Patent Publication Number: US-2006017356-A1

Title: Device and method for covering and exposing an object

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO PREVIOUS APPLICATIONS  
      This application is a Continuation-in-Part application of, and claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/547,851, filed on Sep. 1, 2005, which is a National Stage application of International Application No. PCT/EP2005/003261, filed Mar. 29, 2005, which claims priority to Swiss Patent Application No. 00649/04, file Apr. 14, 2004, each of which prior applications is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention relates to a device and method for covering and exposing an object. Embodiments of the present invention are useful for selectively covering and exposing flat objects, such as a flat panel display device, attached to or recessed in a wall.  
     BACKGROUND  
      Some individuals invest a significant amount of effort and investment in decorating their home in a particular style, including furniture, artwork, wall coverings, fixtures, and so forth. Some businesses and retail stores similarly invest in a particular decor that meets the needs or desires of their owners and customers. However, homes and businesses employ a wide variety of devices, fixtures, and structures that may be inconsistent with a desired decor or style. Examples of such items include electrical control panels, television sets, wall safes, medicine cabinets, valuable items of artwork, access openings, mechanical systems, structural components and the like. When such items interfere with a desired decor, then it has been necessary to disguise or conceal them in some fashion, or endure an item that is unappealing as compared to the general decor of a room or space. However, concealment can be problematic in that it can interfere with access when needed. It can also be cumbersome to reveal and conceal such items from time to time. Conventional coverings have been used for such concealment. A hinged painting in front of a wall safe is one example. However such an approach is only useful when access is necessary for a short period of time, because the painting is unappealing when left in the “open” position.  
      Flat panel display devices for displaying electronically stored information of all kinds are often used today in public locations, such as in transportation stations, airports, and museums, in business premises, and in private rooms. The distribution of such flat panel display devices has been increasing rapidly. Flat panel display devices of this type provide a favorable picture quality and are lightweight and can easily be mounted on a wall or another portable means. In a sales room or exhibition room, such as a gallery or a museum, with a large amount of customers or visitors, such flat panel display devices provide more meaningful and up-to-date information and leave a more permanent impression than printed information material does. Freeze images, video clips or computer animations also enable a dynamic marketing and visual messages whose effect is by far superior to a presentation of mere printed matter.  
      In conferences or meetings, the flat panel display devices provide a presentation with a professional touch. A flat panel display device can be mounted to almost any audiovisual device within a few seconds, for example, to a laptop computer or a DVD player.  
      The high resolution monitors usually have standard width-to-height ratios of 16:9, wherein the diagonal varies, e.g. from 82 cm to 127 cm. Such flat monitors may be hung on a wall either in landscape format or in portrait format, or they may be placed at other desired positions. The size of these devices can vary. Custom flat panel display devices may have sizes of several square meters. Commercially available models have sizes similar to those of other objects that can be displayed on a wall, including, for example, oil paintings, graphics, maps, and tapestries.  
      Such flat panel display devices have a disadvantage. There are situations in which electronic messages are not be shown on the display devices. Time periods frequently occur during which the electronic screen is not used or does not fit in with the decor of a particular function. Flat panel display devices that are increasingly used for multimedia purposes in a gallery or a museum do not fit the environment when not in use, for example, when displayed next to oil paintings or other pieces of art. During these “dead times” these flat panel display devices are often disturbing and they do not match with the overall decor, aesthetics, or atmosphere. Flat panel display devices also occupy space on the wall even in times they are not used and they are normally not dismounted. This wall surface therefore lies idle. In such public places, it is not economical or efficient to have unused surface or an unused display device. A flexible use of the wall surface is not possible. The space on public walls, in galleries and museums, as well as on the walls in private homes, is often limited. A flat panel display device or wall cover or cover such as a wall picture, a painting, photo, poster, or hangings of different materials such as fabric, paper, glass wood, plastics, or stone, needs a certain surface that could also be used by other wall claddings and therefore competes with alternative hangings and wall covers.  
      A convention approach to managing the look of flat panel display devices is to retract or hide the display device when not in use. For example, a cover unit for a flat panel video display has been used to deploy a flexible cover over the display. This device is similar to a window shade that is lowered and raised in front of a television screen. While such an approach may be effective at covering a television, it lacks a degree of elegance that is often desired in a refined decor environment. Thus, there is a need a device and method for covering and exposing an object in a convenient, decorative manner.  
