GB2301570A - An adjustable external mirror having a mechanism for direct adjustment symmetry. - Google Patents

Abstract

The mechanism comprises a positioning lever 40 which engages the back of the reflector at 45 and an adjustment lever 20 having a handle 21. The levers are joined by a T-shaped adjusting head 27 at one end of the adjustment lever mating with receiving head 41 on the positioning lever so that universal movement is possible for each lever about balls 25, 43 which ensures that the adjusting head 45 and mirror reflector, which is pivoted about its centre, move in the same sense as the adjustment handle.

Description

ADJUSTABLE OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR ASSEMBLIES FOR VEHICLES FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an exterior, sailmounted, fixed, adjustably positionable vehicular mirror. The mirror utilizes a positioning mechanism which provides direct adjustment symmetry.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A wide array of exterior vehicular mirrors are known in the art. Firstly, such mirrors may be categorized according to their mounting location on the vehicle.

Hood mount and fender mount mirrors are mirrors mounted to particular body components of the vehicle.

Sailmounted mirrors are mirrors located on the side of the vehicle, immediately rearward of the pillar separating the front windshield and side window.

Accordingly, sailmounted mirrors are typically door mounted.

Secondly, exterior vehicular mirrors may be categorized according to their mounting configuration.

Break-away or fold-away mirrors are mirrors having configurations in which the mirror body can swing or move from one position to another, typically in the event of striking an obstacle. Fixed mirrors are mirrors which are secured or otherwise affixed to the vehicle so that the mirror as a whole does not change position in relation to its mounting surface.

Thirdly, exterior vehicular mirrors that are adjustably positionable may be classified according to the manner in which adjustment is achieved. It is well known in the art to provide electrically adjustable mirrors. Alternatively, such mirrors may be mechanically adjustably positionable. Adjustment of mirrors in the latter category can be achieved by either a cable and pulley arrangement, a mechanical linkage assembly, or via a combination thereof.

It is desirable to provide an exterior adjustably positionable vehicular mirror that has direct adjustment symmetry. "Direct adjustment symmetry" refers to symmetry, or like movements, between the mirror position controller, typically mounted within reach of the passenger compartment such as on the interior door panel, and the reflector element of the mirror assembly. When adjusting the reflector position of an exterior sailmounted or doormounted mirror with direct adjustment symmetry, movement of the controller toward the rear of the vehicle results in the innermost edge of the reflector, that is the reflector portion closest to the side of the vehicle, also moving toward the rear of the vehicle.Likewise, movement of the mirror position controller toward the front of the vehicle results in movement of the innermost portion of the reflector in the same direction, that is toward the front of the vehicle.

Similarly, rotation of the mirror position controller in a clockwise direction, i.e. when facing a controller mounted on the interior panel of the driver's door, causes rotation or tilting of the reflector element so that the element is angled upwardly. Likewise, rotation of the mirror position controller in a counterclockwise direction results in rotation of the reflector element so that the reflector is angled downwardly. This direct adjustment symmetry is readily achieved in electrically positionable mirrors. However, such configuration is difficult to achieve by mechanical actuation, particularly without resorting to a complex arrangement of cables and pulleys.

