Abstract:
A freestanding portable holding apparatus for a handheld mirror comprises a base which ensures stability and a center-mounted pole extending upward from the base having a height adjustment mechanism that allows the pole to be extended upwards or downwards as desired by the user. An upper end of the apparatus is provided with an adjustable clip to hold a variety of handheld mirrors in an inverted fashion. It is adjustable in height so that a user can see the rear of their head while looking in another stationary mirror. This feature affords the user the use of both hands while styling hair without having to constantly switch and move the handheld mirror in one hand.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in a notarized Official Record of Invention on Jul. 9, 2009, that is on file at the offices of Montgomery Patent and Design, LLC, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to adjustable support devices, and in particular, to a portable, adjustable stand for retaining a handheld mirror at a desired vertical position. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many people utilize a handheld mirror in conjunction with a fixed wall-mounted mirror in order to see the rear of their head. Such vision is important to ensure beautiful hair styling all around and not just in the front. However, the usage of a handheld mirror requires that the user hold the mirror with one of their hands. Obviously, this only leaves one (1) hand for use with hair brushes, picks, curling irons, hair dryers and the like, thus forcing the user to constantly swap items, move the mirror from one (1) to another and so forth. This adds to the amount of time that hair styling takes and can negatively affect the outcome. 
     Additionally, many people prefer make-up mirrors when applying make-up. Typically these mirrors are hand held or include a small base support so the mirror can rest upon a dresser, chest, or counter top. However, these positions are usually inconvenient and uncomfortable for the user requiring them to bend or stoop in order to look into the mirror properly. 
     One (1) solution to these problems is to simply mount a mirror on a wall at a desired height or opposite another mirror. This solution requires mounting hardware and restricts the position of the mirror to a small range of users having a similar height as the original installer. Various other stands and supports also attempt to provide solutions to these problems. Typically, these types of devices provide a support stand with some way to adjust a mirrored surface. Examples of such attempts can be seen by reference in several U.S. Patents, including U.S. Pat. Nos. 695,951, issued in the name of Seymoure; 898,263, issued in the name of Rice; 3,781,093, issued in the name of Grabijas; 3,792,917, issued in the name of Martinez; 4,856,888, issued in the name of Wahl; and D 309,833, issued in the name of Wahl. 
     While these devices may accomplish their specific intended purpose, each suffers from one (1) or more disadvantage or deficiency with respect to design, function, or effectiveness. In particular, the previous solutions typically lack the ability to cover a wide range of adjustable heights. Additionally, they limit the range or the axis upon which the mirror can be angularly positioned. Many such devices restrict the ability to remove the mirror for it to be used for other purposes. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which the vision of a handheld mirror can be provided without the necessity of constantly holding it. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and lack in the art and observed that there is a need for a portable support apparatus designed to hold a handheld mirror such that both hands of the user are free for use. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus which allows for adjustable positioning of the mirror over a wide range of vertical positions. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus which allows for adjustable positioning of the mirror over a wide range of angular positions. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus which can be used with various types, designs, and sizes of handheld mirrors. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus which is simple and intuitive to use with little to no training. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus which is durable and economical to manufacture. 
     One (1) or more of these and other objects of the invention are achieved by providing an adjustable stand for a handheld mirror. The stand comprises a circular base having a planar top and bottom side and a mass for contact and stabilization with a flat support surface. An elongated cylindrical outer pole having an end affixed to a center of the base is telescopically connected to an elongated cylindrical inner pole having an end insertingly attached to outer pole. The outer pole further comprises a diameter suitably sized to slidingly receive the inner pole and the inner pole may be extended or retracted with respect to the outer pole. A collar is provided for adjustably securing the telescopically connected inner pole at a desired vertical position. A ball and socket joint for providing an adjustable angular position is affixed to a spring clip for removably retaining the handheld mirror. 
     Furthermore, the described features and advantages of the invention may be combined in various manners and embodiments as one skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The invention can be practiced without one (1) or more of the features and advantages described in a particular embodiment. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective front view of a portable adjustable mirror stand  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is another perspective front view of the portable adjustable mirror stand  10  depicting a collapsed state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of an upper portion  30  of the portable adjustable mirror stand  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a section view of the upper portion  30  taken along line A-A of  FIG. 3 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded view of a split shaft collar portion of the portable adjustable mirror stand  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 6  is a sectional view of the split shaft collar portion of the portable adjustable mirror stand  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 10 
                 portable adjustable mirror stand 
               
               
                   
                 15 
                 mirror 
               
               
                   
                 20 
                 lower portion 
               
               
                   
                 21 
                 base 
               
               
                   
                 22 
                 outer pole 
               
               
                   
                 23 
                 inner pole 
               
               
                   
                 24 
                 collar 
               
               
                   
                 25 
                 socket 
               
               
                   
                 26 
                 handle 
               
               
                   
                 27 
                 aperture 
               
               
                   
                 28 
                 split portion 
               
               
                   
                 30 
                 upper portion 
               
               
                   
                 31 
                 ball 
               
               
                   
                 32 
                 first jaw 
               
               
                   
                 33 
                 second jaw 
               
               
                   
                 34 
                 padded surface 
               
               
                   
                 35 
                 spring steel 
               
               
                   
                 36 
                 rivet 
               
               
                   
                 40 
                 clip 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 6 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a portable adjustable mirror stand (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , comprising an adjustable freestanding mirror holder which allows each hand of a user to be free and utilized during hairstyling, putting on makeup, or similar activity. The apparatus  10  is preferably utilized with conventional hand-held mirrors  15  generally comprising at least a reflective surface and a handle. The apparatus  10  comprises a lower portion  20  and an upper portion  30 ; the upper portion  30  enables a mirror  15  to be secured in a desired angle and a desired height which allows the user to utilize the mirror  15  in a conventional manner. The apparatus  10  is fabricated from materials such as, but not limited to: metal, plastic, or the like. The apparatus  10  is preferably utilized for hairstyling, yet other methods of use may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of the apparatus  10  and  FIG. 2 , another perspective view of the apparatus  10  depicting a collapsed state, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a lower portion  20  which further comprises a cylindrical base  21 , an outer pole  22 , and a collar  24 . The base  21  provides support to the apparatus  10  when positioned on a level surface and the outer pole  22  provides a stationary extension to the apparatus  10 . The outer pole  22  is preferably attached to the base  21  via conventional welding techniques, yet other attachment means may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . The outer pole  22  is approximately three (3) feet in length. An inner pole  23  is telescopically connected to the outer pole  22  such that the outer pole  22  comprises an appropriate diameter to slidably receive the inner pole  23 . The outer pole  22  further comprises an open top end for insertingly receiving a lower end of the inner pole  23 . The inner pole  23  slidably engages an inside diameter of the outer pole  22 , thereby enabling the apparatus  10  to be adjusted to various desired heights. A collar  24  is disposed at the outer pole top end and encompasses both the outer pole  22  and the inner pole  23 . The collar  24  is rotatable and manually tightened about the intersection of the outer pole  22  having a plurality of split portions  28  on an upper end thereof, and the inner pole  23 , thereby providing a means to secure the inner pole  23  at a desired vertical position, much like a split shaft collar device similar to those used for tripods, awnings, or the like (see  FIGS. 5 and 6 ). 
     The inner pole  23  is approximately three (3) feet in length and further comprises a socket  25  and a handle  26 . An upper perimeter of the inner pole  23  comprises a socket  25  which allows a ball  31  to orbitally rotate therewithin. The ball  31  and socket  25  provide a pivoting interaction which allows selectable positioning an upper portion  30  at a desired angle. The socket  25  and the ball  31  combine to form a conventional ball and socket joint which grants unrestricted rotation in an indefinite number of axes, which have a single common center. The ball  31  is positioned inside of the socket  25  and is tightened at a desired position by a cylindrical handle  26  as shown in  FIG. 3 . The handle  26  threadably engages an aperture  27  such that a distal end of the handle  26  protrudes through the socket  25  and abuts against the ball  31 . The handle distal end frictionally secures the ball  31  in the socket  25  at the desired angle as the handle  26  is turned, thus applying a force upon the ball. Although the pivotable nature of the upper portion  30  is depicted by use of a ball-and-socket joint, it can be appreciated that other methods of pivotably connecting the upper portion  30  to a top end of the inner pole  23  exist and may be utilized without limiting the scope of the present apparatus  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , an exploded view of the upper portion  30  and  FIG. 4 , a section view of the upper portion  30  taken along line A-A of  FIG. 3 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The upper portion  30  comprises a spring clip  40  which provides for the insertion and the securing of the mirror  15  to the apparatus  10 . The clip  40  further comprises a first jaw  32 , a second jaw  33 , a padded surface  34 , and at least one length of spring steel  35 . The first jaw  32  and the second jaw  33  are comprised of rectangular members angled inwardly towards each other, thereby providing a gripping means to a mirror  15 . The jaws  32 ,  33  are fabricated from materials such as, but not limited to: metal, plastic, or the like. 
     Each jaw  32 ,  33  further comprising a jaw end and an actuator end opposite the jaw end. The jaw ends are urged closed by the length of spring steel  35  and are opened by squeezing the actuator ends toward one another. The jaws  32 ,  33  rotate about an axis defined by the length of spring steel  35 . An intermediate portion of the first jaw actuator is integrally molded to a tangential surface of the ball  31  which provides a position of the first jaw  32  to according match the position of the ball  31  and concurrently the position of the mirror  15 . A top inner surface of the jaw end of each jaw  32 ,  33  further comprise a padded surface  34 . The padded surface  34  provides protection from damage to the surface of the mirror  15 . The padded surface  34  may comprise materials such as, but not limited to: foam rubber, felt, or the like. 
     The jaws  32 ,  33  are normally in a closed position and open and close by a plurality of lengths spring steel  35  longitudinally affixed to an inner surface of each jaw  32 ,  33 . Each length of spring steel  35  comprises an arcuate form which deflects when the jaws  32 ,  33  are forced apart to an open position. While in the open position the mirror can be placed between the jaw ends of the jaws  32 ,  33 . Each of the plurality of lengths of spring steel  35  is preferably attached to the inner surface of the jaws  32 ,  33  by a pair of opposing mechanical fasteners, such as rivets  36 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 through 4 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the apparatus  10 ; positioning the base  21  on a level surface; loosening the collar  24 ; adjusting the height of the apparatus  10  via slidably engaging the inner pole  23  to the outer pole  22  and tightening the collar  24  at the desired height; engaging a mirror  15  in an inverted orientation with the upper portion  30  via depressing the jaws  32 ,  33 ; resting the mirror  15  between the jaws  32 ,  33  and against the padding means  34 ; releasing the jaws  32 ,  33  to secure the mirror  15 ; adjusting the angle of the mirror  15 , thereby rotating the ball  31  within the socket  25  and tightening to a desired angle via engaging the handle  26  with the aperture  27 ; utilizing the mirror  15  in a conventional manner; and, supporting the mirror  15  to assist in hair styling or the like in a manner which is quick, easy, and effective. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.