U.S. patent application number 13/790494 was filed with the patent office on 2014-03-20 for vehicle entertainment system.
This patent application is currently assigned to ATOM, ENTERPRISES, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is ATOM, ENTERPRISES, INC.. Invention is credited to Jeffrey D. Brawner.
Application Number | 20140077539 13/790494 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50273701 |
Filed Date | 2014-03-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140077539 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brawner; Jeffrey D. |
March 20, 2014 |
VEHICLE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM
Abstract
A vehicle entertainment system includes a console positioned
behind a vehicle seat and houses electronics of the vehicle
entertainment system. A mount extends rearwardly from the console
and is attached to headrest post guides of the vehicle seat by
which the console is attached to the vehicle seat. A display screen
is movably attached to the console for positioning between stowed
and extended positions, wherein the display screen extends
vertically upward from the console and is positioned behind and at
about the same elevation of a headrest of the vehicle seat when in
the extended position. The mount is low profile and does not
interfere with the standard operation of the vehicle headrest.
Inventors: |
Brawner; Jeffrey D.; (Tampa,
FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ATOM, ENTERPRISES, INC. |
Winter Garden |
FL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
ATOM, ENTERPRISES, INC.
Winter Garden
FL
|
Family ID: |
50273701 |
Appl. No.: |
13/790494 |
Filed: |
March 8, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61702140 |
Sep 17, 2012 |
|
|
|
61732842 |
Dec 3, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/217.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 11/0229 20130101;
B60R 11/02 20130101; B60R 2011/0017 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/217.3 |
International
Class: |
B60R 11/02 20060101
B60R011/02 |
Claims
1. A vehicle entertainment system comprising: a console mounted to
and positioned behind a vehicle seat, said console housing
electronics of the vehicle entertainment system; and a display
screen movably attached to said console for positioning between
stowed and extended positions, wherein said display screen extends
vertically upward from said console and is positioned behind and at
about the same elevation of a headrest of the vehicle seat when in
said extended position.
2. The entertainment system of claim 1, wherein said display screen
is pivotally attached to said console for rotation towards and away
from said console between said stowed position and said extended
position.
3. The entertainment system of claim 1, wherein said console is
mounted to headrest post guides of the vehicle seat.
4. The entertainment system of claim 3, wherein said console is
solely mounted to the headrest post guides of the vehicle seat.
5. A vehicle entertainment system comprising: a console positioned
behind a vehicle seat, said console housing electronics of the
vehicle entertainment system; a mount extending rearwardly from
said console, said mount attached to headrest post guides of the
vehicle seat by which said console is attached to the vehicle seat;
and a display screen movably attached to said console for
positioning between stowed and extended positions, wherein said
display screen extends vertically upward from said console and is
positioned behind and at about the same elevation of a headrest of
the vehicle seat when in said extended position.
6. The entertainment system of claim 5, wherein said display screen
is pivotally attached to said console for rotation towards and away
from said console between said stowed position and said extended
position.
7. The entertainment system of claim 5, wherein said console is
solely mounted to the headrest post guides of the vehicle seat.
8. The entertainment system of claim 5, wherein said mount extends
rearwardly from said console at a position adjacent to a rear top
edge of said console.
9. The entertainment system of claim 8, wherein said console
downwardly depends from said mount.
10. The entertainment system of claim 5, wherein said console
includes one or more recesses configured to removably hold an
article.
11. The entertainment system of claim 5, further comprising: first
and second latch members extending forwardly from said console,
said first and second latch members configured to grip opposite
sides of said monitor and releasable retain said monitor in said
stowed position.
12. The entertainment system of claim 11, wherein each of said
first and said second latch members are entirely made of a
resilient material.
13. The entertainment system of claim 5, wherein said display
screen is positioned behind the vehicle seat at an elevation
substantially below the headrest of the vehicle seat when in said
stowed position.
14. The entertainment system of claim 9, wherein said console is
rigidly attached to said mount.
15. The entertainment system of claim 1, wherein said display
screen is positioned behind the vehicle seat at an elevation
substantially below the headrest of the vehicle seat when in said
stowed position.
