GB2454197A

GB2454197A - Table with media screen on underside of lid

Info

Publication number: GB2454197A
Application number: GB0721278A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sean Edward James Mccarroll; Ross Marcel Kay
Original assignee: CONNEXIONS
Current assignee: CONNEXIONS
Priority date: 2007-10-31
Filing date: 2007-10-31
Publication date: 2009-05-06
Also published as: GB0721278D0; WO2009056874A1

Abstract

A media table 100, figure 1 comprises a base part 102 operably coupled to a lid part 104. The lid part 104 is actuable between a closed position and a deployed position. The lid part 104 is arranged to accommodate a display device, a screen 300 of the display device being visible when the lid part 104 is in the deployed position and concealed from view when the lid part 104 is in the closed position. The base part 102 may be a storage volume for other devices. Opening and closing the lid may be actuable by signals from a remote control, and may use a processing resource. The lid may also have a pressure-sensor, side-compartments 400, and a fan.

Description

1 2454197

MEDIA TABLE

(0001] The present invention relates to a media table of the type that, for example, houses a display device, such as a television, therein.

[0002] In a house or other building, so-called flat-panel display devices are commonly deployed by fixing the display device to a wall. In some environments, this is acceptable practice. However, in other environments, for example dwellings with limited space availability, fixing of the display device to the wall is undesirable for a number of reasons. Firstly, the space may be required for another purpose.

For example, it is common to fix the display device above a fireplace, though it may be desirable to site another object above the fireplace, for example a picture or a mirror. Additionally, when fixing the display device to the wall it is necessary to drill holes in the wall and chase wires. This process results in mess, dust and inconvenience that not all owners desire.

[0003] In the field of housings for electrical equipment, it is known to house a television in a so-called Ottoman. An Ottoman is an item of furniture, sometimes upholstered, which has storage space disposed therein, for example a divan. One example of the Ottoman comprises an actuable central stage or plafform having an upper lid that has an exterior surface formed to match, for example, the upholstery of the remainder of the exterior of the Ottoman. The platform is designed to rise and fall to reveal electrical equipment disposed on the platform or conceal the item of electrical equipment therein, respectively.

(0004] However, whilst the Ottoman has its appeal in certain rooms of a house, the Ottoman is not appropriate for all rooms in the house. In particular, the usefulness of the Ottoman is limited in certain rooms of the house.

(0005] Additionally, disposal of a television, for example a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) or flat-panel type television, in the Ottoman does suffer from the disadvantage of requiring the Ottoman to be of a certain minimum height in order to accommodate the television therein. This results in the ergonomics of the Ottoman being less than desirable for some potential purchasers of the Ottoman, due to height the Ottoman stands from the ground. Hence, the Ottoman does not always lend itself well to being a dual-purpose item for storing a television therein.

(0006] UK Patent No. GB-B-2 406 506 relates to a bed having a footboard having a flat-panel television concealed therein. The television is movable, using a rack and pinion mechanism, between a concealed position and a use position through an opening in the footboard. The footboard comprises a lid that serves to close the opening in the footboard when the television is in the concealed position.

(0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a media table comprising: a base part operably coupled to a lid part; wherein the lid part is actuable between a closed position to a deployed position; and the lid part is arranged to accommodate, when in use, a display device, a screen of the display device being visible when the lid part is in the deployed position and the screen of the display device being concealed from view when the lid part is in the closed position.

[0008] The lid part and the base part may be arranged to form a clamshell housing, the clamshell housing being in an open state when the lid part is in the deployed position. The screen of the display device may be visible when the clamshell housing is in the open state and the screen of the display device may be concealed within the clamshell housing when the clamshell housing is in the closed state.

(0009] The lid part may be hingedly coupled to the base part.

[0010] The lid part may be electro-mechanically actuable from the closed position to the deployed position. The table may further comprise a drive mechanism for actuating the lid part from the closed position to the deployed position.

(0011] The base part may define a storage volume. The storage volume may be arranged to accommodate a communications device. The storage volume may be arranged to accommodate audio-visual and/or audio media. The storage volume may be arranged to accommodate a gaming device.

[0012] The lid part may be arranged to house the display device.

[0013] The lid part may comprise a window for viewing the screen of the display device therethrough.

(0014] The lid part may comprise a recess for receiving the display device.

(0015] The lid part may comprise an interior side and an exterior side, the interior side being exposed when the lid part is in the open position.

[00161 Actuation of the lid part from the closed position to the deployed position may be remotely controllable.

(0017] The table may further comprise a processing resource arranged to control actuation of the lid part from the closed position to the deployed position. The processing resource may be arranged to initiate actuation of the lid part from the closed position to the deployed position in response to a signal communicated from a remote control of the display device. The display device may be arranged to transition into a display-active mode in response to the signal communicated from the remote control.

[0018] The processing resource may be arranged to initiate actuation of the lid part from the deployed position to the closed position in response to a signal communicated from a remote control of the display device.

[0019] The processing resource may be arranged to initiate actuation of the lid part from the deployed position to the closed position in response to receipt of a first signal followed by a second signal communicated from a remote control of the display device.

[0020] A first signal and a second signal may correspond to a same control message.

[0021] The display device may be arranged to transition into a dormant or display-inactive mode in response to the signal communicated from the remote control. The dormant or display-inactive mode may be a standby mode.

[0022] The table may further comprise a sensor arranged to generate an override signal for preventing actuation of the lid part from the closed position to the deployed position in response to an object of at least a predetermined weight being disposed upon the lid part. The sensor may be a pressure-sensitive web disposed beneath a surface of the lid part. The lid part may be also manually actuable. The lid part may comprise an access port for permitting a tool to be used to manually actuate the lid part.

[0023] The base part may further comprise a counter-weight disposed therein or integrally formed therewith, the counter-weight serving to prevent topple of the lid part when in or entering the deployed position.

[0024] The lid portion may further comprise a side-compartment, the side-compartment being actuable between a retracted state and a deployed state. The compartment may be arranged to accommodate an output device. The output device may be a loudspeaker.

[0025] The compartment may be arranged to accommodate an input device. The input device may be a sensor or a camera. The lid portion may further comprise a port for passage of a drive drawer therethrough. An end of the drive drawer may lie substantially flush with a side surface of the lid part when the drive is closed.

The lid part may further comprise a conduit for passage of a cable therethrough.

[0026] The table may further comprise socket ports for coupling an external audio-visual device to the display device, the socket ports being coupled to the display device.

(0027] The lid part may be disposed substantially horizontally when the lid part is in the closed position, and the lid part may be substantially vertical when the lid part is in the deployed position.

[0028] The lid part may comprise a protective layer disposed beneath a surface of the lid part for prevention of ingress of fluid into the lid part.

[0029] The base part may further comprise a cover disposed, when in use, over the storage volume so as to serve as an interior lid therefor. The cover may be slideably retractable.

[0030] The lid part may further comprise a first ventilation port for venting heat generated by the display device, when in use.

[0031] The base part may further comprise a second ventilation port for venting heat generated by an electrical apparatus disposed in the base part, when in use.

The table may further comprise a fan for expelling heat.

[0032] The lid part may be rotatable.

[0033] The base part may have a base, the base having a recessed channel for providing additional depth to a region of the base part. The recessed channel may be arranged to receive a media package.

(00343 It is thus possible to provide a media table that is versatile and can be applied in many forms of table, for example as coffee table or as a larger structure, such as a boardroom table. The media table also possesses storage capacity in the base part for storing diverse items, including but not limited to audio-visual and/or gaming devices. Further storage capacity is thus provided for rooms, which is of particular importance where storage space is limited. It is also possible to provide sufficient storage space for media to be used for viewing using the display device. The media table also benefits from being able to avoid tipping objects off a working surface thereof caused by actuation of the lid part. Furthermore, the media table serves as a useful alternative for locating the display device in rooms where location of the display device on a wall is undesirable and manipulation of walls and/or chasing is to be avoided. Consequently, the space on a wall or elsewhere in a room that would otherwise receive the display device can be used for other purposes.

(0035] At least one embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a media table constituting an embodiment of the invention and in a closed state; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional front-view of the media table of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the media table of Figure 1 in a deployed state; Figure 4 is a front elevation of the media table in the deployed state of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a combine plan and cross-sectional view of the media table in the deployed state of Figure 3; Figure 6 is a part cut-through view of the media table in the deployed state Figure 3; Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a control system used in the media table of Figures 1 to 6; Figure 8 is a flow diagram of a method of operation of the media table of Figures 1 to 6; and Figure 9 is a cross sectional view of the media table of Figure 3, showing the lid part in different stages of deployment/closure.

