Patent ID: 6637715
Filing Date: 2003-10-28
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
A break-away vehicle exterior rearview mirror system suitable for use on a vehicle, said system comprising:an exterior rearview mirror assembly including a movable portion having a reflective element housed in said movable portion, said exterior rearview mirror assembly further including a fixed portion adapted for mounting said movable portion to a vehicle; said movable portion being pivotally mounted to said fixed portion about a pivot axis for pivoting from a normal operating position to a break-away position closer to the side of the vehicle, said fixed portion including a first engagement element, said movable portion including a second engagement element, at least one of said movable portion and said fixed portion generating a resilient force, said first and second engagement elements being urged into releasable engagement with each other by said resilient force to thereby engage said movable portion with said fixed portion, said second engagement element of said movable portion releasing from said first engagement element of said fixed portion to permit said movable portion to pivot about said pivot axis when an external force having a sufficient magnitude is applied to said movable portion to overcome said resilient force, and at least one of said first and second engagement elements flexing when said external force is applied to said movable portion; and a resilient member, said resilient force being provided by said resilient member, said resilient member comprising a plate spring including at least two radially extending arms, each of said arms including one of said first and second engagement elements.