Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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MIRROR ASSEMBLIES AND KITS
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
100011 This application claims priority to and the benefit of the filing date
of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 62/556,063, filed on September 8, 2017, the content of
which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD
100021 This invention relates to a mirror assembly having a support arm and/or
mounting
member. Optionally, the mirror assembly can be portable, and the support arm
can be
detachable.
BACKGROUND
100031 Conventional portable mirror assemblies are not designed for selective
attachment and
detachment to a desired surface. Typically, portable mirror assemblies are
hand-held mirrors
having a support member that permits a user to place the mirror in an upright
position onto a
horizontal surface. Such support members are not designed to be selectively
attached to any
surfaces. Therefore, during use of such portable mirror assemblies, a user is
restricted to the area
immediately surrounding the horizontal surface, or the user must designate one
hand for carrying
the mirror. Additionally, these support members are not designed for selective
detachment from
the mirror, which limits a user's options for storage and transport of the
portable mirror
assemblies. Thus, there is a need in the pertinent art for improved portable
mirror assemblies and
kits that address one or more of the aforementioned problems and other
shortcomings associated
with conventional portable mirror assemblies.
SUMMARY
100041 Described herein, in various aspects, is a mirror assembly (optionally,
a portable mirror
assembly) that can comprise a mirror member, a frame, a support arm, and a
mounting member.
The mirror member can include a first mirror side, a second mirror side, and a
peripheral edge
defining the outer perimeter of the mirror member. The first and second mirror
sides can face
opposite directions. Optionally, at least one of the first and second mirror
sides can have a
magnifying mirror surface. The frame can have an inner surface and extend
about the peripheral
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edge of the mirror member. The inner surface of the frame can define a
receiving space
configured to receive the peripheral edge of the mirror member. The peripheral
edge of the
mirror member can be securely received within the receiving space of the
frame. The support
arm includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the support arm
can be coupled
(optionally, removably coupled) to the frame at a first connection point. The
mounting member
can have a connector and an engagement element. The connector can be removably
coupled to
the second end of the support arm at a second connection point. The engagement
element can be
configured to be demountably secured to an attachment surface.
[00051 Also disclosed herein are kits including the described mirror assembly
and a carrying
case.
100061 Additional features and advantages of exemplary implementations of the
invention will
be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious
from the description, or
may be learned by the practice of such exemplary implementations. The features
and advantages
of such implementations may be realized and obtained by means of the
instruments and
combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other
features will
become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims,
or may be
learned by the practice of such exemplary implementations as set forth
hereinafter.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
100071 In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other
advantages and
features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description of
the invention briefly
described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof
which are
illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict
only typical
embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be
limiting of its scope,
the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and
detail through the
use of the accompanying drawings in which:
100081 FIG. 1 provides an illustration depicting an exemplary portable mirror
assembly as
disclosed herein.
[00091 FIG. 2 provides an illustration depicting another exemplary portable
mirror assembly as
disclosed herein.
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100101 FIG. 3 provides an illustration depicting another exemplary portable
mirror assembly as
disclosed herein.
100111 FIG. 4 provides an illustration depicting another exemplary portable
mirror assembly
mounted to an attachment surface as disclosed herein.
100121 FIG. 5 provides an illustration depicting another exemplary portable
mirror assembly
mounted to an attachment surface as disclosed herein.
[00131 FIG. 6 provides an illustration of an exemplary mounting member as
disclosed herein.
[00141 FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary portable mirror kit as
disclosed herein.
100151 FIG. 8A is a front perspective view of an exemplary portable mirror
system as disclosed
herein. FIG. 8B is a top view of the exemplary portable mirror system of FIG.
8A. FIG. 8C is a
bottom perspective view of the exemplary portable mirror system of FIG. 8A.
FIG. 8D is a front
view of the interior of the housing of the exemplary portable mirror system of
FIG. 8A, showing
an exemplary configuration of a support arm as disclosed herein.
100161 FIG. 9A is a front view of an exemplary mirror member and frame
rotationally coupled to
a mirror section of a housing of a mirror system as disclosed herein. FIG. 9B
depicts rotation of
the mirror member and frame relative to the mirror section of the housing.
10171 FIG. 10 schematically depicts the receipt of a clip module within a
receiving slot of a
housing of a mirror system as disclosed herein.
[00181 FIG. 11A schematically depicts the receipt of a support module within a
receiving slot of
a housing of a mirror system as disclosed herein. FIG. 11B depicts the use of
the support module
to support the mirror system in a desired operative position as disclosed
herein.
[00191 FIG. 12 schematically depicts the engagement between a charging
connection and a
receiving slot of a housing of a mirror system as disclosed herein.
100201 FIG. 13A depicts an exemplary mirror system in a rest position as
disclosed herein. FIG.
13B depicts the mirror system of FIG. 13A in a use position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
100211 The present invention can be understood more readily by reference to
the following
detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, and their previous and
following
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description. However, before the present devices, systems, and/or methods are
disclosed and
described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the
specific devices, systems,
and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course,
vary. It is also to be
understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular aspects
only and is not intended to be limiting.