Often, there are instances in which it is desirable to utilize a mechanically actuated adjustably positionable exterior vehicular mirror as opposed to one that is electrically positionable. Such applications include those where cost is a concern, applications which will be subjected to severe or harsh conditions such that relatively sensitive electrical components might not be suitable, and applications where ease of assembly is desired. Thus, there is a need for an exterior, adjustably positionable vehicular mirror having direct adjustment symmetry, yet which does not require costly and sensitive electrical components, nor complex mechanical positioning assemblies, such as those utilizing cables and pulleys.Moreover, there is a need for an exterior, adjustably positionable vehicular mirror having direct adjustment symmetry which is achieved by a relatively simple and inexpensive mechanism, that requires a minimal number of components and assembly time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A mirror assembly is provided comprising a housing, a movably positionable reflector, a positioning lever that engages the reflector, and an adjusting lever having a handle disposed on one of its ends, and being in movable engagement with the positioning lever at its other end such that direct adjustment symmetry of the reflector is achieved by movement of the handle in one direction causing the end of the positioning lever engaging the reflector to move in the opposite direction, thereby pivotally moving the reflector in the same direction in which the handle is moved.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a rearview mirror assembly suitable for mounting on the exterior of a vehicle, the assembly comprising (i) a housing having an interior cavity and a rearwardly facing opening, (ii) a movably positionable reflector generally facing the rear of the housing and visible through the opening defined in the housing, (iii) a movable positioning lever having a positioning head at one end that is in movable engagement with the reflector, a receiving head disposed on its other end, and a ball disposed between its ends, the positioning lever retained in the housing by a seat assembly which couples the ball of the positioning lever to the housing, and (iv) a movable adjusting lever also retained within the housing, the lever having an adjusting head disposed on one end which is in movable engagement with the receiving head of the positioning lever, a handle disposed on its opposite end, and a ball disposed between the ends of the adjusting lever, the adjusting lever being retained in the housing by a seat assembly, such that movement of the handle of the adjusting lever in one direction causes the positioning head of the positioning lever to move in the opposite direction, thereby changing the position of the reflector in the same direction in which the handle is moved to provide direct adjustment symmetry.

The present invention achieves for the first time, an exterior, adjustably positionable vehicular mirror having direct adjustment symmetry which is relatively inexpensive and provides ease of assembly. The present invention provides a simple, yet elegant mechanism to provide direct adjustment symmetry between a mirror reflector and a position controller.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 illustrates a vehicle having a preferred embodiment, exterior, sailmounted, fixed, adjustably positionable mirror disposed on its side; Fig. 2 illustrates the mirror depicted in Fig. 1 mounted on the vehicle door and an adjusting lever for adjusting the position of the mirror; Fig. 3 illustrates the preferred embodiment adjustably positionable mirror separate from a vehicle; Fig. 4 is a partial cut-away view of the preferred embodiment mirror depicted in Fig. 3 illustrating a positioning mechanism for providing direct adjustment symmetry; Fig. 5 is a cut-away view illustrating the interior of the preferred embodiment mirror, and additional aspects of the positioning mechanism; Fig. 6 is an illustration of an adjusting lever and a positioning lever utilized in the positioning mechanism of the preferred embodiment mirror;; Fig. 7 is a detailed view of the preferred embodiment positioning lever; Fig. 8 is a detailed view of the preferred embodiment adjusting lever; Fig. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the engagement between the preferred embodiment adjusting lever and positioning lever; Fig. 10 illustrates the directions of travel that the positioning mechanism may undergo; Fig. 11 is an exploded view of the preferred embodiment mirror; Fig. 12 is a perspective view f the rear of a reflector utilized in the preferred embodiment mirror; and Fig. 13 is an elevational view of the rear of the reflector utilized in the preferred embodiment mirror.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The preferred embodiment exterior, sailmounted, fixed, adjustably positionable vehicular mirror 10 of the present invention is illustrated in Fig. 1 as mounted on side door 2 near door window 4 of vehicle 1. Fig. 2 illustrates mirror 10 extending outward from door 2 and adjusting lever 20 extending inward and generally toward the passenger compartment, thereby enabling adjustment of the position of reflector 50 in mirror 10.Fig. 3 illustrates in greater details mirror 10 comprising a housing 110 which encloses a positioning mechanism described below, a movably positionable reflector 50, and various mounting componerts including fasteners 100, seal 124, and gasket 126, all forming a portion of a triangularly shaped "sail" for mounting the assembly in the lower front corner of the front side window opening of the driver's side door, also described in detail below.

