KR940006282B1 - Portable video and audio equipment holder for use in an automobile - Google Patents

Abstract

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Description

Portable video and audio equipment holders for use in cars

1 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of a device constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the device shown in FIG. 1, with a reduced view of the panels folded for transportation.

3 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a side view of the device shown in FIG. 3, in a folded state such as a panel for transportation or storage.

* Explanation of symbols for main parts of the drawings

1,60: holder 3: head

5,7,62,64: Panel 9: Floor surface

11,66,84,86: Hinge 13: Front

15,33,47: opening 17: cabinet

19: cavity 21: cover strip

23,82: Portable VCR 25,80: Power source

27,46: plug 29,31: socket

39: speaker 41,45: volume control knob

43: Jack 49,83: Bracket

68: TV 70: pad

72: reinforcement means 74: hook

76: strap 77: stop

78: audio assembly 83: clip

88 bar

The present invention relates to a device for fixing video and audio, and in particular with associated equipment such as a video record (“VCR”) and speaker or jack system, which can be easily installed in a vehicle and easily removed therefrom. A portable holder for holding a television set ("TV") together.

Being able to watch the video program is useful for rear-seat passengers traveling by car in a variety of situations. For example, a very busy executive on his way home from work or back home may have the opportunity to see a pre-recorded program in his private limousine that would be missed without this facility. He may also have time to view already recorded business or educational materials by operating a VCR installed in his limousine. Another example of the use in which such equipment can be installed is in particular entertainment during long distance travel. As passengers, especially children, get bored during long car trips, the TV will provide some familiarity and entertainment as a diversion from cramped spaces and unchanging backgrounds. The program may be received from the air in a powerful receiving area and recorded for later playback, or may be played back as a VCR equipped with a commercially available pre-recorded tape.

Limousines are useful for embedded equipment designed for this purpose. In large limousines, space is usually not a problem. However, typical private cars do not have the space necessary to permanently receive the necessary equipment. Accordingly, there is a need for some form of holder that is portable to provide audio-visual characteristics and to be easily and conveniently installed and removed in a vehicle.

This removal is particularly beneficial if the car is left under circumstances where equipment theft may occur (eg, a cold, bad neighborhood).

One study proposed for this purpose is described in US Pat. No. 4,383,626, issued to the inventors on March 17, 1983. It uses a frame that is designed to fit over the back of the front seat. The frame is equipped with a platform that can be raised to a horizontal position and a TV can be mounted thereon. The platform can be folded relative to the frame when the device is not in use. Although this study has several beneficial features, it also introduces some deficiencies. First, when the TV is placed on the platform, it is completely exposed in the car. No covers or pads are provided for the edges and corners of the TV.

If passengers make strong contact with the TV, such as in a car crash, the edges and corners of the TV can cause serious injury.

Secondly, the separate handling of the frame and the TV entails time-consuming and cumbersome installation and removal of the equipment.

In addition to this inconvenience, the VCR of the TV is put into defenselessness while being transported into and out of the car. Thus, each of these may particularly hit or fall off any part of the relatively rigid boundary inside the motor vehicle. Third, the frame does not include a means for conveniently transporting it, such as a handle or grip, so it is difficult to transport it elsewhere. Finally, the frame is somewhat bulky if you fold it down. Therefore, transportation and storage are inconvenient.

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a portable holder for video and audio equipment for use in a family vehicle.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable holder for video and audio equipment for use in a family type vehicle, which can be conveniently and quickly installed in and removed from an automobile.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a portable holder for video and audio equipment for use in a family car, which can accommodate TVs and VCRs with suitable speaker and headphone units.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a portable holder for video and audio equipment for use in a family car, which is robust, relatively inexpensive and easy to manufacture.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a portable holder for video and audio equipment for use in a family vehicle, which is easy to transport and protects TVs and VCRs during transportation.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a portable holder for video and audio equipment for use in a family car, combining all the components of the video and audio into a single unit.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a portable holder for video and audio equipment for use in a family car, which protects passengers from injuries in the event of passengers colliding with the equipment.

In order to achieve these and other objects, the present invention relates to a device used to provide a video program to passengers in the rear of a car. The device is relatively compact and portable so that it can be easily installed in and removed from an automobile. The device consists of a holder rotatably connected to one part for securely receiving the TV and to another part for securely receiving the VCR. The two parts can be folded against each other so that the TV and the VCR are positioned between them and thus protected from damage in transit.

