Patent Description:
Document <CIT> showing the preamble of claim <NUM> describes a rearview device including a housing that includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side. An electro-optic element is operably coupled with the first side of the housing. A rear trim bezel is disposed on the second side of the housing. A rear trim plate is operably coupled with the second side of the housing. A peripheral gap is defined between the rear trim plate and the second side of the housing. A spacing truss is disposed in the peripheral gap. The spacing truss includes first and second lateral walls extending to the rear trim bezel.

Document <CIT> describes a rearview assembly having an electro-optic element. A front substrate defines a first surface and a second surface. A front side edge is disposed between the first surface and the second surface. A rear substrate is operably coupled with the front substrate and spaced a predetermined distance therefrom. The rear substrate defines a third surface and a fourth surface. A rear side edge is disposed between the third surface and the fourth surface. A perimeter of the rear substrate is larger than a perimeter of the front substrate, such that an outer portion of the third surface is exposed, thereby defining a peripheral step between the front side edge and the rear side edge. An electro-optic material is disposed between the front substrate and the rear substrate. A bezel is configured to extend around the rear substrate, over the outer portion of the third surface.

The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a rearview device. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.

Unless stated otherwise, the term "front" shall refer to a surface of the device closest to an intended viewer, and the term "rear" shall refer to a surface of the device furthest from the intended viewer. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims.

The terms "including," "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by "comprises a. " does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

Referring to <FIG>, a rearview device <NUM> is disclosed. Rearview device <NUM> may be associated with a vehicle and operable to provide a user with a view rearward relative the vehicle. Further, rearview device <NUM> may have a housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may include a first side <NUM> and a second side <NUM> opposite the first side <NUM>. In some embodiments, first side <NUM> may be disposed in a first direction <NUM> relative second side <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may also include a body <NUM>. The body <NUM> may define a cavity <NUM> and/or a peripheral flange <NUM> coupled to the body <NUM>. The cavity <NUM> may have an aperture <NUM> along the first side <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. Accordingly, the aperture <NUM> may be in the first direction <NUM> relative cavity <NUM>. The peripheral flange <NUM> may be disposed in a peripheral manner about the aperture <NUM> on the first side <NUM>. Further, the peripheral flange <NUM> may have a mounting surface <NUM> and define a lip <NUM> proximate to the mounting surface <NUM>. The mounting surface <NUM> may be substantially planar. Additionally, the mounting surface <NUM> may be substantially co-planar with the aperture <NUM>. Further, the mounting surface <NUM> may extend in a plane substantially perpendicular to first direction <NUM>. The lip <NUM> may be disposed in a peripheral manner about the mounting surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, lip <NUM> may extend from peripheral flange <NUM> in the first direction <NUM>. Further, the lip <NUM> may have an inner surface. A foam layer <NUM> may be positioned proximate the lip <NUM> and coupled to the mounting surface <NUM>. Accordingly, the lip <NUM> may be disposed about foam layer <NUM>. In some embodiments, foam layer <NUM> may be in abutting contact with the inner surface of lip <NUM>. Additionally, foam layer <NUM> may substantially occlude and/or be disposed in the aperture <NUM>. The disposition of the foam layer <NUM> on mounting surface <NUM>, accordingly, may cause foam layer <NUM> to be disposed in the first direction <NUM> relative the mounting surface <NUM>. An electro-optic element <NUM> may positioned proximate the foam layer <NUM> and is associated with or coupled to, directly or indirectly, the mounting surface <NUM> and/or the lip <NUM> of the peripheral flange <NUM>. Thus, electro-optic element <NUM> may be associated with and/or disposed on foam layer <NUM>. Further, electro-optic element <NUM> may be disposed in the first direction <NUM> relative the foam layer <NUM>. In general, the electro-optic element <NUM> may be coupled to the first side <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and substantially occlude aperture <NUM> when viewed from the first direction <NUM>. In such embodiments, the lip <NUM> may substantially circumscribe the electro-optic element <NUM>.

