US20050110313A1 - Housing for an automobile entertainment system - Google Patents

Abstract

A housing is provided for an automobile entertainment system mounted within an automobile headrest. The headrest includes a headrest body and a first downwardly extending extension arm including a passage therethrough. The housing includes a support frame having a rectangular shell in which a video monitor is pivotally mounted. The support frame includes a top wall and a bottom wall connected by a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The first sidewall and second sidewall are respectively provided with bearing slots shaped and dimensioned for receiving lateral posts extending from sides of the video monitor in a manner permitting controlled pivoting of the video monitor within the support frame. Structure is also provided for controlling movement of the video monitor within the support frame.

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 ______, filed on May 17, 2004, entitled “AUTOMOBILE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM”.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention
• The invention relates to an automobile entertainment system. More particularly, the invention relates to a housing for use in conjunction with an automobile entertainment system.
• 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 a housing for an automobile entertainment system mounted within an automobile headrest. The headrest includes a headrest body and a first downwardly extending extension arm including a passage therethrough. The housing includes a support frame having a rectangular shell in which a video monitor is pivotally mounted. The support frame includes a top wall and a bottom wall connected by a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The first sidewall and second sidewall are respectively provided with bearing slots shaped and dimensioned for receiving lateral posts extending from sides of the video monitor in a manner permitting controlled pivoting of the video monitor within the support frame. Structure is also provided for controlling movement of the video monitor within the support frame.
• It is also 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 housing having a support frame having a rectangular shell in which a video monitor is pivotally mounted. The support frame includes a top wall and a bottom wall connected by a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The first sidewall and second sidewall are respectively provided with bearing slots shaped and dimensioned for receiving lateral posts extending from sides of the video monitor in a manner permitting controlled pivoting of the video monitor within the support frame. Structure is provided for controlling movement of the monitor within the support frame.
• It is also an object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system including selectively engageable members respectively formed on the support frame and the video monitor for controlling movement of the monitor within the support frame.
• It is another object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the structure for controlling movement includes selectively engageable recesses and detents respectively formed on the support frame and the video monitor. The detents are shaped and dimensioned for engagement with the various recesses as the video monitor is pivoted relative to the support frame.
• It is a further object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the video system includes at least one cable extending therefrom and the cable passes 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 source.
• It is also another object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the video source is a DVD player.
• It is still another 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 yet another object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the cable includes a connector shroud at a distal end the cable, and the connector shroud is provided with a selectively removable eyelet allowing the connector shroud to be gripped and pulled through a back of a vehicle seat.
• It is 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 a further 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 also an 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 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 power plug shaped and dimensioned for selective connection with an automobile power adaptor outlet.
• It is another object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the power adaptor is shaped and dimensioned for direct connection to the vehicle power source.
• It is still 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 and4 present various views of the video system in accordance with the present invention.
• FIGS. 5, 6,7 and8 disclose alternate embodiments of the video system in accordance with the present invention.
• FIGS. 9aand9brespectively disclose a front view of the video system housing and a cross sectional view of the video system housing along the line B-B inFIG. 9a.
• FIGS. 10aand10bare 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 inFIG. 11 through the back of a vehicle seat.
• FIG. 12ais a perspective view of the eyelet shown inFIG. 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. 16aand16bare 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 to15, anautomobile entertainment system10 is disclosed. Theautomobile entertainment system10 is composed of a series of video and audio components integrated within anautomobile11. In particular, theentertainment system10 includes avideo system12 mounted within astandard headrest14 of anautomobile11. Thevideo system12 generally includes avideo monitor16 for presenting video content and avideo source20 integrated therewith. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the video source is aDVD player20 coupled to thevideo monitor16 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. Thevideo system12 also includes an associatedsupport frame18. Thevideo system12 is mounted along the rear portion of theheadrest14 such that an individual sitting in the rear seat of theautomobile11 may watch the material presented on the video monitor16 without disturbing the driver of theautomobile11.
