Vehicle entertainment system with flush supporting cradle

• US 20060288376A1
• Filed: 06/15/2006
• Published: 12/21/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 06/16/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: VOXX International Corporation
• Original Assignee: VOXX International Corporation
• Inventors: Vitito, Christopher J.
• Granted Patent: US 7,802,835 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 725/75
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/143 Touch sensitive instrument input devices
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/1438 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: B60R 11/0235 of flat type, e.g. LCD
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0028 Ceiling, e.g. roof rails
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 248/917 Video display screen support

Abstract

A vehicle includes a ceiling with a headliner. A cradle is secured within the ceiling of the vehicle such that it is substantially flush with the headliner, the cradle being shaped and dimensioned for selectively receiving and securely holding a video system.

Claims

1. A vehicle, comprising:

a ceiling with a headliner; and

a cradle secured within the ceiling of the vehicle such that it is substantially flush with the headliner, the cradle being shaped and dimensioned for selectively receiving and securely holding a video system.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the video system includes a video source and a video monitor.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the video system includes electrical connections shaped and dimensioned for selective engagement with electrical connections formed within the cradle.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the cradle includes a primary recess into which the video system is mounted.

5. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the video system includes a housing in which a video monitor and video source are housed, the housing depending from a base shaped and dimensioned for selectively attachment to the cradle.

6. The vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the base includes a means for pivoting the video monitor.

7. The vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the base includes means for pivoting the video monitor about multiple axes.

8. The vehicle according to claim 1, further including a cover for covering the cradle when it is not in use, the cover being substantially flush with the headliner and conforming with a profile thereof.

9. The vehicle according to claim 8, wherein the cover includes a light.

10. The vehicle according to claim 8, wherein the cover includes a power source.

11. An entertainment system for a vehicle including a ceiling with a headliner, comprising:

a cradle shaped and dimensioned for securing within the ceiling of the vehicle such that it is substantially flush with the headliner; and

a video system;

wherein the cradle is shaped and dimensioned for selectively receiving and securely holding the video system.

12. The entertainment system according to claim 11, wherein the video system includes a video source and a video monitor.

13. The entertainment system according to claim 11, wherein the video system includes electrical connections shaped and dimensioned for selective engagement with electrical connections formed within the cradle.

14. The entertainment system according to claim 11, wherein the cradle includes a primary recess into which the video system is mounted.

15. The entertainment system according to claim 11, wherein the video system includes a housing in which a video monitor and video source are housed, the housing depending from a base shaped and dimensioned for selectively attachment to the cradle.

16. The entertainment system according to claim 15, wherein the base includes a means for pivoting the video monitor.

17. The entertainment system according to claim 16, wherein the base includes means for pivoting the video monitor about multiple axes.

18. The entertainment system according to claim 11, further including a cover for covering the cradle when it is not in use, the cover being substantially flush with the headliner and conforming with a profile thereof.

19. The entertainment system according to claim 18, wherein the cover includes a light.

20. The entertainment system according to claim 18, wherein the cover includes a power source.