[00221 The following description of the invention is provided as an enabling
teaching of the
invention in its best, currently known embodiment. To this end, those skilled
in the relevant art
will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various
aspects of the
invention described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of
the present invention. It
will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present
invention can be obtained
by selecting some of the features of the present invention without utilizing
other features.
Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications
and adaptations
to the present invention are possible and can even be desirable in certain
circumstances and are a
part of the present invention. Thus, the following description is provided as
illustrative of the
principles of the present invention and not in limitation thereof
[00231 As used throughout, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" comprise
plural referents
unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to
"a support arm"
can comprise two or more such support arms unless the context indicates
otherwise.
100241 Ranges can be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value,
and/or to "about"
another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect
comprises from the one
particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values
are expressed as
approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that
the particular value
forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each
of the ranges are
significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the
other endpoint.
Optionally, in some aspects, when values are approximated by use of the
antecedent "about" or
"substantially," it is contemplated that values within up to 15%, up to 10%,
or up to 5% (above
or below) of the particularly stated value or characteristic can be included
within the scope of
those aspects.
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100251 As used herein, the terms "optional" or "optionally" mean that the
subsequently
described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description
comprises
instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does
not.
100261 The word "or" as used herein means any one member of a particular list
and also
comprises any combination of members of that list.
100271 Described herein with reference to FIGS. 1-13 are mirror assemblies 10
and kits 200.
Optionally, it is contemplated that the mirror assemblies 10 can be portable
mirror assemblies
that can be selectively transported and secured to various attachment
surfaces. In exemplary
aspects, each portable mirror assembly 10 can comprise a mirror member 20, a
frame 30, a
support arm 40, and a mounting member 60. Although shown as substantially
circular, it is
contemplated that the mirror member 20 and the frame 30 can have any desired
shape, including
oval, elliptical, rectangular, and the like. In one aspect, the mirror member
20 can include a first
mirror side 22, a second mirror side 24, and a peripheral edge 26 defining the
outer perimeter of
the mirror member 20. In another aspect, it is contemplated that the mirror
member 20 can have
a diameter ranging from about 1 inch to about 100 inches, preferably from
about 2 inches to
about 25 inches, more preferably from about 3 inches to about 10 inches, from
about 4 inches to
about 6 inches, or being about 5 inches. In these aspects, the first and
second mirror sides 22, 24
can face opposite directions. Optionally, at least one mirror side can have a
magnifying mirror
surface. In exemplary aspects, the first and second mirror sides can provide
different levels of
magnification. For example, it is contemplated that the first mirror side can
provide a non-
magnified view (lx magnification, standard mirror), while the second mirror
side can provide a
magnified view (greater than lx magnification, close-up mirror). In a further
aspect, the frame
30 can have an inner surface 32 and extend about the peripheral edge 26 of the
mirror member
20. In this aspect, the inner surface 32 of the frame 30 can define a
receiving space 34 configured
to receive the peripheral edge 26 of the mirror member 20, and the peripheral
edge 26 of the
mirror member 20 can be securely received within the receiving space 34 of the
frame 30.
100281 As described herein, and with reference to FIGS. 1-5, the portable
mirror assembly 10
can comprise a support arm 40. In exemplary aspects, the support arm 40 can
include a first end
42 and a second end 48. In these aspects, the first end 42 of the support arm
40 can be coupled to
the frame 30 (optionally, removably coupled to the frame) at a first
connection point 54.
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Optionally, it is contemplated that the first end 42 of the support arm 40 can
be pivotally coupled
to the frame 30 at a first pivot point 46. As further disclosed herein, it is
also contemplated that
the second end 48 of the support arm 40 can be pivotally coupled to a
connector of the mounting
member 60 at a second pivot point 52. In another optional aspect, it is
contemplated that the
support arm 40 can comprise at least first and second support arm segments
40a, 40b pivotally
coupled to each other at a connection point situated between the first and
second ends 42, 48 of
the support arm 40. As shown in FIGS. 4-5, the support arm 40 can comprise a
plurality of
support arm segments pivotally coupled to each other. Optionally, it is
contemplated that the
support arm 40 can comprise a plurality of support arm segments that can be
telescopically
moveable relative to each other from an extended position to a retracted
position. In these
optional aspects, the plurality of support arm segments can comprise at least
first, second, and
third support arm segments 40a, 40b, 40c. It is contemplated that the first
support arm segment
40a can be coupled (optionally, removably coupled) to the frame 30, the second
support arm
segment 40b can be situated between the first and third support arm segments
40a, 40c, and the
third support arm segment 40c can be coupled (optionally, removably coupled)
to the connector
of the mounting member 60 as further disclosed herein. In further exemplary
aspects, the support
arm 40 of the portable mirror assembly 10 can be a flexible support arm 40
configured for
selective adjustable positioning of the mirror member 20 within a horizontal
plane 76 relative to
an attachment surface 100. In these aspects, the flexible support arm 40 can
also be configured
for selective adjustable positioning of the mirror member 20 within a vertical
plane 80 relative to
the attachment surface 100, thereby permitting selective three-dimensional
positioning of the
mirror member 20. It is contemplated that the flexible support arm 40 can
comprise any support
arm suitable for achieving the disclosed function. Exemplary materials
suitable for forming the
support arm include, for example and without limitation, light-weight metals
such as aluminum,
magnesium, titanium, beryllium, and alloys thereof, and hard plastics such as
polycarbonate
(PC), polyethylene (PE) (for example, high- or low-density PE), polypropylene
(PP), polyvinyl
chloride (PVC), Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or combinations thereof
In one
exemplary aspect, the flexible support arm 40 can comprise a gooseneck support
arm, as shown
in FIGS. 1-3. It is contemplated that the support arm 40 can have a maximum
(expanded) length
ranging from about 1 inch to about 100 inches, preferably from about 5 inches
to about 50
inches, more preferably from about 10 inches to about 25 inches or at least
about 6 inches.
