U.S. patent application number 09/969231 was filed with the patent office on 2002-01-24 for articulable projecting plug.
This patent application is currently assigned to Rosen Products LLC.. Invention is credited to Rosen, John B..
Application Number | 20020009921 09/969231 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26869547 |
Filed Date | 2002-01-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020009921 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rosen, John B. |
January 24, 2002 |
Articulable projecting plug
Abstract
An articulable projecting plug is disclosed that provides for
interchangeable mechanical connection between one of several
electronic-signal ports such as video-signal ports, and
housing/support structure associated with an electronic device such
as a flat-screen television. The plug also accommodates video
communication between a video-signal source and such television.
The plug includes joining structure constructed to bring the plug
into contact with the port and hold them both in such joined
relationship. The joining structure includes an outer surface and
holder structure for holding the first end of an elongate conductor
so that joinder of the plug with the port will also result in
contact between such first end and the port. The plug also includes
an elongate projecting member terminating with first and second
ends, with the first end being operatively connected to the joining
structure so that the projecting elongate member extends from it
and away from the port. A pivot is provided so that the projecting
member is articulable in a pivot plane. The projecting member also
includes a connector located adjacent its second end for fastening
to such housing/support structure of the electronic device.
Inventors: |
Rosen, John B.; (Eugene,
OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Kolisch, Hartwell, Dickinson,
McCormack & Heuser
200 Pacific Building
520 S.W. Yamhill Street
Portland
OR
97204
US
|
Assignee: |
Rosen Products LLC.
|
Family ID: |
26869547 |
Appl. No.: |
09/969231 |
Filed: |
October 1, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09969231 |
Oct 1, 2001 |
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09571950 |
May 15, 2000 |
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6305973 |
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09571950 |
May 15, 2000 |
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09191926 |
Nov 13, 1998 |
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6070843 |
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09191926 |
Nov 13, 1998 |
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08799617 |
Feb 12, 1997 |
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5850997 |
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08799617 |
Feb 12, 1997 |
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08636172 |
Apr 22, 1996 |
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5611513 |
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08636172 |
Apr 22, 1996 |
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08173799 |
Dec 20, 1993 |
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08173799 |
Dec 20, 1993 |
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07829728 |
Jan 31, 1992 |
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5271590 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
439/534 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M 11/2014 20130101;
H01R 13/633 20130101; H01R 13/627 20130101; H01R 35/00 20130101;
H01R 43/26 20130101; F16M 11/10 20130101; B64D 11/00153 20141201;
Y10S 248/917 20130101; B64D 11/0624 20141201 |
Class at
Publication: |
439/534 |
International
Class: |
H01R 013/60; H01R
035/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A plug comprising: projecting structure having first and second
ends, the second end of the projecting structure being connected to
a housing/support structure for supporting an electronic device; a
mechanical connector arrangement including joining structure and a
receptacle with a perimeter which defines a hollow interior, the
joining structure being mounted on the first end of the projecting
structure and having a protruding exterior which mates with the
hollow interior of the receptacle and is perimetrically engaged by
the perimeter of the receptacle to provide structural support for
the projecting structure; and an electrical connector arrangement
including a first part fixed relative to the receptacle and a
second part fixed relative to the joining structure such that
mating of the joining structure and the receptacle of the
mechanical connector arrangement effects mating of the first and
second parts of the electrical connector arrangement.
2. The plug of claim 1, wherein the first part of the electrical
connector arrangement is disposed within the hollow interior of the
receptacle and the second part of the electrical connector is
disposed on the protruding exterior of the joining structure.
3. An electronic device support which allows a user to make a
mechanical connection between a desired one of plural receptacles
and an electronic device, and which allows a user to make an
electrical connection between an electronic signal port of the
desired receptacle and such electronic device, the electronic
device support comprising: joining structure including a
protuberance configured to mate with the desired receptacle to
removably join the electronic device support to the desired
receptacle, the protuberance being configured to mechanically
support the electronic device support by such mating relationship
between the protuberance and the desired receptacle; elongate
conductor structure having first and second ends, the first end of
the conductor structure being connectable to the electronic device
and the second end of the conductor structure being connectable to
the electronic signal port, mating joinder of the protuberance with
the desired receptacle resulting in contact between the first end
of the conductor structure and the electronic signal port; and
projecting structure terminating with first and second ends, the
first end of the projecting structure being connected to the
joining structure so that the projecting structure extends from it,
and the second end of the projecting structure being configured for
connection to the electronic device.
4. The electronic device support of claim 3, wherein the
protuberance is elongate, the protuberance being configured to
enclose the first end of the conductor structure.
5. The electronic device support of claim 3, wherein the receptacle
defines a perimeter which defines a hollow interior which encloses
the electronic signal port.
6. The electronic device support of claim 3, wherein the joining
structure and projecting structure are each formed with an open
channel extending along their length, and wherein the channels are
aligned to provide a passage for the conductor structure through
the electronic device support, the conductor structure being
positionable inside the electronic device support with the first
end thereof in a holder structure of the joining structure, and the
second end thereof connecting to the electronic device.
7. A support/connection apparatus operable by a user for supporting
an electronic device and accommodating communication between a
signal source and such electronic device, the apparatus comprising:
a receptacle with a perimeter which defines a hollow interior and a
signal port positioned therein, the signal port being fixed within
the hollow interior and configured for connection to the signal
source; elongate conductor structure having first and second ends,
the first end of the conductor structure being configured for
connection to the signal port and the second end of the conductor
structure being configured for connection to the electronic device;
to projecting structure having first and second ends, the second
end of the projecting structure being configured for connection to
the electronic device to mechanically support the electronic
device; and joining structure connected to the first end of the
projecting structure and configured for releasable mechanical
joining with the receptacle by insertion of the joining structure
into At the receptacle such that the receptacle perimeter
establishes mechanical support for the projecting structure, the
joining structure including holder structure for holding the first
end of such elongate conductor structure fixed relative to the
joining structure so that mechanical joinder of the joining
structure with the receptacle will result in connection between the
first end of the conductor structure and the signal port.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the joining structure and
projecting structure are each formed with an open channel, the
channels being aligned to provide a passage for the conductor
structure through the apparatus with the conductor structure being
positionable within the open channel with the first end of the
conductor structure in the holder structure of the joining
structure, and the second end of the conductor structure configured
for connection to the electronic device.
9. A plug assembly which allows a user to make a mechanical
connection between a desired one of plural receptacles and an
electronic device, and which accommodates electronic communication
between a signal source and such electronic device via an
electronic signal port enclosed by the receptacle, the assembly
comprising: an elongate conductor having first and second ends, the
second end of the conductor being connectable to the electronic
device; joining structure including an elongate protuberance
configured to mechanically join with the desired receptacle and an
outer surface configured to hold the joining structure and desired
receptacle in such joined, placed relationship, the
protuberance-being configured to establish a load-bearing
structural support for the electronic device, and including a
holder configured to hold the first end of the elongate conductor
so that mechanical joinder of the protuberance with the desired
receptacle also will result in electrical connection between the
first end of the conductor and the electronic signal port which is
enclosed by the desired receptacle; and projection structure
terminating with first and second ends, the first end of the
projection structure being connected to the joining structure so
that the projection structure extends from the joining structure,
and where the projection includes a connector located adjacent its
second end for fastening to the electronic device.
10. The plug assembly of claim 9 wherein the protuberance is
elongate and generally tubular with a lead end that joins with the
desired receptacle, and wherein the joining structure is structured
to enclose the first end of the conductor.
11. The plug assembly of claim 9 wherein the joining structure and
projection structure are each formed with an open channel extending
along their length, and wherein the channels are aligned to provide
a passage for the conductor through the plug, the conductor being
positionable inside the plug with its first end in the holder of
the joining structure, and its second end projecting out of the
projection structure for connection to the electronic device.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/571,950,
filed May 15, 2000 for an ARTICULABLE PROJECTING PLUG, which is a
continuation of application Ser. No. 09/191,926 filed Nov. 13, 1998
for an ARTICULABLE PROJECTING PLUG, which is a continuation of
application Ser. No. 08/799,617 filed Feb. 11, 1997 for an
ARTICULABLE PROJECTING PLUG, which is a continuation of application
Ser. No. 08/636,172 filed Apr. 22, 1996 for an ARTICULABLE
PROJECTING PLUG, which is a file wrapper continuation of
application Ser. No. 08/173,799 filed Dec. 20, 1993 for an
ARTICULABLE PROJECTING PLUG, which is a continuation in part of
U.S. Pat. No. 5,271,590, which issued on Dec. 21, 1993 for an
ARTICULABLE PROJECTING PLUG. The subject matter of these
applications and patents are incorporated herein by this
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to
electronic/mechanical connections between an electronic device and
an electronic-signal source, and more particularly to an
articulable projecting plug for making such connections between
such a device and source.
