Having Support Or Apparel Engaging Head Or Neck Patents (Class 359/880)
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Patent number: 9055795Abstract: A neckpiece wearable by a user includes opposing arm segments operatively connected to each other and configured such that each arm segment defines a tethering element configured to removably retain a cable to the neckpiece. The arm segments may be arranged to retain the neckpiece to the user's neck intermediate the shoulders and jaw of the user, such that the neckpiece when worn by the user is not in contact with the user's shoulders and/or is not supported in position by the user's shoulders. An access opening allows the user to don and doff the neckpiece, and is preferably less than 35% of the perimeter of the neckpiece. The neckpiece may include a grasping interface to exert a grasping pressure on the user's neck. The neckpiece may include a physiological sensing element. The arm segments may be formed of wire. A connecting element may detachably connect the opposing arm segments.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2013Date of Patent: June 16, 2015Assignee: Nicholas Stuart LarkinInventor: Nicholas Stuart Larkin
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Publication number: 20150138660Abstract: The present invention is an improved rear view mirror that removably attaches to a protective helmet. The helmet mirror, in its preferred embodiment, includes a bracket, an elongated adjustable arm, an adjustment nut, and a mirror, wherein the bracket and the adjustable arm are rubber-coated. The adjustable arm includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to the bracket and the second end is attached to the mirror by means of the adjustment nut. The positioning of the mirror may be adjusted by bending the adjustable arm and/or pivoting the mirror about the adjustment nut. The bracket is bent to form a general J-shape when viewed from the side. The bracket is adapted to be wedged under the rim portion of a protective helmet to removably secure the device to the same.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2014Publication date: May 21, 2015Inventor: Robert Burse
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Patent number: 8939591Abstract: The present invention features a combined mirror and safety signal system for boats or other vehicles. The system features a housing having a housing anterior surface and a housing posterior surface. A magnet is located on the housing anterior surface and a mounting bracket is located on the housing posterior surface. The system has a removable mirror unit having a mirror unit anterior surface and a mirror unit posterior surface. A mirror is inset into a mirror unit anterior surface. A magnet is inset into a mirror unit posterior surface. A lanyard is located on the mirror unit. The housing is mounted on a boat or other vehicle via the mounting bracket. The mirror unit posterior surface magnetically connects to the housing anterior surface to hold the mirror unit in place on the housing.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2013Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Inventor: Therese M. Reynolds
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Patent number: 8506100Abstract: Rear view mirrors for use with a brim of a hat. Telescopic arms extend from the brim and are pivotable and swivelable from a central ball joint and have rear view mirrors disposed on the distal ends thereof that are pivotable and swivelable on the ball joints that transition from the distal end of the telescopic arms and the rear view mirrors. The rear view mirrors and telescopic arms are articulated by the user to provide the desired field of vision behind the user.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2010Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Inventor: James Prendamano
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Publication number: 20130182345Abstract: A rearview mirror, mounted in a headband, is adapted to be worn about the head of an individual. The headband mounted rearview mirror may provide a stable and secure attachment for the rearview mirror and may allow a user to see an area behind them. The headband mounted rearview mirror may include an attachment member, pivots, a strut, and one or more rearview mirrors.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2012Publication date: July 18, 2013Inventor: Brian Patella
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Publication number: 20130148220Abstract: A mirror assembly for a motorcycle helmet includes an elongated shell having a partially-enclosed space for housing a mirror that is pivotally secured therein, and which reflects an image of the view behind the motorcyclist. The backing of the mirror and the inner surface of the shell are joined together by a ball and socket joint, permitting adjustment of the mirror orientation within the shell. A substantially rigid support arm is rigidly secured to the shell at one end, and includes a mounting pad at the opposite end. An adhesive layer secures the mounting pad to a portion of a motorcycle helmet or its associated face shield. The mounting pad may include one or more grooves to flex and conform to a curved surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2011Publication date: June 13, 2013Inventor: Roger D. Garrels
