GB2536462A

GB2536462A - Cabinet guttering system

Info

Publication number: GB2536462A
Application number: GB1504538.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alan Rees Clifford
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-03-18
Filing date: 2015-03-18
Publication date: 2016-09-21
Also published as: GB201504538D0

Abstract

The invention relates to a protective cabinet for protecting appliances, such as televisions, radiators and heaters. The cabinet includes means for preventing the appliance from coming into contact with a liquid that is spilled over the cabinet. The cabinet comprises a frame and a drainage system 200 i.e. guttering, that includes a liquid collection tray 205 and at least one drain pipe 215 for draining away liquid from the tray 205. The guttering system 200 is integrated in the frame and preferably the tray is located directly below a ventilation region 115 that is provided in an upper face 105a of the frame. The tray 205 is vertically offset from the frame upper face so that air may flow past the tray 205 and exit the cabinet via the frame ventilation region 115. Embodiments advantageously protect an appliance and the interior of the cabinet from contact with a liquid that is spilled over the cabinet without compromising heat dissipation from the appliance.

Description

DESCRIPTION * Title

Cabinet Guttering System

Field of invention

The present invention relates in general to cabinets for the protection of appliances such as televisions, computer monitors, radiators, heaters, etc., and more particularly to cabinets having an internal guttering system for protecting the appliance and interior of the cabinet from contact with a liquid that is spilled over the protective cabinet.

Background

Cabinets for the protection of appliances such as televisions, computer monitors, radiators, heaters, etc. are known. Typically a cabinet comprises a structure, often made at least partially of a plastic material or a metal, that surrounds the perimeter of the appliance. In the case where the appliance is an electronic device like a television that has a viewing screen, the cabinet has an open or transparent front to allow the screen of the electronic device to be viewed. In other cases where viewing the appliance is unimportant, e.g. in the case of a radiator, the front of the cabinet may be closed, i.e. opaque. In either case the cabinet may have an open or substantially open back, or it may have a closed back. The purpose of the cabinet is to protect the appliance from scratches, impacts, etc. A number of appliances generate relatively large amounts of heat when they are in use. In the case of an electronic device, the heat is a by-product of operation that has to be removed from the electronic device otherwise it may suffer reduced performance or even be damaged by overheating. A ventilation region in the form of a series of slots and/or holes is therefore often provided in an outer surface of the electronic device to allow heat to escape from the device into the atmosphere. In other cases like a radiator or heater the appliance intentionally emits heat, and it is important that this heat effectively dissipates into the surrounding area. Again, a ventilation region in the form of a series of slots and/or holes can allow heat to escape from the appliance into the surrounding atmosphere.

In cases where the appliance includes ventilation region(s), ventilation in the cabinet is often located such that it complements (i.e. is aligned with) the location(s) of ventilation region(s) provided on the appliance. This allows heated air to escape the cabinet entirely and effectively dissipate into the surroundings. Ventilation in the cabinet can be necessary because the effectiveness of ventilation slots or holes in the appliance itself as a heat distribution mechanism is reduced when the appliance is surrounded by a cabinet because the cabinet retains heated air that would otherwise escape into the atmosphere at large. As a result, protective cabinets often include a ventilation region to allow heated air to escape from the interior of the cabinet and into the surrounding atmosphere.

In general, in order for cabinet ventilation to work effectively, the cabinet ventilation typically needs to be located along at least a top face of the cabinet. This is because warm air rises, such that ventilation on the bottom face of the cabinet, or even the sides of the cabinet, is usually less effective than ventilation on the top of the cabinet. Where an appliance has its own ventilation holes, these are often located at or near the top of the appliance, for the same reason.

A problem with locating a ventilation region on the top face of the cabinet is that a liquid can fall under gravity through the ventilation holes or slots and into the interior of the cabinet, where it can come into contact with the appliance and possibly any ventilation region provided in the appliance itself. This can compromise hygiene standards. Additionally, in the case of an electronic device, contact with liquid can lead to damage to the electronic device; for example, the liquid may subsequently gain access to the interior of the electronic device, perhaps via the ventilation holes provided in the device itself, and come into contact with electrical components or circuitry causing an electrical fault or other damage. The protective cabinet has to be removed to clean and/or repair an appliance that has come into contact with a liquid, and this is a time consuming process. Additionally, the interior of the cabinet itself has to be cleaned as well as the appliance it protects, further adding to the cleaning time.

Situations where liquid may come into contact with the protective cabinet include psychiatric hospitals and prisons, as well as instances where a cabinet is located outdoors. In such circumstances it is possible that the cabinet will encounter liquids including but not limited to water, various beverages and foods having a significant liquid component (e.g. soup), all of which can compromise hygiene and possibly cause damage to the appliance.

It is clear that there is a need for a protective cabinet that is able to allow for effective distribution of heat generated by an appliance whilst simultaneously preventing the appliance from coming into contact with and possibly being damaged by liquids that are poured, spilled, thrown over or otherwise come into contact with the cabinet.

Summary

In an aspect embodiments provide a cabinet for protecting an appliance, comprising: a frame that surrounds a perimeter of the appliance; and a guttering system for directing liquid that falls on an upper face of the frame away from the appliance. The guttering system may comprise a tray and at least one drain pipe, the at least one drain pipe connected to the tray. The tray may be located directly beneath a ventilation region that is provided in the upper face of the frame. The tray may be vertically offset from the upper face such that an air gap is present between the tray and the upper face, the air gap to allow air to flow past the tray and out of the slots and/or holes that are provided in the ventilation region. The underside of the upper face of the frame may include a protrusion that extends from the underside of the upper face of the frame, to facilitate liquid dripping from the underside of the frame onto the tray. The protrusion may be positioned directly above the tray. The cabinet may be wall-mounted, or it may be a free-stranding cover that is placed over the appliance. Further preferred features of the invention are shown in the attached figures and set out in the following detailed description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1A is a perspective illustration of a protective cabinet according to an embodiment; Figure 1B is a front view of the cabinet of Figure 1A; Figure 1C is a side view of the cabinet of Figure 1A; Figure 2A is a first perspective illustration of a cabinet guttering system that may be installed in the cabinet of Figure 1A; Figure 2B is a second perspective illustration of a cabinet guttering system when installed in the cabinet of Figure 1A; Figure 2C is a sectional view of the cabinet guttering system of Figures 2A and 2B; Figure 2D is a detailed view of the protruding portion of Figure 2C; and Figure 2E is a bottom view of the cabinet guttering system of Figures 2A to 2C.

Detailed Description of Embodiments

Figs. 1A, 1B and 10 show a protective cabinet 100 according to embodiments for protecting an appliance. In the illustrated embodiment the appliance is an electronic device, specifically a television, but it will be appreciated that protective cabinet 100 can equally be used to protect other appliances including but not limited to computer monitors, radiators, electric heaters, gas heaters, air conditioning units, and the like. In the case of air conditioning units in particular it will be appreciated that ventilation may be provided in the protective cabinet to allow cool air to escape into the atmosphere surrounding the appliance, in addition to or in the alternative to hot air. Cool and hot are defined with respect to ambient air temperature in the vicinity of the protective cabinet.

Protective cabinet 100 includes a frame 105 that in the illustrated embodiment is rectangular. Frame 105 surrounds the perimeter of electronic device 110 and includes an upper face 105a, lower face 105b, and opposing side faces 105c, 105d. Embodiments having differently shaped frames, such as square, are also contemplated. It will be appreciated that preferably the shape of frame 105 is chosen so as to match the shape of the perimeter of the appliance that cabinet 100 protects when in use.

Cabinet 100 includes a front panel (not shown), where here front refers to the face of cabinet 100 that is visible when facing the side of the appliance that is generally considered to be a front face of the appliance. In the illustrated electronic device embodiment, the front of cabinet 100 is defined as the face that is visible when viewing the screen or display of the electronic device. The entire front panel is detachable from the rest of cabinet 100 to allow access to the interior of cabinet 100, perhaps for performing maintenance or repair on the appliance and/or for cleaning the interior of the cabinet and/or the appliance. The front panel is removably secured to the rest of cabinet 100 by any suitable removable securing mechanism, such as screws.

In embodiments where it is desirable to view the front of the appliance when cabinet 100 is in place, the front panel of cabinet 100 may include a transparent sheet of material that protects the front face of the appliance, e.g. a screen or display of an electronic device, from physical damage as well as liquid damage. The sheet of material may be any suitable durable transparent material that allows clear viewing of the screen or display of the electronic device, e.g. Perspex. In other embodiments where there is no particular need to view the front of the appliance, e.g. a radiator, the front panel of cabinet 100 may be fully closed so that the appliance is not visible when cabinet 100 is in place. Embodiments having an open front face so that a portion of the appliance is directly accessible from the exterior of cabinet 100 are also contemplated.

Frame 105 tapers inwardly such that each face is angled at a non-zero angle with respect to a plane perpendicular to the plane of electronic device 110. In the illustrated embodiment the angle between the plane of electronic device 110 and each face of frame 105 is 72 degrees. It will be appreciated that 72 degrees is not critical and that other angles may be used instead, and further that the angle does not need to be the same for each face. In the illustrated embodiment frame 105 tapers towards the front of electronic device 110, the front being defined as the viewing or display face of electronic device 110. Embodiments in which frame 105 tapers in the opposite direction, i.e. away from the viewing or display face of electronic device 110, so that liquid drains away from the screen are also contemplated. It will be appreciated that the angle and direction of taper of upper face 105a will be an important factor in determining the flow path of a liquid that has come into contact with the top of cabinet 100.

Cabinet 100 also includes a ventilation region which in the illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of holes 115 disposed in upper face 105a and lower face 105b of frame 105. It will be appreciated that the ventilation region can be varied as desired, and embodiments having a ventilation region comprising slots, or a combination of slots and holes, are also contemplated.

The location of the ventilation region can also be varied from that shown in Figs. 1A and 1B as desired, although preferably at least a part of the ventilation region is provided in upper face 105a of frame 105. In some embodiments the location of the ventilation region complements the location of a ventilation region that is provided in the appliance. This may involve aligning the respective ventilation regions such that they overlap at least partially.

An optional mounting arrangement 120 is provided for removably securing electronic device 110 in place within cabinet 100. In the illustrated embodiment mounting arrangement 120 comprises a plate with a number of holes that align with corresponding holes in the rear face of electronic device 110. This allows electronic device 110 to be screwed to mounting arrangement 120. The plate may be made of metal. Embodiments in which mounting arrangement 120 comprises a stand or other such means for supporting cabinet 100 are also contemplated. In some embodiments mounting arrangement 120 includes additional holes that allow it to be screwed to a mounting surface such as a wall. One or more holes 125 may additionally or alternatively be provided in the rear face of cabinet 100 to allow it to be screwed to a mounting surface such as a wall. Mounting arrangements like this are known in the art and so are not described in further detail here.

It will be appreciated that mounting arrangement 120 may be dispensed with in embodiments where the appliance is itself mounted to a fixed structure (e.g. a wall). An example of this is where the appliance is a wall-mounted radiator, heater or television. In these embodiments cabinet 100 is typically mounted to the fixed structure that the appliance is mounted to in a position such that cabinet 100 surrounds and protects the appliance.

Optionally, cabinet 100 may also have one or more access ports that allow a user to access functionality of electronic device 110 when it is located within protective cabinet 100. The functionality may be buttons provided on a surface of electronic device 110, e.g. volume, power, input source selection, channel, etc., and/or it may be one or more connection points such as a power port, a USB connection, a H DMI port, a VGA or SCART connection, etc. In the case of a radiator, heater or air conditioning unit the functionality may be a temperature controller, e.g. a thermostat and/or a power button. In the illustrated embodiment a single access port 130 is provided in the form of a rectangular cut-out in side face 105d. It will be appreciated that the size and shape of access port 130 can be varied as required, and typically will be chosen on the basis of the location of the ports etc. included in the appliance. Multiple access ports may be provided if desirable. Access port 130 may be omitted if not required, or may be provided in any of upper face 105a, lower face 105b or side faces 105c, 105d.

Fig. 2A is a partial view of a cabinet guttering system 200 that is installed in cabinet 100. In the illustrated embodiment, guttering system 200 is installed beneath upper face 105a of cabinet 100. For clarity of illustration, side faces 105c, 105d are not shown in Figs. 2A and 2B. Fig. 2C is a sectional view of cabinet guttering system 200 and Fig. 2E is a bottom view of cabinet guttering system 200.

As best shown in Figs. 2B and 2C, guttering system 200 includes a liquid retaining portion that in the illustrated embodiment comprises a tray 205. Other means for retaining a liquid, such as a tank, may be used in place of tray 205 as a liquid retaining portion. Tray 205 includes a base and four side walls such that it forms a rectangular arrangement capable of catching and retaining liquids. The height of the side walls and area of the base are preferably chosen so that the internal volume of tray 205 is at least equal to the volume of liquid that is expected to accumulate in tray 205 under normal use. In some embodiments the height of each side wall is the same; in others, at least one side wall is of a different height. Referring to Fig. 2B in particular, in the illustrated embodiment the height of the side wall that is in contact with the rear face of frame 105 is greater than the height of the other three walls. This is not essential and variations to the height of the side walls of tray 205 can be made as desired. Additionally, one or more of the side walls may be angled with respect to the vertical, if desired.

Guttering system 200 is made of a material that is able to contain the types of liquid that it may reasonably be expected to encounter during use. In most situations the liquid will primarily be water, a beverage or a food having a significant liquid component (e.g. soup), in which case the guttering system can be made of a plastic material. Other materials for guttering system 200, such as metal, are also contemplated.

Tray 205 is positioned directly beneath ventilation holes 115 so that liquid that falls through the holes collects in tray 205. Preferably tray 205 abuts the rear face of frame 105 such that there is no gap available for liquid to flow between tray 205 and the rear face of frame 105. Tray 205 is preferably vertically offset from the underside of upper face 105a, meaning that an air gap is present between tray 205 and upper face 105a. Air is able to flow through this gap and out of ventilation holes 115, meaning that heat from the appliance can still be effectively dissipated to the surrounding atmosphere through ventilation holes 115. Air may also flow around the ends of tray 205.

It will be appreciated that it is not essential that tray 205 is rectangular, and the shape of tray 205 may be varied as desired to suit a given situation. Regardless of shape, tray 205 is preferably long enough that it extends beneath at least the portion of upper face 105a that contains holes 115. Embodiments in which tray 205 extends for substantially the entire length of upper face 105a are also contemplated. Additionally, embodiments having more than one tray similar to tray 205, perhaps disposed adjacent one another along at least a part of the length of upper face 105a, are also contemplated.

In some embodiments the underside of upper face 105a includes a protrusion 210 that extends along at least a part of the length of upper face 105a, and preferably along at least the same length as covered by tray 205. This is shown in Figs. 2C and 2D in particular. Protrusion 210 may be formed from an appropriately shaped sheet of material, e.g. a plastic, that is fixed to the underside of upper face 105a. In the illustrated embodiment protrusion 210 is hook-shaped, but this is not essential and other shapes such as a simple straight rod or ridge may instead be used. Embodiments having more than one protrusion are also contemplated. Liquid that falls through ventilation holes 115 but remains stuck to the underside of upper face 105a due to surface tension will run under gravity towards the lower front edge of upper face 105. In doing so the liquid will encounter protrusion 210, which will tend to cause the liquid to form droplets on the tip 215 of protrusion 210. In the case that protrusion is a straight rod, droplets will tend to from on the end of the rod distal from upper face 105a. The droplets will subsequently fall from tip or end 215 into tray 205. Protrusion 210 is therefore preferably positioned on the underside of upper face 105a such that tip or end 215 is directly above tray 205.

Guttering system 200 further includes at least one drain pipe 215. In the illustrated embodiment two drain pipes are present, one at each end of tray 205, but equally only one drain pipe, or more than two drain pipes, can be provided. The position that drain pipe 215 connects to tray 205 can be varied as desired. Drain pipe 215 is a tube or other suitable pipe-like structure that is sealingly connected to the base of tray 205 such that liquid can exit tray 205 by flowing down drain pipe 215. In some embodiments the majority of the length of drain pipe 215 is located within the interior of cabinet 100. A small portion of drain pipe 215 may be exterior to cabinet 100 to provide an exit by which liquid can drain out of cabinet 100. Embodiments in which drain pipe 215 is entirely within the interior of cabinet 100 are also contemplated.

In some embodiments tray 205 and drain pipe 215 are formed as a single unit. In other embodiments drain pipe 215 is a separate element that is sealably securable to tray 205, perhaps via a threaded connection type arrangement as is known in the art. A tap or valve may be provided on drain pipe 215 to allow it to be selectively opened and closed to liquid flow. In some embodiments the other end of drain pipe 215 exits cabinet 100 so that liquid will flow out of cabinet 100 and into a collection vessel below. The collection vessel may be omitted in circumstances where direct draining onto the floor below cabinet 100 is not a problem, such as outdoors. In other embodiments an integral tank or other suitable collection vessel (not shown) is provided, perhaps within frame 105 or secured on an exterior face of cabinet 100, for liquid to drain into. The tank may be removable from cabinet 100 to allow it to be periodically emptied. A tap or valve may be provided to assist with emptying of the tank.

In the illustrated embodiment tray 205 is horizontal, but embodiments in which tray 205 is tilted at an angle with respect to the horizontal are also contemplated. Tray 205 may be tilted at an angle such that liquid falling into tray 205 tends to run under gravity towards drain pipe 215.

In some circumstances at least some of the liquid that contacts upper face 105a may not fall though ventilation holes 115. The liquid that does not fall through ventilation holes 115 will instead run down upper face 105a under gravity towards the lower end of upper face 105a and ultimately fall off the end of upper face 105a. Optionally, the lower end of upper face 105a may include an overhang 220 that prevents liquid flowing off the end of upper face 105a from coming into contact with the appliance. This may be particularly beneficial where the appliance is an electronic device having a screen, in which case overhang 220 will act to prevent liquid from contacting the screen of the electronic device, or from running down a transparent viewing face of cabinet 100 where one is provided. In the illustrated embodiment overhang 220 is a structure having a Z-shaped cross-section that is integrally formed with upper face 105a, but it will be appreciated that variation to this arrangement is possible.

Embodiments described herein advantageously protect an appliance from damage due to contact with a liquid by directing the flow of the liquid away from the appliance, and particularly away from any ventilation that may be provided in the appliance. Additionally, embodiments advantageously do not inhibit effective dissipation of heat from the appliance. Embodiments also advantageously reduce cleaning time for a cabinet that has come into contact with a liquid, since tray 205 serves to collect liquid entering the interior of the protective cabinet and thus prevent at least the majority of the liquid from contacting the appliance and/or the interior of the cabinet.

Numerous modifications, adaptations and variations to the embodiments described herein will become apparent to a person skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure, and such modifications, adaptations and variations are also embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

Claims 1. A cabinet for protecting an appliance, comprising: a frame that surrounds a perimeter of the appliance; and a guttering system for directing liquid that falls on an upper face of the frame away from the appliance, the guttering system comprising a liquid retaining portion and at least one drain pipe connected to the liquid retaining portion.
2. The cabinet of claim 1, wherein the frame is square or rectangular and at least the liquid retaining portion of the guttering system is located within the interior of the frame.
3. The cabinet of claim 2, wherein at least the majority of the length of the at least one drain pipe is located within the interior of the frame.
4. The cabinet of any preceding claim, wherein the guttering system comprises two drain pipes located at opposite ends of the liquid retaining portion.
5. The cabinet of any preceding claim, wherein at least the upper face of the frame includes a ventilation region, and wherein the liquid retaining portion is located at least partially beneath the ventilation region.
6. The cabinet of any preceding claim, wherein the liquid retaining portion is vertically offset from the upper face such that an air gap is present between the liquid retaining portion and the upper face, the air gap to allow air to flow past the liquid retaining portion and out of the ventilation region.
7. The cabinet of any preceding claim, wherein the liquid retaining portion comprises a tray.
8. The cabinet of claim 7, wherein the tray has a substantially rectangular base.
9. The cabinet of any preceding claim, wherein the underside of the upper face of the frame includes at least one protrusion that extends outwardly from the underside of the upper face of the frame, to facilitate the flow of liquid into the liquid retaining portion.
10. The cabinet of claim 9, wherein the or each protrusion is located directly above the liquid retaining portion.
11. The cabinet of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the or each protrusion is hook shaped. 5
12. The cabinet of any preceding claim, wherein at least the upper face of the frame is angled at a non-zero angle with respect to the horizontal.
13. The cabinet of claim 12, wherein an edge of the upper face of the frame includes an overhang portion.
14. The cabinet of claim 13, wherein the overhang portion is Z-shaped in cross-section.
15. The cabinet of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the overhang portion is provided on the front edge of the upper face of the frame.15. The cabinet of any preceding claim, wherein the frame is tapered.
16. The cabinet of claim 15, wherein the frame is tapered towards a front face of the appliance.
17. The cabinet of any preceding claim, wherein the liquid is at least one of water, a beverage and a food having a significant liquid component.
18. The cabinet of any preceding claim, wherein the appliance is one of an electronic device, a television, a computer monitor, a radiator, an electric heater, a gas heater and an air conditioning unit.
19. The cabinet of any preceding claim, further including a removable front panel.
20. The cabinet of claim 19, wherein the appliance is an electronic device, and wherein the front panel includes a transparent material that acts to protect a viewing face of the electronic device.
21. A protective cabinet as described herein with reference to Figures 1A, 1B and 1C.
22. A cabinet guttering system as described herein with reference to Figures 2A to 2E.