(54) MIRROR ASSEMBLY FOR VEHICLE
(75) Inventors: John T. Uken, Jenison, MI (US); Niall R. Lynam, Holland, MI (US)
(73) Assignee: Donnelly Corporation, Holland, MI (US)
( * ) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this patent is extended or adjusted under 35 U.S.C. 154(b) by 326 days.
(21) Appl. No.: 11/140,396
(22) Filed: May 27, 2005
(65) Prior Publication Data
US 2005/0264891 Al Dec. 1, 2005
Related U.S. Application Data
(60) Provisional application No. 60/624,320, filed on Nov. 2, 2004, provisional application No. 60/575,904, filed on Jun. 1, 2004.
(51) Int. CI.
B60Q 1/26 (2006.01)
B60R 1/12 (2006.01)
(52) U.S. CI 362/494; 362/488; 362/492;
307/10.1
(58) Field of Classification Search 359/367,
359/365; 340/461,995.17; 307/10.1; 362/459, 362/471,488, 492, 494 See application file for complete search history.
(56) References Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
An interior rearview mirror assembly includes a reflective element having a front surface that is viewable by and directed generally toward a driver of a vehicle when the mirror assembly is installed in the vehicle. An overlay element applied to the front surface of the reflective element includes at least one user input for controlling at least one accessory or display of the mirror assembly or vehicle. An electrical connector connects the overlay element to circuitry at or within or associated with the mirror assembly. The overlay element may be applied to the reflective element at a desired location on the surface of the reflective element to provide a user input and/or a display at the front of the reflective element where it is readily viewable and accessible by a driver or occupant of the vehicle.
29 Claims, 15 Drawing Sheets
