Flat thin screen TV/monitor automotive roof mount

• US 20020113451A1
• Filed: 04/09/2002
• Published: 08/22/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 11/14/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Chung L. Chang
• Original Assignee: Chung L. Chang
• Inventors: Chang, Chung L.
• Application Number:
  US10/120,552
• Publication Number:
  US 20020113451A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 296/37.7
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/771 on the ceiling
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/60 Instruments characterised by their location or relative disposition in or on vehicles arrangements of lighting devices on dashboards B60Q3/10
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0235 of flat type, e.g. LCD
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0028 Ceiling, e.g. roof rails
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0082 collapsible, e.g. for storing after use
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0087 around two axes
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0294 Apparatus with multi-functionalities, e.g. radio and telephone

Abstract

A vehicle roof mounted video display is disclosed. The display is rotatable 180° about a first axis, between a stored position within a housing and a second position in which the display lies flat against the vehicle roof. The display is also rotatable at least 60°, and preferably 90°, about a second axis that intersects and is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. Each axis includes self-tensioning hinges to hold the display in any position. The display self aligns as it reaches either of the first and second positions so that the display is substantially parallel to the roof. When the display is in the storage position, the display screen faces, and is safely enclosed by, the housing. The invention also includes a number of built-in features to provide passengers with a wide range of entertainment options.

Claims

1. An assembly mountable on an inside surface of a vehicle roof, the assembly comprising:

a housing having a first side defining a mounting surface and a second side opposite the first side defining a storage location, the housing defining a first hinge portion;

a video display having a first face defining a video screen, the video display defining a second hinge portion, the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion cooperating to pivotably connect the housing and the video display, such that the video display is movable between a storage position and a viewing position; and

a microswitch selectively blocking power to the video screen;

wherein

when the video display is in the storage position the video display is at least partially disposed within the storage location, and the microswitch is in an off position in which no power may be channeled to the video screen.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein as the video display is moved toward the viewing position the microswitch is moved to an on position in which power may be channeled to the video screen.

3. An assembly mountable on an inside surface of a vehicle roof, the assembly comprising:

a housing;

a video display secured to the housing, the video display having a first face defining a video screen; and

a wireless earphone transmitter;

wherein

the transmitter is configured to transmit an audio signal to earphones.

4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the housing defines a first hinge portion.

5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the video display defines a second hinge portion, the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion cooperating to pivotably connect the housing and the video display.