      Thus, it is desirable to provide a device and method for selectively covering and exposing an object, such as a flat panel display device, that allows flexible use of wall space.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention provides embodiments of a device and method for covering and exposing an object. In an embodiment, the device includes a support structure movably attached to a display surface adjacent an object displayed on the display surface, such as a wall. A cover is attached to the support structure. The device includes a means for moving the support structure and cover for selectively covering and exposing the object.  
      In one embodiment, the support structure includes a U-shaped holder having a base leg, a carrier leg, and a connector leg extending between and connecting the base leg and the carrier leg. The base leg is movably attached to the display surface, and the cover is movably attached to the carrier leg. The base leg is movably supported on the display surface by connector elements, and the cover is movably supported on the carrier leg by connector elements. The device may include two or more movable support structures and a connector between the two movable support structures.  
      In another embodiment, the support structure can include an inner frame having a guide element along each side of the inner frame. An outer frame has a guide element along each side of the outer frame, and each outer frame guide element is movably engagable with one of the inner frame guide elements. The cover is attached to the outer frame. An electric motor is attached to the inner frame and adapted to move the outer frame and cover relative to the inner frame. In an embodiment, the electric motor includes a toothed gear. The outer frame guide element adjacent the toothed gear includes a toothed rack engaged with the toothed gear. Movement of the outer frame relative to the inner frame is effected by movement of the toothed rack by the electric motor and toothed gear. In an embodiment, the device includes a cable attached to the electric motor and to the outer frame. The cable is windable and unwindable by the electric motor such that movement of the outer frame relative to the inner frame is effected by winding and unwinding the cable by the electric motor.  
      In another embodiment, the cover comprises a piece of furniture, the object comprises a flat panel display device, and the flat panel display device is movable out of and into the furniture. The flat panel display device can be moved out of and into the furniture by means of rotating a threaded rod operably connected to the flat panel display device. Alternatively, the flat panel display device can be moved out of and into the furniture by a telescopic means.  
      The displayed object can be recessed into the display surface. The object can be a flat panel display device, a picture, an air conditioning system component, or other object desired to displayed on a display surface for which it is desirable to cover and expose.  
      In an embodiment, the means for moving the support structure and cover can be manually operable. Alternatively, the means for moving the support structure and cover can include an electric motor. The means for moving the support structure and cover can be operated by a remote control device.  
      Features of a device and method for covering and exposing an object of the present invention may be accomplished singularly, or in combination, in one or more of the embodiments of the present invention. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the present invention has wide utility in a number of applications as illustrated by the variety of features and advantages discussed below.  
      Embodiments of a device and method for covering and exposing an object of the present invention advantageously provide a means for conveniently covering an object displayed on a wall when the object is not in use or not desired to be exposed.  
      Another advantage is that the present invention provides flexible use of wall space.  
      Another advantage is that the present invention provides a device and method for covering and exposing multiple objects in a defined space in which a pre-determined pattern of covers can be arranged for a particular aesthetic effect.  
      As will be realized by those of skill in the art, many different embodiments of a device and method for covering and exposing an object according to the present invention are possible. Additional uses, objects, advantages, and novel features of the invention are set forth in the detailed description that follows and will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or by practice of the invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a movable support structure having a “U” shape and roller connector elements for movably connecting the support structure to a display surface and for movably connecting a cover to the support structure in an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a movable support structure having a “U” shape and slide rail connector elements for movably connecting the support structure to a display surface and for movably connecting a cover to the support structure in an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 3  is a top view of a movable support structure having a “U” shape attached to a display surface and a cover attached to the support structure, the support structure and cover positioned adjacent a flat panel display device attached to the display surface in an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 4  is a side view of two movable support structures each having a “U” shape, attached to a display surface, and positioned adjacent a flat panel display device attached to the display surface, a single cover attached to both of the support structures, and a connector connecting the two support structures in an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 5  is a front view of a cover covering an object attached to a display surface in an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 6  is a front view of the cover in  FIG. 5 , moved laterally to partially expose the object attached to the display surface in an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 7  is a front view of the cover in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , moved laterally farther than in  FIG. 4 , to fully expose the object attached to the display surface in an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 8  is a top view of a movable support structure having a “U” shape attached to a display surface and a cover attached to the support structure, the support structure and cover positioned adjacent a flat panel display device and covering the flat panel display device in an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 9  is a top view of the movable support structure, cover, and flat panel display device in  FIG. 8 , the support structure and cover each moved laterally to