GB2226629A - Mirror de-fogging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A mirror is demisted by passing heated air over its surface. The air, the flow of which is depicted by arrows 3, is preferably heated by a heating element 6 and/or light-emitting element 9 more preferably a high-heat light-emitting element. Filters 5 can be further provided to remove entrained dust or the like. A reflective shroud (not shown) is also desirably located round the light - emitting element 9 to reflect the radiation back therefrom. <IMAGE>

Description

MIRROR DE-FOGGING APPARATUS This invention relates to the removal of fog/vapour and/or condensation from mirrored surfaces.

The inclusion of water vapour into the atmosphere surrounding a mirror, be it in a home, hotel, sports facility, forces accommodation, penitentiary, plane, boat or train, etc, etc, and whether provided by a basin beneath, a shower or bath adjoining, the damp outside air penetrating through a window etc, or even the breath of the user of the mirror and/or any other means, this water vapour can have an undesirable effect upon the mirrored surface by the formation of a layer of fog/vapour and/or a heavy condensation restricting the useful purpose of the mirror. This fog/vapour - condensation layer also presents itself as a health hazard for the user by way of it becoming a breeding ground for virus and bacteria etc.

An object of this invention is to provide apparatus which removes said fog/condensation, thereby retaining the useful purpose of that mirrored surface.

There are numerous units available for the illumination of mirrors incorporating agitated gas lighting elements.

The reasons for this may be many but are principally because agitated gas lighting is (1) believed to be cheap to run and (2) a cool element emitting little heat thereby having negative heat destroying ability, and suitable for enclosure in a marketable package.

Resistive lighting elements on the other hand are much hotter running and present problems in their use for such illuminating units therefore. It is true that agitated gas lighting is cheap to run, but in normal every day use very expensive. Agitated gas lighting is also discomforting in its use, highly and permanently damaging to the eyes and is one of the most, if not the most, carcinogenic influences to be found in the home. Some years ago the world recognized leading motor manufacturer removed all such lights from its workshops, and trade unions world-wide call for the banning of their use. To switch on an agitated gas lighting element costs as much as to run that element for 10 -12 hours. In appreciating the normal use of a light, in for example a domestic bathroom, the pattern is to "by force of habit switch on and off the light.It has been calculated that a resistive lighting bulb in similar use and of 2 1/2 times power (wattage) would result in a power consumption of 1/6 that of the similar use of agitated gas lighting.

The use of halogen resistive bulbs results in higher light and heat output for lower power consumption than conventional resistive lighting bulbs. Therefore the use of resistive lighting, not damaging to the eyes, in no way carcinogenic, and of cheaper overall running cost, is preferable to that of agitated gas lighting, but this resistive lighting is very hot by comparison with agitated gas.

The invention provides apparatus for directing heated air onto a mirrored surface such that the surface is cleared and/or retained clear of fog or condensation.

Preferably, the apparatus has an air intake for drawing in air from the atmosphere.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises a heating element located in the path of the air.

Preferably, the heating element is light-emitting.

Preferably, the light-emitting element is a high-heat lighting element.

Preferably, the air is at least temporarily heated to a temperature at which viruses and bacteria are destroyed.

Preferably, the air passes through a filter before being directed onto the mirrored surface.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises means for adjusting the direction of flow of at least part of the heated air for an alternative purpose, e.g. massaging the skin, drying the face or hair, drying or pressing clothes, etc.

The invention also provides a method of clearing and/or retaining clear of fog and/or condensation a mirrored surface, comprising the step of directing heated air onto the surface.

Preferably, the method includes the step of passing the air across a heating element, preferably a high-heat lighting element.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a front view of the apparatus in possible positions according to a first embodiment.

Figure 2 is an isometric view of one of the apparatus in figure 1.

Figure 3 is a front view of the apparatus in possible positions according to a further embodiment in singular or multiple arrangement.

Figure 4 is a side view of figure 3 with a further position of fitment shown at angle to both wall and ceiling.

Figure 5 is a panoramic view of the apparatus according to a third embodiment of the invention.

Figure 6 is a cross section of a part of figure 5.

Figure 7 is a skeletal form view of a possible structuring of the embodiment in figure 6.

Figure 8 is a possible side view and cross section of a part of figure 7.

Figure 9 is a schematic elevation of the apparatus depicted in figure 1.

Figure 10 is a schematic cross section of figure 9.

Figure 11 is an elevation of a possible attachment to the first embodiment in figure 9.

Figure 12 is an end view of figure 11.

Figure 13 is a further and partial schematic elevation of the first embodiment in figure 9, depicting air-flow.

Figure 14 is a cross section of the first embodiment, without air movement drawn.

Figure 15 is a schematic plan view of the first embodiment in figure 9.

Figure 16 is an end view of the first embodiment as in figure 9.

Figure 17 is a front elevation of a second embodiment.

Figure 18 is a schematic cross section of the second embodiment in figure 17.

Figure 19 is an elevation of a possible attachment to the second embodiment.

Figure 20 is an end view of figure 19.

Figure 21 is a schematic elevation of the second embodiment in figure 17 with the attachment in figure 19 fitted.

Figure 22 is a schematic elevation of the second embodiment with a partial reflector fitted.

Figure 23 is a schematic plan view of the second embodiment in figure 17.

Figure 24 is a schematic plan view of figure 22.

Figure 25 is a schematic elevation of a third embodiment showing various means of air-flow.

Figure 26 is an elevation of a possible attachment for a means of air-flow distribution from the third embodiment.

Figure 27 is a schematic cross section of a third embodiment in figure 25, and depicting a means of airflow distribution.

Figure 28 is a further schematic cross section of a third embodiment depicting a further means of air-flow distribution.

Figure 29 is an end view of figure 26.

Figure 30 is a schematic bottom view of an air-flow distributor for a third embodiment as in figure 25.

Figure 31 is a bottom view of a further air-flow distributor as a possible attachment as shown in figure 26 and configured to be interchangeable with an air-flow distributor depicted in figure 30 as part of a third embodiment as depicted in figure 25.

Figure 32 is a schematic panoramic view of a third embodiment depicting possible air-flow distributors as depicted in figure 25.

Figure 33 is a schematic elevation of a fourth embodiment of the apparatus without a light source and with an airflow distributor attached.

Figure 34 is a schematic cross section of figure 33.

Figure 35 is a schematic plan view of a fourth embodiment as depicted in figure 33.

Figure 36 is a partial schematic elevation of a first or fourth embodiment of the apparatus depicting combinations of air-flow distributors.

Figure 37 is a partial schematic end view of figure 36.

Figure 38 is a schematic elevation of an attachment to any of the embodiments in distribution of their warm air, and for their enhanced use thereof.

Figure 39 is a partial end view of figure 38.

Figure 40 is a bottom view of the end of the attachment depicted in figure 38.

Figure 41 is an elevation for a possible end use of the attachment depicted in figure 38.

Figure 42 is an elevation of the means of attaching the bottom end of that depicted in figure 38 for it's useful distribution of warm air into the possible product use depicted in figure 41.

Figure 43 is a side view of figure 42 depicting attaching of the bottom end of that depicted in figure 38.

Figure 4g is a schematic plan view of a further possible product for use with that depicted in figure 38.

Figure 45 is a bottom view of the end use attachment depicted in figure 44.

Figure 46 is a schematic cross section end view of the attachment depicted in figure 44.

Figure 47 is a schematic elevation of the attachment depicted in figure 44 and showing means of attaching the bottom end of that depicted in figure 38.

Figure 48 is a schematic plan view of a further possible product for use with that depicted in figure 38.

Figure 49 is a bottom view of the attachment depicted in figure 48.

Figure 50 is a schematic elevation of the attachment depicted in figure 48 and showing means of attaching the bottom end of that depicted in figure 38.

Figure 51 is a schematic elevation of a further possible product for use with that depicted in figure 38, and showing the means of attaching the bottom end of that depicted in figure 38.

Figure 52 is a schematic plan view of a further possible product for use with that depicted in figure 38.

Figure 53 is a schematic elevation of the attachment depicted in figure 52 and showing means of attaching the bottom end of that depicted in figure 38.

Figure 54 is a schematic cross section of a possible warmed air source for use in apparatus according to a third embodiment as depicted in figures inclusive of 5,6,7,8,25,32.

Figure 55 is a further and similar -cross section as depicted in figure 54 with a different source means of air heating apparatus.

Figure 56 is a schematic end view of figure 55.

Figure 7 is a possible source means of warm air for use in the third embodiment.

Figure 58 is a schematic cross section of a possible "louvres" attachment for a warm air distributor in any embodiment.

Figure 59 is a schematic cross section of a possible plates and passages offset warm air distributor, in any embodiment.

Figure 60 is a schematic elevation of figure 59.

Figures 1-60 depict: 1 represents air taken into the apparatus, 3 the air either heated or to be heated flowing through the apparatus, 2 the heated air distributed over the surface area of the mirror as depicted, where 4 represents a filter arrangement for filtering the air of dust and 5 a fan or blower means for the forced distribution of the air through the apparatus.

Various means of providing heated air to, through, out of, and/or from the apparatus and onto the mirror surface will now be described by use of the attached drawings 1-7 Figures 33,34,35, are of an air heating apparatus for locating above or to the side of a mirror. The same apparatus as with other of the embodiments may be located by a movable arm or means for specific positioning but all said apparatus as with all other embodiments positioned such that warmed air is distributed onto the surface area of the mirror. The working principles of the system are as shown by air 1, passing through a filter 4, drawn by a fan or blower 5, and forced as 3 on through passageways towards, through. over and around a heating element 6, as 3 directed by a distributor 7 and as warmed air 2 exiting onto the mirror surface.

Figures 1,2,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,36,37 are of an air heating apparatus, of similar form but different working principles to the aforementioned, for locating above or to the side of a mirror. The working principles of the system are as shown by air 1, drawn through a filter 4, by a fan or blower 5, and forced as 3, above, over, around and past a high-heat lighting element 9, as 3 through a channeling opening 8, as 3 through, over and around a further heating element 6 - if required, as 3 directed by a distributor 7 and as warmed air 2 exiting onto the mirror surface.

Figure 3,4,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24 are of an air heating apparatus of different form and different working principles to the aforementioned for locating above or to the side of a mirror. In this embodiment the apparatus may take the form of figure 17 without a high-heat lighting element whereby a compact package provides a means wherein the working principles of the system are as shown by air 1, drawn through a filter 4,- by a fan or blower 5, as 3 through, over and around a heating element 6, as 3 directed by a distributor 7 and as warmed air 2 exiting onto the mirror surface.This form of the embodiment may be of any presentable package form compact in size. .R further form of this embodiment in figure 17 is with the addition of the high-heat lighting element on the exterior of the apparatus, which high-heat lighting element heats the air before it enters the apparatus as a whole, wherein the working principles of the system are as shown by air 1, drawn over, around and past the highheat lighting element 9, and as warmed air drawn through a filter 4, by a fan or blower 5, as 3 through, over, and around a further heating element 6 - if required, as 3 directed by a distributor 7 and as warmed air 2 exiting onto the mirror surface. An enhancement of this embodiment may be as depicted in figures 22,24, by the addition of a partial shroud 10 with reflective inner surface, cutting out light other than from the partially open side and end, and whereby said shroud may be rotated in its fixing position or base 27, for directioning of the light and whereby the passage of air, being now warmed by enhanced means, having captured the majority of the otherwise lost - radiated heat, by the addition of said shroud.

Figure 25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32, are of an air heating apparatus of different form and different working principle to the aforementioned for locating above or to the side of a mirror. In this embodiment the apparatus may take the form of; figure 25,26,27, with combinations of high-heat lighting element 9, and heating element 6 if required, of; figure 27 with high-heat lighting element 9 alone, of; figure 28 with heating element 6 alone.In this embodiment, air may be induced into and through the apparatus as in presentable package depicted in figure 1,2,5,6,7,8, or similar in principle, and then flowing through the unit as 3, but then passing., over, around and past the high-heat lighting element 9 and then to exit from a cutaway 11 in a transparent, opaque, or concealing shroud 24 fitted around that lighting element 9, such that heated air 2 is directed out of cutaway 11 and onto the mirror surface.

Further forms of a further embodiment of the apparatus may be as depicted in figure 5,6,7,8,32, wherein heated or unheated air for the use end of the apparatus may be provided by a duct 28 from a source means distant from the use end, within the overall structure, or from a point distant to that structure containing the use end of the apparatus.Examples of these might be - the ducting of heated air from within the containing structure; as depicted in figure 7 a heat exchanger 12 making use of energy in flue gas 13 from boiler 17, or from propulsion exhaust not depicted, but as in a boat, plane, train, rocket etc, or a source specifically fitted for the heating of the air for use in the apparatus as depicted in figures 54,55,56, etc, - and/or the ducting of heated air from a source removed from the containing structure; as depicted in figures 54,55,56,57, where those source means are in say a nearby structure, or from a solar collector, a waste energy recycling plant or sewage system and etc, and in both aforementioned cases where air 3 is provided by duct 28 to the user end of the apparatus.In figure 54,55,56, the working principles of the system may be where air 1 is drawn from the exterior of the structure 14, as 3 through the exterior wall 15, through a filter 4 by a fan or blower 5, as 3 through, over and around a heating element 6, exiting into a duct system 28 for passage to the user end of the apparatus and for distribution over the mirror surface.

In this form the heater element 6 in figure 54 might be electric and in figure 55,56, might be an exhaust duct system to a simple gas burner or any other type of heating element, or exchanger etc. In another form of this embodiment the air from the source means may be provided unheated through duct 28 for heating before or at the user end of the apparatus by any of the aforementioned and/or other air heating means. In such aforementioned systems where the user end of the apparatus is distant from the heated or unheated air providing means, the individual air distribution points by switching means could call for that air despatch and for amounts determined by the number of switching point means placed in an on position.This would prevent any need for continual air despatch from either the heated or unheated air providing means and provide for control of unnecessary waste in the system therefore.

In any of the aforementioned embodiments of the present invention an enhanced user quality might be where the onoff switch controls for the unit were incorporated into the air distributor means 7,24, whereby the distributor provide a twist or swing or push/pull etc for switching.

This combined use of air distribution directioning and switching would provide a more pleasing visual effect than that of the light pull 26 in figure 16 and at the same time eliminate the danger attached to the handling of electrical products in bathrooms.

Figures 30,31, provide a means of interchangeability from high-heat lighting element 9 with or without shroud 24 in base 25, as depicted in figure 30, by a similar base 25 containing a directional distributor 7 or otherwise, capable of rotating and swinging positioning, as depicted in figure 31, both of which adaptors might be fixed by their base with bayonet or similar attachment means.

This interchangeability would render the apparatus more flexible in use thereof, and as shall be enlarged upon in the following chapter by the use of various adaptors etc.

Figures 36,37,38,39,40,41,42,43,51,52, depict certain of other useful additions to the apparatus made possible by simple adaptation in its manufacture. Similar can be provided for in any of the embodiments whereby the distributor 7 is commonly shaped allowing for say an addition in the form of a flexible air hose 18 with end 19 and base end 20. Base end 20 might either replace a commonly shaped distributor 7 or simply fit to it. The use of this flexible air hose could be for connecting end 19 into a designed clothes hanger 21 with fitting 22 for receiving 19, such that in use warm air could be blown through the clothes 23 hung on the hanger 21 thereby freshening, drying and/or pressing without crease lines.

Alternatively end 19 of hose 18 could connected to an ironing device as depicted in figure 44,45,46,47, whereby air flows through the device 29 with removable lid 30, over damp sponge 31, and now as humid air through opening 32, into bottom chamber 33, to exit out of holes 34 in pressure release grooves 35, as a wet-iron technique for pressing clothes on a hanger without creasing.

Alternatively hose end 19 could also be attached as in figure 48,49,50, to a facial tone / skin massage unit 36 where small ping pong like balls 37, are blown around inside a chamber 38, with strikes 39 providing vibration, with the air exiting out of holes 34 in pressure release grooves 35 on the face plate of the unit, onto the skin.

Alternatively hose end 19 may be placed over the opening of the waste drain of a basin, bath or shower for the clearing of a blockage, or hose end 19 could be connected to a tube element 40 as depicted in figure 51,52,53, for inserting in a soaking tub 41 or bathtub, or to similar element 42 in a face or foot basin 43, for provision of a bubblebath say for therapeutic use. The hose end 19 could also be used as a hair dryer or as a body drier where towelling might harm the skin, and for any other purpose where forced warm air might be useful.

Other uses of the apparatus could be provided for by incorporating on the exterior of the unit an electrical socket source for an electrical toothbrush, shaver etc.

Figure 36 shows the distributor 7 in different sections whereby one section could be angled for use as a hair, hand, body or clothes dryer etc whilst other sections were being played on the mirror surface. By allowing the distributors to play the heated air about in the aforementioned ways there is increased flexibility in the use of the apparatus of the present invention.

By the use of the apparatus of the present invention for its primary purpose, in an environment of high humidity, there is a further and most important benefit. Viruses and bacteria - harmfull to ones health, but which can be destroyed at 121 C, and mould and fungus etc - harmfull to the fabric structure of a property, all need damp conditions for their multiplication and growth. In the kind of conditions where the apparatus may be used these breed and spore prolificly, and damp causes further decorative and structural damage. The circulation of dried air by use of the apparatus would in removing damp prevent the growth of fungus or mould, and the passage of air drawn through the apparatus subjected to intense heat would provide an immediate spore, virus and bacteria destruct facility, resulting also in reduced maintenance costs, within a cleaner and healthier environment.

Claims (23)

Claims

1. Apparatus for directing heated air onto a mirrored surface such that the surface is cleared and/or retained clear of fog or condensation.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein an air intake is provided for drawing in air from the atmosphere.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claims 1 to 2 wherein an electric heating means is provided to heat the air.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claims 1 to 3 wherein the electrical heating means is a heating element and/or a light-emitting element.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein the lightemitting element is a high-heat lighting element.

6. Apparatus as claimed in claims 4 or 5 wherein when a light-emitting element is provided, a shroud, preferably having a reflective inner surface, is provided therearound.

7. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a filter is further provided through which the air passes before being directed onto the mirrored surface.

8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7 as dependent on claims 4 or 5 wherein the filter is located between the heating element and light-emitting element.

9. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein there is further provided a distributor for directing the outflowing air.

10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein there is further provided means for adjusting the direction of flow of at least part of the heated air for an alternative purpose.

11. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims which includes a network of air ducts to serve a number of mirrored surfaces or for any other said alternative purpose.

12. Apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to Figs. 1 to 6, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15 and 16 and as modified in accordance with Figs. 7 and 8, or 11 and 12.

13. Apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to Figs. 17, 18, 23 and as modified in accordance with Figs. 19 to 21, or 22 and 24.

14. Apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to Figs. 25, and as modified in accordance with any of Figs. 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31, and 32.

15. Apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to Figs. 33, 34, 35 and 36, and as modified in accordance with any of Figs. 38 to 53.

16. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12 and as modified or further modified in accordance with Figs. 54 and 55, or 57, or 59 and 60.

17. Apparatus as claimed in claim 13 and as modified or as further modified in accordance with Figs. 54 and 55, or 57, or 58, or 59 and 60.

18. Apparatus as claimed in claim 14 and as modified or as further modified in accordance with Figs. 54 and 55, or 57, or 58, or 59 and 60.

19. Apparatus as claimed in claim 15 and as modified or as further modified in accordance with Figs. 54 and 55, or 57, or 59 and 60.

20. A method of clearing and/or retaining clear of fog and/or condensation a mirrored surface, comprising the step of directing heated air onto the surface.

21. A method as claimed in claim 20 wherein the air is passed across a heating means, preferably a high-heat lighting element or a heating element.

22. A method as claimed in claims 20 or 21 wherein apparatus is used as defined in any one of the claims 1 to 19.

23. A method as claimed in claims 20 to 22 wherein the temperature of the air is high enough to destroy harmful microorganisms.