Patent Application
20050068646
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a mirror generally used for personal hygiene, application of cosmetics, and the like. More particularly, the invention relates to a mirror having a user defined variable magnification factor. Further, the invention relates to a mirror offering a plurality of information displays, light sources, and devices.
2. Background Art
Cosmetic mirrors are used for personal hygiene, application and removal of cosmetics, removal and installation of contact lenses, and the like. Conventional cosmetic mirrors come in either dual mirror or single mirror configurations. Dual mirror configurations generally have two mirrors, each mirror with substantially different degrees of curvature from the other. Single mirror configurations may offer a variable magnification factor mirror. Variable magnification cosmetic mirrors allows a user to adjust the magnification factor according to their usage requirement.
However, variable magnification mirrors do not offer a plurality of magnification levels. Generally, conventional variable magnification mirrors offer two settings, such as flat or concave. Further, adjustable magnification mirrors may require a great deal of effort and force for adjustments. Therefore, there is a need for a cosmetic mirror that offers a convenient way to adjust the magnification of the mirror with minimal effort and minimal mirror distortion over a greater range of magnifications. It would be desirable to integrate a small electric motor to control magnification of a mirror for greater precision and consistency over a greater range of magnifications. The motor can be controlled by a switch to make using the mirror easier.
In other conventional variable magnification mirrors, the flexing of the mirror is accomplished with a puller plate connection attached to the rear surface of the mirror. Generally, the puller plate attaches to the rear surface of the mirror with a circular engagement area. However, conventional puller plates do not produce fine paraboloids which offer an image with less distortion on both flat and concave mirrors. Thus, there exists a need for an attachment scheme to the mirror to produce images with less distortion on both flat and concave mirrors.
In addition, cosmetic mirrors are often used in areas where space may be limited, such as the bathroom counter top or a vanity table. These spaces may also have a limited number of electrical outlets needed for personal hygiene and appliances in these areas such as clocks or night lights. Therefore, it is desirable for a cosmetic mirror offering the functionality of several devices, such as lighting and information displays, integrated into the cosmetic mirror while minimizing the number of electrical sources necessary and conserving space.
This invention addresses the above noted problems and fulfills the above needs as summarized below.
The present invention provides a motorized variable magnification factor cosmetic mirror comprising a housing having an internal annular region oriented about a central axis. A flexible substrate having a peripheral edge, a front surface, and an opposed rear surface, where the peripheral edge is affixed to the housing. A connector extends centrally from the rear surface. A reflective coating is provided onto one of the front and rear surfaces. The reflective coating causes the substrate to be reflective when viewed by a user from the front surface side. An electric motor/transmission assembly is mounted to the housing. The electric motor/transmission assembly has an output member, operably engaged with the connector, for displacing the connector fore and aft relative to the housing annular region and consequently flexing a central portion of the substrate fore and aft relative to the housing annular region thus varying the magnification factor of the flexible surface. An user-selectable switch connecting a source of power to the electric motor/transmission assembly for providing user adjustment of the magnification factor of the substrate.
Another object of the invention is to provide a mirror in which the magnification may be varied manually over a substantial range of magnifications. The manual variable magnification factor mirror comprising a housing with an internal annular region formed about a central axis. A flexible substrate with a peripheral edge, a front surface, and an opposed rear surface. The peripheral edge is affixed to the housing. An annular connector extending centrally from the rear surface. A reflective coating is provided onto one of the front and rear surfaces. The reflective coating causes the substrate to be reflective when viewed by a user from the front surface side. A handle shiftably connected to the housing and operably engaged with the connector. The movement of the handle displaces the connector fore and aft along to the housing central axis and consequently flexing a central portion of the flexible substrate thus varying the magnification of an image viewed by the user.
In yet another object of the invention a double-sided cosmetic mirror with a plurality of devices is provided. The double-sided cosmetic mirror comprising a housing with a first end opening and a second end opening. A first substrate having a first peripheral edge, a first front surface, and an opposed first rear surface. The first peripheral edge is affixed within the first opening of the housing. A first reflective coating provided onto one of the first front and the first rear surfaces. The first reflective coating causes the first substrate to be reflective when viewed by a user from the first front surface side. A second substrate having a curvature substantially different from the first substrate. The second substrate having a second peripheral edge, a second front surface, and an opposed second rear surface, the second peripheral edge being affixed within the second opening of the housing. A second reflective coating provided onto one of the second front and the second rear surfaces. The second reflective coating causing the second substrate to be reflective when viewed by the user from the second front surface side. A first information display oriented the first substrate for being viewable by a user. A second information display oriented the second substrate for being viewable by the user. An information source circuit connected to and controlling both the first and second information displays. At least one user selectable switch cooperating with the information source circuit for controlling the first and second information displays.
a is an exploded perspective view of a manual variable magnification cosmetic mirror in another embodiment of the present invention;
b is a plan view of a connector having an annular attachment area to reduce average tensions of the present invention;
c is a plan view of a connector having zones of annular attachment to reduce average tensions in these zones of the present invention;
Referring now to
External portion 22 and internal frame 24 create the housing for motorized variable magnification cosmetic mirror 20. External portion 22 of the housing includes an internal annular region oriented about a central axis. Internal annular region may provide an inner rim 23 for receiving a periphery of flexible substrate 26.
