US20080231978A1

US20080231978A1 - Mirror and Representations

Info

Publication number: US20080231978A1
Application number: US12/063,867
Authority: US
Inventors: Lynn M. Pierce
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-08-17
Filing date: 2006-08-16
Publication date: 2008-09-25
Also published as: CA2660567A1; WO2007019706A1; EP1924173A1

Abstract

A mirror is combined with a mirror decoration. The mirror decoration may be secured to the mirror. The mirror decoration is comprised of one or more mirror decoration pieces. The one or more mirror decoration pieces are adapted to be assembled on the mirror to form one or more representations. A user in front of the mirror can view himself or herself within a composite image comprised of his or her reflected image in the mirror and a representation created by the mirror decoration. The one or more pieces of each mirror decoration may be used interchangeably with other pieces from the same mirror decoration or with other pieces from other mirror decorations, so as to form one or more representation.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are in the form of a decorative, novelty or toy mirror, and in the form of a toy, novelty, or decoration for a mirror.
Embodiments of the present invention relate, in part, to puzzles, and more specifically to puzzles in which the pieces can be assembled in one way to form a pre-determined representation, and to puzzles in which the pieces can be assembled in one or more ways to form one or more representations. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,385,467 describes a multi-layered puzzle toy wherein the pieces can be assembled within an ovoid contour to form one or more stylized faces.
Embodiments of the present invention also relate, in part, to decorative mirrors. Examples of decorative uses and modifications for mirrors are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 936,344; 5,137,761; 5,139,828; 5,210,967; 6,375,332; and 6,543,163; and also in Can. Pat. Nos. 2,193,609; 2,310,412.
Embodiments of the invention also relate, in part, to illusory mirror devices for the amusement of children, that display an image of an object and various display items. Examples of uses and modifications for mirrors that may provide amusement for children are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,072,314; 4,157.533; and 5,999,317; and also in Can. Pat. Nos. 2,087,658; 2,400,884; and 2,420,787.
Embodiments of the invention also relate, in part, to an interactive role playing game. An example of a role playing game incorporating a mirror is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,220,864.
Embodiments of the invention also relate, in part, to a wide variety of known methods and means of creating an illusory composite image of the viewer and a representation. An example of illusory composite image creation is described is U.S. Pat. No. 5,999,317. An example of an illusory mirror device is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,971,312. See also U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,238,196; 1,690,016; 2,075,198; to 2,165,736; 2,899,860; 3,507,570; 3,729,839; 4,902,117; 5,681,223; and 6,198,503.
It is believed that a new and different form of play, amusement, entertainment and educational activity can be created by combining a mirror decoration, with one or more pieces, to be assembled on a mirror surface to form a representation, such that a user in front of a mirror can view himself or herself within a composite image comprised of his or her reflected image in the mirror and the representation formed by the mirror decoration system.
The following Canadian and U.S. patent Documents are believed to provide background for embodiments of the invention:


Canadian Patent Documents

2,087,658	May 1994	Fromm
2,193,609	filed December 1996	Hsieh
2,310,412	filed November 1998	Whinney
2,400,884	filed August 2002	Chan
2,420,787	filed February 2003	Gorischek

U.S. Patent Documents

809,698	January 1906	Kelley
936,344	October 1909	Myers
1,680,016	August 1928	Dawley
2,075,198	March 1937	Henze
2,165,736	July 1939	Twele
2,899,860	August 1959	Scott
3,507,570	April 1970	Bourdier
3,729,839	May 1973	Bourdier
4,072,314	February 1978	Rosen
4,157,633	June 1979	Reiner
4,385,467	May 1983	Samuels
4,902,117	February 1990	Papp
4,971,312	November 1990	Weinreich
5,210,967	May 1993	Brown
5,681,223	October 1997	Weinreich
5,886,818	March 1999	Summer
5,983,201	November 1999	Fay
5,999,317	December 1999	Whitney
6,198,503	March 2001	Weinrich
6,220,864	April 2001	Walawender
6,375,332	April 2002	Whinney
6,543,163	April 2003	Ginsberg

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, in one aspect, embodiments of the invention comprise a mirror, with a reflective mirror component, a magnetic material component, and a backing component; and a mirror decoration, with one or more pieces and each mirror decoration piece with a decorative component and a magnetic material component, and with the mirror decoration pieces adapted to be assembled on the mirror so that each piece has at least one counterpart edge that is intended to be placed with a counterpart edge located on another of the mirror decoration pieces, and the complementary counterpart edges being of suitable shape, colour or other identifiable quality so that they can be placed into coextensive engagement to form a predetermined representation, such that a user. In front of the mirror can view himself or herself within a composite image comprised of his or her reflected image in the mirror and the representation. Also, or in the alternative, the pieces of each mirror decoration may be used interchangeably with other pieces from the same mirror decoration or with other pieces from other mirror decorations, so as to form any of a variety of representations. Also, each mirror decoration may include any of a variety of additional accessory mirror decoration pieces that enhance and vary the representation in any of a variety of ways.
In another aspect, embodiments of the invention comprise a mirror, with a reflective mirror component, a magnetic material component, and a backing component; and a mirror decoration, with one or more pieces, and each mirror decoration piece with a decorative component and a magnetic material component, and with the mirror decoration pieces adapted to be assembled on the mirror to form any of a variety of representations, such that a user in front of the mirror can view himself or herself within a composite image comprised of his or her reflected image in the mirror and a representation. Also, or in the alternative, the pieces of each mirror decoration may be used interchangeably with other pieces from the same mirror decoration or with other pieces from other mirror decorations, so as to form any of a variety of representations. Also, each mirror decoration may include any of a variety of additional accessory mirror decoration pieces that enhance and vary the representation in any of a variety of ways.
In another aspect, embodiments of the invention comprise a mirror decoration, with one or more pieces, and each mirror decoration piece with a decorative component and a magnetic material component, and with the mirror decoration pieces to be assembled on any of a variety of magnetised surfaces, to form any of a variety of representations on a mirror, such that a user in front of a mirror can view himself or herself within a composite image comprised of his or her reflected image in the mirror and a representation. Also, or in the alternative, the pieces of each mirror decoration may be used interchangeably with other pieces from the same mirror decoration or with other pieces from other mirror decorations, so as to form any of a variety of representations. Also, each mirror decoration may include any of a variety of additional accessory mirror decoration pieces that enhance and vary the representation in any of a variety of ways.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments, which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings, in which like reference numerals identify the same elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exemplary mirror and mirror decoration combination.

FIG. 2 is a side view of components of the mirror of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a partially disassembled perspective view of the components of the mirror of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side view of an exemplary mirror decoration.

FIG. 5 is a partially disassembled perspective view of the components of the mirror decoration of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of an exemplary alternative mirror and mirror decoration combination.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of an exemplary alternative mirror and mirror decoration combination.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of an exemplary alternative mirror and mirror decoration combination.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description of certain examples of the invention should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which is by way of illustration, one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
FIG. 1 depicts one possible mechanical construction of an embodiment of the present invention. There is shown in FIG. 1 a mirror indicated generally at 10 and a mirror decoration indicated generally at 13, which are interrelated in a manner to be described. The mirror 10 includes a mirror section 11 and a frame 12, both visible in FIG. 1. The mirror decoration 13 includes one or more mirror decoration pieces 17, visible in FIG. 1.
FIG. 2 depicts one possible mechanical construction of the mirror section 11. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the mirror section 11 depicted includes a mirror component 14, a mirror magnetic material component 15, and a backing component 16, all visible in FIGS. 2 and 3. The mirror component 14 is the front housing of the mirror 10 and the backing component 16 is the back housing of the mirror 10. In the described embodiment, the mirror magnetic material 15 is affixed to the rear surface of the mirror component 14 and covers the entire rear surface of the mirror component 14, and the backing component 16 is affixed to the rear surface of the mirror magnetic material 15 and covers the entire surface of the mirror magnetic material 15.
FIG. 3 depicts one possible mechanical construction of the frame 12. The frame 12 houses and supports the sides of the mirror component 14, the mirror magnetic material component 15, and the backing component 16, all visible in FIG. 3. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the frame 12 encases the outer edges and the sides of the mirror section 11 in a shell and is the side housing of the mirror 10.
FIG. 4 depicts one possible mechanical construction of the mirror decoration piece 17. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the mirror decoration piece, indicated generally at 17, includes the decoration 20, the decoration magnetic material 21, and the attachment 22, all visible in FIGS. 4 and 5. The decoration 20 is the front housing of the decorative piece 17 and the attachment 22 affixes the decoration magnetic material 21 to the rear surface of the decoration 20. Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, when the mirror decoration piece 17 is placed on the front surface of the mirror 10, the mirror magnetic material 15 and the decoration magnetic material 21 in combination provide a magnetic force that is both sufficient to attach the mirror decoration piece 17 to the front surface of the mirror 10 when the mirror 10 and mirror decoration piece 17 are in a vertical position, and that also allows the mirror decoration piece 17 to be moved to a different place on the front surface of the mirror 10 or to be removed from the front surface of the mirror 10 with relative ease.
An exemplary use of the mirror 10 and the mirror decoration 13 will now be described. It should be appreciated that each component, the mirror 10 and the to mirror decoration 13, can be used and played with separately.
Referring to FIG. 6, in one possible scenario the user can face the mirror 10 so that he or she can view his or her image in the mirror 10, and place two or more mirror decoration pieces 17 on the front surface of the mirror 10, and assemble the mirror decoration pieces 17 to form a predetermined representation, by placing at least one counterpart edge 18 of each mirror decoration piece 17 with a counterpart edge 19 located on another mirror decoration piece 17. The user assembles the complementary counterpart edges 18 and 19 according to suitable shape, design, pattern, colour or other identifiable quality, so that they are placed into coextensive engagement to form a predetermined representation, such that the user in front of the mirror 10 can view himself or herself within a composite image comprised of his or her reflected image in the mirror and the representation. Also, or in the alternative, the user may use one or more mirror decoration pieces 17 interchangeably with other mirror decoration pieces 17, from the same mirror decoration 13 or from other mirror decorations 13, so as to form any of a variety of representations. Also, each mirror decoration 13 may be augmented by any of a variety of additional accessory mirror decoration pieces 20 that enhance and vary the representation in any of a variety of ways.
Referring to FIG. 7, in one possible scenario the user can face the mirror 10 so that he or she can view his or her image in the mirror 10, and place one or more mirror decoration pieces 17 on the front surface of the mirror 10, and assemble the mirror decoration pieces 17 to form a representation, such that the user in front of the mirror can view himself or herself within a composite image comprised of his or her to reflected image in the mirror 10 and the representation. Also, or in the alternative, the user may use one or more mirror decoration pieces 17 interchangeably with other mirror decoration pieces 17, from the same mirror decoration 13 or from other mirror decorations 13, so as to form any of a variety of representations. Also, each mirror decoration 13 may be augmented by any of a variety of additional accessory mirror decoration pieces 20 that enhance and vary the representation in any of a variety of ways.
Referring to FIG. 8, in one possible scenario the user can assemble one or more mirror decoration pieces 17 on any of a variety of magnetised surfaces on or surrounding a mirror, to form a representation on a mirror, such that the user in front of the mirror can view himself or herself within a composite image comprised of his or her reflected image in the mirror and the representation. Also, or in the alternative, the user may use one or more mirror decoration pieces 17 interchangeably with other mirror decoration pieces 17 from the same mirror decoration 13 or from other mirror decorations 13, so as to form any of a variety of representations. Also, each mirror decoration 13 may be augmented by any of a variety of additional accessory mirror decoration pieces 20 that enhance and vary the representation in any of a variety of ways.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof.
For example, while certain mechanical means and materials are shown being used in the mirror 10 and mirror decorations 13, other means and materials that achieve the same results might be used, including but not limited to any of a variety of magnetic materials that will attach the mirror decoration pieces 17 to the mirror 10 or to another mirror, any of a variety of means and materials that will affix the magnetic materials to the mirror decoration pieces 17 and to the mirror 10 or to another mirror, any of a variety of means and materials that will affix the mirror component 14, the mirror magnetic material component 15; and the backing component 16 into the mirror 10, and any of a variety of means and materials that will combine the reflective, magnetic and backing components into the mirror 10.
Also, while magnetic materials are used to create magnetic force to attach the mirror decoration pieces 17 to the mirror 10, and to another mirror or surface, any of a variety of means and materials which can achieve the same results might be used, including but not limited to use of materials with temporary adhesive qualities in the mirror decoration pieces 17 and in the mirror 10, and the use of electronic, hydraulic, and pneumatic means.
Also, while the mirror 10 and the mirror decoration pieces 17 are shown being used in combination, both may be used independently or in combination with other items or fixtures, so that the user in front of the mirror can view himself or herself within a composite image, comprised of his or her reflected image on any of a variety of mirrors and the representation which is assembled on any of a variety of surfaces. For example, the mirror 10 might be attached to a mirror fixture so that the mirror decoration pieces 17 can be assembled on the mirror 10 and within the surface area of the mirror fixture, the mirror decoration pieces 17 might be assembled on any of a variety of surfaces surrounding a mirror, including but not limited to on a mirror or on a mirror fixture, on a surface that is affixed to and surrounding a mirror, and on a surface surrounding an area cut to reveal an underlying mirror.
Also, while the mirror 10 is shown constructed in a certain way, it might be is constructed in any of a variety of shapes, including but not limited to round, oval, book and multi-way mirrors, and in any of a variety of sizes, including but not limited to hand held, full length and multiple viewer mirrors. While the mirror decoration pieces 17 are shown constructed in a certain way, they might be constructed in any of a variety of shapes, including in one or more dimensions, and with any of a variety of materials, including but not limited to transparent, translucent and opaque materials, and any of a variety of imaging materials, including but not limited to pictures, graphics, images, digital and liquid crystal displays. While the mirror decorations 13 are shown forming certain representations, any of a variety of visual representations of an object, scene, person, or abstraction may be used, including but not limited to full or partial representations of original, known and popular characters, figures, roles, identities, occupations, and personalities, including but not limited to those related to literary works, the visual arts, the performing arts, musical works, and audio-visual works. Also, while embodiments of the invention are shown being used independently, embodiments may also be used with any of a variety of products, including but not limited to those related to toys, games, novelties, self-discovery and education for children, youth and adults. While embodiments of the invention are shown provided ready for use, materials and instructions may be provided for the user to create the mirror decoration pieces 17 and the mirror decorations 13, to form any of a variety of representations.
It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended written description. Having shown and described various embodiments of the present invention, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may be accomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Several of such potential modifications have been mentioned, and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, the examples, embodiments, geometries, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, and the like discussed above are illustrative and are not required. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered in terms of the following claims and is understood not to be limited to the details of structure and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.

Claims

1. A mirror system comprising:

a mirror having a first external surface;

a mirror decoration; and

a securing means operable to secure the mirror decoration relative to the first external surface of the mirror;

wherein at least a portion of the mirror decoration is configured for assembly relate to the first external surface of the mirror to form a representation, wherein the mirror and the mirror decoration are configured to produce a composite image comprising an image of a person in front of the mirror and the representation formed by the mirror decoration.

2. The mirror system of claim 1, wherein the mirror decoration comprises a plurality of mirror decoration pieces.

3. The mirror system of claim 2, wherein the plurality of mirror decoration pieces are configured to be assembled relative to the first external surface to collectively form the representation.

4. The mirror system of claim 2, wherein at least one mirror decoration piece of the plurality of mirror decoration pieces is configured to be used interchangeably with:

(i) at least one other mirror decoration piece of the plurality of mirror decoration pieces, or

(ii) at least one other mirror decoration piece of at least one other mirror decoration.

5. The mirror system of claim 2, wherein one or more of the mirror decoration pieces is adapted to be assembled relative to the first external surface to form a predetermined representation.

6. The mirror system of claim 2 wherein at least one mirror decoration piece of the plurality of mirror decoration pieces has a first counterpart edge configured to be placed adjacent to a corresponding second counterpart edge located on another mirror decoration piece of the plurality of mirror decoration pieces, wherein the first and second counterpart edges are configured to provide coextensive engagement.

7. The mirror system of claim 1, wherein the representation is formed of a plurality of mirror decoration pieces.

8. The mirror system of claim 1, wherein the first external surface is a glass surface.

9. The mirror system of claim 1, wherein the representation and the person's reflected image in the mirror combine to form a plurality of composite images.

10. The mirror system of claim 1, wherein the securing means is provided in one or both of the mirror or the mirror decoration.

11. The mirror system of claim 1, wherein the securing means is configured to permit movability and removability of the mirror decoration relative to the first external surface of the mirror.

12. The mirror system of claim 1, wherein the securing means is configured to permanently secure the mirror decoration relative to the first external surface of the mirror.

13. The mirror system of claim 1, wherein the securing means comprises a magnetic material.

14. The mirror system of claim 13, wherein the magnetic material is provided in the mirror.

15. The mirror system of claim 14, wherein the magnetic material is further provided in the mirror decoration.

16. The mirror system of claim 1, wherein the mirror decoration is provided to the person in the form of construction materials from which the user may construct the mirror decoration.

17. The mirror system of claim 1, further comprising one or more accessories, wherein the one or more accessories are configured to selectively vary the appearance of the mirror decoration.

18. A mirror decoration system, comprising:

a mirror decoration comprising one or more mirror decoration pieces, wherein the mirror decoration is configured to provide one or more representations; and

a securing means operable to selectively secure the mirror decoration relative to a reflective portion of a mirror, wherein the mirror decoration is configured to provide a composite image when the mirror decoration is secured to a mirror, wherein the composite image comprises a reflected image of a person in front of the mirror and one or more representations provided by the mirror decoration.

19. The mirror decoration system of claim 18, wherein the securing means is provided in at least one of the one or more mirror decoration pieces.

20. The mirror decoration system of claim 18, wherein the mirror decoration comprises a plurality of mirror decoration pieces configured to be assembled relative to the first external surface of a mirror to collectively form a representation.

21. The mirror decoration system of claim 18, wherein at least one mirror decoration piece of the one or more mirror decoration pieces is configured to be used interchangeably with:

(i) at least one other mirror decoration piece of the one or more mirror decoration pieces, or

22. The mirror decoration system of claim 18, wherein at least one of the one or more of the mirror decoration pieces is adapted to be assembled relative to the first external surface of a mirror to form a predetermined representation.

23. The mirror decoration system of claim 18, wherein at least one mirror decoration piece of the one or more mirror decoration pieces has a first counterpart edge configured to be placed adjacent to a corresponding second counterpart edge located on another mirror decoration piece of the one or more mirror decoration pieces, wherein the first and second counterpart edges are configured to provide coextensive engagement.

24. The mirror decoration system of claim 18, wherein the representation is formed of a plurality of mirror decoration pieces.

25. The mirror decoration system of claim 18, wherein the representation and the person's reflected image in a mirror combine to form a plurality of composite images.

26. The mirror decoration system of claim 18, further comprising a mirror having a first external surface.

27. The mirror decoration system of claim 26, wherein the securing means is provided in one or both of the mirror or the mirror decoration.

28. The mirror decoration system of claim 26, wherein the securing means is configured to permit movability and removability of the mirror decoration relative to the first external surface of the mirror.

29. The mirror decoration system of claim 26, wherein the securing means is configured to permanently secure the mirror decoration relative to the first external surface of the mirror.

30. The mirror decoration system of claim 18, wherein the securing means comprises a magnetic material.

31. The mirror decoration system of claim 30, wherein the magnetic material is provided in the mirror decoration.

32. The mirror decoration system of claim 31, further comprising a mirror, wherein the magnetic material is further provided in the mirror.

33. The mirror decoration system of claim 18, wherein the mirror decoration is provided to the person in the form of construction materials from which the user may construct the mirror decoration.

34. The mirror decoration system of claim 18, further comprising one or more accessories, wherein the one or more accessories are configured to selectively vary the appearance of the mirror decoration.