• Thevideo system12 also includes an associatedhousing17 with asupport frame18. Thevideo system12 is mounted along the rear portion of theheadrest14 such that an individual sitting in the rear seat of theautomobile11 may watch the material presented on the video monitor16 without disturbing the driver of theautomobile11.
• Thevideo monitor16,DVD player20 and associated control components are mounted within thehousing17. As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, thevideo monitor16 is mounted for viewing via an opening in thehousing17. With regard to theDVD player20, it is integrally molded within thehousing17 and positioned for insertion of the DVDs behind thevideo monitor16. By mounting theDVD player20 in this way, a stable structure is developed that is well adapted for the automobile environment.
• While theDVD player20 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 thevideo monitor16. With reference toFIGS. 5 and 6, theDVD player116 may be positioned beneath the pivotally mountedvideo monitor115. With reference toFIG. 7, theDVD player216 may be integrated with thevideo monitor215 and facilitate access via aside loading slot217. Referring toFIG. 8, theDVD player316 is integrated with the underside of thevideo monitor315 and the DVD is snapped intoDVD player316 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 toFIGS. 9aand9b, thehousing17 for the present video system is disclosed. Thehousing17 includes asupport frame18 in which thevideo monitor16 is pivotally mounted. More specifically, thesupport frame18 is a generally rectangular shell in which thevideo monitor16 is mounted. Thesupport frame18 includes atop wall21 and abottom wall22 connected by a first andsecond sidewalls24,26.
• The first andsecond sidewalls24,26 are respectively provided with bearingslots28 shaped and dimensioned for receivinglateral posts30 extending from the sides of thevideo monitor16. In this way, the lateral posts30 are mounted within the bearingslots28 permitting controlled pivoting of the video monitor16 within thesupport frame18.
• The controlled movement of the video monitor16 within thesupport frame18 is facilitated by the provision of selectivelyengageable recesses32 anddetents34 respectively formed on thesupport frame18 and thevideo monitor16. Thedetents34 are shaped and dimensioned for engagement with thevarious recesses32 as thevideo monitor16 is pivoted relative to thesupport frame18. More specifically, thedetents34 interact with therecesses32 to control movement of the video monitor16 by creating predetermined stopping points. As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, thesupport frame18 includes anouter flange36 facilitating attachment of thevideo system12 to theheadrest14 of anautomobile11.
• As briefly mentioned above, thevideo system12 is mounted within theheadrest14. As those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, thevideo system12 is provided withinputs39 andoutputs41 for audio and video. With reference to the embodiment disclosed inFIG. 10, amulti-wire cable38 extends from theoutputs41 of thevideo system12. The wires making up themulti-wire cable38 include those for apower supply40 and the left and right audio outputs42,44 used in providing audio to an alternate audio system, for example, awireless RF transmitter46 as will be discussed below in greater detail. Referring toFIG. 10, thevideo system12 is electrically connected to the remainder of theautomobile11 and awireless RF transmitter46 via electrical communication lines extending through theextension arm48 of theheadrest14 and theback50 of thevehicle seat52. For example, and as will be discussed below in substantial detail, apower source wire40 andaudio output wires42,44 are respectively connected to thevideo system12 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
• In order to facilitate ease of installation, and with reference toFIGS. 10 and 11, the multiple wires required for thepower source40 andaudio outputs42,44 are maintained within a singlemulti-wire cable38. The multiple wires are passed through asingle extension arm48 of theheadrest14 with the chosenextension arm48 functioning as a conduit for running themulti-wire cable38 from thevideo system12 to the remainder of theautomobile11.
• Referring toFIGS. 10, 12 and12a, the passage of themulti-wire cable38 through theheadrest extension arm48 and theback50 of thevehicle seat52 is facilitated by the provision of a selectivelyremovable eyelet54 coupled to theconnector shroud56 at thedistal end58 of themulti-wire cable38. The provision of theeyelet54 allows theconnector shroud56 to be gripped and pulled through theextension arm48 and theback50 of thevehicle seat52 through utilization of a traditional “wire puller”59 used by electricians to pull wires through walls and other confined spaces.
• Passage of theconnector shroud56 through theextension arm48 and theback50 of thevehicle seat52 is further enhanced by the shape of theconnector shroud56. More particularly, theconnector shroud56 is cylindrical and is shaped and dimensioned to readily fit within theextension arm48 of aconventional headrest44. As will be discussed below in greater detail, theconnector shroud56 houses a plurality of connector pins80 used in linking the video system to other components of the present invention.
