Mirrors are typically used in either hand held or mounted form to assist in applying make-up, inspecting the face and the eyes, etc. It is especially desirable to use a mirror in close proximity and with a certain degree of magnification to assure proper execution of detailed procedures such as application of make-up, removing hair or treating blemishes.
It is known to provide a hand held or stand-mounted mirror which provides a normal sized mirror reflection on one side having a mirrored surface on the other side which provides a magnified reflection. However, the degree of magnification is limited by the physical construction of the mirror. As magnification increases in such a mirror, substantial distortion is encountered. Also, as one moves closer to the magnifying mirror surface, the degree of magnification decreases.
In U.S. Pat. No. 3,751,140, a combination of magnifying and non-magnifying mirrors are used for close-up viewing of the eyes and face. However, no means are provided for producing a higher degree of magnification for example, by the use of a lens. The invention concerns orienting the mirrors to provide images to the viewer from different angles of perspective.
In U.S. Pat. No. 2,817,998, a mirror camera has an objective formed by a concave mirror to which one or more correcting elements are added. The camera additionally incorporates means to prevent distortion of the mirror through impact or shock damage. The mirror camera utilizes a concave mirror with a meniscus shaped lens as a correcting element. There is no description of the utilization of a mirror with a magnifying lens for providing magnified viewing of a reflection for personal use.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,584,829, discloses a hand mirror and supporting handle which incorporates a closure cap to protect the mirror faces.