Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
ILLUMINATED VANITY MIRROR ASSEMBLY
FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to illuminated
vanity mirrors.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Illuminated vanity mirrors are increasingly popular items as
they provide
aesthetically pleasing mirrors and can provide improved lighting when looking
into a
minor. Illuminated vanity mirrors can include light sources mounted within an
assembly used to secure the illuminated vanity mirror to a surface, such as a
wall or
other surface. It can be challenging to mount an illuminated vanity minor
while still
optimizing the lighting from the illuminated vanity mirror. For instance,
components
within the minor housing may interfere with lighting from light sources within
the
illuminated vanity minor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0003] Aspects and advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in
part in the
following description, or may be learned from the description, or may be
learned
through practice of the disclosure.
[0004] One example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to an
illuminated
vanity mirror assembly. The illuminated vanity minor assembly can include a
front
panel having a front face and a rear face. The front face can include a
reflective
surface. The illuminated vanity minor can include a minor housing and at least
one
light source positioned within the minor housing. The illuminated vanity minor
can
include a first mount attached to the rear face of the front panel at or
adjacent to a first
edge of the rear face of the front panel. The first mount can have a downward
facing
lip. The mirror housing can define a cavity configured to receive at least a
portion of
the downward facing lip.
[0005] Another example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to
a mount for
securing a front panel of an illuminated vanity minor to a mirror housing
configured
to secure the illuminated vanity mirror to a surface and house one or more
lighting
sources configured to provide light through at least a portion of the front
panel. The
mount includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The
first portion
1
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-08-16
is configured to be attached to a rear face of the front panel. The first
portion extends
in a first direction from the rear face of the front panel. The second portion
extends
from the first portion in a second direction that is different from the first
direction.
The third portion extends from the second portion in a third direction that is
different
from the second direction. The third portion includes a downward facing lip
configured to engage a cavity formed in the mirror housing. In this manner,
the front
panel can be secured to the mirror housing.
[0006] Yet another example aspect of the present disclosure is directed
to an
illuminated vanity minor. The illuminated vanity minor includes a front panel
having a front face and a rear face. The front face includes a reflective
surface.
Alternatively or additionally, a portion of the front face is at least
partially
transparent. In this manner, light can pass through the portion of the front
face that is
at least partially transparent. The illuminated vanity mirror includes a
mirror housing
and at least one light source positioned within the minor housing. The at
least one
light source is configured to emit light through the portion of the front face
that is at
least partially transparent. The illuminated vanity minor includes a first
mount and a
second mount. The first mount is attached to a first edge of the rear face of
the front
panel. The first mount includes a downward facing lip, and at least a portion
of the
downward facing lip is received in a cavity defined at an edge of the minor
housing.
The second mount is attached to a second edge of the rear face of the front
panel. The
second mount is configured to lie adjacent to a second edge of the minor
assembly,
and the second mount is configured to be secured to the mirror housing through
one
or more fasteners.
[0007] Another example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to
an
illuminated vanity minor assembly, comprising:
- a front panel comprising a front face and a rear face, the front face
comprising a
reflective surface;
- a minor housing defining a chamber;
- at least one light source positioned within the mirror housing such that
the at least
one light source emits light into the chamber; and
- a mount attached to the rear face of the front panel, the mount
configured to
secure the front panel to the minor housing,
2
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-08-16
wherein when the front panel is secured to the minor housing via the mount, a
downward facing lip of the mount extends into the chamber via an opening
defined by
an exterior surface of the mirror housing.
[0007a] Yet another example aspect of the present disclosure is directed
to a mount
for securing a front panel of an illuminated vanity minor to a minor housing
configured to secure the illuminated vanity mirror to a surface and house one
or more
lighting sources configured to provide light through at least a portion of the
front
panel, the mount comprising:
- a first portion extending in a first direction, the first portion
configured to be
attached to a rear face of the front panel;
- a second portion extending from the first portion in a second direction
that is
different from the first direction and non-planar to the first portion; and
- a third portion extending from the second portion in a third direction
that is
different from the second direction and non-planar to the second portion, the
third
portion comprising a downward facing lip;
wherein when the front panel is secured to the minor housing via the mount,
the
downward facing lip of the mount extends into a chamber defined by the minor
housing via an opening defined by an exterior surface of the minor housing.