10036] Throughout the following description identical reference numerals will be used to identify like parts.

[0037] Referring to Figure 1, a media table 100 comprises a base part 102 and a lid part 104, the lid part 104 being operably coupled to the base part 102.

[0038] In this example, the media table 100 has a generally square footprint, though other dimensions and shapes can be employed. Indeed, the media table can be styled in a number of ways, for example, the styling can be antique, classical or contemporary in nature.

[0039] The lid part 104 has a working surface 106 upon which objects can be placed when the media table 100 is to be used as a table or coffee table. The lid part 104 is coupled to the base part 102 by a hinge mechanism (not shown in Figure 1) so as to form a clamshell housing. In this example, the hinge mechanism is an electro-mechanical hinge mechanism comprising a drive mechanism. The electro-mechanical hinge mechanism is capable of hingedly lifting the lid part 104 from the base part 102. In this respect, an axle (not shown) is fixed at a hinging side 108 of the lid part 104. At a first end 110 of the hinging side 108, a first axle gear (not shown) is coupled to the axle at a first end thereof and a first drive shaft gear (not shown) engages the first axle gear, the first drive shaft gear being coupled to a first drive shaft (not shown) of a first electric motor (not shown) fixed to the base part 102. At a second end 112 of the hinging side 108, a second axle gear (not shown) is coupled to the axle at a second end thereof and a second drive shaft gear (not shown) engages the second axle gear, the second drive shaft gear being coupled to a second drive shaft (not shown) of a second electric motor (not shown) fixed to the base part 102. Alternatively, a single central drive mechanism using a single motor can be employed if desired.

[0040] Turning to Figure 2, the media table 100 serves a dual purpose of being both an aesthetically pleasing item of furniture and a housing for a display device 200, for example a television, such as a shallow-depth television. An example of the shallow-depth television is a so-called flat panel television, such as a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) television or a gas-plasma television. However, the skilled person will appreciate that the technological basis upon which the display device operates is not relevant for the purposes of this example; rather, the depth of the display device 200 is relevant. In this respect, the lid part 104 has a thickness between about 80 mm and about 250 mm, for example between about 100 mm and 200 mm, such as between about 125 mm and about 175 mm, particularly but not essentially, between about 135 mm and about 155 mm. The display device comprises a screen 300 (Figures 3 and 4) for viewing still and/or moving images, and a number of input and output ports (not shown) for communication of audio-visual signals with the display device 200.

[0041] In this example, a chamber 202 is provided in the lid part 104 for receiving the display device 200, lid part comprising an internal window 302 (Figures 3 and 4) for viewing therethrough the screen 300 of the display device 200 contained within the lid part 104. Alternatively, the lid part 104 can comprise a recess in which the display device 200 is located.

[0042] In order to provide connectivity to and/or from the display device 200, a number of conduits (not shown) are provided between the lid part 104 and the base part 102 for chasing one or more cables (not shown) therethrough, for example so-called composite cables, High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) cables, Red Green Blue (RGB) cables, Phono cables and/or S-Video cables. In this example, the cables terminate at connectors (not shown) disposed in the base part 102 to replicate the ports present at the rear of the display device 200.

[0043] The lid part 104 also comprises a first side compartment 400 disposed at a first side of the lid part 104, a second side compartment 402 disposed in a second side of the lid part 104. Additionally, in this example, a third side compartment 404 is disposed in a third side of the lid part 104. The first and second side compartments 400, 402 each house a first and second output device, respectively, for example a first and second loudspeaker. The first and second loudspeakers can be left and right loudspeakers of an audio system, for example a surround-sound audio system. In this example, the third side compartment 404 also houses a third loudspeaker that is part of the surround-sound system.

However, the third side-compartment 404 can be employed to house, additionally or alternatively, other input and/or output devices, for example a digital camera, such as a webcam, and/or a sensor for a gaming console. The first, second and/or third side compartments 400, 402, 404 are movable between extended and retracted positions by respective compartment motors (not shown). The first, second and/or third side-compartments 400, 402, 404 comprise respective end surfaces that lie flush with the respective sides of the lid part 104 and match the finish of the lid part 104 when in the retracted positions. If the display device 200 comprises an integral media player/recorder, for example an integral DVD player, or is coupled to a separate media player/recorder that can be disposed in the lid part 104, the side wall of the lid part can also comprise a drive drawer access port (not shown) in order to permit reciprocating movement of a drive drawer of the media player/drawer, an end surface of the drive drawer lies flush with the side waIl of the lid part 104 and matches the finish of the lid part 104 when closed.

(OO] An override sensor is also disposed beneath the working surface of the media table 100. In this example, the override sensor is a pressure sensitive web constituting a pressure sensor 204, for example a force sensor of the type available from Peratech Limited, UK. However, other types of pressure sensor can be employed, for example at an interface 206 between the lid part 104 and the base part 102. A protective layer, for example a waterproof membrane or liner (not shown), can be disposed beneath the working surface 106 of the lid part 104 to protect the display device 200 from ingress of liquids due to spillages. In one example, the pressure sensitive web can be formed from a waterproof material, thereby obviating the need for a separate protective layer.

[0045] Turning to Figures 5 and 6, the base part 102 comprises peripheral side walls 500 and a base 900 (Figure 9), which together define an open storage volume 600. The open storage volume 600 can be closed by a first interior lid 502 and a second interior lid 504. In this example, pairs of elongate grooves (not shown), one above the other, are provided in the side walls 500 of the base part 102 for slideably receiving the first and second interior lids 502, 504, respectively.

Consequently, the first and second interior lids 502, 504 are able to translate in respectively different planes substantially parallel with a plane of the base 900 of the base part 102. Although not shown, in this example, the base part 102 comprises a counter-weight or mass in order to prevent topple of the media table when in use. The counter- weight can be integrally formed with the base part 102.

[0046] Referring to Figure 9, inside the storage volume 600, a first elongate recessed portion 902 is defined by coupling an elongate tray 904 disposed in a complementarily-shaped elongate opening 906 formed in the base 900. In this example, the first recessed portion 902 is sub-divided into parallel channels (not shown) for receiving media packaging 602 (Figure 6) that typically contains media therein, for example Digital Versatile Discs (DVDs) or software media, such as a computer game.

[0047] A second portion 908 of the storage volume 600 is reserved for a first electronic media device 910, for example a so-called set-top box, a video player/recorder, a DVD player/recorder, a games console, and/or any other required audio-visual unit or communications device. Referring back to Figure 2, a third portion 208 of the storage volume 600 is similarly reserved for a second and/or third electronic media device, for example a so-called set-top box, a video player/recorder, a DVD player/recorder, a games console, and/or any other required audio-visual unit or communications device. The electronic media devices can be stacked. Referring to Figure 6, in order to provide connectivity with the display device 200, a number of conduits or channels 604 are provided through which connection cables can run from the electronic media devices to the connectors mentioned above for coupling the electronic media devices with the display device 200.

[0048] In order to be able to permit mechanical access to the electro-mechanical hinge mechanism, an access port 606 is provided in the lid part 104.

[0049] Turning to Figure 7, the electro-mechanical hinge mechanism is controlled to a control system 700. The control system 700 comprises a processing resource, for example a microprocessor 702 having a first input 704 coupled to the pressure sensor 204 via an interface (not shown). A second input 706 of the processor 702 is coupled to an Infra- Red (PR) detection circuit 708. A third input 710 of the processor 702 is coupled to an optional activation switch 712 (see also Figures 1, 2 and 4). A first output 714 of the processor 702 is coupled to a Light Emitting Diode (LED) 716 (see also Figures 1, 2 and 4) and driver circuit, and a second output 718 of the processor 702 is coupled to a first motor driver circuit 720. The first motor driver circuit 720 is coupled to first and second power terminals of the first motor 722. Similarly, a third output 724 of the processor 702 is coupled to a second motor driver circuit 726. The second motor driver circuit 726 is coupled to first and second power terminals of the second motor 728 [0050] In operation (Figure 8), the lid part 104 is actuable between a closed position, where the lid part 104 is substantially horizontal, and a deployed position, where the lid part is substantially vertical. Although not shown, the base part 102 and/or the lid part 104 are formed so as to provide adequate clearance when the lid part 104 is being actuated. The processor 702 is able to determine (Step 800) whether the lid part 104 is in the deployed or closed state. This can be achieved by recording the last known state of the lid part 104 or recording revolutions of the first and/or second motors 722, 728. If the processor 702 determines that the lid part 104 is in the closed state, the processor 702 awaits receipt (Step 802) of a power-up signal. The power- up signal is received by the lR detection circuit 708. In this example, the IR detection 708 circuit is programmable to recognise signals transmitted from a remote control of the display device 200, for example to bring the display device 200 into a display-active mode (though a dedicated remote control device can be used exclusively for the media table 100). Consequently, when the remote control of the display device 200 is used to bring the display device 200 out of a standby state, the PR detection circuit 708 recognises the power-up signal, for example a signal indicative of a channel selection, and the PR detection circuit 708 issues an activate" control signal to the processor 702 to signal detection of the power-up or wake-up signal issued from the remote control.

If such a power-up signal is not received, the processor 702 continues to await receipt (Step 802) of the power-up or wake-up signal.

(0051] In response to receipt of the activate control signal from the IR detection circuit 708, the processor 702 polls the first input 704 in order to determine (Step 804) whether a "pressure alert" signal is being generated in relation to the pressure sensor 204. In this respect, if the pressure sensor 204 is generating the pressure alert signal, the pressure alert signal is indicative of the presence of one or more items of at least a predetermined weight upon the working surface 106 of the lid part 104. Consequently, if an object is disposed on the working surface 106 of the lid part 104, for example a cup of tea, the processor 702 responds to the pressure alert signal by issuing a warning or alert (Step 806) to a user, for example, via the LED 716, in order to advise the user that the media table 100 cannot presently be opened due to the presence of at least one object on the table. The processor 702 continues to monitor the pressure alert signal until it is no longer present.

(0052] Once any objects have been removed from the working surface 106 of the lid part 104 and the pressure alert signal is no longer present at the first input 704 of the processor 702, the processor 702 sends a first motor control signal to the first motor drive circuit 720 to instruct the first drive circuit 720 to power-up the first motor 722 and drive the first motor 722 in a forward direction (Step 808) and a second motor control signal to the second motor drive circuit 726 to instruct the second drive circuit 726 to power-up the second motor 728 and drive the second motor 728 in a forward direction. The skilled person will, of course, appreciate that "forward" and "reverse" directions are relative terms and that the first and second motors 720, 726 can be electrically connected to the first and second drive circuits 720, 726 so as to turn in opposite directions, but urge the lid part 104 in a common direction. By driving the motor in the "forward" direction, the lid part 104 hingedly lifts from a closed position to a deployed position (Figure 9). The first and second motors 722, 728 are continually driven until the lid part 104 is fully in the deployed position and in a substantially perpendicular position relative to the base part 102.

The extent of opening of the lid part 104 is, in this example, determined by counting revolutions of the first and/or second motors 722, 728, though other techniques can be employed, for example by means of a sensor switch adjacent the pivoting side 108 of the lid part 104.

[0053] Once the lid part 104 reaches the deployed position, the first, second and/or third compartments 400, 402, 404 are actuated using the first, said and/or third compartment motors in order to cause the first, second and/or third compartments 400, 402, 404 to extend outwardly from the side walls of the lid part 104 so as to deploy and expose the loudspeakers and/or sensors respectively housed in the first, second and/or third compartments 400, 402, 404.

[0054] Once the lid part 104 is in the deployed position and the display device is powered up, an interior side of the lid part 104 is exposed and so the display device 200 can be watched by an audience in the room in which the media table 100 is disposed. The processor 702 then re-evaluates the state of the lid part 104 (Step 800) and determines that the lid part 104 is in the deployed position.

Consequently, the processor 702 awaits receipt of a power-down signal (Step 810).

[0055] When viewing of the display device 200 is complete, the user of the display device 200 uses the remote control to issue a power-down signal to the display device 200 or transmission of any suitable control message to cause the display device 200 to transition into a display-inactive mode, for example by pressing a standby button on the remote control. The IR detection circuit 708 detects the power-down signal. Responsive to receipt of the power-down signal, the IR detection circuit 708 issues a power-down control signal that is received by the processor 702. Whilst the processor 702 can respond to a single instance of the power-down control signal, in this example, in order to prevent premature closure of the lid part 104, the processor 702 can be arranged to await receipt of two or more power-down control signals before responding to the instruction, Of course, the IR detection circuit 708 can issue the power-down control signal in response to any desired combination of key presses on the remote control.

[0056] Once the predetermined number of instances of the power-down control signal have been received by the processor 702, the processor 702 sends a motor control signal to the first motor drive circuit 720 and the second motor drive circuit 726 to instruct the first and second drive circuits 720, 726 to power-up the motor and drive the first and second motors 722, 728 in a reverse direction (Step 812).

Again, the skilled person will, of course, appreciate that "forward" and "reverse" directions are relative terms and that the first and second motors 722, 728 can be electrically connected to the first and second drive circuits 720, 726 so as to turn in opposite directions, but urge the lid part 104 in a common direction. By driving the first and second motors 720, 726 in the reverse direction, the lid part 104 hingedly closes from the deployed position (Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6) to the closed position (Figures 1 and 2). The first and second motors 720, 726 are continually driven until the lid part 104 is fully closed with respect to the base part 102. Complete closure of the lid part 104 is, in this example, also determined by counting revolutions of the first and/or second motors 720, 726, though other techniques can be employed, for example by means of a sensor switch disposed in the base part 102 at an opposite side to the pivoting side 108 of the lid part 104.

[0057] Whilst in the above example, the use of the remote control is used to determine when to actuate the lid part 104 between the closed and deployed positions, additionally or alternatively, a power sensor can be employed in-line with the power cable to the display device 200 in order to determine when the display device 200 is in an active, as opposed to dormant, state. Alternatively, the activation switch 712 can be employed to initiate opening or closing of the lid part 104.

[0058] In the event of power failure, the lid part 104 can be actuated manually through use of a crank inserted through the access port 606 in order to access a manual winding point for the axle, thereby enabling manual opening and/or closing of the lid part 104. As an additional safety feature, or alternatively, the processor 702 can be arranged to detect resistance to movement of the lid part 104, whilst opening or closing, for example by monitoring current flowing through one or more motors. In response to detection of resistance, the processor 702 can be arranged to halt actuation of the electro-mechanical hinge mechanism. As a further optional safety feature, the electro-mechanical hinge mechanism can be provided with a hydraulic damping mechanism. Consequently, once actuation has stopped due to the safety cut-out, return of the lid part 104 to the closed position under gravity is resisted by the hydraulic damping mechanism so that the lid part 104 returns to the closed position, but in a damped manner to avoid rapid closure of the lid part 104.

[0059] Although not described above, the base part 102 and/or the lid part 104 can comprise one or more ventilation ports 304 in order to avoid over-heating of the display device 200 and/or the electronic devices located in the storage volume 600. The one or more ventilation ports 304 can be supplemented with one or more respective ventilation fans to evacuate heated air from the lid part 104 and/or the base part 102 and draw-in cooler air. In this example, the first, second and/or third compartments 400, 402, 404 do not translate linearly from the closed to the deployed state or vice versa, but are hingedly attached to the lid part 104 and reveal the one or more ventilation ports 304 when in the deployed state.

(0060] As an option, the lid part 104 can be rotatable when in the deployed position has been reached by the lid part 104 in order to orient the screen towards one or more viewer. Such a facility can be provided by employing a central electro-mechanical hinge mechanism that is mounted upon a rotatable base disposed in or integrally with the base part 102. Alternatively, the central electro-mechanical hinge mechanism is coupled to an axial member, for example a cylindncal member, that is coupled to or integrally formed with the lid part 104 in such a manner, for example via sleeve and bearings, so as to enable the lid part 104 to rotate about the axial member, If such a feature is provided, the processor 702 can be arranged with an appropriate sensor to prevent closure of the lid part 104 until the lid part 104 has been rotated back to the initial deployed position.

[0061] Although the above examples of the media table have been described in the context of a coffee table, the skilled person should appreciate that the base part 102 and the lid part 104 can be applied as other surfaces, for example a table, such as a table seating up to 30 people, for example a boardroom table. In another application, the media table can be part of a so-called island unit for a kitchen. Indeed, the media table can be formed as part of an

Claims

Claims: 1. A media table comprising: a base part operably coupled to a lid part; wherein the lid part is actuable between a closed position to a deployed position; and the lid part is arranged to accommodate, when in use, a display device, a screen of the display device being visible when the lid part is in the deployed position and the screen of the display device being concealed from view when the lid part is in the closed position.
2. A table as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the lid part and the base part are arranged to form a clamshell housing, the clamshell housing being in an open state when the lid part is in the deployed position.
3. A table as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the screen of the display device is visible when the clamshell housing is in the open state and the screen of the display device is concealed within the clamshell housing when the clamshell housing is in the closed state.
4. A table as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid part is hingedly coupled to the base part.
5. A table as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid part is electro-mechanically actuable from the closed position to the deployed position.
6. A table as claimed in Claim 5, further comprising a drive mechanism for actuating the lid part from the closed position to the deployed position.
7. A table as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base part defines a storage volume.
8. A table as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the storage volume is arranged to accommodate a communications device.
9. A table as claimed in Claim 7 or Claim 8, wherein the storage volume is arranged to accommodate audio-visual and/or audio media.
10. A table as claimed in Claim 7 or Claim 8 or Claim 9, wherein the storage volume is arranged to accommodate a gaming device.
11. A table as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid part is arranged to house the display device.
12. A table as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid part comprises a window for viewing the screen of the display device therethrough.
13. A table as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid part comprises a recess for receiving the display device.
14. A table as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid part comprises an interior side and an exterior side, the interior side being exposed when the lid part is in the open position.
15. A table as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein actuation of the lid part from the closed position to the deployed position is remotely controllable.
16. A table as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a processing resource arranged to control actuation of the lid part frbm the closed position to the deployed position.
17. A table as claimed in Claim 16, wherein the processing resource is arranged to initiate actuation of the lid part from the closed position to the deployed position in response to a signal communicated from a remote control of the display device.
18. A table as claimed in Claim 17, wherein the display device is arranged to transition into a display-active mode in response to the signal communicated from the remote control.
19. A table as claimed in Claim 16, wherein the processing resource is arranged to initiate actuation of the lid part from the deployed position to the closed position in response to a signal communicated from a remote control of the display device.
20. A table as claimed in Claim 16, wherein the processing resource is arranged to initiate actuation of the lid part from the deployed position to the closed position in response to receipt of a first signal followed by a second signal communicated from a remote control of the display device.
21. A table as claimed in Claim 20, wherein a first signal and a second signal correspond to a same control message.
22. A table as claimed in Claim 19, wherein the display device is arranged to transition into a dormant or display-inactive mode in response to the signal communicated from the remote control.
23. A table as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a sensor arranged to generate an override signal for preventing actuation of the lid part from the closed position to the deployed position in response to an object of at least a predetermined weight being disposed upon the lid part.
24. A table as claimed in Claim 23, wherein the sensor is a pressure-sensitive web disposed beneath a surface of the lid part.
25. A table as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the lid part is also manually actuable.
26. A table as claimed in Claim 25, wherein the lid part comprises an access port for permitting a tool to be used to manually actuate the lid part.
27. A table as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base part further comprises a counter-weight disposed therein or integrally formed therewith, the counter-weight serving to prevent topple of the lid part when in or entering the deployed position.
28. A table as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid portion further comprises a side-compartment, the side-compartment being actuable between a retracted state and a deployed state.
29. A table as claimed in Claim 28, wherein the compartment is arranged to accommodate an output device.
30. A table as claimed in Claim 29, wherein the output device is a loudspeaker.
31. A table as claimed in Claim 28, wherein the compartment is arranged to accommodate an input device.
32. A table as claimed in Claim 31, wherein the input device is a sensor or a camera.
33. A table as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid portion further comprises a port for passage of a drive drawer therethrough.
34. A table as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising socket ports for coupling an external audio-visual device to the display device, the socket ports being coupled to the display device.
35. A table as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid part is disposed substantially horizontally when the lid part is in the closed position, and the lid part is substantially vertical when the lid part is in the deployed position.
36. A table as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid part comprises a protective layer disposed beneath a surface of the lid part for prevention of ingress of fluid into the lid part.
37. A table as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the base part further comprises a cover disposed, when in use, over the storage volume so as to serve as an interior lid therefor.
38. A table as claimed in Claim 37, wherein the cover is slideably retractable.
39. A table as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid part further comprises a first ventilation port for venting heat generated by the display device, when in use.
40. A table as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base part further comprises a second ventilation port for venting heat generated by an electrical apparatus disposed in the base part, when in use.
41. A table as claimed in Claim 39 or Claim 40, further comprising a fan for expelling heat.
42. A table as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid part

is rotatable.
43. A table as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base part has a base, the base having a recessed channel for providing additional depth to a region of the base part.
44. A table as claimed in Claim 43, wherein the recessed channel is arranged to receive a media package.
45. A table substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.