Vehicular mirror with improved bearing fit

• US 7,303,297 B1
• Filed: 02/27/2004
• Issued: 12/04/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 02/27/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Magna Donnelly Mirrors North America, LLC (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Peterson, Kenneth C., Ruse, James A., Foote, Keith D., Newton, Benjamin D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Cherry; Euncha P.
• Application Number:
  US10/708,388
• Time in Patent Office: 1,376 Days
• Field of Search: 359871-879
• US Class Current: 359/879
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/074 for retracting the mirror arrangements to a non-use position alongside the vehicle

Abstract

An extendable, foldable rearview mirror assembly comprises a ball bearing assembly for facilitating the extension of a reflective element assembly relative to a cantilevered extension arm while minimizing unwanted movement of the reflective element assembly. The rearview mirror assembly also comprises a roller bearing assembly for facilitating the pivotal movement of the extension arm relative to a pivot base frame supporting the extension arm while minimizing unwanted movement of the extension arm. A pin connection pivotably attaches the extension arm to the base frame, thereby strengthening the connection between the two parts while minimizing unwanted movement of the extension arm.

Claims

1. A vehicular rearview mirror assembly, comprising:

a base assembly comprising a base frame for mounting the rearview mirror assembly to a vehicle and comprising parallel spaced-apart flanges;

at least one support arm for supporting a reflective element assembly, said at least one support arm moveably connected to the base frame through a pivot connection for selectively folding the reflective element assembly against the vehicle, said reflective element assembly moveably attached to the support arm for extending the reflective element assembly away from the vehicle; and

a plurality of low friction bearings interposed between the reflective element assembly and the at least one support arm for facilitating movement of the reflective element assembly relative to the vehicle;

wherein the at least one support arm is interposed between the parallel flanges to form the pivot connection.

2. A rearview mirror assembly according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of low friction bearings comprises a ball bearing.

3. A rearview mirror assembly according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of low friction bearings comprises a roller bearing.

4. A rearview mirror assembly according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of low friction bearings is interposed between the at least one arm and the parallel flanges.

5. A rearview mirror assembly according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of low friction bearings comprises a ball bearing.

6. A rearview mirror assembly according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of low friction bearings comprises a roller bearing.

7. A vehicular rearview mirror assembly, comprising:

a base assembly adapted for mounting the rearview mirror assembly to a vehicle and comprising parallel spaced-apart flanges, said base assembly moveably connected to an extension arm through a pivot connection;

a reflective element disposed in a reflective element assembly, said reflective element assembly attaching to the extension arm and moveable along the extension arm for providing an operator of the vehicle with a rearward view when the vehicle is towing a trailer; and

wherein the reflective element assembly is slidably movable along the extension arm via a plurality of low friction bearings interposed between the extension arm and the reflective element assembly for facilitating movement of the reflective element assembly relative to the extension arm;

said plurality of low friction bearings comprising at least one of a ball bearing and a roller bearing.

8. A rearview mirror assembly according to claim 7, wherein the reflective element assembly further comprises a mounting frame and the plurality of low friction bearings is interposed between the extension arm and the mounting frame for facilitating the movement of the mounting frame relative to the base assembly.

9. A rearview mirror assembly according to claim 7, wherein the extension arm is connected to the base assembly by a moveable connection.

10. A rearview mirror assembly according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of low friction bearings comprises a ball bearing.

11. A rearview mirror assembly according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of low friction bearings comprises a roller bearing.

12. A rearview mirror assembly according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of low friction bearings is interposed between the extension arm and the parallel flanges.

13. A rearview mirror assembly according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of low friction bearings comprises a ball bearing.

14. A rearview mirror assembly according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of low friction bearings comprises a roller bearing.