Abstract:
A curio cabinet with gun storage comprises a curio cabinet and a hidden compartment. The curio cabinet is in the style of a traditional flatback-type curio cabinet and comprises a plurality of shelves and compartments. A main compartment of the curio cabinet comprises the rear hidden compartment. The hidden compartment is accessed through hinged doors in the main compartment. The hidden compartment provides a means to store firearms.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not applicable. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The presently disclosed subject matter is directed towards gun racks. More specifically, the present invention is directed to gun racks concealed in mirrored cabinets. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Gun owning and collecting are major interests to many Americans. Responsible owners of weapons, rifles, shotguns, handguns, knives, and the like typically keep their weapons locked and out of sight at all times. One (1) common way of doing this is to store the weapons in a gun rack, also known as a gun safe or gun cabinet. 
     Gun racks have proven to be very effective at storing weapons and at preventing accidental injuries. However, firearms are relatively expensive and a major gun collection can be worth significant money. The mere presence of a gun rack may alert others that firearms are present within a household. This can and has led to the theft of firearms. 
     Another problem with gun racks is that they tend to be rather large. Many households simply do not have available storage space in the house for a large gun rack in addition to the other furniture. Furthermore, while gun racks are useful, usually they are not particularly attractive furniture pieces (they can be however, usually at great cost). Therefore many gun racks are located within garages, basements, or other areas, which tend to make the contained firearms not readily available should quick access be required. 
     Accordingly, there exists a need for a way to safely and securely store firearms and other weapons without the disadvantages described above. 
     Curio cabinets are traditional pieces of furniture that are used to display cherished items. Such cabinets usually have ample shelving that can be versatility arranged. Curio cabinets are almost always “fine” furniture. That is, they are usually quality made from quality woods and other materials, they are given a superior finish, they are artistically pleasing to look at, and they usually improve the aesthetics of the room in which they are located. Curio cabinets often have features such as multiple beveled glass doors mounted on touch activated hinges, multiple glass shelves, quality interior lighting, and a polished exterior. While they are often rather tall and heavy, thus not easily moved, curio cabinets are almost always kept inside the home so that they and their contents can be appreciated. 
     Therefore, a technique of using a curio cabinet as a gun rack would be useful. Even more useful would be a technique of using a curio cabinet as a gun rack such that the weapons stored therein are readily available when needed. Beneficially, such a curio cabinet gun rack would hide the weapons from view and would not reveal to others that weapons were kept therein. Preferably, the depth of the curio cabinet would be obscured with mirrors. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The principles of the present invention provide for gun safes hidden in furniture. In particular, the principles of the present invention provide for mirrored cabinets having hidden gun racks. 
     A cabinet with a concealed gun rack in accord with the principles of the present invention has a top (half) with rectangular first and second rear panels that are affixed together along a common side edge, a rectangular first side panel that is affixed to the first rear panel along a common side edge, a rectangular second side panel that is fixed to the second rear panel along a common side edge, and a door frame that is pivotally attached to the first side panel using a door hinge. The door frame is dimensioned to span between the door hinge and a free side edge of the second side panel. The first and second rear panels, the first and second side panels, and the door frame form a first five sided perimeter that defines an interior region. Inside the interior region is at least one set of gun mounting hardware. A top panel is attached to the first and second rear panels and to the first and second side panels along common top edges. The top panel defines a second five sided perimeter that has sides parallel to the first five sided perimeter. A mirrored structure made from a rigid mirror backing has a first mirror panel that is attached to a first side of the mirror backing and a second mirror panel that is attached to a second side of the mirror backing. The mirrored structure extends into the interior region. The mirrored structure is pivotally attached to the door hinge such that the door frame and the mirrored structure pivot independently. The mirrored structure is also dimensioned to span between the door hinge and the free side edge of the second side panel. 
     The foregoing structure provides for a hidden gun rack behind a cabinet because the mirrored structure hides the gun mounting hardware. Preferably, the first side panel is disposed opposite the second rear panel and the second side panel is disposed opposite the first rear panel. This forms a square with a cut-off corner. The gun mounting hardware can be used to mount a long gun (rifle) or a hand gun. 
     In practice the door frame will hold a transparent door window and will include a door handle (knob). Preferably, at least one (1) shelf will be visible through the door frame. The top panel can include a light for illuminating the shelf and can also include decorative crown molding. Preferably, the door hinge is a piano hinge that extends the entire height of the door frame. 
     The cabinet with concealed gun rack can also include a bottom panel beneath the first and second rear panels, the first and second side panels, and the door frame. Beneath the bottom panel may be a bottom section that has a perimeter shape similar to the first five sided perimeter. Preferably the bottom section includes at least one (1) door. The bottom panel can include a bottom transparent member and the bottom section can include a bottom light. The bottom light can pass through the bottom transparent member and illuminate the shelf. A switch can be used to selectively illuminate the bottom light. 
     A cabinet with a concealed gun rack preferably includes a latch that latches the mirrored structure closed. Beneficially, the mirrored structure is beveled so as not to contact the door frame when the door frame is closed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like elements are identified with like symbols and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective front view of a curio cabinet with gun storage  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the curio cabinet with gun storage  10  with door assembly portions  50 ,  55  in an opened state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the curio cabinet with gun storage  10  depicting door assemblies  50 ,  55  and shelving assemblies  80 ,  85  in an opened state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 4  is a section view of the curio cabinet with gun storage  10  taken along section line A-A (see  FIG. 1 ), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  curio cabinet with gun storage 
               20  upper cabinet assembly 
               21   a  left side panel 
               21   b  right side panel 
               22   a  rear panel 
               22   b  front panel 
               24  top panel 
               25  power cord 
               26  switch 
               28  lighting unit 
               30  side glass 
               50  right door assembly 
               52  right door frame 
               54  left door frame 
               55  left door assembly 
               57  door handle 
               59  door glass 
               61  door hinge 
               63  door handle 
               65  door latch 
               80  right shelving assembly 
               82  right shelving enclosure 
               85  left shelving assembly 
               86  left shelving enclosure 
               87  rear mirror panel 
               88  center mirror panel 
               89  shelf 
               91  shelf assembly hinge 
               93  locking mechanism 
               95  key 
               120  base cabinet assembly 
               122  base cabinet 
               124  base door 
               126  base door hinge 
               128  base door handle 
               130  base upper panel 
               150  gun storage space 
               152  floor panel 
               154  long gun mounting rail 
               156  long gun slot 
               158  handgun peg 
               200  decorative item 
               202  firearm 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 4 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a curio cabinet with gun storage (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides a means for both displaying decorative items  200  and for storing firearms  202  in a concealed manner within gun storage space  150 . The apparatus  10  appears to be a display cabinet having a plurality of shelves  89  and doors  50 ,  55  for storage and display of decorative items  200 . However, the apparatus  10  also includes a gun storage space  150  for storing a plurality of firearms  110  located behind the shelving portions  80 ,  85 , thereby not being readily apparent to a casual observer. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a front perspective view of the apparatus  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises an upper cabinet assembly  20 , a right door assembly  50 , a left door assembly  55 , a right shelving assembly  80 , a left shelving assembly  85 , and a base cabinet assembly  120 . 
     The upper cabinet assembly  20  provides a rectangular structure further comprising a left side panel  21   a , a right side panel  21   b , a rear panel  22   a , a front panel  22   b , and a top panel  24 . Each side panel  21   a ,  21   b  comprises respective side glass portions  30  which provide ample viewing of decorative items  200  placed upon the interior shelving assemblies  80 ,  85 . The front panel  22   b  provides an open construction providing hinged attachment of the right door assembly  50  and the left door assembly  55  which attach to and vertically bisect the front panel  22   b , having pairs of door hinges  61  upon outer edge portions, respectively. The right  50  and left  55  door assemblies comprise respective right door frame  52  and left door frame  54  perimeter portions having respective door glass portions  59  in a similar manner as the side panels  21   a ,  21   b  to further enable viewing of the decorative items  200  within. The side glass  30  and door glass  59  portions comprise transparent panels preferably comprising rectangular glass panes which provide a clear view of the decorative items  200  stored within the apparatus  10  when the door assemblies  50 ,  55  are closed. 
     The door assemblies  50 ,  55  are arranged in a coplanar manner along a front surface and further comprise respective door handle portions  57  being located along center adjacent edge portions. The top panel  24  is a flat, horizontal panel with a perimeter shape similar to but larger than the perimeter shape of the upper cabinet assembly  20  and preferably comprising a decorative crown molding along its perimeter. 
     The upper cabinet assembly  20  contains two (2) outwardly hinging shelving assemblies  80 ,  85  which occupy a forward half portion of the upper cabinet assembly  20 , thereby enabling the rearward half portion of the upper cabinet assembly  20  to define a gun storage space  150  for the containment of various firearms  202  (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). 
     The base cabinet assembly  120  provides additional storage space as well as providing an elevating foundation for the upper cabinet assembly  20 . The base cabinet assembly  120  provides a low-profile enclosed structure further comprising a rectangular base cabinet  122  having a plurality of base doors  124  along a forward-facing surface being mounted thereto using respective pairs of base door hinges  126 , and having respective base door handle portions  128 . The base cabinet assembly  120  further comprises a horizontal base upper panel portion  130  covering a top surface and being of a sufficient size to support the previously described upper cabinet assembly  20 . The base cabinet assembly  120  is envisioned to be used to store a plurality of desired objects and can be utilized to store firearm accessories used with the firearms  202  hidden in the upper cabinet assembly  20 . 
     In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus  10 , the upper cabinet assembly  20  is approximately five feet (5 ft.) in width and four and one-half feet (4½ ft.) in height, and the base cabinet assembly  120  is approximately six feet (6 ft.) in width and two feet (2 ft.) in height. It may further be appreciated that the apparatus  10  can have desirable aesthetic and material features, and designs common for fine furniture, such as decorative trim, inlaid patterns, ornate woodworking, various finishing treatments, varnishes, paints, and the like providing color and protection to the apparatus  10 . 
     The apparatus  10  comprises a plurality of lighting units  28  being discreetly positioned along interior portions to provide illumination of the decorative items  200  and also the firearms  202 . Electrical power for said lighting units  28  is provided via a power cord  26  and controlled by a two-position switch  26  such as a toggle or similar device, located along a lower left side of the upper cabinet assembly  20  (also see  FIGS. 2 ,  3 , and  4 ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a front perspective view of the apparatus  10  depicting the door assembly portions  50 ,  55  in an opened state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the door assemblies  50 ,  55  are magnetically fastened to the front panel portion  22   b  of the upper cabinet assembly  20  via a plurality of magnetic door latches  65  located along corresponding edge portions in a conventional manner. When in the open state, the door assemblies  50 ,  55  provide access to respective right  80  and left  85  shelving assemblies, each comprising a box-like structure further comprising a rear mirror panel  87  and a center mirror panel  88 . Said mirror panels  87 ,  88  comprise standard mirrors adhesively bonded to inner surfaces of the shelving assemblies  80 ,  85  to reflect light. The shelving assemblies  80 ,  85  also comprise a plurality of shelves  89 , preferably being made using glass. The mirror and glass materials used in the construction of the shelving assemblies  80 ,  85  allow reflection and transmission of light generated from the lighting units  28  positioned within the upper cabinet assembly  20 , thereby effectively illuminating the decorative items  200  having been positioned upon the shelves  89  by a user. The shelves  89  are envisioned being affixed to the shelving assemblies  80 ,  85  using standard hardware such as brackets, screws, and the like, or may be integrated into the construction of the shelving assemblies  80 ,  85 . 
     Furthermore, the glass and mirror portions of the shelving assemblies  80 ,  85  serve to obscure the true depth of the interior of the apparatus  10 , thereby visually concealing the gun storage space  150  behind the shelving assemblies  80 ,  85  where firearms  110  are stored (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). The obscured depth of the apparatus  10  makes it less likely that a casual passerby will realize that there is space behind the rear mirror panel portions  87  of the shelving assemblies  80 ,  85 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a front perspective view of the apparatus  10  depicting door assemblies  50 ,  55  and shelving assemblies  80 ,  85  in an opened state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The shelving assemblies  80 ,  85  further comprise a plurality of shelf assembly hinges  91  along outer edges and a locking mechanism  93  along center adjacent edges. The shelf assembly hinges  91  comprise axial devices which allow the shelving assemblies  80 ,  85  to pivot forwardly to reveal the interior gun storage space  150 . The locking mechanism  93  acts to join the shelving assemblies  80 ,  85  at lower center portions. The locking mechanism  93  is envisioned to be positioned directly behind a lower portion of the right  52  and left  54  frame portions of the door assemblies  50 ,  55 , thereby being discreetly concealed behind said door assemblies  50 ,  55  when in a closed state. In a preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism  93  comprises an “L”-shaped structure being permanently affixed to the left door frame  54 , in turn wrapping around an adjacent edge portion of the right door frame  52 . The locking mechanism  93  comprises deadbolt and key-operated features which engage the right door frame  52 , thereby enabling a user to join the shelving assemblies  80 ,  85  together securely using a key  95 . The locking mechanism  93  prevents unauthorized users from accidentally or intentionally opening the shelving assemblies  80 ,  85  and accessing the gun storage space  150 . However, it can be appreciated that other locking mechanisms such as latches, padlocks, spring-loaded bolts, magnetic latches, and the like can be utilized with similar effect, and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the apparatus  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a section view of the apparatus  10  taken along section line A-A (see  FIG. 1 ), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a rearwardly located gun storage space  150  being concealed behind the shelving assemblies  80 ,  85  when in a closed and locked state, as seen here. The gun storage space  150  is defined by an area located between the shelving assemblies  80 ,  85  and a rear panel portion  22   a  of the upper cabinet assembly portion  20 , and between top panel  24  and floor panel  152  portions of the upper cabinet assembly  20 . The gun storage space  150  provides various means to mount, store, and display various types of firearms  202  including a long gun mounting rail  154  and a plurality of supporting handgun pegs  158  being mounted to the rear panel  22   a  which are used to organize and retain the firearms  202  and to prevent them from accidentally falling or moving. The long gun mounting rail  154  further comprises a plurality of equally-spaced long gun slots  156  to support a barrel portion of long gun-type firearms  202  in a conventional manner. 
     The gun storage space  150  is illuminated by at least two (2) lighting units  28  positioned along corner or ceiling portions. The lighting units  28  preferably comprise florescent fixtures and bulbs which provide sufficient illumination of the firearms  202 ; however, other lighting means may be utilized such as LED, incandescent, and the like, with equal benefit, and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the apparatus  10 . Furthermore, it is understood that some or all surfaces of the gun storage area  150  are to be covered with a soft material such as felt, or the like, to provide protection to the firearms  202 . It is understood that various other firearm mounting hardware such as locking gun racks, pistol hooks, ammunition shelves, vertical pistol racks, and the like can be used with similar effect and as thus should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present disclosure. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be utilized as indicated in  FIGS. 1 through 3 . 
     The method of utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: procuring a model of the apparatus  10  having a desired material construction, size, shape, gun storage space  150  configuration, and aesthetic appearance; placing the apparatus  10  at a desired location within a residence; opening the door assemblies  50 ,  55  using the door handles  63 ; placing a desired plurality and variety of decorative items  200  on the shelves  89 ; unlocking the locking mechanism portion  93  of the shelving assemblies  80 ,  85 ; pivoting the shelving assemblies  80 ,  85  forward to access the gun storage area  150 ; mounting a desired plurality and variety of firearms  202  and associated accessories upon the long gun mounting rail  154  and handgun pegs  158  within the gun storage area  150 ; closing the shelving assemblies  80 ,  85  carefully so as to not disturb the decorative items  200 ; locking the locking mechanism  93  using the key  95  to prevent the gun storage area  150  from accidental or unauthorized opening; viewing the decorative items  200  through the door glass portions  59  of the door assemblies  50 ,  55 ; closing and latching the door assemblies  50 ,  55 ; and, benefiting from a decorative yet discreet means to store firearms  202  afforded a user of the present invention  10 . 
     The reflective characteristics of the rear  87  and center  88  mirror panels, the transparency of the shelves  89 , the illumination of the lighting units  28 , and the decorative items  200  within the shelving assemblies  80 ,  85 , make it difficult for a casual passerby to accurately assess the depth of the shelves  89  as compared to the overall size of the apparatus  10 , thereby making it unlikely that a passerby will recognize the presence of the gun storage area  150 . The user can selectively turn the lighting units  28  on and off using the light switch  26  to illuminate the shelves  89  for viewing the decorative items  200 , or to illuminate the firearms  202  within the gun storage space  150 . The user can further store any desired plurality and variety of objects including firearm accessories or ammunition within the gun storage space  150  or the base cabinet assembly  120 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.