Patent Publication Number: US-6666347-B1

Title: Storage apparatus for computer tower

Description:
This is a continuation divisional of application Ser. No. 09/354,368 filed on Jul. 14, 1999 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,202,874. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates to a computer tower housing storage apparatus. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Work space is quickly becoming more of a premium both at the office and at home, due to the various equipment found on today&#39;s desks, including computers, monitors, keyboards and other items. Accordingly, there is less available space for individuals to store items such as papers, file folders, magnetic media, and the like in their work areas. As an alternative to their desktops, people tend to pile such items on the nearest possible surface, whether it be the floor, garbage can, or computer, as an extension of their work area. While such surfaces provide a temporary solution, in the long term, such spaces lack the stability of a typical desktop, or filing cabinet, and may be bumped into or knocked over by a user, a pet, or a vacuum cleaner, with negative results, and may cause damage to such items. Accordingly, there is a need for storage space adjacent or in the vicinity of a user&#39;s work area which provides for additional physical storage capacity in an organized and more stable fashion than that which currently exists. 
     Consequently, there exists a need for an extension of work or storage space, particularly in the office or home office setting. This work space extension should provide a stable, convenient, and efficient space to store and contain various items commonly found in the office. It should also be relatively inexpensive to manufacture and assemble. 
     DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION 
     It is an object according to the present invention to provide a storage space accessible to and conveniently located to a user&#39;s work area. 
     It is a further object according to the present invention to provide a storage apparatus adapted for an office which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and assemble. 
     It is yet another object according to the present invention to provide a computer tower style housing having formed therein a place upon which various work items may be placed and organized, including papers, computer disks, CD ROMS, etc. 
     In keeping with the goals and objects according to the present invention, there is provided a storage device assembly which is adapted for attachment to a computer tower housing having a pair of opposing side panels. The storage device assembly includes a storage member which has a main panel or wall and a pair of opposing walls extending from the main panel defining therein a storage area for retaining objects. Also included is an attachment assembly which is coupled to the storage member. The attachment assembly includes a pair of adjustable members. Each of the pair of adjustable members has side portions for engaging a corresponding one of the pair of opposing side panels of the computer tower for retaining the attachment assembly thereto. In one embodiment, the at least one pair of opposing walls extends perpendicular from the main panel. In another embodiment, at least one shelving member extends from the main panel in order to divide the storage area. The shelving member may be oriented perpendicular to the main panel, or may be oriented at an angle in the range of 30° to 60° from the main panel. 
     In another embodiment, the pair of opposing walls extends from the main panel in a co-linear orientation. In still another embodiment, each of the pair of side portions has an opening therein for receiving a corresponding locking member mounted to each of the pair of opposing walls. Further, the pair of adjustable members may be slidingly received by the other of the pair of adjustable members. Each of the adjustable members includes a main portion perpendicular to the side portion, the main portion engages the main panel of the storage member. The attachment assembly is mounted to the main panel of the storage member. 
     In keeping with the present invention, further disclosed is a computer tower housing having a housing body portion which has a side panel and an upper panel. Also included is a storage portion having a main panel and first and second pairs of opposing storage panels which extend perpendicular from the main panel and define a storage area therein. The main panel is integrally defined by a one of the side panel and upper panel of the housing body portion. The computer tower housing may include a shelving member extending from the main panel for dividing the storage area. The shelving member may be oriented perpendicular to the main panel or at an angle in the range of 30° to 60° from the main panel. 
    
    
     The above objects and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best mode for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals correspond to like components. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the computer housing storage attachment according to the present invention attached to a computer tower housing; 
     FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the various members included in the first embodiment of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the first embodiment; 
     FIGS. 4 a  and  4   b  illustrate perspective views of a second and third embodiment, respectively, of the storage attachment device for the computer tower housing employing different styles of shelving; 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the attachment device illustrating in phantom the mounting mechanism; 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the storage attachment device for a computer tower housing according to the present invention, as shown in FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the fourth embodiment with the storage attachment device having dividing members installed therein; 
     FIG. 9 a  is a fifth embodiment of the storage device according to the present invention having shelving members directed toward the side of the computer tower housing; 
     FIG. 9 b  is a sixth embodiment of the storage device according to the present invention having shelving directed toward the front of the computer tower housing; 
     FIG. 9 c  illustrates a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the storage attachment device according to the present invention having pull-type drawers directed toward the front of the computer housing; 
     FIG. 10 a  illustrates an eighth embodiment of the storage attachment mechanism according to the present invention having a planar storage surface; 
     FIG. 10 b  is a perspective view of the eighth embodiment showing the attachment mechanism and attachment surface folding mechanisms in phantom; 
     FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the eighth embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 a  and  10   b  according to the present invention having the attachment surface side members in a folded orientation; 
     FIG. 12 a  illustrates a ninth embodiment according to the present invention having the storage member integrally molded with the computer tower housing, such storage oriented on a side of the housing; 
     FIG. 12 b  is tenth embodiment of the storage compartment integrally molded with the computer tower housing having shelving directed towards a front of the computer tower housing; 
     FIG. 13 a  shows an eleventh embodiment of the storage attachment molded integrally with the computer housing and open towards a top of the computer housing, and showing a lid for the storage compartment spaced therefrom; 
     FIG. 13 b  shows the embodiment of FIG. 13 a  wherein the lid portion is pivotably attached to the computer tower housing; 
     FIG. 14 is another embodiment of the storage attachment according to the present invention, wherein the attachment mechanism to the computer tower housing is shown in phantom; 
     FIG. 15 shows a computer tower having attached thereto the storage attachment embodiment of FIG. 14 according to the present invention; and 
     FIG. 16 is still another embodiment of the storage attachment which includes a first member which telescopingly receives a second member. 
    
    
     BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     In keeping with the teachings of the present invention, FIG. 1 of the drawings illustrates a first embodiment of the computer tower storage unit assembly  10  according to the present invention. Assembly  10  includes a computer central processing unit (CPU) tower  12  having a housing  14 . As is well known in the art, computer tower housing  14  may have various names depending on its size. For example, computer tower housing  14  may also be referred to as a full tower, mid-tower or mini-tower, depending on its relative length, width and height. Housing  14  includes a front panel  11 , a rear panel  13  disposed opposite front panel  13 , and two opposing side panels  17 ,  19 . 
     While these names for tower housing  14  are not completely standardized in the industry for corresponding measurements, they generally fall within the following ranges. The full tower typically has the following range of dimensions: 15.5-16.5 length, 6.825-7.5 width, and 24.25-24.5 height. The mid- (or midi-) towers generally have the following ranges of measurements: 15.5-16.5 length, 6.825-7.5 width, and 18-19 height. Lastly mini-towers have generally the following ranges of measurements: 13-16 length, 6.625-7.8 width, and 13-15 height. Note that all measurements are provided in inches). Again, many of these ranges may overlap because the sizes and ranges provided are not standardized in the industry. While the above ranges for housing  14  measurements are provided, the teachings according to the present invention are of course applicable to a tower housing  14  having dimensions falling outside of these ranges. Tower  12  may also be referred to as an upright CPU case. 
     As illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, the first embodiment of storage unit assembly  10  includes a storage device or attachment  16  according to the present invention. Storage device  16  is preferably formed of a molded plastic or polymer material, but may be formed of any material suitable to the design and application. Storage device  16  is typically an assembly adapted for storing and containing various objects and goods and particularly those found in a work or home office setting. Such objects may include floppy discs, CD-Rom&#39;s, paper, files, books, etc. 
     Storage unit assembly  10  also includes an attachment mechanism  18  for removably mounting storage attachment  16  to housing  14 . In the first embodiment of storage unit assembly  10  best shown in the exploded view of FIG. 2, attachment mechanism  18  includes a pair of interlocking mounting members  20  and  22 . Attachment mechanism  18  may be formed of plastic, metal, or any other material suitable to the desired application and design. 
     As further illustrated in FIG.  2  and with reference to its operational characteristics as shown in FIG. 1, mounting member  20  has a panel portion  23  having two surfaces, an interior surface  26  adjacent computer tower  14  and an exterior surface  28  adjacent storage device  16 . In operation, interior surface  26  is oriented adjacent housing side panel  17  (with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2) and exterior surface  28  is oriented adjacent side panel  27  of storage device  16 . Exterior surface  28  of mounting member  20  has a first channel portion  21  provided thereon for receiving in a sliding manner a corresponding storage mounting member  24  included on the exterior surface of side surface  27  of storage device  16  (as shown in FIG.  1 ). 
     Mounting member  20  also includes a transverse portion  30  which, as shown in the top plan view of FIG. 3, has a channel  25  (shown in phantom) provided therein for receiving in an axially sliding manner a mating transverse portion  32  (partially shown in phantom) of attachment member  22 . Thus, in operation, transverse member  30  is disposed adjacent computer tower upper surface  15 . Mating mounting member  22  is similar to mounting member  20  but does not have the channels disclosed in association with mounting member  20 . Mounting member  22  has a side oriented panel  34  disposed adjacent tower side and the aforementioned transverse portion  32  oriented perpendicular to panel  34  which is received within transverse portion  30  in channel  25  provided therein, as previously noted. 
     Accordingly, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, in operation, attachment mechanism  18  is designed to accommodate and be adapted to various sizes and proportions of computer tower housing  14 . As shown in these figures, mounting members  20  and  22  slidably move via channel  25  and transverse portion  32 , in relation to each other in order to accommodate various lengths and widths of computer tower housing  14 . As further shown in FIG. 3, attachment panels  26  and  34  straddle computer tower housing  14  while storage compartment  16  is mounted and oriented along the side thereof. 
     As shown in FIGS. 2-3, storage compartment  16  includes four upstanding wall portions  27 ,  29 ,  31 ,  33 , and a bottom panel  35  (main panel) defining a storage area  39  within. Storage compartment  16  also has inner surfaces having grooves  37  formed therein for receiving divider portions  36  (shown further herein). Accordingly, according to the present invention, dividers  36  may be received within grooves  37  in order to define within storage compartment  16  various subcompartments for storing any number of the objects contemplated according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 a  and FIG. 4 b  show two additional embodiments of storage unit assemblies mounted to computer housing  14  utilizing attachment mechanism  18  illustrated and described in association with first embodiment of FIGS. 1-3. As shown in FIG. 4 a , Storage unit assembly  10 ′ includes a storage attachment device  40 , which is a shelving unit having a plurality of horizontal shelves  42  positioned therein for supporting various objects, and would particularly be suitable for computer manuals, instruction booklets, or office items such as disks, tapes, staplers, and the like. Similarly, FIG. 4 b  illustrates a storage unit assembly  10 ″ having a storage attachment device  44  with shelves  46  which are oriented at an angle, preferably in the range between 30° and 60° and more preferably at 45°, for receiving therein items such as file folders, computer printouts, and other objects for ease of user access. The embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 4 a  and  4   b  are also particularly useful in an office or home setting where a computer or printer has multiple users, so that papers and printing jobs which are left in a work area may be placed on the shelves  42  and  46  for storage until they are picked up by their owner, and are therefore kept off of the desk or printer until they are claimed by a user. 
     FIGS. 5-8 illustrate a fourth embodiment of a storage device unit assembly  50  for attachment to computer tower housing  14 . As shown in FIGS. 6-8, storage device unit assembly  50  includes a storage device  51  defining a compartment therein. Storage device  51  is mounted to housing  14  and is disposed above top panel  15 . Device  50  has a bottom surface  52  (main panel) and two pairs of opposing side walls  54 ,  56  and  58 ,  60  extending upward in a perpendicular orientation from bottom surface  52 . As is best shown in FIG. 5, bottom surface  52  has a pair of apertures  61  extending therethrough. Apertures  62  are shown in FIG. 5 as a pair of counterbored holes but of course may be any design capable of performing the desired functions and objectives according to the present invention. 
     A pair of mounting portions  64  and  66  each have a vertically aligned panel member  65  and  67 , respectively, for mounting to tower housing  14  adjacent sides  17  and  19 . Further, mounting members  64  and  66  each have a transverse portion  68  and  70 , respectively. Each transverse portion  68 ,  70  is oriented perpendicular to panels  64  and  66  for positioning storage device  51  adjacent upper surface  15  of tower  14  during use and operation. Each transverse portion  68 ,  70  also includes an aperture  62 , shown in FIG. 5 as transverse slots  62  extending therethrough. Storage unit assembly  50  also includes a plurality of resting portions  72  (or stabilizer members/feet) disposed on the lower surface  74  of bottom  52 , for supporting and providing stability to assembly  50 . 
     Mounting attachments  64 ,  66  in conjunction with slots  62 , holes  61 , and a connecting member  63  allow mounting attachments to be adjustably mounted to various sizes of housing  14 , whereby the mounting attachments may be moved in an inward and an outward direction relative to device  51 . More particularly, as illustrated in FIG. 5, a member  63  (such as a pin, screw, or the like) is inserted through hole  61  and slot  62 , thereby connecting storage portion  51  to mounting members  64 ,  66 . The length of slot  62  thus allows for members  64 ,  66  to move inward and outward relative to storage device  51 . If member  63  is a threaded member such as a bolt, a corresponding nut (not shown) may be mounted to member  63  on the lower surface of mounting members  64 ,  66  in order to secure device  51  to members  64 ,  66 . 
     FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5-6. FIG. 8 illustrates the embodiment of FIGS. 5-7 and particularly showing divider panels  76  which are received in corresponding grooves  75  of device  51  in order to separate various compartments for the placement and organization of objects therein. Note that the perspective views of both FIGS. 6 and 8 show that storage unit assembly may also include a lid  78  or cover for enclosing device  51  and for protecting the contents within. Lid  78  is adapted to be disposed on top of device  51  and may form a loose attachment or a secure attachment, such as by a snap fit. Further, it is fully contemplated that lid  78  may attach to device  51  by various methods known in the art, including but not limited to being pivotably attached thereto as shown in later embodiments. 
     FIGS. 9 a ,  9   b , and  9   c  illustrate further embodiments of the storage device shown in FIGS. 5-8 and according to the present invention. FIGS. 9 a ,  9   b , and  9   c  show as storage devices  80 ,  80 ′, and  90 , respectively. Storage devices  80 ,  80 ′, and  90  are preferably attached to housing tower  14  via similar means to that disclosed in association with FIG. 5, but of course may be attached in any manner in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. FIG. 9 a  illustrates a storage device  80  having shelves  82  open toward side  17  of housing  14 . FIG. 9 b , on the other hand, illustrates a storage device  80 ′ as a shelving unit having shelves  82 ′ oriented toward a front panel  11  of housing  14 . FIG. 9 c  presents storage device as  90  as a unit disposed on an upper portion of housing  14  and having drawers  92  oriented toward a front  11  of housing  14 . Thus, drawers  92  may be pulled out disclosing areas for storing items contemplated by the present invention. 
     With reference now to FIGS. 10 a ,  10   b  and  11  of the drawings, shown therein is another embodiment of a storage attachment device  100  according to the present invention for assembly with computer tower housing  14 . As illustrated in FIGS. 10-11, attachment device  100  which preferably is oriented horizontally, and which is attached to the upper portion of housing  14 . Attachment  100  also preferably has a central portion  102  (main panel) and two side portions  104 ,  106  (opposing walls) which extend outward and project beyond sides  19  and  17  of housing  14 . Either or both of side portions  104  or  106  may fold downward in relation to central portion  102 , as shown and described in association with FIG.  1 . 
     Also included in assembly  100  is a pair of attachment and folding mechanisms  108 ,  110  which are illustrated in phantom in FIGS. 10 b  and  11 . Particularly as shown therein, attachment and folding mechanisms  108 ,  110  each includes a pair of mounting bracket portions  112  and  114 , respectively, which, as is disclosed in association with previous embodiments, straddle the upper portion of tower housing  14  and are adjustable to accommodate various ranges and sizes of housing  14 . As best shown in FIG. 10 b  and FIG. 11, attachment and folding mechanism  108 ,  110  each includes a pair of channel brackets  116  and  118 , respectively, which are disposed on the lower surface  105  of central portion  102  and slidingly receive transverse portions  120  and  122 , respectively, of mounting bracket portions  112 ,  114 , thereby allowing mounting bracket portions  112 ,  114  to move in an adjustable manner in an outward and inward direction relative to tower  14 . Also, mounting portions  112  and  114  each have a vertically oriented panels  124 ,  126  for securing and holding storage device assembly  100  adjacent and secure to tower sides  19  and  17 . 
     Another set of brackets  128 ,  130  is disposed on lower surface  105  of central portion  102  for slidingly receiving therein a movable locking member  132 ,  134 . As shown in FIG. 11, when side panels  104  and  106  are folded downward via a plurality of hinge members  133  (four are shown), each locking member  132 ,  134  is removed from (i.e., not inserted in) aperture  128 ,  130  (see also FIG. 10 b ). However, with reference to FIG. 10 b , in order to lock side panels  104  and  106  into a planar horizontal orientation, they are folded upward (from their position in FIG. 11) via hinges  133  until the range of hinge motion stops and side panels  104  and  106  are substantially parallel with center panel  102 . Then, each locking member  132 ,  134  is slidingly inserted into its respective aperture  128 ,  130  by extending it across the fold lines  135 , to maintain folding side members  104  and  106  in the planar horizontal orientation. Each locking member  132 ,  134  is supported by a bracket  136 ,  138  in which it slides (see FIG. 10 b ). Each bracket  136 ,  138  is mounted to the lower surface of panels  104  and  106 , respectively. 
     With reference to FIGS. 12 a  and  12   b , illustrated therein are different embodiments of computer tower housing  140  and  150 , respectively, according to the present invention. With focus on FIG. 12 a , computer tower housing  140  includes a storage portion  142  integrally molded therein. In this embodiment, storage portion  142  includes a plurality of shelving members  144  similar to that disclosed in the embodiment associated with FIG. 4 a . Shelving members  144  are oriented substantially parallel to top surface  141  of housing  140  and are open toward a side of housing  140  and away from front panel  146 . Shelving members  144  are also shown oriented perpendicular to a main panel  147  of housing  140 . Again, such design allows for ease of access to manuals, reference books, papers as well as typical office supplies such as staplers, tape dispensers, hole punchers, as well as picture frames, etc., and the like. Furthermore, depending on the size of the shelving members  144 , it is contemplated that a printer, such as a laser or ink jet printer, could be placed on shelving members  144  for convenience, space savings and ease of access by the user. 
     FIG. 12 b  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a computer tower housing  150  having a storage portion  152  integrally molded therein. Storage portion  152  includes shelving members  154  oriented and open toward a front panel  156  of housing  110 . These shelving members are also oriented substantially parallel to top surface  151  of housing  150 . Of course, depending on the weight of the object placed on shelving members  144 ,  154  , it is contemplated that housing portion  140 ,  150  is capable of countering the given weight of storage portions  142 ,  152  so that housing  140 ,  150  does not tip over. Of course, it is fully contemplated that shelving members  144 ,  154  may be oriented at an angle similar to that shown in FIG. 4 b . Like the previous embodiment, housing  150  also includes a main panel  157  serving as disposed adjacent shelving members  154 . 
     FIG. 13 a  illustrates yet another computer tower housing  160  having an integrally molded storage portion  162 . Particularly, storage portion  162  is integrally molded to an upper portion  164  of housing  160 . Storage portion  162  has an opening which is oriented in an upward manner so that its compartment  165  may be top loaded. As with previous embodiments, storage portion  162  includes divider receiving portions  163  for receiving one or more divider panels  166  in a sliding manner in order to separate compartment  165  of storage portion  162  into smaller compartments. A lid  168  is also provided for placement on computer tower housing  160 . Lid  168  provides a barrier between storage portion  162  and the environment. For example, lid  168  would prevent dust from settling on objects placed in compartment  165 , such as floppy discs or CD-ROMS. Note that housing  160  includes a main panel  161  as a lower support for any contents stored therein. 
     FIG. 13 b  illustrates a similar design to that disclosed in FIG. 13 a , with the addition that lid  168 ′ is pivotably attached to tower housing  160 ′, the attachment means in FIG. 13 b  shown as a hinge portion  167 , and more particularly pins  169  which attach lid to housing  160 ′ on each side of housing  160 ′. 
     FIG. 14 illustrates another embodiment of the storage device according to the present invention. Storage device  170  is disposed on an upper portion of housing  14 , and particularly on the top panel  15  of housing  14 . Storage device  170  is a separate member mechanically fastened to or engaged with tower  14 . With reference to FIG. 14, it is illustrated that storage member  170  is attached to panel  15  of housing  14  via one or more hook and loop type fasteners, such as Velcro™ portions  172 , wherein one of the hook and loop is attached (such as by an adhesive backing or other feasible methods) to a lower surface  174  of the bottom panel  171  (main panel) of storage portion  170 , while the other of the hook and loop is attached to top panel  15  of housing  14  in a similar manner. The hook and loop portions are then brought into contact with each other in order to provide a secure attachment between storage member  170  and housing  14 . 
     FIG. 15 shows the embodiment of storage device  170  in operation, having a lid portion  178  and dividers  176  in its storage compartment  175 . Lid portion  178  and dividers  176  may be attached to storage device  170  in any manner similar to, consistent with, and contemplated by those shown and disclosed in previous embodiments. 
     FIG. 16 illustrates another embodiment of a storage device  180  according to the present invention. Storage device  180  includes a first portion  182  and a second portion  184 . As illustrated therein, first portion  182  telescopically receives second portion  184 . More particularly, first portion  182  includes a double wall portion  186  defining an opening  188  therebetween, such that as second portion  184  is moved transversely inward and outward (in the directions shown by arrow  190 ), side walls  192 ,  194  of second portion  184  are slidingly received in the corresponding portion of opening  188  of first portion  182 , so that portions  182  and  184  are attached and coupled to each other. Note that second portion  184  is inwardly defined by edge  196 . 
     The attachment members  200  are shown integrally attached (molded) with storage device  180 , since their independent transverse movement is not necessary, given that first portion  182  and second portion  184  transversely move and telescope in order to provide accommodate various sizes of computer tower  14 . Note also that first portion  182  has a first bottom main panel portion  195  and that second portion  184  has a second bottom main panel portion  197  which together serve to define a bottom panel  181 , when portions  182  and  184  are attached to each other. 
     Of course, the invention contemplates that second portion  184  may be moved sufficiently transversely outward from opening  188  and away from first portion  182  that it becomes separable from first portion  182 . This separation of portions  182 ,  184  may be convenient, for example, when transporting or packaging storage device  180 . It is similarly contemplated that storage device  180  or any portion thereof, may include a stop member in order to prevent the complete separation of first portion  182  and second portion  184 . Also; note that while double wall portion  186  is illustrated as only a partial height portion relative to the entire wall height (for example of wall  198 ) of first portion  182 , double wall portion  186  may just as easily extend the entire wall height of first portion  182 , or may also be a relatively small lip which defines opening  188 , for telescopingly receiving second portion  184  therein. 
     Of course, it is contemplated that any of the previous designs disclosed herein or contemplated according to the previous invention may be attached via any of the methods and means disclosed and contemplated according to the present invention. Thus, the storage members and portions disclosed according to the present invention provide a convenient storage area near a user&#39;s computer at both the office and at home, or wherever such convenient storage may be necessary. 
     While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.