USRE35622E - Dual synchronous opening mirror doors for sun visors - Google Patents

Dual synchronous opening mirror doors for sun visors Download PDF

Info

Publication number
USRE35622E
USRE35622E US08/627,021 US62702196A USRE35622E US RE35622 E USRE35622 E US RE35622E US 62702196 A US62702196 A US 62702196A US RE35622 E USRE35622 E US RE35622E
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
doors
pair
mirror
door
transfer means
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US08/627,021
Inventor
Douglas J. Wilson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Lear Corp
Original Assignee
Lear Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Lear Corp filed Critical Lear Corp
Priority to US08/627,021 priority Critical patent/USRE35622E/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of USRE35622E publication Critical patent/USRE35622E/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
    • B60J3/00—Antiglare equipment associated with windows or windscreens; Sun visors for vehicles
    • B60J3/02—Antiglare equipment associated with windows or windscreens; Sun visors for vehicles adjustable in position
    • B60J3/0204—Sun visors
    • B60J3/0278—Sun visors structure of the body
    • B60J3/0282—Sun visors structure of the body specially adapted for a courtesy mirror

Definitions

  • This invention relates to visors and in particular visors having a mirror which may be covered and uncovered by simultaneous movement of a pair of doors in opposed relation.
  • Visors are included as part of original equipment furnished with a motor vehicle. Mirrors were soon added as a convenience item for vehicle occupants.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 4,971,383 to Tawaraya discloses a mirror attached to a sub-visor which is covered by being moved within a cavity formed in a mirror holder portion. More recently, the mirror was covered by a door which cooperated with an electrical circuit to activate an illumination device for illuminating the mirror once the door was moved to a retracted position uncovering the mirror.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 5,054,839 to White et al. discloses a mirror covered by a sliding door which cooperates with an illumination circuit to illuminate the mirror once the door has moved the retracted position. In this configuration, a single door is used for selectively covering and uncovering the mirror.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 5,061,003 to Gabas discloses a mirror having a plurality of rigid sheet-like plates utilized for covering a mirror disposed within a visor.
  • the plates are in chain-like series relative to one another enabling the sliding of one plate over the other when moving between an open position within the housing and a closed position covering the mirror.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 5,104,174 to Gute discloses an expandable covered mirror visor having a lever and/or rack and gear mechanism interconnecting at least a pair of blades enabling simultaneous movement between a retracted position and an extended position for a plurality of blades.
  • the blades are capable of simultaneous movement between the retracted and extended positions to expand the size of the visor to increase glare protection.
  • the present invention incorporates many of the known benefits of providing doors for covering and uncovering a visor mirror while improving the ease of use for the occupant of the vehicle.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for selectively covering and uncovering a mirror on a vehicle visor.
  • a hollow visor is provided which is adapted to receive a mirror and which defines a channel.
  • a plurality of doors are provided which are movable within the channel for selective movement between an extended position covering the mirror and a retracted position uncovering the mirror.
  • a means interconnecting the plurality of doors is provided for simultaneous movement of the doors between the extended position and the retracted position when one of the plurality of doors is moved.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for selectively covering and uncovering a mirror for use with a vehicle visor.
  • the mechanism contains a hollow visor adapted to receive a mirror and which defines a channel.
  • a plurality of doors are provided which are located within the visor and movable within the channel for selective movement between an extended position covering the mirror and a retracted position uncovering the mirror. Two of the plurality of doors are in opposed relation for opposed movement therebetween.
  • a grip means is provided which is located on two of the plurality of doors for gripping the two of the plurality of doors for enabling opposed movement thereof between the extended and retracted positions.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide simultaneous movement of a pair of opposed doors for selectively covering and uncovering a visor mirror.
  • An additional object of the present invention is to provide simultaneous movement of a plurality of doors for selectively covering and uncovering a visor mirror.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the dual synchronous mirror doors shown in the extended position in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view similar to that shown in FIG. 1, showing the doors in their retracted position exposing the mirror;
  • FIG. 3 is an elevational view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention with parts broken away showing the internal operations of a spur gear mechanism for moving the doors;
  • FIG. 4 is an elevational view similar to that shown in FIG. 3 showing the internal operations of a lever system or mechanism for moving the doors in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a fragmentary bottom view taken along line 5--5 of FIG. 4 showing the cooperation of the dual synchronous doors and the lever system in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIGS. 1 through 5 illustrates a visor, generally indicated at 10, including a hollow shell, generally indicated at 12, having a mirror, generally indicated at 14.
  • the mirror 14 is supported within the shell 12 by a housing, generally indicated at 16.