Referring to Fig. 4, mirror 10 comprises a moulded, resinous plastic housing or enclosure 100, a movably positionable reflector 50, a movable positioning lever 40, and a movable adjusting lever 20, all retained within housing 110. Reflector 50, which may be a glass or plastic sheet coated on its first or second surface with a suitable metallic reflective layer as is conventionally known, is coupled to the interior of housing 110 by a pivot assembly including a pivot member 71 extending from housing 110 or other mounting component disposed therein.

that pivot assembly provides a single pivot point about which reflector 50 may be displaced and thereby change position. Movement of reflector 50 is effected by moving adjusting lever 20, preferably at handle 21. Adjusting lever 20 is retained within housing 110 by a seat assembly 88 (Fig. 5) engaging ball 25 of adjusting lever 20. Positioning lever 40 is also retained within housing 110 by a seat assembly 78 (Fig. 5) engaging ball 43 of lever 40. Adjusting lever 20 is in movable engagement with positioning lever 40 by a socket hinge-like assembly formed between an adjusting head 27 disposed at one end of adjusting lever 20 and a socket-like receiving head 41 disposed at one end of positioning lever 40. Positioning lever 40 further includes a positioning head 45 its other end, generally the opposite end from receiving head 41.

Positioning head 45 engages reflector 50 in a receptacle 60, preferably along a rearwardly facing surface of reflector 50 intermediate reflector pivot member 71 and the inside edge 50a of reflector 50, as described in greater detail below.

Fig. 5 illustrates in greater detail the components of the preferred embodiment mirror 10. Housing 110 generally encloses reflector 50 and the positioning mechanism comprising adjusting lever 20 and positioning lever 40. Preferably, housing 110 includes a moulded, resinous plastic bracket 80 that extends within the interior region of housing 110 to provide a mounting surface for the positioning mechanism and other components of the preferred embodiment mirror. Secured to bracket 80 is a pivot base 70, also part of the previously noted pivot assembly, which receives and accommodates dampeners 55 extending from the rear of reflector 50. Bracket 80 also includes the seat assemblies 88 and 78 engaging ball 25 of adjusting lever 20 and ball 43 of positioning lever 40, respectively.

Seat assembly 88 for retaining adjusting lever 20 comprises an upper seat 92 and a lower seat 91 (not shown in Fig. 5), that engage ball 25 of adjusting lever 20.

Seat assembly 78 for retaining positioning lever 40 comprises an upper seat 82 and a lower seat 81 (not shown in Fig. 5), formed in bracket 80 that engage ball 43 of positioning lever 40. Both seat assemblies provide bearing surfaces for universal pivotal movement of the respective ball components engaged therein. Engagement between position head 45 of positioning lever 40 and reflector 50 is accomplished by coupling positioning head 45 to the rearward portion of reflector 50, and locating head 45 in receptacle 60. Reflector 50 is adjustably mounted to bracket 80 via the previously noted pivot assembly comprising a pivot base 70, pivot member 71 extending from pivot base 70, a pivot retainer 58, and a pivot retainer spring 59 (not shown in Fig. 5) disposed proximate the rearward surface of reflector 50.

Fig. 6 illustrates in greater detail two components of the positioning mechanism, i.e. positioning lever 40 and adjusting lever 20, and the hinge-like engagement between adjusting head 27 and socket-like receiving head 41. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of positioning lever 40 showing positioning head 45 disposed on one end, receiving head 41 located on another end, and ball 43.

Extending between positioning head 45 and ball 43 is a major arm 44 of positioning lever 40. Similarly, extending between ball 43 and receiving head 41 of lever 40 is a minor arm 42. Fig. 8 illustrates adjusting lever 20 having adjusting head 27 formed at one end, handle 21 disposed at another end, and a ball 25 formed between those ends. Adjusting lever 20 further comprises a major arm 24 extending between handle 21 and ball 25, and a minor arm 26 extending between ball 25 and adjusting head 27. It is preferred that each of levers 20 and 40 be a one-piece, unitary construction, preferably moulded from resinous plastic. However, it may be preferable to utilize a separately formed handle 21 which can be attached to lever 20 at a later point in time. Handle 21 may be secured to lever 20 by a fastener 22 and handle end cover 23 illustrated in Fig. 11. It s also contemplated that each lever could be formed from two or more subcomponents. For instance, positioning lever 40 could be formed by assembling separate heads 41 and 45 to separate arms 42 and 44, respectively, which are affixed to ball 43. Similarly, adjusting lever 20 could be formed by assembling separate components, head 27 and handle 21, to arms 26 and 24, respectively, which are then affixed to ball 25.

Fig. 9 illustrates the engagement between positioning lever 40 and adjusting lever 20. a hingelike assembly is formed between adjusting head 27 and receiving head 41. Receiving head 41 is an elongated socket member which is U-shaped in section (Fig. 9) and has an outwardly flared opening 41b leading to a rounded interior surface 41a. It is preferred to provide a smooth surface for the exterior of head 27 and interior surface 41a of receiving head 41 which provides ease of movement between levers 20 and 40. The interior surface 41a of head 41 contacting head 27 provides a bearing surface for head 27 and lever 20. The configuration and size of head 27 and head 41 should be such so that head 27 fits snugly within the socket-like interior of head 41.It is contemplated that a variety of frictionreducing coatings could be applied to either or both of heads 27 and 41 to facilitate movement between lever 20 and 40.

Fig. 10 illustrates the positioning mechanism installed or incorporated in the preferred embodiment mirror and directions of travel that lever 20 and lever 40 of the mechanism may undergo. As previously explained, adjusting lever 20 is retained in bracket 80 by seat assembly 88 and positioning lever 40 is retained in bracket 80 by another seat assembly 78. These two seat assemblies, each provide a single retaining point for each lever that enables the lever to undergo a wide range of movement. When the positioning mechanism is incorporated into mirror 10, configuration of the seat assemblies and orientation of the mechanism are such that the entire mechanism can be rotated about a common axis of rotation, such as shown in Fig. 10 as line R-R.Thus, rotation of adjusting lever 20 in a clockwise direction about line R-R causes rotation or tilting of lever 40 in a clockwise direction about line R-R, and thus rotation of reflector 50 coupled to lever 40 also in a clockwise direction via pivot ember 71 about line R-R, and thus rotation of reflector 50 coupled to lever 40 also in a clockwise direction via pivot member 71 about line R-R, and vice-versa. That is, movement of handle 21 downward in the direction of arrow D results in rotation of positioning head 45 and reflector 50 also in the direction of arrow D. Similarly, movement of handle 21 in the direction of arrow C results in rotation of positioning head 45 and reflector 50 also in the direction of arrow C.

When the positioning mechanism is incorporated into mirror 10, each of levers 20 and 40 can be rotated within certain limits about axes of rotation Y-Y and X-X, respectively. That is, linear movement of handle 21 in the direction of arrow B, i.e. out of the paper, results in rotational movement of lever 20 about line Y-Y such that adjusting head 27 is moved, but in an opposite linear direction, i.e. into the paper. Similarly, movement of receiving head 41 in the same direction as adjusting head 27, due to the engagement between those components, results in rotational movement of lever 40 about line X-X so that positioning head 45 is moved in the opposite linear direction from the direction of linear movement of head 41, but in the same linear direction as handle 21, i.e. out of the paper.

Therefore, movement of handle 21 in the direction of arrow B results in movement of positioning head 45 in the direction of arrow B, i.e. rotationally opposite to the movement of handel 21. However, because receptacle 60 which connects positioning head 45 to the rear of reflector base 54 is located between pivot 71 and the inner edge 50a of reflector 50, movement of head 45 in the direction of arrow B rotationally (opposite handle 21) actually pivots reflector 50 outwardly, i.e., in the same rotational direction as handle 21. Likewise, movement of handle 21 in the direction of arrow A causes travel of positioning head 45 i the direction of arrow A which is again rotationally opposite to the direction of movement of handle 21. Because of the position of receptacle 60, reflector 50 pivots inwardly. Again the same rotational direction as handle 21.

