that is located within the mirror head, a connector (16) on the load carrying structure (11) that connects the mirror head (10) with respect to the vehicle, a shell (12, 13, 14) forming the external surface of the mirror head (10) within which at least a portion of the load carrying structure (11) locates, said connector (16) being positioned to enable connection with respect to the vehicle, and foam within the internal cavity of the shell (12, 13, 14), that acts to bond the load carrying structure (11) with respect to the shell components (12, 13, 14). This assembly provides a lighter mirror head (10) by comparison to conventional construction techniques while at the same time remaining rigid. It provides a means whereby loads can be transferred to the foam which are in turn transferred to the external shell components (12, 13, 14) of the mirror head (10).Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2001Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty LtdInventors: Robert William Gilbert, Gary Gordon Leslie Fimeri, Paul Michael Schwarz, Patrick Joseph McCaffrey
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Patent number: 6896379Abstract: A mirror assembly has a pair of telescoping tubular supports extending between a support base and a mirror head to provide adjustment of the mirror head toward and away from the support base. Friction shoes within the tubular supports releasably hold such supports against unintentional telescoping movement. Cooperating stops on the telescoping supports limit outward movement of the mirror head and prevent complete separation of the telescoping supports. The tubular supports are hingedly attached to the support base for rotation about a vertical axis, and cooperating detents and spring elements on the supports and support base releasably hold the supports against rotation.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2003Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Britax Rainsfords Pty. LimitedInventors: Paul Home, Paul R. Henion, Peter Robert Rothe, David Henderson Woollard, Barry Whitford, Trevor Fimeri, Simon Orme
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Patent number: 6896380Abstract: An extendable outside rearview mirror for a vehicle includes a spring-clamped slide mechanism that ensures a zero clearance fit between sliding components to avoid vibration. Bearing members between the sliding components reduce friction and provide a consistent reaction force to ensure smooth operation of an actuator mechanism which extends or retracts the mirror assembly along a support arm. The support arm includes V-shaped guiderails vertically aligned with opposing V-shaped guiderails on the mounting bracket assembly. Rod-like bearing means are interposed between the opposing guiderail pairs. A cantilever clamp jaw with spring means biases one guiderail toward the other with a high spring force which provides superior rigidity and thus enhanced mirror image clarity. The attachment end of the support arm may be divided into two attachment legs providing a dual-arm configuration for less wind resistance.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2003Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Delbar Products, Inc.Inventors: John S. McPherson, Keith Fitzgerald
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Patent number: 6896385Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 7, 2004Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Magna Donnelly, Inc.Inventor: Keith D. Foote
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Patent number: 6883923Abstract: A rear-mounted mirror assembly for trucks, vans and the like, for providing rear viewing as the vehicle is being backed 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, once contact with an obstruction that have pivoted the mirror unit from its normal position, has been removed.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2002Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignee: Rosco, Inc.Inventor: Benjamin Englander
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Patent number: 6880940Abstract: A folding side mirror for an automobile having a hinge structure with dissimilar metals while avoiding problems associated with galvanic corrosion. The hinge structure includes a spring and an inner base. The spring and inner base are formed from dissimilar metals, such as steel and magnesium, respectively. The spring is isolated from the inner base by a washer member, which is preferably formed from plastic.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2003Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Michael Binfet
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Patent number: 6877868Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 9, 2002Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd.Inventors: Mark Leonid Olijnyk, Daniel Joseph Flynn
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Patent number: 6877867Abstract: A door mirror including mirror-supporting therewith bracket supported by a bearing portion disposed integrally to a base of a support shaft, and a coil spring located under compression between a resilient receptacle and the bearing portion for urging the bearing portion toward the support seat. One bearing portion supported to the base end of the support and another bearing portion spaced apart from the bearing portion and supported rotationally on the top end of the support shaft are provided integrally to the bracket. The resilient receptacle is secured to a predetermined position of the support shaft so as to sandwich the coil spring that is compressed to a set load after passage of the support shaft through the coil spring located between both of the bearing portions between one of the bearing portions situated on the side of the support seat and the receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2003Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Honda Lock Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shinichi Murakami