  • the housing 16, as shown in FIG. 5 defines a channel 18 which is located such that the mirror 14 can be selectively covered and uncovered by a plurality of doors 20.
  • the plurality of doors 20, in this embodiment include a first door 20a and a second door 20b mounted within the channel 18. The first door 20a and the second door 20b cooperate with the channel 18 so as to freely travel between a retracted position substantially within the shell 12 which uncovers the mirror 14 and an extended position substantially outside the shell 12 which covers the mirror 14.
  • the first door 20a and the second door 20b are in opposed relation to each other. Specifically, the first door 20a and the second door 20b travel in opposite directions when moving between the retracted position and the extended position. It is also possible to utilize a plurality of doors having an accordion-type connection so as to alternatively fold or unfold relative one another and travel in opposed relation to selectively cover and uncover the mirror in accordance with the present invention. It is also possible to have both the doors 20a and 20b or one of the doors 20a and 20b cooperate with an illumination device to illuminate the mirror when the doors are in or moved toward the retracted position.
  • a lever mechanism 22 is formed by a series of three levers 24a, 24b, and 24c which are located behind the mirror 14 within the visor 10.
  • the first lever 24c is centrally located within the visor 10 in between a connecting means in the form of the second lever 24b and the third lever 24c.
  • the first lever 24a is affixed to the visor 10 by a first pivot pin 26a.
  • the first lever 24a pivots about the first pivot pin 26a between a generally vertical orientation when the doors 20a and 20b are in the extended position and a generally horizontal position when the doors 20a and 20b are in the retracted position.
  • a second pivot pin 26b and a third pivot pin 26c are located at each end of the first lever 24a to pivotally affix the second lever 24b and the third lever 26c to the first lever 24a respectively.
  • the second pivot pin 26b and the third pivot pin 26c are interposed between the first lever 24a and the second lever 24b and the third lever 24c, but the second pivot pin 26b and the third pivot pin 26c are not affixed to the visor 10.
  • the second pivot pin 26b and the third pivot pin 26c travel with the first lever as it . .pivot.!. .Iadd.pivots .Iaddend.between the generally horizontal orientation and the generally vertical orientation depending on the position of the doors 20a and 20b.
  • a fourth pivot pin 26d and a fifth pivot pin 26e are located at distal ends of the second lever 24b and the third lever 24c respectively.
  • the fourth pivot pin 26d is interposedly affixed between the first door 20a and the second lever 24b and the fifth pivot pin 26e is interposedly affixed to the second door 20b and the third lever 24c.
  • the fourth pivot pin 26d and the fifth pivot pin 26e enable the second lever 24b and the third lever 24c to control movement of the first door 20a and the second door 20b respectively.
  • At least one door (here both doors 20a and 20b) have a handle 28 centrally located at its outermost edge, which is used to initiate the action of extending or retracting the doors 20a and 20b.
  • a handle 28 centrally located at its outermost edge, which is used to initiate the action of extending or retracting the doors 20a and 20b.
  • both doors 20a and 20b simultaneously move as a result of the lever mechanism 22.
  • An alternative to the preferred embodiment shown in phantom in FIG. 1 would include a remote lever or slide 55 which is connected to at least one of the doors 20a and 20b to initiate the action of extending or retracting the doors 20a and 20b.
  • the vehicle occupant grips the handle 28 of one or both of the doors 20a and 20b and moves the one or both of the doors 20a and 20b from the extended position covering the mirror 14 toward the retracted position.
  • the second lever 24b and the third lever 24c travel with the first door 20a and the second door 20b respectively.
  • the second lever 24b and the third lever 24c pivot about the second pivot pin 26b and the third pivot pin 26c respectively as the fourth pivot pin 26d and the fifth pivot pin 26e pivot . .one.!. .Iadd.on .Iaddend.the first door 20a and the second door 20b respectively.
  • the first door 20a moves away from the second door 20b.
  • This continued movement of the first door 20a away from the second door 20b causes the second pivot pin 26b and the third pivot pin 26c to cause the first lever 24a to pivot clockwise about the first pivot pin 26a from the generally vertical orientation toward the generally horizontal orientation.
  • the first lever 24a, the second lever 24b and the third lever 24c continue to pivot about the first pivot pin 26a, the second pivot pin 26b, the third pivot pin 26c, the fourth pivot pin 26d and the fifth pivot pin 26e as the first door 20a and the second door 20b continue to move in opposite directions until reaching the retracted position substantially within the visor 10 to uncover the mirror 14.
  • the vehicle occupant simply reverses the process which results in the same movement of the lever mechanism 22 occurring but in reverse.
  • a spur gear 30 cooperates with a first rack 32a and a second rack 32b to simultaneously move the first door 20a and the second door 20b between the extended position and the retracted position.
  • Each of the first rack 32a and the second rack 32b have a serrated portion . .34a and 34b respectively.!. which cooperates with the spur gear 30 which cause the spur gear 30 to rotate in response to longitudinal movement of the first rack 32a and the second rack 32b longitudinally along the spur gear 30.
  • the spur gear 30 is rotatably mounted to the back of the mirror 14.
  • the first rack 32a and the second rack 32b travel along the spur gear 30 to simultaneously move the first door 20a and the second door 20b in opposed relation to selectively cover and uncover the mirror 14.
  • doors 20a and 20b move to a retracted position uncovering mirror 14 without being substantially located within the shell 12, but rather, overlaying the visor 10.

