Installation apparatus for an automobile entertainment system

• US 8,186,034 B2
• Filed: 12/19/2006
• Issued: 05/29/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 11/07/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: VOXX International Corporation
• Original Assignee: VOXX International Corporation
• Inventors: Vitito, Christopher J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Bryant, David
• Assistant Examiner(s): Koehler, Christopher
• Application Number:
  US11/641,097
• Publication Number:
  US 20070102973A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,988 Days
• Field of Search: 294/33, 292/41, 297/217.3, 297/399, 297/410, 254/134.3 CL, 254/134.3 FT
• US Class Current: 29/433
• 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 2011/0085 with adjustment by rotation in their operational position
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49838 by stringing
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/53696 Means to string

Abstract

An apparatus is provided for drawing cables having a connector shroud at a distal end thereof through a back of an automobile seat in the installation of an automobile entertainment system. The apparatus includes an eyelet shaped and dimensioned for selective attachment to the connector shroud. The eyelet includes a housing shaped and dimensioned to fit over the connector shroud. The housing includes a coupling member shaped and dimensioned for engagement with a wire puller.

Claims

1. A method for drawing cables through a back of an automobile seat in the installation of an automobile entertainment system, comprising the following steps:

providing an automobile entertainment system having a cable with a connector shroud secured thereto, the automobile entertainment system being adapted for mounting within an automobile headrest having an extension arm with a passage therethrough;

securing a selectively removeable eyelet to the connector shroud, the eyelet including a housing shaped and dimensioned to fit over the connector shroud and a lock arm adapted for selectively securing the eyelet to the connector shroud, wherein the lock arm includes a first protrusion protruding substantially perpendicular to an extension direction of the lock arm, the connector shroud includes a second protrusion protruding substantially perpendicular to an extension direction of the connector shroud, the housing includes a coupling member shaped and dimensioned for engagement with a wire puller, and the step of securing includes engaging the first protrusion with the second protrusion, wherein the first protrusion engages with the second protrusion while within an opening in a wall of the housing, the opening extending to a leading end of the housing, wherein the lock arm includes a first end and a leading end opposite the first end, and a middle portion between the first and leading ends, wherein the first protrusion extends from the leading end, and wherein the middle portion is spaced apart from and positioned over the housing forming a gap between the housing and the middle portion; and

mounting the automobile entertainment system within the automobile headrest, wherein the step of mounting including passing the eyelet and connector shroud through the passage in the extension arm of the automobile headrest.

2. The method according to claim 1, further including the step of pulling the connector shroud and eyelet through the back of the automobile seat.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the housing of the eyelet is cylindrical.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the coupling member is a closed loop.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the automobile entertainment system includes a video monitor and a video source.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the video source is a DVD player.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the automobile entertainment system includes a housing that is mounted within the headrest body.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cable includes a power source wire and at least one audio wire.

9. The method according to claim 1, further including a power adapter for connecting the cable and automobile entertainment system to a power source.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the power adapter is shaped and dimensioned for coupling with an automobile power adaptor outlet.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the power adapter includes a first connector and a second connector shaped and dimensioned for engagement with a power supply wire of the cable, and the power adapter includes a power plug shaped and dimensioned for selective connection with an automobile power adapter outlet.

12. The method according to claim 9, wherein the power adapter is shaped and dimensioned for direct connection to a vehicle power source.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the power adapter includes a first connector and a second connector shaped and dimensioned for engagement with a power supply wire of the cable, and the power adaptor includes a pair of electrical lines for connection to an automobile power supply.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the middle portion extends over at least part of the wall of the housing, and parallel to a longitudinal extension direction of the housing.