Patent ID: 6113241
Filing Date: 2000-09-05
Classification: B60R,Y10S

Abstract:
An adjustable exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle comprising:a mirror subassembly including a housing and a reflective element within said housing, said reflective element providing a rearward field of view for a driver of the vehicle;said mirror subassembly adjustable along at least one mounting arm between at least a retracted position close to the body of the vehicle for normal, non-towing use and an extended position outboard of said retracted position allowing an expanded rearward field of view for the driver when the vehicle is towing;said exterior rearview mirror assembly further including a mounting bracket adapted for mounting said assembly to the vehicle;said at least one mounting arm pivotally mounted for movement about said mounting bracket between a normal operating position and a folded, break-away position, said mounting arm including a biasing member, said mounting arm moving from said normal operating position towards said folded, break-away position in the event said mirror subassembly strikes an object during use of the vehicle; andsaid biasing member comprising a spring, said spring biasing said mirror subassembly into a frictional engagement with said at least one mounting arm whereby said biasing member limits movement of said mirror subassembly along said at least one mounting arm and said mirror subassembly is fixed in position along said at least one mounting arm when said mounting arm is in said normal operating position, said at least one mounting arm being adapted to apply a compressive force to said spring when said at least one mounting arm is in said normal operating position, said compressive force being relieved when said at least one mounting arm is pivoted about said mounting bracket towards said folded, break-away position whereby said mirror subassembly is adjustable along said at least one mounting arm when said mounting arm is moved from said normal operating position towards said folded, break-away position.