Medicine cabinet

Abstract

A medicine cabinet includes a housing defining an interior compartment. The cabinet further includes a door pivotally connected to the housing and movable between an open position allowing interior compartment access, and a closed position. A plurality of vertically staggered, horizontally oriented shelves for holding objects are disposed within the interior compartment. At least one shelf extends from one side of the interior compartment while at least two shelves extend from an opposite side of the compartment. The horizontally oriented shelves are disposed within the interior compartment such that each shelf holds objects on one side of the shelf when the housing is in a first orientation and each shelf holds objections on another side of the shelf when the housing is rotated 180 degrees to a second orientation. The appearance of the cabinet in the second orientation is a mirror-image of the appearance of the cabinet in the first orientation.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to medicine cabinets of the type used in residential dwellings and the like to store medicines and toiletries, etc. More particularly, this invention relates to a medicine cabinet with shelves of various lengths.

[0002] This invention relates generally to medicine cabinets of the type used in residential dwellings and the like to store medicines and toiletries, etc. More particularly, this invention relates to a medicine cabinet with shelves of various lengths.

[0003] There is a great need for a medicine cabinet with shelves of various lengths that allow a user to store a number of objects of various heights within the medicine cabinet while still providing ample storage space. Medicine cabinets are known for use in storing medicines and toiletries, etc. in residential dwellings. Traditional medicine cabinets have commonly included a shallow and forwardly open cabinet housing constructed as a metal stamping and adapted to fit into the wall of a residential bathroom or the like during the construction phase. A mirror door is hingedly mounted at one side of the cabinet housing for swinging movement between closed and open positions, with a magnetic or friction spring catch being provided to hold the door in the closed position. When closed, the mirror door supports a mirror formed typically from glass plate in a position for convenient use in the application of cosmetics, shaving, and other toiletry procedures. In the open position, the mirror door exposes the cabinet interior which includes an array of shelves for supporting medicines and toiletry articles.

[0004] Many different types of medicine cabinets have been used to hold a variety of objects. However, such medicine cabinets, incorporate a variety of inherent limitations and disadvantages. For example, while some cabinet designs have permitted some adjustable selection of shelf position, prior art cabinets with adjustable shelves have generally been limited to an array of shelves spanning the full width of the cabinet interior. Accordingly, when one or a small number of relatively tall articles such as a bottle containing mouthwash or the like is stored within the cabinet, it has been necessary to provide an entire shelf with sufficient clearance to accept the tall bottle. This approach has unfortunately resulted in significant wasted space within the medicine cabinet, since the user rarely has a sufficient number of tall bottles to occupy an entire shelf width.

[0005] Additionally, previous medicine cabinet designs have incorporated a significant number of metal components which can deteriorate due to rust in a damp bathroom environment. In some cases, this failure mode has been recognized and addressed by the use of a plastic material to form the cabinet housing, but metal components have still been used to form hinges and catches associated with the mirror door. The use of such metal parts in the cabinet construction is further undesirable since they contribute to noisy operation when the mirror door is opened or closed.

[0006] While medicine cabinets such as those described above may provide means of storing various articles, such medicine cabinets can always be improved.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for improvements in the design and construction of a medicine cabinet, particularly with respect to improved arrangement of shelves. There is a further need for a medicine cabinet that can hold a variety of common toiletries. There is an additional need for a medicine cabinet that is of unitary construction. There is also a need for a medicine cabinet that will not corrode over time. There is a need for a medicine cabinet that provides the user with easy access to the contents within. There is a further need for a medicine cabinet that is economical and easy to manufacture. The present invention satisfies these needs and provides other related advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention provides a medicine cabinet with an improved arrangement of shelves. The present invention also provides a space that can hold a variety of commons toiletries. The present invention further provides a housing of unitary construction. The present invention additionally provides a housing that will not corrode over time. The present invention provides the user with easy access to the contents within the medicine cabinet. The present invention provides a medicine cabinet that is economical and easy to manufacture.

[0009] An embodiment of the present invention, in the form of a medicine cabinet including a housing defining an interior compartment. The cabinet further includes a door pivotally connected to the housing and movable between an open position allowing interior compartment access, and a closed position. A plurality of vertically staggered, horizontally oriented shelves for holding objects are disposed within the interior compartment. At least one shelf extends from one side of the interior compartment while at least two shelves extend from an opposite side of the compartment. The horizontally oriented shelves are disposed within the interior compartment such that each shelf holds objects on one side of the shelf when the housing is in a first orientation and each shelf holds objects on another side of the shelf when the housing is rotated 180 degrees to a second orientation. The appearance of the cabinet in the second orientation is a mirror-image of the appearance of the cabinet in the first orientation.

[0010] At least one shelf extends across the width of the interior compartment and divides the compartment into an upper portion and a lower portion. Also, at least one of the shelves includes a notch formed therein for removably receiving and supporting toiletry articles. At least two of the shelves, each extending from an opposite side of the interior compartment, are of such length to define a horizontal gap between the two shelves.

[0011] The shelves are formed integrally with the housing. The shelves project away from a rear wall of the housing to subdivide the interior compartment. The shelves of the cabinet vary in length.

[0012] The housing is adapted for mounting into a building wall. The housing includes a rear wall joined to a outwardly projecting top wall, bottom wall and pair of side walls to define the interior compartment. The housing includes a number of mounting apertures along the periphery of the housing.

[0013] The housing and shelves are formed as a unitary plastic molding.

[0014] The door includes a mirror on at least one surface.

[0015] The door and the housing include cooperating means for mounting the door onto the housing.

[0016] The door and the housing also include cooperating closure means for holding the door in the closed configuration. This cooperating closure means includes a rod connected either to the door or to the housing.

[0017] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:

[0019] FIG. 1 is an orthogonal front view of a medicine cabinet embodying the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 2 is an orthogonal front exploded view of the medicine cabinet of FIG. 1 with the cabinet door removed;

[0021] FIG. 3 is an orthogonal front view of the medicine cabinet of FIG. 1 with the cabinet door in an open position;

[0022] FIG. 4 is an orthogonal front exploded view of the medicine cabinet of FIG. 1 illustrating the cabinet door and hinges removed and in an open position;

[0023] FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the cabinet of FIG. 3;

[0024] FIG. 6 is an elevational view of one side of the cabinet of FIG. 1;

[0025] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the cabinet of FIG. 1;

[0026] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the cabinet of FIG. 1 taken along line 8-8 looking from the interior of the cabinet towards the interior surface of the closed door;

[0027] FIG. 9 is an elevational view of another side of the cabinet of FIG. 1, opposite the side shown in FIG. 6;

[0028] FIG. 10 is a view of one of the hinges and the door of the medicine cabinet of FIG. 1, taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 8;

[0029] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the hinge and door of FIG. 10;

[0030] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge and door taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 10;

[0031] FIG. 13 is another view of the hinge and door illustrated in FIG. 12, shown with the door pivoted to another position;

[0032] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the door closure taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] The present invention is useful in providing an improved arrangement of shelves within a medicine cabinet embodying the present invention and provides a user with easy access to a variety of common toiletries within a medicine cabinet embodying the present invention. A medicine cabinet embodying the present invention is of unitary construction. The present invention is also useful in providing a medicine cabinet that will not corrode over time as well as providing the user with easy access to the contents within the medicine cabinet. The present invention also provides a medicine cabinet that is economical and easy to manufacture.

[0034] As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, an embodiment of the present invention resides in a medicine cabinet 20 provided for installation into the wall of a residential bathroom or the like. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-14, the medicine cabinet includes a main housing 22 having a plurality of shelf members or shelves 24 in an arrangement within the housing 22. Only one arrangement of shelves is shown for purposes of illustration, there being any number of possible arrangements of shelves 24 within the cabinet 20.

[0035] The cabinet 20 further includes a cooperating means in the form of hinge assemblies 26 for mounting and supporting a mirror door 28 on the housing 22. The door 28 is pivotally connected to the housing 22 at the hinge assemblies 26 and movable between an open position allowing access to the interior of the housing 22 and a closed position. Moreover, the mirror door 28 is designed to support a glass plate mirror 30 or the like in a simplified yet secure manner. The hinge assemblies 26 are designed for smooth and quiet operation without the use of metal hinge components, and the mirror door 28 is designed for rapid and facilitated assembly to support the mirror 30 in a nested position protected against damage during shipment and/or installation procedures. In the alternative, the door 28 may include a second mirror on the interior surface of the door 28 facing the housing 22.

[0036] The medicine cabinet 20 is designed to be manufactured easily and economically from lightweight molded plastic components, with the exception of the mirror 30. The shelves 24 are of unitary construction with the housing 22 and are formed in various lengths such that the housing 22 has a variety of shelves extending various lengths across the width of the interior of the housing 22. For example, the housing 22 includes a number of shelves that vary in length such that any number of the shelves 24 extend 1/8, 1/4, and/or 1/2 of the way across the width of the interior. At least one shelf 24 extends completely across the width of the interior of the housing 22. The spacing and placement of the partial width shelves 24 allow for areas of relatively tall clearance that meet the needs of the individual user to receive and store taller articles such as bottles without requiring the excessive waste space attributable to a full width shelf with tall clearance. In another example, one or more full width shelves may also be configured using the shelves 24 to permit flat storage of larger yet low profile articles without wasted space.

[0037] The housing 22 of the medicine cabinet 20 may be of any size and shape. For purposes of illustration, the housing 22 is shown having a generally conventional size and shape to include a rear wall 32 which cooperates with a top wall 34, a bottom wall 36, and a pair of side walls 38, 40 to define a forwardly open cabinet interior or interior compartment 42 that projects outwardly. As illustrated in the figures, the conventionally sized housing 22 may chosen to fit with relatively close clearance between standard wall studs of a building wall (not shown), and the side walls 38, 40 include a number of mounting apertures 44 (e.g., preformed angled fastener ports) for receiving suitable fasteners such as screws (not shown) fastened into an adjacent wall stud (not shown) to mount the housing 22 in place. The mounting apertures 44 are placed on the side walls 38, 40 along the periphery of the housing 22. When installed onto the building wall, a peripheral facing strip 46 circumscribing the forward margins of the housing walls 32, 34, 36, 38, 40 lies flush against the building wall and provides a decorative trim for the cabinet housing 22. Hinge mounting seats 48 are formed in the facing strip 46 at vertically spaced intervals adjacent the side wall 38 to accommodate swinging mounting of the mirror door 28, with the entire cabinet housing 22 being invertable in accordance with the desired left- or right-hand mount of the mirror door 28. As such, the roles of the top and bottom walls 34, 36 are switched when the cabinet 20 is inverted 180 degrees.

[0038] The illustrative housing 22, including the shelves 24, is adapted to be constructed as a unitary molding from a suitable lightweight plastic material. In the alternative, if the shelves 24 are constructed separately, the rear wall 32 and the two side walls 38, 40 of the housing 22 may include an array of horizontally extending stiffener ribs (not shown) formed at vertically spaced intervals which conveniently correspond with a plurality of shelf locations within the cabinet interior 42. These stiffener ribs may be shaped as convex protrusions on the outboard or side of the housing 22, and as concave grooves within the cabinet interior 42. These grooves provide a convenient mounting structure for the individual shelves 24.

[0039] The shelves 24, being of unitary construction with the housing 22, generally divide the cabinet interior 42 into vertically separated, horizontally separated regions or gaps. The shelves 24 project away from the rear wall 32 of the housing 22 to subdivide the interior compartment 42. The illustrative shelves 24 are vertically separated, horizontally separated from each other to define a central opening within the cabinet 22. The shelves 24 are also vertically staggered and horizontally so that the shelves 24 can hold objects within the interior compartment 42. The shelves 24 are vertically staggered in that at least one shelf extends from one side of the compartment 42 while the next shelf 24, vertically spaced above or below, extends from an opposite side of the compartment 42. At least one shelf extends from one side of the interior compartment 42 while at least two shelves extend from an opposite side of the compartment 42.

[0040] As described above, the entire cabinet housing 22 is invertable in accordance with the desired left- or right-hand mount of the mirror door 28. To this end, the horizontally oriented shelves 24 are disposed within the interior compartment 42 such that each shelf 24 is capable of holding objects on either side of the shelf 24 so that the shelves 24 can hold objects on one side of the shelf when the housing 22 is in a first orientation and objects on another side of the shelf 24 when the housing 22 is rotated 180 degrees to a second orientation. The appearance of the cabinet 20 in the second orientation is a mirror-image of the appearance of the cabinet 20 in the first orientation.

[0041] The at least one shelf 24 extending across the width of the interior compartment 42 divides the compartment 42 into an upper portion 50 and a lower portion 52, as shown. However, the designation of `upper portion` or `lower portion` is relative to the orientation of the housing 22.

[0042] At least one of the shelves 24 includes at least one notch 54 formed therein for removably receiving and supporting toiletry articles including, but not limited to, toothbrushes, dental tools, blade razors or the like. The notch 54 may be positioned on the side of the shelf 24 facing the user.

[0043] The door 28 and the housing 22 also include cooperating closure means 56 for holding the door 28 in the closed configuration. In an example, an elongated flange 76 having a head 77 and a neck 79 may be connected to the door 28 and extend through an elongated slot 78 in the housing such that the door 28 is resiliently held in a closed position by friction interference fit. When a user desires to open the door 28, the user pulls on the door 28, causing the head 77 to move out of the slot 78, allowing the user to open the door 28. The flange 76 may be connected to either the door 28 or the housing 22 with the slot 78 being located in whichever of the door 28 or housing 22 the flange 76 is not located on. In the alternative, the cooperating closure means may be in the form of a magnet assembly connected either to the door 28 or to the housing 22. The magnet assembly includes a magnet and a metal plate which is attracted to the magnet.

[0044] The hinge mounting seats 48 form a portion of the hinge assemblies 26 for swingably supporting the mirror door 28. More specifically, each hinge mounting seat 48 is formed along the outboard corner or edge of the facing strip 46 in the shape of a generally rectangular pocket recessed into the outboard margin of the facing strip 46. Three of hinge mounting seats 48 are illustrated along one side of the main cabinet housing 22 as shown in the accompanying drawings, although it will be understood that the specific number of hinge mounting seats 48 may vary.

[0045] The hinge mounting seats 48 on the housing 22 are adapted to receive preformed and integrally molded cam hinge units 62 formed along one side edge of a backplate 64 provided as a portion of the mirror door 28. The backplate 64 includes a generally platelike rectangular shape with three of the cam units 62 projecting rearwardly from one side edge thereof. The cam units 62 each include a rearwardly projecting cam wall defining a rounded, part-cylindrical cam surface oriented along a generally vertical axis and sized to fit into an associated hinge mounting seat 48.

[0046] The hinge assemblies 26 include individual hinge pin units 66 are provided for pivotally interlocking the cam units 62 within the hinge mounting seats 48, and thereby interconnect the mirror door 28 with the cabinet housing 22. The hinge pin units 66 are formed as a unitary plastic molding which eliminates any need for metal hinge components for the finished medicine cabinet 20. The illustrative hinge pin unit 66 is generally v-shaped and includes two legs 69 forming the V. Each leg 69 includes a pin 68 projecting forwardly from a base strip 70 which is inserted within the seating pocket 48. The pin 68 of each unit 66 fits into a bore 72 of the hinge unit 62 with which the particular unit 66 is aligned.

[0047] The backplate 64 forms a primary component of the mirror door 28 and defines a cavity 74 within the door 28 into which the mirror 30 is placed in a secure and stable manner. The backplate 64 is constructed as a plastic molding to define the shallow cavity 74 for nested reception of the mirror 30 and within a border defined by a raised peripheral rim 80. In the alternative, integrally molded stiffener ribs (not shown) may be molded into the door 28 for added strength, and a plurality of forwardly convex leaf springs (not shown) may be positioned the cavity 74 for resiliently contacting and supporting the mirror 30.

[0048] The above-described embodiments of the present invention are illustrative only and not limiting. It will thus be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from this invention in its broader aspects. Therefore, the appended claims encompass all such changes and modifications as falling within the true spirit and scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A medicine cabinet, comprising: a housing defining an interior compartment; a door pivotally connected to the housing and movable between an open position allowing interior compartment access, and a closed position; and a plurality of vertically staggered, horizontally oriented shelves for holding objects disposed within the interior compartment, wherein at least one shelf extends from one side of the interior compartment while at least two shelves extend from an opposite side of the compartment; wherein the horizontally oriented shelves are disposed within the interior compartment such that each shelf holds objects on one side of the shelf when the housing is in a first orientation and each shelf holds objects on another side of the shelf when the housing is rotated 180 degrees to a second orientation, and the appearance of the cabinet in the second orientation is a mirror-image of the appearance of the cabinet in the first orientation.

2. The medicine cabinet of claim 1, wherein at least one shelf extends across the width of the interior compartment.

3. The medicine cabinet of claim 2, wherein the at least one shelf extending across the width of the interior compartment divides the compartment into an upper portion and a lower portion.

4. The medicine cabinet of claim 1, wherein the housing is adapted for mounting into a building wall.

5. The medicine cabinet of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a rear wall joined to a outwardly projecting top wall, bottom wall and pair of side walls to define the interior compartment.

6. The medicine cabinet of claim 1, wherein the shelves are formed integrally with the housing.

7. The medicine cabinet of claim 1, wherein the shelves project away from a rear wall of the housing to subdivide the interior compartment.

8. The medicine cabinet of claim 1, wherein the shelves vary in length.

9. The medicine cabinet of claim 1, wherein at least one of the shelves includes a notch formed therein for removably receiving and supporting toiletry articles.

10. The medicine cabinet of claim 1, wherein the housing and shelves are formed as a unitary plastic molding.

11. The medicine cabinet of claim 1 wherein at least two of the shelves, each extending from an opposite side of the interior compartment, are of such length to define a horizontal gap between the at least two shelves.

12. The medicine cabinet of claim 1, wherein the door includes a mirror on at least one surface.

13. The medicine cabinet of claim 1, wherein the door and the housing include cooperating means for mounting the door onto the housing.

14. The medicine cabinet of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a number of mounting apertures along the periphery of the housing.

15. The medicine cabinet of claim 1, wherein the door and the housing include cooperating closure means for holding the door in the closed configuration.

16. The medicine cabinet of claim 15, wherein the cooperating closure means includes a rod connected either to the door or to the housing.

17. A medicine cabinet, comprising: a housing defining an interior compartment; a door having a mirror on at least one surface, pivotally connected to the housing, and movable between an open position allowing interior compartment access and a closed position; and a plurality of vertically staggered, horizontally oriented shelves for holding objects disposed within the interior compartment, wherein at least one shelf extends from one side of the interior compartment while at least two shelves extend from an opposite side of the compartment, the shelves projecting away from a rear wall to subdivide the interior compartment, and at least two shelves, each extending from opposite sides of the interior compartment, are of such length to define a horizontal gap therebetween; wherein the horizontally oriented shelves are disposed within the interior compartment such that each shelf holds objects on one side of the shelf when the housing is in a first orientation and each shelf holds objects on another side of the shelf when the housing is rotated 180 degrees to a second orientation, and the appearance of the cabinet in the second orientation is a mirror-image of the appearance of the cabinet in the first orientation.

18. The medicine cabinet of claim 17, wherein at least one shelf extends across the width of the interior compartment.

19. The medicine cabinet of claim 18, wherein the shelves vary in length and are formed integrally with the housing, the at least one shelf extending across the width of the interior compartment divides the compartment into an upper portion and a lower portion, and at least one of the shelves includes a notch formed therein for removably receiving and supporting toiletry articles.

20. The medicine cabinet of claim 17, including cooperating means for mounting the door onto the housing; and cooperating closure means, for holding the door in the closed configuration, having a rod connected to at least one of the door or housing, wherein the housing and shelves are formed as a unitary plastic molding, and the housing includes a number of mounting apertures along the periphery of the housing.

21. A medicine cabinet, comprising: a housing defining an interior compartment; a door having a mirror on at least one surface, pivotally connected to the housing, and movable between an open position allowing interior compartment access and a closed position; cooperating closure means having a rod connected to at least one of the door or the housing; and a plurality of vertically staggered, horizontally oriented shelves for holding objects disposed within the interior compartment and projecting away from a rear wall of the housing to subdivide the interior compartment, wherein at least one shelf extends from one side of the interior compartment while at least two shelves extend from an opposite side of the compartment, at least one shelf extends across the width of the interior compartment to divide the compartment into an upper portion and a lower portion, and at least two of the shelves, each extending from an opposite side of the interior compartment, are of such length to define a horizontal gap therebetween; wherein the housing and shelves are formed as a unitary plastic molding, the horizontally oriented shelves disposed within the interior compartment such that each shelf holds objects on one side of the shelf when the housing is in a first orientation and each shelf holds objects on another side of the shelf when the housing is rotated 180 degrees to a second orientation, and the appearance of the cabinet in the second orientation is a mirror-image of the appearance of the cabinet in the first orientation.