Patent Abstract:
An automobile entertainment system includes a video system mounted within an automobile headrest. The headrest includes a headrest body and a first downwardly extending extension arm including a passage therethrough. The video system includes a cable extending therefrom and the one cable passes through the first extension arm, wherein the cable includes a cylindrical connector shroud at a distal end thereof. The connector shroud is shaped and dimensioned to pass through the first extension arm.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is based upon U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60/517,862, filed Nov. 7, 2003, entitled “AUTOMOBILE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM”, 60/534,705, filed Jan. 8, 2004, entitled “AUTOMOBILE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM”, and 60/571,516, filed on May 17, 2004, entitled “AUTOMOBILE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM”. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF TEE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to an automobile entertainment system. More particularly, the invention relates to an automobile entertainment system incorporating a video monitor within the headrest of an automobile. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Entertainment systems for automobiles are well known. As such, many advances have been made in the development of entertainment systems that make the otherwise tedious task of riding in an automobile more bearable. In addition to the development of overhead systems pioneered by the present inventor, systems that mount within the headrest of an automobile have also been developed. 
     These headrest entertainment systems allow multiple individuals to view a variety of different video sources within the same vehicle. However, and as those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, the time and expense associated with the production and installation of these headrest systems has made their acceptance within the marketplace limited to only those people able to afford the premium cost associated with their use. 
     As such, an improved headrest entertainment system is needed which may be manufactured and installed in a cost effective manner while also providing the consumer with independent viewing for each passenger and the versatility he or she desires. The present invention provides such an entertainment system. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an automobile entertainment system including a video system mounted within an automobile headrest. The headrest includes a headrest body and a first downwardly extending extension arm including a passage therethrough. The video system includes a cable extending therefrom and the cable passes through the first extension arm, wherein the cable includes a cylindrical connector shroud at a distal end thereof. The connector shroud is shaped and dimensioned to pass through the first extension arm. 
     It is also an object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the video system includes a video monitor and a video source. 
     It is another an object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the video source is a DVD player. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the video system includes a housing that is mounted within the headrest body. 
     It is also an object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the cable includes a power source wire and at least one audio wire 
     It is also another object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the connector shroud includes a plurality of connector pins coupled to the power source wire and the at least one audio wire. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the connector shroud is provided with a selectively removable eyelet allowing the connector shroud to be gripped and pulled through the back of a vehicle seat. 
     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the eyelet includes a cylindrical housing shaped and dimensioned to fit over the connector shroud, the housing including a coupling member shaped and dimensioned for engagement with a wire puller. 
     It is also another object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system including a power adaptor for connecting the cable and video system to a power source. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the power adaptor is shaped and dimensioned for coupling with an automobile power adaptor outlet. 
     It is also an object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the power adaptor includes a first connector and a second connector shaped and dimensioned for engagement with a power supply wire of the cable, and the power adaptor also includes a power plug shaped and dimensioned for selective connection with an automobile power adaptor outlet. 
     It is also a further object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the power adaptor is shaped and dimensioned for direct connection to the automobile power source. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the power adaptor includes a first connector and a second connector shaped and dimensioned for engagement with a power supply wire of the cable, and the power adaptor also includes a pair of electrical lines for connection to an automobile power supply. 
     Other objects, advantages and salient features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a preferred, but non-limiting, embodiment of the subject invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3  and  4  present various views of the video system in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIGS. 5 ,  6 ,  7  and  8  disclose alternate embodiments of the video system in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b  respectively disclose a front view of the video system housing and a cross sectional view of the video system housing along the line B-B in  FIG. 9   a.    
         FIGS. 10   a  and  10   b  are wiring schematics for installation of the present automobile entertainment system in accordance with a first embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of a multi-wire cable used in directing power and audio signals through the back of a vehicle seat. 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of a removable eyelet utilized in drawing the cable shown in  FIG. 11  through the back of a vehicle seat. 
         FIG. 12   a  is a perspective view of the eyelet shown in  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of a power/audio adaptor for connecting the present system to various remote components. 
         FIGS. 14 and 15  disclose alternate embodiments of a power adaptor for connecting the present system to a power supply. 
         FIGS. 16   a  and  16   b  are wiring schematics for installation of the present automobile entertainment system employing an alternate wiring arrangement. 
