US20020027726A1 - Mirror mount with accessory housing - Google Patents

Mirror mount with accessory housing Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20020027726A1
US20020027726A1 US09/988,249 US98824901A US2002027726A1 US 20020027726 A1 US20020027726 A1 US 20020027726A1 US 98824901 A US98824901 A US 98824901A US 2002027726 A1 US2002027726 A1 US 2002027726A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
toggle
assembly
ball
polymeric material
flexural modulus
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US09/988,249
Inventor
Ralph Spooner
Jerry Beck
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Magna Donnelly Corp
Original Assignee
Donnelly Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Donnelly Corp filed Critical Donnelly Corp
Priority to US09/988,249 priority Critical patent/US20020027726A1/en
Publication of US20020027726A1 publication Critical patent/US20020027726A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60RVEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R1/00Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
    • B60R1/02Rear-view mirror arrangements
    • B60R1/08Rear-view mirror arrangements involving special optical features, e.g. avoiding blind spots, e.g. convex mirrors; Side-by-side associations of rear-view and other mirrors
    • B60R1/083Anti-glare mirrors, e.g. "day-night" mirrors
    • B60R1/086Anti-glare mirrors, e.g. "day-night" mirrors using a mirror angularly movable between a position of use and a non-glare position reflecting a dark field to the user, e.g. situated behind a transparent glass used as low-reflecting surface; Wedge-shaped mirrors

