Patent ID: 7631977

Claim:
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle, the rearview mirror assembly comprising: a support structure for mounting the mirror assembly to the vehicle, the support structure including a first part having a substantially permanent connection to the vehicle and a second part; the support structure further including a snap-in detent arrangement; a snap-in spring element affixed to the support structure first part which snaps into a corresponding recess in the support structure second part; a support arm mounting at least one mirror, disposed on said first part of the support structure and the second part of the support structure being disposed on the support arm; and a locking mechanism disposed on the support structure for selectively locking together the first and second parts of the support structure for securing the support arm and the at least one mirror to the vehicle, the locking mechanism including a key activated mechanism including a key cylinder mounted on the first part of the support structure and a rotatable latch member operatively connected to and rotatable via the key cylinder for selectively lockingly engaging with the second part of the support structure.