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Publication number: 20120314317Abstract: A system for retaining and adjustably positioning a rearview mirror on an item of headgear. The system includes a flexible, resilient halo band of polymer plastic material removably attachable at each end thereof to the sides of the headgear and extending radially around the front of the headgear across the field of view. A rearview mirror component is slidingly positioned on the halo band and adjustably oriented to provide a rearward view to the wearer of the headgear. The rearview mirror component is a generally rectangular, semi-rigid panel, of polymer plastic material, with an attachment section having an array of parallel slots through which the halo band may be woven, and a reflective section, extending at an angle from the attachment section.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2011Publication date: December 13, 2012Inventor: Kenneth Wayne ANDERSON
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Patent number: 8156575Abstract: Headwear wearable by a user is provided having rearview mirrors mounted thereon or incorporated therein via robust mounting structures or mechanisms. The rearview mirrors can be attached to the headwear such that the mirrors are movable between a stowed or collapsed configuration in which the mirror is at least partially hidden from the user's view and a deployed configuration in which a viewing surface of the mirror is positioned to provide a rear view image to the user. The headwear may be goggles, helmets or other structures wearable on the head of a user. Rearview mirrors mountable to headwear are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2010Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Inventor: William J. Tronvig
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Publication number: 20120014009Abstract: Rear view mirrors for use with a brim of a hat. Telescopic arms extend from the brim and are pivotable and swivelable from a central ball joint and have rear view mirrors disposed on the distal ends thereof that are pivotable and swivelable on the ball joints that transition from the distal end of the telescopic arms and the rear view mirrors. The rear view mirrors and telescopic arms are articulated by the user to provide the desired field of vision behind the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2010Publication date: January 19, 2012Inventor: James Prendamano
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Publication number: 20110051273Abstract: Headwear wearable by a user is provided having rearview mirrors mounted thereon or incorporated therein via robust mounting structures or mechanisms. The rearview mirrors can be attached to the headwear such that the mirrors are movable between a stowed or collapsed configuration in which the mirror is at least partially hidden from the user's view and a deployed configuration in which a viewing surface of the mirror is positioned to provide a rear view image to the user. The headwear may be goggles, helmets or other structures wearable on the head of a user. Rearview mirrors mountable to headwear are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2010Publication date: March 3, 2011Inventor: William J. Tronvig
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Patent number: 7784953Abstract: An apparatus includes a mirror head assembly including a rearwardly-extending ball section, and a mirror support assembly including a tube having a larger-diameter mid-section and a smaller-diameter tapered end section. A socket on the mirror support assembly, when in the end section, captures the ball section with friction to permit angular adjustment but with enough friction to maintain a selected angular position. A spring biases the socket from the mid-section into the end section, but is compressible so that assembly is possible by pressing the ball section against the socket, causing the socket to move from the end section into the mid-section where the ball section snaps into the socket. It is conceived that the ball section and socket components can be reversed, and also that the mirror support assembly can include a two-ball mount, with a ball-and-socket connection at each end.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2003Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Wayne Rumsey, John W. Carter
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Publication number: 20100123961Abstract: A peripheral vision safety system and device expands peripheral vision of an individual without impeding forward vision. The expanded zone of peripheral vision provides a new level of safety for flaggers and other construction site members by reducing the risk of injury or death from passing vehicles, heavy equipment, and other hazards not in their direct line of sight. A peripheral vision safety device includes a detachable mounting clip for removably securing it to the brim of a safety helmet or cap or other type of head covering. A peripheral vision safety device includes multiple adjustable couplings configured for optimal positioning of the reflector.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2009Publication date: May 20, 2010Applicant: Neuwaukum Industries Inc.Inventor: Donn A. Bauer, JR.
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Publication number: 20090316285Abstract: A multifunctional safety, information and comfort device to be mounted on a vehicle, preferably a bicycle, comprises a rear-view mirror, an alphanumeric and iconographic display, sensors for measuring kinetic and environmental parameters, electronic components for measuring time and controlling said device, and an independent power supply.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2009Publication date: December 24, 2009Applicant: SELLE ITALIA S.R.L.Inventor: Riccardo Bigolin
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Patent number: 7300170Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for viewing the operating panel of an electronic device, such as a printer, scanner, copy machine, facsimile machine, multi-function device and the like, wherein the apparatus is adapted to allow a person to view the operating panel from a line of sight that extends from an elevation lower than an elevation of the operating panel. The apparatus can reflect and/or refract an image of the operating panel to place it within the line of sight of the person, and can use one or more mirrors and/or prisms to perform this function.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2005Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Clyde D. Jasmin, Ronald C. Knapp
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Publication number: 20040105181Abstract: The regulating mechanism comprises a base member (2), which can be coupled to the mounting (1), and a cover (3), in which a mirror mounting plate (31), provided with a mirror glass (35), is assembled. The mounting (1), and/or the cover (3), are provided with positioning means (9, 26; 37, 38; 42) of the mirror mounting plate (31), enabling said plate (31) to be positioned in any of the positions habitually used, either manually or through a mechanical or electrical control device. The base member (2) and the cover (3) or the base member (2) and the mirror mounting plate (31) have respective and complementary dampening means which comprise, in the base member (2), dampening means (32), and in the cover (3), or in the mirror mounting plate (31), a dampening extension (23).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2003Publication date: June 3, 2004Inventor: Jose Mendoza Vicioso
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Patent number: 6609802Abstract: The invention concerns an optical device for producing a visual illusion by holding a mirror under a user's eyes. More particularly, the invention concerns a device for fixing on a user's head a horizontal support comprising a mirror and located just below his eyes. It consists of a support on which is fixed a mirror. Two perpendicular stop elements, resing on the user's cheeks, maintain the horizontal support. Two linknig branches with fixing straps are attached with the fixing straps to the branches so as to press one against the other above the user's head, thereby enabling adjustment of theheight of the device. Two fixing straps are attached to the branches to press one against the other behind the user's head so as to keep the whole device pressed against the user's face.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2001Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Inventor: GĂ©rard Majax
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Publication number: 20030137757Abstract: Shafts are respectively provided in a bracket. An operating lever, and bearings and guiding and temporary holding sections are provided in a mirror housing. When the bracket, the mirror housing, and the operating lever are assembled, the shafts are guided to the bearings by the guiding and temporary holding sections, and the shafts are temporarily held in the guiding and temporary holding sections and the bearings. Therefore, the shafts can be rotatably supported on the bearings easily and reliably, and hence the cost of the inside mirror can be reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2002Publication date: July 24, 2003Applicant: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Kenichi Wachi
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Publication number: 20030112536Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2002Publication date: June 19, 2003Applicant: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Kenichi Wachi
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Patent number: 6545822Abstract: The protective helmet comprises within its thickness at least one optical path, having a dorsal entry and a frontal exit, for conveying to the eye (O) of the user an image of the scene behind said user's back. An objective lens (11) is disposed at the point of said dorsal entry aperture. An eyepiece and a reflecting optical member are disposed at the point of said frontal exit, said reflecting optical member being positioned so as to reflect the image coming from said eyepiece toward the eye of the wearer of the helmet; and at least one refractive member is disposed along said optical path, between said lens and said eyepiece (23).Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2001Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: Ceo Centro di Eccellenza OptronicaInventors: Giuseppe Longobardi, Franco Francini, Renzo Regini, Claudio Ciamberlini
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Patent number: 6511193Abstract: A small panel member of flexible, magnetized sheet material with a front surface at least partially covered with highly reflective material, and a back surface including an adhesive strip. The apparatus may be stored in a vehicle until needed, and placed on the front, rear or sides of a vehicle by applying the magnetized panel to a metallic surface. Alternatively, the adhesive strip may be used to affix the panel to a non-magnetic surface on the vehicle. A short length of cable is connected to the panel and terminates in an anchor, so that when the panel is affixed to the outside of the vehicle, the cable can be passed through the jamb gap between the trunk lid and body, or door and door jamb, with the block locked inside the trunk or passenger compartment, effectively locking the panel to the vehicle to prevent displacement or theft.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2001Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Inventor: Carol A. Furr
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Patent number: 6493882Abstract: A mirror arrangement (10) for a rear view mirror system comprises three mirrors (14, 16, 18). The first mirror (14) is a concave off-axis parabolic mirror arranged adjacent the eyes of the user with a principal axis and effective focal length f1. The second mirror (16) is substantially flat and is arranged between the first and third mirrors (14, 18). The third mirror (18) is a convex off axis parabolic mirror having a principal axis under an effective focal f3. The first and third mirrors (14, 18) have a common focus and the parabolas of the first and third mirrors (14, 18) are related such that 1.5 f1≦f3 ≦3f1. In another aspect of the invention a mounting arrangement (24) for a rear view mirror system comprises an article of headgear (12) with a channel (20) formed therein and a mirror assembly mounted on the article of headgear so as to bridge the channel. The mirror assembly has series of lugs (26) protruding from the longitudinal edges thereof.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2001Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: Reevu LimitedInventors: Graham Steele, Andrew W. Campbell
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Patent number: 6485156Abstract: The subject invention pertains to materials and methods that provide a person conducting activity at the rear of a vehicle, such as when loading items into the trunk of a car or the rear of a van the opportunity to observe the area immediately to the rear and rear sides of the vehicle without turning around and facing in that direction. One embodiment concerns a mirror or other reflective material adapted for mounting inside a trunk or rear of a van to permit a user to observe behind them at the same time that they are facing toward the open trunk or van hatchback.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2001Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Inventor: Alice Marshall
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Patent number: 6461004Abstract: A reflective device includes a panel having one or more peripheral or concentric ribs, the ribs each includes an inclined surface inclined relative to the panel for reflecting purposes and for allowing the objects or the scene or the view around the reflective device to be reflected and seen with the ribs. The concentric ribs each includes a perpendicular surface perpendicular to the panel and a cusp formed between the perpendicular surface and the inclined surface. The panel includes a number of areas each having a number of the concentric ribs for reflecting purposes.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2001Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Inventor: Yeong Shyan Hsueh
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Publication number: 20020135911Abstract: A make-up or vanity mirror which is adapted to be mounted in a vehicle in such a manner that it may be optimally positioned for use by the driver/passenger without impairing the driver's vision when the vehicle is in motion. The mirror assembly may be added as an aftermarket accessory to existing vehicles or may be installed as original equipment.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2001Publication date: September 26, 2002Inventor: Christian Von Glasow
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Patent number: 6431714Abstract: The micro-mirror apparatus of the invention has; a mirror 33, a plurality of torsion springs 35, 36 for supporting the mirror 33 so as to be tiltable relative to an upper substrate 27, a lower substrate 21 arranged facing a lower face of the mirror 33, a convex portion 34 provided on an upper face of the lower substrate 21 and a plurality of lower electrodes 22, 23 formed on an outer face of the convex portion 34. For the torsion spring 36, an aspect ratio of height/width in a cross-section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction thereof is at least 1.8.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2001Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone CorporationInventors: Renshi Sawada, Eiji Higurashi, Tohru Maruno
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Patent number: 6422708Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror for vehicles has a mirror base and a mirror head connected to the mirror base so as to be pivotable between a position of use and a parking position. A locking member locks the mirror head in the parking position. The mirror head has a counter locking member interacting in a locking position with the locking member for locking the mirror head in the parking position. A guide guides the counter locking member from the locking position into a release position when the mirror head is moved from the parking position into the position of use.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2001Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Reitter & Schefenacker GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Jörg Härer
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Patent number: 6412964Abstract: A door mirror structure is provided which can improve assembly workability of a door mirror. A cord is pulled out from a base end portion of a door mirror body. In an overhanging portion of a door mirror base, a slot is formed in place of a conventional cord insertion hole. Therefore, at a door mirror assembly line, the cord can easily be inserted into the slot from an arrow A direction. As a result, the assembly workability of the door mirror can be improved.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2001Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-SeisakushoInventors: Yasunori Hattori, Hiroki Iwasa, Yoshihiro Fujikawa, Masayuki Noda
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Patent number: 6409353Abstract: Adjustable rearview mirror for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, an aircraft, or a water craft, having a drive housing that is connected to a mirror carrier in a rotationally secured manner, with the connection between the mirror carrier and the drive housing being a snap connection.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2001Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Assignee: BĂĽhler Motor GmbHInventor: Richard Guttenberger
