17003LOllllllllHill"IlllllHllllHlllllllllll Old'8009am
`
`‘ First Named Inventor: Chung L. Chang
`UTILITY APPLICATION Title:
`HEADREST-MOUNTED MONITOR
`
`Attorney Docket No.: JI-INSF.028CP1
`
`Direct all correspondence to Customer No.: 20995
`
`Express Mail Label No.: EV 1'170488883 US
`
`Date: January 20, 2004 ‘
`Pae 1 of2 '
`
`
`
`22553US}.PTO10/762630
`
`Mail Stop Patent Application
`United States Patent and Trademark Office
`PO Box 1450
`
`Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
`
`The following enclosures are transmitted herewith to be filed in the patent application of:
`
`Inventor:
`
`Chung L. Chang
`
`APPLICATION ELEMENTS:
`
`(X) Specification in 19 pages.
`
`(X) Drawings in 11 sheets.
`
`
`
`
`
`10/219,987
`60/451,232
`
`08/14/02
`02/28/03
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`CONTINUITY INFORMATION:
`
`
`
`
`
`
`— claims the benefit of
`
`(X) Incorporation by Reference. The entire disclosure of the prior applications is considered a part
`of the disclosure of the accompanying application and is hereby incorporated by reference
`therein.
`
`OTHER APPLICATION PARTS:
`
`(X) Return prepaid postcard.
`
`(X) A check in the amount of $394 to cover the Total Fee Due, as calculated below.
`
`Page 1 of 36
`
`PATENT OWNER'S EXHIBIT 2003
`
`Page 1 of 36
`
`PATENT OWNER'S EXHIBIT 2003
`
`

`

`Attorney Docket N0.: JHNSF.028CP1
`
`First Named Inventor: Chung L. Chang
`UTILITY APPLICATION Title:
`HEADREST-MOUNTED MONITOR
`
`Express Mail Label N0.: EV 1070488883 US
`
`Direct all correspondence to Customer N0.: 20995
`
`Date: January 20, 2004
`Pae 2 of 2
`
`FILING FEES:
`
`The present application qualifies for small entity status under 37 CPR. § 1.27. The fees are calculated
`below:
`
`
`
`
`
`TOTAL
`CALCULATION
`FEE TYPE _ FEE CODE
`_ 2001 $335 _ $385
`Non-EnlishSec._ 1053 $130 —-_
`— 8021 $40 .15-
`Excess C1aims>20
`21
`'
`2°
`=
`1
`2202($9)
`1
`x
`9
`= “
`
`Multile Claim — 2203(3145 _-x_
`_—_ TOTAL FEE DUE
`$394
`
`The Comrriissioner is hereby authorized to charge any additional fees which may be required, now
`or in the future, or credit any overpayment to Account No. 11-1410.
`
` Andrew M. Douglas
`
`Registration No. 51,212
`Attorney of Record
`Customer No. 20,995
`(949) 760-0404
`
`H:\DOCS\AMD\AMD-5208.DOCzdd
`01 I904
`
`Page 2 of 36
`
`PATENT OWNER'S EXHIBIT 2003
`
`Page 2 of 36
`
`PATENT OWNER'S EXHIBIT 2003
`
`

`

`Intellectual Property Law
`
`MAIL STOP PATENT APPLICATION
`
`Commissioner for Patents
`
`PO. Box 1450
`
`Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
`
`Fourteenth Floor
`Irvine, CA 92614
`Tel 949-760-0404
`Fax 949-760-9502
`www.kmob.com
`
`Andrew M. Douglas
`
`CERTIFICATE OF MAILING BY "EXPRESS MAIL"
`
`Attorney Docket No.
`
`Applicant
`
`_
`
`For
`
`Attorney
`
`“Express Mail”
`Mailing Label No.
`
`Date of Deposit
`
`:
`
`:
`
`:
`
`:
`
`:
`
`:
`
`I hereby certify that the accompanying
`
`JHNSF.028CP1
`
`Chung L. Chang
`
`HEADREST-MOUNTED MONITOR
`
`Andrew M. Douglas
`
`EV 170488883 US
`
`January 20, 2004
`
`Transmittal letter; specification in 19 pages; 11 sheets of drawings; Check for
`Filing Fee; Return Prepaid Postcard
`
`are being deposited with the United States Postal Service “Express Mail Post Office to
`Addressee” service under 37 CFR 1.10 on the date indicated above and are addressed to the
`
`Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450.
`
`W N
`
`elson Merida
`
`H:\DOCS\AMD\AMD-5209.DOC:dd
`011904
`
`San Diego
`619-235-8550
`
`San Francisco
`415-954-4114
`
`Los Angeles
`310-551-3450
`
`Riverside
`909-781-9231
`
`San Luis Obispo
`805-547-5580
`
`Page 3 of 36, ,_ ,
`
`7
`
`7
`
`_
`
`PATENT OWNER'S EXHIBIT 2003
`
`Page 3 of 36
`
`PATENT OWNER'S EXHIBIT 2003
`
`

`

`17003LOllllllllHill"IlllllHllllHlllllllllll Old'8009am
`
`‘ First Named Inventor: Chung L. Chang
`UTILITY APPLICATION Title:
`HEADREST-MOUNTED MONITOR
`
`Attorney Docket No.: JI-INSF.028CP1
`
`Direct all correspondence to Customer No.: 20995
`
`Express Mail Label No.: EV 1'170488883 US
`
`Date: January 20, 2004 ‘
`Pae 1 of2 '
`
`
`
`22553US}.PTO10/762630
`
`Mail Stop Patent Application
`United States Patent and Trademark Office
`PO Box 1450
`
`Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
`
`The following enclosures are transmitted herewith to be filed in the patent application of:
`
`Inventor:
`
`Chung L. Chang
`
`APPLICATION ELEMENTS:
`
`(X) Specification in 19 pages.
`
`(X) Drawings in 11 sheets.
`
`
`
`
`
`10/219,987
`60/451,232
`
`08/14/02
`02/28/03
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`CONTINUITY INFORMATION:
`
`
`
`
`
`
`— claims the benefit of
`
`(X) Incorporation by Reference. The entire disclosure of the prior applications is considered a part
`of the disclosure of the accompanying application and is hereby incorporated by reference
`therein.
`
`OTHER APPLICATION PARTS:
`
`(X) Return prepaid postcard.
`
`(X) A check in the amount of $394 to cover the Total Fee Due, as calculated below.
`
`Page 4 of 36
`
`PATENT OWNER'S EXHIBIT 2003
`
`Page 4 of 36
`
`PATENT OWNER'S EXHIBIT 2003
`
`

`

`Attorney Docket N0.: JHNSF.028CP1
`
`First Named Inventor: Chung L. Chang
`UTILITY APPLICATION Title:
`HEADREST-MOUNTED MONITOR
`
`Express Mail Label N0.: EV 1070488883 US
`
`Direct all correspondence to Customer N0.: 20995
`
`Date: January 20, 2004
`Pae 2 of 2
`
`FILING FEES:
`
`The present application qualifies for small entity status under 37 CPR. § 1.27. The fees are calculated
`below:
`
`
`
`
`
`TOTAL
`CALCULATION
`FEE TYPE _ FEE CODE
`_ 2001 $335 _ $385
`Non-EnlishSec._ 1053 $130 —-_
`— 8021 $40 .15-
`Excess C1aims>20
`21
`'
`2°
`=
`1
`2202($9)
`1
`x
`9
`= “
`
`Multile Claim — 2203(3145 _-x_
`_—_ TOTAL FEE DUE
`$394
`
`The Comrriissioner is hereby authorized to charge any additional fees which may be required, now
`or in the future, or credit any overpayment to Account No. 11-1410.
`
` Andrew M. Douglas
`
`Registration No. 51,212
`Attorney of Record
`Customer No. 20,995
`(949) 760-0404
`
`H:\DOCS\AMD\AMD-5208.DOCzdd
`01 I904
`
`Page 5 of 36
`
`PATENT OWNER'S EXHIBIT 2003
`
`Page 5 of 36
`
`PATENT OWNER'S EXHIBIT 2003
`
`