         FIG. 17  is a schematic of a further embodiment in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The detailed embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiment is merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as the basis for the claims and as a basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use the invention. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 to 15 , an automobile entertainment system  10  is disclosed. The automobile entertainment system  10  is composed of a series of video and audio components integrated within an automobile  11 . In particular, the entertainment system  10  includes a video system  12  mounted within a standard headrest  14  of an automobile  11 . The video system  12  generally includes a video monitor  16  for presenting video content and a video source  20  integrated therewith. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the video source is a DVD player  20  coupled to the video monitor  16  for the transmission of video content thereto. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the video source may take a variety of forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention; for example, and not limited to, satellite video systems and Bluetooth wireless based systems. The video system  12  also includes an associated support frame  18 . The video system  12  is mounted along the rear portion of the headrest  14  such that an individual sitting in the rear seat of the automobile  11  may watch the material presented on the video monitor  16  without disturbing the driver of the automobile  11 . 
     The video system  12  also includes an associated housing  17  with a support frame  18 . The video system  12  is mounted along the rear portion of the headrest  14  such that an individual sitting in the rear seat of the automobile  11  may watch the material presented on the video monitor  16  without disturbing the driver of the automobile  11 . 
     The video monitor  16 , DVD player  20  and associated control components are mounted within the housing  17 . As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, the video monitor  16  is mounted for viewing via an opening in the housing  17 . With regard to the DVD player  20 , it is integrally molded within the housing  17  and positioned for insertion of the DVDs behind the video monitor  16 . By mounting the DVD player  20  in this way, a stable structure is developed that is well adapted for the automobile environment. 
     While the DVD player  20  is disclosed as being a slot-loaded design with insertion behind the video monitor, the DVD player could take a variety of other forms while still being integrated with the video monitor  16 . With reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the DVD player  116  maybe positioned beneath the pivotally mounted video monitor  115 . With reference to  FIG. 7 , the DVD player  216  maybe integrated with the video monitor  215  and facilitate access via a side loading slot  217 . Referring to  FIG. 8 , the DVD player  316  is integrated with the underside of the video monitor  315  and the DVD is snapped into DVD player  316  when the monitor is pivoted upward. In addition, the DVD player may be designed with a built in TV tuner for providing the user with a choice of video sources. The DVD player may also be provided remotely from the video monitor and housing without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b , the housing  17  for the present video system is disclosed. The housing  17  includes a support frame  18  in which the video monitor  16  is pivotally mounted. More specifically, the support frame  18  is a generally rectangular shell in which the video monitor  16  is mounted. The support frame  18  includes a top wall  21  and a bottom wall  22  connected by a first and second sidewalls  24 ,  26 . 
     The first and second sidewalls  24 ,  26  are respectively provided with bearing slots  28  shaped and dimensioned for receiving lateral posts  30  extending from the sides of the video monitor  16 . In this way, the lateral posts  30  are mounted within the bearing slots  28  permitting controlled pivoting of the video monitor  16  within the support frame  18 . 
     The controlled movement of the video monitor  16  within the support frame  18  is facilitated by the provision of selectively engageable recesses  32  and detents  34  respectively formed on the support frame  18  and the video monitor  16 . The detents  34  are shaped and dimensioned for engagement with the various recesses  32  as the video monitor  16  is pivoted relative to the support frame  18 . More specifically, the detents  34  interact with the recesses  32  to control movement of the video monitor  16  by creating predetermined stopping points. As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, the support frame  18  includes an outer flange  36  facilitating attachment of the video system  12  to the headrest  14  of an automobile  11 . 
     As briefly mentioned above, the video system  12  is mounted within the headrest  14 . As those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, the video system  12  is provided with inputs  39  and outputs  41  for audio and video. With reference to the embodiment disclosed in  FIG. 10 , a multi-wire cable  38  extends from the outputs  41  of the video system  12 . The wires making up the multi-wire cable  38  include those for a power supply  40  and the left and right audio outputs  42 , 44  used in providing audio to an alternate audio system, for example, a wireless RF transmitter  46  as will be discussed below in greater detail. Referring to  FIG. 10 , the video system  12  is electrically connected to the remainder of the automobile  11  and a wireless RF transmitter  46  via electrical communication lines extending through the extension arm  48  of the headrest  14  and the back  50  of the vehicle seat  52 . For example, and as will be discussed below in substantial detail, a power source wire  40  and audio output wires  42 ,  44  are respectively connected to the video system  12  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     In order to facilitate ease of installation, and with reference to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the multiple wires required for the power source  40  and audio outputs  42 ,  44  are maintained within a single multi-wire cable  38 . The multiple wires are passed through a single extension arm  48  of the headrest  14  with the chosen extension arm  48  functioning as a conduit for running the multi-wire cable  38  from the video system  12  to the remainder of the automobile  11 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10 ,  12  and  12   a , the passage of the multi-wire cable  38  through the headrest extension arm  48  and the back  50  of the vehicle seat  52  is facilitated by the provision of a selectively removable eyelet  54  coupled to the connector shroud  56  at the distal end  58  of the multi-wire cable  38 . The provision of the eyelet  54  allows the connector shroud  56  to be gripped and pulled through the extension arm  48  and the back  50  of the vehicle seat  52  through utilization of a traditional “wire puller”  59  used by electricians to pull wires through walls and other confined spaces. 
     Passage of the connector shroud  56  through the extension arm  48  and the back  50  of the vehicle seat  52  is further enhanced by the shape of the connector shroud  56 . More particularly, the connector shroud  56  is cylindrical and is shaped and dimensioned to readily fit within the extension arm  48  of a conventional headrest  44 . As will be discussed below in greater detail, the connector shroud  56  houses a plurality of connector pins  80  used in linking the video system to other components of the present invention. 
     The eyelet  54  includes a cylindrical housing  60  shaped and dimensioned to fit over the connector shroud  56 . The eyelet  54  is selectively secured to the shroud  56  via a conventional lock arm  62  used in the secure connection of cable connectors. The cylindrical housing  60  includes an open first end  64  that is shaped to receive the connector shroud  56  and a second end  66  having a closed loop  68  extending therefrom. The closed loop  68  is shaped and dimensioned for engagement with the “wire puller”  59 . In this way, the eyelet  54  is secured to the connector shroud  56  at the distal end  58  of the multi-wire cable  38  and both are drawn through the back  50  of the vehicle seat  52  by the “wire puller”  59 . Once the distal end  58  of the multi-wire cable  38  is pulled through the vehicle seat  52 , the eyelet  54  is removed from the connector shroud  56  and the cable  38  is ready for attachment to various components as described below in greater detail. Although a closed loop is disclosed for attachment to the wire puller in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, other structural coupling members, for example, hook snap, open loop, etc. could be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
     Once the distal end  58  of the multi-wire cable  38  is pulled though the back  50  of the vehicle seat  52 , various adaptors may be used to couple it to the appropriate power, video and audio sources. With reference to  FIG. 13 , and in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a power/audio adaptor  70  including wiring for power transmission  72 , left audio transmission  74  and right audio transmission  76  is shown. The proximal end  78  of the adaptor  70  is provided with male pins  80  for connection with the female connection structures (not shown) provided at the distal end  58  of the multi-wire cable  38 . The distal end  82  of the adaptor  70  includes a power connection  84  and standard RCA connections  86  for the audio signal. 
       FIGS. 14 and 15  disclose further power adaptors  88 ,  88 ′ for connection to the power connection  84  of the power/audio adaptor  70  shown in  FIG. 13 . In particular,  FIG. 14  discloses a power adaptor  88  for tapping into a power source via a DC “cigarette lighter”, or power adaptor outlets, provided in most vehicles and  FIG. 15  discloses a power adaptor  88 ′ for direct connection to the vehicle power source (not shown). 
     The power adaptor  88  shown in  FIG. 14  includes first and second connectors  90 ,  92  (potentially a third connector  93  for attachment to the power input of the RF transmitter  46 ) shaped and dimensioned for engagement with the power connectors  84  of the power/audio adaptors  70  of the two video systems  12  installed in adjacent headrests  14 . The power adaptor  88  also includes a conventional power plug  94  at the opposite end for plugging into a power adaptor outlet. As such, multiple systems  12  may be connected to a single power source. 
     The power adaptor  88 ′ shown in  FIG. 15  includes first and second connectors  90 ′,  92 ′ (potentially a third connector  93 ′ for attachment to the power input of the RF transmitter  46 ) shaped and dimensioned for engagement with the power connectors  84  of the power/audio adaptors  70  of the two video systems  12  installed in adjacent headrests  14 . The power adaptor  88 ′ also includes a conventional pair of electrical lines  94 ′ at the opposite end for connection to the automobile power supply. As such, multiple systems  12  may be connected to a single power source. 
     More particularly, and in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, the power source wire  40  may runs either directly from the main automobile power source (see  FIG. 15 ) or via the power adaptor outlet via a power adaptor outlet (see  FIG. 14 ). 
