Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02496663 2005-02-10
SURROUND EN'CERTAINMENT SYSTEM FOR A FIREPLACE
Background of the Invention
Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to surrounds for heating
appliances, and more specifically relates to modular surround entertainment
systems
that include entertainment hardware.
Related Art
Decorative surrounds are commonly used to enhance the look and
feel of a heating appliance (e.g., a fireplace or stove) and also function to
cover
otherwise unsightly features of the heating appliance (e.g., vents and the
unfinished
edge of the surrounding wall structure). Such surrounds typically include a
top
member that extends horizontally above the heating appliance, and two side
members that extend vertically along opposing sides of the heating appliance.
The
horizontal and side members are often secured together as a single assembled
piece
that is mounted to the wall structure surrounding the fireplace. In other
applications,
the separate members are individually mounted to the wall structure
surrounding the
fireplace. Some surrounds include a mantle that is either integrated into the
top
member or is separately mounted on top of or on a front face of the surround.
Most
surrounds have little functionality beyond the "shelf' function of the mantle
and the
covering function of the surround generally.
In many homes and other dwelling structures, entertainment hardware
such as televisions, stereo systems, computers, and DVD players are competing
with
heating appliances for space as well as the focus of attention in the living
space. In
some cases, the importance of the entertainment hardware is greater than the
heating
and aesthetic benefits of a heating appliance and the heating appliance
surround. A
heating appliance surround having functionality that addresses these competing
interests would be an advance in the art.
CA 02496663 2005-02-10
Summary of the Invention
The present invention relates to surrounds for heating appliances that
include entertainment hardware. One aspect of the invention relates to a
surround
entertainment system configured for use with a fireplace that includes a
decorative
surround, a display monitor coupled to the surround, a sound system positioned
at
least partially within the surround, and a signal module positioned at least
partially
within the surround and configured to provide a video signal to the display
monitor
and an audio signal to the sound system.
Another aspect of the invention relates to a fireplace mantle assembly
that includes a mantle defining first and second recessed portions, a display
monitor
positioned at least partially within the first recessed portion, and a video
device
coupled positioned at least partially within the second recess.
A further aspect of the invention relates to a decorative audio and
video entertainment assembly that includes a decorative surround for a heating
appliance, a display screen coupled to the surround and configured to provide
a
video display in response to a video signal, and a sound system positioned at
least
partially within a recessed portion of the surround and configured to provide
sound
in response to an audio signal.
A yet further aspect of the invention relates to a method of
assembling a surround entertainment system that is configured for use with a
heating
appliance. The system includes a surround, a display monitor, a sound system,
and a
signal module. The method includes forming first and second recessed portions
in
the surround, positioning the signal module in at least a portion of the first
recessed
portion, positioning the sound system in at least a portion of the second
recessed
portion, and coupling the display monitor to the surround.
Another aspect of the invention relates to a decorative surround for a
heating appliance that includes a first recessed portion configured to receive
at least
a portion of a display monitor, a second recessed portion configured to
receive at
least a portion of a signal module, and a third recessed portion configured to
receive
at least a portion of a sound system.
The above summary of the present invention is not intended to
describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present
invention. Figures in the detailed description that follow more particularly
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exemplify embodiments of the invention. While certain embodiments will be
illustrated and described, the invention is not limited to use in such
embodiments.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The invention may be more completely understood in consideration
of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention
in
connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an example surround
entertainment system according to principles of the present invention with a
display
monitor and a signal module in viewable positions;
Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the system shown in Figure 1
with the display monitor and signal module in non-viewable positions;
Figure 3 is an exploded front perspective view of the system shown
in Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a front view of the system shown in Figure 1;
1 S Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the system shown in Figure 4
taken along cross-sectional indicators 5-S;
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the system shown in Figure 4
taken along cross-sectional indicators 6-6;
Figure 7 is a close up view of the display monitor mounting assembly
shown in Figure 6;
Figure 8 is a front view of the system shown in Figure 2;
Figure 9 is cross-sectional view of the system shown in Figure 8
taken along cross-sectional indicators 9-9;
Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the system shown in Figure 8
taken along cross-sectional indicators 10-10;
Figure I 1 is a close up view of the display monitor mounting
assembly shown in Figure 10;
Figure 1'Z is a front perspective view of another example sun-ound
entertainment system according to principles of the present invention with a
display
monitor and a signal module in viewable positions;
Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of the system shown in
Figure 12;
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Figure 14 is a front view of the system shown in Figure 12;
Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the system shown in Figure 14
taken along cross-sectional indicators 15-15;
Figure 16 is a close up view of the display monitor mounting
assembly shown in Figure 14;
Figure 17 is a front view of the system shown in Figure 12 with the
display monitor and signal module in non-viewable positions;
Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the system shown in Figure 17
taken along cross-sectianal indicators 18-18; and
Figure 19 is a close up view of the display monitor mounting
assembly shown in Figure 18.
While the invention is amenable to various modifications and
alternant forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example and the
drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however,
that the
1 S intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments
described. On
the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and
alternatives
falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment
The present invention generally relates to surrounds for heating
appliances, and more specifically relates to surrounds that include
entertainment
hardware such as a display monitor and a sound system. The surround functions
as
a modular entertainment system in that the entertainment hardware is
positioned
within or otherwise mounted to the surround.
In preferred embodiments, the surround entertainment system can be
transported as a single unit and eventually installed as a single unit by
merely
securing the surround to a support structure (e.g., a stud wall) and providing
power
to the entertainment hardware. The entertainment hardware may be positioned
with
respect to various features of the surround so that the entertainment hardware
is
concealed from view, and. the position of the entertainment hardware and suu-
ound
may be altered to expose certain entertainment hardware for viewing or control
of
the hardware.
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As used herein, the term "surround" means any exposed structural
surface that covers at least a portion of the front surface of a heating
appliance and
provides a transition from the combustible materials surrounding the heating
appliance (such as, for example, a stud wall) to the front panel of the
heating
appliance. The "surround" may function as a door or similar structure that
provides
access to otherwise covered features of the heating appliance. The phrase
"viewing
surface" is any surface through which at least a portion of an interior of the
heating
appliance may be viewed. For example, a viewing surface may consist of a pane
of
translucent/transparent tempered or ceramic glass or high temperature plastic
positioned to cover at least a portion of an opening of the heating appliance.
The
phrase "combustion charr~ber enclosure" may include any enclosure in which
flames
and/or heat is generated or simulated in the heating appliance. The teen
"display
monitor" is defined as a.ny device that is capable of providing a video
display. A
"sound system" is defined as any system and/or device that is capable of
producing
sound. The term "signal module" is defined as any module or device configured
to
produce analog or digital communication signals such as, for example, video
and
audio signals.
An example surround entertainment system 10 is shown and
described with reference to Figures 1-11. Referring first to Figures 1 and 3,
the
system 10 includes a surround 12, a display monitor 14, first and second
speakers
lfi, 18, and a signal module 20. The display monitor 14, speakers 16, 18, and
signal
module 20 are positioned within recessed portions of the surround 12 so as to
be
removed from viewing, or may be viewable by adjusting features of the
surround,
monitor 14, speakers 16, 18, and signal module 20, as will be described
further
below. When assembled together, the features 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 provide a
modular system 10 that is relatively easy to transport as a single unit and
install
around a heating appliance with relative ease.
The surround 12 includes a top member 30, a mantel 32, and first and
second side members 34, 36 that together define an internal space 38 sized to
surround a heating appliance (not shown). Surround 12 also includes first and
second sound system recesses 40, 42 forced in the first and second side
members
3~1, 36, a signal module recess 44 formed in the mantel 32, and a display
monitor
recess 46 (see Figures 6 and 7) also formed in mantel 32. Surround 12 further
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includes first and second access panels 48, 50 sized to cover the first and
second
sound system recesses 40, 42, and a third access panel 52 sized to cover the
signal
module recess 44.
Referring now to Figures 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, and 1 l, the display monitor
14 includes a frame 60, a display screen 62 and a mounting assembly 64. The
mounting assembly 64 includes a base 66, first and second links 68, 70, and a
biasing member 72 positioned on opposing sides of the frame 60. The mounting
assembly 64 provides adj ustment of the frame 60 and display screen 62 between
a
display position (see Figures l, 3, 4, 6, and 7) in which the display screen
62 is
viewable from a front surface of the surround 12, and a retracted position
(see
Figures 2, 8, 10, and 11 ) in which the display monitor 14 is retracted within
the
display monitor recess 46 and removed from viewing from a front surface of the
surround 12.
Display monitor 14 is mounted to a bottom surface 56 of mantel 32
as opposed to being mounted to a top surface 54 of the mantel 32 or other
surfaces
of the surround 12. Although the display monitor 14 may have any desired size,
it is
preferred that the display monitor 14 is sized so that it has minimal
intrusion into the
internal space 38 where the heating appliance is visible. Because of the
limited
space provided by surround 12 for concealing the display monitor 14, the
display
monitor 14 preferably includes a relatively thin frame 62 and display screen
62
provided by, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), plasma display, or
other
flat panel digital display device.
The mounting assembly 64 is just one example configuration for
mounting the display monitor 14 and providing adjustability of the display
monitor
14 between a stored/retracted position and a display position wherein the
display
screen 62 is viewable. Other embodiments may include a mounting assembly that
is
a simple hinge structure or an attachment configuration in which the display
monitor
14 is not permanently secured to the surround 12 but is manually moved from a
stored position to a viewable position by, for example, hanging the display
device
from a bracket or hook on the surround 12. In yet further embodiments, the
display
monitor 14 may be permanently mounted in a display position and the surround
12
includes an additional access panel that is movable to cover the display
monitor 14
in one position so as to conceal the display monitor, and movable to a second
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position in which the display monitor is viewable. Such an access panel may be
coupled to the surround 12 using, for example, a hinge, may slide between
opened
and closed positions, or may be removable all together from the surround 12.
1n still
further embodiments, display monitor 14 may move into a retracted, non-
viewable
position that is not within a recess portion of the surround 12. In such an
embodiment, the frame 60 or portions of the mounting assembly 64 may be at
least
partially viewable when the display monitor is in a retracted position rather
than
being completely concealed, as is provided by the embodiments shown in Figures
1-
11. In additional embodiments, the display monitor 14 can be retracted and
extended into and out of the surround 12 in a substantially linear manner so
that the
display monitor 14 is maintained within the same plane.
Refernng now to Figures 1, 3-5 and 9, the signal module 20 includes
a housing 80, a media tray 82, and a plurality of control buttons 84. Signal
module
can be any signal generating device that preferably generates at least a video
1 S signal that can be fed to the display monitor 14 and an audio signal that
can be sent
to the speakers 16, 18. Example devices that may be used as the signal module
20
include DVD and CD players, or may be a receiver such as a cable or satellite
receiver that merely formats and/or transmits a signal provided from a remote
source
that is fed through the device 20 to the display monitor 14 or speakers 16,
18. The
20 signal module 20 may include a controller such as a microprocessor and
memory
wherein a plurality of video and/or audio programs can be stored for selection
by a
user or downloaded from another device such as a computer that is connected to
the
Internet for streaming and/or downloading digital signals from a remote
source. The
media tray 82 may be movable between a closed position (see Figure 9) and an
open
position (see Figure 5) to receive a media member such as a CDROM or DVD disk.
The display monitor 14, first and second speakers 16, 18, and signal
monitor 20 may be controlled and adj usted manually by a user via control
buttons or
other user interface structures associated with each of the devices 14, 16,
18, 20. In
some embodiments, the devices 14, 16, 18, 20 may be controlled from a remote
location using, for example, a hand-held remote device or a wall mounted
control
panel from which control signals are generated and the signals are delivered
via a
hardwire connection or a wireless connection using any desired communication
medium, such as, for example, radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR), ultrasound,
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cellular, or satellite signals. Optionally, one or more transparent windows or
openings can be incorporated into the surround 12 to facilitate wireless
connections
using a medium such as IR. For example, a transparent window or opening can be
incorporated into the third access panel 52 to allow a wireless IR connection
to
device 20
Some embodiments of the invention may include multiple display
monitors, multiple signal modules, and one or more speakers. These devices may
be
mounted at various locations on surround 12 (e.g., additional orientations to
those
shown in Figures 1-11). For example, multiple speakers may be mounted within
the
mantel 32, one or more o f the signal modules may be mounted within the side
members 34, 36, and one or more display monitors may be mounted to or within
the
top and first and second side members 30, 34, 36.
Another example surround entertainment system 100 is shown with
reference to Figures 12-19 and includes a display monitor 114 coupled to a top
surface 154 of the surround 112. System 100 includes a surround 112, a display
monitor 114, first and second speakers 116, 118, and a signal module 120. The
surround 112 includes a top member 130, a mantel 132, and first and second
side
members 134, 136 that define an internal space 138 sized to surround a heating
appliance (not shown). T'he surround 112 also includes first and second sound
system recesses 140, 142, a signal module recess 144, a display monitor recess
146,
and first, second, and third access panels 148, 150, 152.
The display monitor 114 includes a frame 160, a display screen 162,
and a mounting assembly 164. The mounting assembly 164 includes a base 166,
first and second links 168, 170, and a biasing member 172 coupled on opposing
sides of the frame 160 that are used to mount the display monitor 114 to the
surround 112 and move the display monitor 114 between a retracted position
(see
Figures 17-19) in which the display screen 162 is not viewable and a display
position (see Figures 12-16) in which the display screen 162 is viewable. When
in
the retracted position, the display monitor 114 is preferably flush mounted
with the
top surface 154 of the mantel 132 so as to minimize any interference with the
look
and feel of the surround 112 and to conceal the display monitor 114 from view
when
viewing the surround 112 from a front surface. To help camouflage the display
monitor 114 when in the retracted position, a back side of the frame 160 (the
surface
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opposing the display screen 162) may be painted or otherwise provided with a
surface finish that matches the finish provided on the top surface 156 of the
mantel
132.
The links 168, 170 of the mounting assembly 164 facilitate retraction
of the display monitor 114 into a position in which the display screen 162 is
facing
downward in a protected, unexposed position. This may be helpful in protecting
the
display screen 162 from damage or contaminants that may otherwise be
problematic
if the display screen were facing upward when in the retracted position. As
noted
above with reference to system 10, the display monitor 114 may, in other
embodiments, be completely detachable from the mounting assembly and manually
laid flat with the display screen 162 facing downward within a recess or on
top of
the top surface 156 of the mantel 132 for storing the display monitor 14. In
this
embodiment, the display monitor 114 would be manually lifted into a display
position and could be at ached to the surround in any desired manner either
extending upward from the top surface 156 of the mantel 132 or being mounted
with
brackets, fasteners, or other attachment means to the mantel 132 or other
features of
the surround 112 in a desired location and where a video feed (either wire or
wireless) to the display monitor 114 is possible.
The first and second access panels 48, SO and 148, 150 may be may
be made from sound permeable materials so as to permit sound generated by the
first
and second speakers to pass through the panel while substantially concealing
the
speakers from view. In some embodiments, these access panels may be integrated
into the speakers or may be removable or adjustable into a removed position
when
the speakers are in use.
The third access panel 52, 152 is shown in the Figures as having a
hinged attachment to the mantel so as to be easily movable into an open
position
thereby providing access to the stored signal module. In some embodiments, the
control buttons or a control panel of the signal module may be integrated into
the
third access panel, the third access panel may be slidable relative to the
mantel 132
between open and closed positions, or the third access panel may be removable
altogether. The signal module may be mounted to a sliding tray or drawer (not
shown) within the signal module recess so that the signal module is movable
into a
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more accessible position for accessing the control buttons when the third
access
panel is in an open position.
Communication between the display monitor, speakers and signal
module of the surround as described above may be provided by a hardwire
connection or may be a wireless communication. In some embodiments, any wiring
or cords associated with the entertainment hardware may be routed to a single
location for a distribution to the various devices. In such a configuration, a
single
power outlet may be provided for the entire surround entertainment system as
well
as a single panel of connectors (e.g., network, coaxial cable, USB, serial
port,
parallel port, or any other type or style of connector) so that the surround
entertainment system can be easily installed and communication with all of the
entertainment hardware devices made accessible from at a centralized location.
Other surround entertainment systems may include additional
entertainment hardware devices to those shown in Figures 1-19. For example,
the
surround entertainment system may include lights, sources of heat, telephone
systems, intercom systems, computer, or other multimedia devices as desired
that
are in some way mounted to and associated with the surround entertainment
system.
In another embodiment, the mantel 32, and first and second side
members 34, 36 of the surround 10 are provided in separate parts that can be
assembled to form the surround 10. In other embodiments, insulative or heat
reflective materials can be incorporated into the surround to isolate the
electronic
devices used with the surround from heat generated by the fireplace. In yet
other
embodiments, fan systems can be incorporated into the surround to cool
electronic
devices.
The present invention should not be considered limited to the
particular examples or materials described above, but rather should be
understood to
cover all aspects of the invention as fairly set out in the attached claims.
Various
modifications, equivalent processes, as well as numerous structures to which
the
present invention may be applicable will be readily apparent to those of skill
in the
ar-t to which the present invention is directed upon review of the instant
specification.