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Patent number: 6874896Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 18, 2002Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-SeisakushoInventor: Shigeki Yoshida
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Patent number: 6871970Abstract: An external rearview mirror of an automotive vehicle, in particular a utility vehicle and more particularly agricultural tractors, comprises a housing (1) for supporting and receiving a rearview mirror (2), a mounting assembly (3) for the housing (1) on a door (4) or on a body element and adjustment element (5) for the housing by at least one electrical motor. The adjustment for the housing is essentially constituted by a drive (7) secured to the housing (1) and by a pair of drive motors (6) coacting with the drive (7) each directly by a drive pinion (8).Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2003Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: Ficomirrors France SASInventor: Christian Georges
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Patent number: 6871969Abstract: A speed reducer including a gear box having a first frame and a second frame combined together, an input gear fixed on an input shaft being rotated by a driving force, an output gear fixed on an output shaft, an intermediate shaft, intermediate gears fixed on the intermediate shaft to reduce a speed of rotation of the input gear for being transmitted to said output gear, wherein the input shaft and the intermediate shaft are rotatably supported by the first frame for always maintaining the length between each core of the input shaft and the intermediate shaft as a predetermined length.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2002Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: Murakami CorporationInventors: Kazunari Yamauchi, Takeshi Morioka
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Patent number: 6866392Abstract: In a door mirror device for a vehicle, when a twin gear is rotated by driving of a motor, the twin gear moves around a periphery of an output gear. A case member and a motor base member are thereby pivoted around a supporting shaft, and a mirror connected to the case member is retracted or extended. Here, an engagement claw provided at the motor base member engages with an engagement hole provided in the case member. Swaying of the motor base member with respect to the case member can thereby be prevented. Thus, tilting of the twin gear at the time of extending or retracting the mirror can be prevented. It is thereby possible to make meshing of the twin gear and the output gear stable, and to make the operations of retracting and extending the mirror stable.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2002Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika Denki-SeisakushoInventor: Kenichi Hayashi
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Patent number: 6863407Abstract: A minor parking mechanism for an exterior rear view mirror that rotates a mirror head to a parked position. The mechanism has a mirror mounting bracket, a mirror head pivotally connected to the mirror mounting bracket so the mirror head can rotate from a deployed position to a parked position. A detent acting between the mirror mounting bracket and the mirror head to lock and unlock the mirror head. A spring acts against and locks the detent in position. A worm drive in the mirror head moves longitudinally along a shaft and rotates about an axis to act against the spring, which in turn reduces the spring force applied to the detent to enable it to disengage whereupon continued rotation of the worm drive causes the mirror head to rotate.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2000Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd.Inventors: Mark Olijnyk, Gary Gordon Leslie Fimeri, Paul van de Loo, Simon Orme
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Patent number: 6860502Abstract: A guide is provided for aligning a trailer hitch on a draft vehicle with a receiving socket on a towing load such as a trailer, for assisting a driver of the draft vehicle in connecting the trailer hitch to the receiving socket for towing. The guide comprises a support structure mountable to the draft vehicle, containing a reflective surface on a moveable structure supported at an inclination relative to the trailer hitch. The guide captures an image of the trailer hitch on the draft vehicle so that the driver may view the image of the trailer hitch from the driver's seat of the draft vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2003Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Inventor: John R. Bolten
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Patent number: 6851813Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly, especially suited for towing vehicles, includes a casing which houses a reflective element and a support supporting the casing and adapted to mount a vehicle. The mirror casing is adapted to pivot about the support between an inboard position and an extended outboard position thereby extending the field of view of the mirror assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2002Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventor: Wayne Vandenbrink