`

`Intellectual Property Law
`
`MAIL STOP PATENT APPLICATION
`
`Commissioner for Patents
`
`PO. Box 1450
`
`Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
`
`Fourteenth Floor
`Irvine, CA 92614
`Tel 949-760-0404
`Fax 949-760-9502
`www.kmob.com
`
`Andrew M. Douglas
`
`CERTIFICATE OF MAILING BY "EXPRESS MAIL"
`
`Attorney Docket No.
`
`Applicant
`
`_
`
`For
`
`Attorney
`
`“Express Mail”
`Mailing Label No.
`
`Date of Deposit
`
`:
`
`:
`
`:
`
`:
`
`:
`
`:
`
`I hereby certify that the accompanying
`
`JHNSF.028CP1
`
`Chung L. Chang
`
`HEADREST-MOUNTED MONITOR
`
`Andrew M. Douglas
`
`EV 170488883 US
`
`January 20, 2004
`
`Transmittal letter; specification in 19 pages; 11 sheets of drawings; Check for
`Filing Fee; Return Prepaid Postcard
`
`are being deposited with the United States Postal Service “Express Mail Post Office to
`Addressee” service under 37 CFR 1.10 on the date indicated above and are addressed to the
`
`Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450.
`
`W N
`
`elson Merida
`
`H:\DOCS\AMD\AMD-5209.DOC:dd
`011904
`
`San Diego
`619-235-8550
`
`San Francisco
`415-954-4114
`
`Los Angeles
`310-551-3450
`
`Riverside
`909-781-9231
`
`San Luis Obispo
`805-547-5580
`
`Page 6 of 36, ,_ ,
`
`7
`
`7
`
`_
`
`PATENT OWNER'S EXHIBIT 2003
`
`Page 6 of 36
`
`PATENT OWNER'S EXHIBIT 2003
`
`

`

`JI-TNSF.028CP1
`
`4
`
`PATENT
`
`HEADREST-MOUNTED MONITOR
`
`Related Application
`
`[0001]
`
`This
`
`application is
`
`a
`
`continuation-in-part of Application Number
`
`' 10/219,987, filed on August 14, 2002, and claims the benefit of US. Provisional Application
`
`No. 60/451,232, filed February 28,. 2003,
`
`the entire contents of both which are hereby
`
`expressly incorporated by reference.
`
`Field of the Invention
`
`Backggound of the Invention
`
`[0002]
`
`The present invention relates to visual display units for use in vehicles,
`
`such as automobiles and aircraft. More specifically, the present monitor is adapted to be
`
`mounted in a headrest of a vehicle seat.
`
`Description of the Related Art
`[0003]
`Monitors for displaying visual images have been commonplace aboard
`j commercial aircrafi and motor coaches for quite some time. For example, US. Patent No.
`
`5,267,775 to Nguyen, and US. Patent No. 5,507,556 to Dixon disclose monitors that are
`
`adapted to be mounted in a seat back of an aircraft seat. Neither of these monitors is adapted
`
`for use in an automobile.
`
`[0004]
`
`Disadvantageously, each of these monitors pivots automatically with the
`
`seat back. A viewer cannot adjust a viewing angle of either monitor independently of a
`
`recline angle of the seat back. This limitation prevents a viewer from adjusting the monitor
`
`to minimize glare.
`
`In an automobile a position and orientation of the vehicle relative to the
`
`sun is constantly changing. The movement creates glare at certain times, and viewers prefer
`
`to be able to adjust the screen to eliminate the glare. Thus, any monitor for use in an
`
`automobile is preferably adjustable so that viewers can minimize glare.
`
`[0005]
`
`The Nguyen monitor pivots about a lower edge, and pivots into the seat
`
`back when a passenger reclines the seat back. Thus,
`
`the Nguyen monitor occupies a
`
`relatively large depth of the seat back. This configuration is not suitable for use in an
`
`automobile headrest, where space is very limited.
`
`Page 7 of 36 .
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`
`,
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`_
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`,7 n H 7, H p
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`7,
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`_
`
`7
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`.
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`PATENT OWNER'S EXHIBIT 2003
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`

