Patent · US Expired

Exterior rearview mirror for vehicles

US5721646A · kind A · utility

46Cited by
67References
62Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 23, 1996
Grant dateFeb 24, 1998
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 23, 2016

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60R1/088
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An exterior rearview mirror assembly for vehicles such as trucks, vans and recreation vehicles provides reduced weight and vibration and improved stability. The assembly includes a mirror mount securing a reflective mirror element to an elongated support bracket, and a mirror housing secured to the support bracket and shielding the mirror element, mount and support bracket. The support bracket spans the interior of the housing from adjacent one end of the housing to adjacent the other end, is spaced from the side and rear walls of the housing, and has spaced, elongated support members and at least one brace member extending between the support members. Preferably, the brace members are arranged in an X-pattern along the bracket length, while the mirror mount is an electric actuator providing remote adjustment of the mirror element about multiple axes. In one form, the bracket may include a covering wall over the brace members and support members to increase rigidity and reduce vibration. Also, the bracket may support two spaced actuators for separate, independent adjustment of a planar mirror element and a convex mirror element.

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