Fig. 11 is an exploded view of the preferred embodiment mirror assembly. Reflector 50 comprises a reflective coated glass or plastic mirror element 51 disposed on a polymeric scatterproofing layer or reflector lining 52, which are mounted in reflector base 54. Reflector 50 is pivotly mounted to pivot base 70 and pivot member 71 extending from base 70 by pivot retainer 58 (not shown in Fig. 11) extending fro the rear of base 54, and pivot retainer spring 59. Bracket 80 engages positioning lever 40 at lower, partially-spherical ball seat 81 by use of upper partially-spherical ball seat 82 and fasteners 83. Similarly, bracket 80 accommodates and retains adjusting lever 20 at seat base 90 by use of upper and lower partially-spherical ball seats 92 and 91, respectively, and seat fasteners 93.Bracket 80 and the components mounted to it are generally enclosed within housing 110 and retained therein by pivot base fasteners 74 that screw or fasten into receiving apertures 111 formed in housing 110, and bracket fasteners 84 that fasten into receiving standoffs 112 also formed in housing 110. Additional mounting components are preferably provided for attaching mirror 10 to the exterior of a vehicle, preferably in the front, lower corner of the driver's or passenger's door side window where access to handle 21 for mirror adjustment is most convenient. It is preferred to utilize a seat enclosure bracket 120 having openings 121 for mirror assembly fasteners 100. It may also be preferred to utilize a seal 124 and a gasket 126 at the interface of mirror 10 and the vehicle exterior.

Figs. 12 and 13 illustrate the rear surface of reflector 50 and various components associated with reflector 50. It is preferred to provide reflector 50 with one or more vibration dampen-rs 55 that extend from the rear surface of reflector bas 54 and ergage bracket 80 or pivot base 70, or even housing 110. Dampener 55 is utilized to eliminate or significantly reduce vibration, such as road vibration, from being transmitted to the reflector. Each of dampeners 55 may be mounted in a receiving base 56 formed in the rear of reflector 50 at base 54. Each dampener 55 is coupled to pivot base 70 by dampener spring 73 and spring channel 72 formed in base 70 as shown in Fig. 11.Referring further to Fig. 11, pivot member 71 extending from pivot base 70 is coupled to reflector 50 by insertion and retainment in pivot retainer 58 and pivot retainer spring 59 disposed on the rear of base 54 of reflector 50. Pivot member 71 preferably has a distally-located ball or head that fits within or is otherwise engaged by retainer 58. The engagement is such that reflector 50 can swivel about pivot member 71. As previously noted, it is preferred to utilize a receptacle 60 formed on the rear of base 54 of reflector 50 to receive and accommodate positioning head 45 of positioning lever 40. As shown in Figs. 5, 12 and 13, receptacle 60 has a T-shaped end opening 61 leading to a hollow interior having a slot 62 for arm 44.

Receptacle 60 is positioned between pivot retainer 58 and the inner edge 50a of reflector 50. Thus, as explained in connection with Fig. 10, reflector 50 pivots in the same direction as movement of handle 21 thereby providing direct adjustment symmetry.

The materials of construction of the mirror components can be selected from a wide array of materials including, but not limited to, metals and plastics utilized in the manufacture of automotive components. It is preferred to form levers 20 and 40 from and engineering plastic such as glass-filled nylon material, which provides high quality bearing surfaces. The housing 110 and bracket 80 are preferably formed from ABS plastic or ASA plastic.

Accordingly, the preferred embodiment mirror provides an exterior, adjustably positionable vehicular mirror having direct adjustment symmetry, which is relatively inexpensive and provides ease of assembly.

The mirror does not require costly and sensitive electrical components, nor complex mechanical positioning assemblies, such as those employing cables and pulleys.

The mirror of the present invention can be used with nearly all types of vehicles such as for instance, automobiles, trucks, recreational vehicles including motor homes, and even marine vehicles.

Claims (17)

