Apparatus and method for support of electronic components

What claimed is:




1. An apparatus for supporting least one electronic equipment component, apparatus comprising: base; pair vertical supports configured secured base, vertical supports being further configured mounted generally parallel each other first plane extending first plane first direction base; least one component support, component support including pair support members configured supported by vertical supports, pair support members being configured mounted generally parallel each other second plane perpendicular first plane first direction further configured support underside electronic component, wherein base includes recess configured receive least one inset panel, inset panel including inset material that one differently constituted differently colored than base material which base comprised.


2. The apparatus claim 1, further comprising least one additional component support, additional component support including pair additional support members being configured mounted generally parallel each other third plane perpendicular first plane parallel second plane.


3. The apparatus claim 1, wherein base configured rest floor surface pair vertical supports configured extend upwardly floor surface first direction.


4. The apparatus claim 3, wherein base configured include securing mass configured lower center gravity apparatus such that first distance center gravity floor surface shorter than second distance front edge rear edge base measured along floor surface projection center gravity along floor surface.


5. The apparatus claim 1, wherein base configured mounted overhead element pair vertical supports configured extend downwardly overhead element first direction.


6. The apparatus claim 1, wherein component support includes lateral member configured engage each vertical supports further configured support pair support members.


7. The apparatus claim 6, wherein lateral member fixably coupled each vertical supports.


8. The apparatus claim 6, wherein lateral member configured releasably coupled each vertical supports such that lateral member coupled vertical supports plurality points along first direction.


9. The apparatus claim 8, wherein lateral member configured secured vertical supports with securable fasteners.


10. The apparatus claim 9, wherein securable fasteners include least one bolts, screws, pegs.


11. The apparatus claim 8, wherein each end lateral member includes least one downward-facing hook configured engage vertical support.


12. The apparatus claim 11, wherein downward-facing hook received recess vertical support.


13. The apparatus claim 6, wherein support members are fixably coupled lateral member.


14. The apparatus claim 6, wherein support members are configured releasably coupled lateral member such that support members disposed varying positions along length lateral member.


15. The apparatus claim 14, wherein support members are configured secured lateral member with securable fasteners.


16. The apparatus claim 15, wherein securable fasteners include least one bolts, screws, pegs.


17. The apparatus claim 6, wherein pair support members rest upper surface lateral member.


18. The apparatus claim 1, wherein each pair support members configured supportably mounted first vertical support, each support members including platform extending perpendicularly toward second vertical support.


19. The apparatus claim 1, wherein each vertical supports includes plurality vertical support sections.


20. An apparatus for supporting least one electronic equipment component, apparatus comprising: base; pair vertical supports configured secured base, vertical supports being further configured mounted generally parallel each other first plane extending first plane first direction base; least one component support, component support including pair support members configured supported by vertical supports, pair support members being configured mounted generally parallel each other second plane perpendicular first plane first direction further configured support underside electronic component, wherein support members are configured secured lateral member with gravity-secured mechanism.


21. The apparatus claim 20, wherein underside support members include least one downward-facing peg configured received by socket upper face lateral member.


22. The apparatus claim 20, wherein support member includes upwardly extending suspension member received by receiving orifice lateral member.


23. An apparatus for supporting least one electronic equipment component, apparatus comprising: base; pair vertical supports configured secured base, vertical supports being further configured mounted generally parallel each other first plane extending first plane first direction base; least one component support, component support including pair support members configured supported by vertical supports, pair support members being configured mounted generally parallel each other second plane perpendicular first plane first direction further configured support underside electronic component, wherein each vertical supports includes nonlinear shape.


24. The apparatus claim 23 wherein each vertical supports includes nonlinear shape wherein first width between vertical supports first end vertical supports adjoining base not equal second width between vertical supports second end not adjoining base.


25. The apparatus claim 24, wherein first width greater than second width.


26. The apparatus claim 23, wherein each vertical supports includes nonlinear shape third plane perpendicular first plane second plane.


27. An apparatus for supporting least one electronic equipment component, apparatus comprising: base; pair vertical supports configured secured base, vertical supports being further configured mounted generally parallel each other first plane extending first plane first direction base; least one component support, component support including pair support members configured supported by vertical supports, pair support members being configured mounted generally parallel each other second plane perpendicular first plane first direction further configured support underside electronic component; least one lateral brace configured securably couple vertical support members each other distance removed base along first direction.


28. A method for supporting least one electronic equipment component, method comprising: providing pair vertical supports generally parallel each other first plane; coupling each vertical supports pair support members, pair support members being configured mounted generally parallel each other second plane perpendicular first plane between vertical supports; positioning pair support members support underside electronic component without covering entirety underside electronic component, wherein vertical supports extend downwardly overhead element.


29. The method claim 28, further comprising providing base configured securably receiving first end each vertical supports.


30. The method claim 28, wherein vertical supports extend upwardly floor surface.


31. The method claim 28, further comprising coupling each vertical supports plurality pairs support members for supporting plurality electronic components.


32. The method claim 28, further comprising joining vertical supports with least one lateral brace configured securably couple vertical support members each other.


33. The method claim 28, further comprising forming vertical supports plurality vertical support sections.


34. A method for supporting least one electronic equipment component, method comprising: providing pair vertical supports generally parallel each other first plane; coupling each vertical supports pair support members, pair support members being configured mounted generally parallel each other second plane perpendicular first plane between vertical supports; positioning pair support members support underside electronic component without covering entirety underside electronic component, wherein coupling pair support members each vertical supports includes coupling lateral member each vertical supports coupling pair support members lateral member; securing support members lateral member with gravity-secured mechanism.


35. The method claim 34, further comprising fixably coupling lateral members each vertical supports.


36. The method claim 34, further comprising releasably coupling lateral member each vertical supports such that lateral member coupled vertical supports plurality points along vertical supports.


37. The method claim 36, further comprising releasably coupling lateral member vertical supports with securable fasteners.


38. The method claim 34, further comprising fixably coupling support members lateral member.


39. The method claim 34, further comprising resting support members rest upper surface lateral member.


40. A method for supporting least one electronic equipment component, method comprising: providing pair vertical supports generally parallel each other first plane; coupling each vertical supports pair support members, pair support members being configured mounted generally parallel each other second plane perpendicular first plane between vertical supports; positioning pair support members support underside electronic component without covering entirety underside electronic component; forming vertical supports include nonlinear shape.


41. The method claim 40, wherein each vertical supports includes nonlinear shape wherein first width between vertical supports first end vertical supports adjoining base not equal second width between vertical supports second end not adjoining base.


42. The method claim 41, wherein first width greater than second width.


43. The method claim 40, wherein each vertical supports includes nonlinear shape third plane perpendicular first plane second plane.


44. A method for supporting least one electronic equipment component, method comprising: providing pair vertical supports generally parallel each other first plane; coupling each vertical supports pair support members, pair support members being configured mounted generally parallel each other second plane perpendicular first plane between vertical supports; positioning pair support members support underside electronic component without covering entirety underside electronic component, wherein coupling pair support members each vertical supports includes coupling lateral member each vertical supports coupling pair support members lateral member; releasably coupling support members lateral member such that support members disposed varying positions along length lateral member, wherein releasably coupling performed with securable fasteners.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally mounting systems and, more specifically, mounting systems for electronic equipment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Heat generated by electronic equipment, such audio equipment, posed recurring problem. In early days electronics, vacuum tubes generated prodigious quantities heat. Air circulation had considered provide sufficient cooling prevent vacuum tubes “burning out” prematurely. With advent solid state electronics, transistors replaced vacuum tubes. Individual transistors produce less heat than vacuum tube comparable function, thereby reducing heat concerns.

However, with technological improvements, heat concerns reemerged problem. In last few decades, proliferation integrated circuits ushered age digital circuitry computers consumer electronics well audio equipment. A typical stereo amplifier no longer requires vacuum tubes, but now uses microprocessors host other integrated circuits. The dense packing transistors these devices increased amount heat component such amplifier generates.

Another technological advance, digital recording, exacerbated heat concerns relating audio equipment. To appreciate resolution fidelity possible with compact discs, for example, higher-powered amplifiers are desired. Unfortunately, even with advances technology, increased power means more heat generated. Non-digital components, such transformers, common amplifiers other audio components, not only generate heat but potentially are very sensitive heat. Heat build-up cause transformer or other indispensable component burn out. Even best quality, high cost components are risk face heat build-up.

Notwithstanding technological improvements advancing audio equipment, little been done improve technology for mounting such equipment. Typically, audio components are mounted shelves or entertainment centers. Unfortunately, these conventional mounting systems may put audio components risk.

FIG. 1 shows conventional entertainment center 100 . The entertainment center 100 supports plurality audio components 110 , 120 , 130 different shapes sizes. The entertainment center 100 supports each components 110 , 120 , 130 with number shelves 140 secured sidewalls 150 . The shelves 140 represent floor beneath each components 110 , 120 , 130 , well ceiling over each components 110 , 120 , 130 . The shelves 140 secured sidewalls 140 form individual enclosures 160 , 170 , 180 around each components 110 , 120 , 130 , respectively. The enclosed spaces 160 , 170 , 180 prevent free circulation air around contained components, thereby trapping heat. Even open-backed shelving system, heat still enclosed beneath, beside, above each component. In fact, even open-sided shelving system, presence supporting shelves 140 alone causes heat trapped between components 110 , 120 , 130 shelves 140 . The resulting build-up heat places expensive components 110 , 120 , 130 risk.

Thus, there unmet need art for electronic equipment support system providing for secure support electronic components better air circulation around between components.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes apparatuses method for mounting electronic components provide for unimpeded air circulation around electronic components. Because air circulation not impeded around electronic components way that conventional shelves, entertainment systems, other enclosures restrict air flow around electronic components, heat generated by electronic components more readily dissipated into surrounding space. As result, electronic components are better protected heat damage potentially arising heat buildup occurring around components.

More particularly, embodiments present invention provide apparatuses method for supporting electronic equipment. A base supports pair vertical supports. The vertical supports are mounted generally parallel each other first plane extending first plane first direction base. At least one component support supported by vertical supports. The component support includes pair support members that generally are mounted parallel each other second plane perpendicular first plane first direction. The support members are configured support underside electronic component.

In accordance with further aspects invention, base includes recess configured receive inset panel. The inset panel includes inset material including material different that which base composed or different color than base. The base may configured rest floor surface with pair vertical supports extending upwardly floor surface. The base suitably weighted lower center gravity protect apparatus tipping over. Alternatively, base may mounted overhead element with pair vertical supports extending downwardly overhead element.

In accordance with other aspects present invention, component support includes lateral member configured engage each vertical supports further configured support pair support members. The lateral member suitably fixably coupled each vertical supports. Alternatively, lateral member configured releasably coupled each vertical supports such that lateral member coupled vertical supports plurality points along vertical supports. The lateral member suitably secured vertical supports with securable fasteners, such bolts, screws, pegs, or secured with gravity-secured mechanism such downward facing hook engaging recess or other element vertical support.

In accordance with still further aspects present invention, support members suitably are fixably coupled lateral member or are releasably coupled lateral member such that support members disposed varying positions along length lateral member between vertical supports. In latter case, support members are configured secured lateral member with securable fasteners or, whether resting top or coupled below lateral member, support members secured lateral member using gravity-secured mechanism.

Instead using lateral member, support members suitably each are mounted one vertical supports with each support member supporting platform extending perpendicularly opposite vertical support for engaging end underside electronic component.

Also, accordance with additional aspects present invention, vertical supports may include nonlinear shape such vertical supports are more or less widely separate first end, such end closer base, than second end.

Further, apparatus suitably includes one or more additional component supports configured mounted planes generally parallel with one another for mounting plurality electronic components. One or more lateral braces may used couple vertical support members each other provide structural support for apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred alternative embodiments present invention are described detail below with reference following drawings.

FIG. 1 front perspective view conventional “entertainment center” for shelving entertainment equipment;

FIG. 2 front perspective view support system according embodiment present invention;

FIG. 3 front perspective view support system FIG. 2 supporting plurality electronic components;

FIG. 4 vertical cross-sectional view base vertical support support system FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 top-down view vertical supports, lateral member, support members support system FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 front view support system FIG. 2 supporting plurality electronic components;

FIG. 7 front view support system supporting plurality electronic components according another embodiment present invention;

FIG. 8 front view support system supporting plurality electronic components according another embodiment present invention;

FIG. 9 front perspective view support system according another embodiment present invention;

FIG. 10 flowchart routine for supporting components according embodiment present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

By way overview, embodiments present invention provide apparatuses method for supporting electronic equipment. A base supports pair vertical supports. The vertical supports are mounted generally parallel each other first plane extending first plane first direction base. At least one component support supported by vertical supports. The component support includes pair support members that generally are mounted parallel each other second plane perpendicular first plane first direction. The support members are configured support underside electronic component.

FIG. 2 shows front perspective view support system 200 according embodiment present invention. The system 200 shown floor-standing system. The system 200 includes base 210 which two vertical supports 220 are mounted. The vertical supports 220 are generally parallel lie plane intersecting planes which base 210 floor (not shown) lie. The vertical supports 220 support plurality component supports 225 , 245 , 265 . The vertical supports 220 component supports 225 , 245 , 265 provide system 200 for mounting electronic components, such audio equipment, without enclosing sidewalls 140 (FIG. 1) conventional shelving systems. Without enclosing sidewalls 140 , heat dissipation improved. The system 200 provides for mounting components without underlying shelves 140 (FIG. 1), thereby further improving heat dissipation.

In one presently preferred embodiment, component supports 225 , 245 , 265 each include three structural elements. For example, first component support 225 includes single lateral member 230 coupled with vertical supports 220 opposing ends lateral member 230 . Coupled with lateral member 230 are two support members 240 . The support members 240 are mounted lateral member 230 such that support members 240 are generally parallel lie plane perpendicular plane which vertical supports 220 lie. As described below, lateral member 230 secured vertical supports 220 , support members 240 are secured lateral member 230 . From joining these elements, upper surfaces support members 240 suitably support electronic component or other device rested up support members 240 .

As also shown FIG. 2, one presently preferred embodiment invention, support members 240 , 260 , 280 situated allow for component supports 225 , 245 , 265 accommodate electronic components (not shown) different sizes. For example, component support 225 includes support members 240 spaced further apart along lateral member 250 than are support members 260 second component support 245 . A third component support 265 includes support members 280 disposed along lateral member 270 width which greater than that second component support 245 but less wide than that first component support 225 . Thus, component supports 225 , 245 , 265 support components varying widths. As described below, support members 240 , 260 , 280 fixably coupled or adjustably releasably mounted lateral members 230 , 250 , 270 , respectively.

FIG. 3 shows system 200 FIG. 2 supporting plurality electronic components 310 , 320 , 330 . As previously described, deploying support members 240 , 260 , 280 provides flexibility accommodating differently-sized components 310 , 320 , 330 . For wide component such electronic component 310 , support members 240 first component support 225 are spread sufficiently wide apart. For narrower component such electronic component 320 , support members 260 second component support 245 are arrayed more closely together. The support members 280 third component support 265 are deployed spacing between those first component support 225 second component support 245 accommodate electronic component 330 intermediate width. From FIG. 3, it appreciated that system 200 also provides for possibility components with varying thicknesses or heights, described below.

FIG. 4 vertical cross-sectional view base 210 one vertical supports 220 system 200 . The cross-sectional view shows base 210 vertical support 220 inside perspective system 200 (FIGS. 2 3) with cross-section taken just inside vertical support. In one presently preferred embodiment, one or more lateral members 230 , 250 , 270 are fixably attached vertical supports 220 . For example, when vertical supports 220 lateral members 230 , 250 , 270 are formed metal, lateral members 230 , 250 , 270 , are fixably joined vertical supports 220 by welding. Fixed fasteners, such rivets, fixable fasteners, such bolts with or without locking washers, other techniques also suitably are used fixably attach lateral members vertical supports. Fixably attaching lateral members 230 , 250 , 270 vertical supports 220 provides structural reinforcement support potentially heavy electronic components, increases structural rigidity system 200 whole.

Alternatively, shown FIG. 4, system 200 features component supports (not shown) that mounted different heights along vertical supports 220 . In one presently preferred embodiment, lateral members 230 , 250 , 270 are releasably mounted vertical supports 220 using variety established techniques. For example, vertical supports 220 may include plurality recesses 410 shaped receive downward-facing hooks (not shown) ends lateral members 230 , 250 , 270 allowing lateral members dropped locked into place. Alternatively, lateral members 230 , 250 , 270 may releasably secured vertical supports 220 with screws, bolts, pegs, or similar mounting devices (not shown) received by openings 410 vertical supports that engage lateral members 230 , 250 , 270 through end piece or integrated or separate bracket (not shown). With releasably attachable lateral members 230 , 250 , 270 , components varying thicknesses or heights accommodated. It also appreciated that one or more lateral members 230 , 250 , 270 could fixably attached with fasteners, welds, or other techniques provide structural bracing for system. A combination fixably releasably attached lateral members 230 , 250 , 270 suitably provides for sturdiness component mounting flexibility using system 200 .

FIG. 5 top-down view vertical supports 220 , lateral member 230 , support members 240 system 200 . In one presently preferred embodiment, support members 240 are fixably attached lateral member 230 provide structural support rigidity support potentially heavy electronic components disposed support members 240 . Alternatively, support members 240 suitably are releasably mounted lateral member 230 . The support members 240 secured lateral member 230 using fasteners such screws, bolts, pegs, or another device received by openings 510 formed lateral member 230 . Alternatively, support members 240 suitably are fitted with integrated pegs underside support members that are received by openings 510 lateral member. Further alternatively, support members 240 are mounted below lateral member 230 engage lateral member 230 with upwardly extending connectors securing support members 240 lateral member 230 (not shown). Allowing support members 240 releasably adjustably mounted lateral member 230 provides for great flexibility accommodating components varying widths. It also appreciated that support members 240 suitably are fixably attached lateral member 230 for strength. Further, FIG. 5, it appreciated that component (not shown) rested support members 240 access open air circulation beneath component because there no shelf trap heat directly beneath component.

FIG. 6 front view system 200 supporting range components 310 , 320 , 330 . FIG. 6 highlights how positioning support members 240 , 260 , 280 accommodates components 310 , 320 , 330 varying heights widths. As do most non-rack-mounted electronic components, components 310 , 320 , 330 mounting feet 315 , 325 , 335 , respectively. Thus, for example, support members 240 spaced along lateral member 230 engage feet 315 first component 310 . Similarly, support members 260 disposed engage feet 325 component 320 support members 280 disposed engage feet 335 component 330 . Thus, even without heat-trapping shelf support components 310 , 320 , 330 , system 200 disposed accommodate design components 310 , 320 , 330 . Similarly, lateral members 230 , 250 , 270 mounted vertical supports 220 accommodate components 310 , 320 , 330 having different heights. As described connection with FIG. 4, one presently preferred embodiment system 200 provides flexibility for number size components which one desires mount system 200 .

FIG. 7 front view another embodiment present invention. The system 700 similar system 200 (FIGS. 2–6) except for four variations. First, system 700 includes vertical supports 720 which are not merely straight, linear elements. At lateral member 770 , linear supports bend inwardly toward each other. As result, width between vertical supports wider below lateral member 770 than above lateral member 770 , allowing for possibility mounting wider components below lateral member 770 than above it. The configuration system 700 could reversed allow for width greater above lateral member 770 than below it if desired. It appreciated that vertical supports 720 could shaped create plurality wider narrower widths vertical supports 720 along vertical dimension system 720 . It also appreciated that each vertical supports 720 suitably are formed single section material, such piece metal forged or otherwise shaped create varying widths between vertical supports along vertical dimension system 700 . Alternatively, vertical supports 720 formed number sections joined together present vertical support 720 having linear shape or shape directed allow varying widths between vertical supports along vertical dimension system 700 . Each vertical supports 720 also formed number sections or each vertical supports suitably comprised single section shaped provide nonlinear appearance dimension perpendicular width height system 700 .

Second, system 700 features fixably coupled lateral member 770 mounted between vertical supports 720 . The fixably coupled lateral member 770 provides for potentially greater structural rigidity support integrity system 700 .

Third, system 700 shows that number components 705 , 725 , 735 , 745 varied according needs desires. Whereas previous figures only show three components, four components 705 , 725 , 735 , 745 are supported by system 700 . The first component 705 mounted support members 740 coupled with lateral member 730 . It appreciated that, mounting component 705 support members 740 , even toward bottom system 700 , provides for greater air circulation under around component 705 than if component 705 had been, for example, rested directly base 710 system. Support members 760 coupled with lateral member 750 support second component 725 . Support members 780 coupled with fixably attached member brace 770 support third component 735 . Thus, fixably attached lateral member 770 serve both brace for structural integrity system 700 lateral member which support members 780 are attachable. Finally, lateral member 790 that shorter length than other releasably attached lateral members 730 750 coupled with support members 795 support component 745 . Thus, combination wider, fixed, narrower lateral elements used support variety components.

Fourth, base 710 includes recess (not shown) receiving inset 715 . The inset 715 suitably includes material different composition or different color than base 710 . The inset 715 thus allows for system 700 make base 710 more conspicuous than base 710 material alone prevent persons tripping over base 710 , make base 710 more aesthetically pleasing, or help system 700 better match other furniture.

It appreciated that base 210 (FIGS. 2–6) or 710 (FIG. 7) suitably weighted enhance stability systems 200 700 . Adding weight base lowers center gravity system 200 or 700 . It desirable include or add sufficient weight base 210 or 710 such that moment arm between center gravity supporting surface shorter than moment arm between front edge base perpendicular projection center gravity supporting surface or between rear edge base perpendicular projection center gravity. Such weighting makes system 200 or 700 less likely inadvertently tipped over.

FIG. 8 shows system 800 according embodiment present invention. The system 800 configured mounted overhead element 805 , such ceiling or beam. The base 810 mounted overhead element 805 . The vertical supports 820 are mounted base 810 . Lateral members 830 , 850 , 870 are coupled with vertical supports 820 and, turn, are coupled with support members 840 , 860 , 880 , respectively. The system 800 thus allows components 845 , 865 , 885 , varying heights widths mounted overhead element 805 rather than floor surface.

FIG. 9 shows system 900 according another embodiment present invention. The system 900 features floor-mounted base 910 coupled with vertical supports 920 supporting pairs support brackets 930 , 940 , 950 . It appreciated that support brackets 930 , 940 , 950 engage vertical supports 920 provide perpendicularly, inwardly extending planar supports support components (not shown). The support brackets 930 , 940 , 950 different widths allowing for mounting components varying widths. The support brackets 930 , 940 , 950 mounted various points along vertical supports accommodate components varying heights well. Thus, system 900 provides for shelfless support components (not shown) without lateral members couple support brackets 930 , 940 , 950 vertical supports.

FIG. 10 routine 1000 for supporting electronic components according embodiment present invention. The routine 1000 begins block 1010 . At block 1020 , vertical supports are positioned. The vertical supports are disposed generally parallel each other first plane. At block 1030 , lateral member coupled vertical supports. At block 1040 , support members are coupled lateral member desired positions receive support component. At block 1050 , it determined if other component supports are desired. If so, routine 1000 loops block 1030 . If not, routine ends block 1060 . It appreciated that, if component supports without separate lateral members support members (FIG. 9) are used, processes blocks 1030 104 suitably are combined.

While preferred embodiment invention been illustrated described, noted above, changes made without departing spirit scope invention. Accordingly, scope invention not limited by disclosure preferred embodiment. Instead, invention should determined entirely by reference claims that follow.