US20160070085A1 - Mounting structure for a mirror assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A mirror assembly mountable to a wall includes a mirror platform having a front surface and a rear surface, a chassis engageable with the mirror platform to define a mirror assembly interior, at least one electrical component disposed within the mirror assembly interior, and a mounting structure. The mounting structure includes a support member mounted to one of the rear surface of the mirror platform and the chassis and a hanger member mounted to the other of the rear surface of the mirror platform and the chassis. The hanger member is removably securable on the support member to mount the mirror platform to the chassis.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/928,524, filed on Dec. 13, 2010, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/425,186, filed on Apr. 16, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,853,414, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/047,243, filed Mar. 12, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,805,260, which is a continuation-in-part of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/563,119, filed Nov. 24, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,099,247, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/794,209, filed Apr. 21, 2006; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/739,399, filed Nov. 23, 2005; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/739,156, filed Nov. 23, 2005, the disclosures of which are all expressly incorporated herein by reference. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/425,186, filed on Apr. 16, 2009 also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/045,529, filed on Apr. 16, 2008.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Certain mirror assemblies include integrated electrical components, such as televisions, light, sources, defogger assemblies, etc. The mirror assembly normally includes a mirror reversibly affixed to a chassis, wherein the chassis is suitably designed to be mounted to a wall. The electrical components are either secured within the chassis or mounted to the back of the mirror. This arrangement is a convenient space saving device as it embeds the electrical components into the existing space occupied by a mirror.
• The mirror is typically secured to the chassis through a plurality of mounting brackets disposed on the outer edge of the chassis. The mounting brackets are adapted to engage a portion of the mirror, such as the mirror frame. The mounting brackets are permanently or semi-permanently secured to the mirror frame with fasteners, adhesive, etc.
• Mounting the mirror to the chassis in this manner has several drawbacks. For instance, it is often difficult to properly align the mirror on the chassis when securing the mounting brackets thereto. This can lead to increased installation time and costs. The exposed mounting brackets are also unsightly to someone looking at the mirror assembly from the side.
• Moreover, permanently or semi-permanently securing the mounting brackets between the chassis and mirror causes problems when mounting the mirror assembly to the wall and when disassembling the mirror. To mount the mirror assembly to the wall, the chassis must first be secured to the mirror, and the mirror assembly is thereafter secured to the wall W. Securing the entire mirror assembly to the wail is cumbersome and difficult. Moreover, to disassemble the mirror assembly, the entire nor assembly must be removed from the wall.
• Thus, it is desired to have a minor mounting assembly that allows the mirror to be secured to the chassis in an easy, aesthetically pleasing, reliable manner.
SUMMARY
• A mirror assembly mountable to a wall includes a mirror platform having a front surface and a rear surface, a chassis engageable with the mirror platform to define a minor assembly interior, at least one electrical component disposed within the mirror assembly interior, and a mounting structure. The mounting structure includes a support member mounted to one of the rear surface of the mirror platform and the chassis and a hanger member mounted to the other of the rear surface of the mirror platform and the chassis. The hanger member is removably securable on the support member to mount the mirror platform to the chassis.
• This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of the present disclosure will become more readily appreciated by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
• FIG. 1 is a mirror assembly having a internal mounting structure constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;
• FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side planar view of a first portion of the internal mounting structure ofFIG. 1;
• FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side planar view of a second portion of the internal mounting structure ofFIG. 1;
• FIG. 4 is a mirror assembly having a internal mounting structure constructed in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure;
• FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side planar view of a first portion of the internal mounting structure ofFIG. 4;
• FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side planar view of a second portion of the internal mounting structure ofFIG. 4;
• FIG. 7 is a mirror assembly having a internal mounting structure constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side planar view of a first portion of the internal mounting structure ofFIG. 7; and
• FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side planar view of a second portion the internal mounting structure ofFIG. 7.
• FIG. 10A illustrates a mirror assembly with apertures according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 10B illustrates an exploded view of the mirror assembly fromFIG. 10A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• Amirror assembly10 having aninternal mounting structure12 constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure may be best understood by referring toFIG. 1. Although theinternal mounting structure12 may be used with any suitable mirror assembly, an exemplary embodiment of themirror assembly10 includes achassis18 and a framed orframeless mirror platform14, wherein theinternal mounting structure12 secures themirror platform14 to thechassis18.
• Themirror platform14 includes a first substantiallyreflective surface22, a second non-reflective, rear surface24 (seeFIGS. 2 and 3), and one or more translucent backlit portions26. The one or more translucent backlit portions26 have minimal reflectivity, and are formed from any suitable material, such as frosted glass, acid etched glass, or clear glass. The translucent backlit portions26 allow light emitted from one ormore light sources34 disposed within thechassis18 to pass through themirror platform14. The number, configuration, and arrangements of translucent backlit portions26 can be varied to achieve different lighting effects. As a non-limiting example, the translucent backlit portions26 are configured as a single, continuous portion extending around the perimeter of themirror platform14.
• Thechassis18 is adapted to engage themirror platform14 and mount themirror platform14 to a wall W. Thechassis18 also houses any minor electrical components, such as thelight sources34,electrical ballasts36, and apower cover38 for a terminal box (not shown). Although thechassis18 may be any suitable design that can properly support the mirror electrical components and mount themirror platform14 to a wall W, an exemplary embodiment of thechassis18 includes amajor surface28 that is substantially sized and shaped to correspond to themirror platform14, which may be rectangular, round, oval, or any other suitable shape. Themajor surface28 is positionable in a parallel relationship to themirror platform14 when thechassis18 is engaged with themirror platform14.
• The electrical components, such as thelight sources34,electrical ballasts36, andpower cover38 are preferably secured to the chassismajor surface28 in any suitable manner. For instance, thelight sources34 may be secured around the perimeter of themajor surface28 through a plurality of L-shaped lamp brackets40. Thelamp brackets40 are secured to the chassismajor surface28 with any suitable fastener, such as screws or an adhesive. Theelectrical ballasts36 andpower cover38 are secured directly to the chassismajor surface28 with suitable fasteners such as screws, adhesive, etc.
• Thechassis18 further includes anouter edge section30 extending around the perimeter of the chassismajor surface28. Theouter edge section30 extends a predetermined distance from the chassismajor surface28 in a substantially transverse manner. When thechassis18 is mounted to themirror platform14, theouter edge section30 extends between the chassismajor surface28 and the mirrorrear surface24 to enclose any electrical components mounted within thechassis18 and define a mirror assembly interior. It should be appreciated that theouter edge section30 may includeapertures1000, as illustrated inFIG. 10A andFIG. 10B, such that light radiating from thelight sources34 radiates through the plurality ofapertures1000 to illuminate the surroundings of themirror assembly10. Light radiating through the plurality ofapertures1000 is indicated at1002, as illustrated inFIG. 10A andFIG. 10B.
• Referring still toFIG. 1, theinternal mounting structure12 adapted to secure themirror platform14 to thechassis18 will now he described in detail. Theinternal mounting structure12 includes first and second hanger members, or first andsecond hanger brackets42 and46 that are preferably L-shaped. Thefirst hanger bracket42 includes afirst leg50 secured to the mirrorrear surface24 in any suitable manner, such as with adhesive, and asecond leg52 extending outwardly and substantially transversely therefrom. Likewise, thesecond hanger bracket46 includes afirst leg56 secured to the mirrorrear surface24 in any suitable manner, such as with adhesive, and asecond leg58 extending outwardly and substantially transversely therefrom.
• Thefirst hanger bracket42 is secured to an upper portion of themirror platform14 with the second leg positioned in a substantially horizontal manner and thefirst leg50 extending downwardly from thesecond leg52. Thesecond hanger bracket46 secured to a bottom portion of themirror platform14 with thesecond leg58 positioned in a substantially horizontal manner and thefirst leg56 extending upwardly from thesecond lea58.
• Thefirst hanger bracket42 includes first and second openings orslots62 and64 formed in thesecond leg52. Thefirst slot62 is formed near one end of thesecond leg52, and the second slot64 is formed at the opposite end of thesecond leg52. Thesecond hanger bracket46 also includes an opening orslot66 formed in substantially the center of thesecond leg58.
• Theinternal mounting structure12 further includes first and second support members, orsupport brackets70 and80 that are also preferably L-shaped. Thefirst support bracket70 includes afirst leg72 secured to the chassismajor surface28 in any suitable manner, such as with adhesive, and asecond leg74 extending outwardly and substantially transversely therefrom. Thefirst support bracket70 is secured to a top portion of the chassismajor surface28 with thesecond leg74 positioned in a substantially horizontal manner and thefirst leg72 extending downwardly from thesecond leg74.
• Thefirst support bracket70 includes first and second protrusions, orposts76 and78 extending outwardly and upwardly from thesecond leg74. The first andsecond posts76 and78 are positioned near each end of thesecond leg74 to fit within the first andsecond slots62 and64 formed within thefirst hanger bracket42.
• Thesecond support bracket80 is defined by an L-shapedlamp bracket40 having afirst leg82 secured to the chassismajor surface28 in any suitable manner, such as with adhesive, and asecond leg84 extending outwardly and substantially transversely therefrom. Thesecond support bracket80 is secured to a bottom portion of the chassismajor surface28 with thesecond leg84 positioned in a substantially horizontal manner and thefirst leg82 extending upwardly from thesecond leg84. Thesecond support bracket80 includes a protrusion, or post86 extending upwardly from substantially the center of thesecond leg84 that is adapted to fit within theopening66 formed in thesecond hanger bracket46.
• The first andsecond hanger brackets42 and46 are secured to the mirrorrear surface24 such that they are disposed within the mirror assembly interior when themirror platform14 is secured to thechassis18. Likewise, the first andsecond support brackets70 and80 are secured to thechassis18 such that they are disposed within the mirror assembly interior when themirror platform14 is secured to thechassis18. In this manner, when the first andsecond hanger brackets42 and46 are secured to the first andsecond support brackets70 and80, as will he described below, thebrackets42,46,70, and80 are not exposed, thereby creating an aestheticallypleasing mirror assembly10.
• Referring toFIGS. 1-3, the manner in which theinternal mounting structure12 is used to secure themirror platform14 to thechassis18 will be hereinafter described. Preferably, thechassis18 is first secured to a wall W in any suitable manner such that theouter edge section30 extends outwardly from the wall W. Moreover, thechassis18 is positioned on the wall W such that thefirst support bracket70 is positioned above thesecond support bracket80, and both the first andsecond support brackets70 and80 are positioned substantially horizontally on the wall W.
• Themirror platform14 is then positioned substantially parallel to themajor surface28 of thechassis18, with the first andsecond hanger brackets42 and46 positioned slightly above the first andsecond support brackets70 and80. More specifically, thesecond leg52 of thefirst hanger bracket42 is positioned above thesecond leg74 of thefirst support bracket70, and thesecond leg58 of thesecond hanger bracket46 is positioned slightly above thesecond leg84 of thesecond support bracket80.
• Themirror platform14 is then moved towards thechassis18 until the first andsecond slots62 and64 of thefirst hanger bracket42 are positioned above the first andsecond posts76 and78 of the first support bracket70 (only thefirst slot62 andfirst post76 are shown inFIG. 2 for clarity). Moreover, theslot66 of thesecond hanger bracket46 is positioned above thepost86 of thesecond support bracket80. Themirror platform14 is then lowered until thesecond leg52 of thefirst hanger bracket42 engagessecond leg74 of thefirst support bracket70, and thesecond leg58 of thesecond hanger bracket46 engages thesecond leg84 of thesecond support bracket80. Moreover, theposts76,78, and86 are received withinslots62,64, and66, respectively.
• With the first andsecond hanger brackets42 and46 resting on the first andsecond support brackets70 and80, themirror platform14 is secured on thechassis18. Moreover, withposts76,78, and86 received withinslots62,64, and66, the first andsecond hanger brackets42 and46 are prevented from sliding off the first andsecond support brackets70 and80. Furthermore, the third andfourth brackets70 are positioned in thechassis118 such that when theposts76,78, and86 of the first andsecond hanger brackets42 and46 are received withinslots62,64, and66, themirror platform14 is aligned with thechassis18. More specifically, themirror platform14 is positioned against thechassis18 such that the outer edges of themirror platform14 substantially align the outer edges of thechassis18. However, it should be appreciate that if themirror platform14 andchassis18 were not substantially similar in shape and size, themirror platform14 may instead be positioned on thechassis18 in any other suitable manner.
• To disassemble themirror assembly10, themirror platform14 is lifted until theposts76,78, and86 of the first andsecond hanger brackets42 and46 are no longer received withinslots62,64, and66. Themirror platform14 is thereafter moved away from thechassis18. Thus, themirror assembly10 can be both assembled and disassembled in an easy manner.
• Referring toFIG. 4, a first alternate embodiment of amirror assembly110 having an internal mounting structure112 (secFIGS. 5 and 6) includes a framed orframeless mirror platform114 and achassis118. Themirror platform118 includes a first substantiallyreflective surface122, a second non-reflective, rear surface124 (seeFIGS. 5 and 6), and one or more translucent back litportions126, similar tomirror platform14.
• Themirror assembly110 may include several electrical components disposed between themirror platform114 and thechassis118. For instance, themirror assembly110 may include a plurality oflight sources134 and electrical ballasts136 received within thechassis118. Furthermore, amedia display device138 andmirror defogger devices132 may be secured to the mirrorrear surface124 of themin platform114. The electrical components may be secured to thechassis118 andminor platform114 in any suitable manner, such as with brackets, fasteners, adhesive, etc.
• Thechassis118 is adapted to engage themirror platform114 and secure themirror platform114 to a wall W. Thechassis118 includes amajor surface128 that is substantially sized and shaped to correspond to themirror platform114. Themajor surface128 is positionable in a substantially parallel relationship to themirror platform114 when thechassis118 is engaged with themirror platform114. The chassis includes anouter edge section110 that extends outwardly from themajor surface128 in a substantially transverse manner around the perimeter of the chassismajor surface128. Theouter edge section130 extends a predetermined distance such that when thechassis118 is mounted to themirror platform114, theouter edge section130 extends between the chassismajor surface128 and the mirrorrear surface124 to define a mirror assembly interior and enclose any electrical components therein.
• Referring still toFIG. 4, the internal mounting structure112 will now be described in detail. The internal mounting structure112 is defined in part by thechassis118. Thechassis118 includes anopening140 formed in the chassismajor surface128 that is preferably the same shape as themajor surface128, such as rectangular. An outwardly extending member, orinner edge section142 extends from themajor surface128 in a substantially transverse manner around the perimeter of theopening140. Theinner edge section142 extends a predetermined distance such that when thechassis118 is mounted to themirror platform114, theinner edge section142 extends almost entirely between the chassismajor surface128 and thenon-reflective surface124 of themirror platform114.
• Theinner edge section142 defines upper and lowerinner edge sections144 and146 that are formed near the top and bottom of thechassis118, respectively, and positioned substantially parallel to one another. The upper and lowerinner edge sections144 and146 act as first and second support members adapted to receive the first, second, andthird brackets162,164, and166 thereon. First andsecond posts156 and158 extend upwardly and substantially transversely from the lower inner edge section146 (see alsoFIG. 6).
• Thechassis118 further includes aflange section160 that extends outwardly and substantially transversely from theinner edge section142 away from opening140. As such, theflange section160 is substantially parallel to the chassismajor surface128. Theflange section160 defines upper andlower flanges148 and150 on the upper and lowerinner edge sections144 and146. First and second protrusions, ortabs152 and154 extend upwardly from theupper flange148 in the same plane as theupper flange148.
• The internal mounting structure112 further includes first, second, and third hanger members, orhanger brackets162,164, and166. Thefirst hanger bracket162 includes a mountingportion170 and alip portion172 formed along a top edge of the mountingportion170. The mountingportion170 is secured to an upper portion of the mirrorrear surface124 in a substantially horizontal manner with any suitable means, such as with an adhesive. Thelip portion172 is adapted to fit over theupper flange148 of thechassis18 and secure themirror platform14 to thechassis18. Thelip portion172 also includes first and second openings orslots172 and176 that are adapted to receive the first andsecond tabs152 and154 of the chassis therein for aligning themirror platform114 on thechassis118 as described above with respect to mirrorassembly10.
• The second andthird hanger brackets164 and166 are each preferably L-shaped. Thesecond hanger bracket164 includes afirst leg180 secured to the mirrorrear surface124 in any suitable manner, such as with adhesive, and asecond leg182 extending outwardly and substantially transversely therefrom. Likewise, thethird hanger bracket166 includes afirst leg184 secured to the mirrorrear surface124 in any suitable manner and asecond leg186 extending outwardly and substantially transversely therefrom. Thesecond hanger bracket164 includes an opening or slot188 formed in itssecond leg182, and thethird hanger bracket166 includes an opening or slot190 formed in itssecond leg186.
• Thesecond hanger bracket164 is secured to a bottom portion of themirror platform114 on one side of themirror platform114 with thesecond leg182 positioned in a substantially horizontal manner and thefirst leg180 extending upwardly from thesecond leg182. Thethird hanger bracket166 is secured to a bottom portion of themirror platform114 on a second side of themirror platform114 with thesecond leg186 positioned in a substantially horizontal manner and thefirst leg184 extending upwardly from thesecond leg186.
• Referring toFIGS. 4-6, the manner in which the internal mourning structure112 is used to secure themirror platform114 to thechassis118 will be hereinafter described. Preferably, thechassis118 is first secured to a wall W in any suitable manner such that theedge section130 extends outwardly from the wall W and the upper and lowerinner edge sections144 and146 are positioned substantially horizontally on the wall W.
• Themirror platform114 is then positioned substantially parallel to the chassismajor surface128, with thefirst hanger bracket162 positioned slightly above the upperinner edge section144 and the second andthird brackets164 and166 positioned slightly above the lowerinner edge section146. More specifically, thelip portion172 of thefirst hanger bracket162 is positioned above theupper flange148, and thesecond legs182 and186 of the second andthird brackets164 and166 are positioned above the lowerinner edge section146.
• Themirror platform114 is then moved towards thechassis118 until the first andsecond slots174 and176 of thefirst hanger bracket162 are positioned above the first andsecond tabs152 and154 formed on theupper flange148. Moreover, theslot188 and190 of the second andthird brackets164 and166 are positioned above the first andsecond posts156 and158 on the lowerinner edge section146. Themirror platform114 is then lowered until thelip portion172 of thefirst hanger bracket162 is received on theupper flange148, and thesecond legs182 and186 of the second andthird brackets164 and166 engage the lowerinner edge section146 of thechassis118. Moreover, thetabs152 and154 are received within theslots174 and176 of thefirst hanger bracket162, and theposts156 and158 are received within theslots188 and190 of the second andthird brackets164 and166.
• With thefirst hanger bracket162 hanging on theupper flange148 and the second andthird brackets164 and166 resting on the lowerinner flange section146, themirror platform114 is secured on thechassis118. Moreover, withtabs152 and154 received withinslots174 and176 of thefirst hanger bracket162, andposts156 and158 received withinslots188 and190 of the second andthird brackets164 and166, the first, second, andthird brackets162,164, and166 are prevented from sliding off theupper flange148 and the lowerinner edge section146.
• Moreover, thetabs152 and154 andslots174 and176 are positioned on thechassis118 such that when thetabs152 and154 are received within theslots174 and176 of thefirst hanger bracket162, and theposts156 and158 are received within theslots188 and190 of the second andthird brackets164 and166, themirror platform114 is aligned with thechassis118 as described above with respect to mirrorassembly10. Moreover, with the first, second, andthird hanger brackets162,164, and166 positioned to engage the upper and lower inner edge sections14-4 and146 defined on the interior of the chassis, the components of theinternal mounting structure12 are disposed within the mirror assembly interior when themirror platform114 is secured to thechassis18.
• To disassemble themirror assembly110, themirror platform114 is lifted until thetabs152 and154 are no longer received withinslots174 and176 of thefirst hanger bracket162 and theposts156 and158 are no longer received within theslots188 and190 of the second andthird brackets164 and166. Themirror platform114 is thereafter moved away from thechassis118. Thus, themirror assembly110 can be both assembled and disassembled in an easy manner.
• Referring toFIG. 7, a second alternate embodiment of themirror assembly210 having an internal mounting structure212 (seeFIGS. 8 and 9) includes a framed orframeless mirror platform214 and achassis218. Themirror platform214 includes a first substantiallyreflective surface222, a second nonreflective, rear surface224 (seeFIGS. 8 and 9), and one or more translucentbacklit portions226, similar tomirror platforms14 and114.
• Themirror assembly210 may include several electrical components disposed between themirror platform214 and thechassis218. For instance, themirror assembly210 may include a plurality oflight sources234, at least oneelectrical ballast236, and apower cover238 for a terminal box (not shown). The electrical components are preferably secured to a portion of thechassis218 in any suitable manner, such as with a plurality of brackets, fasteners, adhesive, etc.
• Thechassis218 is adapted to engage themirror platform214 and secure themirror platform214 to a wall W. Thechassis218 includes amajor surface228 that is substantially sized and shaped to correspond to themirror platform214. Themajor surface228 is positionable in a substantially parallel relationship to themirror platform214 when thechassis218 is engaged with themirror platform214. Thechassis218 includes anouter edge section230 that extends outwardly from themajor surface228 in a substantially transverse, manner around the perimeter of the chassismajor surface228. When thechassis218 is mounted to themirror platform214, theouter edge section230 extends between the chassis major surface218 and the mirrorrear surface224 to enclose any electrical components and define and mirror assembly interior.
• Referring still toFIG. 7, theinternal mounting structure212 will now be described in detail. Theinternal mounting structure212 includes first and second hanger members or first andsecond hanger brackets242 and246 that are preferably L-shaped. Thefirst hanger bracket242 includes afirst leg250 secured to the mirrorrear surface224 in any suitable manner, such as with adhesive, and asecond leg252 extending outwardly and substantially transversely therefrom. Likewise, thesecond hanger bracket246 includes afirst leg256 secured to the mirrorrear surface224 in any suitable manner, such as with adhesive, and asecond leg258 extending outwardly and substantially transversely therefrom.
• Thefirst hanger bracket242 includes first and second openings orslots260 and262 formed in thesecond leg252. Thefirst slot260 is formed near one end of thesecond leg252, and thesecond slot262 is formed at the opposite end of thesecond leg252. Thesecond hanger bracket246 also includes first and second openings orslots264 and266 formed in thesecond leg258. The first andsecond slots264 and266 formed in thesecond leg258 of thesecond hanger bracket246 are formed on opposite ends of thesecond leg258.
• Thefirst hanger bracket242 is secured to an upper portion of themirror platform214 with thesecond leg252 positioned in a substantially horizontal manner and thefirst leg250 extending downwardly from thesecond leg252. Thesecond hanger bracket246 is secured to a bottom portion of themirror platform214 with thesecond leg258 positioned in a substantially horizontal manner thefirst leg256 extending downwardly from thesecond leg258.
• Theinternal mounting structure212 further includes first, second, third, and fourth support members, or hooks268,270,272, and274 secured to the chassismajor surface228 and extending outwardly therefrom. Thehooks268,270,272, and274 are positioned on the chassismajor surface228 such that each hook is located near a corner of the chassismajor surface228. Moreover, the first andsecond hooks268 and270 are located in substantially the same first horizontal plane, and the third andfourth hooks272 and274 are located in substantially the same second horizontal plane.
• FIGS. 8 and 9 depict the first andthird hooks268 and272 having ahorizontal portion276 extending substantially transversely and outwardly from the chassismajor surface228 and avertical portion278 extending upwardly and substantially transversely from the end of thehorizontal portion276. The second andfourth hooks270 and274 includes similar horizontal and vertical portions. Thevertical portion278 of the first andsecond hooks268 and270 are receivable within the first andsecond slots260 and262 of thefirst hanger bracket242. Similarly, thevertical portion278 of the third andfourth hooks272 and274 are receivable within the first andsecond slots264 and266 of thesecond hanger bracket246.
• Referring toFIGS. 7-9, the manner in which theinternal mounting structure212 is used to secure themirror platform214 to thechassis218 will be hereinafter described. Preferably, thechassis218 is first secured to a wall W in any suitable manner such that theouter edge section230 extends outwardly from the wall W. Moreover,chassis218 is positioned on the wall W such that the first andsecond hooks268 and270 are positioned above the third andfourth hooks272 and274.
• Themirror platform214 is then positioned substantially parallel to the chassismajor surface228, with thefirst hanger bracket242 positioned slightly above the first andsecond hooks268 and270, and thesecond hanger bracket246 positioned slightly above the third andfourth hooks272 and274. More specifically, thesecond leg252 of thefirst hanger bracket242 is positioned above the first andsecond hooks268 and270, and thesecond leg258 of thesecond hanger bracket246 is positioned slightly above the third andfourth hooks272 and274.
• Themirror platform214 is then moved toward thechassis218 until the first andsecond slots260 and262 of thefirst hanger bracket242 are positioned above thevertical portions278 of the first andsecond hooks268 and270. The first andsecond slots264 and266 of thesecond hanger bracket246 are also positioned above thevertical portions278 of the third andfourth hooks272 and274. Themirror platform214 is then lowered until thevertical portions278 of the first, second, third, andfourth hooks268,270,272, and274 are received withinslots260,262,264, and266, respectively. As such, the first andsecond hanger brackets242 and246 are hung onhooks268,270,272, and274, thereby securing themirror platform214 on thechassis218.
• The first, second, third, andfourth hooks268,270,272, and274 are positioned on the chassismajor surface228 such that the first andsecond hanger brackets242 and246, and therefore theminor platform214, are aligned on thechassis218 when thehooks268,270,272, and274 are received within theslots260,262,264, and266. Moreover, thehooks268,270,272, and274 are positioned on thechassis218, and the first andsecond hanger brackets242 and246 are positioned on the mirrorrear surface224 such that thehooks268,270,272, and274 andbrackets242 and246 are disposed within the mirror assembly interior.
• To disassemble themirror assembly210, themirror platform214 is lifted until thehooks268,270,272, and274 are no longer received withinslots260,262,264, and266 of the first andsecond hanger brackets242 and246. Themirror platform214 is thereafter moved away from thechassis218. Thus, themirror assembly210 can be both assembled and disassembled in an easy manner.
• While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For instance, it should be appreciated that any of theabove mirror assemblies10,110, and210 may be suitably used with any of the internal mountingstructures12,112, and212 described above. Thus, the foregoing description should be seen as descriptive and not limiting the claimed subject matter.

Claims (11)

What is claimed is:

1. A method for assembling a minor platform and a chassis, comprising:

positioning a mirror platform substantially parallel to a chassis;

positioning a support member above a hanger member, the support member mounted to one of a rear surface of the mirror platform or the chassis, the hanger member mounted to the other of the rear surface of the mirror platform or the chassis; and

lowering the mirror platform relative to the chassis so that the hanger member is removably securable on the support member.

2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein a protrusion extends upwardly from the support member.

3. The method ofclaim 2, wherein the protrusion is defined by a post extending upwardly from the support member.

4. The method ofclaim 2, wherein the protrusion is defined by a tab extending upwardly from the support member.

5. The method ofclaim 2, wherein the protrusion is adapted to secure the first hanger member on the support member.

6. The method ofclaim 2, wherein the protrusion is positioned on the support member such that the mirror platform is aligned on the chassis When the protrusion is received within an opening in the hanger member.

7. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the hanger member is defined by a first L-shaped bracket, and the support member is defined by a second L-shaped bracket.

8. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the hanger member is defined by a bracket having a lip portion, and the support member is defined by a outwardly extending member of the chassis having a flange section.

9. The method ofclaim 8, wherein the flange section of the outwardly extending member is receivable within the lip portion of the bracket.

10. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the support member is defined by at least one hook.

11. A method for assembling a mirror assembly mountable to a wall, comprising:

attaching a chassis to a wall;

positioning a mirror platform substantially parallel to the chassis;

positioning a support member above a hanger member, the support member mounted to one of a rear surface of the mirror platform or the chassis, the hanger member mounted to the other of the rear surface of the mirror platform or the chassis; and

lowering the mirror platform relative to the chassis so that the hanger member is removably securable on the support member.

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