1. The embodiments of the invention in which an

   exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows: 1. An exterior vehicular mirror assembly comprising: a housing having a rearward portion and forward portion; a movably positionable reflector retained within said housing by a pivot assembly coupling said reflector to said housing; a movably positioning lever having a positioning head disposed on a first end of said positioning lever, and a receiving head disposed on a second end of said positioning lever, said positioning head in movable engagement with said reflector; and a movable adjusting lever including an adjusting head disposed on a first end of said adjusting lever, and a handle disposed on a second end of said adjusting lever, said adjusting head in movable engagement with said receiving head of said positioning lever; wherein movement of said handle of said adjusting lever in a direction toward one of said rearward portion an said forward position of said housing causes said positioning head of said positioning lever to move in the opposite direction as said adjusting lever, thereby moving said reflector in the same direction in which said handle of said adjusting lever is move.
2. 2. The mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said reflector has an inner edge closest to said adjusting lever handle and said positioning head of said positioning lever being movably engaged with the rear of said reflector at a position between said pivot assembly and said inner edge of said reflector.
3. 3. The mirror assembly of claim 2 wherein said positioning lever has a ball located between said positioning head and said receiving head, and said positioning lever is retained within said housing by a seat assembly engaging said ball which allows movement of said positioning lever.
4. 4. The mirror assembly of claim 2 wherein said adjusting lever has a ball located between said adjusting head and said handle, and said adjusting lever is retained within said housing by a seat assembly engaging said ball which allows movement of said adjusting lever.
5. 5. The mirror assembly of claim 2 wherein said positioning head of said positioning lever is received in a hollow receptacle on said rear of said reflector.
6. 6. The mirror assembly of claim 2, wherein said pivot assembly coupling said reflector to said housing comprises: a pivot member extending fro said housing toward said reflector; and a pivot retainer disposed on the rear of said reflector, wherein said pivot retainer is adapted to receive and retain said pivot member yet allow said reflector to swivel about said pivot member.
7. 7. The mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said reflector includes: a dampener extending from said reflector to said housing, said dampener eliminating or significantly reducing vibration transmitted to said reflector.
8. 8. The mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said mirror is mounted to the exterior of a vehicle.
9. 9. The mirror assembly of claim 8 wherein said mirror is mounted on the exterior surface of a side door of said vehicle and said handle of said adjusting lever extends into the interior of said vehicle.
10. 10. The mirror assembly of claim 9 wherein movement of said handle toward the rear of said vehicle results in the innermost edge of said reflector also moving toward the rear of said vehicle.
11. 11. The mirror assembly of claim 9 wherein rotation of said adjusting lever in one direction results in rotation of said reflector in the same direction.
12. 12. A rearview mirror assembly adapted for mounting on the exterior of a vehicle, said mirror assembly comprising: a housing having a forward wall defining an interior cavity and a rearwardly facing opening; a movably positionable reflector retained within said housing by a pivot assembly coupling said reflector to said housing, said reflector having a reflector surface generally facing the rear of said mirror assembly and visible through said rearwardly facing opening defined in said housing;; a movable positioning lever having a positioning head disposed on a first end of said positioning lever and in movable engagement with said reflector, a receiving head disposed on a second end of said positioning lever, and a ball disposed between said first and second end of said positioning lever, said positioning lever retained in said housing by a first seat assembly engaging said ball of said positioning lever, thereby coupling said positioning lever to said housing for universal pivotal movement; and a movable adjusting lever having an adjusting head disposed on a first end of said adjusting lever and in movable engagement with said receiving head of said positioning lever, a handle disposed on a second end of said adjusting lever, and a ball disposed between said first and second ends of said adjusting lever, said adjusting lever retained in said housing by a second seat assembly engaging said ball of said adjusting lever, thereby coupling said adjusting lever to said housing for universal pivotal movement;; wherein pivotal movement of said handle of said adjusting lever in a direction toward either said rearward opening or said forward wall of said housing causes said positioning head of said positioning lever to move in the opposite direction as said handle of said adjusting lever, thereby changing the position of said reflector in the same pivotal direction as said handle of said adjusting lever.
13. 13. The mirror assembly of claim 12 wherein said pivot assembly coupling said reflector to said housing comprises: a pivot member extending from said housing toward said reflector, and a pivot retainer disposed on said reflector between said pivot member and the edge of said reflector closest to said handle of said adjusting lever, wherein said pivot retainer is adapted to receive and retain said pivot member yet allow said reflector to swivel about said pivot member.
14. 14. The mirror assembly of claim 12 wherein said mirror assembly is mounted to the exterior of a vehicle.
15. 15. The mirror assembly of claim 14 wherein movement of said handle toward the front of said vehicle results in the innermost edge of said reflector also moving toward the front of said vehicle.
16. 16. The mirror assembly of claim 15 wherein rotation of said adjusting lever in a one direction results in rotation of said reflector in the same direction.
17. 17. A mirror assembly constructed and arranged substantially as specifically described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.