Additionally, in some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the housing <NUM> may define a plurality of ribs <NUM> extending from a wall thereof. The wall may, at least in part, define the cavity <NUM>. Further, each rib <NUM> may comprise a substantially planar portion. Furthermore, the each substantially planar portion of each rib <NUM> may be substantially co-planar one another. In some such embodiments, the substantially planar portions may be substantially co-planar with the mounting surface <NUM>. Additionally, the substantially planar potions of ribs <NUM> may be extend from mounting surface <NUM>, thereby serving as an extension thereof. In such an embodiment, the housing, or more specifically the wall, may diverge from the mounting surface <NUM> and the ribs <NUM> may extend the mounting surface <NUM> where the housing would otherwise be diverged. This may have the advantage of providing increased surface area for adhesion of elements with the mounting surface <NUM> and ribs <NUM> relative the surface area for adhesion to just the mounting surface <NUM> without ribs <NUM>. The increase may be achieved for a given curvature of the housing <NUM> without having to substantially vary the thickness thereof. Accordingly, the body <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may have substantially uniform wallstock. Uniform wallstock in and of itself has known advantages of dimensional stability.

Referring now to <FIG>, the rearview device <NUM> may have a viewing area <NUM>. The viewing area <NUM> may correspond to a front surface of the rearview device <NUM> disposed substantially furthest in the first direction <NUM>. Further, the viewing area <NUM> may have a variety of shapes. For example, the viewing area <NUM> may have a rectangular shape, a trapezoidal shape, or any custom contoured shape desired for aesthetic reasons. In some embodiments, the viewing area <NUM> may be defined, at least in part, by the electro-optic element <NUM>. The electro-optic element <NUM> may include an edge treatment or a peripheral hiding layer <NUM>, such as a chrome ring, discussed in more detail below. In general, the viewing area <NUM> of the rearview device <NUM> may be defined by the first side <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and/or the electro-optic element <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electro-optic element <NUM> may be secured within the housing <NUM>. More specifically, the electro-optic element <NUM> may be secured within the aperture <NUM>. The electro-optic element <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, may include a first substrate <NUM> having first and second surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, disposed on opposite sides thereof. Further, the first surface <NUM> may be disposed in the first direction <NUM> relative the second surface <NUM>. Furthermore, the first substrate <NUM> may be substantially transparent. The second surface <NUM> may include a first electrically conductive layer <NUM>. Additionally, the electro-optic element <NUM> may further include a second substrate <NUM>. In some embodiments, second substrate <NUM> may also be substantially transparent. Additionally, second substrate <NUM> includes third and fourth surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> disposed on opposite sides thereof. Further, the third surface <NUM> may be disposed in the first direction <NUM> relative the fourth surface <NUM>. Additionally, the third surface <NUM> may include a second electrically conductive layer <NUM>. The first and second electrically conducive layers <NUM>, <NUM> may be substantially transparent in the visible and/or infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. For example, the first and second electrically conductive layers may be fabricated from a transparent conductive oxide (TCO), such as fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO), tin doped indium oxide (ITO), doped zinc oxide, indium zinc oxide, or other materials known in the art.

A void <NUM> may be defined as between the first substrate <NUM> and the second substrate <NUM>. Further, an electro-optic medium <NUM> may be disposed in the void <NUM>. Accordingly, the electro-optic medium <NUM> may be disposed between the first and second electrically conductive layers <NUM>, <NUM>. In some embodiments, the electro-optic medium <NUM> may be disposed in one or more layers associated with the first and/or second electrically conductive layers <NUM>, <NUM>. In other embodiments, the electro-optic medium <NUM> may be dissolved in the solvent. Further, the electro-optic medium <NUM> may contain one or more electro-active materials and/or compounds. Electro-active may mean species of the medium may undergo a modification of its oxidation state upon exposure to a particular electrical potential difference. Accordingly, the electro-optic medium <NUM> is operable between activated and un-activated states based, at least in part, on exposure to a particular electrical potential. Further, the electro-optic medium may include electro-active anodic and cathodic materials. In some embodiments, activated and un-activated states of the anodic and/or cathodic species may correspond to states having varying degrees of transmissivity. The activated and un-activated states of the anodic and/or cathodic species may further correspond the activated and un-activated states of the electro-optic medium <NUM>. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the anodic and/or cathodic species and the electro-optic medium <NUM> may be electrochromic. Electrochromic may mean a component that exhibits a change in its extinction coefficient at one or more wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum upon exposure to a particular electrical potential. Accordingly, upon application of a particular electric voltage or potential, a cathodic and/or anodic component may be activated, producing a change in absorbance at one or more wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum. The change in absorbance may be in the visible, ultra-violet, infra-red, and/or near infra-red regions. Thus, in some embodiments, the electro-optic medium <NUM> is operable between generally clear and darkened states. Further, the electro-optic medium may be fabricated from any one of a number of materials, including, for example, those disclosed in <CIT>, entitled "Color-Stabilized Electrochromic Devices,".