`

`[0006]
`
`The Dixon monitor pivots about an axis located in the upper half of the
`
`housing. The axis is spaced downward and inward from the upper outer edge of the monitor
`
`(see FIGS. 3—5). The Dixon monitor pivots away from the seat back when a passenger
`
`reclines the seat back. However, because of the location of the pivot axis, an upper rear edge
`
`of the Dixon monitor moves toward the seat back when the monitor pivots. Like the Nguyen
`
`monitor, this configuration occupies a relatively large depth of the seat back and is not well—
`
`adapted for use in an automobile headrest, where space is very limited. Further, when the
`
`seat of Dixon is in a reclined position, and the monitor is in a position such that a lower edge
`
`thereof protrudes from the seat back, tension in a cable within the seat back holds the monitor
`
`in position. Thus, if a passenger strikes the monitor in this position, he or she could be
`
`injured because the monitor will not retract into the seat back. This configuration is also not
`appropriate for use in an automobile headrest, where during emergency braking passengers
`are frequently thrown forward.
`5
`
`[0007]
`
`Monitors have recently become more popular in private passenger vehicles
`
`where space. is more limited than in aircraft and motor coaches. For example, US. Patent
`
`No. 5,842,715 to Jones, and US. Patent No. 6,250,976 to Chu disclose monitors that are
`
`adapted to be mounted in a head rest of an automobile seat. The Jones and Chu monitors are
`
`adapted to be mounted in an automobile headrest. However, neither of these monitors is
`
`adjustable independently of the headrest.
`
`[0008]
`
`Unfortunately, none of these patents teaches a monitor that is adapted to be
`
`mounted within an automobile headrest, and is independently adjustable by a viewer to
`
`provide an optimum viewing angle and to reduce glare.
`
`[0009]
`
`Several monitors for use in private passenger vehicles include a plastic
`
`housing that is mounted to the vehicle headrest. The housing is glued into a cavity within the
`
`headrest, and the screen structure is securable within the housing using a variety of different
`
`attachment methods. For example, the housing may include tabs that snap into slots on the
`
`screen structure. Unfortunately, the connections between these screen structures and their
`
`respective housings are not very sturdy. Furthermore, the glued connections between the
`
`housings and their respective headrests are not very sturdy. Thus, during a vehicle collision,
`
`the screen structures tend to detach from their housings, and the housings tend to detach from
`
`Page 8 0f 36 .
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`_
`
`,
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`,
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`_
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`

`

`their headrests. The loose screen structures and housings drifting about
`
`the passenger
`
`compartment pose a threat to the passenger’s safety.
`
`Summm of the Invention
`
`[0010]
`
`The preferred embodiments of the headrest-mounted monitor have several
`
`features, no single one of which is solely responsible for their desirable attributes. Without
`
`limiting the scope of this headrest—mounted monitor as expressed by the claims that follow,
`
`its more prominent features will now be discussed briefly. After considering this discussion,
`
`and particularly afier reading the section entitled "Detailed Description of the Preferred
`
`Embodiments," one will understand how the features of the preferred embodiments provide
`
`advantages, which include adaptability to mounting in an automobile headrest, independent
`
`adjustability, sturdy connection between housing and headrest, sturdy connection between,
`
`monitor and housing, and low risk of injury to passengers.
`
`[0011]
`
`One preferred embodiment of the present monitor comprises a housing
`
`defining a first hinge portion. The housing is mounted to a headrest of a vehicle seat. The
`
`monitor fiarther comprises a screen structure defining a second hinge portion. The second
`
`hinge portion cooperates with the first hinge portion to pivotably secure the screen structure
`
`to the housing.
`
`Another preferred embodiment of the present monitor is adapted to be
`[0012]
`mounted to a'headrest of a vehicle seat. The monitor comprises a housing defining a storage
`
`cavity and a first hinge portion adjacent an upper edge thereof.
`
`The monitor further
`
`comprises a screen structure defining a second hinge portion adjacent an upper edge thereof.
`
`The second hinge portion cooperates with the first hinge portion to pivotably secure the
`
`screen structure to the housing. The screen structure is adapted to fit substantially within the
`
`storage cavity when the screen structure is in a storage configuration. An angular orientation
`
`of the screen structure relative to the housing is adjustable without moving the headrest or the
`
`seat.
`
`[0013]
`
`Another preferred embodiment of the present monitor is adapted to be
`
`mounted to a headrest of a vehicle seat. The monitor comprises a housing defining a storage
`
`cavity and a first hinge portion adjacent an upper edge. The monitor further comprises a
`
`screen structure defining a second hinge portion adjacent an upper edge. The second hinge
`
`Page 9 of 36
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`PATENT OWNER'S EXHIBIT 2003
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`

`

`portion cooperates with the first hinge portion to pivotably secure the screen structure to the
`
`housing. The screen structure is adapted to fit substantially within the storage cavity when
`
`the screen structure is in a storage configuration. When the screen structure is in a viewing
`
`configuration, a lower edge of the screen structure protrudes from the housing. When the
`
`screen structure is in the viewing configuration, a pushing force applied to a front face of the
`
`screen structure adjacent a lower edge thereof pivots the screen structure to a position toward
`
`the storage configuration. Upon removal of the force, the screen structure remains in said
`
`position.
`
`[0014]
`
`Another preferred embodiment of the present monitor is adapted to be
`
`mounted to a headrest of a vehicle seat. The menitor comprises a housing having a first
`
`hinge portion and having a pivot aperture attached to a floor thereof. The monitor further
`
`comprises a screen structure having a second hinge portion and a channel in a rear surface.
`
`The second hinge portion cooperates with the first hinge portion to pivotably secure the
`
`screen structure to the housing. The monitor further comprises a bracket having a first end
`
`pivotably retained within the pivot aperture and a second end slidably retained within the
`
`, channel.
`
`[0015]
`
`Another preferred embodiment of the present monitor is adapted to be
`
`mounted to a headrest of a vehicle seat. The monitor comprises a screen structure defining
`first and second hinge portions adjacent an upper edge thereof.
`The monitor further
`
`comprises a housing defining a storage cavity adapted to receive the screen structure, and a
`
`surface adjacent an upper edge thereof for receiving the first hinge portion. A fastening
`
`member secures the first hinge portion to the housing surface. The first and second hinge
`
`portions cooperate to pivotably secure the screen structure to the housing.
`
`[0016]
`
`Another preferred embodiment of the present monitor is adapted to be
`
`mounted to a headrest of a vehicle seat. The monitor comprises a screen structure defining
`
`first and second hinge portions, and a housing defining a surface for receiving the first hinge
`
`portion. The housing is mounted to a headrest of a vehicle seat. The first hinge portion is
`
`secured to the housing surface, such that the second hinge portion cooperates with the first
`
`hinge portion to pivotably secure the screen structure to the housing, and the screen structure
`
`is pivotable ninety-degrees with respect to the housing.
`
`Page 10 0f 36
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`l
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`
`Page 10 of 36
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`PATENT OWNER'S EXHIBIT 2003
`
`

`

`[0017]
`
`Another preferred embodiment of the present monitor is adapted to be
`
`mounted to a headrest of a vehicle seat. The monitor comprises a screen structure defining a
`
`post and a first hinge portion pivotably connected thereto. The post is secured adjacent an
`
`upper edge of the screen structure. The monitor further comprises a housing defining a
`
`storage cavity adapted to receive the screen structure, and a surface adjacent an upper edge
`
`thereof for receiving the first hinge portion. The first hinge portion pivotably secures the
`
`screen structure to the housing. The post and the first hinge portion are constructed of a
`
`sturdy material designed to resist separation of the screen structure and housing.
`
`Brief Description of the Drawings
`
`[0018]
`
`The preferred embodiments of the headrest—mounted monitor, illustrating
`
`its features, will now be discussed in detail. These embodiments depict the novel and non-
`
`obvious headrest-mounted monitor shown in the accompanying drawings, which are for
`
`‘
`
`illustrative purposes only. These drawings include the following figures,
`
`in which like
`
`numerals indicate like parts:
`
`[0019]
`
`FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the headrest-
`
`mounted monitor according to the present invention, illustrating the monitor installed in a
`
`headrest of a vehicle seat;
`[0020]
`FIG. 1A is a front elevation view of the headrest-mounted monitor of
`
`FIG. 1;
`
`[0021]
`
`FIG. 2A is a lefi side elevation view of the screen structure of the headrest-
`
`mounted monitor of FIG. 1;
`
`[0022]
`
`FIG. 2B is a rear elevation view of the screen structure of FIG. 2A;
`
`[0023]
`
`FIG. 3A is a front elevation view of the housing of the headrest-mounted
`
`monitor of FIG. 1;
`
`[0024]
`
`FIG. 3B is a left side elevation view of the housing of FIG. 3A;
`
`[0025]
`FIG. 3A;
`
`FIG. 3C is a detail view of the second hinge portion of the housing of
`'
`
`[0026]
`
`FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the headrest-mounted monitor of FIG. 1,
`
`illustrating the screen structure pivoted outward from the housing;
`
`Page 11 0f 36
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`7
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`7,
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`v
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`