[0003] It is desirable for the user of an electronic device that
includes a monitor to be able to position selectively the monitor
for comfortable viewing angles. Such electronic device may be any
of various devices including televisions or computer monitors. When
using such a device, the user is normally sitting in a room or some
other type of enclosure or compartment. For example, other
enclosures may include the cockpit or passenger area of an
airplane.
[0004] Conventional televisions and computer monitors are usually
positioned in preset positions relative to the viewer. Certain
conventional systems include a stand on which to place the
monitor/television. For the remainder of this description,
monitor/television will be referred to simply as a monitor, and it
should be understood that by monitor applicant refers to any type
of device for displaying audio/visual or visual information to a
viewer.
[0005] Prior art proposals involving stands for the monitor provide
for a certain amount of adjustability including a swivel mechanism
or a tilt feature. However, the stand-based systems are designed
for use in relatively stationary settings where there is room to
place the monitor on a stand, with the stand usually being placed
on a desk or table.
[0006] For applications where it is impractical or impossible to
use a stand and desk/table, the prior art is lacking a device
whereby the monitor may be supported and selectively movable to
positions providing improved viewing for individual viewers. There
is an increasing need for such a capability because of the greater
awareness and focus on ergonomics, which is also known as human
engineering or human-factors engineering. Essentially, ergonomics
is an applied science that coordinates the design of devices and
physical working/use conditions with the capacities and
requirements of the user.
[0007] Focusing on the aforementioned aircraft setting, the
physical conditions of the passenger area do not provide a lot of
room for movement by the passenger, or for auxiliary furniture such
as desks, tables and other platforms. Similarly, pilots and other
airline-support personnel occupy work areas such as the cockpit
which present spaces which are equally, if not more, cramped with
minimal room for performing their duties.
[0008] In the aircraft setting, such monitors are used by pilots
and support personnel in the cockpit and work areas, as well as by
passengers in the passenger area. Usually such monitors are fixedly
mounted in the interior structure of the aircraft and therefore
suffer from the drawback of not being adjustable for individual
viewers. In other words, these prior art systems are not
ergonomically correct for a wide variety of users.
[0009] With respect to the mounting of monitors in the
aircraft-passenger area, U.S. Pat. No. 4,647,980 to Steventon et
al. proposes a relatively complicated system of mounting television
receiver modules in the back of an aircraft passenger seat, such as
within the headrest portion of the seat, with the television screen
facing backward for viewing by a passenger sitting in the seat
immediately behind such headrest. Steventon et al. note that the
television screen can be angularly oriented within the chassis at a
selected tilt angle which is generally complimentary to the average
reclined angle of such passenger seats. Problems with the proposal
in Steventon et al. include that the television receiver modules
are mounted in a preset, fixed position without allowing for
adjustment by individual passengers. In addition, while the
receiver modules are removable, the removing procedure is somewhat
complicated by multiple plugs, thereby requiring a two-handed
mounting operation.
[0010] Similar to the limitations of the mounting system in
Steventon et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,982,996 to Vottero-Fin et al.
discloses an automotive seating system that includes an armrest of
a front seat with an open back end in which is placed a television
set. The television screen is viewable by passengers seated in a
backseat when the armrest is swung to an operating position that
makes the armrest's back end visible to such passengers. The
television set is fixedly attached in the armrest and associated
mounting members do not allow for selective adjustment of it for
improved viewing.
[0011] In addition to their drawbacks from an ergonomic point of
view, prior art mounting systems like those disclosed in Steventon
et al. and Vottero-Fin et al. also fail to provide for multiple
positioning of a monitor within a viewing area. These conventional
systems are fixedly attached to a specific port and are not easily
withdrawn from one port for placement in another.
