U.S. patent application number 11/496656 was filed with the patent office on 2006-12-07 for entertainment system comprising suspension platform.
Invention is credited to Jeffrey A. Swaim, Christopher Toll.
Application Number | 20060272968 11/496656 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37493076 |
Filed Date | 2006-12-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060272968 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Swaim; Jeffrey A. ; et
al. |
December 7, 2006 |
Entertainment system comprising suspension platform
Abstract
An entertainment system, comprising an entertainment device, a
suspension platform, and, optionally, a storage bag, is described.
The suspension platform is removably secured to a seat back of a
front seat in the passenger compartment of a passenger vehicle.
Alternatively, the suspension platform may be removably suspended
between two front seats of a passenger vehicle. In either location
the suspension platform provides means for securing an
entertainment device inside the passenger vehicle, for convenient
use by one or more occupants of rear seats in the passenger
vehicle. The suspension platform may be redisposed into a
configuration suitable for protecting the entertainment device
during storage or transport. A storage bag provides means for
storing the entertainment device and suspension platform, and also
such accessories as may be employed with these items.
Inventors: |
Swaim; Jeffrey A.; (Santa
Maria, CA) ; Toll; Christopher; (Nipomo, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET
FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Family ID: |
37493076 |
Appl. No.: |
11/496656 |
Filed: |
July 31, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10712388 |
Nov 12, 2003 |
|
|
|
11496656 |
Jul 31, 2006 |
|
|
|
10012272 |
Dec 1, 2001 |
6685016 |
|
|
10712388 |
Nov 12, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/320 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10S 224/929 20130101;
A47B 23/002 20130101; B60R 2011/0075 20130101; A45C 2200/15
20130101; B60R 11/0211 20130101; A45C 2013/025 20130101; A45C 13/30
20130101; G06F 1/1628 20130101; B60R 11/0252 20130101; A45C 7/0095
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/320 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/00 20060101
B65D085/00 |
Claims
1. A method for removably mounting an entertainment device to at
least one seat of a vehicle, said apparatus having an open
configuration and a closed configuration, said method comprising:
providing an apparatus with a front portion, a rear portion, and a
pivoting portion between said front and rear portions; forming a
closed container in said closed configuration, by pivoting the
front portion or the rear portion so that the front portion is in
close proximity with the rear portion, said container sized to
receive said entertainment device for transporting said device;
forming a platform in an open configuration by pivoting the front
portion or rear portion; releasably attaching said platform to at
least one seat of a vehicle with at least two strap portions
extending from said apparatus to said seat; and mounting said
entertainment device to said platform by positioning said
entertainment device between said platform and a retaining member
having an adjustable length.
2. A method as in claim 1, further comprising providing a panel
connecting said front portion to said rear portion opposite said
pivoting portion in said open configuration.
3. A method as in claim 1, wherein said retaining member comprises
a strap.
4. A method as in claim 1, further comprising providing a bump
covered by rubbery material on said front portion.
5. A method as in claim 1, further comprising zipping the front
portion and the rear portion together in said closed
configuration.
6. A method as in claim 1, further comprising attaching the at
least two straps portions to the apparatus by loops affixed to the
apparatus.
7. A method for removably mounting an entertainment device to at
least one seat of a vehicle, said method comprising: providing an
apparatus with a front portion, a rear portion, and a pivoting
portion between said front portion and said rear portion; forming a
platform in an open configuration by pivoting the front portion or
rear portion; attaching a first portion of a first strap
substantially near a corner of the apparatus; securing the first
strap around at least a portion of a first car seat; attaching a
second portion of the first strap to the apparatus; attaching a
first portion of a second strap substantially near a corner of the
apparatus; securing the second strap around at least a portion of
the first car seat; attaching a second portion of the second strap
to the apparatus.
8. A method as in claim 7, further comprising providing a panel
connecting said front portion to said rear portion opposite said
pivoting portion in said open configuration.
9. A method as in claim 7, further comprising retaining the
entertainment device to the apparatus with a retaining member.
10. A method as in claim 7, further comprising providing a bump
covered by rubbery material on said front portion.
11. A method as in claim 7, further comprising zipping the front
portion and the rear portion together in a closed
configuration.
