Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02351444 2001-06-22
Atty. Dkt. No.: 43151/219
MULTIPLE USE MIRROR ASSEMBLY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The disclosure relates to a mirror assembly having a multiplicity
of uses. In particular, the disclosure relates to a mirror assembly having a
base which acts as a storage unit, the mirror being hingedly coupled to the
s base and acting as a cover, and the mirror further having a picture frame
integrated into the backside of the mirror and being displayed when the cover
is closed.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In many situations it is desirable to have a mirror available for
~o maintaining personal appearance, or for other varied uses. For example, it
is
often desirable to have a mirror available in an office setting, where
personal
appearance may be of importance. Further still, it may be desirable to have a
mirror available in a bedroom or bathroom in the home, where it is typical for
one to take care of their personal appearance. Yet further still, it may be
15 desirable to have a mirror that is portable so that personal appearance may
be maintained in almost any setting.
Often, in the act of maintaining personal appearance, items may
need to be used to help maintain personal appearance, such as, but not
limited to, jewelry, makeup, combs, and other devices. Therefore, it may be
zo desirable to have a storage unit that is either nearby the mirror or is
integrated
into the mirror. Further still, in such situations as an office, or a small
apartment, space may be limited and it may not be desirable for one to have
both a mirror and a storage unit which are separate from each other.
Because storage units often are set on a tabletop or desktop in
2s plain view, it is often desirable to have a storage unit which is
decorative in
some manner. For example, many storage units include decorative
appliques, colors, designs, textures, etc.
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CA 02351444 2001-06-22
Atty. Dkt. No.: 43151/219
Thus, there is a need for a mirror that is integrated into a storage
unit and further integrates a picture frame. Also, there is a need for a
storage
device that includes an integrated mirror and display device, such as a photo
frame. Further, there is a need for a mirror assembly, such that a storage bin
acts as a base, the mirror acts as a cover, and when the cover is closed, a
display, such as a photo frame, is displayed on the outside portion of the
cover for decorative purposes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a mirror
assembly. The mirror assembly includes a mirror. The mirror assembly also
includes a storage structure coupled to the mirror. Further; the mirror
assembly includes a display coupled to the storage structure. The mirror,
storage structure, and display are integrated into a single unit.
Another exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a
~s storage assembly. The storage assembly includes a storage structure. The
storage assembly also includes a mirror coupled to the storage structure by a
hinge. The mirror has at least one reflective surface and at least one non-
reflective surface. Further, the storage assembly includes a display coupled
to at least one of the at least one non-reflective surfaces.
zo Yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a
mirror assembly. The mirror assembly includes a base including space for
storage of objects. The mirror assembly also includes a cover coupled to the
base by a hinge. The cover includes a mirror integrated into the cover and a
display integrated into the cover.
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CA 02351444 2001-06-22
Atty. Dkt. No.: 43151/219
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will become more fully understood from the
following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which:
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a storage unit or
mirror assembly having a closed cover and displaying a picture frame;
FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of a storage unit or mirror
assembly, depicting the backside of a mirror which includes a picture frame
and the mirror, being a tri-fold mirror, is folded out; and
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a mirror or storage assembly
depicting storage compartments with the cover/mirror in the open position, the
mirror being a tri-fold mirror in the folded out position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
Referring to FIG. 1, a diagrammatic view of a mirror or storage
~s assembly 10 is depicted. Mirror assembly 10 includes a picture frame 11
which is integrated into a non-reflective surface of a mirror 12, mirror 12
being
coupled by a hinge 13 to a base 14, base 14 acting as a storage
compartment.
Mirror assembly 10 may be, in an exemplary embodiment,
zo configured to sit on a desktop, tabletop, sink top, or any substantially
horizontal surface, or the like. In alternative exemplary embodiments, mirror
assembly 10 may be configured to be mounted on a surface other than a
horizontal surface by utilizing clips, apertures, adhesives, or other mounting
devices.
