U.S. patent application number 11/947331 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-29 for cabinet with removable panel.
Invention is credited to Humberto E. Adrian.
Application Number | 20080122329 11/947331 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39462939 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080122329 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Adrian; Humberto E. |
May 29, 2008 |
Cabinet With Removable Panel
Abstract
The present invention relates to a closure assembly for an
opening, and more specifically, a closure assembly for an opening
in a cabinet. The closure assembly includes a frame defining an
opening. The frame has a first side with a slot and a spring
disposed in the slot. The frame also has a second side with a slot
opposite from the first side. The closure assembly further includes
a removable panel for closing the opening. The width of the
removable panel is greater than the opening width. The panel is
received in the first slot and the second slot, and the spring
biases the removable panel into the second slot.
Inventors: |
Adrian; Humberto E.; (West
Haven, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ST. ONGE STEWARD JOHNSTON & REENS, LLC
986 BEDFORD STREET
STAMFORD
CT
06905-5619
US
|
Family ID: |
39462939 |
Appl. No.: |
11/947331 |
Filed: |
November 29, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60867634 |
Nov 29, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
312/294 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 2096/207 20130101;
A47B 96/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/294 |
International
Class: |
A47B 96/00 20060101
A47B096/00 |
Claims
1. A closure assembly for an opening, said assembly comprising: a
frame defining at least in part the opening, said frame comprising:
a first side, said first side comprising a first slot, said first
slot having a first spring disposed therein, a second side
substantially parallel to and laterally displaced from said first
side, wherein the opening has a width measured from said first side
to said second side; a removable panel for at least partially
closing said opening, said removable panel having a width greater
than said opening width, said removable panel being receivable in
said first slot; and wherein when said removable panel is received
in said first slot said spring biases said removable panel toward
said second side.
2. The closure assembly of claim 1, wherein said removable panel is
rectangular.
3. The closure assembly of claim 2, wherein said removable panel
comprises one or more vents.
4. The closure assembly of claim 1, wherein said frame is disposed
in a cabinet.
5. The closure assembly of claim 4, wherein said frame is further
disposed in a rear panel of said cabinet.
6. The closure assembly of claim 5, wherein a plurality of said
frames are disposed in said rear panel.
7. The closure assembly of claim 1, wherein a plurality of first
springs are disposed in said first slot.
8. The closure assembly of claim 1, wherein said first slot has an
opening width, said removable panel has a thickness, and said
opening width is greater than said removable panel thickness.
9. A closure assembly for an opening in a cabinet, said assembly
comprising: a frame defining at least in part the opening, said
frame comprising: a first side, said first side comprising a first
slot, said first slot having a first spring disposed therein, a
second side substantially parallel to and laterally displaced from
said first side, said second side has a second slot, wherein said
opening has a width measured from said first side to said second
side; a removable panel for at least partially closing said
opening, said removable panel having a width greater than said
opening width, said removable panel being simultaneously receivable
in said first slot and said second slot; and wherein when said
removable panel is received in said first slot and said second slot
said first spring biases said removable panel into said second
slot.
10. The closure assembly of claim 9, wherein said removable panel
is rectangular.
11. The closure assembly of claim 10, wherein said cabinet
comprises a rear panel, and said frame is disposed in said rear
panel.
12. The closure assembly of claim 11, wherein said cabinet further
comprises a top panel and a bottom panel, and wherein said frame is
located between said top panel and said bottom panel.
13. The closure assembly of claim 12, wherein said frame is
rectangular and substantially the same size as said removable
panel.
14. The closure assembly of claim 13, wherein said cabinet further
comprises two side panels located between said top panel and said
bottom panel.
15. The closure assembly of claim 10 wherein said removable panel
comprises one or more vents.
16. The closure assembly of claim 10, wherein said first slot has a
width, said removable panel has a thickness, and said first slot
width is greater than said thickness of said removable panel.
17. The closure assembly of claim 10, wherein said second slot has
a second spring disposed therein, and wherein when said removable
panel is simultaneously received in said first slot and said second
slot said first spring biases said removable panel into said second
slot, and said second spring biases said removable panel into said
first slot.
18. The closure assembly of claim 15, wherein said second slot has
a second spring disposed therein, and wherein when said removable
panel is simultaneously received in said first slot and said second
slot said first spring biases said removable panel into said second
slot, and said second spring biases said removable panel into said
first slot.
19. A method for closing an opening in a cabinet, said method
comprising the steps of: providing a frame, said frame defining at
least in part the opening in said cabinet; providing a first side
of said frame; providing a first slot in said first side wherein
said first slot has a first spring disposed therein; providing a
second side of said frame, said second side substantially parallel
to and laterally displaced from said first side; providing a second
slot in said second side; providing a removable panel, said
removable panel having a width greater than a width of the opening;
inserting said removable panel in said first slot, thereby
compressing said first spring; rotating said removable panel about
said first slot; releasing said removable panel so that said first
spring biases said removable panel into said second slot.
20. The method of claim 19, further including the steps of
providing one or more second springs disposed in said second slot.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority under
35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/867,634 filed on Nov. 29, 2006, entitled "Cabinet with Removable
Panel," the entirety of which is incorporated by reference
herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to a cabinet with a
removable panel and more particularly is related to an electronics
cabinet with a closure assembly for an opening in the cabinet.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Current audio-video systems, whether intended for the home
or business, typically comprise a number of individual
interconnected audio-video components. For example a modern home
theater system may include a high definition television, cable box,
DVD player, digital cable recorder, gaming system, and surround
sound receiver. These components are interconnected with a series
of external connections. The components are also connected to an
external signal source, such as cable line, and an electrical
source.
[0004] There currently exist a number of different cabinet systems
for storing and maintaining audio-video systems. Generally these
cabinet systems include a top panel for supporting a television,
and an interior cabinet space below the top panel with one or more
shelves located in the interior cabinet space for storing the
remaining audio-video components. The sides and rear of a typical
cabinet system generally comprise solid panels, while the front of
the cabinet is generally open to permit access to the audio-video
components, for example the DVD player or cable box. In the
alternative some portion of the front face may comprise a hinged
panel to allow user to access to the front of the audio-video
components.
[0005] Currently in the home theater market there is increasing
consumer demand for attractive cabinet systems, that can store
today's audio-video systems. Consumers want a cabinet system that
fits well in the living room and at the same time provides storage
for an increasingly complex system of audio-video equipment.
Therefore, consumers are increasingly seeking elegant storage and
display solutions for their home theater systems. For example,
customers desire strong, sturdy, and solid cabinet systems for
storing and supporting the home theater system. Further, consumers
desire a cabinet system that hides the myriad of wires connecting
the audio-video components.
[0006] Audio-video systems, however, have become ever more complex,
and increasingly include a number of separate audio-video
components. As a result, current audio-video systems require a
large number of external wires for connecting the different
components together. Furthermore, new signal connections are much
more robust than the traditional coaxial cable connections, for
example new high definition television connections. Furthermore,
each audio-video component typically requires an external source of
electricity, further increasing the number of connections and
wires.
[0007] As a result of this increasing complexity, audio-video
systems are increasingly difficult to install, especially in the
narrow confines of a cabinet. This task is significantly
complicated because almost all audio-video components have their
connections in the rear. Further complicating this task is the fact
that many cabinets do not have an access point in the rear, or have
only a minimal opening for passing electrical connections into and
out of the cabinet. For example to connect a current audio-video
system, the user must first provide an electrical power source from
outside the cabinet to the components inside the cabinet, such as
the DVD player, Nintendo.RTM. gaming system, surround sound
receiver, and cable box. Second, the user must provide a cable
connection from outside the cabinet to the cable box inside the
cabinet. Next, the user must interconnect the components inside the
cabinet. Finally, the user must connect the television, usually on
top of the cabinet, with the components inside the cabinet. This
task is very difficult for the average consumer, especially when
she can not access the constituent connecting nodes on the
audio-video components.
[0008] Various cabinet designs are known for facilitating the
installation of audio-video components. For example, it is know to
build cabinet systems without a rear panel. The rear opening allows
the user to access the rear of the components, specifically the
constituent connection nodes, with ease. One disadvantage of this
design, however, is that rear of the cabinet is open. This is
disadvantageous because the user can look directly through the
cabinet system. This problem is exacerbated when there is a light
source behind the cabinet, or when the rear of the cabinet is not
positioned against a wall because the connectors become
increasingly more visible, resulting in audio-video system more
aesthetically suited for the laboratory than an average family
living room.
[0009] Some cabinet systems are built with rigid panels in the rear
that are attached with fasteners such as screws. These rear panels
can be manually removed to allow access to the back of the
audio-video components without affecting the structural integrity
of the cabinet. A disadvantage of such designs, however, is that
they require one or more tools to remove the fasteners.
Furthermore, it takes a considerable amount of time to remove and
reattach the fasteners. Finally, there is always the possibility
that the user may lose one or more fasteners during this process,
thereby reducing the effectiveness of the system.
[0010] Another solution to this problem is to provide a cabinet
system with and opening in the rear panel that provides a space to
pass the electrical source and signal source connectors. Typically,
this opening is small enough to prevent the user from peering
through the console, but large enough to facilitate the electrical
connections. A disadvantage of such designs, however, is that it is
difficult to access the rear of the audio-video components through
the small hole. This problem is exacerbated because the hole
reduces the amount of illumination on the rear of the
components.
[0011] Another solution is to provide a rear panel that is hinged
on the cabinet, so as to allow the user to open the rear panel
during installation of the audio-video components, and close the
panel after installation. A disadvantage of this solution is the
high cost of the hardware necessary to hinge the panels. This cost
is especially prohibitive for high end cabinet systems, running
upwards of $700. Furthermore, while hinged rear panels do permit
access to the rear of the cabinet, the opening is generally small
and size relative to the audio-video components.
[0012] What is desired, therefore, is a cabinet with a removable
panel, wherein the user can remove the panel during installation of
the audio-video components, and reinstall the panel after
installation to create an aesthetically pleasing cabinet. More
specifically, what is desired therefore is a closure assembly for
an opening in a cabinet. The closure assembly comprising a frame
defining at least in part the opening. The frame has a first side,
and the first side has a first slot with a spring disposed therein.
The frame also has a second side substantially parallel to and
laterally displaced from the first side, the second side hase a
second slot. The closure assembly further includes a removable
panel for at least partially closing said opening. The removable
panel has a width greater than the opening width, and is
simultaneously receivable in said first slot and said second slot,
wherein when the removable panel is received in said first slot and
said second slot the spring biases the removable panel into said
second slot.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a closure assembly for an opening.
[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
removable panel for a cabinet, whereby the removable panel can be
quickly and easily removed and installed in the cabinet.
[0015] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a removable panel for a cabinet that is removed and attached or
inserted into the cabinet without the use of external
fasteners.
[0016] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an electronics cabinet that permits quick access to the rear of the
cabinet for installation of audio-video components, and further
permits for closure of the rear of the cabinet after
installation.
[0017] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a removable panel for a cabinet that allows for the ventilation of
the interior of the cabinet.
[0018] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a removable panel for a cabinet that does not require hinges, or
other expensive hardware.
[0019] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a removable panel for a cabinet that allows for easy user access to
the interior of the cabinet when the panel is removed.
[0020] These and other objects on the present invention are
achieved in one embodiment of a closure assembly for an opening in
a cabinet. The closure assembly comprising a frame defining at
least in part the opening. The frame has a first side, and the
first side has a first slot with a spring disposed therein. The
frame also has a second side substantially parallel to and
laterally displaced from the first side, the second side has a
second slot. The closure assembly further includes a removable
panel for at least partially closing said opening. The removable
panel has a width greater than the opening width, and is
simultaneously receivable in said first slot and said second slot,
wherein when the removable panel is received in said first slot and
said second slot the spring biases the removable panel into said
second slot.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a cabinet with a
removable panel.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a rear exploded perspective view of a cabinet with
a removable panel.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a top cutaway exploded view of a cabinet with a
removable panel, showing the panel partially inserted into an
opening.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a top cutaway exploded view of a cabinet with a
removable panel, showing the panel partially inserted into an
opening.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a top cutaway exploded view of a cabinet with a
removable panel, showing the panel fully inserted into an
opening.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a top cutaway exploded view of a cabinet with a
removable panel, showing the panel fully inserted into an opening,
and further showing a spring in the first slot and a spring in the
second slot.
[0027] FIG. 7 is a top cutaway exploded view of a cabinet with a
removable panel, showing the panel fully inserted into an opening,
and further showing a spring in the first slot and a spring in the
second slot.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] The invention disclosed herein contemplates a cabinet,
specifically an electronics cabinet 100 in which a removable panel
50 can be removed from a window 40 or frame 40 in the rear panel
150 of the cabinet 100, providing unobstructed access to inside the
cabinet 100 through the window 40 in the rear panel 150. An
exemplary embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. The
removable panel 50 can further be reinserted into window 40 of the
rear panel 150 of the cabinet 100 so that the rear panel 150
appears as a continuous panel without windows 40, for example, as a
solid panel. It should be understood that through out this detailed
description the terms window 40 and frame 40 are used
interchangeably.
[0029] In reference to FIG. 1 the electronics cabinet 100 includes
a bottom panel 120, a top panel 130, two side panels 140, and a
rear panel 150. These panels are substantially square or
rectangular. The panels are preferably constructed of solid wood,
or laminated wood, but may comprise any suitable material or
combination of materials thereof, for example laminated particle
board, metal, or plastic. The bottom panel 120 and the top panel
130 are substantially parallel to each other, and held in relative
position to each other by the side panels 140. The side panels 140
are perpendicular to the bottom panel 120 and the top panel 130 and
are substantially parallel to each other. Further, the rear panel
150 and is preferably substantially perpendicular to the side
panels, and held is relative position by the top panel 130, bottom
panel 120, and two side panels 140.
[0030] The front face of the cabinet 100 may have any configuration
that allows the user to access the inside of the cabinet 100. The
front face of the cabinet 100 may be, for example, open, allowing a
user to access the interface controls of the audio-video equipment
such as a DVD player or a stereo. The front face may be, for
example, a glass panel or wood panel that is hinged, allowing the
user to open the front panel and to access the electrical
equipment. In some embodiments the front face may have a solid
panel covering the front face. In other embodiments the front panel
may have a window 40 for receiving a removable panel disposed
therein.
[0031] In some embodiments, the rear panel 150 may simply comprise
the rear edges of the two side panels 140, the rear edge of the top
panel 130, and the rear edge of the bottom panel 120. In this type
of embodiment the rear panel is a simple rectangular or square
frame with an opening for receiving a removable panel.
[0032] The cabinet 100 may also contain shelving 20. The shelving
20 may be, for example, located between the bottom panel 120 and
top panel 130, and substantially parallel to the bottom panel 120
and the top panel 130. Preferably, the shelving 20 is spaced in the
cabinet in such a manner that the cabinet can receive one or more
pieces of electrical equipment, for example, audio-video
components. It is further preferable that the shelving 20 is
supported by the surrounding panels. In some embodiments the
cabinet 100 may further include one or more dividing panels 160
located inside the cabinet for the dividing the interior of the
cabinet into one or more compartments. For example, the dividing
panel 160 is substantially the same size as the side panels, and
substantially parallel to the bottom panel 120 and top panel
130.
[0033] The rear of the cabinet 100 includes of a rear panel 150
with one or more windows 40. The window 40 or frame 40 may be of
any width, but is preferably the width of standard audio-video
components. The window may be of any height, but is preferably the
same height as the side panels 140 or rear panels 150.
[0034] In some embodiments the frame 40 is formed by a combination
of the one or more side panels and the rear panel 150, or by a
combination of the one or more divider panels 160, one or more side
panels, and the rear panel. For example, in reference to FIG. 3, at
least a portion of the frame 40 is formed by two side panels
abutting 160 the rear panel 150.
[0035] The rear panel 150 further includes of one or more removable
panels 50 that are receivable in one or more windows 40 or frames
40. When the removable panel 50 is removed from the window 40 a
user can easily install and service electrical equipment located
inside of the cabinet. When the removable panel 50 is inserted into
window 40 of the rear panel 150 of the cabinet 100 the rear panel
150 appears as a continuous panel without windows 40 or openings,
for example, as a solid panel.
[0036] The side 44 of each window 40 includes a vertical slot 42
for receiving a removable panel 50, or at least a portion of the
removable panel. The vertical slot 42 preferably runs from the top
to the bottom of the side 44 of each window 40. Preferably, the
vertical slots 42 for receiving the removable panel 50 are on
substantially opposite sides of the window 40. The hollow cross
section of the vertical slot 42 may be, for example, any shape
which is capable of receiving a removable panel 50. It is
preferable that the width of each vertical slot 42 is less then the
thickness 152 of the frame 40. It is further preferable that the
thickness of the removable panel 50 is less then the width of the
vertical slot 42. In some embodiments the frame may include
horizontal slots on the top and bottom of the frame 40 for
receiving the removable panel 50.
[0037] It is further preferable that in each window 40, one or more
of the opposing vertical slots 42 include of one or more springs 60
disposed in the vertical slot, for example affixed to the base of
the vertical slot 42. Preferably one spring 60 is installed in the
base of the upper half of the vertical slot 42 and preferably a
second spring 60 is installed in the base of the lower half of the
vertical slot 42. Preferably, the springs 60 are installed in such
a manner that they exert a force horizontally, toward the window
opening 40, for example in the direction of the opposite vertical
slot.
[0038] The removable panel 50 has a height that is preferably the
height of the window 40. However, in some embodiments the removable
panel has a height less than the height of the window. It is
preferable that the width of the removable panel 50 is greater than
the width of the window 40. For example, in reference to FIG. 4 and
5, the greater width of the removable panel 50 allows the removable
panel to lock into place in the window 40. It is further preferable
that the width of the removable panel 50 is less than the combined
length of the width of the window 40, and the depth of two vertical
slots 42 on either side of the window 40.
[0039] The removable panel 50 is receivable in the vertical slots
42 of the window 40. For example, in reference to FIGS. 3-5 one
side of the removable panel 150 is inserted into a vertical slot 42
in the window 40. As a horizontal force is applied, the removable
panel 50 compresses the springs 60 in the vertical slot 42 and the
removable panel 50 is received into the vertical slot 42. When the
removable panel 50 has been received into the vertical slot 42 to a
certain distance, the user can axially rotate the removable panel
50 towards the opposing vertical slot 42 about the vertical slot 42
in which the removable panel is inserted, allowing the removable
panel 50 to pass by the opposite side of the window 40. As the
horizontal force compressing the springs 60 is reduced, the springs
60 expand toward the opposite side, pushing the removable panel 50
into the opposing vertical slot 42. Once the removable panel 50 is
inserted into both vertical slots 42, the removable panel is set in
the window 40.
[0040] The removable panel 50 preferably includes a hole 54 in the
middle of its face, for example, the size of which one can pass
electrical cords. The hole 54 allows the user to apply horizontal
force to the insert and remove the removable panel 50 from the
windows 42 in the rear panel 150 of the cabinet 100. The hole 54
may also be used to pass electrical cords from the electrical
equipment inside the cabinet 100, to a power source or receiver
located outside of the cabinet 100. Further, the hole preferably
provides ventilation to the interior of the cabinet.
[0041] Although the particular embodiment above includes slots 42
in both sides 44 of the window 40, it is also envisioned that a
window 40 includes only one side 44 with a slot 42 for receiving a
removable panel 50.
[0042] Although the particular embodiment above includes one or
more springs in one slot, it is also envisioned that springs are
located in both slots, so as to maintain the removable panel in
place. For example, in reference to FIGS. 4-5, each vertical slot
42 includes one or more springs for biasing the panel when
installed.
[0043] Although the particular embodiment above includes windows 40
with opposing vertical slots 42 for receiving a removable panel 50,
it is also envisioned that some embodiments include windows with
opposing horizontal slots in the top and bottom of the window 40
for receiving a removable panel 50.
[0044] Although the particular embodiment above relates to a
cabinet for electrical equipment 100, it is also envisioned that
that a removable panel 50 could be used with many types of
cabinets, or to provide a closure device for any type of
opening.
[0045] Although the invention has been described with reference to
a particular arrangement of parts, features and the like, these are
not intended to exhaust all possible arrangements or features, and
indeed many modifications and variations will be ascertainable to
those of skill in the art.
* * * * *