[0007b] Yet another example aspect of the present disclosure is directed
to an
illuminated vanity minor assembly, comprising:
- a front panel comprising a front face and a rear face, the front face
comprising a
reflective surface, the front face having an illumination portion that is at
least
partially transparent;
- a minor housing defining a chamber;
- at least one light source positioned within the mirror housing, the at
least one
light source configured to emit light through the illumination portion such
that the
at least one light source emits light into the chamber; and
- a first mount attached to the rear face of the front panel, the first
mount having a
downward facing lip; and
- a second mount attached to the rear face of the front panel via one or
more
fasteners,
3
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-08-16
wherein when the front panel is secured to the minor housing via the first
mount and
the second mount, the downward facing lip of the first mount extends into the
chamber via an opening defined by an exterior surface of the minor housing.
[0008] These and other features, aspects and advantages of various
embodiments
will become better understood with reference to the following description and
appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, depict embodiments of the present
disclosure
and, together with the description, serve to explain the related principles.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Detailed discussion of embodiments directed to one of ordinary
skill in the
art are set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended
figures, in
which:
[0010] FIG. 1 depicts a front view of an illuminated vanity minor
assembly
according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 2 depicts a front view of an illuminated vanity minor
assembly
showing some interior components according to example embodiments of the
present
disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment showing the
connection between a second mount and the bottom wall of the housing according
to
example embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment showing the
connection between a first mount and the top wall of the mirror housing
according to
example embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective, cross-sectional view of an
embodiment of the
assembly showing the connection between the first mount and a top wall of the
housing according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 6 depicts a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a
first mount
according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;
3a
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-08-16
CA 03072756 2020-02-11
WO 2019/036205
PCT/US2018/045100
[0016] FIG. 7 depicts a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a first
mount
according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment showing the
entire
illuminated vanity mirror assembly according to example embodiments of the
present
disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the assembly
showing the first mount being received within a cavity defined within the
bottom wall
of the housing according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the assembly
showing the second mount and its connection with the top wall of the housing
according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment where the front
panel is removed and offset from the mirror housing so that the cavity and the
first
mount may be seen according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view of one or more light sources
disposed
within the mirror housing according to example embodiments of the present
disclosure; and
[0022] FIG. 13 depicts another perspective view of one or more light
sources
disposed within the mirror housing according to example embodiments of the
present
disclosure
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments, one or more
examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by
way
of explanation of the embodiments, not limitation of the present disclosure.
In fact, it
will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and
variations
can be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of
the
present disclosure. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of
one
embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further
embodiment. Thus, it is intended that aspects of the present disclosure cover
such
modifications and variations.
[0024] Example aspects of the present disclosure are directed to an
illuminated
vanity mirror assembly having a front panel that is attachable to a mirror
housing.
4
CA 03072756 2020-02-11
WO 2019/036205
PCT/US2018/045100
The front panel can include a reflective surface. The front panel can include
an
illumination portion that is at least partially transparent. The mirror
housing can
house one or more light sources (e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDs)) that emit
light
through the illumination portion.
[0025] According to example embodiments of the present disclosure, the
illuminated vanity mirror assembly can include a first mount. The first mount
can be
secured to a rear surface of the front panel. The first mount can include a
downward
facing lip. The downward facing lip can be configured to be engaged or
retained into
a cavity defined in the mirror housing (e.g., an edge member of the mirror
housing).
In this way, the front panel can be secured to the mirror housing when the
downwardly facing lip of the first mount is positioned within the cavity.
[0026] In some embodiments, the illuminated vanity mirror can include a
second
mount. The second mount can be located, for instance, on a rear surface of the
front
panel (e.g., at an opposite edge to the mount with the downwardly facing lip).
The
second mount can abut an edge member of the mirror housing. The second mount
can
be secured to the mirror housing using one or more fasteners to provide
additional
stability in securing the front panel to the mirror housing.
[0027] In some embodiments, the downward facing lip of the first mount can
include a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first
portion can
extend in a first direction and can be secured to the rear surface of the
front panel.
The second portion can extend from the first portion in a second direction
(e.g., a
perpendicular direction away from the rear surface of the front panel). The
third
portion can extend from the second portion in a third direction. For instance,
the third
portion can extend from the second portion such that an angle is defined
between the
second portion and the third portion. More specifically, the angle can be an
acute
angle, a right angle, or an obtuse angle. In some embodiments, the third
portion is the
downward facing lip.
