U.S. patent application number 09/843616 was filed with the patent office on 2002-01-17 for display unit.
Invention is credited to Rosen, John B..
Application Number | 20020005917 09/843616 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26954390 |
Filed Date | 2002-01-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020005917 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rosen, John B. |
January 17, 2002 |
Display unit
Abstract
A display unit is provided, the display unit including a housing
configured for mounting in an interior region of a vehicle, 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.
Inventors: |
Rosen, John B.; (Eugene,
OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KOLISCH HARTWELL DICKINSON MCCORMACK & H
EUSER
520 S.W. YAMHILL STREET
SUITE 200
PORTLAND
OR
97204
|
Family ID: |
26954390 |
Appl. No.: |
09/843616 |
Filed: |
April 26, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09843616 |
Apr 26, 2001 |
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09270610 |
Mar 17, 1999 |
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6246449 |
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09270610 |
Mar 17, 1999 |
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08884445 |
Jun 27, 1997 |
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5946055 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
348/837 ;
348/E5.128; 348/E5.133; 348/E9.024 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 5/64 20130101; B60R
2011/0082 20130101; B60R 2011/0005 20130101; F16M 11/08 20130101;
B60R 2011/0276 20130101; H04N 5/66 20130101; B60R 2011/0028
20130101; G06F 1/1601 20130101; F16M 11/2021 20130101; G06F
2200/1612 20130101; B60R 2011/0085 20130101; B60K 35/00 20130101;
F16M 13/027 20130101; B60R 11/0235 20130101; B60R 2011/0087
20130101; H04N 9/30 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/837 |
International
Class: |
H04N 005/64 |
Claims
I claim:
1. An overhead display unit comprising: a housing configured for
mounting in an interior region of an automobile, the housing
defining a cavity of predetermined shape and size; and a display
sized to fit at least partially within the cavity, the display
having a viewing surface and being mounted on the housing for
pivotal movement between a stowed position wherein the display is
at least partially contained within the cavity of the housing, and
a deployed position wherein the display pivotally projects from the
cavity of the housing to present the viewing surface to an occupant
of the vehicle; and a lock mechanism mounted on the housing and
adapted to selectively engage the display to maintain the display
in the stowed position.
2. The display unit of claim 1, wherein release of the lock
mechanism frees the display to pivot away from the stowed position,
and further wherein the display is adapted to automatically pivot
at least partially away from the stowed position when the lock
mechanism is released.
3. The display unit of claim 1, wherein the lock mechanism further
includes a catch on the display positioned to selectively engage a
detent in the housing to maintain the display in the stowed
position.
4. The display unit of claim 3, wherein the display further
includes an edge extending generally transverse to the viewing
surface, and the catch is on the edge.
5. The display unit of claim 4, wherein release of the lock
mechanism frees the display to pivot away from the stowed position,
and further wherein the display is adapted to automatically pivot
at least partially away from the stowed position when the lock
mechanism is released.
6. The display unit of claim 1, wherein the lock mechanism further
includes a catch on the housing positioned to selectively engage a
detent in the display to maintain the display in the stowed
position.
7. The display unit of claim 6, wherein the display further
includes an edge extending generally transverse to the viewing
surface, and the recess extends inwardly into the display from the
edge.
8. The display unit of claim 7, wherein release of the lock
mechanism frees the display to pivot away from the stowed position,
and further wherein the display is adapted to automatically pivot
at least partially away from the stowed position when the lock
mechanism is released.
9. An overhead display unit for use in an automobile having a
ceiling, the display unit comprising: a display having a viewing
surface and being operatively mounted on the ceiling for pivotal
movement between a stowed position wherein the display extends
generally parallel to the ceiling, and a deployed position wherein
the display is pivoted away from the ceiling to present the viewing
surface to an occupant of the vehicle; and a lock mechanism
operatively mounted on the ceiling and adapted to selectively
engage the display to maintain the display in the stowed
position.
10. The display unit of claim 9 which further comprises a mounting
structure, the display being pivotally mounted on the mounting
structure.
11. The display unit of claim 10, wherein the lock mechanism is
mounted on the mounting structure.
12. The display unit of claim 10, wherein the mounting structure
defines a cavity of predetermined shape and size and the display is
sized to fit at least partially within the cavity when the display
is in the stowed position.
13. The display unit of claim 12, wherein the viewing surface is
oriented to face the cavity when the display is in the stowed
position.
14. The display unit of claim 12, wherein the viewing surface is
oriented to face out of the cavity when the display is in the
stowed position.
15. The display unit of claim 10, wherein the mounting structure is
embedded in the ceiling of the automobile.
16. The display unit of claim 12, wherein the mounting structure
includes a perimeter structure with a flange configured for
placement against the ceiling to define a cavity opening, the
display being mounted on the mounting structure such that the
viewing surface lies generally flush with the flange when the
display is in the stowed position.
17. The display unit of claim 9, wherein release of the lock
mechanism frees the display to pivot away from the stowed position,
and further wherein the display is adapted to automatically pivot
at least partially away from the stowed position when the lock
mechanism is released.
18. An above-seat-level, ceiling-mounted display unit for an
automobile having a passenger seating area and a generally planar
ceiling, the display unit comprising: a generally planar mounting
frame structure joined with the ceiling in a location overhead and
generally forward of the passenger seating area in the automobile,
the mounting frame structure being joined generally co-planarly
with the ceiling and having a proximal portion closer to the
passenger seating area and a distal portion more remote from the
passenger seating area; a generally planar display structure having
a viewing surface and being hinged to the mounting frame structure
adjacent the distal portion thereof for reversibly swaying in an
upright plane, extending both through the mounting frame structure
and the passenger seating area, between a stowed position wherein
the display structure lies in a plane generally paralleling the
plane of the mounting frame structure and a deployed position
wherein the display structure occupies a generally upright plane
which lies at an angle relative to the plane of the mounting-frame
structure with a disposition overhead-viewable by any passenger
seated in the passenger seating area; and a lock mechanism adapted
to engage the display and selectively retain the display in the
stowed position.
19. The display unit of claim 18, wherein release of the lock
mechanism frees the display to pivot away from the stowed position,
and further wherein the display is adapted to automatically pivot
at least partially away from the stowed position when the lock
mechanism is released.
20. The display unit of claim 18, wherein the mounting frame
structure is embedded in the ceiling of the automobile.
21. The display unit of claim 20, wherein the mounting frame
structure defines a cavity into which the display is at least
partially received when the display is in the stowed position.
22. The display unit of claim 21, wherein the lock mechanism
extends into the cavity and is adapted to selectively engage the
display to retain the display in the stowed position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/270,610 of John B. Rosen for a DISPLAY
UNIT, filed on Mar. 17, 1999 which is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 08/884,445 of John B. Rosen for a DISPLAY
UNIT, filed Jun. 27, 1997 and which also is a continuation-in-part
of U.S. Design Pat. Application Ser. No. 29/083,926 of John B.
Rosen for a CEILING-MOUNTED MONITOR SYSTEM, filed on Feb. 18, 1998,
which continues from U.S. Design Pat. Application Ser. No.
29/058,538 of John B. Rosen for a CEILING-MOUNTED MONITOR SYSTEM,
filed on Aug. 16, 1996.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] 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
[0003] 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.
[0004] 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
driver's view of the road. Still another problem involves the
stowability of the display unit, and its corresponding effect on
passenger safety.
[0005] 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
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a display unit constructed in
accordance with the present invention, the display unit including a
screen shown in a stowed position.
[0009] FIG. 2 is an isometric view similar to that of FIG. 1, but
with the screen pivoted to a deployed position.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a side view of the display unit shown in FIGS. 1
and 2.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a somewhat simplified side view of an automotive
interior illustrating use of the display unit depicted in FIGS. 1,
2 and 3.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a sectional side view of a first alternative
embodiment display unit, the display unit screen being shown in
successive positions by dashed lines.
[0013] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a second alternative
embodiment display unit, the display unit including a screen in a
stowed position.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a side view of the display unit of FIG. 6, but
with the screen in an intermediate position.
[0015] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the display unit of FIG. 6,
but with the screen in a deployed position.
[0016] FIG. 9 is an end view of the display unit of FIG. 6, the
screen being deployed to reveal a track, carriage and hinge
arrangement for use in deploying the screen.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND BEST MODE OF
CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0017] Referring initially to FIGS. 1 through 4, a display unit is
shown for use in an interior region of an automobile 10, such
display unit being indicated generally at 12. Although the
invention has broad utility, the display unit is shown mounted on
the ceiling 10a of the automobile, preferably overhead and
generally forward of the of the passenger seating area 14 so as to
accommodate viewing thereof by one or more rear-seat passengers
P.
