HEADREST-MOUNTED MONITOR

• US 20090235513A1
• Filed: 05/29/2009
• Published: 09/24/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 08/14/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: VOXX International Corporation
• Original Assignee: Johnson Safety Incorporated
• Inventors: Chang, Chung L.
• Granted Patent: US 8,585,140 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 29/525.10
• 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 to a frame such that the display can be pivoted relative to the frame between an first orientation that permits access to at least one mounting hole in a floor of the frame and a second orientation that is suitable for viewing and inhibits access to the at least one mounting hole; and

after attaching the display to the frame and while the display is in the first orientation, securing the frame to the headrest by at least one mounting fastener extending through the at least one mounting hole in the floor of the frame.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein a first hinge portion is attached to the display and a second hinge portion is attached to the frame, and attaching the display to the frame comprises passing a fastening member through the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising pivoting the display from the first orientation to the second orientation.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising passing a communication cable, which is attached to the display, through the floor of the frame.