Abstract

A hollow visor is provided which is adapted to receive a mirror and which defines a channel. A plurality of doors are provided which are located within the visor and which are movable within the channel for selectively moving between an extended position which covers the mirror in the retracted position and which uncovers the mirror. Interconnecting levers are provided for interconnecting the plurality of doors provided for simultaneous movement thereof between the extended position and the retracted position when one of the plurality of doors is moved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to visors and in particular visors having a mirror which may be covered and uncovered by simultaneous movement of a pair of doors in opposed relation.
BACKGROUND ART
Visors are included as part of original equipment furnished with a motor vehicle. Mirrors were soon added as a convenience item for vehicle occupants.
Initially, mirrors attached to a visor were not covered. Subsequently thereto, different methods were made available for covering the mirror. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,971,383 to Tawaraya discloses a mirror attached to a sub-visor which is covered by being moved within a cavity formed in a mirror holder portion. More recently, the mirror was covered by a door which cooperated with an electrical circuit to activate an illumination device for illuminating the mirror once the door was moved to a retracted position uncovering the mirror.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,054,839 to White et al. discloses a mirror covered by a sliding door which cooperates with an illumination circuit to illuminate the mirror once the door has moved the retracted position. In this configuration, a single door is used for selectively covering and uncovering the mirror.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,061,003 to Gabas discloses a mirror having a plurality of rigid sheet-like plates utilized for covering a mirror disposed within a visor. In this configuration, the plates are in chain-like series relative to one another enabling the sliding of one plate over the other when moving between an open position within the housing and a closed position covering the mirror.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,104,174 to Gute discloses an expandable covered mirror visor having a lever and/or rack and gear mechanism interconnecting at least a pair of blades enabling simultaneous movement between a retracted position and an extended position for a plurality of blades. In this configuration, the blades are capable of simultaneous movement between the retracted and extended positions to expand the size of the visor to increase glare protection.
The present invention incorporates many of the known benefits of providing doors for covering and uncovering a visor mirror while improving the ease of use for the occupant of the vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for selectively covering and uncovering a mirror on a vehicle visor. To do so, a hollow visor is provided which is adapted to receive a mirror and which defines a channel. A plurality of doors are provided which are movable within the channel for selective movement between an extended position covering the mirror and a retracted position uncovering the mirror. A means interconnecting the plurality of doors is provided for simultaneous movement of the doors between the extended position and the retracted position when one of the plurality of doors is moved.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for selectively covering and uncovering a mirror for use with a vehicle visor. The mechanism contains a hollow visor adapted to receive a mirror and which defines a channel. A plurality of doors are provided which are located within the visor and movable within the channel for selective movement between an extended position covering the mirror and a retracted position uncovering the mirror. Two of the plurality of doors are in opposed relation for opposed movement therebetween. A grip means is provided which is located on two of the plurality of doors for gripping the two of the plurality of doors for enabling opposed movement thereof between the extended and retracted positions.
An object of the present invention is to provide simultaneous movement of a pair of opposed doors for selectively covering and uncovering a visor mirror.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide simultaneous movement of a plurality of doors for selectively covering and uncovering a visor mirror.
The above objects and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best mode for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the dual synchronous mirror doors shown in the extended position in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view similar to that shown in FIG. 1, showing the doors in their retracted position exposing the mirror;
FIG. 3 is an elevational view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention with parts broken away showing the internal operations of a spur gear mechanism for moving the doors;
FIG. 4 is an elevational view similar to that shown in FIG. 3 showing the internal operations of a lever system or mechanism for moving the doors in accordance with the present invention; and
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary bottom view taken along line 5--5 of FIG. 4 showing the cooperation of the dual synchronous doors and the lever system in accordance with the present invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
The preferred embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 through 5 illustrates a visor, generally indicated at 10, including a hollow shell, generally indicated at 12, having a mirror, generally indicated at 14. The mirror 14 is supported within the shell 12 by a housing, generally indicated at 16.
The housing 16, as shown in FIG. 5 defines a channel 18 which is located such that the mirror 14 can be selectively covered and uncovered by a plurality of doors 20. The plurality of doors 20, in this embodiment include a first door 20a and a second door 20b mounted within the channel 18. The first door 20a and the second door 20b cooperate with the channel 18 so as to freely travel between a retracted position substantially within the shell 12 which uncovers the mirror 14 and an extended position substantially outside the shell 12 which covers the mirror 14.
