Patent Publication Number: US-2007096005-A1

Title: Interior rearview mirror assembly with polymeric components

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/887,298, filed Jul. 8, 2004, entitled INTERIOR REARVIEW MIRROR ASSEMBLY WITH POLYMERIC COMPONENTS, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 10/032,401, filed Dec. 20, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,877,709 which claims priority on U.S. provisional patent applications Ser. No. 60/317,701, filed Sep. 6, 2001, entitled REARVIEW MIRROR SUPPORT ASSEMBLY and Ser. No. 60/257,477, filed Dec. 21, 2000, entitled REARVIEW MIRROR SUPPORT ASSEMBLY, the disclosures of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      This invention relates to rearview mirrors for vehicles and, more particularly, to interior vehicular rearview mirror assemblies providing improved support capacity, versatility, vibration performance, resistance to damage, and ease of manufacture.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      Interior rearview mirror assemblies for vehicles are typically supported at the forward portion of the passenger compartment of the vehicle by a support or linkage which is most often secured either to the inside surface of the windshield or to a mounting assembly at the forward edge of the headliner on the interior vehicle roof. In either case, a mounting assembly includes a support arm connected to the rearview mirror assembly, the support arm typically including a pair of ball pivot joints allowing adjustment of the position of the rearview mirror assembly for proper vision by various vehicle drivers. A widely used, conventional support arm is that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,254,931 and includes a metallic cylindrical tube receiving a ball member at each end within a polymeric ball receiving cup, the cups and ball members being separated by a coil spring which urges the cups and ball members against the crimped outer ends of the tube for proper frictional engagement. However, these rearview mirror support arms have been difficult to manufacture and have encountered numerous drawbacks in use. For example, during high volume production of such supports, it is difficult to maintain the constant, consistent torque requirements for the ball pivot joints in order to properly support the rearview mirror assembly in its cantilevered position. Once the outer tube of the conventional support arm is crimped over at its ends, it cannot be adjusted. If the frictional resistance or torque required for pivotal movement is not correct, the assembly must be scrapped. Moreover, each support arm requires a relatively large number of parts such that the arm is expensive to manufacture. In addition, since the outer tube of such assemblies is normally formed from metal, it is necessary that the tube be properly painted to match or coordinate with the interior color of the vehicle or mirror assembly or to reduce glare. Once the assembly is properly painted, handling of the assembly during manufacture, shipping and/or installation can often damage the paint, again requiring the assembly to be discarded. Further, since the internal spring of such assemblies causes the frictional resistance at the two ball joints to be interdependent on one another, it is difficult to adjust the frictional resistance of each ball joint without affecting the resistance of the other joint. Also, because of the internal structure of the prior known support arms, it has been difficult to insert electrical wiring therethrough for connection to electrical components mounted in the rearview mirror assembly. Moreover, it has been difficult to use the support arm area for support of any additional components which add weight to the overall assembly.  
      In addition, for heavier, more complex rearview mirror assemblies, the conventionally known mounting brackets and windshield mounting members which secure the assembly to the interior surface of the vehicle windshield have been subject to failure due to the increased weight which must be supported in cantilever fashion. Over time, during the support of such heavier rearview mirror assemblies, many prior known brackets and mounting members have suffered from adhesive failure causing the assembly to drop from the windshield area.  
      Accordingly, there is a need in the vehicle industry for improved support capability and versatility for interior rearview mirror assemblies which have increased complexity and weight due to the inclusion of a greater number of added feature components, as well as improved vibration performance and ease and cost of manufacture.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention provides an improved rearview mirror assembly for vehicles. In particular, this invention provides an interior rearview mirror assembly having polymeric components including a mirror support and mounting elements with improved performance and ease of manufacture.  
      In one aspect, the invention is an interior rearview mirror assembly suitable for use in a vehicle comprising a rearview mirror mount formed from polymeric material having a first color, said rearview mirror mount adapted for attachment to one of a windshield portion of the vehicle and a header portion of the vehicle. The assembly further includes a rearview mirror housing formed from polymeric material having a second color and a reflective rearview mirror element included in the housing. The assembly further includes a rearview mirror support formed from polymeric material having a third color, as well as a first pivot element formed from a polymeric material having a fourth color, and a second pivot element formed from a polymeric material having a fifth color. The support is pivotally attached to the mirror mount by the first pivot element while the rearview mirror housing is pivotally attached to the support by the second pivot element. Each of the mirror mount, mirror support, rearview mirror housing, and first and second pivot elements is formed in its respective color by molding from polymeric material of that color.  
      In one form, the rearview mirror housing further includes at least one electrical accessory. The assembly includes electrical conductors for electrically connecting the electrical accessory to the vehicle electrical system. The conductors extend through the first and second pivot elements and the mirror support to the rearview mirror housing.  
      In other forms, the mirror mount, mirror support and mirror housing, as well as the first and second pivot elements are each formed in substantially the same color. One such color is black. Thus, the first, second, third, fourth and fifth colors may all be substantially the same.  
      In yet another form, at least two of the mirror mount, mirror support, rearview mirror housing and first and second pivot elements are molded from polymeric materials of different colors.  
      In other aspects, the support may be a hollow sleeve having a passageway therethrough communicating with openings at the opposite ends of the sleeve. Each of the opposite ends defines a socket, each end including a plurality of slots extending toward the other end and parallel to the axis to define flanges therebetween. A spring-receiving surface is included proximate each end for receiving a spring member thereon. An external spring, such as an annular split ring, is received on each spring-receiving surface to engage the flanges and confine a ball pivot member when received in the socket and to help define a pivot torque for the ball pivot member therein. Two ball pivot members may each include an aperture therethrough in communication with a passageway through the sleeve to provide an electrical wire receiving channel defined internally through the support. Alternately, electrical bus bars may be provided through or molded in the sleeve.  
      In another aspect, one of the opposite ends of the support may include a socket, the end including a plurality of slots extending toward the other end and parallel to the axis to define flanges therebetween, a spring-receiving surface proximate that end and an external spring member received on the spring-receiving surface to engage the flanges, while the opposite end includes a partially spherical exterior surface defining a ball pivot surface adapted to be received in a socket on another component of the rearview mirror assembly.  
      In another embodiment, the sleeve may include a socket at each end for receiving a ball pivot member within the passageway, the sleeve being substantially continuous along its length intermediate the opposite ends as well as circumferentially therearound, the sleeve also being sized and formed from a material having sufficient resiliency to frictionally resist pivotal movement of the ball members when received with an interference fit in the first and second sockets.  
      In any of these versions of the support, the sleeve may have a first lateral exterior dimension measured transverse to the axis at a position intermediate the opposite ends, while each of the opposite ends has a second lateral exterior dimension less than or equal to the first dimension. Preferably, the sleeve is circular in section with the first and second lateral dimensions being diameters of circular sections at spaced positions along the sleeve.  
      Additionally, in any of the support embodiments, either the sockets or the ball pivot members may include surfaces providing enhanced frictional resistance to movement of the ball pivot member when received in the socket, one example of such a surface being a plurality of micro protrusions. Stiffening inserts and/or dampening members may be included to reduce or dampen vibration. In addition, the sleeve may be rectilinear or angled such that the axis at one end extends at an angle to the axis at the other end.  
      A vehicle accessory may also be mounted or supported in the internal passageway of any of the sleeves.  
      In yet another aspect of the invention, an interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a reflective mirror element housed in a mirror housing, a first mount on the mirror housing for pivotally engaging a rearview mirror support, a second mount spaced from the first mount on the mirror housing for pivotally engaging a second rearview mirror support, and at least two rearview mirror supports, a first of the mirror supports pivotally engaging the first mount, and a second of the mirror supports pivotally engaging the second mount. Thus, the mirror housing and reflective element are adjustably supported in cantilevered position by the first and second mirror supports when mounted on the interior of a vehicle. The mirror support used in this aspect of the invention may comprise those of the invention described above, or other mirror supports. In addition, three or more mirror supports may be included and pivotally engaged with the mirror housing for greater support of the housing on the vehicle.  
      In a further aspect of the invention, a vehicle accessory mounting member or rearview mirror mount for supporting a rearview mirror assembly or other vehicle accessory includes a base having a top end, a bottom end, opposing sides, and front and rear surfaces. A pair of cooperating receiving members on the rear surface of the base slidably mount the mounting member on an attachment member secured to the interior portion of a vehicle, such as a windshield. A arm projects from the base, the mounting arm extending outwardly from a central position on the front surface of the base intermediate the top and bottom ends and having an engaging member for pivotally engaging a vehicle accessory such as a rearview mirror. A retainer or fastener for engaging and holding the mounting member to the adjustment member may be included, such as a set screw.  
      Preferably, the receiving members may include a pair of spaced slide surfaces which preferably extend from adjacent the top end to adjacent the bottom end of the rear base surface, the slide surfaces being spaced closer together at the top end and inclined inwardly toward one another for engagement with the outwardly tapered side surfaces of a wedge shaped attachment member. The slide surfaces preferably comprise a pair of spring flanges projecting outwardly from the rear base surface for resiliently engaging the attachment member. Alternately, a spaced pair of spring bands extend around the front surface of the base, one spring band mounted between the support end and top end of the base, while the other spring band is mounted between the support arm and the bottom end of the base. Each spring band has two free ends which project outwardly of the rear base surface, the free ends of said spring bands together defining said slide surfaces.  
      In a yet further embodiment of the mount, the receiving members may include frangible portions adapted to release upon application of a sufficient force to the mounting member whereby the mounting member will be released from the attachment member.  
      In another embodiment of the mount, the spring flanges may be formed on a one-piece spring member which is slidably mounted on the rear base surface and includes a top flange positioned between the spring flanges, the top flange adapted to be flexed from between the spring flanges upon mounting on the attachment member whereby the spring flanges snap into engagement with the side surfaces of the attachment member.  
      In further embodiments, the mounting member or mount and/or the mirror support/stay and the pivot joints incorporated therein may be molded from a resinous, polymeric material and include a metallic or other stiffening insert to help reduce vibration. The mounting member may also include a pivotal, securing lever for retention on the windshield attachment member.  
      Various forms of mirror stays for supporting rearview mirror assemblies or other vehicle accessories from a windshield attachment member or the header area above the windshield are provided in other aspects of the invention. These stays include a socket or ball pivot member and may include breakaway mounts for attachment to the vehicle.  
      In yet another aspect of the invention, an attachment member for supporting a rearview mirror assembly or other vehicle accessory on a windshield or other surface includes a body having front, back, top and bottom surfaces and opposing side edges. The back surface is adapted to be secured to a vehicle support surface such as a windshield. The front surface has at least one raised projection thereon defining raised contact areas for engaging mating surfaces on an accessory support member. The body is larger than the raised projection and has a shape selected from the group including a rectangle, a circle, truncated triangle, a keyhole shape, a rectangle with one rounded end, a truncated triangle with one rounded comer, a circle with oppositely extending rectangular flanges, a T, a cross, an X and an X with an additional cross member. The base may also include a series of apertures for decreasing its weight, while the raised projection may have a shape selected from the group including a circle, wedge having outwardly tapered sides, and a polygon with multiple side surfaces.  
      Accordingly, the present invention significantly eases manufacturing and lowers costs by eliminating a number of parts from the interior rearview mirror support assembly while enhancing the ability to maintain desired resistance to pivotal movement incorporated in the ball pivot joints on a high production basis. The support may be formed in many shapes, configurations and lengths, and may be solid or hollow, while the pivot force of the joint at one end of the support may be set independently of the pivot force at the opposite end by incorporating different strength external springs, different materials and different engaging surfaces on the sockets and ball pivot members. The invention further provides a greater choice of materials including resinous polymeric materials which may be molded in a desired color without requiring conventional painting procedures, or decorated and/or coated during or after molding. Moreover, the ball pivot members can be formed from differing materials such as polymeric resinous material in a desired color which may optionally match the color of the support sleeve. In addition, the present invention provides a rearview mirror support having increased stability and vibration resistance including the simultaneous use of two or more mirror support assemblies at spaced positions on the housing for the rearview mirror assembly. Further, the present invention resists adhesive failure of the support from the vehicle interior surface on which it is mounted, such as the interior windshield surface, by including an enlarged attachment member or windshield mounting button having an increased footprint for attachment to the windshield. Moreover, a vehicle accessory mounting member adapted to cooperate with such an attachment member provides a centrally located support arm which decreases the tensile or peeling force acting on the attachment member while also including a variety of forms of frangible or resilient, spring-type receiving members which engage the attachment member yet break away upon impact.  
