Headrest-mounted monitor

• US 8,585,140 B2
• Filed: 05/29/2009
• Issued: 11/19/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 08/14/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: VOXX International Corporation
• Original Assignee: Chung L. Chang
• Inventors: Chang, Chung L.
• Primary Examiner(s): BROWN, PETER R
• Application Number:
  US12/475,332
• Publication Number:
  US 20090235513A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,635 Days
• Field of Search: 297/217.1, 297/217.3, 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 securing a display to a headrest of a vehicle seat, comprising:

attaching the display having a back to a frame having a floor with at least one mounting hole in an upper half of the floor and at least one mounting hole in a lower half of the floor, and a top wall, a bottom wall, and two side walls which extend from the floor, the floor, top wall, bottom wall, and side walls cooperating to define a cavity, wherein the display is attached to the frame such that the display can be pivoted relative to the frame between a first orientation that permits access to the at least one mounting hole in the upper half of the floor and to the at least one mounting hole in the lower half of the floor of the frame, and a second orientation that is suitable for viewing a front face of the display and inhibits access to the at least one mounting hole in the upper half of the floor and to the at least one mounting hole in the lower half of the floor, wherein the display in the second orientation is closer to the at least one mounting hole in the upper half of the floor and to the at least one mounting hole in the lower half of the floor than the display is in the first orientation;

securing the frame to the headrest by passing at least one mounting fastener through the at least one mounting hole in the floor of the frame from within the cavity, the frame being secured to the headrest such that the front face of the display is substantially flush with a back surface of the headrest when the display is in the second orientation; and

passing an electrical communication cable, which extends from the back of the display, through the floor of the frame.