To provide electric current to the electro-optic medium <NUM>, element clips <NUM> may be provided on opposing sides of the first substrate <NUM> and the second substrate <NUM>, to generate an electrical potential therebetween. The element clips <NUM>, such as J-clips, may be electrically engaged with each electrical element, and element wires may extend from the element clips <NUM> to a printed circuit board <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, a bus bar may be disposed between the first substantially transparent substrate <NUM> and the second substantially transparent substrate <NUM>.

In addition, a display device may be disposed behind the electro-optic element <NUM>. Accordingly, the display device may be disposed in a second direction <NUM> relative the electro-optic element <NUM>. The second direction <NUM> may be defined as a direction opposite the first direction <NUM>.

With further reference to <FIG>, the rearview device <NUM> is shown with components of the rearview device <NUM> partially exploded. The housing <NUM> is illustrated with the body <NUM> disposed proximate to a mounting assembly <NUM>. More specifically, the mounting assembly <NUM> is disposed proximate the second side <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. Further, the housing <NUM> and/or the second side <NUM> of the housing <NUM> defines one or more openings <NUM>. The one or more openings <NUM> may provide a passage to cavity <NUM>. The mounting assembly <NUM> may be substantially aligned with and/or occlude the one or more openings <NUM> when viewed from the second direction <NUM>. More specifically, the alignment of the mounting assembly <NUM> with the one or more openings <NUM> may correspond to an alignment of one or more mechanical fastener acceptors <NUM> of the mounting assembly <NUM> with the one or more openings <NUM>. A mechanical fastener acceptor <NUM> may a member operable to accept and secure a mechanical fastener <NUM>. For example, mechanical fastener acceptor <NUM> may comprise a threaded opening operable to accept a mechanical fastener <NUM> or a flange with an opening through which a mechanical fastener <NUM> may extend and be secured by a nut or other mechanism. In some embodiments, the mounting assembly <NUM> may extend, at least in part, through the one or more openings <NUM>. More specifically, the one or more mechanical fastener acceptors <NUM> and/or the one or more mechanical fasteners <NUM> may extend through the one or more openings <NUM>. Accordingly, the mounting assembly <NUM> may be coupled to the body <NUM> of the housing <NUM> via one or more mechanical fasteners <NUM>.

