Prince Corporation

Robert L Mattingly

Carey J Boote

Drew G Jelgerhuis

Jeffrey O Roark

Peter V Styke

An impact absorption member comprises a sheet of crushable material having curvilinear projections having a width, height, length and spacing selected for different impact absorption characteristics. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the projections are sinusoidal. In a preferred embodiment also, the material comprises a mixture of recycled, reground thermo-formable material and reprocessed fibrous bats including polyester fibers, glass fibers and a thermo-setting resin. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the member constitutes an elongated arch-shaped base having integrally superimposed thereon the curvilinear projections.

Impact absorption member

A generally planar resilient polymeric member having a viscous film is positioned between a fixed and movable element of the vehicle accessory and provides controlled friction between the two. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the fixed member is a housing for a vehicle storage compartment and the movable member is a pivoted door. The dampening device has one side secured to either the door or the housing and an opposite surface including a viscous material. The device is compressibly fitted between the fixed and movable member for providing a frictional interface therebetween.

Motion dampener

A covered vehicle accessory such as a vanity mirror visor includes a socket for receiving at least one pivot axle of the cover. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a generally C-shaped spring compressibly engages a mirror frame on one side and a cam extending from the cover on a side opposite the front of the frame. The C-shaped spring includes first and second legs which respectively engage the frame and cover. The spring is locked in place in part by a tab formed in the frame and an aperture formed in the spring for receiving the tab and mating inclined walls of the frame and leg segment of the spring. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, also, the cover includes at least one pivot axle having an extension with an electrical contact which engages an electrical contact associated with the frame to define a switch which allows the application of operating power to a lamp associated with the illuminated vanity mirror structure upon opening of the cover.

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Holland, MI, United States of America

Robert L Mattingly