GB2425722A

GB2425722A - Storage furniture for housing a display device wherein the device is attached to the underside of a pivotal upper surface of the furniture

Info

Publication number: GB2425722A
Application number: GB0509135A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stephen King
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-05-05
Filing date: 2005-05-05
Publication date: 2006-11-08
Anticipated expiration: 2025-05-05
Also published as: GB0509135D0; GB2425722B

Abstract

Furniture for housing a display device comprises a first member 11 and a second member 13, wherein a display device 19 may be attached to the underside of the first member, and wherein the first member is pivotally mounted, via a hinge 16, to move between a lowered position and a raised position to reveal the underside of the first member. The second member is rotatable through 270{, such that it can cover a recess 20 left by the first member when the first member is in a raised position, thereby giving the furniture a useable upper surface when the first member is raised. A sliding shelf 28 may be provided with a wireless keyboard 29 thereon. The display device may be attached to a third member (40,Fig.3) rather than the first member, the third member in turn being pivotally mounted to the first member at position (41), which allows it to be positioned at various viewing angles.

Description

I

DISPLAY STORAGE DEVICE

The present invention relates to a display storage device and more particularly to a computer storage device in the form of a piece of furniture. Although not limited to, it is particularly applicable to a piece of furniture which is adapted to house a computer within it, wherein the computer is stowed away when not in use and accessible by the user when in use. In addition it is particularly applicable to a piece of furniture that is adapted to house a DVD player within it together with a television screen.

Computers are now used throughout both office and home life. One of the reasons that puts people off buying a computer is that it can look unsightly when not in use.

This is especially true in the home environment where a computer may be placed in a room that is also used for other purposes. For example, the computer may be placed in a dining room, where the home owner does not want to look at it and all of its related hardware when they are having dinner.

The increased use of laptop computers is partly driven by this need. However, it does not address the underlying problem for a number of reasons. Firstly laptop computers are considerably more expensive than desktop computers, which means that many people cannot afford one. Secondly, people tend to leave the laptop out when not in use and do not pack it away. In any case, there is often a considerable amount of related hardware associated with the laptop that remains out even if the laptop itself is put away, for example a monitor, keyboard, docking station or printer.

There is therefore a desire to conceal the computer and its related hardware when it is not being used. Furthermore, it would be advantageous to have a piece of furniture that serves a dual use, whereby the furniture stores away the computer and its related hardware when the computer is not in use but allows the user to use the furniture as a working desk when the computer is revealed and in use.

It would be particularly advantageous if the furniture could be useful in both positions. That is, when the computer is not being used, the furniture looks like a normal piece of furniture and may additionally have functional uses, for example as a surface to place objects on. In addition, when the computer is being used, the furniture is also designed to be useful and useable in this position.

The desire to hide a computer has led to several designs of furniture that incorporate a computer and its related hardware. However, none of them provide a piece of furniture that truly serves a dual purpose. They are either compromised when the computer is stowed away, by leaving some hardware parts visible or generally looking unsightly. Alternatively, or in addition, they are impractical, unsightly or uncomfortable to use when the computer is in a useable position.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome some or all of the objections listed above.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided furniture for housing a display device comprising a first member and a second member, wherein a display device can be attached to the underside of the first member, and wherein the first member is pivotally mounted to move between a lowered position and a raised position to reveal the underside of the first member, and wherein the second member is moveable, such that it can substantially cover a recess left by the first member when said first member is in a raised position, thereby giving the furniture a useable upper surface when the first member is raised.

It should be understood that the display device may be attached to the first member either directly or via other components. For example, it could be mounted directly, mounted via special mountings or mounted via a separate component, which in turn is itself mounted to the first member.

For the first time there is provided furniture for housing a display that is designed to be suitable for use as a work surface when the display is being used while allowing the display to be stowed away, removing it from view, when it is not being used.