[0018] The display unit includes a generally planar mounting frame
structure in the form of a housing 20, and a corresponding screen
30, which is mounted on the housing for movement between a stowed
position (FIG. 1) and a deployed position (FIG. 2). In the stowed
position, the screen is contained within the housing, a viewing
surface 32 thereof typically facing downward into the passenger
compartment. In the deployed position, the screen projects from the
housing to present the screen's viewing surface to rear-seat
passenger P. The screen's viewing surface thus selectively is
placed in the rear-seat passenger's line-of-sight 16.
[0019] In accordance with my teachings, housing 20 will be seen to
include a perimeter structure 22 having a proximal portion closer
to the passenger seating area and a distal portion more remote from
the passenger seating area. The housing defines a cavity 24
configured to receive the screen when the screen is placed in its
stowed position. The cavity is of predetermined shape and size,
typically conforming substantially to the shape and size of the
viewing screen. It will be noted in FIGS. 1 and 2, for example,
that cavity 24 is configured to accommodate fitted receipt of
screen 30 such that the screen is fully contained within the
cavity.
[0020] The housing typically is embedded in the ceiling, the
automobile being provided with a ceiling recess configured for
receipt of the housing. Accordingly, the perimeter structure
includes a generally planar flange 26 which may be secured to the
ceiling via conventional fasteners such as screws. The flange is
configured to conform to the contour of the ceiling, and preferably
defines the lowermost surface of the housing. The housing thus may
be flush-mounted with the ceiling. Furthermore, when the screen is
in its stowed position with the screen contained within the cavity,
the screen's viewing surface is flush with the flange, and
correspondingly, is flush with the automobile's ceiling.
[0021] In the depicted embodiment, the screen is separated from a
video control module 40 which directs operation of the screen. The
control module typically is mounted on the perimeter structure
beside the screen and is connected to the screen via a ribbon wire
or the like. This keeps the display unit relatively thin. In the
depicted embodiment, for example, the display unit is approximately
1/2-inch to 11/2-inches thick.
[0022] As indicated, viewing screen 30 is hinged to the housing
adjacent the distal portion thereof to accommodate reversible
swaying thereof in an upright plane which extends both through the
housing and through the passenger seating area. The screen thus is
deployed by pivot thereof about a first axis A which corresponds
generally to a first edge 30a of the screen. To deploy the screen,
the screen is pivoted in a rearward direction to a deployed
position where the screen is at an angle .theta. from horizontal.
In the depicted embodiment, .theta. is within a range of between
approximately 45-degrees and 90-degrees. This presents the screen's
viewing surface to rear-seat passenger P. The screen also may be
retracted to its stowed position, again by pivot of the screen
about axis A. Pivot occurs about a hinge which is shown generally
at 34.
[0023] The screen also is pivotal about a second axis B which is
transverse to first axis A. Accordingly, the screen is adjustable
by side-to-side rotation of the screen so as to selectively face
the screen's viewing surface toward a rear-seat passenger. The
screen's viewing surface thus may selectively be placed in the
rear-seat passenger's line of sight.
[0024] The display unit also employs a locking mechanism which
selectively maintains the screen in its stowed position. The
locking mechanism includes a catch 52 mounted on the housing and
configured to selectively engage a corresponding recess or detent
54 in the screen's second edge 30b. The locking mechanism is
operable via a lever 56 which extends (and retracts) the catch for
capture (and release) by recess 54.
[0025] A first alternative embodiment display unit is shown at 112
in FIG. 5, the alternative display unit differing from display unit
12 primarily by its provision of a break-away screen 130. The
screen is mounted on a display unit housing 120, typically for
pivot between a stowed position and a deployed position to present
a viewing surface 132 to a passenger in the passenger viewing
area.
[0026] As indicated, display unit 112 is suited for use in an
automobile 10, the display unit typically being embedded in the
automobile ceiling with housing 120 flush-mounted on ceiling 10a.
The screen is hingedly attached to the housing via break-away hinge
134 for pivot between a generally horizontal first orientation
wherein the screen is at least partially contained within cavity
124, and a second orientation wherein the screen extends downwardly
from the cavity to present the screen's viewing surface to a
vehicle occupant for viewing.
[0027] In its first orientation (shown in solid lines), screen 130
is in a stowed position where the screen is contained within cavity
124, the screen's viewing surface facing upwardly into the cavity
so as to protect the viewing surface from damage. The screen is
stowed adjacent control module 140, and may be locked in place by
locking mechanism 150.
[0028] Upon deployment, the screen is pivoted under a first torque
from its first orientation (shown in solid lines at 130) to its
second orientation (shown in dashed lines at 130') where the screen
is in a deployed position with the screen extending downwardly from
the ceiling at an angle .alpha. of between approximately 45-degrees
and 90-degrees. The screen thus is pivoted though an angle .phi.
which is between approximately 90-degrees and 135-degrees. The
screen's viewing surface 132' faces rearwardly and downwardly
toward the automobile's rear-seat passengers.
[0029] Upon application of a second, higher torque, the screen may
be pivoted from the second orientation (shown in dashed lines at
130') to its third orientation (shown in dashed lines at 130")
where the screen rests against the housing in a break-away
position. This is accomplished via a two-phase hinge 134 which
defines a first range of motion (between the first and second
orientations) wherein the screen pivots upon application of a first
torque, and a second range of motion (between the second and third
orientations) wherein the screen pivots upon application of a
higher second torque. As will be appreciated by those skilled in
the art, the change in torque creates a soft stop with the screen
in the second orientation, a feature which provides for quick
deployment of the screen.
[0030] The ability of the screen to pivot to the third orientation
serves as a safety feature, the screen effectively being configured
to collapse in the event of an emergency. It will be understood,
for example, that the depicted screen will pivot forward from the
second orientation upon contact by a rear-seat passenger who is
thrown forward in a collision, but only upon application of a
predetermined threshold force. Similarly, the screen is configured
to pivot toward the rear of the vehicle upon application of an
opposite force. In either event, the screen will yield upon
application of sufficient force, and thus will not act as a hard
stop of the type which may cause injury to vehicle occupants.
[0031] FIGS. 6 through 9 show a second alternative embodiment of
the invented display unit at 212, such display unit being adapted
for use in a vehicle having a sunroof or the like. It will be noted
that the display unit includes a surface-mounted housing 220. The
housing defines a cavity 224 which is configured to house a screen
230 having a viewing surface 232. The screen may be deployed to
reveal the viewing surface, typically first by translation in a
plane defined by the screen, and second by pivot about an axis
defined by hinge 234. The screen thus typically is mounted on a
carriage 236 for translation along a track 238. The hinge is
positioned along a predetermined edge of the screen to provide for
pivot of the screen once it has been removed from the cavity.
[0032] In FIG. 6, the screen is shown in its first position where
the screen is contained within the cavity in a generally horizontal
orientation. From the first position, the screen is translated
along track 236 to an intermediate position with the screen still
in the generally horizontal orientation. FIG. 7 shows the screen in
the intermediate position.
[0033] Thereafter, the screen is pivoted about a first axis A to a
second position where the screen extends downwardly from the cavity
to present the screen to a vehicle occupant for viewing. FIG. 8
shows the screen in the second position. The screen also may be
rotatable about a second axis B which is transverse to the first
axis.
[0034] The screen is configured to pass forwardly in the vehicle
along track 236, and then to pivot rearwardly to the deployed
orientation under a predetermined first torque. The screen
typically will pivot downstream to an angle of between
approximately 45-degrees and 90-degrees from horizontal such that
the viewing surface may be readily seen by rear-seat passengers. It
is possible, however, to provide for further downstream pivot of
the screen under a higher second torque to provide for emergency
collapse of the screen.
[0035] While the invention has been disclosed in its preferred
form, the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated
herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous
variations are possible. Applicant regards the subject matter of
the invention to include all novel and non-obvious combinations and
subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or
properties disclosed herein. No single feature, function, element
or property of the disclosed embodiments is essential. The
following claims define certain combinations and subcombinations
which are regarded as novel and non-obvious. Other combinations and
subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties
may be claimed through amendment of the present claims or
presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such
claims, whether they are broader, narrower or equal in scope to the
original claims, are also regarded as included within the subject
matter of applicant's invention.
* * * * *