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to interior rearview mirror assemblies for vehicles and more particularly, to a toggle assembly for a prismatic interior rearview mirror movable between day and night, full and partial reflecting positions.
  • Interior rearview mirrors for vehicles are typically pivotally mounted to a base or mounting arm via a ball and socket joint providing adjustment to accommodate different sizes of drivers.
  • a dual ball and socket joint assembly is used to increase adjustability over a single ball and socket joint and comprises a mounting base, which is secured to an interior surface of a windshield or to a headliner or console of the vehicle, and an arm which pivotally receives a ball on the mounting base and further pivotally receives a second ball extending forwardly from the mirror assembly.
  • a prismatic mirror may further comprise a toggle assembly which is actuatable to pivot the mirror assembly relative to the arm via movement of a toggle actuating tab. The toggle assembly extends from the mirror assembly and is connected with the ball at the mirror assembly.
  • the ball member typically comprises aluminum, while the toggle assembly may comprise a plastic material, in order to facilitate flexing as the actuating tab is moved to pivot the mirror relative to the arm.
  • the toggle and mirror assemblies are assembled together manually via pivot axles and axle supports or the like and thus require manual handling and alignment of parts after the individual components are formed.
  • the ball member of the mirror assembly typically comprises zinc or aluminum in order to provide a low cost strong and durable ball for pivotal engagement with the mounting arm.
  • the ball member may then be clamped tightly within the arm to frictionally support the mirror assembly in a secured position, thereby enhancing vibration performance of the mirror assembly.
  • Vibration concerns are greater with many mirror assemblies, which include additional electronic accessories, such as map reading lights or the like, which add weight to the basic mirror assembly and thus require additional support at the joints to hold the mirror in a selected orientation.
  • the zinc ball allows for tight clamping by the arm, the zinc ball member further adds to the overall mass of the mirror system.
  • the ball member of the mirror assembly typically comprises zinc, aluminum, or other metal, it is often not painted, such that it does not match the color of the mirror assembly or trim of the vehicle. While the ball member is painted in some applications, concerns then arise with respect to frictional variation between the ball and socket joint due to variation in paint thickness along the surface of the ball. Furthermore, the additional process of painting the ball after it is formed adds to the cost of the mirror assembly.
  • indicators and/or accessories may be placed at the mirror or at the dashboard or instrument panel of the vehicle.
  • inclusion of such items to the mirror adds to the weight of the mirror which may then require additional support for the mirror.
  • placement of such items at the dashboard or instrument panel makes the indicators or accessories inconvenient to view by a driver or passenger of the vehicle, since the person has to look down from their view of the road in front of the vehicle in order to see and access the indicators and/or accessories.
  • the ball member should provide for uniform frictional resistance when retained within a ball and socket joint.
  • the ball member will further resist vibration such that the ball member will be useful for modem, heavier mirror assemblies with added features.
  • the ball and toggle will provide a reduction in the overall mass of the mirror assembly over the prior art ball and toggle assemblies.
  • the present invention is intended to provide a low cost and light weight ball and toggle assembly for a day/night prismatic, interior rearview mirror assembly for vehicles.
  • the assembly is formed from different materials, which have different strength and flexural characteristics, such that the ball comprises a strong, substantially rigid material, while the toggle portion of the assembly comprises a softer, more flexible material.
  • the body member comprises a ball member and a base, which are unitarily formed from a first polymeric material which comprises a first flexural modulus.
  • the toggle member comprises a hinge and an actuator tab, which are unitarily formed from a second polymeric material which comprises a second flexural modulus.
  • the body member and toggle member are joined together for support in a mirror housing of the rearview mirror assembly, with the first flexural modulus being greater than the second flexural modulus.
  • the body member including a ball member and base, comprises a filled polymeric resin material, while the toggle member comprises a polyolefin material.
  • the toggle member is molded at least partially around the body member and may be molded through a plurality of openings to mechanically secure the toggle member to the body member.
  • the body member and the toggle member are formed in a common color. The body member and/or the toggle member may be formed in a color to match the color of the mirror assembly or trim within the vehicle.
  • one or both members could be molded from a pigmented plastic material, so it could be molded as a dark color, such as black, gray, dark burgundy, dark blue, or any other dark colors, or a light color, such as white, beige, light gray, or other light colors.
  • a dark color such as black, gray, dark burgundy, dark blue, or any other dark colors
  • a light color such as white, beige, light gray, or other light colors.
  • an interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle comprises a mirror housing, a prismatic, reflective element and a ball and toggle assembly mountable to the housing.
  • the reflective element is supported by the mirror housing.
  • the mirror housing and reflective element are pivotable relative to the vehicle between a first, high reflective position and a second, low reflective position.
  • the ball and toggle assembly is mountable at a forward surface of the mirror housing and comprises a body member and a toggle member.
  • the body member comprises a first polymeric material having a first flexural modulus and includes a mounting member and a base.
  • the toggle member comprises a second polymeric material having a second flexural modulus, which is less than the first flexural modulus.
  • the toggle member comprises a hinge and an actuator tab.
  • the body member and the toggle member are joined together.
  • the toggle member is pivotally mounted at the mirror housing such that movement of the actuator tab about the hinge causes pivotal movement of the mirror housing and reflective element between the high and low reflective positions.
  • the mounting member is pivotally interconnectable to a mirror mount secured to the vehicle such that the mirror assembly, including the housing, reflective element and ball and toggle assembly, is also pivotally adjustable relative to the mirror mount.
  • a mirror mount assembly comprises a mounting base, an accessory housing and at least one accessory positioned within the accessory housing.
  • the mirror mount assembly is adapted for mounting to an interior surface of a windshield of a vehicle and for pivotally mounting an interior rearview mirror assembly thereto.
  • the mounting base is for mounting at the interior surface of the windshield and includes a ball member for pivotal connection to the mirror assembly.
  • the accessory housing extends generally downwardly from the mounting base.
  • the accessory comprises an illumination source or indicator, but may otherwise, or additionally, comprise a microphone, an attachment member, a compass sensor, an antenna, or an interface button.
  • the accessory housing may include a lens element such that light from an illumination source within the housing is directed toward a targeted area within a cabin of the vehicle.
  • the present invention provides a ball and toggle assembly which may be formed together to provide a rigid ball member, and a flexible spring and hinge.
  • the ball and toggle assembly may be molded together in different molds or may be integrally formed in a two-shot or two-step molding process.
  • the ball and toggle members may be molded in a color to match an interior color scheme of the vehicle, while still providing substantially uniform frictional resistance between the ball member and a socket of a mounting arm.
  • the ball and toggle assembly is formed from plastic materials, such that the weight is reduced relative to conventional zinc ball members.
  • the mirror mount may include an accessory or indicator, which allows for easier viewing by the driver of the vehicle, since the indicator may thus be positioned in an area generally viewable by the driver while looking forwardly with respect to the vehicle.
  • FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a mirror assembly incorporating the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a side elevation shown partially in section of the mirror assembly of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the ball and toggle assembly of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the ball member of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the toggle member of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a side elevation of the toggle member of FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 7 is a rear elevation of the ball and toggle assembly of the present invention, viewing toward a direction generally forwardly with respect to the vehicle;
  • FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII in FIG. 7;
  • FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line IX-IX in FIG. 7;
  • FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along the line X-X in FIG. 7;
  • FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a mirror mount useful with the present invention.
  • FIG. 12 is a side elevation with partial sectional view of the mirror mount of FIG. 11.
  • an interior rearview mirror assembly 10 is adjustably mounted at a windshield 22 or headliner of a vehicle to accommodate different driving positions and vehicle driver sizes (FIG. 1).
  • mirror assembly 10 is pivotally mounted to a mounting assembly 12 , which, in turn, is pivotally mounted to a mirror mount or mounting base 14 .
  • Rearview mirror assembly 10 comprises a mirror housing or casing 10 a and a prismatic, reflective mirror element 10 f .
  • Mirror housing 10 a may be formed from various materials but is preferably molded from a resinous polymeric material as is conventionally known in the industry.
  • Mirror element 10 f also may be formed from various materials such as plastic or glass, but preferably is glass, and preferably has a planar front surface 10 f′ extending at an angle to a planar rear surface 10 f ′′ (FIG. 2).
  • Rear surface 10 f′′ is preferably coated with a reflective layer of metal such as chromium, aluminum or alloys thereof as is conventionally known in the industry.
  • Mirror assembly 10 is pivotable relative to mounting assembly 12 to pivot the reflective surface 10 f′′ in order to reduce glare during nighttime conditions. When mirror assembly 10 is pivoted from a full reflectivity day position A to a reduced reflectivity night position B shown in FIG.
  • reflective surface 10 f′′ is rotated clockwise such that uncoated front surface 10 f′ is aligned for viewing by the vehicle driver instead of reflective surface 10 f′′ .
  • reflective surface 10 f′′ reflects at least about 60% to 95% of the light incident thereon, while uncoated front surface 10 f′ reflects about 4% of the light incident thereon, thereby significantly reducing glare from headlights or other bright lights to the rear of the vehicle to the driver's eyes.
  • Mirror assembly 10 further comprises a ball and toggle assembly 15 (FIG. 2).
  • Ball and toggle assembly 15 is pivotally mounted within housing 10 a and comprises an actuator tab 20 , which extends from the bottom of mirror assembly 10 .
  • actuator tab 20 actuation of actuator tab 20 causes mirror assembly 10 and prismatic element 10 f to pivot relative to the mounting base 14 and to a driver of the vehicle.
  • ball and toggle assembly 15 is mounted within the interior cavity of mirror casing or housing 10 a and comprises a ball and body member 16 and a toggle member 18 .
  • Ball and body member 16 comprises an upper pivot pin 16 a and a ball member 16 b , which is pivotally received in a mounting arm 12 a of mounting assembly 12 .
  • Toggle member 18 comprises toggle actuator or tab 20 , a lower pivot pin or axle 18 a , a biasing member 26 and a living hinge 28 .
  • Ball member 16 b and arm 12 a provide a substantially secure, yet pivotable connection or joint to allow pivotal movement of mirror assembly 10 relative to arm 12 a and windshield 22 , while retaining mirror assembly 10 in a desired position.
  • ball and body member 16 comprises a substantially hard and rigid polymeric material, such as a thermoplastic material or a thermoset or the like
  • toggle member 18 comprises a softer, more flexible material, such as polyolefin or thermoplastic or the like. This allows toggle member 18 to flex about living hinge 28 , while rigid ball member 16 b provides a stable, yet pivotable connection between mirror 10 and arm 12 a of mounting assembly 12 .
  • upper pivot pin or axle 16 a is pivotally received in one or more correspondingly formed supports, such as grooves or clips 10 b , at an upper wall of casing 10 a via a snap-fit connection, while lower pivot pin or axle 18 a is similarly pivotally received in one or more correspondingly formed supports, such as grooves or clips 10 c , at a lower wall of mirror casing 10 a .
  • ball and toggle assembly 15 is operable to pivot casing 10 a relative to arm 12 a about upper pivot pin 16 a via pivotal and translational forward and rearward movement of lower pin 18 a and living hinge 28 at lower supports 10 c of casing 10 a .
  • the separation distance between the upper and lower clips 10 b and 10 c is such that the hinge 26 is partially compressed when tab 20 is positioned centrally between day position A and night position B, as shown at 26 d in FIG. 7, and thus exerts a biasing force at hinge 18 b to bias and retain tab 20 in one of the two positions A and B.
  • Mirror housing 10 a further comprises an upper opening 10 d , through which ball member 16 b extends, and a lower opening 10 e , through which tab 20 extends, to allow movement of ball member 16 b and arm 12 a relative to housing 10 a and to allow movement of tab 20 relative to housing 10 a , respectively.
  • mounting arm 12 a is also pivotally mounted to mounting base 14 via a ball and socket joint 12 b .
  • mirror assembly 10 may be pivotally mounted to an arm which is fixedly secured to the mounting base, or may be pivotally mounted directly to a socket (not shown) of a mounting base, without affecting the scope of the present invention.
  • mounting base 14 may be secured to a mounting plate 14 a (commonly referred to in the art as a mirror mounting button), which is secured to an interior surface 22 a of a windshield 22 .
  • Mounting button 14 a of base 14 may be secured, such as by an adhesive, to the interior surface 22 a of the windshield 22 and may be a conventional mounting button, channel mount, or base member of the type disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 4,936,533, issued to Adams et al., or a breakaway mount of the type disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,097, issued to Spooner, or U.S. Pat. No. 5,100,095, issued to Haan et al., all of the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
  • mounting base 14 may attach to a headliner or console (not shown) at or adjacent to an upper edge of the windshield, without affecting the scope of the present invention.
  • Interior rearview mirror assembly 10 may comprise additional electronic components, such as a circuit board 11 (FIG. 2), map reading lights, a speaker and/or microphone, which may be in the mirror or within a module attached to the mirror or mounting arm as disclosed in commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/382,720, filed Aug. 25, 1999, an indicator for the microphone of the type disclosed in commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/396,179, filed Sep. 14, 1999, displays, such as of the types disclosed in commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/448,700, filed Nov. 24, 1999, communication systems, which may comprise a processing system of the type disclosed in commonly assigned, co-pending U.S.
  • the interior rearview mirror assembly may comprise storage capabilities, such as disclosed in commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/449,121, filed Nov. 24, 1999, and/or a compartment for electrical accessories, such as disclosed in commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/433,467, filed Nov. 4, 1999, and/or the like, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
  • the rearview mirror assembly 10 may comprise a conventional, baseline prismatic mirror, without affecting the scope of the present invention.
  • ball and body member 16 comprises a base 16 c and a ball member 16 b extending outwardly from base 16 c via a neck portion 16 d .
  • Base 16 c comprises opposite side walls 16 k and an upper surface 16 m , along which is formed pivot pin or axle 16 a .
  • base member 16 c further comprises a pair of generally flat flanges 16 f extending outwardly from either side 16 k of the base region.
  • Flanges 16 f are of a narrower thickness than base region 16 c and may comprise a plurality of generally cylindrical passageways 16 g therethrough.
  • Passageways 16 g may be cylindrical or may be of any other shape, and receive a corresponding portion 18 c of toggle member 18 when toggle member 18 is molded over body member 16 , as discussed below.