12. A method for removably mounting an entertainment device to at
least one seat of a vehicle, said method comprising: providing an
apparatus with a front portion, a rear portion, and a pivoting
portion between said front portion and said rear portion; forming a
platform in an open configuration by pivoting the front portion or
rear portion; attaching a first portion of a first strap
substantially near a corner of the apparatus; securing the first
strap around at least a portion of a first car seat; attaching a
second portion of the first strap to the apparatus; attaching a
first portion of a second strap substantially near a corner of the
apparatus; securing the second strap around at least a portion of a
second car seat; attaching a second portion of the second strap to
the apparatus.
13. A method as in claim 12, further comprising providing a panel
connecting said front portion to said rear portion opposite said
pivoting portion in said open configuration.
14. A method as in claim 12, further comprising retaining the
entertainment device to the apparatus with a retaining member.
15. A method as in claim 12, further comprising providing a bump
covered by rubbery material on said front portion.
16. A method as in claim 12, further comprising zipping the front
portion and the rear portion together in a closed configuration.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of copending application
Ser. No. 10/712,388, filed Nov. 12, 2003, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/012,272, filed Dec. 1, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,685,016 issued
on Feb. 3, 2004.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to an entertainment system for use in
a passenger vehicle. In particular, the invention relates to a
suspension platform that permits the secure temporary installation
of an entertainment device in a passenger vehicle. The suspension
platform also permits easy removal of the entertainment system from
the passenger vehicle.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] There are many devices and systems for the entertainment of
passengers in passenger vehicles. As used herein, the term
"passenger vehicle" describes any vehicle used for transportation
of people. The term is particularly applicable to automobiles,
vans, buses, boats, motor homes, and even airplanes, but not
limited thereto.
[0006] Such devices may be as simple as the car radio that is
standard equipment for many models of modern automobiles. Some
luxury automobiles are equipped with devices by which the operator
of the vehicle may obtain information regarding his present
location; such devices combine communications equipment and global
positioning systems. Conversion vans may be equipped with
television sets or videotape players. Such equipment is typically
permanently installed, to deter theft, but at the price of
difficult and expensive installation by experts.
[0007] Commercial buses and airplanes may be fitted with
entertainment systems, through which passengers throughout the
vehicle may view entertainment programming, such as a movie,
selected by the crew of the vehicle. Such systems typically
comprise a videotape recorder and a plurality of viewing screens.
The viewing screens may comprise projectors and reflective screens
hung from the ceiling of the vehicle. Alternatively, viewing
screens may be cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors mounted in overhead
consoles, or liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors built into
armrests or the seatbacks of the vehicle. Entertainment systems of
this type are not widely available as original equipment in
passenger cars because of cost and warranty considerations, and
because in a very large fraction of all passenger car mileage in
the United States, the car is occupied only by the driver.
[0008] It became apparent to the inventor that there is a need for
flexible entertainment systems for use in passenger vehicles. While
a family with young children is making a long automobile trip,
those children often become bored, in part because they sit in a
back seat and they are too short to see outside scenery past the
high seat backs of the front seats. With respect to commercial
passenger vehicles, the need is manifested by the desire of a
passenger to be entertained with programming other than that
provided through a system permanently installed in the vehicle. In
either of these situations, the possibility of easily removing an
entertainment system from the vehicle is, at very least, desirable.
Of course, in the context of a commercial vehicle, removal from the
vehicle is essential. Identification of a market for such products
led to development of the apparatus disclosed herein.
[0009] In the context of the present discussion, the term
"entertainment device" is taken to include devices such as compact
disk players (CD players), digital video disk players (DVD
players), laptop computers, global positioning systems (GPS
devices), video games such as those made by Nintendo, Sega or Sony,
and other similar devices. Interpretation of the term must be
inclusive, specifically including such similar or related devices
not specifically mentioned herein. Many entertainment devices are
provided with a viewing screen as an integral feature thereof. The
apparatus disclosed herein is particularly suited to use with such
devices, but not limited thereto; thus, the use of the term
"entertainment device" should not be limited thereto. A wide
variety of entertainment devices of suitable configuration are
commercially available, and the apparatus disclosed herein may be
used in conjunction with such entertainment devices.
[0010] Hereinafter, the term "entertainment system" is taken to
comprise an entertainment device and means for securing such a
device in a passenger vehicle, such that it may be conveniently
used by one or more passengers. The term may also be taken to
include means for protecting and carrying the entertainment device
outside the passenger vehicle.
