Optical: systems and elements – Mirror – Plural mirrors or reflecting surfaces
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-16
2001-08-07
Sikder, Mohammad (Department: 2872)
Optical: systems and elements
Mirror
Plural mirrors or reflecting surfaces
C359S855000, C359S854000, C359S856000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06270226
ABSTRACT:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY-SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This present invention relates to an improvement in viewing devices and mirrors, and more particularly to a viewing device capable of projecting multiple images of a single object/subject. These images can range from the traditional single image, as one projects when viewing a single plane mirror, up to nine or more images depending on the angles set for two adjacent reflective surfaces. This is particularly well-suited in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery; and more specifically, to facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Prior art reveals several multi-image viewing devices and mirrors. The scope of these prior art devices was to project true images to a viewer. Of particular note are patents issued to Hooker, U.S. Pat. No. 370,623; and to Reagan, U.S. Pat. No. 5,430,578. Each are constructed of two reflective sections. The Hooker mirror is fixedly set at 90°; the Reagan mirror is hinged with a complex hinge structure such that the mirror sections fold onto one another. In the open position, a telescopic arm inserts into a predefined aperture such that this mirror, in the open state, is at a right angle arrangement. Each is well-suited for its intended purpose—to project a true image obtainable at a right angle setting. The first is simple, fixed, and non-adjustable; the second is more complex (especially in the hinge arrangement), is movable and foldable, but is not adjustable to a plurality of angles—it is pre-set at a 90° arrangement.
Other related prior art devices, such as the Fetko patent (U.S. Pat. No. 4,639,102) and the Payne patent (U.S. Pat. No. 5,357,377) are a bit more versatile but, in the process, are much more complex in structure and not suited for the purpose intended of the present invention. In the field of plastic surgery, particularly when the face and head are involved, the patient may not be able to adequately see or comprehend features of diagnosis or the fruits of the surgeon's efforts. If the reconstruction is frontal, generally any single plane mirror will suffice. If said feature is in the anterior/posterior plane, is contoured, or otherwise is obscured from direct frontal viewing, a mirror which enables multi-angular viewing is needed. This permits the patient to see, in one viewing, front, angled, and profile views of the anatomical feature in question. Easy adjustment of continuously variable angles of two mirrors permits additional views to be projected as needed. None of the prior art devices permits such multiple, adjustable views with such ease.
Accordingly, several objects and advantages of my invention are to:
a. permit a person to view multiple images, from two images to nine or more, at one viewing;
b. provide for a versatile, yet low-cost, multi-viewing device;
c. produce a multi-viewing device which is extremely easy to set up, to use, and to store; and
d. provide one or more pre-determined multiple settings for use.
The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of the present invention. These objects should be construed to be merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications of the intended invention. Many other beneficial results can be attained by applying the disclosed invention in a different manner or by modifying the invention within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other objects and a fuller understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the summary of the invention and the detailed description of the preferred embodiment in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The above-noted problems, among others, are overcome by the present invention. Briefly stated, the present invention contemplates a continuously multi-variable angle, multi-view imaging device having two reflective sections adjacent to one another, a single flexible backing attached to the backs the two reflective sections such that a side edge of each of the reflective sections is adjacent to the other thereby forming a movable hinge, and a registration mechanism for adjustably setting the reflective sections into one or more of a plurality of angles adapted for what appears to the viewer to be a multi-angular viewing of a single object or subject. The angles may be certain predetermined angles, or may be set as desired by the user.
The registration mechanism may be a flexible strap pivotably connected at one end of one reflective section and is removably connectable at another end of the other reflective section. Indicia are on the strap or on the back side of one reflective section are used to set the reflective sections into one or more of a plurality of angles. The registration mechanism may also consist of a base member having single or multiple slots, each having predetermined angles, into which the two reflective sections insert. With this configuration, the device also has a storage slot (or receiving member) to store the reflective sections after they have been folded. A tray on top of the receiving member is adapted to hold personal articles of the user.
The foregoing has outlined the more pertinent and important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood and the present contributions to the art may be more fully appreciated. Additional features of the present invention will be described hereinafter, which form the subject of the claims. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the disclosed specific embodiment may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures and methods for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It also should be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions and methods do not depart from the spirit and scope of the inventions as set forth in the appended claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: D. 142985 (1945-11-01), Brown
patent: 370623 (1887-09-01), Hooker
patent: 1512005 (1924-10-01), Wright
patent: 2389788 (1945-11-01), Lathrop
patent: 3737216 (1973-06-01), Noda
patent: 4208105 (1980-06-01), Hadwiger
patent: 4639102 (1987-01-01), Fetko et al.
patent: 5357377 (1994-10-01), Payne, Jr. et al.
patent: 5430578 (1995-07-01), Reagan
patent: 5625501 (1997-04-01), Taggert
patent: 5673153 (1997-09-01), Soll et al.
patent: WO94/20867 (1994-09-01), None
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