Generally, it is envisaged that the furniture will also hold a computer base unit to drive the display. The dual use for the furniture is achieved by the combination of a mounted first member, preferably pivotally, which can be lifted to reveal its underside, and a moveable second member which can move to cover the recess left by the first member. This means that in a first position, the furniture has a flat top surface to enable things to be stored on it, and gives the impression of a normal piece of furniture.

However, when the furniture is moved into an operating position the furniture essentially functions as a perfectly normal desk. This is achieved because firstly, the display device is now visible for use by the user. Secondly, the upper surface of the furniture is useable because the recess left by the first member has been filled by the second member, leaving the user again free to leave paper and other items on top of the furniture.

There are different advantageous ways in which the second member can cover the recess. One way involves the second member forming part of the front of the furniture and the second member being moved from this position to cover the recess. In this embodiment, the inside of the furniture is now accessible from the front of the furniture, because the second member is now Covering the recess on the top of the furniture, leaving the front open. This allows the user to access the main base unit of the computer together with any other related hardware, for example the keyboard, mouse, printer or any other item stored within the furniture, it may also provide the user with space for their legs when they are sitting in front of the furniture.

However, the second member could move into position covering the recess from any part of the furniture. It could take the form of roller shuttering, which is dragged into place. In this instance, the member could be stored within the furniture and moved into position once the first member has been moved into a display position.

There would be no substantial movement of the outside walls of the furniture and the second member would move from within the furniture.

In an advantageous embodiment, the second member is moveabie between a first position, where it is located on the front of the furniture, and a second position, where it can substantially cover the recess left by the first member when said first member is in a raised position.

Essentially, the present invention encompasses any means of covering the recess left by the first member by using a second member.

The second member is adapted to be able to substantially cover the recess left by the first member. Part of the recess may be left uncovered provided that the second member forms a usable upper surface. Essentially, the second member can be moved to cover the recess to form a usable upper surface.

The recess is the hole left in the top of the unit when the first member is in a display position. There is generally a gap left in the top of the furniture that was used to accommodate the display device and optionally the first member itself.

It should be understood that the term display device should be interpreted broadly and encompasses televisions and other forms of display screen. In addition, it should be understood that the computer, including the term main base unit, should also be interpreted broadly to include DVD players, video players and the like.

Therefore the present invention is suitable for, among other things, a computer and a display monitor together with a TV and DVD combination.

Preferably, the first member may be mounted such that it can be pivoted between about 0 and 180 degrees from its lowered position. This means that the top of the furniture may be lifted from the lowered position, where it is essentially horizontal, into a raised position revealing the underside of the first member. Thus, the display device mounted to the underside of the first member becomes visible during use but is stored away, out of sight, when not in use. This also means that the display device is protected when not in use and does not clutter up the top of the furniture.

While pivotally attaching the first member to the furniture allows it to be moved between the stowed and displayed positions, any connection means that achieves this result is envisaged and encompassed.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the furniture includes means for holding the first member in more than one viewing position. This allows the user to select which angle they wish to view the screen at. This is useful as it allows for different heights of users and also can reduce the glare associated with windows by adjusting the screen position. An arrangement where the first member is held in a raised position of between 80 and 120 degrees from the lowered position is particularly suitable. In preference, an angle where the display device is tilted slightly past 90 degrees is Particularly advantageous because it offers a good viewing angle and also helps prevent the first member from closing under the force of gravity.

One way of attaching the first member to the furniture is via a hinge. Other ways and methods are envisaged and included. Many items of furniture have an overhanging top. That is, the top of the furniture extends beyond the sides of the furniture. When this is the case, it is desirable to ensure that the hinge is placed so that the top can be tilted beyond 90 degrees. This can be achieved by offsetting the hinge beyond the side of the table such that there is some room for the overhanging end of the first member to extend back beyond the vertical before it hits the side of the furniture.

The hinge could be a standard hinge supported by a bracket that locks in place when fully open, similar to a briefcase.

