Key system for a mirror assembly
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A locking system for adjustably mounting a mirror with a motor vehicle comprising:
- a locking device for mounting a repositionable support arm to a vehicle;
said support arm adapted to support said mirror;
said locking device including an extension adapted to be secured to said motor vehicle having a spherical surface and a complementary extension to be secured to said support arm having a complementary spherical surface;
an opening formed in said spherical surface and an opening formed in said complementary spherical surface;
a shoulder formed adjacent at least one of said openings;
a key having an integral engagement end;
a spring carried by said key;
wherein, said support arm is adjusted to a desired position with said complementary spherical surface engaged over said spherical surface with said openings aligned, and said key extending through said openings with said engagement end positioned in contact with said shoulder, said spring being compressed between said key and said extension urging said spherical and complementary spherical surfaces into locking engagement fixing said locking devices in said adjusted position.
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Abstract
A locking device is provided for mounting a support arm for a mirror assembly to a motor vehicle. The locking device including an extension, a complementary extension, and a key to lock the locking device together. A complementary brace cooperates with the locking device to mount another portion of the support arm to the motor vehicle. A method for using the locking device and the brace is also provided.
28 Citations
25 Claims
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1. A locking system for adjustably mounting a mirror with a motor vehicle comprising:
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a locking device for mounting a repositionable support arm to a vehicle;
said support arm adapted to support said mirror;
said locking device including an extension adapted to be secured to said motor vehicle having a spherical surface and a complementary extension to be secured to said support arm having a complementary spherical surface;
an opening formed in said spherical surface and an opening formed in said complementary spherical surface;
a shoulder formed adjacent at least one of said openings;
a key having an integral engagement end;
a spring carried by said key;
wherein,said support arm is adjusted to a desired position with said complementary spherical surface engaged over said spherical surface with said openings aligned, and said key extending through said openings with said engagement end positioned in contact with said shoulder, said spring being compressed between said key and said extension urging said spherical and complementary spherical surfaces into locking engagement fixing said locking devices in said adjusted position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
said support arm holder carrying said compression spring in compressed condition in said anchor.
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14. The locking system of claim 13 wherein said anchor and said support arm holder each include teeth, said spring urging said teeth into mating position.
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15. The locking system of claim 13 wherein said support arm holder includes a recess in which said second end of said support arm is received.
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16. A locking system for mounting a mirror with a motor vehicle comprising:
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a brace for mounting a support arm with a vehicle;
said brace including an anchor and a support arm holder;
said anchor having a cavity defined by a stop and an opposing spaced shelf with teeth;
said support arm holder having a body, complementary teeth, and a recess;
whereby,said support arm holder is resiliently locked in fixed position within said cavity between said stop and said shelf with said teeth and said complementary teeth engaged; and
,said support arm is positioned and secured within said recess of said support arm holder locking said support arm in an adjusted fixed position for mounting said mirror. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A method for assembling a mirror mounting assembly, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing a locking device configured to receive a portion of a support arm to mount the support arm to a motor vehicle;
providing the locking device including an extension having an opening, a complementary extension having an opening, a key with an engagement end and a spring;
configuring the extension and complementary extension to mate together with said openings aligned;
positioning the spring about the key; and
inserting the key through the opening in the extension and the opening in the complementary extension compressing the spring;
rotating the inserted key positioning the engagement end over a shoulder adjacent said opening in said complementary extension for securing the key in a locked position;
releasing the inserted key such that the engagement end cooperates with the shoulder of said complementary extension urging said complementary extension into an adjusted fixed position. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification