U.S. patent application number 13/368864 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-09 for seating furniture with built-in media dock.
Invention is credited to Edward Earl Wilson, JR..
Application Number | 20120200129 13/368864 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46600169 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120200129 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wilson, JR.; Edward Earl |
August 9, 2012 |
SEATING FURNITURE WITH BUILT-IN MEDIA DOCK
Abstract
An article of furniture for storing and powering electronic
equipment including a seating area, at least one concealable
compartment located within the seating area, and a power source
located within the compartment. The power source having a power
cable that is attached to the interior frame of the article of
furniture and concealed until it is needed. The power source
includes power cables that protrude from the article of furniture
for connection with a building's power supply. The compartment
holds and conceals power supply components for electrical devices
within the interior frame of the article of furniture to allow
access and ease of use without having to mange a number of power
cords.
Inventors: |
Wilson, JR.; Edward Earl;
(Sharpsburg, GA) |
Family ID: |
46600169 |
Appl. No.: |
13/368864 |
Filed: |
February 8, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12460375 |
Jul 17, 2009 |
8132856 |
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13368864 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
297/217.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 7/72 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/217.3 |
International
Class: |
A47C 31/00 20060101
A47C031/00 |
Claims
1. An article of seating furniture capable of providing power to
electrical equipment, comprising: a seating area; at least one
power source including at least one power outlet, wherein said
power outlet is affixed to the structure of said seating furniture
in a manner accessible to a user and concealable via a compartment;
and said power source having an electrical cable to provide power
to said power outlets.
2. The article of furniture in claim 1, wherein said at least one
power source is powered by a building electrical system via said
electrical cable.
3. The article of furniture of claim 1, further comprising an
opening in an outer layer of said seating furniture to facilitate
the passage of said electrical cable.
4. The article of furniture of claim 2, wherein said electrical
cable is capable of connecting to a building electrical system by
electrically and mechanically engaging with a power receptacle.
5. The article of furniture of claim 1, wherein said power outlet
is accessible the user via the concealable compartment wherein said
compartment comprises a flexible material covering.
6. The article of furniture of claim 5, wherein said flexible
material comprises fabric, plastic, vinyl, leather or pliable
material.
7. The article of furniture of claim 5, wherein said compartment
comprises a zippered, buttonable, hook and loop fastener, or other
closure means.
8. The article of furniture of claim 1, wherein said power outlet
is accessible the user via the concealable compartment wherein said
compartment comprises a flexible louvered opening.
9. The article of furniture of claim 8, wherein said flexible
louvered opening comprises wood, plastic, vinyl, metal or pliable
material.
10. The article of furniture of claim 1, wherein said power outlet
is accessible the user via the concealable compartment wherein said
compartment comprises a slidable door or hinged door opening.
11. The article of furniture of claim 10, wherein said flexible
louvered opening comprises wood, plastic, vinyl, metal or pliable
material.
12. An article of seating furniture capable of providing power to
electrical equipment, comprising: a seating area; at least one
power source including at least one power outlet, wherein said
power outlet is affixed to the structure of said seating furniture
in a manner accessible to a user and concealable via a compartment;
said power outlet having a concealed power cable mounted to the
interior structure of said seating furniture, wherein said power
cable connect to a building's electrical system to provide power to
said power outlets.
13. The article of furniture in claim 12, wherein said concealed
power cable is attached to the internal structure of the article of
seating furniture in a manner to prevent crimping the power cable
and to allow a connector end of the power cable to emerge from the
article of seating furniture so the power cable can connect to the
buildings electrical system.
14. The article of furniture of claim 12, wherein said power outlet
includes one or more standard power outlets, universal serial bus
power ports, IEEE 1394 serial bus power ports, or thunderbolt power
port.
15. The article of furniture of claim 12, wherein said power outlet
is accessible the user via the concealable compartment wherein said
compartment comprises a flexible material covering.
16. The article of furniture of claim 15, wherein said flexible
material comprises fabric, plastic, vinyl, leather or pliable
material.
17. The article of furniture of claim 15, wherein said compartment
comprises a zippered, buttonable, hook and loop fastener, or other
closure means.
18. The article of furniture of claim 12, wherein said power outlet
is accessible the user via the concealable compartment wherein said
compartment comprises a flexible louvered opening.
19. The article of furniture of claim 18, wherein said flexible
louvered opening comprises wood, plastic, vinyl, metal or pliable
material.
20. The article of furniture of claim 12, wherein said power outlet
is accessible the user via the concealable compartment wherein said
compartment comprises a slidable door or hinged door opening.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This applications claims the benefit of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/460,375 filed Jul. 17, 2009, which is
hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Keeping a neat appearance in a home can be a challenging
task. This is particularly true with proliferation of electronic
media equipment available. Laptop computers, cell phones, mp3
players, and personal digital assistants (PDAs) now compete for
space with the usual various and numerous remote controls, books,
magazines, DVDs and CDS. Additionally, many homes also have
wireless Internet routers, broadband modems, and game consoles also
competing for space, as well as for power outlets. As such, keeping
a living area free from clutter, wires and all the various power
adaptors for each of the personal electronic devices is nearly
impossible.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to
provide an article of seating furniture that includes at least one
compartment for storing and powering electrical equipment, such as
audio/video components, portable audio/video devices, personal
electronic devices, computing devices, or game consoles.
[0004] To attain the above object, according to an aspect of the
invention, there is provided an article of furniture including a
seating area, at least one concealable compartment, the compartment
contains at least one power outlet wherein the power outlet is
affixed to the internal framework of the seating furniture in a
manner accessible to a user. The power outlet receives power via an
electrical cable that connects to a building's power supply.
[0005] In an embodiment, the article of seating furniture has an
outer layer opening to the facilitate the passage of the electrical
cable. In an embodiment, the electrical cable is capable of being
powered by a building's electrical system by engaging a power
receptacle of the building.
[0006] In another embodiment, the power outlet is accessible to the
user via a concealable compartment having a flexible material
covering. The flexible material covering may be comprise of fabric,
plastic, vinyl, leather or other pliable material. The compartment
may comprise a zippered, buttonable, hook and look fastener or
other closure means.
[0007] In still another embodiment, the power outlet compartment is
accessible via a louvered opening. The louvered opening comprises
wood, plastic, vinyl, metal or pliable material. In still another
embodiment, the power outlet is accessible to the user via a
concealable compartment having a slidable or hinged door opening.
The sidable door or hinged door opening may comprise wood, plastic,
vinyl, metal or other pliable material.
[0008] The power source preferably includes a plurality of power
outlets.
[0009] Preferably, the article of furniture further includes an
opening in the seating area to permit the passage of at least one
wire between the compartment and the seating area. The opening in
the seating area is preferably closeable by a hook and loop
fastener, buttons or a zipper.
[0010] In an embodiment, the compartment is openable from either a
front surface of the article of furniture or a side surface of the
article of furniture.
[0011] In an embodiment, the article of seating furniture capable
of providing power to electrical equipment, comprising a seating
area and an compartment. The compartment containing at least one
power source including at least one power outlet, wherein the power
outlet is affixed to the structure of the seating furniture in a
manner accessible to a user and concealable via the compartment.
The power outlet having a concealed power cable mounted to the
interior structure of the seating furniture, wherein the power
cable connects to a building's electrical system to provide power
to the power outlets.
[0012] In an embodiment, the the concealed power cable is attached
to the internal structure of the article of seating furningture in
a manner to prevent crimping of the power cable and to allow a
connector end of the power cable to emerge from the rear of the
article of seating furniture so that the power cable can connect to
the building's electrical system.
[0013] These and other exemplary features and advantages of the
present invention will become clear from the following description
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The foregoing and other exemplary purposes, aspects and
advantages will be better understood from the following detailed
description of an exemplary embodiment of the invention with
reference to the drawings, in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment
of the invention with compartments containing a power outlet in an
opened position.
[0016] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment
of the invention with a power outlet and power cable mounted in a
compartment with a concealable flap within the article of seating
furniture.
[0017] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of another exemplary
embodiment of the invention illustrating a concealable compartment
for accessing a power outlet within the article of seating
furniture.
[0018] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of another exemplary
embodiment of the invention illustrating electrical device power
cables emerging from the concealed power outlet compartment to the
exterior of the article of furniture.
[0019] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of another exemplary
embodiment of the invention illustrating a power outlet strip
attached to the internal structure of the article of seating
furniture.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to
FIGS. 1-5, there are shown exemplary embodiments of the apparatus
according to the present invention.
[0021] FIGS. 1-2 show an exemplary embodiment of the article of
seating furniture 10 that includes at least one compartment 12 for
storing and powering electrical equipment. The seating furniture
may be any known type, such as a sofa, loveseat, chair, chaise
lounge, divan, canape, or ottoman. The electrical equipment may
also be of any known type, such as audio/video components, portable
audio/video devices, personal electronic devices, computing
devices, communication devices, and/or game consoles. It should be
understood that the electrical equipment may include any electrical
or electronic device that may be plugged into a power outlet.
[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the compartment 12 is maybe situated
anywhere within the article of seating furniture that is
conveniently accessible to the user. In an embodiment, the
compartment 12 is located along the front surface of the furniture
10 beneath the seating area, along a rear panel compartment or
disposed in an arm rest for easy access. However, it should be
understood that the compartment 12 may be located on any accessible
side of the furniture 10 to suit the functional or aesthetic design
of the furniture 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the
compartment 12 may be located on a side surface of the furniture
10.
[0023] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, the compartment 12 for media
storage includes a power source 14 located within the compartment
12. The power source 14 preferably includes a power strip 14 and/or
a plurality of power outlets in order to accommodate more than one
item of electrical equipment. The power source may include one or
more standard power outlets, universal serial bus power ports, IEEE
1394 serial bus power ports, or thunderbolt power port. The power
source may also be comprised of a wireless inductive coupling power
transmission pad, built into a surface of the furniture.
Alternatively other electrical ports may be disposed within the
compartment 12, including video graphics array (VGA),
high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), Display Port,
Mini-Display port, as well as other ports for video and sound for
connection to both internal and external devices.
[0024] In an embodiment, the power source 14 may be fully
integrated into the compartment, fixedly attached to the interior
structure of the furniture, and/or removable. Additionally, the
power source 14 may be situated in any interior compartment of the
furniture such as in a drawer 12 or arm rest 12. The compartment is
concealed behind a panel 13. The panel 13 may be made of fabric,
wood, plastic, vinyl, metal, or a combination thereof. The panel 13
may also be rigid, flexible and/or louvered.
[0025] FIGS. 3-4 illustrate how the wires 17 from the power source
14 and wires 31 from the electrical devices 32 may be routed
through the seating furniture 10. In FIG. 3, the power outlet 14 is
found in a drawer type compartment 12. A power cable 17 from the
power outlet 14 is routed from the compartment 12 and out the rear
of the article of seating furniture 10 as described in FIG. 4
below. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 3, the furniture 10 further
includes an opening 24 on the seating surface 26, for example,
beneath the cushions 28, to allow passage of a wire 31 or wires 31
from the drawer 12 to the seating area of the furniture 10 in order
to permit users to simultaneously use and power their electrical
devices 32 while seated on the furniture 10. Preferably, the
opening 24 comprises a slit that is closeable, for example, by a
zipper, buttons and/or a hook and loop fastener or zipper. The
opening may also be provided in an arm rest, along a back edge of
the furniture or along any surface of the furniture that allows
both easy access and concealment of the power outlets.
[0026] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the seating furniture 10 may
include one or more outlets 18 to facilitate the passage of wires
17 from the interior to the exterior of the article of furniture.
For example, the seating furniture 10 may include a hole outlet 18
through at least one of its exterior surfaces to facilitate passage
of the wires 17 and cables 17 outside of the furniture. However, as
noted above, it should be understood that the opening may be of any
suitable shape or size that permits that passage of wires and/or
cables associated with the power source 14 and/or electrical
equipment 32. In an embodiment, cable management wraps and reels 33
are mounted on an interior frame near the outlets 18 for storing
excecess cable power cables 17. In another embodiment, the power
cable 17 is stored in a retractable reel 33 such that it
automatically stores itself on the reel when it it is not in
use.
[0027] Preferably, any wires that pass from the compartment 12 to
the exterior of the furniture 10 are fixedly attached to the
interior structure 21 or frame 21 of the furniture 10 with enough
slack provided to any such wires to permit opening of the
compartment 12. In this manner, tangling of wires may be prevented.
Further illustrated in FIG. 4 the compartment 12 further routes the
power cable 17 from the the electrical power outlets 14 by
attaching the power cable to the internal structure 21 of the
furniture 10 in a manner that conceals the power cable from view.
The power cable outlet opening 18 for the power cable 17 may
include a means for storing the power cable 17 and concealing it
behind a cover.
[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates, the compartment 12 may include an outlet
opening 18 on its rearward wall 19 to facilitate the passage of any
wires 17 or cables 17 associated with the power source 14 and the
exterior of the furniture 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the
opening 18 may be a slot 18a and/or a hole 18 in the rearward wall
19 of the compartment 12. However, it should be understood that the
opening 18 may be of any suitable shape or size that permits that
passage of wires 17 and/or cables 17 associated with the power
source 14 and/or electrical equipment.
[0029] The visible front panel 13 of the compartment 12 may be of
any suitable design to comport with the design of the article of
furniture 10. Alternatively, the front panel of the compartment may
be louvered to improve the circulation of air to cool any
electrical equipment that may be located within the compartment 12.
The front panel may also comprise a slideable or hingedly mounted
door, allowing easy access to the power outlet compartment. These
front panels 13 may be made of fabric, wood, plastic, vinyl, metal,
etc. The cover may be rigid or flexible.
[0030] Preferably, when the furniture 10 includes multiple
compartments 12, the furniture 10 includes a support brace 15
running between the compartment 12. The support brace 15 provides
support for the compartment 12, as well as additional support for
users sitting on the furniture 12 to prevent contact and
interference with power cables from the power outlets within the
compartments 12.
[0031] Preferably, the furniture 10 also includes a suspension
system to provide additional comfort to users, while preventing
contact and interference with the compartments containing the power
outlets within or beneath the seating area when a user is seated.
Preferably, the suspension system incorporates no sag springs, as
opposed to coil springs that may protrude and interfere with the
operation of the power outlet compartment.
[0032] While the embodiments herein have been described in terms of
storing and powering electrical equipment, it should be understood
that the compartments 12 may provide storage for any other items
whether powered or not, such as remote controls, DVDs, CDs, books,
magazines, blankets, etc.
[0033] While the invention has been described in terms of several
exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that
the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit
and scope of the appended claims.
[0034] Further, it is noted that, Applicant's intent is to
encompass equivalents of all claim elements, even if amended later
during prosecution.
* * * * *