As shown in FIG. 1 the first door 20a and the second door 20b are in opposed relation to each other. Specifically, the first door 20a and the second door 20b travel in opposite directions when moving between the retracted position and the extended position. It is also possible to utilize a plurality of doors having an accordion-type connection so as to alternatively fold or unfold relative one another and travel in opposed relation to selectively cover and uncover the mirror in accordance with the present invention. It is also possible to have both the doors 20a and 20b or one of the doors 20a and 20b cooperate with an illumination device to illuminate the mirror when the doors are in or moved toward the retracted position.
As shown in FIG. 4, a lever mechanism 22 is formed by a series of three levers 24a, 24b, and 24c which are located behind the mirror 14 within the visor 10. The first lever 24c is centrally located within the visor 10 in between a connecting means in the form of the second lever 24b and the third lever 24c. The first lever 24a is affixed to the visor 10 by a first pivot pin 26a. The first lever 24a pivots about the first pivot pin 26a between a generally vertical orientation when the doors 20a and 20b are in the extended position and a generally horizontal position when the doors 20a and 20b are in the retracted position.
A second pivot pin 26b and a third pivot pin 26c are located at each end of the first lever 24a to pivotally affix the second lever 24b and the third lever 26c to the first lever 24a respectively. The second pivot pin 26b and the third pivot pin 26c are interposed between the first lever 24a and the second lever 24b and the third lever 24c, but the second pivot pin 26b and the third pivot pin 26c are not affixed to the visor 10. Thus, the second pivot pin 26b and the third pivot pin 26c travel with the first lever as it . .pivot.!. .Iadd.pivots .Iaddend.between the generally horizontal orientation and the generally vertical orientation depending on the position of the doors 20a and 20b.
A fourth pivot pin 26d and a fifth pivot pin 26e are located at distal ends of the second lever 24b and the third lever 24c respectively. The fourth pivot pin 26d is interposedly affixed between the first door 20a and the second lever 24b and the fifth pivot pin 26e is interposedly affixed to the second door 20b and the third lever 24c. The fourth pivot pin 26d and the fifth pivot pin 26e enable the second lever 24b and the third lever 24c to control movement of the first door 20a and the second door 20b respectively.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, at least one door (here both doors 20a and 20b) have a handle 28 centrally located at its outermost edge, which is used to initiate the action of extending or retracting the doors 20a and 20b. As one of the doors 20a and 20b is moved between the retracted position to the extended position, both doors 20a and 20b simultaneously move as a result of the lever mechanism 22. An alternative to the preferred embodiment shown in phantom in FIG. 1 would include a remote lever or slide 55 which is connected to at least one of the doors 20a and 20b to initiate the action of extending or retracting the doors 20a and 20b.
In operation, the vehicle occupant grips the handle 28 of one or both of the doors 20a and 20b and moves the one or both of the doors 20a and 20b from the extended position covering the mirror 14 toward the retracted position. As the one of the doors 20a and 20b begins to move toward the retracted position, the second lever 24b and the third lever 24c travel with the first door 20a and the second door 20b respectively. To travel with their respective doors 20a and 20b, the second lever 24b and the third lever 24c pivot about the second pivot pin 26b and the third pivot pin 26c respectively as the fourth pivot pin 26d and the fifth pivot pin 26e pivot . .one.!. .Iadd.on .Iaddend.the first door 20a and the second door 20b respectively. As the doors 20a and 20b continue to move toward the retracted position, the first door 20a moves away from the second door 20b. This continued movement of the first door 20a away from the second door 20b causes the second pivot pin 26b and the third pivot pin 26c to cause the first lever 24a to pivot clockwise about the first pivot pin 26a from the generally vertical orientation toward the generally horizontal orientation. The first lever 24a, the second lever 24b and the third lever 24c continue to pivot about the first pivot pin 26a, the second pivot pin 26b, the third pivot pin 26c, the fourth pivot pin 26d and the fifth pivot pin 26e as the first door 20a and the second door 20b continue to move in opposite directions until reaching the retracted position substantially within the visor 10 to uncover the mirror 14. To cover the mirror 14, the vehicle occupant simply reverses the process which results in the same movement of the lever mechanism 22 occurring but in reverse.
In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a spur gear 30 cooperates with a first rack 32a and a second rack 32b to simultaneously move the first door 20a and the second door 20b between the extended position and the retracted position. Each of the first rack 32a and the second rack 32b have a serrated portion . .34a and 34b respectively.!. which cooperates with the spur gear 30 which cause the spur gear 30 to rotate in response to longitudinal movement of the first rack 32a and the second rack 32b longitudinally along the spur gear 30. The spur gear 30 is rotatably mounted to the back of the mirror 14. As the first door 20a and the second door 20b are moved between the retracted position and the extended position, the first rack 32a and the second rack 32b travel along the spur gear 30 to simultaneously move the first door 20a and the second door 20b in opposed relation to selectively cover and uncover the mirror 14.
In an alternative embodiment (not shown), it is possible to have doors 20a and 20b move to a retracted position uncovering mirror 14 without being substantially located within the shell 12, but rather, overlaying the visor 10.
While the preferred embodiment and alternative embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this invention relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims (8)