`

`[0027]
`
`FIG. 5A is a left side section view of the headrest-mounted monitor of
`
`FIG. 1, illustrating the screen structure in a storage position;
`
`[0028]
`
`FIG. 5B is a left side section view of the headrest-mounted monitor of
`
`FIG. 1, illustrating the screen structure pivoted outward from the housing;
`[0029]
`FIG. 6 is a perspective ’view of the bracket of the headrest-mounted
`
`monitor of FIG. 1;
`
`[0030]
`
`FIG. 7A is a lefi side elevation view of the headrest-mounted monitor and
`
`headrest of FIG. 1, illustrating the screen structure in a storage position;
`
`[0031]
`
`FIG. 7B is a lefi side elevation view of the headrest-mounted monitor and
`
`headrest of FIG. 1, illustrating the screen structure pivoted outward from the housing; and
`
`[0032]
`
`FIG. 8 is a lefi side elevation view of another preferred embodiment of the
`
`screen structure of the headrest-mounted monitor of FIG. 1;
`
`[0033]
`
`FIG. 9 is a front elevation View of another preferred embodiment of the
`
`housing of the headrest-mounted monitor of FIG. 1;
`
`[0034]
`
`FIG. 10 is a lefl side elevation view of the housing of FIG. 9;
`
`[0035]
`
`FIG. 11 is a detail view of the second hinge portion of the housing of
`
`FIG.'9;
`
`[0036]
`
`FIG. 12 is a lefi side elevation view of the headrest-mounted monitor and
`
`headrest of FIG. 1, including the screen structure of FIG. 8, illustrating the screen structure in
`a storage position; and
`i
`
`[0037]
`
`FIG. 13 is a left side elevation view of the headrest-mounted monitor and
`
`headrest of FIG. 1, including the screen structure of FIG. 8, illustrating the screen structure
`
`pivoted outward from the housing.
`
`Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
`
`[0038]
`
`FIG.
`
`1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a monitor 10 disposed within
`
`a headrest 12. The headrest 12 is mounted to a vehicle seatback 14, and 12 is movable
`
`independently of the seatback 14 toward and away from the seatback 14. The monitor 10
`
`preferably faces a rear of the vehicle so that images displayed on the monitor 10 are visible to
`
`passengers seated behind the seatback 14. Features of the monitor 10, which are described in
`
`detail below, reduce the risk of injury to passengers presented by the monitor 10, and enable
`
`Page 12 of 36
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`7
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`
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`

`

`the monitor 10 to be mounted in the very limited space available within a typical vehicle
`
`headrest 12.
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`[0039]
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`As shown in FIGS. 4, 5A and 5B,
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`the monitor 10 includes a screen
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`structure 16 that is pivotably attached to a housing 18. Both the housing 18 and an outer
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`casing of the screen structure 16 are preferably constructed of a high-strength plastic, so that
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`the monitor 10 is lightweight and durable. The housing 18, which is embedded in the
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`headrest 12 as shown in FIGS. 1, 7A and 7B, includes a cavity 20 (FIGS. 3, 4 and 5B)
`defining a storage space for the screen structure 16. The cavity 20 is substantially the same
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`size and shape as the screen structure 16, such that when the screen structure 16 is in the
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`storage position of FIGS. 5A and 7A, a front face 22 of the screen structure 16 is
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`substantially flush with an outer surface 24 of the housing 18, which is in turn substantially
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`flush with a surface 25 of the headrest 12 (FIG. 7A). The monitor 10 thus preferably
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`protrudes only minimally or not at all from the headrest 12.
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`[0040]
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`In the illustrated embodiment,
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`the screen structure 16 includes a front
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`portion 26 (FIGS. 2A and 2B) that is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped, and a rear
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`portion 28 that tapers inward from the front portion 26 toward a rear face 30. Each of the left
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`and right faces 32, 34 of the screen structure 16 includes a first hinge portion 36 adjacent a
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`top face 38 of the screen structure 16. Each hinge portion 36 comprises a substantially flat
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`bar 40 defining a plane that is parallel to a side face 32, 34 of the screen structure 16. The bar
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`40 is pivotably secured at a first end 42 to the side face 32, 34 of the screen structure 16, such
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`that the bar 40 is pivotable in the plane defined by the bar 40. The first hinge portions 36
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`cooperate with second hinge portions 44 (FIGURES 3A—3C) on the housing 18 to pivotably
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`secure the screen structure 16 to the housing 18, as described in detail below. The illustrated
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`first hinge portions 36 are preferred, because they simplify the assembly of the monitor 10, as
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`explained below. However, those of skill in the art will appreciate that a variety of alternate
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`hinge constructions could be used and still achieve a number of advantages of the present
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`monitor 10.
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`[0041]
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`The front surface 22 of the screen structure 16 (FIG. 1A) includes a
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`viewing screen 46 that displays images to passengers. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the
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`screen structure 16 includes an input cable 48 for receiving an input signal to control the
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`images displayed on the viewing screen 46. A first end 50 of the cable preferably includes a
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`multi-pin connector 52 that enables a variety of input devices to selectively communicate
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`with the monitor 10.
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`[0042]
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`The monitor 10 further includes a plurality of controls for determining
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`characteristics of the displayed images. For example, one control preferably enables power to
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`be selectively applied to the monitor 10. Other controls preferably enable a viewer to select
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`between various input sources for the monitor 10, such as a television tuner, a DVD player, a
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`video game system, etc. Other controls preferably enable adjustment of qualities of the
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`screen images, such as brightness, sharpness, contrast, etc.
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`[0043]
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`In the illustrated embodiment, a first cluster of manual controls 54 is
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`located on the front face 22 of the screen structure 16, and a second cluster of manual
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`controls 56 is located on the outer surface 24 of the housing 18 adjacent the screen structure
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`16. The front face 22 of the screen structure 16 further includes an infrared sensor 58 for
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`receiving signals from a handheld wireless remote control unit (not shown). Those of skill in
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`the art will appreciate that all controls may be located on the screen structure 16, or all
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`controls may be located on the housing 18. Alternatively, the monitor 10 may include no
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`integrated manual controls, such that the monitor 10 is controllable using only a handheld
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`wired or wireless remote control unit.
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`[0044]
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`An interior of the screen structure 16 preferably includes at
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`least one
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`speaker 59 that produces audible sounds that accompany the images displayed on the screen
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`46. At least one of the controls 54, 56 on the monitor 10 or on an optional remote control
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`unit preferably enables adjustment of a volume level produced by the at least one speaker 59.
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`The rear face 30 of the screen structure 16, shown in FIG. 2B, includes apertures 60 that
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`enable sounds produced by the speaker 59 to be heard clearly by passengers. Those of skill in
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`the art will appreciate that the apertures 60 are not necessary to achieve many advantages of
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`the present monitor 10.
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`[0045]
`Those of skill in the art will also appreciate that the monitor 10 need not
`include a speaker 59. The monitor 10 could, for example, be connected to the vehicle’s
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`sound system such that sounds from the monitor 10 are produced by speakers mounted in the
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`vehicle’s interior. However, front seat passengers, who, are not in a position to view the
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`images on the monitor 10, may wish to listen to, for example, a radio broadcast through the
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`vehicle’s sound system. Therefore, providing at least one speaker 59 in the monitor 10
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`enables rear seat passengers to listen to sounds produced by the monitor 10, and front seat
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`passengers to listen to sounds produced by the vehicle’s sound system. To eliminate any
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`dissonance created by two sources of different sounds, the monitor 10 could also include a
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`headphone jack so that only backseat passengers wearing headphones can hear sounds
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`produced by the monitor 10.
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`[0046]
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`As shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, 5A and 5B, front edges of the housing 18
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`extend outward and backward, thus creating a rim 62 around the cavity 20 having a front face
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`64 and side faces 66, 68, 70, 72 that are substantially parallel to side faces of the cavity 20.
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`The rim 62 increases the rigidity of the housing 18 without substantially increasing its weight
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`or volume.
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`In the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the front face 64 of the rim 62
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`adjacent a lower right edge 68 of the housing 18 includes a plurality of apertures 74. The
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`apertures 74 are adapted to house controls, such as buttons or knobs, for adjusting various
`aspects of the monitor 10, as described above. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that
`the apertures 74 are not necessary to achieve all the advantages of the monitor 10, since
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`controls may be mounted on the screen structure 16 or on a remote control unit.
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`[0047]
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`A floor 76 of the cavity 20 preferably includes a plurality of apertures 78
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`(FIG. 3A) that cooperate with mounting hardware, such as screws, to secure the housing 18 to
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`the headrest 12. The floor 76 preferably also includes an aperture 80 of sufficient size to
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`allow the input cable 48 to pass through the floor 76 without interference. A top surface 82,
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`bottom surface 84 and opposing side surfaces 86 extend upward from the floor 76. The floor
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`76 protects the monitor 10 and the headrest 12 during use.
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`[0048]
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`Adjacent the top surface 82, each side surface 86 of the cavity 20 includes
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`a second hinge portion 44 (FIGS. 3A—3C) that cooperates with one of the first hinge portions
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`36 on the screen structure 16 to pivotably secure the screen structure 16 to the housing 18.
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`Each second hinge portion 44 comprises a slot having a width substantially equal
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`to a
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`thickness of the bar40 of the first hinge portion 36. The bar 40 is thus slidable within the
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`slot. With the bar 40 disposed within the slot, a position and orientation of the bar 40 is fixed
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`relative to the housing 18. However, because the bar 40 is rotatable with respect to the screen
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`structure 16, the screen structure 16 is pivotable with respect to the housing 18.
`
`[0049]
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`A tab 88 within the slot cooperates with an aperture 90 (FIG. 2A) on the
`
`bar 40 to lock the bar 40 within the slot. The tab 88 is cantilevered and attached to a side
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`edge 92 of the floor 76 of the cavity 20. The tab 88 includes a forward facing tapered portion
`94 (FIG. 3C) that terminates in a ledge 96 that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the
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`tab 88 and faces away from the rim 62. As the bar 40 is inserted within the slot, the bar 40
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`slides along the outside of the tab 88, and the bar 40 urges the tab 88 inward due to
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`interengagement of the bar 40 with the tapered surface 94. As a leading edge 98 (FIG. 2A) of
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`the bar 40 reaches a rear end of the slot, the tab 88 snaps into position within the aperture 90
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`of the bar 40. The ledge 96 abuts an edge of the aperture 90, thus locking the bar 40 within
`the slot and securing the screen structure 16 to the housing 18. The present monitor 10 is
`thus easy to assemble. The bars 40 are simply inserted into the slots until the tabs 88 lock .
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`into place within the apertures 90.
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`_
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`[0050]
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`While the illustrated second hinge portions 44 are preferred for their ease
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`of assembly together with the illustrated first hinge portions 36, those of skill in the art will
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`appreciate that the illustrated second hinge portions 44 are merely exemplary. A variety of
`
`alternate hinge constructions could be used to achieve many advantages of the present
`
`monitor 10.
`
`[0051]
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`Preferably, the first and second hinge portions 36, 44 are located near an
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`upper edge 38, 82 of the screen structure 16 and housing 18, respectively. The upper edge 38
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`of the screen structure 16 thus remains substantially fixed with respect to the housing 18,
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`while a lower edge 100 of the screen structure 16 is capable of protruding substantially from
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`the front face 24 of the housing 18, as shown in FIG. 5B. Preferably, a finger catch 102
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`(FIGS. 2A, 2B, 5A and 5B) extends downward from the lower edge 100 of the screen
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`structure 16. The finger catch 102 provides a convenient surface against which a viewer may
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`place his or her fingers to rotate the screen structure 16 with respect to the housing 18..
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`Preferably, the lower edge 70 of the housing includes a cut out portion 104 (FIGS. 3A and 4)
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`so that a viewer can reach behind the finger catch 102 to pull the screen structure 16 outward
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`from the stowed position of FIG. 5A.
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`[0052]
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`Advantageously, as the screen structure 16 pivots from the stowed position
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`of FIG. 5A to the position of FIG. 5B, no portion of the rear face 30 of the screen structure 16
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`moves toward the floor 76 of the cavity 20. The floor 76 thus defines a limit for the monitor
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`10. No portion of the monitor 10, including the screen structure 16, extends beyond the floor
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`76 into the headrest 12. Thus, the overall monitor 10 occupies relatively little depth of the
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`headrest 12, because the depth occupied by the monitor 10 corresponds roughly to the
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`thickness of the screen structure 16.
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`[0053]
`
`With prior art monitors, such as the monitors disclosed in US. Patent Nos.
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`5,267,775 to Nguyen, 5,507,556 to Dixon, and 5,842,715 to Jones, additional depth beyond
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`the thickness of the screen structure would be required within a headrest to accommodate
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`these monitors. As the screen structures of these monitors pivot from the stowed position to
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`a viewing position, an upper edge