[0028] In some embodiments, the downward facing lip can extend a limited
distance into the mirror housing when engaged with the cavity to reduce the
impact
(e.g., shadowing effects) on light emitted from one or more light sources in
the mirror
housing. For instance, the downward facing lip can extend less than about 1.5
inches
into the mirror housing, such as less than about .75 inches into the mirror
housing. As
CA 03072756 2020-02-11
WO 2019/036205
PCT/US2018/045100
used herein, the use of the term "about" in conjunction with a numerical value
is
intended to refer to within 20% of the stated about.
[0029] Example aspects of the present disclosure are directed to an
illuminated
vanity mirror assembly allowing a front panel to be attached to a mirror
housing. The
front panel can include a reflective surface. The front panel can additionally
include
an illumination portion that is at least partially transparent. The mirror
housing can
house one or more light sources (e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDs)) that
provide light
through the illumination portion.
[0030] According to example embodiments of the present disclosure, the
illuminated vanity mirror assembly can include at least one mount. The mount
can be
secured to a rear surface of the front panel. The mount can include a downward
facing lip. The downward facing lip can be configured to be engaged or
retained into
a cavity defined in the mirror housing (e.g., an edge member of the mirror
housing).
In this way, the front panel can be secured to the mirror housing by simply
engaging
the downwardly facing lip with the cavity defined by the mirror housing.
[0031] In some embodiments, the illuminated vanity mirror can include an
additional mount. The additional mount can be located, for instance, on a rear
surface
of the front panel (e.g., at an opposite edge to the mount with the downwardly
facing
lip). The additional mount can abut an edge member of the mirror housing. The
additional mount can be secured to the mirror housing using one or more
fasteners to
provide additional stability in securing the front panel to the mirror
housing.
[0032] In some embodiments, the mount having the downward facing lip can
include three portions. A first portion can extend in a first direction and
can be
secured to the rear surface of the front panel. The second portion can extend
from the
first portion in a second direction (e.g., a perpendicular direction away from
the rear
surface of the front panel). A third portion can extend in a third direction
downward
from the second portion. For instance, the third portion can extend at an
acute angle,
perpendicular to, or at an obtuse angle with respect to the second portion.
The third
portion can be the downward facing lip.
[0033] In some embodiments, the downward facing lip can extend a limited
distance into the mirror housing when engaged with the cavity to reduce the
impact
(e.g., shadowing effects) on light emitted from one or more light sources in
the mirror
6
CA 03072756 2020-02-11
WO 2019/036205
PCT/US2018/045100
housing. For instance, the downward facing lip can extend less than about 1.5
inches
into the mirror housing, such as less than about .75 inches into the mirror
housing.
For instance, in some embodiments, the downward facing lip can extend a
distance
into the mirror housing that is less than about 50% of a depth of the mirror
housing,
such as less than about 30% of a depth of the mirror housing, such as less
than about
20% of a depth of the mirror housing. As used herein, the use of the term
"about" in
conjunction with a numerical value is intended to refer to within 20% of the
stated
about.
[0034] Example aspects of the present disclosure provide a number of
technical
effects and benefits. For instance, in some embodiments, less precision for
the angle
of the brackets is required in order to secure the downward facing lip to the
mirror
housing. In that regard, less stringent manufacturing tolerances can be used,
reducing
manufacturing costs.
[0035] Moreover, instead of using four mounts, example embodiments can
require fewer mounts, such as a single mount, or two mounts. Because fewer
parts
may be produced, the manufacturing costs of the assembly may be reduced.
Furthermore, omitting at least two additional mounts may allow for more empty
space
inside the housing so that additional components may be included. By reducing
the
number of mounting surfaces within the mirror housing, the lighting may be
improved
as the mounting surfaces may be less likely to interfere with the light
provided from
the light source through the chamber and out through the illumination portion
of the
front panel.
[0036] Additionally, the alignment and mounting features can provide the
necessary strength to support the weight of the mirror, and these features can
support
the weight of the mirror evenly. Further, servicing of components within the
mirror
housing may be quickly and easily accomplished.
