Television or Video Monitors and Cabinets Therefor

Abstract

The present invention relates to the so-called flat-screen television sets and video monitors and to cabinets therefor. Flat screen television sets and video monitors presently come in two different forms, namely those with a plasma screens on the one hand, and those with LCD screens on the other. In modem 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 view the screen of such. Such an arrangement causes difficulties in that a television set or video monitor is a focus of the room, even when not in use. Other problems exist in that the flat-screen display is not generally considered as an aesthetically pleasing design. Furthermore, having an expensive or moderately expensive item of electrical equipment on permanent display within a room can pose a security risk. The present invention provides an apparatus for use with a flat-screen display, the apparatus comprising: a fireplace surround, adapted to stand against a wall, in the form of a fireplace surround, comprising a mechanism operable to support a flat screen television in first and second positions, wherein the flat-screen display can be viewed above the fireplace surround in an operating position. The fireplace surround provides a natural focal point of the room.

1 - 12 . (canceled) 
   
   
       13 . An apparatus for use with a flat-screen display, the apparatus comprising: a fireplace surround adapted to stand against a wall and comprising a mechanism which can support a flat screen display in a first position such that the flat-screen display remains entirely within the fireplace surround, hidden from view, and in a second position such that the flat-screen display is raised above the fireplace surround and the flat-screen display into an operating position, the mechanism being operable to move the flat-screen display between the first and the second positions. 
   
   
       14 . An apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the fireplace surround comprises a fireplace, a hearth and a mantel shelf. 
   
   
       15 . An apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the fireplace surround comprises a fireplace, a hearth and a mantel shelf and wherein the fireplace comprises an electric fireplace or a gas fireplace. 
   
   
       16 . An apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the fireplace surround comprises a fireplace, a hearth and a mantel shelf and wherein the fireplace comprises an electric fireplace or a gas fireplace which fireplace can provide a flame effect arrangement. 
   
   
       17 . An apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the fireplace surround comprises a faux fireplace, having a screen or other type of decoration in place of a grate. 
   
   
       18 . An apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein a mantel shelf is displaceable to allow the display screen, otherwise hidden from view within the fireplace surround, to be raised for viewing. 
   
   
       19 . An apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein a mantel shelf is displaceable to allow the display screen, otherwise hidden from view within the fireplace surround, to be raised for viewing, wherein part or all of the mantel shelf is arranged to be raised together with the screen and is attached to the upper edge of the display screen for this purpose. 
   
   
       20 . An apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein a mantel shelf is displaceable to allow the display screen, otherwise hidden from view within the fireplace surround, to be raised for viewing, wherein part or all of the mantel shelf is arranged be raised together with the screen and is attached to its raising mechanism for this purpose. 
   
   
       21 . An apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein a mantel shelf is displaceable to allow the display screen, otherwise hidden from view within the fireplace surround, to be raised for viewing, wherein part or all of the mantel shelf is hingedly mounted to the remainder of the fireplace surround, allowing it to be rotated on operation of the mechanism to a position allowing the display screen to be raised. 
   
   
       22 . An apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein a mantel shelf is displaceable to allow the display screen, otherwise hidden from view within the fireplace surround, to be raised for viewing, wherein part or all of the mantel shelf can be slid out of the way, or withdrawn within the fireplace surround, to allow the screen to be raised. 
   
   
       23 . An apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the fireplace surround comprises a fireplace, a hearth and a mantel shelf and wherein the fireplace comprises a gas fireplace and there is provided a ducting arrangement to enable the ducting of gases for combustion and exhaust behind the fireplace surround, through a flue, such ducting being arranged so that it does not affect the mechanism for raising and lowering of the screen. 
   
   
       24 . An apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the raising mechanism comprises one of a screw drive, a rack and pinion mechanism, an hydraulic mechanism or a pneumatic mechanism. 
   
   
       25 . A method of operating a cabinet operable to enclose a fiat-screen display when not in use within a cabinet, the cabinet comprising a fireplace surround 
   
   
       24 . An apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the raising mechanism comprises one of a screw drive, a rack and pinion mechanism, an hydraulic mechanism or a pneumatic mechanism. 
   
   
       25 . 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 mechanism 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 mode, the method comprises the step of raising the flat-screen display from within the fireplace surround such that the flat-screen display is in an operating position.