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Patent number: 6847288Abstract: A side mirror retracting vehicle alarm system for automatically retracting side mirrors of a vehicle while the alarm system is activated includes a vehicle having a side mirror and a side mirror retraction assembly. A vehicle alarm assembly is operationally associated with the vehicle for inhibiting theft of the vehicle. The vehicle alarm assembly includes an activation mechanism for selectively activating the vehicle alarm assembly to a ready state. The mirror retraction assembly is operationally coupled to the activation mechanism of the vehicle alarm assembly such that activation of the vehicle alarm assembly retracts the side mirror. In an embodiment, extension of the side mirror is achieved only by authorized deactivation of the vehicle alarm assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2003Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Inventor: Robert J. Baschnagel, III
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Patent number: 6843575Abstract: Even when a stay is mounted to a mounting surface with tilting angle different according to types of vehicles, a predetermined or more tilting range of the mirror assembly can be obtained, thereby securing a rear field of view. As a result, since an inside mirror can be for general-purpose use of types of vehicles having a mounting surface with different tilting angles, the inside mirror does not have to be designed and manufactured according to each type of vehicles, thereby lowering the cost of the inside mirror.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2002Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Kenichi Wachi
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Patent number: 6837581Abstract: A mirror assembly deployment system of a display unit includes an imaging mirror and an extension link assembly coupled to the imaging mirror. The extension link assembly includes an extension spring coupled to a housing of the display unit. The deployment system includes a compression link assembly coupled to the extension link assembly, wherein the compression link assembly comprises a compression spring. The system also includes a fold mirror coupled to the compression link assembly. The extension spring is configured to at least partially unload when the imaging mirror is released from a recessed position to cause the imaging mirror to rotate to an at least partially deployed position. The compression spring is configured to unload when the extension spring at least partially unloads to cause the fold mirror to rotate from a recessed position to a deployed position.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2003Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Aaron Raines, Eduardo Gracia
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Patent number: 6811270Abstract: A mirror device for a vehicle, capable of preventing entrance of water into a motor case, and capable of ensuring smooth and appropriate rotation of the motor case even if a soft material is used for a cover. A supporting cylinder formed at a bottom wall portion of the motor case is rotatably supported at a lower end side of a shaft. A cylindrical member is formed continuously from a motor base having the same rigidity as the motor case. An upper end portion of the shaft is covered with the cylindrical member, which is rotatably supported by the shaft. The motor case and the motor base are interlocked, so they are rotatably supported together on the upper and lower ends of the shaft, and smooth rotation of the motor case can be ensured. Entrance of water between the shaft and the cover is prevented by the cylindrical member.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2002Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-SeisakushoInventor: Shigeki Yoshida
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Patent number: 6808274Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for deploying a mirror assembly from a recessed position that includes rotating the mirror assembly in a first direction about a first axis, the mirror assembly coupled proximate the first axis to at least one lifting arm and rotating each lifting arm in a second direction about a second axis such that the mirror assembly moves to an operational position. The first direction may be opposite from the second direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2002Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Aaron T. Raines, Todd A. Mendez
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Patent number: 6799858Abstract: In order to electrically reverse the motorized pivoting actuator 11, used for example to adjust an exterior mirror with restricted angles of movement and to return the mirror into a working position after it has been pivoted by external means (either by hand, or as a result of a collision), engagement of the coupling actuator 16 is axially detached, as a result of an external pivoting of the coupling output drive 18, against an elastic restoring force and the coupling output drive is pivoted in relation to the coupling actuator, according to the effective torque. Thus, the coupling output drive is also brought out of its restricted trajectory, in such a way that the drive motor 13 can rotate the coupling actuator 16 freely, until the coupling actuator and the coupling output drive 18 reach a relative position, which has been predetermined in the construction concept in said position, and the coupling claws 28 re-engage in the recesses of the opposing pinion 16 or 18.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2002Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Assignee: Oechsler AktiengesellschaftInventor: Josef Boegelein