In one preferred embodiment, the three main parts are the head part, the front panel and the rear panel. The TV is received in the head portion, the front side of which is visible through the opening in the rear surface of the head portion. The panels are rotatably attached to the head by a hinge or the like. The recorded program is available from the VCR attached to the front panel and the audio is provided by the assembly attached to the rear panel.

When the panels are rotated upwards, the TV is covered by the rear panel and the VCR enters the space formed by the panels. Thus, these sensitive and expensive component parts are protected from damage in transit. The pads on the heads around the TV provide passengers with safety so that no edges or corners are exposed.

The openings in the panels serve as handles for easily carrying the device. This arrangement provides a single body that supports all component parts required for audio and video in a state of improving passenger safety and is easy to install and remove for the vehicle.

In another embodiment of the invention, the holder comprises two panels as its main parts. One panel supports a flat screen TV. The other panel has a VCR and audio assembly attached. The two panels are connected to each other by hinges.

Two spaced hooks at one end of the former panel may be placed over the front seat back to assist in calibration of the holder. This is particularly well suited for bucket type seats in which the first embodiment described above cannot be used. The hook houses the head restraint between them. When the holder is transported outside of the vehicle, the panels are folded in between and placed in between to protect the TV and the TCR. The hook can be used as a handle for carrying the assembly.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The first embodiment constructed in accordance with the invention is designed to be installed in the middle of the front seat between the front driver seat and the passenger seat. 1 shows a holder 1 with three main parts, a head 3, a front panel 5 and a rear panel 7. The holder 1 is installed on the backrest (not shown) of the front seat of the vehicle. Thus, the bottom surface 9 (see FIG. 2) of the head 3 rests directly on the top of the backrest. The front panel 5 hangs on one edge from the head 3 and rests on the front side of the backrest. The rear panel 7 also hangs on one edge from the head 3 and is arranged behind the backrest between the backrest and the rear seat. The front and rear panels are connected to the head 3 by a hinge 11 which rotates the panels relative to the head for the reasons described in detail below.

The head 3 is shaped like a hump and has a resilient pad-like material such as a foam therein. The head 3 also has a video monitor therein referred to as TV above. The front face 13 of the TV is seen through the opening 15 on the rear wall of the head 3.

Various dimension screens can be used, but 5 inch screens (measured diagonally) are good. The TV may be of a cathode ray type in which a cabinet 17 (see FIG. 2) is installed into a cavity 19 of a suitable size inside the head 3. For this type of TV, the head 3 comprises a number of discharge holes for discharging the heat generated by the TV. Alternatively, well-known types of flat panel monitors may be used. Whichever is selected, the TV is held securely in the head 3. Although the cavity 19 can be manufactured from manufacturers to accommodate a TV and be installable by a user, it is good to order to a specific TV. Thus, the holder 1 is manufactured with a built-in TV. This is done in the usual way and no equipment is required for further details. Safety from these devices is improved because the edges and corners of the TV are more completely covered and the TV is held in place more firmly.

In addition to the protection provided by the head 3, a pad strip 21 is installed along the periphery of the TV front 13 to provide some impact protection. These strips project slightly from the surface of the head 3 away from the screen such that objects striking the screen do not dig the head of the head 3 and do not impact the screen. By installing the pad script 21 in place, such objects will not have enough force to dent the strip and head 3 sufficiently to damage the screen.

It will be apparent from the above description that an important means for the safety of the passenger is provided by installing the TV inside the head 3 in which the pad is well installed and the pad strip 21 is added. All sides, corners and edges of the TV are padded to absorb shocks to any part of the body. Furthermore, by protruding the pad strips from the surfaces of the head 3 and the screen 13, the screen is protected to the extent possible. Of course, covering the surface to a greater extent than possible would not serve the purpose if the watch is blocked by it.

The front panel 5 is made of a relatively light, flat, rigid, padded material, such as a metal sheet or plastic covered with a pad such as urethane foam. The portable VCR 23 and the power supply 25 are installed thereon. The VCR is rectangular in shape and can be attached to or embedded in the panel 5.

The VCR remains fixed to the holder 1 during use of the equipment in the vehicle as well as during transport of the holder to the outside of the vehicle. Attachment is provided by the inclusion of a suitable retainer box, solids or frame into which the VCR can be inserted and secured in place. The box has an opening that allows access to the VCR control and allows insertion and removal of the cassette. Another form of attachment is to fix the back of the VCR to the panel 5.

Some possible ways of doing this are possible by using, for example, bolts or adhesives. This "built-in" approach is particularly beneficial for 8mm VCRs that are about the same size as a paperback bood. By such a VCR, a safe and aesthetically pleasing arrangement can easily be provided.

The power source 25 is connectable to the cigarette lighter by a plug 27 and acts as a 12V automotive battery. This includes sockets 29 and 31 that accept jacks from the associated federated equipment. For example, the plugs of portable VCRs and TVs can be inserted into sockets 29 and 31, respectively.

The panel 5 also includes an opening 33 at one free end away from the hinge 11. This opening is large enough to accommodate an adult's hand and is used to carry the device as described in detail below.

The rear panel 7 is made of the same material as the front panel. The audio portion 37 is attached to the rear panel. The audio portion incorporates a speaker 39 and a volume control knob 41. Also included are three ionphone jacks 43 with associated volume control knobs 45 for each jack. Plug 46 is connected to jack 43. This may be inserted into an earphone jack of a TV (not shown) to deactivate the TV speaker and convert the audio signal to the jack 43. An amplifier (not shown) may be included when needed in the audio portion to operate the speaker and earphone jacks. The amplifier is connected to the power supply 25 by wires (not shown) that extend well along the interior of the device 1.

A wire is also needed to connect the audio output of the VCR or TV to the audio portion 37 to provide an audio signal. These wires (not shown) extend along the interior of the head 3 to prevent interference and tearing during transportation, installation and removal.

The audio portion is well padded and knobs 41 and 45 protrude minimally from its surface to enhance passenger safety. The rear panel 7 also includes an opening 47 similar to the opening 33 of the front panel, all of which serve the same purpose.

The front and rear panels include brackets 49 along their bottom edges. These are used to secure the holder 1 to the front seat. For example, a seat belt used in a central seat position that is apparently free of occupants may be pulled out through the bracket to tighten the holder against the seat. Alternatively, a clip may be used to fold the seat at any desired point to secure the holder to the seat.

It is very clear that other equipment can be employed to attach this holder to the front seat.

As best shown in FIG. 2, the holder 1 can be folded in a compact conveying form. The front and rear panels are rotated upwards by rotating about the hinge 11. The panels can be rotated until their free ends meet on the head 3. In that position, the rear panel 7 covers the screen 13 and absorbs any damaging forces resulting from the impact of the collision.

Moreover, the pad strip 21 protruding from the surface of the head 3 also mitigates the impact. In addition, the VCR 23 is also provided in a triangular space formed by both side panels 5 and 7 and the bottom head 3. Thus the VCR 23 is also protected from damage. In order to facilitate the transport of the holder, the openings 33 and 47 of the panels 5 and 7 each act as a handle that allows a person to slide his hand through it. Thus, when the holder hits something, the vulnerable components in the folded position, namely the TV and the VCR, are well protected.

In use, the holder 1 is initially folded into the position shown in FIG. 2 to be conveniently and safely transported by car. Installation includes rotating the front panel 5 down and inserting a holder through the rear door of the vehicle. Advancing the holder into the interior of the vehicle causes the front panel to be positioned above the backrest of the front seat and then lowered towards the seat when the head 3 is placed on top of the backrest. The preferred position is at the center of the seat between the driver's passengers, in which the rear panel hangs down towards the bottom of the rear seat. A bracket or clip 49 is then used to secure the holder to the front seat. When the front and rear panels are secured to the vehicle, the holder is securely supported against the backrest so that it cannot fall during a sudden stop or sharp turn. This sequence is reversed when removing the holder from the vehicle.

When the holder 1 is installed in the vehicle, power is connected to the holder by inserting the plug 27 into the cigarette lighter. Suitable plugs and wires may be connected to the power source 25 from the TV, VCR or audio portion. If a TV speaker is used, then a TV volume control device (not shown) is set at the desired position.

However, the audio signal can be switched from the TV to the speaker 39 by inserting the plug 46 into the earphone jack on the TV. This would be necessary if a speaker on a particular model of TV is placed on the set to be covered by the head 3. In such a case, the speaker 39 acts as a remote speaker for the TV. However, if a passenger viewing the screen does not want to disturb his companion, earphones (not shown) may be plugged into the jack 25 for quiet listening.

A second embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. It is particularly suitable for vehicles with bucket-type seats and no backrest between the driver seat and the passenger seat. This seat does not have the support required to accommodate the first embodiment described above. The holder 60 comprises a panel 62 and a panel 64 connected to each other by a hinge means 66. As best shown in FIG. 3, which shows the holder 60 deployed for use in a vehicle, panel 62 houses a TV 68 in the form of a flat screen. Panel 62 has a thickness sufficient to receive a TV and provide room for pad 70 (FIG. 4). Panel 62 includes reinforcing means 72 and maintains shape and strength. As in the above embodiment, it may be made of metal sheet or plastic.

A hook 74 bent over the top of the front seat back is attached to the top of the panel 62. These hooks are spaced apart from each other to accommodate the head restraint therebetween. Panel 62 and hook 74 are attached to each other such that the hooks pivot around the point of attachment, for example, a ball and socket arrangement (not shown) can accomplish this. More simply, a threaded pin protruding from the panel can be inserted through a hole in a flat portion of the hook (not shown), and a nut tightened loosely enough to attach allows for rotation of the hook around the pin. Such other devices will be readily understood. The free tip of the hook 74 supports the strap 76 used for the purpose described in detail below. The stopper 77 is attached to the panel 62 towards the upper edge and serves the purpose described below. Each stop is made of an elastic material that is flexible enough to not cause physical damage if a person strikes against it.

Panel 64 is made of the same material as panel 62 to provide shape strength and pads. Audio assembly 78 and power source 80 are attached to panel 64. These are the same as the audio assembly 37 and power source 25 shown in FIG. 1 for the first embodiment. Therefore, further details of these components need not be repeated here. Also, a VCR 82 is attached to the panel 64. This is preferably a very compact 8 mm type as mentioned above. It may be attached or embedded on the panel as described above with reference to the first embodiment. The bracket or clip 83 is attached to the bottom of the panel 64. These serve the same purpose as the bracket 49 described with reference to the first embodiment.

Hinge means 66 connect panels 62 and 64 to each other. It includes two hinges 84,86 with bars 88 between them. Hinge 84 is connected to panel 62 and hinge 86 is connected to panel 64. This type of hinge arrangement allows for space between them as well as rotational movement between the two panels when the panels are folded relative to each other as shown in FIG. The width of the space is determined by the dimensions of the bar 88.

In use, the holder 60 in the extended position is simply positioned over the backrest by positioning the hook 74 so that the head restraints are interposed between them. The bracket or clip 83 secures the holder to the vehicle so that the holder remains in place even during sudden stops or sharp turns. The power source 80 is coupled to the cigarette lighter, and the components that require power are coupled to the power source in the manner described above with reference to the first embodiment. When the holder 60 is removed from the vehicle, the panels 62, 64 are folded against each other such that the TV, VCR, audio assembly and power supply are in the space formed therebetween. The hook 74 is pivoted 180 degrees, such that the strap 76 is attached to the bracket 83. The hook 74 can now act as a handle for conveniently carrying the holder. It should be noted that the VCR and the TV are placed on the inside of the folded assembly and are also protected from damage by placing a pad on the outside of the panel. The stopper 77 keeps the panel 62 and panel 64 away from the VCR 82 or power supply 80 so as not to damage the screen 80.

Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, it will be apparent that various modifications may be readily made to the present invention. For example, for the first embodiment, the head 3 and the bottom 9 of the panels 5, 7 may be formed along the contour of the backrest rather than relatively vertical as shown in the figure. In addition, the shape of the head 3 may be changed at different angles of the TV with respect to the viewer of the rear seat. The hinge 11 can be replaced with a fold or seam that pivots the panel upward with respect to the head 3. Furthermore, instead of using the plug 46 for the actuating speaker 39 and the earphone jack 43, a permanent connection to the TV provides a switch for selectively listening to the TV speaker or speaker 39 / jack 43 arrangement. Can be used together. Some of these changes can be made for the second embodiment as well. In addition, additional pads may be provided around the TV as the pad strips are arranged similarly to those shown in the first embodiment. These and other changes can be made within the scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims (15)

A portable video and audio equipment holder for use on the front seat of a car for holding a video display, such as a television set used for viewing by a rear seat passenger, the rear surface for securely receiving the video display. Means having an opening 15 therein and suitable for being placed over the backrest of the front seat through the opening 15 and at one end of the rear surface of the video display receiving means. A rear panel (7) sized to cover the front face of the device when it is rotatably mounted and rotated upwards, and positioned on the receiving means, means for securing the video display device receiving means to the vehicle; And rotatably connected to one end of the front surface of the video display device receiving means. Powering the front panel 5, the audio source 37 provided on the rear panel 7, the video display, the audio source and the portable video player comprising means for securely holding a video player; A portable video and audio equipment holder for use in a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a power source means (25) for the vehicle. 2. A vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the video display device receiving means has a head portion (3) provided with a pad and the rear panel (7) is mounted on a rear surface of the head portion (3). Portable video and audio equipment holder. 3. An end according to claim 2, wherein each end of the rear and front panels (7, 5) remote from the head (3) comprises openings (47, 33) sized to receive a human hand, Portable panels and audio equipment holders for use in motor vehicles, characterized in that the panels are dimensioned so that the openings can be aligned adjacent to each other to be a grip for carrying the device when they are pivoted upwards. 2. The portable video and audio equipment holder of claim 1, further comprising a pad strip mounted on an outer circumferential edge of the front of the video display. Portable video and audio equipment holder for use in a motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the audio source (37) is attached to a rear panel (7) and can be connected to the television set. 6. Portable video and audio equipment holder for use in a motor vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that the power source means (25) is connected to a car battery. 3. The video recorder holding means according to claim 2, characterized in that the video recorder holding means is provided on the side by the front and rear panels (5,7) and on the bottom by the head (3) when the front and rear panels (5,7) are pivoted upwards. Portable video and audio equipment holders for use in motor vehicles, characterized in that they are attached to the rear panel (7) to be installed into a space formed for the vehicle. 8. A hinge device as claimed in claim 7, wherein a hinge means is provided between said head portion (3) and each of said front and rear panels (5,7) to permit rotation of said panels (5,7) with respect to said head portion (3). A portable video and audio equipment holder for use in an automobile comprising: a. 2. Use in an automobile according to claim 1, characterized in that the audio source (37) is mounted on the side of the rear panel (7) facing the video display means when rotated upward of the rear panel (7). Portable video and audio equipment holder. A portable video and audio equipment holder for use on the front seat of a car for holding a video display, such as a television set used for rear seat passenger viewing, comprising: a second panel (62); Means having an opening in the rear surface to securely receive the video display device, the opening being visible through the opening and adapted to be placed over the back of the front seat, and the rear surface of the video display receiving means A first panel 64 sized to cover the screen of the device and rotatably mounted at one end of the device and positioned on the receiving means, and fixing the video display receiving means to the vehicle And means adapted for installation over the front seat back and away from the first panel 64. A hook 74 rotatably coupled to an upper end of the second panel, an audio source 78 mounted on one of the first and second panels, for powering the video display and audio source. A portable video and audio equipment holder for use in a motor vehicle comprising a power source 80. 11. A portable video and audio equipment holder for use in an automobile according to claim 10, wherein the television set is a flat screen type. 12. A portable video and audio equipment holder for use in a motor vehicle as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that a video player (82) is mounted on the first panel (64) and connected to the power supply means. 13. The video player according to claim 12, characterized in that the video player is fixed to the side of the first panel (64) facing the second panel (62) when the first and second panels (64, 62) are turned towards each other. Portable video and audio equipment holders for use in cars. 14. The audio source 78 is fixed to the side of the first panel 64 facing the second panel 62 when the first and second panels 64, 62 are pivoted towards each other. Portable video and audio equipment holders for use in automotive vehicles. 11. The portable video and audio equipment holder for use in a motor vehicle as claimed in claim 10, further comprising hinge means (66) connecting said first and second panels (64, 62).

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