Patent Document

RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/519,270, filed Mar. 7, 2000. The contents of this document is incorporated by reference as if recited in full herein. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The invention relates to exhaust systems for computers, and particularly to exhaust systems for personal computers.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Conventionally, computers have used exhaust fans to exhaust hot air from the computer casing to cool electronic equipment held therein. Typically, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,559,673 to Gagnon et al., one or more exhaust fans are positioned on the rear of the computer housing or casing and hidden from main viewing surfaces.  
           [0004]    Many computer gaming enthusiasts are searching for improved ways to cool their computer systems to obtain improved performance and/or graphic capability compared to conventional systems. Improved cooling can be particularly helpful for computer systems employing increased numbers of heat generating components such as faster operating microprocessor chips, more electronic powered devices, and/or multiple graphics cards. The increased graphic capability is desirable for many gaming enthusiasts in order to provide more realistic play, and/or improved PC gaming platform performance.  
           [0005]    In operation, computer systems with advanced operating protocols and components and improved cooling can improve the response time or speed of the system. Unfortunately, by employing a larger number of powered electronic equipment within the computer casing and/or by configuring the computer system with faster operating systems, the computer system within the housing can build up heat during operation and potentially, and undesirably, overheat, thereby causing the system to crash.  
           [0006]    In addition, such exhaust systems are conventionally hidden from view (positioned on a rear surface of the housing) or otherwise de-emphasized so as to blend in with the computer housing.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to configure computers with power exhaust systems to vent heat therefrom to reduce the likelihood that the computer system performance will be negatively affected by overheating during operation.  
           [0008]    It is another object of the present invention to emphasize visually the performance or power capability of the computer by configuring a power exhaust system in a visually dominant manner which is visible during use.  
           [0009]    These and other objects of the invention are provided by a top-mounted (or side mounted adjacent the top) visually dominant power exhaust stack. Preferably, the power exhaust stack is in fluid communication with an exhaust fan to vent hot air from the top of the computer.  
           [0010]    A first aspect of the invention is a computer with a power exhaust stack. The computer includes a computer housing with at least one upstanding wall (and typically four upstanding walls) and a ceiling attached to and overlying the at least one upstanding wall to define an enclosure. The computer also includes at least one power exhaust stack extending upwardly from the housing ceiling. The power exhaust stack comprises a tubular section with an airflow channel therein and opposing first and second end portions. The power exhaust stack tubular section has a profile when viewed from the side which rises a distance up from the ceiling and arcuately turns to direct the air flow channel (and second end portion) toward the rear of the computer. The computer includes a plurality of air vents disposed in at least one of the at least one upstanding walls and an exhaust fan mounted proximate to said ceiling in fluid communication with the power exhaust stack first end portion. During operation of a computer subsiding within the computer housing, the exhaust fan directs air out from the computer housing (i.e., above and away from the enclosure) through the power exhaust stack.  
           [0011]    In a preferred embodiment, the power exhaust stack has a reflective external surface, or is formed of or coated with chrome or a chrome-like material, to provide an external surface which has the appearance of chrome, while the computer housing is red.  
           [0012]    The invention can, alternatively, be directed to an aesthetic configuration to provide a computer housing with a visually dominant top-mounted exhaust stack (but not requiring the use of an upwardly mounted proximate exhaust fan). The computer housing includes a computer housing with at least one upstanding wall (and typically four upstanding walls) and a ceiling overlying the at least one upstanding wall to define an enclosure. The housing also includes at least one power exhaust stack extending upwardly from the housing ceiling. The power exhaust stack comprises a tubular section with at least one airflow channel therein and opposing first and second end portions. The power exhaust stack tubular section has a profile when viewed from the side which generally vertically rises a distance up from the ceiling and then arcuately turns to direct the air flow channel toward the rear of the computer housing.  
           [0013]    A second aspect of the invention is a power exhaust modification kit for a computer. The power exhaust modification kit for a computer comprises an upwardly extending power exhaust stack with a tubular section comprising at least one air flow channel and opposing first and second end portions. The power exhaust stack tubular section has a profile when viewed from the side such that it generally vertically rises a distance up at the first end portion and then arcuately turns to direct the air flow channel toward the rear of the computer casing at the second end portion. The kit also includes a template configured to overlay at least a portion of the top of the computer casing. The template has visual indicia representing an opening sized and configured to correspond with the power exhaust stack first end portion for allowing a user to identify a desired location (and/or the desired size opening or shape of the opening) for an opening in the top of the computer. The kit also includes an exhaust fan sized and configured to assemble to the computer such that it is mounted proximate to the top of the computer adjacent the desired location. In position, the exhaust fan is operably associated with the power exhaust stack to direct air from the computer casing during operation.  
           [0014]    In a preferred embodiment, the kit can include a second template configured to overlay at least one side of the computer, the second template has visual indicia representing at least one air vent aperture corresponding to air vent inlet openings for allowing a user to identify a desired location (and/or draw a desired opening shape) on the bottom portion of the side walls of the computer for the air vent aperture(s). The kit can also include grommets and filters to be positioned proximate to the air vent inlets.  
           [0015]    Another aspect of the present invention is a computer housing with an alternate embodiment of a power exhaust stack. Similar to those described above, the computer housing includes at least one, and typically, four, upstanding side walls and a ceiling overlying the at least one (and typically, four) upstanding side walls. The computer also includes at least one power exhaust stack having a tubular section extending upwardly from the housing ceiling. The power exhaust stack tubular section comprises at least one airflow channel therein and opposing first and second end portions. The power exhaust stack tubular section has a profile which generally vertically rises a distance up from the ceiling and directs the airflow channel upwardly out (above and away) from the computer. The computer housing also includes at least one air vent disposed in at least one of the (four) upstanding walls and an exhaust fan mounted proximate to the ceiling in fluid communication with the power exhaust stack first end portion. During operation, the exhaust fan directs air out (above and away) from the computer housing through the power exhaust stack.  
           [0016]    The second end portion of the tubular member can be either substantially horizontal or inclined. The computer housing can also include a lid pivotably connected to the end of the power exhaust stack second portion. The lid can be biased to open with relatively low air pressure exhausting from the computer. The lid can be a light weight component extending over the air flow channel. Alternatively, a stationary cap can be used such that it is fixedly attached to the second end portion of the stack but spatially separated a distance therefrom to provide an exit flow path therebetween.  
           [0017]    Another aspect of the present invention is a computer housing with another embodiment of a top mounted exhaust stack. As above, the computer housing has at least one and typically four upstanding walls and a ceiling overlying the four upstanding walls to define an enclosure. The four upstanding walls include a front wall, a rear wall, and first and second opposing side walls. The computer housing includes an exhaust stack with an air foil section which extends upwardly from the housing ceiling. The exhaust stack airfoil section comprises at least one airflow channel and opposing first and second end portions. The first end portion is configured to overlie the ceiling adjacent the front wall. The power exhaust stack airfoil section has a profile which rises at the first end portion and then generally horizontally extends toward the rear wall to direct the airflow channel upwardly out and away from the computer housing and outward to exit in a direction which extends toward the rear of the computer housing. The computer housing also includes at least one air vent (preferably a plurality) disposed in at least one of the four upstanding walls and at least one exhaust fan (preferably a plurality) mounted proximate to the ceiling in fluid communication with the exhaust stack. During operation, the exhaust fan directs air out from the computer housing through the ceiling and into the exhaust stack so that air vents away and above from the housing.  
           [0018]    Yet another aspect of the invention is directed to another embodiment of a power exhaust stack. In this embodiment, the power exhaust stack is mounted to a upper forward side-portion of the computer casing. The power exhaust stack is configured to resemble intake or exhaust or header pipe configurations. More particularly, as above, the computer housing includes at least one, and typically, four, upstanding side walls and a ceiling overlying the at least one, and typically, four, upstanding side walls (to define an enclosure). For four side wall configurations, the walls include a front wall, a rear wall, and two opposing side walls. At least one power exhaust stack is mounted to an upper forward portion of at least one of the side walls and the power exhaust stack extends outwardly the respective housing side wall. The power exhaust stack comprises at least one tubular member with an external surface and at least one airflow channel therein. The at least one tubular member has opposing first and second end portions. The power exhaust stack tubular member has a profile when viewed from above which extends outwardly from a forward portion of the side wall on which it is mounted and turns to extend generally horizontally alongside the respective side wall to direct the air flow channel such that the air exits out from said computer housing at a rearward portion of the side wall toward the rear of the computer (above and away from the housing). The computer housing also includes at least one air vent disposed in at least one of the upstanding walls and an exhaust fan mounted proximate to the ceiling in fluid communication with the power exhaust stack tubular member first end portion. During operation, the exhaust fan directs air out from the computer housing through the airflow channel in the power exhaust stack. The power exhaust stack at least one tubular member can be one or a bundle of tubular members, having the same or different lengths.  
           [0019]    Accordingly, the present invention can provide a visually distinctive top-mounted (or upper side mounted) exhaust stack (i.e., a power exhaust stack) in a number of configurations, preferably to provide one or more of an aesthetic visually dominant appearance and/or to provide a power exhaust system which forces air out of the top of a personal computer housing. The power exhaust system can operate as a supplemental exhaust system (“piggy-backing” onto existing or conventional rear mounted fans) or as the primary exhaust system. The power exhaust system can be provided by an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) or as an add-on or modification to the computer in an after market kit.  
           [0020]    In operation, the power exhaust stack is preferably in fluid communication with a cooling fan inserted into the top of the housing. The fan and power exhaust stack (i.e., power exhaust system) can reduce the likelihood that the computer will overheat by circulating ambient air from the bottom portion of the computer housing upwardly to emit the heated air out the top of the computer casing. The power exhaust can operate with any number of exhaust fan sizes, but preferably operates with fans having an output of about 50-70 cubic feet per minute. For power exhaust systems employing multiple top mounted fans, then smaller sized units can be employed, such as about 20-40 cfm units. Preferably, the power exhaust system can maintain the temperature inside the housing at about 90 degrees Fahrenheit even with a computer configured as a “tower style” computer with a two-tier shelf which is substantially loaded. Preferably, in keeping with the automotive theme, the power exhaust stack is configured with a chrome or chrome-like external surface.  
           [0021]    Aesthetically, in order to make this power exhaust PC system bear a distinctive visually dominant custom appearance (to visually emphasize the power of the device itself), the invention preferably configures the power exhaust as a diesel type tubular chrome exhaust stack with an upwardly-extending, slightly arcuate profile which is preferably configured to direct the air exhaust flow toward the rear of the computer housing (directing the heated exhaust air above and away from the housing). Of course, as noted above, other automotive themed configurations can also be employed. Further, the housing itself may be provided in a color selected to additionally emphasize the “power” associated with the power exhaust system (preferably the color is associated with “souped-up” automotive (hot rod) products, such as candy apple red). 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0022]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain principles of the invention.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 1 is a front view of a computer with a power exhaust stack according to the present invention.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 2 is a side view of the computer with a power exhaust stack shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 3 is a rear view of the computer with a power exhaust stack shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial cutaway view of the computer with a power exhaust stack shown in FIG. 1, illustrating an exhaust fan mounted to the top of the computer in fluid communication with the power exhaust stack.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 5A is an exploded view of one embodiment of a computer with a power exhaust stack according to the present invention.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 5B is a side cutaway view of a computer housing illustrating air-flow in a two-tier tower style computer housing according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0029]    FIGS.  5 C- 5 E are side views of assembly sequences for one embodiment of a top mounted power exhaust stack and exhaust fan (such as is shown assembled in FIGS.  1 - 3 ) according to the present invention.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 6 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of a computer with power exhaust stack according to the present invention.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 7A is a side view of the computer with a power exhaust stack similar to that shown in FIG. 6, with a different end-configuration and with a “rain” cap pivotably mounted thereto.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 7B is a partial view of the power exhaust stack shown in FIG. 7A having a stationary cap attached thereto.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 8 is a side view of yet another embodiment of a computer with two-power exhaust stacks according to the present invention.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 9A is a side view of an additional embodiment of a computer with a power exhaust stack in an airfoil configuration according to the present invention.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 9B is a partial cutaway of the computer and power exhaust stack shown in FIG. 9A, illustrating a plurality of fans mounted to at least partially extending (oriented at an angle above the horizontal axis) across the air flow channel at spaced apart intervals located along the length of the power exhaust stack according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 9C is a front view of a power exhaust stack similar to that shown in FIG. 9A, illustrating that the airfoil configuration can be configured as a replacement ceiling, as an alternative to mounting onto a ceiling.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 10 is a partial side view of another embodiment of the present invention similar to that shown in FIG. 9A. As shown, the power exhaust stack can extend over the entire length of the computer casing (designated as L 2 ) or can be truncated short of the entire length (designated as L 1 ) and can include one or more exhaust fans horizontally mounted.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 11A is a front view of yet an additional embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a computer with an upper side-mounted power exhaust stack.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 11B is a side view of the computer and power exhaust stack shown in FIG. 11A.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 11C is a perspective view of the computer and power exhaust stack shown in FIG. 11A.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 11D is a top view of the design shown in FIG. 11A.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 11E is a side view of an alternate embodiment of a power exhaust stack similar to that shown in FIG. 11B illustrating the power exhaust stack as a plurality of tubes.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 12 illustrates a modification kit which can be used to install a power exhaust system on computers on an after-market basis. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0044]    The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. In the figures, certain regions or components may be exaggerated for clarity.  
         [0045]    Generally described, the present invention is directed to power exhaust stacks for computers. The power exhaust stacks are configured to be visually dominant and visible during use of the computer to emphasize the power available in the operating system of the computer. Preferably, the power exhaust stacks are mountable to the top of computer casing or housing to direct the hot air out of the top of the computer housing (to a certain extent taking advantage of the fact that hot air rises). Alternatively, the power exhaust stacks can be mounted proximate the top of the housing, such as on upper portions of the side walls. In any event, the power exhaust stacks can be combined with one or more proximately-positioned exhaust fans to provide power exhaust systems for one or more of OEM (original equipment manufacturers) and after-market users.  
         [0046]    Turning now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a computer  10  having a power exhaust stack  15  mounted onto a computer housing  20  is shown. The computer housing  20  is preferably a “tower style” personal computer housing. As such, it includes at least one wall which, together with an overlying ceiling defines an enclosure space for holding the electronic components of the computer. This computer housing can be rectangular, triangulated, cylindrical, oval, or otherwise configured. As shown in FIGS.  1 - 3 , the computer housing  20  is substantially rectangular and includes four upstanding walls  22 ,  23 ,  24 ,  25  and a ceiling  21  or top overlying the four walls. As shown, the four walls include a front wall  22 , rear wall  25 , and two opposing side walls  23 ,  24 . The front wall  22  typically includes the CD and floppy/hard disc drives  22 A,  22 B located thereon. Of course, other drives, ports, or operating buttons can also be located as desired on this surface. As shown in FIG. 3, the rear wall  25  holds the power port  25 A and other connector ports  25 B. It can also include one or more exhaust fans  26  mounted thereon to assist in the ventilation or exhaust of the heat from the computer housing  20 . The computer housing  20  can also include air intake fans positioned to help increase air circulation (not shown).  
         [0047]    Preferably, the computer housing  20  includes at one least air inlet port  20   p  therein (either with or without an associated intake fan). As shown, in FIG. 1, the computer housing  20  includes at least one air inlet port  20   p  formed in lower portions of opposing side walls  23 ,  24  of the computer housing. As is shown in FIG. 2, in a preferred embodiment, there are at least two corresponding air inlet ports  20   p  on each of the side walls  23 ,  24  (the opposing side wall  24  being configured substantially the same as the side wall  23  shown in FIG. 2). As shown, the four inlet ports  20   p  have about a 1.0 inch to a 1.5 inch diameter. Of course, other aperture configurations, shapes, and arrangements as well as numbers of air inlet ports (lesser or greater) can also be employed. For example, as shown in FIGS. 11B and 11C, a single elongated air inlet port  20   p  can be employed.  
         [0048]    Filters  20   f  to filter or inhibit the intake of particulate matter and/or dust into the computer housing  20  can also be employed. The filters  20   f  can be positioned to overlay the opening in the inlet port such as via attachment to an inner surface of the side walls or the outer surface of the side walls  23 ,  24  proximate to the air inlet ports  20   p . In a preferred embodiment, they are formed in an externally accessible grommet  20   g  to define a filter assembly  20   a  which can be easily inserted and removed from the exterior of the housing  20  to replace or clean the filter  20   f  at desired intervals. For unitary body grommets, the  20   f  is typically attached to an exterior surface prior to assembly to the housing to allow the grommet  20   g  to be popped into the air inlet port from the outside of the housing without obstruction or interference therefrom (the inside portion of the grommet yields as it slides into position over the port).  
         [0049]    As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5A, the grommet  20   g  is configured and sized to securely reside on the circumference of the air inlet port  20   p . The filter  20   f  can be configured as a fine metal mesh filter which is preferably configured to allow sufficient amounts of air to be drawn into the housing during operation while inhibiting the migration or introduction of dust, hair, or other particulate matter or larger sized foreign objects into the computer housing  20 . It is preferred that the filter be configured as a micron rated filter to inhibit micron-sized matter from entering the computer.  
         [0050]    Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the power exhaust stack  15  is a tubular member which is mounted to the top or ceiling  21  of the computer housing  20 . Although shown with a substantially circular or round cross-section, the power exhaust stack tubular member can be otherwise configured, such as with a rectangular, oval, square, or other external and/or internal shape(s) which provides an inner hollow portion which defines at least one air flow channel  35  therein. As such, the power exhaust stack  15  defines the air flow channel  35  which directs air out from the ceiling  21  (and above and away from ) the computer housing  20 . As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, the power exhaust stack  15  extends upwardly from the ceiling  21  and has a profile when viewed from the side which rises a distance up from the ceiling  21  and arcuately turns to direct the air flow channel  35  toward the rear of the computer housing  20 .  
         [0051]    As is also shown in FIG. 4, the computer  10  includes an exhaust fan  30  which is mounted such that it is proximate to the air flow channel  35 . Preferably, as shown, the exhaust fan  30  is mounted onto the ceiling  21 .  
         [0052]    As shown in FIG. 5A, for computer housings  20  which have an underlying skeleton cage  20   sk  to which the outer side walls  23 ,  24  and ceiling  21  are attached, the exhaust fan  30  can be mounted to the top of the skeleton cage  20   sk  such that, after assembly, it is proximate to an opening  21   o  formed in the ceiling  21  and positioned to be in fluid communication with the air flow channel  35  of the power exhaust stack  15 . As shown in FIG. 5A (and available in certain conventional computer models), the skeleton cage  20   sk  includes upper mounting prongs  21   k onto which the ceiling which has matable portions (shown in dotted line as elements  21   m  in FIGS.  5 C- 5 D) formed on the inside of the downwardly extending inner sidewalls  21   w  slides into and locks to thereby secure the ceiling to skeleton cage  20   sk.    
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 5A also shows that, in this embodiment, the exhaust fan  30  is configured to mount to the top of the skeleton cage  20   sk  such that it extends a distance upwardly and out of the ceiling  21  of the housing. A seal  60  surrounds the perimeter of the fan  30  and attaches the exhaust stack  15  to the computer housing in a substantially air-tight manner.  
         [0054]    FIGS.  5 C- 5 E illustrate an assembly sequence for the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5A. As shown in FIG. 5C, the exhaust fan  30  is separated such that fan blades  31  (shown as a lightweight plastic integral blade assembly) are removed from the shaft  32  held on the fan body  30   b . The fan body  30   b  is mounted to the top of the skeleton cage  20   sk  such that the fan shaft  32  is oriented upwardly and aligned with the opening in the ceiling  21   o . The ceiling  21  is then pushed downward and then over to laterally slide such that inner sidewall mating portions  21   m  engage and mate with the mounting protrusions  21   sk  to lock into position. By removing the fan blades  31 , the shaft  32  is narrow enough (even if it extends a distance above the ceiling) within the opening  21   o  to provide sufficient clearance to allow the ceiling  21  to be manipulated thereabout. If one were to leave the fan blade  32  mounted to the fan body in this embodiment, the upper portion of the fan would block the lateral movement within the closed perimeter of the circular opening needed to allow the sliding engagement with the skeleton cage. As shown in FIG. 5E, once the ceiling  21  is locked into position, the fan blades  32  can be reattached (either before or after the seal  60  is mounted to the ceiling) but preferably before the stack is mounted thereon. The seal is preferably adhesively secured to the top of the ceiling  21 , thus, once secured to the housing remains in place. To gain entry to the housing subsequent to the assembly, one can remove the power exhaust stack  15 , and pry the fan blades  32  of the shaft  31  to be able to slide the ceiling  21  off the mounting portions  21   sk.    
         [0055]    In any event, as shown in FIG. 4, the exhaust fan  30  is mounted proximate to the ceiling  21  such that it is in fluid communication with the first end portion  15   f  of the power exhaust stack  15 . During operation, as shown in FIG. 5B, ambient air enters the air inlet ports  20   p  and travels up through the housing (through the second tier  20   t  in housings  20  having dual tiers, as shown). The air is then drawn up by action of the exhaust fan on top of the housing  20 . The exhaust fan  30  then directs air out from the computer housing  20  through the power exhaust stack  15 . Preferably, for single power exhaust fan configurations, the exhaust fan  30  is configured to operate at a rate of about 30-80 cubic feet of air per minute (cfm), and more preferably from about 50-70 cfm. In operation, the power exhaust stack  15  and exhaust fan  30  can generate an audible “whoosh”, particularly at initial activation, as the air is forced up and out of the computer housing  20  which audibly affirms the power of the device.  
         [0056]    As shown in FIG. 3, the power exhaust stack and exhaust fan are supplemental to a conventional air exhaust system  26 , and can be run concurrent with operation of the computer, or can be intermittently, or selectively, operated, such as only when using problematic heat generating components like during the playing of action and/or graphic-intense games. A computer program icon representing the supplemental power exhaust system can be loaded onto the desktop such as found on a Windows® or Macintosh® based computer operating system for user selectable software controlled operation. Of course, heat sensors can be located within the housing at suitable locations to measure and represent the heat profile therein. For example, one or more sensors can be located proximate the graphics board(s), motherboard, or microprocessor in the housing. Accordingly, feedback to a controller indicating operating temperatures have exceeded recommended levels can act to automatically activate the power exhaust system. Alternatively, or additionally, a “software” trigger can be operably associated with pre-identified or computer programs coded and “tagged” as high energy software applications to activate the power exhaust system upon active selection of the tagged software program. Alternatively, the device can be manually activated and disabled as desired.  
         [0057]    Turning again to preferred configurations, the instant invention can also employ one or more exhaust filters which can be located (preferably proximate the second end portion  15   s  of the power exhaust stack  15 ) in the power exhaust stack  15  so that it extends across the flow channel  35  (not shown). As the air exits the air flow channel  35 , this filter is not concerned so much with the intake of dust, but rather the introduction of foreign objects such as toys, coins, or children&#39;s hands. As such, a larger mesh filter configuration can be employed. In addition, it is preferred that the exhaust filters be recessed a short distance from the second end portion  15   s  of the stack so as to not to interfere with the exterior appearance of the stack, while also reducing the distance a foreign object can readily enter into the exhaust stack.  
         [0058]    Similarly, the computer  10  can also or alternatively include a cap or lid  40  hinged or pivotably mounted to an end portion of the power exhaust stack  15 , such as shown in FIG. 7A. The cap  40  is preferably configured as a light-weight component to reduce the interference with the flow of air in the air flow channel. The hinge  45  is preferably biased to open upon application of a low magnitude pressure due to air exiting the computer housing through the air flow channel so as to not unduly restrict the flow of air therefrom. Of course, as shown in FIG. 7B, chimney-cap  41  stationary type arrangements can also be employed, these position the cap  41  a fixed distance away from the end of the stack via intermediate short stand-offs  42  and the air vents between the exit of the air flow channel  35   e  and the chimney cap  41 . That is, the cap  41  is fixed spatially separated a distance from the second end portion of the power exhaust stack by mechanical attachment to spacers or standoff&#39;s  42  located around the perimeter thereof (this embodiment can be particularly suitable for linearly extending stack configurations). Of course, in either case, exhaust filters can also be used therewith (not shown).  
         [0059]    As shown throughout, the power exhaust stack  15  is preferably configured to provide an aesthetic visually dominant appearance which provides a focal point for the computer housing  20  symbolic of the operating capability or power of the system itself. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ceiling has a length and a width; the length direction “L” extends between the front and rear walls  22 ,  25  of the computer housing  20  while the “W” width direction extends between the two opposing side walls  23 ,  24 . As shown in this embodiment, the power exhaust stack  15  is preferably a single tubular shaped section which has a substantially round cross-section and a diameter sized at about at least 25-30% the length of the ceiling. As is also shown for this embodiment, the power exhaust stack  15  is mounted proximate the rear wall  25  of the computer. Preferably, the exhaust stack(s) are sized with an air flow channel  35  having a diameter of at least about 4 inches, and more preferably about 4.5 inches. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, it is more preferred that the exhaust stack air flow channel  35  has a diameter which is substantially equal to the width of the ceiling  21 .  
         [0060]    In keeping with the above, it is also preferred that the power exhaust stack be configured with an externally reflective surface such as a metallic or chrome-like coating, plating, or deposition formed over a plastic or resin or fiber-reinforced resin substrate. Of course, the substrate should be selected to withstand temperatures associated with the exhausted air. It is more preferred that power exhaust stack be configured from chrome. The chrome or chrome-like appearance of the external surface yields an automotive themed hot rod “souped-up” aesthetic appearance. Similarly, the computer housing  20  can be provided in colors representing hot-rod colors (such as candy apple red, bright or canary yellow, metallic primary colors, or other similar “muscle” colors). Alternatively, or in addition, the computer housing can be ornamented with lightning bolts, flames, and other power-invoking or “muscle” images.  
         [0061]    Other power exhaust stack configurations can also be employed. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the power exhaust stack  15  can be configured as a plurality of aligned power exhaust stacks  15 . FIGS. 6 and 7A illustrate yet another embodiment: a generally vertically-extending stack  150  (i.e., it extends upwardly from the housing ceiling  21  to direct the air upwardly out of the exhaust stack). FIG. 6 also shows an inclined top perimeter surface  150   s . FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate that the top perimeter surface can be substantially planar. As noted above (for any embodiment described herein although not required), but particularly for the power exhaust stack  150 , an exhaust filter and/or cap  40 ,  41  can be attached thereto.  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 9A illustrates a power exhaust stack  250  representative of an air foil design. As shown, the exhaust stack  250  includes an air foil section which extends upwardly from the housing ceiling and includes at least one air flow channel  35  therein. The exhaust stack  250  includes opposing first and second end portions  250   f ,  250   s . The first end portion  250   f  is configured to overlie the ceiling  21  adjacent the front wall  22  and preferably extends substantially coincident with the ceiling (covering substantially the entire width and at least a partial distance along the length of the ceiling  21 ). The power exhaust stack air foil section  250  has a profile which is curvilinear such that it rises at the first end portion  250   f  and then substantially horizontally extends toward the rear wall  25  to direct the air flow channel(s)  35  upwardly out and away from the computer housing  20  and outwardly toward the rear of the computer housing  20 .  
         [0063]    [0063]FIG. 9B is a partial cutaway view of the power stack configuration of FIG. 9A, illustrating a plurality of exhaust fans  30  (shown as four) mounted at different positions along the length of the air flow channel  35 . In this embodiment, the fans  30  are mounted at an angle from the horizontal direction such that each extends across a portion of the air flow channel. Of course, as shown in FIG. 10, they can alternatively be mounted to extend horizontally across the top of the computer housing. The air foil section  250  can be formed as a matable two piece component (split lengthwise) which can allow for easier assembly of the fans across portions and along the length of the air flow channel not shown). The fans  30  shown in FIG. 9B can be mounted onto structural ribbing which can be attached to the internal walls of the air flow channel at the appropriate angles to orient the fan in the desired direction and at a desired position. The ribbing can be adhesively secured, brazed, welded, or attached by other means as is know to those of skill in the art. Preferably, the fans are mounted and spatially separated a sufficient distance to direct air out of the rear of the air flow channel. A plurality of equally rated fans can be used (preferably 10-30 cfm), or alternatively staggered and different rated fans can be employed. For example, a 30 cfm fan can be located either or both at the front and/or rear end of the air foil section with two lesser rated fans positioned intermediate thereof.  
         [0064]    [0064]FIG. 9C illustrates that the power exhaust stack air foil section  250  can form the ceiling  21  of the housing itself. Indeed, in this embodiment, the air foil section sides  251  are configured to slidably attach to the mounts  21   sk  disposed on the upper portion of the skeletal frame (shown in FIG. 5A) to overlay or attach to the sidewalls and define the lower enclosure space for the computer components.  
         [0065]    As shown in FIG. 10, the power exhaust stack  250  can end short of the entire length of the computer housing  20  (shown for example at length L 1  with a longer length L 2  represented in dotted line). Additionally, as shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of power exhaust fans  30  can be positioned along the length of the air flow channel  35 . The exhaust fans  30  can each vent into a single air flow channel  35  (as shown) or can alternatively vent into an individually formed air channel within the power exhaust stack (not shown).  
         [0066]    FIGS.  11 A- 11 E illustrate yet another embodiment of a power exhaust stack  350  according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the power exhaust stack  350  is configured to resemble one or a bundle of cylindrical tubes resembling an exhaust manifold or exhaust pipe arrangement (such as are found on motorcycles). As shown in FIGS.  11 A- 11 D, the power exhaust stack  350  includes at least one tubular member in fluid communication with at least one power exhaust fan  30 . The power exhaust stack  350  (and preferably the exhaust fan  30 ) is mounted on an upper portion of at least one side wall  23 ,  24  proximate the ceiling  21 . The computer housing  20  may include one power exhaust fan  30  and stack  350  arranged on one of the side walls  23 . The computer housing  20  may alternatively include symmetrically positioned power exhaust stacks  350 , with one tube  351 ,  352  (or one tube bundle  353 ) located on each opposing side wall  23 ,  24  as shown. Preferably, one or both of which may include a power exhaust fan  30  in fluid communication therewith. (In operation, one of the power stacks may merely act as an aesthetic balance element, they may be arranged in a master-slave set-up, or they may operate selectively or individually).  
         [0067]    [0067]FIG. 11E illustrates two tubes positioned on the housing sidewall so as to be aligned to extend from approximately the same forward portion of the sidewall. Of course, the tubes can be alternatively arranged so as one is more forward, or each are spatially separated to extend from different regions of the housing sidewalls (although preferably from the top to help exhaust the hot air therefrom). Exhaust fan arrangements for power exhaust stacks  350  with tube bundles  353 , can be such that a selected number (one, two, or all of the tubes) can be mounted in the computer so that they are in fluid communication with one exhaust fan  30  or each tube can operate with an (typically smaller rated) individual exhaust fan. Thus, one or more of the tubes  351 ,  352  may be non-functional as exhaust channels or may be operative from a shared exhaust fan arrangement or an individual exhaust fan arrangement.  
         [0068]    As shown in FIG. 11D, looking from the top view, the profile of the tubular section(s) extends outwardly from a forward portion of the respective side wall  23 ,  24  and turns to extend generally horizontally along the length of the computer housing  20  to direct the air flow channel  35  along the length of the computer housing  20  to exit toward the rear wall  25 .  
         [0069]    For “header” arrangements, as is common with automotive “headers”, each of the pipes can be configured with the same length along the length of the housing even though each subsequent pipe has a shorter horizontal length with respect to the mounting on the housing (not shown). That is, the header configuration can include a first pipe having a first substantially horizontally extending configuration and a first length extending from the front portion of the housing. A second pipe can be set back a distance along the length of the sidewall of the housing body and can have a second configuration (different from the first) with an additional amount of vertical length and a shorter horizontal length (defining the same overall length as the first length) each of the pipes then terminating at a common exhaust point, junction or body.  
       EXAMPLE  
       [0070]    [0070]FIG. 12 illustrates an example of power exhaust stack  15  modification hardware which was used to modify a personal computer as well as templates which can make the modification easier for subsequent users (i e., a modification kit). As shown an exhaust fan  30  was mounted to the skeleton frame  20   sk . A suitable exhaust fan is manufactured by Droan Manufacturing Co. and is rated at 70 cfm. The exhaust fan  30  was positioned on top of the skeleton frame  20   sk  because of internal clearance issues and then threaded with screws  31  to attach same thereto (see also FIG. 4). A 4.5 inch opening  21   o  was formed in the ceiling  21  corresponding to the diameter size of the power exhaust stack  15  (which has the air flow channel  35  which fits over the exhaust fan  30 ). A sealing means  60  such as an O.D. axle installed seal wheel seal grit guard was used to assemble the exhaust stack  15  onto the ceiling over the exhaust fan  30 . A suitable wheel seal is a Guardian HP axle installed seal manufactured by Stemco of Longview, Tex.  
         [0071]    [0071]FIG. 4 illustrates the assembled configuration with the exhaust stack  15  press fit against the wheel seal  60  which is attached to the ceiling  21  (via an outdoor or durable adhesive such as OUTDOOR GOOP™). Of course, other attachment means and components can also be employed as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art. Preferably, the juncture of the exhaust stack  15  at the ceiling or housing portion is such that a substantially air tight seal is formed so that exhaust air is more efficiently forced out of the stack. and an outdoor adhesive used to join same. Two one-inch openings  20   p  were formed in each of the opposing side walls  23 ,  24  and grommets  20   g  were positioned in same to protect potentially exposed rough edges thereat. A lockable extension cord  50  (FIGS. 5B and 12) was routed in the housing  20  to connect the power hook up to the exhaust fan. The lockable power cord  50  allows the power to be locked on or off.  
         [0072]    [0072]FIG. 12 illustrates a computer modification kit  100  that can allow users to modify existing computers. As shown, the kit  100  includes at least one template  75  with visual indicia (such as center markings, edge markings, aperture openings, marked units) representing at least one exhaust opening size (multiple templates or templates with multiple sized opening choices can also be provided). The template  75  can be overlaid onto the ceiling  21  (or for side-mounted stacks, side wall openings) and the proper opening corresponding to the selected exhaust stack formed into the computer. The kit  100  can also include the power exhaust stack  15 , the sealing or mounting means  60 , a plurality of grommet/filter assemblies  20   g / 20   f , a power cord  50 , and an exhaust fan  30 . The kit can additionally include a second template  175  corresponding to air inlet port openings much like the template discussed above.  
         [0073]    The computer housing with power exhaust stack of the present invention can also be customized to bear ornamental features or company logos according to a user&#39;s needs. For example, surface ornamentation, as well as “hood” ornaments or symbols can be applied to one or more of the stack itself or the housing.  
         [0074]    The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the claims. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications to the disclosed embodiments, as well as other embodiments, are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. The invention is defined by the following claims, with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.

Technology Category: g