[0037] Referring now to the FIGS., FIG. 1 depicts a front view of one
example
embodiment of an illuminated vanity mirror assembly 28. FIG. 2 depicts a front
view
of the illuminated vanity mirror assembly 28 in which a front panel 30 of the
illuminated vanity mirror assembly 28 has been made partially transparent so
that a
mirror housing 36 and other components positioned behind the front panel 30
may be
seen. The front panel 30 includes one or more front reflective surface(s) 32
and one
7
CA 03072756 2020-02-11
WO 2019/036205
PCT/US2018/045100
or more illumination portion(s) 34 that are at least partially transparent to
light. The
remainder of the assembly 28 is disposed behind the front panel 30.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 2, the mirror housing 36 possesses an internal
bracket
70. Together, the internal bracket 70 and walls 44, 46, 74, 76 of the mirror
housing
36 collectively form a chamber 72. One or more light source(s) (not shown) may
be
disposed behind the front panel 30 and within the mirror housing 36 (FIGS. 2-
3). The
light source(s) may be placed in a location that allows light to shine into
the chamber
72. Light from the light source(s) may travel through the chamber 72, behind
the rear
surface 48 of the front panel 30 to the rear surface of the front panel 30,
and through
the illumination portion(s) 34 so that the light can be seen when viewing the
reflective
front surface(s) of the illuminated vanity mirror assembly 28. In an example
embodiment, the light source(s) can be light emitting diode (LED) light
sources, but
other light sources may be used as well.
[0039] When the front panel 30 is mounted to the mirror housing 36, the
illumination portion(s) 34 of the front panel 30 may be positioned adjacent to
the
chamber 72 so that light from the light sources may pass through the at least
partially
transparent surface. The internal bracket 70 can preferably have a position
and size so
that the chamber 72 aligns properly with the illumination portion(s) 34 of the
front
panel 30. The area defined by the illumination portion(s) 34 can, in some
embodiments, fit within the area defined by the chamber 72 so that light will
disperse
evenly through the transparent surface.
[0040] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of one example embodiment of the
illuminated vanity mirror assembly 28 where the bottom portion of the assembly
28 is
visible. FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of the same embodiment of the
illuminated
vanity mirror assembly 28 where a top portion of the assembly 28 is visible.
These
figures depict the front panel 30 and its connection with the mirror housing
36
according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. The mirror housing
36
can be attached to a wall, a desk or any other suitable surface.
[0041] A first mount 38 and a second mount 40 are attached to the rear
surface 48
of the front panel 30. The first mount 38 is attached at or adjacent to a
first edge 39 of
the rear surface 48 of the front panel 30. The second mount 40 is attached at
or
adjacent to a second edge 41 (e.g., opposite edge) of the rear surface of the
front
8
CA 03072756 2020-02-11
WO 2019/036205
PCT/US2018/045100
panel. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first edge 39 corresponds
to a
top edge of the rear surface 48 of the front panel 30, and the second edge 41
corresponds to a bottom edge of the rear surface 48 of the front panel 30.
However,
in other embodiments, the first edge 39 may correspond to the bottom edge of
the rear
surface 48 of the front panel 30, and the second edge 41 may correspond to the
top
edge of the rear surface 48 of the front panel 30. These attachments may be
accomplished through a variety of ways, including, but not limited to,
fasteners,
adhesives, snap connections, or other connection methods. Alternatively, in
some
embodiments, the first and/or second mount(s) 38, 40 may be formed integrally
with
the rear surface 48 of the front panel 30.
[0042] The mirror housing 36 can possess a first wall 44 (e.g., a first
edge
member) and a second wall 46 (e.g., a second edge member). The first wall 44
and the
second wall 46 can be located on a perimeter of the mirror housing 36. The
first wall
44 and the second wall 46 can at least partially define a perimeter of the
mirror
housing 36. In the example embodiment shown FIGS. 3 and 4, the first wall 44
is a
top wall of the mirror housing 36, and the second wall 46 is a bottom wall of
the
mirror housing 36. However, in other embodiments, the first wall 44 may be the
bottom wall of the mirror housing 36, and the second wall 46 may be the top
wall of
the mirror housing 36.
[0043] The first wall 44 can define a cavity 50 (e.g., recess, opening,
through
hole, etc.). A portion of the first mount 38 can be physically received within
the
cavity 50 defined by the first wall 44. In FIG. 5, a downward facing lip 55 on
the first
mount 38 is the portion that can be physically received within the cavity 50.