25. Mirror 12, acts as a cover for storage base 14. When mirror
assembly 10 sits in a horizontal position, with mirror 12 in the closed
position,
a decorative picture, mounted in frame 11, will be displayed enhancing the
aesthetic ambiance of the surrounding environment.
Referring to FIG. 2, mirror 12 is depicted in the open position,
so that is mirror 12 has been rotated by use of hinge 13 from the closed
position
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CA 02351444 2001-06-22
Atty. Dkt. No.: 43151/219
depicted in FIG. 1. In the open position depicted in FIG. 2, mirror 12 is
substantially upstanding from base 14. When mirror 12 is substantially
upstanding, picture frame 11 may be viewed in a substantially vertical
position, therefore the decorative feature of picture frame 11 is retained
when
s the mirror is both in the open and closed positions. In an exemplary
embodiment, mirror 12, has side portions 15 and 16. Side portions 15 and 16
may, in an exemplary embodiment, be mirror portions, thereby forming a tri-
fold mirror. In alternative exemplary embodiments, side portions 15 and 16
may be used for display, storage, for hanging items, such as earrings and the
like, or side portions 15 and 16 may be utilized to include lights for mirror
12.
As depicted in FIG. 3, mirror 12 is depicted with side portions 15
and 16 being mirrors, thereby creating a tri-fold mirror, for substantially
improved three dimensional viewing during maintenance of personal
appearance, such as, but not limited to, use during the application of makeup.
~s Further, as depicted in FIG. 3, mirror 12 is coupled to base 14 by hinge
13.
However, it should be noted that coupling between base 14 and cover 12 is
not necessarily required, and other types of couplings beyond hinge 13 may
be used should base 14 and cover 12 be coupled. Base 14 is further shown
to include a plurality of storage compartments 17, which may be utilized to
zo store any of a variety of items, including, but not limited to, makeup,
jewelry,
combs, or the like. Further, if used in an office setting, storage
compartments
17 may be used for paper clips, tacks, pencils and pens, letter openers,
staples, tape, scissors, and the like. Further still, base 14 may include any
of
a variety of configurations of storage compartments, including, but not
limited
is to, bins, as depicted in FIG. 3, or a single bin, or any other type of
storage
configuration.
As depicted in the FIGs., mirror assembly 10 has the advantage
of being an integrated unit, in which a display device, such as, but not
limited
to, a picture frame, a mirror, and a storage structure are all integrated into
a
so single unit. The single unit has the advantage of saving a substantial
amount
of space by including a display area, by utilizing a mirror and display in the
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CA 02351444 2001-06-22
Atty. Dkt. No.: 43151/219
cover of a storage unit, and further, by having a mirror which is foldable
into a
compact cover. Thus, the compact design of the mirror assembly may be
utilized in an office environment where desk space is a premium. Further, the
integrated mirror assembly 10 may be used on a small dressing table, where
table space is also a premium. Further still, mirror assembly 10 may be
configured to be a portable unit that can be folded up and may be used for
travel, or tucked into a purse, or the like.
Any of a number of varied uses can be made of mirror assembly
without departing from the scope of the invention. Further, mirror
,o assembly 10 may include lights that are used in conjunction with and built
into
mirror 12, to enhance the effectiveness of mirror 12 during maintenance of
personal appearance or to enable the use of mirror 10 in dimly lit
environments. Further still, display device 11 may include other types of
decorative displays. Yet further still, a "talking" picture frame (i.e., a
picture
5 frame including a speaker and digital or analog player/recorder), may be
incorporated into frame 11.
While the detailed drawings, specific examples, and particular
configurations given describe exemplary embodiments, they serve the
purpose of illustration only. Materials and configurations shown and
2o described may differ depending on the chosen use and physical
characteristics of the mirror assembly. For example, a variety of materials
may be used to form the mirror assembly, such as any of a variety of plastic
materials, however, the mirror assembly would not be limited to plastic
materials and it may be desirable to form the mirror assembly from wood,
25 metal, or other materials. The assembly shown and described is not limited
to
the precise details and conditions disclosed. Furthermore, other
substitutions,
modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, and
arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope
of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.
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