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[00291 Optionally, in some exemplary aspects, the frame 30 can comprise a
connector 36
(optionally, a threaded connector) and the first end 42 of the support arm 40
can have a
complementary connector 44 (optionally, a complementary threaded connector).
In these aspects,
the threaded connectors 36, 44 of the frame 30 and the first end 42 of the
support arm 40 can be
configured for selective coupling to each other. Additionally, or
alternatively, in further optional
aspects, it is contemplated that the connectors 36, 44 of the frame 30 and the
first end 42 of the
support arm 40 can be tapered to permit a frictional or form-fitting
connection between the two
connectors at the first connection point 54.
10301 In further exemplary aspects, as disclosed herein, the mirror assembly
10 can comprise a
mounting member 60. In these aspects, the mounting member 60 can have a
connector 62 and an
engagement element 64, as shown in FIG. 6. In further aspects, the connector
62 can be coupled
(optionally, removably coupled) to the second end 48 of the support arm 40 at
a second
connection point 68. Optionally, rather than being removably coupled to the
second end 48 of
the support arm 40, it is contemplated that the connector 62 can be
permanently secured or
attached to the second end of the support arm. In still further aspects, the
engagement element
64 can be configured to be demountably secured to the attachment surface 100.
100311 It is contemplated that the attachment surface 100 can be any
attachment surface suitable
for coupling with the disclosed mounting member 60. Exemplary attachment
surfaces 100 can
include, without limitation, a wall, a table, a towel rack, and/or a
countertop. In these aspects, it
is contemplated that an inner surface 66 of the engagement element 64 (or
other surface of the
engagement element that is configured to contact the attachment surface) can
comprise at least
one rubber pad (or other cushioning structure) configured to prevent damage to
the attachment
surface 100 when the engagement element 64 is secured to the attachment
surface. It is further
contemplated that the engagement element 64 of the mounting member 60 can
comprise at least
one of a clamp, a clip, a clasp, a latch, a pin, a bracket, an anchor, a bolt,
and any combination
thereof.
100321 Optionally, in some exemplary aspects, it is contemplated that the
connector 62 of the
mounting member 60 can be threaded, and the second end 48 of the support arm
40 can have a
complementary threaded connector 50. In these aspects, the threaded connectors
50, 62 of the
second end 48 of the support arm 40 and the mounting member 60 can be
configured for
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selective coupling to each other. Additionally, or alternatively, it is
contemplated that the
connectors 50, 62 of the second end 48 of the support arm 40 and the mounting
member 60 can
be tapered to permit a frictional or form-fitting connection between the two
connectors at the
second connection point 68.
[00331 In some optional aspects, the portable mirror assembly 10 can comprise
a light source. In
one aspect, the light source can extend about at least a peripheral portion of
the frame 30. In
another aspect, it is contemplated that the frame 30 can comprise the light
source, which can
extend at least partially about the peripheral edge 26 of the mirror member
20. In both of these
aspects, the portable mirror assembly 10 can further comprise a power-source
receiving
receptacle defined within at least one of the mounting member 60, the frame
30, or both. It is
contemplated that the power-source receiving receptacle can be communicatively
coupled to the
light source and configured to supply power received from a power source to
the light source. It
is further contemplated that the power-source receiving receptacle can be a
battery compartment,
a port for receiving a power cord, or both.
100341 In further optional aspects, the portable mirror assembly 10 can
further comprise a yoke
84, as shown in FIG. 3. The yoke 84 can have a pair of opposed arms 86
selectively attached to
respective portions of the frame 30 and configured for rotatably supporting
the frame 30 between
the pair of opposed arms 86. In these aspects, the first connection point 54
can be located on a
central portion of the yoke 84, and the yoke 84 can be configured to permit
selective 360 degree
rotation of the mirror member 20 relative to a rotation axis 88 extending
through the pair of arms
at first and second pivot points 92a, 92b.