      These and other objects, advantages, purposes and features of the invention will become more apparent from a study of the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the rearview mirror support for vehicles of the present invention;  
       FIG. 2  is an exploded, perspective view of the rearview mirror support of  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the support sleeve of the rearview mirror support of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ;  
       FIG. 4  is a sectional view of the support sleeve of  FIG. 3 ;  
       FIG. 5  is a schematic sectional view of the rearview mirror support of  FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrating the internal electrical wire channel therethrough;  
       FIG. 6  is a schematic sectional view of a modified form of the rearview mirror support showing the internal electrical wire channel therethrough;  
       FIG. 7  is a rear perspective view of a third embodiment of the rearview mirror support of the present invention mounted on a rearview mirror assembly;  
       FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of the rearview mirror support of  FIG. 7 ;  
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the rearview mirror support of the present invention;  
       FIG. 10  is an exploded perspective view of the rearview mirror support of  FIG. 9 ;  
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the support sleeve of the rearview mirror support of  FIGS. 9 and 10 ;  
       FIG. 12  is a side elevation of the support sleeve of  FIG. 11 ;  
       FIG. 13  is a side section of the support sleeve taken along plane XIII-XIII of  FIG. 12 ;  
       FIG. 14  is a schematic sectional view of the rearview mirror support of  FIGS. 9 and 10  illustrating the internal electrical wire channel therethrough;  
       FIG. 15  is a modified form of the rearview mirror support of  FIGS. 1, 2   5  and  6  also illustrating the internal electrical wire channel therethrough;  
       FIG. 16  is a sectional side elevation of yet another embodiment of the support sleeve for use in a rearview mirror support of the present invention;  
       FIG. 17  is a rear perspective view of a rearview mirror housing incorporating a pair of ball pivot sockets for receiving a pair of rearview mirror supports for supporting the housing on a vehicle;  
       FIG. 18  is a rear perspective view of the mirror housing of  FIG. 17  incorporating a pair of rearview mirror supports thereon in side-by-side fashion;  
       FIG. 19  is a modified version of the rearview mirror housing and support assemblies shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18  incorporating a pair of rearview mirror supports in over/under configuration;  
       FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a modified form of rearview mirror support adapted for use with a rearview mirror housing of the type shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18 ;  
       FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a modified rearview mirror support incorporating three sockets for ball pivot members on the rearview mirror housing;  
       FIG. 22  is a combined front elevation and bottom plan view of one form of rearview mirror housing adapted for use with the present invention;  
       FIG. 23  is a perspective view of the rear portion of the rearview mirror housing of  FIG. 22 ;  
       FIG. 24  is a rear perspective view of a front bezel or rim taken from the bottom and inside for incorporation on the rear housing portion of  FIG. 23 ;  
       FIG. 25  is a perspective view of one form of a vehicle accessory mounting member for supporting a rearview mirror or other vehicle accessory of the present invention;  
       FIG. 25A  is another perspective view of the mounting member of  FIG. 25 ;  
       FIG. 25B  is a rear perspective view of the mounting member of  FIG. 25 ;  
       FIG. 25C  is a side elevation of the mounting member of  FIG. 25 ;  
       FIG. 25D  is a sectional end elevation taken along plane XXV(D)-XXV(D) of  FIG. 25C  illustrating mounting on a wedge shaped attachment member/windshield mounting button;  
       FIG. 26  is a rear perspective view of a second embodiment of a vehicle accessory mounting member of the present invention;  
       FIG. 26A  is a rear elevation of the mounting member of  FIG. 26 ;  
       FIG. 26B  is a rear perspective view of the mounting member of  FIG. 26 ;  
       FIG. 26C  is a side elevation of the mounting member of  FIG. 26 ; and  
       FIG. 26D  is a sectional end elevation taken along plane XXVI(D)-XXVI(D) of  FIG. 26C ;  
       FIG. 26E  is a rear perspective view of third embodiment of a vehicle accessory mounting member of the present invention;  
       FIG. 26F  is a sectional view of the mounting member of  FIG. 26E  taken along plane XXVIF-XXVIF;  
       FIG. 27  is a front perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a vehicle accessory mounting member of the present invention;  
       FIG. 27A  is a rear perspective view of the mounting member of  FIG. 27 ;  
       FIG. 28  is a top perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a vehicle accessory mounting member of the present invention;  
       FIG. 28A  is a side elevation of the mounting member of  FIG. 28 ;  
       FIG. 28B  is a top plan view of the mounting member of  FIG. 28 ;  
       FIG. 28C  is a front elevation of the mounting member of  FIG. 28 ;  
       FIG. 28D  is a sectional end elevation taken along plane XXVIII(D)-XXVIII(D) of  FIG. 28C ;  
       FIG. 28E  is a sectional end elevation taken along plane XXVIH(E)-XXVIII(E) of  FIG. 28C ;  
       FIG. 29  is a front perspective view of a eighth embodiment of a vehicle accessory mounting member of the present invention;  
       FIG. 29A  is a bottom, rear perspective of the mounting member of  FIG. 29 ;  
       FIG. 29B  is a rear perspective view of a spring member adapted for insertion and receipt in the mounting member of  FIGS. 29 and 29 A;  
       FIG. 29C  is a front elevation of the mounting member of  FIG. 29  incorporating the spring member of  FIG. 29B ;  
       FIG. 29D  is a bottom elevation of the mounting member of  FIG. 29  including the spring member of  29 B;  
       FIG. 29E  is a bottom perspective view of the mounting member assembly of  FIG. 29D ;  
       FIG. 29F  is a sectional side elevation of the mounting member assembly of taken along plane XXIX(F)-XXIX(F) of  FIG. 29C ;  
       FIG. 29G  is a sectional end elevation of the mounting member assembly taken along plane XXIX(G)-XXIX(G) of  FIG. 29C ;  
       FIG. 29H  is a sectional end elevation f the mounting member assembly of  FIG. 29C  when mounted on of a wedge-shaped attachment member/windshield mounting button received between the resilient flanges of the spring member of  FIG. 29B ;  
       FIG. 291  is a subassembly of the spring member of  FIG. 29B  incorporating the attachment member/windshield button shown in  FIG. 29H  to illustrate the assembled position of the rear flanges of the spring member;  
       FIGS. 30-43A  are plan views and corresponding side elevations of various embodiments of a vehicle accessory attachment member/windshield mounting button of the present invention illustrating different shapes for both the attachment body and raised projection thereon;  
       FIGS. 44 and 44 A are a plan view and a corresponding end elevation of a wedge shaped projection for use on the vehicle accessory attachment members of  FIGS. 30-43A ; and  
       FIGS. 45 and 45 A are a plan view and a corresponding side elevation of a hexagonal projection for use on the vehicle accessory attachment members of  FIGS. 30-43A ;  
       FIG. 46  is a sectional side elevation of a further embodiment of the support sleeve for use in a rearview mirror support of the present invention;  
       FIGS. 47 and 47 A,  48 ,  48 A and  49 ,  49 A are sectional side elevations and perspective views of further embodiments of the support sleeve for use in a rearview mirror support of the present invention and the textured pivot ball members adapted for providing increased frictional resistance to pivoting;  
       FIG. 50  is a sectional side elevation of a modified form of the support sleeve for use in a rearview mirror support of the present invention including a vibration dampening member therein;  
       FIG. 51  is a sectional side elevation of yet another embodiment of the support sleeve for use in a rearview mirror support of the present invention;  
       FIG. 52  is a side elevation of an insert included in the support sleeve of  FIG. 51 ;  
       FIG. 53  is an end elevation of the insert shown in  FIG. 52 ;  
       FIG. 54  is a sectional side elevation of a further embodiment of the support sleeve for use in a rearview mirror support of the present invention;  
       FIG. 55  is a sectional end elevation of the support sleeve of  FIG. 54 ;  
       FIG. 56  is a perspective view of the support sleeve of  FIGS. 54 and 55 ;  
       FIG. 57  is a perspective view of a reinforcing insert incorporated in the support sleeve of  FIGS. 54-56 ;  
       FIG. 58  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the support sleeve for use in a rearview mirror support of the present invention;  
       FIG. 59  is an end view of the support sleeve of  FIG. 58 ;  
       FIG. 60  is a side elevation of the support sleeve of  FIGS. 58 and 59 ;  
       FIG. 61  is a perspective sectional view of the support sleeve of  FIGS. 58-60 ;  
       FIG. 62  is a front perspective view of a windshield mounted stay of the present invention for supporting a rearview mirror assembly or other vehicle accessory;  
       FIG. 63  is a rear perspective view of the stay of  FIG. 62 ;  
       FIG. 64  is a side elevation of the stay of  FIG. 62 ;  
       FIG. 65  is a rear elevation of the stay of  FIG. 62 ;  
       FIG. 66  is a sectional view of the stay of  FIG. 65  taken along plane LXVI-LXVI of  FIG. 65 ;  
       FIG. 67  is a partial sectional view of the stay of  FIG. 62  mounted on the inside surface of a windshield button of a vehicle;  
       FIG. 68  is a sectional view taken along plane LXVIII-LXVIII of  FIG. 67 ;  
       FIG. 69  is a perspective view with portions broken away showing the mounting of the stay on a windshield button;  
       FIGS. 70-72  are alternate forms of the mounting portions of the stay of  FIG. 62 ;  
       FIG. 73  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a stay for supporting a rearview mirror assembly or other vehicle accessory incorporating the present invention;  
       FIG. 74  is a front elevation of the stay of  FIG. 73 ;  
       FIG. 75  is a plan view of the stay of  FIG. 73 ;  
       FIG. 76  is a sectional view of the stay taken along plane LXXVI-LXXVI of  FIG. 75 ;  
       FIG. 77  is a perspective view of the stiffening insert incorporated in the stay of  FIGS. 73-76 ;  
       FIG. 78  is a perspective view of a yet further embodiment of a stay of the present invention for supporting a rearview mirror assembly or other vehicle accessory;  
       FIG. 79  is a side elevation of the stay of  FIG. 78 ;  
       FIG. 80  is a rear elevation of the stay of  FIG. 78 ;  
       FIG. 81  is a sectional view of the stay taken along plane LXXXI-LXXXI of  FIG. 79 ;  
       FIG. 82  is a sectional view of the stay taken along plane LXXXII-LXXXII of  FIG. 80 ;  
       FIG. 83  is a front perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a rearview mirror assembly or vehicle accessory mounting member of the present invention;  
       FIG. 84  is a sectional view of the mounting member of  FIG. 83  taken along plane LXXXIV-LXXXIV;  
       FIG. 85  is a perspective view of an insert to be integrally molded in the mounting member of  FIG. 84 ;  
       FIG. 86  is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of a rearview mirror assembly or vehicle accessory mounting member of the present invention;  
       FIG. 87  is an end elevation of the mounting member of  FIG. 86 ;  
       FIG. 88  is a side elevation of the mounting member of  FIG. 86 ;  
       FIG. 89  is a perspective view of an insert to be integrally molded within the mounting member of  FIG. 86 ;  
       FIG. 90  is a perspective view of an ninth embodiment of a rearview mirror assembly or vehicle accessory mounting member of the present invention;  
       FIG. 91  is a perspective view of a tenth embodiment of a rearview mirror assembly or vehicle accessory mounting member of the present invention;  
       FIG. 92  is a sectional side elevation of the mounting member of  FIG. 91 ;  
       FIG. 93  is a sectional end elevation of the mounting member taken along plane XCIII-XCIII of  FIG. 92 ;  
       FIG. 94  is a perspective view of the retaining lever incorporated in the mounting member of  FIG. 91 ;  
       FIG. 95  is a perspective view of an electrical indicator switch useful with the present invention;  
       FIG. 96  is a cutaway, perspective view of the switch of  FIG. 95  shown with portions cutaway;  
       FIG. 97  is a sectional view of a portion of the plunger of the switch of  FIGS. 95 and 96 ;  
       FIG. 98  is yet another embodiment of the rearview mirror support of the present invention incorporating an electrical cable or wire housing therein;  
       FIG. 98A  is an end view of the rearview mirror support of  FIG. 98 ;  
       FIG. 99  is a modified embodiment of the rearview mirror support of  FIG. 98  incorporating an electrical cable or wire housing therein on an alternate type of mirror support arm;  
       FIG. 99A  is an end view of the rearview mirror support of  FIG. 99 ;  
       FIG. 100  is a further modified embodiment of the rearview mirror support of the present invention incorporating a cable or wire housing; and  
       FIG. 100A  is an end view of the rearview mirror support of  FIG. 100 . 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
      Referring now to the drawings in greater detail,  FIGS. 1-5  illustrate a first embodiment  10  of the rearview mirror support of the present invention. Rearview mirror support  10  includes a support member preferably comprising a hollow, substantially continuous rearview mirror support element or sleeve  12  having a pair of spaced sockets  14 ,  16 , one at each opposing end of the sleeve. Each socket is adapted to receive a spherical ball pivot member from a component of the overall rearview mirror assembly.  