[0012] In settings like the above-mentioned aircraft-passenger area
it is desirable to have monitor mounting systems designed so that a
given monitor may be plugged into any one of multiple ports located
within the passenger area. By using such a mounting system with the
recently developed, relatively small flat-screen televisions,
airline companies could offer customers an optional, individual
television service. Suitable ports could be installed adjacent each
passenger seat and airline employees could hand out such
televisions with It corresponding mounting systems to customers on
a fee basis. Such a television service could be provided in the
same way that airlines presently offer audio service by handing out
headphones to customers who can use them by inserting them in a
jack provided in their seat.
[0013] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a monitor-mounting device that connects a monitor to an
electronic-signal source and can be adjusted so that the user may
position selectively the monitor for ergonomically correct
viewing.
[0014] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide
such a device that enables one-handed connecting of the monitor to
the electronic-signal source and provides for mounting of the
monitor adjacent an electronic-signal port.
[0015] A further object is to provide such a device that is easily
connectable to multiple ports so that a monitor placed on such
device may be used interchangeably in any one of the ports.
[0016] It is also an object of the invention to provide such a
device that can be easily and cost-effectively manufactured.
[0017] A still further object is to provide such a device that is
easily convertible for mounting on either the right or left side of
a user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The invention achieves the above objects by providing an
articulable projecting plug that makes a mechanical connection
between an electronic signal port and housing/support structure
associated with an electronic device, and accommodates electronic
communication between a signal source and such device by
establishing contact between a first end of a conductor that is
connectable with such a device and such port. The plug includes a
joining member structured to bring the plug into contact with the
port and hold them both in such joined relationship. The joining
member includes an outer surface and holder structure for holding
the first end of such elongate conductor structure so that joinder
of the plug with the port will also result in contact between such
first end and the port.
[0019] The plug also includes an elongate projecting member
terminating with first and second ends, with the first end being
operatively connected to the joining member so that the projecting
member extends from it and away from the port. A pivot is provided
so that the elongate projecting member is articulable in a pivot
plane. The projecting member also includes a connector located
adjacent its second end for fastening to such housing/support
structure of the electronic device.
[0020] In a preferred embodiment the plug includes a receptacle
mounted adjacent the port for receiving the joining member. The
receptacle also includes a locking mechanism allowing for
one-handed connection of the joining member with the receptacle.
The pivot is disposed between the joining member and the elongate
projecting member.
[0021] These and additional 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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the invention in a partially
open, articulated position holding a flat-screen television, and in
an unjoined position with the receptacle which is located in the
arm of an aircraft seat.
[0023] FIG. 2 is like FIG. 1 except that the invention has been
pivoted in the pivot plane to a closed position, and is joined with
the receptacle.
[0024] FIG. 3 is a top view of the receptacle showing the
video-signal port and the locking mechanism.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the receptacle.
[0026] FIG. 5A is a side sectional view along line 5-5 of FIGS. 3
and 4 showing portions of the locking mechanism with the mechanism
in a locked position.
[0027] FIG. 5B is like FIG. 5A except that the locking mechanism is
in an unlocked position.
[0028] FIG. 6A is a side sectional view along line 6-6 of FIGS. 3
and 4 showing the joining member in the receptacle with the locking
mechanism in a locked position.
[0029] FIG. 6B is like FIG. 6A except that the locking mechanism is
in an unlocked position and the joining member is being removed
from the receptacle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0030] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 show the
articulable projecting plug of the present invention at 10 for
holding a monitor such as a flat-screen television, a fragmentary
section of which is shown by dashed lines 11. The term monitor is
meant to refer to any display for an electronic or avionic device
which is capable of displaying audio/visual or visual information.
Plug 10 includes joining structure 12 constructed to bring the plug
into contact with an electronic/video port such as jack 14 (FIG. 3)
and hold them both in a joined relationship like that shown at 16
in FIG. 2.
[0031] Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, joining structure 12
includes an outer surface 18 in which a recess 20 is formed for use
in connection with a to-be-described locking mechanism for holding
releasably joining structure 12 in a space 22 defined by a
receptacle 24. For future reference, the reader should note that
joining structure 12 includes sloping edge 12a and curved edge 12b,
the significance of which will become apparent after referring to
the description of the locking mechanism provided below. As shown
in FIGS. 1 and 2, receptacle 24 is placed in an open hole of an arm
26 of an aircraft seat (undepicted). Receptacle 24 is operatively
connected to a frame member 26a. Preferably, the receptacle is
fixedly positioned so that it is flush with the top surface of arm
26 and it may be covered with a suitable hinged cover (undepicted).
It should be understood that receptacle 24 could be positioned in
any interior wall or other structure adjacent the viewing area, and
could be pivotably mounted to the structure.
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 1-3 and 6A-6B, joining structure 12
includes a lead end 28 which is joinable with jack 14 and encloses
a first end 32a (FIGS. 6A-6B) of conductor 32. Joining structure 12
also includes holder structure 34 for holding first end 32a so that
joinder of plug 10 with jack 14 by placing it into space 22 of
receptacle 24 will result in contact between first end 32a and jack
14.
[0033] Referring to the left of joining structure 12 in FIG. 1,
plug 10 also includes elongate projecting structure 36 with first
and second ends 38a, b. First end 38a is pivotedly connected to
joining structure 12 using suitable means. For example, end 38a may
be formed with arcuate arms 40a, b which are fittable around a
bearing 42 which is rotatably positioned in the end of joining
structure 12 that is opposite lead end 28. Arms 40a, b may be
tightened around bearing 42 by actuating a fastener such as turning
an alien screw 43 (FIGS. 6A-6B) which is positioned in a hole 44
formed in arm 40a and extendable into a threaded bore (undepicted)
formed in arm 40b.
[0034] Still referring to FIG. 1, projecting structure 36 is
articulable bidirectionally, as shown by arrows at 46, preferably
in a pivot plane that is substantially normal to the long axis
joining structure 12. It should be understood that modifications to
the pivotable connection between the airplane, receptacle 24,
projecting structure 36 and joining structure 12 would make it
possible to select a variety of pivot planes and it is by no means
a requirement of the invention that the pivot plane be
substantially normal to the long axis of joining structure 12, nor
that joining structure 12 pivot relative to projecting structure
36.
[0035] Referring to the left side of projecting structure 36 in
FIG. 1, second end 38b is provided with a connector such as a
bearing 48 which is rotatably positionable in it. The top of
bearing 48 is rotatably positionable in a suitable hole formed in
housing/support structure 50. Housing/support structure 50 may be
thought of as being part of projecting structure 36 so that
projecting structure 36 could be said to include a first elongate
projecting member 52 and a second elongate projecting member 54.
Second projecting member 54 includes a connector for attaching to
upright support structure 56 and such a connector may take the form
of one or more screws, two of which are shown at 58 in FIG. 1.
[0036] Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, upright support structure
56 is preferably formed with two upright arms 60a, b and a tilt
bracket 62 opposite ends of which are pivotably attached to the
upright arms using suitable means such as bearings, one of which is
shown at 64. The bearings are attachable to bracket 62 using
suitable fasteners such as screws 66, and are attachable to arms
60a, b using fasteners such as alien screw 67 (FIG. 2).
[0037] FIGS. 1 and 2 show an embodiment of the present invention
that is designed for mounting on the right side of a user. However,
it should be understood that plug 10 could be easily converted for
left-side mounting by simply detaching bracket 62 from arms 60a, b,
turning it 180.degree., and reattaching it to the arms.
[0038] Still referring to FIG. 1, tilt bracket 62 is pivotable
selectively in a plane different from the pivot plane to allow the
user to selectively adjust, or tilt, the monitor for improved,
preferably ergonomically correct viewing.
[0039] Referring back to FIG. 1, preferably conductor 32 is
positionable inside plug 10 with first end 32a held by holder
structure 34 and its second end 32b projecting out of projecting
structure 36 for connection to television 11. (In FIG. 2, second
end 32b is shown oriented generally for such connection, with end
32b being freely movable to make such connection with television 11
(not shown in FIG. 2), as between bracket 62 and member 54). Such
positioning is made possible by forming an open channel in both
joining structure 12 (see conductor 32 placed in such channel in
FIGS. 6A-6B) and in projecting structure 36 (see conductor 32 in
such channel in FIG. 1 and exiting such channel in FIG. 2).
[0040] Referring now to FIGS. 3-6B, a locking mechanism for
releasably locking joining structure 12 in receptacle 24 will now
be discussed. The preferred locking mechanism is shown generally at
68 and includes a laterally disposed bar 70 that is formed with a
protrusion 72 which extends into space 22. Referring to FIGS.