     As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, the audio portion of the source may be transmitted to users in a variety of ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, and in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the video monitors  16  are provided with a direct audio input  61  allowing users to simply plug-in their headphones to listen to the audio content of the source being transmitted by the video monitor  16 . 
     In accordance with still a further feature of the present invention, the audio source being generated by the DVD player  20  is transmitted to a wireless RF transmitter  46  via the audio output wires  40 ,  42  discussed above, which transmits the audio content at a frequency received by the radio system of the automobile  11  or wireless headphones. In this way, the users of the present system need only tune to a predetermined radio frequency to listen to the audio content through the traditional speaker system of the automobile  11 . Further, and in accordance with yet a further embodiment of the present invention, the audio output wires  40 ,  42  of the DVD player  20  may be hardwired to the radio of the automobile  11  for listening over the stereo system of the automobile  11 . As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, it is further contemplated the audio output wires  40 ,  42  may be connected to a variety of other sound transducers which convert the audio signals to audible sounds for listening by those watching the video monitor without departing from the spirit of the present invention. As mentioned above, where headphones are utilized the audio outputs will preferably be connected to a wireless transmitter for use in conjunction with wireless headphones. Optionally, it is contemplated the audio outputs may be connected to a switch box allowing for selective use of both the audio system of the automobile and/or an audio jack (for attachment with a headphone). As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, the system will also include ports for the attachment of video games and other video sources. 
     Control of the DVD player  20  is facilitated by the provision of control buttons (not shown) along the outer surface of the DVD player. The control buttons are conventional in the art and may take a variety of forms. In addition to the provision of manual control buttons, the DVD player may further include a remote control (not shown) such that an individual need not actually touch the DVD player  20  or video system  12  to control the video content or the volume generated by the video system  12 . Once again, and as those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, a variety of remote control systems may be utilized without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
     The versatility of the present system may be further enhanced by the provision of different cables for the power and the audio output. For example, and with reference to  FIG. 16 , separate cables  138 ,  139  extend through the respective support arms  148   a ,  4148   b  of the headrest  14 . As with the prior embodiment, the passage of the power cable  138  and the audio output cable  139  through the headrest extension arms  148   a ,  148   b  and the back  150  of the vehicle seat  152  is facilitated by the provision of an eyelet  154  with the connector shroud  156  at the distal end  158  of the cables  138 ,  139 . The provision of the eyelet  154  allows for the connector shroud  156  to be gripped and pulled through the extension arms  148   a ,  148   b  and the back  150  of the vehicle seat  152  through utilization of a traditional “wire puller”  159  used by electricians to pull wires through walls and other confined spaces. 
     As mentioned above, once the distal end  158  of the power cable  138  and audio output cable  139  are pulled though the back  150  of the vehicle seat  152 , various adaptors maybe used to couple it to the appropriate power and audio sources. In accordance with this embodiment, it is preferred that the audio output cable  139  be directly connected to a wireless RF transmitter  146 , while either of the power adaptors  188 ,  188 ′ disclosed in  FIGS. 14 and 15  maybe used for coupling the video system  112  to a source of power. 
     As shown in  FIG. 16 , the embodiment provides for two RF transmitters  146  making it possible for individuals sitting next to each other to watch different videos and listen to the different videos through wireless headphones. 
     In accordance with yet a further embodiment and with reference to  FIG. 17 , each video system  212   a - d  is provided with an input  239   a - d  and an output  241   a - d  providing the ability to input and output video and audio signals for use in conjunction with other video systems found within the same automobile. As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, there are times when people sitting within an automobile will wish to watch the same thing on different video systems. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present, the plurality of video systems  212   a - d  within the automobile may be linked. As such, the content of a DVD playing in one video system  212   a - d  may be transferred to the other video system(s)  212   a - d  such that people viewing other video systems  212   a - d  installed within an automobile can simultaneously watch and listen to the same video content. The use of the switching system described below does not negate the ability of an automobile passenger to individually watch a video without sharing via the central switching assembly  213 . 
     With this mind and with reference to  FIG. 17 , an entertainment system  210  employing four linked video systems  212   a - d  is disclosed. The entertainment system  210  includes a central switching assembly  213  to which the various video systems  212 a-d are linked for outputting signals to and receiving signals from. The central switching assembly  213  receives and transmits video and audio content in a controlled manner such that the same audio and video content is selectively provided for individuals viewing different monitors  216   a - d  while sitting in an automobile. This is accomplished by lining the audio and video inputs  239   a - d  and outputs  241   a - d  from the various video systems  212   a - d  installed with a vehicle and selectively transmitting the desired content to the different video systems  212   a - d . The central switching assembly  213  also includes a separate audio/video input  215  (for example, RCA plugs) for receiving video content from a remote source for transmission to the various video systems  212   a - d  connected thereto. 
