Headrest-mounted monitor

• US 7,044,546 B2
• Filed: 01/20/2004
• Issued: 05/16/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 08/14/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: VOXX International Corporation
• Original Assignee: Johnson Safety Incorporated
• Inventors: Chang, Chung L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Cuomo, Peter M.
• Assistant Examiner(s): EDELL, JOSEPH F
• Application Number:
  US10/762,630
• Publication Number:
  US 20040212745A1
• Time in Patent Office: 847 Days
• Field of Search: 297/217.1, 297/217.3, 297/410, 312/7.2, 248/917, 248/919, 248/920, 248/923, 348/837
• 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 video monitor adapted to be mounted to a headrest of a vehicle seat, the monitor comprising:

a screen structure defining a first hinge portion adjacent an upper edge thereof, the first hinge portion comprising a substantially rectangular flat plate;

a housing defining a storage cavity adapted to receive the screen structure, and a housing surface adjacent an upper edge thereof defining a second hinge portion for receiving the first hinge portion, the housing surface comprising a wall of a slot that is adapted to slidingly receive the first hinge portion; and

a first fastening member securing the first hinge portion to the housing surface;

wherein

the first and second hinge portions cooperate to pivotably secure the screen structure to the housing.

2. The video monitor of claim 1, wherein the first fastening member is made of a metal.

3. The video monitor of claim 1, wherein the first fastening member is a screw.

4. The video monitor of claim 1, wherein the first fastening member cooperates with apertures in the housing surface and the first hinge portion.

5. The video monitor of claim 1, wherein a longitudinal axis of the first fastening member is oriented substantially perpendicularly to a plane defined by the first hinge portion.

6. The video monitor of claim 1, wherein an angular orientation of the screen structure relative to the housing is adjustable without moving the headrest or the seat.

7. The video monitor of claim 1, wherein the screen structure is pivotable ninety-degrees with respect to the housing.

8. The video monitor of claim 1, wherein a floor of the housing includes at least one aperture, and the at least one aperture is adapted to receive a second fastening member.

9. The video monitor of claim 8, wherein the second fastening member secures the housing to a headrest.

10. The video monitor of claim 9, wherein the second fastening member is a screw.

11. The video monitor of claim 1, wherein the screen structure is pivotable approximately 90°

with respect to the housing.

12. A video monitor adapted to be mounted to a headrest of a vehicle seat, the monitor comprising:

a screen structure defining a first hinge portion and including a viewing screen;

a molded housing sized and shaped to be substantially positioned within said headrest, the housing defining a storage cavity adapted to receive the screen structure, the housing at least partially defining a floor, an upper wall, a lower wall and two side walls which cooperate to form a storage cavity, the floor having an aperture formed therein, and a housing surface positioned between said upper wall and said lower wall defining a second hinge portion for receiving the first hinge portion;

a first fastening member securing the first hinge portion to the housing surface; and

a second removable fastening member configured to be advanced through the aperture of the housing and to be coupled with the headrest to secure the video monitor thereto;

wherein the first and second hinge portions cooperate to pivotably secure the screen structure to the housing such that when the screen structure is pivoted outward from the housing to a non-viewing angle, access is provided to the second fastener, wherein the second fastener is hidden from view during normal usage of the video monitor.

13. The video monitor of claim 12, wherein the first hinge portion comprises a substantially rectangular flat plate, and the housing surface comprises a wall of a slot that is adapted to slidingly receive the first hinge portion.

14. The video monitor of claim 13, wherein a longitudinal axis of the fastening member is oriented substantially perpendicularly to a plane defined by the first hinge portion.

15. The video monitor of claim 13, wherein the screen structure is pivotable approximately ninety-degrees with respect to the housing.