• Theeyelet54 includes acylindrical housing60 shaped and dimensioned to fit over theconnector shroud56. Theeyelet54 is selectively secured to theshroud56 via aconventional lock arm62 used in the secure connection of cable connectors. Thecylindrical housing60 includes an openfirst end64 that is shaped to receive theconnector shroud56 and asecond end66 having a closedloop68 extending therefrom. Theclosed loop68 is shaped and dimensioned for engagement with the “wire puller”59. In this way, theeyelet54 is secured to theconnector shroud56 at thedistal end58 of themulti-wire cable38 and both are drawn through theback50 of thevehicle seat52 by the “wire puller”59. Once thedistal end58 of themulti-wire cable38 is pulled through thevehicle seat52, theeyelet54 is removed from theconnector shroud56 and thecable38 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 thedistal end58 of themulti-wire cable38 is pulled though theback50 of thevehicle seat52, various adaptors may be used to couple it to the appropriate power, video and audio sources. With reference toFIG. 13, and in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a power/audio adaptor70 including wiring forpower transmission72, leftaudio transmission74 andright audio transmission76 is shown. Theproximal end78 of theadaptor70 is provided withmale pins80 for connection with the female connection structures (not shown) provided at thedistal end58 of themulti-wire cable38. Thedistal end82 of theadaptor70 includes apower connection84 andstandard RCA connections86 for the audio signal.
• FIGS. 14 and 15 disclosefurther power adaptors88,88′ for connection to thepower connection84 of the power/audio adaptor70 shown inFIG. 13. In particular,FIG. 14 discloses apower adaptor88 for tapping into a power source via a DC “cigarette lighter”, or power adaptor outlets, provided in most vehicles andFIG. 15 discloses apower adaptor88′ for direct connection to the vehicle power source (not shown).
• Thepower adaptor88 shown inFIG. 14 includes first andsecond connectors90,92 (potentially athird connector93 for attachment to the power input of the RF transmitter46) shaped and dimensioned for engagement with thepower connectors84 of the power/audio adaptors70 of the twovideo systems12 installed inadjacent headrests14. Thepower adaptor88 also includes aconventional power plug94 at the opposite end for plugging into a power adaptor outlet. As such,multiple systems12 may be connected to a single power source.
• Thepower adaptor88′ shown inFIG. 15 includes first andsecond connectors90′,92′ (potentially athird connector93′ for attachment to the power input of the RF transmitter46) shaped and dimensioned for engagement with thepower connectors84 of the power/audio adaptors70 of the twovideo systems12 installed inadjacent headrests14. Thepower adaptor88′ also includes a conventional pair ofelectrical lines94′ at the opposite end for connection to the automobile power supply. As such,multiple systems12 may be connected to a single power source.
• More particularly, and in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, thepower source wire40 may runs either directly from the main automobile power source (seeFIG. 15) or via the power adaptor outlet via a power adaptor outlet (seeFIG. 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 monitors16 are provided with adirect audio input61 allowing users to simply plug-in their headphones to listen to the audio content of the source being transmitted by thevideo monitor16.
• In accordance with still a further feature of the present invention, the audio source being generated by theDVD player20 is transmitted to awireless RF transmitter46 via theaudio output wires40,42 discussed above, which transmits the audio content at a frequency received by the radio system of theautomobile11 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 theautomobile11. Further, and in accordance with yet a further embodiment of the present invention, theaudio output wires40,42 of theDVD player20 may be hardwired to the radio of theautomobile11 for listening over the stereo system of theautomobile11. As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, it is further contemplated theaudio output wires40,42 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 theDVD player20 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 theDVD player20 orvideo system12 to control the video content or the volume generated by thevideo system12. 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 toFIG. 16,separate cables138,139 extend through therespective support arms148a,4148bof theheadrest14. As with the prior embodiment, the passage of thepower cable138 and theaudio output cable139 through theheadrest extension arms148a,148band the back150 of thevehicle seat152 is facilitated by the provision of aneyelet154 with theconnector shroud156 at thedistal end158 of thecables138,139. The provision of theeyelet154 allows for theconnector shroud156 to be gripped and pulled through theextension arms148a,148band the back150 of thevehicle seat152 through utilization of a traditional “wire puller”159 used by electricians to pull wires through walls and other confined spaces.
• As mentioned above, once thedistal end158 of thepower cable138 andaudio output cable139 are pulled though the back150 of thevehicle seat152, various adaptors may be used to couple it to the appropriate power and audio sources. In accordance with this embodiment, it is preferred that theaudio output cable139 be directly connected to awireless RF transmitter146, while either of thepower adaptors188,188′ disclosed inFIGS. 14 and 15 may be used for coupling the video system112 to a source of power.
• As shown inFIG. 16, the embodiment provides for twoRF transmitters146 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 toFIG. 17, each video system212a-dis provided with an input239a-dand an output241a-dproviding 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 systems212a-dwithin the automobile may be linked. As such, the content of a DVD playing in one video system212a-dmay be transferred to the other video system(s)212a-dsuch that people viewing other video systems212a-dinstalled 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 thecentral switching assembly213.