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Patent number: 6799856Abstract: A first power mechanism (20) is provided in association with a fixed support (18) and with a swingable structure (16) and pivots the swingable structure (16) relative to the fixed support (18) between an extended position and a folded position adjacent the vehicle. A second power mechanism (24) is operatively associated with a swingable structure (16) and a mirror housing (12) to move the mirror housing (12) between inner and outer extended positions. A third power mechanism (28) moves the mirror unit (14) into a desired adjusted position about horizontal and vertical axes. An electronic control controls the operation of the first power mechanism (20) and the second power mechanism (24) and the third power mechanism (28) to control the powered pivoting of swingable structure (16) and to control the generally horizontal movement of mirror housing (12) to various positions located between inner and outer limiting positions and to adjust the mirror about vertical and horizontal axes.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2003Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Assignee: Magna Mirror Systems, Inc.Inventors: Keith D. Foote, Ian Boddy
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Patent number: 6799855Abstract: An exterior rear view mirror is known in the art in which cables that are guided through an opening to a door of the motor vehicle are soldered to a printed circuit board. This design has the drawback that assembly is time-consuming. The present invention provides an exterior rear view mirror that is simple to mount. To achieve this, the electrical connection consists of extension sections of the printed circuit board. At least one section of this extension of the printed circuit board is torsionally soft, such that the exterior rear view mirror can be adjusted toward the motor vehicle and away therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2002Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventor: Bernd Petzold
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Patent number: 6793358Abstract: A stopper mechanism is not provided on a turning unit but is provided on a horizontal portion and a mirror assembly. Therefore, the turning unit can be used for a left outer mirror and a right outer mirror. The mirror assembly is provided with a projection of the stopper mechanism, and a base is provided with an arc groove of the stopper mechanism. Therefore, it is unnecessary to split the base into two pieces at the time of molding using a metal mold, and the base can be formed using the metal mold in a usual manner and thus, the cost of manufacturing becomes inexpensive.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2003Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Ichikoh Industries Ltd.Inventor: Ikuo Sakata
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Patent number: 6764186Abstract: The invention relates to a drive device for adjusting the mirror assembly of a rearview mirror comprising a mirror base and a mirror head, which accommodates the mirror assembly and which can be positioned between a first and a second position via a pivot. The drive device comprises an electric motor assembly and a control switch, which specifies the direction of the adjustment of the mirror assembly and which, according to the actuation thereof, furnishes electrical signals to the electric motor assembly for the adjustment of the mirror assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Magna Reflex Holding GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Pacher, Johann Stark
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Publication number: 20040114258Abstract: A computing device and method for combining dynamic mathematical expressions and other multimedia objects within a text document. The computing device includes memory adapted to store software for creating and editing a document comprising text and at least one mathematical expression. The computing device includes a processor adapted to run the software and a user interface that may be activated to create and edit a document while at least portions of the document are displayed on a display screen. The evaluation order of mathematical expressions may be explicitly modified and static mathematical expressions may be converted to dynamic mathematical expressions, and vice versa. Users can choose from a palette of mathematical patterns and modify them for a particular application, or create custom mathematical patterns. Inputs and outputs of dynamic mathematical expressions may be separated, with text and/or other multimedia objects inserted between them.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2002Publication date: June 17, 2004Inventors: Richard Alexander Harris, Michael Edward Hosea
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Patent number: 6742756Abstract: This invention is a pivot assembly 10 that connects mirror head 11 and a mirror mounting bracket 12 of a rear vision mirror that comprises a spigot 17, a plate 14 with an aperture 26 that is journalled to the spigot 17. A detent is located between the plate 14 and the spigot 17 which holds these components together to in turn hold the mirror head 11 in at least one required position with respect to the mirror mounting bracket 12. The detent changes from a locked position where the plate 14 is held with respect to the spigot 17 to a disengaged position when the plate 14 is rotated with respect to the spigot 17. A spring 40 acts against the detent to hold it in its locked position. The spring 40 yields to allow the detent to move to its disengaged position as the plate 14 is rotated with respect to the spigot 17. An attachment mechanism is provided both on the spigot 17 and the plate 14 that allows the spigot 17 to be secured to either one of the mirror head 11 or mirror mounting bracket 12.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2001Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty LtdInventors: Gary Gordon Leslie Fimeri, Robert William Gilbert, Maarten Johannes Schuurmans