In some
embodiments, the cavity 50 can be of a size and shape that is sufficiently
large so that
a portion of the first mount 38 may be received within the cavity 50. However,
the
cavity 50 can be small enough to secure a portion of the first mount 38 in a
fixed
position. By securing the first mount 38, the attached front panel 30 may also
be held
in a fixed position or a relatively fixed position.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 3, the second wall 46 of the mirror housing 36 can
abut
the second mount 40. The second wall 46 can be connected or attached to the
second
mount 40. In FIG. 3, fasteners 42 are used to connect the second mount 40 to
the
second wall 46 of the mirror housing 36. In some embodiments, the fasteners 42
can
9
CA 03072756 2020-02-11
WO 2019/036205
PCMJS2018/045100
be screws that extend through holes within the second mount 40 and the second
wall
46. However, other fasteners may be used without deviating from the scope of
the
present disclosure, such as a snap connection, nuts and bolts, etc. In FIG. 3,
two
fasteners 42 are used, but more or fewer fasteners may be used.
[0045] In some embodiments, the fasteners 42 can be spaced evenly along the
second mount 40, but the fasteners 42 may secure the second mount 40 and the
second wall 46 at any location along the second mount 40. In an example
embodiment, the mirror housing 36 will rest on top of the second mount 40 and
the
fasteners 42 will be applied to secure the mirror housing 36 and the second
mount 40
together. However, in other embodiments, the second mount 40 may rest on top
of
the mirror housing 36 and one or more fastener(s) may be applied to secure
mirror
housing 36 and the second mount 40 together. In addition to or as an
alternative to
applying fasteners 42 to a second wall 46, fasteners may be applied to side
walls or
other surfaces of the mirror housing 36 to secure the front panel 30.
[0046] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective, cross-sectional view of the assembly
so that
the connection between the first mount 38 and the cavity 50 defined within the
first
wall 44 of the mirror housing 36 can be seen more clearly. The first mount 38
has a
downward facing lip 55 that is received within the cavity 50.
[0047] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the first mount 38 possesses a
first
portion 52, a second portion 54, and a third portion 56. The first portion 52
extends in
a first direction 58 as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 5 and is attached to
the rear
surface 48 of the front panel 30. As shown in FIG. 5, this first direction 58
is
vertically downward. The second portion 54 extends in a second direction 60 as
indicated by the arrow in FIG. 5. This second direction 60 is different from
the first
direction 58. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the second direction 60 is in
a
horizontal direction and is perpendicular to the plane created by the rear
surface 48 of
the front panel 30.
[0048] The third potion 56 extends downwardly in a third direction 62 as
indicated by the arrow in FIG. 5. The third portion 56 may correspond to the
downward facing lip 55. The third direction 62 is different from the second
direction
60. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the third direction 62 extends
downwardly
CA 03072756 2020-02-11
WO 2019/036205
PCT/US2018/045100
and back towards the rear surface 48 of the front panel 30. Thus, in the
embodiment
shown, the second portion 54 and third portion 56 form an acute angle.
[0049] In other embodiments, the third direction 62 can be such that second
portion 54 and the third portion 56 form a right angle or an obtuse angle. For
instance, as shown in FIG. 6 the third portion 56 extends perpendicularly from
the
second portion 54. As shown in FIG. 7, the third portion 56 extends at an
obtuse
angle relative to the second portion 54
[0050] The first portion 52, the second portion 54, and the third portion
56 of the
first mount 38 can be integrally formed. Alternatively, these portions of the
first
mount 38 may be discrete components that are attached together.
[0051] As shown in FIGS. 3-5, the first mount 38 can extend through the
cavity
50 of the first wall 44 and may extend into the mirror housing 36. Some
portion of
the first mount 38 may extend into the chamber 72 where light shines from the
light
sources and exits through the illumination portion(s) 34 of the front panel
30.
However, preferably only a small amount or portion of the first mount will
extend
into this chamber to avoid interference with the lighting.
[0052] For instance, the mirror housing 36 can have a depth D. The first
mount
38 may extend a distance that is no more than about 50% of the depth of the
mirror
housing, such as no more than about 30% of the depth of the mirror housing,
such as
no more than about 20% of the depth of the mirror housing.
