US 6,824,281 · Granted 2004-11-30

The Rearview Mirror That Became Your Car's Command Center

This patent describes a rearview mirror that's not just for looking backward anymore. Built into the mirror assembly is a mounting system that lets you attach electronics—think phone chargers, displays, or sensors—directly above the mirror where you can see and reach them while driving.

Curated and verified by the IsItPatented Editorial team

The plain-English version

What it protects

The claim covers a combined rearview mirror and accessory mounting system where a vertical mounting portion attaches to the windshield, a horizontal head portion extends above the mirror casing, and that head portion houses electronic circuitry while remaining visible and accessible to the driver. What's protected is the specific structural arrangement that lets accessories sit above the mirror without blocking visibility, plus the ability to pivot or articulate that head portion independently.

Why it matters

This patent matters because it solved a real problem in car design: where do you mount car electronics so they're useful and visible but don't clutter the dashboard or obstruct your view? By anchoring accessories directly to the mirror assembly, Donnelly created a compact, integrated solution that carmakers could use for integrated phone cradles, GPS displays, cameras, and other gadgets—turning the rearview mirror into a genuine hub for vehicle tech rather than just a reflective surface.

Real-world use

When you're driving a modern car with a phone mount, dash camera, or integrated safety display mounted at the top center of your windshield just above the rearview mirror, you're likely looking at hardware built on this mounting principle.

Original USPTO abstract

An accessory system of a vehicle comprises an accessory module assembly having a mounting portion, a head portion and a rearview mirror assembly. The mounting portion extends generally upward when mounted to an attachment member at a vehicle windshield. The head portion may extend generally horizontally and rearwardly with respect to the vehicle from an upper portion of the mounting portion. The head portion comprises electronic circuitry for at least one accessory. The mirror assembly is mountable to the mounting portion, with the head portion of the accessory module assembly extending generally above the mirror casing. The head portion may be viewable and/or user accessible above the mirror casing when the mirror assembly is mounted to the mounting portion. The head portion may be pivotable or articulatable relative to the base portion of the accessory module assembly.

Patent details

Publication number: US 6,824,281
Filing date: 2003-01-31
Grant date: 2004-11-30
Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
Inventor(s): SCHOFIELD KENNETH, DEWARD JOSHUA L., WHITEHEAD PETER J., LYNAM NIALL R.
CPC class: B60R1/10

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