Additionally, a printed circuit board <NUM> is disposed in the cavity <NUM> of the body <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the printed circuit board <NUM> may be disposed proximate the front side or first side <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. Thus, the printed circuit board may be is disposed behind and communicatively coupled with the electro-optic element <NUM>, which is disposed proximate to the first side <NUM> (<FIG>) of the housing <NUM>. Further, the printed circuit board <NUM> may be disposed between the electro-optic element <NUM> and the one or more openings <NUM>. As such, the printed circuit board <NUM> is disposed in the second direction <NUM> relative the electro-optic element <NUM> and in the first direction <NUM> relative the one or more openings <NUM>. Additionally, the printed circuit board <NUM> may be generally coupled to the body <NUM> via electrical circuitry via an electrical receiver <NUM>. Further, the printed circuit board <NUM> may generally retained within the cavity <NUM> of the body <NUM> by a holder <NUM>. Accordingly, holder <NUM> may be disposed within cavity <NUM>. The holder <NUM> may be an element operable to support the printed circuit board <NUM>. In some embodiments, the holder <NUM> may be disposed between the printed circuit board <NUM> and the electro-optic element <NUM>. Therefore, the holder <NUM> may be disposed in the first direction <NUM> relative the printed circuit board and in the second direction <NUM> relative the electro-optic element <NUM>. Additionally, holder <NUM> may define a pair of openings <NUM> through which resilient pins <NUM> may extend to communicatively couple the printed circuit board <NUM> to the electro-optic element <NUM>. Further, the holder <NUM>, as illustrated, may having the same general dimensions as the printed circuit board <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, in some embodiments, the one or more mechanical fasteners <NUM> may extend through a washer <NUM>. The washer <NUM> may be disposed in cavity <NUM>. Further, the washer <NUM> is operable to support and receive the one or more mechanical fasteners <NUM>. Additionally, the washer <NUM> may be disposed between the printed circuit board <NUM> and/or the holder <NUM> and the one or more openings. Thus, washer <NUM> may be disposed in the second direction <NUM> relative the printed circuit board <NUM> and/or the holder <NUM> and in the first direction <NUM> relative the one or more openings <NUM>. Further, the one or more mechanical fasteners <NUM> may be received by the one or more mechanical fastener acceptors <NUM> of mounting assembly <NUM>. In some such embodiments, the one or more mechanical fasteners <NUM> may further extend through openings <NUM> defined by body <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, in other embodiments, the one or more mechanical fasteners <NUM> extend through one or more first holes <NUM> and one or more second holes <NUM>. The one or more first holes <NUM> is defined by holder <NUM>. The one or more second holes <NUM> are defined by printed circuit board <NUM>. Accordingly, the one or more mechanical fasteners <NUM> secure holder <NUM> and printed circuit board <NUM> within cavity <NUM>. Further, the one or more mechanical fasteners <NUM> are received by mounting assembly <NUM> via the one or more mechanical fastener acceptors <NUM>. In some further embodiments, the one or more mechanical fasteners <NUM> may further extend through openings <NUM> defined by body <NUM>.

Additionally, a foam layer <NUM> may generally cover a side of the printed circuit board <NUM> and/or the holder <NUM>. The foam layer <NUM> may at least partially form a barrier between the holder <NUM> and the electro-optic element <NUM>. Thus, foam layer <NUM> may be disposed in the second direction <NUM> relative the electro-optic element <NUM> and in the first direction <NUM> relative the printed circuit board <NUM> and/or the holder <NUM>. The foam layer <NUM> may minimize vibration, which in turn may minimize potential buzzing, squeaking, and rattling within the rearview device <NUM>. Additionally, adhesives, epoxies, or other bonding agents may be dispensed on the foam layer <NUM> to bind the foam layer <NUM> to the holder <NUM> and/or the electro-optic element <NUM>. Alternatively, the adhesives, epoxies, or other bonding agents may be disposed between the electro-optic element <NUM> and the holder <NUM> in place of the foam layer <NUM> to at least partially form a barrier and bind the holder <NUM> to the electro-optic element <NUM>. More specifically, the foam layer <NUM> may be associated with the third surface <NUM>. Further, the foam layer <NUM> may be positioned in the front recess <NUM>, between the holder <NUM> and the electro-optic element <NUM>. Accordingly, the foam layer <NUM> may be disposed on the mounting surface <NUM>. The electro-optic element <NUM> may also positioned within the front recess <NUM> and abut the foam layer <NUM>. Further, the electro-optic element <NUM> may coupled to the lip <NUM> of the peripheral flange <NUM> and/or indirectly to the mounting surface <NUM> via the foam layer <NUM>, such that the peripheral flange <NUM> and the electro-optic element <NUM> are generally coplanar. The generally coplanar nature of the peripheral flange <NUM> and the electro-optic element <NUM> may be achieved by their furthest extents in the first direction <NUM> being substantially coplanar.

