Television – Video display – Cabinet or chassis
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-08
2001-09-18
Cuomo, Peter M. (Department: 3624)
Television
Video display
Cabinet or chassis
C224S311000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06292236
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to monitors, and more particularly, to a monitor mounted in an automobile such that it may be viewed selectively by front and/or rear seat passengers.
BACKGROUND ART
Automotive manufacturers have long sought to make passengers as comfortable as possible during travel, focusing both on physical comfort, and on advances in passenger entertainment. For example, the once-conventional AM radio has been replaced with the vehicle “sound system” as a standard accessory in most cars and trucks. More recently, efforts have involved attempts to bring video technology into the automobile, either in the form of a television, a computer, or a video game display.
Unfortunately, display units have heretofore been impractical as automotive accessories due to problems in mounting conventional display units within a vehicle. One problem relates to the size of such display units, it being difficult to find space for a standard-size monitor in most automobiles. Another problem arises from difficulties in placing the display unit in a position where it may be viewed by passengers, but will not obstruct the driver's view of the road. Still another problem involves the stowability of the display unit, and its corresponding effect on passenger safety.
Known display units also have been unable to meet consumer expectations due to difficulties in providing acceptable picture quality in a package of suitable size. However, with advancements in flat-panel display technology, picture quality of smaller display units has improved dramatically. Additionally, it has become possible to separate some of the electronic circuitry from the flat-panel display, further reducing the thickness of these displays.
Furthermore, although most modern automobiles are equipped to carry front and rear seat passengers, many owners operate their vehicles at less than capacity, often driving alone, or with a single front seat passenger. Although state and/or federal laws typically prohibit drivers from viewing TV, movies, or other video while driving, such laws usually do not extend to front seat passengers. Onboard monitors thus may be rendered ineffective where such monitors are configured to provide for viewing only by rear seat passengers. Accordingly, it would be useful to provide an automotive display unit configured to accommodate viewing thereof by front and/or rear seat passengers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A ceiling-mounted automotive display unit is provided, such display unit being mounted on the ceiling of an automobile above the front passenger seat. The unit includes a screen with a viewing surface, the screen being mounted for movement between a stowed position wherein the screen is generally parallel to the plane of the ceiling and facing downward to reveal the viewing surface to a reclined front seat passenger, and a deployed position wherein the screen projects downward from the ceiling to reveal the viewing surface to a rear seat passenger. When the screen is deployed, the viewing surface typically is at an angle of between approximately 30-degrees and 60-degrees from horizontal, thereby promoting comfortable viewing of the screen by both front and rear seat passengers.
The screen typically is mounted on a housing for pivot about a first axis which is generally parallel to a predetermined edge of the screen. The screen pivots between a first orientation wherein the screen is at least partially contained within the housing (the stowed position), and a second orientation wherein the screen extends downwardly from the housing to present the screen's viewing surface to rear seat passengers (the deployed position). The screen also may be pivotal about a second axis, transverse to the first axis, so as to enhance adaptability and viewability of the screen.
In one embodiment, a cavity of predetermined shape and size is formed in the housing, the cavity being configured to contain the screen with its viewing surface generally flush with the housing and with the ceiling. This reduces the profile of the display unit when the unit is not in use, and eliminates any impediment to the driver's view. The profile may be reduced further by mounting the screen's control module separately from the screen, leaving a relatively thin pivotal screen. The housing further may include a retractable cover which covers the screen when the display unit is not in use.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more readily understood after a consideration of the drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiment which follows.
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Anderson Gerald A.
Cuomo Peter M.
Kolisch Hartwell Dickinson & McCormack & Heuser
Rosen Products LLC
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