U.S. patent application number 11/336601 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-26 for display cabinet with modular slide door.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sligh Furniture Company. Invention is credited to Ralph J. Byma, Jeffrey A. Pulver, Gordon Stannis, Timothy Sweet, Dirk VanZalen.
Application Number | 20070170823 11/336601 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38284867 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070170823 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stannis; Gordon ; et
al. |
July 26, 2007 |
Display cabinet with modular slide door
Abstract
A display cabinet with modular slide door is adapted to house a
video display device. A cabinet top is spaced above a base, and is
generally aligned with the base. The door is slidably connected
with the top and adapted to selectively conceal and reveal the
display device. The cabinet may have left and right module
sections, each of a modular width. The door preferably has the same
modular width and may slide from one section to the other and
alternatively reveal or conceal each section. The cabinet may
further have a center section of two modular widths and a second
modular slide door. The center section may define a display space.
The modular slide doors may alternatively slide to conceal the
display space, revealing the left and right module sections, and
slide to reveal the display space, concealing the left and right
module sections.
Inventors: |
Stannis; Gordon; (Holland,
MI) ; VanZalen; Dirk; (Holland, MI) ; Byma;
Ralph J.; (Zeeland, MI) ; Sweet; Timothy;
(Zeeland, MI) ; Pulver; Jeffrey A.; (Holland,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VARNUM, RIDDERING, SCHMIDT & HOWLETT LLP
333 BRIDGE STREET, NW
P.O. BOX 352
GRAND RAPIDS
MI
49501-0352
US
|
Assignee: |
Sligh Furniture Company
|
Family ID: |
38284867 |
Appl. No.: |
11/336601 |
Filed: |
January 20, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/7.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 81/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/007.2 |
International
Class: |
A47B 81/06 20060101
A47B081/06 |
Claims
1. A display cabinet that is adapted to house a video display
device, the display cabinet having a front and an opposing back and
having a slidable door that is adapted to selectively conceal the
display device, the cabinet comprising: a base; a top spaced above
the base, the top being generally aligned with the base; a first
panel extending upward from the base toward the top and extending
between the front and the back; a second panel spaced a first
distance from the first panel, extending upward from the base
toward the top, and extending between the front and the back, the
second panel being generally parallel with the first panel; a third
panel spaced a second distance from the second panel so the second
panel is interposed between the first and the third panels, the
third panel extending upward from the base toward the top and
extending between the front and the back, the third panel being
generally parallel with the first panel; a display space defined
between the second panel and third panel, between the base and the
top, and between the front and the back, the display space being
adapted to receive and display a video display device; a door
extending between the base and the top, the door being connected
with the top in sliding engagement whereby the door slides between
a first position in which a first edge of the door is adjacent the
second panel and the door extends from the first edge adjacent the
second panel to an opposite second edge toward the third panel and
a second position in which the second edge of the door is adjacent
the second panel and the door extends from the second panel toward
the first panel.
2. The display cabinet defined in claim 1 wherein at least one of
the first, the second, and the third panels supports the top.
3. The display cabinet defined in claim 1 wherein the cabinet
further includes a fourth panel spaced a third distance from the
third panel so the third panel is interposed between the first and
the fourth panels, extending upward from the base toward the top,
and extending between the front and the back, the fourth panel
being generally parallel with the first panel.
4. The display cabinet defined in claim 3 wherein the cabinet
further includes a second door extending between the base and the
top, the door being connected with the top in sliding engagement
whereby the door slides between a first position in which a first
edge of the door is adjacent the third panel and the door extends
from the first edge adjacent the third panel to an opposite second
edge toward the second panel and a second position in which the
second edge of the door is adjacent the third panel and the door
extends from the third panel toward the fourth panel.
5. The display cabinet defined in claim 4 wherein the second
distance is a sum of the first and the third distances.
6. The display cabinet defined in claim 5 wherein the first and the
third distances are equal.
7. The display cabinet defined in claim 6 wherein the display space
is concealed by the first and the second doors when the first and
the second doors are in their respective first positions, with the
first door extending from the second panel to the second door and
the second door extending from the third panel to the first
door.
8. The display cabinet defined in claim 4 wherein the first and the
third distances are equal.
9. The display cabinet defined in claim 4 wherein the first door
second edge abuts the second door second edge and the display space
is concealed by the first and the second doors when the first and
the second doors are in their respective first positions.
10. The display cabinet defined in claim 4 wherein the base is
supported above a floor by a storage cabinet.
11. The display cabinet defined in claim 10 wherein at least a
portion of the storage cabinet is adapted to house a sound
radiating speaker device.
12. The display cabinet defined in claim 10 wherein at least a
portion of the storage cabinet is adapted to house audio equipment
and video equipment and the storage cabinet is provided with an
equipment control signal repeater.
13. A display cabinet that is adapted to house a video display
device, the cabinet having a front and an opposing back, having a
left side and an opposing right side, and having at least three
modular sections from the left side to the right side, the cabinet
comprising: a base; a top spaced above the base, the top being
generally aligned with the base; a left side panel extending upward
from the base toward the top and extending between the front and
the back; a second panel spaced a modular distance from the left
side panel, extending upward from the base toward the top, and
extending between the front and the back, the second panel being
generally parallel with the left side panel; a left modular section
of one modular distance wide being defined by the left side panel
and the first panel; a third panel spaced two modular distances
from the first panel so the first panel is interposed between the
left side panel and the second panel, the third panel extending
upward from the base toward the top and extending between the front
and the back, the third panel being generally parallel with the
left side panel; a center modular section of two modular distances
being defined by the first panel and the second panel; a right side
panel spaced a modular distance from the third panel so the third
panel is interposed between the left and the right side panels, the
right side panel extending upward from the base toward the top and
extending between the front and the back, the right side panel
being generally parallel with the left side panel; a right modular
section of one modular distance being defined by the second panel
and the right side panel; a display space defined in the center
modular section, between the first and the second panels, between
the base and the top, and between the front and the back, the
display space being adapted to receive and display a video display
device; a first door extending between the base and the top, having
a width of about one modular distance, and being connected with the
top in sliding engagement whereby the first door slides between a
center position in which a first edge of the door is adjacent the
second panel and the door extends from the first edge adjacent the
second panel to an opposite second edge toward the third panel and
a side position in which the second edge of the door is adjacent
the first panel, in which the door extends from the second panel to
the left side panel, and in which the left modular section is
concealed by the first door; a second door extending between the
base and the top, having a width of about one modular distance, and
being connected with the top in sliding engagement whereby the
second door slides between a center position in which a first edge
of the door is adjacent the third panel and the door extends from
the first edge adjacent the third panel to an opposite second edge
toward the first panel and a side position in which the second edge
of the door is adjacent the third panel, in which the door extends
from the second panel to the right side panel, and in which the
right modular section is concealed by the second door, the first
and the second doors concealing the display space in their
respective first positions.
14. The display cabinet defined in claim 13 wherein the base is
supported above a floor by a storage cabinet.
15. The display cabinet defined in claim 14 wherein at least a
portion of the storage cabinet is adapted to house a sound
radiating speaker device.
16. The display cabinet defined in claim 14 wherein at least a
portion of the storage cabinet is adapted to house audio equipment
and video equipment and the storage cabinet is provided with an
equipment control signal repeater.
17. A display cabinet that is adapted to house a video display
device, the cabinet having a front and an opposing back, having a
left side and an opposing right side, the cabinet comprising: a
base; a top spaced above the base, the top being generally aligned
with the base; a left side panel extending upward from the base
toward the top and extending between the front and the back; a
second panel spaced a modular distance from the left side panel,
extending upward from the base toward the top, and extending
between the front and the back, the second panel being generally
parallel with the left side panel; a left modular section of one
modular distance wide being defined by the left side panel and the
first panel; a third panel spaced two modular distances from the
first panel so the first panel is interposed between the left side
panel and the second panel, the third panel extending upward from
the base toward the top and extending between the front and the
back, the third panel being generally parallel with the left side
panel; a center modular section of two modular distances being
defined by the first panel and the second panel; a right side panel
spaced a modular distance from the third panel so the third panel
is interposed between the left and the right side panels, the right
side panel extending upward from the base toward the top and
extending between the front and the back, the right side panel
being generally parallel with the left side panel; a right modular
section of one modular distance being defined by the second panel
and the right side panel; a display space defined in the center
modular section, between the first and the second panels, between
the base and the top, and between the front and the back, the
display space being adapted to receive and display a video display
device; a first door extending between the base and the top and
being connected in sliding engagement with one of the top and the
base, the first door sliding between a center position and a side
position, the door has a first edge flush with the second panel on
a side of the second panel that faces the left side panel and the
door extends from the first edge toward the third panel to an
opposite second edge when the door is in the center position, the
second edge of the door is flush with the second panel on a side of
the second panel that faces the third panel and the door extends
from the second panel to the left side panel whereby the left
modular section is concealed by the first door when the door is in
the side position; a second door extending between the base and the
top and being connected in sliding engagement with one of the top
and the base, the second door sliding between a center position and
a side position, the door has a first edge flush with the third
panel on a side of the third panel that faces the right side panel
and the door extends from the first edge toward the second panel to
an opposite second edge when the door is in the center position,
the second edge of the door is flush with the third panel on a side
of the third panel that faces the second panel and the door extends
from the third panel to the right side panel whereby the right
modular section is concealed by the second door when the door is in
the side position.
18. The display cabinet defined in claim 17 wherein the base is
supported above a floor by a storage cabinet.
19. The display cabinet defined in claim 18 wherein at least a
portion of the storage cabinet is adapted to house a sound
radiating speaker device.
20. The display cabinet defined in claim 18 wherein at least a
portion of the storage cabinet is adapted to house audio equipment
and video equipment and the storage cabinet is provided with an
equipment control signal repeater.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable.
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING
[0003] Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The invention relates to furniture cabinets that are
directed to housing a video display device. More specifically, a
display cabinet with modular slide door of the invention is
directed to concealment of the display device with a horizontally,
sliding panel door.
[0005] Video display devices, including thin panel LCD and plasma
screens, compact LCD and DLP rear projection displays, and front
projection displays, are well accepted and commonly seen in many
home and office settings. These displays are also typically a
visually large and imposing element, if not in fact physically
large, in whatever room environment they may be located. Thus,
one's attention may be inappropriately drawn to the display, merely
by its presence, even when it is not active. These displays may
also present an undesired contrast in the aesthetics of a room
environment in which they are located; clashing with the room
decor.
[0006] While a large video display device must be readily seen in
use, it is not always a desired visual element in many room
environments when not in use. Thus, one may appreciate a desire to
conveniently access and conversely conceal a display device in a
manner in which the display does not impose upon its environment
when not in use.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Accordingly, a display cabinet with modular slide door of
the invention provides a cabinet with a defined display space, that
is adapted to house a display device and to conveniently conceal
and access the display by sliding manipulation of the modular slide
door.
[0008] The display cabinet has a top spaced above and generally
aligned with a base. A first or left panel extends upward from the
base toward the top. A second panel is parallel with and spaced a
modular distance from the left panel, defining a left or first
modular section. A right panel may be parallel with and spaced a
modular distance from the second panel, defining another modular
section, namely, a second or right modular section. A door extends
between the base and the top and is connected in sliding engagement
with one of the top and the base. The door is also of a modular
width. Thus, the door is slidable to alternatively cover or reveal
one or the other of the modular sections with the door presenting a
closed appearance in either position.
[0009] In another aspect of the invention, a center modular section
may be defined between the left and the right modular sections with
the center section defining a display space. Thus, a third panel
may be interposed between the second and the right panels, be
parallel with and spaced two modular distance from the second
panel, defining the center modular section. A second door may
extend between the base and the top and be connected in sliding
engagement with one of the top and the base. The second door is
also of a modular width. Thus, the prior or first door and the
second door may slide toward one another into a first position in
which the doors conceal the center modular section and reveal the
left and right, side sections. Alternatively, the doors may slide
away from one another into a second position in which the side
sections are concealed and the center section display space is
revealed. The doors present a closed appearance in either
position.
[0010] Further, an aspect of the invention is modular assembly,
interconnection, and disassembly of the sections for manufacture
and transport. Another aspect of the invention is that the base may
be adapted to be supported by a floor. The base may also be adapted
to be supported by a storage cabinet. The storage cabinet may
further be provided with audio and video equipment and the like and
may include a provision of an optical control signal repeater
mechanism.
[0011] These and other features and benefits of the invention will
be recognized by one having ordinary skill in the art and by those
who practice the invention, from this disclosure, including the
specification, the claims, and the drawing figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0012] FIG. 1 is a left front perspective view of a display cabinet
with modular slide door of the invention, showing sliding doors in
a center position;
[0013] FIG. 2 is the view of FIG. 1 with the doors in respective
side positions; and
[0014] FIG. 3 is an exploded view thereof.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross section view, partially in
elevation, showing a known coupler;
[0016] FIG. 5 is an end elevation view thereof, both ends are noted
to appear the same in elevation; and;
[0017] FIG. 6 is an exploded, side elevation view thereof,
partially in elevation.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a cross section view along line VII-VII of FIG.
2;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a fragmentary, enlarged, elevation view of detail
VIII of FIG. 2;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a fragmentary, enlarged, perspective view of
detail IX of FIG. 2;
[0021] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the center section base
storage cabinet of the view of FIG. 7, showing an infrared control
repeater system;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a fragmented front elevation view thereof,
showing the repeater system; and
[0023] FIG. 12 is a fragmented top plan view thereof, showing the
repeater system.
[0024] FIG. 13 is a cross section view of a side section hutch-top,
showing a lighting installation.
[0025] FIG. 14 is a front elevation of the display cabinet of FIGS.
1 and 2;
[0026] FIG. 15 is a front elevation of the display cabinet of FIG.
1; and
[0027] FIG. 16 is a front elevation of the display cabinet of FIG.
2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] A preferred and exemplary embodiment 100 of a display
cabinet with a modular slide door according to the invention is
generally shown in the drawing figures and discussed below. More
specifically, the display cabinet 100 is shown supported above a
floor by a cooperating storage cabinet 200, which together define a
break front hutch, with the display cabinet being a hutch top
(FIGS. 1-3).
[0029] The display cabinet hutch top 100 and the lower storage
cabinet 200 may be provided with various configurations for upper
and lower storage, including the hutch top shelving as shown.
Alternatively, the hutch top and lower storage may be configured to
accommodate speaker placement, including insert panels that are
transparent to sound. While such an insert panel 210 is shown as
provided for a center channel speaker placement (FIGS. 1-3), sound
transparent insert panels may be provided according to a user's
preferences, including in selected storage doors for left and right
channel speaker placement of a multi channel or surround style
audio system.
[0030] More specifically as to a lower storage cabinet center
section 204, one of various storage configurations is adapted to
house supporting equipment for a display device that is housed in
the display space 120. The supporting equipment may include various
audio and video electronic signal processing components and
speakers. The sound transparent insert 210 is again noted at the
top center section of the lower storage cabinet. Further,
enhancements in consideration of the supporting equipment may
include provisions in the nature of a power strip 212, which may
provide power conditioning and electronic component protection, and
a hidden optical remote control signal repeater 214, which may
enable optical remote control access of electronic components
housed in the storage cabinet 200.
[0031] The display cabinet 100 has a top 102 that is spaced above
and generally aligned with a base 104. A first or left side panel
112 extends upward from the base toward the top and extends between
a front 106 and an opposing back 108 of the display cabinet. A
second panel 114 is spaced a first distance from the left panel.
The second panel is parallel with the left panel and also extends
upward from the base 104 toward the top 102 and between the front
106 and the back 108. The left and the second panels define a left
section or module of the display cabinet.
[0032] A third panel 116 is spaced a second distance from the
second panel 114, so the second panel is interposed between the
first and the third panels. The third panel is also parallel with
the first panel 112, extends upward from the base 104 toward the
top 102, and extends between the front 106 and the back 108. The
second and the third panels define a center section or module of
the display cabinet.
[0033] More specifically, a display space 120 is defined between
the second 114 and third 116 panels and the base 104 and top 102.
The display space is an open space that is adapted to receive a
display device 140. The display device may be any of various
presently known or yet to be developed display devices, including
thin panel LCD and plasma screens, compact LCD and DLP rear
projection displays, and front projection display screens or
panels.
[0034] Finally, a fourth or right side panel 118 is spaced a third
distance from the third panel 116, so the third panel is interposed
between the second 114 and the fourth panels. The fourth panel is
also parallel with the first panel 112, extends upward from the
base 104 toward the top 102, and extends between the front 106 and
the back 108. The third and the right panels define a right section
or module of the display cabinet.
[0035] The display cabinet is provided as shown with at least one
modular slide door and more preferably a pair of doors 122 and 124.
The slide doors may be connected with the display cabinet 100 in
sliding engagement and may be suspended from the top with a sliding
door trolley mechanism 130 as shown (FIG. 8). Thus, the doors may
slide laterally across the front of the display cabinet to cover
the side display cabinet sections separately (FIG. 2) or cover the
center section, and more specifically the display space, together
(FIG. 1).
[0036] The trolley 130 has a track 132 and a pair of cooperating
slides 134 for each door of conventional hardware as is known to
one having ordinary skill in the art. The track extends along a
length of the display cabinet 100 and between the opposing left and
right side panels 112 and 118, respectively. A generally C-shaped
channel that opens downward may be used for the track as shown. The
back of the channel, which is oriented upward as installed, may be
variously adapted for attachment to the top 102. In the exemplary
embodiment shown, the back of the track is a flattened segment. The
flattened segment is provided with an array of openings that are
disposed along a length of the track. The openings are adapted to
receive screw fasteners that extend into the top, thereby attaching
the track to the top. The slides 134 may also be provided with
various configurations that cooperate with the track 132, connect
with a door (122 and 124), and provide sliding of the door along
the track length. Further, a guide 136 may be provided on the base
104 near each of the second panel 114 and the third panel 116 to
guide a bottom edge of each respective door 122 and 124. As shown,
each guide may be a tab that extends upward from the base and is
received in sliding engagement into a cooperating groove that is
provided in the bottom of the door.
[0037] One having ordinary skill in the art understands the
concepts and the details of door slide devices, including the
following, which are a few variations. The track 132 may be
constructed of any suitable structural material by any process that
is appropriate to the chosen material. While the track is shown as
a downward opening C-shaped channel, the track may also be
configured as a sideways opening C-shaped channel or a J-shaped
channel according to personal preference or manufacturing benefits.
The slides 134 may also be constructed of any suitable structural
material by any process that is appropriate to the chosen material.
The slides may further include rolling wheel-like members or skid
members. Further, the guides 136 may be constructed of any suitable
structural material by any process that is appropriate to the
chosen material. The guides shown are upward extending tab members
that are captured into the doors. An alternative configuration may
include a tab member that abuts an outward or face surface of the
door or an upward opening channel member into which the door is
received and captured in sliding engagement.
[0038] Considering again that the doors may slide laterally inward
across the front of the display cabinet to a first position in
which the doors cover the center section together (FIG. 1) and that
the doors may slide laterally outward across the front of the
display cabinet to a second position in which the doors cover the
side display cabinet sections separately (FIG. 2), one understands
that the center section extends along about half the length of the
display cabinet 100. Thus, the second distance is about half the
length of the display cabinet and a remaining about half the length
of the display cabinet is divided between the left and the right
side modules. While the third distance, between the third and the
fourth panels, may be different from the first distance, between
the first and the second panels, one having ordinary skill in the
art appreciates an aesthetic desirability of having each of the
first and the third distances the same. Having a common or modular
width across the side sections also yields fabrication benefits in
minimizing the number of unique components required and increasing
use of duplicate components.
[0039] More specifically in the design example shown and
considering the left door 122, the door has a first door edge 126
that is adjacent the second panel 114 when in the first position
and the door extends toward the third panel 116 to an opposite
second door edge 128. The first door edge 126 is preferably flush
with a surface of the second panel that faces the left panel 112.
The same arrangement is noted regarding the right door 124 in
mirror image and relative to the third panel 116, however.
[0040] The left door 122 second door edge 128 is adjacent the
second panel 114 when in the second position and the door extends
toward the left panel 112 to the opposite first door edge 126. The
second door edge is preferably flush with another surface of the
second panel 114 that faces the third panel 116. Further in the
design example shown, the first door edge 126 is preferably flush
with an outer surface of the left panel 112, which surface faces
away from the display cabinet. Thus, the first door aligns with and
fully overlays the display cabinet left module with the opposing
door edges, 126 and 128, flush with outer panel surfaces of the
module. Again, the same arrangement is noted regarding the right
door 124 in mirror image and relative to the third panel 116, the
right panel 118, and the right module, however.
[0041] Understanding the relational geometry of the doors 122 and
124 with the display cabinet 100 and its various respective
components as suggested above, one having ordinary skill in the art
will also understand that the doors constantly conceal a little
more than half of the display cabinet. If the panels 112-118 had no
physical thickness, then the doors would cover exactly half of the
display cabinet. The panels do have thickness, however, which has a
subtle and significant influence upon the relational geometry of
the doors. A further influence of the same nature includes a
foreseeable modification in which the doors do not overlay the side
panels and abut them instead.
[0042] In another aspect of the invention, the left 142, center
144, and right 146 sections of the display cabinet 100 may comprise
three separate pieces of furniture and be modular components of the
display cabinet. Again, the display cabinet 100 preferably is
supported above a floor by the storage cabinet 200. The cooperating
storage cabinet therefore may also have corresponding left 202,
center 204, and right 206 modular storage sections.
[0043] One who fabricates or otherwise uses the invention may,
therefore, segment the track 132 according to the segmenting of the
display cabinet 100. The track may further be adapted with segment
couplings as is understood by one having ordinary skill in the art.
One who uses the invention may, in the alternative, choose to
incorporate the track as a coupler to secure the display cabinet
modules together. In this variation the track may be provided as a
unitary item or as an assembly of track lengths. A manufacturer may
find that two or three modular sections of track may be adapted to
securely tie together the display cabinet sections and to provide
advantages in at least one of fabrication and assembly.
[0044] The left and right side display cabinet modules and storage
cabinet sections may further be respectively mirror image
components, as shown, or may be identical and are substantially
similar either way. As shown, addition of trim molding 208 on
opposing end surfaces of the left and right components distinguish
them from being identical. Further, with the display cabinet 100
being an assembly of three modular components, one having ordinary
skill in the art understands that the second 114 and the third 116
panels discussed above comprise abutting panel portions of the left
and center sections and the center and right sections,
respectively.
[0045] In consideration of convenient manufacture, transportation,
and installation, the display cabinet 100 and cooperating lower
storage cabinet 200 are preferably provided in modular form as
shown. Thus, abutting sides of the side modules 142, 146, 202, and
206 and the center section 144 and 204 may be adapted to
accommodate alignment and fastening of the modules or sections
together. Alignment of the modular or sectional components may be
enhanced with a corresponding peg 220 and aperture arrangement,
which one having ordinary skill in the art understands.
[0046] The modular components may further be interconnected or
fastened together with various couplers, including a known screw
coupler 230 as shown in drawings FIGS. 4-6. Each coupler is a two
part device with a male or bolt part 232 and a cooperating female
or nut part 240 . The bolt part has a head 234 and a threaded leg
236 that extends away from the head to a terminal end 238. Each nut
has a head 242 with a tubular shaft 244 extending away from the
head to a terminal end 246. The tubular shaft 244 is internally
threaded to cooperate with the threaded leg of the bolt in screw
thread engagement. Each of the abutting sides of the display
cabinet components are provided with pairs of assembly apertures
250 that are positioned for mutual alignment when the components
are arranged and positioned in their final position for use. With
the assembly apertures 250 aligned, the tubular shaft 244 of a nut
240 may be inserted to extend into a selected assembly aperture and
a cooperating bolt 232 may be inserted to extend through an aligned
corresponding assembly aperture so the bolt and nut may meet and be
screw threaded together. As the nut and bolt are screwed together,
the respective components are drawn tightly together and the
arrangement of components is secured, becoming a unified display
cabinet assembly as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0047] In another aspect of the invention, a side module 142 and
146 of the display cabinet 100 may be provided with lighting (FIG.
13). Any of various lighting configurations may be used. A
conventional, downward illuminating, recessed can, lighting fixture
260 is shown. The more notable feature is that the power for the
lighting is connected with positioning of the respective slide door
122 or 124. For example, a switch 262 may be located and mounted
upon the side module so the light is turned off when the door is in
the second position, covering the side module. While the switch is
conspicuously shown in the drawing, a more discreet may be used in
practice. Lighting may also be provided in the center section 144,
although this would commonly be contrary to the utility of the
display space 120.
[0048] One having ordinary skill in the art understands that the
display cabinet 100 is a piece of furniture that is assembled of
various components, including the above panels, top, and base. Each
component may be fabricated of any suitable material and employing
methods appropriate to the material. Further, the cabinet
components may be interconnected with various suitable methods or
connectors. Materials technology and fabrication methods appear to
develop and change fairly continually. One having ordinary skill in
the art has knowledge of suitable materials and of effective
methods for furniture fabrication, each of which is ancillary to
the present invention of a configuration of a display cabinet with
modular slide door.
[0049] One having ordinary skill in the art and those who practice
the invention will understand from this disclosure that various
modifications and improvements may be made without departing from
the spirit of the disclosed inventive concept. One will also
understand that various relational terms, including left, right,
front, back, top, and bottom, for example, are used in the detailed
description of the invention and in the claims only to convey
relative positioning of various elements of the claimed
invention.
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