In one embodiment, the display device may be integrated into the first member.

Therefore, the first member and display device would appear to be a single combined unit. Alternatively, the display device could be mounted onto the underside of the first member. Having the display device mounted onto the underside of the first member means that when it is lowered, the display is hidden and protected, but when the first member is raised, it becomes visible.

It is envisaged that the furniture could either come with a display device ready mounted or alternatively the user could select their own display device and use the mountings provided to attach it to the furniture. Equally, the underside of the first member could be plain and not have any mountings, allowing the user to select their own mounting means. Any first member that can have a display device either embedded in it, or attached to is encompassed by the present invention. The display device can be indirectly attached to the first member.

Alternatively, the display device is attached to a third member and the third member is pivotally mounted at its top to the underside of the first member. Thus, while the display device is not directly attached to the first member, it is attached via a separate component, the third member. This third member is pivotally mounted such that it can be moved between various positions to give a suitable viewing position and also to hold the first member in position.

Preferably, the furniture includes means for holding the third member in more than one viewing position. This can be achieved in various ways but one envisaged way comprises a series of notches on or in the furniture to hold the bottom of the third member in position. This can be equated to a deckchair mechanism to hold the first and third members in position or a ratchet mechanism. In this embodiment, the first member will not be tilted beyond 90 degrees from horizontal. This provides greater stability on the first member and also reduces the forces acting on the pivoting mechanism as the members form a triangle with the third member supporting the first and holding it in position. Thus the forces are spread out over the furniture.

The notches can either be part of the furniture or alternatively in members placed along the insides of the furniture. Therefore the third member has regions to rest in.

In this embodiment, the second member can move into position to cover the recess left by the remaining portion of the top member. Alternatively, the second member could be moved into position first with the notches found on its then upper facing Surface.

Preferably the display device is a flat screen monitor. This allows the screen to easily fit inside the furniture when it is stowed away and also gives a far more pleasing appearance to the furniture during use.

The present invention encompasses any type of display device and is not limited to computer monitors. For example, it also encompasses TV screens, It is generally imagined that a computer central unit would also be housed within the furniture but this is not essential.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the second member is part of the front of the furniture. This means that when the furniture is in a first stowed away position, the second member forms part of the visible front of the furniture.

Preferably, when the second member is in a first position, not covering the recess, the outward facing face may resemble drawers. In this instance the second member could resembles false drawers in the first position but then be moved to cover the recess left by the first member revealing the inside of the furniture.

As outlined above, the second member need not be a part of the front of the furniture and may instead be moved from the side or the back of the furniture or alternatively, be moved from an internal part of the furniture and not be part of the outside. It may take the form of a main panel, possibly incorporating a false front or could be in some other form, for example shuttering or a roller surface. If the second member is pivotable it is possible to achieve this via a metal rod set into each leg of the furniture. Alternatively, two wooden dowels or metal pins may be considered, as the second member may not need to take any real weight.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, when the second member is covering the recess, the upper face is adapted to allow it to be used as a writing surface. This could take the form of felt or any other surface that is useful for the user.

In essence, the first and second members of the furniture have two sides to them.

In the first stowed position, the outwardly visible facing surfaces of both members resemble a normal piece of furniture but in the second position, the face of the first member visible to the user when seated in front of the furniture incorporates a display device and the visible face of the second member has a useful, useable surface. Therefore, the furniture resembles a normal piece of furniture when stowed away and a normal desk when in an operating position.

Moving the second member from the first position may reveal the inside of the furniture. This could give the user access to the hardware stored within the computer, including the central base unit, the keyboard, the mouse and any other associated items like printers, disk drives or further storage. It may also provide leg room.

According to a preferred embodiment, the furniture further comprises a moveable shelf for supporting a keyboard in a useable position during use. When the second member is moved out of the first position, the shelf can be moved or slid out presenting a surface on which to place a keyboard. They keyboard can either be permanently stored on this surface or alternatively the keyboard could be stored in another location and placed on the surface during use, If this is the case the keyboard is preferably a wireless keyboard.

