Non-reversing mirror device with perceived depth perspective

• US 4,580,880 A
• Filed: 02/21/1984
• Issued: 04/08/1986
• Est. Priority Date: 02/21/1984
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Watson, William
• Original Assignee: Watson, William
• Inventors: Watson, William
• Primary Examiner(s): Henry, Jon W.
• Application Number:
  US06/581,526
• Time in Patent Office: 777 Days
• Field of Search: 350/616, 350/617, 350/621, 350/612, 350/615, 350/600, 350/631, 350/276 R, 350/276 SL, 350/277, 362/135, 362/140, 272/8 M
• US Class Current: 359/855
• CPC Class Codes: A45D 42/18 Manifold reflecting mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 1/02 Mirrors used as equipment hand, pocket, or shaving mirrors A45D42/00; optical viewing means for vehicles B60R1/00

Abstract

The instant invention is an optical mirror device intended primarily as a make-up mirror for applying cosmetics. The mirror device permits the user to view herself in two images simultaneously, both as a standard mirror image with left and right reversed and as a true non-reversed image such as is perceived by others. The observer perceives each image as being a single rectangular viewing surface, with a more three-dimensional appearance than with a normal plane mirror. The mirror device is preferably used with its own source of lighting and with the mirrors enclosed in a darkened chamber so as to give true color reproduction without false coloration from ambient light.

Claims

1. A mirror for applying make-up to or viewing a user having a first mirror which shows a normal mirror image of the user, a second and third mirror arranged so as to show an unreversed image of the user, said second and third mirrors being placed above the first mirror, a chamber containing the three mirrors, the interior of which is substantially completely coated with a light absorbing material, lights affixed to the chamber disposed so as to illuminate the user but also disposed so that substantially no direct light enters the chamber, the chamber being constructed so as to create a frame illusion in the first mirror and also so constructed so as to create in cooperation with the placement of the edge of the first mirror a second frame illusion on the second and third mirrors.

2. A mirror in accordance with claim 1 where the images of the first and of the second and third mirrors are substantially similar in size.

3. A mirror for viewing a user having at least a first and second mirror arranged so as to show an unreversed image of the user;

and a chamber containing the mirrors, the chamber being constructed so as to create a three dimensional or framing illusion in the mirrors;

wherein the interior of the chamber is substantially light absorbing; and

lights affixed to the chamber disposed so as to illuminate the user but also so that substantially no direct light enters the chamber.