Enclosure system and method of use

Abstract

An enclosure system and method for customizing the appearance of an enclosure includes an enclosure which has two spaced apart receiving rails. A panel assembly having two spaced apart rails is fabricated so that the rails of the panel assembly will precisely engage and slide along the receiving rails of the enclosure. Spacers ensure that the width of the panel assembly is slightly less than the width of the receiving rails of the enclosure. In a second embodiment, the panel assembly rails are spaced apart the desired distance by at least one connecting member.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the filing benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 933,417, filed Jun. 6, 2007, which is herein incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present invention pertains generally to enclosures, and more particularly to an enclosure system and method which permits rapid customization of the appearance of the enclosure and facilitates the use of non-metal custom artistic panels.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Enclosures such as those which contain electronic components are typically fashioned from metal. Many such enclosures have a removable panel which provides access to the interior of the enclosure. While the removable panels are structurally functional, they typically lack in aesthetic appeal.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION[0004]The present invention is directed to an enclosure system and method for customizing the appearance of an enclosure. The present invention permits the ap...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004]The present invention is directed to an enclosure system and method for customizing the appearance of an enclosure. The present invention permits the appearance of the enclosure to be easily and rapidly changed by inserting a decorative panel assembly (cartridge) of a desired look or feel (e.g. wood, marble, glass, mosaic, clay, carbon fiber, etc.). The panel assembly includes two rails which are connected to the edges of a panel member. The panel assembly rails slidably engage the receiving rails of the enclosure so that the panel assembly may be easily slid into and removed from the enclosure.

[0005]The present invention overcomes the problem of using panel members such as granite, marble, and the like, which cannot be cut to precise tolerances. In the present invention, a spacer is installed between each of the rails and the panel member. The width of the spacer is adjusted so that the overall rail-to-rail panel assembly width (panel member, rails, and spacers) is that needed to ensure precise engagement with the receiving rails of the enclosure. In other words, by using a spacer the finished panel assembly may be assembled to machine tolerances which are not possible with the panel member alone. This guarantees a consistent fit, even if the panel member is made from natural materials having low precision cut tolerances. Since the resulting assembled panel assemblies are the same size, they are interchangeable. This facilitates mass customization and allows customers to buy and replace entire panel assembly units. Alternatively, because the panel member and rails are separate components, the components of the panel assembly can be fabricated and sold separately. In fact, users can create their own replaceable panel assemblies from a panel member, rails, and a spacer. Using the “tray” style embodiment, users can create their own mosaic panels by simply pouring grout in the tray to the right height, and pressing colored tiles into the surface.

Problems solved by technology

In other words, by using a spacer the finished panel assembly may be assembled to machine tolerances which are not possible with the panel member alone.

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