WO2013034876A1

WO2013034876A1 - A television or video monitor cabinet

Info

Publication number: WO2013034876A1
Application number: PCT/GB2012/000702
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Free
Original assignee: Picture House Cabinets Limited
Priority date: 2011-09-08
Filing date: 2012-09-10
Publication date: 2013-03-14
Also published as: GB201115536D0; GB201207916D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to the so-called flat-screen television sets and video monitors and cabinets. The present invention provides an apparatus for use with a flat-screen display (28), the apparatus comprising: an apquarium cabinet (12), comprising a mechanism (39) operable to support a flat screen television (28) in first and second positions, wherein the flat- screen display can be viewed above the aquarium (8) in an operating position. The TV aquarium provides a natural focal point of the room.

Description

A TELEVISION OR VIDEO MONITOR CABINET

Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a television or video monitor cabinet, especially the so-called flat-scieen television sets and video monitors and to cabinets therefor.

Background to the Invention

Flat screen television sets and video monitors presendy come in two different forms, namely those with a plasma screen on the one hand, and those with an LCD screen on the other, relying upon different technologies, the details of which are of little importance, so far as the present invention is concerned.

Generally, these new forms of television screen are thin, being of the order of centimetres and lend themselves to mounting upon a wall. As technology advances, the concept of having a TV as part of home communications as well as entertainment means that the TV or Monitor screen will play an ever increasing part of daily life. Computers, television, telephone, video phone, internet access, home shopping etc. will all use the TV Monitor as a visual interface for an entire family. However, such screens complete with housing and mounting fixtures are typically greater than one metre in overall width. This can pose a problem for those considering the purchase of a flat-screen display, when considering where and how to position a flat-screen display, as an item of furniture, within their homes. The mounting of a fiat-screen display upon the wall of a conventional hving room will result in the presence of a large grey area being present when the display screen is not in use, which said large grey area can easily spoil the decor and ambience and dominate such a room. As the display's importance to family Kfe increases there are few options for those who want the display to be a tool and not a focal point to dominate the living space.

Furthermore, because such flat-screen displays are comparatively expensive, it is not uncommon for such flat-screen displays to be the main object of a theft: As is known, electrical goods can be d sposed of at a fraction of their open market value to those who do not wish to have a receipt for purchase. Wall mounting brackets provide litde or no deterrent against theft. The fast removal of a flat-screen display and bracket by force usually results in extensive damage to the wall. A still further problem encountered with flat screen displays is that the wiring for connection to loudspeakers, aerials and power f r the screen are either attached singly or within a trunking arrangement to a wall or are otherwise hidden from view in an expensive and relatively permanent arrangement. Such cables therefore look quite unsighdy or are expensively buried, with kttle choice for rearranging the layout of a room once the cables have been encased or changing the cables to enable better use of the investment in the, display.

As a result, a variety of different kinds of furniture in the form of chests or cabinets have been designed for concealing flat-screen displays. For example, the type of cabinet could be a blanket box, which could be placed at the foot of a bed. Lifting mechanisms are known, which come in a number of forms, and are used to raise a flat-screen display hidden within the furniture either vertically or from a horizontal position, when required to be viewed. For the remaining rime, it can be hidden within the furniture.

In modern home design, in any living room in which a television or video monitor is positioned, the seating is generally angled so that people can readily view the screen of such a television. Similarly, in an office space, waiting room or boardroom, a visible television screen may be inappropriate. When a flat-screen arrangement is hidden from view and is stored within an item of furniture as described above, then the resultant room arrangement may appear to be strange upon initial view and an observer may question the arrangement of seats in that they would be directed toward a box. Indeed, there are many similarities with the layout of a room where a non-movable traditional screen television set is enclosed within a cupboard-like enclosure, the focal point being what would not, ordinarily, be the desired focal point of a room.

An alternative solution to the problem discussed above, has been to mount the flat- screen display upon the wall of a dedicated television or video room, analogous to an in-house cinema - which is not readily feasible in most homes.

Object of the Invention

The present invention seeks to provide a solution to the problems addressed above. The present invention seeks to provide an aesthetically pleasing television or video monitor cabinet and further seeks to provide a relatively secure enclosure for an expensive item of electrical apparatus.

Statement of Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an aquarium apparatus for use with a flat-screen display; the apparatus comprising: an aquarium and an aquarium support, wherein the aquarium support comprises a cabinet having a housing portion which stands upwardly and generally adjacent one or more sidewalls of the aquarium and comprising a mechanism which can support a flat screen display in a first position such that the flat-screen display remains entirely within the rear portion, hidden from view, and in a second position such that the flat-screen display is raised above the aquarium in an operating position, the mechanism being operable to move the flat-screen display between the first and the second positions; the aquarium being operable in both first and second positions of the mechanism, the aquarium having a lid, the lid being sealed with respect to a continuous top surface of the aquarium, by means of a sealant and being retained by virtue of the weight of the lid. There are many benefits: the focal point of the room can be maintained irrespective of use of a television /video screen since the aquarium is the focal point of the room. The cabinet enables AV equipment wiring to be simply and neatly hidden from view. Repair and replacement of equipment can be easily accomplished; the addition of new and/or further set- top boxes etc. can be simply accommodated. Various configurations of the aquarium are possible. The aquarium can be rectangular in plan view; generally "C"-shaped in plan view; generally "D"-shaped in plan view or generally "0"-shaped in plan view.

The aquarium support can be manufactured from flat sheet panels, the material of the panels being selected from the group comprising: medium density fibreboard (MDF), high density fibreboard (HDF), ply-wood; plastics (preferably acrylic sheeting), natural seasoned wood, chipboard and veneered board, the board either being naturally water resistant or coated such that condensation and spillages have no consequence. The lid-aquarium sealant can comprises a flexible rubber/ polymeric plastics seal, manufactured as an extrusion, within a mould or cut from a sheet. The sealant may comprise an adhesive-backed foam strip. The sealant may be applied from a mastic-gun and may be applied as a viscous tube. Conveniendy, the sealant is positioned within a recess of the lid.

Preferably, an artificial light provided for the aquarium, wherein the light for the aquarium can be automatically or manually switched off when the flat screen lift mechanism is in a raised position, whereby viewers of the flat screen are not distracted by the aquarium and by any aquatic life or any reptilian life therein.

By the exercise of appropriate design considerations, it has been found that TV and associated electrical equipment can be safely arranged within an aquarium cabinet.

The raising mechanism may comprise a screw drive or a rack and pinion mechanism, wherein an electric motor provides drive. Alternatively a pneumatic or hydraulic mechanism is employed.

Brief Description of the Figures

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the Figures as shown in the accompanying drawing sheets, wherein: -

Figure 1 illustrates a cabinet for a flat-screen television, in a schematic perspective view;

Figures la, lb show views of the cabinet top;

Figure 2 illustrates the first embodiment showing a flat-screen raised above the cabinet;

Figure 3 shows a view similar to Figure 2, but showing the flat-screen raising mechanism;

Figure 4 shows a sectional view taken along line rV-r in Figure 1;

Figures 5 & 6 detail separate lifting arrangements for the display cover;

Figure 7 details a housing of the display and raising mechanism;

Figures 8 & 9 show a second embodiment of the invention;

Figures 10, 10a— lOf show various views of a third embodiment of the invention; &, Figures 1 and 12 show a completed version of the third embodiment with doors open and closed and the screen lowered and raised respectively.

Detailed description of the Preferred Embodiments There will now be described, by way of example only, the best mode contemplated by the inventor for carrying out the present invention. In the following description, numerous specific details are set out in order to provide a complete understanding to the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that the present invention may be put into practice with variations of the specific. With reference to Figures 1 to 3a of the accompanying drawings, with a flat-screen display 28 mounted within a cabinet 12 in Figure 1 and raised from the cabinet 12 in Figure 2. Figure 3 shows the lifting mechanism without the screen. Specifically, with reference to Figure 1, the cabinet comprises of a generally L-section structure, having a rear upstanding body 12 and a base section 14. Upon the base, an aquarium is mounted, comprising a base panel 23, front glass 24, sides 25, 26 and a rear 27, such panels can be manufactured from glass, being of sufficient thickness to withstand the weight of the water based on the size of the aquarium. Silicone sealants are typically employed to fasten the panels together. Moulded glass and plastics materials can also be used, as is known. Lid or top 29 (per Figure la) is conveniently presented to the upstanding panels of the aquarium, with the use of a seal, to ensure that aquarium water remains within the aquarium. An aeration line, water filtration pipes and power cables etc can be inserted through appropriate apertures associated with the rear wall of the aquarium or the lid thereof, preferably alongside a rear top edge or through the base and bottom of the glass tank.

Within the base, towards the front of the cabinet, there are access doors 16 - 18 which enable access to specific requirements such as: filtration, heating, oxygenation apparatus and the like for the aquarium, storage and the audio-visual (AV) equipment. On the top of the rear, upstanding section 12, there is a lid, comprising fixed member 1 and a moveable section 20. A lid or top cover is employed to cover the aquarium and the TV. cavity. This lid is recessed in the required positions to allow for a good water tight seal around the aquarium thus preventing any moisture or condensation passing through to the TV cavity. The lid has two openings: one for access to die aquarium for maintenance and die other is to conceal and reveal the Display during operation of the mechanism. In this embodiment, a hinge (21 , Fig la) is provided, which can enable the moveable section 20 or flap to hinge rearwardly. Conveniendy, this can prevent the aquarium lid 29' from being raised whilst the flat screen is in an elevated position. An interlock system could be employed, whereby access to the aquarium is prevented whilst the lid 20 is not in its rest (flat with the lid) position. In this embodiment a piano hinge 21 is employed, either being of a standard rolled steel and wire fabrication or of a continuous plastics hinge, whereby to enable the lid to be waterproof from the top surface: a flexible rubber/ polymeric plastics seal could also be utilized along a top surface of the aquarium walls. It will be appreciated that iUurnination may be provided for the aquatic life within; the light may be operated so diat it is turned off when, for example, the flat screen is in operation.

Figure la shows how lid 29 comprises a cover 29' to allow access to the aquarium; cover 20 being movably associated with die flat screen display raising mechanism. Fig lb shows the underside of lid 29 with recess plus sealant 29". After some experiment it has been found that the weight of the lid together with suitable sealant, - approximately 3 - 8Kg enables a watertight seal as between an upper surface of the aquarium tank and the underside of the ltd to be formed. By the use of a recessed area, correlation of the lid and die aquarium is simply determined, which also prevents the lid from being knocked out of place accidentiy. The recess can be determined in a number of ways, by routing a channel or having depending edge portions. This seal prevents any water from being allowed to splash leak or drip into the TV or equipment area. An opening in the lid above the aquarium can enable feeding and maintenance without having to remove the lid as a whole; an individual may require assistance in the removal of the entire lid. The lid for the aquarium and the cover for the television can be arranged so that the aquarium lid cannot be removed whilst the cover for the television is raised. This can conveniendy be enabled by mechanical, magnetic, electro-mechanical or electro- magnetic interlock systems, for example, as would be known to the skilled man.

The aquarium has been designed to accept standard commercially available canister type water filtration systems but can also allow the adoption of sump type filtration systems by utilising the storage space below the aquarium in the cabinet. The design ensures that there will easily be sufficient space for both systems. Different systems are important as the user may wish to keep Marine fish which require a different environment to tropical or freshwater fish. The inlet and oudet are positioned at opposing ends of the aquarium to create a movement and flow of water from one side of the aquarium to the other providing adequate circulation and filtration of the water, but this might not be essential . Additional water movement can be achieved if necessary by the addition of a so-called "powerhead" which provides a forced flow of water and are especially useful for running various filters, adding current to stagnant areas within an aquarium, evenly distributing food supplements, and general water movement necessary for aquatic life.

Conveniently, lighting can be placed within the aquarium. The use of low voltage lighting, such as LEDs is convenient, but fluorescent type lighting can also be employed. Appropriate sealing of electrical wires and fittings still needs to be ensured since electrochemical processes shall otherwise occur; additionally specific national regulations will also need to be met. Conveniently, the lighting paraphernalia is associated with the aquarium rather than the lid, so that the entire lid can be removed for full access to the aquarium for decoration or maintenance.

The cabinet base L-structure is conveniently made of marine ply, mdf, engineered wood or plastics sheeting, of an appropriate thickness, for example 18mm, to provide a rigid enclosure. It has been found that a combined aquarium and flat screen video display unit can be of 120cm— 160cm wide, be 90cm - 120cm tall. It has been found that the proportions of a 30cm deep aquarium and a 20cm deep flat screen cavity are sufficiently well balanced and pleasing to the eye. Surprisingly, by the utilisation of good practice, it has been found that one can isolate wet features and water-sensitive features such as power supply, AV equipment and the like whereby to provide an aquarium - television/ audiovisual cabinet.

Referring now to Figures 2 & 3, within the rear, upstanding section 12, the display screen 28 is mounted on a mounting and lifting mechanism 30 (Figure 3) to allow the screen to be raised and lowered as required, suitably under remote-control of a viewer seated in front of the screen. The mechanism 30 comprises a frame 30 with a screw-drive mechanism 32 as are known. A number of different mounting and lifting mechanisms are commercially available. Wiring for tire screen may be hidden within the cabinet. The cabinet is suitably disposed against a wall (not shown in Figures), and the lifting mechanism 30 is mounted within the cabinet.

As can be seen from the sectional view of Figure 3a, the screen 28 and lifting mechanism 30 are located behind the aquarium and storage space 16- 8. For clarity and ease of illustration, the respective wiring for the television, the lifting mechanism and for the aquarium 8 have been omitted from the above drawings. It will be understood, however, that such wiring can readily be hidden within the cabinet. It will also be appreciated that peripheral electrical equipment such as DVD players "home-cinema" equipment, antenna signal boost equipment, the so-called "digi-boxes" and other equipment can conveniendy be placed inside the cabinet or within an aperture or orifice defined within the cabinet, suitably placed behind a cover or door, if required. The TV Aquarium cabinet can conveniently be formed from a wide range of materials, with due regard to considerations such as electrical safety, taking into account what style and shape of aquarium is to be employed. Referring to Figure 4, an alternative sectional view (along lines IV—IV per Figure 1) view of the cabinet 10 is shown, wherein there are two inside walls 35, 36, with the wall adjacent the aquarium tank allowing access to the aquarium via an aperture indicated at 37. This enables access cables, pipes etc to be routed to the water filtration unit, aeration units and any low voltage power supply for lighting and switches associated with the aquarium, through the side wall. The aquarium support components can be placed behind door 18; AV equipment behind door 17, for example. An alternate arrangement detailed in 4a shows plastic conduit used for filtration and cable access. Cables pass from lower storage compartments 16-18 through pipe 38 which sits above the waterline and provides a dry path into the tank.

It will be appreciated that many forms of lifting mechanisms for flat screen display / television as are known and shall not be described herein. They can comprise a screw-drive electromechanical arrangement or a pneumatic/hydraulic or a system employing piston and cylinder arrangements at opposite ends of a longitudinal horizontal platform, for example. INCA of Gardena, California, USA, Wihelm GmbH of Steinbach-Hallenberg, Germany and Linak of Silkeborg, Denmark provide known Hfting mechanisms.

Figures 5 6 6 show two arrangements in screen operating configuration. In Figure 5, in common with the embodiment of Figure 1 , part of the top - a lid 20 - is hingedly attached to the cabinet top. Prior to raising of the screen 28 (or concurrently therewith) by means of lifting mechanism 70, lid 20 is moved either hingedly rearward per Figure 5 or comprises part of the lifting mechanism in figure 6. Figure 7 illustrates a preferred sectional view of the screen raising enclosure; a base 75, at a level that is typically different to the support base for the aquarium, since the height of the aquarium is typically not equivalent to the height of the raising mechanism and screen, in a stored position. The base will have an aperture to enable cabling to be passed from the cabinet under the aquarium relating to control cables and a power supply to the screen and the raising mechanism and connections from the display to the AV equipment.

Figure 8 shows a further embodiment wherein the cabinet has a general C-section - the aquarium 8 wraps around the front of the TV cavity. In Figure 9, the fiat screen display 28 is shown in the raised position, supported by lifting mechanism 30 and lid 29 in place.

Figure 10 shows the aquarium 8 with a C-section, as shown in Figure 1 Ob, with lid 29 removed. Figure 10a shows the arrangement without the aquarium in position. In Figure 10b, two holes 1010, 1012 are shown. These holes are for water pump, filtration and additive purposes. A corresponding hole 2013 is shown in floor of the base structure in Figure Oa, enabling the pipes attached to the floor of the aquarium to pass through the floor of the base so diat connection can be made with pump, filtration equipment etc.. Figure 10c shows a perspective view of an embodiment having a rear aperture 2014 allowing access to be had to the screen and raising apparatus. As discussed above, the floor of the compartment 2018 for the screen and raising mechanism is spaced from the top in dependence upon the size of the screen and associated raising mechanism and is therefore not at the same level of the floor provided for the aquarium. This floor is provided with an access hole 2015. It will also be seen that there are apertures 2016,7 for access to the water filtration, to enable power supply to be provided as well as to allow water input and drainage pipes access to the aquarium and filtration unit, whilst the pipes to the aquarium tank can access the tank either side of the central unit through holes 2013. A panel 2020 separates the home cinema electrical equipment from the filtration pipes and provides a barrier for any possible leaks. A small access cut-out 2021 allows for cabling to the home cinema equipment from the exterior for power etc.. Figure lOd shows the system from the rear with a closure panel 2019 to protect the mechanism from foreign objects or any interference. Figure lOe shows the aquarium unit in a part completed fashion. It can be seen that the aquarium 2300 includes bracing elements 2301 at certain upper parts of the open aquarium. Additionally, plates 2302 serve to ensure structural integrity and reduce the effect of water displacement upon a sudden lateral knock upon the aquarium. Additionally this can support aquarium accessories, such as lighting strips and condensation covers. Above the water, there is a relative high degree of humidity; if the material used to manufacture the lid is a natural product such as wood or is wood based, it is sensible to protect the material from condensation, by the use of varnish, a plastics film or glass panels that will form a barrier between the water and the Hd. Figure lOf shows the underside of the lid for the aquarium. It has been found by the use of 18 - 25 mm materials selected from a sheet material such as acrylic, natural wood (varnished such that it is waterproof), mdf or marine ply (also waterproofed by varnish and the like) with the use of proprietary edge sealant the weight of the top against the top edges of the aquarium walls have provided a water proof seal. The sealant can be conveniently, formed from a rubber or polymeric plastics compound. However, it has also been found that 15mm wide self-adhesive foam sealant tape can also provide sufficient sealant properties, when recessed in a channel. A recess of such dimension is suitable when using 10mm float glass as the construction material for the tank, if thicker material is necessary because of an increase in tank size then a wider recess can be employed to achieve the same result. In the alternative, the sealant could also be applied from a mastics applicator as are well-known, although uniformity of cross-section is difficult to ensure. Conveniently, the sealant is placed within a recessed channel 2309, whereby to securely locate the lid 29 upon the glass tank and for positive location purposes. Additionally it provides a neater aesthetic solution. It is to be noted that this underside view of the lid does not show the aperture for the display and raising mechanism, which will be subsequently cut to appropriate dimension once the size of screen is known, if made for a particular fitting:

In this third embodiment, the shape of the aquarium wraps around three sides of the video screen and lift mechanism cavity, concealing it from view, giving the appearance of a normal fish aquarium when viewed from the sides and front, as conveniently shown in Figure 11. The aquarium cabinet 1100 has first 1101, second 1102 and third 1103 doors open showing first, second and third cupboards for storage. The first cupboard shows AV equipment 1104; it will be appreciated that there will be space to enable storage of all types of AV accessories, dvds etc.. The second cupboard being in the middle has a reduced depth by virtue of allowing space for storage of the screen and screen hft mechanism to be stored. The third cupboard houses the filtration unit 1105. As discussed above, the pipes to the aquarium can be placed adjacent each other or at either side 1107, 1108 of the housing for the display and raising apparatus, whereby to provide for a flow of water from one side of the aquarium to another, to provide circulation, otherwise exchange of filtered water may be poor in certain areas of the aquarium. Standard pipes of 25 mm diameter are conveniently used. Ideally the apertures to enable the pipes to pass through the base are significantly larger - or at least recessed to a degree - whereby any sealant compounds or flange elements that may exist about an entry portion of the pipe into the aquarium have sufficient room. It will be realised, that by having pipes through the base of the aquarium, then discont uities to the top edge surface of the aquarium need not be present, whereby to ensure that the top seal is effective at all times. However, it will be appreciated that there are a number of ways of providing water flow and filtration yet mamtaining a sealing engagement of the lid witii the top edge of die glass for example by the provision of a dry weir as is known, through which plumbing can be installed.

The inboard side of the aquarium (i.e. not the surface of the glass exposed to the room) but the rear surface of the aquarium that rests against the TV cabinet itself can be sprayed with a coating or a transfer applied to both add a pleasing background to the fish aquanum and to conceal the cabmetry that houses the TV and the lifting mechanism and the associated electronics. The lid of the TV aquarium has a section that can be removed by the user for minor routine maintenance and fish feeding and a section that conceals the TV from view when they are both in place it appears as if the aquarium has a normal cover.

Figure 12 shows a removable trim 1201. This trim is held in place by rearrwardly attached so-called "invisible clips" and is removable so as to allow the tank to be lifted into place easily. The trim is then clipped in and this covers the glass base of the aquanum and the pebbles which will be added during installation. Additional trim is added to the sides and front of the upper part of the tank 202 to hide the waterline and lighting which is mounted in the top of the tank. As seen in figure 13 and 3a the feeding cover 29' incorporates a sliding design within lid 29. A bevel is placed on one or both ends of cover 29' and a corresponding beveled rebate is made in the recess of lid 29. This enables the removal of the cover by sliding it to one side removing the need for a finger pull, hole or knob/handle in the surface of the cover which would spoil the overall appearance and the surface of the hd. Figure 14 shows a furdier embodiment wherein the tank has a general rectangle shape with the centre removed. This allows the TV cavity to be completely surrounded by glass and water when viewed from all sides allowing the invention to be used as a center focal point when used in the middle of an open space. The incorporation of a rotating lifting mechanism readly available to someone skilled in the art would allow the TV or monitor to be raised and rotated to any angle for viewing. It is also possible for someone skilled in the art to mount two TV's or monitors back to back so an image would be viewable from both sides. The present invention provides a neat integrated solution to the problem of having a television that is not in constant use yet is defined as the focal point of the room by virtue of the seating arrangement. The display screen is, enclosed by an aquarium that is aesthetically pleasing. Indeed, the display screen— aquarium enclosure provides a visual focus irrespective of use of the television/video/game station screen. Additionally, the aquarium cabinet enables wiring to be neatly hidden from view. It will be appreciated that the design shown is conveniently suited for installation against a rear wall, but it will be appreciated that access will be required from time to time and that provision for this must be made when installing a unit within a room. As will be appreciated numerous variations of the present invention are possible and that the apparatus can be utilised to house reptiles.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An aquarium apparatus for use with a flat-screen display; the apparatus comprising: an aquarium and an aquarium support, wherein the aquarium support comprises a cabinet having a housing portion which stands upwardly and generally adjacent one or more sidewalls of the aquarium and compnsing a mechanism which can support a flat screen display in a first position such that the flat-screen display remains entirely within the rear portion, hidden from view, and in a second position such that the flat-screen display is raised above the aquarium in an operating position, the mechanism being operable to move the flat-screen display between the first and the second positions; the aquarium being operable in both first and second positions of the mechanism, the aquarium having a lid, the lid being sealed with respect to a continuous top surface of the aquarium, by means of a sealant and being retained by virtue of the weight of the lid. 2. An aquarium according to claim 1 , wherein the aquarium tank is one of rectangular in plan view; generally "C"-shaped in plan flew; generally "D"-shaped in plan view or generally "0"-shaped in plan view.

3. An aquarium apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lid of the cabinet cannot be opened when a lid of the aquarium is raised.

4. An aquarium apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 3, wherein the aquarium is manufactured from flat sheet panels, the material of the panels being selected from the group comprising: medium density fibreboard (MDF), high density fibreboard (HDF), ply-wood; plastics (such as acrylic sheeting), natural seasoned wood, veneered board, and chipboard.

5. An aquarium apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a water proof paint, liquid- proofuig-sealant or varnish is applied to protect and otherwise seal water absorbent materials. 6. An aquarium apparat s according to claim 4, wherein a veneer of a waterproof plastics sheet is applied to protect and otherwise seal water absorbent materials.

7. An aquarium apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 6, wherein the sealant comprises a flexible rubber/ polymeric plastics seal, manufactured as an extrusion, within a mould or cut from a sheet.

8. An aquarium apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 6, wherein the sealant is applied as viscous mastic.

9. An aquarium apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 6, wherein the sealant is comprises an adhesive-backed foam tape.

10. An aquarium apparatus according to any one of claims 1—6, wherein the aquarium lid has a recess to enable the lid to be secured with respect to upper edges of the walls of the aquarium tank.

11. An aquarium apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 10, wherein the lid of the aquarium cannot be opened when the display is raised.

12. An aquarium apparatus according to any one of claims 1— 11, wherein interlock switches are provided. 3. An aquarium apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 12, wherein there is a artificial light provided for the aquarium, wherein the light for the aquarium can be automatically or manually switched off when the flat screen lift mechanism is in a raised position, whereby viewers of the flat screen are not distracted by the aquarium and by any aquatic life therein.

14. An aquarium apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 13, wherein a display screen cover is displaceable to allow the display screen, otherwise hidden from view within the cabinet, to be raised for viewing.

15. An aquarium apparatus according to claim 14, wherein die display screen cover is arranged to be raised together with the screen and is attached to the upper edge of the display screen for this purpose.

16. An aquarium apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the display screen cover is hingedly mounted to the remainder of the cabinet, allowing it to be rotated on operation of the mechanism to a position allowing the display screen to be raised.

17. An aquarium apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the display screen cover can be withdrawn within the housing, to allow the screen to be raised.

18. An aquarium apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 17, wherein the raising mechanism comprises one of a screw drive, a rack and pinion mechanism, an hydraulic mechanism or a pneumatic mechanism.

19. An aquarium apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 18, wherein the aquarium tank is manufactured from glass panels, plastic sheet panels, formed plastics panels or as a unitary moulding.

20. An aquarium apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 19, wherein the sealant is applied to the top edges of the aquarium side walls.