Artistic Flat Panel Concealment Screen

Abstract

An artistic flat panel concealment screen is shown for discretely concealing a display device or the like, when the device is not in use. The invention can be articulated using a set of panels and mechanical hinges, which expose the display device for use when the invention is in the “open” position. In the open position, the panels are permitted to fold out of the way and preferably flat against an adjacent surface through use of riser plates. When the display is not in use, the panels of the invention can be “closed” to conceal the unused display device behind a piece of “art” or décor that is applied to the outside of the panels. The panels of the invention span a concealment box that is used to surround the display device and provide the enclosure for the device. The concealment box may either be an external structure mounted to the surface of an existing wall or may be a recess into a wall or other structure of a building such as a bookshelf or furniture piece.

Description

This claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 60/941,180, filed May 31, 2007.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the incorporation of home electronics into a living environment, and more particularly, addresses how increasingly larger display surfaces including all home electronics can be integrated into the environment with minimal disruption to the interior décor when the display device is not in use.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Flat panel display devices have decreased some of the space requirements for large viewing area video devices, yet they have not addressed the height and width of the actual viewing area or the aesthetic impact of the display surface on the aesthetic of a living space when the display device is not in use. While the most common application of the invention is intended for the concealment of flat panel (e.g. Liquid Crystal Display, Plasma, etc.) video devices, both traditional cathode ray rube displays as well as other display devices may be concealed by this invention. Additionally, other devices such as control panels, circuit breaker panels, appliances or other devices, structures, and items could be concealed using the invention. For sake of clarity and brevity, the term display, display device or video device will be used, but the invention contemplates any device, assembly, installment, item or object that could be concealed using this invention.

Accordingly, the invention has been made to solve the foregoing problems and it is an objective of the invention to conceal video displays or other similar devices. The invention is particularly well suited to conceal devices that a user may deem visually unappealing or incongruent with other surroundings of the physical environment. Use of the invention to conceal display devices, and the like, has a minimal impact to the existing living environment and integrates into the design of the living environment to maximize the tranquility by aligning with the design and décor. The invention can fold back flat against a wall upon or in which the display is mounted or a concealment device by use of riser plates to minimize the intrusion of the invention into the living space when the device is in use and the invention is in the open position.

The invention provides a light-weight screen or cover comprising one or more panels that conceal the video device when not in use. The cover preferably provides a surface that can be customized with art work or other visual images. When the video device is in use, in one embodiment of the invention, the screen can be articulated to fold in multiple segments, preferably four segments, and allowing full viewing access to the surface of the device.

In order to obtain the above objective, the invention may include 1) an optional concealment box forming a housing for the display device, 2) one or more panels that form a screen used to conceal the device by covering a front opening of the concealment box; 3) a plurality of hinges interconnecting the one or more panels and connecting the panels to the concealment box and enabling the opening and closing of the panels of the invention; 4) fasteners to secure the panels in an open or closed position; and 5) riser plates, which based on the configuration of the installed video device, mounts between the panels and the concealment box to enable articulation of the panel(s). The riser plates have a size and shape that enables the panels to fully open and assume a flat position flush with an adjacent surface.

In one embodiment, the panels of the invention align when unfolded to a closed position or configuration to create a larger, virtual panel, or screen, which conceals the video display device when not in use. Hinges interconnect the panels to enable an alternating, or “accordion style”, folding of the panels. Hinges connect the panels to the edges of the concealment box and allow the panels to fold clear of the display device providing full access to the device.

The enclosure or concealment box for the display device may be of various forms including recessed into a wall or as a structure mounted to an existing surface. This enclosure may be a shallow “frame” for the display device that allows the entire device and invention to be mounted to an existing wall with a recess built into an existing wall or false wall being the preferred arrangement. Objectives of the concealment box include providing an enclosure for the display device, whether the display is positioned in a recess or mounted to a surface and conceal, concealing the display, and providing a mounting surface for other elements of the invention. An objective of the invention is to conceal the display device while providing the appearance of a traditional painting or artwork as normally displayed in the home without the need for additional electrical wiring or space.

The assembly alternately conceals or reveals that which is disposed within the assembly, including but not limited to home electronics. This is achieved by the invention and provides a solution for concealing video devices with an image or visual element selected by the user. These, and additional objects, advantages, features and benefits of the invention will become apparent from the following specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an assembled front view illustrating a concealment screen assembly according to an embodiment of the invention. The left side of the figure shows the invention with panels in a “closed” state where the display device is not visible. The right side of the figure shows the panels of the invention in an “open” position allowing full visual and physical access to the display device.

FIG. 2 is a partial, exploded front view of an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the concealment box may be recessed into a wall or other structure.

FIG. 3 is a partial, exploded front view of an alternative embodiment of the invention showing an alternate form of hinges used to connect panels to a concealment box.

FIGS. 4a though 4d are top-views showing the panels of the concealment screen invention connected to the concealment box according to different embodiments, i.e., where the concealment box is either mounted to the surface of a structure or recessed into a structure such as a wall.

FIGS. 5a and 5b are alternative top-view perspective views depicting alternate panel configurations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, an embodiment of the invention is a concealment screen assembly 10, which generally includes one or more image panels 12. FIG. 1 shows four separate, but pivotally interconnected image panels including a first inner panel 14 attached by a pair of panel hinges 16 to a first outer panel 18. A second inner panel 20 is attached to a second outer panel 22 by a similar pair of panel hinges 16. Panel hinges 16 are attached between adjacent panels 14, 18 and 20, 22 and function to pivotally connect panels. Examples of hinges 16 include a standard bi-fold hinge and preferably, a full 180-degree hidden hinge or any suitable hinge. As shown at 16′, the hinges 16 may be covered to hide the hinge mechanism, for example, with a cloth material.

It will be understood that panels 12 may be a single panel, or two or more panels. Each of the panels 12 may have an entire image, or part of an image displayed thereon. Alternately, the panels 12 may include a plain surface of provided with, for example, a wood veneer, paint, wallpaper, or any suitable facing or treatment.

In an embodiment with four panels 12, closing fasteners 24 may be used to releasably fasten first panel set 14, 18 to second panel set 20, 22. Examples of closing fasteners 24 include magnetic latches, “hook-and-loop” fasteners, temporary adhesives, but the preferred fastener device uses magnets and corresponding magnetically attractive metal plates. The panels 12 are pivotally attached to a concealment box 26, by way of inner hinges 28, which may be, for example, piano type hinges as shown in FIG. 2 or European style hinges shown in FIG. 3. Any suitable hinge is contemplated.

Between each inner hinge 28 and the concealment box 26 is an optional spacer, or riser plate 32, which may be provided to space the panels 12 from the concealment box 26 or provide a frame for mounting the panels 12. The riser plates 32 may be provided only along the sides of the box 26, or along both the sides and top and bottom of the box to form a frame like spacer housing 33. The riser plates 32 may be spaces from the concealment box a distance. A feature of the invention includes the ability of the panels 12 to open and lay flush against an adjacent wall or surface on which the display and invention is mounted. Accordingly, the riser plates 32 must be of a depth sufficient for the panels to open and lay flat against the wall. In embodiments of the invention where the riser plates are secured to a mounting surface or wall, it has been found that the depth of the riser plates should be equal to the thickness of one of the plates 12. The concealment box 26, which may be a rectangular or other suitably shaped enclosure is arranged around or houses a display device 30 or the like. In an alternate embodiment, the closing fasteners 24 function to attach panels 12 to the riser plate 32 and thus can maintain the panels in a closed condition. Alternately, closing fasteners 24 are positioned on the panels to hold respective panels 14 and 18 together and panels 20 and 22 together when the panels are in an open condition (see FIG. 4b or 4d, for example).

In some embodiments, riser plates 32 are used to connect the panels 12, particularly, the first and second outer panels 18, 22, to the same surface as the concealment box 26. The first and second outer image panels 18, 22 are connected to the first and second inner image panels 14, 20 by panel hinges 16. Alternately, the image panels 18, 22 may be connected to either one or both vertical sides 34, 36 of the concealment box 26 by inner hinges 28, which may be piano hinges, for example. Hinges 28 are attached to riser plates 32 mounted to the left and right sides 34, 36 of the concealment box 26, at or near the front edges thereof. Closing fasteners 24 are attached to each of the inner image panels 14, 20 and the concealment box 26 to secure the panels 12 to the concealment box when the panels are in the closed state. Alternately, the closing fasteners 24 may attach the panels 12 to the riser plates 32. It will be understood that placement of the closing fasteners 24 on the image panels 12 and concealment box 26 and the number and type of hinges interconnecting these elements is dependent-upon the number of panels and the folding configuration of the panels.