     More specifically, the central switching assembly  213  is provided with the ability to receive audio and video outputs from the various video systems  212   a - d  connected thereto and transmit, in a predetermined manner under the control of the vehicle operator, video and audio inputs to the various video systems  212   a - d  connected thereto. In addition, to providing for the ready transfer of information between the various video systems  212   a - d  connected thereto, the central switching assembly  213  is also provided with a wireless FM transmitter  217 . The transmitter  217  allows for the transmission of audio signals to the automobile radio (not shown) for listening on a predetermined frequency via the automobile stereo. In particular, and as those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, the transmitter  217  is designed to transmit audio signals on a predetermined frequency receivable by the vehicle radio. The signal is received by the vehicle radio, demodulated and played over the vehicle stereo. The central switching assembly  213  may also be provided with a TV tuner, a modulator and/or other wireless transmitters. 
     With regard to the system disclosed with reference to  FIG. 17 , a first video system  212   a , a second video system  212   b , a third video system  212   c  and a fourth video system  212   d  are provided. The first and second video systems  212   a ,  221   b  are positioned within the respective headrests  214   a,    214   b  of the front vehicle seats  252   a ,  252   b , while the third and fourth video systems  212   c ,  212   d  are positioned within the respective headrests  214   c ,  214   d  of the second row of seating found in the automobile. In accordance with the disclosed configuration, the first and second video systems  212   a ,  212   b  are coupled to both audio/video inputs  270   a ,  270   b  and audio/video outputs  272   a ,  272   b,  while the third and fourth video systems are only connected with audio/video inputs  270   c ,  270   d  coming from the central switching assembly  213 . As with the various embodiments described above, the cables coupling the first, second, third and fourth video systems  212   a - d  to the central switching assembly  213  are passed through the extension arm of the headrest  214   a - d  and down the back of the vehicle seat  252   a - d . While a specific configuration is disclosed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the input and output configurations may be readily varied without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
     With reference to the first and second video systems  212   a - d , each includes two six-pin cables  276 ,  278  extending therefrom, one for the input side  239   a ,  239   b  of the system and the other for the output side  241   a ,  241   b  of the video system  212   a ,  212   b . Each of the six-pin cables  276 ,  278  is passed through a respective extension arm of the headrest  214   a ,  214   b . With reference to the output side  241   a ,  241   b  of the video system  212   a ,  212   b , the six-pin cable  278  includes wiring for power, right and left audio output signals, and a video output signal. In this way, the first and second video systems are able to readily transfer video and audio information to the central switching assembly  213  for sharing with the remaining video systems  212   a - d  connected thereto. 
     As mentioned above, each of the first, second, third and fourth video systems  212   a - d  include an input cable  276  for receiving audio and video signals from the central switching assembly  213 . In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the input cables  276  is a six-pin cable includes wiring for power, right and left audio input signals, and a video input signal. In this way, the first, second, third and fourth video systems  212   a - d  are able to readily receive video and audio information from the central switching assembly  213 . 
     With output cables  278  transferring audio and video signals to the central switching assembly  213 , and input cables  276  transferring audio and video signals to the video systems  212   a - d , the central switching assembly  213  includes a central processor  280  programmed to control to the transmission of signals in an efficient manner. 
     The power supply  282  for the video systems  212   a - d  is run through the central switching assembly  213 . As mentioned above, each of the cables  276 ,  278  coupled to the various video systems  212   a - d  includes wiring for power transmission. With this in mind, the central switching assembly  213  is linked to a power source  282 , for example, an auxiliary power plug commonly found in vehicles or a direct link to the vehicle power source via cable previously discussed with reference to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , respectively. The power supplied to the central switching assembly  213  is then transferred to the various video systems  212   a - d  via the power lines of the six-pin cables  276 ,  278  linking the video systems  212   a - d  to the central switching assembly  213 . 
     Through implementation of the switching system described above, automobile passengers have the choice of watching individual videos by using the video systems as self contained units or watching the same video through the linking provided via the implementation of the central switching assembly  213 . 
     While the preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention by such disclosure, but rather, is intended to cover all modifications and alternate constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1