expose the flat panel display device in an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 10  is a top view of a movable support structure having a “U” shape and a hinge between each leg of the support structure, the support structure attached to a display surface and a cover attached to the support structure, the support structure and cover positioned adjacent a flat panel display device and covering the flat panel display device in an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 11  is a top view of the movable support structure, cover, and flat panel display device in  FIG. 10 , the support structure and cover each moved laterally to expose the flat panel display device in an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 12  is a top view of two movable support structures each having a “U” shape, each attached to a display surface and positioned adjacent a flat panel display device attached to the display surface, and a cover attached to each of the support structures in an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 13  is a side view of a movable support structure having a “U” shape movably fitted about a flat panel display device attached to a display surface in an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 14  is a front view of a movable support structure having an inner frame attached to a display surface and an outer frame movably engaged with the inner frame by means of guide rails whereby the outer frame can be moved to cover the flat panel display device recessed into the display surface above the support structure in an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 15  is a front view of the device in  FIG. 14  in which the outer frame is moved into position to cover the flat panel display device in an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 16  is a side view of the device in  FIG. 14  in an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 17  is a side view of the device in  FIG. 15  in an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 18  is a front view of a movable support structure having an inner frame attachable to a display surface and an outer frame movably engaged with the inner frame by means of guide rails, one of the guide rails having a toothed rack engaged with a toothed gear on an electric motor, whereby the outer frame can be moved into position to cover an object recessed into the display surface in an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 19  is front view of a movable support structure inside a piece of furniture, the support structure comprising a transverse bar movably engaged with threaded rods and drivable by an electric motor for moving a flat panel display device out of the furniture for viewing in an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 20  is a front view of the device in  FIG. 19 , in which the movable support is moved so as to move the flat panel display device out of the furniture for viewing in an embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
      The present invention provides embodiments of a device and method for covering and exposing an object. In an illustrative embodiment, the device includes a support structure movably attached to a display surface adjacent an object displayed on the display surface, such as a wall. A cover is attached to the support structure. The device includes a means for moving the support structure and cover for selectively covering and exposing the object.  
      In one embodiment, the support structure includes a U-shaped holder having a base leg, a carrier leg, and a connector leg extending between and connecting the base leg and the carrier leg. The base leg is movably attached to the display surface, and the cover is movably attached to the carrier leg. The base leg is movably supported on the display surface by connector elements, and the cover is movably supported on the carrier leg by connector elements. The connector elements can be rollers or a slide rail. In an embodiment, the holder further includes a first hinge between the base leg and the connector leg and a second hinge between the connector leg and the carrier leg, and each hinge is rotatable to a desired angle for foldably moving the holder away from the displayed object. The device may include two or more movable support structures and a connector between the two movable support structures.  
      In another illustrative embodiment, the support structure can include an inner frame having a guide element along each side of the inner frame. An outer frame has a guide element along each side of the outer frame, and each outer frame guide element is movably engagable with one of the inner frame guide elements. The cover is attached to the outer frame. An electric motor is attached to the inner frame and adapted to move the outer frame and cover relative to the inner frame. In an embodiment, the electric motor includes a toothed gear. The outer frame guide element adjacent the toothed gear includes a toothed rack engaged with the toothed gear. Movement of the outer frame relative to the inner frame is effected by movement of the toothed rack by the electric motor and toothed gear. In an embodiment, the device includes a cable attached to the electric motor and to the outer frame. The cable is windable and unwindable by the electric motor such that movement of the outer frame relative to the inner frame is effected by winding and unwinding the cable by the electric motor.  
      In another illustrative embodiment, the cover comprises a piece of furniture, the object comprises a flat panel display device, and the flat panel display device is movable out of and into the furniture. The flat panel display device can be moved out of and into the furniture by means of rotating a threaded rod operably connected to the flat panel display device. Alternatively, the flat panel display device can be moved out of and into the furniture by a telescopic means.  
      In an embodiment of the present invention, the displayed object can be recessed into the display surface. The object can be a flat panel display device, a picture, an air conditioning system component, or other object desired to displayed on a display surface for which it is desirable to cover and expose.  
      In an embodiment, the cover can be removably attached to the support structure. The cover can be a rigid material or a flexible material. In embodiments, the cover comprises a picture. In a particular embodiment, the object can be a first picture and the cover can be a second picture such that the second picture is movable to selectively cover and expose the first picture. The cover may be moved in a plurality of directions relative to the object.  
      In an embodiment, the means for moving the support structure and cover can be manually operable. Alternatively, the means for moving the support structure and cover can include an electric motor. The means for moving the support structure and cover can be operated by a remote control device.  