  • Upper mirror pivot pin 16 a is preferably substantially cylindrical and extends laterally across upper surface 16 m of base 16 c and side flanges 16 f .
  • base 16 c further comprises a plurality of tapered openings or passageways 16 e extending therethrough, which receive correspondingly formed tapered extensions 18 b (FIG. 5) of toggle member 18 when toggle member 18 is molded about body member 16 , as discussed below.
  • base 16 c is generally square-shaped, and may be wider at an upper end to enhance the stiffness of the base member.
  • ball member 16 b is generally spherically shaped and may be cored or hollowed to reduce the overall weight of body member 16 .
  • neck 16 d is tapered, such that ball 16 b is unitarily formed at a narrowed end 16 h of neck 16 d , while base 16 c is molded at a wider or larger diameter end 16 j .
  • neck 16 d may be of substantially uniform diameter, as shown in FIG. 2, without affecting the scope of the present invention.
  • various sized ball and neck portions may be implemented to accommodate different mirror assemblies, without affecting the scope of the present invention.
  • a larger diameter ball member may be implemented for heavier mirror assemblies, such that a greater surface area of the ball member is provided which enhances the frictional gripping of the ball member within the mounting arm socket.
  • Ball and body member 16 preferably comprises a high-strength engineering polymeric material, which preferably has a flexural modulus of at least approximately 500,000 p.s.i. More preferably, the flexural modulus is at least approximately 1,000,000 p.s.i., and most preferably, at least approximately 1,500,000 p.s.i.
  • the high strength engineering polymer further comprises a low shrinkage factor, such that the material shrinks a minimal amount as it hardens or cures after the molding process.
  • the mold shrinkage is between approximately 0.001 inch/inch and approximately 0.002 inch/inch.
  • the high strength engineering polymer is a thermoplastic material or a thermoset or the like, such as nylon, and, more preferably, is a filled polymeric resin, such as a fiberglass filled resin or nylon, preferably at least approximately 35% glass and/or mineral filled resin.
  • the thermoset material may further comprise a resin-rich surface, in order to minimize the fibers exposed on the surface of the ball member 16 b .
  • a highly rigid ball and body member is provided which may be cored or hollowed or may have reduced thickness to reduce the overall mass of the mirror and mounting assemblies.
  • the ball and body member may also be molded in a desired color to match the mirror or other interior color scheme of the vehicle.
  • toggle member 18 comprises a base 24 , biasing member 26 , hinge 28 , lower pivot axle or pin 18 a , and actuator tab 20 .
  • Base 24 may or may not further include tapered ribs or protrusions 18 b , which are correspondingly formed with tapered recesses 16 e in body base 16 c , when toggle member 18 is overmolded on body member 16 .
  • the corresponding tapered portions of ball and body member 16 and toggle member 18 provide enhanced strength and stiffness to ball and toggle assembly 15 and improve the attachment of the members 16 and 18 to one another.
  • base 24 of toggle member 18 may further comprise channels or grooves 24 a along its side portions 24 b , which correspond in shape to side flanges 16 f of base 16 c .
  • a plurality of generally cylindrical pins or protrusions 18 c extend within channels 24 a , and correspond to generally cylindrical passageways 16 g through side flanges 16 f of ball and body member 16 .
  • a raised side wall or ridge 24 c may also extend from side portions 24 b to engage sidewalls 16 k of base 16 c , thereby securing base 16 c between sidewalls 24 c and further restricting or limiting relative movement between ball and body member 16 and toggle member 18 .
  • Side portions 24 b further comprise an upper curved surface 24 e , which is correspondingly formed partially along pivot axle 16 a .
  • a central passageway 24 f may be formed in base 24 , to further reduce the weight of toggle member 18 .
  • Biasing member or spring 26 is molded at a lower end 24 g of base 24 and preferably comprises a flexible, generally oval shaped member. As a lower portion 26 a of biasing member 26 is moved toward or away from base 24 , curved sidewalls 26 b flex to allow relative movement between lower portion 26 a and an upper portion 26 c attached to base 24 . Curved side portions 26 b are biased in an initial orientation, as shown in FIG. 5 and generally corresponding to the day or night positions shown in FIG. 2, such that they function to exert a biasing force on lower portion 26 a as it is moved via actuation of the actuating tab 20 between the day position A and night position B.
  • hinge 28 is positioned immediately beneath lower portion 26 a of biasing member 26 .
  • Hinge 28 comprises a tapered portion 28 a , which tapers toward a narrowed neck or hinge region 28 b .
  • the neck region 28 b is immediately above and connected to lower pivot axle 18 a and facilitates flexing of hinge 28 as toggle member 20 is pivoted relative to mirror casing 10 a .
  • Lower pivot axle 18 a is preferably a generally cylindrical and laterally extending pin, and is formed along a center region between hinge 28 and at an upper end 20 a of actuating tab 20 .
  • actuating tab 20 extends downwardly from pivot axle 18 a and may be curved or otherwise ergonomically formed to facilitate easy movement in either direction by a person within the vehicle.
  • toggle member 18 comprises a flexible polymeric material, such as a polyolefin or other similar thermoplastic material, such as polypropylene or the like.
  • the material comprises a homopolymer or co-polymer material.
  • the polyolefin comprises a flexible material having a flexural modulus of approximately 150,000 p.s.i. to approximately 200,000 p.s.i., such that the toggle member is substantially more flexible than the ball and body member.
  • the mold shrinkage factor of the polyolefin material is preferably substantially greater than the shrinkage factor of the ball member.
  • the mold shrinkage factor is between approximately 0.010 inch/inch and 0.005 inch/inch.
  • the toggle member 18 preferably comprises a material having a high shrinkage factor with respect to the shrinkage factor of the ball and body member 16 , the base 24 of toggle member 18 shrinks a greater amount than ball and body member 16 as they cure and thus causes pressure on base 16 c of ball and body member 16 inwardly toward itself. This results in substantially greater rigidity of ball and body member 16 , which further enhances the strength and vibration performance of the overall ball and toggle assembly 15 .
  • the material of toggle member 18 may also be molded in a desired color, such that the toggle arm 20 matches the mirror or an interior color scheme of the vehicles.
  • button and toggle member 15 is formed together by molding toggle member 18 over the previously formed, separate ball and body member 16 .
  • projections 18 b are molded and formed within tapered passageways 16 e , such that a substantially planar surface 30 is formed along base 16 c .
  • Tapered projections 18 b of toggle member 18 are preferably hollowed projections to further reduce the mass of the assembly and increase the stiffness, thereby providing enhanced vibration performance of the assembly.
  • toggle member 18 may be formed without any such projections, to provide a further reduction in the mass of toggle member 18 .
  • Neck 16 d and ball 16 b extend outwardly from planar surface 30 in a direction generally forwardly with respect to the vehicle and mirror.
  • ball member 16 b , neck 16 b and base 16 c of ball and body member 16 and base 24 of toggle member 18 are hollowed or cored through a center region to reduce the overall weight of the ball and toggle assembly 15 .
  • Securing pins 18 c are molded through and within passageways 16 g of body 16 c , thereby providing a mechanical attachment of toggle member 18 to ball and body member 16 (FIG. 10).
  • Toggle member 18 is preferably molded over ball member 16 in a second shot or mold of a two-shot or two-step molding process. Such a process requires a single molding tool which positions or slides one or more mold or cavity walls between the shots or molding steps to define and form the next component, while the initial part (ball and body member 16 ) remains stationary.
  • toggle member 18 may be molded over ball and body member 16 via any other known means, such as a rotational mold, where the ball and body member 16 is rotated into a second mold cavity for molding of the toggle member, or separate molds, where the ball and body member 16 is molded in a first mold and then removed therefrom and transferred to a second mold for molding of toggle member 18 , without affecting the scope of the present invention.
  • the molding process is substantially improved over the assembly processes of conventional ball and toggle assemblies.
  • the present invention further avoids concerns with manual handling and alignment of the components. This results in substantially improved manufacturing time for the assembly.
  • the two-shot/two-step molding process is less than or equal to approximately sixty seconds in duration for both shots. More preferably, the molding process is less than or equal to approximately fifty seconds in duration, and most preferably, is less than or equal to approximately forty seconds in duration. Accordingly, substantial time and labor savings are provided by the present invention over conventional assembly processes.
  • the ball and toggle assembly of the present invention comprises polymeric materials
  • the ball and toggle assembly of the present invention is substantially lighter overall than a conventional ball and toggle assembly comprising a zinc ball member.
  • the ball and toggle assembly of the present invention is approximately 14 grams lighter than a conventional assembly.
  • a mirror mount or support element 36 which is preferably a channel mount support element positionable along an interior surface 22 a of the windshield 22 .
  • the support element 36 comprises a mounting base 14 ′, which includes a ball member 37 for pivotally mounting a mounting arm or mirror assembly thereto, a support housing 38 , which is preferably plastic, such as polypropylene or the like, and a lens or accessory housing 40 extending downwardly from support housing 38 .
  • Support housing 38 may be securable to the mirror mounting base 14 ′ via a fastener 42 or any other known means.
  • Accessory 34 may be positionable within lens or housing 40 of support element 36 .
  • the accessory 34 may be mounted to a circuit board 35 or otherwise secured within housing 40 .
  • Such accessories can include, for example, a light source, such as an incandescent light source or a light emitting diode (LED) or any other illumination source which is operable to illuminate a portion of the interior vehicle cabin.
  • the incandescent light source may be a PCB mountable subminiature incandescent light, such as a miniature incandescent lamp for PC boards, commercially available from Harison Electric Co., Ltd. of Ehime, Japan as product number HRQ2-4507R or H25-4811R.
  • illumination is achieved using directed low level non-incandescent light sources, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light emitting material, electroluminescent sources (both organic and inorganic), and the like.
  • non-incandescent sources may be low power and directed low intensity sources, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,321 and copending application entitled “INTERIOR MIRROR ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE INCORPORATING A SOLID-STATE LIGHT SOURCE”, Ser. No. 09/287,926, filed Apr. 7, 1999, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
  • the light source may be a neon lamp or fluorescent lamp, such as a cold cathode fluorescent lamp, or may be a halogen lamp, or other gas light source, such as an Argon lamp or the like.
  • the light source is a white light emitting diode for illuminating the vehicle cabin.
  • the light source may comprise an instrumentation/console light for consoles or may be a reading or map light.
  • the accessory comprise a plurality of light sources or LEDs, preferably white light emitting diodes, with the light therefrom being directed to illuminate a target area of the vehicle, such as the driver and/or passenger lap area.
  • the light source 34 and/or the circuit board 35 may be angled or otherwise oriented to direct the illumination toward the targeted area. Additionally, lens 40 may direct and focus the light from light sources 34 at the targeted area.
  • the light source or accessory 34 may be activated by a button or switch at the mirror assembly or elsewhere in the vehicle and/or by activation of a remote key fob and/or by opening a door of the vehicle.
  • a low level non-incandescent light emitting light source such as a light emitting diode, such as for illuminating an instrument panel or console as disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,671,996, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
  • a variety of emitting sources may be used, such as high intensity amber and reddish orange light emitting diode sources, such as solid state light emitting diode LED sources utilizing double hydro junction AIGaAs/GaAs Material Technology, such as very high intensity red LED lamps (5 mm) HLMP-4100/4101 available from Hewlett Packard Corporation of Palo Alto, Calif., or transparent substrate aluminum indium gallium phosphide (AlInGaP) Material Technology, commercially available from Hewlett Packard Corporation of Palo Alto, Calif.
  • blue or white LEDs can be used, or a combination of individual different colored diodes, such as red, blue, white, green, amber, orange etc.
  • White emitting light-emitting diodes are available from Nichia Chemical Industries of Tokyo, Japan and from Cree Research Inc., of Durham, N.C.
  • a white light emitting diode is available from Nichia Chemical Industries of Tokyo, Japan under Model Nos. NSPW 300AS, NSPW 500S, NSPW 310AS, NSPW 315AS, NSPW 510S, NSPW 515S and NSPW WF50S, such as is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/448,700, entitled “Rearview Mirror Assembly With Added Feature Modular Display”, filed Nov. 24, 1999 by Timothy G. Skiver et al.
  • a plurality of LEDs such as a cluster of two, three, four, six, eight or the like LEDs (each of the same color or the cluster comprising different colored LEDs) can be used to target and illuminate a local area for higher illumination at that area, such as may be useful in a map light or as a reading light or as an interior light or as an illumination source for an interior vehicle cabin-mounted and monitoring camera (most preferably illuminating the target area with white light).
  • a cluster of high efficiency LEDs can be mounted at the mirror mount so as to project an intense pattern of light generally downwardly into the vehicle cabin for purposes of map reading, general illumination, courtesy illumination and the like.
  • a cluster of LED's preferably including at least one white emitting LED and/or at least one blue emitting LED, can be mounted in a roof portion, side portion or any other portion of the vehicle cabin to furnish dome lighting, rail lighting, compartment lighting and the like.
  • white emitting LEDs is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.________ (attorney docket 61366) entitled “Lighting Device For Motor Vehicles”, filed Feb. 12 1999 by Peter Fuerst and Harald Buchalla of Donnelly Hohe Gmbh & Co, KG, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
  • accessory 34 may be an indicator light that preferably intermittently flashes to signal or indicate status of a vehicle function, such as arming of a vehicle security system which protects against vehicle theft.
  • the indicator may be a solid state light emitter such as a light emitting diode (LED), a phosphorescent element or display or a tell-tale, such as an LED backlit icon.
  • the indicator may otherwise be an incandescent bulb, an incandescent backlit tell-tale, or any other illumination source, without affecting the scope of the present invention.
  • accessories 44 a and/or 44 b such as a microphone or microphones, an attachment member for a map, a compass sensor, such as a magneto responsive sensor, a magneto resistive sensor, a magneto inductive sensor, a magneto capacitive sensor, or a flux gate sensor, such as are known in the compass arts, an antenna, a manual interface button, such as for ONSTAR systems and the like, and/or any other accessories, may be positioned at the mirror mount.
  • an electrical wiring (not shown) connecting the accessory to a vehicle wiring can be conduited through the channel mount or attached to the exterior surface thereof.
  • the present invention provides an integrally or separately molded ball and toggle assembly, which provides a substantially rigid and strong ball and neck member, while further providing a substantially flexible spring, hinge, and actuating tab.
  • the ball member comprises a high-strength engineering polymeric material which has a greater flexural modulus than the flexural modulus of the polymeric material of the toggle member.
  • the ratio of the flexural modulus of the polymeric material of the ball and body member to the flexural modulus of the polymeric material of the toggle member is at least about three or greater. More preferably, this ratio is at least about five or greater and, most preferably, at least about seven or greater.
  • the ball and body member and the toggle member are both molded from polymeric materials, the components may be molded in a desired color to match the color of each other, the mirror, the mounting assembly, and/or an interior color scheme of the vehicle.
  • the weight of the ball and toggle assembly is reduced relative to conventional, zinc ball members, while still providing adequate strength and vibration performance.
  • the ball and body member may be cored or hollowed to further reduce the weight of the assembly.

