REARVIEW ASSEMBLY WITH APPLIQUE

• US 20160306250A1
• Filed: 04/19/2016
• Published: 10/20/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 04/20/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Gentex Corporation
• Original Assignee: Gentex Corporation
• Inventors: Hamlin, Bradley R., Minikey, Danny L. Jr.
• Granted Patent: US 9,995,854 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/02 Rear-view mirror arrangements periscope arrangements B60R1/10
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/06 mounted on vehicle exterior B60R1/025, B60R1/08 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/088 using a cell of electrically changeable optical characteristic, e.g. liquid-crystal or electrochromic mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 1/14 Protective coatings, e.g. hard coatings
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/153 Constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/1533 structural features not otherwise provided for

Abstract

A rearview assembly for use in a vehicle. The rearview assembly includes a rearview device operably coupled with a carrier. The rearview device includes a first substrate and a second substrate. The first substrate is disposed in front of the second substrate and includes a first surface and a second surface. The second substrate includes a third surface and a fourth surface. A bezel extends around a peripheral edge of the rearview device. A portion of the bezel extends behind the fourth surface of the second substrate. An applique is disposed over a front surface of the rearview device proximate the peripheral edge thereof. The applique includes an aesthetic design configured to closely match trim styling of an interior of the vehicle. A protective layer is disposed over the applique.

Claims

1. A rearview assembly for use in a vehicle, the rearview assembly comprising:

a rearview device operably coupled with a carrier, the rearview device including a first substrate and a second substrate, wherein the first substrate is disposed in front of the second substrate and includes a first surface and a second surface, and wherein the second substrate includes a third surface and a fourth surface;

a bezel extending around a peripheral edge of the rearview device, a portion of the bezel extending behind the fourth surface of the second substrate;

an applique disposed over a front surface of the rearview device proximate the peripheral edge thereof, the applique including an aesthetic design configured to closely match trim styling of an interior of the vehicle; and

a protective layer disposed over the applique.

2. The rearview assembly of claim 1, wherein the applique is a printed graphic applique.

3. The rearview assembly of claim 1, wherein the protective layer is a clear polymeric substrate disposed over the applique.

4. The rearview assembly of claim 3, wherein a forward edge of the bezel and a forward surface of the clear polymeric substrate are substantially co-planar.

5. The rearview assembly of claim 1, wherein a forward edge of the bezel and the first surface are substantially co-planar.

6. The rearview assembly of claim 3, wherein the clear polymeric substrate extends over both the applique and the forward edge of the bezel.

7. The rearview assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a pressure sensitive adhesive disposed between the applique and the first surface of the first substrate.

8. A rearview assembly for use in a vehicle, the rearview assembly comprising:

a rearview device operably coupled with a carrier, the rearview device including a first substrate and a second substrate, wherein the first substrate is disposed in front of the second substrate and includes a first surface and a second surface, and wherein the second substrate includes a third surface and a fourth surface;

a bezel extending around a peripheral edge of the rearview device, a portion of the bezel extending behind the fourth surface of the second substrate;

a printed graphic applique disposed over a front surface of the rearview device proximate the peripheral edge thereof, the applique including an aesthetic design configured to closely match trim styling of an interior of the vehicle; and

a substrate defining a central opening that exposes the rearview device, the substrate disposed over the applique adjacent the bezel.

9. The rearview assembly of claim 8, further comprising:

a pressure sensitive adhesive disposed between the applique and the first surface of the first substrate.

10. The rearview assembly of claim 8, wherein the substrate wraps over both the applique and a forward edge of the bezel.

11. The rearview assembly of claim 8, wherein the substrate is formed from a clear polymeric material.

12. A rearview assembly for use in a vehicle, the rearview assembly comprising:

a housing;

a carrier operably coupled with the housing and supporting a display;

a circuit board disposed in the housing and operably coupled with the display;

a rearview device operably coupled with the carrier, the rearview device disposed forward of the display; and

an applique disposed about a peripheral edge of the rearview device, proximate a first surface.

13. The rearview assembly of claim 12, further comprising:

a bezel abutting the peripheral edge of the rearview device proximate the applique.

14. The rearview assembly of claim 12, wherein the applique is a printed graphic applique that includes a trim similar to that of an interior trim of the vehicle.

15. The rearview assembly of claim 12, further comprising:

a clear overmold disposed over the applique.

16. The rearview assembly of claim 15, wherein a forward edge of the bezel and a forward surface of the clear overmold are substantially co-planar.

17. The rearview assembly of claim 13, wherein a forward face of the bezel and a front surface of the display are substantially co-planar.

18. The rearview assembly of claim 15, wherein the clear overmold extends over both the applique and a forward edge of the bezel.

19. The rearview assembly of claim 12, further comprising:

a pressure sensitive adhesive disposed between the applique and a front surface of the display.

20. The rearview assembly of claim 12, wherein the display forms a portion of an electro-optic element that is operably connected with the carrier, the electro-optic element including a first substrate and a second substrate, wherein the first substrate is disposed in front of the second substrate and includes a first surface and a second surface, and wherein the second substrate includes a third surface and a fourth surface.