100351 In further exemplary aspects, it is contemplated that one or more of
the individual
components of the portable mirror assembly 10 described herein can be provided
in the form of a
portable mirror kit 200, as shown in FIG. 7. In particular, the portable
mirror kit 200 can include
the disclosed portable mirror assembly 10 and a carrying case 210. In these
aspects, the portable
mirror kit 200 can include the disclosed mirror member 20, the frame 30, the
support arm 40,
and/or the mounting member 60. It is contemplated that the disclosed
components of the portable
mirror assembly 10 can be provided inside the kit 200 as unassembled
components, pre-
assembled components, or a combination of both. For example, it is
contemplated that the kit
200 can comprise a frame 30 and a mirror member 20 that are pre-assembled such
that the
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peripheral edge 26 of the mirror member 20 is securely received within the
receiving space 34 of
the frame 30 as disclosed herein, whereas the support arm 40 and the mounting
member 60 can
be provided as individual, unassembled components.
[00361 Optionally, in some aspects, it is contemplated that the kit 200 can
comprise at least first
and second mounting members 60a, 60b. In these optional aspects, each of the
first and second
mounting members 60a, 60b can comprise a respective connector 62a, 62b and
engagement
element 64a, 64b as disclosed herein. Each connector 62a, 62b can be
configured to be
removably coupled to the second end 48 of the support arm 40 at the second
connection point 68,
and each engagement element 64a, 64b can be configured to be demountably
secured to an
attachment surface 100. In these aspects, it is contemplated that the first
and second mounting
members 60a, 60b can be interchangeably attachable to the second end 48 of the
support arm 40.
Optionally, it is further contemplated that the second mounting member 60b can
be configured
for selective engagement with the engagement element 64a of the first mounting
member 60a
and the attachment surface 100. In this optional aspect, the connector 62a of
the first mounting
member 60a can be removably coupled to the second end 48 of the support arm 40
at the second
connection point 68, the engagement element 64a of the first mounting member
60a can be
removably coupled to the connector 62b of the second mounting member 60b at a
third
connection point 90, and the engagement element 64b of the second mounting
member 60b can
be demountably secured to the attachment surface 100, as shown in FIG. 4.
[00371 It is contemplated that the type and/or size of the first and second
mounting members
60a, 60b can vary. For example, the first mounting member 60a can comprise a
pin and a bracket
while the second mounting member 60b can be a wall mount. Exemplary first and
second
mounting members 60a, 60b can include any combination of fasteners and/or
mounts suitable for
use with the disclosed mirror assembly 10, including without limitation,
clamps, clips, clasps,
latches, pins, brackets, anchors, bolts, tilting wall mounts, and full-motion
wall mounts. In these
aspects, the first and second mounting members 60a, 60b can be configured for
attachment to
different sizes and/or types of attachment surfaces 100 such as, for example,
a wall, a table, a
towel rack, or a countertop. It is contemplated that the first mounting member
60a can be sized
for attachment to a first attachment surface having a particular size or cross-
sectional thickness
while the second mounting member 60b can be sized for attachment to a second
attachment
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surface having a size or cross-sectional thickness that is greater or less
than the size or cross-
sectional thickness of the first attachment surface. Thus, in use, it is
contemplated that the
provision of at least first and second mounting members can account for
variation in the type of
mounting or attachment needed to securely couple the mirror assembly to a
variety of different
attachment surfaces.
[00381 In further exemplary aspects, it is contemplated that the kit 200 can
further comprise a
carrying case 210 (e.g., a bag) for holding the mirror assembly 10.
Optionally, the carrying case
can comprise a vinyl or cloth material. It is contemplated that the carrying
case 210 can enclose
the components of the portable mirror assembly 10. In these aspects, the
components of the
portable mirror assembly 10 can be stacked or folded and placed inside of the
carrying case.
Optionally, the carrying case 210 can comprise a fastener configured to secure
the components
of the portable mirror assembly 10 inside the carrying case 210. Exemplary
fasteners can include
a zipper, a button, a hook and loop fastener, a snap, a press stud, a snap
button, an inter-locking
connecting shape, or combinations thereof In these aspects, the carrying case
210 can be
selectively opened to give access to the components of the portable mirror
assembly 10. In
further aspects, the kit 200 can comprise a product package. In these aspects,
it is contemplated
that the carrying case 210 can be packaged inside the product package. In
these aspects, the
product package can be selectively opened to give access to the carrying case
210. Optionally, in
some aspects, the kit 200 can comprise instructions for assembling the
components of the
portable mirror assembly 10 as described herein. It is further contemplated
that the respective
components of the portable mirror assembly 10 described herein can be labeled
to indicate the
particular sizing and/or attachment features that enable a user of the
portable mirror assembly 10
to assemble the components to each other. In some optional aspects, the kit
200 can comprise a
light source as disclosed herein. In further optional aspects, the kit 200 can
comprise a power
cord and/or at least one battery as disclosed herein.
