GB2271506A - Heated mirror - Google Patents

Abstract

A heated mirror is described having at least two layers of insulation between the heating element and the surface on which the mirror is mounted. In the embodiment the mirror 1 has a heating element 3 in a polyester envelope A with a rigid PVC sheet 5 covered with an EVA foam backing. The mirror may be attached to a vertical surface by means of a rail 7 which cooperates with and slides in a corresponding rail attached to the vertical surface. The mirror is finally secured in position by self-adhesive tape 2. The mirror may be supplied without the rail and tape and may have a luminaire. <IMAGE>

Description

HEATED MIRROR WITH OR WITHOUT LUMINAIRE This invention relates to a mirror heated by electricity.

Heated mirrors have been made before, using a conventional mirror together with some form of heating behind it or below it. Electrically heated mirrors have also been made, by using a fine wire or mesh of wires and placing them close to the back of a mirror; then passing a current through the wires to warm it up.

The electrically heated models described above require a considerable distance to be left between the mirror and the wall, they are not easily connected to a luminaire and do not all comply with British Standards and I.E.E. regulations to make them suitable for use in bathrooms. They are also expensive.

According to the present invention, the mirror is constructed in such a way, that at least two layers of insulation lie between the element and any tangible area. This provides excellent insulation of the electrical components and retention of heat. It is easily connected to an electrical circuit and easily mounted on a vertical surface. The same model can be used with spade connectors attached so that it can be plugged into a luminaire, and no more than one other electrical connection required to make it work. The same construction can be used with laminated silvered glass to form the door to a bathroom cupboard.

The same construction again without the self adhesive tape and aluminium rail can be framed. It is safe and easy for a member of the general public to install either a heated mirror in any form or a heated mirror with a luminaire.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1. Is a cut-away drawing showing the construction of the unit as seen from the back suitable for connection to a luminaire.

Figure 2. Is an illustration showing how the same.

unit can be used connected directly into a lighting circuit.

Figure 3. Is a view from the side showing how the mirror is fixed safely to a vertical surface whether solid, hollow or mobile (as on a door).

Referring to the drawing, the heated mirror consists of a silvered glass mirror 1 with a woven element 3 enveloped in a clear polyester envelope 4 stuck to the back of the mirror. This is covered with a self-adhesive rigid PVC sheet 5, all of which is in turn covered with an EVA foam backing which is held in position with clear adhesive.

The fixings consist of an aluminium rail 7 secured to the lower part of the back of the unit, and self-adhesive double sided tape 2 near the top of the back of the unit as shown in 3/3.

In order to secure the heated mirror to a vertical surface, another aluminium rail is fixed to the surface. When the mirror rail 7 is placed in this rail, it can be tilted forward and/or slid to one side to afford easy access to make the electrical connections. Once connected, it can be moved back to its final position, and held there by the self-adhesive tape 2 near the top as shown in 3/3.

Should a luminaire be fitted in addition to the heated mirror, the procedure is the same, except that the wire from the clients lighting circuit should terminate in the area behind the luminaire, and the wires for connection to the supply to the mirror left exposed above the mirror as shown in 1/3. The luminaire is then connected to the lighting circuit and the wires supplying the heated mirror plugged into the sockets provided for this purpose, in the luminaire. The luminaire is purpose-made with a foam backing attached, to protect it from moisture ingress, to allow space for wiring within the foam thickness (without further chasing of the vertical surface) and in order that, when the luminaire is fixed in position, the foam protects the mirror from moisture and also secures the mirror in position by pressing against the top edge of the glass.

The heated mirror can be connected to a lighting circuit at any place to be hidden by the foam backing. In order to achieve this, the heated mirror to be fitted in isolation, is provided with a 500mm wire as shown in 2/3.

Should the heated mirror be supplied framed, the heated mirror construction remains unaltered, except that the EVA foam 6 is extended to all edges of the silvered glass mirror 1. The aluminium rail 7 is fixed near the bottom of the back of the frame, and the self adhesive tape 2 to near the top of the back of the frame.

Claims (8)

1. A HEATED MIRROR WITH OR WITHOUT A LUMINAIRE 1. A heated mirror is constructed in the manner illustrated in 1/3, in order that it will prevent steam condensing on its heated surface in normal domestic bathroom conditions in all seasons of the year.
2. 2. A heated mirror constructed as in 1 above will have a thin profile in order that it can be fitted neatly in position where it may be necessary for the surface of the mirror to align with another surface. As an example, with the front surface of tiles bedded on the same background as the heated mirror.
3. 3. A heated mirror can be safely secured to any continuously vertical surface. If the surface is solid, the aluminium rail 7 and the self adhesive tape 2 hold it in position.

   If the surface is hollow, the self adhesive tape 2 is of sufficient size and strength to secure the mirror to that surface If the surface does not normally accept adhesion, a pad treated with special chemicals is supplied with every heated mirror in order that the surface can be cleaned with it to insure adhesion.
4. 4. A heated mirror, whether framed or with luminaire or in isolation, can always be secured to a vertical surface using the aluminium strip 7 and self adhesive tape 2 in the manner shown in 3/3.
5. 5. A heated mirror can be connected to a lighting circuit by a member of the general public who is competent at carrying out elementary electrical work. Electrical connection only has to be made once to the lighting circuit by securing the connection strip provided with the three connections necessary. This applies in all cases including the model with luminaire because the two heated mirror terminals are simply plugged into the two sockets provided in the luminaire.
6. 6. A heated mirror and luminaire are made to comply with IEE regulations, British Standards and a rating of at least I.P.20.
7. 7. A heated mirror is supplied with simple instructions and a tool kit in order that a member of the public could install it and a luminaire easily and safely.
8. 8. A heated mirror is safe, even if left switched on for a long time. It does not attain a temperature above 48 c at an ambient of 18"c.