Articulable projecting plug

• US 6,305,973 B1
• Filed: 05/15/2000
• Issued: 10/23/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 01/31/1992
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc. (Rtx Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Rosen Products LLC
• Inventors: Rosen, John B.
• Primary Examiner(s): Sircus, Brian
• Assistant Examiner(s): DUVERNE, JEAN F
• Application Number:
  US09/571,950
• Time in Patent Office: 526 Days
• Field of Search: 439/304, 439/133, 439/372, 439/367, 439/368, 439/13, 439/534, 358/254, 248/917, 248/278.1, 248/222.1, 248/347
• US Class Current: 439/534
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 11/00153 Monitors mounted on or in the seat other than the seat back
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 11/0624 Arrangements of electrical connectors, e.g. for earphone, internet or electric supply
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/10 around a horizontal axis F16M11/12 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/2014 around a vertical axis F16M11/2035 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/627 Snap or like fastening
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/633 for disengagement only in combination with safety switch H01R13/7132
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 35/00 Flexible or turnable line connectors , i.e. the rotation angle being limited rotary current collectors, distributors H01R39/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 43/26 for engaging or disengaging the two parts of a coupling device structural association with two-part coupling device H01R13/629
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 248/917 Video display screen support

Abstract

An articulable projecting plug is disclosed that provides for interchangeable mechanical connection between one of several electronic-signal ports such as video-signal ports, and housing/support structure associated with an electronic device such as a flat-screen television. The plug also accommodates video communication between a video-signal source and such television. The plug includes joining structure constructed to bring the plug into contact with the port and hold them both in such joined relationship. The joining structure includes an outer surface and holder structure for holding the first end of an elongate conductor so that joiner of the plug with the port will also result in contact between such first end and the port. The plug also includes an elongate projecting member terminating with first and second ends, with the first end being operatively connected to the joining structure so that the projecting elongate member extends from it and away from the port. A pivot is provided so that the projecting member is articulable in a pivot plane. The projecting member also includes a connector located adjacent its second end for fastening to such housing/support structure of the electronic device.

Claims

1. An articulable monitor support system comprising:

a base structure defining an elongate cavity with an opening, and having a first audio/video signal connector configured for connection to an audio/video signal source, the first audio/video signal connector being secured to the base structure in a first predetermined connector orientation; and

an articulable arm structure having a proximal end with an elongate mounting member configured for reversible mechanical mating within the elongate cavity of the base structure and a distal end with a monitor mount configured to bold a monitor, the arm structure including a second audio/video signal connector configured for operative electrical connection to the monitor, the second audio/video signal connector being secured to the elongate mounting member in a second predetermined connector orientation such that reversible mechanical mating of the arm structure and the base structure in a predetermined mechanical relation effects corresponding reversible electrical mating of the first audio/video signal connector and the second audio/video signal connector.

2. The monitor support system of claim 1, wherein the first and second audio/video signal connectors define a multi-pin connector arrangement.

3. The monitor support system of claim 1, wherein the first audio/video signal connector is secured within the elongate cavity of the base structure, facing the cavity opening.

4. The articulable monitor support system of claim 3, wherein the elongate mounting member of the arm structure defines a tube with an opening, the second audio/video signal connector being secured within the tube, facing the tube opening.

5. The monitor support system of claim 1, wherein the arm structure further includes a sleeve member defining an open channel between the proximal end and distal end of the arm structure, the open channel providing passage for a conductor which electrically connects the second audio/video signal connector to the monitor.

6. The monitor support system of claim 5, wherein the arm structure further includes a joint configured to accommodate pivot of the sleeve member relative to the base structure.

7. The monitor support system of claim 5, wherein the arm structure further includes a joint configured to accommodate pivot of the monitor support relative to the sleeve member.

8. The articulable monitor support system of claim 1, wherein the arm structure further includes a joint configured to accommodate pivot of the monitor support relative to the base structure.

9. An articulable monitor support system comprising:

a base structure defining a keyed elongate cavity with an opening, and having a first multi-pin audio/video signal connector configured for connection to an audio/video signal source, the first multi-pin audio/video signal connector being secured within the elongate cavity and facing the cavity opening; and

an articulable arm structure having a proximal end with an elongate tubular mounting member configured for reversible keyed mechanical mating within the elongate cavity of the base structure and a distal end with a monitor mount configured to hold a monitor, the arm structure including a second multi-pin audio/video signal connector configured for operative electrical connection to the monitor, the second audio/video signal connector being secured within the tubular mounting member, facing an opening of such tubular mounting member, to effect reversible electrical mating of the first multi-pin audio/video signal connector and the second multi-pin audio/video signal connector upon keyed reversible mechanical mating of the arm structure and the base structure in a predetermined mechanical relation.

10. The monitor support system of claim 9, wherein the arm structure further includes a sleeve member defining an open channel between the proximal end and distal end of the arm structure, the open channel providing passage for a conductor which electrically connects the second multi-pin audio/video signal connector to the monitor.

11. The articulable monitor support system of claim 10, wherein the arm structure further includes a joint configured to accommodate pivot of the sleeve member relative to the base structure.

12. The articulable monitor support system of claim 10, wherein the arm structure further includes a joint configured to accommodate pivot of the monitor support relative to the sleeve member.

13. The articulable monitor support system of claim 10, wherein the arm structure further includes a joint configured to accommodate pivot of the monitor support relative to the base structure.

14. A vehicle seat entertainment system comprising:

a vehicle seat having an arm rest, the arm rest including a keyed elongate cavity with an opening, and having a first multi-pin audio/video signal connector secured within the elongate cavity and facing the cavity opening, the first multi-pin audio/video signal connector being connected to an audio/video signal source; and

an articulable arm structure having a proximal end with an elongate tubular mounting member configured for reversible keyed mechanical mating within the elongate cavity of the arm rest and a distal end with a monitor, the arm structure including a second multi-pin audio/video signal connector configured for operative electrical connection to the monitor, the second audio/video signal connector being secured within the tubular mounting member and facing an opening of such tubular mounting member to allow reversible electrical mating of the first multi-pin audio/video signal connector and the second multi-pin audio/video signal connector upon keyed reversible mechanical mating of the arm structure and the base structure in a predetermined mechanical relation.

15. The vehicle seat entertainment system of claim 14, wherein the arm structure further includes a joint configured to accommodate pivot of the monitor support relative to the base structure.