MXPA99000496A - Automatically adjustable passenger mirror assembly for remolc vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

An automatic mirror rotation assembly for a vehicle including a platform (24) and a semi-separated trailer (22) is provided. An elongated arm that supports a rotating wheel (58) attached to the support mounted in a selected position on the channels of the platform. The arm is pivoted around the wheel (58) and makes contact with the underside of the trailer (22) and remains coupled with substantially constant pressure. As the vehicle rotates, the rotation of the trailer (22) with respect to the platform (24) is controlled by the rotations or partial rotations of the wheel, (58) against the lower surface of the trailer (22). A corresponding degree of passenger's rearview mirror is calculated and the engine automatically rotates the

Description

ADJUSTABLE PASSENGER MIRROR ASSEMBLY AUTOMATICALLY FOR TOW VEHICLE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The invention relates to a mounting for automatically rotating a vehicle rear view mirror. More specifically, the invention relates to a mounting for automatically rotating a rear-view mirror mounted on the passenger side of a vehicle comprising a semi-detached platform or trailer, and the rear view mirror itself.

Description of Related Art Towed vehicles are well known. Referring to Figure 1, a towed vehicle 20 comprises a semi-detached trailer 22 mounted to a platform 24. The trailer 22 is mounted on a towing point 26 typically referred to as a "fifth wheel", placed at the rear end 28 of the chassis of the platform 30. The platform and the trailer are generally aligned to define an imaginary axis 32. A passenger side rear view mirror 34 is typically mounted on a side passenger door of the platform and positioned generally in alignment with the axle 32, so that the driver can see the rear corner of the passenger side 36 of the trailer 22. The driver typically adjusts this passenger side mirror 34 either electrically or manually, according to the length of the trailer 22. The relationship described above is shown in Figure 1 (a), which illustrates the right side as the passenger side as is common for example in the United States, Canada and Continental European. The field of vision of the driver in the passenger side mirror is illustrated by the reference number 38. A problem occurs when the driver makes a turn, either forward or backward. As the platform rotates, the trailer pivots with respect to the platform, forming an angle between them. The rear-view mirror on the passenger side, however, remains stationary. The trailer 22 therefore locks the field of view 38, causing the driver to lose the visibility of the rear corner of the passenger side 36 of the trailer, together with any object in the vicinity. This problem is illustrated in Figure 1 (b). The narrower turns obviously exacerbate this problem. The resulting loss of subsequent visibility creates potentially dangerous situations. Whether driving on winding roads or attempting to return the trailer in a parking lot or cargo warehouse, the driver's lack of ability to see other vehicles, people or other objects in his passenger side mirror may result in damage to the property or in more serious accidents. Reports published in 1994 indicate that more than 330,000 truck accidents reported in the United States in 1991, 19.1% (approximately 198,000) of these accidents involved setbacks, laps, lane changes or combined maneuvers of towed vehicles. These crashes accounted for 1.0% of all fatal accidents, 10.8% of injuries, and 6.3% of the costs of accidents involving towed vehicles that year, with total direct economic losses estimated at more than 250 million dollars. A number of commercially available warning systems are in stock, which give the driver a warning of the objects behind his truck during a turn. Despite the suitability of such systems, surveys of professional truck drivers have noted several disadvantages with the available systems. For example, existing devices are not easy to install. There is another problem with the reliability of existing systems, including damage to systems during use. Another problem is the difficulty of using existing systems. In summary, existing systems for detecting and warning drivers about objects behind a truck have limited areas of coverage, providing inconsistent warning and are rarely used.

A better solution is to allow the driver to rely on his rear-view mirror on the passenger side, providing the mirror with the ability to turn in response to the turn of a vehicle. Previous attempts to provide such a device have met with limited success, as evidenced by the fact that such a device is not in widespread use in the trucking industry. An automatically adjustable passenger side rearview mirror assembly is desirable for towed vehicles that is easy to install and operate, and is reliable under normal truck handling conditions and the environments themselves. The additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description that follows and in part being obvious from the description or can be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention can be realized and obtained by means of the combinations described in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the foregoing objects and in accordance with the purposes of the invention as it is modalized and broadly described herein, a mirror turn assembly is provided for a vehicle having a platform and semi-separated trailer pivotally connected . The assembly comprises an elongated arm having first and second ends, the first end that can be pivotably mounted to a support on a platform chassis with the arm generally transverse to an axis defined by the platform and the trailer and the second end that supports the rotating wheel. A pivot assembly is configured to pivot the arm from an uncoupled position proximate the chassis to a position engaged with the wheel in rolling contact with a lower side of the trailer. The same counter as operable is provided to count a number of turns or partial turns of the wheel as the trailer pivots with respect to the platform during vehicle turn. An engine connects to a rotating mirror on the platform. A processor programmed to receive the number of wheel turns or partial turns from the counter is also provided, calculates a degree of vehicle rotation corresponding to the number of wheel rotations or partial rotations, calculates a degree of rotation corresponding to the degree of the vehicle turn and instructs the engine to rotate the mirror according to the calculated degree of rotation of the mirror. A mirror assembly can also be provided with the rotation assembly. Preferably, the mirror assembly includes a frame with fasteners, and a plurality of interchangeable mirror faces that are held by the fasteners. It is further preferred that the different faces of the mirror have variable optical characteristics.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments given below, the drawings serve to explain the principles of the invention. Figure 1 (a) is a top view of a towed vehicle including a platform and a semi-separated trailer, illustrating the normal field of view of a rear-view mirror on the passenger side; Figure 1 (b) is a top view of a platform and semi-separated trailer of the prior art, in which the field of view1 in the rear-view mirror of the passenger side is reduced or eliminated during a vehicle turn; Figure 1 (c) is a view of a platform and semi-detached trailer including an automatically adjustable rear-view mirror assembly in accordance with the present invention, in which the driver maintains the field of view in the rear-view mirror on the driver's side. passenger during a vehicle turn; Figure 2 is a side view of certain components of a mirror rotation assembly according to the present invention; Figure 3 is a top view of the mirror rotation mounting components illustrated in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a schematic top view illustrating the placement of a processor and the wiring according to the present invention; Figure 5 is a side view of the vehicle platform illustrating the placement of the components of the mirror rotation assembly; Figure 6 is a front view of a control panel used with the present invention, located in the cab of the vehicle; vehicle platform; Figure 7 is a side view of a mirror assembly used with the present invention; Figure 8 is a front view of the mirror assembly shown in Figure 7; Figure 9 is a top view of the mirror assembly shown in Figure 7; and Figure 10 is a detailed front view of a mirror assembly having a separable mirror face, which can be used with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention as extensively as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. A mirror rotation assembly is provided for a vehicle having a platform and a semiseparate trailer pivotally connected. Referring to Figure 1, the vehicle 20 includes a trailer 22 that pivotally connects to a platform 24 at a pivot point 26 commonly known in the trucking industry as the "fifth wheel." The fifth wheel 26 is positioned at a rear end 28 of the chassis of the platform 30. The platform and the trailer are aligned to define an imaginary axis 32. A rearview mirror 34 is provided on the passenger side door, to provide the driver a field of action 38 that encompasses the rear corner of the passenger side 36 of the trailer. The general configuration of a towed vehicle, and the connection between the trailer and the platform, are well known and will not be described further. According to the invention, an elongated arm having first and second ends is provided, the first end fully assembled to a support on the chassis of the platform with the arm generally transverse to an axis defined by the platform and the trailer, the second end that supports a rotating wheel. As broadly as illustrated in Figure 2, a support 40 can be attached to a plurality of positions in the platform chassis. Preferably, the support 40 is a steel cross member 42 that can be mounted to the channels 29 in the chassis at a number of selected positions in front of the fifth wheel 26, using steel containment fasteners 44, bolts 46 and elastic joints. Neoprene 48. The fasteners 44 are preferably steel fasteners. The use of fasteners and bolts to secure the cross member 42 to the chassis 30 allows the driver to loosen the bolts and move the cross member 42 to the desired position, depending on the particular trailer to be towed. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that most commercial trailers in the United States have a steel plate with holes therein mounted on the underside of the trailer, either 30.48 cm (12 inches) or 55.88 cm ( 22 inches) in front of the fifth wheel. The position of the transverse member 42 in the chassis should therefore be adjustable as necessary to avoid the holes in this plate. The neoprene 48 elastic joints allow variations in the chassis surfaces. As amply illustrated further in Figure 2, an elongated control arm 50 has a first end 52 and a second end 54. The first end 52 is pivotally attached to the support 40 at the pivot point 56. A control wheel 58, preferably includes a molded rubber rim having a maximum capacity of 28.12 kg / cm2 (400 psi) that is rotatably mounted to a pivot point 60 at the second end 54 of the control arm 50. According to the invention, a pivot assembly is provided for pivoting the arm from a position engaged near the chassis to a position engaged with the wheel in rolling contact with a lower side of the trailer. As amply illustrated in Figure 2, the cylinder 62, preferably a double-acting pneumatic cylinder, is pivotably connected to the support 40 at the pivot point 64. The piston rod 66 projects from the cylinder 62 and is pivotally connected. to the control arm 50 at the pivot point 68, intermediate the first end 52 and the second end 54. As broadly as is modalized herein, the pressurized fluid is provided to drive the cylinder 62 by means of the line of fluid 70. Preferably, 1.05 kg / cm 2 gauge (15 psig) is supplied to cylinder 62, by means of the fluid line. In the preferred mode, the pressurized fluid is compressed air, preferably supplied by the vehicle air compressor, by means of a solenoid control valve 72. This may be the same compressed air used in the engine brake system. However, it is within the scope of the invention to provide a pneumatic system to separate to operate the cylinder 62. According to the invention, the control arm 50 and the cylinder 62 are placed in the holder 40 so that when the cylinder 62 is pressurized, the control arm 50 will pivot upward from an uncoupled position 80 proximate the chassis, to a coupled position 82 with the wheel 58 in rotatable contact with the lower surface of the trailer 22. Further, according to the invention, those components they are positioned so that the arc 84 defined by the movement of the arm from the decoupled position 80 to the engaged position 82 is transverse to the axis 32 defined by the platform and the trailer aligned. The reason for this placement will be apparent from the description of the operation of the invention given below. It is also preferable that when the control arm 50 is in the engaged position 82, the wheel 58 is maintained in substantially continuous rolling contact with the underside of the trailer 22. This characteristic of the invention takes into account the normal road conditions, which they will cause the trailer 22 to move up and down as the wheels of the vehicle encounter tolerances on the road. In order to maintain this substantially continuous contact, a regulator 86 is preferably provided in the fluid line 70 to adjust the pressure in the cylinder 62 as necessary to adjust the portion of the control arm 50 and maintain the control wheel 58 in contact with the trailer 22. Preferably, the regulator 86 will operate to maintain substantially constant pressure in the cylinder 62. According to the invention, a counter is provided, operable to count a number of turns or partial turns of the wheel, according to the trailer pivots with respect to the platform during one turn of the vehicle. As amply illustrated herein, and referring to Figures 2 and 3, an electrical counter mechanism 90 is attached to the support 42. A rotating cable 92, preferably a standard flexed drive cable, links the counter mechanism 90 to the wheel 58. The cable 92 may be, for example, a standard speedometer cable covered with a plastic coating. As the wheel 58 rotates in response to a rotation of the vehicle and correspondingly pivots on the trailer around the pivot point 26, the cable 92 rotates in correspondence. The turns or partial turns of the cable 92 in turn are converted into the counter 90 in electronic pulses. The counter 90 counts those electronic impulses. Another option for counting the turns of the wheel 58, not shown in the drawings, is to place windows on the wheel 58, and mount a counter with a visual scanning capability close to the wheel to count the windows as they rotate past the counter.

As amply illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the electronic counter is electrically connected to the processor 100 (described below) with the wire 96 mounted on the chassis and displaced within the platform. The electronic pulses from the counter 90 are moved by means of the cable 96 to the processor. Although a cable is shown and described, other modes of transmitting a signal from the counter 90 to the processor are also contemplated and are within the scope of the invention. For example, the fiber optic cable, a radio transmitter or other signal transmission modes can be used. According to the invention, there is provided an engine that can be connected to a rotating mirror of the platform and a processor is programmed to receive the number of wheel turns from the counter, calculate a degree of rotation of the vehicle corresponding to the number of wheel rotations, calculate a degree of mirror rotation that corresponds to the side of the vehicle turn and instruct the engine to rotate the mirror according to the calculated degree of rotation of the mirror. As amply illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, a computer processor 100 is connected via cable 96 to the counter 90 and mounted within the platform 24. The processor 100 receives the electronic pulses from the counter 90. The processor 100 is programmed to calculate a degree of rotation of the vehicle, which corresponds to the number of rotation of the wheel (ie electronic pulses) received from the counter 90. The processor 100 calculates a mirror turning amount, which corresponds to the degree of return of the vehicle , necessary to maintain a view of the rear corner of the passenger side 36 of the trailer 22 within the field of view 38. In order for the system to operate effectively, certain information must be accessed to the processor 100 before the vehicle turns. A control box 110 shown extensively in Figure 6 is preferably mounted in the cab in a position that allows easy manipulation by the driver. In addition to the on / off switch 112, an active / inactive switch 113, and a system index 114, the control box 110 includes a mirror positioning control 116 and a calibration control 118. Power to the control box 110 is supplied from the normal electrical system of the vehicle 12 volts or 24 volts. The positioning control of the mirror 116 allows the driver to fix the mirror 34 at the desired location to provide an acceptable field of view 38, generally along an axis substantially parallel to the axis 32. The calibration control 118 allows the driver to access the length of the trailer 22. The pre-adjustment of the length of the trailer inside the processor is critical to determine the proper amount of mirror rotation to retain an acceptable field of vision during the vehicle's turn, because the necessary rotation rate will be a function of the length of the trailer. Indicators 114 preferably include an "active / inactive" signal light to warn the driver when the fluid pressure has been supplied if the cylinder and control arm is engaged. The "active" signal may be configured to turn on when pressure is supplied to the cylinder. However, it is preferred that a limit switch 113 be provided close to the solenoid control valve 72, activated by the pressure when the wheel 58 is in contact with the trailer 22, and deactivated when the wheel 58 is no longer in contact with the trailer 22, to provide the driver with a direct indication that the system is actually coupled and capable of operating. Preferably, the processor 100 is electrically connected by means of the cable 120 to a motor 122 in a mirror assembly 34. As was the case with the connection between the counter 90 and the processor 100, the cable 120 can be replaced with an optical fiber, a radio transmitter, or other signal transmitter well known in the art. As is extensively modalized in Figures 7 and 8, the motor 122 is a servomotor placed within the structure 124 of the mirror assembly 34. The structure 124 and the mirror face 126 are pivotally mounted on the universal mounting bracket 128 and the post 130. The motor 122 connects to the mirror structure 124 by means of suitable mechanical gear and links (not shown), in order to rotate the mirror structure 124 and the face 126 around the post 130. It is further preferable that the assembly mirror 34 is capable of providing various optical capabilities for the driver. For this purpose, it is preferred that a plurality of fasteners 134 are provided in an opening of the structure 124, and that a plurality of different mirror faces 126, each having different optical characteristics, for example, a regular face mirror, a panoramic view mirror, a wide-angle mirror, a convex mirror, a point mirror or similar, which is provided. In addition, the selected mirror faces 126 may have multiple optical characteristics. As amply illustrated in Figure 10, the mirror face 126 comprises an upper portion 136, a dividing line 138 and a lower portion 140. The lower portion 136 and the lower portion 140 have different optical characteristics. The driver can select the face of the mirror 126 appropriate for the conduction to be made, and easily insert or remove the mirror faces 126- opening and closing the fasteners 134. The embodiment illustrated herein operates as follows. After hooking the trailer 22 to the fifth wheel 26, the driver manually fixes the support 40 in the proper position in front of the rear frame 30, and adjusts the bolts 46.