[0011] Prior art in the field of entertainment systems has followed
development of entertainment devices. Early entertainment systems
incorporate television sets having cathode ray tubes (CRT TVs).
Weinblatt (U.S. Pat. No. 4,635,110) disclosed an entertainment
system in which apparatus for securing a TV and VCR inside an
automobile is laid over the back of a front seat of the automobile.
Development of a CRT TV with a videotape cassette recorder/player
(VCR) incorporated led to the invention by Landy (U.S. Pat. No.
5,725,189) of a device for securing such a combination device into
an automobile. Perkins (U.S. Pat. No. 6,097,448) discloses a means
of securing such a device to the backs of two front seats of an
automobile. Development of liquid crystal display (LCD) televisions
and monitors led to inventions by Lee (U.S. Pat. No. 6,283,299) and
Meritt (U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,092,705 and 6,216,927) of devices that
secure the combination of an LCD display and a playback device,
such as a VCR or DVD player, into an automobile. Meritt's '927
patent also discloses apparatus for securing a game-type
entertainment device having a case with a substantially vertical
orientation to a front seat of an automobile. However, Meritt makes
no provision for an entertainment device having a substantially
horizontal orientation, and a hinged lid, where a viewing screen is
incorporated in that hinged lid. Such devices, which include
portable DVD players and laptop computers, are fully
self-contained, having sufficient capability of their internal
batteries to permit extended use without external power. Of course,
such devices may be operated on external power to extend operating
time. Meritt's teachings are inapplicable to such entertainment
devices.
[0012] Meritt's '927 patent contains a summary of development of
devices relating to his invention, which summary is germane to
disclosed embodiments of the present invention. Thus, the
disclosures thereof are incorporated herein by reference.
[0013] Portable, or laptop, computers have been designed for
operation while the user balances the computer on his lap. However
appropriate such use might be when the user is seated in a chair,
doing so in a passenger vehicle creates the potential hazard that
the computer may fly uncontrolled in the passenger compartment, in
the event of an accident or sudden maneuver. Some of the many
inventions relating to protective case for portable computers may
serve to alleviate, but not solve, this problem. For example,
Jackson (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,971,148 and 6,269,948) discloses a
protective case that the user drapes across his knees, partially
securing the computer to his knees. Howard, Jr. (U.S. Pat. No.
6,109,434) discloses a protective case that a user may secure to
one wrist by a strap incorporated in the case, while operating the
computer with the other hand. Myles et al (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,887,723
and 5,887,777) disclose a protective case that incorporates a strap
placed around the neck of a user to support a computer. None of
these devices truly address the issue of a computer flying
uncontrolled in the passenger compartment, and none are suitable
for use by children in the back seat of an automobile.
[0014] It is believed that the entertainment system, as set forth
herein, is neither taught nor rendered obvious by the prior art
cited above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] It is an object of a disclosed embodiment of the present
invention to provide a means for removably securing an
entertainment device inside the passenger compartment of a
passenger vehicle. In particular, it is an object of this disclosed
embodiment of the present invention to secure the entertainment
device to the seat back of a front seat of such a passenger
vehicle, so that the entertainment device may be conveniently used
by an occupant of the rear seat of the passenger vehicle.
[0016] It is another object of a disclosed embodiment of the
present invention to provide a means for removably securing an
entertainment device that may secure such a device either behind
one front seat, or in the space between two front seats.
[0017] It is another object of a disclosed embodiment of the
present invention to provide a means for protecting the
entertainment device, both while it is secured in a passenger
vehicle and while it is being transported and/or stored outside the
passenger vehicle.
[0018] It is still another object of a disclosed embodiment of the
present invention to provide such means in a compact form that can
be conveniently stored with the entertainment device.
[0019] It is yet another object of a disclosed embodiment of the
present invention to provide a means for securing in the passenger
compartment of a passenger vehicle any sort of entertainment device
such as compact disk players (CD players), digital video disk
players (DVD players), laptop computers, global positioning systems
(GPS devices), and video games, and the like.
[0020] It is a further object of a disclosed embodiment of the
present invention to provide means for removably securing an
entertainment device to any type of front seat, whether the seat
has a high back, a movable head restraint, or neither of these
design features.
[0021] It is a yet further object of a disclosed embodiment of the
present invention to provide a means for holding and carrying
accessories that may be used with an entertainment device.
[0022] It is a still further object of a disclosed embodiment of
the present invention to provide an entertainment system that may
be positioned, as desired, for easy use by occupants of the rear
seat of a passenger vehicle.