5A-5B, bar 70 is positionable in an open section 74 formed in
receptacle 24. Bar 70 is also formed with an opening 76 for
receiving a wedge 78 that extends downwardly from, and is attached
to, a pushbutton 80. As perhaps best shown in FIG. 3, push-button
80 is fitted with three vertical-aligner pins 81 that extend
laterally into vertical tracks, two of which are shown by dashed
lines 82 in FIG. 1, formed in receptacle 24. The pins are received
in the tracks to ensure that the pushbutton will move only
vertically.
[0041] The reader can understand the locking mechanism by first
viewing protrusion 72 extending into space 22 as shown in FIGS.
3-4, and then viewing recess 20 in outer surface 18 of joining
structure 12 as shown in FIG. 1. Next, referring to FIG. 6A, there
is shown protrusion 72 in a first position blocking upward movement
of joining structure 12. Protrusion 72 is movable to this first
position by inserting joining structure 12 into receptacle 24 with
sloping edge 12a glidably moving along angled surface 72a. Because
bar 70 (and thus protrusion 72) is spring-loaded with respect to
horizontal movement in open section 74 of receptacle 24, downward
movement of joining member 12 will cause gliding movement between
sloping edge 12a and angled edge 72a. Such gliding movement will
cause bar 70 to move laterally against spring-loaded tension until
joining structure 12 is inserted completely into space 22. At this
point, which is depicted in FIG. 6A, sloping edge 12a will be
positioned below angled surface 72a, which allows protrusion 72
(and bar 70) to spring laterally into curved edge 12b. With
protrusion 72 movable to the first position shown in FIG. 6A,
joining structure 12 is locked in receptacle 24 because the
protrusion prevents upward movement of the joining structure out of
the receptacle.
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 5B-6B, it will be understood that the
locking mechanism may be unlocked by pushing down on pushbutton 80.
When pushbutton 80 is pushed down, wedge 78 will force bar 70 to
move laterally such as to the right in open section 74 as shown in
FIG. 5B. Referring to FIG. 6B, such movement of bar 70 will cause
protrusion 72 to move to the right in the direction of arrow 88,
thereby allowing joining structure 12 to be moved upwardly in the
direction of arrow 90. Such upward movement is possible because
protrusion 72 will no longer be in the first position shown in FIG.
6A, but will instead be in the second position shown in FIG. 6B
where it is out of blocking position with curved edge 12b of
joining structure 12.
Operation
[0043] From the above description, and referring to FIG. 1, it
should be apparent that articulable projecting plug 10 of the
present invention is usable to make a mechanical connection between
an electronic-signal port such as jack 14 and housing/support
structure 50 which is associated with an electronic/avionic device
such as television 11. Plug 10 also IVH accommodates electronic
communication between a signal source (undepicted) and television
11 by establishing contact between first end 32a of conductor 32
and jack 14, with conductor 32 being connectable via its second end
32b to television 11.
[0044] Still referring to FIG. 1, once mechanical connection is
made and electronic communication exists between the source and
television 11, plug 10 is articulable in the direction of arrows 46
in a pivot plane. The user can also move television 11 in a plane
that is different from the pivot plane by moving tilt bracket 62 in
the direction of arrows 92 in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1-2 and 5A-6A, the user locks plug 10 in
receptacle 24 by inserting joining structure 12 into space 22.
Referring to FIG. 6A, such movement causes protrusion 72 of bar 70
(FIG. 5A) to move to a first position blocking upward movement of
sloping edge 12a thus blocking upward movement of joining structure
12.
[0046] Referring to FIGS. 5B and 6B, the user unlocks plug 10 from
receptacle 24 by pushing downwardly on pushbutton 80 which causes
wedge 78 to move downwardly, thereby moving bar 70 laterally
against spring-loaded tension. Such movement of bar 70 causes
protrusion 72 to move to a second position shown in FIG. 6B. The
second position is out of blocking engagement with sloping edge
12a, with the result being that joining member 12 can be moved
upwardly and out of receptacle 24 in the direction of arrow 90.
[0047] It should be appreciated that receptacles like receptacle 24
could be placed in desired arms of aircraft-passenger seats (like
arm 26) and plug 10 could be easily interchangeably mounted in any
one of such receptacles to establish communication with an
associated signal port (like jack 14). In this way, plug 10 could
be used by airline companies to offer individual television service
to customers.
[0048] While the present invention has been shown and described
with reference to the foregoing preferred embodiment, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that other changes in form and
detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *