Rearview mirror assembly with utility functions

Abstract

An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a casing with a reflective element and a storage space. The storage space provides storage for at least one accessory and for storing the accessory in the location easily accessible by an occupant of the vehicle whereby the accessory can be inserted into and removed from the storage space for use by an occupant of the vehicle. The storage space may take the form of a recess provided in a top wall of the casing, a recessed portion provided in a front wall, back wall, or end wall of the casing. In one form, the recessed portion houses a pendent accessory which is dockable in and removable from the storage space for use by an occupant of the vehicle. For example, the pendent accessory may comprise a light assembly which is useable as a flashlight independently of the interior rearview mirror assembly or useable as a map light when docked in the mirror assembly. The storage space may also be used to hold workpieces or the like.

1 . An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle, said rearview mirror comprising: 
 a casing, said casing including a reflective element;    a storage space; and    a dockable accessory, said dockable accessory being dockable in and removable from said storage space whereby said dockable accessory can be docked in said storage space and accessible to an occupant of the vehicle who can remove said dockable accessory from said storage space and use said dockable accessory independently of said rearview mirror assembly.