Mirror systems and methods

A mirror system includes a base mirror assembly and an adjustable mirror assembly. The adjustable mirror assembly is coupled to the base mirror assembly. The adjustable mirror assembly includes an adjustable hinge system that facilitates movement of the adjustable mirror assembly relative to the base mirror assembly. The adjustable hinge system includes a first bracket, a second bracket, a hinge, and a third bracket. The first bracket is coupled to the base mirror assembly. The second bracket is coupled to the first bracket. The hinge is coupled to the adjustable mirror assembly. The third bracket is coupled to the hinge and the second bracket. The third bracket is coupled to the second bracket via a first screw such that the base mirror assembly is coupled to the adjustable mirror assembly. Rotation of the first screw causes movement of the adjustable mirror assembly relative to the base mirror assembly.

BACKGROUND

The present application relates generally to a mirror system. In particular, this application relates to an adjustable mirror assembly system that includes a base mirror and adjustable mirror assemblies coupled to the base mirror.

Generally speaking, a mirror is utilized to provide a user with a visualization of an area adjacent the mirror. For example, mirrors are often utilized by a user to visualize the user's face. Users often desire to see more than one surface in the mirror. Typically, mirrors are generally attached to a surface and are stationary. Because the mirrors are stationary, users have to move in order to change what they see in the mirror. This requirement makes use of conventional mirrors cumbersome and undesirable.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the present disclosure is related to a mirror system. The mirror system includes a base mirror assembly and an adjustable mirror assembly. The adjustable mirror assembly is coupled to the base mirror assembly. The adjustable mirror assembly includes an adjustable hinge system that facilitates movement of the adjustable mirror assembly relative to the base mirror assembly. The adjustable hinge system includes a first bracket, a second bracket, a hinge, and a third bracket. The first bracket is coupled to the base mirror assembly. The second bracket is coupled to the first bracket. The hinge is coupled to the adjustable mirror assembly. The third bracket is coupled to the hinge and the second bracket. The third bracket is coupled to the second bracket via a first screw such that the base mirror assembly is coupled to the adjustable mirror assembly. Rotation of the first screw causes movement of the adjustable mirror assembly relative to the base mirror assembly.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure is related to a mirror system. The mirror system includes a base mirror assembly and an adjustable mirror assembly. The adjustable mirror assembly is configured to be coupled to the base mirror assembly. The adjustable mirror assembly includes an adjustable hinge system that is configured to facilitate movement of the adjustable mirror assembly relative to the base mirror assembly. The adjustable hinge system includes a first bracket, a second bracket, a hinge, and a third bracket. The first bracket is configured to be coupled to the base mirror assembly. The hinge is configured to be coupled to the adjustable mirror assembly. The third bracket is configured to be coupled to the hinge and the second bracket. The third bracket is configured to be coupled to a first screw and configured such that the first screw is capable of contacting the first bracket to cause movement of the adjustable mirror assembly relative to the base mirror assembly.

Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure is related to a mirror system. The mirror system includes a base mirror assembly and an adjustable mirror assembly. The adjustable mirror assembly is configured to be coupled to the base mirror assembly. The adjustable mirror assembly includes an adjustable hinge system that is configured to facilitate movement of the adjustable mirror assembly relative to the base mirror assembly. The adjustable hinge system includes a first bracket, a second bracket, a third bracket, a hinge, and a fourth bracket. The first bracket is configured to be coupled to the base mirror assembly. The second bracket is configured to be coupled to the first bracket. The third bracket is configured to be coupled to the base mirror assembly. The hinge is configured to be coupled to the adjustable mirror assembly. The fourth bracket is configured to be coupled to the hinge and to at least one of the second bracket or the third bracket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Currently, mirrors may include rotatable members. These rotatable members are not adjustable and are difficult to manufacture in a way that preserves the integrity of the mirror as the rotatable members are moved. As a result, cost of these mirrors is often relatively high making them undesirable. Further, because these mirrors cannot be adjusted they cannot be tailored for a target application making these mirrors even less desirable.

An opportunity for providing a mirror with rotatable members that are adjustable exists by incorporating hinge assemblies that can facilitate independent vertical movement of the rotatable members into the mirror. Such a mirror would facilitate decreases in manufacturing costs and increase consumer satisfaction by allowing a user to tailor the mirror to a target application. Further, a gap between a base mirror and the rotatable members can be minimized through the use of these hinge assemblies resulting in a mirror that exhibits an aesthetic appearance that is superior to that of conventional mirrors which are not adjustable.

Referring toFIGS. 1A-1C, a mirror system (e.g., adjustable mirror assembly, tri-fold mirror, etc.), shown as a mirror system100, is shown. The mirror system100is utilized by a user (e.g., assembly worker, manufacturer, owner, individual, etc.) to visualize an area adjacent the mirror system100. For example, the mirror system100can be utilized by a user to visualize various surfaces on the user's face (e.g., a left side of the user's face, a right side of the user's face, etc.). In some applications, the mirror system100facilitates viewing of multiple surfaces on the user's face simultaneously (e.g., viewing a front of the user's face and a left side of the user's face, etc.). As shown inFIG. 1, the mirror system100includes a first mirror, shown as a base mirror assembly102, a second mirror (e.g., wing, etc.), shown as an adjustable mirror assembly104, and a second mirror (e.g., wing, etc.), shown as an adjustable mirror assembly106. According to an exemplary embodiment, the base mirror assembly102is coupled to (e.g., attached to, mounted on, etc.) a surface, shown as a wall108. The mirror system100may have, for example, an overall height of thirty-three inches and an overall width of between thirty-four and forty inches. In some applications, each of the adjustable mirror assembly104and the adjustable mirror assembly106is eight inches wide.

The base mirror assembly102includes a mirror and a frame. The base mirror assembly102may include a mechanism for coupling the mirror system100to the wall108. The adjustable mirror assembly104and the adjustable mirror assembly106each include a mirror and a frame. The base mirror assembly102, the adjustable mirror assembly104, and the adjustable mirror assembly106may include additional or fewer components than described herein such that the mirror system100is tailored for a target application.

The base mirror assembly102, the adjustable mirror assembly104, and the adjustable mirror assembly106may be constructed in various shapes, sizes, and configurations. As shown inFIG. 1A, the base mirror assembly102, the adjustable mirror assembly104, and the adjustable mirror assembly106are rectangular. According to an exemplary embodiment, the base mirror assembly102is defined by a first side, shown as a vertical side110, a second side, shown as a horizontal side112, a third side, shown as a vertical side114, and a fourth side, shown as a horizontal side116. In applications where the base mirror assembly102is rectangular or square, the vertical side110is parallel with the vertical side114and the horizontal side112is parallel with the horizontal side116. Similarly, the adjustable mirror assembly104and the adjustable mirror assembly106, in an exemplary embodiment, are each defined by a first side, shown as a vertical side118, a second side, shown as a horizontal side120, a third side, shown as a vertical side122, and a fourth side, shown as a horizontal side124. In applications where the adjustable mirror assembly104and the adjustable mirror assembly106are each rectangular or square, the vertical sides118are parallel with the vertical sides122, and the horizontal sides120are parallel with the horizontal sides124.

The adjustable mirror assembly104and the adjustable mirror assembly106are selectively repositionable relative to the base mirror assembly102. By repositioning the adjustable mirror assembly104and/or the adjustable mirror assembly106, the mirror system100can be reconfigured by the user such that the mirror system100is tailored to provide the user with an optimized viewing experience for a target application. For example, the user may reposition the adjustable mirror assembly104and/or the adjustable mirror assembly106to provide for an optimized viewing experience at a location in front of a sink where a user would stand when using the sink. In this example, the ability of the adjustable mirror assembly104and the adjustable mirror assembly106to be repositioned may increase the ability of the user to, for example, apply makeup, shave, or perform other similar tasks.

According to various embodiments, the mirror system100incorporates lighting elements into at least one of the base mirror assembly102, the adjustable mirror assembly104, and the adjustable mirror assembly106. As shown inFIG. 1B, the mirror system100includes a first lighting element (e.g., light, lamp, light emitting diode (LED) array, LED strip, etc.), shown as a first lighting element126, disposed within the base mirror assembly102, a second lighting element (e.g., light, lamp, LED array, LED strip, etc.), shown as a second lighting element128, disposed within the base mirror assembly102, a third lighting element (e.g., light, lamp, LED array, LED strip, etc.), shown as a third lighting element130, disposed within the adjustable mirror assembly104, and a fourth lighting element (e.g., light, lamp, LED array, LED strip, etc.), shown as a fourth lighting element132, disposed within the adjustable mirror assembly106.

Each of the first lighting element126, the second lighting element128, and third lighting element130, and the fourth lighting element132may be configured to provide substantially no dark spots or hot spots. For example, each of the first lighting element126, the second lighting element128, and third lighting element130, and the fourth lighting element132may incorporate various lens, diffusers, and other structures. In some applications, the adjustable mirror assembly104and the adjustable mirror assembly106each include light guides that direct light emitted from the third lighting element130and the fourth lighting element132, respectively.

Each of the first lighting element126, the second lighting element128, and third lighting element130, and the fourth lighting element132may include any number of individual lighting elements. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first lighting element126, the second lighting element128, and third lighting element130, and the fourth lighting element132includes two LED strips. For example, the third lighting element130may include two LED strips with a light guide positioned therebetween.

In an exemplary embodiment, the mirror system100includes only lighting elements in the adjustable mirror assembly104and the adjustable mirror assembly106, such as the third lighting element130and the fourth lighting element132, and does not include lighting elements in the base mirror assembly102, such as the first lighting element126and the second lighting element128. In another exemplary embodiment, the mirror system100does not include lighting elements in the adjustable mirror assembly104and the adjustable mirror assembly106, such as the third lighting element130and the fourth lighting element132, and only includes lighting elements in the base mirror assembly102, such as the first lighting element126and the second lighting element128.

The base mirror assembly102also includes a rear cover103and a rear cover105. The rear cover103and the rear cover105cover (e.g., conceal, encapsulate, etc.) portions of adjustable hinge systems that are coupled to the base mirror assembly102. Similarly, the adjustable mirror assembly104also includes a rear cover107and the adjustable mirror assembly106includes a rear cover109. The rear cover107is coupled to the adjustable mirror assembly104and covers portions of an adjustable hinge system that is coupled to the adjustable mirror assembly104. Similarly, the rear cover109is coupled to the adjustable mirror assembly106and covers portions of an adjustable hinge system that is coupled to the adjustable mirror assembly106.

FIG. 1Dillustrates the first lighting element126according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, the first lighting element126includes a first frame member, shown as a rail134, a second frame member, shown as a rail136, a third frame member, shown as an endcap138, and a fourth frame member, shown as an endcap140. The first lighting element126also includes a first LED strip, shown as an LED strip142, a second LED strip, shown as an LED strip144, and a guide, shown as a light guide146. The LED strip142is positioned within the rail134and the LED strip144is positioned within the rail136. The rail134, the rail136, the endcap138, and the endcap140cooperatively contain the light guide146. Light emitted from the LED strip142and the LED strip144propagates through the light guide146and is dispersed outward. WhileFIG. 1Dillustrates the first lighting element126, it is understood that any of the second lighting element128, the third lighting element130, and the fourth lighting element132may have a similar construction and configuration.

Depending on the application, the mirror system100may include additional or fewer lighting elements. Further, any of the first lighting element126, the second lighting element128, and third lighting element130, and the fourth lighting element132may be repositioned to various suitable locations within the mirror system100. For example, in some applications neither the adjustable mirror assembly104nor the adjustable mirror assembly106includes lighting elements while the base mirror assembly102includes three lighting elements.

The first lighting element126, the second lighting element128, and third lighting element130, and the fourth lighting element132may be controlled independent from one another or collaboratively. In some applications, the first lighting element126, the second lighting element128, and third lighting element130, and the fourth lighting element132are collectively controlled by a switch (e.g., on/off switch, power switch, etc.) or sensor (e.g., motion sensor, illumination sensor, voice sensor, etc.). The first lighting element126, the second lighting element128, and third lighting element130, and the fourth lighting element132may, for example, collectively produce light at one thousand and one-hundred lux as measured twenty-two inches from the mirror system100. In some applications, the first lighting element126, the second lighting element128, and third lighting element130, and the fourth lighting element132collectively produce between eight-hundred and one-thousand two-hundred lux as measured twenty-two inches from the mirror system100.

The mirror system100may be installed in various different applications such as, for example, a restroom (e.g., residential restroom, commercial restroom, portable restroom, bathroom, etc.), a bedroom (e.g., a hotel room, etc.), or other similar room or location (e.g., powder room, green room, makeup room, costume room, etc.).

Referring now toFIGS. 2A-C, a hinge system, shown as an adjustable hinge system200, is shown. InFIG. 2A, the rear cover103and the rear cover107are hidden (e.g., not shown, etc.) for illustrative purposes only. The adjustable hinge system200is included in the mirror system100and couples one of the adjustable mirror assembly104and the adjustable mirror assembly106with the base mirror assembly102. According to various embodiments, the mirror system100includes a plurality of adjustable hinge systems200. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the mirror system100includes two adjustable hinge systems200that couple the adjustable mirror assembly104to the base mirror assembly102and two adjustable hinge systems200that couple the adjustable mirror assembly106to the base mirror assembly102.FIG. 2Aillustrates an exemplary embodiment where the adjustable hinge system200couples the base mirror assembly102to the adjustable mirror assembly104. While not shown inFIG. 2A, it is understood that one or more additional adjustable hinge systems200may also be coupled to the base mirror assembly102and the adjustable mirror assembly106.

The adjustable hinge system200facilitates rotation of the adjustable mirror assembly104relative to the base mirror assembly102. The adjustable hinge system200includes a hinge, shown as a concealed hinge202. The concealed hinge202is contained (e.g., concealed, etc.) within a first housing, shown as a housing204, in the base mirror assembly102, and a second housing, shown as a housing206, in the adjustable mirror assembly104. The concealed hinge202may be contained within the mirror system100such that the concealed hinge202is not visible, as shown inFIG. 1C.

The concealed hinge202is coupled to the base mirror assembly102via the housing204and to the adjustable mirror assembly104through the housing206. The housing204and the housing206contain the concealed hinge202such that only a minimal amount of the concealed hinge202can be seen. In this way, the adjustable hinge system200provides the mirror system100with a greater aesthetic quality than conventional mirrors which include hinges that are very visible. Through the use of the adjustable hinge system200, the mirror system100is more desirable than conventional mirrors.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the base mirror assembly102, the adjustable mirror assembly104, and the adjustable mirror assembly106are relatively thin (e.g., compared to wall mounted mirror systems, etc.). The thin nature of the base mirror assembly102, the adjustable mirror assembly104, and the adjustable mirror assembly106is, in part, attributable to the configuration of the concealed hinge202within base mirror assembly102and the adjustable mirror assembly104and/or the adjustable mirror assembly106.

The adjustable hinge system200also facilitates selective repositioning (e.g., vertically, etc.) of the adjustable mirror assembly104relative to the base mirror assembly102. For example, the concealed hinge202facilitates a rotation of the adjustable mirror assembly104. This rotation may be, in some applications, up to approximately one-hundred and eighty degrees relative to the base mirror assembly102. In other applications, the concealed hinge202may facilitate more or less rotation of the adjustable mirror assembly104relative to the base mirror assembly102.

The adjustable hinge system200allows a user to fine tune (e.g., calibrate, etc.) the vertical (e.g., up/down, etc.) position of the adjustable mirror assembly104and/or the adjustable mirror assembly106relative to the base mirror assembly102. The adjustable hinge system200includes a first bracket (e.g., flange, structure, etc.), shown as a mounting bracket208, and a second bracket, shown as a mounting bracket210. As shown inFIG. 2, the mounting bracket208and the mounting bracket210are coupled to the base mirror assembly102(e.g., to a rear side of the base mirror assembly102opposite to a front side of the base mirror assembly102, etc.). For example, the mounting bracket208and the mounting bracket210may be constructed from an angle bracket having a portion (e.g., a face, a side, etc.) that is coupled (e.g., attached, affixed, welded, riveted, fastened, etc.) to the base mirror assembly102. According to an exemplary embodiment, the mounting bracket208and the mounting bracket210are integrated within, and extrude from, the base mirror assembly102.

The adjustable hinge system200also includes a third bracket (e.g., flange, structure, saddle, etc.), shown as a hinge bracket212. The hinge bracket212is coupled to the housing204and, therefore, to the concealed hinge202. For example, the hinge bracket212may be coupled (e.g., attached, affixed, welded, riveted, fastened, etc.) to the housing204along a vertical side of the housing204. Vertical movement of the hinge bracket212causes vertical movement of the concealed hinge202and, therefore, of the adjustable mirror assembly104. Similarly, vertical movement of the adjustable mirror assembly104causes vertical movement of the concealed hinge202and, therefore, of the hinge bracket212.

The hinge bracket212is selectively coupled to the mounting bracket208and the mounting bracket210. The adjustable hinge system200includes a fourth bracket (e.g., flange, structure, etc.), shown as a coupling bracket214, a fifth bracket (e.g., flange, structure, etc.), shown as a coupling bracket216, a first fastener (e.g., bolt, threaded rod, screw, machine screw, etc.), shown as a coupling screw218, a second fastener (e.g., bolt, threaded rod, screw, machine screw, etc.), shown as a coupling screw220, a third fastener (e.g., bolt, threaded rod, screw, machine screw, etc.), shown as a pull screw222, and a fourth fastener (e.g., bolt, threaded rod, screw, machine screw, etc.), shown as a pull screw224.

The coupling bracket214is fastened to the mounting bracket208through the use of the coupling screw218(e.g., via a threaded aperture in the coupling bracket214and a threaded aperture in the mounting bracket208, etc.). In some applications, a permanent fastening mechanism, such as a rivet or weld, is used in place of, or in addition to, the coupling screw218to attach the coupling bracket214to the mounting bracket208. Similarly, the coupling bracket216is fastened to the mounting bracket210through the use of the screw220(e.g., via a threaded aperture in the coupling bracket216and a threaded aperture in the mounting bracket208, etc.). In some applications, a permanent fastening mechanism, such as a rivet or weld, is used in place of, or in addition to, the screw220to attach the coupling bracket216to the mounting bracket210.

The pull screw222selectively attaches the coupling bracket214to the hinge bracket212. The pull screw222is configured to (e.g., is capable of, is structure to, etc.) selectively extend through a threaded aperture (e.g., opening, hole, etc.) in the coupling bracket214into a threaded aperture (e.g., opening, hole, etc.) in the hinge bracket212. When the pull screw222extends through both the threaded aperture in the coupling bracket214and the threaded aperture in the hinge bracket212, the coupling bracket214is attached to the hinge bracket212. Similarly, the pull screw224selectively attaches the coupling bracket216to the hinge bracket212. The pull screw224is configured to (e.g., is capable of, is structure to, etc.) selectively extend through a threaded aperture (e.g., opening, hole, etc.) in the coupling bracket216into a threaded aperture (e.g., opening, hole, etc.) in the hinge bracket212. When the pull screw224extends through both the threaded aperture in the coupling bracket216and the threaded aperture in the hinge bracket212, the coupling bracket216is attached to the hinge bracket212.

While the adjustable hinge system200is shown inFIG. 2Aas incorporating two of the pull screws222, the adjustable hinge system200may include only one of the pull screws222in some applications. For example, where the mirror system100includes two adjustable hinge systems200coupling one of the adjustable mirror assembly104and the adjustable mirror assembly106to the base mirror assembly102, each of the adjustable hinge systems200includes only a single pull screw222. In these applications, one of the adjustable hinge systems200(e.g., the uppermost adjustable hinge system200, etc.) includes the pull screw222on one side (e.g., top side, etc.) of the mirror system100and the other of the adjustable hinge systems200(e.g., the bottommost adjustable hinge system200, etc.) includes the pull screw222on the other side (e.g., bottom side, etc.) of the mirror system100. To raise the one of the adjustable mirror assembly104and the adjustable mirror assembly106, one of the pull screws222(e.g., the top pull screw222, etc.) is turned in one direction (e.g., clockwise, tightening direction, etc.) and the other of the pull screws222is turned in an opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise, loosening direction, etc.). In this way, a user may interact with the pull screw222of each of the adjustable hinge systems200without taking apart the mirror system100or removing the mirror system100from a wall. To lower the one of the adjustable mirror assembly104and the adjustable mirror assembly106, one of the pull screws222(e.g., the top pull screw222, etc.) is turned in one direction (e.g., counterclockwise, loosening direction, etc.) and the other of the pull screws222is turned in an opposite direction (e.g., clockwise, tightening direction, etc.). In some other application where the mirror system100only includes a single adjustable hinge system200coupling one of the adjustable mirror assembly104and the adjustable mirror assembly106to the base mirror assembly102, the single adjustable hinge system200includes two pull screws222as shown inFIG. 2A.

A user can manipulate the pull screw222and the pull screw224to cause vertical repositioning of the adjustable mirror assembly104relative to the base mirror assembly102. For example, in an application where the pull screw222and the pull screw224are defined by the same thread direction (e.g., right hand thread, left hand thread, etc.), rotation of the pull screw222and the pull screw224in same direction will cause repositioning of the adjustable mirror assembly104relative to the base mirror assembly102, assuming that the pull screw222remains within the extended through both the threaded aperture in the coupling bracket214and the threaded aperture in the hinge bracket212and/or that the pull screw224remains extended through both the threaded aperture in the coupling bracket216and the threaded aperture in the hinge bracket212. In this way, as the hinge bracket212is threaded further onto the pull screw222the hinge bracket212is simultaneously threaded further off of the pull screw224. Similarly, as the hinge bracket212is threaded further onto the pull screw224the hinge bracket212is simultaneously threaded further off of the pull screw222.

FIG. 2Billustrates a view of the mirror system100with the adjustable mirror assembly104and the concealed hinge202hidden andFIG. 2Cillustrates a view of the mirror system100with the adjustable mirror assembly104hidden. The adjustable hinge system200also includes a fifth fastener (e.g., bolt, threaded rod, screw, machine screw, etc.), shown as a tie down screw226, and a sixth fastener (e.g., bolt, threaded rod, screw, machine screw, etc.), shown as a tie down screw228. As shown inFIGS. 2B and 2C, the tie down screw226extends through an aperture (e.g., elongated hole, channel, track, slot, etc.), shown as a first aperture227, in the mounting bracket208and into a threaded aperture (e.g., opening, hole, etc.) in the hinge bracket212. Similarly, the tie down screw228extends through an aperture (e.g., elongated hole, channel, track, slot, etc.), shown as a second aperture229, in the mounting bracket210and into a threaded aperture (e.g., opening, hole, etc.) in the hinge bracket212.

The adjustable hinge system200also includes a seventh fastener (e.g., bolt, threaded rod, screw, machine screw, etc.), shown as a hinge screw230, and an eighth fastener (e.g., bolt, threaded rod, screw, machine screw, etc.), shown as a hinge screw232. As shown inFIGS. 2B and 2C, the hinge screw230extends through an aperture (e.g., elongated hole, channel, track, slot, etc.), shown as a third aperture231, in the mounting bracket208and into a threaded aperture (e.g., opening, hole, etc.) in the hinge bracket212. Similarly, the hinge screw232extends through an aperture (e.g., elongated hole, channel, track, slot, etc.), shown as a fourth aperture233, in the mounting bracket210and into a threaded aperture (e.g., opening, hole, etc.) in the hinge bracket212.

The adjustable hinge system200also includes a ninth fastener (e.g., bolt, threaded rod, screw, machine screw, etc.), shown as a jack screw234, and a tenth fastener (e.g., bolt, threaded rod, screw, machine screw, etc.), shown as a jack screw236. The jack screw234is selectively repositionable within a threaded aperture (e.g., opening, hole, etc.) in the hinge bracket212and contacts the mounting bracket208. The contact between the jack screw234and the mounting bracket208can cause tilting of the hinge bracket212relative to the base mirror assembly102. As shown inFIGS. 2B and 2C, the mounting bracket208includes an aperture (e.g., elongated hole, channel, track, slot, etc.), shown as a fifth aperture235, that provides access to the jack screw234such that a user may rotate the jack screw234to cause tilting of the hinge bracket212relative to the base mirror assembly102. The jack screw236is selectively repositionable within a threaded aperture (e.g., opening, hole, etc.) in the hinge bracket212and contacts the mounting bracket210. The contact between the jack screw236and the mounting bracket210can cause tilting of the hinge bracket212relative to the base mirror assembly102. As shown inFIGS. 2B and 2C, the mounting bracket210includes an aperture (e.g., elongated hole, channel, track, slot, etc.), shown as a sixth aperture237, that provides access to the jack screw236such that a user may rotate the jack screw236to cause tilting of the hinge bracket212relative to the base mirror assembly102. The first aperture227, the second aperture229, the third aperture231, the fourth aperture233, the fifth aperture235, and the sixth aperture237may be defined by a length that is equal to, for example, one-eighth of an inch. However, other similar lengths and dimensions of any of the first aperture227, the second aperture229, the third aperture231, the fourth aperture233, the fifth aperture235, and the sixth aperture237are also possible.

The adjustable hinge system200may be utilized to minimize (e.g., decrease, etc.) a gap between a mirror of the adjustable mirror assembly104and a mirror of the base mirror assembly102and/or a gap between a mirror of the adjustable mirror assembly106and a mirror of the base mirror assembly102. For example, this gap may be created when the mirror system100is manufactured (e.g., due to a tolerance, etc.). The gap may be measured when the mirror of the adjustable mirror assembly104and/or the mirror of the adjustable mirror assembly106is substantially parallel to (e.g., coplanar with, aligned with, etc.) the mirror of the base mirror assembly102. Minimizing of this gap is desirable because it may increase the aesthetic appearance and/or performance of the mirror system100. For example, the adjustable hinge system200may be utilized to minimize the gap between the mirror of the adjustable mirror assembly104and the mirror of the base mirror assembly102by selectively repositioning the jack screw234and/or the jack screw236. Further, the adjustable hinge system200may be used to rotate (e.g., tilt, etc.) the adjustable mirror assembly104and/or the adjustable mirror assembly106relative to the base mirror assembly102to prevent interference (e.g., binding, etc.) between the base mirror assembly102and the adjustable mirror assembly104, such as when the adjustable mirror assembly104is rotated relative to the base mirror assembly102, and/or between the base mirror assembly102and the adjustable mirror assembly106, such as when the adjustable mirror assembly106is rotated relative to the base mirror assembly102. To facilitate the selective repositioning of the jack screw234and/or the jack screw236, a user may rotate the adjustable mirror assembly104and/or the adjustable mirror assembly106relative to the base mirror assembly102such that the user can access the jack screw234and/or the jack screw236through a slot within the mounting bracket208and/or the bracket219, respectively.

The adjustable hinge system200may be utilized to selectively reposition the adjustable mirror assembly104relative to the base mirror assembly102and/or to selectively reposition the adjustable mirror assembly106relative to the base mirror assembly102. A user can reposition the adjustable mirror assembly104and/or the adjustable mirror assembly106to change what the user sees in the mirror of the adjustable mirror assembly104, the mirror of the adjustable mirror assembly106, and/or the mirror of the base mirror assembly102.

For example, to reposition the adjustable mirror assembly104up (e.g., relative to a ground surface, etc.), a user first loosens the tie down screw226, the tie down screw228, the hinge screw230, and the hinge screw232. Next, the user loosens the pull screw224and correspondingly tightens the pull screw222. This tightening of the pull screw222, along with a lifting force provided by the user, will cause the adjustable mirror assembly104to be raised relative to the base mirror assembly102. After a target position of the adjustable mirror assembly104has been achieved, the user tightens the tie down screw226, the tie down screw228, the hinge screw230, and the hinge screw232. The user may then rotate the adjustable mirror assembly104to see if any interference between the adjustable mirror assembly104and the base mirror assembly102occurs. If any interference occurs, the user can adjust the jack screw234and/or the jack screw236to tilt the adjustable mirror assembly104relative to the base mirror assembly102until the interference is substantially eliminated. Instead of, or in addition to, examining interference between the base mirror assembly102and the adjustable mirror assembly104, the user can examine a gap between the base mirror assembly and the adjustable mirror assembly104and adjust the jack screw234and/or the jack screw236accordingly (e.g., to maintain a desirable aesthetic appearance, etc.).

In another example, to reposition the adjustable mirror assembly104down (e.g., relative to a ground surface, etc.), a user first loosens the tie down screw226, the tie down screw228, the hinge screw230, and the hinge screw232. Next, the user loosens the pull screw222and correspondingly tightens the pull screw224. This tightening of the pull screw224, along with the force of gravity, will cause the adjustable mirror assembly104to be lowered relative to the base mirror assembly102. After a target position of the adjustable mirror assembly104has been achieved, the user tightens the tie down screw226, the tie down screw228, the hinge screw230, and the hinge screw232. The user may then rotate the adjustable mirror assembly104to see if any interference between the adjustable mirror assembly104and the base mirror assembly102occurs. If any interference occurs, the user can adjust the jack screw234and/or the jack screw236to tilt the adjustable mirror assembly104relative to the base mirror assembly102until the interference is substantially eliminated. Instead of, or in addition to, examining interference between the base mirror assembly102and the adjustable mirror assembly104, the user can examine a gap between the base mirror assembly and the adjustable mirror assembly104and adjust the jack screw234and/or the jack screw236accordingly (e.g., to maintain a desirable aesthetic appearance, etc.).

As shown inFIG. 2, vertical movement of the adjustable mirror assembly104relative to the base mirror assembly102is constrained by interference between the housing204, the mounting bracket208, and the mounting bracket210. According to an exemplary embodiment, the housing204is rounded and the mounting bracket208and the mounting bracket210each contain an aperture (e.g., a rounded aperture, etc.) that is configured to at least partially receive the housing204. When the housing204contacts the mounting bracket208, further upwards movement of the adjustable mirror assembly104relative to the base mirror assembly102is prevented. Similarly, when the housing204contacts the mounting bracket210, further downwards movement of the adjustable mirror assembly104relative to the base mirror assembly102is prevented.

WhileFIG. 2illustrates a particular arrangement and configuration of the adjustable hinge system200, it is understood that other similar configurations are also possible. For example, the adjustable hinge system200is utilized to couple the adjustable hinge system200to the base mirror assembly. Further, the adjustable hinge system200may include more or less components. In some applications, the adjustable hinge system200includes two mounting brackets208, two mounting brackets210, two hinge brackets212, two coupling brackets214, two coupling brackets216, two coupling screws218, two coupling screws220, two pull screws222, two pull screws224, two tie down screws226, two tie down screws228, two hinge screws230, two hinge screws232, two jack screws234, and two jack screws236. In these applications, the second mounting bracket208and the second mounting bracket210are coupled to the adjustable mirror assembly104, the second hinge bracket212is coupled to the housing206, and the second coupling bracket214, the second coupling bracket216, the second coupling screw218, the second coupling screw220, the second pull screw222, the second pull screw224, the second tie down screw226, the second tie down screw228, the second hinge screw230, the second hinge screw232, the second jack screw234, and the second jack screw236variously interact with the second mounting bracket208, and the second mounting bracket210, the second hinge bracket212, and the housing206as previously described.

Further, in applications where the mirror system100includes three adjustable hinge systems200that are each coupled to the base mirror assembly102and the adjustable mirror assembly104, or that are each coupled to base mirror assembly102and the adjustable mirror assembly106, a middle one of the adjustable hinge systems200may include less components than the adjustable hinge system200shown inFIG. 2. These applications may exist where the adjustable mirror assembly104and/or the adjustable mirror assembly106is relatively large and/or heavy compared to the base mirror assembly102. In these applications, the middle adjustable hinge system200may not include the coupling bracket214, the coupling bracket216, the coupling screw218, the coupling screw220, the pull screw222, and the pull screw224. In this way, cost and complexity of the mirror system100may be reduced in these applications.

It is also understood that where a first component is described as having a threaded aperture (e.g., the hinge bracket212, etc.) and a second component is described as having a slot (e.g., the mounting bracket208, the mounting bracket210, etc.), that the second component may instead include the threaded aperture and the first component may instead include the slot.

According to various embodiments, the mirror system100incorporates lighting elements into at least one of the base mirror assembly102, the adjustable mirror assembly104, and the adjustable mirror assembly106. In an exemplary embodiment, the adjustable mirror assembly104and the adjustable mirror assembly106each incorporate lighting elements. As a result, by using the adjustable hinge system200, a user can selectively reposition light emitted from the lighting elements within the adjustable mirror assembly104and/or the adjustable mirror assembly106.

FIG. 3illustrates the mirror system100including four adjustable hinge systems200, each of which is separately labeled inFIG. 3. InFIG. 3, the rear cover103, the rear cover105, the rear cover107, and the rear cover109are hidden (e.g., not shown, etc.) for illustrative purposes only. As shown inFIG. 3, the mirror system100includes a first top adjustable hinge system300and a first bottom adjustable hinge system302coupling a first adjustable mirror assembly104to the base mirror assembly102and a second top adjustable hinge system304and a second bottom adjustable hinge system306coupling a second adjustable mirror assembly106to the base mirror assembly102. Each of the top adjustable hinge systems200includes only a single pull screw222and does not include the pull screw224or the coupling bracket216or coupling screw220. Similarly, each of the bottom adjustable hinge systems200includes only a single pull screw224and does not include the pull screw222or the coupling bracket214or the coupling screw218. To raise or lower one of the adjustable mirror assembly104and the adjustable mirror assembly106, one of the pull screws222(e.g., the pull screw222of the first adjustable hinge system200, the pull screw222of the third adjustable hinge system200, etc.) is turned in one direction (e.g., clockwise, tightening direction, etc.) and one of the pull screws224of the associated adjustable hinge system (e.g., the second adjustable hinge system200, the fourth adjustable hinge system200, etc.) is turned in an opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise, loosening direction, etc.). In this way, a user may adjust each of the adjustable mirror assembly104and the adjustable mirror assembly106relative to the base mirror assembly102without taking apart the mirror system100or removing the mirror system100from a wall.

Mirror system100may include a fifth adjustable hinge system200, positioned between the first adjustable hinge system200and the second adjustable hinge system200and coupled to the base mirror assembly102and the adjustable mirror assembly104, as well as a sixth adjustable hinge system200, positioned between the third adjustable hinge system200and the fourth adjustable hinge system200and coupled to the base mirror assembly102and the adjustable mirror assembly106. In such embodiments, the fifth adjustable hinge system200and the sixth adjustable hinge system200do not include the coupling screw218, the coupling screw220, the coupling bracket214, the coupling bracket216, the pull screw222, or the pull screw224. In this way, the fifth adjustable hinge system200and the sixth adjustable hinge system200provide support for the adjustable mirror assembly104and the adjustable mirror assembly106while being adjustable in vertical directions by the pull screw222and the pull screw224on other adjustable hinge systems200(e.g., the first adjustable hinge system200, the second adjustable hinge system200, the third adjustable hinge system200, the fourth adjustable hinge system200, etc.).

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “parallel,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims. It is understood that the term “parallel” is intended to encompass de minimus variations as would be understood to be within the scope of the disclosure by those of ordinary skill in the art.

Additionally, the word “exemplary” is used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). Rather, use of the word “exemplary” is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

The construction and arrangement of the elements of the mirror system100, the adjustable hinge system200, and all other elements and assemblies as shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied.

Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Also, for example, the order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating configuration, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.