Advantageously the furniture may further comprise internal shelves for supporting a main base unit. The term main base unit encompasses the part of the computer that incorporates the CPU. This is typically a central tower unit, which is usually a vertical rectangle, or alternatively a horizontal desktop unit. In addition, the base unit could also be a laptop computer that is linked to the display device. The term is intended to be interpreted broadly to encompass computers in general.

It is particularly preferred that the shelves are moveable to accommodate a tower computer unit or a horizontal computer unit. Accordingly, the furniture may have multiple mountings to allow the shelves to be orientated in different ways. This enables the furniture to be used with all types of computers, both desktop and laptop. The user could configure the inside of the furniture to suit their needs.

Preferably the back of the furniture has an aperture to provide access for the cables and wires from the computer. In addition the furniture may preferably further comprises a vent means to keep the computer cool. The aperture could perform both of these functions and could be a cut out region or recess in the back of the furniture.

The aperture could extend up to the top of the back of the furniture, giving the back of the furniture a U shape. This allows the cables to easily extend out from the computer and provides good ventilation. Additionally, when the desk is closed a gap for the cables to the display device will remain preventing the cables getting caught.

Preferably the furniture further comprises speakers. These could be integrally mounted on, or in, the furniture or alternatively mountings could be provided for them in the same way as for the monitor. In one embodiment the speakers are mounted to the underside of the first member, for example being mounted on either side of the display device. Alternatively, or in addition, the speakers could be mounted to the upper face of the second member, when the second member is in a second position. This means that the speakers would be stored away when not in use but would sit on the useable desk portion of the second member when the computer is in use. The speakers could either be integrally mounted, thereby sitting flush, or alternatively sitting proud of the surface.

Preferably the furniture can further accommodate a printer. It could also accommodate any other items associated with a computer. It is possible that specific storage areas are provided to hold said items.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the furniture comprises locking means to lock the first member and the side member in position. Advantageously, this means that once the computer is being used, there is no danger that the first or second members will move out of position. In addition, or alternatively, it would also be preferable if the furniture comprises locking means to lock the computer inside the furniture when not in use. This could all be encompassed by a single locking means.

Preferably the furniture comprises drive means to move the first member and/or the second member. The first member housing the display device may be heavy and it may therefore be desirable to have a mechanical or electronic means to lift it without needing to manually lift the top away. It is envisaged that a button could be pressed which automatically moves the furniture from an initial stowed position to a useable position where the display could be used. This could be linked to switching the computer on at the same time.

Preferably, the furniture is a desk. The furniture could also be incorporated into a side table or any other furniture in which it is desired to place a display. The furniture may also be household furniture.

The present invention encompasses furniture in which the computer and display device are integrally mounted or equally furniture sold separately in which the user places their own display. The furniture may also enclose a computer. The present invention also encompasses any combination of the display and computer, for example the furniture may be sold with a monitor, integrally mounted or not, leaving the user to place their own computer. The furniture may also be supplied as a kit of parts leaving the user to assemble it themselves.

According to a second embodiment of the present invention there is provided furniture for housing a display device comprising a top member, wherein a display device can be attached to the underside of the top member, and wherein the top member is pivotally mounted to move between a lowered position and a raised position to reveal its underside.

Essentially, the features relating to the display device outlined above can be considered the same but there is no moveable second member to fill the gap left by the first member. This could be because either no gap is present or alternatively the gap is acceptable. Therefore all of the advantageous features described above are equally applicable and are included in this embodiment.

Preferably the display device is a flat screen monitor. The monitor can be easily carried by the top member as it is not bulky.

Preferably the furniture resembles household furniture. Up to now, this type of furniture has solely be of the office type and therefore for the first time there is provided furniture for use specifically for the home environment. This feature is also applicable to the first embodiment.

Preferably the display device is attached to a second member and the second member is pivotally mounted at its top to the underside of the top member. Again, this feature has been described above and is equally applicable to the present invention.

Again, preferably the furniture includes means for holding the second member in more than one viewing position which can advantageously comprise a series of notches on or in the furniture to hold the bottom of the second member in position.

The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The following description is by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 shows a front view of the computer storage device, cut through the middle with line A-A, wherein the left-hand side of the figure is shown in a closed stowed away position and the right-hand side of the figure is shown in an open position ready for use of the display; Figure 2 shows a side view of the computer storage device in a partially open position along line A-A; and Figure 3 shows an alternative view of a computer storage device, wherein the computer screen is attached to the first member via a pivotally mounted third member.

The present embodiments represent currently the best ways known to the Applicant of putting the invention into practice, but they are not the only ways in which this can be achieved. They are illustrated, and they will now be described, by way of

example only.

Turning first to Figure 1, the computer storage device 10 can be seen in both a closed and open position. Looking first at the closed position, to the left of the line A-A, the first member 11 can be seen on top of the device. It can be seen that the upper surface 12 of the first member 11 resembles a normal upper surface for a piece of furniture and items can be placed on top of it.

The storage device further comprises a second member 13, which covers the front of the storage device. It can be seen that second member 13 resembles drawers, and indeed has drawer handles 14. However, the false front panel, which looks like two drawer fronts, is in fact a single piece frontage. This gives the impression of a standard piece of furniture when the display is not in use. It can be seen from Figure 1 that the computer storage device resembles a standard side table when not in use. The computer device further comprises legs 15 to support the device off the ground. The legs can be adjusted to suit the individual user's height, depending on the height at wish they wish to work or alternatively the look of the device when not using the display.

The movement of the computer storage device from the closed position to a use position can be best seen in Figure 2. The same reference numerals have been used where appropriate. The first member 11 is pivotally mounted with respect to the computer storage device such that it can be moved between a first lowered position and a second raised position. This is achieved by means of hinge 16 and it can be seen that the hinge is arranged so that the first member sits at an angle of just over 900. The underside 17 of the first member 11 has a mounting 18 adapted to house a display device 19. In this instance the display device is a flat screen monitor.

When a user wants to use the display they lift the first member 11. This reveals the display mounted to its underside. The first member is then locked into position at a suitable viewing angle. The second member 13 is then moved from the first position to the second position where it covers the recess left by the first member. This provides a useable upper surface for the user and also gives access to the front of the main base unit of the computer. It also gives the user leg room and access to the keyboard and mouse.

It can be seen that the first member can be pivoted from a closed position to the position shown in Figure 2. When the display is not in use, and the first member is in a closed lowered position, there is a recess 20 in the storage device to accommodate the display device 19. When the first member is in a raised position, the user can see the display device 19. The first member is pivotally mounted such that the bottom end 21 of the first member 11 is not obstructed by the back of the storage device and instead sits away from it.

Because the bottom end 21 extends beyond the end of the furniture, when the first member is raised beyond 90 degrees from horizontal end 21 could butt against the furniture. This is avoided by ensuring that the hinge also extends beyond the end of the furniture.

The display device is shown without any wires or cables. However, there is an aperture or recess 22 in the back of the display device to enable any wires or cables from the base computer unit 23 to exit out of the back of the storage device. The cables running to the monitor can either exit via this aperture or alternatively via some other means.

It can be seen that when the first member 11 is in a raised position, the recess 20 prevents a user from using the upper surface as a desktop. It does, however, permit access into the base computer unit 23, which is useful for any maintenance work.

The second member 13 is mounted such that it can be rotated through 270 to cover or fill the aperture or recess 20. A Stop 24 is provided to ensure that the second member remains in position. When the storage unit is in a stowed position, surface 25 of the second member 13, comprising the false drawer front, is visible.

However, when the storage device is in use, surface 26 of the second member 13 is visible and usable. This means that the computer display device has a usable top surface, even with the first member open, which allows the user to use the upper surface of the storage when in use. Surface 26 could be covered with a felt material to aid writing or alternatively any other surface that is desirable in use.

It can be seen that by moving the second member to fill or cover recess 20 opens up the front of the storage device and gives access to the front of the base computer unit. Thus, a user can now access area 27 of the base computer unit, which generally incorporates the disk drive and other features.

In addition, a sliding shelf 28 can be moved into an operating position, with a wireless keyboard 29 placed on it. It can be seen from the figures that the sliding shelf 28 is in close proximity to the shelf 30 upon which the base computer unit 23 is placed. Therefore, in this particular arrangement, the wireless keyboard cannot be stored on shelf 28 when not in use. However, it would be possible to mount the sliding shelf 28 abovethe base computer unit 23 or provide some other arrangement such that the keyboard can permanently be placed on shelf 28.

Although not shown in the figures, it is possible to incorporate any arrangement of shelves in order to accommodate different sized base computer units, both vertical and horizontal, or alternatively a laptop.

Turning back to Figure 1, the right-hand side of the figure shows the storage unit in an open position ready for use. It can be seen that the monitor is clearly visible and easy access is provided to the keyboard and the computer.

The second member 13 is shown in the figures as being pivotally mounted to the storage device. This is not the only way in which the member could be mounted. It is also envisaged that a rolling shutter type arrangement could move the second member from the closed position where it covers the front of the device to the open position where it covers the top of the device. In this arrangement, a false drawer front may not be necessary.

Region 31 shows that there is plenty of storage space for housing items such as a printer, or other related computer hardware. In fact, it is possible to adjust the relative sizes of the storage device to hold other items.

Turning now to figure 3, a second embodiment of the invention can now been seen.

It comprises the same first and second members but additionally has a third member 40. It can be seen that the display device is attached to the third member instead of the first member. The third member is pivotally mounted to the first member at position 41, which allows it to be positioned a various angles. There is also provided a series of notches 42 in the furniture which accommodate the bottom of the third member 40. Thus, when the first member is lifted up the third member can swing freely and then be placed into one of the notches. The viewing angle can therefore be changed and the third member supports the first member. This reduces the strain on the hinges of the first member. It also means that the first member does not need to be tilted beyond 90 degrees from horizontal. The second member is also shown. This can then swing into position to fill the remaining gap. It is also envisaged that the second member not be used so that the gap remains.

The notches 41 could be formed in various positions, including in the portion of the second member facing up when in a covering position.

In summary, in a preferred embodiment, the furniture resembles a normal piece of furniture (for example a desk or side table) with two drawers topped off with a simple square tabletop. When a user wishes to use the computer, they simply open the whole table top through just over 90 degrees to reveal the flat screen monitor mounted on the underside of the top. This locks into place. Then a false front panel, which looks like two drawer fronts, but is just a one-piece frontage, can be swung through 270 degrees to fill the gap where the monitor was. This now reveals the insides of the unit which houses the PC base unit of either horizontal or vertical type, a small storage area where the wireless keyboard and mouse are kept and a slide out shelf for them to go on. The back panel has a large hole in it for cables and ventilation.

The furniture could operate with a TV/DVD combination equally as well and operates in one embodiment with the second member and in another embodiment, without the second member. The various advantageous properties can be used alone or in combination.

Claims

Claims 1. Furniture for housing a display device comprising a first member

and a second member, wherein a display device can be attached to the underside of the first member, and wherein the first member is pivotally mounted to move between a lowered position and a raised position to reveal the underside of the first member, and wherein the second member is moveable, such that it can substantially cover a recess left by the first member when said first member is in a raised position, thereby giving the furniture a useable upper surface when the first member is raised.
2. Furniture as claimed in Claim I wherein the first member is mounted such that it can be pivoted between about 0 and 180 degrees from its lowered position.
3. Furniture as claimed in any preceding claim including means for holding the first member in more than one viewing position.
4. Furniture as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first member is held in a raised position of between 80 and 120 degrees from the lowered position
5. Furniture as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the display device is integrated into the first member.
6. Furniture as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4 inclusive wherein the display device is attached to a third member and the third member is pivotally mounted at its top to the underside of the first member.
7. Furniture as claimed in Claim 6 including means for holding the third member in more than one viewing position.
8. Furniture as claimed in Claim 7 wherein the means comprises a series of notches on or in the furniture to hold the bottom of the third member in position.
9. Furniture as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the display device is a flat screen monitor.
10. Furniture as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the second member is part of the front of the furniture.
11. Furniture as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9 inclusive wherein the second member is stowed within the furniture when it is not covering the recess left by the first member.
12. Furniture as claimed in Claim 11 wherein the second member is moved from the side of the furniture.
13. Furniture as claimed in any preceding claim wherein when the second member is in a first position, the outward facing face resembles drawers.
14. Furniture as claimed in any preceding claim wherein when the second member is covering the recess the upper face is adapted to allow it to be used as a writing surface.
15. Furniture as claimed in any preceding claim wherein moving the second member to cover the recess reveals the inside of the furniture.
16. Furniture as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the furniture further comprises a moveable shelf for supporting a keyboard in a useable position during use.
17. Furniture as claimed in Claim 16 wherein the keyboard is a wireless keyboard.
18. Furniture as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the furniture further comprises internal shelves for supporting a main base unit.
19. Furniture as claimed in Claim 18 wherein the shelves are moveable to accommodate a tower base unit or a horizontal base unit.
20. Furniture as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the back of the furniture has an aperture to provide access for the cables and wires from the computer.
21. Furniture as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the furniture further comprises a vent means to keep the computer cool.
22. Furniture as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the furniture further comprises speakers.
23. Furniture as claimed in Claim 22 wherein the speakers are mounted to the underside of the first member.
24. Furniture as claimed in Claim 22 wherein the speakers are mounted to the face of the second member facing outwardly, when the second member is covering the recess.
25. Furniture as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the furniture can further accommodate a printer.
26. Furniture as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the furniture comprises locking means to lock the first member and the second member in position.
27. Furniture as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the furniture comprises locking means to lock the computer inside the furniture when not in use.
28. Furniture as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the furniture comprises drive means to move the first member and/or the second member.
29. Furniture as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the furniture resembles household furniture.
30. Furniture as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the furniture resembles a chest of drawers.
31. Furniture as claimed in any of claims I to 29 inclusive wherein the furniture is a desk.
32. Furniture as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the furniture is supplied with a computer.
33. Furniture as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the furniture is supplied as a kit of parts.
34. A first member as claimed in any preceding claim.
35. Furniture as claimed in any preceding claim excluding a first member.
36. A display device adapted for use with furniture according to any preceding claim.
37. Furniture substantially as described herein, with reference to and as shown in any combination of the accompanying drawings.
38. Furniture for housing a display device comprising a top member, wherein a display device can be attached to the underside of the top member, and wherein the top member is pivotally mounted to move between a lowered position and a raised position to reveal its underside.
39. Furniture as claimed in Claim 38 wherein the display device is a flat screen monitor.
40. Furniture as claimed in claim 38 or 39 wherein the furniture resembles household furniture.
41. Furniture as claimed in any of claims 38 to 40 inclusive wherein the display device is attached to a second member and the second member is pivotally mounted at its top to the underside of the top member.
42. Furniture as claimed in Claim 41 including means for holding the second member in more than one viewing position.
43. Furniture as claimed in Claim 42 wherein the means comprises a series of notches on or in the furniture to hold the bottom of the second member in position.