      For example, socket  14  is adapted to receive ball pivot member  20  formed integrally with a rearview mirror mounting member, channel mount or mount  18  which can be of a variety of forms as explained more fully below. A spring member  22  is received on the exterior of socket  14  to help retain ball pivot member  20  in the socket and provide a predetermined frictional resistance to pivotal movement, i.e., a predetermined torque force required for pivoting the ball member in the socket. Similarly, at the opposite end of sleeve  12 , socket  16  is adapted to receive ball pivot member  26  formed integrally with a toggle actuator  24  which is adapted to be pivotally received within a rearview mirror housing of a rearview mirror assembly. Once again, an external spring member  28  is adapted to be received on the exterior of socket  16  to help retain ball member  26  within the socket and provide a predetermined frictional resistance to pivotal movement or torque force for pivoting.  
      As is best seen in  FIG. 3 , sleeve  12  is preferably molded in one piece from a resinous polymeric material to provide strength and rigidity such as glass filled nylon (preferably comprising within the range of between about 5 and 30 percent glass), glass filled polypropylene (preferably comprising within the range of between about 5 and 30 percent glass), and Delrin acetal. Sleeve  12  is preferably tubular and generally cylindrical in shape and has a central axis A extending through a central passageway  30  which communicates with conically shaped end openings  32 ,  34  at the opposite ends of the sleeve. As shown in  FIG. 4 , passageway  30  may be formed with two conically shaped sections each joining the other at the midpoint of the sleeve with each section narrowing from its respective opening to the mid section. The exterior surface of sleeve  12  includes generally cylindrical sockets  14 ,  16  of a predetermined exterior diameter and a recessed central section  36  having a series of preferably four longitudinally extending strengthening ribs  38  extending parallel to central axis A. At a position proximate the end edge of each conically shaped opening  32 ,  34 , on the exterior surface of each respective socket  14 ,  16 , is a recessed external, spring-receiving surface  40 ,  42 , respectively, which is preferably annular and is adapted to receive an annular spring member such as split ring  22  or  28  mentioned above. On the interior of each socket member  14 ,  16 , is a partially spherical surface  44 ,  46  which may optionally include an annular raised rib or ridge  48 ,  50  in order to increase the frictional resistance to movement when a ball pivot member such as that shown in phantom at  26  in  FIG. 4  is received in the socket.  
      Preferably, each socket  14 ,  16  also includes a series of preferably eight slots  52 ,  54  extending inwardly from the outer edges of end openings  32 ,  34  in a direction parallel to central axis A, as is best seen in  FIG. 3 . Slots  52 ,  54  allow the individual segments or flanges  55 ,  57  at the ends of sockets  14 ,  16  which are separated by such slots to flex outwardly to receive pivot ball member  20  or  26  and to flex inwardly under the tight engagement of annular spring member  22 ,  28  to retain the ball pivot member in the socket and to tightly engage the socket with the ball member for proper frictional resistance to pivotal movement.  
      Preferably, annular spring members  22 ,  28  are received on annular surfaces  40 ,  42  after ball pivot members  20 ,  26  on adjacent components of the rearview mirror assembly are pressed into sockets  14 ,  16 , respectively. Spring members  22 ,  28  can be flat, round or circular in section and are preferably circular in overall shape, although spring members having a polygonal shape, such as hexagonal, or other shapes could also be used. Preferably, each spring member is split and has a predetermined compression force which acts on the ends of the socket flanges between slots  52 ,  54  when the split ring is received thereover. Preferably, split ring spring members  22 ,  28  are formed from metal including steel, or a polymeric material such as nylon, glass-filled nylon, acetal, or ABS plastic. A suitable spring is a clamp ring formed from rounded edge, flat, low carbon steel wire (SAE 1075 steel) obtained from Grand Rapids Spring and Stamp Company of Grand Rapids, Mich., under Part No. 4000573.  
      When ball pivot members  20 ,  26  are of the same size or diameter, sockets  14 ,  16  are identical in size and split rings  22 ,  28  will be identical. However, sockets  14 ,  16  may be of different sizes with one being oversized to provide additional surface area to frictionally resist pivotal movement for support of heavier rearview mirror assemblies, if desired. Likewise, the materials of rearview mirror support element or sleeve  12  and ball pivot members  20 ,  26  may be altered to increase or decrease the torque force or frictional resistance to pivotal movement as desired for support of the rearview mirror assembly in question, while the socket size may also be determined for an interference fit with the ball size. In addition, the surfaces  44 ,  46  of sockets  14 ,  16  and the exterior surfaces of the ball pivot members  20 ,  26  may be altered for enhanced frictional resistance to movement of the ball pivot member when received in the socket, such as by providing a plurality of micro protrusions on either the socket surface  44 ,  46  or the exterior surface of the ball pivot member itself. In addition, ball pivot members  20 ,  26  may be either formed from metal, such as die cast zinc or sintered powdered metal, or molded from a resinous polymeric material, such as nylon, glass-filled nylon, ABS plastic, or glass-filled polypropylene, and formed integrally with either rearview mirror mount or mounting member  18  or toggle actuator  24  from a day/night rearview mirror assembly. When ball pivot members  20 ,  26  are molded with their respective rearview mirror assembly components, they may be color matched to the color of rearview mirror support element or sleeve  12  such that all three are black or another desired color or substantially similar color such as gray, tan, brown, burgundy, green, or other colors, thereby obviating the need for painting any of these components. Avoiding the painting step not only reduces cost for manufacture of the present rearview mirror support, but reduces the risk of damage to the support during manufacture, shipping, or installation, thereby reducing the number of assemblies which must be discarded or scrapped. Likewise, rearview mirror mount or mounting member  18 , toggle actuator  24  as well as any rearview mirror housing in which the toggle actuator is mounted, such as housings  84  or  210  described below, may each be molded from a resinous polymeric material of a desired color, and color matched to rearview mirror support element or sleeve  12  and ball pivot members  20 ,  26  such that all are black or another desired color or substantially similar color such as those mentioned above, or others. Alternately, if desired, one, two or more of these various components may be molded or formed from polymeric material of a color or colors different from one or more of the remaining components. For example, the rearview mirror mount or mounting member  18 , rearview mirror support element or sleeve  12  and rearview mirror housing  84  or  210  can be tan while ball pivot members  20 ,  26  and toggle actuator  24  can be black or burgundy. Alternately, as a further example, rearview mirror mount or mounting member  18  and rearview mirror support element or sleeve  12  can be tan while the remaining components are brown, or black or another color. Further, each component may be molded from a polymeric material having a color different from each other component. Alternately, the rearview mirror support element or sleeve may be coated and/or decorated during or after molding as desired. Use of split spring members  22 ,  28  also allows the rearview mirror support  10  to be disassembled for repair or service as desired by removing the split ring and withdrawing the ball pivot members  20  and  26  from their respective sockets for repair or replacement.  
      As will also be understood from  FIGS. 4 and 5 , ball pivot members  20 ,  26  may include apertures  56 ,  58  extending therethrough which communicate not only with passageway  30  extending through rearview mirror support element or sleeve  12  but also the interior of the rearview mirror assembly through toggle actuator  24  and through the interior of rearview mirror mounting member, channel mount or mount  18 . Thus, one or more electrical conductors or wires E ( FIG. 5 ) can be extended from the vehicle electrical system downwardly from the interior header or roof area of the vehicle along windshield W to opening  19  in the upper end of mounting member  18  ( FIGS. 2 and 5 ) through rearview mirror mounting member or mount  18 , aperture  56 , passageway  30  and aperture  58  to the interior of the rearview mirror assembly being supported for supplying electricity to one or more electrical components secured within the mirror assembly. It will, therefore, be understood that rearview mirror support  10  defines an internal electrical wire or conductor channel which is concealed from the exterior of the support while confining and protecting the electrical conductors therein even while ball pivot members  20 ,  26  are pivoted for adjustment of the position of the rearview mirror assembly.  
      Alternately, sleeve  12  may include one or more brass, metallic, or other electrically conductive electrical bus bars which, preferably, are insert molded within the sleeve to extend from one end to the other either internally or externally. Such bus bars preferably would have a surface exposed at each end of sleeve  12  for connection to another component of the rearview mirror assembly, or to an electrical connector and wire/conductor to provide electricity through the sleeve.  
      With reference to  FIG. 6 , an alternate embodiment  10 ′ of the rearview mirror support is shown which is similar in substantially all respects to embodiment  10  and wherein like numerals indicated like parts. However, support  10 ′ includes a modified sleeve  12 ′ which is tubular but has differing cross sections at the central and end portions. More specifically, sleeve  12 ′ includes a central section  60  having a lateral exterior dimension of a predetermined size measured transverse to the central axis which is preferably larger than that of sleeve  12  and provides an interior space  61  which may be used to house or support other vehicle accessories as described below. In addition, sleeve  12 ′ includes recessed opposing ends  62 ,  64  which may be of the same or differing lateral exterior dimension as compared to one another. Preferably, sleeve  12 ′ is circular in section such that the dimensions of sections  60 ,  62 , and  64  are diameters. Alternately, the sleeve may have varying sectional shapes such as triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal or the like. In addition, as shown in phantom in  FIG. 6 , the inside dimensions of the sockets at either end may extend substantially continuously across the entire length of sleeve  12 ′ such that the walls of central section  60  are thicker than recessed sections  62 ,  64  for added strength and rigidity such that internal passageway  30  is substantially uniform across the entire length of sleeve  12 ′. As mentioned above, the materials from which sleeve  12 ′ is preferably molded may be selected to enhance the rigidity, natural resiliency and/or strength of the sleeve member as desired.  
      Support  10  or  10 ′ also provides a suitable support area to which other vehicle accessories may be attached or secured such as microphones, camera systems, antennas, cell phone connections or plugs, magneto/compasses, theft alarm systems, headlight dimming sensors, rain sensor systems, and other electronic equipment. As shown in  FIG. 6 , a vehicle accessory  70  may be mounted or secured within interior area  61  of central section  60 . For example, a radio or cell phone antenna, one of various sensors, a video accessory or another electrical accessory could be included. Suitable video accessories, which could be used with the supports of the present invention, are disclosed in copending, commonly owned, U.S. provisional applications entitled “VIDEO MIRROR SYSTEMS INCORPORATING AN ACCESSORY MODULE”, Ser. No. 60/243,986, filed Oct. 27, 2000; “VIDEO MIRROR SYSTEMS, Ser. No. 60/238,483, filed Oct. 6, 2000; “VIDEO MIRROR SYSTEMS”, Ser. No. 60/237,077, filed Sep. 29, 2000; “VIDEO MIRROR SYSTEMS”, Ser. No. 60/234,412, filed Sep. 21, 2000; “INTERIOR REARVIEW MIRROR ASSEMBLY INCORPORATING A VIDEO SCREEN”, Ser. No. 60/218,336, filed Jul. 14, 2000; and “INTERIOR REARVIEW MIRROR ASSEMBLY INCORPORATING A VIDEO SCREEN”, Ser. No. 60/186,520, filed Mar. 2, 2000, which were consolidated into one application and have now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,690,268, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , a further modified embodiment  80  of the rearview mirror support is shown wherein like numerals indicate like parts to those in embodiments  10  and  10 ′. In embodiment  80 , a rearview mirror assembly  82  including a molded resinous plastic housing  84  of a desired color includes a rear surface  86  through which extends a generally spherical ball pivot member  88  projecting outwardly from a toggle actuator similar to that shown at  24  in embodiments  10  and  10 ′ which is pivotally mounted within the housing. A modified sleeve  90  is included in the rearview mirror support for rearview mirror assembly  82  and includes sockets  92 ,  94  which are substantially similar to sockets  14 ,  16  described above. In this case, however, sleeve  90  includes a curved or bent central section  96  such that the central axis of sockets  92 ,  94  extend at an obtuse angle to one another. Accordingly, when socket  92  receives ball pivot member  100  from mounting member/channel mount  98  therein, and ball pivot member  88  is received in socket  94  with split rings  22 ,  28  received over sockets  92 ,  94  for retention of the ball pivot member therein as explained above for embodiments  10  and  10 ′, socket  92  will extend parallel to the support for ball pivot member  100  on mounting member  98  while rearview mirror assembly  82  will be supported in an upright, cantilevered position for viewing by the driver of the vehicle on ball pivot member  88  taking into account the angle of incline of the windshield from which mounting member  98  is supported. Like sleeve  12 ,  12 ′, sleeve  90  may be solid or include an internal passageway for electrical conductors, or include integral, molded in or other electrical bus bars.  