What is claimed is:
1. An arrangement for selectively covering and uncovering a mirror disposed within a hollow vehicle visor, the vehicle visor defining therein a channel and an opening exposing the mirror, the arrangement comprising:
a pair of doors selectably and linearly movable within the channel between an extended position covering the mirror and a retracted position uncovering the mirror.
said pair of doors including a first door and a second door, each of said pair of doors having an upper edge and a lower edge and each of said pair of doors having a proximate end closest to that of the other of said pair of doors and a distal end farthest from that of the other of said pair of doors;
conversion means concealably disposed behind the mirror for converting a motion of either one of said pair of doors in one direction to a simultaneous motion of the other one of said pair of doors in the opposite direction.
said conversion means including rotatable transfer means rotatably disposed behind the mirror for transferring reversed linear motion from either of said pair of doors to the other of said pair of doors, said rotatable transfer means including a first lever having a first end and a second end and being pivotally and centrally mounted on the visor behind the mirror;
first linear transfer means connected to said first door and cooperatively engaged with said rotatable transfer means for applying a torque thereto when said first door is linearly moved within the channel.
said first linear transfer means including a second lever having a first end and a second end, the first end of said second lever being pivotally connected to the first end of said first lever, the second end of said second lever being pivotally connected to the distal end of said first door near the upper edge thereof; and
second linear transfer means connected to said second door and cooperatively engaged with said rotatable transfer means for applying a torque thereto when said second door is linearly moved within the channel,
said second linear transfer means including a third lever having a first and a second end, the first end of said third lever being pivotally connected to the second end of said first lever, the second end of said third lever being pivotally connected to the distal end of said second door near the lower edge thereof, each of aid first, second and third levers being angularly disposed with respect to the lever to which it is pivotally connected when said pair of doors are in their extended position and said levers being substantially linearly disposed when said pair of doors are in their retracted position,
said first and second linear transfer means being in diametrically opposed engagement with said rotatable transfer means so that a linear motion of one of said pair of doors in one direction causes a rotation of said rotatable transfer means and, consequently, a linear motion of the other of said pair of doors in the opposite direction, said rotatable transfer means and said first and second linear transfer means being disposed behind the mirrors and said pair of doors and being thereby concealed from view.
2. The arrangement of claim 1, further comprising grip means located on one of said pair of doors for gripping said one of said pair of doors enabling movement thereof between aid extended position and said retracted position.
3. The arrangement of claim 2 wherein said grip means includes a handle located on at least one of said pair of doors to facilitate movement thereof along said channel.
4. The arrangement of claim 1, further comprising initiating means cooperative with one of said pair of doors and remotely located therefrom, for initiating movement of said pair of doors between said extended position and said retracted position. .Iadd.
5. An arrangement for selectively covering and uncovering a mirror disposed within a hollow vehicle visor, the vehicle visor defining therein a channel and an opening exposing the mirror, the arrangement comprising:
a pair of doors selectably and linearly movable within the channel between an extended position covering the mirror and a retracted position uncovering the mirror,
said pair of doors including a first door and a second door, each of said pair of doors having a front side and a back side and each of said pair of doors having a proximate end closest to that of the other of said pair of doors and a distal end farthest from that of the other of said pair of doors; and
conversion means concealably disposed along said channel behind said pair of doors for converting a motion of either one of said pair of doors in one direction to a simultaneous motion of the other one of said pair of doors in the opposite direction,
said conversion means including rotatable transfer means rotatably disposed adjacent the mirror for transferring reversed linear motion from either of said pair of doors to the other of said pair of doors,
said rotatable transfer means including a first portion being pivotally and concealably mounted with respect to the mirror when the mirror is exposed;
first linear transfer means connected to said first door and cooperatively engaged with said rotatable transfer means for applying a torque thereto when said first door is linearly moved within the channel,
said first linear transfer means including a second portion extending sufficiently from the back side of said first door to be drivably connected to one side of said first portion, said second portion being connected to said back side of said first door; and
second linear transfer means connected to said second door and cooperatively engaged with said rotatable transfer means for applying a torque thereto when said second door is linearly moved within the channel,
said second linear transfer means including a third portion extending sufficiently from the back side of said second door to be drivably connected to the other side of said first portion, said third portion being connected to said back side of said second door,
said second and third portions respectively of said first and second linear transfer means being in diametrically opposed engagement with said rotatable transfer means so that a linear motion of one of said pair of doors in one direction causes a rotation of said rotatable transfer means and, consequently, a linear motion of the other of said pair of doors in the opposite direction, said rotatable transfer means and said first and second linear transfer means being disposed sufficiently remote from the mirror and the channel to be concealed from view when selectively covering and uncovering the mirror. .Iaddend..Iadd.
6. The arrangement of claim 5 wherein said first portion is a spur gear portion and said second portion and said third portion are serrated rack portions. .Iaddend..Iadd.
7. The arrangement of claim 5 wherein at least one of said second and third portions is integral with its respective first and second door. .Iaddend..Iadd.8. An arrangement for selectively covering and uncovering a mirror disposed within a hollow vehicle visor shell, the vehicle visor shell defining a channel and an opening exposing the mirror, the arrangement comprising:
a pair of doors selectably and linearly movable within the channel between an extended position covering the mirror and a retracted position uncovering the mirror,
said pair of doors including a first door and a second door, each of said pair of doors having an upper edge and a lower edge and each of said pair of doors having a proximate end closest to that of the other of said pair of doors and a distal end farthest from that of the other of said pair of doors and forming a back side of the door; and
conversion means concealably disposed along said channel behind said doors and within said vehicle visor shell for converting a motion of either one of said pair of doors in one direction to a simultaneous motion of the other one of said pair of doors in the opposite direction,
said conversion means including rotatable transfer means rotatably disposed adjacent the mirror for transferring reversed linear motion from either of said pair of doors to the other of said pair of doors,
said rotatable transfer means including a spur gear portion being pivotally and concealably mounted with respect to the mirror when the mirror is exposed;
first linear transfer means connected to said first door and cooperatively engaged with said rotatable transfer means for applying a torque thereto when said first door is linearly moved within the channel,
said first linear transfer means including a first rack portion extending sufficiently from said back side of said first door to be drivably connected to one side of said spur gear portion, said first rack portion being concealably connected to said back side of said first door; and
second linear transfer means connected to said second door and cooperatively engaged with said rotatable transfer means for applying a torque thereto when said second door is linearly moved within the channel,
said second linear transfer means including a second rack portion extending sufficiently from said backside of said second door to be drivably connected to the other side of said spur gear portion, said second rack portion being concealably connected to said back side of said second door,
said first and second rack portions respectively of said first and second linear transfer means being in diametrically opposed engagement with said spur gear portion of said rotatable transfer means so that a linear motion of one of said pair of doors in one direction causes a rotation of said spur gear portion and, consequently, a linear motion of the other of said pair of doors in the opposite direction, said rotatable transfer means and said first and second linear transfer means being disposed sufficiently remote from the mirror and said channel to be concealed from view when
selectively covering and uncovering the mirror. .Iaddend..Iadd.9. A visor mirror assembly for a vehicle comprising:
a hollow shell having a mirror supported by a housing within the shell;
said housing having a channel adjacent the mirror;
a pair of sliding opposed doors slidably mounted to said housing for movement in said channel toward one another between a closed position for covering said mirror and away from one another toward an open position exposing said mirror for use; and
means extending in concealably spaced relationship along said channel of said housing for intercoupling said doors such that movement of one door synchronously moves the remaining door in an opposite direction and through the same distance. .Iaddend..Iadd.10. The visor mirror assembly of claim 9 wherein the means extending in concealably spaced relationship along said channel includes a spur gear portion and a rack portion. .Iaddend.
US08/627,021 1992-10-14 1996-04-03 Dual synchronous opening mirror doors for sun visors Expired - Lifetime USRE35622E (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/627,021 USRE35622E (en) 1992-10-14 1996-04-03 Dual synchronous opening mirror doors for sun visors