100391 Optionally, in exemplary aspects, and with reference to FIGS. 8A-13B,
the mounting
member 60 can comprise a housing 300 having a mirror portion 310 and a base
portion 330. In
these aspects, the mirror portion 310 and the base portion 330 of the housing
can cooperate to
define an interior space 340. It is contemplated that the mirror portion 310
and the base portion
330 can comprise light-weight metals such as aluminum, magnesium, titanium,
beryllium, and
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alloys thereof, or hard plastics such as polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE)
(for example,
high- or low-density PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
Acrylonitrile butadiene
styrene (ABS), or combinations thereof. When assembled, it is contemplated
that the outer
diameter of the housing 300 can range from about 3 inches to about 18 inches,
from about 4
inches to about 12 inches, from about 5 inches to about 7 inches, or
optionally be about 6 inches.
It is further contemplated that the housing 300 can have a height or thickness
ranging from about
1 inch to about 6 inches, from about 2 inches to about 3 inches, or be about
2.5 inches.
100401 As shown in FIGS. 9A-9B, the mirror member 20 and the frame 30 can be
rotationally
coupled to the mirror portion 310. Optionally, it is contemplated that the
mirror member 20 and
the frame 30 can be rotationally coupled to the mirror portion 310 by a
spindle 350 as shown in
FIG. 9B, with a corresponding rotation axis in alignment with the spindle. In
further aspects, the
mirror portion 310 can define an opening in communication with the interior
space 340 and
configured to permit rotation of the mirror member 20 and frame 30 relative to
the mirror portion
of the housing. In use, it is contemplated that the interior space 340 can be
configured to receive
the support arm 40 when the portable mirror assembly is in a rest position,
thereby containing the
mirror assembly within the exterior surfaces of the housing 300. Optionally,
in additional
aspects, the connector of the mounting member can be positioned within the
interior space 340.
In these aspects, it is contemplated that the support arm 40 can be securely
(optionally,
permanently) attached to the housing 300. Optionally, it is contemplated that
the connector of
the mounting member can comprise adhesive, a weld, or a mechanical fastener
(e.g., one or more
bolts, one or more screws, a hinge, and the like) that secures the support arm
40 to the housing
300.
[00411 Optionally, in exemplary aspects, and as shown in FIGS. 8D and 13B, the
support arm 40
can comprise a plurality of coils 45 that are selectively collapsible or
expandable to adjust an
operational length of the support arm during use of the mirror assembly 10.
After use is
completed, it is contemplated that the plurality of coils 45 can be collapsed
to return the coils to a
rest position in which the coils can be accommodated within the interior space
340 of the
housing 300.
[00421 Optionally, in further aspects, the mirror portion 310 of the housing
300 can be
selectively detachable from the base portion 330 of the housing. For example,
in these aspects, it
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is contemplated that the mirror portion 310 of the housing 300 can be
configured for selective
threaded engagement with the base portion 330 of the housing. Alternatively,
it is contemplated
that an end of the mirror portion 310 of the housing 300 can be configured to
be press-fit within
an abutting end of the base portion 330 of the housing. In additional aspects,
the mirror portion
310 of the housing can have an outer surface 316, and at least a portion of
the outer surface can
comprise grip material 318 (e.g., rubber and/or silicone with anti-skid and/or
non-slip properties)
to enhance rotation of the mirror portion (by a user) during engagement or
disengagement with
the base portion 330 of the housing. Optionally, it is contemplated that the
grip material 318 can
define a plurality of outer projections that promote engagement with a portion
of the hand of a
user.
100431 Optionally, in still further aspects, and as shown in FIGS 8A-9B, the
frame 30 can define
at least one push tab 35 projecting outwardly and away from the mirror member
20. In these
aspects, the mirror portion 310 of the housing 300 can have an inner surface
320 that defines at
least one recessed slot 322. It is further contemplated that each recessed
slot 322 of the at least
one recessed slot can be configured to receive a corresponding push tab 35 of
the frame 30.
Optionally, in additional aspects, each push tab 35 of the at least one push
tab of the frame 30
and the corresponding at least one recessed slot 322 of the mirror portion 310
can comprise
respective magnets 38, 324 that are configured to effect magnetic attraction
between the frame
and the mirror portion of the housing when the frame is in a closed position
in which the mirror
member and the frame enclose the opening within the mirror portion (thereby
enclosing the
interior space 340).
100441 In further exemplary aspects, the mirror portion 310 of the housing 300
can define a face
surface 312. In these aspects, it is contemplated that the base portion 330 of
the housing 300 can
define an opposing rear surface 332 that comprises a receiving slot 334. In
additional aspects,
the mirror assembly 10 can further comprise a support module 360 having a
complementary
portion 362 configured for complementary receipt within the receiving slot 334
of the base
portion 330 of the housing 300. Various forms of support modules are possible.
In one example,
and as shown in FIG. 10, the support module 360 can comprise a clamp for
securely attaching
the mirror assembly to a selected object. In this example, it is contemplated
that at least a
portion of the clamp can comprise a grip surface 364 (e.g., rubber and/or
silicone with anti-skid
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and/or non-slip properties) to promote secure engagement at locations where
there is contact
with the selected object. It is further contemplated that at least a portion
of the clamp can have
an arcuate profile to allow for attachment or coupling to rounded or
cylindrical objects. In
another example, and as shown in FIGS. 11A-11B, the support module 360 can
comprise a
hinged support that is configured to pivot to permit engagement between a
distal end of the
hinged support and a flat surface, thereby supporting the mirror assembly in
an operative
position on the flat surface. Other examples of support modules include
suction cups, handles,
and wall-mount structures. Each of these support modules can have a consistent
complementary
portion 362 as discussed above. Optionally, a plurality of different types of
support modules can
be included in a kit 200 as disclosed herein.
