Lavatory mirror de-fogging fan

Abstract

A lavatory mirror de-fogging arrangement includes a fan positioned to blow air onto a front surface of a mirror. An environmental sensor may detect an environmental parameter (e.g., humidity and / or temperature) in a room in which the mirror is disposed. Illustratively, a controller is in electrical communication with the fan and with the environmental sensor. The controller may activate the fan in response to input from the environmental sensor.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63 / 752,305, filed Jan. 31, 2025, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a de-fogging system for a lavatory mirror.

[0003] When a human user takes a hot shower, it often causes mirrors near the shower to fog. However, once the user exits the shower, he / she often performs tasks at a sink and need to use the mirror that is typically mounted on a wall above the sink. Because of the high humidity from the shower, the mirror may become foggy and difficult to use without wiping the mirror down and potentially adding smudges.

[0004] Smart mirrors may have built-in heating elements that keep the mirror's surface warm, preventing the condensation that causes fogging. When the mirror heats up, it reduces the temperature difference between the mirror and the surrounding air, which stops water droplets from forming. However, such smart mirrors may be expensive and / or difficult to install.

[0005] The present disclosure may integrate a fan in a device mounted to a sink deck below a mirror, and may incorporate inputs to determine the fan output behavior. Based on some predetermined criteria, the fan illustratively activates and directs airflow towards the mirror in a way to prevent fogging of the mirror. The illustrative system senses conditions that typically cause a mirror to fog and, in response to sensing the conditions, activates a fan on a device installed in a sink deck below the mirror to prevent fogging of the mirror.

[0006] The illustrative system includes a device installed onto a sink deck located below a mirror. The device could be a faucet, a separate base that is able to be used across multiple different product assemblies (e.g., faucets), or a separate standalone accessory. The illustrative device includes a fan that is angled towards the mirror. The fan can blow either heated or non-heated air. The flow of air may be started and stopped based on either some predetermined setting or inputs from one or more sensors. The sensors may include a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, a presence sensor, or some combination of these sensors.

[0007] Alternatively, it is possible to start and stop the flow of air based on input directly received from the user at a user interface. For example, there may be a button / switch that the user can manually actuate to control air flow, or the user may control the air flow using an application (“app”) on his mobile electronic device (e.g., cell phone).

[0008] According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a lavatory mirror de-fogging arrangement or system includes a fan positioned to blow air onto a front surface of a mirror. A humidity sensor detects a humidity level in a room in which the mirror is disposed. A controller is in electrical communication with the fan and with the humidity sensor. The controller turns ON or activates the fan in response to the humidity level detected by the humidity sensor exceeding a threshold.

[0009] According to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a lavatory mirror de-fogging arrangement or system includes a fan positioned to blow air onto a front surface of a mirror. A first temperature sensor detects a temperature of the mirror. A second temperature sensor detects ambient air temperature in a room in which the mirror is disposed. A controller is in electrical communication with the fan, the first temperature sensor, and the second temperature sensor. The controller turns ON or activates the fan in response to a difference between the ambient air temperature and the temperature of the mirror exceeding a threshold.

[0010] According to yet another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a lavatory mirror de-fogging arrangement or system includes a fan positioned to blow air onto a front surface of a mirror. An environmental sensor detects a parameter of an environment in which the mirror is disposed. A presence sensor detects a presence of a human being in front of the mirror. A controller is in electrical communication with the fan, the environmental sensor, and the presence sensor. The controller turns ON or activates the fan in response to signals from the environmental sensor and the presence sensor.

[0011] Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiment exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The above-mentioned and other features and objects of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an illustrative embodiment of a lavatory mirror de-fogging fan arrangement of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 2 is an upper, front perspective view of another illustrative embodiment of a lavatory mirror de-fogging fan arrangement of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of yet another illustrative embodiment of a lavatory mirror de-fogging fan arrangement of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of still another illustrative embodiment of a lavatory mirror de-fogging fan arrangement of the present disclosure; and

[0017] FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the lavatory mirror de-fogging fan arrangement of FIG. 4.

[0018] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Although the drawings represent embodiments of various features and components according to the present disclosure, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated in order to better illustrate and explain the present disclosure. The exemplification set out herein illustrates an embodiment of the invention, and such an exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The embodiments of the disclosure described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Rather, the embodiments described herein enable one skilled in the art to practice the disclosure.

[0020] Referring initially to FIG. 1, an illustrative lavatory mirror de-fogging fan arrangement or system 10 of the present disclosure includes a controller 12 (e.g., an electronic processor, which may be a microprocessor) receiving inputs from humidity sensors 14a, 14b, temperature sensors 16a, 16b, and / or presence sensors 18a, 18b. Based on the inputs received from these sensors 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 18a, 18b, processor 12 controls a heater 20 and / or a fan 22. As used herein, the term “environmental sensor” may refer to a humidity sensor or a temperature sensor.

[0021] The processor 12 illustratively includes a clock or timer 24. A power supply 25 is illustratively in electrical communication with the processor 12. The power supply 25 may comprise a 110V AC power line or at least one battery. Illustratively, a battery may provide sufficient power to operate the fan 22, but a 110 V AC power supply may be required to provide sufficient power to operate the heater 20.

[0022] First and second humidity sensors 14a, 14b may be disposed at various locations including in a shower (not shown), on or next to a mirror 26, or at some location between the shower and the mirror 26, or at any combination of these locations, for example. First and second temperature sensors 16a, 16b may also be disposed at various locations including in the shower, on or next to the mirror 26, or at some location between the shower and the mirror 26, or at any combination of these locations, for example. First and second presence sensors 18a, 18b may be disposed at locations such that they may detect the presence of a person in the shower or in front of the mirror 26, for example.

[0023] Fan 22 may be positioned to blow heated or unheated air onto the mirror 26 so as to prevent fogging. Processor 12 may or may not cause heater 20 to heat fan 22 and / or the air blown by fan 22. For example, heater 20 may be in the form of an electrical resistance coil that is positioned in the path of the air flow from fan 22. When the coil is energized with electrical current therethrough, the air flow absorbs the heat from the coil and the air flow is thereby heated before reaching the mirror 26.

[0024] In one illustrative embodiment, processor 22 activates the heater 20 only when there is more than a threshold difference between the ambient air temperature and the temperature of the mirror 26, as measured by the first and second temperature sensors 16a, 16b, respectively. Illustratively, processor 22 turns OFF or deactivates the heater 20 when the difference between the ambient air temperature and the temperature of the mirror 26, as measured by the first and second temperature sensors 16a, 16b, is at or below the threshold. Alternatively, processor 22 turns OFF or deactivates the heater 20 after a predetermined time period as determined by the clock 24.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 2, another illustrative lavatory mirror de-fogging fan arrangement or system 210 of the present disclosure includes a fan 222 mounted on a mounting deck 224, such as a sink deck, behind a faucet assembly 225 and a sink basin 228. The fan 222 may blow air, as indicated at 230, onto the front surface of a mirror 232 that is mounted on a wall 234 above the mounting deck 224. In the illustration of FIG. 2, the mirror 232 has been fogged, possibly by a nearby hot shower. However, as known to those of skill in the art, the airflow 230 from the fan 222 may defog and clear up at least a section 236 of the mirror 232, and leave another section 238 of the mirror 232 still fogged, at least until further operation of the fan 222 eventually defogs the entire mirror 232. In order to facilitate the de-fogging of the entire mirror 232, the fan 222 may oscillate in horizontal and / or vertical directions in order to blow air on the entirety of the front surface of the mirror 232. Illustratively, an electric motor (not shown) may drive the fan 222 in oscillating movement.

[0026] The fan 222 may be driven and controlled by an electronic controller or processor 212 which may be mounted under the mounting deck 224. The controller 212 may receive inputs from a presence sensor 218, first and second temperature sensors 216a, 216b, and / or humidity sensor 214. The controller 212 illustratively includes a clock or timer 215.

[0027] In one illustrative embodiment, the controller 212 turns ON or activates the fan 222 if presence sensor 218 detects a human user standing or sitting in front of the mirror 232; the difference between temperatures measured by second temperature sensor 216b and first temperature sensor 216a exceeds a temperature threshold; and the humidity measured by humidity sensor 214 exceeds a humidity threshold. Illustratively, controller 212 turns OFF or deactivates the fan 222 if presence sensor 218 does not detect a human user in front of the mirror 232; the difference between the temperatures measured by temperature sensor 216b and temperature sensor 216a are at or below the temperature threshold; and the humidity measured by humidity sensor 214 is at or below the humidity threshold. Alternatively, controller 212 turns OFF or deactivates the fan 222 after a predetermined time period as determined by the clock 215.

[0028] Referring now to FIG. 3, yet another illustrative lavatory mirror de-fogging fan arrangement or system 310 of the present disclosure includes a fan 322 mounted on a mounting deck 324, such as a sink deck, behind an escutcheon 340 of a faucet assembly 325, and behind a sink basin 328. The faucet assembly 325 also includes a faucet spout 326 positioned between hot water and cold water valve handles 327a and 327b, respectively. While a dual handle centerset faucet is illustrated, other types of faucets (e.g., widespread and single handle faucets) may be substituted therefor.

[0029] The fan 322 may blow air, as indicated at 330, onto a front surface 342 of a mirror 332 that is mounted on a wall 334 above the mounting deck 324. In the event that the mirror 332 has been fogged, or measured conditions or time of day are favorable for the mirror 332 to become fogged, possibly by a nearby hot shower, the airflow 330 from the fan 322 may defog and clear up the mirror 332, or may prevent such fogging from occurring. In order to facilitate the de-fogging of the entire mirror 332, the fan 322 may oscillate in horizontal and / or vertical directions in order to blow air on the entirety of the front surface of the mirror 332. Illustratively, an electric motor (not shown) may drive the fan 322 in oscillating movement.

[0030] The fan 322 may be received in a housing 344 that is fixedly and permanently attached to the escutcheon 340 such that the fan 322 in its home position (e.g., not oscillating) faces in an upward direction towards the mirror 332. The direction in which the fan 322 faces may be approximately between ten degrees and forty degrees from a vertical direction that is parallel to the front surface 342 of the mirror 332.

[0031] Housing 344 may be integrally formed with escutcheon 340. For example, housing 344 may be formed of the same piece of metal or plastic as that of escutcheon 340. Alternatively, housing 344 may be attached to escutcheon 340 by some fastener(s), such as screws, adhesive or hook and loop fasteners. Such semi-permanent attachment devices may enable housing to be semi-permanently attached to a wide variety of models and shapes of escutcheons.

[0032] The fan 322 may be driven and controlled by an electronic controller 312 which may be mounted under the mounting deck 324. The controller 312 may receive inputs from a mirror temperature sensor 316 and a sensor array 346 that may include, for example, a presence sensor, a temperature sensor and / or a humidity sensor. The controller 312 illustratively includes a clock or timer 315.

[0033] In one illustrative embodiment, the controller 312 turns ON or activates the fan 322 if the presence sensor detects a human user standing or sitting in front of the mirror 332; the difference between temperatures measured by the temperature sensor in the array 346 and the temperature sensor 316 exceeds a temperature threshold; and the humidity measured by the humidity sensor in the array 346 exceeds a humidity threshold. Illustratively, processor 312 turns OFF or deactivates the fan 322 if presence sensor does not detect a human user in front of the mirror 332; the difference between the temperatures measured by temperature sensor in the array 346 and the temperature sensor 316 is at or below the temperature threshold; and the humidity measured by humidity sensor in the array 346 is at or below the humidity threshold. Alternatively, controller 312 turns OFF or deactivates the fan 322 after a predetermined time period as determined by the clock 315.

[0034] There may be a user input or interface, such as a pushbutton 348 or other type of switch, that is connected to the processor 312 and that the user can manually actuate in order to turn the fan 322 ON or OFF. For example, whenever the fan 322 is ON, depressing the pushbutton 348 may cause the processor 312 to turn the fan 322 OFF, and whenever the fan 322 is OFF, depressing the pushbutton 348 may cause the processor 312 to turn the fan 322 ON. Although the pushbutton 348 is shown as being located on the escutcheon 340, the pushbutton 348 or a similar switch may be placed at any location that provides easy access to the user. Instead of, or in addition to, some type of switch, the user may control operation of the fan 322 by use of an application (“app”) on his mobile phone.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, yet another illustrative lavatory mirror de-fogging fan arrangement or system 410 of the present disclosure includes a fan assembly 422 mounted below a mounting deck 424, such as a sink deck, and below an escutcheon or base 440 of a faucet assembly 425, and behind a sink basin 428. The escutcheon 440 may be modular and could be put on or assembled with different faucets.

[0036] The illustrative faucet assembly 425 includes a faucet spout 426 positioned between hot water and cold water valve handles 427a and 427b, respectively. While a dual handle centerset faucet is illustrated, other types of faucets (e.g., widespread faucets, single handle faucets, etc.) may be substituted therefor. The fan assembly 422 is illustratively powered by a battery 450 and includes a fan which may blow air, as indicated at 452, through a conduit 454, and through a channel 456 in escutcheon 440 that is in fluid communication with the conduit 454.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 5, the channel 456 illustratively diverges laterally such that the air flow 430 from an outlet 458 of the channel 456 also diverges laterally across a large portion of a mirror 432. More particularly, the air flow 430 impinges upon a front surface 442 of a mirror 432 that is mounted on a wall 434 above the mounting deck 424. In the event that the mirror 432 has been fogged, or measured conditions or time of day are favorable for the mirror 432 to become fogged, possibly by a nearby hot shower, the airflow 430 from the fan assembly 422 may defog and clear up the mirror 432, or may prevent such fogging from occurring.

[0038] The fan assembly 422 may include an electronic controller that receives inputs from a sensor array 446 including a presence sensor, a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. The sensor array 446 is shown in FIG. 4 as being mounted on or built into a front surface of the escutcheon 440. The electronic controller may include a clock or timer.

[0039] In one illustrative embodiment, the electronic controller turns ON or activates the fan if the presence sensor in the array 446 detects a human user standing or sitting in front of the faucet assembly 425; the temperature measured by the temperature sensor in the array 446 exceeds a temperature threshold; and the humidity measured by the humidity sensor in the array 446 exceeds a humidity threshold.

[0040] In certain illustrative embodiments, the electronic controller activates the fan if the presence sensor in the array 446 detects a user, regardless of any input of temperature measured by the temperature sensor in the array 446 and / or input of humidity measured by the humidity sensor in the array 446. Practically, it could take a few minutes for the fog to be removed from the mirror if non-heated air is utilized (i.e. battery powered fan without a heater). This may be an annoying amount of time to wait for a user. The logic within the controller could be implemented such that it would monitor presence and turn on the fan if presence was detected up to approximately 15 minutes prior to the temperature and humidity conditions meeting the criteria to turn on the fan for defogging. This way the mirror would be clear when the user approaches after they are done with his or her shower.

[0041] Illustratively, the electronic processor turns OFF or deactivates the fan if the presence sensor does not detect a human user in front of the faucet assembly 425; the temperature measured by the temperature sensor is at or below the temperature threshold; or the humidity measured by the humidity sensor is at or below the humidity threshold. Alternatively, the controller turns OFF or deactivates the fan after a predetermined time period as determined by the clock 24.

[0042] In another illustrative embodiment (not shown), the fan housing is a standalone in the sense that it is attached to only the mounting deck 424, and may be mounted at any desired location on the mounting deck 424. For example, the fan assembly 422 may be received within a modular base positioned below the faucet escutcheon 440 and supported by the mounting deck 424. In another illustrative embodiment, the fan housing is attached to a frame of the mirror 432. In yet another illustrative embodiment, the fan housing is not attached to any structure, but rather is simply supported by and rests upon the mounting deck 424, and may be freely and manually moved around on the mounting deck 424.

[0043] While this invention has been described as having an exemplary design, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains.

Claims

1. A lavatory mirror de-fogging arrangement, comprising:a fan positioned to blow air onto a front surface of a mirror;a humidity sensor configured to detect a humidity level in a room in which the mirror is disposed; anda controller in electrical communication with the fan and the humidity sensor, the controller being configured to activate the fan in response to the humidity level detected by the humidity sensor exceeding a threshold.

2. The arrangement of claim 1, wherein the humidity sensor is disposed in a shower that is in a same room as the mirror.

3. The arrangement of claim 1, further comprising a faucet assembly installed below the mirror, the fan being rigidly attached to the faucet assembly.

4. The arrangement of claim 1, further comprising a faucet assembly installed below the mirror, the fan being semi-permanently fastened to the faucet assembly.

5. The arrangement of claim 1, further comprising a temperature sensor in electrical communication with the controller, the temperature sensor being configured to detect a temperature in a room in which the mirror is disposed, the controller being configured to turn ON the fan dependent upon a temperature measurement by the temperature sensor.

6. The arrangement of claim 1, further comprising a presence sensor in electrical communication with the controller, the presence sensor being configured to detect a presence of a human being in front of the mirror, the controller being configured to activate the fan only if the presence sensor detects the presence of the human being in front of the mirror.

7. The arrangement of claim 1, further comprising a heater in electrical communication with the controller and configured to heat air blown by the fan, the controller being configured to activate the heater in response to the humidity level detected a by the humidity sensor exceeding a threshold.

8. A lavatory mirror de-fogging arrangement, comprising:a fan positioned to blow air onto a front surface of a mirror;a first temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the mirror;a second temperature sensor configured to detect ambient air temperature in a room in which the mirror is disposed; anda controller in electrical communication with the fan, the first temperature sensor, and the second temperature sensor, the controller being configured to activate the fan in response to a difference between the ambient air temperature and the temperature of the mirror exceeding a threshold.

9. The arrangement of claim 8, wherein the second temperature sensor is disposed in a shower that is in a same room as the mirror.

10. The arrangement of claim 8, further comprising a faucet assembly installed below the mirror, the fan being rigidly attached to the faucet assembly.

11. The arrangement of claim 8, further comprising a faucet assembly installed below the mirror, the fan being semi-permanently fastened to the faucet assembly.

12. The arrangement of claim 8, further comprising a humidity sensor in electrical communication with the controller, the humidity sensor being configured to detect a humidity level in a room in which the mirror is disposed, the controller being configured to activate the fan dependent upon a humidity measurement by the humidity sensor.

13. The arrangement of claim 8, further comprising a presence sensor in electrical communication with the controller, the presence sensor being configured to detect a presence of a human being in front of the mirror, the controller being configured to activate the fan only if the presence sensor detects the presence of the human being in front of the mirror.

14. The arrangement of claim 8, further comprising a heater in electrical communication with the controller and configured to heat air blown by the fan, the controller being configured to activate the heater in response to a difference between the ambient air temperature and the temperature of the mirror exceeding a threshold.

15. A lavatory mirror de-fogging arrangement, comprising:a fan positioned to blow air onto a front surface of a mirror;a user interface configured to receive input from a human being; anda controller in electrical communication with the fan, and the user interface, the controller being configured to activate the fan in response to a signal from the user interface.

16. The arrangement of claim 15, wherein the user interface comprises a presence sensor.

17. The arrangement of claim 15, further comprising an environmental sensor configured to detect a parameter of an environment in which the mirror is disposed, and wherein the user interface comprises a presence sensor configured to detect a presence of a human being in front of the mirror, the controller being configured to activate the fan in response to signals from the environmental sensor and the presence sensor.

18. The arrangement of claim 17, wherein the environmental sensor is disposed in a shower that is in a same room as the mirror.

19. The arrangement of claim 17, wherein the environmental sensor comprises a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature in a room in which the mirror is disposed, the controller being configured to activate the fan dependent upon a temperature measurement by the temperature sensor.

20. The arrangement of claim 17, wherein the environmental sensor comprises a humidity sensor configured to detect a humidity level in a room in which the mirror is disposed, the controller being configured to activate the fan dependent upon a humidity level measurement by the humidity sensor.

21. The arrangement of claim 17, further comprising a heater in electrical communication with the controller and configured to heat air blown by the fan, the controller being configured to activate the heater in response to signals from the environmental sensor and the presence sensor.

22. The arrangement of claim 17, further comprising a faucet assembly installed below the mirror, the fan being rigidly attached to the faucet assembly.

23. The arrangement of claim 17, further comprising a faucet assembly installed below the mirror, the fan being semi-permanently fastened to the faucet assembly.

24. The arrangement of claim 15, further comprising a battery in electrical communication with the controller.

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