[0023] It is yet another object of a disclosed embodiment of the
present invention to provide an apparatus for removably mounting an
entertainment device, such as a digital video player or laptop
computer, to at least one seat of a vehicle. In particular, the
apparatus has an open configuration and a closed configuration,
comprised of a front portion and a rear portion, where the front
portion and rear portion are configured to form a container in a
closed configuration and the container is sized to receive the
entertainment device for transporting said device. Also, the front
portion and rear portion are configured to form a platform in an
open configuration, where the platform is adapted to be releasably
attached to at least one seat of a vehicle and is capable of
mounting said entertainment device for use.
[0024] It is another object of a disclosed embodiment of the
present invention to provide an apparatus for removably mounting an
entertainment device, such as a digital video player or laptop
computer, to at least one seat of a vehicle, where the
entertainment device has a viewing screen portion hinged to a
central console portion, and the apparatus comprises a platform
having a generally triangular cross section comprised of a front
portion and rear portion which meet at an upper apex. Additionally,
the front portion is configured to receive the entertainment device
such that the bottom of the console portion is inclined relative to
both the horizontal and vertical.
[0025] The entertainment system of the various preferred
embodiments of the present invention, as described herein,
accomplishes these and other objectives through a novel combination
of design concepts and embodiments thereof. The system comprises an
entertainment device and a suspension platform. Specifically, the
suspension platform can comprise three panels, connected
edge-to-edge, so that the panels may be arranged to form a sort of
rigid triangular tube. The suspension platform may alternatively be
arranged in a flat configuration with the entertainment device
therewithin. In the triangular configuration, the interior of the
suspension platform, and the entertainment device secured thereto,
are exposed for the convenience of the user. At least one strap is
provided to secure the suspension platform to the back of one front
seat (or both front seats) of a passenger vehicle. The straps are
of sufficient length to encircle the front seat(s) of a passenger
vehicle, and adjustable in length; they may be separated from the
suspension platform for convenient storage. To secure the
suspension platform to one front seat, two straps may suffice. To
secure the suspension platform between two front seats, at least
three straps will normally be required.
[0026] It should be noted that although the term "suspension
platform" is used herein to describe a platform by which an
entertainment device may be supported in a passenger vehicle, that
same element may also act as a protective case while the
entertainment device is stored or transported.
[0027] In order to collect and carry the accessories that may be
used with an entertainment device, a large storage bag, of
sufficient size to carry the suspension platform with the
entertainment device therewithin, along with those accessories, is
also provided.
[0028] Other objects and advantages of preferred embodiments of the
present invention will be understood and appreciated by reference
to the following detailed description of the invention, and the
appended claims and drawings. It should be noted that like
reference symbols in the drawings and related text indicate the
same or similar components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are depicted
in the accompanying drawings. Various features and advantages of
these presently preferred embodiments will be better understood
when the specification and claims hereof are considered in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is understood that
the scope of the invention is not limited by the precise features
and arrangements illustrated herein. In the accompanying drawings,
like reference symbols designate the same or similar features
throughout the several views. In the accompanying drawings:
[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates, in schematic form, a suspension platform
in its closed configuration.
[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates, in schematic form, a suspension platform
in its closed configuration. The direction of view of FIG. 2 is
diagonally opposite to, and slightly above that of FIG. 1.
[0032] FIG. 3A illustrates, in schematic form, a suspension
platform in its open configuration. The viewpoint in this figure is
from the left side, and slightly to the rear of, the suspension
platform.
[0033] FIG. 3B illustrates the hook-and-loop embodiment for the
flexible connections.
[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates, in schematic form, a suspension platform
in its open configuration. The viewpoint in this figure is to from
the right shoulder of the user of an entertainment device that
might be installed in the suspension platform.
[0035] FIG. 5 provides a schematic view of the right side of a
suspension platform showing the redisposition of a suspension
platform from its closed configuration to its open configuration,
and the extent of rotation of components thereof with respect to
other components required by such redisposition.
[0036] FIG. 6 illustrates, in schematic form, a suspension platform
in a partially opened configuration.
[0037] FIG. 7 illustrates, in schematic form, the installation of a
suspension platform between two seats of a passenger vehicle.
[0038] FIG. 8 illustrates, in schematic form, the installation of a
suspension platform to the rear of a single seat of a passenger
vehicle.
