Optical: systems and elements – Mirror – With support
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-21
2001-03-27
Sikder, Mohammad Y. (Department: 2872)
Optical: systems and elements
Mirror
With support
C359S880000, C359S881000, C359S882000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06206530
ABSTRACT:
DESCRIPTION
Technical Field
The present invention generally relates to frames. More specifically, the present invention relates to a collapsible free-standing mirror for use on a horizontal surface.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Collapsible mirrors have been in use for many years. The compact feature of the collapsible mirror is appealing to travelers having limited space for packing their belongings. Although compactness of the mirror may be one of the most desired features, other attractive qualities sought include: ease of use, appearance, durability, etc. Many such mirrors do not address most of these attributes; they are cumbersome and fragile. Additionally, the contents supported within the case may be exposed to damage as the mirror is packed and handled while traveling.
The present invention is directed to solving these and other problems by providing an elegant, yet durable, collapsible frame, with a mirror therein, that is very easy to use and transport.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is generally a collapsible frame, more specifically, a collapsible mirror. In the closed position, the mirror resembles clam shells. The components are folded together and protected. In the opened position, the base member can be positioned on a flat surface, such as a dresser, bureau, vanity, desk, counter, etc. and the mirror is supported at a workable height above the base member.
According to a first embodiment of the present invention, the collapsible, free-standing mirror has three primary components, namely a base member, a top member and a support member. The support member acts as a link between the base member and the top member and has pivots at each end thereof. The top member is pivotally connected by a first pivot connection to a first end of the support member. This top member has an inner surface and an opposed outer surface. Similarly, the base member is pivotally connected by a second pivot connection to a second end of the support member. This base member also has an inner surface and an opposed outer surface. The top member and the base member are adapted to rotate about their respective pivot connections with the support member about the support member. Each, namely the top member and the base member, rotate between an opened position and a closed position. In the opened position, the outer surface of the base member abuts the support member and the top member is supported above the base member; and in the closed position, the inner surface of the top member abuts the inner surface of the base member.
The mirror is supported by the inner surface of the top member. An additional aspect includes a light surrounding the mirror.
The top member and the base member are adapted to rotate about their respective pivot connections with the support member between an opened position and a closed position. The top member rotates at least 270° and the base member rotates at least 180°. In the opened position, the outer surface of the base member abuts the support member and the top member is supported above the base member. In the closed position, the inner surface of the top member abuts the inner surface of the base member. The top member further includes a channel cut into an edge thereof for receiving the first end of the support member and permitting limited rotation of the support member relative to the top member. The first pivot connection is a first pivot pin passing through the support member adjacent the first end through the channel and into the top member adjacent the edge thereof. The base member further has a notch cut into an edge thereof for receiving the second end of the support member and permits limited rotation of the support member relative to the base member. The second pivot connection is similar to the first pivot connection wherein the second pivot pin passes through the support member adjacent the second end through the notch and into the base member adjacent the edge thereof. The inner surface of the base member has a recess therein for receiving the support member when the base member is in the closed position.
A further aspect of the invention includes an offset in the support member near the first end thereof. The offset is approximately 45°, forming a first abutting surface adjacent the first end of the support member to cooperate and abut a receiving surface near the channel of the top member. The support member further includes a second abutting surface adjacent the second end of the support member to cooperate and abut a receiving surface near the notch of the base member. And the first pivot connection includes means for selectively holding the top member in one of several angles relative to the support member in the opened position.
Yet another further aspect of the present invention is directed to a self-supporting collapsible frame for use on a horizontal surface. The frame includes a housing having a base member and a top member. The base member has an inner surface, an outer surface, a receiving surface and an edge. The top member has an inner surface, an outer surface, a receiving surface and an edge. The top member is rotatably attached to a first end of a support member and the base member is rotatably attached to a second end of the support member. The support member has a first and a second abutting surface; the top member is selectively rotatable between a closed position and an opened position in which the first abutting surface of the support member prevents further rotation in a first direction by mating with the receiving surface of the top member in an opened position; the base member is selectively rotatable between a closed position and an opened position in which the second abutting surface of the support member prevents further rotation in a first direction by mating with the receiving surface of the base member in an opened position. It is further contemplated that the base member and the top member are releasably fastened together to enclose the support within the housing.
Other advantages and aspects of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following description of the drawings and detailed description of the invention.
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Sikd-er Mohammad Y.
The TonJon Company
Wallenstein & Wagner Ltd.
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