FOGLESS SHOWER MIRROR WITH RADIO

Abstract

A fog-free shower mirror with a built-in speaker and radio receiver for playing music. The radio component may pair with a Bluetooth-enabled smart device (e.g. smartphone or tablet computer), or any other computing device, or may otherwise be wirelessly connected to a computing device for streaming music through the radio speaker. An AM/FM antenna may also be included with integrated preset buttons for setting multiple AM/FM transmission stations. The entire device is waterproof to protect all electronic components of the radio and speaker.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/431,045, filed Dec. 7, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a mirror for mounting within a shower and method for use thereof, and more specifically to a fogless mirror and radio device.

2. Description of the Related Art

It is often desirable to have a mirror in a shower for shaving and grooming. The difficulty is that typical mirrors tend to fog up and are rendered useless after a few moments in the shower.

Heretofore there has not been available a system or method for a fogless shower mirror with radio having the advantages and features of the present invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally provides a fog-free shower mirror with a built-in speaker and radio receiver for playing music. The radio component may pair with a Bluetooth-enabled smart device (e.g. smartphone or tablet computer), or any other computing device, or may otherwise be wirelessly connected to a computing device for streaming music through the radio speaker. An AM/FM antenna may also be included with integrated preset buttons for setting multiple AM/FM transmission stations. The entire device is waterproof to protect all electronic components of the radio and speaker.

The entire device is pivotally mounted to a mounting element which can be attached to tile or glass using silicone suction cups. Slots for storing accessories, such as shaving razors, may also be part of the housing of the device. A rechargeable battery provides power to the radio and speaker components. A typical USB or AC connection allows the battery to be recharged when not in use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrating various objects and features thereof.

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a preferred embodiment mirror and radio unit of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is another front elevational view thereof.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of a mounting element thereof.

FIG. 4 is a three-dimensional isometric view of three suction cups for connecting and mounting the mounting element of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of three adhesive strip elements.

FIG. 6 is an approximation of an electrical charging element.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing how to connect the electrical charging element of FIG. 6 into the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing how to connect the suction cup elements of FIG. 4 to the mounting element of FIG. 3.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing how to affix the mounting element and suction cup elements of FIG. 8 to a shower wall.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing how to mount the preferred embodiment mirror and radio unit of FIG. 1 to the mounting element shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing how to prepare the adhesive strip elements of FIG. 5.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing how to affix the adhesive strip elements thereof to the mounting element of FIG. 3.

FIG. 13 is a rear elevational view thereof.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing how to affix the mounting element and suction cup elements of FIG. 12 to a shower wall.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing how to mount the preferred embodiment mirror and radio unit of FIG. 1 to the mounting element shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a diagram representing the controls and display unit of the mirror and radio unit of FIG. 1, diagramming how to program a Bluetooth connection to a wireless computing device.

FIG. 17 is a diagram representing the controls and display unit of the mirror and radio unit of FIG. 1, diagramming how to program an AM/FM radio component thereof.

FIG. 18 is a continuation thereof, diagramming how to set a pre-set button.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

I. Introduction and Environment

As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as orientated in the view being referred to. The words, “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction of travel, if appropriate. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning.

II. Preferred Embodiment Mirror and Radio Unit 2

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the preferred embodiment of the present invention is a waterproof mirror and radio unit 2 with a housing 4, fog-free mirror element 6, radio controls 12 and a display unit 10 for controlling an internal radio receiver 26 and speaker element 8 thereof.

FIG. 3 shows a mounting element 14 which is configured to receive the rear face of the mirror and radio unit 2. The mounting element affixes to a wall or shower door using either the suction cups 18 shown in FIG. 4 or the adhesive strips 20 shown in FIG. 5. FIGS. 8-10 show the mounting process using the suction cups, whereas FIGS. 11-15 show the mounting process using the adhesive strips. The suction cups 18 can be inserted into suction cup receivers 16 within the mounting element.

FIG. 6 shows an AC adapter 24 and a cord 22 having interfaces 32 (e.g. USB or otherwise) for connecting with the mirror and radio unit 2 as shown in FIG. 7 on the rear face 30 of the housing 4. This allows the battery 28 powering the radio to be recharged when needed.

As shown in FIG. 9, the mounting element 14 includes a receiver 34 for receiving the mount 36 located on the rear face 30 of the housing 4 of the mirror and radio unit 2. The receiver 34 and/or the mount 36 may pivot to allow adjustment of the housing 4.

The mounting element 14 also includes a lower lip 38 which can receive toothbrushes, razors, or other toiletries within gaps 40 in the lip 38.

FIG. 16 shows how the controls and display unit of the mirror and radio unit can be used to pair the mirror and radio unit with an external computing device 46, such as a smart phone or tablet, using Bluetooth or other wireless communication method via an antenna 44.

FIGS. 17 and 18 similarly show how the controls can be used to activate the AM/FM radio and how to save preset stations into the programmable buttons of the controls. Bluetooth or other wireless protocols can also be used to link the radio to external devices, such as smart phones or computers.

The entire device can be used while the shower is on without fear of damaging the radio or fogging up the mirror due to steam.

The mirror stays fog-free by maintaining the same temperature as its surroundings using a heating element 42, such as a water reservoir or attachment to the battery. LEDs or other lighting elements may also be included to provide additional light for when the mirror is being used.

It is to be understood that while certain embodiments and/or aspects of the invention have been shown and described, the invention is not limited thereto and encompasses various other embodiments and aspects.

Claims

1. A fogless mirror and radio apparatus comprising:

a waterproof housing comprising a front face, a rear face, and an interior space configured to contain a power source, heating element, and radio receiver;

a mirror affixed to said front face of said housing, said heating element located behind said mirror and configured to preventing said mirror from fogging;

a speaker;

a digital display;

radio controls configured for controlling said radio receiver and producing audio through said speaker;

a mounting element configured for being semi-permanently affixed to a wall surface;

said mounting element including a receiver configured to receive a mount affixed to said rear face of said waterproof housing; and

an electrical interface configured to provide electrical power to said power source via a power cord and AC adapter.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

said mounting apparatus including a lip with gaps configured for storing toiletries.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said heating element comprises a water reservoir configured to receive warm water.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said heating element comprises an electrical heating element configured for receiving electrical power from said power source.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said power source comprises a rechargeable battery.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a wireless communications antenna configured for wirelessly receiving data from a remote computing device.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

said mounting element including a plurality of suction cup receivers; and

a plurality of suction cups inserted into said suction cup receivers and configured for affixing said mounting element to said wall surface.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one adhesive strip configured for being affixed to said mounting element and affixing said mounting element to said wall surface.

9. A method of operating a fogless mirror and radio apparatus, the method comprising the steps:

mounting a mounting element to a wall surface, said mounting element including a receiver slot;

mounting a waterproof housing to said mounting element via said receiver slot, said waterproof housing having a front face including a fogless mirror, a rear face, and an interior space configured to contain a power source, heating element, and radio receiver;

activating said heating element; and

activating said radio receiver via radio controls configured for controlling said radio receiver and producing audio through said speaker.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein said mounting apparatus including a lip with gaps configured for storing toiletries.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein said heating element comprises a water reservoir configured to receive warm water.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein said heating element comprises an electrical heating element configured for receiving electrical power from said power source.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein said power source comprises a rechargeable battery.