Flat thin screen TV/monitor automotive roof mount

• US 7,894,003 B2
• Filed: 05/20/2008
• Issued: 02/22/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 11/14/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: VOXX International Corporation
• Original Assignee: Chung L. Chang
• Inventors: Chang, Chung L.
• Primary Examiner(s): HSIA, SHERRIE Y
• Application Number:
  US12/124,082
• Publication Number:
  US 20090021036A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,008 Days
• Field of Search: 348/836, 348/837, 296/37.7, 296/37.8, 455/62, 725 75- 77
• US Class Current: 348/837
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/771 on the ceiling
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/771 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 to an interior surface of a roof of a vehicle, the assembly comprising:

a housing comprising a first hinge portion and a recessed surface, the recessed surface at least partially defining a storage space, the housing further comprising a dome light; and

a video display having a first face defining a viewing screen, the video display comprising 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, the video display further comprising controls located on the first face, wherein when the video display is in the viewing position the viewing screen faces the rear of the vehicle, and wherein illumination of the dome light facilitates manipulation of the controls when the video display is in the viewing position.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the assembly further comprises 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 space, and the microswitch is in an off position in which no power may be channeled to the video screen.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the dome light is positioned on a lower surface of the housing when the assembly is mounted to the roof of the vehicle.