Flat thin screen TV/monitor automotive roof mount

• US 7,379,125 B2
• Filed: 10/14/2004
• Issued: 05/27/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 11/14/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: VOXX International Corporation
• Original Assignee: Chung L. Chang
• Inventors: Chang, Chung L.
• Primary Examiner(s): HSIA, SHERRIE Y
• Application Number:
  US10/965,436
• Publication Number:
  US 20050046756A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,321 Days
• Field of Search: 348/836, 348/837, 296/37.7, 296/37.8, 455/62
• US Class Current: 348/837
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/771 on the ceiling
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/771 on the ceiling
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/60 Instruments characterised by their location or relative disposition in or on vehicles arrangements of lighting devices on dashboards B60Q3/10
• 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: B60R 2011/0082 collapsible, e.g. for storing after use
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0087 around two axes
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0294 Apparatus with multi-functionalities, e.g. radio and telephone

Abstract

A vehicle roof mounted video display is disclosed. The display is rotatable 180° about a first axis, between a stored position within a housing and a second position in which the display lies flat against the vehicle roof. The display is also rotatable at least 60°, and preferably 90°, about a second axis that intersects and is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. Each axis includes self-tensioning hinges to hold the display in any position. The display self aligns as it reaches either of the first and second positions so that the display is substantially parallel to the roof. When the display is in the storage position, the display screen faces, and is safely enclosed by, the housing. The invention also includes a number of built-in features to provide passengers with a wide range of entertainment options.

Claims

1. An assembly mountable to an interior surface of a roof of a vehicle, the assembly comprising:

a housing having a front end in the direction of a forward direction of travel when the assembly is mounted in a vehicle, and defining a first hinge portion and having a recessed surface, the recessed surface at least partially defining a storage space; and

a video display defining a second hinge portion, the display having a first face defining a viewing screen and a second face opposite the first face, the first and second hinge portions cooperating to secure the display to the housing and to define a first axis which is substantially parallel to the roof of the vehicle and substantially perpendicular to the forward direction of travel of the vehicle when the assembly is mounted to the vehicle,

wherein the display is rotatable about the first axis between a stored orientation in which the first face of the display is in the storage space and about said first axis to a fully extended orientation in which said display extends forward of said front end of said housing and in which the second face of the display is substantially parallel with an interior surface of a roof to which said assembly is mounted and aligned with the recessed surface of the housing.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein one or more of the first and second hinge portions maintain the display in the extended orientation once the display is rotated thereto.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second hinge portions are self-tensioning.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second hinge portions provide uniform resistance to rotation of the display about the first axis.

5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first face of the display is within the storage space when the display is in the stored orientation.

6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the housing substantially encloses the viewing screen when the display is in the stored orientation.

7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the second face of the display is substantially flush with an outer surface of the housing when the display is in the stored orientation.

8. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of A/V input jacks accessible to passengers within the vehicle.

9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the plurality of A/V input jacks are located on the housing such that the plurality of A/V input jacks are accessible to passengers within the vehicle.

10. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one audio output cable.

11. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one wireless transmitter adapted to broadcast signals which are receivable by wireless headphones.

12. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second hinge portions further define a second axis which is substantially perpendicular to the first axis and is rotatable with respect thereto.

13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the display is configured to be positioned at any orientation of the second axis between the stored orientation and the extended orientation of the display.

14. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the display is rotatable at least 30°

in either direction about the second axis.

15. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the display is rotatable about the second axis such that the viewing screen is angled no more than 45°

with respect to the first axis.

16. The assembly of claim 12, wherein rotational movement of the display about the second axis is limited by positive stops within the housing.