It should further be noted that the image panels 12 are preferably made of rigid materials, such as, for example, framed canvas, plastics, high density foam, and wood and other light weight metals such as aluminum or metal alloys. The most preferable material for the panels and box 26 is man-made, wood or wood-fiber composite materials.

Turning to FIGS. 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d and 5a, 5b, preferably the invention includes a multiple of image panels 12, with four being the preferred number, that align to create a larger virtual image panel 40 (see FIG. 4a). A decorative image can be applied to the outward facing surface of the virtual image panel 40. More than one image may be applied per image panel 40 or one image may be applied per separate panel 14, 18, 20, 22 to create a collage or series of images, but one image may be preferred, divided to cover all of the images panels 12 so that when the image panels are aligned in a closed position they present one visual image to conceal the display device 30 (see FIG. 1).

Image panels 12 are connected by one or more small hinges 16 made of material such as, for example, cloth or plastic, but two or three metal hinges are preferable to connect panels 18, 22 to other panels 14, 20. Hinges 28 are attached to the side or preferably back of the image panels 18, 22. Hinges 28 secure panels 18, 22 and to the riser plate frame 33, which may be attached to the sides of the concealment box 26 using techniques such as but not limited to adhesives, nails or preferably, screws. The hinges 16 between image panels 14, 18 and 20, 22 allow the panels to fold together in an “accordion” fashion to one or both sides of the concealment box 26. Hinges 16 may be of made of cloth, plastic, alloy or preferably, metal. Hinges 28 directly or indirectly connecting the panels 12 to the concealment box 26 may be one or more in quantity and may be cabinet style hinges, piano style hinges or any other suitable hinge.

Riser plates 32, or preferably one riser plate, is mounted to the hinge 28 connecting the panels 12 to the concealment box 26 using fastener devices, such as, but not limited to adhesives, nails or preferably, screws. Optional riser plate 32 may also connected to the edge(s) of the concealment box 26 using screws, nails, or adhesives, for example. The riser plate 32 provides a separation between the image panels 12 and the concealment box 26 or surrounding wall/structure 42 to allow free movement of the panels 12 as they are opened or closed. The thickness of the riser plate 32 is dependant upon the relative placement on the image panels 12 and the type of concealment box 26 used, as well as the access required to the display device 30, or specifically the amount of movement required by the panels to provide full access to the display device 30 for the devices given purpose. The riser plates 32 can be made from plastic, manufactured wood products or other suitably rigid and sturdy material, but wood or pressed wood products are preferred. Generally, one riser plate 32 may be required for each point at which the image panels 12 connect to the concealment box 26 and the optional riser plate may correspond in length to the hinge 28 that attaches to the riser plate and image panels.

Male and female fasteners 24 may be used to secure the panels 12 in both the open and closed positions. Closing fasteners 24 can be of any suitable connectable device including, but not limited to “hook-and-loop” fasteners, temporary adhesives, but the preferred fastener device uses magnets and corresponding magnetically attractive metal plates. A male 50 or female fastener 52 may be attached to each panel 12 to secure the panels together when folded in the open position.

FIG. 4a shows the invention arranged with a display device mounted flush to a wall 42 or similar surface. In such an installation, the concealment box 26 surrounds the display and extends from the wall. The panels 12 are shown in a closed configuration.

FIG. 4b shows the installation of FIG. 4a, but with the panels 12 in an open configuration. In embodiments where the display device has a very small depth, the box 26 will have correspondingly less depth. It is contemplated that the display device could be of a depth or installed in a configuration where the box 26 can be omitted.

FIG. 4c shows the preferred embodiment of the invention arranged with a display device mounted recessed in a wall 42 or the like. In such an installation, the concealment box may be eliminated, and the riser plate or frame 33 is mounted directly to the wall 42 to surround the display. The panels 12 are shown in a closed configuration. FIG. 4d shows the embodiment of FIG. 4c, but with the panels 12 in an open configuration.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4a-d, the panels include four sub-panels or panel portions 14, 18 and 20, 22. FIG. 5a illustrates another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment of the invention, the display device 30 is imbedded in a recess of a wall 42 or the like, and the invention does not include a concealment box. A riser plate 32 is fixed to the wall 42 and a hinge 28 is attached to the riser plate. Panels 12 include a first panel 54 attached to the hinge 28. A second panel 56 is attached to the first panel 54 by a hinge 16. A third panel 58 is attached to the second panel 56 by a second hinge 16′. A closure fastener 24 holds the panels 12 closed.

FIG. 5b illustrates another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the display 30 is imbedded in a recess of a wall 42 or the like, and the invention does not include a concealment box. A riser plate 32 is fixed to the wall 42 and a hinge 28 is attached to the riser plate. Panels 12 include a single panel 60 attached to the hinge 28. A closure fastener 24 holds the panels 12 closed.

While the invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. This invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Indeed, many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and which are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure, the drawings and the claims.

Claims

1. A concealment screen assembly for a display mounted to a display mounting surface, comprising:

a riser assembly sized and shaped to be disposed about the display,

one or more hinge attached to the riser assembly,

one or more panels attached to the one or more hinge and thereby to the riser assembly, the one or more panels being sized and shaped to conceal the display and providing a virtual display panel surface and the riser assembly being of a depth to permit the one or more panels to lay flat to the display mounting surface when in an open condition.

2. The concealment screen assembly of claim 1, wherein the riser assembly is a single spacer element disposed between the display and the one or panels.

3. The concealment screen assembly of claim 1, wherein the riser assembly is a pair of spacer elements disposed between the display and the one or more panels.

4. The concealment screen assembly of claim 1, wherein the riser assembly is a rectangular frame disposed between the display and the one or more panels.

5. The concealment screen assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or more panels includes a single panel element.

6. The concealment screen assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or more panels includes a pair of panel elements.

7. The concealment screen assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or more panels includes three panel elements.

8. The concealment screen assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or more panels includes four or more panel elements.

9. The concealment screen assembly of claim 1, further comprising a concealment frame disposed about the display, the concealment frame being sized and shaped to conceal the display

10. The concealment screen assembly of claim 9, wherein the concealment frame is attached directly to the riser assembly.

11. The concealment screen assembly of claim 9, wherein the concealment frame is spaced from the riser assembly.

12. The concealment screen assembly of claim 9, wherein the concealment frame further comprises vents to permit air circulation through the concealment frame.

13. The concealment screen assembly of claim 9, wherein the concealment frame is attached directly to the riser assembly.

14. The concealment screen assembly of claim 1, further comprising closing fasteners disposed between the one or more panels and the riser assembly.

15. The concealment screen assembly of claim 9, further comprising closing fasteners disposed between the one or more panels and the concealment frame.

16. The concealment screen assembly of claim 14, wherein the panels are a plurality of panel elements and wherein the concealment screen assembly further comprises panel closing fasteners cooperatively disposed on the plurality of panel elements to maintain the plurality of panels in an aligned and closed configuration when so arranged.

17. The concealment screen assembly of claim 14, wherein the panels are a plurality of panel elements and wherein the concealment screen assembly further comprises panel closing fasteners cooperatively disposed on the plurality of panel elements to maintain the plurality of panels in an aligned and open configuration when so arranged.

18. The concealment screen assembly of claim 1, wherein the display is flush mounted to a vertical surface.

19. The concealment screen assembly of claim 1, wherein the display is mounted in a recess formed in a vertical surface.

20. The concealment screen assembly of claim 1, wherein the panels are made of one or more of framed canvas stretched across the exterior surface of the frame or plastics, high density foam, wood, light weight metals or alloys, wood or wood-fiber composite materials.

21. The concealment screen assembly of claim 1, wherein one of more of the one or more panels includes printed, painted and a decorative indicia.

22. The concealment screen assembly of claim 1, wherein an interior of the one or more panel is covered with one or more of a decorative backing, printed paper, particle board, and a cloth material.

23. The concealment screen assembly of claim 1, wherein hinges interconnect the one or more panels and the hinges are concealed by decorative cloth backing.