Internal frame 24 of the housing includes an aperture 36 for allowing connector 28 and connector attachment 30 to pass through and connect with an output member 38 of electric motor/transmission assembly 34. Internal frame also provides a limit to curvature and assists in the shaping of flexible substrate 26.
Flexible substrate 26 includes peripheral edge 40, a front surface 42, and a rear surface 44. A reflective coating is applied to either the front surface or the rear surface causing the flexible substrate to be reflective when viewed by a user from front surface 42. Flexible substrate 26 may also receive displays, light sources, or devices like a switch 46.
Connector 28 extends centrally away from the rear surface of flexible substrate 26. Connector 28 pulls perpendicular to flexible substrate 26 to change the magnification factor of the flexible substrate without image distorting side forces. Further, connector 28 may include an annular connection to rear surface 44 for minimal distortion of the reflected image. Connector 28 may be a ball joint or any other form of connection or joint that can attach with connector attachment 30.
Connector attachment 30 receives connector 28. Connector attachment 30 passes through aperture 32 and attaches to output member 38 using a cam 32 and a set of pins 48. Cam 32 attaches to output shaft 38 with pins 48 which slide into the tracks of the cam.
Electric motor/transmission assembly 34 is mounted on internal frame 24 and includes output member 38 which receives cam 32 which attaches to connector attachment 30. The movement of connector attachment 30 fore and aft relative to internal frame 24 curves flexible substrate 26 for varying the magnification factor. Electric motor/transmission assembly 34 offers a user easier use and greater precision in setting the magnification factor of flexible substrate 26. Electric motor/transmission assembly 34 or the size of cam 32 may also limit the range of curvature of the flexible substrate.
Electric motor/transmission assembly 34 may be any DC micro motor or any other small electric motor. The power of the motor is enough to move connector attachment 30 fore and aft to inner frame 24 for controlling the magnification factor of flexible substrate 26.
Switch 46 is connected to a source of power 50 and controls electric motor/transmission assembly 34 to adjust the magnification level of flexible substrate 26. Switch may be received by external portion 32 of the housing or flexible substrate 26. Switch may be a touch sensor with capacitive responsive electronic switching circuit 52 controlling operation thereof.
Cosmetic mirror 20 may also include information displays, devices, or light sources. Information displays, devices, and light sources may be received by external portion 22, mounted on front surface 42, mounted on rear surface 44, integrated or etched between layers of flexible substrate 26, or oriented in a non-reflective portion of the flexible substrate.
Devices integrated into cosmetic mirror 20 may include make-up pencil sharpeners, fans, or any other devices needed for personal hygiene or found in the area where the cosmetic mirrors may be used. Information displays, devices, and light sources may also feature an automatic shutoff and alarm functions. The light sources may have a plurality of settings including day, night, and a night light option.
Referring now to
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The magnification factor of flexible substrate 26 may be limited by inner frame 24, which may limit the maximum range of curvature. The arc of inner frame 24 is calculated to the radius of maximum magnification. Maximum magnification may be reached when flexible substrate 26 is fully pressed against the arc of inner frame 24. Further, the maximum range of curvature of flexible substrate 26 may be limited by the size of cam 50 or the operation of electric motor/transmission assembly 34.
Referring now to
External portion 62 and internal frame 64 create the housing for manual variable magnification cosmetic mirror 60. External portion 62 of the housing includes an internal annular region oriented about a central axis. Internal annular region may include an inner rim 72 for receiving a periphery of flexible substrate 74.
Internal frame 64 of the housing includes an aperture 76 for allowing annular connector 68 to pass through and connect with the handle. Annular connector 68 may connect with handle 70 using an annular connector attachment 78. Handle 70 attaches to annular connector attachment 78 with a pin 80. Internal frame 64 also provides a limit to curvature and assists in shaping of flexible substrate 66.
Flexible substrate 66 includes peripheral edge 74, a front surface 82, and a rear surface 84. A reflective coating is applied to either front surface 82 or rear surface 84 causing flexible substrate 66 to be reflective when viewed by a user from the front surface. Flexible substrate 66 may also receive displays, devices or light sources. Such displays, devices, and lights may be received by external portion 62 of the housing, mounted on front surface 82, mounted on rear surface 84, integrated or etched between layers of flexible substrate 66, or oriented in a non-reflective portion of the flexible substrate.
Annular connector 68 extends centrally away from rear surface 84 of flexible substrate 66. Annular connector 68 engages rear surface 84 in an annular region. Annular connector 68 pulls perpendicular to flexible substrate 66 to change the magnification factor of the flexible substrate to produce fine paraboloids without image distorting side forces. Annular connector 68 may include a ball joint or any other form of connection or joint that can connect with annular connector attachment 78.