100451 Additionally, or alternatively, in further aspects, the mirror assembly
10 can further
comprise a power source within the housing and a charging module 370
configured for
complementary receipt within the receiving slot 334 of the base portion of the
housing 300. In
these aspects, the base portion 330 of the housing 300 can be configured to
establish electrical
communication between the charging module 370 and the power source (to permit
charging of
the power source). Optionally, in one example, and as shown in FIG. 12, the
charging module
370 can be provided as a portion of a mount assembly 375, which can be
permanently secured to
a selected attachment surface as disclosed herein, thereby allowing for
charging of the mirror
assembly 10 whenever the mirror assembly is coupled to the mount assembly 375.
In this
example, the mount assembly 375 can be complementary to the shape of a rear
portion of the
base portion 330 of the housing such that the mount assembly 375 is
substantially flush with the
base portion 330 upon engagement between the charging module 370 and the
receiving slot 334.
As shown in FIG. 12, it is contemplated that the rear portion of the base
portion can flare
outwardly to engage a sloped outer edge of the mount assembly 375. It is
further contemplated
that the charging module 370 can be electrically coupled to a conventional
wall power outlet.
Optionally, the mirror assembly 10 can further comprise a light source (as
further disclosed
herein) that is electrically coupled to the power source.
100461 In still further aspects, it is contemplated that the base portion 330
of the housing 300 can
define at least a portion of the engagement element of the mounting member.
Optionally, in
exemplary aspects, it is contemplated that the rear surface 332 of the housing
300 can define at
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least one attachment hole 336 (optionally, a plurality of attachment holes)
that function as the
engagement element, thereby permitting attachment of the housing to a selected
attachment
surface (using one or more fasteners that extend from the attachment surface
and are configured
for receipt within the attachment holes in a manner known in the art).
[00471 In use, it is contemplated that the disclosed portable mirror assembly
10 and kit 200 can
offer several advantages to users. For instance, the detachability of the
respective components of
the portable mirror assembly 10 from each other can permit a user to
disassemble the
components for easy transport from one place to another, fit the mirror
assembly 10 inside of a
suitcase, or simply use less space for storage. In addition, it is
contemplated that the disclosed
mounting members 60a, 60b and housing 300 permit a user to attach the mirror
assembly 10 to a
desired attachment surface 100 for use, and then subsequently detach the
mirror assembly from
the attachment surface for storage purposes. It is further contemplated that,
when attached to a
desired attachment surface, the portable mirror assembly 10 can be used to
view the back or side
of a user's head in a hands-free manner, as shown in FIG. 5.
Exemplary Aspects
100481 In view of the described devices, systems, and methods and variations
thereof, herein
below are described certain more particularly described aspects of the
invention. These
particularly recited aspects should not however be interpreted to have any
limiting effect on any
different claims containing different or more general teachings described
herein, or that the
"particular" aspects are somehow limited in some way other than the inherent
meanings of the
language literally used therein.
100491 Aspect 1: A portable mirror assembly, comprising: a mirror member
having a first
mirror side, a second mirror side, and a peripheral edge defining the outer
perimeter of the mirror
member, the first and second mirror sides facing opposite directions, wherein
at least one of the
first and second mirror sides has a magnifying mirror surface; a frame having
an inner surface
and extending about the peripheral edge of the mirror member, the inner
surface of the frame
defining a receiving space configured to receive the peripheral edge of the
mirror member,
wherein the peripheral edge of the mirror member is securely received within
the receiving space
of the frame; a support arm having a first end and a second end, the first end
of the support arm
removably coupled to the frame at a first connection point; and a mounting
member having a
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connector and an engagement element, wherein the connector is coupled to the
second end of the
support arm at a second connection point, and wherein the engagement element
is configured to
be demountably secured to an attachment surface.
[00501 Aspect 2: The portable mirror assembly of aspect 1, further
comprising a light
source extending about at least a peripheral portion of the frame.
[0051] Aspect 3: The portable mirror assembly of any one of the preceding
aspects, further
comprising a power source and a power source-receiving receptacle defined
within the mounting
member, the frame, or both, wherein the power source is positioned at least
partially within the
power source-receiving receptacle and electrically coupled to the light source
to supply power to
the light source.
[0052] Aspect 4: The portable mirror assembly of any one of the preceding
aspects, wherein
the power source-receiving receptacle is a battery compartment, a port for
receiving a power
cord, or both.
100531 Aspect 5: The portable mirror assembly of any one of the preceding
aspects, wherein
the frame further comprises a light source coupled to the frame and extending
at least partially
about the peripheral edge of the mirror member.
[0054] Aspect 6: The portable mirror assembly of any one of the preceding
aspects, further
comprising a power source and a power source-receiving receptacle defined
within the mounting
member, the frame, or both, wherein the power source is positioned at least
partially within the
power source-receiving receptacle and electrically coupled to the light source
to supply power to
the light source.
[0055] Aspect 7: The portable mirror assembly of any one of the preceding
aspects, wherein
the power source-receiving receptacle is a battery compartment, a port for
receiving a power
cord, or both.
100561 Aspect 8: The portable mirror assembly of any one of the preceding
aspects, wherein
the support arm is a flexible support arm configured for selective adjustable
positioning of the
mirror member within a horizontal plane.
[0057] Aspect 9: The portable mirror assembly of any one of the preceding
aspects,
wherein the flexible support arm is configured for selective adjustable
positioning of the mirror
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member within a vertical plane.
100581 Aspect 10: The portable mirror assembly of any one of the preceding
aspects, wherein
the frame has a threaded connector and the first end of the support arm has a
complementary
threaded connector, wherein the threaded connectors of the frame and the first
end of the support
arm are configured for selective coupling to each other.
100591 Aspect 11: The portable mirror assembly of any one of the preceding
aspects, wherein
the frame and the first end of the support arm have respective connectors, and
wherein the
connectors of the frame and the first end of the support arm are tapered to
permit a frictional or
form-fitting connection between the two connectors at the first connection
point.
10601 Aspect 12: The portable mirror assembly of any one of the preceding
aspects, wherein
the connector of the mounting member is threaded, wherein the second end of
the support arm
has a complementary threaded connector, and wherein the threaded connectors of
the mounting
member and the second end of the support arm are configured for selective
coupling to each
other.
[00611 Aspect 13: The portable mirror assembly of any one of the preceding
aspects, wherein
the second end of the support arm has a connector, and wherein the connectors
of the mounting
member and the second end of the support arm are tapered to permit a
frictional or form-fitting
connection between the connectors at the second connection point.
100621 Aspect 14: The portable mirror assembly of any one of the preceding
aspects, wherein
the first end of the support arm is pivotally coupled to the frame at a first
pivot point.
10631 Aspect 15: The portable mirror assembly of any one of the preceding
aspects, wherein
the second end of the support arm is pivotally coupled to the connector of the
mounting member
at a second pivot point.
100641 Aspect 16: The portable mirror assembly of any one of the preceding
aspects, further
comprising a yoke having a pair of opposed arms selectively attached to
respective portions of
the frame and configured for rotatably supporting the frame between the pair
of opposed arms,
wherein the first connection point is located on a central portion of the
yoke, and wherein the
yoke is configured to permit selective 360 degree rotation of the mirror
member relative to a
rotation axis extending through the pair of arms.
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100651 Aspect 17: The portable mirror assembly of any one of the preceding
aspects, wherein
the support arm comprises a plurality of support arm segments telescopically
moveable relative
to each other from an extended position to a retracted position.
100661 Aspect 18: The portable mirror assembly of any one of the preceding
aspects, wherein
the plurality of support arm segments comprises first, second, and third
support arm segments,
wherein the first support arm segment is removably coupled to the frame, the
second support arm
segment is situated between the first and second support arm segments, and the
third support arm
segment is removably coupled to the connector of the mounting member.
100671 Aspect 19: The portable mirror assembly of any one of the preceding
aspects, wherein
the support arm has a length ranging from about 10 inches to about 25 inches.
100681 Aspect 20: The portable mirror assembly of any one of the preceding
aspects, wherein
the mirror member has a diameter ranging from about 3 inches to about 10
inches.
100691 Aspect 21: The portable mirror assembly of any one of the preceding
aspects,
wherein the engagement element of the mounting member comprises a clamp, a
clip, a clasp, a
latch, a pin, a bracket, an anchor, a bolt, or any combination thereof
100701 Aspect 22: The portable mirror assembly of any one of the preceding
aspects, wherein
an inner surface of the engagement element comprises at least one rubber pad
configured to
prevent damage to the attachment surface when the engagement member is secured
to the
attachment surface.
100711 Aspect 23: The portable mirror assembly of any one of the preceding
aspects, wherein
the mounting member comprises a housing having a mirror portion and a base
portion, wherein
the mirror portion and the base portion of the housing cooperate to define an
interior space,
wherein the mirror member and the frame are rotationally coupled to the mirror
portion, wherein
the mirror portion defines an opening in communication with the interior space
and configured to
permit rotation of the mirror member and frame relative to the mirror portion
of the housing,
wherein the interior space is configured to receive the support arm when the
portable mirror
assembly is in a rest position, wherein the connector of the mounting member
is positioned
within the interior space, and wherein the base portion of the housing defines
the engagement
element of the mounting member.
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100721 Aspect 24: The portable mirror assembly of aspect 23, wherein the
support arm
comprises a plurality of coils that are selectively collapsible or expandable.
100731 Aspect 25: The portable mirror assembly of aspect 23 or aspect 24,
wherein the
mirror portion of the housing is selectively detachable from the base portion
of the housing.
100741 Aspect 26: The portable mirror assembly of any one of aspects 23-25,
wherein the
mirror portion of the housing is configured for selective threaded engagement
with the base
portion of the housing.
100751 Aspect 27: The portable mirror assembly of aspect 26, wherein the
mirror portion of
the housing has an outer surface, and wherein at least a portion of the outer
surface comprises
grip material to enhance rotation of the mirror portion during engagement or
disengagement with
the base portion of the housing.
100761 Aspect 28: The portable mirror assembly of any one of aspects 23-27,
wherein the
frame defines at least one push tab projecting outwardly and away from the
mirror member, and
wherein the mirror portion of the housing has an inner surface that defines at
least one recessed
slot, wherein each recessed slot of the at least one recessed slot is
configured to receive a
corresponding push tab of the frame.
100771 Aspect 29: The portable mirror assembly of aspect 28, wherein the at
least one push
tab of the frame and the corresponding at least one recessed slot of the
mirror portion comprise
respective magnets that are configured to effect magnetic attraction between
the frame and the
mirror portion of the housing when the frame is in a closed position in which
the mirror member
and the frame enclose the opening within the mirror portion.
100781 Aspect 30: The portable mirror assembly of any one of aspects 23-29,
wherein the
frame and the mirror member are rotationally coupled to the mirror portion of
the housing by a
spindle.
100791 Aspect 31: The portable mirror assembly of any one of aspects 23-30,
wherein the
mirror portion of the housing defines a face surface, and wherein the base
portion of the housing
defines an opposing rear surface that comprises a receiving slot.
100801 Aspect 32: The portable mirror assembly of aspect 31, further
comprising a support
module configured for complementary receipt within the receiving slot of the
base portion of the
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housing.
100811 Aspect 33: The portable mirror assembly of aspect 31, further
comprising a power
source within the housing and a charging module configured for complementary
receipt within
the receiving slot of the base portion of the housing, wherein the base
portion of the housing is
configured to establish electrical communication between the charging module
and the power
source.
100821 Aspect 34: The portable mirror assembly of aspect 33, further
comprising a light
source that is electrically coupled to the power source.
100831 Aspect 35: A portable mirror kit, comprising: the portable mirror
assembly of any one
of the preceding aspects; and a carrying case for holding the mirror assembly,
the support arm,
and the first mounting member.
100841 Aspect 36: The portable mirror kit of aspect 35, further comprising
a second
mounting member configured for selective engagement with the engagement
element of the
mounting member of the portable mirror assembly and the attachment surface.
100851 Aspect 37: The portable mirror kit of aspect 35, further comprising
a second
mounting member having a connector and an engagement element, wherein the
connector is
configured to be removably coupled to the second end of the support arm at the
second
connection point, wherein the engagement element is configured to be
demountably secured to
an attachment surface, and wherein the mounting member of the portable mirror
assembly and
the second mounting member are interchangeably attachable to the second end of
the support
arm.
100861 Aspect 38: A portable mirror assembly, comprising: a mirror member
having a first
mirror side, a second mirror side, and a peripheral edge defining the outer
perimeter of the mirror
member, the first and second mirror sides facing opposite directions, and at
least one mirror side
having a magnifying mirror surface; a frame having an inner surface and
extending about the
peripheral edge of the mirror member, the inner surface of the frame defining
a receiving space
configured to receive the peripheral edge of the mirror member, wherein the
peripheral edge of
the mirror member is securely received within the receiving space of the
frame; a flexible
support arm having a first end and a second end, the first end of the flexible
support arm
removably coupled to the frame at a first connection point, wherein the
flexible support arm is
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configured for selective adjustable positioning of the mirror member at any
angle relative to a
vertical plane and a horizontal plane; a mounting member having a connector,
an engagement
element, and at least one rubber pad disposed on an inner surface of the
engagement element,
wherein the connector is removably coupled to the second end of the flexible
support arm at a
second connection point, wherein the engagement element is configured to be
demountably
secured to an attachment surface, and wherein the at least one rubber pad is
configured to
prevent damage to the attachment surface when the engagement member is secured
to the
attachment surface; a light source extending about at least a peripheral
portion of the frame; a
power-source receiving receptacle defined within the mounting member, the
frame, or both,
wherein the power-source receiving receptacle is communicatively coupled to
the light source
and configured to supply power received from a power source to the light
source; and a yoke
having a pair of opposed arms selectively attached to respective portions of
the frame and
configured for rotatably supporting the frame between the pair of opposed
arms, wherein the first
connection point is located on a central portion of the yoke, and wherein the
yoke is configured
to permit selective 360 degree rotation of the mirror member relative to a
rotation axis extending
through the pair of arms.
[00871 Although several embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in
the foregoing
specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many
modifications and other
embodiments of the invention will come to mind to which the invention
pertains, having the
benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated
drawings. It is thus
understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments
disclosed hereinabove,
and that many modifications and other embodiments are intended to be comprised
within the
scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although specific terms are employed
herein, as well
as in the claims which follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive
sense, and not for
the purposes of limiting the described invention, nor the claims which follow.