Referring again to <FIG> and <FIG>, the mounting assembly <NUM> is disposed outside the housing <NUM>. Further, mounting assembly <NUM> may have a mount <NUM> configured to engage a windshield button. The windshield button may be generally secured via an adhesive or other method of connection to a windshield of a vehicle. Accordingly, the mounting assembly <NUM> may be operable to engage a windshield. Thus, the mounting assembly <NUM> is operable to secure the rearview device <NUM> to the vehicle. The mount <NUM> may include a base <NUM> and a mount ball <NUM> that projects from the base <NUM> in the first direction <NUM>. In some embodiments, the mount ball <NUM> may be received by a mount barrel <NUM>. The mount barrel <NUM> may include a spring <NUM> that may directly or indirectly provide frictional resistance within the mount barrel <NUM> between at least the mount ball <NUM> and a rear portion <NUM> of the rearview device <NUM>. Accordingly, the mount barrel <NUM> may engage the mount ball <NUM> of the mount <NUM>. Further, the mount barrel <NUM> may engage a device ball <NUM> that may be operably coupled with the rear portion <NUM> of the rearview device <NUM>. The device ball <NUM> may include an engagement portion <NUM> configured to be secured with a mounting area <NUM> of the housing <NUM> of the rearview device <NUM> including a receiving member (socket). The engagement portion <NUM> may comprise the one or more mechanical fastener acceptors. The mounting area <NUM> may comprise the one or more openings <NUM>. The one or more mechanical fasteners <NUM> may secure the mounting assembly <NUM> to the rear side or second side <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. Accordingly, the device ball <NUM> (<FIG>) may be secured to the rear side or second side <NUM> of the housing <NUM> via the one or more mechanical fasteners <NUM>. It will also be understood that the mounting assembly <NUM> may be a single ball mount in which the rear portion <NUM> of the rearview device <NUM> directly engages the mount ball <NUM> of the mount <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the rear portion <NUM> of the rearview device <NUM> may define an aperture <NUM> that may receive an ambient light sensor lens <NUM>. The aperture <NUM> may allow for the ambient light sensor lens <NUM> to receive and communicate light to an ambient light sensor. Accordingly, the ambient light sensor may provide data to the printed circuit board <NUM> related to an ambient lighting condition. The ambient light sensor may be disposed in cavity <NUM>. In some embodiments, the ambient light sensor may additionally be disposed on the printed circuit board <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the holder <NUM> may define a recessed edge (<FIG>) or opening (<FIG>) <NUM> positioned proximate to a glare sensor <NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM>, to allow for the optical receipt of light from the first direction <NUM>. Accordingly, the recessed edge or opening <NUM> may be disposed in the first direction <NUM> relative the glare sensor <NUM>. The foam layer <NUM> may similarly define a hole <NUM> proximate to the recessed edge <NUM> through which light may pass to the glare sensor <NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM>. Thus, the hole <NUM> may likewise be disposed in the first direction <NUM> relative the glare sensor <NUM>. The glare sensor <NUM> may receive light from headlamps of a trailing vehicle (i.e. a vehicle in the first direction <NUM> relative the rearview device <NUM>), and may measure light levels, which may correlate to glare visible on the electro-optic element <NUM>, and communicate a corresponding signal. The signal may be communicated to the printed circuit board <NUM>. Accordingly, the reflectance of the rearview device <NUM> may be optimized based, at least in part, on the signal. In some embodiments, the vertical/horizontal pattern of the glare sensor <NUM> may be symmetrical. Thus, the orientation of the glare sensor <NUM> may not be significant.

In general, the printed circuit board <NUM> and/or other circuitry, as well as any other components that are made available for the rearview device <NUM>, may all be provided in the body <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and therefore not extend beyond the peripheral flange <NUM> of the rearview device <NUM>. However, it is contemplated that, in some embodiments, additional room may be gained between the electro-optic element <NUM> and the peripheral flange <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the housing <NUM> may extend from the rear portion <NUM> of the rearview device <NUM> to a forward portion <NUM> of the rearview device <NUM> and include the body <NUM> and the peripheral flange <NUM>. The peripheral flange <NUM> may include the lip <NUM> both of which may define the front recess <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The front recess <NUM> may be configured to receive the electro-optic element <NUM>. It will generally be understood that the electro-optic element <NUM> could be replaced with a prism-type element or another display-type element suitable for use in providing a rear view to an occupant in a vehicle. The electro-optic element <NUM> may generally include a plurality of rounded corners <NUM> that may be generally complementary in shape to rounded corners <NUM> of the peripheral flange <NUM>.

The peripheral flange <NUM> and the body <NUM> may be integrally formed with one another to form the housing <NUM>, such that the peripheral flange <NUM>, lip <NUM>, and the body <NUM> are formed from a single piece of material. Stated differently, the body <NUM>, the peripheral flange <NUM>, and the lip <NUM> may be a single unitary construction made of a homogenous, uninterrupted material. Thus, it is generally contemplated that the housing <NUM> may be formed from injection molding, such that the body <NUM> and the peripheral flange <NUM> form the monolithic structure that is the housing <NUM>. In forming the housing <NUM>, the rear portion <NUM> of the rearview device <NUM>, which generally corresponds with the body <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, may include a generally curved design. Stated differently, the body <NUM> is depicted with an arced curvature along a length L<NUM> of the body <NUM>, such that a rear wall <NUM> of the body <NUM> includes the general curved design described with respect to the rear portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

With further reference to <FIG>, the peripheral flange <NUM> may extend outwardly from the body <NUM> to define the mounting surface <NUM>. In addition, the lip <NUM> of the peripheral flange <NUM> may protrudes outwardly from the mounting surface <NUM> to define the front recess <NUM>. The protrusion of the lip <NUM> may have a depth D outward from the mounting surface <NUM> in the first direction <NUM> that corresponds to at least a thickness T<NUM> of the electro-optic element <NUM> and a thickness T<NUM> of the foam layer <NUM>, as best illustrated in <FIG>. The lip <NUM> may generally retain the electro-optic element <NUM> and the foam layer <NUM> within the front recess <NUM>, while the peripheral flange <NUM> may frame the electro-optic element <NUM>. The framing of the electro-optic element <NUM> by the peripheral flange <NUM> may be to the extent that the electro-optic element <NUM> is coplanar with the peripheral flange <NUM>. Thus, the electro-optic element <NUM> may be free from a wrapping engagement with the peripheral flange <NUM>, such that the first surface <NUM> of the electro-optic element <NUM> is entirely visible relative the forward portion <NUM> of the rearview device <NUM>. In other words, the peripheral flange <NUM> and/or housing, may not extend onto the first surface <NUM> or occlude the first surface <NUM> when viewed from the first direction <NUM>. As such, the rearview device <NUM> may not have a bezel that wraps around the front of the electro-optic element. It is generally contemplated that the electro-optic element <NUM> may be coupled to the lip <NUM> via an adhesive material, or similar retention element known in the art.

A forward edge <NUM> of the peripheral flange <NUM> may be configured so that the forward edge <NUM> (i.e. the edge furthest in the first direction <NUM>) of the peripheral flange <NUM> is flush with the first surface <NUM>. Alternatively, the first surface <NUM> may be recessed slightly rearward of the forward edge <NUM>. In other words, the first surface <NUM> may be disposed in a plane slightly in the second direction <NUM> relative the forward edge <NUM>. A portion of the forward edge <NUM> may be planar, curved, round, etc. Regardless, the electro-optic element <NUM> may be free from obstruction by the forward edge <NUM> of the peripheral flange <NUM>. Additionally, because the electro-optic element <NUM> is disposed within the front recess <NUM> and coupled to the lip <NUM>, the rearview device <NUM> may be free of a separate peripheral bezel. As a result, the element clips <NUM> may otherwise be visible through the first substrate <NUM>. However, the peripheral hiding layer <NUM> may be disposed around a perimeter of the electro-optic element <NUM> concealing the element clips <NUM> and/or a bus bar that may be used to activate the electro-optic medium <NUM>. As mentioned above, it is contemplated that the peripheral hiding layer <NUM> may be a chrome ring edge disposed around the perimeter of the electro-optic element <NUM>. The peripheral hiding layer <NUM> may be disposed on the second surface <NUM> of the first substrate <NUM>. As depicted in <FIG>, the peripheral hiding layer <NUM> may generally form a border of the electro-optic element <NUM> proximate to the peripheral flange <NUM>.

The lack of a bezel and the free-floating appearance of the electro-optic element <NUM> may provide an improved interior aesthetic of the vehicle. In addition, the sleek, compact curvature of the body <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may further improve the overall appearance of the rearview device <NUM>.

One non-limiting example of an electro-optic element includes an electrochromic medium, which includes at least one solvent, at least one anodic material, and at least one cathodic material. Typically, both of the anodic and cathodic materials are electroactive and at least one of them is electrochromic. It will be understood that regardless of its ordinary meaning, the term "electroactive" will be defined herein as a material that undergoes a modification in its oxidation state upon exposure to a particular electrical potential difference. Additionally, it will be understood that the term "electrochromic" will be defined herein, regardless of its ordinary meaning, as a material that exhibits a change in its extinction coefficient at one or more wavelengths upon exposure to a particular electrical potential difference. Electrochromic components, as described herein, include materials whose color or opacity are affected by electric current, such that when an electrical current is applied to the material, the color or opacity change from a first phase to a second phase. The electrochromic component may be a single-layer, single-phase component, multilayer component, or multi-phase component, as described in <CIT> entitled "Electrochromic Layer And Devices Comprising Same," <CIT> entitled "Electrochromic Compounds," <CIT> entitled "Electrochromic Medium Capable Of Producing A Pre-selected Color," <CIT> entitled "Electrochromic Compounds," <CIT> entitled "Electrochromic Media For Producing A Pre-selected Color," <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> entitled "Electrochromic System," <CIT> entitled "Near Infrared-Absorbing Electrochromic Compounds And Devices Comprising Same," <CIT> entitled "Coupled Electrochromic Compounds With Photostable Dication Oxidation States," and <CIT> entitled "Electrochromic Media With Concentration Enhanced Stability, Process For The Preparation Thereof and Use In Electrochromic Devices"; <CIT>, entitled "Electrochromic Device"; and International Patent Application Serial Nos. <CIT> entitled "Electrochromic Polymeric Solid Films, Manufacturing Electrochromic Devices Using Such Solid Films, And Processes For Making Such Solid Films And Devices," <CIT> entitled "Electrochromic Polymer System," and <CIT> entitled "Electrochromic Polymeric Solid Films, Manufacturing Electrochromic Devices Using Such Solid Films, And Processes For Making Such Solid Films And Devices,". The glass element may also be any other element having partially reflective, partially transmissive properties.

The present disclosure may be used with a rearview assembly such as that described in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>; <CIT> and <CIT>; and <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>. Further, the present disclosure may be used with a rearview packaging assembly such as that described in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>; and <CIT>; and <CIT>. Additionally, it is contemplated that the present disclosure can include a bezel such as that described in <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts, or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present innovations.

As used herein, the term "and/or," when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself, or any combination of the two or more of the listed items can be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and/or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term "associated" generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another.

In this document, relational terms, such as "first," "second," and the like, are used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions.

The term "substantially," and variations thereof, will be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art as describing a feature that is equal or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a "substantially planar" surface is intended to denote a surface that is planar or approximately planar. Moreover, "substantially" is intended to denote that two values are equal or approximately equal. If there are uses of the term which are not clear to persons of ordinary skill in the art, given the context in which it is used, "substantially" may denote values within about <NUM>% of each other, such as within about <NUM>% of each other, or within about <NUM>% of each other.

Claim 1:
A rearview assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) having a body (<NUM>) that defines a cavity (<NUM>) and a peripheral flange (<NUM>) coupled to the body (<NUM>), the peripheral flange (<NUM>) having a mounting surface (<NUM>) and a lip (<NUM>); and
a variably transmissive electro-optic element (<NUM>) associated with the mounting surface (<NUM>);
wherein the lip (<NUM>) substantially circumscribes the electro-optic element (<NUM>), characterized by one or more openings (<NUM>) defined by the housing (<NUM>);
a mounting assembly (<NUM>) having one or more mechanical fastener acceptor (<NUM>);
a holder (<NUM>) comprising one or more first holes (<NUM>), the holder (<NUM>) retaining a circuit board (<NUM>) within the cavity (<NUM>), the circuit board (<NUM>) comprising one or more second holes (<NUM>); and
a one or more mechanical fasteners (<NUM>), each mechanical fastener (<NUM>) extending through one of the one or more first holes (<NUM>) and one of the one or more second holes (<NUM>) and received by one of the one or more mechanical fastener acceptors (<NUM>).