[0053] In one example embodiment, the first mount 38 will not extend
further
than about 1.5 inches into the mirror housing 36. In another example
embodiment,
the first mount 38 will not extend further than about 0.75 inches into the
mirror
housing 36.
[0054] In the embodiments shown in FIG. 5-7, the first mount 38 possesses a
first
portion 52, a second portion 54, and a third portion 56. However in other
embodiments, the first mount may include only two portions or it may include
more
than three portions.
[0055] FIGS. 8-11 depict another example embodiment of the present
disclosure
where a first mount is received within a cavity that is defined by the bottom
wall of a
mirror housing. In this example embodiment, a front panel 130 is attached to a
mirror
housing 136 to form the overall illuminated vanity mirror assembly 128. A
first
11
CA 03072756 2020-02-11
WO 2019/036205
PCT/US2018/045100
mount 138 and a second mount 140 are attached to a rear surface 148 of the
front
panel 130. The first mount 138 is attached at or adjacent to a first edge 139
of the rear
surface 148 of the front panel 130 and the second mount 140 is attached at or
adjacent
to a second edge 141 of the rear surface 148 of the front panel 130.
[0056] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the first edge 139
corresponds to a bottom edge of the rear surface 148 of the front panel 130
and the
second edge 141 corresponds to a top edge. However, in other embodiments, the
first
edge 139 may correspond to a top edge of the rear surface 148 of the front
panel 130
and the second edge 141 may correspond to a bottom edge. These attachments may
be accomplished through a variety of ways, including, but not limited to,
fasteners,
adhesives, snap connections, etc. Alternatively, the first and/or second
mount(s) 138,
140 may be formed integrally with the rear surface 148 of the front panel 130.
[0057] The mirror housing 136 can include a first wall 144 and a second
wall 146.
In FIGS. 9 and 10, the first wall 144 can be a bottom wall of the mirror
housing 136,
and the second wall 146 can be a top wall of the mirror housing 136. However,
in
other example embodiments, the first wall 144 may be the top wall of the
mirror
housing 136, and the second wall 146 may be the bottom wall of the mirror
housing
136.
[0058] The first wall 144 can define a cavity 150. A portion of the first
mount
138 can be physically received within the cavity 150. In FIG. 9, a downward
facing
lip 155 of the first mount 138 is the portion that is physically received
within the
cavity 150. In some embodiments, the cavity 150 can accommodate a portion of
the
first mount 138. In this manner, the portion of the first mount 138 can be
secured in a
fixed position via the cavity 150. By securing the first mount 138 via the
cavity 150,
the attached front panel 130 may also be held in a fixed position or a
relatively fixed
position.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 10, the second wall 146 of the mirror housing 136
may
be connected or attached to the second mount 140. In FIG. 10, fasteners 142
are used
to secure the second mount 140 to the second wall 146 of the mirror housing
136.
The fasteners 142 in FIG. 10 are screws that extend through holes within the
second
mount 140 and the second wall 146. However, other connection methods can be
used
without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure, such as a snap
connection,
12
CA 03072756 2020-02-11
WO 2019/036205
PCT/US2018/045100
nuts and bolts, etc. In FIG. 10, two fasteners 142 are used, but more or fewer
fasteners may be used. In some embodiments, the fasteners 142 can be spaced
evenly
along the second mount 140. However, the fasteners 142 may secure the second
mount and the second wall 146 at any location along the second mount 140. In
addition to or as an alternative to applying fasteners 142 to a second wall
146,
fasteners 142 may be applied to side walls or other surfaces of the mirror
housing 136
to secure the front panel 130.
[0060] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the one or more light
source(s) include a first light source 280 and a second light source 284. For
instance,
the first light source 280 can be controlled by a first driver 282 and the
second light
source 284 can be controlled by a second driver 286. The first driver 282 and
second
driver 286 can be configured to illuminate the first light source 280 and
second light
source 284 independently and/or coincidentally. For example, the first driver
282 and
second driver 286 can be controlled independently so that only the first light
source
280 is illuminated, only the second light source 284 is illuminated, and/or
coincidentally so that both and/or neither the first light source 280 and/nor
the second
light source 284 are illuminated.
