Patent · US Expired

Breakaway accessory mounting for vehicles

US5377949A · kind A · utility

73Cited by
15References
36Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 25, 1993
Grant dateJan 3, 1995
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 25, 2013

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S248/90
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A breakaway accessory mounting assembly for supporting rearview mirrors or other accessories on vehicles includes a coupler for installation on a base of the type secured to the inside windshield surface or another vehicle panel. The coupler has a support for mounting the rearview mirror or other accessory and a spring clamp retaining band extending around the coupler, preferably within a corresponding shaped recess, at a position spaced from and independent of the accessory support for releasably holding the coupler on the base until an impact force causes the assembly to release from the base. The spring clamp retaining band includes a pair of converging, inwardly angled, spaced spring flanges which project from the coupler to resiliently engage the base sides and allow both sliding installation and release of the assembly.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.