Abstract:
A computer system is integrated into an item of household furniture so that the computer is readily available for use wherever the furniture is placed, but is concealed within the furniture when it is not in use. The furniture comprises generally conventional cabinetry having the outward appearance of a conventional furniture piece and can be readily incorporated into the interior design of the home. The aesthetics of the room will not be unsatisfactorily impacted by the presence of the computer, thereby facilitating the convenient use of the computer by the occupants of the home. The household furniture can be an entertainment center, a table or upholstered seating.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Serial No. 60/319,111, filed Feb. 12, 2002, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The invention relates to furniture that includes computer equipment. In one aspect, the invention relates to household furniture with a computer system integrated therein. In another aspect, the invention relates to household furniture with computer components concealed therein at least when the computer is not in use. In another aspect, the invention relates to household furniture having a design appropriate to the domestic environment in which it is used and with a computer system integrated therein, thereby facilitating the household use of the computer.  
           [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art  
           [0005]    Computers are increasingly incorporated into many facets of a homeowner&#39;s daily activities. No longer are computers merely a business or computational tool, but they are increasingly used as entertainment and communication devices. Many homes have more than one computer. Home computers are used for games, to listen to music, to seek out information and purchase goods and services through the Internet, and to communicate through e-mail. Computers are also used as the “brains” of the home, controlling lighting, heating and air conditioning, and other scheduled activities.  
           [0006]    While computers are integrated more and more into home life, the structure of the computer has changed relatively little. Desktop computers still generally comprise a central processing unit or CPU, a monitor, a keyboard, a mouse, and connecting cables and power cords. Both the CPU and the monitor are typically large devices and it can be difficult to place the computer in an appropriate location, particularly when the computer is not being used. While the CPU can be placed, for example, in a kitchen cabinet or concealed behind an item of furniture, this may be unsatisfactory if the CPU is still visible, exposed to dust or heat, or takes up valuable kitchen space needed for storage of other household items. The monitor is generally too large to be easily stored in the typical cabinet or furniture piece. Furthermore, removing the monitor from its location when the computer is to be used and replacing the monitor after use can be burdensome and increases the potential for damage to the monitor. Thus, monitors typically occupy a desk, table, or countertop, remaining visible even when not used.  
           [0007]    Recent advances in computer technology have given rise to smaller CPUs, thinner, more lightweight monitors, and external control devices utilizing wireless technology thereby eliminating storage and use limitations associated with cable connections. However, despite such improvements, home computers are still frequently left in the open when not in use, or placed in kitchen cabinets, behind furniture, or in other devices not designed for computer storage and use. Thus, there is the need for a computer containment unit that is designed to facilitate the use of the computer, yet blend in with the interior design of the home.  
         SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
         [0008]    According to the invention, a cabinet incorporates the components of a digital computer comprising a CPU, at least one disc storage device, a video display monitor, a keyboard, a mouse, and connecting cables. The cabinet comprises a top panel, a pair of sidewall panels mounted to the top panel and defining an open front structure, optionally, a rear wall panel joined to the top panel and to the side wall panels at rear portions thereof and optionally, a shelf mounted horizontally between the side wall panels. A first drawer is slidably mounted between the sidewalls and beneath the top panel for movement between an open position and a closed position and the video display monitor is mounted in the first drawer with a bracket that conceals the monitor when the first drawer is in the closed position and exposes the monitor for use when the drawer is in the open position. The cabinet appears to be a conventional household cabinet when the first drawer is in the closed position.  
           [0009]    In one embodiment, the video display monitor is a flat screen monitor. Preferably, the monitor mounting bracket comprises an articulating arm assembly attached at a first end to the first drawer and mounting at a second end the video display monitor. The articulating arm assembly is pivotally mounted to the first drawer for rotation about a first axis and the articulating arm assembly comprises at least two arms that are pivotally joined to each other. In a preferred embodiment, the video display monitor is mounted to the second end of the articulating arm through a hinge for rotation of the video display monitor about a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis.  
           [0010]    In a preferred embodiment, the cabinet comprises a second drawer that is moveable between an open position in which the second drawer extends outwardly of the cabinet and a closed position in which-the drawer is retracted into the cabinet. A shelf is mounted directly above the second drawer so that the underside of the shelf is exposed when the second drawer is in the open position and is at least partially concealed when the drawer is in the closed position. At least one of the components of the digital computer is mounted to the underside of the first shelf for visibility and access when the second drawer is in the open position.  
           [0011]    In another preferred embodiment, the cabinet has an open front beneath the second drawer and has an access panel removably mounted between front and rear portions of the side wall panels to form a recess in the open front of the cabinet. Components of the digital computer are mounted to the cabinet rearwardly of the access panel. Preferably, a chassis mounted is to the cabinet rearwardly of the access panel and mounts the components of the digital computer. A retainer lock can be mounted between the access panel and an adjacent cabinet panel to limit access to the computer components rearwardly of the access panel. Alternatively, or in addition to the access panel lock, a lock can be provided between the chassis and an adjacent cabinet panel to secure the chassis to the cabinet.  
           [0012]    In one embodiment, ventilation passages through at least one of the sidewall panels and the rear wall panel of the cabinet for ventilating the components of the digital computer mounted therebetween.  
           [0013]    In a preferred embodiment, at least one wheel supports the cabinet thereon for movement of the cabinet across a supporting floor surface.  
           [0014]    Further according to the invention, an audiovisual assembly comprising an integral furniture assembly with at least one cabinet and at least one shelf, the furniture assembly having a front side and a rear side. A video monitor is mounted to the at least one shelf and visible from the front side of the furniture assembly. A CPU is mounted within the at least one cabinet and is operably connected to the video monitor, whereby the video monitor functions as a video screen for the CPU. Further, a keyboard is operably connected to the CPU for controlling operation of the CPU. A television receiver mounted in the at least one cabinet and operably connected to the video monitor, whereby the video monitor functions as the video screen for the television receiver. A television controller is operably connected to the television receiver for controlling the operation of the television receiver. The furniture assembly thus integrates both television and computer functions in a common location and using a common video monitor.  
           [0015]    Preferably, the television receiver is concealed from view at least from the front side of the furniture assembly. Further, the CPU is preferably concealed from view at least from the front side of the furniture assembly. Further, the CPU and the television receiver are connected to the video monitor with cables that are concealed within the furniture assembly. To this end, a rear edge of the at least one shelf has at least one channel formed therein for receiving the cables. Further, at least on support post extends between the at least one cabinet and the at least one shelf, and at least one of the cables between the video monitor and the CPU or the television receiver are concealed within the at least one post.  
           [0016]    Preferably, the CPU is connected to the keyboard with a wireless connection. Further, a computer mouse is operably connected to the CPU, preferably with a wireless connection.  
           [0017]    Although hard wire connections are contemplated, the connection between the television receiver and the video monitor can be a wireless connection. Likewise, the connection between the CPU and the video monitor can be a wireless connection. In a preferred embodiment, the video monitor is a flat screen plasma monitor.  
           [0018]    In a preferred embodiment, at least one wheel supports the furniture assembly for movement of the furniture assembly along a support surface.  
           [0019]    Typically, a controller is connected between the television receiver and the video monitor and between the CPU and the monitor to selectively control the monitor function. Further, a wireless control is provided for controlling the video monitor, the CPU, and the television receiver.  
           [0020]    In any case, it is preferable that the CPU is connected to the video monitor with cables that are concealed within the furniture assembly and that the television receiver is connected to the video monitor with cables that are concealed within the furniture assembly.  
           [0021]    Further according to the invention, computer equipment is concealed within household seating, such as a couch or chair. The household seating comprises an upholstered seat and backrest and at least one arm rest. The at least one arm rest has a storage chamber containing components of a digital computer comprising at least a CPU. A video display monitor is attached to the arm rest, and a keyboard is operably connected to the CPU. A panel covers and conceals the CPU within the armrest.  
           [0022]    Preferably, the digital computer further comprises a disc storage device that is also mounted in the storage chamber and concealed by the panel.  
           [0023]    In one embodiment, the arm rest further comprises a second storage chamber that stores a mouse and keyboard when not in use. The second storage chamber overlies the CPU storage chamber. The armrest further comprises a top panel overlying the second storage chamber and is movable between an open position for enabling access to the second storage chamber and the CPU storage chamber, and a closed position for concealing the components of the digital computer.  
           [0024]    In one embodiment, a support arm assembly is pivotally mounted at one end to the arm rest for pivotal movement with respect thereto about a first axis and is pivotally mounted at another end the video display monitor for pivotal movement about a second axis. The first and second axes are preferably orthogonal to each other.  
           [0025]    In a preferred embodiment, the keyboard is connected to the CPU with a wireless connection. In addition, a computer mouse connected to the CPU with a wireless connection. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0026]    In the drawings:  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pedestal and shelf assembly illustrating a first embodiment of the invention.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view taken along line  1 A- 1 A of FIG. 1.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the pedestal and shelf assembly shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 3 is a side view of a shelf comprising the shelf assembly shown in FIG. 1 FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  4 - 4  of FIG. 2.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  5 - 5  of FIG. 4.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 6 is a first perspective view of an end table illustrating a second embodiment of the invention.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 6A is a detailed view of a portion of the end table assembly of FIG. 6.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 7 is a second perspective view of the end table of FIG. 6.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the interior of the end table of FIG. 6.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 8A is a detailed view of a portion of the end table assembly of FIG. 8.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of a sofa having an arm rest illustrating a third embodiment of the invention.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the arm rest of FIG. 9.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the interior of the arm rest of FIG. 9. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0040]    The invention is described herein with respect to three embodiments in which a computer is integrated into an item of furniture of a generally conventional design, thus facilitating the use of the computer and enabling its concealment when not in use. The three embodiments comprise an entertainment center, an end table, and a sofa.  
         [0041]    A first embodiment of the invention, an entertainment center is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and designated generally by the number  10 . The entertainment center  10  comprises a pedestal assembly  12  supporting a shelf assembly  14 . The design and construction of the pedestal assembly  12  and the shelf assembly  14  generally comprises conventional cabinetry and shelving assembly techniques well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, except as hereinafter specifically described.  
         [0042]    The pedestal assembly  12  comprises a first pedestal  16  and a second pedestal  18 . Each pedestal  16 ,  18  comprises a boxlike structure having a top wall  20  and a bottom wall  24  in parallel spaced-apart relationship, a front wall  22  and a rear wall  28  in parallel spaced-apart relationship, and a pair of side walls  26  in parallel spaced-apart relationship. The pedestals  16 ,  18  are preferably fabricated of hardwood such as cherry, oak, maple or walnut, utilizing cabinetry techniques well-known to a person of ordinary skill in the furniture field. The walls  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  28  define an interior space  25  of suitable dimensions for mounting and concealing an audio amplifier, a computer CPU, a television receiver, or other electronic components. The components are preferably installed in a chassis which is mounted in the pedestals  16 ,  18  and which can be removed for servicing of the components. In effect, the pedestal  16 ,  18  takes the place of the metal cabinet in which the component is typically enclosed. Preferably, the rear wall  28  is removable to provide access to the interior space  25  and the electronic components contained therein. The rear wall  28  can also be provided with ventilation cutouts (not shown) for the dissipation of heat generated by electronic components enclosed in the pedestals  16 ,  18 , or eliminated in its entirety. The pedestals  16 ,  18  are placed in spaced-apart relationship and connected by a power/data raceway  30  and support bars  29 .  
         [0043]    Referring also to FIG. 1A, the power/data raceway  30  is a hollow, boxlike assembly, having four walls and open ends, of a generally square or rectangular cross section, preferably fabricated of the same material as the pedestals  16 ,  18 . The power/data raceway  30  extends from the pedestal  16  to the pedestal  18  and is attached using conventional wood joinery techniques to a side wall  26  of the pedestal  16  and an adjoining side wall  26  of the pedestal  18  to define a passageway therebetween. The power/data raceway  30  encloses a pair of internal conduits  31  similarly extending between the pedestals  16 ,  18 . The internal conduits  31  are elongated, hollow, tubelike members of generally square or rectangular cross section, preferably comprising conventional aluminum or steel tubing. The portion of each wall  26  to which the power/data raceway  30  is attached is provided with an aperture therethrough (not shown) in axial alignment with the internal conduits  31 . Each internal conduit  31  and corresponding apertures define a passageway between the interior space  25  of each pedestal  16 ,  18 . The passageways are adapted for running conventional connecting cables  50  between the electronic devices contained within the pedestals  16 ,  18 . Preferably, one of the internal conduits  31  is used for data transmission and the other is used for power transmission. The metallic internal conduits  31  shield the cables  50  from unwanted electrical interference so that they can be located in close proximity to one another.  
         [0044]    The support bars  29  are either hollow or solid, elongated members having a generally square or rectangular cross section comprising a material of suitable strength and rigidity connecting the pedestals  16 ,  18  to each other to provide a rigid pedestal assembly  12 . In the preferred embodiment, the support bars  29  are hollow rectangular tubes of black anodized aluminum. The support bars  29  are rigidly attached to the pedestals  16 ,  18 , preferably at each corner, using conventional brackets and fasteners (not shown). Preferably, each support bar  29  extends into the interior space of each pedestal  16 ,  18  where it is rigidly attached to the inside surface of the applicable wall  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  28 . When assembled, the pedestals  16 ,  18 , the power/data raceway  30  with enclosed internal conduits  31 , and the support bars  29  form a rigid, unitary structure of suitable strength to support the shelf assembly  14  and items placed thereon.  
         [0045]    As shown in FIGS.  3 - 5 , the shelf assembly  14  comprises an assemblage of generally conventional shelves  32  and support posts or standards  34 . The shelves  32  are preferably fabricated of the same material as the pedestals  16 ,  18  and of suitable length and depth, having a top surface  49 , a bottom surface  51 , a front edge  36 , and a rear edge  38 . Referring to FIG. 3, the rear edge  38  of each shelf  32  is provided with a longitudinal channel  40  to accommodate cables used to connect the various components of the entertainment center  10 , as hereinafter described. In order to accommodate the channel  40 , the rear edge  38  is thicker than the front edge  36 , with the shelf  32  uniformly tapered from the front edge  36  to the rear edge  38 . Each shelf  32  is preferably mounted so that the top surface  49  is horizontal, with the bottom surface  51  sloping in a generally downward direction from front to back.  
         [0046]    The posts  34  comprise conventional vertical shelving supports of a suitable length having a generally C-shaped cross section to define an open channelway  42  for running connecting cables vertically therethrough. The posts  34  are rigidly attached to the pedestals  16 ,  18  through conventional brackets or anchoring devices  35 , preferably of an ornamental design consistent with the design of the shelving assembly  14 . Horizontal crosspieces  37  comprise rigid, elongated members of square or rectangular cross section for supporting the shelves  32 . The crosspieces  37  are rigidly attached to the posts  34  using conventional fasteners, such as screws or bolts, so that the crosspieces  37  are orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the shelves  32 .  
         [0047]    As shown in FIG. 1, the shelves  32  are provided with square or rectangular apertures  33  corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the posts  34  for slidably receiving the posts  34  therethrough. The apertures  33  are placed inwardly of the ends of the shelves  32  so that the shelves  32  will extend around each post  34  when placed into position. The shelves  32  are also provided with mating recesses  41  in the bottom surface  51  thereof to receive the crosspieces  37  when the shelf  32  is in its supported position in order to conceal the crosspieces  37  when the shelf  32  is viewed from the front.  
         [0048]    In the preferred embodiment, the shelves  32  are secured to the crosspieces  37  by a threaded fastener  43 , such as a screw, which is inserted into an aperture extending through the shelf  32  from the channel  40  to the recess  41  into the end of the crosspiece  37 . In the preferred embodiment, the posts  34  and the crosspieces  37  are fabricated of black anodized aluminum. The top wall  20  of each pedestal  16 ,  18  is provided with suitable apertures (not shown) at each post connection to enable a cable to be run from the interior of the pedestals  16 ,  18  to the cable channelway  42 .  
         [0049]    The pedestals  16 ,  18  can be provided with conventional wheels or casters  39  to enable the entertainment center  10  to be readily moved. The pedestals  16 ,  18  are also provided with conventional mounting brackets and supports (not shown) for mounting electronic equipment therein, such as an audio amplifier  52  and a computer CPU  54 . In FIG. 2, the amplifier  52  is shown mounted in the pedestal  16 , and the computer CPU  54  is shown mounted in the pedestal  18 . Power and data cables  50  connect the amplifier  52  and the computer CPU  54  through the power/data raceway  30 . Speakers (not shown) can be operably connected to the amplifier  52  in a conventional manner.  
         [0050]    One of the shelves  32  suspends a disk drive  44 , such as a conventional CD or DVD-type disk drive, and a “breakout box”  46  from its lower surface. The breakout box  46  comprises a digital audio control center, such as the Audigy Platinum EX manufactured by Creative Technology, Ltd., which serves as the control module for the entertainment center  10 . The breakout box  46  interconnects analog or digital devices such as the amplifier  52 , a monitor (identified by the numeral  48 ), a stereo receiver, a television receiver  53 , a MIDI device, camcorders, and external hard drives and high-speed CDs, and the selection of functions such as television programming, computing, Internet access, or recorded music.  
         [0051]    As shown in FIG. 5, the shelf  32  from which the disk drive  44  and breakout box  46  are suspended is provided with a recess  45  for mounting the disk drive  44  and breakout box  46  in a horizontal position to accommodate the previously-described taper of the shelf  32 . The upper surface  47  of the recess which is in contact with the top of the disk drive  44  or breakout box  46  is generally parallel to the top  49  of the shelf  32 . Beginning at a line  56  corresponding to the rear edge of the disk drive  44  or breakout box  46 , the recess  45  continues in a generally upwardly inclined direction to intersect the top edge of the channel  40 .  
         [0052]    The cable  50  from the computer CPU  54  extends from the pedestals  16 ,  18 , upward through the channelway  42  in one of the posts  34  to the shelf  32  from which the disk drive  44  and breakout box  46  are suspended. The cable  50  is then run along the upper surface  47  of the recess  45  and suspended therefrom through suitable brackets (not shown) to operably interconnect with the breakout box  46 . The channelway  40  and recess  45  enable the cable  50  to be run from the CPU  54  to the breakout box  46  while remaining concealed from view. A cable  50  also operably connects the breakout box  46  and the disk drive  44  via the recess  45 . A monitor  48  is connected to the breakout box  46  in a similar fashion by running a cable  50  down the channelway  42 , and along the channel  40  in the shelf  32  on which the monitor  48  sits. As illustrated, the monitor is a flat screen monitor, preferably a plasma screen monitor. A wireless keyboard  55  and a mouse  57  are used for computer-based activities such as playing computer games, accessing the Internet, or performing conventional computer tasks such as word processing. Alternatively, the mouse and keyboard can be provided as a single, integrated device. Preferably, the keyboard  55  and the mouse  57  utilize radio frequency wireless technology.  
         [0053]    In the preferred embodiment, cables are threaded through the power/data raceway  30 , through the shelves and posts. However, it is within the scope of the invention to use wireless connections between the CPU  54 , the television receiver  53 , and the other audio components the breakout box  46 , and between the breakout box  46  and the monitor  48 .  
         [0054]    The breakout box  46  can be controlled through a wireless control unit  58  and is used to select a desired function, such as listening to recorded music, watching television programming on the monitor  48 , or using the computer to access the Internet or perform conventional computer-based tasks, such as word processing. The particular electronic component necessary to perform the selected function, e.g. watching television, listening to music, or playing computer games, is readily actuated by the breakout box  46 . The interconnection of the various components enables the user to readily select between several entertainment options. The concealment of the electronic components in the pedestals  16 ,  18 , and the cables  50  in the shelves  32  and posts  34 , contributes to an “uncluttered ” appearance of the computer-driven entertainment center which is unlike a conventional computer-based system. Further, the CPU and the television receiver share a common monitor.  
         [0055]    A second embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS.  6 - 8 . This embodiment comprises an end table  60  of generally conventional design having a top drawer  72 , a middle drawer  74 , and a compartment  106  as hereinafter described. The end table  60  comprises a cabinet  62  constructed using conventional cabinetry techniques well-known to those of ordinary skill in the art, and having a top  64 , side walls  66  in parallel, spaced-apart relationship, a rear wall  68 , and a floor  70 . Beneath the middle drawer  74  is a vertically-extending access door  76  as hereinafter described. In the preferred embodiment the cabinet is mounted on legs  78 .  
         [0056]    In the preferred embodiment, the side walls  66  and rear wall  68  have vertical slots  80  therethrough extending the full height of the walls  66 ,  68 . An opaque curtain  82  is mounted to the interior of the walls  66 ,  68  to cover the slots  80 . The material comprising the curtain  82  is suitable for the movement of air therethrough while concealing the interior of the cabinet  62 . The slots  80  and curtain  82  provide ventilation of the interior of the cabinet  62  from heat generated by computer components mounted therein.  
         [0057]    The top drawer  72  comprises a front wall  84  and a bottom wall  86  connected to the front wall  84  orthogonal thereto using conventional joinery. An upper support panel  90  is a planar member extending between the side walls  66  and attached thereto, and from the front of the cabinet  62  toward the rear, terminating short of the rear wall  68 . The support panel  90  provides support to the top drawer  72 . Conventional drawer slides  88  are attached to the top surface of the support panel  90  extending orthogonal to the front of the cabinet  62  and to the undersurface of the bottom wall  86  so that the drawer  72  will slide into and out of the cabinet  62  through the action of the slides  88 . The support panel  90  is positioned within the cabinet  62  to place the top drawer  72  in the proper position in the upper portion of the cabinet  62 .  
         [0058]    The middle drawer  74  is a generally conventional drawer comprising a front wall  92 , side walls  94  in parallel spaced-apart relationship, a rear wall  96  in parallel spaced-apart relationship with the front wall  92 , and a bottom wall  98 . The front wall  92 , side walls  94 , rear wall  96 , and bottom wall  98  are assembled into the middle drawer  74  using conventional joinery. The rear wall  96  is provided with cable slots  100  through which cables extend interconnecting components in the drawer  74 , such as a keyboard  114  or a mouse  116 , to a computer CPU or other components located within the cabinet  62 . Alternatively, a wireless keyboard or mouse can be used, obviating the cables and the cable slots  100 .  
         [0059]    Conventional drawer slides  102  are mounted to the cabinet side walls  66  and the drawer side walls  94  to enable the middle drawer  74  to slide into and out of the cabinet. The drawer slides  102  are positioned on the side walls  66  so that the middle drawer  74  is placed in the proper position in the cabinet  62  immediately below the top drawer  72 .  
         [0060]    As shown in FIG. 8, beneath the middle drawer  74  is a middle support panel  104  which is mounted to the side walls  66  immediately below the drawer slides  102 . The support panel  104  extends in a generally horizontal fashion from just inside the front of the cabinet  62  toward the rear of the cabinet  62 , terminating short of the rear wall  68 .  
         [0061]    The access door  76  is mounted to the floor  70  through hinges  77  so that the door  76  can pivot between a vertical position and a horizontal position. The door  76  joins the support panel  104  orthogonal thereto when the door  76  is moved to the vertical position. The door  76  and the support panel  104  are provided with a conventional latch assembly  118  to retain the door  76  in the vertical position by latching the door  76  to the support panel. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 8A, the latch assembly  118  comprising a spring-loaded plunger  120  is mounted to the interior of the door  76  adjacent its upper edge so that the plunger  120  extends somewhat above the door  76  upper edge. The plunger  120  is received within a shallow, mating receptacle (not shown) in the middle support panel  104  when the door  76  is in the vertical, closed position. As the door  76  is moved to the vertical, closed position, the plunger  120  will contact the middle support panel  104  and be urged to a retracted position until the plunger  120  engages the receptacle. The plunger  120  will be urged into the receptacle by the action of the spring, thus retaining the door  76  in the vertical position. The door  76  is opened by pulling the door  76  outward, causing the plunger  120  to be urged downward as it moves from the receptacle to contact with the middle support panel  104 . Other suitable latch assemblies can be employed. A conventional door pull can be attached at the upper edge of the access door  76  to facilitate opening and closing of the door  76 .  
         [0062]    The access door  76 , support panel  104 , side walls  66 , rear wall  68 , floor  70 , and top  64  define a compartment  106  for mounting of a computer CPU  126  therein and for connecting the CPU  126  and selected components, such as a monitor, with cables. The floor  70  extends just short of the rear wall  68 , thereby defining an access slot  108  for passage of various cords and cables, such as a power cord  136 , network cables  138 , Internet cables, or other conduits outside the cabinet  62  for connecting the CPU  126  to external devices or information sources.  
         [0063]    Referring to FIGS. 6 and 6A, the top drawer  72  is provided with an articulating arm  112  comprising a first link  113  and a second link  115 . The first link  113  is rigidly connected at a first end  132  to a support post  180  that is in turn pivotally mounted through a pivotal connection  182  to the bottom wall  86  for pivotal movement of the arm  112  about a vertical axis. The pivotal connection  182  is shown mounted to the top surface of the bottom wall  86 , although the pivotal connection  182  can be mounted to the underside of the bottom wall  86  with the post  180  passing through an aperture (not shown) in the bottom wall  86 . A second end of the first link  113  is pivotally connected to a first end of the second link  115  through a pivotal connection  117  for pivotal movement of the first link  113  relative to the second link  115 . A second end  134  of the second link  115  has a hinge assembly  119  comprising a fold-down hinge  121  to which is mounted a flat-screen display  110 . The fold-down hinge  121  is rigidly attached to the rear of the flat-screen display  110  through conventional fasteners, such as threaded screws or bolts. Alternatively, the fold-down hinge  121  can be pivotally mounted to the second end  134  of the second link  115  for pivotal movement of the hinge  121  about a vertical axis. The fold-down hinge  121  moves the flat-screen display  110  from a vertical position, forward and downward to a flat position inside the drawer  72  for closure of the drawer  72 , thereby concealing the display  110  when the display  110  is not in use. The length of the support post  180  is selected based upon the clearance required to close the drawer  72  with the flat screen display  110  in the folded-down position. The articulating arm  112  selectively positions the display  110  outwardly of the drawer  72  for convenience in viewing the display  110  when the computer system is used. The middle drawer  74  can be used to store a keyboard  114 , a mouse  116 , or other electronic control device when these devices are not in use.  
         [0064]    The computer comprises the computer CPU  126  mounted in a generally conventional chassis, a conventional power control unit  122 , and a conventional disk drive  124 . The power control unit  122  and the disk drive  124  are mounted to the underside of the upper support panel  90 , and are concealed when the middle drawer  74  is closed. As shown in FIG. 7, access to these devices is gained when the middle drawer  74  is opened. The CPU  126  is mounted to mounting blocks  128  and secured to the front of the mounting blocks  128  with a retainer lock or retaining screw  130 . The chassis supports a conventional computer motherboard, and various conventional devices such as a power supply, hard disk drive, sound cards, modems, and game cards, comprising the computer CPU  126 . The CPU  126  can be removed for servicing by removing the retainer lock/retaining screw  130  and pulling the chassis forward and out of the cabinet  62 .  
         [0065]    The end table  60  has a generally conventional design consonant with the interior design of the household in which it is located and used. The end table  60  can be placed in a living room, study, bedroom, or other room to enable the ready use of a computer system in such room. When the computer system is not used and is concealed in the end table  60 , the end table  60  appears to be a conventional end table, blending into the overall design of the room.  
         [0066]    A third embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS.  9 - 11 . This embodiment comprises a seat, such as a sofa  140 , having an arm rest  142  concealing a compartment in which is concealed a computer. In the preferred embodiment, the computer is controlled by a wireless keyboard  184 .  
         [0067]    The arm rest  142  is provided with a vertically pivotal cushion top  144  and a conventional flat screen monitor  148 . The monitor  148  is attached to a support arm assembly comprising an arm  150  which is rigidly attached to a post  152  for pivotal movement about a vertical axis to enable the monitor to be selectively oriented for viewing from various angles. The monitor can be attached to the arm  150  through a conventional hinge assembly (not shown) for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis. The post  152  is, in turn, pivotally mounted in a conventional way to a bracket  178  located in the interior of the arm rest  142 . The post  152  extends into the interior of the arm rest  142  through an aperture  170  passing through a first panel  172 .  
         [0068]    The cushion top  144  is attached in a conventional way to the arm rest  142  through hinges  154  and a lid support  156 . The cushion top  144  can be pivoted from a horizontal position to a vertical position for accessing an underlying panel  146  and the interior compartment of the arm rest  142 . The cushion top  144  is held in the vertical position by the lid support  156 . Concealed by the cushion top  144  is the panel  146 .  
         [0069]    As shown in FIG. 10, the panel  146  is provided with receptacles  158  for storage of a mouse  186 , a remote control unit  159 , or other small devices appurtenant to the computer system. The panel  146  is also adapted to mount devices such as a power control unit  160 , a disk drive  162 , and a wireless transceiver  164  so that the faces of the devices  160 ,  162 ,  164  are generally flush with and accessible from the exposed face of the panel  146 . The devices  160 ,  162 ,  164  are preferably mounted to the back of the panel through conventional bracket assemblies so that the devices  160 ,  162 ,  164  are suspended therefrom. The panel  146  is also provided with a slot  174  to accommodate the lid support  156 .  
         [0070]    The panel  146  is removably supported on a ledge  176  formed in the walls of the arm rest  142 , and can be readily removed by lifting the panel  146  from the arm rest  142 , thereby revealing a compartment  166  in the arm rest  142 . Alternatively, the panel can rest upon brackets or cleats attached to the walls of the arm rest  142 . The compartment  166  is used for concealment of a computer CPU  168 . The CPU  168  is operationally interconnected with the monitor  148 , the power control unit  160 , the disk drive  162 , the wireless transceiver  164 , and related devices through the use of conventional cables (not shown).  
         [0071]    The sofa  140  provides a convenient enclosure for a computer system that remains concealed, except for the monitor  148 , when the computer is not in use. The computer system is available to the user in a convenient and comfortable environment, thereby facilitating the use of the computer, even while the user is engaged in other activities, such as watching television and conversing with others.  
         [0072]    Each of the three embodiments of the useful invention mounts a computer system in a conventional piece of furniture for use by occupants of a living space who may be engaged in other activities or occupying rooms normally devoted to non-computer activities. The computer system is integrated with furniture such as an entertainment center, end table, or sofa so that the computer is readily available to be integrated into a variety of routine household activities. The unique design and construction of the computer furniture conceals the computer when it is not used, and the furniture can be used in a conventional manner.  
         [0073]    While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown, it will be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Reasonable variation and modification are possible within the scope of the foregoing disclosure and drawings, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings, without departing from the spirit of the invention which is defined in the appended claims.