Abstract:
A wall mounted drop-down mirrored vanity wherein the mirrored front panel drops down when opened to produce a shelf for placement of toiletry needs, such as, makeup, razors, hair product, toothbrushes, etc., used especially in confined spaces.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/274,621, entitled “A Wall Mounted Drop-Down Mirrored Vanity”, which was filed on Aug. 19, 2009, and which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a wall mounted drop-down mirrored vanity with a mirrored front panel that acts as a shelf, which in its down position provides a useful counter for grooming, etc. When the shelf is lowered, the mirror(s) mounted to the back panel of the cabinet is exposed. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,382,746 describes an example of another prior art device that may be referred to as a “medicine cabinet assembly”. A medicine cabinet assembly provides for a roomier medicine cabinet. The medicine cabinet assembly includes a cabinet having a middle section and end sections with the sections being separated by vertically-disposed inner walls and having open fronts and with the cabinet being mounted to a wall structure with fasteners; and also includes mirror doors being hingedly attached to the cabinet and being closable over the open fronts of the sections; and further includes drawers being removably disposed in the cabinet. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,924,781 describes an example of another prior art device that may be referred to as a “wall mounted storage cabinet”. A wall mounted storage cabinet includes a compartment having a front cover which is pivotable between a substantially horizontal open position and a substantially vertical closed position. The front cover is spring biased toward the closed position. An inner storage bin or binder holder is pivotally mounted inside of the compartment. The inner storage bin is pivotable between an upright position and an angled forward position. The inner storage bin is constructed to remain in either the forward or upright position, whichever is its current position. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,401,093 describes an example of another prior art device that may be referred to as a “portable medicine cabinet”. A portable, personal, medicine cabinet arrangement for holding medicines and other items required to help maintain a prescribed medication schedule for an individual. The cabinet includes a hollow body, forming a compartment with at least one shelf for holding medicines, and a pair of inner and outer hinged covers having spaces for storing various items of printed material. The material held by the inner cover can be read from either side of the cover. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No 4,610,489 describes an example of another prior art device that may be referred to as a “medicine cabinet assembly and method of mounting same”. A medicine cabinet assembly has a removable closure member which is readily installed to a cabinet body after the cabinet body has been secured to the wall by inserting a pair of downwardly depending mounting pins secured to the closure member into a correspondingly spaced and sized pair of apertures defined in hinge leaves secured to the cabinet body. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 2,767,041 describes an example of another prior art device that may be referred to as an “extensible shelf unit for medicine cabinet”. An extensible and retractable shelf unit for medicine or like cabinets that provide an auxiliary shelf unit for attachment within a medicine cabinet of the type having a box-like body recessed in a bathroom wall and a hinged door adapted to be swung open to one side of the cabinet, wherein the shelf is extensible to a convenient position of use outwardly and below the bottom of the cabinet. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 1,453,943 describes an example of another prior art device that may be referred to as a “record-filing device”. A record filing device, and more particularly to a combined receptacle and support for cards, leaflets and the like, which contain data that may be frequently referred to or which may be written upon from time to time, and the particular form is designed for containing and supporting stock record cards that are utilized in connection with tool cribs or stock bins. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 837,000 describes an example of another prior art device that may be referred to as a “desk”. The wall desk is a simple and compact device which can be readily carried and which can be securely and rigidly fastened to a wall. The desk has a closure adapted to be used as a writing shelf or leaf. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 152,661 describes an example of another prior art device that may be referred to as a “wall or bracket desk”. A wall or bracket desk provided with a folding writing-shelf, compartments for writing materials, a letter-box, and indicator. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 148,776 describes an example of another prior art device that may be referred to as a “wall-desk”. A wall desk hung against a vertical face of a wall. The lid is hinged at the bottom and further hinged to the bottom of a vertical box or case, and supports it in an open position by folding links, which when open, come into line and support the lid firmly in an approximately horizontal position; while when the lid is closed, it shuts the desk, so as to be entirely concealed. 
         [0014]    U.S. Design Pat. No. D484,724S describes an example of another prior art device that may be referred to as a “storage cabinet”. 
         [0015]    U.S. Design Pat. No. D174,785 describes an example of another prior art device that may be referred to as a “wall supported folding desk”. 
         [0016]    Previous conventional medicine cabinet assemblies consist of basic familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations. There are many deviations of design included in the prior art developed to fulfill a multitude of requirements and objectives. While these devices accomplish their respective, particular requirements and objectives, these patents do not disclose a new and improved wall mounted drop-down mirrored vanity, which can be employed in many applications that provide a counter space. 
         [0017]    There is a need for extra counter space in small bathrooms, powder rooms with pedestal sinks or other sink arrangements that provide little or no counter space, foyers, small rooms, boats, recreational vehicles, college/university dormitories, etc. 
         [0018]    In these respects, the wall mounted drop-down mirrored vanity with its drop-down shelf substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and thus provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of providing extra counter space with full mirror coverage. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0019]    The present invention has been made considering the problems, and its object is to provide a wall mounted drop-down mirrored vanity. The mirrored vanity provides the convenience of existing medicine cabinets and/or storage cabinets, a mirror and storage, along with a new feature providing increased counter space for placement of toiletry needs, such as makeup, razors, hair products, toothbrushes, etc., especially in confined spaces. This is accomplished by providing a mirrored vanity assembly with mirrors, cabinets for storage, and a drop-down shelf. 
         [0020]    According to one aspect of the present invention, a wall mounted drop-down mirrored vanity comprises a cabinet adapted to be mounted on a wall with an inner back wall comprising a mirror. A front panel having a mirror on its outside face drops down to provide the necessary shelving for grooming, etc. 
         [0021]    According to a second aspect of the present invention, a wall mounted drop-down mirrored vanity comprises a cabinet adapted to be mounted on a wall with its inner back wall comprising a mirror along with fixed storage shelf units. A front panel having a mirror on its outside face drops down to provide the necessary shelving for grooming, etc. 
         [0022]    According to a third aspect of the present invention, a wall mounted drop-down mirrored vanity comprises a cabinet adapted to be mounted on a wall with its inner back wall comprising a mirror along with movable storage shelf units. A front panel having a mirror on its outside face drops down to provide the necessary shelving for grooming, etc. 
         [0023]    According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a wall mounted drop-down mirrored vanity comprises a cabinet adapted to be mounted on a wall with its inner back wall comprising a mirror along with movable extension mirror units. A front panel having a mirror on its outside face drops down to provide the necessary shelving for grooming, etc. 
         [0024]    According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a wall mounted drop-down mirrored vanity comprises a cabinet adapted to be mounted on a wall with its inner back wall comprising a mirror along with additional decorative mirror extension along with movable storage shelf units. A front panel having a mirror on its outside face drops down to provide the necessary shelving for grooming, etc. 
         [0025]    Still other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description wherein the embodiment is shown and described, simply by way of illustration of the best mode of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
         [0026]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a wall mounted drop-down mirrored vanity. 
           [0027]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a wall mounted drop-down mirrored vanity. 
           [0028]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a wall mounted drop-down mirrored vanity. 
           [0029]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a wall mounted drop-down mirrored vanity. 
           [0030]      FIG. 5  is a front view of a fifth embodiment of a wall mounted drop-down mirrored vanity. 
           [0031]      FIGS. 6A &amp; 6B  are cross sectional side views along line A-A of  FIG. 5  of a wall mounted drop-down mirrored vanity. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0032]    The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing figures wherein like reference numerals correspond to like elements in the several drawing figures. 
         [0033]    A wall mounted drop-down mirrored vanity ( 10 ) according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a rear panel ( 12 ) secured to a frame ( 14 ), see drawing  FIG. 1 . Frame ( 14 ) includes a generally flat top panel ( 16 ), and a pair of parallel, downwardly depending side panels ( 18 ) oriented roughly at right angles to the top panel ( 16 ). Bottom panel ( 20 ) is secured near the bottom of side panels ( 18 ) and oriented roughly at a right angle with the side panels ( 18 ). Top panel ( 16 ), bottom panel ( 20 ) and side panels ( 18 ) are secured to each other and are oriented to form a generally box shaped arrangement for frame ( 14 ). Frame ( 14 ) in combination with rear panel ( 12 ), defines an interior compartment ( 22 ). The rear panel ( 12 ) of the interior compartment is comprised of a mirror. A front panel ( 24 ), having a front surface ( 26 ) and a back surface ( 28 ), is pivotably secured to the frame near bottom panel ( 20 ) via a hinge type mechanism ( 50 ). The front surface ( 26 ) of the front panel ( 24 ) is comprised of a mirror. The hinge type mechanism ( 50 ) may be of any known type that is recognized by those skilled in the art. The front panel ( 24 ) is hinged near the bottom of the panel so that when the front panel ( 24 ) is placed in its opened position, the lower portion of the front panel ( 24 ) acts as a force against the bottom panel ( 20 ) to maintain the front panel ( 24 ) in a shelf like position, so that the hinge type mechanism ( 50 ) is not over stressed. Additional support may be added to further secure the front panel ( 24 ) in the drop-down position. The front panel ( 24 ) is secured to the top panel ( 16 ) with a latch mechanism ( 56 ). The latch mechanism ( 56 ) may be any known type that is recognized by those skilled in the art. 
         [0034]    A second embodiment of the wall mounted drop-down mirrored vanity is shown in drawing  FIG. 2 , where like reference numerals correspond to like elements. Additionally, in this embodiment are fixed storage shelf units ( 30 ). The fixed storage shelf unit ( 30 ) is secured to each side panel ( 18 ) on the left and right sides, respectively. Each fixed storage shelf unit ( 30 ) comprises a side panel ( 32 ) along with shelf panels ( 34 ). Each shelf panel ( 34 ) being movable. 
         [0035]    A third embodiment of the wall mounted drop-down mirrored vanity is shown in drawing  FIG. 3 , where like reference numerals correspond to like elements. Additionally, in this embodiment are movable storage shelf units ( 54 ). The movable storage shelf unit ( 54 ) makes up the side panels of this embodiment. Each movable storage shelf unit ( 54 ) comprises a top panel ( 36 ), bottom panel ( 38 ), and side panels ( 40 ) along with shelf panels ( 34 ). The movable storage shelf units ( 54 ) are secured to the rear panel ( 12 ) at vertical positions with hinge type mechanisms ( 42 ). The hinge type mechanism ( 42 ) may be of any known type that is recognized by those skilled in the art. 
         [0036]    A fourth embodiment of the wall mounted drop-down mirrored vanity is shown in drawing  FIG. 4 , where like reference numerals correspond to like elements. Additionally, in this embodiment are movable extension mirror units ( 60 ). The movable extension mirror units ( 60 ) comprise a left and right panel ( 62  &amp;  64 ), respectively. Each panel has a front surface ( 66 ) and back surface ( 68 ). The back surface ( 68 ) of each panel comprises a mirror ( 70 ). The movable extension mirror units ( 60 ) are secured to the rear panel ( 12 ) at vertical positions with hinge type mechanisms ( 42 ). The hinge type mechanism ( 42 ) may be of any known type that is recognized by those skilled in the art. When the movable extension units ( 60 ) are opened, the wall mounted drop-down mirrored vanity functions in a panoramic view with a total of three mirrors, the rear panel ( 12 ) and the two movable extension mirror units ( 60 ,  62  &amp;  64 ). 
         [0037]    A fifth embodiment of the wall mounted drop-down mirrored vanity is shown in drawing  FIGS. 5 and 6A  &amp;  6 B, where like reference numerals correspond to like elements. Additionally, in this embodiment an additional decorative arched mirror section ( 52 ) is added with the rear panel ( 12 ) along with decorative lights ( 44 ) and an electrical receptacle ( 46 ). The electrical receptacle ( 46 ) may or may not be ground fault protected and further, the electrical receptacle ( 46 ) may be modified to accept foreign power plug conventions. Drawing  FIGS. 6A &amp; 6B  show the wall mounted drop-down mirrored vanity in a closed position, drawing  FIG. 6A , and an open position, drawing  FIG. 6B . 
         [0038]    The wall mounted drop-down mirrored vanity may be constructed of any of a various type of material, but not limited to wood, plastic, glass, laminate, Plexiglas, or metal. 
         [0039]    Additionally, the size of the wall mounted drop-down mirrored vanity may vary from thirteen and one-half (13.5) inches to the approximate width of a base cabinet or pedestal sink or vanity over which the wall mounted drop-down mirrored vanity is mounted. The height of the wall mounted drop-down mirrored vanity can vary from approximately eighteen (18) inches to full ceiling height. 
         [0040]    Further, the wall mounted drop-down mirrored vanity may be flush mounted to a wall structure or recess mounted between two studs. 
         [0041]    As will be realized, the invention is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not in a restrictive or limiting sense, with the scope of the invention being indicated in the claims.