Abstract

A ball and toggle assembly for a prismatic interior rearview mirror of a vehicle comprises a ball and body member and a toggle member. The ball and body member and the toggle member are separately formed from separate polymeric materials and joined together. The flexural moduli of the separate materials are selected such that the ball and body member is substantially rigid while the toggle member is flexible. The toggle member is preferably molded over the body member and secured thereto via a mechanical interconnection of the toggle member material to the body member material. Preferably, the ball and body member comprises an engineering polymer, such as a glass-filled thermoplastic material, while the toggle member comprises a polyolefin, such as a homopolymer or co-polymer polypropylene material.

Description

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention relates generally to interior rearview mirror assemblies for vehicles and more particularly, to a toggle assembly for a prismatic interior rearview mirror movable between day and night, full and partial reflecting positions. [0001]
  • Interior rearview mirrors for vehicles are typically pivotally mounted to a base or mounting arm via a ball and socket joint providing adjustment to accommodate different sizes of drivers. Typically, a dual ball and socket joint assembly is used to increase adjustability over a single ball and socket joint and comprises a mounting base, which is secured to an interior surface of a windshield or to a headliner or console of the vehicle, and an arm which pivotally receives a ball on the mounting base and further pivotally receives a second ball extending forwardly from the mirror assembly. A prismatic mirror may further comprise a toggle assembly which is actuatable to pivot the mirror assembly relative to the arm via movement of a toggle actuating tab. The toggle assembly extends from the mirror assembly and is connected with the ball at the mirror assembly. The ball member typically comprises aluminum, while the toggle assembly may comprise a plastic material, in order to facilitate flexing as the actuating tab is moved to pivot the mirror relative to the arm. The toggle and mirror assemblies are assembled together manually via pivot axles and axle supports or the like and thus require manual handling and alignment of parts after the individual components are formed. [0002]
  • The ball member of the mirror assembly typically comprises zinc or aluminum in order to provide a low cost strong and durable ball for pivotal engagement with the mounting arm. The ball member may then be clamped tightly within the arm to frictionally support the mirror assembly in a secured position, thereby enhancing vibration performance of the mirror assembly. Vibration concerns are greater with many mirror assemblies, which include additional electronic accessories, such as map reading lights or the like, which add weight to the basic mirror assembly and thus require additional support at the joints to hold the mirror in a selected orientation. While the zinc ball allows for tight clamping by the arm, the zinc ball member further adds to the overall mass of the mirror system. [0003]
  • Because the ball member of the mirror assembly typically comprises zinc, aluminum, or other metal, it is often not painted, such that it does not match the color of the mirror assembly or trim of the vehicle. While the ball member is painted in some applications, concerns then arise with respect to frictional variation between the ball and socket joint due to variation in paint thickness along the surface of the ball. Furthermore, the additional process of painting the ball after it is formed adds to the cost of the mirror assembly. [0004]
  • Often, indicators and/or accessories may be placed at the mirror or at the dashboard or instrument panel of the vehicle. As mentioned above, inclusion of such items to the mirror adds to the weight of the mirror which may then require additional support for the mirror. Also, placement of such items at the dashboard or instrument panel makes the indicators or accessories inconvenient to view by a driver or passenger of the vehicle, since the person has to look down from their view of the road in front of the vehicle in order to see and access the indicators and/or accessories. [0005]
  • Therefore, there is a need in the art for a color-matched ball member and toggle actuating tab. The ball member should provide for uniform frictional resistance when retained within a ball and socket joint. Preferably, the ball member will further resist vibration such that the ball member will be useful for modem, heavier mirror assemblies with added features. Preferably, the ball and toggle will provide a reduction in the overall mass of the mirror assembly over the prior art ball and toggle assemblies. [0006]
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention is intended to provide a low cost and light weight ball and toggle assembly for a day/night prismatic, interior rearview mirror assembly for vehicles. The assembly is formed from different materials, which have different strength and flexural characteristics, such that the ball comprises a strong, substantially rigid material, while the toggle portion of the assembly comprises a softer, more flexible material. [0007]
  • According to a first aspect of the present invention, a ball and toggle assembly adapted for an interior rearview mirror assembly of a vehicle comprises a body member and a toggle member. The body member comprises a ball member and a base, which are unitarily formed from a first polymeric material which comprises a first flexural modulus. The toggle member comprises a hinge and an actuator tab, which are unitarily formed from a second polymeric material which comprises a second flexural modulus. The body member and toggle member are joined together for support in a mirror housing of the rearview mirror assembly, with the first flexural modulus being greater than the second flexural modulus. [0008]
  • Preferably, the body member, including a ball member and base, comprises a filled polymeric resin material, while the toggle member comprises a polyolefin material. Preferably, the toggle member is molded at least partially around the body member and may be molded through a plurality of openings to mechanically secure the toggle member to the body member. Preferably, the body member and the toggle member are formed in a common color. The body member and/or the toggle member may be formed in a color to match the color of the mirror assembly or trim within the vehicle. For example, one or both members could be molded from a pigmented plastic material, so it could be molded as a dark color, such as black, gray, dark burgundy, dark blue, or any other dark colors, or a light color, such as white, beige, light gray, or other light colors. [0009]
  • According to another aspect of the present invention, an interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle comprises a mirror housing, a prismatic, reflective element and a ball and toggle assembly mountable to the housing. The reflective element is supported by the mirror housing. The mirror housing and reflective element are pivotable relative to the vehicle between a first, high reflective position and a second, low reflective position. The ball and toggle assembly is mountable at a forward surface of the mirror housing and comprises a body member and a toggle member. The body member comprises a first polymeric material having a first flexural modulus and includes a mounting member and a base. The toggle member comprises a second polymeric material having a second flexural modulus, which is less than the first flexural modulus. The toggle member comprises a hinge and an actuator tab. The body member and the toggle member are joined together. The toggle member is pivotally mounted at the mirror housing such that movement of the actuator tab about the hinge causes pivotal movement of the mirror housing and reflective element between the high and low reflective positions. The mounting member is pivotally interconnectable to a mirror mount secured to the vehicle such that the mirror assembly, including the housing, reflective element and ball and toggle assembly, is also pivotally adjustable relative to the mirror mount. [0010]
  • According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a mirror mount assembly comprises a mounting base, an accessory housing and at least one accessory positioned within the accessory housing. The mirror mount assembly is adapted for mounting to an interior surface of a windshield of a vehicle and for pivotally mounting an interior rearview mirror assembly thereto. The mounting base is for mounting at the interior surface of the windshield and includes a ball member for pivotal connection to the mirror assembly. The accessory housing extends generally downwardly from the mounting base. Preferably, the accessory comprises an illumination source or indicator, but may otherwise, or additionally, comprise a microphone, an attachment member, a compass sensor, an antenna, or an interface button. The accessory housing may include a lens element such that light from an illumination source within the housing is directed toward a targeted area within a cabin of the vehicle. [0011]
  • Therefore, the present invention provides a ball and toggle assembly which may be formed together to provide a rigid ball member, and a flexible spring and hinge. The ball and toggle assembly may be molded together in different molds or may be integrally formed in a two-shot or two-step molding process. The ball and toggle members may be molded in a color to match an interior color scheme of the vehicle, while still providing substantially uniform frictional resistance between the ball member and a socket of a mounting arm. The ball and toggle assembly is formed from plastic materials, such that the weight is reduced relative to conventional zinc ball members. The mirror mount may include an accessory or indicator, which allows for easier viewing by the driver of the vehicle, since the indicator may thus be positioned in an area generally viewable by the driver while looking forwardly with respect to the vehicle. [0012]
  • These and other objects, advantages, purposes and features of this invention will become apparent upon review of the following specification in conjunction with the drawings.[0013]
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a mirror assembly incorporating the present invention; [0014]
  • FIG. 2 is a side elevation shown partially in section of the mirror assembly of FIG. 1; [0015]
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the ball and toggle assembly of the present invention; [0016]
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the ball member of the present invention; [0017]
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the toggle member of the present invention; [0018]
  • FIG. 6 is a side elevation of the toggle member of FIG. 5; [0019]
  • FIG. 7 is a rear elevation of the ball and toggle assembly of the present invention, viewing toward a direction generally forwardly with respect to the vehicle; [0020]
  • FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII in FIG. 7; [0021]
  • FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line IX-IX in FIG. 7; [0022]
  • FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along the line X-X in FIG. 7; [0023]
  • FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a mirror mount useful with the present invention; and [0024]
  • FIG. 12 is a side elevation with partial sectional view of the mirror mount of FIG. 11.[0025]
  • DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
  • Referring now to the drawings and the illustrative embodiments depicted therein, an interior [0026] rearview mirror assembly 10 is adjustably mounted at a windshield 22 or headliner of a vehicle to accommodate different driving positions and vehicle driver sizes (FIG. 1). Preferably, mirror assembly 10 is pivotally mounted to a mounting assembly 12, which, in turn, is pivotally mounted to a mirror mount or mounting base 14. Rearview mirror assembly 10 comprises a mirror housing or casing 10 a and a prismatic, reflective mirror element 10 f. Mirror housing 10 a may be formed from various materials but is preferably molded from a resinous polymeric material as is conventionally known in the industry. Mirror element 10 f also may be formed from various materials such as plastic or glass, but preferably is glass, and preferably has a planar front surface 10 f′ extending at an angle to a planar rear surface 10 f″ (FIG. 2). Rear surface 10 f″ is preferably coated with a reflective layer of metal such as chromium, aluminum or alloys thereof as is conventionally known in the industry. Mirror assembly 10 is pivotable relative to mounting assembly 12 to pivot the reflective surface 10 f″ in order to reduce glare during nighttime conditions. When mirror assembly 10 is pivoted from a full reflectivity day position A to a reduced reflectivity night position B shown in FIG. 2, reflective surface 10 f″ is rotated clockwise such that uncoated front surface 10 f′ is aligned for viewing by the vehicle driver instead of reflective surface 10 f″. Preferably, reflective surface 10 f″ reflects at least about 60% to 95% of the light incident thereon, while uncoated front surface 10 f′ reflects about 4% of the light incident thereon, thereby significantly reducing glare from headlights or other bright lights to the rear of the vehicle to the driver's eyes.
  • [0027] Mirror assembly 10 further comprises a ball and toggle assembly 15 (FIG. 2). Ball and toggle assembly 15 is pivotally mounted within housing 10 a and comprises an actuator tab 20, which extends from the bottom of mirror assembly 10. As discussed below, actuation of actuator tab 20 causes mirror assembly 10 and prismatic element 10 f to pivot relative to the mounting base 14 and to a driver of the vehicle.
  • As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, ball and toggle [0028] assembly 15 is mounted within the interior cavity of mirror casing or housing 10 a and comprises a ball and body member 16 and a toggle member 18. Ball and body member 16 comprises an upper pivot pin 16 a and a ball member 16 b, which is pivotally received in a mounting arm 12 a of mounting assembly 12. Toggle member 18 comprises toggle actuator or tab 20, a lower pivot pin or axle 18 a, a biasing member 26 and a living hinge 28. Ball member 16 b and arm 12 a provide a substantially secure, yet pivotable connection or joint to allow pivotal movement of mirror assembly 10 relative to arm 12 a and windshield 22, while retaining mirror assembly 10 in a desired position. The frictional resistance between the ball member 16 b and a corresponding socket of arm 12 a allows for manual pivotal movement of mirror assembly 10 relative to arm 12 a by an operator or passenger of the vehicle, yet resists movement of ball 16 b at arm 12 a in the absence of manual intervention. Preferably, ball and body member 16 comprises a substantially hard and rigid polymeric material, such as a thermoplastic material or a thermoset or the like, while toggle member 18 comprises a softer, more flexible material, such as polyolefin or thermoplastic or the like. This allows toggle member 18 to flex about living hinge 28, while rigid ball member 16 b provides a stable, yet pivotable connection between mirror 10 and arm 12 a of mounting assembly 12.
  • As is known in the art, upper pivot pin or [0029] axle 16 a is pivotally received in one or more correspondingly formed supports, such as grooves or clips 10 b, at an upper wall of casing 10 a via a snap-fit connection, while lower pivot pin or axle 18 a is similarly pivotally received in one or more correspondingly formed supports, such as grooves or clips 10 c, at a lower wall of mirror casing 10 a. By pivoting toggle arm 20 between a rearward, day position A and a forward, night position B, ball and toggle assembly 15 is operable to pivot casing 10 a relative to arm 12 a about upper pivot pin 16 a via pivotal and translational forward and rearward movement of lower pin 18 a and living hinge 28 at lower supports 10 c of casing 10 a. The separation distance between the upper and lower clips 10 b and 10 c is such that the hinge 26 is partially compressed when tab 20 is positioned centrally between day position A and night position B, as shown at 26 d in FIG. 7, and thus exerts a biasing force at hinge 18 b to bias and retain tab 20 in one of the two positions A and B. Mirror housing 10 a further comprises an upper opening 10 d, through which ball member 16 b extends, and a lower opening 10 e, through which tab 20 extends, to allow movement of ball member 16 b and arm 12 a relative to housing 10 a and to allow movement of tab 20 relative to housing 10 a, respectively.
  • Preferably, mounting [0030] arm 12 a is also pivotally mounted to mounting base 14 via a ball and socket joint 12 b. However, mirror assembly 10 may be pivotally mounted to an arm which is fixedly secured to the mounting base, or may be pivotally mounted directly to a socket (not shown) of a mounting base, without affecting the scope of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, mounting base 14 may be secured to a mounting plate 14 a (commonly referred to in the art as a mirror mounting button), which is secured to an interior surface 22 a of a windshield 22. Mounting button 14 a of base 14 may be secured, such as by an adhesive, to the interior surface 22 a of the windshield 22 and may be a conventional mounting button, channel mount, or base member of the type disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 4,936,533, issued to Adams et al., or a breakaway mount of the type disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,097, issued to Spooner, or U.S. Pat. No. 5,100,095, issued to Haan et al., all of the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Alternately, mounting base 14 may attach to a headliner or console (not shown) at or adjacent to an upper edge of the windshield, without affecting the scope of the present invention.
  • Interior [0031] rearview mirror assembly 10 may comprise additional electronic components, such as a circuit board 11 (FIG. 2), map reading lights, a speaker and/or microphone, which may be in the mirror or within a module attached to the mirror or mounting arm as disclosed in commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/382,720, filed Aug. 25, 1999, an indicator for the microphone of the type disclosed in commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/396,179, filed Sep. 14, 1999, displays, such as of the types disclosed in commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/448,700, filed Nov. 24, 1999, communication systems, which may comprise a processing system of the type disclosed in commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/466,010, filed Dec. 17, 1999 by Jonathan E. DeLine et al. for INTERIOR REARVIEW MIRROR SOUND PROCESSING SYSTEM, and/or the like, all of the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, the interior rearview mirror assembly may comprise storage capabilities, such as disclosed in commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/449,121, filed Nov. 24, 1999, and/or a compartment for electrical accessories, such as disclosed in commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/433,467, filed Nov. 4, 1999, and/or the like, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Clearly, however, the rearview mirror assembly 10 may comprise a conventional, baseline prismatic mirror, without affecting the scope of the present invention.
  • Referring now to FIG. 4, ball and [0032] body member 16 comprises a base 16 c and a ball member 16 b extending outwardly from base 16 c via a neck portion 16 d. Base 16 c comprises opposite side walls 16 k and an upper surface 16 m, along which is formed pivot pin or axle 16 a. Preferably, base member 16 c further comprises a pair of generally flat flanges 16 f extending outwardly from either side 16 k of the base region. Flanges 16 f are of a narrower thickness than base region 16 c and may comprise a plurality of generally cylindrical passageways 16 g therethrough. Passageways 16 g may be cylindrical or may be of any other shape, and receive a corresponding portion 18 c of toggle member 18 when toggle member 18 is molded over body member 16, as discussed below. Upper mirror pivot pin 16 a is preferably substantially cylindrical and extends laterally across upper surface 16 m of base 16 c and side flanges 16 f. Preferably, base 16 c further comprises a plurality of tapered openings or passageways 16 e extending therethrough, which receive correspondingly formed tapered extensions 18 b (FIG. 5) of toggle member 18 when toggle member 18 is molded about body member 16, as discussed below. Preferably, base 16 c is generally square-shaped, and may be wider at an upper end to enhance the stiffness of the base member.