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Patent number: 6402327Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to enhance communications functions of a portable electronic equipment (1) that has optical communications functions so that the light beams emitted from other equipment with which it communicates can be adequately received even when the equipment (1) is being carried by a user. According to the present invention, a light-reflecting member (20) is attached to a strap body (10) used to carry the portable electronic equipment (1) in a hanging down position. The light-reflecting member (20) is positioned near a light receiver (4) provided on the top part (1a) of the portable electronic equipment (1) and reflects light beams used for optical communication from the surroundings and guides them to the light receiver (4).Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2001Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc.Inventor: Hiroki Ogata
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Patent number: 6402330Abstract: A tensioner to provide resistance to rotation of a shaft relative to a surface from which the shaft originates. The tensioner comprise a shaft collar split into at least two pieces; at least one connector for fastening the split pieces of the shaft collar together about the shaft; and a bushing split into at least two pieces. The bushing is adapted to contact an interface between the shaft and the surface from which the shaft originates. At least one axially adjustable member corresponding to each bushing piece and having a corresponding axial guide within the shaft collar is insertable in the corresponding axial guide and adjustable to exert pressure upon the bushing to push the bushing into or against the interface. The tensioner may be adapted specifically for use with a side-view mirror shaft, such as is commonly found on pick-up trucks and the like, and may be adaptable for use in configurations with or without grommets as the interface between the shaft and a mounting bracket for the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2001Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Inventor: Robert Scheidegg
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Patent number: 6398378Abstract: A mirror device includes a base for attaching onto a supporting wall and having a stud, a socket secured onto the stud and having a ball, a barrel rotatably engaged onto the ball, and a mirror secured onto the barrel and rotatable and adjustable relative to the base, for allowing the mirror to be directed toward any selected angular position relative to the base. The socket includes a shank coupled to the ball with a neck. A lock sleeve is rotatably engaged onto the ball and threaded to the barrel and has a peripheral flange rotatably engaged between the ball and the shank.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2001Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Inventor: Ming Don Shieh
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Publication number: 20020057487Abstract: Inorganic crystals having one or more species of dopant ions which are photo-reactive are used as visible and or infrared light optical limiters to protect against laser radiation exposure while permitting passage of the visible and or infrared light spectrum at least until exposed to high energy laser radiation. The dopant ions are selected from ions of transition metals. The exposure of these ions within the transparent crystalline matrix either photo-ionize or are elevated to an excited state and thereby absorb or otherwise attenuate the passage of the laser beam radiation sufficiently to protect human eyes or photo-sensitive equipment. The crystals may be fabricated into such items as lenses for use in eyeglasses or on shields of flight helmets to protect the eyes of aircraft pilots.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2001Publication date: May 16, 2002Applicant: Scientific Materials CorporationInventors: Ralph L. Hutcheson, Randy W. Equall
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Patent number: 6386717Abstract: An external rearview mirror, has a mirror plate; a regulating mechanism for position regulation of said mirror plate, by moving the mirror plate, a transmission device including a sole transmission cable formed as an internal cable, an external sleeve; fixed in a housing the mechanism, and a button connected with the cable so that the cable can be pulled or pushed inside a sleeve against a force of a spring depending of movements of the button.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2001Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Metagal Industria e Commercio LTDAInventor: Pedro Takashi Miyabukuro
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Patent number: 6386719Abstract: A system for aligning the reflective surface of a front surface mirror with a reference surface on a base structure includes a resilient support structure and a retaining structure. The front surface mirror is mounted on the resilient support structure. A contact region of the retaining structure is placed across a portion of both the reference surface and the reflective surface and is clamped to the reference surface. Because the contact region represents a coplanar portion of the retaining structure, and because the resilient support structure holds the reflective surface against the contact region, the reflective surface is aligned with the reference surface. An eight-sided camera according to the invention includes eight mirrors, each mirror being mounted in a resilient mounting structure and being clamped down by a retaining structure having a coplanar contact region spanning a reference surface and the mirror reflective surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2001Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Enroute, Inc.Inventor: Philip H. Lee
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Patent number: 6357882Abstract: Apparatus for providing a rear view for a user comprising a mirror, a spacer element for spacing the mirror from the user's head and a connector for connecting the spacer element to the user's head wherein the mirror is so constructed and arranged to provide a field of view behind and/or to one side of the user.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 1999Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Inventor: Michael R. Whittingdale
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Patent number: 6354708Abstract: An apparatus includes a mirror. A body is adapted to couple to and support the mirror in multiple of orientations to allow the mirror to reflect light from and to multiple areas. Multiple tabs are coupled to the body and adapted to interfere with adjacent portions of a car seat, to which the body is mounted, and a rear ledge of a car to inhibit the body from moving relative to the car seat.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 1999Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: The First Years Inc.Inventors: Robert D. Monahan, Rene Polin, Jr.
