Patent Publication Number: US-2005133231-A1

Title: Apparatus and method for storing electronics

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
      The present invention relates generally to furniture, and more specifically to an air ventilated apparatus for storing and/or displaying electronic devices, wherein the apparatus provides vent cutouts for cable management and for convectively cooling electronic devices stored therein.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      With the innovation and development of electronic multimedia devices, the current trend amongst consumers is to integrate a variety of such electronic audio-visual devices into home entertainment systems. Audio equipment, such as radio tuners, cassette players, compact disc (CD) players and recorders, MP3 players, and surround sound systems with speakers, are commonly incorporated into entertainment systems. Video cassette recorders (VCRs), digital video disc (DVD) players and recorders, cable boxes, satellite dishes, video games, laptop computers and various other electronic visual accessories and equipment are also commonly utilized in association with television monitors.  
      Various structures are available for facilitating the management, storage and organization of such audio-visual equipment and accessories. Unfortunately, due to the inherent release of heat from such electronic devices, and the relatively confined area of the structure in which the electronic devices may reside, overheating of the electronic devices often occurs, and thus, the electronic failure of same.  
      Accordingly, numerous structures for storing and displaying electronics have been developed in an attempt to thermally control the internal environment of the structure, and thus reduce overheating of electronic equipment housed therein. Many such structures, however, are often wide open shelves that do not enclose or conceal the electronic devices, thereby exposing them to dust, heat from direct sunlight, and other elements that may affect equipment performance or operation. Still other structures, utilize electric fans to vent out or expel warm air from within the structure. Although advantageous, electric fans are often overly expensive, require an energy source, and are a source of noise in a system where optimal sound quality is of the utmost significance. Electric fans are also susceptible to electrical failure or breakage, and can be costly or difficult to repair or replace.  
      The combination of multiple electronic devices also results in multiple wires and/or cables to connect and power the electronic devices. Unfortunately, and in view of available storage units, cables and wires often become entangled with one another, resulting in a clutter of wires and cables, and presenting a potential electrical hazard.  
      Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for an apparatus for storing, organizing and/or displaying electronic equipment, wherein cables and wires are accordingly managed, and wherein the internal environment of the apparatus is appropriately thermally cooled to prevent overheating of the electronic devices stored therein.  
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such a device by providing an air-ventilated apparatus for storing, managing and displaying electronic equipment and devices, wherein vent cutouts are provided for cable management and for convectively cooling the stored electronic devices.  
      According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention in its preferred form is an apparatus for storing, managing and displaying electronic equipment and devices, generally comprising a base member, cabinet member and hutch member. More specifically, the present invention comprises a cabinet member for storing and/or displaying electronic devices, wherein lower cutouts are disposed on a bottom front portion of the cabinet member, and wherein upper cutouts are disposed on a top rear portion of the cabinet member to maximize convective airflow over a greater area within the cabinet member. The base member is provided to elevate the cabinet member to allow cooler, denser air to be convectively drawn into the lower cutouts, wherein the cooler air is convectively drawn over the electronic devices stored within the cabinet member to effectively cool same. More specifically, heat produced by and rising from the stored electronic devices is convectively intermixed with the cooler air introduced within the cabinet member, thereby yielding a warmer air. Thereafter, the warmer air is preferably expelled out of the cabinet member through the upper cutouts via overall convective circulation of air therewithin and therethroughout. The cabinet member also possesses shelves and a vertical divider, each having cutouts to further maximize airflow within the cabinet member.  
      The hutch member is provided for the storage and display of electronic devices, particularly audio speakers and a plasma display screen, wherein cooler air is convectively drawn into the hutch member through an open bottom portion, and wherein the cooler air is convectively drawn over the stored electronic devices to cool same. Warm air produced by the electronic devices is permitted to ventilate out of the hutch member through top cutouts.  
      Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to store, manage, display and/or conceal various electronic devices within a single apparatus and to facilitate accessibility of same.  
      Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its unique combination and configuration of components that permit optimal convective airflow to thermally cool stored electronic devices, thereby prolonging the life of the stored electronic devices.  
      Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to thermally cool stored electronic devices, thereby enabling a user to incorporate a greater number of electronic devices into a smaller area.  
      Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to thermally cool stored electronic devices without the need for conventional electric fans.  
      Another feature and advantage of the present invention are its ventilation cutouts that also serve as a means for managing cables and/or wires.  
      These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      The present invention will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Selected Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:  
       FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a cabinet member with open doors;  
       FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 4  is a bottom perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 6  is a rear perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention showing a cabinet member with open doors;  
       FIG. 10  is a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention, showing a projector screen in the down position;  
       FIG. 11  is a side perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 12  is a top perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 13  is a bottom perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 14  is a rear perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND SELECTED ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS  
      In describing the preferred and selected alternate embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-15 , specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.  
      Referring now to  FIGS. 1-8 , the present invention in a preferred embodiment is an apparatus  10  for the storage, management and display of electronic equipment and devices, wherein apparatus  10  generally comprises base member  20 , cabinet member  40  and hutch member  240 . Preferably, base member  20  is substantially a rectangular-shaped block possessing top wall  22 , front wall  24 , rear wall  26 , and sidewalls  28  and  30 , wherein top wall  22 , front wall  24 , rear wall  26 , and sidewalls  28  and  30  are affixed together by nails, screws, bolts, dowels, adhesive, or the like, to collectively form base member  20 . Base member  20  preferably possesses open bottom  32 ; however, it is recognized that base member  20 , in an alternate embodiment, could possess a solid bottom wall, wherein base member  20  would then effectively be a six-sided rectangular block. It is further recognized in an alternate embodiment that base member  20  could possess wheels to roll apparatus  10  across a ground surface.  
      It is contemplated that base member  20  and its component parts, in an alternate embodiment, could embody other suitable shapes and or sizes, so long as base member  20  is capable of supporting cabinet member  40  and hutch member  240  thereon, and so long as air is permitted to be convectively drawn through bottom cutouts formed through cabinet member  40 , as more fully described below. Base member  20  is preferably formed from wood; however, it is recognized that base member  20  could be formed from other suitable materials, such as, for exemplary purposes only, high density particle board, metal, or other strong, rigid materials.  
      Preferably, cabinet member  40  is a hollow rectangular-shaped block having four walls and two open sides. Specifically, cabinet member  40  possesses bottom wall  42 , top wall  44 , sidewalls  46  and  48 , open front side  41  and open rear side  43 , wherein bottom wall  42 , top wall  44 , and sidewalls  46  and  48  are affixed together by nails, screws, bolts, dowels, adhesive, or the like, to collectively form cabinet member  40 . It is recognized that cabinet member  40  and its component parts could alternatively embody other suitable shapes and/or sizes, so long as cabinet member  40  and its component parts are capable of convectively cooling stored electronic devices, as more fully described below. Cabinet member  40  is preferably formed from wood; however, it is contemplated that cabinet member  40  could be formed from other suitable materials, such as, for exemplary purposes only, high density particle board, metal, or other strong, rigid materials.  
      Bottom sides  47  and  48  (not shown) of sidewalls  46  and  48 , respectively, of cabinet member  40  are preferably connected to top sides  29  and  31  (not shown) of sidewalls  28  and  30 , respectively, of base member  20  by nails; however, it is recognized that other suitable fasteners could be utilized, such as, for exemplary purposes only, glues, rivets, bolts, screws, dowels, or the like. It is further contemplated that cabinet member  40  could be connected to base member  20  at alternately suitable connection points, or that base member  20  could be integrally formed to cabinet member  40 , wherein base member  20  and cabinet member  40  could share a common horizontal wall, so long as air is permitted to be convectively drawn through bottom cutouts formed through cabinet member  40 , as more fully described below.  
      Preferably, bottom wall  42  of cabinet member  40  is rectangular-shaped and comprises top side  56  and front portion  50 , wherein front portion  50  possesses two equally spaced-apart rectangular cutouts  52 . It is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that bottom wall  42  could possess any number and layout of cutouts  52 , wherein cutouts  52  could embody any suitable shapes and/or sizes so long as cutouts  52  permit air to be convectively drawn into cabinet member  40 , as more fully described below.  
      It is further contemplated in an alternate embodiment that base member  20  and cabinet member  40  could share a common horizontal wall at their connection point, so long as open air is permitted to be convectively drawn into cutouts  52 , as more fully described below. Top side  56  of bottom wall  42  preferably functions as a shelf for supporting and storing electronics and other related devices for use with an audio visual display system. Top side  56  also preferably possesses rear portion  58  for receiving a securing block, as more fully described below.  
      Top wall  44  of cabinet member  40  is preferably rectangular-shaped and comprises top side  60 , bottom side  62  and rear portion.  64 , wherein rear portion  64  preferably possesses two equally spaced-apart rectangular cutouts  66 . It is recognized that top wall  44  could possess any number and layout of cutouts  66 , wherein cutouts  66  could embody any suitable shapes and/or sizes, so long as cutouts  66  provide a means for managing and organizing, electrical conductors, cables and/or wires, and so long as cutouts  66  permit air to ventilate out from cabinet member  40 , as more fully described below.  
      Preferably, bottom side  62  possesses attachment sites  61 ,  63  and  65  for receiving securing blocks, as more fully described below, wherein attachment sites  61 ,  63  and  65  are positioned directly adjacent to open rear side  43 , and wherein attachment site  61  is positioned adjacent to sidewall  46 , attachment site  65  is positioned adjacent to sidewall  48 , and attachment site  63  is positioned directly between sidewalls  46  and  48 . Hutch member  240  is preferably mounted to top side  60 , as more fully described below.  
      Sidewalls  46  and  48  of cabinet member  40  are preferably rectangular-shaped and permit the enclosure and retention of electronics and other related devices for use with an audio visual display system. Preferably, sidewalls  46  and  48  possess inner walls  70  and  72 , respectively, wherein inner walls  70  and  72  possess lower attachment sites  74  and  76 , respectively, and upper attachment sites  78  and  79 , respectively, for receiving securing blocks, as more fully described below. Inner walls  70  and  72  also preferably possess a plurality of peg holes  71  (not shown) for purposes more fully described below.  
      Rear side  43  of cabinet member  40  is preferably open, thereby enabling apparatus  10  to stand flush against a wall surface without having to accommodate for electrical outlets and/or electrical plugs. However, it is recognized that cabinet member  40  could alternatively possess solid rear wall  45 , wherein solid rear wall  45  is rectangular-shaped and encloses and retains electronics and other related devices for use with an audio visual display system within cabinet member  40 . As best seen in  FIG. 14 , rear wall  45  possesses three vertical columns of cutouts  49 , wherein each column possesses two rectangular cutouts  49 ; however, it is recognized that rear wall  45  could possess any number and layout of any sized and shaped cutouts  49 , so long as cutouts  49  function to manage cables and/or wires and permit convective airflow within cabinet member  40 . Now referring to  FIG. 8 , it is further contemplated in another alternate embodiment that at least one cutout  49  on rear wall  45  and at least one cutout  66  on top wall  44  could be combined to form at least one cutout  67 , wherein at least one cutout  67  is disposed on horizontal edge  68  formed between rear side  43  and top wall  44 .  
      Cabinet member  40  also preferably possesses wooden rectangular securing blocks  80 ,  110 ,  112  and  114 . It is recognized that securing blocks  80 ,  110 ,  112  and  114  could alternatively embody other suitable shapes and/or sizes and could be formed from other alternatively suitable materials, so long as securing blocks  80 ,  110 ,  112  and  114  are preferably capable of securing cabinet member  40  to a wall surface, as more fully described below. It is further contemplated that cabinet member  40  could possess any number of securing blocks situated at any position on cabinet member  40 , so long as apparatus  10  is stable enough to firmly stand in place without significant tilt or lean.  
      Preferably, securing block  80  is an elongated rectangular block having front side  82  (not shown), rear side  84 , top side  86 , bottom side  88  (not shown), left side  90  (not shown) and right side  92  (not shown), wherein bottom side  88  is mounted to rear portion  58  of bottom wall  42  of cabinet member  40 , left side  90  is mounted to lower attachment site  74  of sidewall  46  of cabinet member  40 , and right side  92  is mounted to lower attachment site  76  of sidewall  48  of cabinet member  40 . Securing block  80  is preferably secured to cabinet member  40  by nails; however it is recognized that other suitable fasteners could be utilized, such as, for exemplary purposes only, glue, screws, bolts, rivets, dowels, or the like.  
      Preferably, formed within securing block  80  are six equally spaced-apart channels  94 , wherein channels  94  form apertures  96  (not shown) and recesses  98  (not shown) on front side  82  of securing block  80  for receiving mounting screws therein, and wherein channels  94  form apertures  102  on rear side  84  of securing block  80  for securing cabinet member  40  to a wall surface. Although it is preferred that screws be utilized to attach securing block  80  to a wall surface, it is recognized that other alternatively suitable fasteners could be utilized, such as, for exemplary purposes only, nails, bolts, rivets, anchors, brackets, or the like. Further, although it is preferred that securing block  80  possess six equally spaced-apart channels  94 , it is recognized that securing block  80  could possess any number of channels  94  situated at any position on securing block  80 , so long as apparatus  10  is stable enough to firmly stand in place without significant tilt or lean.  
      Preferably, securing blocks  110 ,  112  and  114  are rectangular blocks having front sides  120 ,  122  and  124  (not shown), respectively, rear sides  130 ,  132  and  134 , respectively, top sides  140 ,  142  and  144  (not shown), respectively, bottom sides  150 ,  152  and  154  (not shown), respectively, left sides  160 ,  162  and  164  (not shown), respectively, and right sides  170 ,  172  and  174  (not shown), respectively. Preferably, left side  160  of securing block  110  is mounted to attachment site  78  of sidewall  46 , top side  140  of securing block  110  is mounted to attachment site  61  of top wall  44 ; top side  142  of securing block  112  is mounted to attachment site  63  of top wall  44 ; and, right side  174  of securing block  114  is mounted to attachment site  79  of sidewall  48 , and top side  144  of securing block  114  is mounted to attachment site  65  of top wall  44 . Securing blocks  110 ,  112  and  114  are preferably secured to cabinet member  40  by nails; however it is recognized that other suitable fasteners could be utilized, such as, for exemplary purposes only, glue, screws, bolts, rivets, dowels, or the like.  
      Preferably formed within securing blocks  110 ,  112  and  114  are equally spaced-apart channels  180  and  181 , wherein channels  180  and  181  form apertures  182  and  183 , respectively, and recesses  184  and  185  (not shown), respectively, on front sides  120 ,  122  and  124  of securing blocks  110 ,  112  and  114 , respectively, for receiving mounting screws therein, and wherein channels  180  and  181  form apertures  188  and  189  (not shown), respectively, on rear sides  130 ,  132  and  134  of securing blocks  110 ,  112  and  114 , respectively, for securing cabinet member  40  to a wall surface. Although it is preferred that screws be utilized to attach securing blocks  110 ,  112  and  114  to a wall surface, it is recognized that other suitable fasteners could be utilized, such as, for exemplary purposes only, nails, bolts, rivets, anchors, brackets, or the like. Further, it is recognized that securing blocks  110 ,  112  and  114  could possess any number of channels, situated at any position on securing blocks  110 ,  112  and  114 , so long as apparatus  10  is stable enough to firmly stand in place without significant tilt or lean.  
      Preferably, cabinet member  40  also possesses wooden vertical divider  190 , wherein vertical divider  190  comprises first end  192  and second end  194 . Vertical divider  190  is preferably substantially centered between sidewall  46  and  48 , wherein first end  192  is preferably affixed to bottom wall  42 , and wherein second end  194  is preferably affixed to top wall  44 . It is recognized that cabinet member  40 , in an alternate embodiment, could possess any number of vertical dividers  190  and that vertical dividers  190  could be located at any vertical position within cabinet member  40 . Vertical divider  190  is preferably affixed to top wall  44  by nails; however, it is recognized that other suitable fasteners could be utilized, such as, for exemplary purposes only glue, brackets, grooves, screws, rivets, bolts, dowels, or the like. It is further contemplated that vertical divider  190  could be formed from other alternatively suitable materials and could embody other suitable shapes and/or sizes, so long as vertical divider  190  is capable of supporting shelves, as more fully described below.  
      Preferably, vertical divider  190  possesses substantially centered rectangular cutout  196 . It is recognized that cutout  196  could alternatively embody other suitable shapes and/or sizes, so long as cutout  196  assists convective airflow within cabinet member  40 . It is further contemplated that vertical divider  190  could alternatively possess any number of cutouts  196 , and that cutout  196  could be located anywhere along vertical divider  190 . Vertical divider  190  also preferably possesses a plurality of peg holes  71  (not shown) for purposes more fully described below.  
      Preferably, cabinet member  40  also possesses at least one shelf  200 , wherein shelf  200  is substantially rectangular-shaped and comprises front end  202 , back end  204 , left end  206  (not shown) and right end  208  (not shown). It is recognized that shelf  200  could be formed from alternatively suitable materials and could embody alternate shapes and/or sizes, so long as shelf  200  is capable of supporting electronics and other related devices for use with an audio-visual display system thereon, and so long as shelf  200  assists convective airflow within cabinet member  40 , as more fully described below. For example, shelf  200 , in an alternate embodiment, could be a grid or mesh panel.  
      Preferably, semi-circle cutouts  210 ,  212  and  214  are substantially centered on back end  204 , left end  206  and right end  208 , respectively, of shelf  200 . It is recognized that cutouts  210 ,  212  (not shown) and  214  could alternatively embody other suitable shapes and/or sizes, so long as cutouts  210 ,  212  and  214  assist convective airflow within cabinet member  40 . Furthermore, it is contemplated that shelf  200  could alternatively possess any number of cutouts, wherein the cutouts could be located anywhere on shelf  200  and in any selected configuration/pattern.  
      Preferably, at least one shelf  200  is removably secured between vertical divider  190  and sidewall  46  and/or between vertical divider  190  and sidewall  48 , wherein at least one shelf  200  is slideably engaged and supported therebetween by a plurality of support pegs  220  (not shown) retained within and extending from peg holes  71  (not shown), as is known within the art. Preferably, vertical divider  190  and inner walls  70  and  72  of sidewalls  46  and  48 , respectively, each possess four vertically-aligned, equally spaced-apart, and horizontally-disposed pairs of peg holes  71 , wherein each pair of peg holes  71  is horizontally aligned with a corresponding pair of peg holes  71 , either on vertical divider  190 , sidewall  46  or sidewall  48 , and wherein the peg hole system functions to removably support and secure at least one shelf  200  between vertical divider  190  and sidewall  46  and/or between vertical divider  190  and sidewall  48 .  
      It is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that vertical divider  190  and inner walls  70  and  72  could comprise any number and layout of peg holes  71  to facilitate support of any selected number of shelves  200  on and by pegs  220  extending from peg holes  71 . Furthermore, although it is preferred that cabinet member  40  utilize support pegs  220  to removably support and secure any selected number of shelves  200  thereon, it is recognized that other alternatively suitable supports could be utilized, such as, for exemplary purposes only, glue, brackets, grooves, rails, nails, screws, bolts, rivets, dowels, and the like.  
      Front side  41  of cabinet member  40  is preferably open to facilitate receipt and retention of electronics and other related devices therein, wherein front side  41  preferably possesses doors  230 ,  232 ,  234  and  236 . Doors  230 ,  232 ,  234  and  236  are preferably rectangular-shaped and formed from wood; however it is recognized that doors  230 ,  232 ,  234  and  236  could be formed from other suitable materials, such as, for exemplary purposes only, glass, high density particle board, or metal, and that doors  230 ,  232 ,  234  and  236  could alternatively embody other suitable shapes and/or sizes, so long as doors  230 ,  232 ,  234  and  236  function to enclose and retain electronics and other related devices therein for use with an audio-visual display system within cabinet member  40 , or otherwise. Preferably, doors  230 ,  232 ,  234  and  236  are identically-sized and identically-shaped, wherein doors  230 ,  232 ,  234  and  236  extend from bottom wall  42  to top wall  44 ; however, it is contemplated that cabinet member  40  could possess any number and layout of doors. Preferably, doors  230 ,  232 ,  234  and  236  are pivotally mounted to front side  41  by a pair of hinges  240  (not shown), wherein hinges  240  are any suitable door hinges known within the art, so long as hinges  240  are capable of pivotally mounting doors  230 ,  232 ,  234  and  236  to cabinet member  40  to permit the opening and closing of same.  
      Hutch member  240  preferably generally comprises top wall  242 , rear wall  244 , and sidewalls  246  and  248 , wherein top wall  242 , rear wall  244 , and sidewalls  246  and  248  are affixed together by nails, screws, bolts, dowels, adhesive, or the like, to collectively form hutch member  240 . Hutch member  240  preferably possesses open front side  250  and open bottom side  252 , wherein open bottom side  252  is mounted over cutouts  66  of cabinet member  40 ; however, it is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that hutch member  240  could comprise a solid bottom wall (not shown), so long as the bottom wall possesses at least one cutout (not shown) for accommodating cutouts  66  of cabinet member  40 . Furthermore, it is contemplated that hutch member  240  and its component parts could alternatively embody other suitable shapes and/or sizes, so long as hutch member  240  and its component parts are capable of convectively cooling electronic devices stored therein, as more fully described below.  
      Hutch member  240  is preferably formed from wood; however, it is recognized that hutch member  240  could be formed from other alternatively suitable materials, such as, for exemplary purposes only, high density particle board, metal, or other strong, rigid materials. Preferably, hutch member  240  is mounted to cabinet member  40  by wood screws; however, it is contemplated that other alternatively suitable attachment means known within the art could be employed, such as, for exemplary purposes only, a peg and peg hole system, a groove system, brackets, nails, bolts, rivets, dowels, and the like.  
      Preferably, top wall  242  of hutch member  240  is rectangular-shaped and possesses two equally spaced-apart rectangular cutouts  260 . It is contemplated that top wall  242  could possess any number and layout of cutouts  260 , wherein cutouts  260  could embody any suitable size or shape, so long as cutouts  260  permit air to ventilate out from hutch member  240 , as more fully described below. It is further contemplated in an alternate embodiment that top wall  242  could embody other suitable shapes and/or sizes, or that hutch member  240  could lack top wall  242 .  
      Preferably, rear wall  244  of hutch member  240  is rectangular-shaped; however, it is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that rear wall  244  could embody other suitable shapes and/or sizes, or that hutch member  240  could lack rear wall  244 . Preferably disposed and generally centered on rear wall  244  are mounting holes  270 , wherein mounting holes  270  are configured to receive mounting plate  272  (not shown) and mounting screws  274  (not shown). Mounting plate  272  is preferably a plate or bracket for securing a plasma display screen to a wall surface. Mounting screws  274  preferably function to secure a plasma display screen to mounting plate  272 , mounting plate  272  to rear wall  244 , and rear wall  244  to a wall surface.  
      Sidewalls  246  and  248  of hutch member  240  are preferably rectangular-shaped and permit the enclosure and retention of a plasma display screen within hutch member  240 . Front side  250  of hutch member  240  is preferably open to receive and retain a plasma display screen therein, wherein front side  250  preferably possesses door  280 . Door  280  is preferably generally rectangular-shaped and formed from wood; however it is recognized that door  280  could be formed from other suitable materials and could embody other suitable shapes and/or sizes, so long as door  280  functions to enclose and retain a plasma display screen within hutch member  240 . It is further recognized that front side  250  could alternatively possess any number of doors. Preferably, door  280  is pivotally mounted to front side  250  of hutch member  240  by a pair of hinges  282  (not shown). Preferably, hinges  282  are any suitable door hinges known within the art, so long as hinges  282  are capable of pivotally mounting door  280  to hutch member  240  to permit the opening and closing of same.  
      Cutout  284  is preferably disposed and centered on door  280 , wherein the size and shape of cutout  284  preferably depends on the size and shape of the plasma screen to be displayed, and wherein a larger cutout  284  is provided to display a larger plasma screen. In addition, speakers  281 ,  283  and  285  (not shown) are preferably mounted to inner wall  288  (not shown) of door  280 , wherein door  280  preferably possesses cutouts  290 ,  292  and  294  to permit sound generated by speakers  281 ,  283  and  285  to exit hutch member  240 . Preferably, speakers  281 ,  283  and  285  are mounted directly beneath cutouts  290 ,  292  and  294 , respectively, to permit maximum sound quality; however, it is recognized that any number of speakers could be positioned anywhere within hutch member  240 . It is further contemplated in an alternate embodiment that door  280  could possess any number and layout of cutouts wherein the cutouts could embody any suitable shapes/and or sizes so long as the cutouts preferably permit sound generated by speakers  281 ,  283  and  285  to exit hutch member  240 .  
      Preferably, apparatus  10  is an air-ventilated apparatus for the storage and/or display of electronic devices, wherein cool air is convectively moved through apparatus  10  and over the electronic devices stored therein, thereby prolonging the life of the stored electronic devices by reducing/eliminating the occurrence of overheating. More specifically, cool, dense air is preferably convectively drawn into apparatus  10  through lower cutouts  52 , wherein the cool air is preferably convectively drawn over the electronic devices stored within cabinet member  40 . Warm air produced by the stored electronic components is permitted to rise and preferably ventilate out of cabinet member  40  through upper cutouts  66 . Cabinet member  40  also preferably possesses cutout  196  on vertical divider  190  and cutouts  210 ,  212  and  214  on shelf  200  for optimal airflow within cabinet member  40 . Furthermore, cutouts  52  are preferably positioned at the bottom front of cabinet member  40 , and cutouts  66  are preferably positioned at the top rear of cabinet member  40  to maximize airflow over a greater area within cabinet member  40 . Cooler air is also preferably convectively drawn into hutch member  240  through bottom side  252 , wherein cooler air is convectively drawn over the stored electronic devices, and wherein the warmer, lighter air produced by the electronic devices ventilates out of hutch member  240  through cutouts  260 .  
      Now referring to  FIGS. 8-14 , hutch member  300 , in an alternate embodiment, generally comprises top wall  302 , rear wall  304 , sidewalls  306  and  307 , shelves  309 , and valence  311 , wherein top wall  302 , rear wall  304 , sidewalls  306  and  307 , shelves  309  and valence  311  are affixed together by nails, screws, bolts, dowels, adhesive, or the like, to collectively form hutch member  300 . Hutch member  300  is formed from wood and is mounted to cabinet member  40  by wood screws, nails, bolts, dowels, adhesive, or the like.  
      Top wall  302  is generally rectangular-shaped and possesses rounded front corners  310 . Sidewalls  306  and  307  are rectangular-shaped and have rear edges  320  and  330  (not shown), respectively, and outer surfaces  322  and  332 , respectively. Rear wall  304  is rectangular-shaped and comprises top edge  321  (not shown), left edge  330  (not shown) and right edge  340 . Rear edge  320  of sidewall  306  is affixed to rear wall  304 , wherein sidewall  306  is situated approximately 1.5 feet from left edge  330  of rear wall  304 . Rear edge  330  of sidewall  307  is affixed to rear wall  304 , wherein sidewall  307  is situated approximately 1.5 feet from right edge  340  of rear wall  304 .  
      Affixed to outer surfaces  322  and  332  of sidewalls  306  and  307 , respectively, are three equally spaced apart shelves  309 , wherein shelves  309  are triangle-shaped and comprise first edge  350  (not shown) and second edge  360  (not shown), wherein first edge  350  is mounted to rear wall  304 , and wherein second edge  360  is selectively mounted to sidewall  306  or  307 .  
      Rear wall  304  possesses circular cutouts  370  and  372  (not shown), and rectangular cutouts  380  and  382  (not shown), wherein circular cutouts  370  and  372  permit managing of cables and/or wires therethrough, and wherein rectangular cutouts  380  and  382  are provided to receive auxiliary control panels and/or electrical outlets. Cutouts  370  and  372  are positioned proximate to top edge  320  of rear wall  304 , wherein cutout  370  is positioned proximate to sidewall  306 , and wherein cutout  372  is positioned proximate to sidewall  307 . Cutouts  380  and  382  are horizontally aligned and positioned adjacent to sidewall  306 , wherein cutouts  380  and  382  are situated directly above a first lower shelf  309 .  
      Valence  311  is a rectangular-shaped wooden board for concealing a projector screen, light fixtures, and/or other selected electronic devices and equipment. Valence  311  comprises first edge  392 , second edge  394  and third edge  396  (not shown), wherein first edge  392  is affixed to top wall  302 , second edge  394  is affixed to sidewall  306 , and third edge  396  is affixed to sidewall  307 . Rear wall  304  also possesses open section  400 , wherein section  400  is situated below top wall  302  and between sidewalls  306  and  307 , and wherein section  400  provides an area for mounting an electronic whiteboard, a plasma screen, or other selected display screen.  
      In another alternate embodiment, apparatus  10  could embody a single structure having cabinet shelves, cabinet doors, and a means for displaying a display screen; wherein the single unitary structure possesses at least one cutout, at least one middle cutout, and at least one upper cutout for managing cables and convectively cooling stored electronic devices.  
      In yet another alternate embodiment, apparatus  10  could comprise any number of base members  20 , cabinet members  40  and hutch members  240 .  
      In yet another alternate embodiment, any number and layout of cutouts could be disposed on sidewalls  46 ,  48 ,  246  and/or  248 , and/or doors  230 ,  232 ,  234 ,  236 , and/or  280 .  
      In still another alternate embodiment, cabinet member  40  and/or hutch member  240  could be configured to store and display more than one display screen.  
      In still another alternate embodiment, apparatus  10  could possess built-in power outlets, extension cords and/or lights.  
      In yet a further alternate embodiment, apparatus  10  could be configured to stand freely without the assistance of a wall or other support structure.  
      In still a further alternate embodiment, apparatus  10  could be formed from a semi-air-permeable, breatheable material.  
      Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.