GB2508933A - Mirror with attachment means - Google Patents

Abstract

A grooming aid comprises an open tray 3, a mirror 2, and a lid 1. The lid 1 is moveable between an open position and a closed position. Temporary attachment means 8, such as a suction cup, is arranged in use to attach the lid 1 to a structure when said lid 1 is in the open position. This leaves the users hands free to apply make-up. The lid 1 is preferably pivotable in two orthogonal directions. The mirror 2 may be attached to lid, or it may be independently pivotable in two orthogonal directions. This allows for a greater range of viewing angles.

Description

A PERSONAL GROOMING AID

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a personal grooming aid, more particularly but not exclusively a personal grooming aid effective for use in travel situations.

Background

Carrying a small mirror when away from home is common practice particularly for users in order to be able to apply makeup.

Often small portable mirrors are provided with makeup compacts or as standalone items. However in order to successfully apply makeup a user must often hold both the mirror and the makeup item.

Although possible this is likely to be difficult particularly in a moving vehicle such as a car or train wherein often the user will have to place the mirror on a flat surface such as a table which may not be the desired height for application of makeup.

Use of a mirror in such scenarios, and more generally where no useful surface is available therefore requires use of more than one hand, with attendant problems relating to application of makeup, use of a hairbrush or more generally.

The present invention arose to overcome the problems associated with portable handheld mirrors described above.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: United States patent application US 918 724 (AUSTIN) discloses a device of the character specified, the combination of a suction cup, a rigid cup fitted to the suction cup and having openings therein to admit of compressing the suction cup preliminary to applying it tothe sup-as porting surface, and article supporting means projected from the rigid cup.

Chinese utility model CN 201 754 907 (XIAOQING) discloses a novel mirror, comprising a frame and a plane mirror inlaid on the frame, wherein the backside of the frame is provided with a sucking disc and the top end of the frame is fixedly connected with a hook. The novel mirror with simple structure and convenient positional adjustment can be hung on nail or other hanging-capable object through the hook, and can also be adhered to smooth surface through the sucking disc in case of no hanging-capable object or inconvenient hanging, so the novel mirror has strong practicability and is suitable for popularization.

Granted United States patent US 6 854 852 (ZADRO) discloses a mirror device for providing reflected images having at least two different selectable magnifications, said mirror device comprising: a. at least a first mirror frame retaining therein a pair of first and second mirrors having reflective surfaces of first and second, different magnifications, said mirrors being arranged back-to-back with said reflecting surfaces facing outwards of one another, b. a frame holder, c. holding means for releasably and interchangeably holding said mirror frame in said frame holder with a selected one of said mirrors facing away from said frame holder for viewing images of objects in front of said selected mirror, said holding means comprising in combination, -i. a peripheral mirror frame ring which at least partially bounds outer peripheral edges of said first and second mirrors, -ii. at least two radially spaced apart frame holder flange walls which protrude forward from a base portion of said frame holder, and -iii.

releasable engagement means for fixedly and releasably holding said peripheral frame ring fixed with respect to said flange walls, said releasable engagement means comprising in combination at least a first rib member which protrudes radially outwardly from said peripheral frame ring, a retainer lip which protrudes inwardly from an inner axially disposed surface of each of said frame holder flange walls, said lips having inner, longitudinally disposed surfaces which define there between an opening having a spacing less than that between longitudinal outer surfaces of opposed, portions of said mirror frame rib longitudinally alignable with said flange walls, and means for engaging said flange walls to deflect radially outwardly sufficiently far for said opening there between to receive said mirror frame rib, and for deflecting said flange walls radially inwardly in front of said rib to thereby retain said peripheral frame ring in a pocket formed between an outer transverse surface of said frame holder base and rear surfaces of said lips, d. a mounting base for supporting said frame holder, and e. fastener means for releasably attaching said mounting base to a mounting surface.

In contrast the present invention provides an aid for use in personal grooming in many different locations and situations and which allows free use of both hands.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a personal grooming aid comprising: an open tray, a mirror, and a lid, wherein said lid is moveable between an open position to a closed position, wherein said closed position is used to close said tray, and wherein said lid provides a temporary attachment mechanism arranged in use to attach said lid to a structure when said lid is in the open position.

In preferred embodiments the aid further comprises a hinge arranged in use to hinge said lid to the tray. The hinge is arranged in use so as to prevent movement of the lid and tray beyond a maximum opening when said lid and tray are open sufficiently, in order that the a user may use the mechanism to attach the aid to a vertical glossy surface at an unsupported height.

Alternatively said hinge may be lockable in some embodiments.

In prefered embodiments the lid andlor tray advantageously provide an attachment mechanism arranged in use to secure or attach the aid to an independent structure.

The mechanism may comprise a suction cup or ferromagnetic portion or other temporary mechanism, or a combination thereof.

Ideally said mechanism is provided on the lid, in order that the aid may be secured to, for example, a window that is situate sidemost to a user.

In preferred embodiments in order to facilitate this the lid may additionally comprise a hinge that permits the lid to rotate and/or twist in reference to the tray and that allows the mechanism to be beneficially manoeuvred, and/or the mirror may be comprised on the lid, wherein a single pivoting hinge is required.

Ideally the mirror may be pivoted at a pivot so as to allow the mirror to comprise a surface oriented towards the user, where the lid or tray is oriented along a different axis or plane. In this way the lid or body may be attached or secured to a secondary structure or surface and the mirror effectively used by the user regardless of the user's orientation with respect to the structure or surface.

Typically therefore the preferred embodiment of the aid may comprise a compact mirror comprising an openable case, with a clamshell lid and a tray base arrangement, a tiltable mirror mounted within the case, and at least ohe suction pad: The aid may be provided in a kit form including at least one spray dispenser for use with the suction pad.

In preferred embodiments the lid may be arranged in use tobe displaceable so as to reveal the mirror. The lid may be arranged in use to be hingeably attached to the tray so that the parts of the case may be closed together with a tight fit.

Ideally the lid and tray are arranged in use to be secured to one another with a lockable mechanism. The locking mechanism may be for example ferromagnetic, resiliently deformable, mutually engaging or detent mechanism. The lid may be secured1 or more particularly securable, parallel to the tray so as protect the mirror and prevent exit of items from the tray. It may be envisaged that the lid may be secured to the tray by means of a click, clip or push fitting.

Ideally the case may be opened by displacement, depression of or sliding of a button or control so as to release the lid from the tray.

Preferably the lid has a face that houses at least one sucker, suction cup or pad for securing the aid to a surface, thereby freeing both of the user's hands, for example so as to put on makeup.

Ideally the lid is rotatable on the hinge so that when not in use the at least one sucker, suction cup or pad(s) is housed within the tray, so as to provide a smooth outer surface to the aid. In use the lid is opened and rotated, so as to expose the pad(s) to the surface on which it is to be attached, such as a window.

In preferred embodiments the hinge may be arranged in use to be rotatable so that the lid may pivot in order to displace the lid from the tray and allow access to tray contents, and may then rotate so as to adjust the lid orientation in respect of the tray when secured to another structure or surface. Typically therefore a single pivoting hinge is provided, either centrally or in a manner allowing sliding along the rearmost tray edge in use.

In some preferred embodiments the mirror may be disposed at a front edge of the tray, distal to the lid, wherein the lid and/or tray may be secured to a structure and the mirror able to be hinged up and pivoted or rotated to orient towards the user In same embodiments the lid and/or mirror may include an articulated mounting so as to distance the lid or mirror from the tray and/or the mirror or lid.

When in position the tray is typically perpendicular to the structure on which the lid is placed1 forming a shelf with the lid generally parallel to the surface.

In preferred embodiments the mirror may be housed within the tray, being mounted on a separate pivot that enables the mirror to be stowed parallel to the tray when not in use and lifted for use so that the user may use the mirror. Advantageously, the mirror may be tilted to the desired viewing angle, dependent upon the structure to which the aid is attached.

Some angles and orientations are solely possible with the mirror inclined at an oblique angle from the tray and/or twisted at an angle from a plane definable to the tray edges, and consequently the mirror may be hinged intermediately or at the tray's frontmost edge so as to allow greater numbers of angles and orientations without interference from the lid.

In some preferred embodiments the mirror includes magnifying properties at least in part.

Ideally the mechanism or pad may be arranged in use to be positioned against the mirror back when the case is closed so as to allow easy storage and transport for the aid. Preferably the mirror back is textured or covered in a material that prevents said suction pad from sticking to it whilst closed and thereby preventing the lid from opening. Advantageously a fabric layer absorbs any residue liquid from the suction pad.

Advantageously there may also be included a removable portion located within the tray. The removable portion may house a removable spray and has a defined recess for receiving the mirror.

Advantageously the portion may ensure the recess is minimal so as to discourage multiple items to be loaded on the tray, which loading may overcome the suction pad resulting in the mirror falling from its surface. In further embodiments for such reasons and general stability a mechanism is included on the tray to enable securement to a structure.

Ideally said spray is a pump action bottle that holds a small volume of fluid to spray on the structure to which the suction pad will be attached, for maximal hygiene and adhesion.

Preferably the aid or a kit of parts including the aid also comprises a cloth to be able to clean/polish the structure after removal of the pad.

Typically the case may be rectangular, preferably with rounded corners so as to have no sharp edges and formed from a lightweight durable material such as a synthetic plastic or lightweight metal such as aluminium.

Ideally the case has an outer with a smooth finish, for example a high gloss finish so provide a desirable aesthetic that can be readily cleaned.

Advantageously the case may be coloured, patterned or embossed so as to appeal to different users. It may be envisaged that some cases may be personalised for example with the name of the user In some embodiments the tray or portion may include predefined spaces for makeup items such as lip gloss or eye shadow.

In further embodiments the mirror may be incorporated with the lid so as to remove requirement for a separate part. Ideally in such embodiments the mirror includes a removable or displaceable cover so as to protect the mirror from damage when on the outward facing side of the lid. The lid may additionally be arranged with respect to the mechanism in such a manner as to allow the mirror on the lid to be oriented differently to any structure with which the mechanism is interfacing. In addition or the alternative the lid and mechanism may be articulated.

In yet further embodiments the mechanism may be displaced or detached Irom the lid in order that the mechanism may be stowed within the tray for transport or storage. For example the mechanism may comprise a plate on sliders engaging with ribs on the lid.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the grooming aid with lid open; Figure 2 shows a second isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 in a different arrangement; Figure 3 shows a third isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1, in a different arrangement; Figure 4 shows a fourth isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1, in a different arrangement; Figure 5 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figures 6 show views from front and rear of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 7 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 with lid closed; Figures 8 show side views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 with lid closed; and Figure 9 shows a view from above of the embodiment of Figure 1 with lid open.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures the aid in the preferred embodiment includes a lid 1 which is closeable over a tray 3, and which is fastened closed to the tray 3 through use of catches 6, 10.

The lid 1 also encloses a mirror 2 and spray 4 when closed, which spray is held in a dedicated moulding 5 formed as part of the tray 3.

The tray is therefore preferentially formed of at least two parts fastened together temporarily or permanently.

The mirror 2 is set on a pivot 7 which allows the mirror 2 to be hinged up from stowage in the tray 3 for use. in addition said pivot 7 allows rotation so as to allow greater freedom of use at angled viewing from the aid.

The lid in turn is mounted on a hinge 9 so that the lid may be hinged up to open the aid and allow access to tray contents or the mirror 2, and rotated so as to allow the suction pad 8 to be used on a surface or stored in the tray as appropriate.

Ideally the case is no greater than 120mm x 70mm x 15mm so as to be easily

portable.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims (9)

1. Claims 1 A personal grooming aid comprising: an open tray, a mirror, and a lid, wherein said lid is moveable between an open position to a closed position, wherein said closed position is used to close said tray, and wherein said lid provides a temporary attachment mechanism arranged in use to attach said lid to a structure when said lid is in the open position.
2. 2. A grooming aid according to claim 1 wherein the lid is arranged in use to be pivotable about the tray.
3. 3. A grooming aid as claimed in claim 2, in which the lid is pivotable in two orthogonal directions.
4. 4. A grooming aid according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the mechanism further comprises a suction pad.
5. 5. A grooming aid according to any of preceding claims ito 3 wherein the mirror is arranged in use to be pivotable about the tray.
6. 6. A grooming aid as claimed in claim 5, in which the mirror is pivotable in two orthogonal directions.
7. 7, A grooming aid according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 3 wherein the mirror is included on the lid.
8. 8. A grooming aid according to the description.
9. 9. A grooming aid with reference to the figures.