Headrest-mounted monitor

• US 7,267,402 B2
• Filed: 04/10/2006
• Issued: 09/11/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 08/14/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: VOXX International Corporation
• Original Assignee: Johnson Safety Incorporated
• Inventors: Chang, Chung L.
• Primary Examiner(s): EDELL, JOSEPH F
• Application Number:
  US11/401,475
• Publication Number:
  US 20070001493A1
• Time in Patent Office: 519 Days
• Field of Search: 297/217.1, 297/217.3, 297/75, 297/76, 297/77, 725/75, 725/76, 725/77, 348/837, 348/838
• US Class Current: 297/217.3
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/879 with additional features not related to head-rest positioning, e.g. heating or cooling devices or loudspeakers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0217 for loud-speakers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0229 for displays, e.g. cathodic tubes
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0235 of flat type, e.g. LCD
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0247 for microphones or earphones
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0017 Head-rests
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0075 using a containment or docking space
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0082 collapsible, e.g. for storing after use
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0085 with adjustment by rotation in their operational position
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0276 for rear passenger use
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/64 Constructional details of receivers, e.g. cabinets or dust covers furniture aspects of television cabinets A47B81/06
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0017 with operator interface units
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0226 Hinges
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49947 by applying separate fastener

Abstract

A monitor adapted for mounting in an automobile headrest is provided. A screen structure of the monitor is pivotable about an upper edge thereof, such that the monitor occupies little volume within the headrest. A viewing angle of the screen structure is independently adjustable by a viewer, such that the viewer can continuously select the optimum viewing angle with changing conditions inside the automobile. The screen structure automatically retracts into a housing when struck. Thus, the monitor poses little risk of injury to passengers. The housing of the monitor is attachable to the headrest with screws, which provides a very sturdy connection and reduces the chances of the housing becoming detached from the headrest during a vehicle collision. The hinged connection between the screen structure and the housing is preferably constructed of interconnected components made from sturdy materials, such as metals. Hinge components are optionally secured with metal fastening members and fastening apertures made of metal and strong plastics. The hinges are thus unlikely to break during a vehicle collision.

Claims

1. A method of replacing a mobile entertainment system, said method comprising:

providing a headrest having a first monitor mounted therein, said first monitor comprising;

a first housing including a first hinge portion, said first housing having a first floor defining one or more apertures which cooperate with mounting hardware to secure said first housing to said headrest, said first housing having a top wall, a bottom wall, and two side walls which cooperate to define a first storage cavity; and

a first screen structure including a second hinge portion, said first and second hinge portions cooperating to pivotably secure said first screen structure to said first housing;

rotating said first screen structure outward from said first housing to provide access to said first floor;

removing said mounting hardware from said first floor;

removing said first monitor from said headrest;

providing a second monitor comprising;

a second housing including a third hinge portion, said second housing having a second floor defining one or more apertures, said second housing having a top wall, a bottom wall, and two side walls which cooperate to define a second storage cavity; and

a second screen structure including a fourth hinge portion, said third and fourth hinge portions cooperating to pivotably secure said second screen structure to said second housing; and

inserting said second monitor into said headrest.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising coupling mounting hardware with said headrest to secure said second monitor to said headrest.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein said mounting hardware coupled with said headrest cooperates with said one or more apertures in said second floor.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising rotating said second screen structure into said second housing such that a front face of said second screen structure is substantially flush with a surface of said headrest.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said first hinge portion is at an edge of said first housing and said second hinge portion is at an edge of said first screen structure.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein a front face of said first screen structure is substantially flush with a surface of said headrest prior to said rotating.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein said first screen structure defines a finger catch.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein said rotating comprises pulling said finger catch.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein said mounting hardware comprises one or more screws.

10. A method of replacing a mobile entertainment system, said method comprising:

providing a headrest having a first monitor mounted therein, said first monitor comprising;

a first housing including a first hinge portion, said first housing having a first floor defining one or more apertures which cooperate with mounting hardware to secure said first housing to said headrest, said first housing having a first plurality of surfaces extending from said first floor and defining a first storage cavity; and

a first screen structure including a second hinge portion, said first and second hinge portions cooperating to pivotably secure said first screen structure to said first housing;

rotating said first screen structure outward from said first storage cavity to provide access to said first floor;

removing said first monitor from said headrest;

providing a second monitor comprising;

a second housing including a third hinge portion, said second housing having a second floor defining one or more apertures, a second plurality of surfaces extending from said second floor and defining a second storage cavity; and

a second screen structure including a fourth hinge portion, said third and fourth hinge portions cooperating to pivotably secure said second screen structure to said second housing; and

inserting said second monitor into said headrest.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising coupling mounting hardware with said headrest to secure said second monitor to said headrest.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein said mounting hardware coupled with said headrest cooperates with said one or more apertures in said second floor.

13. The method of claim 10, further comprising rotating said second screen structure into said second housing such that a front face of said second screen structure is substantially flush with a surface of said headrest.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein said first hinge portion is at an edge of said first housing and said second hinge portion is at an edge of said first screen structure.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein said first plurality of surfaces comprises a top wall, a bottom wall, and two side walls.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein a front face of said first screen structure is substantially flush with a surface of said headrest prior to said rotating.

17. The method of claim 10, wherein said first screen structure defines a finger catch.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein said rotating comprises pulling said finger catch.

19. The method of claim 10, wherein said mounting hardware comprises one or more screws.