Patent Publication Number: US-2003226148-A1

Title: Removable vehicular audio-video systems

Description:
BACKGROUND  
       [0001] The present invention relates generally to audio-video systems, and more particularly, to removable vehicle audio-video systems.  
       [0002] Heretofore, most vehicle entertainment systems, such as those used in passenger automobiles, vans and recreational vehicles, have had audio-video systems installed in them that incorporate a video cassette recorder and a tuner, for example, that are coupled to a television monitor and a vehicle audio system. This arrangement is cumbersome in that a great deal of wiring is required to be run between the components of the audio-video systems within the vehicle.  
       [0003] In particular, these systems are installed as aftermarket products in the vehicles, and provisions for running the additional wiring are not made by the vehicle manufacturer. As a result, installing such systems is costly and time consuming. In many conventional systems, each of the components must be separately connected to vehicle power and ground, which means that additional wiring is required.  
       [0004] Furthermore, in general, conventional audio-video systems are permanently installed in the vehicle, which is costly for both installation, and removal if this is desired. Consequently, use of the audio-video systems in a different vehicle is generally prohibited.  
       [0005] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 20010008266, published Jul. 19, 2001, “discloses “A mount  10  for detachably mounting a screen of an in-car video entertainment system to the rear of a headrest of a vehicle comprises fixings  15  for engagement by the rear of the video screen. The mount  10  enables the video screen to be secured firmly in position against the rear surface of the headrest, so that rear-seat passengers can view the video output from a computer games device, video cassette/tape recorder or video disc player etc. The mount may be fitted to any existing headrest without any modification to the headrest being required.” However, nothing is disclosed or suggested in this patent application regarding a fully-integrated audio-video system that may be attached to a vehicle seat.  
       [0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,216,927, issued Apr. 17, 2001, discloses a portable video entertainment system that includes a video cassette recorder and a LCD monitor that are carried together in a pouch or bag that may be strapped in between the two front seats of a vehicle and suspended there by the strapping system. However, nothing is disclosed or suggested in this patent regarding an audio-video system that may be attached to a single vehicle seat. Furthermore, there is no disclosure of suggestion therein relating to a fully integrated audio-video system. In particular, nothing is disclosed or suggested in this patent concerning interfacing n audio signal with the vehicle&#39;s radio system or wireless headphones. Furthermore, nothing is disclosed or suggested in this patent relating to the ability of the system to interface with multiple monitors, thus providing multiple viewing positions within a vehicle. Finally, while this patent highlights the portability of the system, nothing is disclosed or suggested regarding a system having the benefits of a fully installed vehicle audio-video system which may also be removed from the vehicle.  
       [0007] It would therefore be desirable to have removable vehicle audio-video systems that are easily installed in and removed from a vehicle while having the benefits of a fully installed and fully integrated system.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008] To accomplish the above and other objectives, the present invention provides for a variety of removable audio-video systems that are easily installed in a vehicle without the need for cumbersome wiring installations required for installation of conventional systems or the limited features and obvious “carry on” nature of other portable systems. The present invention comprises a cover, which may comprise a seat cover, headrest cover or removable headrest with integrated screen and apron, that is fitted over seat, headrest or both. The cover may be made of leather, vinyl, or cloth, for example, so that it matches a vehicle&#39;s interior materials.  
       [0009] In the headrest cover embodiments of the audio-video systems, a portion of the cover drapes over the back of the seat and is attached to the seat by means a plurality of straps that are hooked or otherwise attached to the underside of the seat. Stretchable straps may be employed, although adjustable straps are preferred. In the seat cover embodiment of the audio-video systems, the cover completely covers the front and back of the seat and headrest.  
       [0010] A video monitor is affixed onto the rear surface of the cover or into a pocket within the cover, preferably to the headrest portion of the cover. An FM transmitter is also affixed to the rear surface of the cover or into a pocket within the cover, in a convenient location part way down the back side of the cover. A pouch having a lid or top flap is affixed to the rear surface of the cover, preferably near the bottom of the back side of the cover. A video reproducer, which is preferably a digital video disc (DVD) player, such as a single disc, slot-type DVD player, is disposed in the pouch with its front panel located adjacent to the lid or top flap of the pouch. A game port (i.e., an auxiliary audio-video input for games, and the like) is preferably located in the same pouch or pocket as the DVD player or FM transmitter.  
       [0011] The video reproducer or DVD player has a video output cable that is preferably routed inside the cover and coupled to the game port. The video reproducer or DVD player has audio output cables that are also preferably routed inside the cover that are also coupled to the game port. The game port receives the video and audio signals from the DVD player. It also has auxiliary audio and video input for video games or other sources. The DVD audio and video signals are directly passed through the game port to the video monitor and the FM transmitter, unless an auxiliary source, such as a video game, is plugged into the game port. In this case, the game port automatically selects the new source and sends the signal to the video monitor or FM transmitter, and no switching is required. Electrical power for the video reproducer (DVD player), the video monitor and the FM transmitter is provided by means of power leads coupled to a cigarette lighter adapter that plugs into a cigarette lighter or auxiliary power connector of the vehicle. This provides for a simple “plug-and-play” audio-video system.  
       [0012] The video monitor displays the output of the video reproducer (DVD player) or auxiliary source which may be easily viewed from a rear passenger seat, while the FM transmitter wirelessly broadcasts audio signals output by the video reproducer (DVD player) or auxiliary source to wireless headphones, or to a vehicle audio system, on a selectable FM frequency. A passenger in the rear seat of the vehicle may easily view a movie by simply lifting the top flap of the DVD player pouch, inserting a video disc into the video reproducer (DVD player), playing the video disc, and either listening to the audio privately on the headphones, or by way of the vehicle audio system.  
       [0013] A second system may be added on to an adjacent seat to provide for an additional viewing position. This second system may be used as a completely independent system by including a second DVD player or it may be set up as a companion system to the primary system if it is plugged into the auxiliary output connector of the first system. The DVD player in the second system would then be eliminated, thus saving user costs. The second system may be used to view the DVD source of the primary system or independently utilize a video game or other auxiliary source via the game port.  
       [0014] The present invention eliminates the need for hardwired, fixed installation of the audio-video system in the vehicle, while maintaining all of its function and features, and yet permits its removal and reuse in another vehicle, if desired. The costs of installation and removal of the audio-video system are thus eliminated. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0015] The various features and advantages of the present invention may be more readily understood with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:  
     [0016]FIGS. 1 a  and  1   b  illustrate a first embodiment of a removable audio-video system in accordance with the principles of the present invention;  
     [0017]FIGS. 2 a  and  2   b  illustrate a second embodiment of a removable audio-video system in accordance with the principles of the present invention;  
     [0018]FIGS. 3 a  and  3   b  illustrate a third embodiment of a removable audio-video system in accordance with the principles of the present invention; and  
     [0019]FIGS. 4 a  and  4   b  illustrate a fourth embodiment of a removable audio-video system in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
     [0020] Referring to the drawing figures, FIGS. 1 a  and  1   b  illustrate a first embodiment of a removable audio-video system  10  in accordance with the principles of the present invention. FIG. 1 a  illustrates the removable audio-video system  10  installed over a seat  11  of a vehicle  30 , while FIG. 1 b  shows the removable audio-video system  10  during operation.  
     [0021] The removable audio-video system  10  is preferably designed for use in a vehicle  30 , such as an automobile, van, or sport utility vehicle, for example. However, it is to be understood that the present invention may be adapted for use in any vehicle  30  having a front seat and rear seat passengers, and is not limited to use in any specific application.  
     [0022] The first embodiment of the removable audio-video system  10  comprises a cover  12 , which is in the form of a headrest cover  12 , that is fitted over a headrest  11   a  of the seat  11  of the vehicle  30 . The cover  12  may be made of leather, vinyl, or cloth, for example, so that it matches the interior of the vehicle  30 , if desired.  
     [0023] A portion of the cover  12  drapes over the back of the seat  11  and it attached to the seat  11  by means a plurality of straps  16  that are hooked or otherwise attached to the underside of the seat  11 . Stretchable straps  16  may be employed, although adjustable straps  16  are preferred.  
     [0024] A video monitor  13  is affixed to the rear surface of the cover  12 , preferably to the portion of the cover  12  covering the headrest  11   a . An FM transmitter  14  is also affixed to the rear surface of the cover  12 , in a convenient location part way down the back side of the cover  12 . The FM transmitter  14  is preferably disposed in a pouch  14   a  or pocket  14   a  affixed to the rear surface of the cover  12 .  
     [0025] A pouch  15  or pocket  15  having a lid  15   a  or top flap  15   a  is affixed to the rear surface of the cover  12 , preferably near the bottom of the back side of the cover  12 . A video reproducer  20  (FIG. 1 b ), which is preferably a single disc, slot-type digital video disc (DVD) player  20 , is disposed in the pouch  16  with its front panel located adjacent to the lid  16   a  or top flap  15   a  of the pouch  15 .  
     [0026] A game port  24  comprising an auxiliary audio-video input for games and the like, is preferably located in the same pouch  15 ,  14   a  or pocket  15 ,  14   a  as the DVD player or FM transmitter  14  that allows video games to be played using the system  10 . The game port  24  comprises an automatic switching device that automatically switches between the DVD player and an auxiliary input source.  
     [0027] The video reproducer  20  or DVD player  20  has a video output cable  17  that is preferably routed inside the cover  12  that is coupled to the video monitor  13 . The video reproducer  20  or DVD player  20  has audio output cables  18  that are also preferably routed inside the cover  12  that are coupled to the FM transmitter  14 . Electrical power for the video reproducer  20  (DVD player  20 ), the video monitor  13  and the FM transmitter  14  is provided by means of power leads  21  coupled to a cigarette lighter adapter  19  that plugs into a cigarette lighter or auxiliary power connector of the vehicle  30 . Currently-available sport utility vehicle and minivans, for example, has one or more auxiliary power connectors in the rear of the vehicle  30 . This single power connection provides for a simple “plug-and-play” audio-video system  10 .  
     [0028] The audio-video system  10  is easily installed in the vehicle  30  by sliding the cover  12  over the headrest  11 , pulling the drape portion of the cover  12  downward over the back of the seat  11 , and securing the straps  16  to the bottom of the seat  11 . The adapter  19  may then be plugged into a convenient cigarette lighter or auxiliary (accessory) power connector of the vehicle  30 . The audio-video system  10  is easily removed from the vehicle  30  by loosening the straps  16  and lifting the cover  12  off of the seat  11 . The present invention thus eliminates the need for hardwired, fixed installation of an audio-video system in the vehicle  30 , and permits its removal and reuse in other vehicle  30 , if desired.  
     [0029] A passenger in a rear seat of the vehicle  30  may easily view a movie by simply lifting the top flap  15   a  of the DVD player pouch  15 , inserting a video disk into the DVD player  20  and playing the video disk. The video monitor  13  displays the output of the DVD player  20  which may be easily viewed from the rear passenger seat, while the FM transmitter  14  wirelessly broadcasts audio signals output by the DVD player  20  to wireless headphones  22 , or to a vehicle audio system  23 , on a preselected FM frequency, for passenger listening.  
     [0030] The FM transmitter  12  transmits the audio signals on a predetermined FM channel, typically 88.7 MHz or 89.1 MHz, although other may be readily employed. The vehicle audio system  23  outputs audio signals to its audio speakers (not shown) that may be heard by passengers of the vehicle  30 . The FM transmitter  12  also transmits the audio signals to the wireless headphones  22 , which contain an FM receiver and antenna, that allows private listening.  
     [0031]FIGS. 2 a  and  2   b  illustrate a second embodiment of a removable audio-video system  10  in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The second embodiment of a removable audio-video system  10  comprises a seat cover  12  that is fitted over the seat  11  in the vehicle  30 . The cover  12  is fitted to cover the entire seatback portion of the seat  11 . The balance of the second embodiment of the removable audio-video system  10  is substantially the same as the first embodiment, and contains substantially the same components and connections.  
     [0032]FIGS. 3 a  and  3   b  illustrate a third embodiment of a removable audio-video system  10  in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The third embodiment of the removable audio-video system  10  is used with seats  11  having high-back seats without separate, adjustable headrests. The balance of the third embodiment of the removable audio-video system  10  is substantially the same as the first embodiment, and contains substantially the same components and connections.  
     [0033]FIGS. 4 a  and  4   b  illustrate a fourth embodiment of a removable audio-video system  10  in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The fourth embodiment of the removable audio-video system  10  is a two-piece version that is used with headrests  11   a  that have rods that project into the seatback that allow raising and lowering of the headrest. The headrest  11   a  may have the video monitor  13  secured thereto by way of an attached cover or may have the built video monitor  13  in it. Thus, the present invention is designed to work with headrests  11   a  having built in video monitors  13  as well as those that do not.  
     [0034] The fourth embodiment of the removable audio-video system  10  includes a headrest cover portion  12   a  and a lower portion  12   a  that is captivated by the rods of the headrest and drapes down the back of the seat  11 . The lower portion  12   a  of the cover  12  is secured by the straps  16  that are hooked or otherwise attached to the underside of the seat  11 . The balance of the fourth embodiment of the removable audio-video system  10  is substantially the same as the first embodiment, and contains substantially the same components and connections. However, the video output cable  17  that is coupled between the DVD player  20  and the video monitor  13  extends outside the cover  12  and is exposed in the area of the rods of the headrest, or, in some instances is carried through the rod into the back of the seat  11  and connected to the main wire harness of the system  10  at the base of the seat  11 . This allows for the use of a single power connection for the entire system  10  via the cigarette lighter adaptor  19  that plugs into the cigarette lighter or auxiliary power connector of the vehicle  30 .  
     [0035] Thus, the present invention provides for a variety of removable audio-video systems  10  that are easily installed in a vehicle  30  without the need for fixed, expensive wiring installations such as are required for installation of conventional audio-video systems, while providing all the features and benefits of a fully integrated audio-video system without the limitations of conventional portable systems.  
     [0036] Thus, a number of removable audio-video systems have been disclosed. It is to be understood that the above-described embodiments are merely illustrative of some of the many specific embodiments that represent applications of the principles of the present invention. Clearly, numerous and other arrangements can be readily devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.