IP Library › Granted Patent US 9,995,854
Granted Patent B2
US 9,995,854 · App. 15/132,849 · Granted Jun 12, 2018

Rearview assembly with applique

Inventors: Bradley R. Hamlin (Allendale, MI); Danny L. Minikey, Jr. (Fenwick, MI)
Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
G02B1/14B60R1/02B60R1/06B60R1/088G02F1/153G02F1/1533
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 9,995,854
App. No.
15/132,849
Granted
Jun 12, 2018
Kind
B2
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 (34)

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 3 , wherein a forward edge of the bezel and the first surface are substantially co-planar.

6. The rearview assembly of claim 5 , 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

a printed graphic applique disposed about a peripheral edge of the rearview device, proximate a forward surface of the rearview device.

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 13 , further comprising:

a clear overmold disposed over the applique.

15. The rearview assembly of claim 14 , wherein a forward edge of the bezel and a forward surface of the clear overmold are substantially co-planar.

16. The rearview assembly of claim 14 , wherein the clear overmold extends over both the applique and a forward edge of the bezel.

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

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Apr 19, 2016
From: HAMLIN, BRADLEY R.; MINIKEY, DANNY L., JR.
To: GENTEX CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 038322/0117 →
Continuity (2)
Provisional Application 62149936 · Apr 20, 2015
Related Publication 20160306250A1 · Oct 20, 2016