  • Preferably, [0033] ball member 16 b is generally spherically shaped and may be cored or hollowed to reduce the overall weight of body member 16. Preferably, neck 16 d is tapered, such that ball 16 b is unitarily formed at a narrowed end 16 h of neck 16 d, while base 16 c is molded at a wider or larger diameter end 16 j. However, neck 16 d may be of substantially uniform diameter, as shown in FIG. 2, without affecting the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, various sized ball and neck portions may be implemented to accommodate different mirror assemblies, without affecting the scope of the present invention. For example, a larger diameter ball member may be implemented for heavier mirror assemblies, such that a greater surface area of the ball member is provided which enhances the frictional gripping of the ball member within the mounting arm socket.
  • Ball and [0034] body member 16 preferably comprises a high-strength engineering polymeric material, which preferably has a flexural modulus of at least approximately 500,000 p.s.i. More preferably, the flexural modulus is at least approximately 1,000,000 p.s.i., and most preferably, at least approximately 1,500,000 p.s.i. Preferably, the high strength engineering polymer further comprises a low shrinkage factor, such that the material shrinks a minimal amount as it hardens or cures after the molding process. Preferably, the mold shrinkage is between approximately 0.001 inch/inch and approximately 0.002 inch/inch. Preferably, the high strength engineering polymer is a thermoplastic material or a thermoset or the like, such as nylon, and, more preferably, is a filled polymeric resin, such as a fiberglass filled resin or nylon, preferably at least approximately 35% glass and/or mineral filled resin. The thermoset material may further comprise a resin-rich surface, in order to minimize the fibers exposed on the surface of the ball member 16 b. Accordingly, a highly rigid ball and body member is provided which may be cored or hollowed or may have reduced thickness to reduce the overall mass of the mirror and mounting assemblies. The ball and body member may also be molded in a desired color to match the mirror or other interior color scheme of the vehicle.
  • Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, [0035] toggle member 18 comprises a base 24, biasing member 26, hinge 28, lower pivot axle or pin 18 a, and actuator tab 20. Base 24 may or may not further include tapered ribs or protrusions 18 b, which are correspondingly formed with tapered recesses 16 e in body base 16 c, when toggle member 18 is overmolded on body member 16. The corresponding tapered portions of ball and body member 16 and toggle member 18 provide enhanced strength and stiffness to ball and toggle assembly 15 and improve the attachment of the members 16 and 18 to one another. Because toggle member 18 is molded over ball and body member 16, base 24 of toggle member 18 may further comprise channels or grooves 24 a along its side portions 24 b, which correspond in shape to side flanges 16 f of base 16 c. A plurality of generally cylindrical pins or protrusions 18 c extend within channels 24 a, and correspond to generally cylindrical passageways 16 g through side flanges 16 f of ball and body member 16. A raised side wall or ridge 24 c may also extend from side portions 24 b to engage sidewalls 16 k of base 16 c, thereby securing base 16 c between sidewalls 24 c and further restricting or limiting relative movement between ball and body member 16 and toggle member 18. Side portions 24 b further comprise an upper curved surface 24 e, which is correspondingly formed partially along pivot axle 16 a. Additionally, a central passageway 24 f may be formed in base 24, to further reduce the weight of toggle member 18.
  • Biasing member or [0036] spring 26 is molded at a lower end 24 g of base 24 and preferably comprises a flexible, generally oval shaped member. As a lower portion 26 a of biasing member 26 is moved toward or away from base 24, curved sidewalls 26 b flex to allow relative movement between lower portion 26 a and an upper portion 26 c attached to base 24. Curved side portions 26 b are biased in an initial orientation, as shown in FIG. 5 and generally corresponding to the day or night positions shown in FIG. 2, such that they function to exert a biasing force on lower portion 26 a as it is moved via actuation of the actuating tab 20 between the day position A and night position B.
  • As best shown in FIG. 6, hinge [0037] 28 is positioned immediately beneath lower portion 26 a of biasing member 26. Hinge 28 comprises a tapered portion 28 a, which tapers toward a narrowed neck or hinge region 28 b. The neck region 28 b is immediately above and connected to lower pivot axle 18 a and facilitates flexing of hinge 28 as toggle member 20 is pivoted relative to mirror casing 10 a. Lower pivot axle 18 a is preferably a generally cylindrical and laterally extending pin, and is formed along a center region between hinge 28 and at an upper end 20 a of actuating tab 20. Preferably, actuating tab 20 extends downwardly from pivot axle 18 a and may be curved or otherwise ergonomically formed to facilitate easy movement in either direction by a person within the vehicle.
  • Preferably, [0038] toggle member 18 comprises a flexible polymeric material, such as a polyolefin or other similar thermoplastic material, such as polypropylene or the like. Preferably, the material comprises a homopolymer or co-polymer material. Preferably, the polyolefin comprises a flexible material having a flexural modulus of approximately 150,000 p.s.i. to approximately 200,000 p.s.i., such that the toggle member is substantially more flexible than the ball and body member. Additionally, the mold shrinkage factor of the polyolefin material is preferably substantially greater than the shrinkage factor of the ball member. Preferably, the mold shrinkage factor is between approximately 0.010 inch/inch and 0.005 inch/inch. Because the toggle member 18 preferably comprises a material having a high shrinkage factor with respect to the shrinkage factor of the ball and body member 16, the base 24 of toggle member 18 shrinks a greater amount than ball and body member 16 as they cure and thus causes pressure on base 16 c of ball and body member 16 inwardly toward itself. This results in substantially greater rigidity of ball and body member 16, which further enhances the strength and vibration performance of the overall ball and toggle assembly 15. Although described with preferred characteristics, clearly other materials with other flexural moduli or shrinkage factors may be implemented, without affecting the scope of the present invention. The material of toggle member 18 may also be molded in a desired color, such that the toggle arm 20 matches the mirror or an interior color scheme of the vehicles.
  • Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 7-[0039] 10, ball and toggle member 15 is formed together by molding toggle member 18 over the previously formed, separate ball and body member 16. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, projections 18 b are molded and formed within tapered passageways 16 e, such that a substantially planar surface 30 is formed along base 16 c. Tapered projections 18 b of toggle member 18 are preferably hollowed projections to further reduce the mass of the assembly and increase the stiffness, thereby providing enhanced vibration performance of the assembly. However, toggle member 18 may be formed without any such projections, to provide a further reduction in the mass of toggle member 18. Neck 16 d and ball 16 b extend outwardly from planar surface 30 in a direction generally forwardly with respect to the vehicle and mirror. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 8, ball member 16 b, neck 16 b and base 16 c of ball and body member 16 and base 24 of toggle member 18 are hollowed or cored through a center region to reduce the overall weight of the ball and toggle assembly 15. Securing pins 18 c are molded through and within passageways 16 g of body 16 c, thereby providing a mechanical attachment of toggle member 18 to ball and body member 16 (FIG. 10).
  • [0040] Toggle member 18 is preferably molded over ball member 16 in a second shot or mold of a two-shot or two-step molding process. Such a process requires a single molding tool which positions or slides one or more mold or cavity walls between the shots or molding steps to define and form the next component, while the initial part (ball and body member 16) remains stationary. However, toggle member 18 may be molded over ball and body member 16 via any other known means, such as a rotational mold, where the ball and body member 16 is rotated into a second mold cavity for molding of the toggle member, or separate molds, where the ball and body member 16 is molded in a first mold and then removed therefrom and transferred to a second mold for molding of toggle member 18, without affecting the scope of the present invention.
  • Because the ball and toggle assembly may be molded together within one or more molds, the molding process is substantially improved over the assembly processes of conventional ball and toggle assemblies. By integrally molding the two components in a single mold, the present invention further avoids concerns with manual handling and alignment of the components. This results in substantially improved manufacturing time for the assembly. Preferably, the two-shot/two-step molding process is less than or equal to approximately sixty seconds in duration for both shots. More preferably, the molding process is less than or equal to approximately fifty seconds in duration, and most preferably, is less than or equal to approximately forty seconds in duration. Accordingly, substantial time and labor savings are provided by the present invention over conventional assembly processes. [0041]
  • Additionally, because the ball and toggle assembly of the present invention comprises polymeric materials, the ball and toggle assembly of the present invention is substantially lighter overall than a conventional ball and toggle assembly comprising a zinc ball member. Preferably, the ball and toggle assembly of the present invention is approximately 14 grams lighter than a conventional assembly. [0042]
  • As discussed above, various utility and/or electronic accessories can be included at, on or in the interior rearview mirror assembly. For example, and as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, at least one [0043] accessory 34 may be included into a mirror mount or support element 36, which is preferably a channel mount support element positionable along an interior surface 22 a of the windshield 22. The support element 36 comprises a mounting base 14′, which includes a ball member 37 for pivotally mounting a mounting arm or mirror assembly thereto, a support housing 38, which is preferably plastic, such as polypropylene or the like, and a lens or accessory housing 40 extending downwardly from support housing 38. Support housing 38 may be securable to the mirror mounting base 14′ via a fastener 42 or any other known means.
  • [0044] Accessory 34 may be positionable within lens or housing 40 of support element 36. The accessory 34 may be mounted to a circuit board 35 or otherwise secured within housing 40. Such accessories can include, for example, a light source, such as an incandescent light source or a light emitting diode (LED) or any other illumination source which is operable to illuminate a portion of the interior vehicle cabin. The incandescent light source may be a PCB mountable subminiature incandescent light, such as a miniature incandescent lamp for PC boards, commercially available from Harison Electric Co., Ltd. of Ehime, Japan as product number HRQ2-4507R or H25-4811R. Preferably, illumination is achieved using directed low level non-incandescent light sources, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light emitting material, electroluminescent sources (both organic and inorganic), and the like. Such non-incandescent sources may be low power and directed low intensity sources, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,321 and copending application entitled “INTERIOR MIRROR ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE INCORPORATING A SOLID-STATE LIGHT SOURCE”, Ser. No. 09/287,926, filed Apr. 7, 1999, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Alternately, the light source may be a neon lamp or fluorescent lamp, such as a cold cathode fluorescent lamp, or may be a halogen lamp, or other gas light source, such as an Argon lamp or the like. Most preferably, the light source is a white light emitting diode for illuminating the vehicle cabin. For example, the light source may comprise an instrumentation/console light for consoles or may be a reading or map light. In such applications, it is preferred that the accessory comprise a plurality of light sources or LEDs, preferably white light emitting diodes, with the light therefrom being directed to illuminate a target area of the vehicle, such as the driver and/or passenger lap area. The light source 34 and/or the circuit board 35 may be angled or otherwise oriented to direct the illumination toward the targeted area. Additionally, lens 40 may direct and focus the light from light sources 34 at the targeted area. The light source or accessory 34 may be activated by a button or switch at the mirror assembly or elsewhere in the vehicle and/or by activation of a remote key fob and/or by opening a door of the vehicle.
  • It is also possible to incorporate low level lighting for vehicles in the mirror mount by fitting a low level non-incandescent light emitting light source, such as a light emitting diode, such as for illuminating an instrument panel or console as disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,671,996, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. A variety of emitting sources may be used, such as high intensity amber and reddish orange light emitting diode sources, such as solid state light emitting diode LED sources utilizing double hydro junction AIGaAs/GaAs Material Technology, such as very high intensity red LED lamps (5 mm) HLMP-4100/4101 available from Hewlett Packard Corporation of Palo Alto, Calif., or transparent substrate aluminum indium gallium phosphide (AlInGaP) Material Technology, commercially available from Hewlett Packard Corporation of Palo Alto, Calif. Also, blue or white LEDs can be used, or a combination of individual different colored diodes, such as red, blue, white, green, amber, orange etc. can be used with color mixing thereof to form a desired color or to deliver a desired local intensity of illumination. White emitting light-emitting diodes are available from Nichia Chemical Industries of Tokyo, Japan and from Cree Research Inc., of Durham, N.C. For example, a white light emitting diode is available from Nichia Chemical Industries of Tokyo, Japan under Model Nos. NSPW 300AS, NSPW 500S, NSPW 310AS, NSPW 315AS, NSPW 510S, NSPW 515S and NSPW WF50S, such as is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/448,700, entitled “Rearview Mirror Assembly With Added Feature Modular Display”, filed Nov. 24, 1999 by Timothy G. Skiver et al. of Donnelly Corporation, and in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/244,726 entitled “Rearview Mirror Assembly Incorporating Vehicle Information Display”, filed Feb. 5, 1999 by Jonathan E. DeLine et al. of Donnelly Corporation, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. A variety of constructions are used including GaAsP on GaP substrate, gallium aluminum phosphide, indium galium nitride, and GaN on a SiC substrate. Optionally, a plurality of LEDs such as a cluster of two, three, four, six, eight or the like LEDs (each of the same color or the cluster comprising different colored LEDs) can be used to target and illuminate a local area for higher illumination at that area, such as may be useful in a map light or as a reading light or as an interior light or as an illumination source for an interior vehicle cabin-mounted and monitoring camera (most preferably illuminating the target area with white light). Such a cluster of high efficiency LEDs can be mounted at the mirror mount so as to project an intense pattern of light generally downwardly into the vehicle cabin for purposes of map reading, general illumination, courtesy illumination and the like. Also, a cluster of LED's, preferably including at least one white emitting LED and/or at least one blue emitting LED, can be mounted in a roof portion, side portion or any other portion of the vehicle cabin to furnish dome lighting, rail lighting, compartment lighting and the like. Use of white emitting LEDs is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.______ (attorney docket 61366) entitled “Lighting Device For Motor Vehicles”, filed Feb. 12 1999 by Peter Fuerst and Harald Buchalla of Donnelly Hohe Gmbh & Co, KG, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. [0045]
  • Alternately, [0046] accessory 34 may be an indicator light that preferably intermittently flashes to signal or indicate status of a vehicle function, such as arming of a vehicle security system which protects against vehicle theft. The indicator may be a solid state light emitter such as a light emitting diode (LED), a phosphorescent element or display or a tell-tale, such as an LED backlit icon. However, the indicator may otherwise be an incandescent bulb, an incandescent backlit tell-tale, or any other illumination source, without affecting the scope of the present invention. Alternately, or in combination with a light source, other accessories 44 a and/or 44 b, such as a microphone or microphones, an attachment member for a map, a compass sensor, such as a magneto responsive sensor, a magneto resistive sensor, a magneto inductive sensor, a magneto capacitive sensor, or a flux gate sensor, such as are known in the compass arts, an antenna, a manual interface button, such as for ONSTAR systems and the like, and/or any other accessories, may be positioned at the mirror mount. Most preferably, an electrical wiring (not shown) connecting the accessory to a vehicle wiring can be conduited through the channel mount or attached to the exterior surface thereof. By positioning an accessory or indicator above the dashboard at the mirror mount, the accessory is more readily viewable by a driver or passenger of the vehicle, since the driver does not have to look down toward the dashboard or instrument panel to view the indicator.
  • Accordingly, the present invention provides an integrally or separately molded ball and toggle assembly, which provides a substantially rigid and strong ball and neck member, while further providing a substantially flexible spring, hinge, and actuating tab. The ball member comprises a high-strength engineering polymeric material which has a greater flexural modulus than the flexural modulus of the polymeric material of the toggle member. Preferably, the ratio of the flexural modulus of the polymeric material of the ball and body member to the flexural modulus of the polymeric material of the toggle member is at least about three or greater. More preferably, this ratio is at least about five or greater and, most preferably, at least about seven or greater. [0047]
  • Because the ball and body member and the toggle member are both molded from polymeric materials, the components may be molded in a desired color to match the color of each other, the mirror, the mounting assembly, and/or an interior color scheme of the vehicle. By molding the ball and body member out of a plastic material, the weight of the ball and toggle assembly is reduced relative to conventional, zinc ball members, while still providing adequate strength and vibration performance. Additionally, the ball and body member may be cored or hollowed to further reduce the weight of the assembly. [0048]
  • Changes and modifications in the specifically described embodiments may be carried out without departing from the principles of the invention, which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims, as interpreted according to the principles of patent law. [0049]

