GB2297033A - Steam proof bathroom & shower mirror - Google Patents

Abstract

A portion of hot water from the supply to a shower is tapped off and fed to a cavity behind the mirror to prevent the mirror steaming up. The cavity has guides providing a sinuous water flow as shown to promote even heating. The tap-off point may include a flow-operated valve (Fig 3) which opens only when the shower is running.

Description

STEAM PROOF MIRROR.

The present invention relates to steam proof mirrors.

The use of mirrors to enhance 8 bathroom and to help with personal hygiene have always been synonymous. Conventional mirrors however, t steam upfl in damp conditions, leaving an inefficient image surface that even when wiped will leave a distorted reflection and unsightly streaks when dry.

Such conventional mirrors are used throughout industry, business, leisure and the domestic world, for either esthetic, practicability, or image efficiency. However, their visual efficiency within these and other areas, decline in damp and saturated humid situations.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a mirror which will not cloud, mist or distort the visual image within any conditions of moisture vapour.

Figure 1, is e sectional view of a pipe insert, incorporating the tap off tube which supplies the heating element with hot water.

Drawings 1 thro 3 water direction = Figure 2, is a sectional plan view of the heating element, showing a basic theory of the cascade system and dynamic flow of hot water which is fundamental in the expeditious and even distribution of hot water.

Figure 3, is a sectional view, similar to the insert pipe, as in Fig.1, but incorporating a drag plate, and a poppet valve. This opening only when there is a flow of water.

The concept of applying heat to a surface eliminating the formation of condensation, is not a new idea. This invention applies the heat source in a procedure by tapping off " the hot water supply through the inserted pipe Fig. 1 and valve Fig. 3 and using the water pressure to deliver the heat source by a conduit system to a heating element at the back of the reflective surface. Fig. 2.

Insert Fig. 1, will not be required, if manufacturers incorporate a bleed pipe as in Fig. 1, no 3, to Fig. 1, no 5,.

This present design as in Fig 1 fits directly into the down stack pipe Fig. 1, no 5, of any shower outlet and then to the flexible shower hose in direction Fig. 1, no Al ( the shower outlet being Fig. 1, no 5).

If using a mixer bath tap and shower, the insert is used in direction Fig. 1, no B1. The bath mixer tap outlet being Fig. 1, No 5, Fig. 1, no 2, connecting to the flexible shower hose.

The heating element Fig.2, is a totally enclosed structure, made from an availably commercial lightweight material, which is non hygroscopic and having a stable molecular structure at 100 degrees celsius, which has a small coefficient of expansion. (Ideally by an injection moulded fabrication).

In accordance with this invention the novelty of this design is the cascade internal structure, which removes the outer panel flex of the heating element during water pressure fluctuations. This could cause structural stress failure and separation from the mirror, models have been tried and tested successfully by using the mirror as the second outer panel enclosure but the dictates for public safety, in my opinion this is not advisable as a design feature dictated by finance or construction.

However, the main purpose of the cascade is to ensure proper dissipation of all leading cold water. Therefore, eliminating thermal stratification from trapped cold water areas causing incomplete dissipation of all condensation.

Figure 3 is a novel method of supplying hot water to a mirror heating element in conjunction with the bath water supply system. This invention allows for an automatic flow of hot water to the mirror heating system. The flow valve only opening when the hot water tap is turned on, this valve is inserted into the hot water pipe at a convenient location down stream of the hot water tap.

The general operation of this valve is that the drag plate is pivoted, so that when it is in the no flow condition, the mechanical disadvantage and gravity insure that the poppet valve is in the closed position.

The design also of this poppet valve, utilise the differential pressure between the main hot water supply pipe and the tap off pipe to the mirror heating element, further insuring a good seal in the closed position.

When the hot bath tap is open, the valve is in the "flow" condition, the drag plate is forced up and round on its pivot by the passing water. Thus over coming the gravity and differential pressure thus opening the poppet valve, allowing hot water to flow to the mirror heating system.

By lateral thinking and application of basic principles this invention greatly enhances the quality and pleasure of life by allowing the mirror to reflect a true image in the most humid environments.

Primarily in showers and bathroom units, where the most intimate and personal activities take place. The act of shaving for one example, can no longer be the noisy or painful experience, Due to the skin pores being warm and open, a smoother and closer cut is achieved at a leisurely pace and not dictated to by the frequency of the mirrors loss of clarity.

Claims (6)

1. A water tight boxed cavity, a body in the form of a box secured to a mirror, the body being adapted to withstand a flow of water from the hot water supply attached by a valve and fed through the inlet tube, into a matrix to guide and exit the water behind the mirrored sheet by means of the outlet tube.

2. A water tight boxed cavity as claimed in Claim 1 wherein a guide means are provided in the box co- operable with the water supply to control the flow of water behind the mirror.

3. A water tight boxed cavity as claimed in Claim 1 and Claim 2, wherein the guide means for the water supply is provided from an inlet tube and expelled from the outlet tube from the boxed cavity.

4. A water tight boxed cavity as claimed in claim 2 and claim 3, wherein the water supplied to the boxed cavity is fed by a proportion of water from the main water supply by means of a fixed valve suffixed to the water pipe and fed by the inlet tube to the boxed cavity.

5. A water tight boxed cavity as in any other proceeding claim, wherein the body of the water tight boxed cavity is suffixed with a surface of mirrored sheet.

6. A water tight boxed cavity substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 of the accompanying drawing.