Video viewing system for a vehicle

• US 5,281,985 A
• Filed: 05/19/1992
• Issued: 01/25/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 05/19/1992
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Michael Chan
• Original Assignee: Michael Chan
• Inventors: Chan, Michael
• Primary Examiner(s): Cuchlinski, Jr., William A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Dowling, William C.
• Application Number:
  US07/885,503
• Time in Patent Office: 616 Days
• Field of Search: 353/13, 353/12, 353/11, 353/15, 353/19, 353/79, 353/122, 358/229, 358/254, 358/335, 358/341, 358/343, 358/347
• US Class Current: 353/13
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 21/04 by land vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 21/049 giving information to passengers inside the vehicles

Abstract

A video viewing system for a vehicle including a vehicle having a battery which, through an inverter, powers a video and audio generating source. The source transmits video signals to a projector which is also powered by the vehicle battery. The projector is affixed to the vehicle, and operative to project video images onto a screen. The screen is removably attached to the hood or a bumper of the vehicle and disposed in cooperation with the projector. The source transmits audio signals to the vehicle'"'"'s sound system via an adapter or to an independent sound system. An optional multi-output jack can be connected to the audio output of the source to connect the sound systems of multiple vehicles to the source in the host vehicle.

Claims

1. A video viewing system for use in relation with a vehicle having a power supply means, comprising:

power connection means engaged to said vehicle power supply means and functioning to provide power in a predetermined format, said power connection means having

an inverter for converting current from said supply means into a first voltage alternating current and

an alarm for sounding when the first voltage drops below a predetermined minimum voltage level;

source means for providing at least one video output signal, said source means being operatively connected to said power means, said source means being selected from the group consisting of a TV antenna and tuner, an electromagnetic storage device player, an optical storage device player, and a laser disc player;

projector means for receiving said at least one video output signal from said source means and converting said video output signal into video images, said projector means being operatively connected to said power means;

a screen for providing a viewing area for said video images, said screen being disposed in cooperation with said projection means such that said video images are projected onto said screen; and

said screen and said projector means being removably attached to said vehicle.

2. A video viewing system as recited in claim 1 wherein said source means also provides at least one audio output signal.

3. A video viewing system as recited in claim 2 further including an audio means for receiving said at least one audio output signal and converting said audio output signal into audible sound;

said audio means being operatively connected to said power means.

4. A video viewing system as recited in claim 1 wherein said power means provides 110 volt alternating current.

5. A video viewing system as recited in claim 1 wherein said inverter further includes an automatic shut off which is activated when the voltage from the supply means drops below said predetermined minimum voltage level.

6. A video viewing system as recited in claim 1 wherein said electromagnetic storage device player is a VCR.

7. A video viewing system as recited in claim 1 wherein said electromagnetic storage device player is a camcorder.

8. A video viewing system as recited in claim 1 wherein said antennae is a satellite dish.

9. A video viewing system as recited in claim 1 wherein said projection means is mounted to the roof of said vehicle.

10. A video viewing system as recited in claim 1 wherein said projector means is fastened to a rearview mirror within said vehicle.

11. A video viewing system as recited in claim 1 wherein said projector means is affixed to the windshield of said vehicle by a suction cup mounting;

said suction cup mounting further including a swivel head.

12. A video viewing system as recited in claim 1 wherein said vehicle further includes a roof rack;

said projector means being mounted upon said roof rack.

13. A video viewing system as recited in claim 1 wherein said projector means fastened to a spring loaded rod;

said spring loaded rod being disposed generally vertically inside said vehicle.

14. A video viewing system as recited in claim 10 wherein said vehicle further includes a flexible stand affixed to the floor thereof;

said projector means being removably attached to said flexible stand.

15. A video viewing system as recited in claim 1 wherein said screen is generally rectangular in shape.

16. A video viewing system as recited in claim 1 wherein said screen is attached to said vehicle by a suction cup mounting.

17. A view viewing system as recited in claim 16 whereby said suction cup mounting further includes at least one tiedown for stabilizing said screen.

18. A video viewing system as recited in claim 1 wherein said vehicle further includes a roof rack;

said roof rack having at least one extension arm, said screen being removably attached to said extension arm.

19. A video viewing system as recited in claim 1 wherein said screen is foldable or collapsible for ease of storage.

20. A video viewing system as recited in claim 1 wherein said screen is positionable between a first position and a second position, said first position being furled about a core, said second position being unfurled and maintained in a generally vertical disposition.

21. A video viewing system as recited in claim 1 wherein said screen is unfurled automatically via an electric motor.

22. A video viewing system comprising:

a vehicle;

a video projector means being engaged to said vehicle;

a source means being engaged to said vehicle, said source means being selected from the group consisting of an electromagnetic storage device player, an optical storage device player, and a laser disc player;

a generally rectangular screen providing a viewing area; and

fastening means for removably attaching said screen to said vehicle, said fastening means having a suction cup mounting.

23. A video viewing system as recited in claim 22 wherein said suction cup mounting further includes a swivel head member.

24. A video viewing system as recited in claim 22 wherein said vehicle further includes a roof rack;

said fastening means including an extension arm that is attached to said roof rack;

said screen being mounted upon said extension arm.

25. A video viewing system for use in relation with a vehicle having a power supply means, comprising:

power connection means engaged to said vehicle power supply means and functioning to provide power in a predetermined format, said power connection means having an alarm for sounding when a voltage from said supply means drops below a predetermined minimum voltage level;

source means for providing at least one video output signal, said source means being operatively connected to said power means, said source means being selected from the group consisting of an electromagnetic storage device player, an optical storage device player, and a laser disc player;

projector means for receiving said at least one video output signal from said source means and converting said video output signal into video images, said projector means being operatively connected to said power means;

viewing means for providing a viewing area for said video images, said viewing means being positionable at an extremity of a vehicle for cooperation with said projection means such that said video images are projected onto said viewing means; and

fastening means for removably connecting said viewing means to said vehicle, said fastening means being selectably removable from said vehicle. a video projector means being engaged to said vehicle;

a source means being engaged to said vehicle;

a generally rectangular screen providing a viewing area; and

fastening means for removably attaching said screen to said vehicle.