       FIGS. 1-20  show various embodiments of a device and method for covering and exposing an object of the present invention.  FIGS. 1-2  show an embodiment of a device  10  for selectively covering and exposing an object having a “U-shaped holder  11  including a base leg  12 , a connector leg  13 , and a carrier leg  14 . The length relations of the three legs  12 ,  13 ,  14  may be selected depending on the dimensions of the object to be covered and the cover. Embodiments of the present invention have particular utility for covering objects that are relatively flat, such as, for example, a flat panel display device, a picture, an air conditioning system component, or other relatively flat object attached to a display surface desired to be covered. In an embodiment, a device of the present invention may be used with an object that is not flat but has depth. In such an embodiment, the movable support structure, such as holder  11 , can be extended outward to accommodate the depth of the object.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the device  10  includes connector elements  18 ,  21  for movably supporting the support structure  11  to the display surface (shown in the base leg  12 ) and for movably supporting the cover to the support structure  11  (shown in the carrier leg  14 ) of the holder  11 . As shown in the embodiment in  FIG. 1 , the connector elements  18  may be rollers  19  movable within a slide track  15  on the base leg  12 , and the connector elements  21  may be rollers  22  movable within a slide track  15  on the carrier leg  14 . As shown in the embodiment in  FIG. 2 , the connector element  18  may be a slide rail  20  movable within the slide track  15  in the base leg  12 , and the connector element  21  may be a slide rail  23  movable within the slide track  15  in the carrier leg  14 . In such an embodiment, the base leg  12  and the entire holder  11  can move as a result of the connector elements  18 . The carrier leg  14  and the cover  17  can move as a result of the connector elements  21 . In an embodiment (not shown), the connector elements  18 ,  21  may be telescopic elements. For example, such telescoping connector elements can be telescopingly extendable in a displacement direction so that the holder  11  can be displaced relative to the display surface and the cover can be displaced relative to the holder  11 .  
      In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the holder  11  is U-shaped. In other embodiments, the holder  11  can have different configurations that are suitable for movably connecting the holder  11  to a display surface and for movably connecting the cover to the holder  11  such that both the holder  11  and the cover can be moved to selectively cover and expose an object adjacent the holder  11  on the display surface. For example, the holder may be shaped like a frame or have an “L” shape. An L-shaped holder (not shown) may be useful if the movable cover already includes a frame to support the cover. The holder may be attached to the short leg of the L-shaped holder, and the long leg can be movably attached to a wall. The movably mounted holder  11  enables the cover to be securely supported, as well as the holder  11  to be moved along the base leg  12  relative to the display surface and the attached cover to be moved along the carrier leg  14  relative to the holder  11 .  
       FIG. 3  shows the device  10  with the U-shaped holder  11  from the top, wherein it carries a cover  17  on the front side  33  of the carrier leg  14  (farthest from the wall  16  and facing an observer) by means of the connector elements  21 . The holder  11  is movably supported to the display surface  16  on the rear side  34  of the base leg  12  (facing toward the display surface  16 ) by means of the connector elements  18 . The cover  17  covers a flat panel display device  30 , which is attached to the display surface  16 . By displacing the movably supported holder  11 , an object covered in this manner, such as the flat panel display device  30 , may be exposed.  
      As shown in  FIG. 4 , more than one holder  11  as shown in  FIG. 3  can be utilized in an embodiment of the present invention. The cover  17  is movably attached at its upper portion  37  to a first holder  11  and is movably attached at its lower portion  38  to a second holder  35 . A connector element  36  may be used to connect the two or more holders  11 ,  35  so that the multiple holders  11 ,  35  move together. Use of two or more holders  11 ,  35  may be advantageous to provide additional support for heavy or large covers  17  and provide even movement of the upper and lower portions  37 ,  38 , respectively, of the cover  17 . In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the holder  11  and cover  17  may be stationary and the flat panel display device  30  can be movable to cover and expose the flat panel display device  30 .  
      The cover  17  can be a flexible material, such as a tapestry or other decorative fabric. Alternatively, the cover  17  can be a rigid material, such as a picture or painting in a frame or a mirror. Preferably, the cover  17  provides a desired aesthetic effect and can add decorative value to an environment. The flat panel display device  30  and cover  17  can provide a complementary aesthetic or decorative effect. For example, a displacement of the cover  17  downwards, for example, may lead to an observer&#39;s impression that the cover  17  also forms a support column for the flat panel display device  30 , which may increase the aesthetic effect of the flat panel display device  30  itself.  
       FIG. 5  shows a graphic illustration of the device  10  from the front, in which only the cover  17  is visible. The device  10  includes a cover  17 , for example a picture, that covers an object, for example a flat panel display device  30 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , lateral displacement  39  of the movably supported holder  11  and the cover  17  allow the covered flat panel display device  30  to become visible.  FIG. 7  shows the flat panel display device  30  fully exposed after the holder  11  and cover  17  are fully displaced to the side of the flat panel display device  30 . The object  30  displayed on the display surface  16  can be partially or completely covered by the cover  17 , as desired. The holder  11  and cover  17  are shown in  FIGS. 5-7  as being displaced laterally, or horizontally. In other embodiments, the device  10  can be attached to the display surface  16 , or otherwise configured, to move vertically or at other than 90 degree angles relative to the object  30  being covered and exposed. Such flexibility in movement of the cover  17  provides for optimal use of the device  10  in a various applications. For example, the cover  17  may be moved into an area on the wall  16  such that the cover  17  coordinates with the room&#39;s decoration or with an adjacent oil painting, for example.  
      The movement of the holder  11  for covering and exposing an object may be implemented either totally mechanically, such as by manual movement, or in an electronically controlled manner. For example, the device  10  may be equipped with an electric motor that can provide a slow, smooth back and forth movement of the holder  11  and cover  17 . Such a motor may be directly connected to the holder  11  or it may be integrated into the connector elements  18 ,  21 . In an alternative embodiment, an automated means for moving the holder  11  and cover  17  may include a hydraulic drive. An electric motor may generate the required hydraulic pressure, either instantly when used or for delayed use by storing a hydraulic charge in a hydraulic storage unit. Such a means is particularly useful for heavy and/or large covers  17 . In an embodiment, the automated, electronically-controlled movement of the holder  11  and cover  17  can be actuated by a remote control device, as shown in  FIG. 15  and discussed herein.  
       FIG. 8  shows the device  10  having a U-shaped holder  11  from the top. The base leg  12  of the holder  11  is movably attached the display surface  16 , and the cover  17  is movably attached to the front side  33  of the carrier leg  14 . The device  10  and cover  17  are shown covering the flat panel display device  30  fixed to the display surface  16 . Lateral displacement  39  of the movably supported holder  11  and cover  17 , as shown in  FIG. 9 , allows the flat panel display device  30  to be exposed for viewing.  
      In an embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the U-shaped holder  11  may include a means for moving at angles other than substantially parallel to the display surface  16 . Such means may provide flexibility of movement desirable in environments where the space for locating a holder  11  and cover  17  displaced from an object  30  is limited. In such an embodiment, the holder  11  can include rotary axes, such as hinges, integrated between the legs of the holder. As shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , a first hinge  40  can be positioned between the base leg  12  and the connector leg  13  of the holder  11 , and a second hinge  41  can be located between the connector leg  13  and the carrier leg  14 . In  FIG. 10 , as the holder  11  and cover  17  are positioned to cover the flat panel display device  30 , the base leg  12  and connector leg  13  are positioned at approximately right angles to each other, and the connector leg  13  and the carrier leg  14  are likewise positioned at approximately right angles to each other. In  FIG. 11 , the holder  11  and cover  17  have been moved laterally and the first and second hinges  40 ,  41 , respectively, have been rotated so that the connector leg  13  is positioned at approximately 180 degrees (in line) with the base leg  12 , and the carrier leg  14  has been collapsed to a position adjacent to, and substantially parallel with, the base leg  21  and connector leg  13 . In an embodiment, the hinges  40 ,  41  may include electric motors (not shown) to effect rotation of the hinges  40 ,  41 . Each hinge  40 ,  41  may be rotated to a desired angle. The angle of rotation of each hinge  40 ,  41  can be adjusted and/or limited by mechanical or photoelectric limit switches (not shown). Such positional control of the hinges  40 ,  41  may be actuated by a remote control device.  
      In an embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 12 , a device  10  for selectively covering and exposing an object includes two U-shaped holders  11 ,  24  movably supported on the display surface  16  adjacent a flat panel display device  30 . Each holder  11 ,  24  is mounted to the display surface  16  independent of the other. In this embodiment, the first holder  11  may be moved to the right  42 , and the second holder  24  may be moved to the left  43 . The cover  17  is movably attached to the first holder  11 , and a second cover  44  is movably attached to the second holder  24 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , two or more holders  11 ,  24  can be used in combination so as to provide for covering and exposing not only the flat panel display device  30  mounted on the display surface  16 , but the outer second cover  44  can be moved to cover and expose the inner first cover  11 .  
      In another embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 13 , the device  10  includes the U-shaped movable support structure  11  having the slide track  20  movably fitted into the slide track  15  on the flat panel display device  30 . The flat panel display device  30  is fixedly attached to the display surface  16  with wall anchors  45 . The slide track  15  is attached to the flat panel display device  30 . In such an embodiment, the support structure  11  can be moved horizontally along the slide track  15  so as to cover and expose the flat panel display device  30 .  
      In embodiments, the device  10  can be attached to the display surface  16  before the cover  17  is attached to the holder  11 . Depending on the type and structural design of the cover  17 , the cover  17  may be movably attached to the holder  11  at various contact points between the cover  17  and the holder  11 . As described herein, electric and/or hydraulic components may be mounted to the device  10 . The dimensions of the cover  17  are sufficient to cover a desired object, such as the flat panel display device  30  attached to the display surface  16 , as well as the holder  11  and all other components of the device  10 . As shown in  FIGS. 3-12 , the design of the holder  11  and cover  17  is such that the holder  11  and all components of the device  10  are covered by the cover  17  whether the cover  17  is in position to cover the object or moved to a position to expose the object.  
      In an embodiment of the present invention, the device  10  allows selective covering and exposing of relatively flat objects, such as a flat panel display device  30 . In situations in which it is desirable for one or more objects displayed on a display surface to not been seen, such a device  10  allows for one or more of the objects to be covered. The device  10  may be movably attached to a planar wall  16 , and may alternatively be movably attached to other display surfaces, such as a column or room divider. The device  10 , and in particular, the holder  11  and cover  17 , may be varied in length, width, depth, and geometry. The cover  17  can be different materials or objects, depending on the desired look of the display surface  16  when the object(s) is covered. Cover  17  designs can give a room, hall, office, or other environment a completely different look or theme than if the uncovered object is viewable. In addition, such a relatively flat object covered by the device can be uncovered for viewing and/or other use at desired times. Such uncovering can provide a dramatic or other effect for impact to observers. In this manner, embodiments of the present invention provide flexible use of a display surface  16 , as well as a multiplied use of available space on a wall or other display surface  16 .  
      In an embodiment of the present invention, an object to be covered can be recessed into the display surface  16  or wall. The display object preferably rests within the recessed area such that the object does not project beyond the plane of the recess opening. In such an embodiment, the cover  17  may need to be moved only a relatively small distance to selectively cover and expose the recess and the object positioned therein. The object to be covered, which is installed in the wall  16 , may be a flat panel display device  30 . Other objects, such as air conditioning system components, which may or may not be recessed in a wall  16 , may be covered by such a device  10  of the present invention. In embodiments in which the object to be covered is recessed into the wall  16 , an observer may be unable to recognize that the object is covered by the cover  17 .  FIGS. 14-18  show embodiments in which the flat panel display device  30  installed in a recess  46  of a wall may be selectively covered and exposed.  
      In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 14 , the flat panel display device  30  is installed in the recess  46  of a wall  16 . The support structure of the device  10  includes an inner frame  50  having a guide rail  51  along each side of the inner frame  50 . The inner frame  50  is attachable to a display surface  16  with fasteners, for example screws, via the holes  52 . An outer frame  47  has a guide rail  49  attached along each side of the outer frame  47 . The outer frame guide rails  49  are attached to the outer frame  47  by fastening means  48 . Each outer frame guide rail  49  is movably engagable with one of the inner frame guide rails  51 . A cover  17  (not shown) can be attached to the outer frame  47 . An electric motor  53  is attached to the inner frame  50  and adapted to move the outer frame  47  and cover relative to the inner frame  50 . A cable  54  is attached to the electric motor  53  and to the outer frame  47 . (The cable  54  is indicated by a broken line in  FIG. 14 .) The cable  54  is windable and unwindable by the electric motor  53  such that movement of the outer frame  47  and cover relative to the inner frame  50  can be effected by winding and unwinding of the cable  54  by the electric motor  53 .  
      Actuation of the electric motor  53  to move the outer frame  47  (and attached cover  17 , not shown) to cover and expose the flat panel display device  30  can be achieved by means of a sending a signal from a remote control transmitter  60  to a remote control receiver  61  operably connected to the electric motor  53 . The remote control transmitter  60  can include various control buttons for controlling movement of the outer frame  47  or other movable support structure. For example, the button  62  can be used to actuate movement of the outer frame  47  (and cover  17 , not shown) to cover the flat panel display device  30 . The button  63  can be used to actuate movement of the outer frame  47  (and cover  17 , not shown) from in front of the flat panel display device  30  to expose it. The button  64  can be used to turn on and off the flat panel display device  30 . In another embodiment, movement of the outer frame  47  (and cover  17 , not shown) can be actuated by a wall switch. The remote control signal can be a radio signal or an infrared signal. Remote control operation of the device  10  can be programmed into the same signal that turns a flat panel display device  30  on and off. For example, the signal that remotely turns on the display device  30  can be programmed to automatically move the support structure and cover  17  to expose the display device  30 . The signal that turns off the display device  30  can be programmed to automatically move the support structure and cover  17  to cover the display device  30 .  
      In  FIGS. 14 and 16 , the outer frame is positioned below the recess  46  so that the flat panel display device  30  is exposed. In  FIGS. 15 and 17 , the outer frame  47  has been moved into positioned in front of the recess  46  so that the flat panel display device  30  is covered. The dimensions of the cover  17  are sufficient to cover the flat panel display device  30 , as well as the inner frame  50  and electric motor  53 , whether the outer frame cover  47  is in position to cover or to expose the flat panel display device  30 .  
      In an embodiment, the cable  54  can be a transparent material such that when the cover  17  moves, such movement may have the appearance that the cover  17  is moving independently of other structures. Alternatively, the cable  54  may comprise a metallic material that a “technical” aesthetic impression.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 15 and 17 , the outer frame  47  (and attached cover  17 , not shown) can be positioned to fully cover the flat panel display device, yet leave a portion of the recess  46  uncovered. This arrangement can be useful in situations in which there is a need to provide an opening to the object when it is covered. For example, some electronic equipment, for example, a stereo system, may need to have an opening for air circulation to cool the electronic components even when the system is covered. Such an opening can be provided in the top or bottom of the recess, both at the top and the bottom of the recess, or in other configurations as needed.  
      In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 18 , the electric motor  53  comprises a toothed gear  65 . The outer frame guide rail  49  adjacent the toothed gear  65  comprises a toothed rack  66  engaged with the toothed gear  65 . Movement of the outer frame  47  relative to the inner frame  50  can be effected by movement of the toothed rack  66  and outer frame guide rail  49  by the electric motor  53  and toothed gear  65 .  
      Such embodiments, particularly those as shown in  FIGS. 14-18 , may be useful in art galleries that have limited exposition space. A device  10  of the present invention may provide the ability to significantly increase the number of art works exhibited. In addition, a device  10  of the present invention may include a container (not shown) positioned on the floor below one or more objects, such as paintings, being displayed on a wall  16 . The cover  17  may have attached to it another painting to be displayed when moved upward into position on the wall  16  over the first painting. When the cover  17  and attached painting are moved away from the underlying painting, the cover  17  and attached painting can be lowered into the container to conceal the presence of the cover  17  and second painting. In this manner, the first painting can be viewed without the influence of the presence of the second painting.  
       FIGS. 19-20  illustrate another embodiment of a device  10  of the present invention for covering and exposing an object. In this illustration, the object is a flat panel display device  30  installed inside a piece of furniture  70 , for example, a desk, credenza, console, or other furniture designed to house such an object. The device  10  includes two side threaded rods  71  and a transverse bar  72  interconnecting the threaded rods  71 . The transverse bar  72  is moveable along the threaded rods  71  as they are rotated. A ball-and-socket joint  73  can be located about the center of the transverse bar  72 . The flat panel display device  30  can be coupled to the ball-and-socket joint  73 . The device  10  further includes a pair of first rollers  74  located at the bottoms of the threaded rods  71 , a first belt  75  fitted around the first rollers  74 , an idler roller  76  on one of the threaded rods  71 , and a drive roller  77  on a bracket fixed at the bottom of the device  10 . Both of the rollers  76  and  77  are disposed between the transverse bar  72  and the bottom of the device  10 . A second belt  78  is fitted around the idler and drive rollers  76 ,  77 , respectively.  
      In operation, a user starts the electric motor  53  to activate the drive roller  77  in one direction in order to advance the second belt  78 . And in turn, the idler roller  76  is driven by the conveying second belt  78 . Further, one threaded rod  71  is driven by the idler roller  76  to rotate. Such rotation is in synchronism with that of the other threaded rod  71 . In combination, the rotations are then converted into an upward movement  79  of the transverse bar  72 . Accordingly, the flat panel display device  30  is lifted from the device  10 . The lifting will stop if the flat panel display device  30  has fully projected above the surface of the furniture  70  with the transverse bar  72  stopped by a limit switch (not shown).  
      When the user wishes to remove the flat panel display device  30  from the top of the furniture  70  or to hide the presence of the flat panel display device  30 , the user may start the motor  53  in the opposite direction of rotation to activate the drive roller  77  in order to rotate the second belt  78 . And in turn, the idler roller  76  is driven by the conveying second belt  78 . Further, one threaded rod  71  is driven by the idler roller  77  to rotate. Such rotation is in synchronism with that of the other threaded rod  71 . In combination, the rotations are then converted into a downward movement  80  of the transverse bar  72 . Accordingly, the flat panel display device  30  is lowered into the furniture  70 . The lowering will stop if the flat panel display device  30  has been fully covered under the surface of the furniture  70  with the transverse bar  72  stopped by the limit switch (not shown).  
      Such a device  10  can include other means for moving the flat panel display device  30  out of and into a piece of furniture  70 . For example, a telescoping means can be attached to the furniture  70  and activated by the electric motor  53  to move the flat panel display device  30  upward  79  out of the furniture  70  to uncover the display device  30  and downward  80  into the furniture  70  to cover the display device  30 .  
      When moved out of the furniture  70 , the flat panel display device  30  can be rotated and inclined to provide an optimal viewing angle. Such rotating and inclining movements can be achieved by moving the flat panel display device  30  about the ball-and-socket joint  73 .  
      In an embodiment, movement of the flat panel display device  30  out of the furniture  70  can be automatically actuated by switching on the flat panel display device  30 . Movement of the flat panel display device  30  into the furniture  70  can be automatically actuated by switching off the flat panel display device  30 .  
      In an embodiment, the movable support structure can be attached to the flat panel display device  30  by the manufacturer of the display device  30 . For example, pre-mounted guide rails, such as inner frame guide rails  51  as shown in  FIGS. 14-17 , can be integrated into the design of the flat panel display device  30  to coordinate with the design of the display device  30 . In other embodiments, the flat panel display device  30  can include a means for later attaching a movable support structure.  
      An embodiment of the present invention includes a method for selectively covering and exposing an object displayed on a display surface, such as a wall  16 . In such a method, a support structure is attached to the display surface  16  adjacent the object  30 . The support structure is movable relative to the display surface  16 . A cover  17  is fixedly or removably attached to the support structure. The support structure and cover  17  can be moved to selectively cover and expose the object  30 . In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the support structure comprises a U-shaped holder  11  having a base leg  12  movably attached to the display surface  16 , a carrier leg  14  for movably attaching the cover  17 , and a connector leg  13  extending between and connecting the base leg  12  and the carrier leg  14 . In another embodiment of a method of the present invention, the displayed object  30  may be recessed into the display surface  16 . In such an embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 14-17 , the support structure comprises an inner frame  50  having a guide rail  51  along each side of the inner frame  50 . An outer frame  47  has a guide rail  49  along each side of the outer frame  47 . Each outer frame guide rail  49  is movably engagable with one of the inner frame guide rails  51 . The cover  17  is attachable to the outer frame  47 . An electric motor  53  is attached to the inner frame  50  and adapted to move the outer frame  47  and cover  17  relative to the inner frame  50 .  
      In embodiments of such methods, the object can comprise a flat panel display device  30 , a picture, an air conditioning system component, or other relatively flat object attached to a display surface  16  desired to be covered. The cover  17  can be a flexible material, such as a tapestry or other decorative fabric. In other embodiments, the cover  17  can comprise a rigid material. For example, the cover  17  may be a picture or a mirror. In an embodiment of a method, the object comprises a first picture and the cover  17  comprises a second picture. The support structure and second picture can be moved to selectively cover and expose the first picture.  
      In an embodiment of a method, the support structure and cover  17  can be moved in a plurality of directions relative to the object. The support structure and cover  17  can be moved by means of an electric motor  53 . In such an embodiment, movement of the support structure and cover  17  can be actuated by means of a remote control device  60 ,  61 . In another embodiment, the support structure and cover  17  can be moved manually.  
      Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it should be recognized that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a device and method for covering and exposing an object of the present invention may be constructed and implemented in other ways and embodiments. Accordingly, the description herein should not be read as limiting the present invention, as other embodiments also fall within the scope of the present invention.