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Patent number: 6347872Abstract: A drop-and-slide attachment system for attaching a mirror to a vehicle rear-view mirror housing utilizes forward projecting, notched posts on a support panel fit axially into a slotted, mirror-back mounting plate. When the mirror mounting plate is moved laterally, the posts slide in the slots until notches engage arcuate edges at one end of each of the slots. During this lateral movement, a stop on the support panels bears against a compression spring on the mounting plate. When the mirror plate reaches the attached home position, a resilient latch snaps behind a retaining abutment of a catch on the support panel trapping the panel against the compressed spring. This construction requires only a very small gap between the edge of the mirror glass and the surrounding housing, thus providing a pleasing appearance.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2001Date of Patent: February 19, 2002Assignee: Delbar Products Inc.Inventors: Cory D. Brechbill, John S. McPherson
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Patent number: 6318865Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to enhance communications functions of a portable electronic equipment (1) that has optical communications functions so that the light beams emitted from other equipment with which it communicates can be adequately received even when the equipment (1) is being carried by a user. According to the present invention, a light-reflecting member (20) is attached to a strap body (10) used to carry the portable electronic equipment (1) in a hanging down position. The light-reflecting member (20) is positioned near a light receiver (4) provided on the top part (1a) of the portable electronic equipment (1) and reflects light beams used for optical communication from the surroundings and guides them to the light receiver (4).Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2000Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc.Inventor: Hiroki Ogata
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Patent number: 6302550Abstract: A rear mounted mirror assembly for motor vehicles including a base member coupled with respect to a rear of a motor vehicle. The base member includes a first plate and a second plate. The first plate and the second plate each have opposed upper and lower edges and opposed inner and outer edges. The first plate is fixedly secured to the rear of the motor vehicle. The inner edges of the first and second plate are joined by a hinge whereby the second plate is foldable between a first position essentially in a coplanar relationship with the first plate and a second position essentially perpendicular to the first plate. A telescoping rod is secured to the base member. A convex mirror is secured to an upper end of the telescoping rod.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2001Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Inventor: Charles Krieg
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Patent number: 6296363Abstract: An improved mirror mounting assembly is designed for use with an existing mirror to enable viewing front, back, top and sides, of user's head during hair grooming and styling. The mirror assembly contains a mirror panel which is adjusable relative to existing mirror. The viewer sees two images: the normal frontal image of the back of viewer's head and shoulders. The mirror panel rotates to a protected position to prevent damage to panel and supporting structure when assembly is mounted on a door and door is opened against adjacent wall. Door mounting requires no tools. A modified support bracket permits securing assembly to a wall opposed to existing mirror. The mirror mounting assembly is convenient, protected, self-storing, safe and non-complex and enables user to readily view the front, back, top and sides of his or her head for hair grooming and styling.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2000Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Inventor: J. Roland Chabot
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Patent number: 6278542Abstract: Three-digital micromirror devices (“DMD”) are used to alter the shape of light that is projected onto a stage. The DMDs each receive a primary color and selectively reflects some light of that color, thereby shaping the light that is projected onto the stage. The control for the alteration is controlled by an image. That image can be processed, thereby carrying out image processing effects on the shape of the light that is displayed. One preferred application follows the shape of the performer and illuminates the performer using a shape that adaptively follows the performer's image. This results in a shadowless follow spot.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1999Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Assignee: Light and Sound Design Ltd.Inventor: William E. Hewlett
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Patent number: 6260977Abstract: A door mirror stay which has a mount plate which is fixed along a door panel, a mirror support which is supported by the mount plate and which supports a mirror unit, and a porous member which is integrally formed with the mount plate, the porous member covering a mount surface of the mount plate. This integrally formed porous member has a function to seal and protect the mount surface. The number of parts of the stay and in turn the number of working steps can be decreased, so that the manufacturing cost can be more lowered than the conventional. In the present invention, the door mirror stay can be a one-piece type stay, or a two-piece type stay. In two-piece type stay, an air flow is prevented from entering the automobile through the gaps between each pieces, so that the wind noise can be lowered.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1999Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki SeisakushoInventor: Bunji Inagaki
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Publication number: 20010005290Abstract: An improved mirror mounting assembly is designed for use with an existing mirror to enable viewing front, back, top, and sides of the user's head during hair grooming and styling. The mirror assembly contains a mirror panel which is adjustable relative to an existing mirror. The viewer sees two images when facing the mirror panel of this invention: the normal frontal image and an image of the back of the viewer's head and shoulders. Similarly, the viewer when facing the existing mirror, observes both a normal frontal image and an image of the back and top of his or her head and shoulders. Once adjusted, the mirror angle normally requires no further adjustment since effective viewing is possible for a range of user heights. The mirror panel rotates to a protected position to prevent damage to panel and supporting structure when the assembly is mounted on a door and the door is opened against an adjacent wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2000Publication date: June 28, 2001Inventor: J. Roland Chabot
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Patent number: 6252730Abstract: An improved mirror mounting assembly is designed for use with an existing mirror for hair grooming and styling. The mirror assembly contains a mirror panel which is adjustable relative to an existing mirror for proper viewing. Once adjusted, the mirror angle does not normally require further adjustment since effective viewing is possible for a range of user heights. The mirror panel rotates to a protected position to prevent damage to either panel or assembly when the assembly is mounted on a door and door is opened against an adjacent wall. Similarly, mirror panel rotates to a protected position to prevent damage when the assembly is secured to a wall and an adjacent door is opened against the mirror panel. The mirror panel rotates from its protected position back to its preset viewing angle without intervention by user. The invention includes mounting and support elements which permit the assembly to be removably mounted over top edge of a door without tools.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1998Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Inventor: J. Roland Chabot
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Patent number: 6247824Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing the wearer of a typical safety helmet, face shield, or other headwear a mirror system that improves the wearer's awareness of the rear and side ambient environment. A display is provided to the wearer of a safety helmet that encompasses a reverse field of view and an extended side view of the surrounding environment. This system not only compensates for the limited peripheral view of the helmet but also extends the wearer's visual perception.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2000Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Inventors: Joseph J. Berke, Charles Michael
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Patent number: 6241357Abstract: A mirror/comb assembly includes a base, a mirror frame mounted to the base, a mirror, and at least one comb. The mirror is securely held by an inner periphery of the mirror frame. At least one comb-receiving portion is defined in an outer periphery of the mirror frame for releasably receiving the comb mirror frame is rotatably connected to the base. The comb-receiving portion is preferably a groove and includes an engaging portion, and the comb has an engaging portion for releasably engaging with the engaging portion of the comb-receiving portion. The comb-receiving portion includes a notch to allow easy removal of the comb.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2000Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Inventor: Ya-Chung Lee
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Patent number: 6239927Abstract: An ear grooming accessory apparatus having a first mirror for use in conjunction with a second mirror comprises an ear attachment component for attaching the ear grooming accessory apparatus to an external portion of a user's ear. The first mirror having a reflective viewing side attached to the ear attachment component such that the reflective viewing side of the first mirror provides a reflective view of the user's external ear and ear canal wherein the ear grooming accessory apparatus is attached directly to the external portion of the user's ear with the ear attachment component and positionable to allow the user to look into the second mirror and reflectively view the outer ear and ear canal of their own ear via the first for and thus enable the user to safely and effectively self-groom their own ear. One embodiment of the present invention includes a light source located on the ear grooming accessory apparatus for illuminating the user's ear and ear canal.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1999Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Inventors: Robert Lanzillo, Audrey Lanzillo
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Patent number: 6206530Abstract: A frame (10) is disclosed having a top member (12) and a base member (14). A support member (16) having two ends (18, 20) is pivotally connected to the top member (12) at one end (18) and the base member (14) at the other end (20). The top member (12) and the base member (14) rotate about their respective pivot connections with the support member (16) to alternate the collapsible frame (10) between a closed position and an opened position.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1999Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Assignee: The TonJon CompanyInventor: Allen F. Eberts
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Patent number: 6099133Abstract: A body supported mirror combination which includes a tube-like support which is draped around the neck of a wearer. The material of the tube is preferably made of a knitted fabric. The tube itself is filled with a kernel-type material to render the tube structure pliable so that it can drape itself around the neck of a wearer and so that it can conform itself to the chest contours of different wearers. The tube can be adjusted to different lengths. A stabilizing plate is removably attached to the front of the tube-like structure at the chest area of a wearer. A hook-type material is attached to the interior of a semi-circular claw which is part of the stabilizing plate which hooks will connect themselves with the loops of the knitted material when the claw is draped over the tube-like structure. A flexible goose neck at one end is attached to the stabilizing plate and another end thereof has an adjustable mirror attached thereto.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 1997Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Inventor: Jane B. Wright
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Patent number: 6052832Abstract: A mirror assembly is provided that can be affixed to a helmet for use by snowmobile, motorcycle and ATV vehicle riders. The mirrors are capable of adjustment in three directions and are detachable from the helmet.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1997Date of Patent: April 25, 2000Inventor: David Crompton