U.S. patent application number 11/749108 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-17 for television stand and method of using same.
This patent application is currently assigned to Gilbert Martin Woodworking Co., Inc., dba Martin Furniture. Invention is credited to Larry W. Bartels.
Application Number | 20080169734 11/749108 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39617230 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080169734 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bartels; Larry W. |
July 17, 2008 |
TELEVISION STAND AND METHOD OF USING SAME
Abstract
A television stand and a method of using it according to certain
embodiments of the invention include a cabinet having a top for
supporting a television set from below and for storing at least one
electronic component therein. A moveable panel or opening permits
access for cabling or recabling the television set and one or more
electronic components without having to move the television set or
the stand.
Inventors: |
Bartels; Larry W.; (San
Diego, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DUCKOR SPRADLING METZGER & WYNNE;A LAW CORPORATION
3043 4th Ave.
SAN DIEGO
CA
92103
US
|
Assignee: |
Gilbert Martin Woodworking Co.,
Inc., dba Martin Furniture
|
Family ID: |
39617230 |
Appl. No.: |
11/749108 |
Filed: |
May 15, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60880088 |
Jan 12, 2007 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
312/7.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 81/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/7.2 |
International
Class: |
A47B 81/06 20060101
A47B081/06 |
Claims
1. A television stand for holding a television set and at least one
associated electronic component, comprising: a cabinet portion
having a front section, a back section, and two side sections
defining an interior section for holding the associated electronic
component; a substantially flat top disposed upon the cabinet
portion for holding the television set; the top including a movable
panel disposed adjacent the back section of the cabinet portion to
permit access to the interior section of the cabinet portion to
facilitate electrically connecting the television set and the
associated electronic component; and the movable panel including an
opening for routing cables from the television set to the interior
of the cabinet portion.
2. The television stand according to claim 1, wherein the movable
panel is swingable toward the back section of the cabinet
portion.
3. The television stand according to claim 1, wherein the movable
panel is swingable toward the front section of the cabinet
portion.
4. The television stand according to claim 1, wherein the movable
panel is removable.
5. The television stand according to claim 1, wherein the movable
panel is slidable.
6. The television stand according to claim 1, wherein the movable
panel includes at least two separate movable pieces.
7. The television stand according to claim 1, wherein the width of
the movable panel is at least three inches.
8. The television stand according to claim 1, wherein the width of
the movable panel is substantially one half of the width of the
top.
9. The television stand according to claim 1, further including a
plurality of hinges attaching the movable panel to the cabinet
portion and allowing the movable panel to open slightly greater
than perpendicular.
10. The television stand according to claim 1, further including a
least one damper device for preventing the movable panel from
slamming shut.
11. The television stand according to claim 1, wherein the interior
section of the cabinet portion includes a plurality of shelves for
holding the electronic components.
12. The television stand according to claim 1, wherein the cabinet
portion includes a compartment for holding a speaker.
13. The television stand according to claim 1, wherein the cabinet
portion includes a drawer.
14. The television stand according to claim 1, further including at
least one power strip disposed within the interior section of the
cabinet portion.
15. A television stand for holding a television set and at least
one associated electronic component, comprising: a cabinet portion
having a front section, a back section, and two side sections
defining an interior section for holding the associated electronic
component; a top disposed upon the cabinet portion for holding the
television set; the top including a slidable portion to permit
access to the interior section of the cabinet portion to facilitate
electrically connecting the television set and the associated
electronic component; and the top including an opening for routing
cables from the television set to the interior of the cabinet
portion.
16. The television stand according to claim 15, wherein the
slidable portion includes a center section of the top.
17. The television stand according to claim 15, wherein the
slidable portion includes the entire top.
18. The television stand according to claim 15, wherein the
slidable portion includes at least one side section of the top.
19. The television stand according to claim 15, wherein the
slidable portion is adapted to slide away from the back section
providing an opening having a width of at least three inches.
20. A television stand for holding a television set and at least
one associated electronic component, comprising: a cabinet portion
having a front section, a back section, and two side sections
defining an interior section for holding the associated electronic
component; a top disposed upon the cabinet portion for holding the
television set; the top including at least one vent opening to
permit access to the interior section of the cabinet portion
adjacent the back section of the cabinet portion to facilitate
electrically connecting the television set and the associated
electronic component and for routing cables from the television set
to the interior of the cabinet portion.
21. The television stand according to claim 20, wherein the width
of the vent opening is at least three inches.
22. A television stand for holding a television set and at least
one associated electronic component, comprising: a cabinet portion
having a front section, a back section, and two side sections
defining an interior section for holding the associated electronic
component; a top disposed upon the cabinet portion for holding the
television set; at least one of the side sections including a
movable panel adjacent the back section to permit access to the
interior section of the cabinet portion to facilitate electrically
connecting the television set and the associated electronic
component; and the top including an opening for routing cables from
the television set to the interior of the cabinet portion.
23. The television stand according to claim 22, wherein the movable
panel is swingable toward the back section of the cabinet
portion.
24. The television stand according to claim 22, wherein the movable
panel is swingable toward the front section of the cabinet
portion.
25. The television stand according to claim 22, wherein the movable
panel is removable.
26. The television stand according to claim 22, wherein the movable
panel is slidable.
27. The television stand according to claim 22, wherein the movable
panel includes at least two separate movable pieces.
28. The television stand according to claim 22, wherein the width
of the movable panel is at least three inches.
29. A television stand for holding a television set and at least
one associated electronic component, comprising: a cabinet portion
having a front section, a back section, and two side sections
defining an interior section for holding the associated electronic
component; a top disposed upon the cabinet portion for holding the
television set; the top including a movable panel disposed adjacent
the one of the side sections of the cabinet portion to permit
access to the interior section of the cabinet portion to facilitate
electrically connecting the television set and the associated
electronic component; and the top including an opening for routing
cables from the television set to the interior of the cabinet
portion.
30. The television stand according to claim 29, wherein the top
further includes another movable panel disposed adjacent the other
of the side sections of the cabinet portion to permit access to the
interior section of the cabinet portion.
31. The television stand according to claim 30, wherein the movable
panels are swingable toward the center of the top.
32. A method of using a television stand for a television set and
at least one electronic component, comprising: using a television
stand having a cabinet with a substantially flat top; supporting
from below the television set on the flat top; storing the at least
one electronic component within the hollow interior of the cabinet;
extending electrical cables through an opening in the cabinet to
electrically connect the television set and the at least one
electronic component; and moving a back panel of the top of the
cabinet to permit access to the at least one electronic component
stored within the cabinet.
Description
RELATED APPILICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent
application, entitled TELEVISION STAND WITH A FLIPTOP, application
Ser. No. TBD, filed Jan. 12, 2007
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates in general to a television
stand and a method of using it. It more particularly relates to a
television stand and a method of using it to facilitate connecting
electrically a television set and at least one electronic
component.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] This section describes the background of the disclosed
embodiment of the present invention. There is no intention, either
express or implied, that the background art discussed in this
section legally constitutes prior art.
[0004] Television sets have become larger in size and heavier in
weight, and likewise the entertainment centers or other supports
that hold them have gotten proportionally larger and heavier as
well. The entertainment center is typically located against a wall
providing little or no access from the back for cabling or
recabling. The television set is stored within the entertainment
center and many or all of the electronic components related to the
television set, such as a cable box, antenna receiver, DVD player,
VCR, audio equipment, speakers, and others, may be located within
or on the entertainment center, thereby making the overall
combination even heavier to move. To connect the television set to
these components may be quite difficult or awkward due to the size
and weight of the television set and the entertainment center
housing the components. The television set and/or the large bulky
entertainment center may have to be temporarily moved to facilitate
permitting access to the rear of the center for making these
connections. Many times it takes more than one person to move this
equipment, and in so doing, the television set may be placed in an
undesirable position, where the television set may sustain costly
damage by falling or tipping over.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The features of this invention and the manner of attaining
them will become apparent, and the invention itself will be best
understood by reference to the following description of certain
embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0006] FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of a television stand, which is
constructed according to an embodiment of the present invention and
which is illustrated with certain of its doors and panels shown
opened for illustration purposes;
[0007] FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of the damping device
associated with a fliptop panel of FIG. 1;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a front view of the television stand of FIG. 1,
illustrating the doors and panels closed and a television set shown
in broken lines on top thereof;
[0009] FIG. 4 is a partially broken away right side view of the
television stand of FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 5 is a left side view of the television stand of FIG.
1;
[0011] FIG. 6 is a top, plan view of the television stand of FIG. 1
with a portion of the top being broken away for illustration
purposes;
[0012] FIG. 7 is a back view of the television stand of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 8 is a front view of the speaker grill of the
television stand of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 9. is a pictorial view of another television stand with
a fliptop similar to the fliptop of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 10 is a pictorial view of another television stand
according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 11 is a pictorial view of a further television stand
according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 12 is a pictorial view of a still further television
stand according to still another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 13 is a pictorial view of yet another television stand
according to a further embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 14 is a pictorial view of still a further television
stand according to still another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 15 is a pictorial view of another television stand
according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 16 is a pictorial view of yet another television stand
according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 17 is a pictorial view of a still further television
stand according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0023] FIG. 18 is a pictorial view of still another television
stand according to still another embodiment of the present
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0024] It will be readily understood that the components of the
embodiments as generally described and illustrated in the drawings
herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of
different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed
description of the embodiments of the system, components and method
of the present invention, as represented in the drawings, is not
intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is
merely representative of the embodiments of the invention.
[0025] A television stand and a method of using it according to
certain embodiments of the invention include a cabinet having a top
for supporting a television set from below and for storing at least
one electronic component therein. A moveable panel or opening
permits access for cabling or recabling the television set and one
or more electronic components without having to move the television
set or the stand.
[0026] According to certain embodiments of the invention, there is
provided a television stand and a method of using it for holding a
television set and at least one associated electronic component.
The television stand may include a cabinet portion for containing
the at least one electronic component, and a top portion for
placing the television set. The top portion may include a flat
stationary section and a movable section disposed along the back of
the top portion. The movable section may be adapted to be moved
between a first position substantially inline with the flat
stationary section and a second position slightly greater than
perpendicular with the flat stationary section providing access
into the interior of the back of the cabinet from above the
television stand. The movable section may include a cutout for
cables or wires from extending from the television set into the
cabinet.
[0027] According to another embodiment of the invention, there is
provided a television stand for holding a television set and at
least one associated electronic component. The television stand may
include a cabinet portion having a front section, a back section,
and two side sections defining an interior section for holding the
associated electronic component. A top may be disposed upon the
cabinet portion for holding the television set and include a
movable panel disposed adjacent the back section of the cabinet
portion to permit access to the interior section of the cabinet
portion to facilitate electrically connecting the television set
and the associated electronic component. The movable panel may
include an opening for routing cables from the television set to
the interior of the cabinet portion.
[0028] According to still another embodiment of the invention,
there is provided a television stand for holding a television set
and at least one associated electronic component. The television
stand may include a cabinet portion having a front section, a back
section, and two side sections defining an interior section for
holding the associated electronic component. A top may be disposed
upon the cabinet portion for holding the television set and include
a slidable portion to permit access to the interior section of the
cabinet portion to facilitate electrically connecting the
television set and the associated electronic component. The top may
also include an opening for routing cables from the television set
to the interior of the cabinet portion.
[0029] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, there
is provided a television stand for holding a television set and at
least one associated electronic component. The television stand may
include a cabinet portion having a front section, a back section,
and two side sections defining an interior section for holding the
associated electronic component. A top may be disposed upon the
cabinet portion for holding the television set and include at least
one vent opening to permit access to the interior section of the
cabinet portion adjacent the back section of the cabinet portion to
facilitate electrically connecting the television set and the
associated electronic component and for routing cables from the
television set to the interior of the cabinet portion.
[0030] According to another embodiment of the invention, there is
provided a television stand for holding a television set and at
least one associated electronic component. The television stand may
include a cabinet portion having a front section, a back section,
and two side sections defining an interior section for holding the
associated electronic component. A top may be disposed upon the
cabinet portion for holding the television set. At least one of the
side sections including a the cabinet portion to facilitate
electrically connecting the television set and the associated
electronic component. The top including an opening for routing
cables from the television set to the interior of the cabinet
portion.
[0031] According to another embodiment of the invention, there is
provided a television stand for holding a television set and at
least one associated electronic component. The television stand may
include a cabinet portion having a front section, a back section,
and two side sections defining an interior section for holding the
associated electronic component. A top may be disposed upon the
cabinet portion for holding the television set and include a
movable panel disposed adjacent the one of the side sections of the
cabinet portion to permit access to the interior section of the
cabinet portion to facilitate electrically connecting the
television set and the associated electronic component. The top may
further include an opening for routing cables from the television
set to the interior of the cabinet portion.
[0032] Referring now to the FIGS. 1 and 3-8, there is shown a
television stand 10 for facilitating the power connections of a
television set 11 (FIG. 3) and associated electronic components
(not shown) located within the television stand 10 and the
connections between the television set and the associated
electronic components. The television stand 10 may include a
fliptop 12 located at a rear portion of a top 14 of the television
stand 10 to provide access to make the power connections for the
television set and the associated electronic components and to make
the connections between the television set the associated
electronic components.
[0033] The television stand 10 may be generally a cabinet 16 having
a top 14 and a pair of side walls 18 and 21. The front of the
cabinet 16 may include a removable speaker grill 23 and a media
drawer 25 located in the center, and a doors 27, 29 located on each
side of the front of the cabinet 16. The doors may be solid or
include a glass insert. The back of the cabinet may be open behind
in the area behind a speaker (not shown) in the center, and include
panels 32, 34, and 36 covering the other portions of the back of
the cabinet 16. Panels 34 and 36 may include slots 38, 41, 43, and
45 for providing access out of the back of cabinet 16. out of the
bottom of the cabinet 16.
[0034] The design of the speaker grill may vary, such as shown by a
speaker grill 24 in FIG. 8 for example. As shown in FIG. 6, the
media drawer may include dividers 105, 107 to permit for orderly
organization of audio and video media (not shown), such as DVD's,
CD's, video tapes, audio tapes, and the like.
[0035] The interior of the cabinet 16 may include a pair of
adjustable shelves 89 and 92 located behind doors 27 and 29,
respectively, for supporting at least some of the associated
electronic components (not shown), and a shelf 94 having a vertical
backstop 96 behind the speaker grill 23. Additional shelves (not
shown) may be included due to the number and/or size of the
associated electronic components or to accommodate other
accessories.
[0036] A power strip 98 may be located on the shelf 94 behind the
backstop 96 and may include a plurality of outlets 101 for
providing power to the television set and the associated electronic
equipment and a power cord 103 capable of being extended outside
the cabinet 16 to an electrical outlet in the room the cabinet 16
is located.
[0037] The top 14 of cabinet 16 may include a substantially flat
stationary portion 47 covering over half of the forward part of the
top 14. The fliptop 12 may be located at the rear part of the top
14. The fliptop 12 may be moved from a first position substantially
inline with the flat stationary portion 47 of the top 14 to a
second position slightly greater than perpendicular to the flat
stationary portion 47 of the top.
[0038] The fliptop 12 may including movable lid portion 49 attached
to panels 34 and 36 of the back of the cabinet 16 using hinges 52,
54, 56, and 58. The hinges 52, 54, 56, and 58 may allow the lid
portion 49 to be moved between the first position and the second
position. The lid portion may include a cutout 61 located at the
front center edge of the lid portion 49 to facilitate the routing
of wires or cables from television set located on the top 14 of the
stand 10 to the interior of the cabinet 16.
[0039] In the first position the lid portion 49 may be disposed to
cover the part of the opening in the rear portion of the top 14 and
be substantially inline with the flat stationary portion 47 of the
top 14. From the first position the lid portion 49 may be rotated
using the hinges to the second position that is slightly greater
than perpendicular to the flat stationary portion 47 of the top
14.
[0040] A pair of damper devices 63, 65 may be utilized to limit the
movement of the lid portion 49 to slightly greater than
perpendicular in the second position and prevent the rapid closing
of the lid portion 49 into the first position. The damper devices
63, 65 may each be attached to one end of the lid portion and to
one of the side walls 18 and 21, respectively.
[0041] As shown in more detail in FIG. 2, the damper device may
include a rod 67 attached at a first end 69 to the lid portion 49
using a screw 72 or other appropriate attachment device, and a
tubular housing 74 attached at a first end 76 to the side wall 18
via a universal joint 78 or other appropriate joint. The universal
joint 78 may allow the tubular housing 74 to rotate in respect to
the side wall 18 and may be attached to the side wall 18 using a
screw 81 or other appropriate attachment device. A second end 83 of
rod 67 may extend into a second end 85 of tubular housing 74. More
or less of rod 67 may be disposed within the tubular housing 74
depending on the position of the lid portion 49. With the lid
portion 49 in the first position, a significant portion of the rod
67 may be disposed within the tubular housing 74. With the lid
portion 49 in the second position, only a small portion of the rod
67 near the second end 83 may be disposed with the tubular housing
74.
[0042] A spring 87 or other suitable damping device may be located
within tubular housing 74 with one end attached to the second end
83 of rod 67 and the other end attached to the first end 76 of the
tubular housing. With the lid portion 49 in the second position,
the spring 87 may be allowed to extend to its normal condition.
When the lid portion 49 is being moved from the second position to
the first position, the spring may be compacted and may damp the
movement of the lid portion 49 to prevent the lid portion 49 from
slamming shut.
[0043] In use, the television stand may be moved near the spot of
its desired location. The power cord of the power strip may then be
routed through the appropriate slot in the back or bottom of the
cabinet for the desired electrical outlet in the room. Any other
wires or cables from external devices desired to be connect to the
television set and/or any of the associated electronic devices may
then be routed into the cabinet through the appropriate slot in the
back or bottom of the cabinet. When all the desired wires or cables
are routed into or out of the cabinet through the slots, the
television stand may be moved into its desired location, typically
against a wall.
[0044] With the television stand in its desired position against a
wall the television set may be placed on top of the television
stand, but not on the fliptop, and the associated electronic
components may be placed into the cabinet into their desired
locations. Some of the associated electronic components may be
placed into the cabinet with their associated cables or wires
connected and extending toward the back of the cabinet.
[0045] Once some or all of the television and associated electronic
components are in place, the fliptop may be moved up to the second
position providing access from the top of the television stand into
the interior of the rear portion of the cabinet. Through the
opening provided by the fliptop, the power cords from the
television set and each of the associated electronic components may
be plugged into the outlets of the power strip, and the appropriate
cables or wires connected between the television set, the
associated electronic components located within the cabinet, and
any external devices located outside the cabinet.
[0046] With all desired connections accomplished within the
cabinet, the cables or wires extending from the television set and
into the cabinet may be group together and held in a location
corresponding to the cutout in the lid portion of the fliptop. The
fliptop may then be moved from the second position down to the
first position completing the top of the television cabinet with
the cables or wires from the television set disposed in the cutout
of the fliptop.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 9, another embodiment of a television
stand is shown and generally referenced as 100. The television
stand 100 may be similar to the television stand 10 illustrated in
FIG. 1, except that it may not have a center section in the front
between doors 109 and 112. The top 101 of the television stand 100
may include a fliptop 103 having a cutout 105 for routing the
cables or wires from a television set (not shown) dispose upon the
top 101 to the interior of the televisions stand 100. The fliptop
103 may be rotated upwardly toward the back of the television stand
100 to provide an opening 107 in the top 101 to permit access to
the interior of the television stand 100 for connecting the cables
or wires from the television set to power or electronic components
(not shown) located within the television stand 100 or connecting
other cables or wires of the electronic components located within
the television stand 100. Similar hinges and dampers as used for
television stand 10 may be utilized for the fliptop 103 of the
television stand 100.
[0048] Referring now to FIG. 10, still another embodiment of a
television stand is shown and generally referenced as 120. The top
121 of the television stand 120 may include a fliptop 123 having a
cutout 125 for routing the cables or wires from a television set
(not shown) dispose upon the top 121 to the interior of the
television stand 120. The fliptop 123 may be rotated upwardly
toward the front of the television stand 120 to provide an opening
127 in the top 121 to permit access to the interior of the
television stand 120 for connecting the cables or wires from the
television set to power or electronic components (not shown)
located within the television stand 120 or connecting other cables
or wires of the electronic components located within the television
stand 120. Similar hinges and dampers as used for television stand
10 may be utilized for the fliptop 123 of the television stand
120.
[0049] Referring now to FIG. 11, yet another embodiment of a
television stand is shown and generally referenced as 140. The top
141 of the television stand 140 may include an access hole or
opening 152 for routing the cables or wires from a television set
(not shown) disposed on top 141 to the interior of the television
stand 140 and a pair of swingable top panels 143 and 145. The
swingable top panels may both be rotated upwardly toward the front
of the television stand 140 as shown by the swingable top panel
143, may both be rotated upwardly toward the back of the television
stand 140 as shown by the swingable top panel 145, or may be
rotated in different directions as shown in FIG. 6. The swingable
top portions 143 and 145 provide openings 147 and 149,
respectively, in the top 141 to permit access to the interior of
the television stand 140 for connecting the cables or wires from
the television set to power or electronic components (not shown)
located within the television stand 140 or connecting other cables
or wires of the electronic components located within the television
stand 140. Similar hinges and dampers as used for television stand
10 may be utilized for the pair of swingable top panels 143 and 145
of the television stand 140.
[0050] Referring now to FIG. 12, still another embodiment of a
television stand is shown and generally referenced as 160. The top
161 of the television stand 160 may include a pair of swingable top
panels 163 and 165, which may be rotated upwardly toward the center
of the television stand 160 to provide openings 167 and 169,
respectively, in the top 161 to permit access to the interior of
the television stand 160 for connecting the cables or wires from
the television set to power or electronic components (not shown)
located within the television stand 160 or connecting other cables
or wires of the electronic components located within the television
stand 160. An access hole (hidden by swingable top panel 163) may
be included in the top 161 for routing the cables or wires from a
television set (not shown) disposed on top 161 to the interior of
the television stand 160. Similar hinges and dampers as used for
television stand 10 may be utilized for the pair of swingable top
panels 163 and 165 of the television stand 160.
[0051] Referring now to FIG. 13, another embodiment of a television
stand is shown and generally referenced as 180. The top 181 of the
television stand 180 may include a removable panel 183 having a
cutout 185 for routing the cables or wires from a television set
(not shown) dispose upon the top 181 to the interior of the
television stand 180. The removable panel 103 may be removed from
the television stand 180 to provide an opening 187 in the top 181
to permit access to the interior of the television stand 180 for
connecting the cables or wires from the television set to power or
electronic components (not shown) located within the television
stand 180 or connecting other cables or wires of the electronic
components located within the television stand 180.
[0052] Referring now to FIG. 14, yet another embodiment of a
television stand is shown and generally referenced as 200. The top
201 of the television stand 200 may be slideable and include a
cutout 205 for routing the cables or wires from a television set
(not shown) dispose upon the top 201 to the interior of the
television stand 200. The top may be moved from a normal position
to an access position as shown in FIG. 9 to provide an opening 203
to permit access to the interior of the television stand 200 for
connecting the cables or wires from the television set to power or
electronic components (not shown) located within the television
stand 200 or connecting other cables or wires of the electronic
components located within the television stand 200.
[0053] Referring now to FIG. 15, still another embodiment of a
television stand is shown and generally referenced as 220. The top
221 of the television stand 220 may include a center panel 223
having a cutoff 229 for routing the cables or wires from a
television set (not shown) disposed on the top 221 to the interior
of the television stand 220 and a pair of slideable top panels 225
and 227. The slideable top panels 225 and 227 may be slid toward
the front of the television stand 220 to provide openings 232 and
234, respectively, in the top 221 to permit access to the interior
of the television stand 220 for connecting the cables or wires from
the television set to power or electronic components (not shown)
located within the television stand 220 or connecting other cables
or wires of the electronic components located within the television
stand 220.
[0054] Referring now to FIG. 16, another embodiment of a television
stand is shown and generally referenced as 240. The top 241 of the
television stand 240 may include a pair of vent openings 243 and
245 having vent grates 247 and 249, respectively. Cables or wires
from a television set (not shown) dispose upon the top 241 of the
television stand may be routed through either of the vent grates
247, 249 into the interior of the television stand 240. The vent
openings 243, 245 may be of a dimension to permit access by a user
with the vent grates 247, 249 removed to the interior of the
television stand 240 for connecting the cables or wires from the
television set to power or electronic components (not shown)
located within the television stand 240 or connecting other cables
or wires of the electronic components located within the television
stand 240.
[0055] Referring now to FIG. 17, still another embodiment of a
television stand is shown and generally referenced as 260. The side
261 of the television stand 260 may include a swingable side access
door 263 to permit access to the interior of the television stand
260 for connecting the cables or wires from the television set to
power or electronic components (not shown) located within the
television stand 260 or connecting other cables or wires of the
electronic components located within the television stand 260. An
access hole may be included in the top 267 for routing the cables
or wires from a television set (not shown) disposed on top 267 to
the interior of the television stand 260. Similar hinges as used
for television stand 10 may be utilized for the swingable side
access panels 263 of the television stand 260. A similar swingable
side access door may be included in the opposite side of the
television stand 260.
[0056] Referring now to FIG. 18, yet another embodiment of a
television stand is shown and generally referenced as 280. The side
281 of the television stand 280 may include a slideable side access
door 283 to permit access to the interior of the television stand
280 for connecting the cables or wires from the television set to
power or electronic components (not shown) located within the
television stand 280 or connecting other cables or wires of the
electronic components located within the television stand 280. An
access hole may be included in the top 287 for routing the cables
or wires from a television set (not shown) disposed on top 287 to
the interior of the television stand 280. A similar slideable side
access door may be included in the opposite side of the television
stand 280.
[0057] Each of these television stands shown in FIGS. 9-18 may be
utilized as described above for the television stand of FIG. 1.
Furthermore, the television stands of FIGS. 9-18 may also include
many of the features of the television stand of FIG. 1.
[0058] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been disclosed, it is to be understood that various different
embodiments are possible and are contemplated within the true
spirit and scope of the appended claims. There is no intention,
therefore, of limitations to the exact abstract or disclosure
herein presented.
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