Claims (54)

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property right or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. A ball and toggle assembly adapted for use in an interior, prismatic, day/night rearview mirror assembly of a vehicle, comprising:
a body member having a ball member and a base, said body member being formed from a first polymeric material comprising a first flexural modulus; and
a toggle member comprising a hinge and an actuator tab, said toggle member formed from a second polymeric material comprising a second flexural modulus, said body member and said toggle member being joined together for support in a mirror housing of the rearview mirror assembly, said first flexural modulus being greater than said second flexural modulus.
2. The ball and toggle assembly of claim 1, wherein said first polymeric material of said body member comprises one of a thermoplastic and a thermoset.
3. The ball and toggle assembly of claim 2, wherein said first polymeric material of said body member comprises a filled polymeric resin.
4. The ball and toggle assembly of claim 3, wherein said first polymeric material comprises a filled polymeric resin having a resin rich surface.
5. The ball and toggle assembly of claim 2, wherein said second polymeric material of said toggle member comprises a polyolefin.
6. The ball and toggle assembly of claim 5, wherein said second polymeric material comprises at least one of a homopolymer polypropylene and a copolymer polypropylene.
7. The ball and toggle assembly of claim 1, wherein said second polymeric material of said toggle member comprises a polyolefin.
8. The ball and toggle assembly of claim 7, wherein said second polymeric material comprises at least one of a homopolymer polypropylene and a copolymer polypropylene.
9. The ball and toggle assembly of claim 1, wherein said first flexural modulus of said first material is greater than approximately 500,000 p.s.i.
10. The ball and toggle assembly of claim 1, wherein said first flexural modulus of said first polymeric material is greater than approximately 1,000,000 p.s.i.
11. The ball and toggle assembly of claim 1, wherein said first flexural modulus of said first polymeric material is greater than approximately 1,500,000 p.s.i.
12. The ball and toggle assembly of claim 9, wherein said second flexural modulus of second polymeric material is less than approximately 200,000 p.s.i.
13. The ball and toggle assembly of claim 1, wherein a ratio of said first flexural modulus of said first polymeric material to said second flexural modulus of said second polymeric material is greater than approximately three.
14. The ball and toggle assembly of claim 1, wherein a ratio of said first flexural modulus of said first polymeric material to said second flexural modulus of said second polymeric material is greater than approximately five.
15. The ball and toggle assembly of claim 1, wherein a ratio of said first flexural modulus of said first polymeric material to said second flexural modulus of said second polymeric material is greater than approximately seven.
16. The ball and toggle assembly of claim 1, wherein said second polymeric material of said toggle member has a shrinkage factor of at least approximately 0.005 inch/inch and said first polymeric material of said body member has a shrinkage factor of less than approximately 0.002 inch/inch.
17. The ball and toggle assembly of claim 1, wherein said toggle member is molded at least partially around said body member.
18. The ball and toggle assembly of claim 17, wherein said body member includes a plurality of through openings, said toggle member being molded in said through openings to mechanically secure said toggle member to said body member.
19. The ball and toggle assembly of claim 1, wherein said assembly is molded in a two step process, said body member being molded in a first step and said toggle member being molded at least partially about said body member in a second step.
20. The ball and toggle assembly of claim 19, wherein said two step molding process is performed by one of a rotatable mold, a single mold, and separate molds.
21. The ball and toggle assembly of claim 1, wherein said body member and said toggle member are integrally molded together.
22. The ball and toggle assembly of claim 1, wherein said body member further comprises an upper pivot joint for pivotally engaging a support when mounted in the mirror housing.
23. The ball and toggle assembly of claim 1, wherein said ball member is connected to said base via a neck portion, said neck portion being tapered such that said neck portion narrows at an outer end toward said ball member.
24. The ball and toggle assembly of claim 1, wherein said toggle member further comprises a biasing member, said biasing member being integrally formed with said toggle member, said biasing member being operable to exert a biasing force at said hinge to resist movement of said actuator tab from at least one of a day and night position.
25. The ball and toggle assembly of claim 1, wherein said body member and said toggle member are formed in a matching color.
26. The ball and toggle assembly of claim 25, wherein said matching color matches a color of the mirror housing of the rearview mirror assembly.
27. The ball and toggle assembly of claim 1, wherein said base of said body member includes at least one rib for enhanced vibration performance.
28. The ball and toggle assembly of claim 1, wherein said ball member of said body member is cored.
29. An interior rearview mirror assembly for vehicles, comprising:
a mirror housing having a forward surface;
a prismatic, reflective mirror element supported by said mirror housing, said mirror housing and said prismatic mirror element being pivotable relative to the vehicle between a first reflectivity position and a second reflectivity position; and
a ball and toggle assembly mountable to said housing and comprising:
a body member including a mounting member and a base, said body member being pivotally mounted in said mirror housing; and
a toggle member including a hinge and an actuator tab, said toggle member being pivotally mounted in said mirror housing adjacent to said body member, said ball and toggle assembly being operable such that movement of said actuator tab about said hinge causes pivotal movement of said mirror housing and said reflective mirror element between said first and second reflectivity positions relative to said mounting member, wherein said body member comprises a first polymeric material having a first flexural modulus and said toggle member comprises a second polymeric material having a second flexural modulus, said first flexural modulus being greater than said second flexural modulus, said body member and said toggle member being joined together.
30. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 29, wherein said first polymeric material of said body member comprises one of a thermoplastic and a thermoset.
31. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 30, wherein said first polymeric material of said body member comprises a filled polymeric resin.
32. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 31, wherein said first polymeric material comprises a filled polymeric resin having a resin rich surface.
33. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 30, wherein said second polymeric material of said toggle member is different from said first polymeric material, said second polymeric material including at least one of a polyolefin and a thermoplastic.
34. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 33, wherein said second polymeric material includes at least one of a homopolymer polypropylene and a copolymer polypropylene.
35. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 29, wherein said second polymeric material of said toggle member is different from said first polymeric material, said second polymeric material including at least one of a polyolefin and a thermoset.
36. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 35, wherein said second polymeric material includes at least one of a homopolymer polypropylene and a copolymer polypropylene.
37. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 29, wherein said first flexural modulus is greater than approximately 500,000 p.s.i.
38. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 29, wherein said first flexural modulus is greater than approximately 1,000,000 p.s.i.
39. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 29, wherein said first flexural modulus is greater than approximately 1,500,000 p.s.i.
40. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 37, wherein said second flexural modulus is less than approximately 200,000 p.s.i.
41. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 29, wherein a ratio of said first flexural modulus of said first polymeric material to said second flexural modulus of said second polymeric material is greater than approximately three.
42. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 29, wherein a ratio of said first flexural modulus of said first polymeric material to said second flexural modulus of said second polymeric material is greater than approximately five.
43. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 29, wherein a ratio of said first flexural modulus of said first polymeric material to said second flexural modulus of said second polymeric material is greater than approximately seven.
44. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 29, wherein said second polymeric material of said toggle member comprises a shrinkage factor of at least approximately 0.005 inch/inch and said first polymeric material of said body member comprises a shrinkage factor of less than approximately 0.002 inch/inch.
45. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 29, wherein said mounting member is a ball member which is pivotally interconnectable to a mounting base secured to the vehicle such that said mirror is pivotable relative to said mounting base.
46. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 29, wherein said body member and said toggle member are integrally molded together.
47. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 29, wherein said toggle member is molded at least partially around said base of said body member and secured thereto via mechanical connection of said second polymeric material with said first polymeric material.
48. A mirror mount assembly adapted for mounting to an interior surface of a windshield of a vehicle and for pivotally mounting an interior rearview mirror assembly thereto, the vehicle having an interior cabin, said mirror mount assembly comprising:
a mounting base for mounting at the interior surface of the windshield, said mounting base including a ball member for pivotal connection to the mirror assembly;
an accessory housing extending generally downwardly from said mounting base; and
at least one accessory positionable within said accessory housing.
49. The mirror mount assembly of claim 48, wherein said at least one accessory comprises at least one of an illumination source, a microphone, an attachment member, a compass sensor, an antenna and an interface button.
50. The mirror mount assembly of claim 48, wherein said at least one accessory comprises at least one illumination source.
51. The mirror mount assembly of claim 50, wherein said at least one illumination source comprises at least one of a light emitting diode, an incandescent light, a neon light, a fluorescent light and a halogen light.
52. The mirror mount assembly of claim 50, wherein said at least one illumination source is operable to provide illumination to a targeted area of the interior cabin of the vehicle.
53. The mirror mount assembly of claim 52, wherein said accessory housing comprises a lens element which is operable to direct and focus illumination from said at least one illumination source toward the targeted area.
54. The mirror mount assembly of claim 50, wherein said at least one illumination source comprises an indicator which is operable to convey a status signal of a vehicular system of the vehicle.
US09/988,249 2000-03-23 2001-11-19 Mirror mount with accessory housing Abandoned US20020027726A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/988,249 US20020027726A1 (en) 2000-03-23 2001-11-19 Mirror mount with accessory housing

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/533,127 US6318870B1 (en) 2000-03-23 2000-03-23 Toggle assembly for rearview mirror
US09/988,249 US20020027726A1 (en) 2000-03-23 2001-11-19 Mirror mount with accessory housing

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/533,127 Division US6318870B1 (en) 2000-03-23 2000-03-23 Toggle assembly for rearview mirror

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20020027726A1 true US20020027726A1 (en) 2002-03-07

Family

ID=24124598

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/533,127 Expired - Fee Related US6318870B1 (en) 2000-03-23 2000-03-23 Toggle assembly for rearview mirror
US09/988,249 Abandoned US20020027726A1 (en) 2000-03-23 2001-11-19 Mirror mount with accessory housing

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/533,127 Expired - Fee Related US6318870B1 (en) 2000-03-23 2000-03-23 Toggle assembly for rearview mirror

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (2) US6318870B1 (en)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040190167A1 (en) * 2003-03-26 2004-09-30 Russell Berger Vehicle mirror assembly
US20070058275A1 (en) * 2005-09-14 2007-03-15 Ken Sean Factory Co., Ltd. Tail mirror for an automobile
US20100272300A1 (en) * 2007-07-10 2010-10-28 Continental Teves Ag & Co. Ohg Device for holding vehicle sensors
US20120087025A1 (en) * 2010-10-11 2012-04-12 Smr Patents S.A.R.L. Hybrid exterior rear view mirror assembly
CN105329361A (en) * 2015-10-28 2016-02-17 无锡尊宝电动车有限公司 Electric vehicle rearview mirror with fluorescent ring
CN108001350A (en) * 2017-12-29 2018-05-08 宁波汇铭视觉科技有限公司 A kind of inside-automobile rear mirror
CN108367712A (en) * 2015-12-14 2018-08-03 金泰克斯公司 Bimodal mechanism with optical switch
WO2018148747A1 (en) * 2017-02-13 2018-08-16 Mks Technology, Inc. (D/B/A Snowy Range Instruments) Self-homing optical device

Families Citing this family (111)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6822563B2 (en) 1997-09-22 2004-11-23 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle imaging system with accessory control
US5910854A (en) 1993-02-26 1999-06-08 Donnelly Corporation Electrochromic polymeric solid films, manufacturing electrochromic devices using such solid films, and processes for making such solid films and devices
US5877897A (en) 1993-02-26 1999-03-02 Donnelly Corporation Automatic rearview mirror, vehicle lighting control and vehicle interior monitoring system using a photosensor array
US5668663A (en) 1994-05-05 1997-09-16 Donnelly Corporation Electrochromic mirrors and devices
US6891563B2 (en) 1996-05-22 2005-05-10 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular vision system
US7655894B2 (en) 1996-03-25 2010-02-02 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular image sensing system
US6326613B1 (en) 1998-01-07 2001-12-04 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle interior mirror assembly adapted for containing a rain sensor
US8294975B2 (en) 1997-08-25 2012-10-23 Donnelly Corporation Automotive rearview mirror assembly
US6172613B1 (en) 1998-02-18 2001-01-09 Donnelly Corporation Rearview mirror assembly incorporating vehicle information display
US6124886A (en) 1997-08-25 2000-09-26 Donnelly Corporation Modular rearview mirror assembly
US8288711B2 (en) 1998-01-07 2012-10-16 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror system with forwardly-viewing camera and a control
US6445287B1 (en) 2000-02-28 2002-09-03 Donnelly Corporation Tire inflation assistance monitoring system
US6553308B1 (en) 1999-04-29 2003-04-22 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle-based navigation system with smart map filtering, portable unit home-base registration and multiple navigation system preferential use
US6477464B2 (en) 2000-03-09 2002-11-05 Donnelly Corporation Complete mirror-based global-positioning system (GPS) navigation solution
US6693517B2 (en) 2000-04-21 2004-02-17 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle mirror assembly communicating wirelessly with vehicle accessories and occupants
US6329925B1 (en) 1999-11-24 2001-12-11 Donnelly Corporation Rearview mirror assembly with added feature modular display
US7370983B2 (en) 2000-03-02 2008-05-13 Donnelly Corporation Interior mirror assembly with display
WO2001064481A2 (en) 2000-03-02 2001-09-07 Donnelly Corporation Video mirror systems incorporating an accessory module
US7195381B2 (en) 2001-01-23 2007-03-27 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle interior LED lighting system
US7167796B2 (en) 2000-03-09 2007-01-23 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle navigation system for use with a telematics system
US7004593B2 (en) 2002-06-06 2006-02-28 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror system with compass
US6318870B1 (en) * 2000-03-23 2001-11-20 Donnelly Corporation Toggle assembly for rearview mirror
US6648477B2 (en) * 2000-07-06 2003-11-18 Donnelly Corporation Rearview mirror assembly with information display
US6520667B1 (en) * 2000-09-15 2003-02-18 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle interior rearview mirror assembly with display
US6877709B2 (en) * 2000-12-21 2005-04-12 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror assembly with polymeric components
US7255451B2 (en) 2002-09-20 2007-08-14 Donnelly Corporation Electro-optic mirror cell
US7581859B2 (en) 2005-09-14 2009-09-01 Donnelly Corp. Display device for exterior rearview mirror
CA2456259A1 (en) * 2001-09-14 2003-03-27 Click Clack Limited Improvements in closures
WO2003093857A2 (en) 2002-05-03 2003-11-13 Donnelly Corporation Object detection system for vehicle
US6918674B2 (en) 2002-05-03 2005-07-19 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle rearview mirror system
US7329013B2 (en) 2002-06-06 2008-02-12 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror system with compass
US20060061008A1 (en) 2004-09-14 2006-03-23 Lee Karner Mounting assembly for vehicle interior mirror
US10144353B2 (en) 2002-08-21 2018-12-04 Magna Electronics Inc. Multi-camera vision system for a vehicle
US7360932B2 (en) 2004-06-01 2008-04-22 Donnelly Corporation Mirror assembly for vehicle
US7184190B2 (en) 2002-09-20 2007-02-27 Donnelly Corporation Electro-optic reflective element assembly
US7253723B2 (en) 2003-05-19 2007-08-07 Donnelly Corporation Mirror assembly
WO2004103772A2 (en) 2003-05-19 2004-12-02 Donnelly Corporation Mirror assembly for vehicle
WO2004026633A2 (en) 2002-09-20 2004-04-01 Donnelly Corporation Mirror reflective element assembly
US7310177B2 (en) 2002-09-20 2007-12-18 Donnelly Corporation Electro-optic reflective element assembly
US6971775B2 (en) * 2002-12-23 2005-12-06 Donnelly Corporation Light module for interior rearview mirror assembly
US7420756B2 (en) 2003-05-20 2008-09-02 Donnelly Corporation Mirror reflective element
US7249860B2 (en) * 2003-09-05 2007-07-31 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror assembly
US7446924B2 (en) 2003-10-02 2008-11-04 Donnelly Corporation Mirror reflective element assembly including electronic component
US7308341B2 (en) 2003-10-14 2007-12-11 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle communication system
US7338177B2 (en) * 2003-11-26 2008-03-04 Donnelly Corporation Mirror reflective element for a vehicle
US10664115B2 (en) 2004-01-09 2020-05-26 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular vision system with head up display
US7526103B2 (en) 2004-04-15 2009-04-28 Donnelly Corporation Imaging system for vehicle
US7881496B2 (en) 2004-09-30 2011-02-01 Donnelly Corporation Vision system for vehicle
US8256821B2 (en) 2004-12-15 2012-09-04 Magna Donnelly Engineering Gmbh Accessory module system for a vehicle window
US7400435B2 (en) 2005-01-19 2008-07-15 Donnelly Corporation Mirror assembly with heater element
EP1883855B1 (en) 2005-05-16 2011-07-20 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle mirror assembly with indicia at reflective element
US7527403B2 (en) * 2005-06-14 2009-05-05 Donnelly Corp. Mirror assembly for vehicle
US11242009B2 (en) 2005-07-06 2022-02-08 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular exterior mirror system with blind spot indicator
US11498487B2 (en) 2005-07-06 2022-11-15 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Vehicular exterior mirror system with blind spot indicator
US7510287B2 (en) * 2005-10-21 2009-03-31 Donnelly Corporation Wire cover assembly for vehicle interior mirror
EP1949666B1 (en) 2005-11-01 2013-07-17 Magna Mirrors of America, Inc. Interior rearview mirror with display
WO2008024639A2 (en) 2006-08-11 2008-02-28 Donnelly Corporation Automatic headlamp control system
US7944371B2 (en) 2007-11-05 2011-05-17 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Exterior mirror with indicator
US8058977B2 (en) 2006-10-24 2011-11-15 Donnelly Corporation Exterior mirror having a display that can be viewed by a host driver or drivers of other vehicles
US11890991B2 (en) 2006-10-24 2024-02-06 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly with blind spot indicator element
US8013780B2 (en) 2007-01-25 2011-09-06 Magna Electronics Inc. Radar sensing system for vehicle
US7748856B2 (en) 2007-05-23 2010-07-06 Donnelly Corporation Exterior mirror element with integral wide angle portion
US8154418B2 (en) 2008-03-31 2012-04-10 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Interior rearview mirror system
US8101117B2 (en) * 2008-05-30 2012-01-24 Corning, Incorporated Controlled gas pore formers in extruded ware
US7813023B2 (en) 2008-06-09 2010-10-12 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Electro-optic mirror
US20100085653A1 (en) * 2008-09-15 2010-04-08 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Mirror assembly for vehicle
US8465161B2 (en) 2008-10-14 2013-06-18 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Interior rearview mirror assembly with button module
US9487144B2 (en) 2008-10-16 2016-11-08 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Interior mirror assembly with display
WO2010111173A1 (en) 2009-03-23 2010-09-30 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Interior mirror assembly with adjustable mounting assembly
US8673122B2 (en) * 2009-04-07 2014-03-18 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Hot tile sputtering system
ES2473969T3 (en) 2009-04-23 2014-07-08 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Vehicle mirror set
US11325533B2 (en) 2009-04-23 2022-05-10 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Frameless interior rearview mirror assembly
KR20120099671A (en) 2009-10-07 2012-09-11 마그나 미러스 오브 아메리카 인크. Frameless interior rearview mirror assembly
US11498486B2 (en) 2009-10-07 2022-11-15 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly
US10261648B2 (en) 2009-10-07 2019-04-16 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Exterior rearview mirror assembly
US9346403B2 (en) 2009-10-07 2016-05-24 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Rearview mirror assembly
US8851690B2 (en) 2009-10-27 2014-10-07 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Mounting assembly for vehicle interior mirror
US9827913B2 (en) 2010-02-10 2017-11-28 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Exterior rearview mirror assembly
US9969334B2 (en) 2010-02-10 2018-05-15 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Exterior rearview mirror assembly
US9481304B2 (en) 2010-05-24 2016-11-01 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Automotive exterior mirror heater control
US8736940B2 (en) 2011-09-30 2014-05-27 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Exterior mirror with integral spotter mirror and method of making same
US9475431B2 (en) 2011-10-05 2016-10-25 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Rearview mirror assembly
US8801245B2 (en) 2011-11-14 2014-08-12 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Illumination module for vehicle
US10457209B2 (en) 2012-02-22 2019-10-29 Magna Electronics Inc. Vehicle vision system with multi-paned view
US9352691B2 (en) 2012-11-05 2016-05-31 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Interior rearview mirror assembly
US9216691B2 (en) 2013-02-25 2015-12-22 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Exterior mirror with spotter mirror
US9174578B2 (en) 2013-04-22 2015-11-03 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Interior rearview mirror assembly
US11634078B2 (en) 2014-05-15 2023-04-25 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Vehicular rearview mirror control system
US10967796B2 (en) 2014-05-15 2021-04-06 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Interior rearview mirror assembly with low profile mirror
US9761144B2 (en) 2014-09-11 2017-09-12 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Exterior mirror with blind zone indicator
US9776569B2 (en) 2015-01-30 2017-10-03 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Exterior mirror with heater pad
US10348366B2 (en) * 2015-06-30 2019-07-09 Encounter Solutions Limited Data collection network and data collection device
US10538201B2 (en) * 2015-07-08 2020-01-21 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Interior prismatic mirror with integral toggle
US10029614B2 (en) 2015-11-17 2018-07-24 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Interior rearview mirror assembly
KR102003863B1 (en) * 2016-01-15 2019-07-25 젠텍스 코포레이션 Toggle switch lock and buffer toggle switch for FDM
US10948798B2 (en) 2016-05-02 2021-03-16 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Caseless rearview mirror assembly
US10543785B2 (en) 2016-06-03 2020-01-28 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Rearview mirror assembly with rounded front substrate
GB201611655D0 (en) * 2016-07-04 2016-08-17 3M Innovative Properties Co Article mounting device
US10464488B2 (en) 2016-09-22 2019-11-05 Gentex Corporation Mirror flipper assembly
US10710507B2 (en) 2016-10-31 2020-07-14 Gentex Corporation Cam-driven toggle switch for mirror assembly
CN110087950B (en) * 2017-01-10 2023-01-31 金泰克斯公司 Ball rack assembly for vehicle
US10705267B2 (en) 2017-04-17 2020-07-07 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Frameless prismatic mirror with improved edge protection
EP3625084B1 (en) 2017-06-12 2021-03-31 Gentex Corporation Auto tilt clutch mechanism
US10752175B2 (en) 2017-08-07 2020-08-25 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Pivot mounting assembly for interior rearview mirror
US10596968B2 (en) 2017-09-20 2020-03-24 Gentex Corporation Prism toggle spring
US11142126B2 (en) 2019-01-25 2021-10-12 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Interior rearview mirror assembly
US11607997B2 (en) 2019-07-25 2023-03-21 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Method of assembling mirror reflective element sub-assembly for exterior rearview mirror assembly
US11465561B2 (en) 2020-04-17 2022-10-11 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Interior rearview mirror assembly with driver monitoring system
EP4301626A1 (en) 2021-03-01 2024-01-10 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Interior rearview mirror assembly with driver monitoring system
US11780372B2 (en) 2021-03-01 2023-10-10 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Vehicular driver monitoring system with driver monitoring camera and near IR light emitter at interior rearview mirror assembly
US11780405B1 (en) * 2022-05-19 2023-10-10 Vincent BELL Vehicle alarm assembly

Citations (67)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3870404A (en) * 1973-05-01 1975-03-11 Donnelley Mirrors Inc Mirror actuator and support means therefor
US4319806A (en) * 1980-07-11 1982-03-16 General Motors Corporation Antiglare rear view mirror
US4359264A (en) * 1981-03-30 1982-11-16 General Motors Corporation Antiglare rear view mirror assembly
US4435042A (en) * 1981-06-24 1984-03-06 Donnelly Mirrors, Inc. Vehicle mirror and support assembly
US4436371A (en) * 1981-06-24 1984-03-13 Donnelly Mirrors, Inc. Vehicle mirror assembly
US4524941A (en) * 1981-06-24 1985-06-25 Donnelly Corporation Rearview mirror support bracket
US4646210A (en) * 1984-06-20 1987-02-24 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular mirror and light assembly
US4679906A (en) * 1985-12-13 1987-07-14 General Motors Corporation Anti-glare rear view mirror
US4733336A (en) * 1986-06-26 1988-03-22 Donnelly Corporation Lighted/information case assembly for rearview mirrors
US4781436A (en) * 1986-03-14 1988-11-01 Armbruster Joseph M Illuminated feather-touch solenoid actuated vehicle day/night mirror
US4793690A (en) * 1986-07-18 1988-12-27 Donnelly Corporation Rearview mirror control circuit
US4807096A (en) * 1986-06-26 1989-02-21 Donnelly Corporation Interior light/carrier module for vehicles
US4822140A (en) * 1986-10-27 1989-04-18 Mittelhaeuser Bernhard Rear-view mirror for motor vehicles
US4826289A (en) * 1987-09-03 1989-05-02 Donnelly Corporation Day/night rearview mirror assembly
US4882565A (en) * 1988-03-02 1989-11-21 Donnelly Corporation Information display for rearview mirrors
US4930742A (en) * 1988-03-25 1990-06-05 Donnelly Corporation Rearview mirror and accessory mount for vehicles
US4936533A (en) * 1988-11-15 1990-06-26 Donnelly Corporation Mounting assembly for vehicle accessories
US4973844A (en) * 1989-07-10 1990-11-27 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular moisture sensor and mounting apparatus therefor
US5100095A (en) * 1991-03-01 1992-03-31 Donnelly Corporation Breakaway vehicle accessory mount
US5193029A (en) * 1991-11-19 1993-03-09 Donnelly Corporation Single sensor adaptive drive circuit for rearview mirror system
US5255442A (en) * 1991-12-20 1993-10-26 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle compass with electronic sensor
US5327288A (en) * 1991-09-13 1994-07-05 Donnelly Corporation Reduced vibration day/night rearview mirror assembly
US5330149A (en) * 1993-01-28 1994-07-19 Donnelly Corporation Breakaway accessory mounting for vehicles
US5377949A (en) * 1993-02-25 1995-01-03 Donnelly Corporation Breakaway accessory mounting for vehicles
US5455716A (en) * 1990-08-14 1995-10-03 Prince Corporation Vehicle mirror with electrical accessories
US5487522A (en) * 1993-11-30 1996-01-30 Donnelly Corporation Mirror support bracket
US5521760A (en) * 1994-07-11 1996-05-28 Donnelly Corporation Energy absorbing rearview mirror assembly
US5550677A (en) * 1993-02-26 1996-08-27 Donnelly Corporation Automatic rearview mirror system using a photosensor array
US5576687A (en) * 1991-12-20 1996-11-19 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle information display
US5587236A (en) * 1991-10-09 1996-12-24 Donnelly Corporation Interior rear view mirror mounting system utilizing one-package structural adhesive
US5631638A (en) * 1993-07-09 1997-05-20 Hohe Gmbh & Co.Kg. Information system in a motor vehicle
US5669698A (en) * 1995-05-24 1997-09-23 Veldman; Roger L. Modular rearview mirror assembly and method for making same
US5671996A (en) * 1994-12-30 1997-09-30 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle instrumentation/console lighting
US5673994A (en) * 1991-09-13 1997-10-07 Donnelly Corporation Rearview mirror with lighting assembly
USD391214S (en) * 1997-01-28 1998-02-24 Donnelly Corporation Rearview mirror assembly
US5796176A (en) * 1996-07-11 1998-08-18 Donnelly Corporation Memory mirror system for vehicles
US5796094A (en) * 1993-02-26 1998-08-18 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle headlight control using imaging sensor
US5820097A (en) * 1997-01-10 1998-10-13 Donnelly Corporation Breakaway accessory mounting assembly for vehicles and windshield mounted button therefor
US5940503A (en) * 1993-02-02 1999-08-17 Palett; Anthony P. Mirror mounted mobile telephone system
US5950139A (en) * 1997-10-30 1999-09-07 Motorola, Inc. Radiotelephone with user perceivable visual signal quality indicator
US5971552A (en) * 1995-12-08 1999-10-26 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle global positioning system
US6087953A (en) * 1998-02-18 2000-07-11 Donnelly Corporation Rearview mirror support incorporating vehicle information display
US6124886A (en) * 1997-08-25 2000-09-26 Donnelly Corporation Modular rearview mirror assembly
US6152590A (en) * 1998-02-13 2000-11-28 Donnelly Hohe Gmbh & Co. Kg Lighting device for motor vehicles
US6158655A (en) * 1998-04-08 2000-12-12 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle mounted remote transaction interface system
US6166698A (en) * 1999-02-16 2000-12-26 Gentex Corporation Rearview mirror with integrated microwave receiver
US6166625A (en) * 1996-09-26 2000-12-26 Donnelly Corporation Pyroelectric intrusion detection in motor vehicles
US6172613B1 (en) * 1998-02-18 2001-01-09 Donnelly Corporation Rearview mirror assembly incorporating vehicle information display
US6243003B1 (en) * 1999-08-25 2001-06-05 Donnelly Corporation Accessory module for vehicle
US6250148B1 (en) * 1998-01-07 2001-06-26 Donnelly Corporation Rain sensor mount for use in a vehicle
US6278377B1 (en) * 1999-08-25 2001-08-21 Donnelly Corporation Indicator for vehicle accessory
US6291905B1 (en) * 1997-01-09 2001-09-18 Donnelly Mirrors Limited Vehicle rearview mirror and a vehicle control system incorporating such mirror
US6294989B1 (en) * 1998-12-16 2001-09-25 Donnelly Corporation Tire inflation assistance monitoring system
US6299316B1 (en) * 1996-03-19 2001-10-09 Donnelly Mirrors Limited Electro-optic rearview mirror system
US6313454B1 (en) * 1999-07-02 2001-11-06 Donnelly Corporation Rain sensor
US6318697B1 (en) * 1998-05-14 2001-11-20 Robert Bosch Corporation AOS sensor mirror mount assembly
US6318870B1 (en) * 2000-03-23 2001-11-20 Donnelly Corporation Toggle assembly for rearview mirror
US6326613B1 (en) * 1998-01-07 2001-12-04 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle interior mirror assembly adapted for containing a rain sensor
US6329925B1 (en) * 1999-11-24 2001-12-11 Donnelly Corporation Rearview mirror assembly with added feature modular display
US6333759B1 (en) * 1999-03-16 2001-12-25 Joseph J. Mazzilli 360 ° automobile video camera system
US20020003571A1 (en) * 2000-03-02 2002-01-10 Kenneth Schofield Video mirror systems incorporating an accessory module
US6353392B1 (en) * 1997-10-30 2002-03-05 Donnelly Corporation Rain sensor with fog discrimination
US6420975B1 (en) * 1999-08-25 2002-07-16 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror sound processing system
US6428172B1 (en) * 1999-11-24 2002-08-06 Donnelly Corporation Rearview mirror assembly with utility functions
US6445287B1 (en) * 2000-02-28 2002-09-03 Donnelly Corporation Tire inflation assistance monitoring system
US20020159270A1 (en) * 2001-01-23 2002-10-31 Lynam Niall R. Vehicular lighting system
US6513252B1 (en) * 1999-04-08 2003-02-04 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle compass compensation

