Patent Abstract:
An enclosure for a projection television set is provided that includes an upper compartment to house a mirror and a screen, and a lower compartment attached to the upper compartment. The lower compartment preferably includes a front panel, a rear panel, and a plurality of side panels wherein at least two side panels have an attachment region for a bracket of an optical unit. The attachment region may be angled surfaces designed to aim the optical unit toward the mirror of the projection television set. The attachment region may also be angled openings for insertion of first and second ends of the bracket of the optical unit therein, the angled openings configured to aim the optical unit toward the mirror. Alternatively, the attachment region may include a member having an elongate body with a top surface, a bottom surface, a first end, a second end, and a notch extending between the ends along the top surface of the elongate body, wherein the notch engages the bracket of the optical unit. In another embodiment, a bracket for an optical unit of a projection television set is provided that includes first and second ends having a horizontal extension oriented at approximately 90 degrees to a vertical wall. The horizontal extension rests atop an angled top surface of a side panel of a lower compartment of an enclosure of the present invention, while the vertical wall attaches to the side panel, thereby eliminating the need for additional mounting bracket hardware.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to projection television sets, and more particularly to optical unit brackets designed for attachment to projection television sets and projection television set enclosures incorporating the brackets. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Projection television sets are a popular alternative to picture tube television sets, as they provide relatively large viewable screens that cannot be efficiently produced using conventional picture tubes. Projection television sets typically include an enclosure with an optical unit, a mirror, and electronic components for receiving and projecting an image onto a screen assembly mounted on the front of the enclosure. 
     A current, typical projection television set  100  is shown in FIGS. 1A-1C. Turning to FIG. 1A, the components of the projection television set  100  are illustrated. The projection television set  100  has an optical unit  10  that generally includes a set of projection units  20 R,  20 G, and  20 B. Each projection unit projects an image, generally of a single color of light (red, green, or blue), onto the mirror M in the enclosure (not shown), which focuses the image onto an inside surface of the screen S. Each projection unit  20 R,  20 G,  20 B includes a cathode ray tube (CRT)  22 R,  22 G,  22 B, a projection lens assembly  45 R,  45 G,  45 B, and a spacer  28 R,  28 G,  28 B interposed between each respective CRT and projection lens assembly. The projection units  20 R,  20 G,  20 B are mounted to a bracket  50 . The bracket  50  is attached to a pair of enclosure mounting brackets  55   a  and  55   b  that hold the bracket  50  in place within the enclosure (not shown). Attachment elements  57   a ,  57   b , which may be, e.g., screws or some other anchoring elements, secure the bracket  50  to the mounting brackets  55   a ,  55   b.    
     FIG. 1B shows a side cut-away view of a current projection television set  100  having an enclosure  105  to contain the components previously described. The enclosure  105  is typically divided by an internal wall  112  into two compartments, an upper compartment  114  and a lower compartment  116 . The internal wall  112  tightly seals the upper compartment  114  from the lower compartment  116  to protect the inside of the upper compartment  114  from dust and other foreign materials. The optical unit  10  is typically mounted in the lower compartment  116 , while the mirror M and screen S are mounted in the upper compartment  112 . Furthermore, the optical unit  10  typically extends from the lower compartment  116  into the upper compartment through the internal wall  112 . The lower compartment  116  generally includes one or more sets of ventilation holes  118  to exhaust heat radiating from the optical unit  10  and any other components, such as, e.g., printed wiring boards (not shown) that may be located in the lower compartment  116 . 
     To properly function, the projection units  20 R,  20 G,  20 B of the optical unit  10  must be aimed at the mirror M along a predetermined, optimal angle. Consequently, mounting bracket  55  is configured to hold the bracket  50  in place within the enclosure  105  at a predetermined angle. The enclosure mounting brackets  55   a  and  55   b  hold the bracket  50  at an angular orientation substantially equal to the optimal angle of operation of the projection units  20 R,  20 G,  20 B, thereby enabling the proper functioning of the projection units  20 R,  20 G,  20 B. FIG. 1C is a top view of the enclosure  105  taken along line  1 C in FIG.  1 B. FIG. 1C illustrates the attachment of the mounting brackets  55   a ,  55   b  to the enclosure  105 , and the attachment of the bracket  50  to the mounting brackets  55   a ,  55   b . Attachment elements  59   a ,  59   b  are used to attach the mounting brackets  55   a ,  55   b  to the enclosure  105 , and attachment elements  57   a ,  57   b  are used to attach the bracket  50  to the mounting brackets  55   a ,  55   b.    
     The existing techniques for mounting the optical units of projection television sets have their disadvantages. The requirement for enclosure mounting brackets to secure a bracket to an enclosure results in an increase in the complexity of producing projection television sets. For example, construction, assembly, and attachment of the optic units to the bracket and further to the enclosure mounting brackets tends to be cumbersome and, thus, labor intensive. In addition, as previously discussed, the enclosure mounting brackets must be set at the proper angle in each individual projection television set in order to ensure that the optical units are aimed in the proper direction. The need to ensure that the enclosure mounting brackets are attached to each individual enclosure at the proper angle introduces variables, such as tolerance stacking, into the production of each individual set. As a result, the possibility of a defectively produced projection television set due to an improperly attached enclosure mounting bracket is increased. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide for a more efficient and reliable means for properly mounting the optical units to the enclosures, and apparatuses for accomplishing those means. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to an improved projection television set enclosure that includes side panels and an optical unit bracket attached to the side panels without the need for the enclosure mounting brackets currently utilized by those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, a projection television set is provided that comprises an enclosure, a screen, a mirror, and an optical unit that includes a plurality of projection assemblies and an optical unit bracket. The enclosure includes an upper compartment to house the screen and mirror. The enclosure also includes a lower compartment, attached to the upper compartment, that has a front panel, a rear panel, and a plurality of side panels. At least two of the side panels of the lower compartment each have an angled top surface to which the optical unit bracket is attached. The optical unit bracket may be attached to the side panels using attachment elements, such as, e.g., screws and the like. Preferably, the angled top surface of each side panel is oriented to point the optical unit at the mirror along a predetermined angle when the optical unit bracket is affixed to the angled top surface. 
     The optical unit bracket of this embodiment of the present invention includes a first end and a second end, each end having a horizontal extension and a vertical wall adjacent the horizontal extension. The horizontal extension is placed on top of the angled top surface of a side panel and the vertical wall is placed adjacent the side wall. Preferably, the horizontal extension and the vertical wall are located at an approximately ninety degree angle relative to each other. The vertical wall may also include a plurality of openings through which attachment elements are inserted to affix the bracket to the side wall. 
     In another embodiment, a projection television set is provided that includes a screen, a mirror, an enclosure, and an optical unit comprising a plurality of projection assemblies and an optical unit bracket. The enclosure includes an upper compartment to house the mirror and screen, and a lower compartment attached to the upper compartment. The lower compartment includes a front panel, a rear panel, and a plurality of side panels. At least two of the side panels of the lower compartment have angled openings through which the optical unit bracket is inserted and secured. The openings are angled to aim the optical unit towards the mirror along a predetermined angle. Preferably, the optical unit bracket has a first end and a second end, with each end being substantially the same size and shape as an angled opening on a side panel such that, once inserted into the openings, the optical unit bracket is fixed to the side panels. Additionally, an adhesive may be placed around the circumference of the first and second ends of the optical unit bracket to further ensure that the optical unit bracket is secured to the side panels. 
     In another embodiment, rather than having either angled openings or angled top surfaces, the side panels of the lower compartment of an enclosure of the present invention have a bracket mounting member attached thereto. The bracket mounting member preferably includes an elongate body with a top surface, a bottom surface, and first and second ends. The bracket mounting member also preferably includes a notch extending between the first and second ends and along the top surface of its elongate body. The notch of the bracket mounting member receives and engages a detent that is located on the underside of one embodiment of the optical unit bracket. In this embodiment, the optical unit bracket includes detents on its first and second ends, on the underside of the bracket, extending along the width of the bracket. 
     Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from consideration of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1A illustrates a schematic representation of the components of a current, typical projection television set. 
     FIG. 1B is a side view of a current, typical projection television set showing an enclosure of the set with the components therein. 
     FIG. 1C is a top view of a cut-away of the projection television set illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B showing the attachment of an optical unit to the enclosure using mounting brackets. 
     FIG. 2A is an illustration of an embodiment of the present invention showing a bracket attached directly to a lower compartment, having angled top surfaces, of a projection television set enclosure. 
     FIG. 2B is an exploded view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.  2 A. 
     FIG. 3 is illustration of an embodiment of the present invention showing an enclosure having a lower compartment with angled top surfaces and a bracket attached directly to the angled top surfaces. 
     FIG. 4 is an illustration of a bracket configured for direct attachment to a lower compartment, having angled top surfaces, of an enclosure. 
     FIG. 5A is an illustration of an embodiment of the present invention showing a lower compartment of an enclosure wherein the lower compartment has an opening on each side panel for insertion and attachment of an optical unit thereto. 
     FIG. 5B is an illustration of the lower compartment of an enclosure shown in FIG. 5A having a bracket of an optical unit affixed to each opening on each side panel. 
     FIG. 5C is a side view of the lower compartment shown in FIG.  5 A. 
     FIG. 6 is an enclosure that incorporates the lower compartment shown in FIG.  5 A. 
     FIG. 7 is a bracket of an optical unit configured for attachment to the openings of the side panels of the lower compartment shown in FIG.  5 A. 
     FIG. 8A is an end view of another lower compartment of an enclosure of the present invention having bracket mounting members located on each side panel of the lower compartment to fixedly engage a bracket of an optical unit. 
     FIG. 8B is an end view of the lower compartment shown in FIG. 8A having a bracket fixedly engaged to the bracket mounting members of the side panels of the lower compartment. 
     FIG. 9A is an end view of a bracket having detents configured for engaging the bracket mounting members of the side panels of the lower compartment shown in FIG.  8 A. 
     FIG. 9B is a view of the underside of a bracket having detents for engaging the bracket mounting members of the side panels of the lower compartment shown in FIG.  8 A. 
     FIG. 10 is a top view of a bracket mounting member of the side panels of the lower compartment shown in FIG. 8A, illustrating a notch on the bracket mounting member configured to receive and engage the detents of the bracket illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B. 
     FIG. 11 is a side view of an enclosure of the present invention that incorporates the lower compartment shown in FIG.  8 A. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Turning to FIG. 2A, a lower compartment  216  of an enclosure  205  of a projection television set  200  of the present invention is illustrated. The lower compartment  216  has a front panel (not shown), a rear panel (not shown), and a plurality of side panels  230   a ,  230   b . Panels  232   a ,  232   b  attach to the side panels  230   a ,  230   b  to form inner walls separating the space within the lower compartment  216  from the space within the upper compartment  214  (see FIG. 3) of the enclosure  205 . In the illustrated embodiment, panel  232   a  is disposed between the front panel (not shown) and optical unit bracket  250  while panel  232   b  is disposed between the rear panel (not shown) and bracket  250 . The side panels  230   a ,  230   b  each include an angled top surface  235   a ,  235   b  respectively. 
     Optical unit bracket  250  is directly attachable to the side panels  230   a ,  230   b  and to the angled top surfaces  235   a ,  235   b  of side panels  230   a ,  230   b . Optical unit bracket  250  forms part of an optical unit  210  that further includes a plurality of projection units  220 . Each projection unit  220  includes a cathode ray tube (CRT)  222 , a projection lens  245 , and a spacer  228  mounted between each CRT  222  and projection lens  245 . The optical unit  210  is attached to the optical unit bracket  250 . Once the optical unit bracket  250  is attached to the side panels  230   a ,  230   b  and the angled top surfaces  235   a ,  235   b  of the side panels  230   a ,  230   b , the optical unit  210  is secured in a fixed, angled position. Preferably, the angle in which the optical unit  210  is fixed corresponds to an angle that optimizes the operation of the optical unit  210 . For example, the angle is preferably one that allows the optical unit  210  to accurately and efficiently project light onto a mirror M (FIG. 3) located within the upper compartment  214  (FIG. 3) of the enclosure  205  (FIG.  3 ). The presence of the angled top surfaces  235   a ,  235   b  on the side panels  230   a ,  230   b  eliminates the need for additional mounting bracket hardware to maintain the optical unit  210  in an optimally angled position, unlike conventional enclosures such as the enclosure  105  illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 1C. 
     FIG. 2B illustrates an exploded view of lower compartment  216 . As seen in FIG. 2B, a plurality of attachment elements  252  may be used to secure the optical unit bracket  250  of the optical unit  210  directly to the side panels  230   a ,  230   b . The attachment elements  252  may be screws, nails, or the like. Although the illustrated embodiment utilizes two attachment elements  252  to attach each side of the optical unit bracket  250  to the side panels  230   a ,  230   b , any number of attachment elements  252  may be used to secure the optical unit bracket  250  to the side panels  230   a ,  230   b . Alternatively, the optical unit bracket  250  is attached to the side panels  230   a ,  230   b , and to the angled top surfaces  235   a ,  235   b  of the side panels  230   a ,  230   b , using an adhesive. 
     FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of an enclosure  205  of a projection television set  200  of the present invention. Lower compartment  216  is shown with the optical unit  210  attached thereto. An upper compartment  214  is attached to the top surface of the lower compartment  216  to form the enclosure  205 . Housed within the upper compartment  214  is a mirror M and a screen S. As previously discussed, the optical unit bracket  250  of the optical unit  210  is fixedly secured to the side panels  230   a ,  230   b  (identified collectively as side panel  230  in FIG. 3) of the lower compartment  216  using a suitable attachment means, such as, e.g., attachment elements  252 . When attached to the side panels  230   a ,  230   b  having angled top surfaces  235   a ,  235   b , the optical unit bracket  250  is fixed in an angled position that enables the optical unit  210  to project light onto the mirror M. Preferably, the angled top surfaces  235   a ,  235   b  form an angle that enables the optical unit  210 , once the optical unit bracket  250  is fixed to the side panels  230   a ,  230   b , to optimally and efficiently project light onto the mirror M. 
     Turning to FIG. 4, optical unit bracket  250  of optical unit  210  is illustrated. Optical unit bracket  250  is adapted for use with enclosure  205  in that optical unit bracket  250  includes horizontal side extensions  256   a ,  256   b  and vertical side walls  258   a ,  258   b  that are configured to allow for the attachment of the optical unit bracket  250  to the side panels  230   a ,  230   b  without requiring additional mounting bracket hardware. The horizontal side extensions  256   a ,  256   b  and the vertical side walls  258   a ,  258   b  are located at the first and second end of the optical unit bracket  250 . Each horizontal side extension  256   a ,  256   b  is preferably oriented at approximately a 90 degree angle to vertical side wall  258   a ,  258   b  respectively. When attached to side panels  230   a ,  230   b , the horizontal side extensions  256   a ,  256   b  are placed on top of the angled top surfaces  235   a ,  235   b . Placement of the horizontal side extensions  256   a ,  256   b  atop the angled top surfaces  235   a ,  235   b  allows the optical unit bracket  250  to be supported by the side panels  230   a ,  230   b  without requiring additional mounting brackets. The weight of the optical unit bracket  250  forces the horizontal side extensions  256   a ,  256   b  to press against the angled top surfaces  235   a ,  235   b , thereby contributing to the secure attachment of the optical unit bracket  250  to the side panels  230   a ,  230   b . The vertical side walls  258   a ,  258   b , in turn, are securably attached to the side panels  230   a ,  230   b  using a suitable attachment element, such as a screw, a nail, or the like. As seen in FIG. 4, a plurality of attachment openings  254  are provided on each vertical side wall  258   a ,  258   b  to allow for an attachment element to be inserted therethrough to facilitate the attachment of optical unit bracket  250  to the side panels  230   a ,  230   b . Additionally, a plurality of projection openings  260  are provided to which the projection units  220  are attached to the bracket  250 . The projection openings  260  allow light to be projected from the projection units  220  through the optical unit bracket  250  and subsequently to mirror M. 
     FIG. 5A illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. Shown in FIG. 5A is a lower compartment  316  of a projection television enclosure  305  (FIG.  6 ). The lower compartment  316  includes a front panel  302 , a rear panel  304 , and a plurality of side panels  330   a ,  330   b . Two side panels  330   a ,  330   b  are illustrated, but the lower compartment  316  may include additional side panels in order to form, in conjunction with the upper compartment  314  (FIG. 6) an enclosure that is shaped other than as a rectangle or a square, such as, e.g., a trapezoidal enclosure, an irregularly shaped enclosure, or the like. The side panels  330   a ,  330   b  include openings  340   a ,  340   b , respectively. An optical unit bracket  350  of an optical unit  310  (FIG. 6) is inserted within openings  340   a  and  340   b.    
     Turning to FIG. 5A, the lower compartment  316  is illustrated with an optical unit bracket  350  of an optical unit  310  (FIG. 6) secured within openings  340   a ,  340   b  of side panels  330   a ,  330   b . Preferably, openings  340   a ,  340   b  are angled such that when optical unit  310  is secured therein, optical unit  310  is oriented to optimally project light onto a mirror M (FIG. 6) located in the upper compartment  314  (FIG.  6 ). Further, openings  340   a ,  340   b  preferably conform to the size of optical unit bracket  350  such that when the optical unit bracket  350  is inserted through the openings  340   a ,  340   b  a secure fit is formed between the optical unit bracket  350  and the openings  340   a ,  340   b . For example, the first end  355   a  and the second end  355   b  (FIG. 7) of optical unit bracket  350  and the openings  340   a ,  340   b  are preferably substantially the same size and shape. Additionally, an adhesive may be used ensure that the optical unit bracket  350  is fixed to the openings  340   a ,  340   b  of side panels  330   a ,  330   b . For example, an adhesive may be applied around the circumference of the first end  355   a  and the second end  355   b  (FIG. 7) of the optical unit bracket  350  prior to insertion of the optical unit bracket  350  into the openings  340   a ,  340   b . The optical unit bracket  350  is then inserted into openings  340   a ,  340   b  and is fixed thereto by the combination of the adhesive and the conformance of the openings  340   a ,  340   b  to the size of optical unit bracket  350 , and more specifically to the first end  355   a  and the second end  355   b  of the optical unit bracket  350 . Accordingly, the need for additional, separate mounting bracket hardware, such as, e.g., in the enclosure  105  illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 1C, is eliminated since the optical unit bracket  350  is secured directly to the side panels  330   a ,  330   b  of the lower compartment  316 . Also, another advantage of lower compartment  316  is that the top surface of the lower compartment  316  is substantially level. As a consequence, lower compartment  316  is stackable, which provides benefits during the manufacture of enclosure  305 . For example, the ability to stack lower compartment  316  allows a greater number of lower compartments to be stored within a warehouse or manufacturing facility pending attachment of those lower compartments to upper compartments to form enclosures. 
     FIG. 5B illustrates lower compartment  316  with the optical unit bracket  350  secured to the side panels  330   a ,  330   b . Additionally, a panel  312   a  is disposed between front panel  302  and optical unit bracket  350  and panel  312   b  (FIG. 6) is disposed between rear panel  304  and bracket  350 . Together, panels  312   a  and  312   b  form inner walls separating the space within the lower compartment  316  from the space within the upper compartment  314  (FIG. 6) of the enclosure  305 . FIG. 5C is a side view of lower compartment  316  showing panels  312   a  and  312   b  disposed therein. Additionally, a side panel  330  (which corresponds to side panels  330   a  and  330   b ) having an opening  340  (which corresponds to openings  340   a  and  340   b ) for insertion of optical unit bracket  350  is illustrated. 
     FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of enclosure  305  of a projection television set  300  that includes lower compartment  316  and upper compartment  314 . Upper compartment  314  houses a mirror M and a screen S. Lower compartment  316  is illustrated with optical unit  310  attached thereto. Optical unit  310  includes a plurality of projection units  320  and an optical unit bracket  350 . Each projection unit  320  includes a cathode ray tube (CRT)  322 , a projection lens  345 , and a spacer  328  mounted between each CRT  322  and projection lens  345 . The optical unit  310  is attached to the optical unit bracket  350 . As previously discussed, the optical unit bracket  350  is inserted into openings  340   a  and  340   b  of side panels  330   a  and  330   b  (both identified as opening  340  of side panel  330  in FIG.  6 ). The optical unit bracket  350  is maintained within openings  340   a ,  340   b  since the size of openings  340   a ,  340   b  preferably conform substantially to the size of first end  355   a  and the second end  355   b  (FIG. 7) of the optical unit bracket  350 . Additionally, an adhesive may be applied around the circumference of the first end  355   a  and the second end  355   b  in order to further fix the optical unit bracket  350  to side panels  330   a ,  330   b . Also illustrated in FIG. 6 are panels  312   a  and panel  312   b  that form inner walls between the space within the upper compartment  314  and the lower compartment  316 . 
     FIG. 7 illustrates an optical unit bracket  350  that is suitable for use with lower compartment  316 . Specifically, optical unit bracket  350  includes a first end  355   a  and a second end  355   b . First end  355   a  and second end  355   b  are substantially the same size and shape as openings  340   a  and  340   b  on side panels  330   a  and  330   b . When inserted into openings  340   a ,  340   b , the first end  355   a  and the second end  355   b  form a tight fit within openings  340   a ,  340   b , thereby securing optical unit bracket  350  within side panels  330   a ,  330   b . Further, as previously discussed, an adhesive may be applied around the circumference of first end  355   a  and second end  355   b  to further ensure that the optical unit bracket  350  is fixedly secured within openings  340   a ,  340   b  of side panels  330   a ,  330   b . Optical unit bracket  350  also includes a plurality of projection openings  360  where the projection units  320  are attached to the optical unit bracket  350 . The projection openings  360  allow light to be projected from the projection units  320  through the optical unit bracket  350  and subsequently onto mirror M. 
     Turning now to FIG. 8A, another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Lower compartment  416  includes a front panel  402 , a rear panel (not shown), and a plurality of side panels  430   a ,  430   b . The lower compartment  416  together with an upper compartment  414  (FIG. 11) forms an enclosure  405  (FIG.  11 ). As illustrated, lower compartment  416  includes two side panels  430   a ,  430   b . It should be recognized, however, that lower compartment  416  may include a greater number of side panels if the desired shape of the enclosure is a shape other than a square or rectangle. 
     Located on each side panel  430   a ,  430   b  is a bracket mounting member  470   a ,  470   b . The bracket mounting member  470   a ,  470   b  is oriented at a downward angle, i.e., the end of each bracket mounting member  470   a ,  470   b  facing the rear panel (not shown) is disposed at a lower position on the side panel  430   a ,  430   b  than the end of each bracket mounting member  470   a ,  470   b  that faces the front panel  402 . As seen in FIG. 10, each bracket mounting member  470  (bracket mounting members  470   a  and  470   b  are collectively identified in FIG. 10 as  470 ; further references to a bracket mounting member  470  are intended to encompass both bracket mounting members  470   a  and  470   b  as such discussion will generally be applicable to both) includes a notch  475  that extends lengthwise along the bracket mounting member  470 . The notch  475  accepts and engages detents  455   a ,  455   b  located distally and on the underside of an optical unit bracket  450  of an optical unit  410  (FIG.  1 ). 
     FIG. 9A shows an end view of an optical unit bracket  450  having detents  455   a ,  455   b  designed for placement into the notch  475  on bracket mounting members  470   a ,  470   b  respectively. FIG. 9B shows an underside view of the optical unit bracket  450 . As seen in FIG. 9B, detents  455   a ,  455   b  extend along the width of the optical unit bracket  450 . Projection openings  460  to which the projection assemblies  420  are attached are also illustrated. Turning back to FIG. 10, the notch  475  on each bracket mounting member  470  is approximately equal in length to the detents  455   a ,  455   b  that extend along the optical unit bracket  450 . Consequently, when the optical unit bracket  450  is placed on the bracket mounting member  470 , and specifically when detents  455   a ,  455   b  are placed within the notch  475  on bracket mounting members  470   a ,  470   b , the optical unit bracket  450  is fixedly engaged by the bracket mounting members  470   a ,  470   b  without the need for attachment elements such as screws, nails, or the like. To further affix the optical unit bracket  450  to the bracket mounting members  470   a ,  470   b , an adhesive may be placed within the notch  475  of each bracket mounting member  470   a ,  470   b  prior to the placement of the detents  455   a ,  455   b  of the optical unit bracket  450  within the notch  475  of each bracket mounting member  470   a ,  470   b.    
     Turning to FIG. 8B, FIG. 8B illustrates an optical unit bracket  450  fixedly engaged to bracket mounting members  470   a ,  470   b  and, therefore, attached to side panels  430   a ,  430   b  of lower compartment  416 . As previously discussed, bracket mounting members  470   a ,  470   b  are attached to side panels  430   a ,  430   b  at a downward angle, i.e., the end of the bracket mounting members  470   a ,  470   b  facing the front panel  402  is higher relative to the end of the bracket mounting members  470   a ,  470   b  facing the rear panel (not shown). Consequently, when fixed or engaged to bracket mounting members  470   a ,  470   b , optical unit bracket  450  is likewise oriented at a downward angle when viewed from the front panel  402  to the rear panel (not shown). Furthermore, the angle at which the bracket mounting members  470   a ,  470   b , and the optical unit bracket  450 , is oriented is substantially equivalent to an angle that optimizes the projection of light from the projection units  420  (FIG. 11) of the optical unit  410 . For example, the optical unit bracket  450  is preferably aimed at the mirror M when it is engaged to the bracket mounting members  470   a ,  470   b.    
     The bracket mounting members  470   a ,  470   b  may be constructed of injection molded plastic, vacuum formed plastic, particle board, other wood-based materials, or the like. In one embodiment, the bracket mounting members  470   a ,  470   b  are affixed to the side panels  430   a ,  430   b  after the side panels  430   a ,  430   b  are initially formed. For this embodiment, the bracket mounting members  470   a ,  470   b  may be secured to the side panels  430   a ,  430   b  using an adhesive, screws, nails, or the like. In another embodiment, the bracket mounting members  470   a ,  470   b  form a unitary part of the side panels  430   a ,  430   b . For example, when the side panels  430   a ,  430   b  are formed of injected molded plastic or vacuum formed plastic, the side panels  430   a ,  430   b  may be formed having bracket mounting members  470   a ,  470   b . With this embodiment, the step of separately attaching bracket mounting members  470   a ,  470   b  to side panels  430   a ,  430   b  after the initial formation of side panels  430   a ,  430   b  is eliminated. 
     FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of an enclosure  405  for a projection television set  400  that includes upper compartment  414  and lower compartment  416 . As with the previously discussed embodiments of projection television set enclosures, the upper compartment  414  of enclosure  405  houses a mirror M and a screen S. Lower compartment  416  is shown with optical unit  410  attached thereto. Optical unit  410  includes a plurality of projection units  420  and bracket  450 . Each projection unit  420  includes a cathode ray tube (CRT)  422 , a projection lens  445 , and a spacer  428  mounted between each CRT  422  and projection lens  445 . The optical unit  410  is attached to optical unit bracket  450 . As previously discussed, optical unit bracket  450  is fixedly engaged to bracket mounting members  460   a ,  460   b  of side panels  430   a ,  430   b  (both identified as bracket mounting member  460  of side panel  430  in FIG.  11 ). Once engaged to the bracket mounting members  460   a ,  460   b , the optical unit bracket  450 , and therefore the optical unit  410 , is angled to optimally project light onto mirror M. Also illustrated in FIG. 1I are panels  412   a  and panel  412   b  that form inner walls between the spaces within upper compartment  414  and lower compartment  416 . Panel  412   a  is located between optical unit bracket  450  and front panel  402  whereas panel  412   b  is disposed between optical unit bracket  450  and rear panel  404 . 
     The particular examples set forth herein are instructional and should not be interpreted as limitations on the applications to which those of ordinary skill are able to apply this device. Modifications and other uses are available to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention as defined by the scope of the following claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 7