Abstract:
An entertainment system component enclosure includes a frame, including first and second frame members and first and second side frame members. The first and second frame members together with the first and second side frame members define a rectangular shape having an internally positioned aperture. First and second walls each extend transversely from one of the first and second side frame members. A third wall extends transversely from the first frame member and is oriented parallel to the first frame member and transverse to the first and second side walls. A two-way mirror is fixedly positioned in the aperture. The walls and frame enclose an entertainment component while the two-way mirror allows viewing the component.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/851,782, filed on Oct. 13, 2006. The disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to audio and video component display and enclosure devices. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art. 
         [0004]    With the advent of surround sound systems, advanced video game systems, and Internet television equipment, manufacturers of video display storage devices have developed entertainment centers to allow consumers to cluster this equipment together in a central location where it may be used by several persons in a large viewing space. In keeping with this trend, many of the entertainment centers presently manufactured are large units, tailored specifically to the storage and use of the entertainment equipment. 
         [0005]    To prevent the video display from becoming the focal point of the room decor when it is not in use, many known entertainment centers utilize retracting or sliding doors to conceal a video display or components used to support the video display. This strategy, however, has several drawbacks including increased costs for hardware and construction and decreased convenience to the user of the entertainment center due to the need to open and close the doors prior to and after using the video display. In addition, the growing use of flat screen and plasma screen devices has prompted the use of brackets and support structure directly connected to wall structure, limiting the easy movement of the devices, and limiting the capability of cabinetry to be used in the area of the display screens. 
         [0006]    The above noted problems are more apparent when the size of the room is relatively small and not used for the sole purpose of entertainment. Entertainment centers are typically not integrated satisfactorily into multi-purpose rooms such as dens, home offices and bedrooms where additional flexibility is required. Examples of such flexibility include the ability to alter the height or orientation of the equipment to enable the occupants of the room to view and operate the equipment from the desired viewing location or angle. One solution has been the use of a 2-way mirror incorporated in a furniture member which presents a mirror face when the equipment is not operating, and shows the picture through the mirror when the equipment is operating. A 2-way mirror system has been previously disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,152,551 to Annas. A drawback of the &#39;551 patent remained in the inability to adapt to large screen televisions, and particularly to adapt to flat screen and plasma screen televisions while allowing ease of movement of the televisions. 
         [0007]    Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for an improved component enclosure which at least partially encloses entertainment equipment both when and when not in use, which is aesthetically pleasing, and which does not require opening any doors of the component enclosure or moving a large piece of cabinetry to move the equipment. There also remains a need for an entertainment component enclosure which is compatible with the decor of a large range of furniture members. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    According to several embodiments of an entertainment system component enclosure of the present disclosure, an entertainment system component enclosure includes a frame having first and second frame members and first and second side frame members. The first and second frame members together with the first and second side frame members define a rectangular shape having an internally positioned aperture. First and second walls each extend transversely from one of the first and second side frame members. A third wall extends transversely from the first frame member and is oriented parallel to the first frame member and transverse to the first and second side walls. A two-way mirror is fixedly positioned in the aperture. 
         [0009]    According to further embodiments, an entertainment system component enclosure system includes a frame having first and second frame members and first and second side frame members. The first and second frame members together with the first and second side frame members define a rectangular shape having an internally positioned aperture. First and second walls each extend transversely from one of the first and second side frame members. A third wall extends transversely from the first frame member and is oriented parallel to the first frame member and transverse to the first and second side walls. The third wall, the first and second walls, and the frame members together define a frame depth. An entertainment component includes a depth smaller than the frame depth. The frame is positionable to substantially enclose the entertainment component. 
         [0010]    Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
     
     
       DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an entertainment system component enclosure of the present disclosure supported by a cabinet member; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a front elevational view of the component enclosure of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional top plan view of the component enclosure taken at section  3  of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the component enclosure taken at section  4  of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the component enclosure taken at section  5  of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a side elevational view showing the cross-sectional side elevational view of the component enclosure of  FIG. 5  in position for installation over an entertainment component; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a side elevational view further showing the component enclosure of  FIG. 5  in an installed position over the entertainment component; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a side elevational view similar to  FIG. 7  with the entertainment component removed for clarity; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the component enclosure similar to  FIG. 5 , further showing a rear enclosure cover; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is rear perspective view of the component enclosure showing the rear enclosure cover of  FIG. 9 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features. 
         [0023]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , an entertainment system component enclosure of the present disclosure is generally indicated by reference numeral  10 . Component enclosure  10  is similar in appearance to a scaled-up picture or mirror frame. Component enclosure  10  includes a frame  12 , which is adapted to internally receive and substantially enclose an entertainment component  14  such as a flat screen monitor or plasma screen television. A two-way mirror  16  is positioned on the outward facing side of component  14  as will be further described herein. It will be evident to a person of skill in the art that additional components (not shown) such as but not limited to projection screens, computer monitors, and other display devices can also be used for component  14 . In several embodiments, component enclosure  10  can be positioned on an upper surface  18  of a cabinet member top  20  of a cabinet member  22  such as a dresser, armoire, video display cabinet, or the like. 
         [0024]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , component enclosure  10  includes each of a first frame member  24 , a second frame member  26  oriented substantially parallel to first frame member  24 , a first side frame member  28  positioned substantially perpendicular to first and second frame members  24 ,  26 , and a second side frame member  30  oriented substantially parallel to first side frame member  28 . According to several embodiments, frame members  24  through  30  can be constructed of wood, polymeric material, or a composite material which can be finished or stained to approximate a finish of a corresponding furniture member. An internal cavity or window  32  is defined by frame members  24  through  30 . Two-way mirror  16  is positioned within window  32  as will be shown and described in reference to later figures. 
         [0025]    Frame  12  has a total frame width “A”, and a total frame height “B”. It will be evident to a person of skill in the art that width “A” and height “B” can be varied by the manufacturer to suit a plurality of different size entertainment components  14 . Frame  12  also includes a window width “C” and a window height “D” that define the exposed area of two-way mirror  16 . A portion of each of the frame members  24  through  30  extends partially over two-way mirror  16  such that a total mirror width “E” and a total mirror height “F” extending beyond window width “C” and window height “D” define portions of frame  12  in contact with and supporting two-way mirror  16 . 
         [0026]    Referring now generally to  FIG. 3 , each of the frame members  24  through  30  can include a fascia  34  providing a furniture or picture frame appearance. First and second side frame members  28 ,  30  further include a first side wall  36  and a second side wall  38  respectively extending substantially perpendicular to an orientation of the first and second side frame members  28 ,  30 . The first and second side frame members  28 ,  30  and first and second side walls  36 ,  38  together define the frame depth “G”. Frame depth “G” can be varied by the designer to accommodate a plurality of depths of entertainment components  14 . A corner brace  40 ,  40 ′ can also be positioned at the junction of first and second side walls  36 ,  38  with each of first and second side frame members  28 ,  30 . Corner braces  40 ,  40 ′ provide additional stiffness for frame  12  and can be attached using for example fasteners, adhesives, or the like. 
         [0027]    As best seen in reference to  FIG. 4 , each of the frame members  24  through  30 , including first and second frame members  24 ,  26  shown, include a counter bore  42  on an interior face  44  of the frame members. Counter bore  42  defines a mirror engagement surface  46 . A complete perimeter of two-way mirror  16  is received within counter bore  42 . It is also noted that the outer extremities of counter bore  42  are defined by mirror width “E” and mirror height “F” defined in reference to  FIG. 2 . Each of the first and second side frame members  28 ,  30  include an elongated aperture  48  created in the first and second side walls  36 ,  38  respectively (only first side wall  36  is shown in this view). A cloth or fiber material such as opaque acoustic cover  50  can be applied over elongated apertures  48 . Opaque acoustic cover  50  can be a fire retardant material and permits sound to escape frame  12  while also providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance. An upper wall  52  is also shown connected to and extending substantially perpendicularly from first frame member  24 . A length of upper wall  52  is substantially equal to a length of each of first and second side walls  36 ,  38  to maintain frame depth “G” defined in reference to  FIG. 3 . By applying a construction tolerance two-way mirror  16  fits within counter bore  42  with limited clearance for two-way mirror  16  to move in any direction. 
         [0028]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , the installation of two-way mirror  16  is depicted. Two-way mirror  16  is disposed within counter bore  42  and abuts mirror engagement surface  46 . To retain two-way mirror  16  in counter bore  42 , a mirror support frame  54  is brought into contact with a portion  56  of interior face  44  of frame members  24  through  30 . Support frame  54  is retained in position using for example a plurality of fasteners  58  such as brads, nails, or screws. Fasteners  58  can also be eliminated and support frame  54  can be held in position using an adhesive material. Two-way mirror  16  is oriented such that light striking two-way mirror  16  from an external light path “H” is reflected in a generally opposite direction to external light path “H”. An open cavity  60  internally created in mirror support frame  54  provides for a light path identified as internal light path “J” for images from the entertainment component  14  to be directed through two-way mirror  16  for observation. 
         [0029]    Referring now generally to  FIG. 6 , component enclosure  10  is shown in position prior to positioning about entertainment component  14 . A bottom surface  61  of second frame member  26  can be in contact with upper surface  18  of cabinet member top  20 . From the position shown, component enclosure  10  can be moved in an installation direction “K” to substantially enclose entertainment component  14 . A rear face  62  of cabinet member  22  can be butted against an outer face  64  of a wall  66  or spaced therefrom. Entertainment component  14  can be supported by upper surface  18  of cabinet member top  20  and can also be butted against or spaced from outer face  64 . A screen  68  of entertainment component  14  is oriented facing away from wall  66  and toward an inner facing surface of two-way mirror  16 . 
         [0030]    As best seen in reference to  FIG. 7 , an installed position of component enclosure  10  is shown. In the installed position, an end face  70  of upper wall  52  and an end face  70 ′ of each of first and second side walls  36 ,  38  can be positioned in contact with, or spaced from outer face  64  of wall  66 . This provides a substantially completely enclosed condition of entertainment component  14  using a portion of cabinet member top  20  as a lower wall of component enclosure  10 . Frame depth “G” is predetermined so that in the installed position of component enclosure  10  a clearance can exist between screen  68  of entertainment component  14  and each of two-way mirror  16  and mirror support frame  54 . Component enclosure  10  can also be positively engaged with outer face  64  of wall  66  for example using an L-shaped bracket  72  attached to each of upper wall  52  and wall  66  using for example a plurality of fasteners  74 . In many circumstances however, it is desirable to maintain component enclosure  10  as a free-standing enclosure of entertainment component  14  which allows easy movement of both component enclosure  10  and entertainment component  14  as desired. 
         [0031]    In the installed position, component enclosure  10  “substantially encloses” entertainment component  14  defined as enclosing portions of the entertainment component  14  otherwise visible to a person in a room with entertainment component  14 . The entertainment component  14  is further enclosed in embodiments having the entertainment component  14  in contact with or spaced from a wall of the room and when supported from a surface of a furniture member such as cabinet member  22  described herein. 
         [0032]    Referring now to  FIG. 8 , by varying frame depth “G” to accommodate a plurality of different sized entertainment components  14 , a clearance spacing “L” can be varied between interior faces  44 ,  44 ′ and outer face  64  of wall  66 . As evident in  FIG. 8 , in several embodiments a counterpart to upper wall  52  is specifically omitted from the lower portion of component enclosure  10 , allowing component enclosure  10  to be slidably fit about entertainment component  14  when entertainment component  14  is directly supported on a surface such as cabinet member top  20 . 
         [0033]    The sizes of each of elongated apertures  48 ,  48 ′ created in first and second side walls  36 ,  38  can be varied at the discretion of the designer to vary the acoustic performance or heat transfer from entertainment component  14 . For additional removal of heat generated by entertainment component  14 , in several embodiments an elongated aperture  76  can also be located in upper wall  52 , allowing a direct upward flow of heated air for cooling entertainment component  14 . For aesthetic purposes elongated aperture  76  if used can also be covered using an opaque acoustic cover similar to opaque acoustic cover  50 . Although  FIG. 8  shows component enclosure  10  as well as cabinet member  22  directly abutted against outer face  64  of wall  66 , any of the items including component enclosure  10 , entertainment component  14 , and/or cabinet member  22  can also be spatially separated from outer face  64 . This will permit a through-path for items such as electrical cabling, power wires, and the like. Additional apertures (not shown) can also be disposed in either of first and second side walls  36 ,  38  for the purpose of allowing passage of wires and/or cableways. 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , a rear enclosure cover  78  is positioned to completely cover a rear facing side of component enclosure  10 . Rear enclosure cover  78  can be a cloth material, a polymeric woven or formed material, or the like. Rear enclosure cover  78  can be selected from a plurality of colors, with darker shades such as black being selectable to minimize the entry of light from the rear of the component enclosure  10  in installations where the rear face of the component enclosure  10  does not directly abut a surface such as a wall and a light source could undesirably “back-light” the two-way mirror  16 . An upper portion of rear enclosure cover  78  can be fixedly connected to upper wall  52  using a plurality of fasteners  80  such as tacks, brads, staples, or the like. 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , rear enclosure cover  78  can be releasably connected to each of the first and second side walls  36  and  38  using for example a hook and loop fastening system. In the embodiment shown, a portion of rear enclosure cover  78  is shown folded upward. Individual hook strips  82  are fixedly connected to a rear facing side of both first and second side walls  36 ,  38  (the hook strip  82  connected to first side wall  36  is not shown). A corresponding loop strip  84  is fixedly connected to both outward edges of rear enclosure  78  which are positioned to engage individual ones of the hook strips  82 . Additional connecting methods substituted for hook and loop strips  82 ,  84  can also be used, such as but not limited to releasable fasteners, hook and eyelet connections, magnetic strips, and the like. An overlap joint  86  is created by overlapping a portion of the material of rear enclosure cover  78  at approximately a mid-point between first and second side walls  36 ,  38 . 
         [0036]    With reference to  FIGS. 3 ,  7 , and  10 , the overlap joint  86  allows for an entertainment component positioned within component enclosure  10  to be deeper than the frame depth “G” by providing additional rear cover material capable of extending rearwardly and outwardly beyond first and second side walls  36 ,  38  without releasing the releasable connections defined by hook strips  82  with loop strips  84 . A light shield function of rear enclosure cover  78  is therefore maintained preventing light from entering component enclosure  10  from the back past the fixed connection defined at the end face  70  of upper wall  52  and the releasable connections at end face  70 ′ of each of first and second side walls  36 ,  38 . A cavity  88  is therefore created between the first and second side walls  36 ,  38  and upper wall  52  and the interior face  44  of the frame members which is partially closed by the rear enclosure  78 . 
         [0037]    A component enclosure of the present disclosure offers several advantages. By configuring the component enclosure with the appearance of a mirror or picture frame, component enclosure  10  when installed provides the outward appearance of a furniture or decorative item while at the same time providing the capability to easily move component enclosure  10  and/or the entertainment component disposed therein. By positioning a two-way mirror  16  in a window opening of the component enclosure, when the entertainment component  14  is not in use, the component enclosure provides the user with a mirror function as well as adding a reflective surface to the room within which the component enclosure is positioned. By providing top and sides but not a bottom wall for the component enclosure, the component enclosure can enclose an entertainment component when the entertainment component is supported from a furniture member such as a cabinet.