Patent ID: 6364390
Filing Date: 2002-04-02
Classification: B60R,Y10S

Abstract:
A display monitor system for mounting to a ceiling portion of a vehicle, the system comprising:a display monitor having a viewing surface; a mounting assembly pivotally coupled to the monitor and adapted to be mounted on the ceiling portion of the vehicle, wherein a first portion of the mounting assembly is pivotal relative to a second portion of the mounting assembly between a stowed configuration, in which the monitor is retained proximate the ceiling portion, and a viewing configuration, in which the monitor is pivoted away from the stowed configuration to present the viewing surface for viewing by passengers in the vehicle; and a retention system positionable in an unactuated position, in which the system is positioned to engage the monitor and retain the monitor in the stowed configuration, and an actuated position, in which the system releases the monitor to pivot away from the stowed configuration, wherein the retention system comprises: a body portion; a retainer mounted on the body portion and pivotal about a pivot axis, wherein the retainer includes a monitor-engaging portion adapted to selectively engage the monitor when the retention system is in its unactuated position and the monitor is in its stowed position, and further wherein the monitor-engaging portion includes a contact surface oriented so that any downward forces imparted to the contact surface by the monitor are not directed to urge the retention system toward its actuated position; and an actuator coupled to the retainer and adapted to pivot the retainer between the actuated and unactuated positions, wherein the retainer includes an actuator-engaging portion that is coupled to the actuator by a linkage.