GB2455110A

GB2455110A - A mirror and a kit having, the mirror, a chair, a floor covering and a carrying case for a mobile hairdresser.

Info

Publication number: GB2455110A
Application number: GB0723341A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Julia Elizabeth Reddy
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-11-29
Filing date: 2007-11-29
Publication date: 2009-06-03
Anticipated expiration: 2027-11-29
Also published as: GB0723341D0; GB2455110B

Abstract

Apparatus 101, comprising a mirror 102 and a frame 103, said frame comprising a base portion 104 configurable between a supporting configuration in which said frame is configured to support said mirror in a free-standing arrangement, and a storage configuration. The frame is supported by feet 107, 108 which are rotatable between a supporting configuration and a storage configuration also. A kit of parts, comprising the mirror apparatus 101, a folding chair (801), a floor covering (802), and a carry case (803).

Description

Mirror Apparatus

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application represents the first application for a patent directed toward the invention and the subject matter.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to mirror apparatus, in particular mirror apparatus configurable between a free-standing configuration and a storage configuration.

Background of the Invention

It is known to use a mirror to assist with personal grooming activities.

One type of mirror is a free-standing mirror. One type of grooming activity is hairdressing. A professional hairdresser may be based in a commercial salon that a customer will visit, or the hairdresser may be mobile and hence will travel to the customer.

Brief Summary of the Invention

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus comprising a mirror and a frame, said frame comprising a base portion configurable between: a supporting configuration in which said frame is configured to support said mirror in a free-standing arrangement, and a storage configuration.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit of parts comprising a mirror and a frame, said frame comprising a base portion configurable between: a supporting configuration in which said frame is configured to support said mirror in a free.standing arrangement, and a storage configuration; a folding chair; a floor covering, and a carry case.

Brief Description of the Several Views of the Drawings Figure 1 shows mirror apparatus comprising a mirror and a frame in a free-standing arrangement; Figure 2 shows a feature of the frame of Figure 1 in further detail; Figure 3 shows the mirror apparatus of Figure 1 in an alternative free-standing arrangement; Figure 4 illustrates reconfiguration of the base portion of the mirror apparatus of Figure 1 from a supporting configuration into a storage configuration; Figure 5 shows the base portion of the mirror apparatus of Figure 1 in a storage configuration; Figure 6 shows a feature of a mirror apparatus in a first arrangement: Figure 7 shows the feature of Figure 6 in a second arrangement; Figure 8 illustrates an environment in which a mirror apparatus is available for use; Figure 9 illustrates a mirror apparatus being manually transported; Figure 1 0 shows a further feature of a mirror apparatus.

Description of the Best Mode for Carrying out the Invention Figure 1 Figure 1 shows apparatus 101 comprising a mirror 1 02 and a frame 103 connected to the mirror. The frame comprises a base portion, indicated at 104, configurable between a supporting configuration in which the frame is configured to support the mirror in a free standing arrangement, as shown, and a storage configuration.

In the illustrated embodiment, the frame comprises a first leg 1 05 and a second leg 1 06. The base portion comprises a first foot 107 and a second foot 1 08 that extend from the lower end of the first leg and the second leg respectively. The mirror 102 is connected to the frame by means of an intermediate connecting element 109 that connects the upper side 110 of the mirror to the upper ends of the first and second legs. In Figure 1, the feet 1 07, 1 08 of the base portion are shown in a supporting configuration.

Figure 2 As shown in Figure 2, each of the legs, such as leg 105, comprises a lower part 201 and an upper part 202 moveable with respect to the lower part such that each leg is adjustable in length. The frame is provided with manually operable securing means configured to releasably maintain the legs at a selected length.

In this example, the securing means takes the form of clips, such as clip 203. Clip 203 is shown in the closed position, however, it is opened by moving lever 205 in the direction indicated by arrow 206. Once the clip 203 has opened, the upper part 202 of the leg may be moved relative to the lower part 201 in either of the directions indicated by arrow 207. Once the length of the leg has been selected, the clip 203 may be closed again by moving lever 205 in the direction indicated by arrow 208.

The frame may also be provided with a cross member 204 that extends between the two legs. A cross member serves to provide a degree of structural rigidity to the frame. In this embodiment, the leg length securing means is provided as part of the cross member. However, in alternative embodiments, the securing means may be separate to a cross member or may be connected to a cross member.

Figure 3 By adjusting the length of the legs 105, 106 of mirror apparatus 101, the height at which the mirror 1 02 is supported when the frame is in a free-standing arrangement can be adjusted. Thus, as shown in Figure 3, the mirror 1 02 may be supported at a lower height than that shown in Figure 1.

The act of moving the mirror 102 towards the base portion 104 is a step in configuring the apparatus 1 01 from a free-standing arrangement into the storage configuration.

Figure 4 Figure 4 shows a rear view of the mirror apparatus 1 01 in a free-standing arrangement. In this embodiment, the legs 1 05, 1 06 are telescopic.

When each leg is in its shortest configuration, as shown, the intermediate connecting element 1 09 rests upon the cross member 204 and the mirror 102 extends over the cross member 204.

In this illustrated embodiment, each of the feet 1 07, 1 08 is rotatable between a supporting configuration and a storage configuration, as indicated by arrows 401 and 402. In Figure 4, the feet 1 07, 1 08 are shown in a position between a supporting configuration and a storage configuration.

Figure 5 In Figure 5, the feet 107, 108 of the base portion 104 of mirror apparatus 101 are shown in a storage configuration. The base portion has been reconfigured into its most substantially planar arrangement. Thus, in this illustrated example, the feet 105, 106 have been turned inwardly into a position in which they lie alongside each other. It is to be appreciated that the feet may be arranged to lie next to each other or one on top of the other.

With the frame 103 reduced to its shortest height and the base portion configured in the storage arrangement, the mirror apparatus 1 01 is in its most fully compacted arrangement.

Figure 6 Further features of mirror apparatus 101 are illustrated in Figure 6.

The upper side 11 0 of mirror 1 02 is pivotally attached to frame 1 03.

Intermediate connecting member 109 is configured to allow the mirror 102 to be rotated thereabouts in directions indicated by arrow 601. In addition the lower side 602 of the mirror 1 02 is provided with at least one clip, such as clip 603. Apparatus 101 is configured such that when the clip is released from the frame, the mirror 1 02 extends at an angle to vertical with the lower side 602 displaced forwardly of the upper side 11 0. This feature functions to improve viewing of an image shown in the mirror. In this illustrated example, when the clip is released from the frame, the clip rests upon the frame and hence distances the mirror from the frame. The connecting arrangement 1 09 allows the mirror to be displaced away from the frame a sufficient distance to enable the clip to pass over crossbar 204.

Figure 7 The storage configuration is shown in Figure 7. As shown, the clip that is provided on the rear of mirror 1 02 is configured to clip onto the frame 103. In this example, clip 603 is shown clipped around leg 105. The arrangement of the illustrated embodiment is such that when the mirror is clipped to the frame, the mirror extends in a direction that is substantially parallel to the frame. Thus when the frame supports the mirror in a free-standing arrangement, the mirror extends substantially vertically. In addition, when the clip is clipped to the frame, when the frame is in the storage configuration, the clip secures the mirror to facilitate convenient transportation. In the event that the clip travels along the frame away from the base portion, the clip will be stopped by the cross member 204. The cross member 204 may also act as a handle to facilitate manual handling of the mirror apparatus 1 01.

Figure 8 Figure 8 shows mirror apparatus 101 in a supporting configuration, available for use. In an application, the mirror apparatus 101 is used in an environment in which hairdressing is to be performed. Thus, the mirror apparatus 1 01 may be provided as part of a kit. In this example, the kit also includes a folding chair 801 and a floor covering, in the form of a mat 802. In an embodiment, the floor covering is fabricated from leatherette. A carry case, in the form of a bag 803, is shown that is dimensioned to contain the mirror apparatus 1 01, the folding chair 801 and the mat 802. In an embodiment, the carry case is fabricated from a strong fabric. In a preferred embodiment of a kit, mirror 102 has a rectangular frame and the apparatus 1 01 is configured to be compacted to a size that is substantially similar to the size of the chair when the chair is folded. The mirror apparatus 1 01 and the chair 801 may then be contained in a bag having slightly greater dimensions, such that movement of the items contained in the bag is restricted so as to reduce the risk of damage to the items contained therein.

The bag 803 may also be configured to contain one or more other items, possibly in separate compartments, such as a dustpan and brush (not shown), or other cleaning related items or hairdressing items.

Figure 9 As shown in Figure 9, bag 803, complete with items contained therein, may be manually transported by a person, such as professional mobile hairdresser 901. The combination of items shown in Figure 8 enable the mobile hairdresser to enter a domestic environment and convey an air of professionalism in that environment by, in effect, bringing with them a portable salon. From the perspective of the hairdresser, the kit ensures that suitable items of furniture are to hand, and creates an environment that imitates aspects of a commercial salon. From the perspective of the customer, the portable salon again creates the atmosphere of a professional environment, and ensures that it is the equipment of the hairdresser that experiences any mess or damage caused during a hairdressing session.

Figure 10 Optionally, as shown in Figure 1 0, the frame 1 03 of the mirror apparatus 1 01 may be used to support one or more accessory members. For example, a swing arm 1001 may be connected to cross member 204. The swing arm in this example is configured to be rotatable in the directions indicated by arrow 1 002, between a position for use and a position for storage. The swing arm may in turn have a soap dish 1003 extending therefrom or a tray or other item that may assist the hairdresser during a hairdressing session. Accessory members may be releasably or permanently attached to the frame 1 03.

The frame may be fabricated from metal, plastic or a combination of these or other materials that would provide the construction with acceptable rigidity along with an acceptable weight. For example, the legs of frame 1 03 may be fabricated from a metal, such as steel, whilst the feet 107, 108 and the cross member 204 may be fabricated from a plastic, such as polypropylene.

It is to be appreciated that the fabrication, arrangement, shape and dimensions of the mirror apparatus and components of the mirror apparatus may vary between applications whilst still achieving the functionality described above.

Claims

Claims 1. Apparatus comprising a mirror and a frame, said frame comprising a base portion configurable between: a supporting configuration in which said frame is configured to support said mirror in a free-standing arrangement, and a storage configuration.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said frame comprises a first leg and a second leg, and said base portion comprises a first foot and a second foot that extend from said first leg and said second leg respectively.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each of said first foot and said second foot is rotatable between a supporting configuration and a storage configuration.
4. Apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein each of said first legs and said second leg comprises a lower part and an upper part moveable with respect to said lower part such that each leg is adjustable in length.
5. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said the upper side of said mirror is pivotally attached to said frame.
6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said the lower side of said mirror is provided with a clip configured to releasably clip to said frame.
7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said apparatus is configured such that: when said clip is clipped to said frame, said mirror extends substantially vertically, and when said clip is released from said frame, said mirror extends at an angle to vertical with the lower side displaced forwardly of the upper side.
8. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said frame comprises a cross member that extends between said first leg and second leg.
9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising an accessory member configured to be supported by said frame.
1 0. A kit of parts, comprising: apparatus according to claim 1, afoldingchair, a floor covering, and a carry case.
11. Apparatus comprising a mirror and a frame, said frame comprising a base portion configurable between: a supporting configuration in which said frame is configured to support said mirror in a free-standing arrangement, and a storage configuration, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying Figures.
1 2. A kit of parts comprising a mirror and a frame, said frame comprising a base portion configurable between: a supporting configuration in which said frame is configured to support said mirror in a free-standing arrangement, and a storage configuration; a folding chair; a floor covering, and a carry case, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying Figures.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows

II

Claims 1. Apparatus comprising a mirror and a frame, said frame comprising a base portion configurable between: a supporting configuration in which said frame is configured to support said mirror in a free-standing arrangement, and a storage configuration, wherein said frame further comprises a first leg and a second leg and said base portion comprises a first foot and a second foot that extend from said first leg and said second leg respectively; and each of said first foot and said second foot is rotatable between a supporting configuration and a storage configuration.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of said first leg and said second leg comprises a lower part and an upper part moveable with respect to said lower part such that each leg is adjustable in length. S...

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said frame is further provided with a manually operable securing means configured to releasably : 20 maintain said first and said second leg at a selected length. * S.

S... 4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said manually operable * S* *S.

* securing means comprises a clip.

5. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the upper side of said mirror is pivotally attached to said frame.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the lower side of said mirror is provided with a clip configured to releasably clip to said frame.

8U.,-r,u,-t, 7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said apparatus is configured such that: when said clip is clipped to said frame, said mirror extends substantially vertically, and when said clip is released from said frame, said mirror extends at an angle to vertical with the lower side displaced forwardly of the upper side.

8. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said frame comprises a cross member that extends between said first leg and second leg.

9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said frame further comprises a swing arm configured to be rotatable between a position for use and a position for storage.

* 10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said swing arm further comprises an item to assist a hairdresser. * S S...

*:*. 11. Apparatus according to claim 1 0, wherein said item to assist a : 20 hairdresser may be releasably or permanently attached to said swing arm. * *.

1 2. A kit of parts, comprising: * apparatus according to claim 1, a folding chair, a floor covering, and a carry case.
1 3. Apparatus comprising a mirror and a frame, said frame comprising a base portion configurable between: a supporting configuration in which said frame is conficiured to support said mirror in a free-standing arrangement, and a storage configuration, wherein said frame further comprises a first leg and a second leg and said base portion comprises a first foot and a second foot that extend from said first leg and said second leg respectively; and each of said first foot and said second foot is rotatable between a supporting configuration and a storage configuration, substantially as hereln described with reference to the accompanying Figures.
14. A kit of parts comprising a mirror and a frame, said frame comprising a base portion configurable between: a supporting configuration in which said frame is configured to support said mirror in a free-standing arrangement, and a storage configuration, wherein * said frame further comprises a first leg and a second leg and said base portion comprises a first foot and a second foot that extend from said first **** leg and said second leg respectively; and each of said first foot and said second foot is rotatable between a : 20 supporting configuration and a storage configuration; * ** afolding chair; a floor covering, and *.*.** * a carry case, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying Figures.