Enclosure for computer components

Abstract

An enclosure for receiving a computer component is provided. The enclosure comprises a first pair of spaced and opposed sidewalls and an end wall joined to the first pair of sidewalls so as to define a cavity having at least one open end. The end wall has an area defining an aperture formed therein. The cavity has an internal volume substantially corresponding to the form factor of the computer component. And, the cavity is of a standard size.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] The widespread use of computers and associated peripheral devices (e.g., a graphical user interface (e.g., a mouse), keyboard, printer, monitor, zip drive, scanner, modem, CD-ROM drive, and the like) has greatly enabled individuals to communicate with other individuals and organizations for both personal and business purposes. These computers and peripheral devices typically are available in various form factors, i.e., the physical size and shape as typically measured by its outer dimensions.

[0002] Most users typically place the computer and peripheral devices on top of a desk or table and interconnect the various components together with a series of cables and wires. The resulting configuration is rather unsightly in that the computer and peripheral devices are rarely complementary with, or even compatible with the pre-existing furniture and/or decor.

[0003] In an effort to overcome this problem, furniture manufacturers have recently developed high-end workstation units that typically consist of a flat surface (e.g., for the monitor and/or keyboard), an optional slidable flat surface typically directly underneath the top surface (e.g., for the keyboard) and one or more optional large open bottom and/or side cavities (e.g., for accommodating the computer and/or printer). Optional hutch or shelf units may be added to the workstation to increase the available work surface area. The back surface of the workstation may either be open or, alternatively, closed with access holes/slats for accommodating the interconnecting cables and wires amongst the various components.

[0004] These workstations tend to overwhelmingly dominate a room, and detract from the pre-existing decor. Additionally, these workstations are typically designed without taking into consideration the form factors of the consumer's specific computer and peripheral devices. Thus, these workstations tend to come in a “one-size-fits-all” configuration, wherein the openings and platforms do not closely correspond to the form factors of the consumer's computer and peripheral devices, thus unnecessarily wasting space and material as well as creating a relatively large footprint.

SUMMARY

[0005] In accordance with one representative embodiment, an enclosure for receiving a computer component is provided. The enclosure comprises a first pair of spaced and opposed sidewalls and an end wall joined to the first pair of sidewalls so as to define a cavity having at least one open end. The end wall has an area defining an aperture formed therein. The cavity has an internal volume substantially corresponding to the form factor of the computer component. And, the cavity is of a standard size.

[0006] In accordance with another representative embodiment, an enclosure for receiving a computer component is provided. The enclosure comprises a first pair of spaced and opposed sidewalls and a second pair of spaced and opposed sidewalls joined to the first pair of sidewalls so as to define a cavity having at least one open end. The cavity has an internal volume substantially corresponding to the form factor of the computer component. And, the cavity is of a standard size.

[0007] In accordance with still another representative embodiment, an enclosure for receiving a computer component device comprises a first pair of spaced and opposed sidewalls, a second pair of spaced and opposed sidewalls joined to the first pair of sidewalls so as to define a cavity having at least one open end, and an end wall joined to the first and second pairs of sidewalls. The cavity has an internal volume substantially corresponding to the form factor of the computer component. And, the cavity is of a standard size. The enclosure is operable to be incorporated into a structure.

[0008] In accordance with still yet another representative embodiment, an enclosure system for receiving a plurality of computer components comprises a plurality of enclosures, each enclosure comprising a plurality of walls defining a cavity therebetween. Each of the cavities has an internal volume substantially corresponding to the form factor of the component. Each of the cavities is of a standard size.

[0009] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a perspective view of an enclosure, in accordance with one representative embodiment;

[0011] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a perspective view of an enclosure with an optional sliding tray in the deployed position, in accordance with one representative embodiment;

[0012] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a partial rear perspective view of an enclosure with an optional aperture formed on the end wall, in accordance with one representative embodiment;

[0013] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a rear perspective view of an enclosure with an optional signal and/or power transmission member, in accordance with one representative embodiment;

[0014] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a perspective view of an enclosure with a printer on an optional sliding tray in the recessed position, in accordance with one representative embodiment;

[0015] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a perspective view of an enclosure with a printer on an optional sliding tray in the deployed position, in accordance with one representative embodiment;

[0016] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a partial perspective view of an enclosure with a computer on an optional sliding tray in the deployed position, wherein the enclosure is incorporated into a structure such as a piece of furniture, in accordance with one representative embodiment;

[0017] FIG. 8 is an illustration of an exploded view of an enclosure incorporated into a structure such as a piece of furniture, in accordance with one representative embodiment;

[0018] FIG. 9 is an illustration of a partial perspective view of an enclosure with a printer on an optional sliding tray in the deployed position, wherein the enclosure is incorporated into a structure such as a piece of furniture, in accordance with one representative embodiment; and

[0019] FIG. 10 is an illustration of a partial perspective view of an enclosure with a printer on an optional sliding tray in the recessed position, wherein the enclosure is incorporated into a structure such as a piece of furniture, wherein the piece of furniture can be equipped with a pivotable member for selectively covering the enclosure and printer, in accordance with one representative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

[0021] By “computer” as that term is used herein, it is meant to include any data processing device. By way of a non-limiting example, a computer may be housed in the form of a desktop chassis, tower chassis, mini-tower chassis, or the like.

[0022] By “peripheral device” as that phrase is used herein, it is meant any device that is in communication or association with a computer or like device. By way of a non-limiting example, peripheral devices may include graphical user interfaces, keyboards, printers, monitors, zip drives, scanners, modems, CD-ROM drives, storage devices and the like.

[0023] By “computer component” as the phrase is used herein, it is meant to include either a computer or peripheral device, or combinations of both.

[0024] By the term “signal transmission member” as used herein, it is meant any device to transmit any type of signal, whether it be electrical, optical, or other means, between a computer and a peripheral device or other device, as well as between one peripheral device and another peripheral device or other device. By way of a non-limiting example, a signal transmission member may include cables, wires, cords, plugs, and the like.

[0025] By the term “power transmission member” as used herein, it is meant any device to transmit any type of power, whether it be electrical or other means, between a power source and a computer or other device, between a power source and a peripheral device or other device, as well as between a computer and a peripheral device or between one peripheral device and another peripheral device. By way of a non-limiting example, a power transmission member may include cables, wires, cords, plugs, and the like.

[0026] By the term “furniture” as that term is used herein, it is meant any structure in which the invention can be incorporated into or associated with. By way of a non-limiting example, furniture may include entertainment centers, desks, tables, credenzas, cabinets, chests, bureaus, carts, bookcases, shelves, displays, stands, planters, sculptures, and the like.

[0027] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a perspective view of an enclosure, in accordance with one representative embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, there is generally shown an illustrative enclosure 10.

[0028] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a perspective view of an enclosure with an optional sliding tray in the deployed position, in accordance with one representative embodiment. FIG. 3 is an illustration of a partial rear perspective view of an enclosure with an optional aperture formed on the end wall, in accordance with one representative embodiment. With specific reference to FIGS. 1-3, enclosure 10 is shown as having a first pair of spaced and opposed sidewalls 12, 14, a second pair of spaced and opposed sidewalls 16, 18, and an end wall 20. The respective sidewalls 12, 14, 16, 18 and end wall 20 define a recess or cavity 22. The intended purpose of cavity 22 is to be operable to receive a computer component 24, such as a computer and/or peripheral device (in this case, a printer and a computer are shown as illustrative examples).

[0029] Cavity 22 preferably has an internal volume that preferably substantially corresponds to the form factor, i.e., external dimensions of computer component 24, e.g., in terms of width, height, and length. It is further preferred that the enclosure 10 be of a preselected size. In this manner, a standardized enclosure 10 can be provided that is capable of housing a computer and/or peripheral device that has an external dimension substantially corresponding to the internal volume of cavity 22. Accordingly, computer manufacturers can produce computers and peripheral devices that have substantially identical form factors that will be operable to fit into the cavity of a “standard size”. Thus, space and material are conserved by closely matching the form factor of computer component 24 with the internal volume of cavity 22.

[0030] End wall 20, if employed, preferably includes an area defining an aperture 26, which may be configured in several different configurations. FIG. 4 is an illustration of a rear perspective view of an enclosure with an optional signal and/or power transmission member, in accordance with one representative embodiment. Aperture 26 is intended to receive any required signal transmission members 28 (as shown in FIG. 4) and/or power transmission members 30 (as shown in FIG. 9). Because enclosure 10 is preferably operable to be incorporated into a structure 32 (as shown in FIG. 7), such as a piece of furniture 34 (in this case, a bookcase is shown as an example), it is important to provide a way for computer component 24 to be in communication with either another component and/or a power source (not shown) (which may be housed in an additional enclosure). In this manner, aperture 26 provides a way for any cables, wires, cords, plugs, and the like to be routed through the rear of enclosure 10, rather than through open end 36 of enclosure 10 which would not be very aesthetically pleasing, although functionally acceptable. If end wall 20 was omitted from enclosure 10 (as specifically shown in FIG. 4), there would be another open end 38, thus enclosure 10 could be oriented in either direction without concern as to the location of aperture 26.

[0031] Further, signal transmission members 28 and/or power transmission members 30 may be pre-mounted on a surface of enclosure 10 (e.g., end wall 20) rather than routing them through aperture 26. In this manner, the user need only plug one end of members 28 and/or 30 into computer component 24 and the other end of members 28 and/or 30 into a power source (not shown) and/or another component (not shown).

[0032] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a perspective view of an enclosure with a printer on an optional sliding tray in the recessed position, in accordance with one representative embodiment. FIG. 6 is an illustration of a perspective view of an enclosure with a printer on an optional sliding tray in the deployed position, in accordance with one representative embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, an optional slidable platform member 40 may be provided with enclosure 10 so as to facilitate the installation and removal of computer component 24 in and out of cavity 22, such as for purposes of access and maintenance. Preferably, at least one surface of platform member 40 is slidably mounted to at least one surface of either sidewall 12, 14, 16, or 18 and/or end wall 20. When platform member 40 is pulled out from enclosure 10, it is in the extended position, and when platform member 40 is pushed back into enclosure 10, it is in the recessed position.

[0033] The various sidewalls 12, 14, 16, 18 and end wall 20 may be integrally constructed (e.g., through metal casting or injection molding) or may be comprised of discrete members that are later joined together in an assembly process (e.g., by use of suitable fasteners, by use of welding, by use of adhesives, and the like). Additionally, the various sidewalls 12, 14, 16, 18 and end wall 20 may be comprised of any number of suitable materials, such as but not limited to metals, plastics (e.g., thermoplastics, thermosets, and the like), ceramics, composites, wood, and the like.

[0034] As previously noted, it should be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that enclosure 10 may include less than all of the walls shown and still remain functional. For example, other configurations are possible, such as: (1) just sidewalls 12, 14, 16, 18, joined together without end wall 20; (2) just sidewalls 12, 14 joined together with end wall 20 without sidewalls 16, 18; (3) just sidewalls 16, 18 joined together with end wall 20 without sidewalls 12, 14; (4) any of sidewalls 12, 14, 16, 18 joined to any of sidewalls 12, 14, 16, 18 without end wall 20; (5) any of sidewalls 12, 14, 16, 18 joined to end wall 20; and (6) any other possible combination of any of sidewalls 12, 14, 16, 18 and/or end wall 20.

[0035] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a partial perspective view of an enclosure with a computer on an optional sliding tray in the deployed position, wherein the enclosure is incorporated into a structure such as a piece of furniture, in accordance with one embodiment. It should be appreciated that one or more enclosures 10 may be utilized in tandem. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a series of more than one enclosure 10 may be incorporated into structure 32 in either an adjacent and/or spaced configuration so as to present the one or more computer components 24 in an aesthetically pleasing manner.

[0036] FIG. 8 is an illustration of an exploded view of an enclosure incorporated into a structure such as a piece of furniture, in accordance with one embodiment. FIG. 9 is an illustration of a partial perspective view of an enclosure with a printer on an optional sliding tray in the deployed position, wherein the enclosure is incorporated into a structure such as a piece of furniture, in accordance with one representative embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, computer components 24 can be presented in a manner that preferably does not detract from the aesthetic quality of the room in which it is located and blends in, as much as possible, with the decor of the room.

[0037] FIG. 10 is an illustration of a partial perspective view of an enclosure with a printer on an optional sliding tray in the recessed position, wherein the enclosure is incorporated into a structure such as a piece of furniture, wherein the piece of furniture can be equipped with a pivotable member for selectively covering the enclosure and computer component, in accordance with one embodiment. That is, structure 32 can be provided with one or more sliding or pivotable members 42 that can selectively cover or otherwise obscure enclosure 10 and its corresponding computer component 24 once they are incorporated into structure 32.

[0038] The foregoing description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An enclosure for receiving a computer component, the computer component having a form factor, comprising:

a first pair of spaced and opposed sidewalls; and

an end wall joined to the first pair of sidewalls so as to define a cavity having at least one open end, said end wall defining an aperture therein;

wherein said cavity has an internal volume substantially corresponding to the form factor of the computer component and wherein said cavity is of a standard size.

2. The enclosure as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a second pair of spaced and opposed sidewalls joined to said first pair of sidewalls and said end wall.

3. The enclosure as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a signal transmission member disposed through said aperture.

4. The enclosure as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a power transmission member disposed through said aperture.

5. The enclosure as set forth in claim 1, wherein said enclosure is operable to be incorporated into a structure.

6. The enclosure as set forth in claim 5, wherein said structure is a piece of furniture.

7. The enclosure as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a member in slidable association with said first pair of said sidewalls.

8. An enclosure for receiving a computer component, the computer component having a form factor, comprising:

a first pair of spaced and opposed sidewalls; and

a second pair of spaced and opposed sidewalls joined to said first pair of sidewalls so as to define a cavity having at least one open end;

wherein said cavity has an internal volume substantially corresponding to the form factor of the computer component and wherein said cavity is of a standard size.

9. The enclosure as set forth in claim 8, further comprising an end wall joined to said first and second pairs of sidewalls.

10. The enclosure as set forth in claim 8, further comprising a signal transmission member disposed through said at least one open end.

11. The enclosure as set forth in claim 8, further comprising a power transmission member disposed through said at least one open end.

12. The enclosure as set forth in claim 8, wherein said enclosure is operable to be incorporated into a structure.

13. The enclosure as set forth in claim 12, wherein said structure is a piece of furniture.

14. The enclosure as set forth in claim 8, further comprising a member in slidable association with at least one of said first and said second pairs of the sidewalls.

15. An enclosure for receiving a computer component, the computer component having a form factor, comprising:

a first pair of spaced and opposed sidewalls;

a second pair of spaced and opposed sidewalls joined to said first pair of sidewalls so as to define a cavity having at least one open end; and

an end wall joined to said first and second pairs of sidewalls and defining an aperture;

wherein said cavity has an internal volume substantially corresponding to the form factor of the computer component and said cavity is of a standard size;

wherein said enclosure is operable to be incorporated into a structure.

16. The enclosure as set forth in claim 15, further comprising a signal transmission member disposed through said aperture.

17. The enclosure as set forth in claim 15, further comprising a power transmission member disposed through said aperture.

18. The enclosure as set forth in claim 15, wherein said structure is a piece of furniture.

19. The enclosure as set forth in claim 15, further comprising a member in slidable association with one of said first and said second pairs of the sidewalls.

20. An enclosure system for receiving a plurality of computer components, the computer components having a form factor, comprising:

a plurality of enclosures, each enclosure comprising:

a plurality of walls defining a cavity therebetween;

wherein each of said cavities has an internal volume substantially corresponding to the form factor of the component, and wherein each of said cavities is of a standard size.

21. The enclosure system as set forth in claim 20, wherein at least one of said enclosure walls defines and aperture therein.

22. The enclosure system as set forth in claim 21, further comprising a signal transmission member disposed through the aperture.

23. The enclosure system set forth in claim 21, further comprising a power transmission member disposed through the aperture.