Patent Citations (80)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3870404A (en) * 1973-05-01 1975-03-11 Donnelley Mirrors Inc Mirror actuator and support means therefor
US4319806A (en) * 1980-07-11 1982-03-16 General Motors Corporation Antiglare rear view mirror
US4359264A (en) * 1981-03-30 1982-11-16 General Motors Corporation Antiglare rear view mirror assembly
US4435042A (en) * 1981-06-24 1984-03-06 Donnelly Mirrors, Inc. Vehicle mirror and support assembly
US4436371A (en) * 1981-06-24 1984-03-13 Donnelly Mirrors, Inc. Vehicle mirror assembly
US4524941A (en) * 1981-06-24 1985-06-25 Donnelly Corporation Rearview mirror support bracket
US4646210A (en) * 1984-06-20 1987-02-24 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular mirror and light assembly
US4679906A (en) * 1985-12-13 1987-07-14 General Motors Corporation Anti-glare rear view mirror
US4781436A (en) * 1986-03-14 1988-11-01 Armbruster Joseph M Illuminated feather-touch solenoid actuated vehicle day/night mirror
US4733336A (en) * 1986-06-26 1988-03-22 Donnelly Corporation Lighted/information case assembly for rearview mirrors
US4807096A (en) * 1986-06-26 1989-02-21 Donnelly Corporation Interior light/carrier module for vehicles
US4793690A (en) * 1986-07-18 1988-12-27 Donnelly Corporation Rearview mirror control circuit
US4822140A (en) * 1986-10-27 1989-04-18 Mittelhaeuser Bernhard Rear-view mirror for motor vehicles
US4826289A (en) * 1987-09-03 1989-05-02 Donnelly Corporation Day/night rearview mirror assembly
US4882565A (en) * 1988-03-02 1989-11-21 Donnelly Corporation Information display for rearview mirrors
US4930742A (en) * 1988-03-25 1990-06-05 Donnelly Corporation Rearview mirror and accessory mount for vehicles
US4936533A (en) * 1988-11-15 1990-06-26 Donnelly Corporation Mounting assembly for vehicle accessories
US4973844A (en) * 1989-07-10 1990-11-27 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular moisture sensor and mounting apparatus therefor
US5455716A (en) * 1990-08-14 1995-10-03 Prince Corporation Vehicle mirror with electrical accessories
US5100095A (en) * 1991-03-01 1992-03-31 Donnelly Corporation Breakaway vehicle accessory mount
US5327288A (en) * 1991-09-13 1994-07-05 Donnelly Corporation Reduced vibration day/night rearview mirror assembly
US5673994A (en) * 1991-09-13 1997-10-07 Donnelly Corporation Rearview mirror with lighting assembly
US5587236A (en) * 1991-10-09 1996-12-24 Donnelly Corporation Interior rear view mirror mounting system utilizing one-package structural adhesive
US5193029A (en) * 1991-11-19 1993-03-09 Donnelly Corporation Single sensor adaptive drive circuit for rearview mirror system
US5576687A (en) * 1991-12-20 1996-11-19 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle information display
US5255442A (en) * 1991-12-20 1993-10-26 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle compass with electronic sensor
US5708410A (en) * 1991-12-20 1998-01-13 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle information display
US5330149A (en) * 1993-01-28 1994-07-19 Donnelly Corporation Breakaway accessory mounting for vehicles
US5940503A (en) * 1993-02-02 1999-08-17 Palett; Anthony P. Mirror mounted mobile telephone system
US5377949A (en) * 1993-02-25 1995-01-03 Donnelly Corporation Breakaway accessory mounting for vehicles
US5550677A (en) * 1993-02-26 1996-08-27 Donnelly Corporation Automatic rearview mirror system using a photosensor array
US6320176B1 (en) * 1993-02-26 2001-11-20 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle rain sensor using imaging sensor
US6097023A (en) * 1993-02-26 2000-08-01 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle headlight control using imaging sensor
US5796094A (en) * 1993-02-26 1998-08-18 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle headlight control using imaging sensor
US5631638A (en) * 1993-07-09 1997-05-20 Hohe Gmbh & Co.Kg. Information system in a motor vehicle
US5615857A (en) * 1993-11-30 1997-04-01 Donnelly Corporation Mirror support bracket
US5487522A (en) * 1993-11-30 1996-01-30 Donnelly Corporation Mirror support bracket
US5521760A (en) * 1994-07-11 1996-05-28 Donnelly Corporation Energy absorbing rearview mirror assembly
US5938321A (en) * 1994-12-30 1999-08-17 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle instrumentation/console lighting
US6412973B1 (en) * 1994-12-30 2002-07-02 Donnelly Corporation Interior mirror assembly for a vehicle incorporating a solid-state light source
US5671996A (en) * 1994-12-30 1997-09-30 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle instrumentation/console lighting
US6139172A (en) * 1994-12-30 2000-10-31 Donnelly Corporation Interior mirror assembly for a vehicle incorporating a solid-state light source
US5669698A (en) * 1995-05-24 1997-09-23 Veldman; Roger L. Modular rearview mirror assembly and method for making same
US5971552A (en) * 1995-12-08 1999-10-26 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle global positioning system
US6299316B1 (en) * 1996-03-19 2001-10-09 Donnelly Mirrors Limited Electro-optic rearview mirror system
US5796176A (en) * 1996-07-11 1998-08-18 Donnelly Corporation Memory mirror system for vehicles
US6166625A (en) * 1996-09-26 2000-12-26 Donnelly Corporation Pyroelectric intrusion detection in motor vehicles
US6291905B1 (en) * 1997-01-09 2001-09-18 Donnelly Mirrors Limited Vehicle rearview mirror and a vehicle control system incorporating such mirror
US5820097A (en) * 1997-01-10 1998-10-13 Donnelly Corporation Breakaway accessory mounting assembly for vehicles and windshield mounted button therefor
USD391214S (en) * 1997-01-28 1998-02-24 Donnelly Corporation Rearview mirror assembly
US6124886A (en) * 1997-08-25 2000-09-26 Donnelly Corporation Modular rearview mirror assembly
US6353392B1 (en) * 1997-10-30 2002-03-05 Donnelly Corporation Rain sensor with fog discrimination
US5950139A (en) * 1997-10-30 1999-09-07 Motorola, Inc. Radiotelephone with user perceivable visual signal quality indicator
US6516664B2 (en) * 1998-01-07 2003-02-11 Donnelly Corporation Rain sensor mount for use in a vehicle
US6250148B1 (en) * 1998-01-07 2001-06-26 Donnelly Corporation Rain sensor mount for use in a vehicle
US6341523B2 (en) * 1998-01-07 2002-01-29 Donnelly Corporation Rain sensor mount for use in a vehicle
US6326613B1 (en) * 1998-01-07 2001-12-04 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle interior mirror assembly adapted for containing a rain sensor
US6152590A (en) * 1998-02-13 2000-11-28 Donnelly Hohe Gmbh & Co. Kg Lighting device for motor vehicles
US6087953A (en) * 1998-02-18 2000-07-11 Donnelly Corporation Rearview mirror support incorporating vehicle information display
US6222460B1 (en) * 1998-02-18 2001-04-24 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror system incorporating a supplemental inflatable restraint system status information display
US6366213B2 (en) * 1998-02-18 2002-04-02 Donnelly Corporation Rearview mirror assembly incorporating electrical accessories
US6172613B1 (en) * 1998-02-18 2001-01-09 Donnelly Corporation Rearview mirror assembly incorporating vehicle information display
US6158655A (en) * 1998-04-08 2000-12-12 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle mounted remote transaction interface system
US6318697B1 (en) * 1998-05-14 2001-11-20 Robert Bosch Corporation AOS sensor mirror mount assembly
US6294989B1 (en) * 1998-12-16 2001-09-25 Donnelly Corporation Tire inflation assistance monitoring system
US6166698A (en) * 1999-02-16 2000-12-26 Gentex Corporation Rearview mirror with integrated microwave receiver
US6333759B1 (en) * 1999-03-16 2001-12-25 Joseph J. Mazzilli 360 ° automobile video camera system
US6513252B1 (en) * 1999-04-08 2003-02-04 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle compass compensation
US6313454B1 (en) * 1999-07-02 2001-11-06 Donnelly Corporation Rain sensor
US6466136B2 (en) * 1999-08-25 2002-10-15 Donnelly Corporation Mirror-based audio system for a vehicle
US6278377B1 (en) * 1999-08-25 2001-08-21 Donnelly Corporation Indicator for vehicle accessory
US6420975B1 (en) * 1999-08-25 2002-07-16 Donnelly Corporation Interior rearview mirror sound processing system
US6433676B2 (en) * 1999-08-25 2002-08-13 Donnelly Corporation Mirror-based audio system for a vehicle
US6243003B1 (en) * 1999-08-25 2001-06-05 Donnelly Corporation Accessory module for vehicle
US6428172B1 (en) * 1999-11-24 2002-08-06 Donnelly Corporation Rearview mirror assembly with utility functions
US6329925B1 (en) * 1999-11-24 2001-12-11 Donnelly Corporation Rearview mirror assembly with added feature modular display
US6445287B1 (en) * 2000-02-28 2002-09-03 Donnelly Corporation Tire inflation assistance monitoring system
US20020003571A1 (en) * 2000-03-02 2002-01-10 Kenneth Schofield Video mirror systems incorporating an accessory module
US6318870B1 (en) * 2000-03-23 2001-11-20 Donnelly Corporation Toggle assembly for rearview mirror
US20020159270A1 (en) * 2001-01-23 2002-10-31 Lynam Niall R. Vehicular lighting system

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040190167A1 (en) * 2003-03-26 2004-09-30 Russell Berger Vehicle mirror assembly
US20070058275A1 (en) * 2005-09-14 2007-03-15 Ken Sean Factory Co., Ltd. Tail mirror for an automobile
US20100272300A1 (en) * 2007-07-10 2010-10-28 Continental Teves Ag & Co. Ohg Device for holding vehicle sensors
US20120087025A1 (en) * 2010-10-11 2012-04-12 Smr Patents S.A.R.L. Hybrid exterior rear view mirror assembly
CN102442253A (en) * 2010-10-11 2012-05-09 Smr专利责任有限公司 Hybrid external rear-view mirror assembly
CN105329361A (en) * 2015-10-28 2016-02-17 无锡尊宝电动车有限公司 Electric vehicle rearview mirror with fluorescent ring
CN108367712A (en) * 2015-12-14 2018-08-03 金泰克斯公司 Bimodal mechanism with optical switch
EP3390156A4 (en) * 2015-12-14 2019-07-31 Gentex Corporation Bimodal mechanism with optical switch
WO2018148747A1 (en) * 2017-02-13 2018-08-16 Mks Technology, Inc. (D/B/A Snowy Range Instruments) Self-homing optical device
CN108001350A (en) * 2017-12-29 2018-05-08 宁波汇铭视觉科技有限公司 A kind of inside-automobile rear mirror

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US6318870B1 (en) 2001-11-20

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6318870B1 (en) Toggle assembly for rearview mirror
US8393766B2 (en) Lighted exterior mirror assembly for vehicle
US6902306B2 (en) Mirror assembly security system
US6769798B2 (en) Side mirror cover and cover lamp to be used therefor
EP0967118B1 (en) Vehicle exterior mirror system with signal light
US6877709B2 (en) Interior rearview mirror assembly with polymeric components
US6880960B2 (en) Side mirror cover and side mirror body
US6848817B2 (en) Interior mirror assembly for a vehicle incorporating a solid-state light source
MX2007005225A (en) Vehicle interior courtesy lamp assembly.
US20070070639A1 (en) Trim panel assembly having a pivotal light mechanism
US20230234505A1 (en) Exterior rearview device for automotive vehicles and kit of parts
US6883944B2 (en) Combination port cover and boat lighting apparatus
US20020044452A1 (en) Removable auxiliary light for car

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION