Mirror cabinet device

Abstract

The present invention relates to improvements in mirrors. In one embodiment, a lighted mirror apparatus is disclosed that includes a mirror having a first light assembly and a second light assembly positioned along opposing first and second sides of the mirror, the first and second light assemblies each transmitting light along a primary light path to a central plane. In another embodiment, a lighted mirror apparatus is disclosed that includes a mirror and a light assembly having a light source mounted to the mirror, the light assembly including an illumination element that receives light from the light source and emits at least a portion of the light from a front light-emitting surface of the illumination element. In another embodiment, a cabinet apparatus is disclosed that has a door that can be raised or lowered and can change between an open angular orientation and a closed angular orientation when raised or lowered.

Description

[0001] Cross-referencing of related patent applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of the following U.S. patent applications: (1) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 292,189, filed December 21, 2021; (2) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 245,290, filed September 17, 2021; (3) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 221,182, filed July 13, 2021; (4) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 221,225, filed July 13, 2021; and (5) U.S. National Patent Application No. 17 / 850,642, filed June 27, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Illuminated mirrors are well-known fixtures in homes and other places. However, such mirrors do not ideally direct light to illuminate the user. For example, light may be directed outwards from the side of the mirror instead of being directed sufficiently inwards towards the user. There is a need for an illuminated mirror that can direct pleasant and even illumination in an ideal direction to illuminate the user's face and body.

[0004] Cabinets are used throughout homes and in some office environments to store items out of sight but in easily accessible locations. For example, medicine cabinets are often hung in bathrooms and include mirrored doors. People typically store personal hygiene items in medicine cabinets, such as deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hairbrushes, and medications. Some users expect to multitask while performing various activities in the bathroom. For example, a user might want to watch videos on an electronic device to pass the time, obtain information, or enhance their experience during a specific activity, such as brushing their teeth. Users may alternatively expect to read articles on electronic devices or in printed materials while performing such activities. However, there is currently no way to support electronic devices, printed materials, or the like in a way that makes them easily visible to the user, protects them from water damage, and allows for easy storage when not in use. Therefore, there is a need to improve cabinet space to provide users with a place to support certain items from the countertop and keep them within their line of sight during personal hygiene activities. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure relates to a mirror device with a lamp.

[0006] In one aspect, a lampd mirror device includes: a mirror in an observation state, the mirror having a front surface defining a mirror plane and a centerline, the center plane being perpendicular to the mirror plane and intersecting the mirror plane along the centerline; a first lamp assembly positioned along a first side portion of the mirror; and a second lamp assembly positioned along a second side portion of the mirror opposite to the first side portion; each of the first and second lamp assemblies is configured to generate light and transmit the light along a main optical path to the center plane, each of the first and second lamp assemblies including: a light source configured to generate light; and a light guide member including a light output meter. The light output surface defines a first interface reference plane, which intersects the central plane at an outward and backward first acute angle (θ1); the light source is optically coupled to the light guide member such that light is guided to the light output surface through the light guide member along a first portion of the main optical path, the first portion of the main optical path and the light output surface forming a first incident angle (Φ1); and the light output surface is part of a first multi-medium interface configured to refract light leaving the light output surface of the light guide member along a second portion of the main optical path at a first refraction angle (Ψ1), wherein the first refraction angle (Ψ1) is greater than the first incident angle (Φ1).

[0007] In another aspect, the lampd mirror device includes: a support structure; a mirror mounted to the support structure in an observation state, the mirror having a front surface defining a mirror plane and a center line, the center plane being perpendicular to the mirror plane and intersecting the mirror plane along the center line; and a first lamp assembly and a second lamp assembly mounted to the support structure on opposite sides of the mirror and on opposite sides of the center plane; each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly is configured to generate light and refract the main optical path of the light toward the center plane.

[0008] In another aspect, the lampd mirror device includes: a support structure; a mirror mounted to the support structure in an observation state, the mirror having a front surface defining a mirror plane and a center line, the center plane being perpendicular to the mirror plane and intersecting the mirror plane along the center line; and a first lamp assembly and a second lamp assembly mounted to the support structure on opposite sides of the mirror and on opposite sides of the center plane, each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly including: a lens portion including a lens light input surface configured to: (i) receive light propagating along the main optical path at an incident angle (Φ2); and (ii) refract and emit light passing through the lens portion along the main optical path at a refraction angle (Ψ2); and a lens light output surface configured to: (i) receive light propagating through the lens portion along the main optical path at an incident angle (Φ3); and (ii) refract and emit light from the lens light output surface along the main optical path at a refraction angle (Ψ3); wherein the following equation is satisfied: Φ2-Ψ2<Ψ3-Φ3.

[0009] In another aspect, the lampd mirror device includes: a support structure; a mirror mounted to the support structure in an observation state, the mirror having a front surface defining a mirror plane and a centerline, the center plane being perpendicular to the mirror plane and intersecting the mirror plane along the centerline; and a first lamp assembly and a second lamp assembly mounted to the support structure on opposite sides of the mirror and on opposite sides of the center plane, each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly including: a light source configured to generate light; a light guide member optically coupled to the light source to receive light generated by the light source and transmit light through the light guide member; a reflective surface adjacent to and opposite to the inner surface of the light guide member; and a gap at least at the front portion of the reflective surface between the reflective surface and the inner surface of the light guide member, the width of the gap increasing as the distance from the front edge of the reflective surface decreases.

[0010] In another aspect, the lamp-mirror device includes: a support structure; a mirror mounted to the support structure in an observation state, the mirror having a front surface defining a mirror plane and a centerline, the center plane being perpendicular to the mirror plane and intersecting the mirror plane along the centerline; and a first lamp assembly and a second lamp assembly, the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly being mounted to the support structure on opposite sides of the mirror and on opposite sides of the centerline, each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly being configured to generate light and to emit light from the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly along the last portion of a main optical path, the last portion of the main optical path: (1) exiting the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly at a first distance (D1) from the centerline; and (2) forming an emission angle (θ) with the mirror plane. M ), where θ M D1 is chosen such that tan(θ) M )x D1 = 15 to 30 inches.

[0011] In another aspect, the lampd mirror device includes: a mirror having a front surface defining a mirror plane, a center line, a central plane perpendicular to the mirror plane and intersecting the mirror plane along the center line, and at least one mirror edge; at least one lamp assembly mounted to the mirror, the at least one lamp assembly including: a light source for generating light; an illumination element including a front emitting surface, the illumination element being optically coupled to the light source and configured to transmit light and emit at least a portion of the light from the front emitting surface; and the illumination element being positioned such that: (1) the front emitting surface is adjacent to and extends along at least one mirror edge; (2) the front emitting surface protrudes outward from at least one mirror edge in a direction away from the central plane; and (3) the front emitting surface protrudes outward from the mirror plane in a forward direction.

[0012] In another aspect, the lampd mirror device includes: a mirror having a front surface and at least one mirror edge; at least one lamp assembly mounted to the mirror along the mirror edge, and the at least one lamp assembly including: an illumination element including an extruded panel having a front emitting surface and a light receiving edge; a light source for generating light, the light source being optically coupled to the light receiving edge of the extruded panel; and the extruded panel being configured to receive light from the light source, transmit light, and emit at least a portion of the light from the front emitting surface.

[0013] In another aspect, the lampd mirror device includes: a mirror having a front surface and at least one mirror edge; and at least one lamp assembly mounted to the mirror along the mirror edge, the at least one lamp assembly including an illumination element comprising a multilayer panel, the multilayer panel including: a light-receiving edge; a diffuse light guide layer; an optically transparent cover layer including a front emitting surface of the illumination element; and a light source for generating light, the light source being optically coupled to the light-receiving edge of the multilayer panel; the multilayer panel being configured to receive light from the light source, transmit light, and emit at least a portion of the light from the front emitting surface.

[0014] In another aspect, a method of forming a lampd mirror device includes: a) extruding an illumination element including a front emitting surface and a light-receiving edge; and b) mounting the illumination element along the mirror edge of the mirror, wherein the light-receiving edge of the illumination element is optically coupled to a light source mounted to the mirror.

[0015] In another aspect, the lampd mirror device includes: a mirror having a front surface defining a mirror plane, a center line, a central plane perpendicular to the mirror plane and intersecting the mirror plane along the center line, and at least one mirror edge; at least one lamp assembly mounted to the mirror, the at least one lamp assembly including: a light source for generating light; and an illumination element including a front emitting surface, the illumination element being optically coupled to the light source and configured to transmit light and emit at least a portion of the light from the front emitting surface; and the illumination element being positioned such that: (1) the front emitting surface is adjacent to and extends along the at least one mirror edge; and (2) the front emitting surface protrudes outward from the at least one mirror edge in a direction away from the central plane; wherein the illumination element includes a multilayer panel including a diffuse light guide layer and an optically transparent cover layer including the front emitting surface.

[0016] In another aspect, the cabinet includes: a housing defining a storage compartment having a front opening; a door mounted to the housing by at least one hinge, the hinge including a first hinge portion connected to the housing and a second hinge portion connected to the door, the first hinge portion being pivotally connected to the second hinge portion such that the door can pivot about a door axis between a closed angle orientation and an open angle orientation; and one of the first hinge portion or the second hinge portion being fixedly connected to the door or the housing, the other of the first hinge portion or the second hinge portion being slidably connected to the door or the housing to allow axial translation of the door relative to the housing between a fully lowered state and a fully raised state; and wherein, when the door is in the fully lowered state and in the closed angle orientation, the door covers the entire front opening.

[0017] In another aspect, the cabinet includes: a housing defining a storage compartment having a front opening; and a door mounted to the housing by a mounting unit configured to: (1) allow the door to pivot relative to the housing about a door pivot axis between a closed angle orientation and an open angle orientation; and (2) allow the door to translate axially between a fully lowered state and a fully raised state.

[0018] In another aspect, the cabinet includes: a housing comprising a rear wall, a first side wall, a second side wall opposite to the first side wall, a bottom plate, and a top plate opposite to the bottom plate, which together define a storage compartment having a front opening opposite to the rear wall; a door mounted to the housing such that the door can be translated relative to the housing between a fully lowered state and a fully raised state; and a counterweight mounted to the first side wall and operably coupled to the door.

[0019] In another aspect, the cabinet includes: a housing defining a storage compartment having a front opening; a door mounted to the housing; and a shelf mounted to the lower end of the door and projecting from the front surface of the door, the shelf including at least one of the following: (1) a depth of at least one inch; (2) a width smaller than the width of the door; and (3) a retaining element for preventing objects from sliding off the upper surface of the shelf.

[0020] In another aspect, a method for forming a combined mirror and electronic display viewing assembly includes: a) positioning an electronic device having a display screen in an upright orientation on a ledge connected to a mirrored door of a cabinet, the ledge protruding beyond the front surface of the mirrored door, the mirrored door being mounted to a housing such that the mirrored door can be translated relative to the housing between a fully lowered state and a raised state, wherein in the fully lowered state the mirrored door covers the entire front opening, and in the raised state the lower portion of the storage compartment of the housing is not obstructed by the door; and wherein, when the mirrored door moves between the raised state and the fully lowered state, the ledge moves together with the mirrored door. Attached Figure Description

[0021] This disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of a lamp-mounted mirror device according to one embodiment;

[0023] Figure 2 It is an isometric view with a light-reflecting device, in which the door with the light-reflecting device is open;

[0024] Figure 3A This is a front view of the device with a light-reflecting mirror.

[0025] Figure 3B It is along Figure 3A An equidistant cross-sectional view of the second lamp assembly taken by line AA;

[0026] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3A The cross-section of the device cut by line AA;

[0027] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A close-up view of area B;

[0028] Figure 6 An exploded view of the components of the lamp assembly is shown;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a cross-section of the front portion of the second lamp assembly, which shows the main optical path according to one embodiment;

[0030] Figure 8 The main optical path at the first multi-media interface is shown;

[0031] Figure 9 The main optical path at the second multi-media interface is shown;

[0032] Figure 10 The main optical path at the third multi-media interface is shown;

[0033] Figure 11 Another view of the main optical path of the second lamp assembly is shown;

[0034] Figure 12 The optical output of the second lamp assembly is shown within ±10°.

[0035] Figure 13 This is an isometric view of a lamp-mounted mirror device according to one embodiment;

[0036] Figure 14 This is a front view of the device with a light-reflecting mirror.

[0037] Figure 15 This is a top view of the device with a light-reflecting mirror.

[0038] Figure 16 It is along Figure 14 An equidistant cross-sectional view of the first lamp assembly taken by line AA;

[0039] Figure 17 It is along Figure 14 A cross-sectional view of the first lamp assembly taken by line AA;

[0040] Figure 18 This is an exploded view of the first lamp assembly;

[0041] Figures 19 to 22 This is a cross-sectional view of the first lamp assembly according to an alternative embodiment;

[0042] Figure 23 This is a flowchart of a method for forming a lamp-mounted mirror device according to one embodiment;

[0043] Figure 24 This is a front perspective view of a cabinet in a fully lowered state and in a closed-angle orientation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 25 It is in a fully lowered state and in an open angle orientation. Figure 24 A front-view 3D view of the cabinet;

[0045] Figure 26A yes Figure 24 Exploded rear view of the cabinet;

[0046] Figure 26B yes Figure 24 A front-view exploded perspective view of the cabinet;

[0047] Figure 27 It is in a fully reduced state and in a closed-angle orientation. Figure 24 A rear-view 3D view of the cabinets;

[0048] Figure 28 It is in a fully reduced state and in a closed-angle orientation. Figure 24 Side view of the cabinet;

[0049] Figure 29A yes Figure 24 A front-view perspective of the cabinet's side walls and hinges;

[0050] Figure 29B yes Figure 29A Rear perspective view of the side walls and hinges;

[0051] Figure 30 It is along Figure 27 A cross-sectional view taken from line VII-VII;

[0052] Figure 31It is in a fully elevated state and in a closed-angle orientation. Figure 24 A front-view 3D view of the cabinet;

[0053] Figure 32 It is in a fully elevated state and in a closed-angle orientation. Figure 24 A rear-view 3D view of the cabinets;

[0054] Figure 33 It is in a fully elevated state and in an open-angle orientation. Figure 24 A front-view 3D view of the cabinet;

[0055] Figure 34 It is in a fully elevated state and in an open-angle orientation. Figure 24 A rear-view 3D view of the cabinets;

[0056] Figure 35A It is in a fully reduced state and in a closed-angle orientation. Figure 24 Front view of the cabinet;

[0057] Figure 35B It is in a fully elevated state and in a closed-angle orientation. Figure 24 Front view of the cabinet;

[0058] Figure 35C It is in a fully raised state and in a closed-angle orientation according to an alternative implementation. Figure 24 Front view of the cabinet;

[0059] Figure 35D It is along Figure 35A A cross-sectional view taken from the XIID-XIID line;

[0060] Figure 36A It is in a fully lowered state and in an open angle orientation. Figure 24 Front view of the cabinet;

[0061] Figure 36B It is in a fully elevated state and in an open-angle orientation. Figure 24 Front view of the cabinet;

[0062] Figure 37 This is a front perspective view of a cabinet in a fully lowered state and in an open angle orientation, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 38 It is in a fully elevated state and in an open-angle orientation. Figure 37 A front-view 3D view of the cabinet;

[0064] Figure 39 This is a front perspective view of a cabinet in a fully lowered state and in an open angle orientation, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 40 It is in a fully elevated state and in an open-angle orientation. Figure 39 A front-view 3D view of the cabinet;

[0066] Figure 41 This is a front perspective view of a cabinet in a fully lowered state and at an open angle, according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

[0067] Figure 42 It is in a fully elevated state and in an open-angle orientation. Figure 41 A front-view 3D view of the cabinet.

[0068] The accompanying drawings illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention, but do not limit the scope of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0069] The following description of preferred embodiments is exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit one or more of the invention. The description of illustrative embodiments is intended to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are considered an integral part of the entire written description. In the description of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, any reference to directions or orientations is intended only for the convenience of description and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” and “rear,” and their derivatives (e.g., “horizontal,” “downward,” “upward,” etc.) should be interpreted as referring to the orientation subsequently described or shown in the figures discussed. These relative terms are for descriptive convenience only and do not require a specific orientation unless explicitly indicated otherwise. Terms such as “attach,” “join,” “connect,” “link,” “interconnect,” “fasten,” and other similar terms refer to a relationship in which structures are directly or indirectly fastened or attached to each other via an intermediate structure, and to movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless explicitly stated otherwise. The discussion herein describes and illustrates some possible non-limiting combinations of features that may exist alone or in combinations of other features. Furthermore, as used herein, the term "or" will be interpreted as a logical operator whose result is true if one or more of its operands are true.

[0070] As used throughout, a range is a concise expression describing each value within the range. Any value within the range may be chosen as the endpoint of the range. Furthermore, the entire contents of all references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference. In the event of any conflict between the definitions in this disclosure and those in the cited references, this disclosure shall prevail.

[0071] In the following description in which block diagrams or circuits are shown and described, those skilled in the art will recognize that, for clarity, not all peripheral components or circuits are shown in the figures or described in the description. For example, common components such as memory devices and power supplies may not be discussed herein, as the function of these common components will be readily understood by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the terms “coupled” and “operably coupled” can refer to direct or indirect coupling between two components of the circuit.

[0072] A lamp-mounted mirror device that increases useful light output by utilizing refraction.

[0073] Now refer to the attached diagram, Figure 1 This is an isometric view of a lampd mirror device 10 according to one embodiment. The device 10 includes a mirror 10 in a viewing state. In this embodiment, the device 10 forms part of a medicine cabinet having a door 71, but the invention is not limited thereto and can be used with any mirror. As will be discussed in more detail below, the device includes a first lamp assembly 20 along a first side 21 of the mirror and a second lamp assembly 22 along a second side 23 of the mirror, the lamp assemblies 20, 22 directing light toward the user of the mirror. For example, as... Figure 4 As shown, each of the lamp assemblies 20 and 22 is configured to generate light 26 and refract the main light path 28 toward the central plane 24.

[0074] In an exemplary embodiment, the sink area 15, which forms part of the bathroom vanity, is positioned below the illuminated mirror assembly 10. However, the invention is not limited thereto; any other items (e.g., a bathroom cabinet) may be positioned below or near the mirror assembly 10, or no items may be positioned below or near the mirror assembly 10.

[0075] Figure 2 This is an isometric view of an exemplary mirror assembly 10 with a light, wherein the door 71 of the mirror assembly 10 is open. The door is pivotally connected to a support structure 70 forming a cabinet box. The support structure 70 forms a storage cavity 78 with an opening 78A. The door 71 includes a mirror, with a mirror 12 located on the front surface of the door 71. A hinge mechanism 79 enables the pivotal connection. The door 71 is movably mounted to the support structure 70 so that in (1) the open state ( Figure 1 (as shown) and (2) observation status ( Figure 1 The position changes between the open and closed states (as shown), wherein in the open state, a passage to the storage cavity 78 is provided via opening 78A, and in the observation state, opening 78A is closed by door 71. When the door is in the closed position (observation state), the first lamp assembly 20 and the second lamp assembly 22 are mounted to the support structure 70 on opposite sides of the door.

[0076] An exemplary support structure 70 includes a top panel 72, a bottom panel 73, two side panels 74 and 75, and a rear panel 76. According to an exemplary embodiment, the rear panel 76 may be a mounting surface of the support structure 70 and may be configured to attach the support structure 70 to a structural wall or panel of a bathroom. The exemplary support structure 70 also includes a plurality of shelves 77. In this embodiment, some shelves extend across the entire width of the support structure 70, while another shelf extends only across a portion of the width of the support structure 70, thereby allowing taller objects to be placed in the space between the free end of the narrower shelf and the side of the support structure 70. However, the invention is not limited to any particular configuration of shelves, or even to medicine cabinets, as the invention can be used with any mirror. The entire contents of commonly owned U.S. Patent No. 10,687,618 are incorporated herein by reference.

[0077] Figure 3A This is a front view of the lampd mirror assembly 10 in an observation state. The first lamp assembly 20 and the second lamp assembly 22 are shown positioned on opposite sides of the mirror 12. The mirror 12 has a front surface 14 that defines a centerline 18.

[0078] The device 10, now shown in the observation state, is now being referred to. Figures 3B to 5 ,in Figure 3B It is along Figure 3A The equidistant cross-sectional view of the second lamp assembly 22 taken by line AA. Figure 4 It is along Figure 3A The cross-section of device 10 is cut by line AA, and Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A close-up view of region B. Furthermore, Figure 6 An exploded view of the components of the exemplary second lamp assembly 22 discussed herein is provided.

[0079] The front surface 14 of mirror 12 defines a mirror plane 16 and a centerline 18. A centerline 24 is perpendicular to the mirror plane 16 and intersects it along the centerline 18. Each of the first lamp assembly 20 and the second lamp assembly 22 is configured to generate light and transmit it along a main optical path toward the centerline 14. Exemplary lamp assemblies 20, 22 include a light source 30 configured to generate light 26. In an exemplary embodiment, the light source 30 is an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) extending over all or most of the length of the lamp assembly 20, 22. In one embodiment, the LED is an Edison PLCC 2835 SE LED. However, the invention is not limited to LEDs. Other light sources, such as fluorescent, incandescent, or halogen lamps, may be used in the lamp assembly and may be present only for a portion of the length of the lamp assembly.

[0080] Exemplary lamp assemblies 20 and 22 each further include a light guide member 50 having a light output surface 51. The exemplary light guide member is made of transparent PMMA (poly(methyl methacrylate)) (acrylic acid) with micro-dots, but the invention is not limited to this particular material. The light guide member 50 is positioned within a cavity 25 formed by a light-transmitting cover member 40.

[0081] Similar to the light guide member, the exemplary cover member is made of transparent PMMA (acrylic). As shown, the exemplary second lamp assembly 22 is attached to a portion of the support structure 70 via the cover member 40, which has a lens light output surface 43. As will be discussed, the cover member 40 can be designed to guide light to the user and distribute the light evenly across the cover member. Components of the lamp assembly can also be supported by an inner frame 19.

[0082] The light guide member 50 guides light from the light source 30 to the lens light output surface 43. In an exemplary embodiment, the light guide member 50 has a light input surface 51A, and the light source 30 includes a row of light-emitting diodes positioned adjacent to the light input surface 51A. The light input surface 51A has a flat surface that is substantially parallel to and offset rearward from the mirror surface 14.

[0083] The exemplary lens light output surface 43 and the mirror front surface 14 each form a portion of the front surface 13 of the device 10. In the exemplary embodiment, the lens light output surface 43 extends over the height of the mirror; however, in other embodiments, the lens light output surface 43 may extend only over a portion of the mirror height. Furthermore, the exemplary lens light output surface 43 of the cover member 40 is a flat surface oriented substantially parallel to the mirror surface 14, and the lens light output surface 43 of the cover member 40 is substantially coplanar with the mirror surface 14. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the output surface 43 may be offset from the mirror surface 14.

[0084] Each of the example lamp assemblies 20, 22 further includes a light diffuser 36 having an arcuate portion positioned between the light output surface 51 of the light guide member 50 and the lens light input surface 42 of the lens portion of the cover member 40. In some embodiments, the light output surface 51 of the light guide member 50 has a smooth surface (e.g., a beveled polished edge), and / or the light input surface 51A has a smooth surface (e.g., a polished edge). The smooth edge allows maximum light energy to enter and exit the light guide member 50.

[0085] The exemplary diffuser 36 has a U-shaped bend to provide diffused light away from the side of the lamp assembly while diffusing light away from the light output surface 51 of the light guide member 50. The diffuser 36 is fitted into the internal cavity 25 in a manner that extends along the inner sidewall 47 of the cover member and bends at the front wall 46 of the cover member. This combination allows for a smooth and visually appealing light output. This combination also provides a unique aesthetic to the lens portion 41 of the cover member, where the user can see through the transparent lens and see the milky white diffuser 36 and its curves. The exemplary diffuser 36 is made of a polycarbonate (PC) diffuser film. As discussed herein, a diffuser is a sheet made of an optically transparent material that has engineered thin microstructures on one or more surfaces to improve lighting performance in terms of angle control, efficiency, light source concealment, and / or aesthetics. In other embodiments, the diffuser may be differently shaped or positioned or may be omitted.

[0086] like Figure 5 As shown, the exemplary cover member 40 includes an outer side wall 44 and a front wall 46. The outer side wall 44 has an outer surface that forms the exposed side surface 45 of the lamp-mounted mirror device 10, and the front wall 46 includes a lens portion 41. The cover member 40 also includes a front wall 46, which includes the lens portion 41. The lens light output surface 43 is the front surface of the front wall 46, which forms the exposed front surface 13 of the lamp-mounted mirror device 10.

[0087] The exemplary cover member 40 also includes an inner sidewall 47. Furthermore, the front wall 46 includes a first lip portion 48 projecting outward beyond the outer sidewall 44 and a second lip portion 49 projecting inward beyond the inner sidewall 47. The exemplary lamp assembly 22 also includes an internal cavity 25 formed at least partially by the cover member 40. A light source 30 and a light guide member 50 are positioned within the internal cavity 25, with the light guide member optically coupled to the light source 30.

[0088] An exemplary light guide member 50 is a light guide plate having a main inner surface 56, a main outer surface 57 opposite to the outer side wall 44 of the cover member 40, and an inclined front edge surface 51 extending between the main inner surface 56 and the main outer surface 57 and configured to refract light exiting the front edge surface 51 of the light guide plate 50 along the main optical path 28 toward the light input surface 42 of the lens portion 41. The light output surface 51 of the light guide plate 50 is the front edge surface extending between the main inner surface 56 and the main outer surface 57.

[0089] The exemplary inner frame 19 is made of aluminum and has bends at its ends to allow the reflector member 38 to be moved slowly from along the light guide member 50 into the open space. This bend produces aesthetically pleasing light by reducing glare that would otherwise be generated between the areas with and without the reflector member 38. The exemplary reflector member 38 has a reflective surface film 39 made of highly reflective white PET (95% reflectivity) adhered to the frame 19, but another suitable material can be used.

[0090] An exemplary reflective surface 39 is adjacent to and opposite to the main inner surface 56 of the light guide plate 50. A gap 37 exists between the reflective surface 39 and the main inner surface 56 of the light guide plate 50. The gap 37 has a width w measured parallel to the mirror surface 14. For the front portion 35B of the reflective surface 39, the width w of the gap 37 increases in size as the distance from the front edge 35 of the reflective surface 39 decreases. Furthermore, for the rear portion 35A of the reflective surface 39, the width w of the gap 37 is substantially constant. The front portion 35B of the exemplary reflective surface 39 is a convex surface that curves away from the light guide plate 50. Furthermore, the light guide plate 50 extends beyond the front edge 35 of the reflective surface 39. In the exemplary embodiment, both the main inner surface 56 and the main outer surface 57 are substantially parallel to the central plane (see also the central plane 24 shown). Figure 4 The surface is basically flat.

[0091] An exemplary light guide plate 50 is configured to: (1) emit a first percentage of light entering the light guide plate 50 from the light guide plate 50 via a main outer surface 57; and (2) emit a second percentage of light entering the light guide plate 50 from the light guide plate 50 via a light output surface 51, wherein the second percentage is greater than the first percentage. In other embodiments, the second percentage may be equal to or less than the first percentage.

[0092] return Figure 4 A top view of the device 10 is provided to illustrate how light 26 exits the first lamp assembly 20 and the second lamp assembly 22 and is directed toward the user 11. The first lamp assembly 20 and the second lamp assembly 22 are mounted to the support structure 70 on opposite sides of the mirror 12 and on opposite sides of the central plane 24. Each of the first lamp assembly 20 and the second lamp assembly 22 is configured to generate light 26 and emit light from the first lamp assembly 20 and the second lamp assembly 22 along the final portion 58 of the main optical path 28. As used herein, the term "main optical path" refers to the path through which the main optical output of the light source propagates at 0°, where 0° is the direction in which the luminous intensity of the light source reaches its peak. In an exemplary embodiment, since the light source comprises a single row of LEDs positioned on a vertical line (see...), Figure 6The light source 30 in the light source is the main light path, which is a vertical plane extending from the light source along the direction in which the light intensity of the light source reaches its peak value.

[0093] For each of the first lamp assembly 20 and the second lamp assembly 22, the final portion 58 of the main optical path 28 exits the lamp assembly at a first distance (D1) from the central plane. The final portion 58 of the main optical path 28 forms an emission angle θ with the mirror plane 16. M The device is configured to ensure the emission angle θ M Provide light in the ideal direction to illuminate the user's face and / or body. θ M The values ​​of D1 and D1 are chosen such that tan(θ) M x D1 (i.e., D2) is in the range of 15 to 30 inches. This conforms to the tan(θ) M The 15 to 30 inch range of tan(θ) x D1 (i.e., D2) maximizes the amount of light (i.e., "useful light") actually illuminating the user's face produced by the first lamp assembly 20 and the second lamp assembly 22, because this is due to the typical distance between the user and the bathroom mirror when standing, resulting from the typical depth of a bathroom vanity. In another embodiment, tan(θ) M ) x D1 (i.e., D2) is 20 to 28 inches. In a further embodiment, tan(θ) M ) x D1 (i.e., D2) is 22 inches to 26 inches. In another implementation, tan(θ) M D1 (i.e., D2) is 24 inches. This limitation does not apply to other embodiments of the invention, such as when useful light is not required and / or is not desired.

[0094] Figures 7 to 11 A cross-section of the front portion of a second lamp assembly 22, illustrating the main optical path 28, is provided according to one embodiment. The lamp assembly is configured to refract the main optical path 28 multiple times toward the central plane 24. Figure 7 An overview of the main optical path 28 is provided. The first portion 52 of the main optical path 28 propagates along the light guide member to the first multi-medium interface 31, which is the light output surface 51 of the light guide member.

[0095] As will be discussed in more detail below, light will refract at different interfaces 31, 32, and 33 according to Snell's law of refraction. Snell's law states that the speed and wavelength of light change when it enters different media. Therefore, light: (1) bends toward the normal to the interface when its speed decreases in the new medium; or (2) bends away from the normal to the interface when its speed increases in the new medium. The angle of refraction depends on the refractive indices of the two media:

[0096] n1sin(Φ)=n2sin(Ψ)

[0097] Where n1 is the refractive index of the first medium (from which light propagates), n2 is the refractive index of the second medium (in which light propagates), Φ is the angle of incidence (the angle between the normal to the interface boundary between the two media and the light propagating through the first medium), and Ψ is the angle of refraction (the angle between the normal to the interface boundary and the light propagating through the second medium). It should be noted that the angles used in this paper assume that the light guide member 50 and the cover member 40 are made of PMMA with a refractive index of 1.49.

[0098] As will be discussed in more detail below, according to Snell's law and the varying refractive indices of different propagation media, the main optical path 28 will bend inward at the first multi-medium interface 31, outward at the second multi-medium interface 32, and inward at the third multi-medium interface 33. The incident angle Φ and the refraction angle Ψ, as well as the angles of the main optical path 24 relative to lines 24A, 24B, and 24C parallel to the central plane 24, are shown at each interface 31, 32, and 33. The refraction of the main optical path will result in four sections 52, 53, 55, and 58 of the main optical path 58. Figure 7 The net angle of refraction Ψ is shown to be greater than 20° (23.4°). N The first part 52 of the main optical path is parallel to the central plane 24.

[0099] Figure 8 The main optical path 28 at the first multi-media interface 31 is shown. The light guide member 50 has a light output surface 51. The light output surface 51 defines a first interface reference plane 61 that intersects the central plane 24 at an outward and rearward first acute angle θ1 (60°). As used herein, the term "outward" means an increasing distance perpendicular to the central plane 24, and "rearward" means from the front surface 14 of the mirror 12 toward the rear of the device 10.

[0100] From light source 30 ( Figure 5 Light is guided by the light guide member 50 along the first portion 52 of the main optical path 28 to the light output surface 51. The first portion 52 of the main optical path and the light output surface 51 form a first incident angle Φ1 (30°). The light output surface 51 is a portion of the first multi-medium interface 31 configured to refract light leaving the light output surface 51 of the light guide member along the second portion 53 of the main optical path 28 at a first refraction angle Ψ1 (48.16°). According to Snell's law, since the new medium (air in cavity 25) allows light to propagate faster than the previous medium (light guide member), the second portion 53 of the main optical path bends away from the normal 54A, causing the light to refract inward toward the central plane 24. Therefore, the first refraction angle Ψ1 (48.16°) is greater than the first incident angle Φ1 (30°).

[0101] Figure 9 The main optical path 28 at the second multi-medium interface 32 is shown. The cover member 40 has a lens portion 41 with a lens light input surface 42, which is part of the second multi-medium interface 32. The second multi-medium interface 32 receives light propagating along a second portion 53 of the main optical path 28 at a second incident angle Φ2 (8.16°). In a preferred embodiment, the second incident angle Φ2 is 10° or less. The second multi-medium interface 32 refracts the light passing through it at a second refraction angle Ψ2 (5.46°), causing the light to propagate along a third portion 55 of the main optical path 28 through the lens portion 41. Because the new medium (the lens portion 41 of the cover member 40) allows for slower light propagation compared to the previous medium (air in cavity 25), the third portion 55 of the main optical path bends toward the normal 54B, resulting in the light being refracted slightly away from the central plane 24.

[0102] Figure 10 The main optical path at the third multi-medium interface 33 is shown. The lens light output surface 43 is part of the third multi-medium interface 33. The third multi-medium interface 33 is configured to receive light propagating along the third portion 55 of the main optical path 28 at a third incident angle Φ3 (15.46°). Furthermore, the third multi-medium interface 33 causes light leaving the lens light output surface 43 to refract along the fourth portion 58 of the main optical path 28 at a third refraction angle Ψ3 (23.40°). Since the new medium (air in the front of the cover member 40) allows for faster light propagation compared to the previous medium (lens portion 41 of the cover member 40), the fourth portion 58 of the main optical path bends away from the normal 54C, resulting in light refraction toward the central plane. In the exemplary embodiment, the following equation is satisfied: Φ2-Ψ2<Ψ3-Φ3. As a result, the light refraction away from the central plane 24 at the second interface (lens input 42) is less than the light refraction toward the central plane 24 at the third interface (lens output). Therefore, the cover member 40 provides net refraction toward the central plane 24. Furthermore, at both the third interface 33 and the first interface 31 (where light travels faster in the new medium than in the previous medium), the angle of refraction Ψ is greater than the angle of incidence Φ. Additionally, although Φ2 > Ψ2 at the second interface (see... Figure 9 However, at the third interface, Ψ3 < Φ3 ( Figure 10 ).

[0103] Figure 11Another view of the main optical path of the second lamp assembly is shown. A second portion 53 of the main optical path is positioned along a first refracting light reference plane 59. The lens portion 41 of the cover member 40 has a lens light input surface 42, which is part of a second multi-medium interface 32 defining a second interface reference plane 62. The lens portion 41 also includes a lens light output surface 43, which is part of a third multi-medium interface defining a third interface reference plane 63. The first refracting light reference plane 59 intersects the second interface reference plane 62 to form an outward-backward second angle θ2. Additionally, the first refracting light reference plane 59 intersects the third interface reference plane 63 to form an outward-backward third angle θ3. The second and third angles are corresponding angles where θ3 < θ2. Furthermore, the lens portion 41 of the cover member 40 has thicknesses t1 and t2, measured from the lens light input surface 42 to the lens light output surface 43, in a direction parallel to the central plane. The thickness of the lens portion 41 decreases with increasing distance from the central plane 24. Therefore, thickness t2 is less than thickness t1. It should be noted that the specific angles, distances, and other values ​​mentioned herein are exemplary and do not limit the invention.

[0104] at last, Figure 12 The main optical path 28, as well as the -10° optical path 28A and the +10° optical path 28B, are shown. This view of the optical output ±10° shows how different rays propagating through the light guide member 50 and the cover member 40 will be refracted at different angles, resulting in an optical output oriented around the main optical path 28 and generally inward toward the central plane 24. In the exemplary embodiment, the incident angle Φ and refraction angle Ψ of the three interfaces 31, 32, and 33 are as follows: Φ 1P =20°, Ψ 1P =30.64°, Φ 2P = -9.36°, Ψ 2P = -6.27°, Φ 3P =3.73°, Ψ 3P = 5.56°, Φ 1M =40°, Ψ 1M =72.28°, Φ 2M =32.28°, Ψ 2M =21°, Φ 3M =31°, Ψ 3M =50.12°.

[0105] The light device discussed in this article offers several advantages. For example, the beveled light guide directs light toward the user of the mirror. The lamp cover assembly has angled optics for further guiding the light toward the user. It also evenly distributes the light across the cover assembly. The light diffuser provides diffused light away from the sides of the lamp holder while also diffusing the light away from the ends of the light guide. These features allow the mirror to effectively illuminate the user's face, even when the user is close to the mirror. It also provides uniform illumination without hot spots or visible LEDs.

[0106] Edge mounting of lamp components with lamp mirror

[0107] Now refer to the attached diagram, Figure 13 This is an isometric view of a lighted mirror device 5110 according to one embodiment. The device 5110 includes a mirror 5112 in a viewing state. As will be discussed in more detail below, the device 5110 also includes a first lamp assembly 5120 along a first edge 5121 of the mirror 5112 and a second lamp assembly 5122 along a second edge 5123 of the mirror 5112, the lamp assemblies 5120 and 5122 directing light toward a user of the mirror 5112.

[0108] In an exemplary embodiment, the sink area 5115, which forms part of the bathroom vanity, is positioned below the illuminated mirror assembly 5110. However, the invention is not limited thereto; any other item (e.g., a bathroom cabinet) may be positioned below or near the mirror assembly 5110, or no item may be positioned below or near the mirror assembly 5110.

[0109] Figure 14 This is a front view of the mirror assembly 5110 with lamps. A first lamp assembly 5120 and a second lamp assembly 5122 are positioned on opposite sides of the mirror 5112. The mirror 5112 has a front surface 5114 that defines a centerline 5118.

[0110] In an exemplary embodiment, mirror 5112 includes a first side mirror edge 5121 and a second side mirror edge 5123 opposite to the first side mirror edge 5121. A first lamp assembly 5120 is mounted to mirror 5112 along the first side mirror edge 5121. A second lamp assembly 5122 is mounted to mirror 5112 along the second side mirror edge 5123. The first lamp assembly 5120 extends along the entire length of the first side mirror edge 5121, and the second lamp assembly 5122 extends along the entire length of the second side mirror edge 5123. In other embodiments, the lamp assemblies may extend only along a portion of one side of the mirror.

[0111] Now referring to the device 5110 shown from various angles Figures 15 to 18 ,in, Figure 15 This is a top view of the mirror device 5110 with a lamp. Figure 16 It is along Figure 14 The equidistant cross-sectional view of the first lamp assembly 5120 taken from line AA. Figure 17 It is along Figure 14 The cross-sectional view of the first lamp assembly 5120 taken by line AA, and Figure 18 This is an exploded view of the first lamp assembly 5120.

[0112] The front surface 5114 of mirror 5112 defines the mirror plane 5116 and the center line 5118 (see...) Figure 14 The central plane 5124 is perpendicular to the mirror plane 5116 and intersects the mirror plane 5116 along the central line 5118. Each of the first lamp assembly 5120 and the second lamp assembly 5122 is configured to generate light and transmit the light toward the central plane 5124. Exemplary lamp assemblies 5120, 5122 include a light source 5130 configured to generate light. In an exemplary embodiment, the light source 5130 extends over all or most of the length of the lamp assemblies 5120, 5122 and includes a plurality of LEDs 5130A (see...). Figure 18 The invention comprises an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 5130. However, the invention is not limited to LEDs. Other light sources, such as fluorescent lamps, incandescent lamps, or halogen lamps, may be used in the lamp assembly and may be present only for a portion of the lamp assembly's length.

[0113] The lamp-mounted mirror assembly 5110 includes a base 5119 mounted to the mirror 5112. Lamp assemblies 5120 and 5122 are mounted to the base 5119. In other embodiments, other means for mounting the lamp assemblies may be used.

[0114] Exemplary device 5110 includes a support structure 5170 for supporting the mirror. In the exemplary embodiment, the support structure does not form part of the medicine cabinet. However, in other embodiments, the device may form part of the medicine cabinet. The entire contents of commonly owned U.S. Patent No. 10,687,618 are incorporated herein by reference. The disclosed lamp assembly can be used with any type of medicine cabinet, including those cabinet features discussed herein. For example, when used with a medicine cabinet having a door with a mirror mounted on it, the door may extend behind the corresponding lamp assembly.

[0115] Return to Figures 15 to 18 Especially Figure 17 An exemplary lamp assembly 5120 includes an illumination element 5137, which includes a front light-emitting surface 5139. The illumination element 5137 is optically coupled to a light source 5130 and configured to transmit light and emit at least a portion of light 5126 from the front light-emitting surface 5139. Figure 15 ).

[0116] An exemplary illumination element 5137 is positioned such that: (1) a front luminescent surface 5139 is adjacent to and extends along at least one mirror edge 5121; (2) the front luminescent surface 5139 protrudes outward from at least one mirror edge 5121 in a direction away from the central plane 5124; and (3) the front luminescent surface 5139 protrudes outward from the mirror plane in a forward direction. As used herein, the term “outward” means an increase in distance perpendicular to the central plane 5124, and “forward” means an increase in distance perpendicular to the mirror plane 5116 in a direction away from the rear surface 5112A of the mirror 5112.

[0117] An exemplary lighting element 5137 includes a multilayer panel comprising a diffuse light guide layer 5136, an optically transparent capping layer 5140 including a front emitting surface 5139, and a reflective layer 5138. The diffuse light guide layer 5136 is located between the reflective layer 5138 and the optically transparent capping layer 5140. The multilayer panel 5137 may be a co-extruded multilayer panel, as will be discussed in more detail below. The invention is not limited to the above-described layers, as the lighting element may omit the reflective layer and / or the capping layer 5140.

[0118] Although the exemplary multilayer panel 5137 has an arcuate cross-sectional profile (and each individual layer 5136, 5138, 5140 of the multilayer panel 5137 has an arcuate cross-sectional profile), in other embodiments, the panel 5137 and its layers may have alternative profiles.

[0119] Figures 19 to 22 This is a cross-sectional view of a first lamp assembly according to an alternative embodiment. Although the components are the same as those in lamp assembly 5120, their outlines or positioning are different. Figure 19 The bending portion in the lighting element 5137B is shown to exist at the edge 5121 of the mirror 5112. Figure 20 The illumination element 5137C is shown to have no bends or arcs, and the front mirror surface 5114 is flush with the front light-emitting surface 5139. Figure 21 An illumination element 5137D is shown, wherein an optically transparent overlay 5140 is shaped to create a hollow transparent lens extending in front of (i.e., outwardly or protruding from) the front surface 5114 of the mirror 5112. In contrast, Figure 22 This is a cross-sectional view of the illumination element 5137E recessed from the front surface 5114 of the mirror 5112. Therefore, in Figure 22 In this embodiment, the front light-emitting surface 5139 is behind the front surface of the mirror and its mirror plane, and the front light-emitting surface does not protrude outward from the mirror plane in the forward direction.

[0120] An exemplary diffuse light guide layer 5136 includes an optically transparent body 5133 and a light diffuser element 5134 embedded in the optically transparent body 5133. The light diffuser element 5134 may be, for example, an internal bubble, a reflector, and / or a white material used to diffuse light. These elements are a low-cost alternative to etching, which is an alternative method to induce diffusion and scattering.

[0121] An exemplary reflective layer 5138 includes a reflective surface 5142 adjacent to the rear surface 5143 of the diffuse light guide layer. The reflective surface 5142 is a curved surface in a direction perpendicular to the central plane 5124 and has a radius of curvature that increases with distance from the central plane 5124. The exemplary reflective layer 5138 comprises a reflective white material, but other colors may be used. The reflective layer helps ensure that light is guided forward and toward the user in a preferred direction.

[0122] An exemplary optically clear capping layer 5140 terminates at a proximal edge 5141 adjacent to the mirror edge 5121. Furthermore, the optically clear capping layer 5140 surrounds the distal edge 5132 of the diffuse light guide layer 5136. The exemplary optically clear capping layer 5140 can provide visual depth and prevent scratches on the diffuse light guide layer. It can be made of plastic or one or more other materials.

[0123] like Figure 17 As shown, an exemplary light source 5130 is positioned behind a mirror 5112 and extends inward from the mirror edge 5121. Furthermore, a portion of a diffuse light guide layer 5136 extends behind the mirror 5112 and terminates at a light input edge 5135 adjacent to the light source 5130. The exemplary light source 5130 is positioned behind the mirror 5112 and extends inward from at least one mirror edge 5121. The inner portion 5139A of the exemplary front emitting surface 5139 is substantially flush with the edge portion 5114A of the front surface 5114 of the mirror. The light source 5130 is configured to output light in a direction outward from the central plane 5124. The illumination element 5137 is configured to redirect at least a portion of the light 5126 emitted from the front emitting surface 5139 in a direction toward the central plane 5124 by reflection, refraction, diffusion, or a combination thereof.

[0124] An exemplary front luminescent surface 5139 is a curved surface in a direction perpendicular to the central plane 5124. Furthermore, the front luminescent surface 5139 has a radius of curvature that increases with the distance from the central plane 5124.

[0125] Figure 23 It is a lamp-mounted mirror device formed according to one embodiment (such as the one described above). Figures 13 to 18The flowchart of method 5150 of the apparatus 5110 described herein is shown. In operation 5151, an illumination element 5137 is extruded, the illumination element 5137 including a front emitting surface 5139 and a light receiving edge 5135. In a preferred embodiment, an optically transparent cover layer 5140, a diffuse light guide layer 5136, and a reflective layer 5138 are co-extruded to form the illumination element 5137, but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0126] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the layers 5136, 5138, and 5140 of the lighting element 5137 is formed of plastic. Furthermore, the plastics of layers 5136, 5138, and 5140 are selected such that chemical bonding occurs between adjacent layers during co-extrusion. In other embodiments, other materials may be used.

[0127] In operation 5152, the illumination element 5137 is cut to a desired axial length corresponding to the length of the mirror edge 5121. In operation 5153, the illumination element 5137 is mounted along the mirror edge 5121 of the mirror 5112, and the light receiving edge 5135 of the illumination element 5137 is optically coupled to the light source 5130 mounted to the mirror 5112.

[0128] According to the exemplary method, lamp assemblies 5120 and 5122 are directly mounted to mirror 5112. Furthermore, the lamp-mounted mirror assembly 5110 includes a base frame 5119 mounted to mirror 5112. Lamp assemblies 5120 and 5122 are mounted to base frame 5119. In other embodiments, other mounting methods may be used.

[0129] In one embodiment, mounting the lighting element (operation 5153) includes adhering the lighting element 5137 to the rear surface 5112A of the mirror 5112. Mounting also includes: (a) applying an adhesive material (not shown) to at least one of a portion 5144A of the rear surface 5112A of the mirror 5112 and / or a portion 5144B of the front surface 5137A of the lighting element 5137; and (b) pressing the portion 5144A of the rear surface 5112A of the mirror 5112 and the portion 5144B of the front surface 5137A of the lighting element 5137 together. The adhesive discussed herein can be any type of adhesive material, including double-sided adhesive tape and / or fluid adhesive compositions. Mounting the lighting element (operation 5153) may also include: (a) mounting the light source 5130 to a portion 5119A of the base frame 5119; and (b) mounting a portion 5119C of the base frame 5119 to the rear surface 5112A of the mirror 5112.

[0130] In some embodiments, mounting the lighting element (operation 5153) includes: (a) mounting the light source 5130 to a first portion 5119A of the base frame 5119; (b) mounting the lighting element 5137 to a second portion 5119B of the base frame 5119 to form a light unit 5145; and (c) mounting the light unit 5145 to the rear surface 5112A of the mirror 5112 such that the lighting element 5137 extends along and protrudes outward from the mirror edge 5121 of the mirror 5112, and the light source 5130 is located behind the mirror 5112.

[0131] Cabinet unit with increased freedom of movement

[0132] Reference Figures 24 to 26B A cabinet 1000 will be described according to an embodiment of the present invention. The cabinet 1000 generally includes a housing 100 and doors 200 mounted to the housing 100. The housing 100 extends along a longitudinal axis BB. The housing 100 includes a rear wall 101, a bottom plate 102, a top plate 103, a first side wall 105, and a second side wall 104. The rear wall 101 is configured to be mounted to a support structure for suspending the cabinet on the support structure. The support structure may be a wall of a building structure, but is not limited thereto, and the support structure may be any support structure or support surface on which the cabinet is to be mounted. The rear wall 101, bottom plate 102, top plate 103, and first side wall 105 and second side wall 104 are joined together to form the housing 100, which defines a storage compartment 106 having a front opening 107. The bottom plate 102, top plate 103, first side wall 105, and second side wall 104 all extend from the inner surface of the rear wall 101 to define the storage compartment 106. The rear wall 101, bottom plate 102, top plate 103, first side wall 105, and second side wall 104 can be connected together using fasteners such as screws, assembled mechanical structures or features, adhesives, bolts, etc.

[0133] In an exemplary embodiment, the rear wall 101 is a flat panel sheet having flat front and rear surfaces. The rear wall 101 is not limited to this shape and structure and may take other forms, including having non-flat surfaces. The first sidewall 105 and the second sidewall 104 each have a flat inner surface facing the storage chamber 106, giving the storage chamber 106 a standard box shape. However, in the exemplary embodiment, the first sidewall 105 and the second sidewall 104 are not structurally identical to each other. This is because, in the exemplary embodiment, the counterweight assembly 400 is configured to be mounted to the first sidewall 105 and no counterweight assembly is attached to the second sidewall 104. In other embodiments, a supplementary counterweight assembly may be attached to the second sidewall 104. Furthermore, in alternative embodiments, the second sidewall 104 may be manufactured to be structurally identical to the first sidewall 105 even without the supplementary counterweight assembly. The counterweight assembly 400 and the first sidewall 105 will be described in more detail below.

[0134] The base plate 102 includes a base plate surface portion 108 and an upright wall portion 109 extending downward from the front edge of the base plate surface portion 108. The base plate surface portion 108 forms the lowest shelf within the storage compartment 106, on which items can be stored within the cabinet 1000. As described below, the door 200 is configured to rise vertically (i.e., translate axially along the longitudinal axis BB of the housing 100) when the door is in a closed angle orientation to expose the lower portion of the storage compartment, including the base plate surface portion 108, such that objects stored on the base plate surface portion 108 can be exposed to the user without the user having to pivot the door 200 to an open angle orientation. The door 200 moves between a fully lowered state and a fully raised state (compare). Figure 35A and Figure 35B The door 200 remains in a generally vertical plane and slides along the generally vertical plane.

[0135] In an exemplary embodiment, a wall frame 130 is provided attached to the inner surface 203 of the door 200. The wall frame 130 includes a vertical wall portion 131 attached to the inner surface 203 of the door 200, a horizontal support portion 132 projecting horizontally from the vertical wall portion 131 and from the front surface 201 of the door 200, and a retention element 133. In some embodiments, the vertical wall portion 131 of the wall frame 130 may be attached to the inner surface 203 of the door 200 using an adhesive; however, the invention is not limited to this in all embodiments, and other features such as brackets, fasteners, mounting elements, etc., may be used to attach the wall frame 130 to the door 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the retention element 133 is an angled portion or lip projecting upwardly at an angle from the end of the horizontal support portion 132. However, the retention element 133 may take other forms in other embodiments. For example, in one embodiment, the retention element 133 may be a groove formed in the horizontal support portion 132 of the wall frame 130 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 35D In some other embodiments, the retaining element 133 may be a lip, ridge, adhesive, or a rough surface on the horizontal support portion 132 of the ledge 130. In such alternative embodiments, the angled portion may be omitted or retained.

[0136] The horizontal support portion 132 of the wall shelf 130 provides a surface on which a user can place items, such as mobile phones or tablets. Furthermore, the horizontal support portion 132 is located below the bottom edge 202 of the door 200. Because the wall shelf 130 is connected to the door 200, when the door is in its fully lowered state (… Figure 24 ) and its fully elevated state ( Figure 31 When moving between them, even when the door is like Figure 24 When the ledge 130 is in its fully lowered position and at its closed angle, as depicted, it moves up and down with the door 200. In the exemplary embodiment, the width of the ledge 130 is smaller than the width of the door 200. Therefore, when the door 200 is in the position as described... Figure 24 When the door 200 is in the closed angle orientation and fully lowered position as shown, a portion of the bottom edge 202 of the door 200 remains exposed. That is, a portion of the bottom edge 202 of the door 200 is not covered by the ledge 200, or the ledge does not extend across a portion of the bottom edge 202 of the door 200.

[0137] The horizontal support portion 132 of the shelf 130 protrudes beyond the front surface 201 of the door 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the horizontal support portion 132 of the shelf 130 protrudes from the front surface 201 of the door 200 by a depth D1. In some embodiments, the depth D1 may be at least one inch, and in some embodiments more specifically at least 1.25 inches. Furthermore, the width W1 of the shelf 130 is less than the width of the door 200. The width W1 of the shelf 130 may range from 7 inches to 11 inches, more specifically from 8 inches to 10 inches, and more specifically approximately 9 inches. In some embodiments, the width W1 of the shelf 130 may be less than half the width of the door 200. Users can store or place items on the horizontal support portion 132 of the shelf 130 regardless of the position of the door 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the retaining element 133 is a lip or end wall portion that extends upward at an angle from the end of the horizontal support portion 132 to help keep items in place on the shelf 130. In other embodiments, the horizontal support portion 132 may include a groove, channel, or recess located in the horizontal support portion 132, and the bottom edge of an item (e.g., a telephone) may be nested in the groove, channel, or recess to hold the item on the shelf 130.

[0138] Although the wall shelf 130 is shown in the exemplary embodiment as being attached to the door 200, the invention is not limited thereto in all embodiments. In some embodiments, the wall shelf 130 may be attached to the base plate 102 of the housing 100. That is, adhesives, fasteners, etc., may be used to secure the vertical wall portion 131 of the wall shelf 130 to the upright wall portion 109 of the base plate 102.

[0139] The cabinet 1000 includes a plurality of shelves 110, 111, and 112, which are located within a storage compartment 106 and connected to a first side wall 105, a second side wall 104, and / or a rear wall 101. Shelves 110, 111, and 112 may be attached to the housing 100 via pins, protrusions, adhesives, fasteners, or any other technique commonly used to secure shelves to a cabinet. In an exemplary embodiment, shelves 110 and 112 extend only partially through the storage compartment 106, while shelf 111 extends over the full length of the storage compartment 106. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the exact lengths of shelves 110, 111, and 112 may be modified from the lengths depicted in the drawings. Furthermore, although three shelves 110, 111, and 112 are present in the exemplary embodiment, more than or fewer than three shelves may be present in other embodiments. In some other embodiments, all shelves 110, 111, 112 may be omitted, and storage chamber 106 may be a continuous open cavity space.

[0140] The cabinet 1000 includes a power supply unit 120 located within a storage compartment 106. The power supply unit 120 can be coupled to one or more of a rear wall 101, a bottom plate 102, a top plate 103, or a first side wall 105 and a second side wall 104. The power supply unit 120 includes one or more electrical outlets configured to receive power plugs for charging one or more electronic components. The electrical outlets on the power supply unit 120 can be standard plug sockets, USB sockets, or a combination of both. Although not shown in the drawings, the power supply unit 120 is operatively coupled to a main power supply when the cabinet 1000 is assembled and mounted on a supporting surface such as a wall. In an exemplary embodiment, the power supply unit 120 is located within the storage compartment 106 between the two lowest shelves 111, 112. However, the invention is not limited to this in all embodiments, and the power supply unit 120 may be positioned at other axial locations within the storage compartment 106 in other embodiments. In one particular embodiment, the power supply unit 120 may be located between the bottom plate 109 and the lowest shelf 112. Figure 35C ).

[0141] Door 200 is connected to housing 100 and can be oriented at the closing angle ( Figure 24 ) and opening angle orientation ( Figure 25 The door 200 pivots between the two openings. In the closed angle orientation, the door 200 closes the front opening 107 of the storage compartment 106. When the door 200 is in the open angle orientation, the front opening 107 is exposed to allow a user to enter the storage compartment 106. The door 200 includes a front surface 201, which is exposed when the door 200 is in both the open and closed angle orientations. In some embodiments, the front surface 201 of the door 200 may be a mirrored surface. Thus, the door 200 may include a mirror. In an exemplary embodiment, the door 200 may be coupled to the housing 100 via a mounting unit 300. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting unit 300 includes a first hinge 310 and a second hinge 320. In other embodiments, a single hinge or more than two hinges may be used. In still other embodiments, the mounting unit 300 may take other forms, which will be referred to below. Figures 39 to 42 Some examples are described for the installation unit 300.

[0142] As described above, the door 200 is connected to the housing 100 via a mounting unit 300. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting unit 300 includes a first hinge 310 and a second hinge 320. The first hinge 310 includes a first hinge portion 311 connected to the housing 100 and a second hinge portion 312 connected to the door 200. Similarly, the second hinge 320 includes a first hinge portion 321 connected to the housing 100 and a second hinge portion 322 connected to the door 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the first hinge portions 311, 321 of each of the first hinge 310 and the second hinge 320 are connected to a first sidewall 105 of the housing 100. As described above, in other embodiments, the mounting unit 300 may include only one hinge or more than two hinges.

[0143] In an exemplary embodiment, a second hinge portion 312, 322 of each of the first hinge 310 and the second hinge 320 is fixedly connected to the door 200. That is, the second hinge portions 312, 322 are connected to the door 200 using screws. The second hinge portions 312, 322 include a disc-shaped element and supports extending from the top and bottom of the disc-shaped element. The door 200 includes a recess or recess 204 along its inner surface 203, within which the disc-shaped element is nested when the second hinge portions 312, 322 are connected to the door 200. Holes are provided in the supports for inserting screws or other fasteners to further securely connect the second hinge portions 312, 322 to the door 200. The second hinge portions 312, 322 are pivotally connected to the first hinge portions 311, 321 to allow the door to pivot between a closed angle orientation and an open angle orientation.

[0144] In an exemplary embodiment, the first hinge portions 311, 321 of each of the first hinge 310 and the second hinge 320 are slidably connected to the housing 100. Therefore, the hinges 310, 320 are configured such that when the door 200 moves between a fully lowered state and a fully raised state (compare...) Figure 24 and Figure 31 The hinges 310 and 320 slide relative to the housing 100 and are fixed, and will not move or slide relative to the door 200 when the door 200 moves between the fully lowered and fully raised states. However, the invention is not limited to this in all embodiments, and in other embodiments, the hinges 310 and 320 may be slidably coupled to the door 200 and fixedly coupled to the housing 100, as will be described below. Figure 37 and Figure 38 Describe one example. See below for reference. Figure 29A and 29B Additional details are provided regarding the first hinge 310 and the second hinge 320.

[0145] Reference Figures 24 to 28 The counterweight assembly 400 of cabinet 100 will be further described below. As described above, door 200 is configured to, as Figure 24 The fully reduced state shown is as follows Figure 31 The changes between fully elevated states are shown. As used herein, the term "elevation" indicates movement in a direction substantially opposite to the gravitational vector, while the term "depression" indicates movement in a direction substantially parallel to the gravitational vector.

[0146] The counterweight assembly 400 is configured to balance the door 200 in any vertical position, including and including both fully lowered and fully raised states or positions. The counterweight assembly 400 generally includes a counterweight 410, a counterweight rope 420, and a fixed pulley 430. The fixed pulley 430 is mounted to a first sidewall 105 of the housing 100 and serves to guide the counterweight rope 420 during movement of the door 200 between the raised and fully lowered states or positions. The counterweight rope 420 includes a first end 421 and a second end 422. Furthermore, the counterweight rope 420 includes a first connecting feature 423 located at the first end 421 and a second connecting feature 424 located at the second end 422. In an exemplary embodiment, the first connecting feature 423 is a first hook located at the first end 421 of the counterweight rope 420, and the second connecting feature 424 is a second hook located at the second end 422 of the counterweight rope 420.

[0147] The counterweight 410 has a weight or mass configured to apply a force opposite to the weight or mass of the door 200 to hold the door 200 in a balanced position, regardless of the vertical height at which the door 200 is positioned relative to the housing 100. Therefore, the weight or mass of the counterweight 410 may be equal to the weight or mass of the door 200. In some embodiments, the weight or mass of the counterweight 410 may be between 3 kg and 4 kg, more specifically between 3.5 kg and 3.7 kg. However, the weight or mass of the door 200 may predetermine the weight or mass of the counterweight 410, allowing the weight or mass of the counterweight 410 to be adjusted according to the weight or mass of the door 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the counterweight 410 is connected to the first hinge 310 via a counterweight rope 420. Because the first hinge 310 is connected to the door 200, this results in the counterweight 410 being indirectly connected to the door 200. In other embodiments, the counterweight 410 may be connected to both the first hinge 310 and the second hinge 320, only to the second hinge 320, or directly to the door 200, as long as the counterweight 410 is properly connected to the door 200 so that the weight / mass of the counterweight 410 and the door 200 cancel each other out.

[0148] The counterweight 410 includes a connecting feature 411. In an exemplary embodiment, the connecting feature 411 is positioned along the top edge of the counterweight 410. Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the connecting feature 411 of the counterweight 410 includes a hole. Specifically, the connecting feature 411 may be an eyelet. Thus, a first connecting feature 423 (i.e., a first hook) located at a first end 421 of the counterweight rope 420 extends into and through the hole of the connecting feature 411 of the counterweight 410 to attach the counterweight rope 420 to the counterweight 410. Similarly, the first hinge 310 includes a connecting feature 315. In an exemplary embodiment, the connecting feature 315 of the first hinge 310 includes a hole. Specifically, the connecting feature 315 of the first hinge 310 may be an eyelet. In an exemplary embodiment, the connecting feature 315 is an upwardly extending protrusion to which the end of the counterweight rope 420 is attached. A second connecting feature 424 (i.e., a second hook) located at the second end 422 of the counterweight rope 420 extends into and through a hole in the connecting feature 315 of the first hinge 310 to connect the counterweight rope 420 to the first hinge 315.

[0149] Therefore, the first hinge 310 is connected to the counterweight 410 via the counterweight rope 420. Furthermore, since the first hinge 310 is connected to the door 200, the counterweight 410 is indirectly connected to the door 200, such that the weight or mass of the counterweight 410 balances or counteracts the weight or mass of the door 200. The counterweight rope 420 wraps around the top of the fixed pulley 430. When the door 200 is in the fully lowered state ( Figure 27 ) and fully elevated state ( Figure 32 When switching between the two, the counterweight 410 moves an equal distance relative to the door 200 in opposite axial directions, and the counterweight rope 420 moves relative to the fixed pulley 430.

[0150] The counterweight assembly 400 also includes a pair of follower members 440, although in other embodiments there may be only one or more follower members. In an exemplary embodiment, each follower member 440 is connected to the counterweight 410 via a fastener such as a screw. However, in other embodiments, the counterweight 410 may have follower members 440 integrally formed therewith by changing the shape of the counterweight 410. The follower members 440 are configured to hold the counterweight 410 within a counterweight track 180 built into a first sidewall 105 of the housing 100. Thus, the follower members 400 have a shape that engages with the counterweight track 180 such that the counterweight 410 can be translated axially along the counterweight track 180 while being laterally secured by the counterweight track 180.

[0151] Simultaneously refer to Figure 29A , Figure 29B and Figure 30The first sidewall 105 and its relationship to the first hinge 310 will be described. The first sidewall 105 includes an inner surface 160 facing the storage chamber 106 of the housing 100 when the housing 100 is assembled, and an outer surface 161 opposite to the inner surface 160. The first sidewall 105 extends along a longitudinal axis GG, which is parallel to the longitudinal axis BB of the housing 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the first sidewall 105 includes a first through groove 162 and a second through groove 163. The first through groove 162 and the second through groove 163 are axially aligned with each other and spaced apart from each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis GG. In an alternative embodiment, the first through groove 162 and the second through groove 163 may be connected to form a single groove. Each of the first through groove 162 and the second through groove 163 is elongated in the direction of the longitudinal axis GG of the first sidewall 105.

[0152] Furthermore, the first sidewall 105 includes a counterweight track 180 and a hinge track 190. Both the counterweight track 180 and the hinge track 190 are formed in the outer surface 161 of the first sidewall 105 and are elongated in the direction of the longitudinal axis GG. The counterweight track 180 and the hinge track 190 are positioned side-by-side along the outer surface 161 of the first sidewall 105. The counterweight track 180 and the hinge track 190 are separated from each other by a track partition wall 175, which protrudes from the outer surface 161 of the first sidewall 105. Furthermore, the hinge track 190 is aligned with a first through groove 162 and a second through groove 163, which allows the first hinge 310 and the second hinge 320 to translate axially within the hinge track 190 along the first through groove 162 and the second through groove 163 during vertical upward / downward movement of the door 200 relative to the housing 100.

[0153] The counterweight track 180 is defined between a first surface 176 of the track partition wall 175 and a counterweight track wall 181 projecting from the outer surface 161 of the first sidewall 105. Both the counterweight track wall 181 and the track partition wall 175 are elongated in the direction of the longitudinal axis GG. The first surface 176 of the track partition wall 175 and the counterweight track wall 181 include an elongated counterweight track channel 182, within which the features of the follower member 440 attached to the counterweight 410 are nested when the counterweight 410 moves axially along the counterweight track 180. More specifically, the follower member 440 includes protrusions 441 located on opposite sides thereon, which are nested within the counterweight track channels 182 of the track partition wall 175 and the counterweight track wall 181, respectively, to laterally hold the counterweight 410 within the counterweight track 180 while allowing the counterweight 410 to translate axially along the counterweight track 180. The elongated counterweight track channel 182 is adjacent to and defined by the outer surface 161 of the first sidewall 105.

[0154] The hinge track 190 is defined between the second surface 177 of the track partition wall 175 and the hinge track wall 191 protruding from the outer surface 161 of the first sidewall 105. The hinge track wall 191 is also elongated along the longitudinal axis GG. The hinge track wall 191 protrudes from the outer surface 161 of the first sidewall 105 by a greater distance than both the counterweight track wall 181 and the track partition wall 175. The second surface 177 of the track partition wall 175 and the hinge track wall 191 include an elongated hinge track channel 192, in which features of the hinges 310, 320 (more specifically, the first portions 311, 321 of the hinges 310, 320) are nested within the hinge track channel 192 when the hinges 310, 320 move axially along the hinge track 190. Hinges 310 and 320 are characterized by protrusions 318 and 319, which project from opposite sides of hinges 310 and 320 and are nested within an elongated hinge track channel 192. The elongated hinge track channel 192 is entirely defined by the second surface 177 of the track partition wall 175 and the hinge track wall 191. That is, the elongated hinge track channel 192 is spaced from and not directly defined by the outer surface 161 of the first sidewall 105.

[0155] The counterweight assembly 400 and the outer hinge portion 314 of the first portion 311 of the first hinge 310 are positioned adjacent to the outer surface 160 of the first sidewall 105. Therefore, the counterweight assembly 400, the first hinge 310, and the second hinge 320 are all located on the same side of the longitudinal axis BB of the housing 100. The counterweight 410 may be located within or along the first sidewall 105. The counterweight assembly 400 and the outer hinge portion 314 are concealed from the view of a user directly looking at the cabinet 1000 by the hinge track wall 191. That is, the hinge track wall 191 protrudes sufficiently from the outer surface 161 of the first sidewall 105 to ensure that the counterweight assembly 400 is not easily seen by a user directly looking at the cabinet 1000. Furthermore, it is advantageous to position the counterweight assembly 400 along the first sidewall 105 rather than along the rear wall 101. Specifically, by mounting the counterweight assembly 400 along the first sidewall 105, it is easier to mount the cabinet 1000 to a wall or other supporting surface, and it is not necessary to significantly increase the overall depth of the cabinet 1000 to accommodate the counterweight assembly 400. It is worth reiterating that in some embodiments, the counterweight assembly 400 may be positioned along the second sidewall 104 instead of the first sidewall 105, because the choice of which particular sidewall the counterweight assembly 400 is positioned along does not limit the invention described herein. The first sidewall 105 and the second sidewall 104 may be interchangeable.

[0156] As described above, the first hinge 310 in Figure 29A and Figure 29BThe figures show that, although the second hinge 320 is not depicted in these figures, it should be understood that the details of the second hinge 320 are exactly the same as those of the first hinge 310 in the exemplary embodiment. Therefore, the description of the first hinge 310 is entirely applicable to the second hinge 320. In alternative embodiments, certain features of the second hinge 320 may differ from those of the first hinge 310. For example, only the first hinge 310 is connected to the counterweight rope 420 and therefore only the first hinge 310 needs to include the connection feature 315, but both the first hinge 310 and the second hinge 320 include such a connection feature in the exemplary embodiment for the purpose of creating consistency.

[0157] As described above, the first hinge 310 includes a first hinge portion 311 and a second hinge portion 312. The first hinge portion 311 is slidably connected to the first sidewall 105 of the housing 100 as described above, and the second hinge portion 312 is fixedly connected to the inner surface 203 of the door 200. The first hinge portion 311 includes an inner hinge portion 313, an outer hinge portion 314, and a hinge boss 317. The inner hinge portion 313 is positioned adjacent to the inner surface 160 of the first sidewall 105. The outer hinge portion 314 is positioned adjacent to the outer surface 161 of the first sidewall 105. The hinge boss 317 extends through a first through slot 162 of the first sidewall 105.

[0158] In an exemplary embodiment, the inner hinge portion 313 and the outer hinge portion 314 are separate components, and the hinge boss 317 is integrally formed with the outer hinge portion 314. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the hinge boss 317 may be integrally formed with the inner hinge portion 313. Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the inner hinge portion 313 is integrally formed with the second hinge portion 312. As those skilled in the art will understand, other configurations of the various portions of the first hinge 310 and the second hinge 320 may be possible in other embodiments. The inner hinge portion 313 and the outer hinge portion 314 are joined together along the first through slot 162. In an exemplary embodiment, the inner hinge portion 313 and the outer hinge portion 314 are joined together by screws 316, but in other embodiments, other fasteners may be used and / or the inner portion 313 and the outer portion 314 may have mating features configured to lock the components together. The fixed connection between the inner portion 313 and the outer portion 314 of the first hinge portion 311 of the first hinge 310 (and hinge boss 317) allows the first hinge 310 to translate axially along the first through groove 162 while remaining mounted to the first sidewall 105 of the housing 100. The second hinge 320 includes the same components as the first hinge 310 and is connected to the first sidewall 105 in the same manner.

[0159] The outer hinge portion 314 is nested within the hinge track 190, as follows: Figure 30 As best shown in the diagram, the outer hinge portion 314 includes a first protrusion 318 and a second protrusion 319, which are nested within the hinge track channel 192. This allows the first hinge 310 to translate axially along the hinge track 190 during vertical movement of the door 200, while simultaneously maintaining the first hinge 310 laterally secured by the hinge track 190. In other words, since the outer hinge portion 314 is fixedly connected to the door 200, when the door 200 translates vertically upward and / or downward, the outer hinge portion 314 also translates vertically upward and / or downward within the hinge track 190. Furthermore, when the inner hinge portion 313 and the outer hinge portion 314 are joined together via fastener 316, the inner hinge portion 314 and the outer hinge portion 314 are not pressed tightly against the first sidewall 105, ensuring that the inner hinge portion 313 and the outer hinge portion 314 can move axially within the hinge track 190 when the door 200 moves axially upward and downward as described herein. Specifically, the hinge boss 317 extends through the first elongated slot 162 and can protrude from the inner surface 160 of the first sidewall 105. This prevents the inner hinge portion 313 from directly contacting the first sidewall 105, thereby preventing the first hinge 310 from becoming fixedly connected to the first sidewall 105, thus allowing upward / downward axial movement of the first hinge 310.

[0160] In an exemplary embodiment, the first sidewall 104 is an integrally formed single panel component, which includes a main panel body, a counterweight rail 180, a rail partition wall 175, and a hinge rail 190, all of which are formed as a single component.

[0161] As described above, the door 200 is configured not only to pivot between the closed angle orientation and the open angle orientation, but also to translate axially relative to the housing 100 between the fully lowered state and the fully raised state. Figure 24The illustration shows a door 200 in a closed-angle orientation and fully lowered state. When the door 200 is in the closed-angle orientation and fully lowered state, it covers the entire front opening 107 of the storage chamber 106. Furthermore, from the fully lowered state, the door 200 can only move vertically upwards to expose and allow access to the lower axial portion of the storage chamber 106. The door 200 cannot move further downwards from the fully lowered state. That is, the door 200 cannot move to expose only the upper axial portion of the storage chamber 106. The door 200 can be configured to move vertically upwards from the fully lowered state to varying degrees or amounts. However, in the exemplary embodiment, the door 200 is only configured to move upwards to a specific height sufficient to expose the lower portion of the storage chamber 106, and is prevented from being further opened due to the abutment between the first hinge 310 and the fixed pulley 430. In various implementations, the lower portion of the storage chamber 106 may reach 10% of the lower portion of the length of the storage chamber 106, or 20% of the lower portion of the length of the storage chamber 106, or 30%, 40%, or 50% of the lower portion of the length of the storage chamber 106.

[0162] Now refer to Figure 31 and Figure 32 Cabinet 1000 is shown as door 200 relative to Figure 24 The changes shown are either a fully elevated state or an elevated position. Figure 31 and Figure 32 In this configuration, door 200 is in a closed-angle configuration and fully raised. That is, door 200 does not pivot about its pivot axis, but is only raised vertically or translated axially relative to the housing 100. Figure 31 As shown, when door 200 is in the closed-angle orientation and fully raised position, door 200 covers the upper portion of front opening 107 and leaves the lower portion 119 of front opening 107 unobstructed, allowing access to the lower portion of storage compartment 106. In an exemplary embodiment, door 200 may be configured to move between 5 inches and 10 inches, more specifically between 6 inches and 8 inches, when transitioning between the fully lowered and fully raised positions. However, the invention is not limited to this in all embodiments, and different degrees of movement may be permitted in other embodiments.

[0163] When the door 200 is in the closed-angle orientation and fully raised position, the bottom surface portion 108 of the base plate 102 is exposed. In the exemplary embodiment, the door 200 still blocks and covers the lowermost shelf 112 in the storage compartment 107. Therefore, in the exemplary embodiment, when the door 200 is in the closed-angle orientation and fully raised position, only items stored on the bottom surface 108 of the base plate 102 will be visible. One benefit of this is that this slight axial movement of the door 200 relative to the housing 100 is combined with the inclusion of the power unit 120 within the storage compartment 107. Most smart speakers and small smart displays will fit into the storage compartment 107 of the housing 100, and the user can easily raise the door 200 to expose these electronic devices. By placing these devices on the bottom surface 108, music and viewing of any display are easy, and the main mirror on the front surface 201 of the door 200 remains directly in front of the user. Users can easily change the door 200 from a fully raised state to a fully lowered state by pressing down on it, thus concealing all items located in the storage compartment 107 and making the room where the cabinet 1000 is installed (e.g., a bathroom) appear clean and tidy. Allowing limited axial movement of the door 200 relative to the housing 100 also makes it easy for users to access the most frequently used items that can be stored in the lower part of the storage compartment 106 without having to fully open the door 200.

[0164] Figure 27 and Figure 32 The comparison shows when gate 200 is in a fully depressed state ( Figure 27 ) transforms into a fully elevated state ( Figure 32 How does the counterweight assembly 400 move? As the door 200 moves axially upward, the counterweight 410 moves axially downward by the same distance. Furthermore, in this embodiment, hinges 310 and 320 are fixedly connected to the door 200, so hinges 310 and 320 move upward together with the door 200. Figure 32 The diagram illustrates the first hinge 310 abutting against the fixed pulley 430. Therefore, the fixed pulley 430 prevents the door 200 from moving axially upwards beyond... Figure 31 and Figure 32 The upper stop feature is shown at the indicated location. In the exemplary embodiment described above, the positioning of the fixed pulley 430 allows the door 200 to move axially upward within a range of 5 inches to 10 inches. Alternatively or additionally, the abutment between the first hinge 310 and the second hinge 320 and the upper edges of the first elongated slot 162 and the second elongated slot 163 can form the upper stop feature.

[0165] The ledge 130 can form a lower stop feature because, in the fully lowered state, the bottom edge 202 of the door 200 can abut against the ledge 130, preventing the door 200 from moving further downward due to the abutment against the ledge. However, in other embodiments, the ledge 130 can be omitted and other mechanical features can be included to prevent the door 200 from moving axially downward beyond... Figure 24 The door 200 is in its fully lowered position. For example, the abutment between the counterweight 410 and the fixed pulley 430 can prevent the door 200 from lowering further. In addition, the abutment between the first hinge 310 and the second hinge 320 and the lower edges of the first elongated groove 162 and the second elongated groove 163 can form a lower stop feature.

[0166] Figure 33 and Figure 34 The illustration shows cabinet 1000, in which door 200 is positioned relative to... Figure 31 and Figure 32 In a similar fully raised position, door 200 is in an open-angle orientation. Therefore, when door 200 is in the fully raised position, it can pivot about the door pivot axis CC via the first hinge 310 and the second hinge 320 to change its orientation from a closed angle to an open angle. When door 200 is in the open-angle orientation, the entire front opening 107 of storage compartment 106 is unobstructed by door 200. This is true regardless of whether door 200 is in the fully lowered or fully raised position. Figure 25 The diagram shows the door in its fully lowered position and at its open angle. Figure 33 The illustration shows door 200 in its fully raised position and in an open-angle orientation. It should be understood that, due to the counterweight 410 as described above, door 200 can also be held in any axial position between the fully raised and fully lowered positions. Furthermore, when door 200 is in any of its possible axial positions relative to housing 100 (fully raised, fully lowered, or any position between the fully raised and fully lowered states), door 200 can be in an open-angle or closed-angle orientation.

[0167] Figure 35A and Figure 35B A side-by-side view of cabinet 1000 is provided, in which door 200 is in a closed-angle orientation and in its fully lowered state. Figure 35A ) and fully elevated state ( Figure 35B To reiterate, when in the closed-angle orientation and fully lowered state, door 200 blocks and covers the entire front opening 107 of storage chamber 106. Door 200 cannot move axially below the fully lowered state. When in the closed-angle orientation and fully raised state, door 200 blocks the upper portion of front opening 107 and leaves the lower portion 119 of front opening 107 unobstructed, allowing access to the lower portion of storage chamber 106. Figure 35A and Figure 35B In the illustration, electronic device 500 is depicted as being placed on a shelf 130. In the exemplary embodiment, electronic device 500 is a smartphone, but electronic device 500 can be a tablet computer, speaker, or other type of electronic device.

[0168] Except that the power supply unit 120 has been moved downwards and is now aligned with the lower portion 119 of the front opening 107, Figure 35C Is with Figure 35B The same view is maintained. Thus, when the door 200 is in its closed angle orientation and in its fully raised state, the power supply unit 120 is visible and accessible. This allows the user to insert the power line 600 into the electronic device 500. Specifically, the user can place the electronic device 500 on the shelf 130 and raise the door 200 to its fully raised state, then insert the electronic device 500 into the power supply unit 120 to charge the electronic device 500 without pivoting the door 200.

[0169] Figure 35D In the power supply unit 120 located Figure 35C In the embodiment shown, along Figure 35A A cross-sectional view taken from the XIID-XIID line. Figure 35D In this configuration, the electronic device 500 is placed on the wall shelf 130 in an upright orientation, such that the edge 501 of the electronic device 500 engages with the retaining element 133 of the wall shelf 130 to prevent the edge 501 of the electronic device 500 from sliding along the upper surface of the wall shelf 130 away from the front surface of the door 200. In the upright orientation, the electronic device 500 rests on the wall shelf 130 and abuts against the front surface of the door 200.

[0170] Therefore, refer to Figure 35C and 35D The user can position the electronic device 500 on the wall bracket 130 with the display screen of the electronic device 500 facing outwards. The user can move the door 200 between a fully lowered state and a fully raised state, and since the wall bracket 130 is connected to the door, the wall bracket 130 will move together with the door 200. When the door 200 is in such a position... Figure 35C In the fully raised state shown, the user can operably connect the first end of the power line (or wire) 600 to the electronic device 500 and the second end of the power line 600 to the electrical port of the power supply unit 120 located in the lower part of the storage chamber 106.

[0171] Next, the user can move door 200 from... Figure 35C The fully elevated state decreased to Figure 35DThe door 200 is in its fully lowered state. During the lowering from its fully raised state to its fully lowered state, the door 200 travels in a vertical plane and remains in a fully closed, pivotable orientation relative to the housing 100. When the door 200 is in its fully lowered state and the electronic device 500 is connected to the power supply unit 120 via power line 600, a portion of the power line 600 passes through the gap 199 between the door 200 and the housing 100. Therefore, a gap 199 exists between the door 200 and the housing 100, large enough to allow the power line 600 to pass through when the door 200 is closed. This allows a user to insert the electronic device 500 while it rests on the shelf 130, and then lower the door to its fully closed state. In an exemplary embodiment, the gap 199 is formed as an empty space between the edge of the base plate 109 of the housing 100 and the inner surface of the door 200. In other embodiments, the gap 199 may be formed by a recess in the base plate of the housing 100 or a recess in the inner surface of the door 200.

[0172] Figure 36A and Figure 36B A side-by-side view of cabinet 1000 is provided, in which door 200 is in its fully lowered state. Figure 36A ) and fully elevated state ( Figure 36B The door 200 is positioned at an open angle. In both of these positions, the entire front opening 107 of the storage chamber 106 is exposed, allowing the user to access the entire storage chamber 106.

[0173] Reference Figure 37 and Figure 38 The illustration shows a cabinet 2000 according to a first alternative embodiment of the invention. Cabinet 2000 is identical to cabinet 1000 in many respects; therefore, only the differences between cabinet 2000 and cabinet 1000 will be described. It should be understood that the description of cabinet 1000 applies fully to cabinet 2000 for all other features, aspects, and structures.

[0174] Cabinet 2000 includes a housing 2100 and a door 2200, the door 2200 being pivotally connected to the housing 2100 in a manner rotatable between an open angle orientation and a closed angle orientation. The door 2200 is... Figure 37 and Figure 38 The diagram shows the orientation as open, but the orientation as closed will be different. Figure 24The same as shown. Cabinet 2000 includes mounting unit 2300, which includes a first hinge 2310 and a second hinge 2320. In this embodiment, both the first hinge 2310 and the second hinge 2320 are fixedly connected to housing 2100 and slidably connected to door 2200. That is, door 2200 includes a first elongated groove 2162 and a second elongated groove 2163, and a portion of the first hinge 2310 and the second hinge 2320 are positioned within the first elongated groove 2162 and the second elongated groove 2163. As door 2200 moves vertically up / down relative to housing 2100, the first hinge 2310 and the second hinge 2320 slide within the first elongated groove 2162 and the second elongated groove 2163 of door 2200.

[0175] The first elongated slot 2161 and the second elongated slot 2162 may extend through the entire thickness of the door 2200, but this is not necessary in all embodiments. In other embodiments, the first elongated slot 2161 and the second elongated slot 2162 may be recesses terminating at the base plate rather than extending completely through the door 2200. Furthermore, although two slots are illustrated in the exemplary embodiment, the first elongated slot 2161 and the second elongated slot 2162 may be connected to form a single elongated slot in other embodiments.

[0176] In this embodiment, the counterweight assembly (not visible in these figures) is directly connected to door 2200, rather than being connected to one or two hinges as in cabinet 1000. Therefore, door 2200 includes a connecting feature, and a counterweight rope connects to the counterweight and door 2200 to connect the door to the counterweight. This differs from the cabinet 1000 described above, where the counterweight rope 420 is connected to the first hinge 310. The connecting feature on door 2200 may be located along the top edge of door 2200, the side edge of door 2200, or even along one of the front / back surfaces of door 2200, which may be desired by the designer considering aesthetics and functionality.

[0177] Door 2200 is able to Figure 37 The fully reduced state shown is the same as Figure 38 The change occurs between the fully raised states shown. Because the first hinge 2310 and the second hinge 2320 abut against the upper edges of the first elongated slot 2162 and the second elongated slot 2163, the door 2200 cannot be compared to... Figure 37 The position shown is further lowered. Because the first hinge 2310 and the second hinge 2320 abut against the lower edges of the first elongated groove 2162 and the second elongated groove 2163, the door 2200 cannot be compared to... Figure 38The position shown is further raised. In this embodiment, the counterweight can still be positioned adjacent to, along, and / or within the second sidewall of the housing 2100, similar to the positioning of the counterweight 400 of the cabinet 1000. Therefore, the counterweight, as well as the first hinge 2310 and the second hinge 2320, can be located on, along, or within the same sidewall of the housing 2100.

[0178] Reference Figure 39 and Figure 40 The illustration shows a cabinet 3000 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Cabinet 3000 is identical to cabinet 1000 in many respects; therefore, only the differences between cabinet 3000 and cabinet 1000 will be described. It should be understood that the description of cabinet 1000 applies fully to cabinet 3000 for all other features, aspects, and structures.

[0179] Cabinet 3000 includes a housing 3100 and a door 3200. By pivoting the door 3200 about a door pivot axis DD, the door 3200 can change between a closed angle orientation and an open angle orientation. Figure 39 and Figure 40 Only the opening angle orientation is shown, but the closing angle orientation should be easily understood from the above description. In this embodiment, the door 3200 is connected to the housing 3100 via a mounting unit 3300. The mounting unit 3300 includes a hinge post 3310 mounted to the door 3200 and at least one body 3320 having a receiving hole 3321, the body 3320 being mounted to a portion of the housing 3100 or located on a portion of the housing 3100 or forming part of the housing 3100.

[0180] In an exemplary embodiment, the hinge post 3310 is an elongated rod-like member extending along the entire length of the door 3200. However, the hinge post 3310 does not need to extend along the entire length of the door 3200 in all embodiments. Furthermore, in other embodiments, a plurality of hinge posts 3310 may be spaced apart and connected to the door 3200. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one body 3320 includes a plurality of bodies 3320 spaced apart and connected to the housing 3100. Each body 3320 is a tubular structure including a receiving hole 3321 that extends through the entire body 3320 in a longitudinal or axial direction.

[0181] In this embodiment, the hinge post 3310 on the door 3100 is slidably nested within receiving holes 3321 of one or more bodies 3320. The hinge post 3310 has a circular cross-sectional area, and the hole 3321 has a similar circular cross-sectional area. Therefore, the hinge post 3310 is configured to pivot when nested within the hole 3321. This allows the door 3200 to pivot relative to the housing 3100 along the door pivot axis DD, while also allowing the door 3200 to move axially relative to the housing 3100. Figure 39 The diagram shows door 3200 in its fully lowered state, and Figure 40 The illustration shows the door 3200 in its fully raised position. When the door 3200 moves axially relative to the housing 3100, the hinge column 3310 moves axially together with the door 3200 relative to the body 3320.

[0182] The hinge column 3310 is connected to the door 3200 via one or more connecting plates 3315, which act as stops controlling the permissible vertical / axial movement of the door 3200 relative to the housing 3100. Figure 39 In the fully lowered position, the connecting plate 3315 abuts against the upper edges of the two bodies 3320, preventing the door 3200 from lowering further. Figure 40 In the raised position, the connecting plate 3315 abuts against the lower edge of the two bodies 3320, preventing the door 3200 from rising further.

[0183] In this embodiment, a counterweight (not shown) can be connected to the door 3200 or the hinge post 3310 via a counterweight rope (not shown). Thus, as described above with reference to cabinet 1000, the counterweight rope is connected to the counterweight. The counterweight rope is directly connected to the door 3200, or directly connected to the hinge post 3310, or directly connected to one or more connecting plates 3315. As the door 3200 is raised, the counterweight lowers, and as the door 3200 is lowered, the counterweight rises, much like cabinet 1000 described above. Furthermore, the counterweight and counterweight rope can be positioned along or within the first side wall 3105 of cabinet 3100. The counterweight balances the weight of the door 3200 and holds the door 3200 in any axial position it is positioned by the user.

[0184] Reference Figure 31 and Figure 32 The illustration shows a cabinet 4000 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Cabinet 4000 is identical to cabinet 1000 in many respects; therefore, only the differences between cabinet 4000 and cabinet 1000 will be described. It should be understood that the description of cabinet 1000 applies fully to cabinet 4000 for all other features, aspects, and structures.

[0185] Cabinet 4000 includes a housing 4100 and a door 4200. By pivoting the door 4200 about a door pivot axis EE, the door 4200 can change between a closed angle orientation and an open angle orientation. Figure 31 and Figure 32 Only the opening angle orientation is shown, but the closing angle orientation should be easily understood from the above description. In this embodiment, the door 4200 is connected to the housing 4100 via a mounting unit 4300. The mounting unit 4300 includes a hinge post 4310 mounted to the housing 4200 and at least one body 4320 having a receiving hole 4321, the body 4320 being mounted to the door 4100.

[0186] In this embodiment, a hinge post 4310 on the housing 4200 extends through at least one hole 4321 in the body 4320. The hinge post 4310 is configured to slide within the body 4320 as the door is raised and lowered. A lower stop 4311 and an upper stop 4312 are present, connected to the hinge post 4310 to stop the upward and downward movement of the door 4200 at specific axial positions. When the door 4200 is in the fully lowered position, the lower body in the body 4320 abuts against the lower stop 4311, and when the door 4200 is in the fully raised position, the upper body in the body 4320 abuts against the upper stop 4312.

[0187] In this embodiment, a counterweight (not shown) can be connected to one or both of the doors 4200 or the body 4320 via a counterweight rope (not shown). Furthermore, as described above with reference to cabinet 1000, the counterweight rope is connected to the counterweight. As the door 4200 rises, the counterweight lowers, and as the door 4200 lowers, the counterweight rises, much like the cabinet 1000 described above. The door 4200 can be as follows... Figure 31 and Figure 32 The door 4200 can be raised and lowered as shown, regardless of whether it is in an open or closed orientation. The counterweight and counterweight rope can be positioned along or within the first side wall 4105 of the cabinet 4100. The counterweight balances the weight of the door 4200 and holds the door 4200 in any axial position it is positioned by the user.

[0188] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, including preferred modes of implementation, those skilled in the art will understand that many variations and arrangements of the systems and techniques described above are possible. It should be understood that other embodiments can be used and structural and functional modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, it should be understood that the structural and functional concepts of the cabinet with an increased free-mode door discussed above can be incorporated into the two light-up mirrors discussed above. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the invention should be broadly interpreted as set forth in the appended claims and the proposed future claims.

[0189] Exemplary claims

[0190] Exemplary claim 1: A lampd mirror device, comprising: a mirror in an observation state, the mirror having a front surface defining a mirror plane and a center line, the center plane being perpendicular to the mirror plane and intersecting the mirror plane along the center line; a first lamp assembly positioned along a first side of the mirror; and a second lamp assembly positioned along a second side of the mirror opposite to the first side; each of the first and second lamp assemblies being configured to generate light and transmit the light along a main optical path to the center plane, each of the first and second lamp assemblies comprising: a light source configured to generate light; and a light guide member including light output. The light output surface defines a first interface reference plane, which intersects the central plane at an outward and backward first acute angle (θ1); the light source is optically coupled to the light guide member such that the light guide member guides the light along a first portion of the main optical path to the light output surface, the first portion of the main optical path forming a first incident angle (Φ1) with the light output surface; and the light output surface is part of a first multi-medium interface configured to refract the light leaving the light output surface of the light guide member along a second portion of the main optical path at a first refraction angle (Ψ1), wherein the first refraction angle (Ψ1) is greater than the first incident angle (Φ1).

[0191] Exemplary claim 2: The lamp-lens device according to exemplary claim 1 further comprises: each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly further comprises an internal cavity at least partially formed by a cover member, the light guide member being positioned in the internal cavity, the cover member comprising a lens portion having: a lens light input surface as part of a second multi-medium interface, the second multi-medium interface being configured to: (i) receive light propagating along a second portion of the main optical path at a second incident angle (Φ2); and (ii) refract the light passing through the second multi-medium interface at a second refraction angle (Ψ2) such that the light propagates through the lens portion along a third portion of the main optical path; and a lens light output surface as part of a third multi-medium interface, the third multi-medium interface being configured to: (i) receive the light propagating along the third portion of the main optical path at a third incident angle (Φ3); and (ii) refract the light exiting the lens light output surface along a fourth portion of the main optical path at a third refraction angle (Ψ3); and wherein the following equation is satisfied: Φ2-Ψ2<Ψ3-Φ3.

[0192] Exemplary claim 3: The lamp-mounted mirror device according to exemplary claim 1 further includes: the second portion of the main optical path along a first refracting light reference plane; each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly further includes a cover member having an internal cavity, the light guide member being positioned in the internal cavity, the cover member including a lens portion having: a lens light input surface, the lens light input surface being part of a second multi-media interface defining a second interface reference plane; and a lens light output surface, the lens light output surface being part of a third multi-media interface defining a third interface reference plane; wherein the first refracting light reference plane: (i) intersects the second interface reference plane to form an outward-backward second angle (θ2); and (ii) intersects the third interface reference plane to form an outward-backward third angle (θ3), the second angle and the third angle being corresponding angles; and wherein θ3 < θ2.

[0193] Exemplary claim 4: A lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 2 to 3, wherein, for each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the lens portion of the cover member has a thickness measured from the lens light input surface to the lens light output surface in a direction parallel to the central plane; and wherein, the thickness of the lens portion decreases as the distance from the central plane increases.

[0194] Exemplary claim 5: The lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 2 to 4, wherein for each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, Φ2 is less than or equal to 10 degrees.

[0195] Exemplary claim 6: A lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 2 to 5, wherein, for each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the lens light output surface of the cover member is a flat surface oriented substantially parallel to the mirror surface.

[0196] Exemplary claim 7: The lamp-mounted mirror device according to exemplary claim 6, wherein, for each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the lens light output surface of the cover member is substantially coplanar with the mirror surface.

[0197] Exemplary claim 8: A lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 2 to 7, wherein, for each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the cover member is formed of a light-transmitting material.

[0198] Exemplary claim 9: A lampd mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 2 to 8, wherein the lens light output surface of the cover member of each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly forms a portion of the front surface of the lampd mirror device extending at the height of the mirror.

[0199] Exemplary claim 10: The lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 2 to 9 further comprises: for each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, a light diffuser has an arcuate portion positioned between the light output surface of the light guide member and the lens light input surface of the lens portion of the cover member.

[0200] Exemplary claim 11: The lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 2 to 9 further comprises: for each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the cover member includes an outer side wall and a front wall, the outer side wall having an outer surface forming an exposed side surface of the lamp-mounted mirror device, and the front wall including the lens portion; the light guide member is a light guide plate having a main inner surface and a main outer surface, and the light output surface is a front edge surface extending between the main inner surface and the main outer surface; and a reflector member having a reflective surface adjacent to and opposite the main inner surface of the light guide plate.

[0201] Exemplary claim 12: The lampd mirror device according to exemplary claim 11, wherein, for each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly: there is a gap between the reflective surface and the main inner surface of the light guide plate; the gap has a width measured parallel to the mirror surface; and wherein, for the front portion of the reflective surface, the width of the gap increases as the distance from the front edge of the reflective surface decreases.

[0202] Exemplary claim 13: The lamp-mounted mirror device according to exemplary claim 12, wherein, for each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the width of the gap is substantially constant for the rear portion of the reflective surface.

[0203] Exemplary claim 14: A lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 12 to 13, wherein, for each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the front portion of the reflective surface is a convex surface curved away from the light guide plate.

[0204] Exemplary claim 15: A lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 12 to 14, wherein, for each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the light guide plate extends beyond the front edge of the reflective surface.

[0205] Exemplary claim 16: A lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 11 to 15, wherein, for each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, both the main inner surface and the main outer surface are substantially flat surfaces that are substantially parallel to the central plane.

[0206] Exemplary claim 17: A lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 11 to 16, wherein, for each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the light guide plate is configured to: (1) emit a first percentage of light entering the light guide plate from the light guide plate via the main outer surface; and (2) emit a second percentage of light entering the light guide plate from the light guide plate via the light output surface, the second percentage being greater than the first percentage.

[0207] Exemplary claim 18: A lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 2 to 17, wherein, for each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the lens light output surface of the lens portion of the cover member is substantially coplanar with the mirror surface.

[0208] Exemplary claim 19: A lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 1 to 18, wherein, for each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the light output surface of the light guide member is a smooth surface.

[0209] Exemplary claim 20: A lampd mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 1 to 19, wherein, for each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the light guide member includes a light input surface, the light source includes a row of light-emitting diodes positioned adjacent to the light input surface, and the light input surface is a flat surface that is substantially parallel to the mirror surface and offset rearward from the mirror surface.

[0210] Exemplary claim 21: The lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 1 to 20 further comprises: a support structure forming a storage cavity with an opening;

[0211] The door includes the mirror and is movably mounted to the support structure so as to be changeable between: (1) an open state in which a passage to the storage cavity is provided via the opening; (2) an observation state in which the opening is enclosed by the door; and the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly are mounted to the support structure on opposite sides of the door.

[0212] Exemplary claim 22: A lampd mirror device, comprising: a support structure; a mirror mounted to the support structure in an observation state, the mirror having a front surface defining a mirror plane and a center line, the center plane being perpendicular to the mirror plane and intersecting the mirror plane along the center line; and a first lamp assembly and a second lamp assembly mounted to the support structure on opposite sides of the mirror and on opposite sides of the center plane; each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly being configured to generate light and refract the main optical path of the light toward the center plane.

[0213] Exemplary claim 23: The lamp-mounted mirror device according to exemplary claim 22, wherein each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly is configured to refract the main optical path multiple times toward the central plane.

[0214] Exemplary claim 24: The lamp-mounted mirror device according to exemplary claim 23, wherein each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly is configured to refract the main optical path away from the central plane at least once.

[0215] Exemplary claim 25: A lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 22 to 23, wherein each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly includes at least two multi-medium interfaces along the main optical path, and the refraction angle of each of the at least two multi-medium interfaces is greater than the incident angle of light passing through the multi-medium interface.

[0216] Exemplary claim 26: The lampd mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 22 to 25 further comprises: each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly includes a front surface forming an exposed front surface of the lampd mirror device; and wherein each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly is configured to generate light along a first portion of the main optical path and emit light from the exposed front surface along a final portion of the main optical path, wherein there is a net refraction angle between the first portion and the final portion of the main optical path, the net refraction angle being at least 20 degrees.

[0217] Exemplary claim 27: The lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 22 to 26 further comprises: each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly further comprises a lens portion having: a lens light input surface configured to: (i) receive light propagating along the main optical path at an incident angle (Φ2); and (ii) refract and emit light passing through the lens portion along the main optical path at a refraction angle (Ψ2); and a lens light output surface configured to: (i) receive light propagating through the lens portion along the main optical path at an incident angle (Φ3); and (ii) refract and emit light from the lens light output surface along the main optical path at a refraction angle (Ψ3); wherein the following equation is satisfied: Φ2-Ψ2<Ψ3-Φ3.

[0218] Exemplary claim 28: The lamp-mounted mirror device according to exemplary claim 27, wherein, for each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the lens portion has a thickness measured from the lens light input surface to the lens light output surface in a direction parallel to the central plane; and wherein, the thickness of the lens portion decreases as the distance from the central plane increases.

[0219] Exemplary claim 29: The lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 27 to 28, wherein for each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, Φ2 is less than or equal to 10 degrees.

[0220] Exemplary claim 30: A lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 27 to 29, wherein, for each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the light output surface of the lens is a flat surface oriented substantially parallel to the mirror surface.

[0221] Exemplary claim 31: The lamp-mounted mirror device according to claim 30, wherein, for each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the light output surface of the lens is a flat surface substantially coplanar with the mirror surface.

[0222] Exemplary claim 32: A lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 22 to 31, wherein each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly further comprises: a light guide plate having a main inner surface, a main outer surface, a front edge surface extending between the main inner surface and the main outer surface, and a rear edge surface extending between the main inner surface and the main outer surface opposite to the front edge surface; the front edge surface is a beveled surface configured to: (i) receive light propagating along the main optical path through the light guide plate at an incident angle (Φ1); and (ii) refract and emit light from the front edge surface along the main optical path at a refraction angle (Ψ1); wherein Ψ1 > Φ1.

[0223] Exemplary claim 33: The lamp-mounted mirror device according to exemplary claim 32, wherein each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly includes a reflector member having a reflective surface adjacent to and opposite to the main inner surface of the light guide plate.

[0224] Exemplary claim 34: The lampd mirror device according to exemplary claim 33, wherein for each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, there is a gap between the reflective surface and the main inner surface of the light guide plate; the gap has a width measured parallel to the mirror surface; and wherein, for the front portion of the reflective surface, the width of the gap increases as the distance from the front edge of the reflective surface decreases.

[0225] Exemplary claim 35: A lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 32 to 34, wherein, for each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the light guide plate is configured to: (1) emit a first percentage of light propagating through the light guide plate from the light guide plate via the main outer surface; and (2) emit a second percentage of light propagating through the light guide plate from the light guide plate via the light output surface, the second percentage being greater than the first percentage.

[0226] Exemplary claim 36: A lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 32 to 35, wherein the beveled surface defines a first interface reference plane, the first interface reference plane intersecting the central plane at an outward and rearward first acute angle (θ1).

[0227] Exemplary claim 37: A lampd mirror device, comprising: a support structure; a mirror mounted to the support structure in an observation state, the mirror having a front surface defining a mirror plane and a center line, the center plane being perpendicular to the mirror plane and intersecting the mirror plane along the center line; and a first lamp assembly and a second lamp assembly, the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly being mounted to the support structure on opposite sides of the mirror and on opposite sides of the center plane, each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly including a lens portion, the lens portion including: a lens beam. The lens light input surface is configured to: (i) receive light propagating along the main optical path at an incident angle (Φ2); and (ii) refract and emit light passing through the lens portion along the main optical path at a refraction angle (Ψ2); and the lens light output surface is configured to: (i) receive light propagating along the main optical path through the lens portion at an incident angle (Φ3); and (ii) refract and emit light from the lens light output surface along the main optical path at a refraction angle (Ψ3); wherein the following equation is satisfied: Φ2-Ψ2<Ψ3-Φ3.

[0228] Exemplary claim 38: The lamp-mounted mirror device according to exemplary claim 37, wherein for each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, Φ2>Ψ2 and Ψ3>Φ3.

[0229] Exemplary claim 39: A lamp-lit mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 37 to 38, wherein the light output surface of the lens is substantially parallel to the mirror plane.

[0230] Exemplary claim 40: The lamp-mounted mirror device according to exemplary claim 39, wherein the light output surface of the lens is substantially coplanar with the mirror plane.

[0231] Exemplary claim 41: A lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 37 to 40, wherein each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly further comprises: a cover member formed of a light-transmitting material, the cover member comprising: an outer side wall having an outer surface forming an exposed side surface of the lamp-mounted mirror device; and a front wall including a lens portion, the lens light output surface being the front surface of the front wall forming the exposed front surface of the lamp-mounted mirror device.

[0232] Exemplary claim 42: The lamp-mounted mirror device according to exemplary claim 41, wherein, for each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the cover member further includes an inner sidewall, and the front wall includes a first lip portion projecting outward beyond the outer sidewall and a second lip portion projecting inward beyond the inner sidewall.

[0233] Exemplary claim 43: The lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 41 to 42 further comprises: each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly further comprises: an internal cavity formed at least partially by the cover member; a light source positioned within the internal cavity and configured to generate light; and a light guide plate positioned within the internal cavity and optically coupled to the light source, the light guide plate including a main inner surface, a main outer surface opposite the outer side wall of the cover member, and an inclined front edge surface extending between the main inner surface and the main outer surface, and configured to refract light exiting the front edge surface of the light guide plate along the main optical path toward the light input surface of the lens portion.

[0234] Exemplary claim 44: The lamp-mounted mirror device according to exemplary claim 43, wherein each of the first light guide assembly and the second light guide assembly is configured to: (1) emit a first percentage of light propagating through the light guide plate from the light guide plate via the main outer surface; and (2) emit a second percentage of light propagating through the light guide plate from the light guide plate via the front edge surface, the second percentage being greater than the first percentage.

[0235] Exemplary claim 45: The lamp-mounted mirror device according to exemplary claim 44, wherein each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly further includes a light diffuser having: a first portion positioned between the front edge surface of the light guide plate and the lens light input surface of the lens portion; and a second portion positioned between the main outer surface of the light guide plate and the outer sidewall of the cover member.

[0236] Exemplary claim 46: A lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 43 to 45, wherein each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly further includes a reflector member having a reflective surface adjacent to and opposite to the main inner surface of the light guide plate.

[0237] Exemplary claim 47: The lampd mirror device according to exemplary claim 46, wherein, for each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly: there is a gap between the reflective surface and the main inner surface of the light guide plate; the gap has a width measured parallel to the mirror surface; and wherein, for the front portion of the reflective surface, the width of the gap increases as the distance from the front edge of the reflective surface decreases.

[0238] Exemplary claim 48: A lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 37 to 47, wherein, for each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the lens portion has a thickness measured from the lens light input surface to the lens light output surface in a direction parallel to the central plane; and wherein, the thickness of the lens portion decreases as the distance from the central plane increases.

[0239] Exemplary claim 49: The lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 37 to 48, wherein, for each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, Φ2 is less than or equal to 10 degrees.

[0240] Exemplary claim 50: A lampd mirror device comprising: a support structure; a mirror mounted to the support structure in an observation state, the mirror having a front surface defining a mirror plane and a center line, the center plane being perpendicular to the mirror plane and intersecting the mirror plane along the center line; and a first lamp assembly and a second lamp assembly mounted to the support structure on opposite sides of the mirror and on opposite sides of the center plane, each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly comprising: a light source configured to generate light; a light guide member optically coupled to the light source to receive light generated by the light source and transmit the light through the light guide member; a reflective surface adjacent to and opposite to an inner surface of the light guide member; and a gap at least located at a front portion of the reflective surface between the reflective surface and the inner surface of the light guide member, the width of the gap increasing as the distance from the front edge of the reflective surface decreases.

[0241] Exemplary claim 51: The lamp-mounted mirror device according to exemplary claim 50, wherein, for each of the first light guide assembly and the second light guide assembly, the width of the gap is measured parallel to the mirror plane.

[0242] Exemplary claim 52: A lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 50 to 51, wherein, for each of the first light guide assembly and the second light guide assembly, the gap extends between the rear portion of the reflective surface and the inner surface of the light guide member, and the width of the gap is substantially constant between the rear portion of the reflective surface and the inner surface of the light guide member.

[0243] Exemplary claim 53: A lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 50 to 52, wherein, for each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the front portion of the reflective surface is a convex surface curved away from the inner surface of the light guide member.

[0244] Exemplary claim 54: A lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 50 to 53, wherein, for each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the light guide plate member extends forward beyond the front edge of the reflective surface.

[0245] Exemplary claim 55: A lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 50 to 54, wherein, for each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the light guide member is a light guide plate, wherein the inner surface of the light guide member is the main inner surface of the light guide plate, and the light guide plate further includes a main outer surface and a front edge surface extending between the main inner surface and the main outer surface.

[0246] Exemplary claim 56: The lamp-mounted mirror device according to exemplary claim 55, wherein, for each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the front edge surface of the light guide plate is a beveled surface.

[0247] Exemplary claim 57: A lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 55 to 56, wherein, for each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, both the main inner surface and the main outer surface of the light guide plate are substantially flat surfaces that are substantially parallel to the central plane.

[0248] Exemplary claim 58: A lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 55 to 57, wherein, for each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the light guide is configured to: (1) emit a first percentage of light entering the light guide from the main outer surface; and (2) emit a second percentage of light entering the light guide from the front edge surface, the second percentage being greater than the first percentage.

[0249] Exemplary claim 59: A lampd mirror device comprising: a support structure; a mirror mounted to the support structure in an observation state, the mirror having a front surface defining a mirror plane and a center line, the center plane being perpendicular to the mirror plane and intersecting the mirror plane along the center line; and a first lamp assembly and a second lamp assembly mounted to the support structure on opposite sides of the mirror and on opposite sides of the center plane, each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly being configured to generate light and emit the light from the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly along a final portion of a main optical path, the final portion of the main optical path: (1) exiting the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly at a first distance (D1) from the center plane; (2) forming an emission angle (θ) with the mirror plane. M ), where θ M D1 is chosen such that tan(θ) M )x D1 = 15 to 30 inches.

[0250] Exemplary claim 60: A lampd mirror device comprising: a mirror having a front surface defining a mirror plane, a center line, a central plane perpendicular to the mirror plane and intersecting the mirror plane along the center line, and at least one mirror edge; and at least one lamp assembly mounted to the mirror, the at least one lamp assembly comprising: a light source for generating light; and an illumination element including a front emitting surface, the illumination element being optically coupled to the light source and configured to transmit the light and emit at least a portion of the light from the front emitting surface; and the illumination element being positioned such that: (1) the front emitting surface is adjacent to and extends along the at least one mirror edge; (2) the front emitting surface protrudes outward from the at least one mirror edge in a direction away from the central plane; and (3) the front emitting surface protrudes outward from the mirror plane in a forward direction.

[0251] Exemplary claim 61: The lamp-mounted mirror device according to exemplary claim 60, wherein the lighting element comprises a multilayer panel, the multilayer panel comprising: a diffuse light guide layer; and an optically transparent cover layer including the front emitting surface.

[0252] Exemplary claim 62: The lamp-mounted mirror device according to exemplary claim 61, wherein the diffuse light guide layer includes an optically transparent body and a light-diffusing element embedded in the optically transparent body.

[0253] Exemplary claim 63: A lamp-lit mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 61 to 62, wherein the multilayer panel is a co-extruded multilayer panel.

[0254] Exemplary claim 64: A lamp-lit mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 61 to 63, wherein the multilayer panel has an arcuate cross-sectional profile.

[0255] Exemplary claim 65: A lampd mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 61 to 64, wherein the light source is positioned behind the mirror and inward from the at least one mirror edge; and wherein a portion of the diffuse light guide layer extends behind the mirror and terminates at a light input edge adjacent to the light source.

[0256] Exemplary claim 66: The lamp-mounted mirror device according to exemplary claim 65, wherein the optically transparent cover terminates at a proximal edge adjacent to the edge of the at least one mirror.

[0257] Exemplary claim 67: A lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 61 to 66, wherein the optically transparent overlay surrounds the distal edge of the diffuse light guide layer.

[0258] Exemplary claim 68: A lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 61 to 67, wherein the multilayer panel further includes a reflective layer, and the diffuse light guide layer is located between the reflective layer and the optically transparent cover layer.

[0259] Exemplary claim 69: The lamp-mounted mirror device according to exemplary claim 68, wherein the reflective layer includes a reflective surface adjacent to the rear surface of the diffuse light guide layer; and wherein the reflective surface is a curved surface in a direction perpendicular to the central plane, the reflective surface having a radius of curvature that increases with the distance from the central plane.

[0260] Exemplary claim 70: A lampd mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 59 to 69, wherein the light source is positioned behind the mirror and inward from the edge of the at least one mirror.

[0261] Exemplary claim 71: A lamp-lit mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 60 to 70, wherein each individual layer of the multilayer panel has an arcuate cross-sectional profile.

[0262] Exemplary claim 72: A lamp-lit mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 59 to 71, wherein the inner portion of the front luminescent surface is substantially flush with the edge portion of the front surface of the mirror.

[0263] Exemplary claim 73: A lamp-lit mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 59 to 72, wherein the front light-emitting surface is a curved surface in a direction perpendicular to the central plane.

[0264] Exemplary claim 74: The lamp-lit mirror device according to claim 73, wherein the front light-emitting surface has a radius of curvature that increases with the distance from the central plane.

[0265] Exemplary claim 75: A lampd mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 59 to 74, wherein the at least one lamp assembly is directly mounted to the mirror.

[0266] Exemplary claim 76: The lampd mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 59 to 74 further includes a base mounted to the mirror, and the at least one lamp assembly is mounted to the base.

[0267] Exemplary claim 77: The lampd mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 59 to 76 further comprises: the at least one mirror edge including a first side mirror edge and a second side mirror edge opposite to the first side mirror edge; the at least one component comprising: a first lamp assembly of the lamp assemblies mounted to the mirror along the first side mirror edge; and a second lamp assembly of the lamp assemblies mounted to the mirror along the second side mirror edge.

[0268] Exemplary claim 78: The lamp-mounted mirror device of claim 77, wherein the first lamp assembly of the lamp assembly extends along the entire length of the edge of the first side mirror, and the second lamp assembly of the lamp assembly extends along the entire length of the edge of the second side mirror.

[0269] Exemplary claim 79: A lampd mirror device according to any one of exemplary claims 59 to 78, wherein the light source is configured to output the light in a direction outward from the central plane; and wherein the illumination element is configured to redirect at least a portion of the light emitted from the front emitting surface in a direction toward the central plane by reflection, refraction, diffusion, or a combination thereof.

[0270] Exemplary claim 80: A lampd mirror device comprising: a mirror having a front surface and at least one mirror edge; and at least one lamp assembly mounted to the mirror along the mirror edge, the at least one lamp assembly comprising: an illumination element including an extruded panel having a front emitting surface and a light receiving edge; a light source for generating light, the light source being optically coupled to the light receiving edge of the extruded panel; and the extruded panel being configured to receive the light from the light source, transmit the light, and emit at least a portion of the light from the front emitting surface.

[0271] Exemplary claim 81: A lampd mirror device comprising: a mirror having a front surface and at least one mirror edge; and at least one lamp assembly mounted to the mirror along the mirror edge, the at least one lamp assembly comprising: an illumination element comprising a multilayer panel including: a light-receiving edge; a diffuse light guide layer; and an optically transparent cover layer including a front emitting surface of the illumination element; and a light source for generating light, the light source being optically coupled to the light-receiving edge of the multilayer panel; the multilayer panel being configured to receive light from the light source, transmit the light, and emit at least a portion of the light from the front emitting surface.

[0272] Exemplary claim 82: A method of forming a lampd mirror device, the method comprising: a) extruding an illumination element including a front emitting surface and a light-receiving edge; and b) mounting the illumination element along the mirror edge of a mirror, the light-receiving edge of the illumination element being optically coupled to a light source mounted to the mirror.

[0273] Exemplary claim 83: The method according to exemplary claim 82, wherein step a) comprises: a-1) extruding the lighting element; and a-2) cutting the lighting element to a desired axial length, the axial length corresponding to the length of the mirror edge.

[0274] Exemplary claim 84: The method according to any one of exemplary claims 82 to 83, wherein the lighting element is a multilayer panel, the multilayer panel comprising: a diffuse light guide layer; and an optically transparent cover layer; and wherein step a) comprises co-extruding the optically transparent cover layer and the diffuse light guide layer to form the lighting element.

[0275] Exemplary claim 85: The method according to any one of exemplary claims 82 to 84, wherein the multilayer panel further includes a reflective layer; and wherein step a) includes co-extruding the optically transparent cover layer, the diffuse light guide layer and the reflective layer to form the illumination element such that the diffuse light guide layer is located between the reflective layer and the optically transparent cover layer.

[0276] Exemplary claim 86: The method according to any one of exemplary claims 82 to 85, wherein each of the layers of the lighting element is formed of plastic.

[0277] Exemplary claim 87: The method according to exemplary claim 86, wherein the plastic of the layer is selected such that chemical bonding occurs between adjacent layers in the layer during the co-extrusion.

[0278] Exemplary claim 88: The method according to any one of exemplary claims 82 to 87, wherein step b) comprises adhering the lighting element to the rear surface of the mirror.

[0279] Exemplary claim 89: The method according to exemplary claim 88, wherein step b) further comprises: b-1) applying an adhesive material to at least one of a portion of the rear surface of the mirror or to a portion of the front surface of the lighting element; and b-2) pressing the portion of the rear surface of the mirror and the portion of the front surface of the lighting element together.

[0280] Exemplary claim 90: The method according to exemplary claim 89, wherein the adhesive material is a double-sided adhesive tape.

[0281] Exemplary claim 91: The method of claim 89, wherein the adhesive material is a fluid adhesive composition.

[0282] Exemplary claim 92: The method according to any one of exemplary claims 82 to 91, wherein step b) further comprises: b-1) mounting the light source to a portion of the base; and b-2) mounting the portion of the base to the rear surface of the mirror.

[0283] Exemplary claim 93: The method according to any one of exemplary claims 82 to 92, wherein step b) further comprises: b-1) mounting the light source to a first portion of the base; b-2) mounting the illumination element to a second portion of the base to form a light unit; and b-3) mounting the light unit to the rear surface of the mirror such that the illumination element extends along the edge of the mirror and protrudes outward from the edge of the mirror, and the light source is located behind the mirror.

[0284] Exemplary claim 94: A lampd mirror device comprising: a mirror having a front surface defining a mirror plane, a center line, a central plane perpendicular to the mirror plane and intersecting the mirror plane along the center line, and at least one mirror edge; and at least one lamp assembly mounted to the mirror, the at least one lamp assembly comprising: a light source for generating light; and an illumination element comprising a front emitting surface, the illumination element being optically coupled to the light source and configured to transmit the light and emit at least a portion of the light from the front emitting surface; and the illumination element being positioned such that: (1) the front emitting surface is adjacent to and extends along the at least one mirror edge; and (2) the front emitting surface protrudes outward from the at least one mirror edge in a direction away from the central plane; wherein the illumination element comprises a multilayer panel, the multilayer panel comprising a diffuse light guide layer and an optically transparent cover layer including the front emitting surface.

[0285] Exemplary claim 95: A cabinet comprising: a housing defining a storage compartment having a front opening; a door mounted to the housing via at least one hinge, the hinge including a first hinge portion connected to the housing and a second hinge portion connected to the door, the first hinge portion being pivotally connected to the second hinge portion such that the door can pivot about a door axis between a closed angle orientation and an open angle orientation; and one of the first hinge portion or the second hinge portion being fixedly connected to the door or the housing, the other of the first hinge portion or the second hinge portion being slidably connected to the door or the housing to allow the door to translate axially relative to the housing between a fully lowered state and a fully raised state; and wherein, when the door is in the fully lowered state and in the closed angle orientation, the door covers the entire front opening.

[0286] Exemplary claim 96: The cabinet according to exemplary claim 95, wherein the door is capable of changing between the open angle orientation and the closed angle orientation in both the fully lowered state and the fully raised state.

[0287] Exemplary claim 97: The cabinet according to any one of exemplary claims 95 to 96 further includes: a counterweight operably connected to the door; a first hinge portion connected to a first sidewall of the housing; and the first sidewall including a counterweight track, the counterweight operably engaging with the counterweight track such that the counterweight can be axially translated along the counterweight track while being laterally secured by the counterweight track.

[0288] Exemplary claim 98: The cabinet of claim 97 further includes a counterweight rope having a first end connected to the counterweight and a second end connected to the first hinge portion.

[0289] Exemplary claim 99: A cabinet according to any one of exemplary claims 95 to 98, wherein the first hinge portion is slidably connected to the first sidewall of the housing, and the second hinge portion is fixedly connected to the door.

[0290] Exemplary claim 100: The cabinet according to exemplary claim 99 further includes: the first sidewall of the housing includes a first through groove; wherein the first hinge portion includes an inner hinge portion positioned adjacent to an inner surface of the first sidewall, an outer hinge portion positioned adjacent to an outer surface of the first sidewall, and a hinge boss extending through the first through groove; and the inner hinge portion, the outer hinge portion, and the hinge boss are fixedly connected to each other such that the hinge can be axially translated along the first through groove while remaining mounted to the first sidewall.

[0291] Exemplary claim 101: The cabinet according to exemplary claim 100 further includes: the first sidewall includes a hinge track on the outer surface of the first sidewall; the outer hinge portion engages with the hinge track in a operative manner such that the outer hinge portion is axially translatable along the hinge track while being laterally fixed by the hinge track.

[0292] Exemplary claim 102: A cabinet according to any one of exemplary claims 100 to 101, wherein the outer hinge portion includes an upwardly extending protrusion to which the end of the counterweight rope is connected.

[0293] Exemplary claim 103: A cabinet according to any one of exemplary claims 95 to 102, wherein the housing includes a rear wall configured to be mounted to a support structure, a first side wall, a second side wall opposite to the first side wall, a bottom plate, and a top plate opposite the bottom plate.

[0294] Exemplary claim 104: The cabinet according to any one of exemplary claims 95 to 103 further includes a wall shelf mounted to the lower end of the door and projecting from the front surface of the door, the wall shelf including at least one of the following: (1) a depth of at least one inch; (2) a width smaller than the width of the door; and (3) a retaining element for preventing objects from sliding off the upper surface of the wall shelf.

[0295] Exemplary claim 105: The cabinet according to claim 104, wherein the width of the wall shelf is less than the width of the door.

[0296] Exemplary claim 106: The cabinet according to any one of exemplary claims 95 to 105 further comprises: wherein, when the door is in the closed angle orientation and the fully raised state, the door covers the upper portion of the front opening and allows access to the lower portion of the storage compartment to be unobstructed by the door to the lower portion of the front opening; and wherein, when the door is in the open angle orientation, the entire front opening is unobstructed by the door.

[0297] Exemplary claim 107: The cabinet according to any one of exemplary claims 95 to 106, comprising a pair of hinges.

[0298] Exemplary claim 108: A cabinet according to any one of exemplary claims 95 to 107, wherein the door includes a mirror and a plurality of shelves mounted to the housing in the storage compartment.

[0299] Exemplary claim 109: A cabinet comprising: a housing defining a storage compartment having a front opening; and a door mounted to the housing by a mounting unit configured to: (1) allow the door to pivot relative to the housing about a door pivot axis between a closed angle orientation and an open angle orientation; and (2) allow the door to translate axially between a fully lowered state and a fully raised state.

[0300] Exemplary claim 110: The cabinet according to exemplary claim 109, wherein the mounting unit includes at least one hinge, the hinge including a first hinge portion slidably connected to the housing and a second hinge portion fixedly connected to the door, the first hinge portion being pivotally connected to the second hinge portion such that the door can pivot about the door pivot axis between the closed angle orientation and the open angle orientation.

[0301] Exemplary claim 111: The cabinet according to exemplary claim 109, wherein the mounting unit includes at least one hinge, the hinge including a first hinge portion fixedly connected to the housing and a second hinge portion slidably connected to the door, the first hinge portion being pivotally connected to the second hinge portion such that the door can pivot about the door pivot axis between the closed angle orientation and the open angle orientation.

[0302] Exemplary claim 112: The cabinet according to exemplary claim 109, wherein the mounting unit includes a hinge post mounted to the housing and at least one hinge portion fixedly connected to the door; and wherein the hinge portion is pivotally connected to the hinge post such that the door can pivot about the door pivot axis between the closed angle orientation and the open angle orientation; and wherein the hinge portion is slidably connected to the hinge post such that the door can translate axially between the fully lowered state and the fully raised state.

[0303] Exemplary claim 113: The cabinet of claim 109, wherein the mounting unit includes a hinge post mounted to the door and a body having a receiving hole in the housing; and wherein the hinge post is slidably nested in the receiving hole, thereby pivotally connecting the door to the housing and allowing the door to move axially relative to the housing.

[0304] Exemplary claim 114: A cabinet comprising: a housing including a rear wall, a first side wall, a second side wall opposite to the first side wall, a bottom plate, and a top plate opposite the bottom plate, which together define a storage compartment having a front opening opposite the rear wall; a door mounted to the housing such that the door is translatable relative to the housing between a fully lowered state and a fully raised state; and a counterweight mounted to the first side wall and operably coupled to the door.

[0305] Exemplary claim 115: The cabinet according to exemplary claim 114, wherein the first sidewall includes a counterweight track, the counterweight being operably engaged with the counterweight track such that the counterweight is axially translatable along the counterweight track while being laterally fixed by the counterweight track.

[0306] Exemplary claim 116: The cabinet according to exemplary claim 115 further includes: a counterweight rope having a first end connected to the counterweight and a second end connected to the door.

[0307] Exemplary claim 117: The cabinet according to any one of exemplary claims 114 to 116 further comprises: at least one hinge that pivotally mounts the door to the housing such that the door is pivotable about a door axis between a closed angle orientation and an open angle orientation; and wherein the door is changeable between the open angle orientation and the closed angle orientation in both the fully lowered state and the fully raised state, as well as in all positions between the fully lowered state and the fully raised state.

[0308] Exemplary claim 118: The cabinet according to exemplary claim 117 further includes: the first sidewall including a hinge track; and the hinge engaging with the hinge track in a manner such that the hinge is axially translatable along the hinge track while being laterally secured by the hinge track.

[0309] Exemplary claim 119: The cabinet according to any one of exemplary claims 117 to 118 further comprises: the hinge including a first hinge portion connected to the housing and a second hinge portion connected to the door, the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion being pivotally connected to each other; the first sidewall of the housing including a first through groove; the first hinge portion including an inner hinge portion positioned adjacent to an inner surface of the first sidewall, an outer hinge portion positioned adjacent to an outer surface of the first sidewall, and a hinge boss extending through the first through groove; and the inner hinge portion, the outer hinge portion and the hinge boss being fixedly connected to each other such that the hinge is axially translatable along the first through groove while remaining mounted to the first sidewall.

[0310] Exemplary claim 120: The cabinet according to exemplary claim 119, wherein the outer hinge portion includes an upwardly extending protrusion, and the second end of the counterweight rope is connected to the protrusion.

[0311] Exemplary claim 121: The cabinet according to any one of exemplary claims 114 to 120, wherein the first sidewall is an integrally formed single-panel component comprising a main panel body, a counterweight track, and a hinge track.

[0312] Exemplary claim 122: A cabinet comprising: a housing defining a storage compartment having a front opening; a door mounted to the housing; and a wall shelf mounted to the lower end of the door and projecting from the front surface of the door, the wall shelf comprising at least one of the following: (1) a depth of at least one inch; (2) a width smaller than the width of the door; and (3) a retaining element for preventing objects from sliding off the upper surface of the wall shelf.

[0313] Exemplary claim 123: The cabinet according to exemplary claim 122, wherein the width of the wall shelf is less than the width of the door.

[0314] Exemplary claim 124: The cabinet according to exemplary claim 123, wherein the width of the wall shelf is in the range of eight to ten inches.

[0315] Exemplary claim 125: The cabinet according to any one of exemplary claims 123 to 124, wherein the width of the wall shelf is less than half the width of the door.

[0316] Exemplary claim 126: The cabinet according to any one of exemplary claims 122 to 125, wherein the depth of the wall shelf is at least one inch.

[0317] Exemplary claim 127: The cabinet according to any one of exemplary claims 122 to 126, wherein the wall shelf includes the retaining element.

[0318] Exemplary claim 128: The cabinet according to claim 127, wherein the retaining element is selected from the group consisting of grooves, lips, adhesives, and rough surfaces.

[0319] Exemplary claim 129: A cabinet according to any one of exemplary claims 122 to 128, wherein the door is mounted to the housing such that the door is translatable relative to the housing between a fully lowered state and a fully raised state, wherein in the fully lowered state the door covers the entire front opening, and in the fully raised state the lower portion of the storage compartment is not obstructed by the door.

[0320] Exemplary claim 130: A cabinet according to any one of exemplary claims 122 to 128, wherein the door is mounted to the housing such that the door is pivotable about a door axis between a closed angle orientation and an open angle orientation.

[0321] Exemplary claim 131: A method of forming a combined mirror and electronic display viewing assembly, the method comprising: a) positioning an electronic device having a display screen in an upright orientation on a ledge connected to a mirrored door of a cabinet, the ledge protruding beyond the front surface of the mirrored door, the mirrored door being mounted to a housing such that the mirrored door is translatable relative to the housing between a fully lowered state and a raised state, wherein in the fully lowered state the mirrored door covers the entire front opening of the housing, and in the raised state the lower portion of the storage compartment of the housing is not obstructed by the door; and wherein, when the mirrored door moves between the raised state and the fully lowered state, the ledge moves together with the mirrored door.

[0322] Exemplary claim 132: The method of claim 131 further comprises: b) positioning the mirrored door in the raised state, and operably connecting a first end of the wire to the electronic device, and operably connecting a second end of the wire to an electrical port in the lower portion of the storage compartment.

[0323] Exemplary claim 133: The method of claim 132 further comprises: c) lowering the mirrored door from the raised state to the fully lowered state, the wire passing through the gap between the mirrored door and the housing; and wherein, during step c), the mirrored door travels in a vertical plane and remains in a fully closed pivotal orientation relative to the housing.

[0324] Exemplary claim 134: The method according to exemplary claim 133, wherein the gap is formed between the edge of the bottom plate of the housing and the inner surface of the mirrored door.

[0325] Exemplary claim 135: The method according to exemplary claim 133, wherein the gap is formed by a recess in the floor of the housing.

[0326] Exemplary claim 136: The method according to any one of exemplary claims 133 to 135, wherein, in the upright orientation, the edge of the electronic device rests on the wall shelf and the electronic device abuts against the front surface of the mirrored door.

[0327] Exemplary claim 137: The method of claim 136, wherein the ledge includes a retaining element that engages the edge of the electronic device to prevent the edge of the electronic device from sliding along the upper surface of the ledge away from the front surface of the mirrored door.

Claims

1. A mirror device with a lamp, comprising: A mirror in an observation state, the mirror having a front surface defining a mirror plane and a center line, the center plane being perpendicular to the mirror plane and intersecting the mirror plane along the center line; A first lamp assembly is positioned along a first side portion of the mirror; as well as The second lamp assembly is positioned along a second side of the mirror opposite to the first side of the mirror; Each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly is configured to generate light and transmit the light along a main optical path to the central plane, each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly comprising: A light source, configured to produce light; A light guide component, comprising a light output surface defining a first interface reference plane, wherein the first interface reference plane forms an outward and rearward first acute angle with the central plane.

1. Intersect; The light source is optically coupled to the light guide member, such that the light guide member guides the light along a first portion of the main optical path to the light output surface, the first portion of the main optical path forming a first incident angle Φ1 with the light output surface; and The light output surface is part of a first multi-medium interface, which is configured to refract light exiting the light output surface of the light guide member along a second portion of the main optical path at a first refraction angle Ψ1, wherein the first refraction angle Ψ1 is greater than the first incident angle Φ1. Each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly further includes an internal cavity at least partially formed by a cover member, the light guide member being positioned within the internal cavity, the cover member including a lens portion having: As part of a second multi-medium interface, the lens light input surface is configured to: (i) receive light propagating along a second portion of the main optical path at a second incident angle Φ2; and (ii) refract the light passing through the second multi-medium interface at a second refraction angle Ψ2, such that the light propagates through the lens portion along a third portion of the main optical path; and The lens light output surface, as part of a third multi-medium interface, is configured to: (i) receive light propagating along the third portion of the main optical path at a third incident angle Φ3; and (ii) refract the light exiting the lens light output surface along a fourth portion of the main optical path at a third refraction angle Ψ3; and Among them, the following equation is satisfied: Φ2 - Ψ2 < Ψ3 - Φ3.

2. The lamp-equipped mirror device according to claim 1 further includes: The second portion of the main optical path runs along the first refracted light reference plane; The lens light input surface is part of a second multi-media interface that defines a second interface reference plane; Furthermore, the lens light output surface is part of a third multi-media interface that defines a third interface reference plane; Wherein, the first refracting light reference plane: (i) intersects with the second interface reference plane to form an outward-backward second angle. 2; and (ii) intersecting with the third interface reference plane to form an outward-backward third angle.

3. The second and third angles are corresponding angles; and in, 3< 2.

3. The lamp-equipped mirror device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, For each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the lens portion of the cover member has a thickness measured from the lens light input surface to the lens light output surface in a direction parallel to the central plane; and wherein the thickness of the lens portion decreases as the distance from the central plane increases.

4. The lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, For each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, Φ2 is less than or equal to 10 degrees.

5. The lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, For each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the lens light output surface of the cover member is a flat surface oriented substantially parallel to the mirror surface.

6. The lamp-equipped mirror device according to claim 5, wherein, For each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the lens light output surface of the cover member is substantially coplanar with the mirror surface.

7. The lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, For each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the cover member is formed of a light-transmitting material.

8. The lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, The lens light output surface of the cover member of each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly forms a portion of the front surface of the lamp-mounted mirror device extending at the height of the mirror.

9. The lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising: For each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the light diffuser has an arcuate portion positioned between the light output surface of the light guide member and the lens light input surface of the lens portion of the cover member.

10. The lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising: For each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly The cover member includes an outer wall and a front wall, the outer wall having an outer surface forming an exposed side surface of the lamp-mounted mirror device, and the front wall including the lens portion; The light guide component is a light guide plate having a main inner surface and a main outer surface, and the light output surface is a front edge surface extending between the main inner surface and the main outer surface; as well as A reflector component having a reflective surface adjacent to and opposite to the main inner surface of the light guide plate.

11. The lamp-equipped mirror device according to claim 10, wherein, For each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly: there exists a gap between the reflective surface and the main inner surface of the light guide plate; the gap has a width measured parallel to the mirror surface; and wherein, for the front portion of the reflective surface, the width of the gap increases as the distance from the front edge of the reflective surface decreases.

12. The lamp-equipped mirror device according to claim 11, wherein, For each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the width of the gap is substantially constant for the rear portion of the reflective surface.

13. The lamp-equipped mirror device according to claim 11, wherein, For each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the front portion of the reflective surface is a convex surface that is curved away from the light guide plate.

14. The lamp-equipped mirror device according to claim 11, wherein, For each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the light guide plate extends beyond the front edge of the reflective surface.

15. The lamp-equipped mirror device according to claim 10, wherein, For each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, both the main inner surface and the main outer surface are substantially flat surfaces that are substantially parallel to the central plane.

16. The lamp-equipped mirror device according to claim 10, wherein, For each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the light guide plate is configured to: (1) emit a first percentage of light entering the light guide plate from the light guide plate via the main outer surface; and (2) emit a second percentage of light entering the light guide plate from the light guide plate via the light output surface, the second percentage being greater than the first percentage.

17. The lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, For each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the lens light output surface of the lens portion of the cover member is substantially coplanar with the mirror surface.

18. The lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, For each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the light output surface of the light guide member is a smooth surface.

19. The lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, For each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the light guide includes a light input surface, the light source includes a row of light-emitting diodes positioned adjacent to the light input surface, and the light input surface is a flat surface that is substantially parallel to the mirror surface and offset rearward from the mirror surface.

20. The lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising: A support structure that forms a storage cavity with an opening; The mirror includes a door, which is movably mounted to the support structure so as to be changeable between: (1) an open state, in which an opening provides access to the storage cavity; (2) an observation state, in which the opening is enclosed by the door; and The first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly are mounted to the support structure on opposite sides of the door.

21. A mirror device with a lamp, comprising: Support structure; A mirror mounted to the support structure in an observation state, the mirror having a front surface defining a mirror plane and a centerline, the center plane being perpendicular to the mirror plane and intersecting the mirror plane along the centerline; and A first lamp assembly and a second lamp assembly are mounted to the support structure on opposite sides of the mirror and on opposite sides of the central plane. Each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly is configured to generate light and refract the main optical path of the light toward the central plane. Each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly further includes: A light guide plate having a main inner surface, a main outer surface, a front edge surface extending between the main inner surface and the main outer surface, and a rear edge surface extending between the main inner surface and the main outer surface opposite to the front edge surface; The front edge surface is a beveled surface, which is configured to: (i) receive light propagating along the main optical path through the light guide plate at an incident angle Φ1; and (ii) refract and emit the light from the front edge surface along the main optical path at a refraction angle Ψ1. Where Ψ1>Φ1; Each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly further includes a lens portion having: A lens light input surface, the lens light input surface being configured to: (i) receive light propagating along the main optical path at an incident angle Φ2; and (ii) refract and emit light passing through the lens portion along the main optical path at a refraction angle Ψ2; and A lens light output surface configured to: (i) receive light propagating along the main optical path through the lens portion at an incident angle Φ3; and (ii) refract and emit the light from the lens light output surface along the main optical path at a refraction angle Ψ3; Among them, the following equation is satisfied: Φ2 - Ψ2 < Ψ3 - Φ3.

22. The lamp-equipped mirror device according to claim 21, wherein, Each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly is configured to refract the main optical path multiple times toward the central plane.

23. The lamp-equipped mirror device according to claim 22, wherein, Each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly is configured to refract the main optical path away from the central plane at least once.

24. The lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of claims 21 to 22, wherein, Each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly includes at least two multi-medium interfaces along the main optical path, wherein the angle of refraction of each of the at least two multi-medium interfaces is greater than the angle of incidence of light passing through the multi-medium interface.

25. The lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of claims 21 to 23, further comprising: Each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly includes a front surface that forms the exposed front surface of the lamp-mirror device; and Each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly is configured to generate light along a first portion of the main optical path and emit light from the exposed surface along a final portion of the main optical path, wherein there is a net refraction angle between the first portion and the final portion of the main optical path, the net refraction angle being at least 20 degrees.

26. The lamp-equipped mirror device according to claim 21, wherein, For each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the lens portion has a thickness measured in a direction parallel to the central plane from the lens light input surface to the lens light output surface; and wherein the thickness of the lens portion decreases as the distance from the central plane increases.

27. The lamp-equipped mirror device according to claim 21, wherein, For each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, Φ2 is less than or equal to 10 degrees.

28. The lamp-equipped mirror device according to claim 21, wherein, For each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the lens light output surface is a flat surface oriented substantially parallel to the mirror surface.

29. The lamp-equipped mirror device according to claim 28, wherein, For each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the lens light output surface is a flat surface that is substantially coplanar with the mirror surface.

30. The lamp-equipped mirror device according to claim 21, wherein, Each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly includes a reflector member having a reflective surface adjacent to and opposite to the main inner surface of the light guide plate.

31. The lamp-equipped mirror device according to claim 30, wherein, For each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, there is a gap between the reflective surface and the main inner surface of the light guide plate; The gap has a width measured parallel to the mirror surface; and wherein, for the front portion of the reflective surface, the width of the gap increases as the distance from the front edge of the reflective surface decreases.

32. The lamp-equipped mirror device according to claim 21, wherein, For each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the light guide plate is configured to: (1) emit a first percentage of light propagating through the light guide plate from the light guide plate via the main outer surface; and (2) emit a second percentage of light propagating through the light guide plate from the light guide plate via the light output surface, the second percentage being greater than the first percentage.

33. The lamp-equipped mirror device according to claim 21, wherein, The inclined surface defines a first interface reference plane, which forms an outward and rearward first acute angle with the central plane.

1. Intersect.

34. A mirror device with a lamp, comprising: Support structure; A mirror mounted to the support structure in an observation state, the mirror having a front surface defining a mirror plane and a centerline, the center plane being perpendicular to the mirror plane and intersecting the mirror plane along the centerline; and A first lamp assembly and a second lamp assembly are mounted to the support structure on opposite sides of the mirror and on opposite sides of the central plane. Each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly includes a lens portion, the lens portion comprising: A lens light input surface, the lens light input surface being configured to: (i) receive light propagating along the main optical path at an incident angle Φ2; and (ii) refract and emit light passing through the lens portion along the main optical path at a refraction angle Ψ2; and A lens light output surface configured to: (i) receive light propagating along the main optical path through the lens portion at an incident angle Φ3; and (ii) refract and emit the light from the lens light output surface along the main optical path at a refraction angle Ψ3; Wherein, the following equation is satisfied: Φ2 - Ψ2 < Ψ3 - Φ 3， Each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly further includes: A light guide plate includes a main inner surface, a main outer surface, and a tilted front edge surface extending between the main inner surface and the main outer surface, and configured to refract light exiting the tilted front edge surface of the light guide plate along the main optical path toward the light input surface of the lens portion, the tilted front edge surface being configured to: (i) receive light propagating along the main optical path through the light guide plate at an incident angle Φ1; and (ii) refract and emit light from the tilted front edge surface along the main optical path at a refraction angle Ψ1. Where Ψ1>Φ1.

35. The lamp-equipped mirror device according to claim 34, wherein, For each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, Φ2>Ψ2 and Ψ3>Φ3.

36. The lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of claims 34 to 35, wherein, The light output surface of the lens is substantially parallel to the mirror plane.

37. The lamp-equipped mirror device according to claim 36, wherein, The light output surface of the lens is substantially coplanar with the mirror plane.

38. The lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of claims 34 to 35, wherein, Each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly further includes: A cover member formed of a light-transmitting material, the cover member comprising: The outer wall, having an outer surface forming the exposed side surface of the lamp-mounted mirror device; and The front wall includes a lens portion, the lens light output surface being the front surface of the front wall that forms the exposed front surface of the lampd mirror device.

39. The lamp-equipped mirror device according to claim 38, wherein, For each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the cover member further includes an inner sidewall, and the front wall includes a first lip portion that protrudes outward beyond the outer sidewall and a second lip portion that protrudes inward beyond the inner sidewall.

40. The lamp-mounted mirror device according to claim 38, further comprising: Each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly further includes: An internal cavity, the internal cavity being at least partially formed by the cover member; and A light source, which is positioned within the internal cavity and configured to generate light; The light guide plate is positioned within the internal cavity and optically connected to the light source, and the main outer surface of the light guide plate is opposite to the outer side wall of the cover member.

41. The lamp-equipped mirror device according to claim 40, wherein, Each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly is configured to: (1) emit a first percentage of light propagating through the light guide plate from the light guide plate via the main outer surface; (2) A second percentage of light propagating through the light guide plate is emitted from the light guide plate via the front edge surface, the second percentage being greater than the first percentage.

42. The lamp-equipped mirror device according to claim 41, wherein, Each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly further includes a light diffuser having a first portion positioned between the front edge surface of the light guide plate and the lens light input surface of the lens portion; And a second part, which is positioned between the main outer surface of the light guide plate and the outer side wall of the cover member.

43. The lamp-equipped mirror device according to claim 40, wherein, Each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly further includes a reflector member having a reflective surface adjacent to and opposite to the main inner surface of the light guide plate.

44. The lamp-equipped mirror device according to claim 43, wherein, For each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly: there exists a gap between the reflective surface and the main inner surface of the light guide plate; the gap has a width measured parallel to the mirror surface; and wherein, for the front portion of the reflective surface, the width of the gap increases as the distance from the front edge of the reflective surface decreases.

45. The lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of claims 34 to 35, wherein, For each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the lens portion has a thickness measured in a direction parallel to the central plane from the lens light input surface to the lens light output surface; and wherein the thickness of the lens portion decreases as the distance from the central plane increases.

46. ​​The lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of claims 34 to 35, wherein, For each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, Φ2 is less than or equal to 10 degrees.

47. A mirror device with a lamp, comprising: Support structure; A mirror mounted to the support structure in an observation state, the mirror having a front surface defining a mirror plane and a centerline, the center plane being perpendicular to the mirror plane and intersecting the mirror plane along the centerline; and A first lamp assembly and a second lamp assembly are mounted to the support structure on opposite sides of the mirror and on opposite sides of the central plane, each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly comprising: A light source, configured to produce light; A light guide component, optically coupled to the light source, to receive light generated by the light source and transmit the light through the light guide component; A reflective surface, said reflective surface being adjacent to and opposite to the inner surface of the light guide member; and At least a gap exists between the front portion of the reflective surface and the inner surface of the light guide member, the width of which increases as the distance from the front edge of the reflective surface decreases. The light guide component includes a light output surface that defines a first interface reference plane, the first interface reference plane forming an outward and rearward first acute angle with the central plane.

1. Intersect; The light source is optically coupled to the light guide member, such that the light guide member guides the light along a first portion of the main optical path to the light output surface, the first portion of the main optical path forming a first incident angle Φ1 with the light output surface; and The light output surface is part of a first multi-medium interface, which is configured to refract light exiting the light output surface of the light guide member along a second portion of the main optical path at a first refraction angle Ψ1, wherein the first refraction angle Ψ1 is greater than the first incident angle Φ1. Each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly further includes a lens portion having: A lens light input surface, the lens light input surface being configured to: (i) receive light propagating along the main optical path at an incident angle Φ2; and (ii) refract and emit light passing through the lens portion along the main optical path at a refraction angle Ψ2; and A lens light output surface configured to: (i) receive light propagating along the main optical path through the lens portion at an incident angle Φ3; and (ii) refract and emit the light from the lens light output surface along the main optical path at a refraction angle Ψ3; Among them, the following equation is satisfied: Φ2-Ψ2<Ψ3-Φ3.

48. The lamp-equipped mirror device according to claim 47, wherein, For each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the width of the gap is measured parallel to the mirror plane.

49. The lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of claims 47 to 48, wherein, For each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the gap extends between the rear portion of the reflective surface and the inner surface of the light guide member, and the width of the gap is substantially constant between the rear portion of the reflective surface and the inner surface of the light guide member.

50. The lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of claims 47 to 48, wherein, For each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the front portion of the reflective surface is a convex surface that is curved away from the inner surface of the light guide member.

51. The lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of claims 47 to 48, wherein, For each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the light guide extends forward beyond the front edge of the reflective surface.

52. The lamp-mounted mirror device according to any one of claims 47 to 48, wherein, For each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the light guide member is a light guide plate, wherein the inner surface of the light guide member is the main inner surface of the light guide plate, and the light guide plate further includes a main outer surface and a front edge surface extending between the main inner surface and the main outer surface.

53. The lamp-equipped mirror device according to claim 52, wherein, For each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the front edge surface of the light guide plate is a beveled surface.

54. The lamp-equipped mirror device according to claim 52, wherein, For each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, both the main inner surface and the main outer surface of the light guide plate are substantially flat surfaces that are substantially parallel to the central plane.

55. The lamp-equipped mirror device according to claim 52, wherein, For each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly, the light guide is configured to: (1) emit a first percentage of light entering the light guide from the main outer surface; and (2) emit a second percentage of light entering the light guide from the front edge surface, the second percentage being greater than the first percentage.

56. A mirror device with a lamp, comprising: Support structure; A mirror mounted to the support structure in an observation state, the mirror having a front surface defining a mirror plane and a centerline, the center plane being perpendicular to the mirror plane and intersecting the mirror plane along the centerline; and A first lamp assembly and a second lamp assembly are mounted to the support structure on opposite sides of the mirror and on opposite sides of the central plane. Each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly is configured to generate light and emit the light from the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly along the last portion of the main optical path, the last portion of the main optical path: (1) exits the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly at a first distance D1 from the central plane; and (2) forms an emission angle with the mirror plane. M ,in, M D1 is chosen such that tan( M ) x D1 = 15 to 30 inches, Each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly includes: A light source, configured to produce light; A light guide component, comprising a light output surface defining a first interface reference plane, wherein the first interface reference plane forms an outward and rearward first acute angle with the central plane.

1. Intersect; The light source is optically coupled to the light guide member, such that the light guide member guides the light along a first portion of the main optical path to the light output surface, the first portion of the main optical path forming a first incident angle Φ1 with the light output surface; and The light output surface is part of a first multi-medium interface, which is configured to refract light exiting the light output surface of the light guide member along a second portion of the main optical path at a first refraction angle Ψ1, wherein the first refraction angle Ψ1 is greater than the first incident angle Φ1. Each of the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly further includes a lens portion having: A lens light input surface, the lens light input surface being configured to: (i) receive light propagating along the main optical path at an incident angle Φ2; and (ii) refract and emit light passing through the lens portion along the main optical path at a refraction angle Ψ2; and A lens light output surface configured to: (i) receive light propagating along the main optical path through the lens portion at an incident angle Φ3; and (ii) refract and emit the light from the lens light output surface along the main optical path at a refraction angle Ψ3; Among them, the following equation is satisfied: Φ2-Ψ2<Ψ3-Φ3.

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