# US 2014/0191542 A1 · Headrest-mounted monitor

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- Number: US 2014/0191542 A1
- Document ID: US20140191542A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 14/079,426
- Filed: 2013-11-13
- Published: 2014-07-10
- Earliest claimed: 2002-08-14
- Assignees: Johnson Safety, Inc.
- Inventors: Chung L. Chang
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20140191542A1

## CPC

- B60N 2/879: with additional features not related to head-rest positioning, e.g. heating or cooling devices or loudspeakers
- B60R 11/0217: {for loud-speakers}
- B60R 11/0229: {for displays, e.g. cathodic tubes}
- B60R 11/0235: {of flat type, e.g. LCD}
- B60R 11/0247: {for microphones or earphones}
- H04N 5/64: Constructional details of receivers, e.g. cabinets or dust covers (furniture aspects {of television cabinets} A47B81/06)
- H05K 5/0226: {Hinges}
- B60R 2011/0017: {Head-rests}
- B60R 2011/0075: {using a containment or docking space}
- B60R 2011/0082: {collapsible, e.g. for storing after use}
- B60R 2011/0085: {with adjustment by rotation in their operational position}
- B60R 2011/0276: {for rear passenger use}
- Y10T 29/49947: by applying separate fastener
- B60N: SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R: VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H04N: PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H05K: PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION

## Abstract

A monitor adapted for mounting in an automobile headrest is provided. A screen structure of the monitor is pivotable about an upper edge thereof, such that the monitor occupies little volume within the headrest. A viewing angle of the screen structure is independently adjustable by a viewer, such that the viewer can continuously select the optimum viewing angle with changing conditions inside the automobile. The screen structure automatically retracts into a housing when struck. Thus, the monitor poses little risk of injury to passengers. The housing of the monitor is attachable to the headrest with screws, which provides a very sturdy connection and reduces the chances of the housing becoming detached from the headrest during a vehicle collision. The hinged connection between the screen structure and the housing is preferably constructed of interconnected components made from sturdy materials, such as metals. Hinge components are optionally secured with metal fastening members and fastening apertures made of metal and strong plastics. The hinges are thus unlikely to break during a vehicle collision.

## Claims

### Claim at position 1

-4. (canceled)

### Claim 5

A video monitor adapted to be mounted to a headrest of a vehicle seat, the monitor comprising:
a housing having a cavity that defines a storage space;
a screen structure substantially the same size and shape as the storage space, the screen structure having a front face and a back face having a plurality of apertures, the screen structure configured to attach to the housing such that the screen structure can pivot between a first configuration and a second configuration; and
at least one speaker within an interior of the screen structure, wherein the at least one speaker is positioned and configured such that sounds from the speaker pass through the plurality of apertures on the back face of the screen structure.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The video monitor of claim 5, wherein the at least one speaker comprises a first speaker and a second speaker.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The video monitor of claim 6, wherein the first speaker is on a first side of the screen structure and the second speaker is on a second side of the screen structure opposite the first side.

### Claim 8 (depends on 5)

The video monitor of claim 5, wherein the plurality of apertures are aligned with the at least one speaker.

### Claim 9

A mobile video system, comprising:
a headrest;
a housing that defines a cavity, the housing configured to be positioned within the headrest;
a screen structure secured within the housing such that the screen structure can pivot from a first position to a second position; and
at least one speaker within the screen structure, the speaker configured to emit sounds through a back face of the screen structure.)

### Claim 10 (depends on 9)

The mobile video system of claim 9, wherein the screen structure further comprises a plurality of openings on the back face of the screen structure.

### Claim 11 (depends on 10)

The mobile video system of claim 10, wherein the plurality of openings are aligned with the at least one speaker and are configured to enable sound to pass through the back of the screen structure.

### Claim 12 (depends on 9)

The video monitor of claim 9, wherein the at least one speaker comprises a first speaker and a second speaker.

### Claim 13 (depends on 12)

The video monitor of claim 12, wherein the first speaker is on a first side of the screen structure and the second speaker is on a second side of the screen structure opposite the first side.