Sliding mirror system

The sliding mirror system permits a 360° view of an object or subject to be viewed. The system includes a plurality of panels, at least one panel being movable relative to the other panels. The movable panel(s) is mounted on rails or the like for sliding movement. Each panel is configured as a portion of an arc. Multiple mirrors are mounted on the face of each panel. Each mirror may also assume an arc-shaped configuration.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to reflective panels, and particularly to a sliding mirror system having panels that provide a 360° panoramic view of a subject.

2. Description of the Related Art

Heretofore, viewing an object, e.g., oneself, in a single, planar mirror has been restricted because the single mirror would only present a reflection of the surface (front, side, rear, top or bottom) of the object exposed to the mirror. To see another view of oneself or another surface of an object required awkwardly twisting one's neck to look over the shoulder to see one's back, reorientation of the object or reorientation of the mirror surface. Alternatively, several mirrors could be individually positioned to obtain the desired views. The above-described scenarios are cumbersome, time-consuming and inefficient. The art would welcome a mirror system that would permit efficient viewing of a stationary object from 360° without tiresome mirror manipulation or contorting one's body to obtain the desired perspective. Thus, a sliding mirror system solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The sliding mirror system permits a 360° view of an object or subject to be viewed. The system includes a plurality of panels, at least one of the panels being movable. The movable panel(s) is mounted on rails or the like for sliding movement. Each panel is configured as a portion of an arc. One or more mirrors are mounted on the face of each panel. Each mirror may be flat or may also assume an arc-shaped configuration. Although plural panels are preferred, it is recognized that only one arc-shaped movable panel having one or more flat or arc-shaped mirrors may be employed if desired.

Accordingly, the invention presents a sliding mirror system that permits 360° viewing. The uses of the instant system are many. For example, the system would be favorably welcome in high-end fashion stores, bridal boutiques and the like. The system would also find use in beauty salons, spas, barbershops, solar systems, etc. The system is readily adaptable to any environment that employs mirrors for reflective viewing. The system may be designed in a stand-alone or wall-mounted configuration, and may range in size from that of an over-the-bathroom-vanity size to full-length mirror size. The invention provides for improved elements thereof in an arrangement for the purposes described that are inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing their intended purposes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, the sliding mirror system10comprises a front panel12configured as a portion of an arc. One or more movable panels14are mounted for sliding movement relative to the front panel12. Front panel12may also be movable if desired. Each sliding panel14is also configured as a portion of an arc. One or more mirrors16are mounted on the front surfaces of the panels12and14. Each mirror16may be flat or also assume an arc-shaped configuration. The mirrors16are mounted to the front surface of the panels12,14in any suitable manner (glue, plastic fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, etc.). The sliding panels14may be nested behind the front panel12or extended, as shown, to allow 360° viewing of an object O.

As best seen inFIGS. 3A-5B, upper and lower arc-shaped rails18,20are attached to the front surface of the sliding panel(s)14. The rails18,20nay be attached in any suitable manner. The rails18,20are slidable in bearings26that are attached to the rear surface of the panel12. The bearings26are conventional, and are attached to the panel12in any suitable manner. Stops24are positioned on the panels12,14and on opposite ends of rails18,20to prevent the panels12,14from becoming disengaged when extended. Handles22are mounted at opposite ends of the rails18,20to facilitate sliding thereof. In lieu of handles22, a motorized mechanism (not shown) may be used to extend and retract the panels14. Also a rail channel and decorative cover may be employed to enhance stability and aesthetics. An embodiment of the invention is also contemplated that would require only a stationary panel having pivoted mirrors attached thereto.