Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror reflective element, a mirror casing, a mirror backplate, and a perimeter lighting device. The mirror backplate includes a generally planar attachment portion for attaching at a rear surface of the mirror reflective element. The perimeter lighting device is disposed at least partially along a periphery of the mirror reflective element and may emit light so as to generally illuminate at least one of (i) a perimeter region of the mirror casing, (ii) a perimeter region of the mirror reflective element and (iii) a perimeter region of the rearview mirror assembly between the mirror casing and the mirror reflective element.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror reflective element, a front mirror casing portion configured to receive the mirror reflective element, a rear mirror casing and a mirror backplate. The mirror backplate includes a generally planar attachment portion for attaching at a rear surface of the mirror reflective element and includes a perimeter flange circumscribing a perimeter of the generally planar attachment portion. The perimeter flange is partially received in the rear mirror casing portion and partially received in the front mirror casing portion, and the perimeter flange couples the front and rear mirror casing portions to the mirror backplate.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for vehicles incorporates a reflective mirror element and a first polymeric pivot joint allowing pivotal adjustment of the field of view of the reflective element. The assembly includes a polymeric support element, a polymeric rearview mirror mount, and a second polymeric pivot joint. The polymeric support element includes one of a first polymeric ball member and a first polymeric socket. The polymeric rearview mirror mount is adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle. The support element pivots on the second polymeric pivot joint about the rearview mirror mount. At least one of the pivot joints includes joint members generating increased frictional resistance to movement of a ball member in a socket, such joint members preferably comprising a textured surface on the ball member or socket.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for vehicles incorporates a rearview mirror mount, a rearview mirror, and a rearview mirror support. The support is pivotally attached to the mirror mount by a first pivot element, and to the rearview mirror by a second pivot element. The mirror mount, support, a rearview mirror housing, and the pivot elements are each formed by molding from polymeric material having a respective color. In various embodiments, the colors may all be substantially the same, such as black, gray, tan, brown, burgundy, green, or another color, or may be different. In one form, the rearview mirror housing includes at least one electrical accessory. Electrical conductors may extend through the pivot elements and mirror support to the rearview mirror housing to provide an electrical connection for the electrical accessory to the vehicle electrical system.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for vehicles incorporates a reflective mirror element and a first polymeric pivot joint allowing pivotal adjustment of the field of view of the reflective element. The assembly includes a polymeric support element, a polymeric rearview mirror mount, and a second polymeric pivot joint. The polymeric support element includes one of a first polymeric ball member and a first polymeric socket. The polymeric rearview mirror mount is adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle. The support element pivots about the rearview mirror mount by means of the second polymeric pivot joint. At least one of the pivot joints includes frictional resistance modification means generating frictional resistance to movement of a ball member in a socket, such means preferably comprising at least one of an interference fit, a textured surface, a raised projection and annular ridges on the ball member or socket.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for vehicles incorporates a rearview mirror mount, a rearview mirror, and a rearview mirror support. The support is pivotally attached to the mirror mount by a first pivot element, and to the rearview mirror by a second pivot element. The mirror mount, support, a rearview mirror housing, and the pivot elements are each formed by molding from polymeric material having a respective color. In various embodiments, the colors may all be substantially the same, such as black, gray, tan, brown, burgundy, green, or another color, or may be different. In one form, the rearview mirror housing includes at least one electrical accessory. Electrical conductors may extend through the pivot elements and mirror support to the rearview mirror housing to provide an electrical connection for the electrical accessory to the vehicle electrical system.