Handle 70 may be mounted on internal frame 64. Annular connector attachment 78 and pin 80 connect annular connector 68 with handle 70. Annular connector attachment 78 connects to annular connector 68 and passes through aperture 76. The movement of annular connector 68 and annular connector attachment 78 fore and aft relative to internal frame 64 curves flexible substrate 66 for varying the magnification factor. Handle 70 may include detents or settings to allow the user to incrementally adjust the magnification factor of flexible substrate 66.
Referring now to
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The embodiments of 4b and 4c are applicable to flexible substrates having either a flat or convex rear surfaces.
Referring now to
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Both first 102 and second 204 housings include a first end opening 120 and a second end opening 122, respectively. First end opening 120 and second end opening 122 receive a first peripheral edge 124 of first substrate 108 and a second peripheral edge 126 of second substrate 112 respectively. Internal frame 106 may receive information circuit 116 and a pivot axle 128.
First substrate 108 has first peripheral edge 124, a first front surface 130, and an opposed first rear surface 132. First peripheral edge 124 may be affixed within first opening 120. First substrate 108 includes a first reflective coating provided onto one of first front 130 or first rear 132 surfaces causing the first substrate to be reflective when viewed by a user from the first front surface. First substrate 108 receives the first information display 110 so that it is viewable by a user.
Second substrate 112 has a curvature substantially different from first substrate 108. Second substrate 112 has second peripheral edge 126, a second front surface 134, and an opposed second rear surface 136. Second peripheral edge 126 may be affixed within second opening 122. Second substrate 112 includes a second reflective coating provided onto one of second front 134 and second rear 136 surfaces causing the second substrate to be reflective when viewed by the user from the second front surface. Second substrate 112 receives second information display 114 to be viewable by the user.
Information source circuit 116 is connected to and controls both first 110 and second 114 information displays. Information source circuit 116 may be any circuit offering any form of information, such as a clock circuit or a thermometer circuit. Information source circuit 116 may be received by internal frame 106 and connects to a source of power 117. First display 110 and second display 114 may be placed on respective front surfaces 130,134, respective rear surfaces 132,136, integrated within the layers of the respective substrates 108,112, or within a first 138 or second 140 non-reflective portion in the respective substrates. First 108 and second 112 substrates may have respective information displays 110, 114 etched within the surface of the substrate either on the front or rear surface to be viewable by the user.
At least one user selectable switch 118 cooperates with information source circuit 116 for controlling first 110 and second 114 information displays. Switch 118 may be received by first 102 and second 104 housings, by first 108 and second 112 substrates, or by a base 142.
Referring now to
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Light source 162 may be integrated into a housing 168 or a face of a substrate 170. In the spirit of the claimed invention, integration of light source 162 into the face of substrate 170 is accomplished in several ways.
One method is to provide etchings or non reflective portions 172 into the face of substrate 170, the etchings allow light from light source 162 to pass through.
Another method provides substrate 170 with a reflective coating reflecting visibly discernible light, and at least one secondary region 176 passing a portion of the visibly discernible light while simultaneously reflecting a given percentage of the visibly discernible light. The secondary region 176 may be formed by etching a pattern of small appertures in the reflective coating to allow light to pass there through. The average reflectance of entire substrate 170 is greater than about 50%, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,005,724, issued on Dec. 21, 1999 and incorporated by reference herein.
Information display 164 may also be integrated into cosmetic mirror 160. Alternatively, information display 164 provides time, date, and weather conditions such as temperature or barometric pressure. Information display 164 may be placed behind a variable light transmission element 180 in order to produce a visual display as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,530,240, issued on Jun. 25, 1996 and incorporated by reference herein.
Information display 164 may also be placed behind a specially matched portion, as provided above, which is substantially transparent to the spectral band of light emitted from information display 164. Alternatively, substrate 170 has etchings or non-reflective portions corresponding to information display 164 to integrate the information display into substrate 170.
At least one button 166 may also be integrated into either housing 168 or substrate 170 of cosmetic mirror 160 to control devices, such as information displays 164 and light sources 162. At least one button 166 may be a switch or a touch sensor 182. Touch sensor 182 provides input by proximity or touch . Touch sensor 182 connects to a capacitive responsive electronic switching circuit as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,796,183, issued on Aug. 18, 1998 and incorporated by reference herein. Buttons 166′ may control information display 164, such as a clock. Further, buttons 166 control the intensity or settings for information displays 164 and light sources 162.
Alternatively, buttons 166 connect to an electrostatic rheostat control circuit with a pulse-width modulated output for controlling energization of devices integrated into cosmetic mirror 160 as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. Re. 35,428, reissued on Jan. 21, 1997 and incorporated by reference herein. The pulse-width modulated signal with a duty cycle is controlled to vary power delivered to the integrated devices.
Preferably, the intensity of light source 162 may be reduced to the point where the cosmetic mirror can serve as a bathroom night light. If desired a photodetector 178 can be provided to sense ambient light to cause the light source to be illuminated at minimal pulse width in low light conditions.
While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