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Publication number: 20040080839Abstract: An extendable outside rearview mirror for a vehicle includes a spring-clamped slide mechanism that ensures a zero clearance fit between sliding components to avoid vibration. Bearing members between the sliding components reduce friction and provide a consistent reaction force to ensure smooth operation of an actuator mechanism which extends or retracts the mirror assembly along a support arm. The support arm includes V-shaped guiderails vertically aligned with opposing V-shaped guiderails on the mounting bracket assembly. Rod-like bearing means are interposed between the opposing guiderail pairs. A cantilever clamp jaw with spring means biases one guiderail toward the other with a high spring force which provides superior rigidity and thus enhanced mirror image clarity. The attachment end of the support arm may be divided into two attachment legs providing a dual-arm configuration for less wind resistance.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: John S. McPherson, Keith Fitzgerald
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Patent number: 6726337Abstract: An extendable exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror subassembly, a bracket which is adapted for mounting to a vehicle, and a support which mounts the mirror subassembly to the bracket. Support extends into the housing which is movable along the support. The housing includes a retracted position and at lease one outboard position, which define a direction of extension. The mirror assembly further includes a drive assembly which is supported in the housing and drivingly coupled to the support. The drive assembly selectively moves the housing along the support. The mirror assembly further includes a clutch mechanism which drivingly decouples the drive assembly from the support when a force of sufficient magnitude is applied to the housing in the direction of extension such that the housing can be manually moved along the support.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2001Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Peter John Whitehead, Michiel Pieter van de Ven
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Patent number: 6717712Abstract: This invention provides a reflective element assembly suitable for use in an exterior sideview mirror assembly mounted to the side body of an automobile. The reflective element assembly includes a first reflective element and a second reflective element. The second reflective element is angled downwardly and forwardly with respect to the first reflective element when the mirror assembly is mounted to a side of an automobile to provide an increased field of view. In one form, both reflective elements are commonly supported on a bezel, which is mounted to the mirror assembly casing. In another form, the reflective elements are separately mounted, with the second reflective element fixedly mounted to the casing and the first reflective element movably supported in the mirror casing, for example, on an actuator.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2000Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Niall R. Lynam, John O. Lindahl, Hahns Yoachim Fuchs
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Publication number: 20040057132Abstract: A rear-mounted mirror assembly for trucks, vans and the like, for providing rear viewing as the vehicle is being backed 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, once contact with an obstruction that have pivoted the mirror unit from its normal position, has been removed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2002Publication date: March 25, 2004Applicant: Rosco, Inc.Inventor: Benjamin Englander
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Publication number: 20040051983Abstract: A modular outside mirror assembly for a commercial vehicle incorporates an upper body anchorage 1, which has with an upper pivot linkage 1a, a lower body anchorage 2 which has with a lower pivot linkage 2a, a first mirror 3 and a holding arm 5, onto which the first mirror 3 is fastened, and which The holding arm is disposed in the upper and lower pivot linkage 1a, 2a of the upper and lower body anchorage 1, 2 is so placed, such that the sad holding arm 5 is rotatable about an axis relative to the body anchorages. Because of the Due to modular construction, a multiplicity of different mirror variants can be made are available.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2003Publication date: March 18, 2004Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Albrecht Popp
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Patent number: 6702448Abstract: A plurality of baffle rails (4C) extending along a front-rear direction of a vehicle body are provided on a periphery of a mirror body (4) of an automotive door mirror (1), at least on a surface (4A) opposite a side of the vehicle body. Wind that sweeps along the periphery of the mirror body (4) during driving of the automobile passes along the baffle rails (4C) to the end of the surface (4A) without deviating partway from the surface (4A). Accordingly, the wind noise of about 1-3 kHz like a whistle may be reduced. The baffle rails (4C), which may serve as an accent of patterning, are provided without marring the beautifully designed appearance of the mirror body (4). The automotive door mirror (1) with the baffle rails (4C) lends itself to injection molding of the mirror body (4), and thus may be easily manufactured.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Murakami CorporationInventor: Yoshihisa Tanaka