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:
[0001]    This claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 60/941,180, filed May 31, 2007. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    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 
       [0003]    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. 
         [0004]    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. 
         [0005]    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. 
         [0006]    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. 
         [0007]    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. 
         [0008]    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. 
         [0009]    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 
         [0010]      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. 
           [0011]      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. 
           [0012]      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. 
           [0013]      FIGS. 4   a  though  4   d  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. 
           [0014]      FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  are alternative top-view perspective views depicting alternate panel configurations. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    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. 
         [0016]    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. 
         [0017]    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. 
         [0018]    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. 4   b  or  4   d , for example). 
         [0019]    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. 
         [0020]    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. 
         [0021]    Turning to  FIGS. 4   a ,  4   b ,  4   c ,  4   d  and  5   a ,  5   b , 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. 4   a ). 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 ). 
         [0022]    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. 
         [0023]    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. 
         [0024]    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. 
         [0025]      FIG. 4   a  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. 
         [0026]      FIG. 4   b  shows the installation of  FIG. 4   a , 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. 
         [0027]      FIG. 4   c  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. 4   d  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 4   c , but with the panels  12  in an open configuration. 
         [0028]    In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 4   a - d , the panels include four sub-panels or panel portions  14 ,  18  and  20 ,  22 .  FIG. 5   a  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. 
         [0029]      FIG. 5   b  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. 
         [0030]    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.