Backlit mirror with gradual light distribution

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mirror for domestic, residential, or industrial environments equipped with a system for gradual light distribution. In particular, the invention pertains to a mirror that incorporates a lighting system characterized by the ability to distribute light in such a way as to avoid glare.

Description

“BACKLIT MIRROR WITH GRADUAL LIGHT DISTRIBUTION”DESCRIPTIONTECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a backlit mirror for domestic, residential, or industrial environments, equipped with a system for gradual light distribution. Specifically, the invention concerns a mirror that incorporates a backlighting system characterized to distribute light in such a way as to prevent glare.PRIOR ART

[0002] Currently available backlit mirrors can be generally divided into two categories based on the placement of the light source. The first category consists of mirrors where the light source is mounted on the side opposite the reflective surface, facing the reflective surface to directly illuminate the person in front of the mirror. Another category includes a light source also mounted behind the reflective surface but along the perimeter edge of the mirror, so it indirectly lights the surroundings, including the person looking into the mirror.

[0003] The first category may easily cause glare because the light source is directed at the person's face. Therefore, this design can be particularly inconvenient for people with light sensitivity or ocular conditions, such as retinitis pigmentosa, where direct light causes discomfort and significantly reduces the ability to distinguish shapes.

[0004] The second category of mirrors offers the advantage of not directing light directly into people's eyes and is undoubtedly preferable for such individuals. Nevertheless, a light source placed along the perimeter edge can still cause discomfort, especially because mirrors are often large, particularly in bathrooms, where the side light points remain directly visible. Therefore, if the light points are directed toward the center of the mirror, the glare effect is not completely avoided. If the light points are directed outward from the mirror, the light is diffused into the environment away from the mirror, and it is necessary to significantly increase the power to provide adequate illumination, resulting in substantial energy consumption.

[0005] The use of side screens could solve the glare problem on one hand, but on the other hand, it would reduce the available space for the mirror and require increasing its size, leading to increased material usage, processing, and costs.

[0006] Additionally, regardless of the placement of the light source, the intensity of the light can only be modulated through appropriate electronic controls such as rheostats, which modulate the light throughout the environment but do not allow specific modulation on the mirror surface, with the potential to transform the mirror into a lamp. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The technical problem underlying this invention is to provide a mirror that avoids glare, especially for people with light sensitivity.

[0008] This problem is solved by a specific structure of a mirror with side backlighting equipped with technical measures to modulate the intensity of the light on the surface of the mirror.

[0009] A first objective of this invention is therefore a backlit mirror that comprises a series of elements designed and assembled to achieve this modulated or gradual light distribution.

[0010] A second objective is a backlit mirror where these elements are easy to produce and simple to assemble.

[0011] Another objective is a mirror that can alternatively function entirely as a lamp, diffusing light across the entire exposed surface.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Further characteristics and advantages of the backlit mirror of this invention will become more evident from the following description and examples, which are not limiting, referring to the attached figures, where:- Figure 1 represents a schematic rear view, in perspective and partially exploded, of a backlit mirror according to the present invention;- Figure 2 shows a schematic rear view of the assembled mirror from Figure 1 ;- Figure 3 shows a schematic sectional view along the plane Ill-Ill of the mirror fromFigure 2;- Figure 4 shows an enlarged schematic view of a detail of the section from Figure3;- Figure 5 shows a front view of the mirror of the invention with the light on;- Figure 6 shows a front view of the mirror of the invention with the light off.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the backlit mirror of the invention is generally indicated with reference number 1 . The mirror comprises a glass mirror plate 2 with a first reflective surface 20, a second surface 21 opposite the first, and a perimeter edge22 connecting the first and second surfaces. There is a perimeter frame 3 fixed around the perimeter edge 23 of the plate, extending orthogonally from the second surface, a plurality of light sources 4 applied to the perimeter frame and directed toward the center of the mirror, and a closure panel 5 on the perimeter frame to close a light diffusion chamber 6.

[0014] The mirror plate 2 is a conventional flat plate with a first surface 20, which is the front reflective surface, and a second surface 21 , which is the rear surface (Figures 1 , 2, and 4). For example, it may be circular in shape as shown in Figure 2, with thicknesses ranging from 4 mm to 6 mm. The perimeter edge 22 defines the perimeter end 23 of the plate where the perimeter frame 3 is fixed. In particular, the plate 2 is made of a semi-reflective, semi-translucent smoked glass, meaning it is a smoked glass with a clear virtual image. Preferably, the glass has the following light transmittance values measured according to the GB / T 18915.1 -2013 standard:

[0015] In general, a smoked glass is obtained by adding conventional metal oxides to the glass composition itself or by applying a film designed to achieve the smoked coloration. Preferably, the glass is produced by adding conventional metal oxides or carbon black and includes a reflective and protective film on the second surface (21 ) of the glass plate. The film is an adhesive layer spread across the entire surface of the second face (21 ) of the glass. Preferably, the film is made of polycarbonate and has a thickness of 0.75-1 .50 mm. This film not only creates a mirror effect on the glass plate but also acts as a safety film in case the glass breaks, preventing small pieces of glass from detaching.

[0016] The perimeter frame (3) includes a first face (30) facing outward, a second face (31 ) facing inward towards the mirror, a first edge (32) facing the glass plate (2), and a second edge (33) opposite the first. The first edge (32) is attached to the perimeter end (23) of the glass plate (2), while the closure panel (5) of the light diffusion chamber (6) is fixed to the second edge (33). Additionally, the frame is preferably made of EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate).

[0017] On the second face (31 ) of the frame (3), the light sources (4) are fixed, such as LEDs mounted on a strip. Preferably, the LEDs are glued to the frame and consist of two parallel series of LEDs, featuring warm and cool colour temperatures,respectively. Alternatively or in combination, the LEDs may include red, green, and blue (RGB) colours to create various chromatic effects. Furthermore, the warm and cool colour temperatures can be combined via appropriate controls to achieve various gradations of warm and cool light.

[0018] The panel (5) rests along the entire second edge (33) of the frame (3), enclosing the space defined by the glass plate (3) and the frame itself. This space is perimeter- lit by the light sources (4) and forms what is called the light diffusion chamber (6). Specifically, the panel (5) has a first surface (51 ) facing the inside of the chamber (6) and a second surface (52) opposite the first. The first surface (51 ) is black-coloured to contain the intensity of the light emitted by the LEDs and direct it toward the mirror plate (2). Preferably, the panel (5) is disc-shaped with a central opening (50).

[0019] Advantageously, in accordance with a first embodiment of this invention, a light modulation screen (7) rests on the rear surface (21 ) of the glass plate (2) (Figure 1 ). This screen functions to modulate or gradually distribute the intensity of the light emitted by the light sources (4), creating a gradual fade in light intensity from the perimeter toward the center of the mirror. In other words, the light emitted peripherally will pass through the glass plate (2) with minimal loss of intensity in a narrow annular section, then gradually decrease towards the center and completely disappear at a certain distance from the mirror's center. This way, the central portion of the mirror remains free of light to perform its full reflective function. The resulting effect is a gradual fade in intensity, creating a mist-like gradient.

[0020] In particular, as shown in Figures 1 and 4, the screen is a disc made of translucent or opaline plastic or glass, comprising a first face (71 ) positioned against the second face (21 ) of the glass plate (2), and a second face (72) opposite the first. The disc also features a large central opening (70). The second face (72) is advantageously gradually shaded black, with maximum intensity at the center fading towards the perimeter until it disappears. This ensures that no light passes through the center, while progressively more light passes as you move away from the center, reaching maximum intensity near the perimeter edge (22) of the glass plate (2). Preferably, the disc is made of acrylic material.

[0021] A central support 8 in the shape of a raised ring is fixed on the second face 21 of the plate 2 close to the opening 70 of the screen 7. Preferably, its height corresponds to the height of the perimeter band 3 so that the panel 5 rests centrally on the centralsupport and peripherally on the edge of said band (figure 4). This support can also be made of EVA.

[0022] It should be noted that with this structure the light diffusion chamber 6 has an annular extension corresponding to the annular extension of the light with a shaded effect. In practice, the chamber is delimited by two parallel and opposite larger walls formed respectively by the second face 72 of the annular screen 7 and by the panel 8 and by two parallel and opposite smaller walls formed respectively by the second face 31 of the band 3 and by said annular support 8. In this chamber configuration, the light is diffused laterally inside the chamber and, therefore, equally strikes the modulator disk 7 laterally and not frontally starting from its periphery towards its center. Consequently, the light will be totally reflected from the side of the panel 5 towards the disk 7, while the modulator disk will pass the light with maximum intensity peripherally and gradually less and less towards the center so as not to pass it anymore in correspondence with the central support 8. This effect will allow the user, especially if sensitive to light, not to be dazzled when looking at himself in the mirror by remaining at the center of the mirror, where the light does not reach.

[0023] The advantage brought by this support is that of delimiting the light and increasing, together with the panel 5, the fog effect caused by the modulating screen 7.

[0024] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mirror (1 ) includes a perimeter frame (9) to support the mirror. The frame (9) is a conventional frame used to support and protect glass or mirror plates, shaped to protect the perimeter edge of these glass or mirror plates while also providing an aesthetic appearance based on particular needs or preferences. Furthermore, the frame has a thickness sufficient to house at least the perimeter band (3) with the light sources (4) and the light-modulating screen (7). Preferably, it also houses the panel (5), as shown in Figure 4.

[0025] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the frame (9) comprises a first edge (90) or front edge, oriented in the same direction as the first reflective face (20) of the mirror, and a second edge (91 ) or back edge, opposite the first edge, and a strip (92) extending straight, in section, between the first and second edges. Preferably, the front edge protrudes from the reflective surface of the mirror, featuring a step (93) (Figure 4) on which the perimeter edge (23) of the glass plate (2) rests. The step is oriented inward, towards the second edge (91 ), and preferably keepsthis perimeter edge separated from the strip (92). The thicknesses of all the aforementioned elements are preferably housed within the extension of the strip.

[0026] The frame (9) is generally made of plastic, metal, wood, or a combination of these materials.

[0027] The aforementioned gradient effect is shown in Figure 5, where, when the backlighting is activated, only the central portion of the mirror retains full reflective capacity, while a peripheral annular zone is illuminated gradually with increasing intensity from the center towards the perimeter.

[0028] Conversely, Figure 6 shows the mirror (1 ) of the present invention with the backlighting turned off. As a result, the entire surface of the mirror is reflective.

[0029] The annular support (8) also defines a central cavity (10) to house a box (11 ) containing the electronic components and the power supply, as well as brackets (12) for mounting the mirror to a wall. Specifically, the electronic components are entirely conventional and, therefore, are not shown. In general, they include controls for turning the light sources on and off, preferably LEDs, and for dimming, i.e., adjusting the intensity of the light. Moreover, the controls may include a touch switch (not shown) that allows the user to select "warm light" or "cool light," with different Kelvin temperatures, through different touch sequences and / or prolonged or brief contact with the touch switch. Additional devices can also be provided such as heating elements to prevent fogging in case of mirrors placed in humid environments such as bathrooms, loudspeakers connected to music players, additional light sources for chromatic variations of the mirror backlighting. Proximity sensors may also be provided for such adjustments. Alternatively, a switch (not shown) preferably touch-sensitive may be obtained on the front edge 90 of the frame 9 or at any position on the mirror surface. A power cable is then commonly connected to a conventional transformer.

[0030] The brackets (12) are conventional brackets or conventional engagement bars with a corresponding bar attached to a wall, for example, when the wall is drywall, equipped with holes for attaching to nails or hooks fixed to the wall of an environment.

[0031] From what has been described so far, it is evident that the previously mentioned drawbacks have been overcome, and significant advantages have been achieved.

[0032] In particular, the gradient effect of the perimeter lighting on the mirror, also called the "fog effect," prevents the intense light from glaring across the entire mirror surface. In this way, especially for sensitive people, it is possible to use the mirror without discomfort, making daily tasks like applying contact lenses or makeup easier.

[0033] Additionally, the modulation effect along the mirror’s perimeter allows for even more precise control of the light intensity, which otherwise could only be adjusted with a dimmer but without the gradient effect offered by this invention.

[0034] Moreover, the technical effect is achieved without the need for complex elements to produce and assemble, thereby keeping manufacturing costs low.

[0035] Further variations are within the reach of a skilled technician, still without departing from the scope of protection of the appended claims. For example, the shape of the mirror, or of the frame when present, can vary according to specific preferences or needs. Therefore, shapes can be circular, oval, elliptical, polygonal, with irregular curves and / or with perimeter inserts made from materials and colours of choice, such as wood, faux wood, metal, plastic, fabric, and their combinations for different aesthetic effects.

[0036] The colours of the mirror glass can vary, whether in the tone of smoked glass or in other colours typically used for mirrors.

[0037] The electronic components can be integrated with a control unit for automatic adjustment of light intensity, for example, in response to data from a twilight sensor.

[0038] In accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, the screen (7) is made of a solid disc that covers substantially the entire second face (21 ) of the glass panel (2), where the aforementioned black pigmentation is absent at the periphery near the light sources (4), as before, and gradually increases toward the center of the disc without completely covering the central zone of the disc in black. In other words, the gradient effect of the pigmentation remains consistent from a certain distance from the center up to the center of the disc. This distance can vary depending on preferences or needs. Additionally, the central support (8) is not present, so the disc extends to cover almost the entire second face (21 ) of the glass panel (2), while the panel (5) rests only on the perimeter on the aforementioned second edge (33) of the frame (3) that holds the light sources. In this configuration, the light diffusion chamber (6) also extends to the cavity (10) that houses the electronic components (11 ) and the brackets (12), with these components mounted externally in a conventional containment box, and the brackets being attached to it.

[0039] With this embodiment, when the light sources are turned on, the reflective surface, i.e., the first face (20) of the glass panel (2), completely loses its reflective capability and transforms into a light diffuser or lamp with intense light at the peripheryand a gradual fade toward the center. Conversely, when the light is off, the entire first face (20) of the glass panel (2) functions as a mirror.

[0040] Therefore, thanks to this embodiment, the mirror (1 ) of the invention becomes a light diffuser or lamp with characteristics that avoid dazzling people, thanks to the diffusion effect. Consequently, a single object can provide both the function of a mirror and a lamp.

[0041] The brackets (12) can also be replaced by a conventional engagement bar with a corresponding bar fixed to a wall, for example, when the wall is made of plasterboard.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Back-light mirror (1 ) comprising a mirroring-glass sheet (2) provided with a first mirroring face (20), a second face (21 ) opposite to the first and a perimeter edge (22) connecting said first and second faces, a perimeter band (3) fixed around the perimeter end (23) of said sheet and which band extends orthogonally to said second face, a plurality of lighting sources (4) fixed onto said perimeter band towards the centre of the mirror, a panel (5) laying onto said perimeter band so that to close a light-diffusing chamber (6), characterized in that it further comprises a light-modulating screen (7) comprising a first face (71 ) fixed to the second face (21 ) of said sheet (2), a second face (72) opposite to the first, said second face being provided with a black colouring with greater intensity toward the centre of the mirror and fading away towards said perimeter edge (23) of the sheet (3).

2. Back-light mirror (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein said screen (7) is a disc made of translucent material made of plastic or glass, preferably the material is acrylic.

3. Back-light mirror (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said screen (7) is a full disc with black colouring absent towards the periphery close to the lighting sources (4) and gradually increasing towards the centre of the disc without totally covering with black colour the central zone of the same disc.

4. Back-light mirror (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said screen (7) is a disc with a central aperture (70) and a black colouring with a maximum intensity towards the centre of the mirror, and further comprises a central support (8) in the shape of a raised ring fixed to the second face (21 ) of the sheet (2) close to the aperture (70) of the screen (7).

5. Back-light mirror (1 ) according to claim 4, wherein said central support (8) is high as said perimeter band (3) so that the panel (5) could centrally lay on the support and peripherally on the edge of said band.

6. Back-light mirror (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 , 2, 4 and 5, wherein said light-diffusing chamber (6) has an annular extension corresponding to the annular extension of the shading light.

7. Back-light mirror (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said mirrored sheet (2) is a smoked-semi-reflective and translucent glass, with a thickness between 4 to 5 mm.

8. Back-light mirror (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a supporting perimeter frame (9) adapted to enclose at least the perimeter edge (22) of the sheet (2).

9. Back-light mirror (1 ) according to claim 8, wherein said frame (9) comprises a first edge (90), towards the same side of the first mirroring face (20) of the sheet (2), a second edge (91 ) opposite to the first and a band (92) extending rectilinear, crosswise, between said first and second edges, wherein the first edge (90) of said frame (9) protrudes with respect to the mirroring surface of the mirror with a protrusion provided of a step (93) for abutting the perimeter end (23) of the sheet (2) and is toward the second edge (91 ).

10. Back-light mirror (1 ) according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein said annular support (8) delimit a central cavity (10) adapted to accommodate a box (11 ) for the electronic components and the power of the lighting sources (4) of the mirror, as well as brackets (12) for supporting the mirror to a wall.

11. Back-light mirror (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein said lighting source (4) comprises light with an adjustable Kelvin temperature, a dimmer to modify said intensity, switches to command said lights and / or proximity sensors to allow said controls, music player and speakers.

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