Patent ID: 6124902
Filing Date: 2000-09-26
Classification: B60K,B60R,F16M,G06F,H04N,Y10S

Abstract:
In an automobile having a generally planar ceiling, with windows and a passenger seating area through which a driver has a view of an interior and exterior of the automobile, a ceiling-mounted automotive display unit comprising:a direct-view screen structure operatively hinged to the ceiling in a location overhead and generally forward of the passenger seating area in the automobile for reversibly swaying in an upright plane which extends through the passenger seating area, the screen structure being configured to pivot between a stowed position wherein the screen structure is in coplanar relation to the ceiling in an orientation which does not obstruct the driver's view, and a deployed position wherein the screen structure projects downwardly from the ceiling at an angle relative to the ceiling in an orientation which accommodates the driver's access to the driver's view, the deployed position presenting a viewing surface generally rearward of the windshield in a central region of the ceiling in a disposition overhead-viewable by passengers seated in the passenger seating area; anda video control module configured to direct operation of the direct-view screen structure, the video control module being electrically connected to the screen structure, but mounted in a location laterally spaced from the screen structure when the screen structure is in the stowed position.