Upon entering the cab, the driver feeds the system with the switch 112, sets the desired position of the mirror assembly 34 with the mirror positioning switch 116 and system gauges' when there is a calibration switch 118 setting the length of the trailer . Typically, the position of the mirror is fixed along an axis generally parallel to the axis 32 defined by the platform and the trailer, thereby providing the driver with a view of the rear passenger side corner 36 of the trailer. After the system is powered. with the switch 112, the pneumatic cylinder is activated with the switch 133. The solenoid operated valve 72 is opened and the fluid is provided via the fluid line 70 to the cylinder 62. The piston arm 66 is retracted, pulling the control arm 50 from the decoupled position 80 to the engaged position 82, with the wheel 58 in rolling contact with the lower side of the trailer 22, along a line transverse to the axis 22 defined by the platform 24 and the trailer 22 When the driver turns the vehicle, the trailer 22 pivots with respect to the platform 24 around the pivot point 26. As the trailer 22 pivots, the control wheel 58 rotates, thereby rotating the cable 92. Conform the cable 92 In this case, the corresponding rotations of the wheel or partial rotations in the form of electronic pulses are counted by the electronic counter 90. The electronic pulses are then transmitted to the processor 100. The processor 100 calculates a degree of rotation of the vehicle corresponding to the counted rotations or partial rotations of the control wheel 58. The known position of the mirror assembly 36 and the length of the trailer 22, processor 100 calculates a degree of rotation of the mirror corresponding to the degree of vehicle rotation required to maintain the rear passenger corner of the trailer in the field of view of the mirror. The processor '100 transmits the calculated degree of rotation of the mirror to servomotor 122. Servomotor 122 rotates the mirror face 126 in order to establish a field of view 38 (a) as shown in Figure 1 (c). Likewise, when the trailer 22 pivots in alignment with the platform 24 at the end of the turn, the wheel 58 rolls and the cable 90 pivots in the opposite direction, resulting in a signal to rotate the mirror to the original position, restoring the field of original vision 38. In this way, the driver can always see the rear side corner of the passenger of the trailer, even during a turn of the vehicle. Further, because the regulator 86 maintains the constant pressure in the cylinder 62 as the trailer moves up and down, the wheel 58 remains in substantially continuous contact with the underside of the trailer 22, even on difficult roads. Preferably, when the limit switch 115 is provided, the conductor has a continuous direct indication in the control box 120 when the wheel 58 is coupling the underside of the trailer 22. Modifications to the invention described above can be made. For example, the presence of ice, snow water and salt on roads in northern climates may interfere with the operation of control arm 50 and wheel 58. In order to protect these components from the external environment, a protective housing separable or permanent 120 (broadly illustrated in Figure 2) can be provided. The interchangeability of the signal transmission devices between the counter and the processor and between the processor and the servomotor have also been discussed. The system can be provided with only one servomotor to connect to an existing mirror assembly or it can be provided with its own rotating mirror assembly for mounting on the platform. The mirror assembly itself may include a single mirror face or a plurality of interchangeable mirror faces with variable optical characteristics. A separate power source and / or source of pressurized fluid can be provided or the system can operate from the vehicle's electrical system and / or the high-pressure air system. The control panel 110 may also be configured to allow the driver to withdraw the power from the automatic rotation capability of the mirror and take direct control of the rotation of the mirror. AdditionallyAlthough the invention has been described with respect to a passenger side mirror on the right side of the vehicle, it can also be configured to work with the driver side mirror assembly, or with a passenger side mirror on the left side of the vehicle for uses of countries where drivers drive on the right side of the road. Additional modifications will be easily presented to those with experience in the art. For example, in order to work with trailers that lack a uniform under surface, for example, fuel pipes, automobile conveyors or trash conveyors, a flat steel plate can be mounted on the front end of the underside of the trailer so that wheel 58 rolls against it. Such modifications are within the capacity level of experienced people. The invention in its broader aspects, therefore, is not limited to the details and specific embodiments described above or shown in the drawings. Changes of these details can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims (32)

1. A rotatable mirror assembly for a vehicle having a platform and a semiseparate trailer pivotally connected, the assembly, is characterized in that it comprises: an elongated arm having first and second ends, the first end pivotally mountable to a support on a chassis of the platform with the arm generally transverse to an axis defined by the platform and the trailer, the second end supporting a rotating wheel; a pivot assembly configured to pivot the arm from an uncoupled position proximate the chassis to a position engaged with the wheel in rolling contact with the underside of the trailer; an operable counter for counting a number of rotations or partial rotations of the wheel as the trailer pivots with respect to the tractor during a vehicle turn; a motor that can be connected to a rotating mirror on the platform; and a processor programmed to receive the number of wheel rotations or rotations of the counter, calculate a degree of turns of the vehicle corresponding to the number of wheel rotations or partial rotations, calculate a degree of mirror rotation corresponding to the degree of rotation of the vehicle and Instruct the motor to rotate the mirror according to the calculated degree of rotation of the mirror.

2. The assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the support comprises a base that can be attached to a plurality of positions in the chassis.

3. The assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the pivot assembly includes a double acting cylinder pivotally connected to the support, which supports a piston rod pivotally connected to the intermediate arm to the first and second ends.

4. The assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that the pivot assembly further includes a line of pressurized fluid connected to the cylinder.

5. The assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that the pressurized fluid is compressed air.

6. The assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that the pressurized fluid line includes a regulator for maintaining a substantially constant pressure in the cylinder, while the arm is in the engaged position.

7. The assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the counter includes an electronic counter device attached to the support and connected to the wheel by means of a rotating cable.

8. The assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the motor connects to. a rearview mirror mounted on the passenger side of the platform.

9. The assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the processor is further programmed to calculate the degree of rotation of the mirror according to the pre-established length of the trailer.

10. The assembly in accordance with the claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises an operable device for centering the mirror along an axis substantially parallel to the axis defined by the platform and the trailer.

11. A mirror rotation assembly for a vehicle having a platform and a semiseparate trailer pivotally connected, the assembly is characterized in that it comprises: an elongated arm having first and second ends, the first end pivotably mounted to a support on a chassis of platform with the arm generally transverse to an axis defined by the platform and the trailer, the second end supporting a rotating wheel; a pivot assembly configured to pivot the arm from an uncoupled position proximate the chassis to a position engaged with the wheel in rolling contact with a lower side of the trailer; an operable counter for counting a number of rotations or partial rotations of the wheel as the trailer pivots with respect to the platform during a vehicle turn; a mirror mount mountable pivotally to one side of the platform including an engine operatively connected to pivot the mirror; and a processor programmed to receive the number of wheel rotations or partial rotations from the counter, calculate a degree of vehicle rotation corresponding to the number of wheel rotations or partial rotations, calculate a degree of mirror rotation corresponding to the degree of turn the vehicle, and instruct the engine to rotate the mirror according to the calculated degree of rotation of the mirror.

12. The assembly in accordance with the claim 12, characterized in that the pivot assembly includes a double acting cylinder pivotally connected to the support supporting a piston rod pivotally connected to the intermediate arm to the first and second ends.

13. The assembly in accordance with the claim 13, characterized in that the pivot assembly further includes a line of pressurized fluid connected to the cylinder.

14. The assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that the pressurized fluid is compressed air *.

15. The assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that the pressurized fluid line includes a regulator for maintaining a substantially constant pressure in the cylinder, while the arm is in the engaged position.

16. The assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that the counter includes an electronic counter device attached to the support and connected to the wheel by means of a rotating cable.

17. The assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that the mirror assembly includes a structure, a fastener for detachable mounting of a mirror face on the structure, and at least one mirror face selected on a plurality of mirror faces that They have different optical characteristics.

18. The assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that the processor is further programmed to calculate the degree of rotation of the mirror according to the pre-established length of the trailer.

19. The assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that it further comprises an operable device for centering the mirror along an axis substantially parallel to the axis defined by the platform and the trailer.

20. A vehicle mirror assembly, characterized in that it comprises: a housing mountable to a vehicle, the housing has an opening; a fastener mounted in the opening of the housing; and a separable mirror face that attaches to the fastener.

21. The mirror assembly according to claim 21, characterized in that the mirror is one selected from a plurality of mirror faces having different optical characteristics.

22. A method for remotely rotating a mirror on a vehicle having a platform and a pivotally connected semiseparate trailer, comprising the steps of: pivotally joining a first end of an elongated arm to a support on a platform chassis generally transverse to an axis defined by the platform and the trailer, a second end of the arm that rotatably supports a wheel; pivoting the control arm to a position coupled with the wheel in rolling contact with the underside of the trailer; counting a number of partial rotations of the wheel while the trailer pivots with respect to the platform during a vehicle turn; calculate the degree of vehicle rotation that corresponds to the number of rotations or partial rotations of the wheel; .- calculate a degree of mirror rotation that corresponds to the degree of rotation of the vehicle; and automatically rotate the mirror according to the calculated degree of rotation of the mirror.

23. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that the step of pivoting the arm to the engaged position includes applying fluid pressure to pivot the control arm to the coupled portion.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that the step of applying fluid pressure includes maintaining the fluid pressure generally constant while the arm is in the engaged position.

25. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that the step of calculating a degree of rotation of the mirror also corresponds to a pre-established length of the trailer.

26. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that it includes a step of centering the mirror along an axis substantially parallel to the axis defined by the platform and the trailer before the vehicle turns.

27. A mirror rotation assembly for a vehicle having a platform and a semiseparate trailer pivotally connected, the assembly is characterized in that it comprises: a rotary control wheel; a wheel support apparatus that supports the rotary control wheel and configured to move the control wheel in rolling engagement with a lower surface of the trailer; an operable counter for counting a number of partial turns of the control wheel as the trailer pivots with respect to the platform during a vehicle turn; and a processor programmed to receive the number of wheel rotations or partial rotations from the counter, calculate a degree of rotation of the vehicle corresponding to the number of wheel rotations or partial rotations, calculate a degree of mirror rotation corresponding to the degree of the vehicle and instruct a motorized mirror mounted on the platform to rotate the mirror according to the calculated degree of rotation of the mirror.

28. The assembly according to claim 27, characterized in that the engine connects with a rearview mirror mounted on the passenger side of the platform.

29. The assembly according to claim 27, characterized in that the processor is further programmed to calculate the degree of rotation of the mirror according to a pre-established length of the trailer.

30. The assembly according to claim 27, characterized in that it further comprises an operable device for centering the mirror along an axis substantially parallel to the axis defined by the platform and the trailer.

31. The assembly according to claim 27, characterized in that the wheel support apparatus is configured to move the control wheel out of engagement with the trailer when the trailer is disconnected from the platform.

32. The assembly according to claim 27, characterized in that it further comprises means for applying a deflection force to the wheel support apparatus to keep the control wheel in engagement with the trailer.