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US07/960,957 US5301994A (en) 1992-10-14 1992-10-14 Dual synchronous opening mirror doors for sun visors
US08/627,021 USRE35622E (en) 1992-10-14 1996-04-03 Dual synchronous opening mirror doors for sun visors

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US07/960,957 Reissue US5301994A (en) 1992-10-14 1992-10-14 Dual synchronous opening mirror doors for sun visors

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
USRE35622E true USRE35622E (en) 1997-10-07

Family

ID=25503874

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US07/960,957 Ceased US5301994A (en) 1992-10-14 1992-10-14 Dual synchronous opening mirror doors for sun visors
US08/627,021 Expired - Lifetime USRE35622E (en) 1992-10-14 1996-04-03 Dual synchronous opening mirror doors for sun visors

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US07/960,957 Ceased US5301994A (en) 1992-10-14 1992-10-14 Dual synchronous opening mirror doors for sun visors

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (2) US5301994A (en)

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5906424A (en) * 1997-02-07 1999-05-25 Lear Corporation Lighted visor mirror assembly providing variable light intensity
US6692060B1 (en) 2002-09-18 2004-02-17 Lear Corporation Lighted visor mirror assembly and method
US6698815B1 (en) 2002-10-02 2004-03-02 Grupo Antolin Ingenieria, S.A. Sun visor with mirror assembly
US20050082861A1 (en) * 2003-10-16 2005-04-21 Ts Tech Co., Ltd. Center console
USRE39316E1 (en) 1997-04-14 2006-10-03 Lear Corporation Sliding visor
US20080209809A1 (en) * 2004-07-15 2008-09-04 Georgios Petridis Wall-mounted sliding door system and method
US20080225515A1 (en) * 2007-03-16 2008-09-18 Lear Corporation Illuminated visor vanity
US20090109562A1 (en) * 2007-10-26 2009-04-30 Hannspree, Inc. Display having a mirror element
US20100225248A1 (en) * 2009-03-06 2010-09-09 International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc. Illuminated visor vanity
US20120174488A1 (en) * 2011-01-12 2012-07-12 Chen Chang Technology Co., Ltd. Linking-Up Ventilation Door/Window Panel Structure

Families Citing this family (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5441325A (en) * 1993-07-07 1995-08-15 Prince Corporation Vanity mirror with opposed sliding covers
US5813717A (en) * 1996-05-15 1998-09-29 Automotive Industries, Inc. Cable operated dual synchronous opening mirror doors for sun visors
US5765898A (en) * 1996-10-04 1998-06-16 Crotty Corporation Vehicle sunshade mounting assembly
DE19737346A1 (en) * 1997-08-27 1999-03-04 Happich Gmbh Gebr Sun visors for vehicles
DE10057265A1 (en) * 1999-12-08 2001-06-13 Utescheny Ag Sun visor for vehicle has extending panels deployed when the visor is moved into the operating position
US6840561B2 (en) * 2002-10-02 2005-01-11 Grupo Antolin Ingeniera, S.A. Sun visor and cover attachment method
US6692059B1 (en) 2002-10-02 2004-02-17 Grupo Antolin Ingenieria, S.A. Sun visor with clam shell core attachment snaps
US10173499B1 (en) 2017-08-28 2019-01-08 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Mechanism for sun visor extension

Citations (28)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US522936A (en) * 1894-07-10 of philadelphia
US523711A (en) * 1894-07-31 Device for operating doors
US575162A (en) * 1897-01-12 John henry munderloh
US778952A (en) * 1904-04-26 1905-01-03 John M Cornell Laterally-moving door or gate.
US832458A (en) * 1905-11-21 1906-10-02 Myron Cossey Door supporting and operating device.
US874612A (en) * 1907-09-23 1907-12-24 Charles W Mccandless Furnace-door opener.
US954587A (en) * 1908-01-25 1910-04-12 Niels Poulson Reversible window.
US966276A (en) * 1909-11-30 1910-08-02 Frank J Webb Device for hanging doors.
US3094007A (en) * 1961-11-17 1963-06-18 Sears Roebuck & Co Equalizer slide means
FR2429685A1 (en) * 1978-06-26 1980-01-25 Maglum Vehicle sun visor with concealed courtesy mirror - has single or double sliding flaps to cover mirror
US4227241A (en) * 1978-10-23 1980-10-07 Prince Corporation Visor assembly
US4421355A (en) * 1981-07-23 1983-12-20 Prince Corporation Illuminated visor assembly
US4564234A (en) * 1982-07-20 1986-01-14 Gebr. Happich Gmbh Cover for mirror for sun visor, particularly for automobiles
US4648011A (en) * 1985-07-12 1987-03-03 Prince Corporation Illuminated vanity mirror package for a visor
US4653798A (en) * 1985-12-23 1987-03-31 White Jay E Sun visor mirror
US4685723A (en) * 1985-03-25 1987-08-11 Compagnie Industrielle De Mecanismes En Abrege C.I.M. Sun visor for a motor vehicle
US4791537A (en) * 1984-07-02 1988-12-13 Irvin Industries, Inc. Vehicle accessory assembly with sliding door for mounting on a visor or other interior panel
US4922391A (en) * 1989-01-12 1990-05-01 Prince Corporation Vanity mirror package
US4948240A (en) * 1988-03-09 1990-08-14 Michael Zipperle Sun visor for motor vehicles
US4961608A (en) * 1988-04-30 1990-10-09 Austin Rover Group Limited Sun visor incorporating a slidable mirror
US4971383A (en) * 1988-11-28 1990-11-20 Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Combination sun visor for automotive vehicle
US4979079A (en) * 1988-11-09 1990-12-18 Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Sun visor for automotive vehicle
US5014169A (en) * 1989-06-28 1991-05-07 Rover Group Limited Sun visor
US5054839A (en) * 1990-08-31 1991-10-08 White Jay E Vehicular sun visor assembly
US5061004A (en) * 1990-03-07 1991-10-29 Gebr. Happich Gmbh Vehicle sun visor with reversible mirror
US5061003A (en) * 1988-12-26 1991-10-29 Industrias Techno-Matic S.A. Cover for automobile sun visor mirrors
US5104174A (en) * 1991-03-08 1992-04-14 Plasta Fiber Industries, Inc. Expandable covered mirror visor
US5441325A (en) * 1993-07-07 1995-08-15 Prince Corporation Vanity mirror with opposed sliding covers

Patent Citations (28)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US522936A (en) * 1894-07-10 of philadelphia
US523711A (en) * 1894-07-31 Device for operating doors
US575162A (en) * 1897-01-12 John henry munderloh
US778952A (en) * 1904-04-26 1905-01-03 John M Cornell Laterally-moving door or gate.
US832458A (en) * 1905-11-21 1906-10-02 Myron Cossey Door supporting and operating device.
US874612A (en) * 1907-09-23 1907-12-24 Charles W Mccandless Furnace-door opener.
US954587A (en) * 1908-01-25 1910-04-12 Niels Poulson Reversible window.
US966276A (en) * 1909-11-30 1910-08-02 Frank J Webb Device for hanging doors.
US3094007A (en) * 1961-11-17 1963-06-18 Sears Roebuck & Co Equalizer slide means
FR2429685A1 (en) * 1978-06-26 1980-01-25 Maglum Vehicle sun visor with concealed courtesy mirror - has single or double sliding flaps to cover mirror
US4227241A (en) * 1978-10-23 1980-10-07 Prince Corporation Visor assembly
US4421355A (en) * 1981-07-23 1983-12-20 Prince Corporation Illuminated visor assembly
US4564234A (en) * 1982-07-20 1986-01-14 Gebr. Happich Gmbh Cover for mirror for sun visor, particularly for automobiles
US4791537A (en) * 1984-07-02 1988-12-13 Irvin Industries, Inc. Vehicle accessory assembly with sliding door for mounting on a visor or other interior panel
US4685723A (en) * 1985-03-25 1987-08-11 Compagnie Industrielle De Mecanismes En Abrege C.I.M. Sun visor for a motor vehicle
US4648011A (en) * 1985-07-12 1987-03-03 Prince Corporation Illuminated vanity mirror package for a visor
US4653798A (en) * 1985-12-23 1987-03-31 White Jay E Sun visor mirror
US4948240A (en) * 1988-03-09 1990-08-14 Michael Zipperle Sun visor for motor vehicles
US4961608A (en) * 1988-04-30 1990-10-09 Austin Rover Group Limited Sun visor incorporating a slidable mirror
US4979079A (en) * 1988-11-09 1990-12-18 Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Sun visor for automotive vehicle
US4971383A (en) * 1988-11-28 1990-11-20 Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Combination sun visor for automotive vehicle
US5061003A (en) * 1988-12-26 1991-10-29 Industrias Techno-Matic S.A. Cover for automobile sun visor mirrors
US4922391A (en) * 1989-01-12 1990-05-01 Prince Corporation Vanity mirror package
US5014169A (en) * 1989-06-28 1991-05-07 Rover Group Limited Sun visor
US5061004A (en) * 1990-03-07 1991-10-29 Gebr. Happich Gmbh Vehicle sun visor with reversible mirror
US5054839A (en) * 1990-08-31 1991-10-08 White Jay E Vehicular sun visor assembly
US5104174A (en) * 1991-03-08 1992-04-14 Plasta Fiber Industries, Inc. Expandable covered mirror visor
US5441325A (en) * 1993-07-07 1995-08-15 Prince Corporation Vanity mirror with opposed sliding covers

Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5906424A (en) * 1997-02-07 1999-05-25 Lear Corporation Lighted visor mirror assembly providing variable light intensity
USRE39316E1 (en) 1997-04-14 2006-10-03 Lear Corporation Sliding visor
US6692060B1 (en) 2002-09-18 2004-02-17 Lear Corporation Lighted visor mirror assembly and method
US6698815B1 (en) 2002-10-02 2004-03-02 Grupo Antolin Ingenieria, S.A. Sun visor with mirror assembly
US20050082861A1 (en) * 2003-10-16 2005-04-21 Ts Tech Co., Ltd. Center console
US7007994B2 (en) * 2003-10-16 2006-03-07 Ts Tech Co., Ltd. Center console
US20080209809A1 (en) * 2004-07-15 2008-09-04 Georgios Petridis Wall-mounted sliding door system and method
US7762020B2 (en) * 2004-07-15 2010-07-27 Masonite Corporation Wall-mounted sliding door system and method
US20080225515A1 (en) * 2007-03-16 2008-09-18 Lear Corporation Illuminated visor vanity
US7534018B2 (en) 2007-03-16 2009-05-19 International Automotive Components North America, Inc. Illuminated visor vanity
US20090109562A1 (en) * 2007-10-26 2009-04-30 Hannspree, Inc. Display having a mirror element
US20100225248A1 (en) * 2009-03-06 2010-09-09 International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc. Illuminated visor vanity
US20120174488A1 (en) * 2011-01-12 2012-07-12 Chen Chang Technology Co., Ltd. Linking-Up Ventilation Door/Window Panel Structure

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US5301994A (en) 1994-04-12

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
USRE35622E (en) Dual synchronous opening mirror doors for sun visors
US4739585A (en) Automatic deck lid closer for automotive vehicles
JP4268762B2 (en) Retractable roof for hose box, panel truck or station wagon type vehicle
US5785375A (en) Retractable hard-top for an automotive vehicle
GB2238829A (en) Vehicle with roof door
US20190054863A1 (en) Method for operating a motor vehicle and motor vehicle
KR970015094A (en) Car Canopy
US5140771A (en) Power window actuator
CN103507603A (en) Roller blind apparatus for panoramic sunroofs
US5749617A (en) Motor vehicle roof with a control by which it can be opened by motor through various interim stages
ITRM980099A1 (en) HARDTOP-CAPOTE FOR CABRIOLET VEHICLE
JP2003507244A (en) Removable covering module for the living space of a motor vehicle and motor vehicle equipped with such a module
US4858982A (en) Visor
EP0379800A3 (en) Reversible control apparatus for a compartment panel pulldown mechanism
US5673965A (en) Tilt-sliding roof, and vehicle comprising such a tilt-sliding roof
US20210070233A1 (en) Device and Method for Securing a Display Screen Arrangement for a Vehicle Roof, and Vehicle Roof for a Motor Vehicle
US5765905A (en) Wind-deflecting cover for a convertible
US5054847A (en) Flexible top apparatus for a vehicle
JPH0156002B2 (en)
GB2082518A (en) A rotary crank mechanism
EP0368405A2 (en) Electrically operated open roof construction for a vehicle
SU698789A1 (en) Passenger car body
JP2007253711A (en) Register device for air conditioning
KR100212814B1 (en) Apparatus for depositing articles in a car
JPS6231516A (en) On-off roof device for automobile

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 4

SULP Surcharge for late payment
FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY