Seat mountable entertainment system

An entertainment system comprises a media source, and a housing for supporting the media source, wherein the housing is coupled to an inner portion of a seat of a vehicle, and the media source is capable of being selectively connected to and disconnected from the housing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an entertainment system, and more particularly to an entertainment system capable of being mounted to a seat.

2. Discussion of Related Art

As society becomes more mobile and therefore spends a greater amount of time traveling and away from home, demand rises for electronic appliances and devices outside the home environment. For example, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, video screens101have been mounted in the headrests102of vehicles, facilitating video entertainment on the road. These video screens may be connected to a media source located, for example, in the glove box or console of the vehicle. In this configuration, the media source occupies space in the vehicle that could otherwise be used for alternate purposes, such as storage.

Therefore, a need exists for a configuration of an entertainment system that includes space for housing a media source located on the seat of the vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A housing adapted to secure a removable media source to a seat in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, includes a means for securing the housing to an internal support structure of the seat, and a means for securing the removable media source to the housing.

The means for securing the housing may comprise at least one of a screw, a catch and an adhesive. The means for securing the removable media source may comprise a quick release mechanism, a flexible coupling mechanism including concave and convex portions, Velcro or a snap.

The removable media source may include at least one of a DVD player, a CD-ROM player, a video game player, a videocassette player, a television tuner, a radio tuner, a wireless receiver, an MP3 player, a digital video recorder, and a device for playing media supplied from a mass storage device. The housing may be mounted in one of a headrest and a main body of the seat. A display may be operatively coupled to the removable media source, wherein the display is one of handheld, mounted to the housing and mounted at a location in the vehicle away from the housing. The display may be operatively coupled to the removable media source via at least one of a direct connection, a connection through the housing and a wireless connection. The removable media source may be electrically coupled to the housing. Power may be provided to the removable media source from a power source coupled to the housing. Video data may be transferred from the removable media source to the housing for distribution to at least one display. Audio data may be transferred from the removable media source to the housing for distribution to at least one of at least one speaker and at least one headphone set.

The media source may wirelessly transmit at least one of audio and video data to a receiving device capable of downloading and storing at least one of the audio and video data.

An entertainment system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, includes a media source, and a housing for supporting the media source, wherein at least a portion of the housing is mounted in a vehicle seat, and the media source is capable of being selectively connected to and disconnected from the housing.

The media source may transmit audio and video data via wireless transmission to a display device. The audio and video data may include at least two media programs transmitted in a broadcast stream. Selection of one of the at least two media programs may be made from a menu displayed on the display device. The media source may be capable of downloading and storing audio and video data.

The media source may transmit at least one of audio and video data to a receiving device. The receiving device may be one of a cellular telephone, a personal computer, an MP3 player, a personal digital assistant, a digital video recorder, and a mass storage device. The media source and the receiving device may be each capable of downloading and storing at least one of the audio and video data. The media source may transmit the audio and video data to the receiving device via one of wired and wireless transmission. The audio and video data may include at least two media programs transmitted to the receiving device in a broadcast stream, wherein selection of one of the at least two media programs is made from a menu displayed on the receiving device.

At least one of audio and video data may be capable of being transmitted from the media source to a receiving device and to the media source from the receiving device. The audio and video data may be transmitted between the media source and the receiving device via one of wired and wireless transmission. The audio and video data received by the media source from the receiving device may be transmitted to a display device from the media source.

A housing adapted to secure a removable media source to a seat in a vehicle, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, comprises a means for securing the housing to the seat, and a means for securing the removable media source to the housing.

The means for securing the housing may comprise at least one of a screw, a catch and an adhesive for engaging an internal support structure of the seat, or at least one of an adhesive, a rivet or Velcro for engaging a portion of upholstery of the seat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring toFIG. 3, an entertainment system200is shown, wherein a housing202for a media source250is integrated into a vehicle seat201at, for example, the main body203of the seat201. As shown inFIG. 4, an entertainment system300includes a housing302for a media source350that is integrated into the headrest305of a vehicle seat301.

The media sources250,350may include, for example, a DVD player, a CD-ROM player, a video game player, a videocassette player (VCP), a television or radio tuner, a wireless receiver for playing media received via wireless techniques such as 802.11, Bluetooth®, cellular transmission, including Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) or other technology using spread-spectrum techniques, and satellite transmission, an MP3 player, or a digital video recorder (DVR) or similar device capable of downloading, recording, storing (e.g., on a storage device, such as a hard disk) and/or playing video and/or audio files or programs. The media sources250,350may also include a device for playing media supplied from a mass storage device, wherein the mass storage device includes, for example, a memory card or a keydrive. The media sources250,350may also include any combination of the above media sources. If a media source requires insertion of a data media, such a DVD, the media source can be a clamshell-type device, wherein a data media is inserted into the media source through a cover, for example, positioned on the top of the device (FIG. 10D), a slot-type device, wherein a data media is inserted through a slot in the media source, a drawer-type device including a drawer and a spindle for securing a data media in place, or any other device configured to receive a data media.

As shown in FIGS.4and6A-6B, the housings202,302can be fixed to the vehicle seats201,301by, for example, screws204, catches206, adhesives, including, for example, epoxies, glues, cements, tapes and/or any other means known to those skilled in the art. As shown inFIG. 4, the housing302can be secured to an internal support structure325of the headrest305. Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 5, the housing202may be secured to internal structures225,226of the main body203of the vehicle seat201. As an alternative to mounting to an internal support structure, the housings202,302may be attached (e.g., using adhesive, such as epoxy, glue, cement or tape, rivets, or Velcro) to a portion of the upholstery within the seat body or headrest.

The media sources250,350can be permanently fixed in a cavity or open portion210,310of the housings202,302by any acceptable means known to those skilled in the art, such as by screws, catches, adhesives, molding and pressure fitting. The media sources250,350are preferably capable of being selectively inserted and mounted in the cavities210,310and removable therefrom. The media sources250,350may be selectively housed in the cavities210,310so that they are replaceable with different media sources operating with the same or different types of media.

Referring toFIG. 7A, the housings202,302include a quick release mechanism for securing and releasing the media sources250,350. The quick release mechanism can include a button702for releasing a latch703, which is secured to the media source250,350by pressing the media source250,350securely into the cavity210,310. A latch mechanism includes a latch703that passes into, for example, a bottom portion of a wall of the media source250,350. The latch703is momentarily displaced as the media source250,350is inserted into the cavity210,310. A spring704secures the latch703in the bottom portion of the media source250,350. The button702can be pressed, aligning the latch703with an opening in the bottom portion of the media source250,350, and the media source250,350can be pulled away from the housing202,302.

As shown inFIG. 7B, a rear portion705of the media source250,350can be secured by a convex portion706that fits within a concave portion707in the housing202,302. As the media source250,350is pressed into the cavity210,310, a wall708of the housing202,302flexes away from the rear portion of the media source250,350until the convex portion706is aligned with the concave portion707. The convex portion706and the concave portion707cooperate to secure the media source250,350in the cavity210,310of the housing202,400. Thus, a wall708of the housing202,302surrounding the cavity210,310can be formed of, for example, a flexible thermoplastic rubber.

Other means of securing the media source250,350in the cavity210,310of the housing202,302are contemplated, such as, snaps, Velcro and the like. As shown inFIG. 7C, Velcro strips712are fixed to a wall of the media source250,350for mating with pads714fixed to the housing202,302to secure the media source250,350in the cavity210,310of the housing202,302. As shown inFIG. 7D, magnetic or non-magnetic snaps716are fixed to a wall of the media source250,350for mating with recesses718fixed to the housing202,302for receiving the snaps to secure the media source250,350in the cavity210,310of the housing202,302. It is to be understood that the Velcro strips712and the snaps716may be fixed to the housing202,302, while the pads714and the recesses718are fixed to the media source250,350.

Referring now toFIGS. 8A and 8B, a wall815of the housing202,302bordering the cavity210,310(shown inFIG. 8Aas a back wall815) includes a pin array801for connecting to a pin array802located on the media source250,350. When the media source250,350is secured to housing210,310, the pin array801and media source pin array802transfer data to and from the media source250,350. Thus, the media source can be connected to external devices through the housing202,302. The external devices include, for example, a slave video display unit installed in another part of the vehicle, a security system, and a vehicle sound system.

The media source250,350may also be connected to the vehicle's power supply through the housing202,302. The housing202,302can be coupled to a vehicle's electrical system and connected to a vehicle's power supply, e.g., 12 Volts, through, for example, a wiring harness. Power can be supplied to the media source250,350through the pin arrays801and802. The housing202,302can also be connected to a vehicle's data communication bus, which can carry data to and from the external devices.

Referring toFIG. 9, in an entertainment system400, a portion of a seat401, such as the headrest405, includes an opening409for receiving a data media to be inserted in the media source (e.g., media source250or350). The opening409aligns with the slot411of a media source that has been inserted into a cavity in a housing. The alignment of the opening409with the slot411allows a data media, such as a DVD or MP3 disk to be inserted into a media source. The opening409may be positioned on the side, top, or bottom of the seat401. The portion of the seat401where the media source and slot are located (e.g. the headrest405or the main body of the seat) may include vents412for dissipating heat and a cooling fan413for increasing airflow. The cooling fan413can be located behind the vents412, such that the cooling fan413is concealed.

Referring toFIGS. 10A-10D, another embodiment of an entertainment system500installed in a vehicle seat501, wherein a housing502for a media source550is integrated into the vehicle seat501, at, for example, the headrest or the main body of the vehicle seat501. A display520is also attached to the housing502. Like the housings202and302and media sources250and350, the housing502is attached to the seat501and the media source550is mounted in the housing502in the same or similar manner as embodiments shown inFIGS. 3 and 4. The media source550may also include any of the devices listed above in connection with the media sources250and350. Further, the housing502may include the pin array801for mating with a pin array802on the media source550for transfer of power and/or data.

As shown inFIGS. 10A-10D, a door530is connected via a hinge or hinges532to the housing502. The door530includes the display520formed on a front side thereof. The display520can be fixed to the door530by, for example, screws, catches, adhesives, molding, pressure fitting, snugly fitting into an open center section of the door530bordered by a frame and/or any other means known to those skilled in the art.

The hinge532, located at a top portion of the door530, allows the door530to pivot away from the housing502to expose a cavity510for receiving and supporting the media source550in the housing502. The hinge532may be positioned at top, bottom or side portions of the door530as long the door530can be opened to expose the cavity510for receiving the media source550.

The media source550includes a cover552that can be opened to allow insertion of a data media, such as a DVD, into the media source550. The door530may be opened, for example, by pulling a tab534. Alternatively, a button (not shown) may be depressed releasing the door530from the housing502. The cover552may be opened, for example, by pulling a tab (not shown) and/or by depressing a button554releasing the cover552from the entertainment unit550. The door530may be closed by re-engaging the released side of the door530with the housing502. A desired program can be played for viewing while the door530is in the closed position. Controls560for controlling functions of the media source550, such as, volume, previous, next, pause, eject, play and power on/off, are shown inFIG. 10Dpositioned on the media source550.

The display520may be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a gas plasma display, a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic LED (OLED) display, or an electro-luminescent display. The display520may include a control panel540with control buttons542for controlling the on screen display characteristics and input and output ports543for items such as external devices or headphones. The media source550may also include input and output ports positioned thereon.

It is to be appreciated that that a display, such as the display520, may also be attached to the housings202,302, either via a door or directly to the housings using fasteners, screws, catches, molding, snap-fit mechanisms or the like. A display may also be handheld, mounted in another portion of the vehicle away from the seat mounted media source, such as to a wall of the vehicle (e.g. the ceiling of the vehicle), on another seat or on a different portion of the same seat as the media source (e.g., on a headrest, while the media source is positioned on the main body of the seat).

The display can be operatively coupled to the media source directly via wires or some other electrical connectors, or through the housing, via, for example, electrical connectors coupled to the pin array801.

Transfer of data may be obtained through the pin arrays801,802. For example, video data from a DVR media source may be transferred through the pin arrays801,802to a display coupled to the housing for producing a video image on a display screen. Similarly, audio data may be transferred through the pin arrays801,802to a display, speakers and/or headphones coupled to the housing for producing sound associated with a video image. Further, audio data may be sent through the display to speakers or headphones via wired or wireless transmission. Video and audio data may also be transferred to displays, speakers and/or headphones directly from the media source. Audio and/or video data from any of the above described media sources can be transferred via the pin arrays801,802or through some other physical connection, such as wires or through wireless transmission to displays, speakers and/or headphones.

To provide for audio reception through wireless headphones, the display520or the media source550may include a wireless transmitter575for transmitting wireless signals to wireless receivers in wireless headphones via, for example radio frequency (RF) or infrared (IR) signals, using an antenna or optical transmitting device, respectively. The wireless transmitter575can be capable of transmitting wireless signals over more than one channel operating at a different frequency for each channel so that interference between more than one wireless headphone user watching different programs can be avoided. Audio may also be provided to vehicle occupants through the existing vehicle audio system or through a speaker mounted in the seat501or media source550.

Referring toFIG. 12, a DVR650is the media source removably positioned in the housing of a vehicle seat. The DVR650is capable of storing multiple programs for selective output to a display620and/or to a receiving device625. The DVR650may have a capacity in the range of about 50 to about 150 hours digital audio and video programming, but is not limited as such, and may have more or less capacity. The audio and video programming can include, for example, music including audio only or including both audio and video, movies, video games or the like. The DVR650can download and store the audio and video programming from sources such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a global network, such as the Internet, and television or radio networks, including satellite networks.

The display620is preferably an LCD type display, but can be another type of display, such as gas plasma, LED, organic LED (OLED) or electro-luminescent. The display620can be attached to same housing as the DVR650, handheld, or mounted in a portion of the vehicle remote from the DVR650, such as to a wall of the vehicle (e.g. the vehicle ceiling), on another seat, on a console, or on a different portion of the same seat as the media source.

The receiving device625can be, for example, a cellular telephone, personal computer (PC), laptop PC, MP3 player, personal digital assistant (PDA), another DVR, a mass storage device, such as a memory card or a keydrive, a satellite radio, an AM/FM radio, or other device capable of broadcasting, displaying, receiving, downloading and/or storing audio and/or video data.

Audio and video data pertaining to a specific program may be selected for output via a menu of programs appearing on a display620and/or a display of the receiving device625. Audio and video signals formatted for wireless for transmission (e.g., compressed and encoded) are input to a wireless transmitter675coupled to the DVR650and transmitted to receivers621and626located in the display620and the receiving device625. Alternatively, audio and video signals from the DVR may be transmitted to the display620or to the receiving device625, via a physical connection, such as the pin arrays801,802, or via ports or jacks, such as a universal serial bus (USB) port or an RCA jack.

In an embodiment, the display620and the receiving device625include components, such as demodulators and decoders to reformat (e.g., decompress) transmitted audio and video data for broadcast. Video and audio data pertaining to multiple programs may be, for example, wirelessly transmitted in a broadcast stream, and a user may select a program for viewing on a display through, for example, a menu displayed on a screen of the display.

In an embodiment, the receiving device625includes a transmitter627for wirelessly transmitting audio and video data from the receiving device625to a receiver676coupled to the DVR650. The DVR650can download and store the audio and video data from the receiving device625for playback and distribution to, for example, display620. Audio and video data from the receiving device625may also be transferred to the DVR650via a physical connection.

Wireless transmission from and to the DVR650utilizes radio frequency (RF) and/or infrared (IR) signals. The wireless transmission can be performed in accordance with known techniques, such as Bluetooth®, 802.11 and the like.

Referring toFIG. 11, when the entertainment systems200-500are not in use, a cover980can conceal the housing and cavity. The cover980is manufactured from a material such as, plastic, wood, leather, vinyl, cloth, and/or aluminum. Depending on the cover material, the cover980can be secured by the same mechanisms used to secure the media source to the compartment shown inFIGS. 7A-7D, or with catches, and/or a zipper. The cover980and the media source can have one or more features in common, such as openings for receiving latches and the like.

It is to be appreciated that a portable media source according to the present invention is easily removable from and can be operated outside of a vehicle, for example, in home or office environments.

Having described embodiments for a seat mountable video system, it is noted that modifications and variations can be made by persons skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that changes may be made in the particular embodiments of the invention disclosed which are within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Having thus described the invention with the details and particularity required by the patent laws, what is claimed and desired protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.