Backlit mirror assembly and method for use

• US 7,600,886 B1
• Filed: 04/11/2008
• Issued: 10/13/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 04/11/2008
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Cornerstone Lighting, LLC
• Original Assignee: Cornerstone Lighting, LLC
• Inventors: Sullivan, Daryl D., Harney, Robert
• Primary Examiner(s): Husar; Stephen F
• Application Number:
  US12/101,350
• Publication Number:
  US 20090257218A1
• Time in Patent Office: 550 Days
• Field of Search: 312/223.5, 359/872, 362/133, 362/135, 362140-142, 362/147, 362/221, 362/222, 362/260, 362/374, 362/375
• US Class Current: 362/140
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 1/02 Mirrors used as equipment hand, pocket, or shaving mirrors A45D42/00; optical viewing means for vehicles B60R1/00
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 2200/08 Illumination

Abstract

A backlit mirror assembly comprises a mirror, a lamp chamber, and a prop. The mirror is pivotally coupled to the lamp chamber so that it may be tilted outwardly, thereby allowing access to electrical components housed within the lamp chamber. A prop maintains the mirror in an open position. In one embodiment, the prop incorporates a gas spring to facilitate lifting of the mirror by a sole user. The mirror may be coupled to a rigid frame in order to strengthen the mirror, thereby reducing flexing of the mirror and hazards associated with such flexing.

Claims

1. A backlit mirror assembly comprising, in combination:

a frame coupled to a back surface of a mirror;

a lamp chamber adapted to be coupled to the frame;

at least one light source disposed within the lamp chamber;

at least one coupling member adapted to pivotally couple the frame to the lamp chamber so that the mirror can be alternately positioned in a closed position wherein the mirror substantially covers the lamp chamber and an open position wherein the mirror is tilted away from the lamp chamber; and

a prop having a first end and a second end, wherein one of the first end and second end is adapted to be coupled to the lamp chamber and the other of the first end and the second end is adapted to be coupled to the frame, wherein the prop is adapted to maintain the mirror in the open position.

2. The backlit mirror assembly of claim 1, further comprising a mirror.

3. The backlit mirror assembly of claim 2, wherein the at least one coupling member is positioned proximate an upper portion of the mirror.

4. The backlit mirror assembly of claim 2, wherein the mirror defines at least one window dimensioned to permit light from the at least one light source to pass therethrough.

5. The backlit mirror assembly of claim 2 comprising two light sources disposed within the lamp chamber.

6. The backlit mirror assembly of claim 5, wherein the mirror defines two windows, wherein each window is dimensioned to permit light from one of the two light sources to pass therethrough.

7. The backlit mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one coupling member is one of a hinge, pivotable fastener, and shoulder bolt.

8. The backlit mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein the prop comprises a gas spring prop.

9. A backlit mirror assembly comprising, in combination:

a frame coupled to a back surface of a mirror;

a lamp chamber having an open front portion and a back portion and defining a storage area therebetween, wherein the open front portion of the lamp chamber is adapted to be coupled to the frame and the back portion of the lamp chamber is adapted to be mounted to a wall;

at least one light source disposed within the lamp chamber;

at least one coupling member positioned proximate an upper portion of the mirror and adapted to pivotally couple the frame to the lamp chamber so that the mirror can be alternately positioned in a closed position wherein the mirror substantially covers the lamp chamber and an open position wherein the mirror is tilted away from the lamp chamber; and

a gas spring prop having a first end adapted to be coupled to the lamp chamber and a second end adapted to be coupled to the frame, wherein the gas spring prop is adapted to maintain the mirror in the open position.

10. The backlit mirror assembly of claim 9, further comprising a mirror.

11. The backlit mirror assembly of claim 10, wherein the mirror defines at least one window dimensioned to permit light from the at least one light source to pass therethrough.

12. The backlit mirror assembly of claim 10 comprising two light sources disposed within the lamp chamber.

13. The backlit mirror assembly of claim 12, wherein the mirror defines two windows, wherein each window is dimensioned to permit light from one of the two light sources to pass therethrough.

14. The backlit mirror assembly of claim 9, wherein the at least one coupling member is one of a hinge, pivotable fastener, and shoulder bolt.

15. A method for accessing a lamp chamber of a backlit mirror assembly, comprising the steps of:

providing a backlit mirror assembly comprising, in combination;

a mirror;

a frame coupled to a back surface of the mirror;

a lamp chamber having an open front portion and a back portion and defining a storage area therebetween, wherein the open front portion of the lamp chamber is adapted to be coupled to the frame and the back portion of the lamp chamber is adapted to be mounted to a wall;

at least one light source disposed within the lamp chamber;

at least one coupling member positioned proximate an upper portion of the mirror and adapted to pivotally couple the frame to the lamp chamber so that the mirror can be alternately positioned in a closed position wherein the mirror substantially covers the lamp chamber and an open position wherein the mirror is tilted away from the lamp chamber; and

a gas spring prop having a first end adapted to be coupled to the lamp chamber and a second end adapted to be coupled to the frame, wherein the gas spring prop is adapted to maintain the mirror in the open position;

pulling a bottom portion of the mirror away from the lamp chamber; and

permitting the gas spring prop to maintain the mirror in the open position.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the at least one coupling member is one of a hinge, pivotable fastener, and shoulder bolt.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the mirror defines at least one window dimensioned to permit light from the at least one light source to pass therethrough.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the backlit mirror assembly comprises two light sources disposed within the lamp chamber.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the mirror defines two windows, wherein each window is dimensioned to permit light from one of the two light sources to pass therethrough.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein the lamp chamber is comprised of one of steel and aluminum.