Patent ID: 7303294

Claim:
A mirror assembly for use on a motor vehicle comprising: a reflective element assembly for providing an external rearward reflective view to an operator of the motor vehicle; a base adapted to be mounted to the vehicle; a support arm assembly having a first end and a second end, the first end being movably attached to the base between a folded position and an unfolded position, the second end being mounted to the reflective element assembly; and a reduced-friction detent assembly interposed between the first end of the support arm assembly and the base, the reduced-friction detent assembly comprising a first plate coupled to the support arm assembly; a second plate comprising at least one bearing seat and coupled to the first plate for unitary movement therewith in the engaged position; and at least one bearing selectively mounted in one of an engaged position and a disengaged position and seated within a corresponding one of the at least one bearing seat and in contact with the first plate; wherein the support arm assembly moves between the folded and unfolded positions in the disengaged position with less friction than when the at least one bearing is in the engaged position.