Method and apparatus for computer integral with wall

• US 6,628,510 B2
• Filed: 09/06/2001
• Issued: 09/30/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 09/06/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: First Capital International, Inc.
• Original Assignee: First Capital International, Inc.
• Inventors: Genin, Alexander
• Primary Examiner(s): Joyce, Harold
• Application Number:
  US09/947,725
• Publication Number:
  US 20030045227A1
• Time in Patent Office: 754 Days
• Field of Search: 361/687, 361/681, 361/683, 361/688, 361/724, 312/223.2, 312/223.3, 454/237, 454/251, 454/252, 454/253, 454/364, 454/184
• US Class Current: 361/679.21
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/181 Enclosures for portable computers G06F1/1613
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/182 with special features, e.g. for use in industrial environments; grounding or shielding against radio frequency interference [RFI] or electromagnetical interference [EMI]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/20 Cooling means

Abstract

A computing system is proposed for installation or retrofit in homes or offices. The system easily installs in wall structures without concern for interference with load bearing structures. In its varying embodiments the system provides for audio or video entertainment, security, remote monitoring, and all forms of communications and networking with other computing systems and appliances. The system exploits a menu-driven graphical user interface, a rigid framing mechanism and special ventilation techniques to achieve an unprecedented computing system for integral incorporation within a home and office.

Claims

1. A computing system for retrofit installation into a wall, comprising:

a frame having a top side, a bottom side, a right side and a left side, said frame sufficiently rigid to support a load-bearing member of said wall;

a plurality of components comprising a computing assembly, said computer assembly coupled to said frame;

a display device coupled to said frame and having its vertical axis parallel with the vertical access of said wall upon installation;

a cover assembly for detachable installation and for covering artifacts of construction and said computing assembly while allowing visibility to said display device.

2. The invention of claim 1 wherein said computing assembly is integral.

3. The invention of claim 1 wherein said computing assembly is modular.

4. The invention of claim 1 wherein said display device is modular.

5. The invention of claim 1 wherein said cover assembly has an opening for visual and tactile access to said display.

6. The invention of claim 1 where said cover attaches over said computing assembly using a hook and loop connector.

7. The invention of claim 1 wherein said frame has a back side substantially forming a container when combined with said right side, and said left side and said top side, and said right side.

8. The invention of claim 7 wherein said frame has a front side with one or more openings, forming an enclosure that allows visibility to said display.

9. A wall structure comprising:

an aesthetic outer wall and an inner structural support system;

a frame installed in a first cutout of said outer wall and a corresponding second cutout in said structural support system, said frame populated with a computing assembly;

said frame providing structural support in said inner structural support system;

an inflow opening in said frame for allowing air inflow;

an outflow frame opening in said frame for allowing air outflow; and

at least one fan to induce airflow in said inflow frame opening and out said outflow frame opening.

10. The invention of claim 9 further comprising;

a first ventilation opening in said wall structure for allowing air inflow and configured with respect to said inflow frame opening so that air entering said first ventilation opening flows to said inflow frame opening;

a second ventilation opening in said wall structure for allowing air outflow and substantially configured with respect to said outflow frame opening so that air exiting said outflow frame opening flows to said second ventilation opening.

11. The invention of claim 10 wherein said first ventilation opening is coupled to said inflow frame opening by a first ventilation shaft;

and said second ventilation opening is coupled to said outflow frame opening by a second ventilation shaft.

12. The invention of claim 9, further comprising a cover assembly, said cover assembly having a flared edge to allow for airflow.

13. The invention of claim 9 further comprising a cover assembly, said cover assembly comprising;

a first ventilation opening for allowing air inflow and configured with respect to said inflow frame opening so that air entering said first ventilation opening flows to said inflow frame opening.

14. The invention of claim 13 wherein said cover assembly further comprises a second ventilation opening allowing air outflow and substantially configured with respect to said outflow frame opening so that air exiting said outflow frame opening flows to said second ventilation opening.

15. The invention of claim 9 wherein said frame is rigid enough to provide at least as much support as said second cutout portion of said inner structural support.

16. The invention of claim 13 wherein said cover assembly is at least as large as said first cutout.

18. The method of claim 16 further comprising the step of covering the computer assembly and the box frame while allowing for visible and tactile contact with said display.

19. The method of claim 16 further comprising the steps of:

installing a vent in said wall;

installing a ventilation shaft coupling said vent to said box frame in a manner that facilitates airflow from said box frame to said vent.

20. The method of claim 16 further comprising the steps of:

applying a cover to said computer assembly and box frame and aligning said cover to allow for air flow through an opening in said cover.

21. The method of claim 16 further comprising the steps of:

applying a cover to said computer assembly and box frame and aligning said cover to allow for air flow around an edge of said cover.

17. In a system comprising, a rigid box frame having a integral computing assembly and a display;

and a wall having an aesthetic outer surface and an interior structural support system;

a method comprising the steps of;

cutting a hole in said aesthetic outer surface, the size of said hole corresponding to the size of said box frame;

removing portions of the interior structural support system that correspond with said hole; and

inserting said box frame in said hole in a manner so as to use said frame to replace the removed portions of said structural support system.