Clamping support for securing rearview mirrors on motor vehicles

• US 6,352,231 B1
• Filed: 04/30/1999
• Issued: 03/05/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 04/30/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Lang-Mekra North America LLC
• Original Assignee: Lang-Mekra North America LLC
• Inventors: Popp, Albrecht, Lang, Heinrich, Pfanz, Jürgen
• Primary Examiner(s): King, Anita
• Assistant Examiner(s): MORRISON, NASCHICA SANDERS
• Application Number:
  US09/302,822
• Time in Patent Office: 1,040 Days
• Field of Search: 248/475.1, 248/229.11, 248/229.21, 248/231.31, 248/480, 248/222.13, 248/222.11, 359/894, 403/355, 403/374.1, 403/379.4, 121/87
• US Class Current: 248/475.1
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/0605 specially adapted for mounting on trucks, e.g. by C-shaped support means

Abstract

A clamping support for fastening a rearview mirror onto a vehicle is disclosed. The clamping support comprises a clamp reception fixture for attachment to the vehicle, an insertable component including a mirror end and a vehicle end, wherein the mirror end is connectable to the rearview mirror and the vehicle end is insertable in a first direction into the reception fixture, and a clamp wedge disposed within the insertable component and slidable in a second clamping direction perpendicular to the first direction. Movement of the clamp wedge in the clamping direction within the insertable component urges the clamp reception fixture and the insertable component into frictional engagement to thereby secure the rearview mirror to the vehicle. A related rear view mirror assembly is also disclosed.

Claims

1. A clamping support for fastening a rearview mirror onto a vehicle, the clamping support comprising:

a clamp reception fixture for attachment to the vehicle;

an insertable component including a mirror end and a vehicle end, wherein the mirror end is connectable to the rearview mirror and the vehicle end is insertable in a first direction into the reception fixture; and

a clamp wedge disposed within the insertable component and slidable in a second clamping direction perpendicular to the first direction, movement of the clamp wedge in the clamping direction within the insertable component urging the clamp reception fixture and the insertable component into frictional engagement to thereby secure the rearview mirror to the vehicle.

2. A clamping support as in claim 1, wherein the vehicle end of the insertable component has a substantially rectangular cross section.

3. A clamping support as in claim 2, wherein the clamp reception fixture is shaped in a rectangular tube for matingly receiving the vehicle end.

4. A clamping support as in claim 1, further comprising a snap-in detent secured to the clamp reception fixture, wherein the snap-in detent selectively penetrates the insertable component and releasably interlocks the clamp reception fixture to the insertable component.

5. A clamping support as in claim 1, wherein clamp screws extending through the clamp reception fixture move the clamp wedge in the clamping direction.

6. A clamping support as in claim 5, wherein the clamp screws extend through tapped borings in the clamp reception fixture.

7. A clamping support as in claim 1, further comprising a locking device disposed on the clamp reception fixture for further securing the insertable component to the clamp reception fixture.

8. A clamping support as in claim 7, wherein the locking device includes a locking cylinder and a detent hook, wherein the detent hook interlocks with a portion of the insertable component when the locking cylinder is locked.

9. A clamping support as in claim 1, wherein the mirror end of the insertable component comprises a vehicle end pivot arm of an adjustment and folding apparatus for holding a support arm of the rearview mirror.

10. A rearview mirror assembly for attachment to a clamp reception fixture extending from a vehicle, the rearview mirror assembly comprising:

a mirror support arm;

a mirror secured to the mirror support arm;

an insertable component including a mirror end secured to the mirror support arm and a vehicle end insertable in a first direction into the reception fixture;

a clamp wedge disposed within the insertable component and slidable in a second clamping direction perpendicular to the first direction;

at least one clamp screw for slidably moving the clamp wedge in the clamping direction to frictionally secure the insertable component to the clamp reception fixture.

11. A clamping support as in claim 10, wherein the clamp screw extends through a tapped boring in the clamp reception fixture.

12. A clamping support as in claim 10, wherein the insertable component mirror end is pivotally mounted to the mirror support arm.