US4776231A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Adjustable automobile mirror system
Assignee: MASCOTECH INDUSTRIAL COMPONENTS Inc
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Filing: 1987-11-30
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Granted: 1988-10-11
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Expires: 2007-11-30
Abstract
Abstract In an adjustable automobile mirror system of either the manual type or a three-cable operated type including a mirror anchored to a mirror retainer whose position is adjustable relative to a mirror housing, the improved mounting of the mirror retainer upon the mirror housing which comprises a part-spherical head upon the housing and a pivot block having a socket movably mounted upon the head. Resilient detents on the mirror retainer receive and retainingly engage the pivot block for movements therewith. One detent is manually yieldable to facilitate selective assembly of the mirror retainer on and disassembly from the pivot block.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael Cummins
- 👤 James M. Cummins
- 👤 Raymond A. Theys
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 11:35
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16C; F16C1/00; F16C1/10; B; B60; B60R; B60R1/00; B60R1/02; B60R1/06; B60R1/062; B60R1/064; B60R1/066; B60R1/068; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T74/00; Y10T74/20; Y10T74/20396; Y10T74/20402; Y10T74/2042; Y10T74/20432
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
149 words
A mirror assembly comprising: a mirror housing which defines an interior chamber and a front opening; a mounting head located in said chamber; a pivot block movably mounted on said head; a mirror retainer disposed in said chamber and detachably secured to said pivot block; a mirror secured to said retainer for selective adjustment to a plurality of positions including a first position in which said mirror substantially fills said front opening and a second position in which said mirror and said housing define an access opening for communicating with said chamber; and flexible catch means disposed on at least one of said retainer and said pivot block for releasably securing said retainer to said pivot block, said catch means having an external surface accessible through said access opening when said mirror is in said second position for depressing to effect detachment of said retainer from said pivot block.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
149 words
A mirror assembly comprising: a mirror housing which defines an interior chamber and a front opening; a mounting head located in said chamber; a pivot block movably mounted on said head; a mirror retainer disposed in said chamber and detachably secured to said pivot block; a mirror secured to said retainer for selective adjustment to a plurality of positions including a first position in which said mirror substantially fills said front opening and a second position in which said mirror and said housing define an access opening for communicating with said chamber; and flexible catch means disposed on at least one of said retainer and said pivot block for releasably securing said retainer to said pivot block, said catch means having an external surface accessible through said access opening when said mirror is in said second position for depressing to effect detachment of said retainer from said pivot block.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
The mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said retainer has a recessed portion therein of a size and shape to receive said pivot block, said pivot block being retained by said flexible catch means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said pivot block has a socket element receiving and movably mounted upon said head.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said head is of at least part spherical configuration.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The mirror assembly of claim 1 further comprising second catch means disposed on said retainer for engaging said pivot block.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
The mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said flexible catch means has an inwardly projecting detent adapted to overlie and retainingly engage said pivot block, said depressable surface being operable to pivot said detent to a pivot block releasing position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
53 words
The mirror assembly of claim 1 further comprising a second catch means disposed on said retainer, said flexible catch means and said second catch means having opposing detents retainingly engaging said pivot block, said flexible catch being manually yieldable to disengage said pivot block for selective assembly and disassembly of said mirror retainer.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
The mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said mirror retainer is or plastic material and said catch means extends from and integrally forms a part of said retainer.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
FR1390939A
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US3339877A
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US3417365A
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US3686896A
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US4027548A
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US4116538A
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US4197762A
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FR2454938A1
Cited
FR2504075A1
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US4458392A
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US4628760A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-10-11 | 1992-04-11 | 1992-10-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-10-11 | 1996-04-11 | 1996-10-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-10-11 | 2000-04-11 | 2000-10-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |