U.S. patent application number 10/511429 was filed with the patent office on 2005-10-20 for cable organizer cabinet.
Invention is credited to Torrance, Edward.
Application Number | 20050231080 10/511429 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35149171 |
Filed Date | 2005-10-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050231080 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Torrance, Edward |
October 20, 2005 |
Cable organizer cabinet
Abstract
The present invention provides a cabinet adapted to organize
electrical cables comprising: a base (2) for supporting the cabinet
on a substantially planar surface; a rear panel (1); a top panel
(5); oppositely arranged side panels (4, 12); a front panel (3);
said rear, top, front and side panels arranged to enclose an
interior portion of said cabinet; and power supply means (7);
characterized in that the front panel includes an opening allowing
access to the interior portion of the cabinet, the opening
comprising a door (8, 13) adapted to close the opening; each of the
top and side panels comprise a planar surface including a plurality
of openings (6) through which electrical cables may pass; and the
power supply means is adapted such that only one power cable (9)
need pass to the exterior of the cabinet to be plugged into a live
power receptacle. A desk (11) comprising the cabinet of the present
invention is also provided.
Inventors: |
Torrance, Edward; (Nova
Scotia, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NIXON & VANDERHYE, PC
901 NORTH GLEBE ROAD, 11TH FLOOR
ARLINGTON
VA
22203
US
|
Family ID: |
35149171 |
Appl. No.: |
10/511429 |
Filed: |
October 15, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
April 14, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CA04/00552 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/223.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 21/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/223.6 |
International
Class: |
A47B 081/00 |
Claims
1. A cabinet adapted to organize electrical cables comprising: a
base for supporting said cabinet on a substantially planar surface;
a rear panel; a top panel; oppositely arranged side panels; and a
front panel; said rear, top, front and side panels arranged to
enclose an interior portion of said cabinet; and power supply means
located in said interior portion; characterized in that: said front
panel includes a door which opens to allow access to said interior
portion of said cabinet; each of said top and side panels comprises
a planar surface including one or a plurality of openings through
which electrical cables may pass; and said power supply means is
adapted such that only one power cable need pass therefrom to the
exterior of the cabinet to be plugged into a live power
receptacle.
2. A cabinet according to claim 1, wherein said door comprises at
least one panel hinged on one side.
3. A cabinet according to claim 1, wherein said door comprises at
least one panel adapted to slide parallel to said front panel when
placed in an open or closed position.
4. A cabinet according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of
openings further comprise closure means to selectively open and
close each of said plurality of openings.
5. A cabinet according to claim 1, wherein each of said openings is
each circular, square, oval, slotted, or rectangular in shape.
6. A cabinet according to claim 1, wherein said power supply means
(comprises at least two ports adapted to receive male end plugs of
an electrical power cable.
7. A cabinet according to claim 1, wherein said cabinet is
constructed of materials similar to materials used to construct an
article of furniture already present in an intended usage
environment.
8. A cabinet according to claim 7, wherein said materials are one
or more of metal, wood, imitation wood, laminate and plastic.
9. A cabinet according to claim 1, wherein said cables are
associated with a computer system or a home entertainment
system.
10. A desk comprising a cabinet adapted to organize electrical
cables comprising: a base for supporting said cabinet on a
substantially planar surface; a rear panel; a top panel; oppositely
arranged side panels; a front panel; said rear, top, front and side
panels arranged to enclose an interior portion of said cabinet; and
power supply means; characterized in that: said front panel
includes an opening allowing access to said interior portion of
said cabinet, said opening comprising a door adapted to close said
opening; each of said top and side panels comprise a planar surface
including a plurality of openings through which electrical cables
may pass; and said power supply means is adapted such that only one
power cable need pass to the exterior of the cabinet to be plugged
into a live power receptacle.
11. A desk according to claim 10, wherein said door comprises at
least one panel hinged on one side.
12. A desk according to claim 10, wherein said door comprises at
least one panel adapted to slide parallel to said front panel when
placed in an open or closed position.
13. A desk according to claim 10, wherein said plurality of
openings further comprise closure means to selectively open and
close each of said plurality of openings.
14. A desk according to claim 10, wherein said plurality of
openings are each circular in shape.
15. A desk according to claim 10, wherein said power supply means
comprises at least two ports adapted to receive male end plugs of
an electrical power cable.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for organizing
computer cables or the like and more particularly to a cabinet for
routing and storage of cables which includes an embedded power
source and may be formed as part of existing office furniture.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In practice, users of computer systems or home theatre
systems have become aware of the tangling and disorganization that
exists behind such systems as a result of the associated
cables.
[0003] Means to route and conceal electrical wiring are well known
in the art. Further, means to organize cables in an office
workstation are also known. As shown in Canadian Patent No.
2,000,211, a wire management assembly comprising a housing for
concealing wires, cords and cables for electrical equipment is
disclosed. The housing has an opening in which wires are passed
through. The housing also has an optional cover which can be
removed in order to allow access to the wires. The assembly can be
used in an office setting for safety and aesthetics.
[0004] Canadian Patent No. 430,039, entitled "Cable Manager",
describes a cable manager for concealing electrical and telephone
cables. The cable manager is made up of a base housing portion and
a top closure portion. The top closure is hinged to allow for
access to the interior portion of the housing. The housing contains
an entrance and an exit space for electrical wiring.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,286,919, entitled "Computer Cable Management
System" reveals a system for managing communication or power cables
associated with a computer system. The system is made up of
cabinets that route and house cables both horizontally and
vertically. The cabinet is enclosed by a door which provides for
access to the internal portion of the cabinet.
[0006] Canadian Patent No. 485,971 discloses a cabinet for
electronic apparatus. The electronic apparatus is housed within the
cabinet and the wiring of such apparatus is passed through enclosed
panels that contain openings. The wires then pass through either
the top or the bottom of the cabinet in an organized manner. The
wires are hidden from view when the rear doors of the cabinet are
in a closed position.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,359,217 teaches a cabinet comprised of a
rear wall, side walls, top wall and bottom wall. The cabinet may
have an optional hinged door attached to the front of the cabinet.
Thompson et al. explain that the important feature of the cabinet
is that it can receive electrical/data conduits thorough an entry
point in the cabinet, the electrical/data conduits can then be
routed through the cabinet and the electrical/data conduits can be
connected to ports located on a power panel within the cabinet. The
power panel which is located on the side of the cabinet may be used
to receive cabling from an electrical/network component. This power
panel can be easily moved and can be positioned at any location
along the side walls.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,209,974 describes a back column for
organizing guiding cables of an entertainment center. The column
contains openings such that wires can be passed through from the
television to other electronic devices and from those electronic
devices to a power source. The cables running from the television
to auxiliary electronic devices are concealed from view.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,415,723 teaches a folding table or desk with
a wire management structure mounted to the table top. The structure
has a front panel that can be placed in an opened or closed
position. The table top contains openings for wires or cables to be
passed through. The wires then pass into the wire management
structure where they may be plugged into power receptacles.
[0010] In the known art, as described above, there exist systems
made up of a housing or cabinet that allow cables to enter and exit
via an opening. The cabling is concealed from view once it has
entered the housing or cabinet. The known art does not contain a
power source fixed within the cabinet or housing and therefore does
not allow for only one-power cable to exit the cabinet.
Additionally, the known art does not provide an aesthetically
pleasing enclosure designed to integrate or blend with the
surrounding furniture.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide an
apparatus that allows for the routing and storage of cables
associated with a computer system or the like in a hidden and
organized fashion while providing power supply means to which power
cables may be connected.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
apparatus that allows for the routing and storage of cables
associated with-a computer system or the like in a hidden and
organized fashion while providing power supply means to which power
cables may be connected while eliminating the unsightly grouping of
cables that typically exist and removing the associated tripping
hazard or the possibility of feet of a user of the computer system
becoming tangled in the cables.
[0013] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from a careful reading of the detailed description
provided herein, within appropriate reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a cabinet adapted to organize electrical cables
comprising: a base for supporting the cabinet on a substantially
planar surface; a rear panel; a top panel; oppositely arranged side
panels; a front panel; said rear, top, front and side panels
arranged to enclose an interior portion of said cabinet; and power
supply means; wherein: the front panel includes an opening allowing
access to the interior portion of the cabinet, the opening
comprising a door adapted to close the opening; each of the top and
side panels comprise a planar surface including a plurality of
openings through which electrical cables may pass; and the power
supply means is adapted such that only one power cable need pass to
the exterior of the cabinet to be plugged into a live power
receptacle. The power supply means, for instance a power bar, may
be fixed inside the cabinet or removable and is advantageously
located on the base or the front side or rear panels to enable
additional devices to be efficiently arranged and located in a
variety of configurations. The cabinet configuration provides
adequate ventilation for the enclosed equipment in order to ensure
that regulatory standards are satisfied. The cabinet is
advantageously configured in the dimensions of about two feet in
height, two feet in length and five inches in width. Most of the
openings are advantageously configured in dimensions of about 1.5
inch diameter, with one larger end opening having a diameter of
about 2.5 inches.
[0015] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a desk comprising a cabinet adapted to organize
electrical cables comprising: a base for supporting the cabinet on
a substantially planar surface; a rear panel; a top panel;
oppositely arranged side panels; a front panel; the rear, top,
front and side panels arranged to enclose an interior portion of
said cabinet; and power supply means; wherein: the front panel
includes an opening allowing access to the interior portion of the
cabinet, the opening comprising a door adapted to close the
opening; each of the top and side panels comprise a planar surface
including a plurality of openings through which electrical cables
may pass; and the power supply means is adapted such that only one
power cable need pass to the exterior of the cabinet to be plugged
into a live power receptacle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be
described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of a first embodiment of
the cable organizer of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the cable organizer as
shown in FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a front view of a second embodiment of the cable
organizer of the present invention; and
[0020] FIG. 4 is a top view of the cable organizer as shown in FIG.
3;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the cabinet according to the present
invention is comprised of a base 2, upon which a front panel 3, a
rear panel 1, a left panel 12, and a right panel 4 extend upwardly
and all join to a top panel 5. In this arrangement, the base 2,
front panel 3, rear panel 1, left panel 12, right panel 4 and top
panel 5 enclose a three dimensional space within the cabinet.
[0022] The front panel 3 includes an opening having a door left
panel 8 and a door right panel 13 which may be opened to arrange
the contents of the cabinet and later closed to conceal the
contents.
[0023] Within the cabinet, mounted on the base 2, there is a power
supply means 7. The power supply means 7 comprises a plurality of
ports into which male ends of electrical power cords may be
inserted. A single power cord 9 passes through a port 14 on the
side panel 4 to be plugged into an external live power receptacle.
The power supply means 7 is fixed or removable and can
alternatively be located on the front, side or rear panels to
enable additional devices to be efficiently arranged and located in
a variety of configurations. For instance, the power supply means 7
may be a power bar disposed on one side of the base 2 (as shown in
FIG. 1) so as to permit the inclusion, if desired, of a second
power bar or the presence of a modem, transformer or other
equipment.
[0024] The left side panel 4, right side panel 12, and top panel 5
comprise a plurality of ports 6 through which electrical cables may
be passed into and out of the cabinet. These ports may include
closure means when not utilized. The ports 6 are advantageously
configured in the dimensions of about 1.5 inch diameter, optionally
with one larger port at the end with a diameter of about 2.5
inches.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the cabinet as shown in
FIG. 1 showing an open port 15 and a closed port 16. The circular
ports as shown include covers comprised of a first fixed
semi-circular portion and a second rotatable semi-circular portion.
When the rotated semi-circular portion is arranged so as to
correspond entirely with the fixed semi-circular portion, the cover
is said to be in an open position. When the rotated semi-circular
portion is arranged so as to be entirely opposite the fixed
semi-circular portion, the cover is said to be in a closed
position. The cabinet configuration provides adequate ventilation
for the enclosed equipment in order to ensure that regulatory
standards are satisfied, such as C.S.A. and U.L. standards.
[0026] FIG. 3 shows the second embodiment of the present invention
wherein the cabinet of the present invention is arranged as a
portion of a desk. As shown, the front panel 3 of the cabinet is
present near the back of the central portion of the desk. Cables
from a computer monitor, keyboard, mouse, or the like may be passed
through the top surface of the desk 11 and into the interior of the
cabinet. Also shown in FIG. 3 are the door left panel 8 and the
door right panel 13, each in the closed position. The power supply
means 7 is shown in the interior of the cabinet. Cable from the
computer monitor, keyboard, mouse, or the like pass into the
cabinet through to top surface of the desk 11 and out from a side
of the cabinet to a side portion 10 of the desk. Within this side
portion 10 a computer central processing unit is found and the
cables may be connected to the computer central processing
unit.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a top view of the desk shown in FIG. 3. As shown,
the top panel 4 of the cabinet forms part of the top surface of the
desk 11. A plurality of ports 6 are embedded into the top panel 4
and allow cable to pass through and into the cabinet. The single
power cord 9 is connected to the power supply means and passes
through the rear panel of the desk to be inserted into a live power
receptacle.
[0028] While the present invention has been described with
particular reference to preferred embodiments, the protection
sought is to be limited only by the terms of the claims that
follow.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0029] The apparatus taught herein generally provides improved
means for organizing computer cables or the like and more
particularly for a cabinet for routing and storage of cables which
includes an embedded power source and may be formed as part of
existing office furniture.
* * * * *