[0039] FIG. 9 illustrates a storage bag for storing a suspension
platform.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0040] In one preferred embodiment, an entertainment system
comprises an entertainment device, a suspension platform, and an
optional storage bag.
[0041] Direction terms used herein, such as upper and lower, left
and right, reflect orientation and position of a user of the
entertainment device, when the user is seated in a rear seat of a
passenger vehicle. Interior and exterior surfaces of components of
the suspension platform are identified relative to the closed
configuration of the case.
[0042] FIGS. 1 and 2 show the suspension platform of one preferred
embodiment in its closed configuration. The suspension platform,
shown generally at 1, is comprised of three panels, a first panel
10, a second panel 20 and a third panel 30. The exterior surfaces
of the first and second panels are shown at 11 and 21,
respectively. The interior surface of the third panel is shown in
FIG. 2 at 32. There is a first flexible connection 15 between the
rear edge of the first panel 10 and the lower edge of the second
panel 20. There is a second flexible connection 25 between the
upper edge of the second panel 20 and the upper edge of the third
panel 30. In FIG. 1, the lower edges of the second and third
panels, shown at 20 and 30, respectively, the rear edge of the
first panel 10, and the first flexible connection 15 are shown in
the foreground of the figure. In FIG. 2, the upper edges of the
second and third panels, shown at 20 and 30, respectively, the
front edge of the first panel 10, and the second flexible
connection 25 are shown in the foreground of the figure. To secure
panels 20 and 30 in their appropriate closed positions, the panels
are secured to each other by separable closure means, which in this
preferred embodiment of the invention is a zipper 50.
Alternatively, tabs having mating patches of hook-and-loop material
may be employed. An entertainment device may be secured between
panels 20 and 30 by closing the zipper 50. Panels 10 and 20 are
separably secured to each other, in this case by tabs 52 and 56,
each having a snap connector, shown at 53 and 57, respectively,
thereon. Mating snap connectors, sometimes called snap studs, shown
at 54 and 58, respectively, are affixed to the exterior surface 21
of the second panel 20. Mating hook-and-loop material can also be
used. In its closed configuration, the suspension platform of one
preferred embodiment provides a compact package that protects an
entertainment device enclosed therein.
[0043] FIGS. 3A and 4 illustrate the suspension platform of one
preferred embodiment in its open configuration. In redisposing the
suspension platform from its closed to open configurations, the
first flexible connection 15 may provide as little as about 60
degrees of rotation of panel 20 with respect to panel 10, as shown
at 71 in FIG. 5. However, the second flexible connection 25 may
provide at least 300 degrees of rotation of panel 30 with respect
to panel 20, as shown at 72 in FIG. 5. Greater flexibility of the
flexible connections may allow further rotation of the panels
involved, and may be preferred. In redisposing the case to its open
position, panels 20 and 30 are bent almost fully back on
themselves. To complete the redisposition, snap connectors 53 and
57 on tabs 52 and 56 are engaged with a second set of mating snap
connectors 55 and 59, respectively, situated on the interior
surface 32 of panel 30. In its open configuration, the suspension
platform comprises a triangular structure that is quite rigid, even
though fabric tabs may be used as a separable connection between
panels 10 and 30. Redisposition of the suspension platform is
illustrated in FIG. 5. The angle of rotation of panel 20 with
respect to panel 10 is designated 71. The angle of rotation of
panel 30 with respect to panel 20 is designated 72. The angle of
rotation of panel 40 with respect to panel 10 is designated 73.
[0044] FIG. 3B illustrates a portion of FIG. 3A where hook-and-loop
material is utilized for the flexible connections of FIG. 3A. In
this embodiment, panels 10 and 30 are separably secured to each
other, in this case by tab 56a, having a connector of hook-and-loop
material, shown at 57a, respectively, thereon. Mating hook-and-loop
material, shown at 59a, is affixed to the interior surface 32 of
panel 30. In this embodiment, mating hook-and-loop material could
also be used in place of the other connections, such as the
connection between panel 10 and 20 in the closed configuration.
[0045] The suspension platform of one preferred embodiment includes
means for securing an entertainment device to the interior surface
32 of panel 30. Many different devices may be employed for this
purpose. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, three
separate devices are cooperatively employed to this end. The
entertainment device rests in a U-shaped bracket 33 attached to the
interior surface 32. Additionally, a strap 36, permanently affixed
at one end to the right side of interior surface 32, and adjustably
secured to a ring 37 on the left side of interior surface 32, is
adjusted to fit snugly over the entertainment device. Strap 36 is
preferably provided with a rubbery material on at least one surface
thereof, to deter slipping of the entertainment device from under
said strap. A rubbery material suitable for this application has a
high coefficient of friction in contact with plastic or metal cases
commonly employed with entertainment devices. Thirdly, one or more
patches of hook-and-loop material, shown at 38 and 39, may be
attached to the interior surface 32. Mating patches of
hook-and-loop material may be adhesively bonded to the case of the
entertainment device. One suitable type of hook-and-loop material
is known by the trade name Velcro. Some types of fabric have the
capability of engaging hook-type Velcro patches; the use of such a
fabric on the interior surface 32 is deemed to be equivalent to
attaching a separate patch to said interior surface. Further, a
compliant bump 48 in the interior surface 32, said bump having a
surface made from a rubbery material, serves to deter the
entertainment device from sliding out of the suspension platform,
even in the event of a sudden stop of the passenger vehicle in
which it is secured.
[0046] The suspension platform is optionally provided with a fourth
panel 40, joined by a third flexible connection 35 to the front
edge of panel 10. A pocket 43 is provided on one, or both, surfaces
of panel 40. The preferred location of pocket 43 is on the front
surface 41 of panel 40. In the closed configuration of the
suspension platform, panel 40 is disposed between panels 10 and 20,
which combine to protect panel 40, and any items stored in pocket
43. In the open configuration of the suspension platform, panel 40
is allowed to hang down, providing easy access to items stored in
pocket 43.
[0047] FIG. 6 illustrates the suspension platform in a partially
opened configuration, to show the relationship of each panel to its
neighbors. Panel 40 with pocket 43, flexible connection 35,
interior surface 12 of panel 10, flexible connection 15, exterior
surface 21 of panel 20, flexible connection 25 and exterior surface
31 of panel 30 are shown from left to right in the figure. In one
preferred embodiment, pockets 24 are provided on the exterior
surface 21 of panel 20. Such pockets are useful for storing CD ROMs
or DVD disks. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, such pockets are protected
in the closed configuration of the suspension platform.
[0048] The suspension platform of one preferred embodiment also
comprises means for securing it to the seat backs of one or more
seats in a passenger vehicle. Although such means could comprise
straps that are permanently attached to the suspension platform, it
may be preferable to have such straps separable from the suspension
platform. One means of separably attaching such straps 60 to the
suspension is a plurality of D-rings attached to the suspension
platform. D-rings 61, 62 and 63 are attached to the left side of
exterior surfaces 21 and 31 of panels 20 and 30, respectively, and
D-rings 64, 65 and 66 are attached to the right side of those
exterior surfaces, respectively. Adjustability of the straps that
encircle the seats of the passenger vehicle may be achieved by many
means that are known to those skilled in the art of luggage
manufacture. Various types of buckles, quick disconnect fittings
and the like may be employed for this purpose. One particular type
of adjustable buckle can be achieved by placing two D-rings at each
location shown in the figures. The functionality of whatever straps
and buckles that may be employed is that they urge the suspension
platform forward, into contact (or close proximity) with the seat
back of the front seat of a passenger vehicle. It is the interior
surface 22 of panel 20 that may contact the seat back. It is
anticipated that the suspension platform can be urged into contact
with the seat back as a means of reducing vibration of the
entertainment system in response to motion of the passenger
vehicle.
[0049] Another representative application of the suspension
platform of one preferred embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 7,
which depicts installation between the two front seats of a
vehicle. In this application, right front seat 100 and left front
seat 110 are provided with head restraints 101, 111 respectively
that serve as anchors for two upper straps 102, 112, respectively.
Straps 102 and 112 are secured to D-rings 66,65 and 62,63,
respectively, thereby allowing for the suspension of the platform 1
between the two seats 100, 110. Two lower straps 103, 113,
preferably used in conjunction with S-hooks, are shown secured to
the mechanisms 104, 114 by which the positions of the front seats
may be adjusted. Alternatively, a single lower strap, secured to
the seat adjusting mechanism for the left front seat, through the
lower D-rings of the suspension platform, and on to the seat
adjusting mechanism for the right front seat, where it is secured
thereto. For high back front seats without identifiable head
restraints, it may be preferable to employ two horizontal straps
encircling each front seat in the manner taught by Perkins. To
secure the suspension platform to a,single front seat, it may be
preferable to encircle the front seat with straps oriented
vertically. Vertical straps would presumably affect occupants of a
front seat less than horizontal straps. An important aspect of one
preferred embodiment is that the configurations of the straps may
provide sufficient flexibility to accommodate almost any front seat
configuration. The use of multiple D-rings at or near the indicated
locations helps provide such flexibility. Any appropriate
configuration of the straps is deemed to be part of one preferred
embodiment.
[0050] FIG. 7 also illustrates the installation of a representative
entertainment device, such as a DVD player 2, in the suspension
platform 1. The entertainment device 2 includes a viewing screen
3.
[0051] FIG. 8 illustrates the installation of a suspension platform
1 to a single seat 110 of a vehicle. In this embodiment, straps
120, 130 are adjusted to encircle the seat 110 and are attached to
the D-rings 64, 65 and 61, 62. Alternatively, a single strap can be
attached to D-rings 64, 61 and used to loop around headrest of seat
110. In this embodiment, either D-ring 65 or 62 or both can be
attached to or looped around a bar, rod or fixture under seat 110
by a strap.
[0052] The suspension platform of one preferred embodiment provides
sufficient flexibility in securing it to the front seat of a
passenger vehicle that it allows considerable latitude in height of
the viewing screen of an entertainment device, thereby
accommodating both adults and children.
[0053] Entertainment devices of the type contemplated in one
preferred embodiment frequently entail the use of many accessories.
Some of those accessories might be: CD ROMs or DVD disks; earphones
or headsets; spare batteries; and a power supply to enable
operation of the entertainment device from the electrical system of
the passenger vehicle. To keep all of these accessories collected
in a single bag, a separate storage bag is provided as a preferred
aspect of one preferred embodiment.
[0054] FIG. 9 illustrates a storage bag 200 of one preferred
embodiment. Storage bag 200 is preferably provided with at least
two compartments; a first compartment 202 is sized to receive the
suspension platform, and a second compartment 204 is sized and
configured to receive the aforementioned accessories. The storage
bag 200 is preferably provided with a movable lid and means for
securing that lid during transport or storage; it may also be
provided with a handle or carrying strap 210. The general
configuration of the storage bag is similar to that of a gadget bag
often employed by photographers.
[0055] The suspension platform of one preferred embodiment may be
constructed of many different materials. The presently preferred
materials include the sort of heavy nylon cloth (sometimes
identified as "ballistic cloth") used in the manufacture of
suitcases and other forms of luggage. This cloth is preferred for
exterior surfaces 11, 21 and 31 of panels 10, 20 and 30, and
flexible connection 25. Note that a single piece of cloth may be
employed to fabricate items 21, 25 and 31 as an integral unit, as
suggested in FIG. 6; this is a preferred, but not essential, aspect
of the invention. A lighter weight nylon cloth is preferred for the
interior surfaces 12, 22 and 32 of panels 10, 20 and 30. Each of
the panels 10, 20 and 30 is preferably stiffened by a thin sheet of
plastic inserted between the respective interior and exterior
surfaces. Other materials, such as cardboard, may be employed for
this purpose. A portion of each flexible connection may be free of
such stiffeners. The optional panel 40 is of similar construction
to the other panels, although the lighter weight cloth may be used
for both surfaces. The pocket 43 is preferable fabricated from a
mesh material, to facilitate identification of items placed in the
pocket. Assembly methods for fabricating the suspension platform,
such as by sewing the components together, are known to those
skilled in the art of luggage manufacture.
[0056] Straps employed in one preferred embodiment are preferably
made of nylon web belting. This material is frequently utilized in
the manufacture of luggage, and it is known to those skilled in
that art.
[0057] Although one preferred embodiment has been described with
reference to certain preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated
that one preferred embodiment is not limited thereby. In
particular, the concepts of the one preferred embodiment are fully
applicable to alternative means for protecting an entertainment
device and removably securing it to a front seat of a passenger
vehicle. Those skilled in the art will recognize that minor
variations and modifications in the design and manufacture of the
entertainment system and suspension platform, as described herein,
still lie within the spirit and scope thereof, and such variations
and modifications properly fall within the scope of preferred
embodiments, which is defined by the following claims.
* * * * *