Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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TELEVISION OR VIDEO MONITORS AND CABINETS THERFOR
Field of Invention
The present invention relates to the so-called flat-screen television sets and
video
monitors and to cabinets therefor.
Background to the Invention
Flat screen television sets and video monitors presently come in two different
forms,
namely those with a plasma screen on the one hand, and those with an LCD
screen on the
other, relying upon different technologies, the details of which are of little
importance, so far
as the present invention is concerned.
Broadly speaking, plasma television technology is derived from that of the
fluorescent
tube. The screen is generally divided into individual cells, each comprising
an i.nert gas, usually
a neon-xenon mixture, sealed between glass panels. When the gas is
electrically charged, the
charged gas molecules strike red, green or blue phosphors. To create a
television image,
comprised of many pixel elements, each group of the three red, green and blue
phosphors
forms a pixel element of the screen. In contrast, LCD screens are generally
formed of layers
of transparent material which are polarised, one layer generally being coated
with a polymer
that holds individual liquid crystals. Current applied to the ciystals passes
or blocks light froin
a light source behind the transparent layers to create an image.
However, as noted above, the details of the respective technologies are not of
importance as far as the present invention is concerned. There are relative
advantages and
disadvantages as between plasma screens, and LCD screens. At the date of
fil.ing this patent
application, it was still relatively difficult to manufacture large size "one
inetre or more in
width" LCD screens to acceptable quality, so that they are veiy inuch more
expensive in
corresponding sized plasina television screens; but continuing advances are
being made in the
development of these and other forms of flat-screen television and video
monitor screens
(hereinafter to be referred to as flat-screen displays). The present invention
is applicable to
flat-screen displays utilising any technology. So far as the present invention
is concerned, the
particular technology employed for the flat-screen implementation need not be
further
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described.
Generally, these new forms of television screen are relatively thin, as
compared with
the conventional cathode ray tube based apparatus; they lend themselves to
mounting upon a
wall. However, such screens complete with housing and mounting fixtures are
typically
greater than one metre in overall width. This can pose a problem for those
considering the
purchase of a flat-screen display, when considering how to arrange a flat-
screen display, as an
item of furniture, within their homes. The mounting of a flat-screen display
upon the wall of
a conventional living room will result in the presence of a large grey area
being present when
the display screen is not in use, which said large grey area can easily
dominate such a room.
Furthermore, because such flat-screen displays are comparatively expensive, it
is not
uncommon for such flat-screen displays to be the main object of a theft: As is
known,
electrical goods can be disposed of at a fraction of their open market value
to those who do
not wish to have a receipt for purchase.
A still further problem encountered with flat screen displays is that the
witing for
connection to loudspeakers, aerials and power for the screen are either
attached singly or
within a trunking arrangement to a wall or are otherwise hidden from view in
an expensive
and relatively peri-nanent arrangement. Such cables therefore look quite
unsightly or are
expensively buried, with little choice for rearranging the layout of a room
once the cables have
been encased.
As a result, a variety of different 16nds of furniture in the form of chests
or cabinets
have been designed for concealing flat-screen displays. For example, the type
of cabinet could
be a blanket box, which could be placed at the foot of a bed. Lifting
inechanisms are known,
which come in a number of forms, and are used to vertically raise a flat-
screen display hidden
within the furniture, when required to be viewed. For the remaining time, it
can be hidden
within the furniture.
In inodern home design, in any living room in which a television or video
monitor is
positioned, the seating is generally angled so that people can readily vie~.v
the screen of such a
television. When a flat-screen arrangement is hidden from view and is stored
within an item of
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furniture as described above, then the resultant roozn arrangement may appear
to be strange
upon initial view and an obseiver may question the arrangement of seats in
that they would be
ditected toward a blanket box. Indeed, there are many sitni.larities with the
layout of a room
where a non-inovable traditional screen television set is enclosed within a
cupboard-like
enclosure, the focal point being what would not, ordinarily, be the focus of a
room.
An alternative solution to the problem discussed above, has been to mount the
flat-
screen display upon the wall of a dedicated television or video room,
analogous to an in-house
cineina - which is not readily feasible in most homes.
Object of the Invention
The present invention seeks to provide a solution to the problems addressed
above.
The present invention seeks to provide an aesthetically pleasing television or
video
monitor cabinet and further seeks to provide a relatively secure enclosure for
an expensive
item of electrical apparatus.
Statement of Invention
In accordance with a fitst aspect of the invention, there is provided
apparatus for use
with a flat-screen display, the apparatus comprising: a fireplace surround
adapted to stand
against a wall, and comprising a mechanisin which can support a flat screen
display in a first
position such that the flat-screen display remains entirely within the
cabinet, hidden from
view, and in a second position such that the flat-screen display is raised
above the fireplace
surround and a flat-screen display can be viewed by an onlooker, the mechanism
being
operable to move a flat-screen display between the first and the second
positions.
Conveniently, the fiteplace surround coinprises a grate or fireplace, a hearth
and a
inantelshelf; the grate may comprise an electric fireplace convenientdy with a
flaine effect
arrangement, equally, the grate may comprise a gas fiteplace also conveniently
with a flame
effect arrangement.
Nonetheless, it may be that there is no requirement for an actual heating
device to be
present: the fireplace surround may indeed cornprise a faux-fiteplace. For
example, the
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fireplace may look as if it may be used on a regular basis but may, in fact,
not be used at all -
there is no electric, gas or other type of heating device. Alternatively, the
fireplace surround
inay comprise a screen, decorated or otherwise, which is permanently on view
to give the
i.inpression that there is a fireplace, but such is not used or infrequently
used, when there is in
fact no grate or fireplace. In another alternative, a flower display, potted
plants or other types
of objet d'art may be present, to "hide" a non-existent or little used
fireplace. It will be
appreciated that there are many fireplaces, especially in older homes, where
the fireplace
surround looks pretty, or even interesting, yet the fireplace or grate is
black and unsightly, and
may also allow a draught: a screen or draught excluder may appear to be
appropriate and little
thought will be directed to the apparent primary use of the fireplace
surround.
In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is piovided a
method of
operating a cabinet operable to enclose a flat-screen display when not in use
within a cabinet,
the cabinet comprising a fireplace surround adapted to stand against a wall,
with a mechanism
which can support a flat screen display in a first and second positions, the
inechanism being
operable to move the flat-screen display between the first and the second
positions; fireplace
surround provided with a fireplace in which a gas fire, electric fire or faux
fire is mounted; in
a first mode the method comprising the steps of operating the mechanism, such
that, if
initially the flat-screen display is in view, then the mechanism lowers the
flat-screen display
within the fireplace surround whereby to maintain the fireplace as a focal
point of a room and,
in another inode, the method comprises the step of raising the flat-screen
display from within
the fireplace surround such that the flat-screen display is visible.
In a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fireplace
comprising a
flame effect gas or electric fire, a fiteplace surround, a hearth and a mantel
and a flat-screen
display; at least part of the fireplace surround, conveniently a mantel shelf,
being displaceable
to allow the display screen, otherwise hidden from view, to be raised for
viewing.
When the flaine effect fire is in actual fact a gas fire, then provision can
be made for
the ducting of gases for combustion and exhaust behind the fire, through a
flue that is
conveniently fan assisted, such ductuig being arranged so that it does not
affect the
mechanism for raising and lowering of the screen.
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The raising mechanism may comprise a screw drive or a rack and pinion
mechanism,
wherein an electric motor provides drive. Alternatively an hydraulic
inechanism or a
pneumatic systein is employed. Part or all of the mantel shelf may be raised
together with the
screen and may be attached to the upper edge of the display screen or to its
raising mechanism
for this purpose. Alternatively, part or all of the mantel shelf may be
hingedly mounted to the
remainder of the cabinet, allowing it to be rotated on operation of the
mechanism to a
position allowing the display screen to be raised. In a further alternative,
part or all of the
mantel shelf may be slid out of the way, or withdrawn within the cabinet, to
allow the screen
to be raised.
Brief Description of the Figures
For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will now be
made, by way of
example only, to the Figures as shown in the accompanying drawing sheets,
wherein:-
Figure 1 illustrates a cabinet for a flat-screen television, in a schematic
front elevation
view;
Figure 2 il.lustiates a sectional view through the cabinet of Figure 1 taken
along the
line II-II in Figure 1, and showing a flat-screen within the cabinet;
Figure 3 shows a view similar to Figure 1, but showing the flat-screen raised;
Figure 4 shows a sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Figure 3;
Figure 5 is a scrap sectional view showing a modification;
Figures 6 a similar scrap sectional view showing a further modification;
Figures 7 is a perspective view of a first example of lifting mechanism useful
in an
apparatus as depicted in Figures 1- 4;
Figure 8 is a perspective view of an alternative example of lifting mechanism
as seen
from the front;
Figure 9 is a perspective view of the lifting inechanisin shown in Figure 8 as
seen
fiom the rear;
Figure 10 is a view generally siunilar to Figure 2 for an alternative
embodiment, and;
Figure 11 is a plan view of Figure 10, taken along the line XI-XI.
Detailed description of the Preferred Embodiments
There will now be described, by way of example only, the best mode
contemplated by
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the inventor for carrying out the present invention. In the following
description, numerous
specific details are set out in order to provide a complete understanding to
the present
invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that the present
invention may be put
into practice with variations of the specific:
With reference to Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings, with a flat-
screen
display 1 is shown mounted within a cabinet 2 in Figures 1 and 2 and raised
from the cabinet
in Figures 3 and 4 for the screen to be viewed, The display screen 1 is
mounted on a
mounting and lifting mechanism 3 to allow the screen to be raised and lowered
as required,
suitably under reinote-control of a viewer seated in front of the screen. In
order that the
screen can be raised, a portion 4 of the top 5 of the cabinet is either raised
with the screen and
lifting mechanism, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, or rotated about a hinge axis
6 out of the way,
to allow the screen to be raised, as shown in the alternative scrap view of
the Figure 5. In a
further alternative arrangement, part or all of the top 5 of the cabinet may
be slideable, for
example, to the dotted line position shown in the scrap view of Figure 6, to
allow the lifting
mechanisin to raise the screen. Part or all of the top 5 may also simply be
withdrawn into the
cabinet. In these alternative arrangements, the display support part of top 5
may be moved by
hand, by engagement with the lifting mechanism or by mechanical or
electromechanical
means specific to top 5, as would be apparent to one skilled.
A number of different mounting and lifting mechanisms are coininercially
available,
such as those illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, and described in more detailed
below. Wiring for
the screen may be hidden within the cabinet. The cabinet is suitably disposed
against a wall
(not shown in Figures), and the lifting mechanism 3 is mounted to the cabinet,
to the floor,
and/or to the wall. It will be appreciated that if connected to the wall,
there may be beneficial
security iunplications with regard to theft of the lifting apparatus and flat-
screen display.
Thus far, the apparatus described above is entirely conventional. What differs
in the
illustrated einbod.unent is the form of the cabinet 2. Here, rather than being
provided in the
form of furniture such as a chest, it takes the form of a fueplace surround 7
which surrounds a
fireplace or grate 8, providing a space for a fire and a hearth 9, which
extends forwardly of the
fireplace surround. The top 5 of the fireplace surround seives as a mantel
shelf or mantel
piece. Within the fue space 8 is mounted an electric flaine effect fu:e 10. As
can be seen from
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the sectional view of Figure 2, the screen 1 and lifting inechanism are
located behind the fire
and fire space S. For clarity and ease of illustration, the respective wiring
for the television
1, the lifting mechanism and for the flaine effect fire 10 have been omitted
froin the above
drawings. It will be understood, however, that such wiring can readily be
hidden within the
5 cabirnet. It will also be appreciated that peripheral electrical equipment
such as DVD players
"home-cinema" equipment, antenna signal boost equipinent, the so-called "digi-
boxes" and
other equipinent can conveniently be placed inside the fireplace surround or
within an
aperture or orifice defined within the fireplace surround, suitably placed
behind a cover or
door, if required. The fireplace surround can conveniently be forined froin a
wide range of
10 materials, with due regard to considerations such as combustibility, taking
into account
whether or not and what type of fire is to be employed.
Conveniently, the fireplace surround comprises a grate, a hearth and a mantel
shelf;
the grate may comprise an electric or gas fireplace conveniently with a flame
effect
arrangement. There may, indeed, be no requitement for an actual heater or fire
to be present
and the fireplace may comprise a faux-fiteplace. In other words the fireplace
may look as if it
is used on a regular basis but in fact does not comprise a chimney or fire or
heating device.
Alternatively, the fireplace coinprises a screen, which can be decorated,
which is perinanently
on view to give the iunpression that there is a fue that is not used or
infrequently used, when
there is in fact no grate or fireplace. Furthermore this effect mimics those
fireplaces,
especially in older homes, where the fite has been blocked off but the
fireplace surround looks
pretty, or even interesting, yet the fiteplace or grate is black and
unsightly, and may also allow
a draught: a screen or draught excluder may appear to be appropriate. Equally,
Flowers, pot
plants or objets d'art inay be placed instead of a screen.
Cabinet 2 may be fashioned in any appropriate fireplace style, such as, but
not
restricted to, mediaeval stonework, wooden Adain-style, Victorian tile, Art
Deco, metalwork,
modern polished stone or glass. Stone, plaster (inoulded or otherwise), wood,
inedium density
fibreboard, plastics, fibreglass are examples (but not an exhaustive list)of
suitable materials
fLoin which the fireplace surround can be formed.
Figure 7 shows a typical lifting inechanisin. A lift platform 11, generally of
box girder
form, is supported from respective side panels 12, 13. A motor, not
illustrated in Figure7, is
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inounted, within the box girder platform 11 and drives a pair of inter-meshed
spur gears 14 at
either longitudinal end of the platform 11, The side panels 12, 13, are
generally C- shaped in
profile, and each support a pair of longitudinal rack gears 15 along their
inwardly directed
edges, the racks facing each other and co-operate with spur gears 14.
Depending on which
disection the motor is driven, the above described rack-and-pinion arrangement
would serve
to raise or lower the platform as a whole. Top and bottom limits of travel are
determined by
adjustably positionable abutment stops which engage a limit switch 18 inounted
on the rear of
the platform 11. Power to the lifting mechanism is provided electric power
cable 19 and a
control box 20, which may be mounted so that switches 21 are manually
accessible through
the side of the cabinet 2. Alternatively, control box 20 may be coupled to a
radio or ultrasonic
sensor controllable by a corresponding remote-controller operated by a viewer
of the display
screen seated in front of the cabinet. INCA of Gardena, California, USA,
Wihelm GmbH of
Steinbach-Hallenberg, Germany and Lift-Tech of Valencia, California, USA
provide known
lifting mechanisms.
'The INCA system einploys a motor that is housed within the platform that is
raised
and lowered. The Wilhelm arrangement illustrated in Figures 8 and 9 provides
an alternative
arrangement in which a motor 22 is mounted within a housing 23 at the base of
the lifting
mechanism. The Wilhelm lifting mechanism also incorporates a back panel 24 and
side panels
25, 26, which, together with the housing 23, are fixedly mounted within the
fireplace
surround. A movable structure, generally indicated 27 and shown in dotted line
in its upper
position and in solid line in lower position in Figure 8, is movable in a
generally vertical
direction, relative to the above described fixed structure to raise and lower
any flat-screen
display unit. Movable structure 27 comprises a pair of uprights 28, 29 from
which are
inounted two generally horizontal supports 30, (omitted from view in Figure 9)
adapted to
support the rear of a flat-screen display, and two foitivardly extending
struts 31 adapted to
support the lower edge of a flat screen display or shelf support. As best seen
in the rear view
of Figure 9, the uprights 28, 29 are coupled together at their lower ends by a
carriage 32, the
coupling between the carriage 32 and the respective upright, passing through
longitudinally
extending slots 25a (not shown), and 26a in the respective side panels 25, 26.
Carriage 32
mounts a captive nut 33 that co-operates with a vertically extending screw
shaft 34 mounted
in bearings in the lower portion of housing 23 and top 35 of the panel 24,
Screw shaft 34,
rotated by motor 22, causes captive nut 33 to move parallel with the axis of
the shaft,
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dependent upon the disection of rotation, talcing the carriage 32 and the
remainder of the
movable structure 27 with it. As can be seen from the Figure 9, a rod 36 also
connects
housing 23 and top 35 of the panel 24, passing through a wide aperture 37 in
carriage 32. Rod
36 mounts one or inore stops such as fingers or collets, such as collet 38,
adapted to trip a
licnit switch 39 and connected to a control circuit for inotor 22 so as to set
maximum and
minimuin l.iunits of travel.
It will be appreciated that other forms of lifting mechanisms can readily be
employed
in place of the electroinechanical arrangement described above. For example,
an hydraulic or
a pneumatic system employing piston and cylinder arrangements at opposite ends
of a
longitudinal horizontal platform could be employed.
In the above described embodiments of the apparatus, the fire is shown as a
flame
effect electric fite. However, as an alternative, many existing models of
flame effect gas fire
can be employed in the apparatus according to the present invention. It will
be appreciated
that with a typical gas fire the heat produced is largely convected or
radiated forwardly. As
shown in Figures 10 and 11, a flame effect gas fire 40, is inounted within the
fire space 8 in
place of the flaine effect electric fire 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2. A gas
supply pipe 41 is
coupled to a suitable source of mains supply gas or to bottled gas. Exhaust
combustion fuines
froin fite 40 are drawn through ducting 42 to a fan-powered flue - with an
alternative flue 43
shown in dotted lines - although the fan arrangement is not shown. As shown,
ducting 42
passes to one side of lifting mechanism 3 below the flat-screen display 1.
Where an auxiliary
air supply is required either to augment air within the room or in the case of
a flame effect gas
fire sealed from the room air, additional air ducting (not shown) is provided
to draw in aix
from outside the building. Gas fite 40 is designed to have a litnited depth,
so that the rear of
the fire, which is suitably insulated by a fireproof barrier 45 for additional
protection, is
appropriately spaced apart froin the flat-screen display 1, as shown in Figure
10. With the
Fv:eplace surround 7 mounted against an external wall, the various pipes and
ducts or auxiliary
aie supply associated with fire 40 may readily be accomtnodated within the
mantel cabinet.
Part or all of the mantel shelf may be raised together with the screen and may
be
attached to the upper edge of the display screen or to its raising rnechanism
for this purpose.
Alternatively, part or all of the mantel shelf may be hingedly mounted to the
remainder of the
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cabinet, allowing it to be rotated on operation of the mechanism to a position
allowing the
display screen to be raised. In a further alternative, part or all of the
mantel shelf may be slid
out of the way, or withdrawn within the cabinet, to allow the screen to be
raised.
S With any of the above lifting mechanisms housed within a fireplace surround
of the
kind described above, a seating arrangement within a room in which the
fireplace surround is
locatcd is angled towards the fireplace as a natural focus of the room. The
seating
arrangement will appear to be natural without regard to the particular
function of the room.
