Seatback having removable interface for use in providing communication on-board a mobile platform

• US 6,796,495 B2
• Filed: 09/12/2001
• Issued: 09/28/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 09/12/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Original Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Inventors: Stahl, Robert, Poblete, Daniel D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lee, Diane I.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Koyama, Kumiko C.
• Application Number:
  US09/951,044
• Publication Number:
  US 20030047598A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,112 Days
• Field of Search: 235/380, 235/375, 379/438, 379/144, 379/440, 395/214, 340/5.66, 370/465, 370/352, 455/557, 455/554, 348/8, 707/205
• US Class Current: 235/380
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/90 Details or parts not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 11/00155 Individual entertainment or communication system remote controls therefor, located in or connected to seat components, e.g. to seat back or arm rest
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 11/0624 Arrangements of electrical connectors, e.g. for earphone, internet or electric supply
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/0042 for hiring of objects
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 9/001 Interfacing with vending machines using mobile or wearable devices
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 9/002 Vending machines being part of a centrally controlled network of vending machines

Abstract

An assembly for quickly and efficiently distributing PC cards while in-transit for accessing a system on-board a mobile platform to communicate therewith. The assembly may be included as part of a seatback and includes a portion for securedly maintaining the PC card therein until payment is made using a credit card or similar payment card. The credit card is inserted within the assembly for processing and once approved, the PC card may be removed. The credit card is held and not returned until the PC card is replaced.

Claims

1. A seat on a mobile platform adapted for providing a Personal Computer (PC) card for use with a portable computer to access a system on-board the mobile platform, the seat comprising:

a payment card reader on a back of the seat for approving a payment card inserted therein to obtain access to the PC card and adapted to hold the payment card until the PC card is returned; and

a recessed portion for holding the PC card on the back of the seat, the recessed portion adapted for locking the PC card therein unto the payment card is approved, the PC card having stored therein configuration information for use by the portable electronic device to allow communication through the PC card between the portable electronic device and the system on-board the mobile platform.

2. The seat according to claim 1, wherein the payment card reader and recessed portion are together adapted for implementation on a top portion of the back of the seat.

3. The seat according to claim 2, further comprising at least one indication light for indicating a status of payment card approval.

4. The seat according to claim 1, further comprising printed instructions for providing guidance in obtaining access to the PC card.

5. The seal according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of payment card readers and recessed portions.

6. The seat according to claim 1, wherein the PC card is a wireless Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) Local Area Network (LAN) card for use with a portable computer to access the system on-board the aircraft.

7. A method at providing a Personal Computer (PC) card for use with portable electronic devices to access a system on-board a mobile platform, the method comprising steps of:

accepting payment in order to obtain the PC card, the payment provided using a payment card;

processing the payment card to authorize use of the PC card;

providing the PC card for use in accessing the system on-board the mobile platform upon approval of the payment card, the PC card having stored therein configuration information for use by the portable electronic device to allow access to the system on-board the mobile platform through the PC card;

retaining the payment card until the PC card is returned; and

releasing the payment card upon return of the PC card.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising indicating approval of the payment card.

9. The method according to claim 7, further comprising providing instructions relating to accessing the PC card.

10. The method according to claim 7, wherein the steps are implemented as an assembly on an aircraft seatback.

11. A seat on a mobile platform adapted for providing a Personal Computer (PC) card for use with a portable computer to access a system on-board the mobile platform, the seat comprising:

a payment card reader on a back of the seat br approving a payment card inserted therein to obtain access to the PC card and adapted to hold the payment card until the PC card is returned; and

a slot for receiving and holding therein the PC card on the back of the seat, the slot configured for lacking the PC card therein and resisting access to the PC card until the payment card is approved, the PC card having stored therein configuration information for use by the portable computer to allow access with the portable computer to the system on-board a mobile platform through the PC card.

12. A system on-board a mobile platform providing communication using portable computers, the system comprising:

a plurality of seats within the mobile platform;

an assembly provided on a back of one or more of the plurality of seats, the assembly securedly holding therein a Personal Computer (PC) card and having a payment card reader for approving a payment card inserted therein to obtain access to the PC card and holding the payment card until the PC card is returned, the PC card having stored therein configuration information for use in accessing the system on-board the mobile platform through the PC card; and

at least one PC card adapted to be connected to a portable computer to provide communication with the system on-board the mobile platform using the configuration information, at least some of the configuration information being downloaded to the portable computer.