ES2393155T3 - Mirror with a lighting system - Google Patents

Abstract

Mirror with a lighting system comprising at least one reflective part (5, 305, 405), a plurality of light emitting points (10,210,310,410) and at least one optical filter (45, 245, 246), and a plurality of said emitting points of light comprising at least said optical filter (45, 245, 246) with at least one particularly convex shape, characterized in that the reflective part has a predetermined area A 1 within the range [0.10-0.50] m2, and because the sum of the area of all the light emitting points is less than or equal to 1 / 5A 1, and because at least one optical filter (45, 245, 246) has a cup or bulb shape and leaves through an opening towards the front area of the mirror, so that said at least one optical filter is the furthest part forward in the front direction of the mirror.

Description

Mirror with a lighting system

The present invention relates to a mirror with a lighting system. More specifically, the present invention can be applied to the field of mirrors with a lighting system used by professional makeup artists, for example in cinematography, photography or catwalk models. However, this does not prevent the use of the present invention in other fields.

In the field of mirrors for professional use it is convenient to have a large amount of light emitted to evenly illuminate the face of the subject to be makeup, while preventing a glare and heat emission effect, since people You have to face the mirror for many hours, which can be uncomfortable.

Existing mirrors cannot ensure the optimal presence of all desired characteristics. In particular, the most appreciated mirrors are those that have a plate of reflective material surrounded by light bulbs, which however produces a substantial amount of heat. Often some bulbs are removed by the user to the detriment of the amount of light as well as its uniform distribution. On the other hand, there is a risk of burn for workers or explosion, and they are especially fragile if they are subjected to vibrations, especially in the case of transport in boxes. Certainly, it is usual to incorporate professional mirrors inside boxes for the transport of cosmetics and makeup equipment, and in this case it should also be noted that conventional light bulbs take up a lot of space at the expense of the remaining objects. Other types of mirrors are known from US 3,757,103 and EP 1,792,553. They emit light through emitting points. The light is produced by an outside source and comes out through "lenses." US 2,046,393 shows a subsequent type of mirror with extended light emission areas. Document B 2,241,435 discloses a mirror with "transparent" areas that reflect an element, behind which are the light sources.

In the present description and in the following claims, "mirror" means a reflective device comprising at least one reflective part intended to reflect the image of an object or person in front of it, and also has a lighting system.

US 3,757,103 discloses a mirror according to the preamble of claim 1.

One of the objects of the present invention is to solve totally, or at least partially, the problems of the prior art, in particular providing a mirror with an optimum lighting system for professional use, and at the same time minimizing the uncomfortable elements for users, such as glare and heat.

Another additional object is to make a mirror with lighting that is more robust compared to those of the prior art, especially in the case of transport, and less bulky in the case where it is incorporated into a box.

Another object is to make a mirror with illumination that is less dangerous than those of the prior art.

Another object is to make a mirror with lighting that is simpler and less expensive than those of the prior art.

In the present description and in the claims that follow, "optical filter" means a filter that selectively allows only a portion of the light that comes from a light source to pass based on predetermined properties, such as a default wavelength, or a range of colors or default light. The filter can, for example, be selected from the following types: absorption filter, reflection filter, monochromatic filter, infrared filter, ultraviolet filter, neutral filter, high pass or low pass filter, polarization filter.

The filter according to claim 1 preferably comprises a translucent element, that is, an element that allows light to pass partially without distinguishing the contour of a possible body behind it, and the preferred examples of translucent elements used herein. invention are elements made of opaque materials.

The first claim is the result of the general belief that a better distribution of light on people's faces is obtained by a plurality of light emitting points and that such distribution is not altered but is improved if the light does not It directly illuminates the face of people who put on makeup as in the prior art, but that is filtered in order to dampen it, and possibly add tones capable of highlighting the illuminated contours. Thanks to the interposition of at least one filter between the person's face and the light source, the glare effect of the mirror is canceled. On the other hand, at least one optical filter is able to at least partially protect from the heat emitted by at least one light source arranged behind it, either physically or for example by filtering the infrared component of the light, which even does more comfortable being in front of the mirror. Finally, at least one optical filter prevents, at least partially, the contact of an operator with a light source arranged behind it, thus preventing burns and making the use of the mirror safer.

The at least one optical filter has an at least partially convex shape, where convex shape means a curved shape such as a hemispherical cap. The advantage in this way is given by a more homogeneous distribution of light, so that, for example, it is possible to move within certain limits by approaching or moving away from the mirror and staying still illuminated in an optimal way.

Said convexity projects at least partially towards the outside of the mirror. Thus, advantageously, the light can be emitted in accordance with a wider lighting cone.

More preferably, a plurality of light emitting points, and even more preferably all of them, comprise at least said optical filter.

Advantageously it is preferable that at least one optical filter has dimensions so that at least one group of light emitting points have it as a common optical filter, so that the number of mirror components is reduced, and their constructive simplicity increases.

According to a particularly preferred solution of the invention at least one light emitting point comprises at least two optical filters, preferably of different types.

More preferably, a plurality of light emitting points, even preferably all of them, comprise at least two optical filters.

According to a general aspect of the invention, the two optical filters, if present, are preferably arranged in series with each other so that both are crossed by the same beam of light from the mirror.

Constructively, a particularly advantageous case is one in which at least two optical filters have dimensions so that at least one group of light emitting points comprises them as common optical filters, so that the total number of mirror components is smaller.

Preferably, one of the at least two optical filters comprises a rigid element, while the other comprises an elastic element. In this way, advantageously, the rigid filter can help prevent any accidental contact or collision of a possible light source behind it. In addition, the first filter acts as a protection of the second filter against external agents or against abrasion due to cleaning, use or transport, and thus the second filter may be more perishable than the first.

Furthermore, preferably the elastic filter is pressed against the rigid filter, which thus acts as a support element. The elastic filter, in truth, is preferably of the type comprising at least one gel layer, for example polycarbonate, or acrylic. On the other hand, the use of gel prevents the increase of the volume and weight of the mirror, especially if it was used in association with a box, and on the other hand the fact that the gel is pressed against a rigid element prevents its curling due to heat.

The person skilled in the art will understand that the ideal distribution of components that goes from the inside to the outside of the mirror is given by: at least one light source, at least one elastic optical filter, and at least one rigid optical filter.

Preferably, the light emitting points are oriented so that they emit light directly to an object or person placed in front of the mirror in such a position to be reflected.

In order that the number of components and the cost of the mirror is not high, it is preferable for at least one group of light emitting points to filter the light coming from the same light source.

On the other hand, the mirror preferably comprises a supporting structure that supports a plate of reflective material, the at least one optical filter and at least one light source. In this way, the mirror is made as a self-supporting unit and can be introduced, for example, in boxes that do not require special preparatory work.

Thus, when one or more of the light emitting points comprises at least two optical filters, both are preferably directly or indirectly supported by the supporting structure.

The bearing structure preferably comprises at least one support element in a single piece made of a thermoplastic or thermosetting material, preferably opaque from which all light emitting points are preferably made. Such materials, which are also particularly favorable in cost, allow practically any type of shape to be achieved, for example it is possible to form the supporting structure comprising one or more box-shaped structures containing one or more light sources. The light emitting points are made as openings of the box-shaped structure protected each by one or more filters.

In accordance with a general general consideration of the invention, the Applicant has identified the best relationship between the reflecting part and the light emitting points for professional purposes, in particular the area A 1 of the reflecting part is within the range [0.10 - 0.50] m2, more preferably [0.15 -0.25], and the total area of the light emission A2, ie the sum of the area of all the light emitting points, is less than or equal to 1 / 5, more preferably less than 1/10, of A1.

In accordance with a general general consideration of the invention, the Applicant has calculated that the light emitting points defined by edges with a substantially curved shape allow a better distribution of light, since they do not produce problematic shadows during the application of makeup.

According to another aspect of it, the invention comprises a box, characterized in that it comprises a mirror or a unit according to any of the above aspects.

The structure of the mirror or the unit according to the present invention certainly lends itself very well to transport since it is compact and especially robust, and in addition, its volume inside the box is compatible with the presence of other objects, which on the other hand in the prior art can be caught between the bulbs. In addition, the residual heat transmitted inside the box is minimal.

Preferably, the at least one support element is coupled with a part of a box, so that the mirror is arranged for use always associated with the box. Even more preferably, such coupling is with one of the closure panels of the box, so that the other panel is available for transporting other objects. According to an additional preferred solution, the coupling is by splicing, in order that it requires a small adaptation or does not require any adaptation of the box, which may for example be of the normal type.

According to another aspect, the invention relates to the use of a mirror, of a unit of a box as defined above for professional makeup.

According to other general considerations of the invention, preferably the at least one light source used has a low heat emission to allow even more comfortable use of the mirror or unit. On the other hand, the residual heat after having disconnected the light source is minimal and dissipates quickly, for which reason in the case in which the mirror or unit is closed inside a box for the transport of cosmetics or utensils Makeup no deterioration of such products. Preferred solutions comprise at least one light source with a power within the range [25, 100] watts, more preferably [40, 60] watts. Preferably the total power of the mirror is within the range [25, 600] watts, more preferably [25, 400] watts. The Applicant has considered that it is particularly advantageous to use at least one neon and / or at least one LED as a light source - more preferably a light source comprising a series of LEDs with a total power within the ranges indicated above.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be seen more clearly from the following detailed description of its preferred embodiments, made with reference to the accompanying drawings and given only for indicative and non-limiting purposes. In such drawings:

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Figure 1 schematically represents a perspective view according to a frontal observation point of a mirror according to the present invention;

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Figure 2 schematically represents an exploded perspective view in accordance with a frontal observation point of the mirror of Figure 1;

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Figure 3 schematically represents an exploded perspective view in accordance with a rear observation point of the mirror of Figure 1;

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Figures 4 and 5 schematically represent the front and side views of a transparent element of the mirror of Figure 1;

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Figure 6 schematically represents a perspective view according to a rear observation point of the mirror of Figure 1;

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Figure 7 schematically represents a section of the mirror along the horizontal plane VII of Figure 6;

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Figure 8 schematically represents a perspective view of a box comprising the mirror of Figure 1;

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Figure 9 schematically represents a perspective view according to a frontal observation point of an alternative embodiment of the mirror of Figure 1, comprising LEDs;

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Figure 10 schematically represents a perspective view according to a frontal observation point of an alternative embodiment of the mirror of Figure 1 comprising an additional optical filter located in front of the light source;

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Figure 11 schematically represents a section of the mirror along the horizontal plane XI of Figure 10;

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Figure 12 schematically represents a perspective view according to a frontal observation point of a third alternative embodiment of a mirror according to the present invention;

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Figure 13 schematically represents a front view of a fourth alternative embodiment of a mirror according to the present invention; Y

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Figure 14 schematically represents a perspective view according to a frontal observation point of a fourth alternative embodiment of a mirror according to the present invention inserted in a box with support legs.

Initially with reference to Figure 1, a mirror with a lighting system according to the present invention is shown. Such a mirror with illumination from now on will be briefly called "mirror" and will be indicated in conjunction with reference number 1.

The mirror 1 comprises a reflective part 5, preferably but not exclusively central, and a plurality of light emitting points 10, preferably but not exclusively disposed outside the reflecting part 5. Said reflecting part 5 and the light emitting points 10 are arranged in a bearing structure 15, which preferably but not exclusively comprises a single support element 20, or reinforcement, made for example of a thermoplastic or thermosetting material.

The reflective part 5 preferably has a polygonal, rectangular shape in the example shown, and the light emitting points 10 surround at least one of its sides 24, more preferably at least two parallel sides 24 and 26, even more preferably two vertical sides 24 and 26. Preferably, a section of length H1 is equal to at least half of the height H2 of at least one side 24, more preferably of both sides 24 and 26, is surrounded by light emitting points 10. In the figure 1 shows H1> H2, on the other hand, the person skilled in the art will understand that the greater the distribution of the points of light the better the uniformity of the lighting, for which reason he will know how to adapt the invention for example to obtain H1 = H2. The Applicant has also observed that the best lighting results are obtained when the maximum extension D3 of each light emitting point 10 is less than or equal to a quarter of the length H2 of the side 24, 26 of the reflecting part 5 at along which they are willing. In other words, when the light emitting points 10 have a small area with respect to the reflective part 5 and are numerous, it is better if they are distributed at equal distances from each other or in groups within which they are separated by an equal distance. For example, in the case where the light emitting points have a circular edge, their diameter is preferably within the range [0.0030-0.0080] m.

The Applicant has also observed that, in order to improve the lighting and reduce glare, it has been found that the most favorable relationship between the area A1 of the reflecting part and the total area A2 of light emission, ie the sum of the area of all the light emitting points, preferably indeed the area A1 is within the range [0.10-0.50] m2, more preferably [0.15-0.25], and the total emission area A2 of light, ie the sum of the area of all the light emitting points is less than or equal to 1/5, more preferably less than or equal to 1/10, of A 1. Preferably, on the other hand, the emitting points of Light 10 are arranged aligned with the edge of the reflective part 5, to be grouped in series, although the person skilled in the art will nevertheless know how to adapt the invention to boxes in which such points have a different distribution.

As can be seen in figure 1, the light emitting points are oriented to project beams of light in the frontal direction with respect to the mirror 1, that is to say that they directly affect a person in front of the mirror and that seems to reflect their own image Also on this the person skilled in the art will be able to understand that other orientations can be used, even if they are less preferred, for example so that the light beams illuminate the reflective part 5.

Again, Figure 1 highlights that the light emitting points 10 are grouped into one or more parts that have a box shape 28 of the support element 20. The person skilled in the art will understand that in the case of a single group of points light emitters 10 a box type structure will be sufficient, but in the case where there is more than one group of light emitting points 10, for example two indicated with reference numbers 30 and 31 in figure 1, it will be possible adopt a box type structure for each group or for more than one group. In the illustrated case, there is only a box-like structure 28 for the two groups 30 and 31, since it extends over three sides of the reflecting part 5, which includes one side optionally without light emitting points. The reflective part 5 in this case is delayed, in other words embedded, with respect to the light emitting points 10, and comprises, for example, a plate of reflective material. Advantageously, the front space 35 circumscribed by the box-like structure 28 can be used to house other objects in the case where the mirror 1 is associated with a box, as described below.

Now with reference to figures 2, 3, 4 and 5, the mirror lighting system is described in more detail

one.

As best seen in Figures 2 and 3, the box-like structure 28 comprises a plurality of openings 38 corresponding to the light emitting points 10 Y defined by the edges 40, preferably curved, more preferably substantially circular, for example with a diameter within the range [0.0030-0.0080] m.

Each opening 38 is protected by an optical filter 45, which comprises a translucent element, configured as a cup or bulb to project through the opening towards the front area of the mirror. In other words, the cups 45 are the furthest parts forward in the front direction of the mirror. In the detail of Figure 7 it is clear how the front openings 38 are formed in an opaque central plane 39 of the support element 20 and how the cups 45 are frontally farther forward with respect to this plane.

As best shown in Figures 4 and 5, preferably the translucent elements 45 of the entire group 30, 31 of the light emitting points 10 are joined in a single translucent element 50 comprising a flat edge 52 from which the cups 45 come out. The flat edge 52 is preferably attached to the inner side 54 (Figure 3) of the box-shaped structure 28 around the edge 40 of the openings 38. However, the person skilled in the art may understand that other systems can be adopted to fix the translucent element 50 to the support element 20 such as for example thrust elements, screws or rivets.

As can be seen more clearly in Figure 3, the box-shaped structure 28 forms a rear space 60 at the rear of the mirror 1 that can receive the translucent elements 50 and other components of the lighting system, preferably all of them. In particular, at least one light source 65 is housed in the rear space 60. In the illustrated embodiment, two light sources 65 are used, one for each group of light emitting points 30 and 31. More in detail, the light sources 65 illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 are neon. The person skilled in the art will understand, however, that other types of light sources may be used, in particular of particular interest for the purposes of the invention are light sources with a low heat emission, for example with a power within the range [25, 100] watts, and more preferably [40, 60] watts. On the other hand, the number of lights can also vary widely with respect to what is illustrated, being able to reach one or more light sources for each light emitting point 10, even if preferably the total power absorbed by the lighting system is in the range of [25, 600] watts and more preferably in the range of [25, 400] watts.

Each light source 65 is supported by the support element 20, directly or through the interposition for example of the support element or frame 68, fixed to the support element 20 for example by means of screws, rivets or joints. In the example illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 the second support element comprises a bent L-shaped plate.

Figure 6 shows from a rear observation point the mirror 1 completely assembled, and Figure 7 represents a detail of it in section according to the plane VII, particularly highlighting said figures that the mirror 1 with the lighting system forms a self-supporting unit in which all the elements are supported by the support element 20. Especially the light source or sources 65 and the second support element 68 are preferably held stably within the rear space 60.

Figure 8 represents the mirror 1 inserted in a professional make-up box 70, for example of the type with wheels and support legs 76, which can be tilted to form a work plane. The closing panels 72 of the box 70 can for example be of the normal type, since the mirror 1 forms a single unit that can be inserted into one of them without modifications. In the other closing panel 72 there is a space to accommodate object supports 74 in the desired manner. It should be noted that when the closing panels are closed, the space 35 of the mirror 1 leaves a space to house the slide 74 or other objects that must be transported in the box.

The following describes some alternative embodiments of the invention in which elements that are the same

or the like are indicated with the same reference numbers used before and increased by 100 or a multiple thereof.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a mirror 101 is illustrated which differs from the mirror 1 only in that it comprises a series of LEDs 165 instead of each neon 65. All other components are the same as those of the embodiment of the Figures 1 to 8.

With reference to Figures 10 and 11, there is illustrated a mirror 201 that differs from the mirror 1 of Figures 1 to 8 in that it comprises, for each light emitting point 210, a second optical filter 246 in addition to the first optical filter 245 Both filters 245 and 246 are located in front of the light source 265 and supported by the support element 220. In particular, the first filter 245 is a rigid filter, for example identical to the filter 45 of Figures 1 to 8, and it is preferably glued into the rear space 260. The second filter 246 is preferably an optical filter of a different type than the first filter 245, for example it is a UV filter, and even more preferably it is made of an elastic material, for example a gel The rigid filter 245 can be advantageously used as a support for the gel filter 246, which can for example be attached to it and / or be kept at least partially pressed against it by means of a pushing element 247. For protection reasons the Gel filter 246 must be fully contained in the rear space 260, or must be fully located behind the rigid filter 245. As in the case of Figure 1, it is preferable for filters 245 and 246 to have an enlargement that is common to many light emitting points 210.

As can be seen more clearly in Figure 11, the pushing element 247 may be a rigid element comprising a front face 280 that can be, at least partially, pierced by light. The face 280 may be transparent or open, for example made of plexiglass, in such a way as to allow light to pass without a substantial filter effect, or alternatively it may be a third rigid optical filter. Two wings 282 and 283 extend laterally towards the front face 280 and substantially perpendicular to it, preferably extending one wing further away than the other, and at least one being intended for joining with the support element 220, for example by gluing, bolts or screws. According to an alternative not illustrated, the pushing element 247 is elastic and presses against two opposite walls 261 and 262 of the rear space 260 in order to be held there elastically, and to crush at least a part 263 of the gel filter 246 by at least against one of those walls.

With reference to Figure 12, a mirror 301 is illustrated which differs from the mirror 1 in that the light emitting points 310 are located within the reflective part 305. In general, this feature makes it possible to obtain a greater diffusion of the light. This is preferably achieved by forming a front part of the mirror 301 all in the same reflective plane 339. Even more preferably, the reflecting part 305 is divided into a central part 305A and an edge part 305B, in which the light emitting points 310 are located within the reflective edge portion 305B. Said edge part 305B can for example be made of a thermoplastic or thermosetting material, while the central part 305A can for example be made of glass. Advantageously, this avoids the need to pierce the reflective glass part to make the light emitting points, which could make it fragile and break. The final optical effect is that of a fully reflective surface 339 but with the resistance and protection given by the edge made of a thermoplastic or thermoset material. The remaining pieces of the mirror 301 may for example be made the same for the other embodiments or combinations thereof.

With reference to Figure 13, a mirror 401 is illustrated which differs from the mirror of Figure 1 in that it has light emitting points 410 of a rectangular or square shape arranged along two side edges 428. The remaining parts of the mirror 401 may for example be made the same for the other embodiments or combinations thereof.

Referring to FIG. 14, a box 570 is illustrated which differs from box 70 in that it contains a mirror 501 of substantially rectangular shape, in particular with the upper edge 428B straight. The remaining pieces of the mirror 401 may for example be made the same as for the other embodiments or combinations thereof.

In addition, it should be noted that although all the embodiments described and illustrated heretofore have light sources common to many light emitting points, this does not exclude solutions where some or all light emitting points have their own specialized light source. .

Again, it should be noted that although all the components described and illustrated heretofore comprise a series of light emission points on a regular basis and arranged in series on two sides of the reflective part, not excluding solutions with different arrangements and / or shapes of light emission points. For example, one or more of said light emitting points can also be arranged along the upper edge of the mirror, their shape being able to be the same or different from that of the other possible light emitting points. For example, it is possible to provide one or more openings in said upper edge to form a logo, a symbol, a brand or a generic word as a whole.

Claims (12)

one.

Mirror with a lighting system comprising at least one reflective part (5, 305, 405), a plurality of light emitting points (10,210,310,410) and at least one optical filter (45, 245, 246), and a plurality of said light emitting points comprising at least said optical filter (45, 245, 246) with at least a partially convex shape, characterized in that the reflective part has a predetermined area A 1 within the range [0.10-0.50] m2 , and because the sum of the area of all the light emitting points is less than or equal to 1 / 5A 1, and because said at least one optical filter (45, 245, 246) has a cup or bulb shape and leaves at through an opening towards the front area of the mirror, so that said at least one optical filter is the furthest part forward in the front direction of the mirror.

2.

Mirror according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that all the light emitting points comprise at least one optical filter (45, 245, 246).

3.

Mirror according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one optical filter (45, 245, 246) has dimensions such that at least one group of light emitting points has it as a common optical filter.

Four.

Mirror according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one point

light emitter (10, 210, 310, 410) has at least two optical filters (245, 246), preferably of different types.

5.

Mirror according to claim 5, characterized in that a plurality of light emitting points (10, 210,310,410), preferably all of them, have at least two optical filters (245, 246).

6.

Mirror according to any of claims 5 and 6, characterized in that one of the at least two optical filters (245, 246) comprises a rigid element (245), while the other comprises an elastic element (246).

7.

Mirror according to claim 7, characterized in that the elastic filter (246) is pressed against the rigid filter (245).

8.

Mirror according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light emitting points (10, 210, 310, 410) are oriented to emit the light directly towards an object or person located in front of the mirror in a position so that they can be reflected.

9.

Mirror according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one group of the light emitting points (10, 210, 310, 410) filters the light from the same light source (65,165,265).

10.

Mirror according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a supporting structure (15) that supports a plate of a reflective material (5), the at least one optical filter (45, 245, 246) and at least one source of light (65, 165,265).

eleven.

Mirror according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light emitting points (10, 210, 310) are defined by substantially curved edges.

12.

Mirror according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the area A 1 of the reflective part (5, 305, 405) is within the range [0.15-0.25].