16. A vehicle entertainment system comprising: a console positioned
behind a vehicle seat, said console housing electronics of the
vehicle entertainment system; a mount extending rearwardly from
said console at a position adjacent to a rear top edge of said
console, said mount attached to headrest post guides of the vehicle
seat and attaching said console the vehicle seat; and a display
screen movably attached to said console for positioning between
stowed and extended positions, wherein said display screen extends
vertically upward from said console and is positioned behind and at
about the same elevation of a headrest of the vehicle seat when in
said extended position, and wherein said display screen is
positioned behind the vehicle seat at an elevation substantially
below the headrest of the vehicle seat when in said stowed
position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional
patent application Ser. No. 61/702,140, filed Sep. 17, 2012 and the
benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/732,842,
filed Jan. 10, 2013, each of which are incorporated by reference
herein in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to vehicle
entertainment systems, and more particularly, relating to a rear
seat vehicle entertainment system having a console fixedly mounted
to a vehicle seat and a display screen movably attached to the
console between stowed and extending positions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Rear seat entertainment systems for vehicles are well known
in the art. Recently there has been a desire to mount or attach
these entertainment systems to the headrest of a vehicle seat to
position the entertainment system behind the seat for viewing by a
rear seated passenger. Attaching an entertainment system to the
headrest eliminates many problems that existed with overhead
mounted entertainment systems and with systems that are mounted
within the headrest. Although the existing headrest mounted
entertainment systems, devices, and methods meet their respective
objective and requirements, they have many drawbacks. One drawback
found in existing headrest mounted systems is the interfering with
the operation of the headrest that can result in the headrest being
improperly positioned to properly protect a passenger seated the
seat. A second drawback is an excessive strain that is placed on
the vehicle headrest in supporting the entertainment system. A
third drawback is the display screen is placed at too low of an
elevation for most passengers to comfortably view.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Embodiments of the present invention addresses one or more
of these needs by providing a rear seat entertainment system having
a low profile mounting bracket that is configured to attach to
headrest post guides rather than the headrest posts and without
contacting the headrest posts.
[0005] Embodiments of the present invention also addresses one or
more of these needs by providing a rear seat entertainment system
having a configuration that locates system electronics separately
from a movably display screen to reduce stress and fatigue on the
mount and headrest guide posts that otherwise would be induced each
time display screen is positioned.
[0006] To achieve these and other advantages, in one aspect a
vehicle entertainment system includes a console mounted to and
positioned behind a vehicle seat and houses electronics of the
vehicle entertainment system. A display screen is movably attached
to the console for positioning between stowed and extended
positions, wherein the display screen extends vertically upward
from the console and is positioned behind and at about the same
elevation of a headrest of the vehicle seat when in the extended
position.
[0007] The display screen may be pivotally attached to the console
for rotation towards and away from the console between the stowed
position and the extended position. The console may be mounted to
headrest post guides of the vehicle seat. The console may be solely
mounted to the headrest post guides of the vehicle seat.
[0008] To achieve these and other advantages, in another aspect a
vehicle entertainment system includes a console positioned behind a
vehicle seat and houses electronics of the vehicle entertainment
system. A mount extends rearwardly from the console and is attached
to headrest post guides of the vehicle seat by which the console is
attached to the vehicle seat. A display screen is movably attached
to the console for positioning between stowed and extended
positions, wherein the display screen extends vertically upward
from the console and is positioned behind and at about the same
elevation of a headrest of the vehicle seat when in the extended
position.
[0009] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
important features of the invention in order that the detailed
description thereof that follows may be better understood and in
order that the present contribution to the art may be better
appreciated.
[0010] Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in
the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of
presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of
the present invention when taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.
Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology
employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not
be regarded as limiting.
[0011] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be
utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods
and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded
as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not
depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0012] For a better understanding of the invention, its operating
advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference
should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter
in which there are illustrated embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The following drawings illustrate by way of example and are
included to provide further understanding of the invention for the
purpose of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the
invention. No attempt is made to show structural details of the
embodiments in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental
understanding of the invention, the description taken with the
drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the
several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.
Identical reference numerals do not necessarily indicate an
identical structure. Rather, the same reference numeral may be used
to indicate a similar feature of a feature with similar
functionality. In the drawings:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the a rear seat
entertainment system constructed in accordance with the principles
of an embodiment of the present invention, shown in use with a
conventional vehicle seat and with a display screen in an extended
position;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rear seat entertainment
system, shown with the display screen in a stowed position;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a left side elevation view of the rear seat
entertainment system;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the rear seat
entertainment system;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a right side elevation view of the rear seat
entertainment system;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in
FIG. 3;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view of the rear seat entertainment
system illustrated in accordance with an exemplary
configuration;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic view of the rear seat entertainment
system illustrated in accordance with another exemplary
configuration; and
[0022] FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic view of the rear seat entertainment
system illustrated in accordance with another exemplary
configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] Referring initially to FIGS. 1 through 6, there is
representatively illustrated an entertainment system 10 in
accordance with an embodiment embodying the principles of the
present invention. Entertainment system 10 provides a new and
specially designed rear seat entertainment system (RSE) for rear
seated passengers to, among other aspects, listen to music, watch
movies, surf the internet and play games.
[0024] Entertainment system 10 is configured for use in connection
with a conventional vehicle seat 12 having a headrest 14. Pair of
headrest posts 16 extend downwardly from the headrest and are
telescopically received by a corresponding headrest post guides 18,
which extend into the vehicle seat from a top surface 20, to secure
the headrest to the vehicle seat. The entertainment system 10 is
attached or mounted to the vehicle seat 12 utilizing the headrest
post guides 18 to position the entertainment system 10 behind the
vehicle seat 12 for access by a rear seated passenger.
[0025] Entertainment system 10 is designed to prevent excess strain
on the headrest post guides 18 (and headrest posts 16 through the
guides) which the devices heretofore do not contemplate.
Entertainment system 10 is also designed so that it does not
interfere with the operation of the headrest 14, and particularly,
so that is does not interfere with positioning the headrest at a
required elevation for safety of the front seated passenger. Also
the entertainment system 10 is designed to movably position a
display screen of the system at eye level of the rear seated
passenger.
[0026] With continued reference to FIGS. 1 through 6, entertainment
system 10 includes a console 22 that is configured to house the
various electronics 24 of the entertainment system, such as, for
example, an optical disc player or the like. In this embodiment,
console has a loading slot 25 through its top surface for a disc
player 24. Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily
appreciate that many different configurations of the entertainment
system 10 are feasible. Thus, for example, electronics of the
entertainment system 10 may include data drives, disc drives or the
like, memory devices, memory card readers, wireless and wired
communication devices to permit connectivity between other
entertainment systems 10 and/or other entertainment devices, such
as, but not limited to, smart phones, MP3 players, and tablet
devices, etc. Thus it is to be understood the entertainment system
10 is not to be limited in scope to the various electronic
components that it may comprise. It is desirable to position these
electronic components 24 within console 22.
[0027] In the illustrated configuration, entertainment system 10
includes one or more USB connections 26, HDMI connection 28, smart
card reader 30, A/V input 32, and audio out/microphone input 34. Of
course other electrical connections to the entertainment system 10
may be included or substituted for any one of these exemplary
connections. The entertainment system 10 may also include a touch
screen 36 for providing a user with various control selections to
operate the entertainment system. The touch screen 36 may be
disposed on a forward facing surface or side of the console 22.
[0028] Console 22 is secured or mounted to the headrest post guides
18 by a bracket 38 that extends rearwardly from the console so as
to position the console 22 at a location behind the vehicle seat
12. The console 22 generally depends downwardly from bracket 38 and
may rest against the back side 40 of the vehicle seat 12.
[0029] A display screen 42, supported by frame 44, is pivotally
attached to the console 22 for rotation towards and away from the
console between a stowed position (seen in FIG. 2) and an extended
position (seen in FIG. 1.). In the stowed position, the display
screen 42 lays generally flat against or nearly against the front
side 46 of the console 22. In the extended position, the display
screen 42 extends vertically upward from the console 22 and is
positioned behind and at about the same elevation of the headrest
14. In this position, the display screen is at about eye level for
the average rear seated passenger. In an embodiment, not shown, the
display screen 42 may be slidably attached or otherwise movably
attached to the console 22 for positioning between the stowed and
extended positions. Console 22 is configured such that the touch
screen 36 is accessible by a user whether the display screen 42 is
in the stowed or extend position.
[0030] With reference particularly to FIG. 6, bracket 38 includes a
first member 48 and a second member 50 that is perpendicular to and
slidably attached to the first member by sliding coupling 54. The
first member 48 extends laterally between the headrest post guides
18 and is secured at opposite ends 50, 52 to a corresponding
headrest post guide. The first member 48 is extendable to adjust to
the spacing between the headrest post guides 18. The second member
50 may be integral with the console 22 or otherwise attached to the
console such that it extends rearwardly from the console. Coupling
54 permits the second bracket member 50 to be moved relative to the
first bracket member 48 along a forward/aft direction relative to
the vehicle seat 12 to adjust to the thickness of seat to properly
position the console behind the seat. Coupling 54 is operated to
lock the relative position between the first and second members 48
and 50. Bracket 38 may embody the bracket assembly described by
commonly owned and pending patent application Ser. No. 13/790,318,
filed Mar. 8, 2013, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
[0031] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, display screen latches 56,
58 extend outwardly from the front side 46 of the console 22.
Latches 56 and 58 are laterally spaced about a distance that is
equal to the width of the display screen 42 and frame 44 such that
when the display screen is in the stowed position, the latches 56
and 58 engage opposite sides of the frame and retain the display
screen and frame in the stowed position. Latches 56 and 58 are
operable to disengage with the frame 44 and to allow the frame and
display screen 42 is be rotated into the extended position. In an
embodiment, latches 56, 58 are entirely made of a resilient
material, such as, but not limited to a rubber material or the
like, so that the latches do not prevent a safety hazard for a rear
seated passenger from impacting or contacting the latches. Console
22 may also be fitted with stops 60, 62 on the front side 46 to
provide a cushioned contact between the display screen 42 and the
console.
[0032] Console 22 may also be configured to include one or more
pockets 68 on opposite sides for receiving and holding various
portable electronics, such as telephones, MP3 players, etc.
[0033] Entertainment system 10 may also include wireless
connectivity for uni-directional or bi-directional communication
with various other audio/visual components. For example,
entertainment system 10 may include IR, RF, Wi-Fi, wireless FM
modulation and/or Bluetooth connectivity to connect wireless
headphones, wireless remote controls, smart phones and tablet
computers and the like for audio/visual streaming to the
entertainment system and/or connecting the entertainment system to
internet hotspots.
[0034] It is also contemplated that the display screen 42 is an
LED, OLED, LCD screen and may also be a capacitive touch screen to
provide a graphical user interface for a use to interact with the
entertainment system. The entertainment system 10 may also include
a rear facing camera 64 to enable video conferencing through
various applications. The camera 64 may be located on frame 44 or
at another suitable location on console 22. The entertainment
system 10 may also include an IR transceiver 66 to facilitate IR
connectivity, for example, with headphone and/or remote control
units. The IR transceiver 66 may be located on frame 44 or at
another suitable location on console 22.
[0035] It is also contemplated that the entertainment system 10 may
be provided with pre-loaded programs that facilitate, for example,
user social networking, internet web browsing, gaming, video
streaming from various subscriber movie on demand applications
(Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, etc.).
[0036] It will be readily appreciated by persons of ordinary skill
in this field that many different software and hardware
configurations are possible for the entertainment system 10, and
the entertainment system 10 should not be limited to the specific
hardware and software configured discussed above.
[0037] Turning to FIG. 7, there is diagrammatically illustrated
entertainment system 10 in an exemplary configuration in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention, including a smartphone
70 connected to the entertainment system via a wireless connection
72 to stream audio and/or video to the entertainment system.
Wireless connection 72 may be a Wi-Fi DLNA connection or another
other suitable wireless connection. Although a wireless connection
72 is illustrated, smartphone 70 could be connected to the
entertainment system 10 via a wired connection such as through a
USB connection.
[0038] Turning to FIG. 8, there is diagrammatically illustrated
entertainment system 10 in an exemplary configuration in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention, including two separate
entertainment systems 10 that are connected for bi-directional
communication across wireless connection 74. Media can be played
and viewed from either entertainment system via the wireless
connection 74. Similarly, wireless connection 74 may be a Wi-Fi
DLNA connection or another other suitable wireless connection. And
wireless connection 74 could be substituted by a wired connection
between the entertainment systems 10.
[0039] Turning to FIG. 9, there is diagrammatically illustrated
entertainment system 10 in an exemplary configuration in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention, including one or more
entertainment systems 10 and a vehicle head unit 76 connected to
the one or more entertainment systems via a wireless connection 78,
80 to stream audio and/video to the entertainment systems. As
discussed above, wireless connection 78, 80 may be a Wi-Fi DLNA
connection or another other suitable wireless connection. And
wireless connection 78, 80 could be substituted by a wired
connection between the entertainment systems 10. Optionally, a
review view camera 82 may be connectable to the head unit via
wireless or wired connection 84.
[0040] It should now be apparent that an important distinction
between the entertainment system 10 according to embodiments of the
present invention and existing entertainment systems that mount or
secure to a vehicle seat/headrest is found in the location of the
system electronics separately from the display screen, and
particularly, the placement of the system electronics within the
console. Existing entertainment systems locate the system
electronics within the same housing as the display screen, and as a
result the housing is relatively heavy and places strain on the
mount of the housing each time the display screen is adjusted. In
addition, co-location of system electronics with the display screen
prevents system modulation, wherein different display screens
and/or other audio/visual components are not modular with the
entertainment system.
[0041] Accordingly, by locating the system electronics separately
from the display screen system modulation is more readily
available. Further, by locating the system electronics within
system mount the electronics are held stationary with the bracket
and strain is not placed on the bracket when adjusting the position
of screen. Further yet, by locating system electronics within the
console the electronics are moved closer to the attachment point
between the bracket and the vehicle seat, e.g. the headrest post
guides and thus torque loading is reduced on the attachment point
which in turn reduces part fatigue and increases part life.
[0042] A number of embodiments of the present invention have been
described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within
the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *