Vehicle entertainment system including a detachable functional module housed within a detachable video system

• US 20060070102A1
• Filed: 06/16/2005
• Published: 03/30/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 11/07/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: VOXX International Corporation
• Original Assignee: VOXX International Corporation
• Inventors: Vitito, Christopher J.
• Application Number:
  US11/153,364
• Publication Number:
  US 20060070102A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 725/77
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/143 Touch sensitive instrument input devices
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/1438 Touch screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/143 Touch sensitive input devices
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/1438 Touch screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/00 Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/10 Input arrangements, i.e. from user to vehicle, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 37/06 of controls, e.g. controls knobs
• 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 11/0211 for record carriers apparatus, e.g. video recorders, tape players or CD players
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0235 of flat type, e.g. LCD
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0017 Head-rests
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0045 with visible part, e.g. flush mounted
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0059 using clips, clamps, straps or the like
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0061 using key-type connections
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/008 Adjustable or movable supports
• 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 2011/0096 Theft prevention of articles
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 17/05 specially adapted for discs not contained within cartridges
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/64 Constructional details of receivers, e.g. cabinets or dust covers furniture aspects of television cabinets A47B81/06

Abstract

An automobile entertainment system includes a video system having a video monitor, a video source and an expansion slot, as well as a cradle secured within an automobile. The cradle is shaped and dimensioned for selectively receiving and securely holding the video system.

Claims

1. A vehicle entertainment system, comprising:

a video system including a video monitor, a video source and an expansion slot shaped and dimensioned for receiving functional modules designed to enhance the functionality of the present video system;

a cradle secured within an automobile, the cradle being shaped and dimensioned for selectively receiving and securely holding the video system.

2. The entertainment system according to claim 1, wherein the functional modules are chosen from the group consisting of satellite radio, satellite television, GPS guidance systems, quick release battery packs, memory cards, wireless internet access, Bluetooth, digital video recorders, digital video reception and recording, digital video inputs, video conferencing, cellular digital cellular digital with a camera, USB capabilities, Blue sphere, hot swap hard drive, satellite video import card and wireless video import card.

3. The entertainment system according to claim 1, wherein the video source is a DVD player or hard drive.

4. The entertainment system according to claim 1, wherein the video system includes electrical connectors shaped and dimensioned for selective engagement with electrical connectors formed within the cradle.

5. The entertainment system according to claim 1, wherein the cradle is mounted within a headrest.

6. The entertainment system according to claim 1, wherein the cradle is secured to a ceiling of the vehicle.

7. The entertainment system according to claim 1, further including at least one docking station to which the video system may be selectively secured when not coupled to the cradle.

8. The entertainment system according to claim 7, wherein the video system includes electrical connectors shaped and dimensioned for selective engagement with electrical connectors formed within the docking station.

9. The entertainment system according to claim 1, wherein the cradle includes a connecting mechanism for selective attachment of the video system thereto.

10. The entertainment system according to claim 9, wherein the connecting mechanism includes a release button for selective release of the video system from the cradle.

11. The entertainment system according to claim 10, wherein the connecting mechanism includes a latch member for selective coupling of the video system to the cradle.