Display unit

Details Display unit Display unit

1999-03-17

2001-06-12

Cuomo, Peter M. (Department: 3636)

Television

Video display

Cabinet or chassis

C353S013000, C224S311000, C296S037700

Reexamination Certificate

active

06246449

ABSTRACT:

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to display units, and more particularly, to a display unit configured for use in presenting a viewing surface to occupants of an automobile such as a car, a truck, a sport utility vehicle (SUV), or a passenger van.
BACKGROUND ART
Automotive manufacturers have long sought to make passengers as comfortable as possible during travel, focusing both on physical comfort and on the passenger's entertainment. For example, vehicle sound systems have become standard accessories in most cars and trucks. In recent years, efforts have involved attempts to bring video technology into the passenger compartment, 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 most display units, it being difficult to find space for a standard-size monitor in most vehicles. Another problem arises from difficulties in placing the display unit in a position where it may be viewed by a passenger, but will not obstruct the drivers 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. The present invention takes advantage of these improvements by providing a stowable display unit which is suited for mounting in an interior region of an automobile without compromising picture quality.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
The aforementioned goals and objectives are met by provision of a display unit which includes a housing configured for mounting in an interior region of an automobile, and a screen mounted on the housing for movement between a stowed position wherein the screen is at least partially contained within the housing and a deployed position wherein the screen projects from the housing to reveal a viewing surface of the screen. The display unit further includes a lock mechanism adapted to selectively retain the screen in the stowed position. Upon release of the lock mechanism, however, the screen is free to be pivoted away from the stowed position, and in one embodiment, is automatically pivoted at least partially away from the stowed position.


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