(12) United States Patent
`Swaim et al.
`
`(10) Patent N0.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 6,685,016 B2
`Feb. 3, 2004
`
`US006685016B2
`
`(54) ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING
`SUSPENSION PLATFORM
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Jefi'rey A. Swaim, Santa Maria, CA
`Chris T01], Niporno’
`
`(73) Assignee: CFS Products L.L.C., Santa Maria, CA
`(US)
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`USC. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`5,887,777 A
`5,971,148 A
`6,092,705 A
`
`6>097>448 A
`A
`6,216,927 B1
`6,269,948 B1
`6,283,288 B1
`
`3/1999 Myles et al.
`10/1999 Jackson
`7/2000 Meritt
`
`8/2000 Perkins
`Howard, J1.
`4/2001 Meritt
`8/2001 Jackson
`9/2001 Lee
`
`* cited by examiner
`.
`.
`.
`Primary Examme"_Sh1an.Lu0ng
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or FLrm—Knobbe, Martens, Olson &
`Bear LLP
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 10/012,272
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Ffled3
`
`(22)
`(65)
`
`D99 1: 2001
`Prim. Publication Data
`
`Us 2003/0102235 A1 J11I1- 5, 2003
`Int. Cl.7 .............................................. .. B65D 85/38
`(51)
`.. 206/320; 206/576
`(52)
`(58) Field of Search ............................... .. 206/576, 320;
`190/100, 107, 109, 110, 111, 112, 224/539,
`929, 930; 297/188.04—188.07, 188.2, 188.21
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`Us. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4,383,626 A *
`4,635,110 A
`5,725,189 A
`5,771,305 A *
`5,887,723 A
`
`................. .. 224/275
`
`5/1983 Weinblatt
`1/1987 Weinblatt
`3/1998 Landy
`6/1998 Davis ....................... .. 381/386
`3/1999 Myles et al.
`
`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 plat‘
`form 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 configu-
`ration 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
`these
`items
`‘
`
`24 Claims, 7 Drawing Sheets
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`U.S. Patent
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`Feb. 3, 2004
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`U.S. Patent
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`Feb. 3, 2004
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`U.S. Patent
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`Feb. 3, 2004
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`Sheet 3 of 7
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`US 6,685,016 B2
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`U.S. Patent
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`Feb. 3, 2004
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`Feb. 3, 2004
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`Feb. 3, 2004
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`US 6,685,016 B2
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`US 6,685,016 B2
`
`1
`ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING
`SUSPENSION PLATFORM
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`
`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 of the present invention
`also permits easy removal of the entertainment system from
`the passenger vehicle.
`2. Background Art
`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 trans-
`portation of people. The term is particularly applicable to
`automobiles, vans, buses, boats, motor homes, and even
`airplanes, but not limited thereto.
`Such devices may be as simple as the car radio that is
`standard equipment for many models of modern automo-
`biles. Some luxury automobiles are equipped with devices
`by which the operator of the vehicle may obtain information
`regarding his present location; such devices combine com-
`munications 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.
`Commercial buses and airplanes may be fitted with enter-
`tainment 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 pro-
`jectors 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.
`
`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 entertain-
`ment 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 present invention.
`In the context of the present discussion, the term “enter-
`tainment 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
`
`10
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`15
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`20
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`2
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`devices), video games such as those made by Nintendo,
`Sega or Sony, and other similar devices. Interpretation of the
`term must be inclusionary, specifically including such simi-
`lar or related devices not specifically mentioned herein.
`Many entertainment devices are provided with a viewing
`screen as an integral feature thereof. The present invention
`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 is commercially available; they con-
`stitute part of the current invention to the extent that the
`present
`invention is specifically intended to be used in
`conjunction with such entertainment devices.
`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 is
`also taken to include means for protecting and carrying the
`entertainment device outside the passenger vehicle.
`Prior art in the field of entertainment systems has fol-
`lowed development of entertainment devices. Early enter-
`tainment 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 inven-
`tions 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, hav-
`ing 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.
`
`Meritt’s ’927 patent contains a summary of development
`of devices relating to his invention, which summary is
`germane to the present
`invention. Thus,
`the disclosures
`thereof are incorporated herein by reference.
`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 pro-
`tective 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
`
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`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 protec-
`tive 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.
`
`It is believed that the entertainment system, as set forth
`herein, is neither taught nor rendered obvious by the prior art
`cited above.
`
`10
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`It is an object 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 the present invention to secure the enter-
`tainment 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.
`It is another object 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.
`It is another object 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.
`It is still another object of the present invention to provide
`such means in a compact form that can be conveniently
`stored with the entertainment device.
`
`It is yet another object of the 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.
`It is a further object 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.
`It is a yet further object of the present invention to provide
`a means for holding and carrying accessories that may be
`used with an entertainment device.
`
`invention to
`is a still further object of the present
`It
`provide an entertainment system that may be positioned, as
`desired, for easy use by occupants of the rear seat of a
`passenger vehicle.
`The entertainment system 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 entertain-
`ment device and a suspension platform. Specifically,
`the
`suspension platform comprises at least three panels, con-
`nected 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 fiat 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
`
`15
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`they may be separated
`vehicle, and adjustable in length;
`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.
`It should be noted that although the term “suspension
`platform” is used herein to describe one element of the
`present invention, and properly so, for that element does
`provide 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.
`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.
`Other objects and advantages 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
`
`Various features and advantages of the present invention
`and presently preferred embodiments thereof will be better
`understood when the specification and claims hereof are
`considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
`In order to better describe the present invention, the accom-
`panying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments thereof.
`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 des-
`ignate the same or similar features throughout the several
`views. In the accompanying drawings:
`FIG. 1 illustrates, in schematic form, a suspension plat-
`form in its closed configuration.
`FIG. 2 illustrates, in schematic form, a suspension plat-
`form in its closed configuration. The direction of view of
`FIG. 2 is diagonally opposite to, and slightly above that of
`FIG. 1.
`
`FIG. 3 illustrates, in schematic form, a suspension plat-
`form in its open configuration. The viewpoint in this figure
`is from the left side, and slightly to the rear of, the suspen-
`sion platform.
`FIG. 4 illustrates, in schematic form, a suspension plat-
`form 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.
`FIG. 5 provides a schematic view of the right side of a
`suspension platform showing the redisposition of a suspen-
`sion 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.
`FIG. 6 illustrates, in schematic form, a suspension plat-
`form in a partially opened configuration.
`FIG. 7 illustrates, in schematic form, the installation of a
`suspension platform between two seats of a passenger
`vehicle.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`The present invention is contemplated as an entertainment
`system, comprising an entertainment device, a suspension
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`5
`platform, and an optional storage bag. Although the novel
`concepts of the present invention reside primarily in the
`suspension platform, anticipated usage of the present inven-
`tion demands that the entertainment device and the storage
`bag be included as part of the present invention, even though
`such items may be considered well known.
`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 rela-
`tive to the closed configuration of the case.
`FIGS. 1 and 2 show the suspension platform of the present
`invention 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 fore-
`ground 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, are affixed to the exterior surface 21 of the second
`panel 20. In its closed configuration, the suspension platform
`of the present invention provides a compact package that
`protects an entertainment device enclosed therein.
`FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the suspension platform of the
`present invention 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 must 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, allowing further rotation of the panels
`involved, is 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, 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. Redispo-
`sition 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.
`
`10
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`6
`The suspension platform of the present invention 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 entertain-
`ment 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 mate-
`rial may be adhesively bonded to the case of the entertain-
`ment 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
`
`to attaching a separate patch to said interior
`equivalent
`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.
`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. Apocket 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 dis-
`posed 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.
`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 connec-
`tion 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 of the
`invention, 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.
`The suspension platform of the present invention 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 is deemed 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 and D-rings 64, 65
`and 66 are attached to the right side of those exterior
`surfaces. 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.
`
`Page 11 of 14
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`PETITIONER'S EXHIBIT 1011
`
`Page 11 of 14
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`PETITIONER'S EXHIBIT 1011
`
`

`
`US 6,685,016 B2
`
`7
`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 should be urged into contact with the
`seat back as a means of reducing vibration of the entertain-
`ment system in response to motion of the passenger vehicle.
`Another representative application of the suspension plat-
`form of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 7, which
`depicts installation between the two front seats of a van. In
`this application,
`the front seats are provided with head
`restraints that serve as anchors for two upper straps. Two
`lower straps, preferably used in conjunction with S-hooks,
`are shown secured to the mechanisms 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 pref-
`erable to encircle the front seat with straps oriented verti-
`cally. Vertical straps would presumably affect occupants of
`a front seat less than horizontal straps. An important aspect
`of the present invention is that the configurations of the
`straps must 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 the present invention.
`FIG. 7 also illustrates the installation of a representative
`entertainment device, such as a DVD player 2,
`in the
`suspension platform 1. The viewing screen of the entertain-
`ment device 2 is shown at 3.
`
`The suspension platform of the present invention 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.
`Entertainment devices of the type contemplated in the
`present invention frequently entail the use of many acces-
`sories. 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 the
`present invention. The storage bag is preferably provided
`with at least two compartments; one is sized to receive the
`suspension platform, and any other compartments sized and
`configured to receive the aforementioned accessories. The
`storage bag 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. The
`general configuration of the storage bag is similar to that of
`a gadget bag often employed by photographers.
`The suspension platform of the present invention may be
`constructed of many different materials. The presently pre-
`ferred materials include the sort of heavy nylon cloth
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`10
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`35
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`40
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`(sometimes identified as “ballistic cloth”) used in the manu-
`facture 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. At least a portion of each flexible connection must
`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 meth-
`ods for fabricating the suspension platform, such as by
`sewing the components together, are known to those skilled
`in the art of luggage manufacture:
`Straps employed in the present invention 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.
`
`Although the present invention has been described with
`reference to certain preferred embodiments, it will be appre-
`ciated that the present invention is not limited thereby. In
`particular, the concepts of the present invention are fully
`applicable to alternative means for protecting an entertain-
`ment 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 manu-
`facture of the entertainment sys