U.S. patent application number 14/822860 was filed with the patent office on 2016-03-10 for mounting structure for a mirror assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to ELECTRIC MIRROR, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is ELECTRIC MIRROR, LLC. Invention is credited to James V. Mischel, JR..
Application Number | 20160070085 14/822860 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46332160 |
Filed Date | 2016-03-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160070085 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mischel, JR.; James V. |
March 10, 2016 |
MOUNTING STRUCTURE FOR A MIRROR ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A mirror assembly mountable to a wall includes a mirror platform
having a front surface and a rear surface, a chassis engageable
with the mirror platform to define a mirror assembly interior, at
least one electrical component disposed within the mirror assembly
interior, and a mounting structure. The mounting structure includes
a support member mounted to one of the rear surface of the mirror
platform and the chassis and a hanger member mounted to the other
of the rear surface of the mirror platform and the chassis. The
hanger member is removably securable on the support member to mount
the mirror platform to the chassis.
Inventors: |
Mischel, JR.; James V.;
(Seattle, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ELECTRIC MIRROR, LLC |
Everett |
WA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
ELECTRIC MIRROR, LLC
Everett
WA
|
Family ID: |
46332160 |
Appl. No.: |
14/822860 |
Filed: |
August 10, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12928524 |
Dec 13, 2010 |
9105202 |
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14822860 |
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12425186 |
Apr 16, 2009 |
7853414 |
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12928524 |
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12047243 |
Mar 12, 2008 |
7805260 |
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12425186 |
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11563119 |
Nov 24, 2006 |
8099247 |
|
|
12047243 |
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60794209 |
Apr 21, 2006 |
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60739399 |
Nov 23, 2005 |
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60739156 |
Nov 23, 2005 |
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61045529 |
Apr 16, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
29/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B 7/182 20130101;
G09F 9/00 20130101; G09F 19/14 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G02B 7/182 20060101
G02B007/182 |
Claims
1. A method for assembling a minor platform and a chassis,
comprising: positioning a mirror platform substantially parallel to
a chassis; positioning a support member above a hanger member, the
support member mounted to one of a rear surface of the mirror
platform or the chassis, the hanger member mounted to the other of
the rear surface of the mirror platform or the chassis; and
lowering the mirror platform relative to the chassis so that the
hanger member is removably securable on the support member.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein a protrusion extends upwardly
from the support member.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the protrusion is defined by a
post extending upwardly from the support member.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein the protrusion is defined by a
tab extending upwardly from the support member.
5. The method of claim 2, wherein the protrusion is adapted to
secure the first hanger member on the support member.
6. The method of claim 2, wherein the protrusion is positioned on
the support member such that the mirror platform is aligned on the
chassis When the protrusion is received within an opening in the
hanger member.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the hanger member is defined by a
first L-shaped bracket, and the support member is defined by a
second L-shaped bracket.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the hanger member is defined by a
bracket having a lip portion, and the support member is defined by
a outwardly extending member of the chassis having a flange
section.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the flange section of the
outwardly extending member is receivable within the lip portion of
the bracket.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the support member is defined by
at least one hook.
11. A method for assembling a mirror assembly mountable to a wall,
comprising: attaching a chassis to a wall; positioning a mirror
platform substantially parallel to the chassis; positioning a
support member above a hanger member, the support member mounted to
one of a rear surface of the mirror platform or the chassis, the
hanger member mounted to the other of the rear surface of the
mirror platform or the chassis; and lowering the mirror platform
relative to the chassis so that the hanger member is removably
securable on the support member.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/928,524, filed on Dec. 13, 2010, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/425,186, filed
on Apr. 16, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,853,414, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/047,243, filed Mar. 12, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,805,260, which
is a continuation-in-part of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/563,119, filed Nov. 24, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,099,247, which
claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/794,209,
filed Apr. 21, 2006; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/739,399,
filed Nov. 23, 2005; and U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/739,156, filed Nov. 23, 2005, the disclosures of which are all
expressly incorporated herein by reference. U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/425,186, filed on Apr. 16, 2009 also claims the benefit
of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/045,529, filed on Apr. 16,
2008.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Certain mirror assemblies include integrated electrical
components, such as televisions, light, sources, defogger
assemblies, etc. The mirror assembly normally includes a mirror
reversibly affixed to a chassis, wherein the chassis is suitably
designed to be mounted to a wall. The electrical components are
either secured within the chassis or mounted to the back of the
mirror. This arrangement is a convenient space saving device as it
embeds the electrical components into the existing space occupied
by a mirror.
[0003] The mirror is typically secured to the chassis through a
plurality of mounting brackets disposed on the outer edge of the
chassis. The mounting brackets are adapted to engage a portion of
the mirror, such as the mirror frame. The mounting brackets are
permanently or semi-permanently secured to the mirror frame with
fasteners, adhesive, etc.
[0004] Mounting the mirror to the chassis in this manner has
several drawbacks. For instance, it is often difficult to properly
align the mirror on the chassis when securing the mounting brackets
thereto. This can lead to increased installation time and costs.
The exposed mounting brackets are also unsightly to someone looking
at the mirror assembly from the side.
[0005] Moreover, permanently or semi-permanently securing the
mounting brackets between the chassis and mirror causes problems
when mounting the mirror assembly to the wall and when
disassembling the mirror. To mount the mirror assembly to the wall,
the chassis must first be secured to the mirror, and the mirror
assembly is thereafter secured to the wall W. Securing the entire
mirror assembly to the wail is cumbersome and difficult. Moreover,
to disassemble the mirror assembly, the entire nor assembly must be
removed from the wall.
[0006] Thus, it is desired to have a minor mounting assembly that
allows the mirror to be secured to the chassis in an easy,
aesthetically pleasing, reliable manner.
SUMMARY
[0007] A mirror assembly mountable to a wall includes a mirror
platform having a front surface and a rear surface, a chassis
engageable with the mirror platform to define a minor assembly
interior, at least one electrical component disposed within the
mirror assembly interior, and a mounting structure. The mounting
structure includes a support member mounted to one of the rear
surface of the mirror platform and the chassis and a hanger member
mounted to the other of the rear surface of the mirror platform and
the chassis. The hanger member is removably securable on the
support member to mount the mirror platform to the chassis.
[0008] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify
key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to
be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject
matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages
of the present disclosure will become more readily appreciated by
reference to the following detailed description, when taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a mirror assembly having a internal mounting
structure constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side planar view of a first
portion of the internal mounting structure of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side planar view of a second
portion of the internal mounting structure of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a mirror assembly having a internal mounting
structure constructed in accordance with an alternate embodiment of
the present disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side planar view of a first
portion of the internal mounting structure of FIG. 4;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side planar view of a second
portion of the internal mounting structure of FIG. 4;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a mirror assembly having a internal mounting
structure constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side planar view of a first
portion of the internal mounting structure of FIG. 7; and
[0018] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side planar view of a second
portion the internal mounting structure of FIG. 7.
[0019] FIG. 10A illustrates a mirror assembly with apertures
according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 10B illustrates an exploded view of the mirror assembly
from FIG. 10A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] A mirror assembly 10 having an internal mounting structure
12 constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present
disclosure may be best understood by referring to FIG. 1. Although
the internal mounting structure 12 may be used with any suitable
mirror assembly, an exemplary embodiment of the mirror assembly 10
includes a chassis 18 and a framed or frameless mirror platform 14,
wherein the internal mounting structure 12 secures the mirror
platform 14 to the chassis 18.
[0022] The mirror platform 14 includes a first substantially
reflective surface 22, a second non-reflective, rear surface 24
(see FIGS. 2 and 3), and one or more translucent back lit portions
26. The one or more translucent back lit portions 26 have minimal
reflectivity, and are formed from any suitable material, such as
frosted glass, acid etched glass, or clear glass. The translucent
back lit portions 26 allow light emitted from one or more light
sources 34 disposed within the chassis 18 to pass through the
mirror platform 14. The number, configuration, and arrangements of
translucent back lit portions 26 can be varied to achieve different
lighting effects. As a non-limiting example, the translucent back
lit portions 26 are configured as a single, continuous portion
extending around the perimeter of the mirror platform 14.
[0023] The chassis 18 is adapted to engage the mirror platform 14
and mount the mirror platform 14 to a wall W. The chassis 18 also
houses any minor electrical components, such as the light sources
34, electrical ballasts 36, and a power cover 38 for a terminal box
(not shown). Although the chassis 18 may be any suitable design
that can properly support the mirror electrical components and
mount the mirror platform 14 to a wall W, an exemplary embodiment
of the chassis 18 includes a major surface 28 that is substantially
sized and shaped to correspond to the mirror platform 14, which may
be rectangular, round, oval, or any other suitable shape. The major
surface 28 is positionable in a parallel relationship to the mirror
platform 14 when the chassis 18 is engaged with the mirror platform
14.
[0024] The electrical components, such as the light sources 34,
electrical ballasts 36, and power cover 38 are preferably secured
to the chassis major surface 28 in any suitable manner. For
instance, the light sources 34 may be secured around the perimeter
of the major surface 28 through a plurality of L-shaped lamp
brackets 40. The lamp brackets 40 are secured to the chassis major
surface 28 with any suitable fastener, such as screws or an
adhesive. The electrical ballasts 36 and power cover 38 are secured
directly to the chassis major surface 28 with suitable fasteners
such as screws, adhesive, etc.
[0025] The chassis 18 further includes an outer edge section 30
extending around the perimeter of the chassis major surface 28. The
outer edge section 30 extends a predetermined distance from the
chassis major surface 28 in a substantially transverse manner. When
the chassis 18 is mounted to the mirror platform 14, the outer edge
section 30 extends between the chassis major surface 28 and the
mirror rear surface 24 to enclose any electrical components mounted
within the chassis 18 and define a mirror assembly interior. It
should be appreciated that the outer edge section 30 may include
apertures 1000, as illustrated in FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B, such that
light radiating from the light sources 34 radiates through the
plurality of apertures 1000 to illuminate the surroundings of the
mirror assembly 10. Light radiating through the plurality of
apertures 1000 is indicated at 1002, as illustrated in FIG. 10A and
FIG. 10B.
[0026] Referring still to FIG. 1, the internal mounting structure
12 adapted to secure the mirror platform 14 to the chassis 18 will
now he described in detail. The internal mounting structure 12
includes first and second hanger members, or first and second
hanger brackets 42 and 46 that are preferably L-shaped. The first
hanger bracket 42 includes a first leg 50 secured to the mirror
rear surface 24 in any suitable manner, such as with adhesive, and
a second leg 52 extending outwardly and substantially transversely
therefrom. Likewise, the second hanger bracket 46 includes a first
leg 56 secured to the mirror rear surface 24 in any suitable
manner, such as with adhesive, and a second leg 58 extending
outwardly and substantially transversely therefrom.
[0027] The first hanger bracket 42 is secured to an upper portion
of the mirror platform 14 with the second leg positioned in a
substantially horizontal manner and the first leg 50 extending
downwardly from the second leg 52. The second hanger bracket 46
secured to a bottom portion of the mirror platform 14 with the
second leg 58 positioned in a substantially horizontal manner and
the first leg 56 extending upwardly from the second lea 58.
[0028] The first hanger bracket 42 includes first and second
openings or slots 62 and 64 formed in the second leg 52. The first
slot 62 is formed near one end of the second leg 52, and the second
slot 64 is formed at the opposite end of the second leg 52. The
second hanger bracket 46 also includes an opening or slot 66 formed
in substantially the center of the second leg 58.
[0029] The internal mounting structure 12 further includes first
and second support members, or support brackets 70 and 80 that are
also preferably L-shaped. The first support bracket 70 includes a
first leg 72 secured to the chassis major surface 28 in any
suitable manner, such as with adhesive, and a second leg 74
extending outwardly and substantially transversely therefrom. The
first support bracket 70 is secured to a top portion of the chassis
major surface 28 with the second leg 74 positioned in a
substantially horizontal manner and the first leg 72 extending
downwardly from the second leg 74.
[0030] The first support bracket 70 includes first and second
protrusions, or posts 76 and 78 extending outwardly and upwardly
from the second leg 74. The first and second posts 76 and 78 are
positioned near each end of the second leg 74 to fit within the
first and second slots 62 and 64 formed within the first hanger
bracket 42.
[0031] The second support bracket 80 is defined by an L-shaped lamp
bracket 40 having a first leg 82 secured to the chassis major
surface 28 in any suitable manner, such as with adhesive, and a
second leg 84 extending outwardly and substantially transversely
therefrom. The second support bracket 80 is secured to a bottom
portion of the chassis major surface 28 with the second leg 84
positioned in a substantially horizontal manner and the first leg
82 extending upwardly from the second leg 84. The second support
bracket 80 includes a protrusion, or post 86 extending upwardly
from substantially the center of the second leg 84 that is adapted
to fit within the opening 66 formed in the second hanger bracket
46.
[0032] The first and second hanger brackets 42 and 46 are secured
to the mirror rear surface 24 such that they are disposed within
the mirror assembly interior when the mirror platform 14 is secured
to the chassis 18. Likewise, the first and second support brackets
70 and 80 are secured to the chassis 18 such that they are disposed
within the mirror assembly interior when the mirror platform 14 is
secured to the chassis 18. In this manner, when the first and
second hanger brackets 42 and 46 are secured to the first and
second support brackets 70 and 80, as will he described below, the
brackets 42, 46, 70, and 80 are not exposed, thereby creating an
aesthetically pleasing mirror assembly 10.
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the manner in which the internal
mounting structure 12 is used to secure the mirror platform 14 to
the chassis 18 will be hereinafter described. Preferably, the
chassis 18 is first secured to a wall W in any suitable manner such
that the outer edge section 30 extends outwardly from the wall W.
Moreover, the chassis 18 is positioned on the wall W such that the
first support bracket 70 is positioned above the second support
bracket 80, and both the first and second support brackets 70 and
80 are positioned substantially horizontally on the wall W.
[0034] The mirror platform 14 is then positioned substantially
parallel to the major surface 28 of the chassis 18, with the first
and second hanger brackets 42 and 46 positioned slightly above the
first and second support brackets 70 and 80. More specifically, the
second leg 52 of the first hanger bracket 42 is positioned above
the second leg 74 of the first support bracket 70, and the second
leg 58 of the second hanger bracket 46 is positioned slightly above
the second leg 84 of the second support bracket 80.
[0035] The mirror platform 14 is then moved towards the chassis 18
until the first and second slots 62 and 64 of the first hanger
bracket 42 are positioned above the first and second posts 76 and
78 of the first support bracket 70 (only the first slot 62 and
first post 76 are shown in FIG. 2 for clarity). Moreover, the slot
66 of the second hanger bracket 46 is positioned above the post 86
of the second support bracket 80. The mirror platform 14 is then
lowered until the second leg 52 of the first hanger bracket 42
engages second leg 74 of the first support bracket 70, and the
second leg 58 of the second hanger bracket 46 engages the second
leg 84 of the second support bracket 80. Moreover, the posts 76,
78, and 86 are received within slots 62, 64, and 66,
respectively.
[0036] With the first and second hanger brackets 42 and 46 resting
on the first and second support brackets 70 and 80, the mirror
platform 14 is secured on the chassis 18. Moreover, with posts 76,
78, and 86 received within slots 62, 64, and 66, the first and
second hanger brackets 42 and 46 are prevented from sliding off the
first and second support brackets 70 and 80. Furthermore, the third
and fourth brackets 70 are positioned in the chassis 118 such that
when the posts 76, 78, and 86 of the first and second hanger
brackets 42 and 46 are received within slots 62, 64, and 66, the
mirror platform 14 is aligned with the chassis 18. More
specifically, the mirror platform 14 is positioned against the
chassis 18 such that the outer edges of the mirror platform 14
substantially align the outer edges of the chassis 18. However, it
should be appreciate that if the mirror platform 14 and chassis 18
were not substantially similar in shape and size, the mirror
platform 14 may instead be positioned on the chassis 18 in any
other suitable manner.
[0037] To disassemble the mirror assembly 10, the mirror platform
14 is lifted until the posts 76, 78, and 86 of the first and second
hanger brackets 42 and 46 are no longer received within slots 62,
64, and 66. The mirror platform 14 is thereafter moved away from
the chassis 18. Thus, the mirror assembly 10 can be both assembled
and disassembled in an easy manner.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 4, a first alternate embodiment of a
mirror assembly 110 having an internal mounting structure 112 (sec
FIGS. 5 and 6) includes a framed or frameless mirror platform 114
and a chassis 118. The mirror platform 118 includes a first
substantially reflective surface 122, a second non-reflective, rear
surface 124 (see FIGS. 5 and 6), and one or more translucent back
lit portions 126, similar to mirror platform 14.
[0039] The mirror assembly 110 may include several electrical
components disposed between the mirror platform 114 and the chassis
118. For instance, the mirror assembly 110 may include a plurality
of light sources 134 and electrical ballasts 136 received within
the chassis 118. Furthermore, a media display device 138 and mirror
defogger devices 132 may be secured to the mirror rear surface 124
of the min platform 114. The electrical components may be secured
to the chassis 118 and minor platform 114 in any suitable manner,
such as with brackets, fasteners, adhesive, etc.
[0040] The chassis 118 is adapted to engage the mirror platform 114
and secure the mirror platform 114 to a wall W. The chassis 118
includes a major surface 128 that is substantially sized and shaped
to correspond to the mirror platform 114. The major surface 128 is
positionable in a substantially parallel relationship to the mirror
platform 114 when the chassis 118 is engaged with the mirror
platform 114. The chassis includes an outer edge section 110 that
extends outwardly from the major surface 128 in a substantially
transverse manner around the perimeter of the chassis major surface
128. The outer edge section 130 extends a predetermined distance
such that when the chassis 118 is mounted to the mirror platform
114, the outer edge section 130 extends between the chassis major
surface 128 and the mirror rear surface 124 to define a mirror
assembly interior and enclose any electrical components
therein.
[0041] Referring still to FIG. 4, the internal mounting structure
112 will now be described in detail. The internal mounting
structure 112 is defined in part by the chassis 118. The chassis
118 includes an opening 140 formed in the chassis major surface 128
that is preferably the same shape as the major surface 128, such as
rectangular. An outwardly extending member, or inner edge section
142 extends from the major surface 128 in a substantially
transverse manner around the perimeter of the opening 140. The
inner edge section 142 extends a predetermined distance such that
when the chassis 118 is mounted to the mirror platform 114, the
inner edge section 142 extends almost entirely between the chassis
major surface 128 and the non-reflective surface 124 of the mirror
platform 114.
[0042] The inner edge section 142 defines upper and lower inner
edge sections 144 and 146 that are formed near the top and bottom
of the chassis 118, respectively, and positioned substantially
parallel to one another. The upper and lower inner edge sections
144 and 146 act as first and second support members adapted to
receive the first, second, and third brackets 162, 164, and 166
thereon. First and second posts 156 and 158 extend upwardly and
substantially transversely from the lower inner edge section 146
(see also FIG. 6).
[0043] The chassis 118 further includes a flange section 160 that
extends outwardly and substantially transversely from the inner
edge section 142 away from opening 140. As such, the flange section
160 is substantially parallel to the chassis major surface 128. The
flange section 160 defines upper and lower flanges 148 and 150 on
the upper and lower inner edge sections 144 and 146. First and
second protrusions, or tabs 152 and 154 extend upwardly from the
upper flange 148 in the same plane as the upper flange 148.
[0044] The internal mounting structure 112 further includes first,
second, and third hanger members, or hanger brackets 162, 164, and
166. The first hanger bracket 162 includes a mounting portion 170
and a lip portion 172 formed along a top edge of the mounting
portion 170. The mounting portion 170 is secured to an upper
portion of the mirror rear surface 124 in a substantially
horizontal manner with any suitable means, such as with an
adhesive. The lip portion 172 is adapted to fit over the upper
flange 148 of the chassis 18 and secure the mirror platform 14 to
the chassis 18. The lip portion 172 also includes first and second
openings or slots 172 and 176 that are adapted to receive the first
and second tabs 152 and 154 of the chassis therein for aligning the
mirror platform 114 on the chassis 118 as described above with
respect to mirror assembly 10.
[0045] The second and third hanger brackets 164 and 166 are each
preferably L-shaped. The second hanger bracket 164 includes a first
leg 180 secured to the mirror rear surface 124 in any suitable
manner, such as with adhesive, and a second leg 182 extending
outwardly and substantially transversely therefrom. Likewise, the
third hanger bracket 166 includes a first leg 184 secured to the
mirror rear surface 124 in any suitable manner and a second leg 186
extending outwardly and substantially transversely therefrom. The
second hanger bracket 164 includes an opening or slot 188 formed in
its second leg 182, and the third hanger bracket 166 includes an
opening or slot 190 formed in its second leg 186.
[0046] The second hanger bracket 164 is secured to a bottom portion
of the mirror platform 114 on one side of the mirror platform 114
with the second leg 182 positioned in a substantially horizontal
manner and the first leg 180 extending upwardly from the second leg
182. The third hanger bracket 166 is secured to a bottom portion of
the mirror platform 114 on a second side of the mirror platform 114
with the second leg 186 positioned in a substantially horizontal
manner and the first leg 184 extending upwardly from the second leg
186.
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 4-6, the manner in which the internal
mourning structure 112 is used to secure the mirror platform 114 to
the chassis 118 will be hereinafter described. Preferably, the
chassis 118 is first secured to a wall W in any suitable manner
such that the edge section 130 extends outwardly from the wall W
and the upper and lower inner edge sections 144 and 146 are
positioned substantially horizontally on the wall W.
[0048] The mirror platform 114 is then positioned substantially
parallel to the chassis major surface 128, with the first hanger
bracket 162 positioned slightly above the upper inner edge section
144 and the second and third brackets 164 and 166 positioned
slightly above the lower inner edge section 146. More specifically,
the lip portion 172 of the first hanger bracket 162 is positioned
above the upper flange 148, and the second legs 182 and 186 of the
second and third brackets 164 and 166 are positioned above the
lower inner edge section 146.
[0049] The mirror platform 114 is then moved towards the chassis
118 until the first and second slots 174 and 176 of the first
hanger bracket 162 are positioned above the first and second tabs
152 and 154 formed on the upper flange 148. Moreover, the slot 188
and 190 of the second and third brackets 164 and 166 are positioned
above the first and second posts 156 and 158 on the lower inner
edge section 146. The mirror platform 114 is then lowered until the
lip portion 172 of the first hanger bracket 162 is received on the
upper flange 148, and the second legs 182 and 186 of the second and
third brackets 164 and 166 engage the lower inner edge section 146
of the chassis 118. Moreover, the tabs 152 and 154 are received
within the slots 174 and 176 of the first hanger bracket 162, and
the posts 156 and 158 are received within the slots 188 and 190 of
the second and third brackets 164 and 166.
[0050] With the first hanger bracket 162 hanging on the upper
flange 148 and the second and third brackets 164 and 166 resting on
the lower inner flange section 146, the mirror platform 114 is
secured on the chassis 118. Moreover, with tabs 152 and 154
received within slots 174 and 176 of the first hanger bracket 162,
and posts 156 and 158 received within slots 188 and 190 of the
second and third brackets 164 and 166, the first, second, and third
brackets 162, 164, and 166 are prevented from sliding off the upper
flange 148 and the lower inner edge section 146.
[0051] Moreover, the tabs 152 and 154 and slots 174 and 176 are
positioned on the chassis 118 such that when the tabs 152 and 154
are received within the slots 174 and 176 of the first hanger
bracket 162, and the posts 156 and 158 are received within the
slots 188 and 190 of the second and third brackets 164 and 166, the
mirror platform 114 is aligned with the chassis 118 as described
above with respect to mirror assembly 10. Moreover, with the first,
second, and third hanger brackets 162, 164, and 166 positioned to
engage the upper and lower inner edge sections 14-4 and 146 defined
on the interior of the chassis, the components of the internal
mounting structure 12 are disposed within the mirror assembly
interior when the mirror platform 114 is secured to the chassis
18.
[0052] To disassemble the mirror assembly 110, the mirror platform
114 is lifted until the tabs 152 and 154 are no longer received
within slots 174 and 176 of the first hanger bracket 162 and the
posts 156 and 158 are no longer received within the slots 188 and
190 of the second and third brackets 164 and 166. The mirror
platform 114 is thereafter moved away from the chassis 118. Thus,
the mirror assembly 110 can be both assembled and disassembled in
an easy manner.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 7, a second alternate embodiment of the
mirror assembly 210 having an internal mounting structure 212 (see
FIGS. 8 and 9) includes a framed or frameless mirror platform 214
and a chassis 218. The mirror platform 214 includes a first
substantially reflective surface 222, a second nonreflective, rear
surface 224 (see FIGS. 8 and 9), and one or more translucent
backlit portions 226, similar to mirror platforms 14 and 114.
[0054] The mirror assembly 210 may include several electrical
components disposed between the mirror platform 214 and the chassis
218. For instance, the mirror assembly 210 may include a plurality
of light sources 234, at least one electrical ballast 236, and a
power cover 238 for a terminal box (not shown). The electrical
components are preferably secured to a portion of the chassis 218
in any suitable manner, such as with a plurality of brackets,
fasteners, adhesive, etc.
[0055] The chassis 218 is adapted to engage the mirror platform 214
and secure the mirror platform 214 to a wall W. The chassis 218
includes a major surface 228 that is substantially sized and shaped
to correspond to the mirror platform 214. The major surface 228 is
positionable in a substantially parallel relationship to the mirror
platform 214 when the chassis 218 is engaged with the mirror
platform 214. The chassis 218 includes an outer edge section 230
that extends outwardly from the major surface 228 in a
substantially transverse, manner around the perimeter of the
chassis major surface 228. When the chassis 218 is mounted to the
mirror platform 214, the outer edge section 230 extends between the
chassis major surface 2 18 and the mirror rear surface 224 to
enclose any electrical components and define and mirror assembly
interior.
[0056] Referring still to FIG. 7, the internal mounting structure
212 will now be described in detail. The internal mounting
structure 212 includes first and second hanger members or first and
second hanger brackets 242 and 246 that are preferably L-shaped.
The first hanger bracket 242 includes a first leg 250 secured to
the mirror rear surface 224 in any suitable manner, such as with
adhesive, and a second leg 252 extending outwardly and
substantially transversely therefrom. Likewise, the second hanger
bracket 246 includes a first leg 256 secured to the mirror rear
surface 224 in any suitable manner, such as with adhesive, and a
second leg 258 extending outwardly and substantially transversely
therefrom.
[0057] The first hanger bracket 242 includes first and second
openings or slots 260 and 262 formed in the second leg 252. The
first slot 260 is formed near one end of the second leg 252, and
the second slot 262 is formed at the opposite end of the second leg
252. The second hanger bracket 246 also includes first and second
openings or slots 264 and 266 formed in the second leg 258. The
first and second slots 264 and 266 formed in the second leg 258 of
the second hanger bracket 246 are formed on opposite ends of the
second leg 258.
[0058] The first hanger bracket 242 is secured to an upper portion
of the mirror platform 214 with the second leg 252 positioned in a
substantially horizontal manner and the first leg 250 extending
downwardly from the second leg 252. The second hanger bracket 246
is secured to a bottom portion of the mirror platform 214 with the
second leg 258 positioned in a substantially horizontal manner the
first leg 256 extending downwardly from the second leg 258.
[0059] The internal mounting structure 212 further includes first,
second, third, and fourth support members, or hooks 268, 270, 272,
and 274 secured to the chassis major surface 228 and extending
outwardly therefrom. The hooks 268, 270, 272, and 274 are
positioned on the chassis major surface 228 such that each hook is
located near a corner of the chassis major surface 228. Moreover,
the first and second hooks 268 and 270 are located in substantially
the same first horizontal plane, and the third and fourth hooks 272
and 274 are located in substantially the same second horizontal
plane.
[0060] FIGS. 8 and 9 depict the first and third hooks 268 and 272
having a horizontal portion 276 extending substantially
transversely and outwardly from the chassis major surface 228 and a
vertical portion 278 extending upwardly and substantially
transversely from the end of the horizontal portion 276. The second
and fourth hooks 270 and 274 includes similar horizontal and
vertical portions. The vertical portion 278 of the first and second
hooks 268 and 270 are receivable within the first and second slots
260 and 262 of the first hanger bracket 242. Similarly, the
vertical portion 278 of the third and fourth hooks 272 and 274 are
receivable within the first and second slots 264 and 266 of the
second hanger bracket 246.
[0061] Referring to FIGS. 7-9, the manner in which the internal
mounting structure 212 is used to secure the mirror platform 214 to
the chassis 218 will be hereinafter described. Preferably, the
chassis 218 is first secured to a wall W in any suitable manner
such that the outer edge section 230 extends outwardly from the
wall W. Moreover, chassis 218 is positioned on the wall W such that
the first and second hooks 268 and 270 are positioned above the
third and fourth hooks 272 and 274.
[0062] The mirror platform 214 is then positioned substantially
parallel to the chassis major surface 228, with the first hanger
bracket 242 positioned slightly above the first and second hooks
268 and 270, and the second hanger bracket 246 positioned slightly
above the third and fourth hooks 272 and 274. More specifically,
the second leg 252 of the first hanger bracket 242 is positioned
above the first and second hooks 268 and 270, and the second leg
258 of the second hanger bracket 246 is positioned slightly above
the third and fourth hooks 272 and 274.
[0063] The mirror platform 214 is then moved toward the chassis 218
until the first and second slots 260 and 262 of the first hanger
bracket 242 are positioned above the vertical portions 278 of the
first and second hooks 268 and 270. The first and second slots 264
and 266 of the second hanger bracket 246 are also positioned above
the vertical portions 278 of the third and fourth hooks 272 and
274. The mirror platform 214 is then lowered until the vertical
portions 278 of the first, second, third, and fourth hooks 268,
270, 272, and 274 are received within slots 260, 262, 264, and 266,
respectively. As such, the first and second hanger brackets 242 and
246 are hung on hooks 268, 270, 272, and 274, thereby securing the
mirror platform 214 on the chassis 218.
[0064] The first, second, third, and fourth hooks 268, 270, 272,
and 274 are positioned on the chassis major surface 228 such that
the first and second hanger brackets 242 and 246, and therefore the
minor platform 214, are aligned on the chassis 218 when the hooks
268, 270, 272, and 274 are received within the slots 260, 262, 264,
and 266. Moreover, the hooks 268, 270, 272, and 274 are positioned
on the chassis 218, and the first and second hanger brackets 242
and 246 are positioned on the mirror rear surface 224 such that the
hooks 268, 270, 272, and 274 and brackets 242 and 246 are disposed
within the mirror assembly interior.
[0065] To disassemble the mirror assembly 210, the mirror platform
214 is lifted until the hooks 268, 270, 272, and 274 are no longer
received within slots 260, 262, 264, and 266 of the first and
second hanger brackets 242 and 246. The mirror platform 214 is
thereafter moved away from the chassis 218. Thus, the mirror
assembly 210 can be both assembled and disassembled in an easy
manner.
[0066] While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and
described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made
therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
disclosure. For instance, it should be appreciated that any of the
above mirror assemblies 10, 110, and 210 may be suitably used with
any of the internal mounting structures 12, 112, and 212 described
above. Thus, the foregoing description should be seen as
descriptive and not limiting the claimed subject matter.
* * * * *