[0061] For instance, the first light source 280 can be positioned to
illuminate a
first portion 290 of the chamber 272. For example, the first light source 280
can be
positioned along an internal bracket 270 to illuminate a first portion 290 of
the
chamber 272. The second light source 284 can be positioned to illuminate a
second
portion 292 of the chamber 272. For example, the second light source can be
positioned along the internal bracket 270 to illuminate the second portion 292
of the
chamber 272. The first light source 280 and/or the second light source 284 can
additionally or alternatively be positioned along one or more other suitable
surfaces
within a mirror housing 236, such as walls 244, 246, 274, 276 and/or a back of
the
mirror housing 236. The first portion 290 and second portion 292 may be
distinct
portions and/or may overlap. For example, the first portion 290 may be a
portion
adjacent to a first wall 244, a third wall 274, and a fourth wall 276 and the
second
portion 292 may be a portion adjacent to a second wall 246. For example, the
first
light source 280 may be positioned along the portions of the internal bracket
270 that
are parallel to the first, third, and fourth walls 244, 274, 276 and the
second light
13
CA 03072756 2020-02-11
WO 2019/036205
PCT/US2018/045100
source 284 may be positioned along the portion of the internal bracket 270
that is
parallel to the second wall 246. Thus, illuminating the second light source
independently can illuminate the illumination portion 34 adjacent to the
second wall
246 and illuminating the first and second light sources 280, 284
coincidentally can
illuminate the entire illumination portion 34.
[0062] As another example, the first portion 290 may comprise the entire
chamber
272 and the second portion 292 may comprise a portion of the chamber 272 that
is
also part of the first portion 290. For example, the first light source 280
may be
positioned around most of or the entire internal bracket 270 to illuminate
most of or
the entire illumination portion 34 without requiring the second light source
284 to be
illuminated coincidentally. The second light source 284 can then be positioned
along
a portion of the internal bracket 270 that includes some of or the entire
first light
source 280. For example, the second light source 284 can be positioned closer
to
and/or farther from the illumination portion 34 than the first light source
280. As
another example, the second light source 284 can be positioned at a similar
distance
from the illumination portion as the first light source 280 and be integrated
into a
same structure as the first light source 280. For example, a string of LEDs
comprising
LEDs connected to the first driver 282 and LEDs connected to the second driver
286
can be attached to the portion of the internal bracket 270 that includes the
first and
second light sources 280, 284.
[0063] The second light source 284 can be illuminated independently to
provide a
lower light level on one or more reflective surface(s) 32 than when the first
light
source 280 is illuminated independently or coincidentally with the second
light source
284. For example, the second light source 284 can be illuminated in a
nighttime
operating mode or low-light operating mode. For instance, the lower light
level can be
more aesthetically and/or functionally pleasing to an individual using the
illuminated
vanity mirror assembly 28. For example, the first and second light sources
280, 284
can be controlled using switches, such as separate light switches or a main
switch
and/or auxiliary switches. As another example, the first and second drivers
282, 286
can be connected to a control system configured to control illumination of the
first
and second light sources 280, 284. For example, the control system can
illuminate the
second light source 284 independently in response to a signal from a clock
(e.g.
14
CA 03072756 2020-02-11
WO 2019/036205
PCT/US2018/045100
indicating a nighttime hour), light sensor (e.g. indicating low levels of
ambient light),
or other suitable sensor, or combination thereof
[0064] In the example embodiments shown, the front panel 30, 130 possesses
a
rectangular shape. Other components of the assembly such as the first and
second
mount, the illumination surface(s) 34, 134 of the front panel, and the
internal bracket
70, 170 of the mirror housing 36, 136 are modified to accommodate this shape
This
embodiment allows light to shine along the perimeter of the front panel so
that the
light shines evenly when someone looks into the central reflective surface 32,
132.
However in other embodiments, the front panel 30, 130 may possess a circular
shape,
an oval shape, a polygon shape or any other shape. Accordingly other
components
and the assembly may be altered to accommodate the shape of the front panel.
For
example, if a circular front panel were used, then a circular internal bracket
and a
circular illumination portion on the front panel could be used. However, the
illumination portion may have any shape and does not have to be formed around
the
perimeter of the front panel.
[0065] While the present subject matter has been described in detail with
respect
to specific example embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those
skilled in
the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing, may readily produce
alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments.
Accordingly, the
scope of the present disclosure is by way of example rather than by way of
limitation,
and the subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion of such modifications,
variations and/or additions to the present subject matter as would be readily
apparent
to one of ordinary skill in the art.
