DISPLAY APPARATUS.

This invention relates to apparatus for alternately displaying and storing a display component. More specifically the invention relates to an article of furniture which can be transformed so as to exhibit a display component. The invention has particular, but not exclusive, application as a convenient and aesthetically pleasing solution for presentation and/or communication purposes in a wide range of situations including, but not limited to homes, offices, hotels, theatres, auditoriums, exhibitions and the like.

As time goes on there is an ever increasing trend for consumer goods, especially those that might be described as hi-tech, to be integrated with other similar consumer goods. The benefits to the consumer of product integration are obvious; the consumer need buy fewer goods initially, and subsequently need maintain and employ fewer devices to achieve similar results.

The home and office environments are places where functionality, style and often efficiency (particularly of space) are paramount. Current presentation and communication equipment is somewhat limiting in this respect. It is invariably bulky and unsightly (with trailing wires and ugly displays) and must be permanently fitted to walls or else take up valuable space in houses and offices. If a television or monitor is placed on a desk for example, that area of the desk cannot then be worked upon without first removing the television. While inconveniences such as these are perhaps justified while the equipment is in use, it is unfortunate that the equipment cannot be better concealed or more conveniently stored when it is not in use.

The present invention has been made from a consideration of the foregoing and seeks to overcome or at least mitigate some of the problems and disadvantages associated with existing presentation and/or communication equipment. However the invention also has wider applications in the display of many different objects as will become apparent. In mitigating the aforementioned problems the present

invention can provide a novel aesthetic solution to the viewing of images, projections and art work including still and live photography etc that will likely appeal to many consumers.

In one aspect the invention is in the form of a unit such as a piece of furniture, associated with which is a display component that may be extended when in use and retracted when not in use. The unit optionally incorporates equipment for illuminating and/or producing an image on the display component. For example an internal projector or source of light that can be projected on to the display component through a transparent panel in the top surface of the unit.

The display component is preferably completely concealed inside the unit when it is retracted. Alternatively the display component may not be concealed when in the retracted position and/or it may be only partially retracted. The display component is preferably positioned towards the back of the unit, but could be positioned anywhere and might even be located behind or in front of the unit when it is retracted. Consequently although the display component will preferably have substantially the same width and length as the unit, it may be larger or considerably smaller. When in the raised position, the base of the display component may be on a raised portion of the top surface of the unit so that views of the display component are less likely to be impaired by other parts of the unit. Alternatively the bottom of the display component may be positioned some way above the unit when in the raised position by virtue of the backing plate (described later). All wiring and associated mechanisms may be concealed within the unit.

To aid discreet storage of the display component when retracted, it may have a top surface forming a flush fit with the top of the unit. This might also increase the utility of the unit. For other purposes including for example the arrangement of a camera, the display component may be on a raised portion of the top surface to allow full functionality of peripheral equipment which in turn might add to the utility of the unit.

The display component may be provided with a frame in order to give it rigidity or for aesthetic purposes.

Where provided, the transparent panel may comprise a sheet of transparent material, such as glass, that forms part of the top surface of the unit. Behind the sheet (inside the unit) may be the source of light or projector.

When the display component is in the extended position, a light may be shone through the transparent section of the unit's top surface to illuminate all or part of the display component. This might be particularly useful where the display component benefits from being lit (e.g. a piece of art work or a mirror). Alternatively, if the display component is a projector screen, a projector may be used to project images through the transparent upper surface of the unit onto the projector screen. In the latter case other equipment may be stored in or on the unit and used in conjunction with the projector (e.g. a DVD recorder and/or player, one or more speakers, set top box or games console). Components of an entertainment system, communication system or other devices to be used in conjunction with the display component may be intrinsic to the unit or they may be self contained devices that can be connected by the user.

To aid with focusing the projection or light, the sheet may have a magnifying property.

For some applications, the sheet, projector and light source may not be required and the unit may be designed to incorporate or exclude these components according to the function of the unit.

Preferably, the unit includes apparatus for extending or retracting the display component that is designed to be reliable and compact. It should also offer a smooth and quick operation of the display component. The apparatus may include a base support that can be housed within the unit so as to be concealed from view

and a carriage mounted on the base support for movement between extended and retracted positions.

The rear of the display component is preferably mounted on the carriage for movement therewith between the extended and retracted positions. The carriage may comprise a backing plate. The backing plate may be substantially the same size as the display component or it may be considerably smaller. The backing plate may be provided with a pair of guide rails designed to stabilise the display component and maintain its correct orientation. The backing plate is preferably also provided with a vertically orientated fixed toothed belt either side of which frame elements may be provided. The fixed toothed belt may be made of Kevlar (registered trademark) although this is not essential and other materials may be used. Preferably the guide rails, fixed toothed belt and frame elements do not run the full length of the backing plate, in particular they may not reach the top of the backing plate whereby they are less likely to be seen when the display component is viewed from the front.

The backing plate to which the display component is attached is preferably supported by a vertical frame element of the base support. Preferably, a drive mechanism is provided for extending and retracting the backing plate. The drive mechanism preferably includes an electric motor which may be powered by a mains supply, by battery or by any other suitable means. The electric motor is preferably capable of running both forwards and in reverse so that the display component can be extended by running the motor in one direction and retracted by running the motor in the opposite direction. Alternatively, and perhaps less preferably either the extension or retraction of the backing plate may be conducted manually.

The motor is operable to raise and lower the display component via the backing plate. This is preferably achieved via a toothed drive belt which runs between the motor and a toothed drive pulley. The toothed drive belt may be made of Kevlar

(registered trademark) although this is not essential and other materials may be

used. The toothed drive pulley is preferably mounted on a support rail which is attached to the upper end of the vertical frame element. The fixed tooth belt on the backing plate may co-operate with the toothed drive pulley or with a further pulley coupled to the drive pulley for rotation therewith to raise and lower the display component according to the direction in which the motor is running. Alternatively, the fixed toothed belt on the backing plate may co-operate with the toothed drive belt to raise and lower the display component.

Although the display component is preferably permanently attached to the backing plate, the design could easily be modified to allow alteration of the display component, either by removing and replacing the display component or the backing plate with a display component attached. Thus if the consumer wishes to replace the display component (e.g. with a more modern design) or even wishes to alter the type of component displayed (e.g. from a projector screen to a piece of art work), a simple modification would facilitate this.

Operation of the motor to raise and lower the display component and operation of any projector or light source, for the display component, may be conducted by any suitable means (for example by controls such as knobs or buttons on the unit or display component, by remote control or by voice activation.) Operation of the motor may automatically lead to activation of any projector or light source provided as well as associated equipment such as speakers etc.

It should therefore be appreciated that the invention provides a fully integrated display platform while still performing the usual functions of an aesthetically pleasing piece of furniture. This provides an extremely convenient and adaptable way of displaying an object or viewing information.

The apparatus for extending and retracting the display component may have wider application than for use in furniture. Thus, from another aspect, the invention provides apparatus comprising a base support and a carriage mounted on the base support for movement between extended and retracted positions. The apparatus

may be employed to raise and lower an article attached to the carriage. The apparatus may be incorporated in a unit such as an item of furniture according to the first aspect of the invention. Alternatively, the apparatus may be built into a wall, partition or the floor. The apparatus may be constructed substantially as described above in connection with the first aspect of the invention.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a side view of a furniture unit according to one embodiment of the invention showing a screen in the extended position;

Figure 2 is a front view of the furniture unit shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a top view of the furniture unit shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is a front view of the furniture unit shown in Figure 1 with cabinet doors open;

Figure 5 is a side view of apparatus for raising and lowering the screen shown in Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a front view of the apparatus shown in Figure 5 with the screen lowered;

Figure 7 is a back view of the apparatus shown in Figure 5 with the screen lowered; and

Figure 8 is a front view of a unit according to another embodiment of the invention showing the screen in an extended position.

Referring first to Figures 1, 2 and 3, there is shown a unit (1) with a retractable display component (2) according to a first embodiment of the invention. The unit (l) may be any piece of suitable furniture - free standing or built in - including, but not limited to, a unit for an entertainment centre, desk, bench, table or dresser, bed end as well as kitchen units and the like. Alternatively, the display component (2) may be built into a wall or floor.

The display component (2) may be any object which can be mechanically retracted for convenient storage and raised again for display (such as a projector screen, mirror or picture). The display component (2) can be almost as long, wide and deep as the unit (1); alternatively it may be considerably smaller.

The display component (2) may be raised or lowered into a recess in the unit (1). When in the raised position, the base of the display component (2) is on a raised portion (19) of the top surface of the unit (1) so that views of the display- component (2) are less likely to be impaired by other parts of the unit (1).

The display component (2) may be provided with a frame (8) in order to give it rigidity or for aesthetic purposes.

The unit (1) is designed so that the display component (2) cannot be seen when in the retracted position. To aid discreet storage of the display component (2) when retracted, it has a top surface (4) that forms a flush fit with the top of the unit (1) when the display component (2) is retracted. This also increases the utility of the unit (1).

Figure 3 shows a sheet (3) of transparent material such as glass, forming part of the top surface of the unit (1). Behind the sheet (3) (inside the unit) may be a projector (not shown) or source of light (not shown). If a projector is fitted it can be used to project an image through the sheet (3) and onto the display component (2). If a light source is fitted it can be used to illuminate all or part of the display

component (2) through the sheet (3). To aid with focusing the projection or light the sheet (3) may have a magnifying property.

Figure 4 shows one possible application of the unit (1) as an entertainment cabinet. Here the display component (2) is in its raised position and may be utilised for watching television or a slideshow etc. Other exemplary components of an entertainment system (5) (such as a DVD player, speakers, a set top box and games consoles) are shown stored in the unit (1) and may be used in conjunction with the display component (2). It will be understood that the construction and arrangement of the cabinet is given by way of example only and is not limiting on the scope of the invention.

Referring now to Figures 5, 6 and 7, there is shown apparatus for raising and lowering the display component (2). The apparatus includes a base support (20) that is located within the unit (1) at the back so as to be concealed from view and a carriage in the form of a backing plate (15) mounted on the base support (20) for movement between an extended or display position and a retracted or stored position. Figure 5 shows the backing plate (15) mid- way between these positions.

The rear of the display component (2) is mounted on the backing plate (15) which is made of aluminium or other suitable lightweight material. The backing plate (15) is substantially the same size as the display component (2). Mounting methods are well known in the art and will not be described here. The backing plate (15) is provided with two pairs of guide rails (14) designed to stabilise the display component (2) and maintain its correct orientation. The backing plate (15) is also provided with a vertically orientated fixed toothed belt (16) made from Kevlar (registered trademark), either side of which frame elements (17) are provided. The guide rails (14), fixed tooth belt (16) and frame elements (17) do not run the full length of the backing plate (15), they are therefore less likely to be seen when the display element (2) is viewed from the front.

The base support (20) has a vertical frame element (6) and a horizontal base support element (7). Both support elements (6 and 7) are located inside the unit (1). An electric motor (9) powered by a mains supply is provided. The output from the motor (9) drives a toothed gear (10). An endless toothed drive belt (11), made from Kevlar (registered trademark), is used to operatively connect the toothed gear (10) to a toothed drive pulley (12). The toothed drive belt (11) passes around a pair of toothed guide pulleys (13) provided between the toothed gear (10) and the toothed drive pulley (12) that define the path of movement of the drive belt (11) to increase compactness of the vertical element of the design.

The toothed drive pulley (12) is mounted on a support rail (18). The support rail (18) runs in a horizontal direction behind the backing plate (15). The support rail (18) cooperates with the guide rails (14) and frame elements (17) such that the backing plate (15) is able to move in the vertical plane, but it may not move in the horizontal plane, rotate or come away from the support rail (18). The fixed toothed belt (16) on the backing plate (15) cooperates with the toothed drive pulley (12) or a second toothed pulley (not shown) coupled to the drive pulley (12) to raise or lower the backing plate (15) together with the display component (2) in response to operation of the electric motor (9). The electric motor (9) is reversible to change the direction of movement of the drive belt (11) to raise or lower the backing plate (15) with the display component (2). Micro switches (not shown) or other suitable means may be provided to detect when the backing plate (15) reaches the extended and retracted positions and stop the motor (9). In a modification, the fixed belt (16) may co-operate with the drive belt (11).

Although the display component (2) is preferably permanently attached to the backing plate (15) and other raising and retracting components, the design could easily be modified to allow alteration of the display component (2).

Operation of the motor (9) to raise and lower the display component (2) and operation of any projector or light source, for the display component (2) is

conducted in this example by controls on the unit (1) such as knobs or buttons or by a remote control or any other suitable means.

Referring now to Figure 8, there is shown a unit (31) with a retractable display component (32) according to a second embodiment of the invention. The display component (32) comprises a screen and is shown in the raised position. The display component (32) may be similar to the first embodiment and may be moved between the raised position and a lowered position (not shown) housed in a recess within the unit (31) by apparatus such as that shown in and described in connection with the first embodiment.

The unit (31) comprises a piece of furniture in the form of a cabinet (33) having an open shelf (34), a front panel (35) and pocket doors (36, 37) for closing compartments (38, 39) either side of the front panel (35) below the shelf (34). Located on the shelf (34) either side of the front panel (36) is a pair of speakers (40, 41). A projector (42) is located between the speakers (40, 41) on the shelf (34) behind the front panel (36). A video-conference telecoms unit (43) is located behind the front panel (35) on a shelf (44) in the right hand compartment (39). The right hand compartment (39) may house other equipment (not shown) such as a DVD player and amplifier. A power socket (45) for a laptop or other equipment is provided in the left hand compartment (38) and this compartment is shown without a shelf to allow use with an open laptop (not shown) placed in the compartment. A gang of several power sockets (not shown) is provided at the back of the unit (31) for connecting equipment to a power source. It will be understood that the construction and arrangement of the cabinet is given by way of example only and is not limiting on the scope of the invention.

As with the first embodiment, the cabinet (33) has a raised portion (46) at the rear from which the display component (32) is raised so as to be positioned above the top surface (47) of the cabinet (33). A housing (48) for a camera (49) is located on the top surface (47) centrally of the cabinet (33). The camera (49) may be concealed when the equipment is not in use.

The unit can be used to display images as described for the first embodiment and may also be used for video conferencing.

As will now be understood, the invention provides an article for use in the home or office for displaying images in any form for any purpose, for example to view a television programme or film or for video conferencing. It should be noted however that the invention has wider application and might for example be used as a computer monitor or to display a painting or a mirror. It will also be noted that the invention is not limited to units having the configuration shown and described in the exemplary embodiments. For example, the apparatus may be incorporated in a range of units for different applications according to the intended use and location such as in the home or office.

While the invention has been described for a display component in which the lifting mechanism is operable to raise and lower the display component in one plane, the possibility of adjusting the orientation of the display component, such that it may be tilted or turned when in the raised position is also foreseen. Tilting and/or rotation may occur automatically according to pre-sets, or the user may be able to adjust the display component at will, either manually or through local or remote control etc. To avoid collision between a tilted or rotated display component and the top of the unit, a system capable of automation would be preferable. In this way the display component might be automatically returned to a suitable storage orientation before it is lowered.

It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments above- described and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the various concepts described herein. For example any of the features may be employed separately or in combination with any other features and the invention extends to and includes all combinations and sub-combinations of one or more features described herein in any form of apparatus for displaying an object or projecting images.