MIRROR ASSEMBLY FOR VEHICLE

• US 20110141543A1
• Filed: 02/25/2011
• Published: 06/16/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 05/19/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Karner, Lee, Uken, John T., Hook, Richard R., Lynam, Niall R.
• Granted Patent: US 8,049,640 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 359/267
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/777 on or in sun visors
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/777 on or in sun visors
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/00 Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/60 Instruments characterised by their location or relative disposition in or on vehicles arrangements of lighting devices on dashboards B60Q3/10
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/02 Rear-view mirror arrangements periscope arrangements B60R1/10
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/04 mounted inside vehicle B60R1/025, B60R1/08 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/086 using a mirror angularly movable between a position of use and a non-glare position reflecting a dark field to the user, e.g. situated behind a transparent glass used as low-reflecting surface; Wedge-shaped mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/088 using a cell of electrically changeable optical characteristic, e.g. liquid-crystal or electrochromic mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/12 Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/1207 with lamps; with turn indicators
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/02 for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0235 of flat type, e.g. LCD
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1215 with information displays
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0033 Rear-view mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 5/0808 having a single reflecting layer G02B5/0883, G02B5/0891 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/157 Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. reflectors or illuminating devices

Abstract

An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror reflective element having a glass substrate with first and second surfaces and a circumferential edge along the periphery of the glass substrate. The mirror reflective element includes a mirror reflector established at a surface of the mirror reflective element other than the first surface of the glass substrate. The mirror assembly includes a plastic molding circumferentially disposed about the circumferential edge of the glass substrate without overlapping onto the first surface of the glass substrate. The plastic molding includes a portion that (a) abuts the circumferential edge of the glass substrate and (b) has an outer curved surface that extends from generally adjacent to the first surface of the glass substrate and that lacks a sharp edge. The plane of the first surface of the glass substrate may be generally flush with the outermost part of the plastic molding.

Claims

1. An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising:

a mirror reflective element comprising a glass substrate having a planar first surface and a second surface with a circumferential edge along the periphery of said glass substrate, said circumferential edge spanning a thickness of said glass substrate between said first and second surfaces, wherein said first surface of said glass substrate comprises the outermost surface of said mirror reflective element that is closest to a driver of a vehicle equipped with said interior rearview mirror assembly when said interior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted in the equipped vehicle;

wherein said mirror reflective element comprises a mirror reflector established at a surface of said mirror reflective element other than said first surface of said glass substrate;

a plastic molding;

wherein said plastic molding is circumferentially disposed about said circumferential edge of said glass substrate without overlapping onto said first surface of said glass substrate;

wherein said plastic molding comprises a portion that (a) abuts said circumferential edge of said glass substrate and (b) has an outer curved surface that extends from generally adjacent to said first surface of said glass substrate and that lacks a sharp edge; and

wherein the plane of said first surface of said glass substrate is generally flush with the outermost part of said plastic molding.

2. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein said outer curved surface of said plastic molding provides a curved transition between said plane of said first surface of said glass substrate and a plane of a generally less-curved portion of said plastic molding, and wherein said generally less-curved portion is rearward of, adjacent to and contiguous with said outer curved surface of said plastic molding.

3. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein said plastic molding comprises at least a portion of a mirror housing of said interior rearview mirror assembly.

4. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 3, wherein said mirror reflective element comprises a prismatic mirror reflective element and wherein said mirror housing houses a portion of a toggle assembly and wherein a further portion of said toggle assembly extends out from the rear of said mirror housing, said further portion of said toggle assembly comprising a mounting portion that is configured to mount said interior rearview mirror assembly in the equipped vehicle.

5. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 3, comprising another plastic molding and wherein said another plastic molding attaches to a rearward portion of said plastic molding to form said mirror housing.

6. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 3, wherein said mirror housing houses at least one accessory behind said mirror reflective element.

7. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 3, comprising a mounting assembly for mounting said interior rearview mirror assembly in the equipped vehicle.

8. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 7, wherein said mirror reflective element comprises a prismatic mirror reflective element, and wherein said mounting assembly comprises a toggle assembly.

9. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein said mirror reflective element has a length dimension and a width dimension, and wherein said length dimension spans generally laterally across said mirror reflective element and said width dimension spans generally vertically across said mirror reflective element when said interior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted in the equipped vehicle, and wherein said plastic molding includes another portion that is rearward of said mirror reflective element and that spans said width dimension of said mirror reflective element.

10. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein said plastic molding is integrally molded around said circumferential edge of said glass substrate.

11. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein said plastic molding comprises at least one of a soft polymer and an impact absorbing material.

12. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein said mirror reflective element comprises a prismatic mirror reflective element and wherein said mirror reflector is established at said second surface of said glass substrate.

13. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 12, further comprising a toggle mechanism that is actuatable to adjust said prismatic mirror reflective element.

14. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 12, further comprising a toggle assembly that is actuatable by the driver of the equipped vehicle to adjust said prismatic mirror reflective element, said toggle assembly including a toggle member and a mounting portion.

15. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 14, wherein said mounting portion of said toggle assembly comprises a pivot element of a pivot joint.

16. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 15, wherein said toggle assembly has a single pivot joint.

17. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 16, wherein said single pivot joint pivotally attaches said toggle assembly to a mounting base configured for attaching at an interior portion of the equipped vehicle, and wherein said pivot element of said mounting portion of said toggle assembly comprises a socket element that pivotally receives a ball element of said mounting base to establish said single pivot joint.

18. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 15, wherein said pivot joint comprises a first pivot joint that pivotally attaches said toggle assembly to a mounting base configured for attaching at an interior portion of the equipped vehicle, and wherein said toggle assembly comprises a second pivot joint.

19. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein said mirror reflective element comprises an electro-optic mirror reflective element comprising said glass substrate and another glass substrate, and wherein said glass substrate comprises a front glass substrate of said electro-optic mirror reflective element and said other glass substrate comprises a rear glass substrate of said electro-optic mirror reflective element, said rear glass substrate having a third surface and a fourth surface opposite said third surface, and wherein said electro-optic mirror reflective element comprises an electro-optic medium disposed between said second surface of said front glass substrate and said third surface of said rear glass substrate, and wherein said mirror reflector is established at one of said third and fourth surfaces of said rear glass substrate of said electro-optic mirror reflective element.

20. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 19, wherein said mirror reflector is established at said third surface of said rear glass substrate and contacts said electro-optic medium.

21. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 19, wherein said electro-optic mirror reflective element comprises an electrochromic mirror reflective element with an electrochromic medium disposed between said front and rear glass substrates and bounded by a perimeter seal.

22. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 21, wherein no portion of said rear glass substrate extends beyond any portion of said front glass substrate.

23. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 22, wherein said electrochromic mirror reflective element nests in said plastic molding.

24. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 23, wherein said rear glass substrate has a circumferential edge around the periphery of said rear glass substrate, said circumferential edge of said rear glass substrate spanning a thickness of said rear glass substrate between said third and fourth surfaces, and wherein a part of said plastic molding extends at least partially across the circumferential edge of said rear glass substrate.

25. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 24, wherein at least a portion of said front glass substrate extends beyond a corresponding portion of said rear glass substrate and wherein a portion of said plastic molding is disposed to the rear of said front substrate where said front substrate extends beyond the corresponding portion of said rear glass substrate.

26. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein said portion of said plastic molding contacts said circumferential edge of said glass substrate.

27. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein said plastic molding comprises a portion of a mirror housing of said interior rearview mirror assembly.

28. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 27, wherein said mirror housing comprises at least one other portion that attaches to said plastic molding.

29. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 28, wherein said at least one other portion of said mirror housing houses at least one accessory.

30. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein a back plate is attached at the rear of said mirror reflective element and wherein said back plate includes a pivot element of a pivot joint of said interior rearview mirror assembly.

31. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 30, wherein said back plate contacts said plastic molding.

32. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 31, wherein said back plate interlocks with said plastic molding.

33. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 1, comprising a video display device disposed behind said mirror reflective element and operable to display information for viewing by the driver of the equipped vehicle through said mirror reflective element.

34. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 33, wherein said video display device comprises a backlit video display screen backlit by a plurality of light emitting diodes.

35. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 33, wherein said mirror reflector comprises a transflective mirror reflector and wherein said video display device displays information that is viewable by the driver of the equipped vehicle through said transflective mirror reflector of said mirror reflective element.

36. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 1, comprising a plurality of individual display elements that, when individually actuated, display through said mirror reflective element to be viewed by the driver of the equipped vehicle, and wherein each of said plurality of individual display elements is spaced from and local to another of said plurality of individual display elements, and wherein each of said plurality of individual display elements, when individually actuated, is backlit by at least one illumination source local to that individual display element.

37. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 36, wherein said plurality of individual display elements comprises at least three individual display elements that are generally linearly disposed to form a row of individual display elements at said mirror reflective element, and wherein each of said at least three individual display elements is physically and cognitively associated with a respective individual user input.

38. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 37, wherein said at least three individual display elements comprise first, second and third display elements, and wherein said first display element is associated with a telephone function, said second display element is associated with a telematics concierge function, and said third display element is associated with an emergency call function.

39. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 1, comprising a driver assistance alert that is operable to provide an alert to the driver of the equipped vehicle responsive to detection of an object.

40. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 39, wherein said alert comprises at least one of an audible alert and a visual alert.

41. An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising:

a prismatic mirror reflective element comprising a glass substrate having a planar first surface and a second surface with a circumferential edge along the periphery of said glass substrate, said circumferential edge spanning a thickness of said glass substrate between said first and second surfaces, wherein said first surface of said glass substrate comprises the outermost surface of said prismatic mirror reflective element that is closest to a driver of a vehicle equipped with said interior rearview mirror assembly when said interior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted in the equipped vehicle;

wherein said prismatic mirror reflective element comprises a mirror reflector established at said second surface of said prismatic mirror reflective element;

a plastic molding;

wherein said plastic molding is circumferentially disposed about said circumferential edge of said glass substrate without overlapping onto said first surface of said glass substrate;

wherein said plastic molding comprises a portion that (a) abuts said circumferential edge of said glass substrate and (b) has an outer curved surface that extends from generally adjacent to said first surface of said glass substrate and that lacks a sharp edge;

wherein the plane of said first surface of said glass substrate is generally flush with the outermost part of said plastic molding; and

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a toggle assembly having a toggle member and a mounting portion, and wherein said mounting portion of said toggle assembly is configured to mount said interior rearview mirror assembly in the equipped vehicle, and wherein said toggle member of said toggle assembly is actuatable by the driver of the equipped vehicle to adjust said prismatic mirror reflective element.

42. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 41, wherein said plastic molding comprises at least a portion of a mirror housing of said interior rearview mirror assembly and wherein said mounting portion of said toggle assembly extends rearward of said mirror housing.

43. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 42, wherein said mounting portion of said toggle assembly extends through the rear of said mirror housing.

44. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 42, comprising another plastic molding and wherein said another plastic molding attaches to a rearward portion of said plastic molding to form said mirror housing.

45. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 41, wherein said mounting portion of said toggle assembly comprises a pivot element of a pivot joint.

46. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 45, wherein said toggle assembly has a single pivot joint.

47. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 46, wherein said single pivot joint pivotally attaches said toggle assembly to a mounting base configured for attaching at an interior portion of the equipped vehicle, and wherein said pivot element of said mounting portion of said toggle assembly comprises a socket element that pivotally receives a ball element of said mounting base to establish said single pivot joint.

48. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 41, wherein said prismatic mirror reflective element nests in said plastic molding.

49. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 41, wherein said toggle assembly supports said prismatic mirror reflective element.

50. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 41, wherein a back plate is attached at the rear of said prismatic mirror reflective element and wherein said back plate includes a pivot element of a pivot joint of said interior rearview mirror assembly.

51. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 41, comprising a video display device disposed behind said prismatic mirror reflective element and operable to display information for viewing by the driver of the equipped vehicle through said prismatic mirror reflective element, and wherein said video display device comprises a backlit video display screen backlit by a plurality of light emitting diodes.

52. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 41, comprising a plurality of individual display elements that, when individually actuated, display through said prismatic mirror reflective element to be viewed by the driver of the equipped vehicle, and wherein each of said plurality of individual display elements is spaced from and local to another of said plurality of individual display elements, and wherein each of said plurality of individual display elements, when individually actuated, is backlit by at least one illumination source local to that individual display element, and wherein said individual display elements are generally linearly disposed to form a row of individual display elements at said prismatic mirror reflective element, and wherein each of said plurality of individual display elements is physically and cognitively associated with a respective individual user input.

53. An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising:

an electrochromic mirror reflective element comprising a planar front glass substrate and a planar rear glass substrate, wherein said front glass substrate has a planar first surface and a second surface with a circumferential edge along the periphery of said front glass substrate, said circumferential edge spanning a thickness of said front glass substrate between said first and second surfaces, wherein said first surface of said front glass substrate comprises the outermost surface of said mirror reflective element that is closest to a driver of a vehicle equipped with said interior rearview mirror assembly when said interior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted in the equipped vehicle;

wherein said rear glass substrate has a third surface and a fourth surface opposite said third surface, and wherein said electrochromic mirror reflective element comprises a mirror reflector established at one of said third and fourth surfaces of said rear glass substrate;

wherein said electrochromic reflective element comprises an electrochromic medium disposed between said second surface of said front glass substrate and said third surface of said rear glass substrate and bounded by a perimeter seal;

a plastic molding;

wherein said plastic molding is circumferentially disposed about said circumferential edge of said front glass substrate without overlapping onto said first surface of said front glass substrate;

wherein said plastic molding comprises a portion that (a) abuts said circumferential edge of said front glass substrate and (b) has an outer curved surface that extends from generally adjacent to said first surface of said front glass substrate and that lacks a sharp edge;

wherein the plane of said first surface of said front glass substrate is generally flush with the outermost part of said plastic molding; and

wherein a back plate is disposed at the rear of said electrochromic mirror reflective element and wherein said back plate includes a pivot element of a pivot joint of said interior rearview mirror assembly.

54. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 53, wherein said mirror reflector is established at said third surface of said rear glass substrate and contacts said electrochromic medium.

55. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 53, wherein no portion of said rear glass substrate extends beyond any portion of said front glass substrate.

56. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 55, wherein said electrochromic reflective element nests in said plastic molding.

57. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 56, wherein said plastic molding extends at least partially across said circumferential edge of said front glass substrate.

58. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 57, wherein said rear glass substrate has a circumferential edge around the periphery of said rear glass substrate, said circumferential edge of said rear glass substrate spanning a thickness of said rear glass substrate between said third and fourth surfaces, and wherein a part of said plastic molding extends at least partially across the circumferential edge of said rear glass substrate.

59. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 58, wherein at least a portion of said front glass substrate extends beyond a corresponding portion of said rear glass substrate and wherein a portion of said plastic molding is disposed to the rear of said front substrate where said front substrate extends beyond the corresponding portion of said rear glass substrate.

60. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 53, wherein said plastic molding comprises at least a portion of a mirror housing of said interior rearview mirror assembly, and wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mounting arm comprising said pivot element of said pivot joint of said interior rearview mirror assembly, and wherein said mounting arm extends rearward of said mirror housing.

61. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 60, wherein said mounting arm extends through the rear of said mirror housing.

62. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 60, comprising another plastic molding and wherein said another plastic molding attaches to a rearward portion of said plastic molding to form said mirror housing.

63. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 53, wherein, when said interior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted in the equipped vehicle, said pivot element of said back plate pivotally mounts to a pivot element of a mounting structure attached in the equipped vehicle to establish said pivot joint.

64. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 63, wherein said mounting structure comprises another pivot joint and wherein, when said interior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted in the equipped vehicle, said electrochromic mirror reflective element is pivotally adjustable about said pivot joints.

65. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 53, comprising a video display device disposed behind said electrochromic mirror reflective element and operable to display information for viewing by the driver of the equipped vehicle through said electrochromic mirror reflective element, and wherein said video display device comprises a backlit video display screen backlit by a plurality of light emitting diodes.

66. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 65, wherein said mirror reflector comprises a transflective mirror reflector and wherein said video display device displays information that is viewable by the driver of the equipped vehicle through said transflective mirror reflector of said electrochromic mirror reflective element.

67. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 53, comprising a plurality of individual display elements that, when individually actuated, display through said electrochromic mirror reflective element to be viewed by the driver of the equipped vehicle, and wherein each of said plurality of individual display elements is spaced from and local to another of said plurality of individual display elements, and wherein each of said plurality of individual display elements, when individually actuated, is backlit by at least one illumination source local to that individual display element, and wherein said individual display elements are generally linearly disposed to form a row of individual display elements at said electrochromic mirror reflective element, and wherein each of said plurality of individual display elements is physically and cognitively associated with a respective individual user input.

68. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 53, wherein said outer curved surface of said plastic molding provides a curved transition between said plane of said first surface of said glass substrate and a plane of a generally less-curved portion of said plastic molding, and wherein said generally less-curved portion is rearward of, adjacent to and contiguous with said outer curved surface of said plastic molding.

69. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 53, wherein said back plate is adhesively attached at the rear of said electrochromic mirror reflective element.

70. An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising:

an electro-optic mirror reflective element comprising a planar front glass substrate and a planar rear glass substrate, wherein said front glass substrate has a planar first surface and a second surface with a circumferential edge along the periphery of said front glass substrate, said circumferential edge spanning a thickness of said front glass substrate between said first and second surfaces, wherein said first surface of said front glass substrate comprises the outermost surface of said mirror reflective element that is closest to a driver of a vehicle equipped with said interior rearview mirror assembly when said interior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted in the equipped vehicle;

wherein said rear glass substrate has a third surface and a fourth surface with a circumferential edge along the periphery of said rear glass substrate, said circumferential edge of said rear glass substrate spanning a thickness of said rear glass substrate between said third and fourth surfaces, and wherein said electro-optic mirror reflective element comprises a mirror reflector established at one of said third and fourth surfaces of said rear glass substrate;

wherein said electro-optic mirror reflective element comprises an electro-optic medium disposed between said second surface of said front glass substrate and said third surface of said rear glass substrate;

a plastic molding;

wherein said plastic molding is circumferentially disposed about and extends at least partially across said circumferential edge of said front glass substrate without overlapping onto said first surface of said front glass substrate;

wherein said plastic molding comprises a portion that (a) abuts said circumferential edge of said front glass substrate and (b) has an outer curved surface that extends from generally adjacent to said first surface of said front glass substrate and that lacks a sharp edge;

wherein the plane of said first surface of said front glass substrate is generally flush with the outermost part of said plastic molding; and

wherein a part of said plastic molding extends at least partially across said circumferential edge of said rear glass substrate.

71. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 70, wherein said plastic molding extends across said circumferential edge of said rear glass substrate and rearward of the plane of said fourth surface of said rear glass substrate.

72. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 70, wherein no portion of said rear glass substrate extends beyond any portion of said front glass substrate, and wherein said electro-optic mirror reflective element nests in said plastic molding.

73. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 72, wherein at least a portion of said front glass substrate extends beyond a corresponding portion of said rear glass substrate and wherein a portion of said plastic molding is disposed to the rear of said front substrate where said front substrate extends beyond the corresponding portion of said rear glass substrate.

74. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 70, wherein said plastic molding comprises at least a portion of a mirror housing of said interior rearview mirror assembly, and wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mounting arm comprising a pivot element of a pivot joint of said interior rearview mirror assembly, and wherein said mounting arm extends rearward of said mirror housing.

75. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 74, comprising another plastic molding and wherein said another plastic molding attaches to a rearward portion of said plastic molding to form said mirror housing.

76. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 70, comprising a video display device disposed behind said electro-optic mirror reflective element and operable to display information for viewing by the driver of the equipped vehicle through said electro-optic mirror reflective element, and wherein said video display device comprises a backlit video display screen backlit by a plurality of light emitting diodes, and wherein said mirror reflector comprises a transflective mirror reflector and wherein said video display device displays information that is viewable by the driver of the equipped vehicle through said transflective mirror reflector of said electro-optic mirror reflective element.

77. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 70, comprising a plurality of individual display elements that, when individually actuated, display through said electro-optic mirror reflective element to be viewed by the driver of the equipped vehicle, and wherein each of said plurality of individual display elements is spaced from and local to another of said plurality of individual display elements, and wherein each of said plurality of individual display elements, when individually actuated, is backlit by at least one illumination source local to that individual display element, and wherein said individual display elements are generally linearly disposed to form a row of spaced-apart individual display elements at said electro-optic mirror reflective element, and wherein each of said plurality of individual display elements is physically and cognitively associated with a respective individual user input.

78. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 77, wherein said row of spaced-apart individual display elements comprises a row of three spaced-apart individual display elements associated with a telematics system.

79. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 70, wherein said outer curved surface of said plastic molding provides a curved transition between said plane of said first surface of said glass substrate and a plane of a generally less-curved portion of said plastic molding, and wherein said generally less-curved portion is rearward of, adjacent to and contiguous with said outer curved surface of said plastic molding.

80. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 70, wherein said electro-optic mirror reflective element comprises an electrochromic mirror reflective element having an electrochromic medium disposed between said second surface of said front glass substrate and said third surface of said rear glass substrate and bounded by a perimeter seal.

81. An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising:

a prismatic mirror reflective element comprising a glass substrate having a planar first surface and a second surface with a circumferential edge along the periphery of said glass substrate, said circumferential edge spanning a thickness of said glass substrate between said first and second surfaces, wherein said first surface of said glass substrate comprises the outermost surface of said prismatic mirror reflective element that is closest to a driver of a vehicle equipped with said interior rearview mirror assembly when said interior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted in the equipped vehicle;

wherein said prismatic mirror reflective element comprises a mirror reflector established at said second surface of said prismatic mirror reflective element;

a plastic molding;

wherein said plastic molding is circumferentially disposed about said circumferential edge of said glass substrate without overlapping onto said first surface of said glass substrate;

wherein said plastic molding comprises a portion that (a) abuts said circumferential edge of said glass substrate and (b) has an outer curved surface that extends from generally adjacent to said first surface of said glass substrate and that lacks a sharp edge;

wherein the plane of said first surface of said glass substrate is generally flush with the outermost part of said plastic molding; and

wherein said plastic molding comprises at least a portion of a mirror housing of said interior rearview mirror assembly.

82. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 81, wherein said plastic molding extends across said circumferential edge of said glass substrate to beyond said second surface.

83. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 82, comprising another plastic molding and wherein said another plastic molding attaches to a rearward portion of said plastic molding to form said mirror housing.

84. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 81, wherein said prismatic mirror reflective element nests in said plastic molding.

85. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 81, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a toggle assembly having a toggle member and a mounting portion, and wherein said mounting portion of said toggle assembly is configured to mount said interior rearview mirror assembly in the equipped vehicle, and wherein said toggle member of said toggle assembly is actuatable by the driver of the equipped vehicle to adjust said prismatic mirror reflective element.

86. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 81, wherein a back plate is attached at the rear of said prismatic mirror reflective element and wherein said back plate includes a pivot element of a pivot joint of said interior rearview mirror assembly.

87. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 81, comprising a video display device disposed behind said prismatic mirror reflective element and operable to display information for viewing by the driver of the equipped vehicle through said prismatic mirror reflective element, and wherein said video display device comprises a backlit video display screen backlit by a plurality of light emitting diodes.

88. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 81, comprising a plurality of individual display elements that, when individually actuated, display through said prismatic mirror reflective element to be viewed by the driver of the equipped vehicle, and wherein each of said plurality of individual display elements is spaced from and local to another of said plurality of individual display elements, and wherein each of said plurality of individual display elements, when individually actuated, is backlit by at least one illumination source local to that individual display element, and wherein said individual display elements are generally linearly disposed to form a row of individual display elements at said prismatic mirror reflective element, and wherein each of said plurality of individual display elements is physically and cognitively associated with a respective individual user input.

89. An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror assembly comprising:

a mirror reflective element comprising a glass substrate having a planar first surface and a second surface with a circumferential edge along the periphery of said glass substrate, said circumferential edge spanning a thickness of said glass substrate between said first and second surfaces, wherein said first surface of said glass substrate comprises the outermost surface of said mirror reflective element that is closest to a driver of a vehicle equipped with said interior rearview mirror assembly when said interior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted in the equipped vehicle;

wherein said mirror reflective element comprises a mirror reflector established at a surface of said mirror reflective element other than said first surface of said glass substrate;

a plastic molding;

wherein said plastic molding is circumferentially disposed about said circumferential edge of said glass substrate without overlapping onto said first surface of said glass substrate;

wherein said plastic molding comprises a portion that (a) abuts said circumferential edge of said glass substrate and (b) has an outer curved surface that extends from generally adjacent to said first surface of said glass substrate and that lacks a sharp edge;

wherein the plane of said first surface of said glass substrate is generally flush with the outermost part of said plastic molding;

wherein said outer curved surface of said plastic molding provides a curved transition between said plane of said first surface of said glass substrate and a plane of a generally less-curved portion of said plastic molding, and wherein said generally less-curved portion is rearward of, adjacent to and contiguous with said outer curved surface of said plastic molding; and

wherein said plastic molding comprises at least a portion of a mirror housing of said interior rearview mirror assembly.

90. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 89, wherein said mirror reflective element comprises a prismatic mirror reflective element and wherein said mirror reflector is established at said second surface of said glass substrate, and further comprising a toggle mechanism that is actuatable to adjust said prismatic mirror reflective element, said toggle assembly including a toggle member and a mounting portion and wherein said mounting portion of said toggle assembly comprises a pivot element.

91. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 89, wherein said mirror reflective element comprises a electrochromic mirror reflective element comprising said glass substrate and another glass substrate, and wherein said glass substrate comprises a front glass substrate of said electrochromic mirror reflective element and said other glass substrate comprises a rear glass substrate of said electrochromic mirror reflective element, said rear glass substrate having a third surface and a fourth surface opposite said third surface, and wherein said electrochromic mirror reflective element comprises an electrochromic medium disposed between said second surface of said front glass substrate and said third surface of said rear glass substrate, and wherein said mirror reflector is established at said third surface of said rear glass substrate.

92. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 91, wherein no portion of said rear glass substrate extends beyond any portion of said front glass substrate.

93. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 92, wherein said electrochromic mirror reflective element nests in said plastic molding.

94. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 89, wherein said mirror reflective element nests in said plastic molding.