Abstract:
An electronic device holder provides a top mounted tablet holder with a thirty degree rotational limit to its rearward swinging motion of a mounting surface. This concept has the dual benefit that the path of the electronic device holder and a viewer&#39;s upper body do not intersect during an impact event. Thus, any contact between the viewer and the tablet or device holder will be a glancing impact, as opposed to a perpendicular impact vector. As coupled to a headrest support system, the electronic device holder can move downward along the support system during impact. Further, the mounting surface of the electronic device holder is configured to move away from a potential point of impact while fully retaining an electronic device mounted thereto.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to an electronic device holder assembly for mounting to a headrest of a vehicle seat, and more specifically, to an electronic device holder which is configured to mitigate impact between the holder assembly and a vehicle occupant during an impact event. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Seatback mounted device holders for vehicles are known options frequently added to a vehicle seat for viewing by second row passengers. These device holders can raise a concern for head impact scenarios. This is particularly true when the device holder is bottom hinged and viewed above an associated seatback. During viewing by a rear seat occupant, the screen and device holder is generally in an upward viewing position. Should a front or rear impact event occur, the forces generated can cause the unit to rotate towards the occupant. Simultaneous to unit rotation, the occupant&#39;s head may be thrust forward as the upper body rotates about the vehicle seat&#39;s lap belt. The result of the two rotational motions may be that the head&#39;s motion can intersect with that of the device holder. Similarly, if the device holder is in a downward or stored position, impact forces may rotate the unit upwards to intersect with the motion of the seat occupant&#39;s upper body. 
     Thus, a seatback or headrest device holder is desired having rotational limits, such that motion generated from impact forces is mitigated. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One aspect of the present invention includes an electronic device holder for a headrest having an anchor collar that is coupled to the headrest and includes a hinge assembly. A mounting surface is configured to receive an electronic device and is coupled to the hinge assembly for pivoting movement via the hinge assembly. The hinge assembly includes an upward rotational limit, such that the mounting surface is limited to a pitch of no more than thirty degrees rotation from vertical. 
     Another aspect of the present invention includes an electronic device holder for a headrest having an anchor collar that is coupled to the headrest and includes a hinge assembly. A mounting surface is configured to receive an electronic device and is coupled to the hinge assembly for pivoting movement between a stowed position and a viewing position, and a plurality of positions therebetween. The hinge assembly includes an upward rotational limit, such that the mounting surface is rotated no more than thirty degrees from the stowed position to the viewing position. 
     Yet another aspect of the present invention includes an electronic device holder for a headrest having an anchor collar that is coupled to the headrest and includes a hinge assembly disposed therein. A substantially planar mounting surface is coupled to the hinge assembly for movement between first and second positions. The mounting surface is limited to a degree less than horizontal when in the second position, and more preferably, thirty degrees rotation from the first position to the second position. 
     These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a fragmentary side elevational view of a vehicle showing first and second row passengers seated in the vehicle with a device holder coupled to a front seat according to one embodiment of the present concept; 
         FIG. 2  is a fragmentary side elevational view of the vehicle of  FIG. 1  showing relative movement of an upper portion of the second row passenger; 
         FIG. 3  is a side elevational view of a vehicle seatback and headrest having a device holder coupled thereto in a stowed position according to another embodiment of the present concept; 
         FIG. 4  is a fragmentary rear plan view of a device holder according to another embodiment of the present concept; 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of a device holder according to another embodiment of the present concept; 
         FIG. 6  is a side elevational view of a vehicle seatback and headrest having a device holder coupled thereto according to another embodiment of the present concept; 
         FIG. 7  is a side elevational view of a vehicle seatback and headrest having a device holder coupled thereto in a raised viewing position according to another embodiment of the present concept; 
         FIG. 8  is a side elevational view of a vehicle seatback, headrest having and device holder of  FIG. 7  with the device holder shown in a lowered viewing position; 
         FIG. 9  is a fragmentary top plan view of a device holder according to another embodiment of the present concept; 
         FIG. 10A  is a side elevational view of an adjustable coupling assembly between a headrest support post and an anchor collar for use with the device holder of the present concept; and 
         FIG. 10B  is a side elevational view of a locking bar configured to slip down a headrest support post on impact. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , the reference numeral  10  generally designates an electronic device holder as mounted to a front seat  12 A. The front seat  12 A includes a seat portion  13  which is adjustably or pivotally coupled to a seatback  16 . The seatback  16  includes a front side  16 A, a rear side  16 B and an upper portion  16 C. A headrest assembly  14 , or head restraint assembly, is adjustably coupled to the seatback  16  at the upper portion  16 C thereof. A rear seat  12 B is also shown in  FIG. 1  having similar components as noted above with reference to front seat  12 A. The electronic device holder  10  is hingedly or pivotally coupled to the headrest assembly  14 , as further described below, and is configured to support and retain an electronic device therein. The electronic device to be supported by the electronic device holder  10  is generally a portable electronic device, such as a tablet, a mobile phone, a DVD player, or other like electronic device. For the purposes of this disclosure, the electronic device to be supported in the electronic device holder  10  will be described herein as a tablet, although one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other such electronic devices can be retained in the electronic device holder  10 . 
     With further reference to  FIG. 1 , the front and rear seats  12 A,  12 B are shown disposed in a vehicle interior  4  of a vehicle  2 , with passengers P 1  and P 2  seated in the front and rear seats  12 A,  12 B, respectively. As further shown in  FIG. 1 , the headrest  14  of front seat  12 A is shown in a raised position R. As coupled to the headrest  14 , the electronic device holder  10  is shown pivoted to an outward or second viewing position VP. As further shown in  FIG. 1 , relative movement of the rear passenger P 2  is indicated along a pivoting path  20 , which is drawn to represent contemplated movement of the upper portion of rear passenger P 2  during a front end or rear end impact event. Thus, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the rear passenger P 2  is shown in a seated position, as well as an impact position IP, shown in phantom, wherein the rear passenger P 2  makes contact with the electronic device holder  10  in a glancing manner with the electronic device holder  10  in the outward viewing position VP. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the headrest  14  of front seat  12 A is shown in a lowered position L, while the electronic device holder  10  is shown in a stowed position S. In the lowered position L, the headrest  14  is moved vertically towards the upper portion  16 C of seatback  16  of front seat  12 A, as compared to the raised position R shown in  FIG. 1 . In the stowed position S, the electronic device holder  10  is adjacent to or abutting the rear side  16 B of the seatback  16  of front seat  12 A. As represented in  FIG. 2 , the impact position IP of rear passenger P 2  along path  20  shows the rear passenger P 2  making contact with a rear side of the headrest  14  of front seat  12 A. The electronic device holder  10  of the present invention is configured to limit outward rotation to a degree or pitch that is less than horizontal, or more preferably, thirty degrees from vertical or from the stowed position S, as further described below. In  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the electronic device holder  10  is shown coupled to the front seat  12 A at headrest  14 . However, it is contemplated that the electronic device holder  10  of the present invention can be mounted to any vehicle seat, such as rear seat  12 B, for viewing by a third row occupant. Further, the electronic device holder  10  of the present invention can be mounted on the driver&#39;s side or the passenger&#39;s side of the vehicle interior  4 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the headrest  14  of front seat  12 A is shown in the lowered position L, while the electronic device holder  10  is shown in a stowed position S. As used throughout this disclosure, the stowed position S may also be referred to as the first position, wherein a mounting surface  22  of the electronic device holder is rotated towards the seatback  16 , such that the mounting surface  22  either abuts or is disposed adjacent to the seatback  16 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the mounting surface  22  of the electronic device holder can be rotated outward towards a viewing position VP or second position, as used herein, for viewing an electronic device by a second row passenger. The mounting surface  22  is configured to hold or retain an electronic device in a mounting cavity  24  by any means generally known in the art. Generally, the mounting surface  22  will retain the electronic device with an outwardly facing display screen for viewing by a vehicle occupant. As further shown in  FIG. 3 , the electronic device holder  10  includes an anchor collar  26  which is coupled to a telescoping support system  28  of the headrest  14 . The telescoping support system  28  is configured to move the headrest  14  between the lowered position L ( FIG. 3 ) and the raised position R ( FIG. 1 ), and any position therebetween, along a path as indicated by arrow V 1 . With the headrest  14  in the lowered position L, the anchor collar  26  abuts a plastic bezel  30  disposed on the upper portion  16 C of the seatback  16 . As further shown in  FIG. 3 , the mounting surface  22  is a substantially planar surface configured to rotate between the stowed or first position S and the viewing or second position VP, along a path as indicated by arrow  32   a . Also shown in  FIG. 3 , the mounting surface  22  can be configured, such that the viewing VP is thirty degrees from vertical V as indicated by arrow  32   b . The mounting surface  22  pivots from the anchor collar  26  at pivot point  34  via a hinge assembly, as further described below. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the electronic device holder  10  is shown having a mounting portion  36  of anchor collar  26 . A hinge assembly  40  is shown disposed within the mounting portion  36  of anchor collar  26 . The hinge assembly  40  is contemplated to be a friction hinge having constant torque for rotation of the mounting surface  22  relative to the anchor collar  26 . The hinge assembly  40  includes a dual sided shaft  42  having grooved or splined first and second ends  44 ,  46  extending outwardly from the hinge assembly  40  at opposite ends thereof. The splined first and second ends  44 ,  46  are coupled to first and second trunnions  50 ,  52  which extend outwardly from the mounting surface  22 . It is contemplated that the first and second trunnions  50 ,  52 , are polymeric members that are overmolded to the splined first and second ends  44 ,  46  of the hinge assembly  40  to securely couple the mounting surface  22  to the hinge assembly  40 . As used herein, the term “overmolding” or “overmolded” refers to a part being surrounded and coupled to another using a polymeric molding technique, such as insert molding, double shot molding, or co-injection molding techniques. The first and second trunnions  50 ,  52  are shown in  FIG. 4  as box trunnions, but can take any other shape as dictated by design. As further shown in  FIG. 4 , an electronic device  38  is shown mounted to the mounting cavity  24  of mounting surface  22 , wherein the electronic device  38  includes an outwardly facing display screen  39 . The mounting surface  22  is configured to rotate at pivot point  34  via the hinge assembly  40  as indicate by arrow  32 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , the anchor collar  26  is shown having an anchor portion  54  with first and second ends  56 ,  58 . Disposed at the first and second ends  56 ,  58  are mounting apertures  60 ,  62  which are configured to mount the anchor collar  26  to the telescoping support system  28  ( FIG. 3 ) of the headrest  14 . Thus, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the anchor collar  26  is configured to support the electronic device holder  10  via one or more support posts used to support the headrest  14 , wherein the headrest  14  is commonly supported by dual support posts, indicated by reference numerals  64 ,  66  in  FIG. 5 . The mounting portion  36  of the anchor collar  26  is shown extending outward in a car-rearward direction from the anchor portion  54 , such that the mounting surface  22  is extended out and over the rear side  16 B ( FIG. 3 ) of the seatback  16  for viewing by a second or third row passenger. To mount the anchor collar  26  to the telescoping support system  28  ( FIG. 3 ) of the headrest  14 , it is contemplated that the headrest  14  is removed from the upper portion  16 C of the seatback  16  and support posts  64 ,  66  are inserted into the mounting apertures  60 ,  62  of the anchor portion  54  of anchor collar  26  and then further mounted to the upper portion  16 C of the seatback  16 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . It is contemplated that the hinge assembly  40  can be molded into the anchor collar  26  at mounting portion  36 . Further, the anchor collar  26  can be a two-part member configured to clamp around the hinge assembly  40  in a clam shell style arrangement. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , the headrest  14  is shown in the raised position R along the path as indicated by arrow V 1 . The anchor collar  26  is shown coupled to the telescoping support system  28  at support posts  64 , wherein first side  56  of anchor portion  54  is mounted to support post  64  at mounting aperture  60 . Thus, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the electronic device holder  10  can move vertically with the headrest  14  in the direction as indicated by arrow V 1  when the anchor collar  26  is mounted to the telescoping support system  28  and coupled to the headrest  14 . In this way, the electronic device holder  10  can be raised with the headrest  14  and rotated at pivot point  34  from a stowed position S to a viewing position VP which is shown in  FIG. 6  as being thirty degrees from the stowed position S along a path as indicated by arrow  32   a . In  FIG. 6  the line of sight  70  of a viewer  72  is shown, wherein the display screen  39  of the electronic device  38  retained within the electronic device holder  10  is substantially perpendicular to the viewer&#39;s line of sight  70 . The movement of the mounting surface  22  of the electronic device holder  10  is contemplated to accommodate various viewers, from child to adult. As noted above, the rotational range of the hinge assembly  40  can be limited to thirty degrees from the stowed position S, or thirty degrees from vertical V ( FIG. 3 ), such that the mounting surface  22  of the electronic device holder  10  is located at an angle less than horizontal H, to provide an electronic device holder  10  configured to avoid a direct perpendicular impact by a viewer of the electronic device holder  10 . 
     Thus, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the electronic device holder  10  can elevate with the headrest  14  and tilt to accommodate the viewing angle, or line of sight  70 , of viewer  72 . The anchor collar  26  can be attached to the headrest  14 , such that the electronic device holder  10  moves with the headrest  14  along the path indicated by arrow V 1  via the telescoping support system  28 . The telescoping support system  28  can be a manually controlled system, or can be an electronically powered system. With the anchor collar  26  attached to the headrest  14 , the electronic device holder  10  can be used to power or charge the electronic device  38 , or tablet, from the vehicle&#39;s power supply as further described below with reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , power supply and data transfer to the tablet  38  can be drawn directly from the headrest  14  and supply wires can be hidden as they enter the electronic device holder  10  beneath the hinge assembly  40 . In  FIG. 7 , another embodiment of the headrest  14   a  is shown having a notched-out portion  15  disposed at a base portion  80  of the headrest  14   a . The headrest  14   a  includes an electrical connector  82  configured to supply power and facilitate data transfer from the tablet  38  through the electronic device holder  10 . 
     Thus, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the electronic device holder  10  is shown in an upper most position with the anchor collar  26  received in the base portion  80  of headrest  14   a . As received therein, the anchor collar  26  couples to and interfaces with electrical connector  82  of the headrest  14   a  in a concealed manner. Electrical power and data transfer from the tablet  38  is facilitated via supply lines SL which are substantially concealed and coupled to an electrical connector  84  disposed on the anchor collar  26 , as best shown in  FIG. 8 . Thus, the electrical connector  82  of the headrest  14   a  and the electrical connector  84  of the electronic device holder  10  are reciprocal electrical connectors configured to connect the tablet  38  with the vehicles power supply. In  FIG. 7 , the headrest  14   a  is shown in the raised position R, with the electronic device holder  10  in the raised and connected position. In this position, it is contemplated that the electronic device holder  10  will move vertically along the path as indicated by arrow V 1  with the headrest  14   a  as the headrest  14   a  is moved via the telescoping support system  28 . Further, it is contemplated that the anchor collar  26  can be unplugged from the base portion  80  of the headrest  14   a  by moving the anchor collar  26  downward in the direction as indicated by arrow V 1 . This downward movement will disconnect the electrical connectors  82 ,  84 , and then the electronic device holder  10  can be supported at any position along the length of support post  64  for optimized viewing by the viewer  72 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the support post  64  includes a plurality of detent features  65 A,  65 B, and  65 C disposed along the length thereof. It is contemplated that the anchor collar  26  can accommodate the positioning of the electronic device holder  10  at any one of the detent features  65 A- 65 C along the support post  64 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 8 , the headrest  14   a  is shown in the raised position R with the electronic device holder  10  lowered along support post  64 , such that the anchor collar  26  is engaged with detent feature  65 C. As lowered along support post  64 , the electronic device holder  10  is disconnected from the power supply of the vehicle as electrical connector  82  is now disconnected from electrical connector  84  due to the movement of the anchor collar  26  away from the base portion  80  of the headrest  14 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , the electronic device holder  10  is shown with the anchor collar  26  coupled to support post  64  at detent feature  65 C via a lock mechanism  90  which includes a spring-biased push button actuator  92  and a U-shaped lock bar  94 . The U-shaped lock bar  94  is configured to couple to one of the detent features of support post  64 , such as detent feature  65 C as shown in  FIG. 9 . The U-shaped lock bar  94  is coupled to the push button actuator  92  disposed on first end  56  of the anchor portion  54  of the anchor collar  26 . The lock mechanism  90  is configured to move laterally in the direction as indicated by arrow  96  to release the U-shaped lock bar  94  from the detent feature  65 C for moving the electronic device holder  10  up and down the support post  64  in the direction as indicated by arrow V 1  in  FIG. 8 . It is contemplated that both the first and second ends  56 ,  58  ( FIG. 5 ) of the anchor collar  26  can have a lock mechanism, such as lock mechanism  90  shown in  FIG. 9 , for uniformly and securely attaching the electronic device holder  10  in a vertical position along the support posts  64 ,  66  ( FIG. 5 ) of the telescoping support system  28  of the headrest  14   a.    
     Referring now to  FIG. 10A , the lock mechanism  90  is shown as engaged with detent feature  65 C of support post  64  to support the electronic device holder  10  along the length of the support post  64 . Thus, as shown in  FIG. 10A , the anchor collar  26  is shown having the lock bar  94  of lock mechanism  90  engaged with detent  65 C of support post  64 . While the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10A  includes three detent features  65 A- 65 C, it is contemplated that any number of detent features can be disposed along the length of the support post  64  for securing the electronic device holder  10  thereto at various heights. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10B , the lock bar  94  of lock mechanism  90  is shown engaged with detent feature  65 B. As further shown in  FIG. 10B , the detent features  65 A- 65 C each include a downwardly slopped surface  67 , which is contemplated to facilitate the release of the lock mechanism  90  by overcoming a spring-bias of the lock mechanism  90  to allow the electronic device holder  10  to move downward towards a lowermost position, as shown in  FIG. 8 , when a downward impact is realized on the electronic device holder  10 . In this way, should a second row passenger contact the electronic device holder  10  during an impact event, the electronic device holder  10  is contemplated to mitigate such an impact force by moving downward along the support posts  64 ,  66  of the headrest  14 . The downwardly slopped surfaces  67  allow the anchor collar  26  of the electronic device holder  10  to slide down the support posts  64  during impact, thereby releasing the lock bar  94  from a detent feature. Under normal conditions, during a non-impact event, the lock bar  94  will securely hold the electronic device holder  10  in one of the detent features  65 A- 65 C of support post  64 . Having this downward release feature provides a mitigating impact feature for the electronic device holder  10  of the present invention. Further, the limited rotational movement of the mounting surface  22  of the electronic device holder  10  provides for an electronic device holder that does not contact a viewer in a perpendicular or direct impact manner, but rather in an glancing manner, under which the mounting surface  22  of the electronic device holder  10  is configured to rotate towards the stowed position S, as shown in  FIG. 3  and move downward along support posts  64 ,  66 . 
     The limited rotation of the electronic device holder  10  is contemplated to be factory set by the hinge assembly  40  having a rotational limit set therein. Further, it is contemplated that a free-range hinge assembly  40  can be used with the electronic device holder  10 , wherein it is contemplated that a stop feature can be implemented between the anchor collar  26  and the mounting surface  22 , possibly at the trunnions  50 ,  52  and mounting portion  36  of the anchor collar  26 , to limit the rotational movement of the mounting surface  22  in use. As noted above, the rotation of the mounting surface  22  can be limited thirty degrees from vertical, and/or thirty degrees from the stowed positions to the viewing position VP. In this way, the electronic device holder  10  of the present invention provides for customized vertical adjustment along the support posts  64 ,  66  of a headrest support system  28 , as well as a customized viewing angle via the rotation of the mounting surface  22  at the hinge assembly  40 . 
     The electronic device holder  10  of the present invention provides an effective hands-free viewing option for a passenger by securely holding an electrical device using an extremely low mass design having no brackets mounted inside the seat and no steel structure within the anchor collar  26  or mounting surface  22 , except for the shaft  42  of the hinge assembly  40  which is contemplated to be made from steel. As noted above, the anchor collar  26  can be a plastic over molding structure of the hinge assembly  40 , while the mounting surface  22  can be an over molding structure onto the ends  44 ,  46  of the hinge assembly  40 . While the electronic device holder  10  does mount higher on the vehicle seat  12 A as compared to bottom hinged units, its greatly reduced mass makes the present holder more stable from a vibration stand point. Further since there is no internal seat bracket necessary to bolster the coupling of the electronic device holder  10  to the vehicle seat  12 A, there remains adequate space for a tuned vibration damper and other equipment. 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that although the invention has been described by way of example with reference to one or more embodiments it is not limited to the disclosed embodiments and that alternative embodiments could be constructed without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. It will further be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described invention and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein. 
     For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated. 
     It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the invention as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations. 
     It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.