IMPROVEMENTS IN TOILET AND OTHER MIRRORS.
Year: 1870

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Edward Newton, of the Office for Patents,
66, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer,
for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN TOILET AND OTHER MIRRORS.".
-A communication from abroad by George Hostell Chinnock, and
Edward Payson Williams, both of the City and State of New
York, United States of America..
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Edward
Newton at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his
Petition, on the 20th July 1870.
I, WILLIAM EDWARD NEWTON, of the Office for Patents, 66, Chancery
Lane, in the County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, do hereby declare
the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN TOILET AND OTHER
MIRRORS," to be as follows:-
This Invention mainly relates to mirrors for toilet use, and has for
its object increased convenience and security in adjusting the mirror
to various angles, and holding it at any particular set or angle, also

page_text: greater facilities and advantages as regards its attachment to and
detachment from its stand.
The Invention firstly consists in adapting a toilet or other mirror
to a stand by means of a joint so that it is adjustable and self-holding
at any angle or position desired, without the use of set screws as hereto- |
fore employed. This is effected by means of the friction of a spring
on the head of the projecting arm of a cap attached excentrically by a
pivot to the projections of a plate attached centrally to the back of the
mirror. The spring is fastened by a rivet or otherwise to the plate, and
the cap of the projecting arm fits properly over the head of the post
of the stand, and has a swivel motion thereon, by which the mirror
may be turned without turning the stand.
Secondly. The Invention embraces for a like purpose or purposes the
use of frictional spring plates arranged and attached centrally to the
back of the mirror so as to embrace the projecting arm of a cap having
a swivel motion on the post or pillar of the stand.
Thirdly. The Invention includes a combination of the arm herein-
before referred to, either fixed or having a swivel motion and spring or
springs with an adjustable extension standard and set screw applied to
the stand.
Fourthly. The Invention relates to adjustable toilet or other mirrors
in which an arm having a swivel motion on the post of a stand is
used in combination with an angular or flat spring attached to the
back of the mirror for the purpose of enabling the mirror to be held
.when adjusted to the position desired by the friction of the spring
pressing upon the end or sides of the arm, and consists of concave or
disc springs with a pivot and set screw, so combined and arranged with
the sides of said arm and ears or projections of a plate attached to the
back of the mirror as to impart the required pressure or friction more
advantageously, the said screws forming the connection of the arm and
springs with the ears or projections, and at the same time enabling the
pressure or friction to be increased at any time to compensate for any
looseness that may be produced from the wear of the spring.
Fifthly. The Invention consists in an elastic construction of the arm
of the cap, in means of the character herein-before referred to for pro-
ducing friction in the joint by which the mirror is attached to the arm
of the cap of the supporting pillar or stand whereby the adjustment of

page_text: the mirror at various inclinations is provided for, and the adjustment
at any inclination is secured.
Sixthly. The Invention embraces the use of interlocking plates, one of
which is attached to the stand and the other to the back of the mirror
for securing the mirror by means of a cross pin in a readily attachable
and detachable manner to its stand or to the swivel contrivance
connected therewith..
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said William Edward Newton in the Great Seal Patent
Office on the 19th January 1871..
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLFAM
EDWARD NEWTON, of the Office for Patents, 66, Chancery Lane, in the
County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Twentieth day of July, in the year
of our Lord, One thousand eight hundred and seventy in the thirty-
fourth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors,
give and grant unto me, the said William Edward Newton, Her special
licence that I, the said William Edward Newton, my executors, admi-
nistrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said William Edward
Newton, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should, at any time.
agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter
during the term therein expressed should and lawfully might make, use
exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "Im-
PROVEMENTS IN TOILET AND OTHER MIRRORS," being a communication to me
from abroad by George Hostell Chinnock, and Edward Payson Williams,
both of the City and State of New York, United States of America,
upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said William Edward
Newton, my executors or administrators, by an instrument in writing
under my, or their, or one of their hands and seals, should particularly
describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what
manner the same was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in
the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next and imme-
diately after the date of the said Letters Patent.

page_text: NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said William Edward Newton, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same
is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement, reference being had to the Drawing hereunto
annexed and to the letters and figures marked thereon (that is to
say) :-
This Invention mainly relates to mirrors for toilet use, and has for its
object increased convenience and security in adjusting the mirror to various
angles and holding it at any particular set or angle; also greater facilities
and advantages as regards its attachment to and detachment from its
stand.
The Invention firstly consists in adapting a toilet or other mirror to a
stand by means of a joint so that it is adjustable and self-holding at any
angle or position desired without the use of set screws as heretofore
employed; this is effected by means of the friction of a spring on the
head of the projecting arm of a cap attached excentrically by a pivot to
the projections of a plate attached centrally to the back of the mirror.
The spring is fastened by a rivet or otherwise to the plate, and the cap of
the projecting arm fits properly over the head of the post of the stand
and has a swivel motion thereon, by which the mirror may be turned
without turning the stand.
Secondly. The Invention embraces for a like purpose or purposes the
use of frictional spring plates arranged and attached centrally to the
back of the mirror so as to embrace the projecting arm of a cap having
a swivel motion on the post or pillar of the stand.
Thirdly. The Invention includes a combination of the arm herein-
before referred to, either fixed or having a swivel motion and spring or
springs, with an adjustable extension standard, and set screw applied to
the stand.
Fourthly. The Invention relates to adjustable toilet or other mirrors
in which an arm having a swivel motion on the post of a stand is used in
combination with an angular or flat spring attached to the back of the
mirror for the purpose of enabling the mirror to be held when . adjusted
to the position desired by the friction of the spring pressing upon the
end or sides of the arm. This improvement consists of concave or disc
springs with a pivot and set screw so combined and arranged with the
sides of the arm and ears or projections of a plate attached to the back
of the mirror as to impart the required pressure or friction more

page_text: advantageously. The screws form the connection of the arm and springs
with the ears or projections, and at the same time enable the pressure or
friction to be increased at any time to compensate for any looseness that
may be produced from the wear of the spring.
Fifthly. The Invention consists in an elastic construction of the arm
of the cap, in means of the character herein-before referred to for pro-
ducing friction in the joint by which the mirror is attached to the arm
of the cap of the supporting pillar or stand, whereby the adjustment of
the mirror at various inclinations is provided for and the adjustment at
any inclination is secured.
Sixthly. The Invention embraces different modifications in the
construction of a back plate and its attachments for securing the mirror
in a readily attachable and detachable manner to its stand or swivel
contrivance connected therewith.
In the accompanying Drawings Fig. 1 represents a side elevation of a
mirror constructed in accordance with the first part of the Invention,
and Fig. 2 is a sectional elevation of the same in part on an enlarged
scale; Fig. 3 is a partly sectional side elevation of a mirror in part
constructed in accordance with the second part of the Invention, and
Fig. 4 is a plan of the same.
Fig. 5 is a side elevation of a toilet mirror attached to an extension
stand according to the third part of the Invention, and Fig. 6 is a view
in detail of angular springs and an arm connecting the mirror with the
extension stand.
Figures 7 and 8 are front and side views of a mirror embracing the
features included in the fourth part of the Invention showing the same
as mounted on a bureau, and Figures 9, 10, 11, and 12 are views in
detail of the devices by which the mirror is made adjustable.
Fig. 13 is a side view of a toilet mirror constructed in accordance
with the fifth part of the Invention.
Fig. 14 is a plan of the joint and cap which connect the mirror with.
the supporting pillar or stand; Fig. 15 is a side view of the cap detached ;
Fig. 16 is a top view of the same, and Fig. 17 a vertical section thereof.
Figures 18 and 19 are a rear view and vertical section of one of the
modifications embraced in the sixth part of the Invention; Figures 20'
and 21 are similar views of another of the modifications, and Fig. 22, a
rear view of a third modification thereof; Figures 23 and 24 are a plan

page_text: and a sectional elevation of a modification of the arrangement shewn at
Figures 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12.
In Figures 1 and 2, A is a cap provided with a projecting arm a and
fitting over a head piece b resting on the top of the post B of the stand,
and secured thereto by a pivot screw c, so that it will have a swivel
motion thereon. C is a plate attached centrally to the back of the
mirror by screws and having projections d, d, embracing the projecting
arm a of the cap, the arm having a curved or semicircular shaped head
which is attached excentrically to the projections d, d, by a pivot e, the
mirror turning on this pivot. E is a flat steel spring attached to the
upper end of the plate C by a screw or rivet, the spring pressing upon
the head of the arms. Supposing the mirror to be in or nearly in a
horizontal position, and it is desired to adjust it to an angle or position
suitable for use, the turning of the mirror down to do this will increase
the friction of the spring on the head of the arm, so that the mirror will
be held tightly in place at any point from whence it was moved to a per-
pendicular position, and of course as the mirror is turned up the friction
will be diminished until it becomes almost imperceptible. This may be
accomplished in another way by dispensing with the spring and letting the
head of the arm press excentrically against the plate, but this may not
be found so preferable as the other, either method however may be used.
It will be obvious that the method of adjusting and holding the
mirror by friction can be done with the projecting arm of the cap
attached rigidly to the top of the post of the stand, therefore the
Invention is not restricted to an arm having a swivel motion thereon,
but the arm may be used either way as above described, the only
difference being the inconvenience of turning the stand is avoided by
the swivel motion of the arm.
It will be scen that no set screws are used as required in most toilet
mirrors, in which every time the mirror is to be adjusted one hand is
needed to hold the mirror while the other is adjusting the screws. This
inconvenience is obviated by dispensing with set screws, and simply
giving the mirror a slight push with the hand, when the same will be
adjusted and held at the point desired by means of friction as described,
thus rendering the mirror more simple and less expensive in cost of
construction.
In the construction of the toilet mirror as represented in Figures 3
Wand fatian no

page_text: a head piece bresting on the top of the post B¹ of the stand, and
secured thereto by a pivot screw c¹, so that it will have a swivel motion
thereon. C, C¹, are flat steel spring plates having angular ends em-
bracing the projecting arm a¹, which having a curved or semicircularly
shaped head is attached excentrically thereto by a pivot d³, the mirror
turning on this pivot, the springs being attached centrally to the back
of the mirror D¹ by screws in such a manner that they will press upon
the sides of the arm and cause sufficient friction to hold the mirror
(when adjusted) at the point desired. The object of pivotting the arm
excentrically to the spring plates is that as the mirror is placed in
or nearly in a horizontal position the friction of the springs on the
sides of the arm will not be so great because the springs present
less surface for friction at that point than when the mirror is turned
down toward a perpendicular position; hence as the angle of the
mirror is increased from the former to the latter position the greater
will be the friction and the more tightly will the mirror be held. But
sufficient friction may be obtained from a simple pressure of the springs
on the sides of the arm without attaching the arm excentrically but
concentrically. In that case the friction of the springs would be uniform
whether the angle of the mirror be greater or less, but the mirror would
not be so tightly held as in the other case where the friction is greater
at one point than at another, therefore it may be found desirable to
pivot the arm excentrically. In that event either method as above
described (as deemed most practicable) may be used. It is obvious that
this feature of holding the mirror by friction can be done with the
projecting arm of the cap attached rigidly to the top of the post of the
stand, therefore it is not intended to limit this feature to an arm having
a swivel motion thereon.
In Figures 5 and 6 the mirror is constructed as follows:-A is the
stand, consisting of a post with base and top, the post thereof being pro-
vided as ordinarily with an adjustable extension standard B², and also
with a set screw a² or other suitable device for holding the standard when
adjusted to the position desired. C2, C3, are angular springs, the same as
described with reference to Figures 3 and 4, and which are attached
centrally to the back of the mirror by screws b², b³. D³ is an arm
pivotted at one end between the angular projections c², c², of the springs,
and at the other to the top of the standard, so that the mirror may be
turned either angularly or horizontally so as to afford a more convenient

page_text: adjustment of the same in its use with an extension stand. To illustrate
the working of the mirror a lady (when about dressing her hair or
arranging her toilet) first adjusts the standard B2 by raising or lowering
it so as to have the mirror correspond with the position of her head,
and then tightening the set screw a² to hold the standard in place. She
then places the mirror and stand immediately behind her and in such
position with reference to the bureau mirror as to enable her to get a back
view of her head or person, and by turning the mirror either up or down
or around she can adjust it exactly. to the position desired for obtaining
a complete view of her head or person without the inconvenience of
turning the standard or stand or adjusting a set screw as is ordinarily
the case.
In Figures 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and -12, A³ is the mirror proper; B³ is
the post represented as being attached to the top of a bureau; C³ is the
arm pivotted to the top of the post. In this mirror concave springs are
used; these concave springs or what might be termed dish or cymbal
springs, a³, a³, have projections, 6³, which fit in the slot c³ of the
plate D so as to permit of their turning only with the mirror, and
have also holes through the centre of them for the admission of the
pivot screw d³. The plate D³ is attached centrally to the back of the
mirror by screws, and is provided with ears or projections es, e³, which
have holes through them to receive the pivot and set screws d³, h³. The
set screw h³ is made hollow through one end, and provided with female
screw threads on the interior thereof so as to fit and screw on the end of
the pivot screw. In attaching the arm C³ to the ears or projections e³, e³,
the concave springs a³, a³, are placed one on each side of the arm with
the convex side out (see Fig. 11). The arm and springs are then
inserted between the ears or projections e³, e³, with the projections 6³ of
the springs in the slot c³ of plate D³. The pivot screw d³ is then
introduced through the hole of the ear or projection at one side, and the 3
set screw ³ through the hole of the ear or projection at the opposide side,
the latter screw being turned until it screws on to the end of the pivot
screw d³, when the springs will be drawn tightly upon the sides of the
arm; thus the friction from the pressing of the springs thereupon will
hold the mirror at any angle or position desired, which pressure will be 3
maintained during the use of the mirror, no further adjustment of the
set screw being required unless by any possibility the springs should wear
loose, when, as will be obvious, this may be easily compensated by
tightening the set screw.
.

page_text: In Figures 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17, the mirror is constructed as
follows:-A, A*, are rectangular plates, secured firmly by screws or
otherwise to the back of the mirror proper C, for the purpose of
receiving between them the arm a*, a*, of the cap B* of the supporting
pillar or stand D'. These plates A', A', and the arm a', a', of the cap
have inserted through them the pivot c, upon which the glass is
capable of swinging vertically to provide for its adjustment at various
inclinations. The cap B is represented as constructed of a single piece
of steel plate bent at the middle of its length to form an eye e*, which fits
the upright pin or pivot 6', provided on the top of the stand D', and
having the portions a, a, beyond this eye so bent or shaped that in
their normal condition they curve or incline outward from each other as
shewn in Fig. 16. These portions at, a*, form an elastic arm to the cap,
and when embraced between the plates A', A*, they are so drawn
together either by rivetting the ends of the pivot or by a screw on the
pivot or by otherwise setting up the plates A4, A4, toward each other,.
that by their own elasticity and tendency to straighten themselves they
produce sufficient friction between their outer surfaces and the inner
surfaces of the plates A*, A*, to retain the mirror at any inclination at
which it may be placed, but yet permit the inclination to be variously
adjusted. It is preferable that the two portions a*, a', of the elastic arm
be made concave around the pivot holes f*, f, as shewn in Fig. 17.
This enables them to exert increased pressure and friction against the
plates A', A. Instead of the two portions of the elastic arm of the cap
being constructed so that they tend to spring apart, they may be so
constructed that they tend to spring together, in which case they may
receive between them the plates A*, A*, or a single plate attached to the
back of the mirror as a substitute for the plates, and in such case the
elastic arm will clamp itself upon the exterior of the plate or plates,
and by its elasticity produce the necessary friction to hold the mirror in
essentially the same manner as the elastic arm represented in the
Drawing. The eye of the cap may be fitted to swing upon the pin or
pivot 6' to permit a horizontal movement of the mirror, or may be so
fitted to the top of the stand as not to provide for such horizontal
movement.

page_text: permanently by screws or otherwise to the back of the mirror A³ at or
about its centre. This plate has a hole or cavity a² (of diminishing
width in an upward direction) made in it' to allow of the insertion
within or through the plate C³ from the rear of a locking and unlocking
plate D of like tapering shape to the cavity a', but formed with side
ledges or projecting strips b³, 6, and top and bottom lips or ears c³, d³,
so arranged that on sliding the plate D³ up into its place within the
cavity a or plate C³ (with the mirror attached) down over the plate D,
the side ledges ³ will lie against or beyond the side edges of the
cavity a, while the ears c³, d, lap over the top and bottom edges of the
cavity, causing the plate C³ to wedge itself by the weight of the mirror
into lock with the plate D³, which is provided with ears e³, e³, and
a slot c for attachment of it to. the arm which connects it with
the post, and for insertion of springs as described with reference to
Figures 9, 10, and 11. Or the plate D³ may be otherwise constructed
to secure its conuection with the post, and to provide for the spring
retention of the mirror in any required position. By lifting the mirror
it is readily detached by the unlocking of the plate C³. from the
plate D of the post or swivelling contrivance which connects it there-
with. 65 is a spring rivetted to the plate C for holding, the plate D³ in
lock when adjusted to its place.
Figures 20 and 21 represent a somewhat similar combination of a
permanent plate Aº, to be secured to the back of the mirror and plate Do
for insertion within the cavity a of the plate Aº, which latter is recessed
as at ƒª, ƒ, f, to lap over the side ears 9º, g, formed at the bottom of the
plate D and over the upper end of the latter plate that may be retained
in lock with the plate A by means of an eccentric or button G³ pivotted
as at ho to the plate A. The plate D, which connects the mirror with
the post or swivelling device carried thereby, may be constructed (in
other respects than those just described) similar to the plate D³ in
Figures 18 and 19.
Fig. 22 shews a mirror back plate A' provided with a tapering or arch-
shaped cavity a, open at its lower end or base, and having overhanging
sides f, f, for fitting the plate with the mirror attached over a suitably
constructed locking plate connected with the swivelling arm that is
attached to the post, and for locking therewith by a spring g', made fast
at its upper end to the plate A', and formed with a bent lip or projection
at its lower end which clips under the bottom edge of the locking plate

page_text: after the back plate A' with mirror attached has been slidden over or
into connection with the locking plate.
Fig. 23 represents a plan, and Fig. 24 a sectional side elevation of a
modification of the arrangement or combination of devices described
with reference to Figures 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12. In this modification'
D is the plate which is attached to the back of the mirror, and e³, e³,
the ears projecting therefrom for retention between them of the dish
springs a³, a³, and which are tightened as required to meet near or as
circumstances may require by means of set screws d³, h³, constituting
the pivot on which the mirror is made adjustable, to occupy a vertical or
angular position to the horizon by or through a socketted device or short
arm C³ interposed between the springs a³, a³, and forming a connection
for the mirror with its stand. Instead, however, of this attachment C
being connected direct with the post or stand and having a swivel
motion on the top thereof, it is made very short and hung to swivel on
a pin within a bracket E³, which pin may be provided with a locking
nut, and the bracket E³ may be constructed with a back plate ³ that
may be secured by screws to the post or to a rail extending between or
connecting suitable uprights, as, for instance, uprights or sides of a
vertical frame mounted on a bureau. By this modification a support
both above and below is provided for, the vertical pivot of the swinging
attachment, and the mirror may-be swung with greater freedom and
under an increased range of motion without risk of striking the sides of
the vertical frame within which the mirror when applied as described to
a bureau is hung or arranged by reason of the closer proximity of the
vertical pivot to the back of the mirror.
Having now described the Invention which has been communicated
to me as aforesaid, I claim as the Invention secured to me by Letters
Patent as aforesaid,-
First. A toilet or other mirror adjustable by means of the projecting
arm a of the cap A, having a swivel motion on the post of the stand in
combination with projections d, d, of the plate C, and spring E, as
herein set forth.
Second. A toilet or other mirror adjustable by means of springs C¹, C',
in combination with the projecting arm of the cap A', having a swivel
motion on the post of the stand.
Third. I claim in an adjustable toilet or other mirror the combination
of the arm D, cither fixed or having a swivel motion, and springs C² with

page_text: the adjustable extension standard B³, and set screw a² of the stand A², as.
specified.
Fourth. The combination of concave or dish springs a³, pivot and set.
screws d³, h³, with either a fixed or movable arm C³, and ears or pro-
jections e³, as specified and represented in Figures 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 23,,
and 24.
Fifth. The elastic construction of the arm of the cap, as described.
Sixth. I claim in an adjustable toilet or other mirror the attachment.
of the mirror proper to its post or swivelling device which connects.it
therewith by means of plates arranged to interlock with each other for 1
the purpose of facilitating the attachment and detachment of the mirror
from its stand, as described..
In witness whereof, I, the said William Edward Newton, have
hereunto set my hand and scal, the Nineteenth day of January,
in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy- 1
one.