      Referring now to  FIGS. 9-14 , a fourth embodiment  110  of the rearview mirror support is shown wherein like numerals indicate like parts to those set forth in embodiments  10 ,  10 ′ and  80 . Support  110  includes a hollow, substantially continuous sleeve  112  preferably molded from the same resinous polymeric materials set forth above for embodiment  10  and includes a socket  114  at its forward end and a partially spherical exterior surface  116  at its opposite rearward end forming a ball pivot member. Socket  114  is substantially similar in all respects to sockets  14  and  16  described above and is adapted to receive ball pivot member  20  formed integrally with mounting member/channel mount  18  therein with split ring  22  received over socket  14  for retention of the ball pivot member therein in the manner described above. Ball pivot member  116  is adapted to be received in a socket  122  formed integrally with a modified toggle actuator  24 ′. Socket  122  is similar in all respects to sockets.  14 ,  16  described above and receives a split ring  28  thereover for retention of ball pivot member  116  within the socket. Sleeve  112  includes a center or intermediate section  124  which is conically shaped and extends from a first diameter at the inside end of socket  114  to a smaller diameter at ball pivot member  116  as is best seen in  FIGS. 10-13 . A series of gussets or ribs  126  may be included between socket  114  and central section  124  for added strength. A through passageway  128  extends from the opening at ball pivot member  116  through the entire length of sleeve  112  to the opening at socket  114  for receipt of electrical wires or conductors in the manner described above and as shown in  FIG. 14 . In this regard, the electrical conductors E will pass through passageway  128  from a through aperture in toggle actuator  24 ′ into passageway  56  in mounting member  18  and out of the mounting member through opening  19  to the vehicle electrical system in the manner described above. Alternately, molded in electrical bus bars may be included in sleeve  112 . Accordingly, in its various embodiments, the sleeve of the rearview mirror support invention herein my include sockets or a socket and ball member on opposite ends or combinations thereof as desired for the particular rearview mirror assembly to be supported.  
      As shown in  FIG. 15 , a fifth embodiment  140  of the rearview mirror support of the present invention is shown wherein like parts are indicated by like numerals to those described above in connection with previous embodiments. Support  140  includes a modified continuous sleeve  142  similar to sleeve  12 ′ described above in connection with embodiment  10 ′ but eliminating the annular surfaces on the exterior of end sections  144 ,  146  and eliminating the use of an external spring member or split ring as in the previous embodiments. Sleeve  142  includes a central section  148  having a predetermined diameter with end sections  142 ,  146  having reduced diameters. Each end section  142 ,  146  includes a socket of the type shown in  FIG. 16  for receiving a ball pivot member such as  20  or  26  therein but without the need for a split ring or annular spring member therearound for retention purposes. In this regard, the material of sleeve  142  is selected to be sufficiently stiff but naturally resilient to allow the pivot ball member to be pressed into the partially spherical surfaces  143 ,  147  formed within the sockets for retention of the ball pivot members and providing sufficient frictional resistance to pivotal movement for proper retention of rearview mirror assemblies thereby. Sleeve  142  includes a central passageway  150  therein through which an electrical conductor or wire E may be passed from mounting member  18  and ball pivot member  20  to ball pivot-member  26  and toggle actuator  24  to the interior of the supported rearview mirror assembly in the manner described above. Alternately, sleeve  142  may include electrical bus bars which preferably are molded in the sleeve. The interior area of central section  148  which defines a portion of passageway  150  may also house or support a vehicle accessory  70  as described above in support  10 ′ of  FIG. 6 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 16 , an alternate version  142 ′ of sleeve  142  is substantially cylindrical and tubular in form and includes a substantially rectilinear inner passageway  150 ′ in which socket surfaces  143 ,  147  are formed in the manner described above. Again, the material, wall thickness, shape and overall size of the sleeve are selected to provide the proper frictional resistance to pivotal movement and support for the rearview mirror assembly as needed.  
      In any of the support embodiments, described herein, sleeve  12 ,  12 ′,  90 ,  112 ,  142  or  142 ′ may also be solid with the passageway  30 ,  128 ,  150  therethrough eliminated. In such case, sockets in one or both ends such as at  14 ,  16 , or ball pivot surfaces such as that at  116  at one or both ends, or a socket at one end and a ball pivot surface at the other end, may be included. When sockets are included in the solid support, they preferably would include internal spherical surfaces such as  44 ,  46 , and may optionally include external spring members  22 ,  28 , slots  52 ,  54 , flanges  55 ,  57 , and conical openings  32 ,  34 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 46 , a further embodiment  600  of the rearview mirror support (that is preferably formed of a polymeric resin such as by injection molding) of the present invention is shown including a modified continuous sleeve  602  including a socket  604  adjacent one end for receiving a ball pivot member preferably compression fitted therein for an interference fit within the socket as described above, and a socket  606  at the other end for similarly receiving a ball pivot member from a rearview mirror assembly component as shown in phantom. Preferably, as shown in  FIG. 46 , sockets  604 ,  606  each have a cross-sectional shape which is slightly different from that of a generally spherical ball pivot member. The diameter of sleeve  602  at left end  602   a  is larger than the diameter of end  602   b  such that that the wall thickness of the tube adjacent socket  604  is greater than the wall thickness adjacent socket  606 . This provides a difference in torque or frictional resistance to pivotal movement of the ball member based on an interference fit between the ball pivot member received in socket  604  and that received in socket  606 . Assuming end  602   a  of the sleeve  602  is mounted closer to the windshield when the support is used in a vehicle, the wall thickness will be greater adjacent the windshield to provide a greater torque for the ball pivot member received in socket  604  than that received in socket  606 . Accordingly, adjustment of the ball pivot member in socket  606  is easier than that for socket  604  thereby preventing undesired adjustment of the major position of sleeve  602  at the windshield end when the rearview mirror assembly is adjusted by means of the ball pivot member received in socket  606 .  
      Another way of achieving a desired pivotal resistance and adjustment torque is through the provision of textured ball pivot members and/or socket surfaces having a textured functionality such as by having textures, stipples or protrusions therein. For example, as shown in  FIG. 47 , a molded plastic support element or sleeve  610 , such as any of those described above, may include sockets  612 ,  614  at opposite ends, each socket including a saw tooth surface comprising small, rigid, upstanding ridges or sharp protrusions. The pivot ball member  616  adapted to be received within socket  612  or  614  has a corresponding saw tooth surface as shown in  FIGS. 47 and 47 A. Each ridge or protrusion preferably has a height of from about 0.0001 to about 0.05 inches; more preferably from about 0.005 to about 0.01 inches; most preferably from about 0.001 to about 0.005 inches.  
      Alternately, as shown in  FIGS. 48 and 48 A, a modified rearview mirror support element or sleeve  610 ′, preferably formed from polymeric material as described below, may include sockets  612 ′ and  614 ′, each of which includes a pair of spaced, annular ridges or sharp projections  618 . In this version, a ball pivot member  616 ′ includes cross hatching on its surface as best seen in  FIG. 48A  for mating with the sharp protrusions  618  to provide greater resistance to pivotal movement of the ball member within the socket as desired. In this embodiment, annular ridges  618  preferably have a height of from about 0.005 to about 0.01 inches; most preferably from about 0.001 to about 0.005 inches.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 49 and 49 A, yet another version of rearview mirror support sleeve  610 ″ includes sockets  612 ″ and  614 ″ each of which includes annular recesses  622  therein adapted to mate with small protrusions or micro texturing of the surface of ball pivot member  624 . Once again, receipt of the protrusions on ball pivot  624  in the recesses  622  of socket  612 ″,  614 ″ provides increased frictional resistance to pivotal movement of the ball member in the socket. The amount of resistance is dependent upon the size of the protrusions or micro protrusions and recesses formed on the ball member and in the sockets. Preferably, the protrusions have a height of from about 0.005 to about 0.01 inches; most preferably from about 0.001 to about 0.005 inches, and a diameter or width in the range of from about 0.0005 to about 0.01 inches, and are spaced apart by a distance in the range of from about 0.0005 to about 0.01 inches.  
      The above techniques for modifying and adjusting the frictional resistance to pivotal movement of the ball pivot members in the sockets of the rearview mirror support sleeves may be used in any of the embodiments of the support sleeve described herein. Preferably, the torque or frictional resistance to pivotal movement at the end of the support sleeve at the windshield or channel mount end of the sleeve is higher than the frictional resistance to pivotal movement at the end adjacent the rearview mirror assembly. For example, the ratio of the torque at the windshield or channel mount end to the torque at the mirror assembly end is preferably at least about 2 to 1, and more preferably at least about 3 to 1. The desired torque ranges for the windshield/channel mount end are in the range of about 0.8 to about 3.6 Newton-meters. For the mirror assembly end of the sleeve, the desired torque range is from about 0.6 to about 3.2 Newton-meters. The channel mount or windshield end preferably has a minimum of 0.11 Newton-meter greater torque than the mirror assembly end. The difference in torque allows adjustment of the ball pivot member at the mirror assembly end without necessarily adjusting the position of the channel mount or windshield end of the sleeve.  
      Other methods for increasing or decreasing the frictional resistance to pivotal movement in the interference fit between the ball pivot member and sockets of the sleeves of the present invention are by providing one or both surfaces with different materials such as co-injected materials, or by providing coatings such as a grease coating or titanium nitride coating for modifying the frictional resistance to pivotal movement.  
      As an example, the rearview mirror support sleeve or tube may be an extruded tube from Ultraform H4320 or Ultraform N2320003, available from BASF of Mount Olive, N.J., which comprises a nylon resin material. Other polymeric (including copolymer) materials can be used, including those with additives included. Through the addition of additives to such materials, the smoothness of the material can be reduced. Acetals which are smooth and self lubricating, may also be used to form the mirror support sleeve. Alternately, the tube may be formed from polypropylene or a polyphenylene oxide (PPO). Further, the tube may be extruded from a material such as Delrin available from I.E. DuPont of Wilmington, Del., that comprises an acetal resin material.  
      With reference to  FIG. 50 , a further embodiment  630  of the rearview mirror support of the present invention includes a molded plastic, rectilinear, cylindrical sleeve or tube  631  having a socket  632  at the windshield or channel mount end and a socket  634  at the mirror assembly end. Sockets  632 ,  634  are designed to receive ball pivot members therein with an interference fit and a desired frictional resistance to pivotal movement using one or more of the methods described above. In addition, sleeve  631  includes a vibration reducing or dampening element inserted or incorporated in the tube such as a cork, foam (such as polystyrene foam), thermoplastic elastomer, or urethane dampening plug or member  636  press-fitted within the inner diameter of the tube or adhered therein centrally between sockets  632 ,  634  with a suitable adhesive and/or mechanically. Alternately, dampening member  636  could be co-injected with sleeve  631  from the same or a different material rather than separately formed and inserted into the tube after formation of the tube.  
      Support  631  is adapted to provide improved vibration performance. For example, the natural frequency of the mirror assembly to be supported is preferably either less than or greater than the natural frequency of the overall vehicle in which it is mounted. As an example, the natural vibration frequency of a vehicle traveling down a highway is often within the range of between about 40 hertz to 50 hertz. If the natural frequency of the mirror assembly is different than that of the vehicle, the mirror assembly will not vibrate in unison with the vehicle. Preferably, the mirror assembly has a higher frequency, such as at least in the range of between about 50 hertz to 60 hertz, preferably greater than 60 hertz, more preferably greater than 80 hertz, and most preferably greater than 100 hertz. However, with the provision of a dampener  636  in sleeve  631 , vibration is reduced due to the inclusion of the vibration absorbing material.  
      Alternately, the stiffness of the rearview mirror support can be increased thereby reducing vibration by including metal or other inserts molded within the support sleeve. As shown in  FIGS. 51, 52  and  53 , a molded plastic rearview mirror support sleeve  640  similar to the support sleeves described above, may include a metallic, cylindrical honeycomb sleeve  642  insert molded centrally within the wall of the tube as shown in  FIG. 51 . In this example, honeycomb sleeve  642  has a length sufficient to extend from approximately the midpoint of socket  644  to the midpoint of socket  646  along the central portion of sleeve  640 . Alternately, insert  642  may be formed from magnesium, zinc, steel or the like and may be solid or have an open, framework design. Molded in inserts such as the honeycomb insert  642  dampen the amplitude of the vibration of the sleeve. For a given frequency, reduction in the amplitude causes the vibration to be less noticeable. In addition, the sleeve itself may be formed from an engineered material such as mineral filled resin, including mineral filled nylon having a filler of glass or carbon.  
      An alternate form of the rearview mirror support sleeve is shown at  650  in  FIGS. 54-57 . Like sleeve  640 , sleeve  650  is a molded plastic tube which incorporates an insert  652  molded therein and formed from metallic or other rods having a generally cylindrical shape as shown in  FIG. 57 . Insert  652  may be made from steel, brass, aluminum, magnesium or zinc and includes a plurality of longitudinally extending rods  654  secured such as by welding to annual rings  656  at opposite ends of the rods  654 . Like the other sleeves described above, support  650  includes sockets  658 ,  659  at opposite ends thereof for receipt of ball pivot members with an interference fit. Insert ring  656  at either end are positioned adjacent the ends of the sleeve outward of the sockets  658 ,  659  in order to help retain ball pivot members within the sockets when fitted therein.  
      With reference to  FIGS. 58-61 , yet another embodiment  670  of the rearview mirror or vehicle accessory support sleeve of the present invention is shown. Sleeve  670  is preferably molded from a polymeric material such as those described above, including polybutylene terepthalate (PBT), calcium carbonate polypropylene or polypropylene. Sleeve  670  is molded in one piece and includes a center section  672  having a cylindrical outer surface, a windshield or channel mount end  674  having a conical outer surface, and a tapered mirror assembly end  676  also having a conical outer surface having a taper which is larger than that for section  674 . Conical, tapered end section  674  includes plurality of four axially extending slots  678  spaced equidistantly therearound, while conical end  676  includes four equidistantly spaced slots  680 . Just as in other embodiments of the support sleeve, slots  678 ,  680  divide conical sections  674 ,  676  into segments or flanges which can individually flex and pivot to allow the compression fitting therein of ball pivot members for an interference fit in sockets  682 ,  684 , respectively. As in other sleeve embodiments, the inside diameter of the end openings  686 ,  688 , are flared or tapered outwardly to facilitate compression fitting of the ball pivot members within the sockets. As will be best seen in  FIGS. 59-61 , sleeve  670  includes an internal passageway  689  extending between sockets  682 ,  684  having a varied diameter which reduces from the size of the larger socket  682  to that of the smaller socket  684 . Socket  682  is adapted to receive a larger pivot ball member from a channel mount or header mount at the windshield end of the sleeve while smaller socket  684  is adapted to receive a smaller ball pivot member projecting outwardly from the back of a rearview mirror assembly. The larger size of socket  682 , receiving the correspondingly larger sized ball pivot member, provides a greater frictional resistance to pivotal movement than does the smaller socket  684 , thereby allowing adjustment of the mirror assembly in socket  684  without changing the position of the sleeve on the ball pivot member received in the windshield end of the sleeve, and also enabling support of heavier, more complex rearview mirror assemblies.  
      Any of the materials described above can be used for sleeve  670  which is preferably molded in one piece. The continuous internal passageway  689  allows the passage of electrical wiring therethrough as in other embodiments of the sleeve for connection to electrical accessories within the mirror assembly from the electrical wiring of the vehicle on which it is mounted. By changing the length of slots  678 ,  680 , in addition to selecting the material of the sleeve  670 , the clamping force on each of the pivot ball members received in sockets  682 ,  684  maybe adjusted as desired. The oversized central section  672  intermediate conical sections  674 ,  676  increases the overall stiffness of the sleeve to help reduce vibration amplitude and increase vibration performance.  
      As shown in  FIG. 98 , any of the above-described rearview mirror supports such as those of embodiments  10 ,  10 ′,  80 ,  110 ,  140 ,  142 ′,  600 ,  610 ,  610 ′,  610 ″,  630 ,  640 ,  650  or  670  may include an integral wire-way or wiring conduit (such as an integral electrical wiring or cable housing) thereon as shown in embodiment  1000  of the rearview mirror support. In this version, embodiment  1000  includes a mirror support arm of the type described above herein extending between a ball pivot joint  1002  at the interior end  1004  (i.e. closest to windshield  1009 ) of a mirror mount  1006  adapted to be removably mounted on mirror mounting button  1008  on the interior surface of windshield  1009 . The opposite end of mirror support arm  1000  includes or receives a ball pivot member  1010  allowing a rearview mirror assembly  1012  similar to those described above to be adjustably mounted at the interior end of support arm  1000 . Support arm  1000  is preferably hollow and includes a pair of sockets at opposite ends as described above or, alternately, a socket and a formed ball member thereon also as described above. In either case, the exterior surface of the support arm includes an elongated, hollow cable-way or housing  1014  attached to the exterior of the support arm or integrally molded therewith. As shown in  FIG. 98 , electrical wiring E from a conventional wire harness in a vehicle extends downwardly from the roof or header area at the top of the windshield to the position of the mirror mount  1006  and along the exterior of the mirror mount to the location of an electrical connector  1016 . A separate cable or electrical wire  1018  extends from an electronic circuit board within rearview mirror assembly  1012  out of the rear of the mirror housing through the hollow cableway or housing  1014  to connector  1016  where it is joined to the electrical system of the vehicle for operation of the electrical circuit board  1022 , electrochromic rearview mirror element  1024 , and any other electrical accessories within the mirror assembly. Alternately, wires E and  1018  could also extend through mount  1006  and/or pivot joints  1002 ,  1010  as described above, as well as through housing  1014 . Thus, housing  1014  shields, hides from view, protects and locates the electrical wiring therewithin along the exterior of the mirror support arm and provides a location for convenient connection to the electrical system of the vehicle.  
      As shown in  FIG. 99 , where like numerals indicate like parts to those in  FIG. 98 , a modified form of the mirror support arm  1000 ′ may also include an integral, hollow cable housing or cableway  1014 ′. In this version, mirror support arm  1000 ′ is of the type including ball pivot members  1002 ′ and  1010 ′ inserted within the opposing ends of the hollow tube forming the support arm, which tube ends are crimped or formed over against the ball members to retain them therein. A spring  1020  is included on the interior of the support arm between the ball pivot members to urge them outwardly against the crimped ends of the tube so that the ball members will have a sufficient frictional resistance to pivotal movement. Cable/wire housing  1014 ′ shields, guides and locates the electrical wiring extending therethrough in the same manner as described above for housing  1014 .  
      Note that the integral wire-way of the present invention (such as cable/wire housing  1014  or  1014 ′) can be, preferably, molded integrally with the injection molding of a polymeric mirror support arm (or the hollow tube thereof). Optionally, this integral wire-way can be molded of a different polymeric resin than that of the mirror support arm (such as, for example, molding the wire-way housing from polypropylene resin and molding the support arm from acetal or filled-nylon, preferably in a co-injection molding operation). Also, the wire-way housing can include a flap element that comprises a living hinge, as known in the polymer design arts, allowing the integral cableway housing to be opened along its length along the mirror support arm, and allowing the wiring/cables to be inserted, and then closing the flap portion of the housing along and around the wiring/cable (preferably, with a mechanical snap-closure, that is reopenable should it be desired to remove the wiring/cabling).  
      Alternately, a wiring/cabling receiving trough or recess can be molded along the length of a polymeric mirror support arm that is adapted to receive wiring/cabling, and a separate cover element (preferably molded of a thermoplastic polymer resin such as polypropylene or polyethylene) can be provided that attaches (such as by detachable snaps or similar mechanical fasteners) to the mirror support arm in order to further retain the wires/cables in the trough/recess, and to at least substantially hide them from view.  
      Thus, and referring to  FIG. 100 a  mirror support arm  2000  of the type described above herein extends between a ball pivot joint  2002  at the interior end  2004  (i.e., closest to the windshield  2009 ) of a mirror mount  2006  adapted to be removably mounted on mirror mounting button  2008  on the interior surface of windshield  2009 . Support arm  2000  typically will be solid and molded from resinous polymeric material. The opposite end of mirror support arm  2000  includes or receives a ball pivot member  2010  allowing a rearview mirror assembly  2012  similar to those described above to be adjustably mounted at the interior end of support arm  2000 . Support arm  2000  preferably includes a pair of sockets at opposite ends as described above, or alternately, a socket and a formed ball member thereon also as described above. In either case, the exterior surface of the support arm includes an elongated trough or recess  2015  molded in support  2000 , defined by side walls and a bottom surface, and into which an electrical cable or wire  2018  is fitted. An elongated, hollow cable-way, wire cover, or housing  2014  is removably attached to the exterior of the support arm over recess  2015 . Wire cover  2014  includes a snap fastener  2011  on one edge extending along and attaching to one edge of recess  2015 , and another snap fastener  2012  on its opposite edge extending along and attaching to the opposing edge of recess  2015 . Cover  2014  may thus be snap fitted over recess  2015  after wiring  2018  is placed in the trough and removed as desired for repair and the like. Alternately, cover  2014  may be pivotally attached over trough  2015  such as by a living hinge as described above.  
      As also shown in  FIG. 100 , electrical wiring  2018  from a conventional wire harness E in a vehicle extends downwardly from the roof or header area at the top of the windshield to the position of the mirror mount  2006  and along the exterior of the mirror mount, into trough  2015 , and into the back of rearview mirror assembly  2012  through the hollow cableway or housing  2014  to a connector  2016  inside mirror assembly  2012  for connection to electronic circuit board  2020 , electrochromic rearview mirror element  2022 , and/or other electrical accessories. Housing  2014  is fitted over recess  2015  and shields, hides from view, protects and locates the electrical wiring therewithin along the exterior of the mirror support arm, and may also provide a location for convenient connection to the electrical system of the vehicle.  
      With reference to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , a plurality of rearview mirror supports such as those described above in embodiments  10 ,  10 ′,  80 ,  110 ,  140 ,  142 ′,  600 ,  610 ,  610 ′,  610 ″,  630 ,  640 ,  650 ,  670 ,  1000 ,  1000 ′ or  2000  may be used to support a rearview mirror assembly. As shown in  FIG. 17 , a modified rearview mirror assembly  82 ′ may include a pair of horizontally aligned, side-by-side molded polymeric sockets, each of which is substantially similar to sockets  14 ,  16  described above. Sockets  160 ,  162  are each adapted to receive an annular spring member such as split ring  22  or  28  as shown in  FIG. 18 . Each socket  160 ,  162  is adapted to receive the ball pivot member  116  of a rearview mirror support  110  therein after which split rings  22  or  28  are assembled over the sockets to retain the ball members therein. Rearview mirror supports  110  are then each secured to a suitable attachment member mounted side-by-side on an interior windshield surface for increased support of the rearview mirror assembly  82 ′ which may include a number of electrical or other added-feature components therein increasing its weight over conventionally known rearview mirror assemblies. The dual support provided by the pair of rearview mirror supports  110  increases vibration performance and stability of the overall assembly as compared to single rearview mirror support assemblies.  
      As shown in  FIG. 19 , a further modified rearview mirror assembly  82 ″ may likewise include a pair of rearview mirror supports  110  for supporting the assembly on the interior surface of a windshield in the manner described above. However, in mirror assembly  82 ″, the sockets  160 ′,  162 ′ are vertically aligned and positioned over and under one another on the rear surface of the mirror housing. As in embodiment  82 ′, however, each socket is adapted to receive a rearview mirror support  110  in the manner described above for combined support of the overall assembly.  
      As shown in  FIG. 20 , a modified rearview mirror support  180  suitable for use with the side-by-side sockets  160 ,  162  of rearview mirror assembly  82 ′ in  FIGS. 17 and 18  is illustrated. Support  180  is a rigid mirror stay adapted to be secured to the header area of the interior of a vehicle above the upper edge of the front windshield by a mounting recess  183  in mounting section  182 . Rigid support section  184  extends downwardly along the interior surface of the windshield and curves rearwardly into the passenger compartment and diverges into a pair of rearview mirror support arms  186 ,  188  positioned side-by-side with one another. Each support arm  186 ,  188  includes a socket  186   a ,  188   a  of the type described above at  14 ,  16  and wherein rearview mirror assembly  82 ′ would include outwardly projecting ball pivot members instead of sockets. Alternately, arms  186 ,  188  could include ball pivot members thereon in side-by-side position for insertion in sockets  160 ,  162  for appropriate pivotal adjustment. Mounting section  182  is suitable for receipt of other accessories for use in the vehicles such as that shown in phantom at  189  representing a pod for mounting a clock or other instrument for viewing by the driver or other occupant of the vehicle passenger compartment.  
      As shown in  FIG. 21 , a further embodiment  190  of a mirror stay for supporting a rearview mirror assembly such as that shown at  82 ′ or  82 ″ is illustrated. Mirror support or stay  190  includes three support arms or sleeves  192 ,  194  and  196  which are rigidly joined together by connecting arms  198 ,  200 . Arms  192 ,  194  are substantially similar in length, while arm  196  is shorter than arms  192 ,  194 . At the forward end of each arm  192 ,  194 ,  196  is either a socket  192   a ,  194   a ,  196   a  or a ball pivot member for attachment to the rear surface of a rearview mirror assembly such as that shown at  82 ,  82 ′ or  82 ″ for proper pivotal adjustment with increased stability and vibrational support. The opposite ends of each of the arms  192 ,  194  include sockets for receipt of ball pivot members from two separate mounting members or channel mounts such as that shown at  18  adapted to be secured to the interior surface of a windshield. Accordingly, the present invention encompasses the support of a rearview mirror assembly by one or a plurality of rearview mirror supports for increased vibration performance and stability.  
      With reference to  FIGS. 62-72 , a further embodiment  700  of a molded plastic mirror stay adapted for slidable mounting on a conventional, windshield mounted attachment member or button and incorporating a socket for receiving a compression fitted, interference mounted ball pivot member from a rearview mirror or other vehicular accessory is illustrated. Mirror stay  700  is preferably molded in one piece from a resinous, polymeric material such as acetal, nylon or a similar engineering polymer, and includes a body  702  having a top surface  704 , side surfaces  706 ,  708 , a rear surface  710  facing the interior of the vehicle on which the stay  700  is mounted, a bottom surface  711 , and a conical, tapered socket portion  712  adapted to receive a ball pivot member therein via compression or press fitting.  
      On the forward facing or non-exposed surface intermediate the top surface  704  and sides  706 ,  708  is a breakaway type, mounting portion  714  adapted to slidably receive a windshield attachment member or button. As is best seen in  FIGS. 63 and 65 - 69 , mounting portion or area  714  includes a pair of spaced, opposed side flanges  716 ,  718  having inclined windshield button engaging surfaces  720 ,  722 . As shown in  FIG. 65 , flanges  716 ,  718  taper toward one another in the direction toward top surface  704  while inclined button engaging surfaces  720 ,  722  taper toward one another as they extend toward the opening therebetween as shown in  FIG. 69 . The result is a button receiving pocket having a double tapered configuration for tightly and securely receiving the double tapered, wedge shaped windshield button B in a wedge type, interference fit. In order to securely retain the stay  700  on button B when mounted, stay  700  also includes a latch beam member  724  providing an installation tab which extends in cantilevered fashion from the top end  704  of stay  700  downwardly in a direction generally parallel to the outwardly facing rear surface  710  but spaced therefrom as shown in  FIGS. 66 and 67 . Latch member  724  includes a thicker body portion  726  for providing rigidity and strength which extends into a thinner button engaging securing portion  728  terminating in a shoulder or ledge  730  which engages the bottom end of the windshield button B when fully received in the stay. The lower edge of latch member  724  includes an inclined surface  732  for engaging and camming latch member  724  toward rear wall  710  during installation. At the opposite end of latch member  724 , a top wall  734  defines a stop preventing the stay from sliding downwardly off the windshield button. The exposed surface of latch member  724  includes a pair of surfaces  736 ,  738  which are non-parallel to one another and extend at a slight angle toward apex  740  for engaging and applying a force normal to the engaged surface of the windshield button for secure retention of the button therein. As such, latch member  724  acts as a cantilever type leaf spring firmly holding the button therein between inclined surfaces  720 ,  722 .  
      Stay  700  also includes a pair of slots  742 ,  744  in top surface  704  adjacent top wall  734  which enables flanges  716 ,  718  to flex away from windshield button B upon the application of sufficient force such that the stay will break away and fall from windshield button B upon impact such as during an accident to facilitate injury prevention.  
      Alternate forms of the breakaway side flanges are shown in  FIGS. 70-72 . In  FIG. 70 , side flanges  716   a ,  718   a  are formed to include flexibility enhancing elements such as recesses or notches  746 ,  748  which allow the sides flanges to flex away from the latch member  724  at specified conditions of force input upon impact. Alternately, as shown in  FIG. 71 , side flanges  716   b ,  718   b  may include outer notches  750 ,  752  providing the side flanges with the ability to flex and allow breakaway action from the windshield button upon specified conditions of force input. Finally, as another alternative in  FIG. 72 , side flanges  716   c ,  718   c  may include notched outer walls having notches  754 ,  756  allowing the walls or flanges to flex for breakaway action as described above.  
      In any of the versions of stay  700  described above, a tapered, conical ball member receiving socket  712  is provided including tapered, conical outer surface  758  and an inner passageway  760  which extends entirely through stay  700  to allow the passage of electrical wires or the like to the rearview mirror assembly from the vehicle electrical system. Formed near the outer end of passage  760  is an annular ball socket  762  ( FIG. 66 ) which extends continuously around the interior of four cantilevered ball member engaging flanges or prongs  764 . Flanges  764  are defined by axially extending slots  766  at four places, the slots extending generally parallel to the axis of passageway  760 . The flanges  764  provide a normal force for friction on the ball pivot member when snap fitted or press fitted therein. The length of the slots can be changed and defined to provide a desired clamping force, the force decreasing as the length of the slots increases. Further, socket  762  is undercut to provide positive engagement of the ball member in the socket during snap in assembly and to prevent pull out.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 73-77 , an alternate embodiment  780  of a molded plastic mirror stay including a molded socket for receiving a pivot ball member from a rearview mirror assembly is shown. Stay  780  is adapted for mounting to the header portion or interior roof of a vehicle typically adjacent the upper edge of the windshield and is preferably molded in one piece from a resinous, polymeric material such as acetal, glass and/or mineral-filled nylon, filled polypropylene or a similar engineering polymer of a desired color, and includes a header mounting portion  782 , an elongated curved support shaft  784  and a socket portion  786  formed at the free end of the shaft portion. Mounting portion  782  includes an elongated body  788  including a plurality of mounting apertures  790  and a pair of opposed, side recesses  792  adapted to receive spring mounting clips from a mounting bracket secured to the header or roof portion of a vehicle generally above the windshield area. Shaft  784  extends in one piece from the lower edge of mounting body  788  and curves downwardly to a position from which socket portion  786  extends downwardly, preferably at an angle of approximately 100 to 150 degrees to mounting body  788 . Socket portion  786  includes a socket  794  formed integrally therein to receive a pivot ball member from the rear, larger side of the socket over which a spring or other retainer member may be mounted.  
      In order to reduce vibration and provide sufficient support and stiffness for the stay  780 , a metallic or other rigid insert  796  ( FIG. 77 ) may be integrally molded within the body of the stay  780  as shown in  FIG. 76  such that it extends from header mounting portion  782  through the center of shaft  784  to the position of socket portion  786 . Insert  796  includes an enlarged portion  798  received in header mounting portion  782  and shaft reinforcing portion  799  received in shaft  784 . Accordingly, reinforcing member  796  provides stiffness and strength for stay  780  when it is mounted to the header above a windshield such that shaft curves downwardly along the inside surface of the windshield to a position from which a rearview mirror or other vehicle accessory may be supported via a ball pivot member received in socket portion  786  thereby reducing vibration and providing a more stable support for the mirror assembly.  
      An alternate embodiment  800  of the mirror stay of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 78-82 . Mirror stay  800 , like mirror stays  700  and  780  is preferably molded in one piece from a resinous, polymeric material such as acetal, glass and/or mineral-filled nylon, filled polypropylene or a similar engineering polymer, and includes a body portion  802  having a top end  804  adjacent a mounting portion  806 . Body  802  curves downwardly to a bottom  808  adjacent a ball member support area  810  from which molded pivot ball member  812  extends rearwardly into the passenger compartment of the vehicle when the stay is mounted on or adjacent a vehicle windshield. Body portion  802  also includes sides  814 ,  816  which, together with top  804  and bottom  808  define a hollow interior which extends forwardly toward the windshield of the vehicle and in which reinforcing ribs  818  are integrally molded for stiffness and support. Within the hollow interior adjacent top  804  and intermediate sides  814 ,  816  are a series of molded resilient, flexible flanges  820  forming a mount adapted to be secured in a corresponding bracket or mount secured to the vehicle adjacent the windshield. Mounting flanges  820  are of the type shown and described in (insert reference to prior Donnelly or DML patent or application), the description of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. As is best seen in  FIGS. 79, 81  and  82 , ball member  812  extends rearwardly from section  810  into the passenger compartment of the vehicle and includes a spherical ball pivot member spaced outwardly from the body of the mirror stay by neck  822 . Accordingly, when mounted on or adjacent the windshield, stay  800  extends downwardly along the windshield and provides ball member  812  in position for receipt in a corresponding socket of a rearview mirror assembly to provide adjustment of the mirror assembly for use by the driver of the vehicle. As shown in  FIGS. 78 and 81 , a passageway  824  may be provided through ball member  812  and neck  822  into the hollow interior of the mirror stay for receipt of electrical wires from the vehicle electrical system leading into the rearview mirror assembly for electrical accessories mounted therein.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 22-24 , another form of rearview mirror housing  210  is shown of the type useful with the rearview mirror supports of the present invention as described above. Rearview mirror housing  210  is molded from a resinous plastic material of a desired color such as nylon (glass-filled or unfilled), ABS plastic, or polypropylene (glass-filled or unfilled) and includes a rear housing member  212  and a front bezel or rim  214  adapted to retain a prismatic or other reflective mirror element therein and a day/night toggle actuator, or alternately an electrochromic reflective mirror element when assembled. Mirror housing  210  is adapted to support a four microphone sensor array in which four microphone sensors  216 ,  218 ,  220  and  222  are supported within the rear housing portion adjacent the bottom wall of the housing to which access is provided by acoustic porting formed in the mirror housing itself. Specifically, microphone  216  is acoustically accessed through a front acoustic port  216   a  molded through the front surface of bezel/rim  214  and a rear acoustic port  216   b  molded through either the bottom wall of rear housing portion  212  or the bottom wall of bezel  214  or a combination thereof. Hence, rearview mirror housing  210  is provided with a pair of acoustic ports through which sound waves may pass for each microphone sensor mounted within the assembly via porting which is integrally formed upon molding of the mirror housing. Suitable microphone/sound processing systems which may be used with housing  210  include commonly owned, copending, U.S. patents or patent applications Ser. No. 09/382,720, filed Aug. 25, 1999, entitled ACCESSORY MODULE FOR VEHICLE, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,243,003; Ser. No. 09/396,179, filed Sep. 14, 1999, entitled INDICATOR FOR VEHICLE ACCESSORY, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,278,377; and Ser. No. 09/466,010, filed Dec. 17, 1999, entitled INTERIOR REARVIEW MIRROR SOUND PROCESSING SYSTEM, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,420,975, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.  
      As will be understood, a wide variety of other rearview mirror assemblies incorporating a wide range of prismatic and electro-optic reflective mirror elements and other electrical components, instruments and displays may be supported with the supports of the present invention. Exemplary is that shown in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/244,726, filed Feb. 5, 1999, entitled REARVIEW MIRROR ASSEMBLY INCORPORATING INFORMATION DISPLAY, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,172,613, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. Such rearview mirror assemblies are often heavier than prior assemblies and benefit from the increased stability and vibration performance provided by the support of the present invention.  
      Referring now to  FIGS. 25-25D , a first embodiment  240  of a vehicle accessory mounting member or channel mount is shown which is adapted to support any one of the rearview mirror supports described above. Mounting member  240  may be formed from metal such as die cast zinc or sintered metal, but preferably is molded from a polymeric resinous material of a desired color such as an engineering plastic including nylon (glass-filled or unfilled), ABS plastic, or polypropylene (glass-filled or unfilled). As above, mounting member  240  may be color matched to one or more of the other components of the rearview mirror assembly. Mounting member  240  is adapted to slidably engage an attachment member or windshield button of the conventional wedge-shaped, double tapered type such as that shown in  FIGS. 44 and 44 A, or any of those set forth in  FIGS. 30-43A  or  45  and  45 A herein. Mounting member  240  includes a mounting body  242  having an overall wedge shape and including a top end  244 , bottom end  246 , and opposing sides  248 ,  250 . On the front surface  252 , a mounting arm  254  is centrally located at a position approximately one-half of the distance between top end  244  and bottom  246  such that it is generally centered with respect to the position of a windshield mount attaching member B when received between shoulders  260 ,  262  on rear surface  258  as described below, and extends outwardly at an acute angle to top end  244 , projects upwardly away from bottom end  246  and terminates in a spherically-shaped ball pivot member  256 . Ball pivot member  256  may be oversized as compared to conventional ball pivot members in rearview mirror supports to provide a larger surface area engaging a corresponding socket for increased frictional resistance to pivoting and thus enable support of heavier and/or larger rearview mirror assemblies. For example, the diameter of an oversized ball pivot member  256  is at least approximately 15.34 millimeters (mm).  
      At the outer edges of generally planar rear surface  258  are a pair of integral elongated shoulders or receiving members  260 ,  262  which are joined at their upper ends by top shoulder  264  forming a generally U-shaped wall around the periphery of the rear surface  258 . Receiving members  260 ,  262  include slide surfaces  265 ,  266  adapted to engage the outer edges of the windshield mounted attaching member or button B such as that shown in  FIGS. 25D, 44  and  44 A. Surfaces  265 ,  266  are non-parallel, extend away from one another, and are spaced closest adjacent top end  244  of the mounting member and spaced farthest at the bottom, terminal ends of receiving members  260 ,  262  adjacent bottom end  246 . In addition, surfaces  265 ,  266  are inclined inwardly toward one another such that a pocket or space adjacent rear surface  258  is formed having a double tapered shape as shown in  FIGS. 25B and 25D . A screw receiving aperture  268  extends from front surface  252  through mounting member  242  and opens at rear surface  258  to receive a set screw or retainer  270  to securely attach and retain mounting member  240  to button B when slidably mounted thereon. Screw receiving aperture  268  is positioned between the lower periphery of support arm  254  and bottom surface  246  and is closer to that bottom surface than screw apertures in conventionally known mounting members. The positioning of support arm  254  at the central position of front surface  252  and generally centered with respect to windshield mounted attaching member B on the rear surface  258  and farther from top end  244  than in conventionally known mounting members provides more secure attachment of the rearview mirror support to the windshield surface by reducing the tensile force imparted at the top or uppermost portion of the windshield button B thereby reducing the stress on the adhesive relied upon to secure the attachment member or button to the windshield surface. In addition, the positioning of set screw  270  closer to the bottom end  246  provides more secure attachment to the windshield button by preventing rocking motion of member  240  on the attachment member. Member  240  is assembled on the windshield button by positioning the rear surface  258  adjacent the top end of the wedge-shaped button B with its edges adjacent slide surfaces  264 ,  266 , and sliding the mounting member downwardly over the button after it is attached to the windshield surface until it is firmly seated between receiving members  260 ,  262  in the manner shown in  FIG. 25B . Thereafter, set screw  270  is tightened to secure and retain the mounting member in place.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 26-26D , a second embodiment  275  of the vehicle accessory mounting member of the present invention is illustrated. Like mounting member  240 , member  275  includes a metal or plastic mounting body  276  having a top end  278 , bottom end  280 , opposing sides  282 ,  284  and front surface  286  from which mounting arm  288  extends from a centrally located position at an upward angle terminating in spherical ball pivot member  290 . As above, ball pivot member  290  is preferably oversized for enhanced frictional resistance to movement of a support including a corresponding socket. A U-shaped, upstanding wall  292  extends around the periphery of generally planar rear surface  294  opening adjacent bottom end  280 . Instead of non-parallel, inwardly tapered slide surfaces on a wall  290  as in mounting member  240 , member  275  includes a pair of non-parallel, elongated slots  296 ,  298  which receive elongated spring members  300 ,  302 . Slots  296 ,  298  have their top ends which are adjacent top end  278  closer than their bottom ends which are adjacent bottom end  280 . In addition, as will be seen from  FIGS. 26B and 26D , the inside surfaces of the spring members which project outwardly beyond rear surface  294  define slide surfaces  300   a ,  302   a  which extend inwardly toward one another to form a tapered pocket which receives the correspondingly tapered side surfaces of a wedge-shaped attaching member or windshield button B in the same manner as described above for embodiment  240 . In addition, however, the resiliency of the spring members  300 ,  302  allows them to flex outwardly while being retained in slots  296 ,  298  by inwardly extending upper flanges  300   b ,  302   b  to resiliently and firmly engage the opposing side surfaces of the attachment member on the windshield. When the rearview mirror support or mounting member  275  is impacted, however, the resiliency of spring members  300 ,  302  allows the entire mounting member and supported rearview mirror to release and break away from the windshield mounted button to prevent injury.  
      With reference to  FIGS. 26E and 26F , a modified, third embodiment  275 ′ of the vehicle accessory mounting member of the present invention is shown. Like mounting member  275 , mounting member  275 ′ includes a metal or plastic mounting body  276 ′, top end  278 ′, bottom end  280 ′, opposing sides  282 ′ and  284 ′, and front surface  286 ′ from which mounting arm  288 ′ extends from a centrally located position at an upward angle terminating in spherical ball pivot member  290 ′ which is preferably oversized as described above. A U-shaped, upstanding wall  295 ′ extends around the periphery of a generally planar rear surface  294 ′ opening adjacent bottom end  280 . A pair of non-parallel, elongated slots  296 ′,  298 ′ are included which receive a one-piece, elongated spring member  300 ′ having a back member  301  and upstanding spring flanges  303 ,  305  which project through slots  296 ′,  298 ′. Like spring members  300 ,  302  in embodiment  275 , the inside surfaces of spring members  303 ,  305  which project outwardly beyond rear surface  294 ′ define slide surfaces  303   a ,  305   a  which extend inwardly toward one another to form a tapered pocket which receives the correspondingly tapered side surfaces of a wedge shaped attaching member or windshield button B in the same manner as described above for embodiments  240  and  275 . In addition, the resiliency of spring members  303 ,  305  allows them to flex outwardly while being retained in slots  296 ′,  298 ′ by means of back member  301  to resiliently and firmly engage the opposing side surfaces of the attachment member on the windshield. In addition, mounting member  275  includes a mirror reflector vibration reducing/dampening element such as a thin foam, rubber or other resilient pad  306  or layer which covers at least a portion of (and preferably substantially the entirety of) the planar surface  294 ′ and forms a cushion between the windshield attachment member or button and the surface  294 ′ when the mount  275 ′ is mounted on the windshield button. Pad  306  is preferably adhered to surface  294 ′ with a suitable adhesive and serves to cushion contact with the windshield button and dampen any vibration which might be transmitted therethrough. Alternately, pad  306  may be formed integrally with mirror mount  275  in the event the mount is injection molded, the cushioning pad being co-injected from a softer material adapted to dampen vibration between the mirror mount and the windshield button.  
      A fourth embodiment  310  of the vehicle accessory-mounting member of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 27 and 27 A. Mounting member  310  includes mounting body  312  having top end  314 , bottom end  316 , opposing sides  318 ,  320  and a U-shaped, upstanding wall  322  extending around the periphery of generally planar rear surface  324 . A mounting arm  328  extends upwardly at an angle from the center position of front surface  326  in the same manner as support arms  254  and  288  of mounting members  240  and  275 . Mounting arm  328  terminates in a spherical ball pivot member  330  for receipt in a rearview mirror support as described above. As above, ball pivot member  330  may be oversized or conventionally sized. Mounting member  310  is retained on a wedge-shaped, double tapered attaching member or windshield button B ( FIGS. 44, 44A ) by a pair of U-shaped spring bands  332 ,  334  which are recessed within front surface  326  and extend around sides  318 ,  320 , each spring band includes a pair of free end edges  332   a ,  332   b  and  334   a ,  334   b  which project outwardly from rear surface  324  through openings in peripheral wall  320 . The inside surfaces  333 ,  335  of these free ends define slide surfaces adapted to resiliently engage the opposing, tapered side surfaces of a wedge-shaped attaching member or windshield button B ( FIGS. 44, 44A ) in the same manner as surfaces  300   a ,  302   a . When member  310 , or the rearview mirror support or rearview mirror assembly supported thereby, is impacted, the resiliency of spring bands  332 ,  334  allows those free ends  332   a ,  332   b ,  334   a ,  334   b  and slide surfaces  333 ,  335  to release and break away from the attaching member to prevent injury.  
      Referring now to  FIGS. 28-28E , a fifth embodiment  340  of the vehicle accessory mounting member of the present invention is illustrated. Mounting member  340  includes a mounting body  342  again formed from die cast or sintered metal or molded polymeric resinous material and includes a top end  344 , bottom end  346 , opposing sides  348 ,  350 , and a contoured, raised front surface from which mounting arm  354  extends at an upward angle from a centrally located position midway between the top and bottom ends and terminates in a spherical ball pivot member  356  which may be oversized as desired. A pair of non-parallel, elongated shoulders or receiving members  360 ,  362  extend outwardly away from one another toward the bottom end  346  in the same manner as for mounting member  240 , and define slide surfaces  364 ,  366  for receiving a wedge-shaped windshield button B as shown in  FIGS. 28D and 28E . Slide surfaces  364 ,  366  are tapered inwardly toward one another and further include reduced thickness areas  368 ,  370  providing frangible portions adapted to fracture upon application of a sufficient force to the mounting member or rearview mirror assembly such that the mounting member will be released from the windshield mounted attachment member or button upon fracture of the shoulders or receiving members  360 ,  362 . A fastener receiving aperture  372  extends through the body  342  from front surface  352  to the rear surface  358  to receive a fastener such as a set screw adjacent the bottom end of the mounting member for secure retention of the mounting member on the attachment member until fracture of receiving members  360 ,  362  occurs upon impact. As shown in  FIGS. 28 and 28 B openings  374  are provided through top end  344  such that electrical conductors or wires may be received therethrough for passage through the mounting member, a rearview mirror support mounted thereon, and into the supported rearview assembly as described above.  
      With reference to  FIGS. 83-85 , a sixth embodiment  850  of the vehicle accessory mounting member of the present invention is shown. Mounting member  850  is similar to mounting member  340  except that it is preferably molded in one piece from a resinous, polymeric material such as acetal, glass and/or mineral-filled nylon, filled polypropylene or a similar engineering polymer but does not include frangible side surfaces which breakaway to release the mount from the windshield button upon impact. Mount  850  includes molded body  852  including a top end  854 , bottom end  855 , opposing sides  856 ,  858 , and a contoured, raised front surface from which mounting arm  860  extends at an upward angle from a centrally located position midway between the top and bottom ends. Arm  860  terminates in a spherical ball member  862  which may be oversized as described above. A pair of nonparallel, elongated shoulders or receiving members  864 ,  866  extend outwardly away from one another toward the bottom end  888  in the same manner as for mounting member  340  and define inwardly tapered slide surfaces for receiving a wedge shaped windshield button in the same manner as for embodiment  340 . In order to strengthen and stiffen the mounting member  850 , a formed, sheet metal insert  868  ( FIG. 85 ) is insert molded within the mounting member  850  as shown in  FIG. 84 . Insert  868  includes a body portion  870 , downwardly extending side flanges  872 ,  874 , and an upstanding central flange  876 . dimples or depressions  878  are in various portions of the insert body to provide areas into which the moldable material for mounting member  850  can flow to properly imbed the insert therewithin. An aperture  880  from which flange  876  is bent serves the same purpose. A fastener or screw receiving aperture  882  extends through body  852  and insert  868  at aperture  879  as shown in  FIG. 84  to receive a fastener such as a set screw to prevent removal of the mounting member when the mounting member is slidably mounted on a wedge shaped windshield button.  
      A modified seventh form  850 ′ of the molded vehicle accessory mounting member or channel mount of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 86-89 . Mounting member  850 ′ is similar to mount  850  except that mounting arm  860 ′ terminating in a preferably oversized spherical ball pivot member  862 ′ extends at an upward angle from a position on mount body  852 ′ which is adjacent the top end  854 ′ of the mount. In addition, the insert  868 ′ includes an upwardly extending flange  876 ′ which reinforces the mounting arm  860 ′ but extends from the top end of the insert. Further, insert  868 ′ includes depressions or recessed areas  878 ′ in upstanding flange  876 ′ and apertures  879 ′ for proper retention of the insert when molded within the mirror mount. A fastener or screw receiving aperture  852 ′ extends through body  852 ′.  
      Referring now to  FIGS. 29-29H , an eighth embodiment  380  of the vehicle accessory mounting member or channel mount of the present invention is shown. Mounting member  380  includes a mounting body  382  having a top end  384 , bottom end  386 , opposing sides  388 ,  390 , front surface  392  and generally planar rear surface  394 . Rear surface  394  is recessed to define an upstanding, U-shaped peripheral wall  396  which opens adjacent bottom end  386 . The internal surfaces of opposing side portions of side walls  396  are formed with a pair of parallel, recessed channels  397  separated by an elongated ridge  399 . At the upper-end of rear surface  394 , adjacent top end  384  is an inclined projection  398  adapted to receive and secure spring member  410  as described below. As with the other embodiments of the accessory mounting member, a mounting arm  400  is formed integrally with body  382  and extends outwardly and upwardly from a centered position on front surface  392  terminating in a spherical ball pivot member  402  which may be oversized or conventionally sized as above.  
      Received within the upstanding wall  396  on rear surface  394  is a one-piece spring member  410  best seen in  FIGS. 29B , D, E and I. Spring member  410  is formed from resilient metal such as spring steel and includes a generally planar base  412 , a pair of upstanding side flanges  414 ,  416  adapted to receive a windshield mounting button therebetween and a front or upper flange  418 . The configuration of channels  397  and ridge  399  on wall  396  is adapted to correspond to the shape of side flanges  414 ,  416  which are bent inwardly and upwardly to define slide surfaces  414   a ,  416   a  which receive the windshield attachment member. Slide surfaces  414   a ,  416   a  are inwardly tapered toward one another and are non-parallel to one another being closer together at the end adjacent front flange  418  than at the opposite end which is adapted to be adjacent bottom end  386  when spring member  410  is mounted in body  382 . At the rear end of each of the side flanges  414 ,  416  in alignment with slide surfaces  414   a ,  416   a  is an inwardly extending rear flange  420 ,  422  which helps to confine the windshield mounting button within the spring member when mounted. In addition, base  412  includes an elongated aperture  424  adapted to be received over projection  398  upon installation of spring member  410  in body  382 .  
      Accordingly, when mounted over an attachment member or windshield button B as shown in  FIG. 29H , the inclined side surfaces of the attachment member engage slide surfaces  414   a ,  416   a  and the rearmost inner edges of rear flanges  420 ,  422  as the mounting member is slid downwardly over the windshield attachment member. As formed, front flange  418  of spring member  410  is bent upwardly intermediate side flanges  414 ,  416  as shown in  FIGS. 29D, 29E  and  29 G. However, when the top end of the windshield attachment member or button engages front flange  418  with sufficient force upon sliding insertion, flange  418  is flexed forwardly until it no longer separates side flanges  414 ,  416  and slide surfaces  414   a ,  416   a  resiliently snap inwardly against the inwardly tapered sides of windshield attachment member B as shown in  FIG. 29H . In such position, rear flanges  420 ,  422  confine the button within the spring member and prevent the mounting member and spring member combination from “walking off” the button during use. When slide surfaces  414   a ,  416   a  flex inwardly against the sides of the attachment member, an audible click or verification is heard indicating to the installer that installation is complete.  
       FIG. 90  illustrates a modified ninth form  380 ′ similar to mounting member  380  except that one piece spring member  410 ′ includes a pair of apertures  430  instead of one elongated aperture  424 . Mounting body  382 ′ of mounting member  380 ′ is adapted to be molded in one piece from a resinous polymeric material such as acetal, glass and/or mineral filled nylon, filled polypropylene or a similar engineering material with one piece spring member  410 ′ insert molded therewithin such that the molding material flows through apertures  430  to encase the generally planar base  412 ′ of the spring member and retain the spring in position generally as described above for embodiment  380 . A windshield button B may then be slidably received within the spring member in the same manner as described above for embodiment  380 .  
      A tenth embodiment  900  of the vehicle accessory mounting member or channel mount of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 91-94 . Mounting member  900  includes a body portion  902  preferably molded in one piece from a resinous, polymeric material such as acetal, glass and/or mineral-filled nylon, filled polypropylene or a similar engineering polymer, or formed from sintered metal or the like and includes a top end  904 , bottom end  906 , opposing sides  908 ,  910  and a contoured, raised front surface from which mounting arm  912  extends at an upward angle adjacent top end  904 . Mounting arm  912  terminates in a spherical ball pivot member  914  which may be oversized if desired as described above. A pair of nonparallel, elongated shoulders or receiving members  916 ,  918  extend outwardly away from one another toward the bottom end  906  in the same manner as described above for mounting members  240 ,  340 ,  850  and  850 ′, and define slide surfaces  920 ,  922  for receiving a wedge shaped windshield button B in the manner described above. Slide surfaces  920 ,  922  are tapered inwardly toward one another and further include reduced thickness areas  921 ,  923  providing frangible portions adapted to fracture upon application of a sufficient force to the mounting member or rearview mirror assembly such that the mounting member will be released from the windshield mounted attachment member or button upon fracture of the shoulders or receiving members  916 ,  918 . Instead of a set screw receiving aperture extending through body  902  for retention of the mounting member on the windshield button, mounting member  900  includes a lever  924  also preferably molded from a resinous plastic material and pivotally mounted within an aperture  926  extending through the central portion of the body  902 . Lever  924  includes an engaging flange  928  extending at an acute angle to an operating flange  930  and an enlarged finger engaging portion  932  at the terminal end of flange  930 . A pair of parallel, stub axles  934  extend in opposite directions from either side of the lever at the junction of flanges  928 ,  930  for receipt in pockets formed within aperture  926  to pivotally mount the lever therein as shown in  FIG. 93 .  
      In operation, when mount  900  is slidably received over a windshield button via shoulders  916 ,  918 , and the windshield button is fully received within the mirror mount, pivotal lever  924  is pivoted via flange  930  and engaging portion  932  from the position shown in phantom in  FIG. 92  to that shown in solid in  FIGS. 92 and 93 . In such position, engaging flange  928  which has a length slightly greater than the thickness of body  902  at that point engages the outer surface of the windshield button to frictionally engage the button surface and retain the button within flanges  916 ,  918  and prevent the mirror mount from being slidably removed from the windshield button. In the event the mirror mount receives a sufficient force or impact, the frangible shoulders  916 ,  918  will fracture allowing release of the mounting member from the windshield button. Lever  924 , thus, eliminates the need for a separate retaining screw.  
      Referring now to  FIGS. 30-43A , various embodiments of a windshield mounted attachment member are shown to which the vehicle accessory mounting members and rearview mirror supports described above are assembled for supporting interior rearview mirror assemblies in cantilevered fashion from the interior windshield surface of a vehicle. Each of these attachment members is adapted to provide an increased adhesive securing area for attachment to the windshield surface in order to support the heavier weights of more modem, multi component rearview mirror assemblies. These increased sized attachment members provide larger, wider and more effective support areas which more effectively resist the tensile peeling force applied to the attachment member from the rearview mirror support and mirror assemblies.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 30 and 30 A, a first embodiment  450  of the attachment member includes a circular base member  452  through which a plurality of apertures  454  are formed in order to reduce the overall weight of the attachment member. Centered on one side of circular base member  452  is an upstanding circular projection having a diameter less than the diameter of circular base  452 . Projection  456  can be secured to base  452  by welding or the like or the entire attachment member can be sintered or formed from powdered metal or die cast from material such as zinc in one piece.  
      A modified embodiment  450 ′ of attachment member  450  is shown in  FIGS. 31 and 31 A wherein base member  452 ′ includes a central aperture  455  in addition to apertures  454  as in member  450 . A circular projection  456  is centered on and secured to base member  452 ′.  
      With reference to  FIGS. 32 and 32 A, another form  460  of the attachment member is shown including a general keyhole shape having a generally circular base  462  having a rectangular flange projection  464  from its top circumferential portion extending outwardly therefrom. Flange  464  is adapted to extend upwardly when the attachment member is secured to the windshield surface by a suitable adhesive. As in prior embodiments, a circular projection  466  can be welded to the top surface of base  462  or the entire attachment member can be sintered or otherwise formed from metal in one piece.  
      In  FIGS. 33 and 33 A, embodiment  470  of the attachment member is similar to embodiment  460  and includes a base  462 ′ having a wider flange  464 ′ formed thereon. Overall, base  464 ′ of member  470  has the shape of a rectangle with one end rounded.  
      In  FIGS. 34 and 34 A, embodiment  480  of the attachment member is similar to embodiments  450  and  450 ′ except that circular base member  482  to which circular projection  484  is secured does not include any weight reducing apertures therethrough.  
      With reference to  FIGS. 35-37A , embodiments  490 ,  500  and  510  of the attachment members each include an enlarged base  492 ,  502 ,  512  of an irregular shape to which a circular projecting member  494 ,  504 ,  514  is secured on one surface. Specifically, base member  492  has the shape of an elongated, truncated triangle, while base members  502  and  512  have the shape of a triangle with their apexes rounded. In addition, circular projecting member  514  has a diameter smaller than the width of base  512  while projecting members  494  and  504  have a diameter larger than the width of their respective base members.  
      In  FIGS. 38-41A , the attachment members include base members formed in the shape of a T, cross, X or X with an additional cross member. Thus, in embodiment  520 , base member  522  is in the shape of a T to which circular projecting member  524  is secured on one surface.  
      In embodiment  530 , base member  532  is in the shape of a cross with circular projecting member  534  secured on one surface thereof.  
      In embodiment  540 , base member  542  is in the shape of a cross with an additional leg member  544  to which circular projecting member  546  is secured on one surface.  
      In embodiment  550 , base member  552  is in the shape of an X to which circular projecting member  554  is secured on one surface.  
      In embodiment  560 , base member  562  is in the shape of a rectangle to which a circular projecting member  564  having a diameter equivalent to the width of the rectangle is secured.  
      In embodiment  570 , in  FIGS. 43 and 43 A, base member  572  is generally circular but includes a pair of diametrically opposed rectangular flanges  574  extending outwardly therefrom. A circular projection  576  having a diameter less than the diameter of the main portion of base  572  is secured to one side.  
      In each of the above embodiments  450 - 570  of the attachment member, in place of the circular projection to which a vehicle accessory mounting member is adapted to be secured, a wedge-shaped, double tapered mounting body such as that shown in  FIGS. 44 and 44 A may be secured in place of the circular projection. Such wedge-shaped mounting member B is of the type described above in connection with the various embodiments of the vehicle accessory mounting members and has non-parallel sides which are inwardly tapered to retain the mounting members thereon. Similarly, as shown in  FIGS. 45 and 45 A, a polygonal, preferably hexagonal projection C may also be substituted in place of the circular projections or wedge-shaped double tapered mounting projection B.  
      Referring now to  FIGS. 95-97 , one form  950  of a suitable electrical switch of the type which may be used in rearview mirror assembly such as that described above at  80  is shown. Switch  950  includes a light emitting diode (LED) integrated into the actuator/plunger of the switch to illuminate indicia and indicate the switch function on the switch actuator or plunger as described below. Switch  950  is of the type known as a circular dome or tactile dome switch with an integrated LED.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 95 and 96 , switch  950  includes a slidable plunger  952  received through aperture  954  in a rectangular or square switch housing  956 . Plunger  952  includes an LED indicator on its upper end which indicates the function of the switch when mounted in a rearview mirror assembly. Plunger  952  is adapted to be engaged by the finger of an operator to depress or move the switch plunger to operate the switch. Switch plunger  952  is generally cylindrical in shape and is adapted to slide axially in circular aperture  954  into and out of the switch housing  956 . Switch housing  956  includes electrical contacts  960  which are connected through appropriate bus bars to the slidable plunger  952  as is explained more fully below.  
      As shown in  FIG. 97 , the LED indicator  958  includes a housing  962  adapted to be received on and connect to plunger  952 . A suitable LED  964  (such as are disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 09/793,002, filed Feb. 26, 2001, entitled VIDEO MIRROR SYSTEM INCORPORATING AN ACCESSORY MODULE, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,690,268, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/315,384, filed Aug. 28, 2001, entitled IMPROVED VEHICULAR LIGHTING SYSTEM, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties) is mounted within the center area of a recess  966  in the upper end of housing  962 . Transparent polymeric material such as epoxy material or acrylic material is placed over LED  964  in recess  966  to form a solid window having a surface generally flush with the upper end of housing  962 . An appropriate icon or other indicia may be formed in or on epoxy  968 . Suitable electrical leads  970   a ,  970   b  extend outwardly and downwardly along the sides of housing portion  962  for engagement with leads  960  in the housing  956  when the plunger is depressed and operated.  
      When switch  950  is operated by depressing or moving plunger  952 , leads  970  slidably engage electrical contacts  960  to energize LED  964  and backlight any icon or other indicia which is formed or provided in the epoxy backfill  968  within recess  966 . Switch  950 , therefore, eliminates the need for separate mounting of icon or indicia bearing elements, LEDs and switch members and provides an integral backlit information illuminating electrical switch having long life due to the use of a solid-state LED in a compact switch unit which may be easily mounted in a single operation for use in an electrical assembly such as a rearview mirror.  
      Accordingly, the present invention provides improved rearview mirror supports, vehicle accessory mounting members integrated with such supports and attachment members/windshield mounting buttons having increased size for adherence to the inside surface of a windshield to support the rearview mirror support and vehicle accessory mounting member as well as the rearview mirror assemblies cantilevered therefrom in proper fashion for increased stability, increased vibration performance and reduced tensile peeling stress.