• With this mind and with reference toFIG. 17, anentertainment system210 employing four linked video systems212a-dis disclosed. Theentertainment system210 includes acentral switching assembly213 to which the various video systems212a-dare linked for outputting signals to and receiving signals from. Thecentral switching assembly213 receives and transmits video and audio content in a controlled manner such that the same audio and video content is selectively provided for individuals viewingdifferent monitors216a-dwhile sitting in an automobile. This is accomplished by linking the audio and video inputs239a-dand outputs241a-dfrom the various video systems212a-dinstalled with a vehicle and selectively transmitting the desired content to the different video systems212a-d. Thecentral switching assembly213 also includes a separate audio/video input215 (for example, RCA plugs) for receiving video content from a remote source for transmission to the various video systems212a-dconnected thereto.
• More specifically, thecentral switching assembly213 is provided with the ability to receive audio and video outputs from the various video systems212a-dconnected thereto and transmit, in a predetermined manner under the control of the vehicle operator, video and audio inputs to the various video systems212a-dconnected thereto. In addition, to providing for the ready transfer of information between the various video systems212a-dconnected thereto, thecentral switching assembly213 is also provided with awireless FM transmitter217. Thetransmitter217 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, thetransmitter217 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. Thecentral switching assembly213 may also be provided with a TV tuner, a modulator and/or other wireless transmitters.
• With regard to the system disclosed with reference toFIG. 17, afirst video system212a, asecond video system212b, athird video system212cand afourth video system212dare provided. The first andsecond video systems212a,221bare positioned within therespective headrests214a,214bof the front vehicle seats252a,252b, while the third andfourth video systems212c,212dare positioned within therespective headrests214c,214dof the second row of seating found in the automobile. In accordance with the disclosed configuration, the first andsecond video systems212a,212bare coupled to both audio/video inputs270a,270band audio/video outputs272a,272b, while the third and fourth video systems are only connected with audio/video inputs270c,270dcoming from thecentral switching assembly213. As with the various embodiments described above, the cables coupling the first, second, third and fourth video systems212a-dto thecentral switching assembly213 are passed through the extension arm of the headrest214a-dand down the back of the vehicle seat252a-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 systems212a-d, each includes two six-pin cables276,278 extending therefrom, one for theinput side239a,239bof the system and the other for theoutput side241a,241bof thevideo system212a,212b. Each of the six-pin cables276,278 is passed through a respective extension arm of theheadrest214a,214b. With reference to theoutput side241a,241bof thevideo system212a,212b, the six-pin cable278 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 thecentral switching assembly213 for sharing with the remaining video systems212a-dconnected thereto.
• As mentioned above, each of the first, second, third and fourth video systems212a-dinclude aninput cable276 for receiving audio and video signals from thecentral switching assembly213. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of theinput cables276 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 systems212a-dare able to readily receive video and audio information from thecentral switching assembly213.
• Withoutput cables278 transferring audio and video signals to thecentral switching assembly213, andinput cables276 transferring audio and video signals to the video systems212a-d, thecentral switching assembly213 includes acentral processor280 programmed to control to the transmission of signals in an efficient manner.
• Thepower supply282 for the video systems212a-dis run through thecentral switching assembly213. As mentioned above, each of thecables276,278 coupled to the various video systems212a-dincludes wiring for power transmission. With this in mind, thecentral switching assembly213 is linked to apower source282, 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 toFIGS. 14 and 15, respectively. The power supplied to thecentral switching assembly213 is then transferred to the various video systems212a-dvia the power lines of the six-pin cables276,278 linking the video systems212a-dto thecentral switching assembly213.
• 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 thecentral switching assembly213.
• 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.

Claims (17)

1. A housing for an automobile entertainment system mounted within an automobile headrest, the headrest including a headrest body and a first downwardly extending extension arm including a passage therethrough, the housing comprising:

a support frame including a rectangular shell in which a video monitor is pivotally mounted, the support frame includes a top wall and a bottom wall connected by a first sidewall and a second sidewall;

the first sidewall and second sidewall are respectively provided with bearing slots shaped and dimensioned for receiving lateral posts extending from sides of the video monitor in a manner permitting controlled pivoting of the video monitor within the support frame; and

means for controlling movement of the video monitor within the support frame.

2. The housing according toclaim 1, wherein the means for controlling movement includes selectively engageable members respectively formed on the support frame and the video monitor.

3. The housing according toclaim 1, wherein the means for controlling movement includes selectively engageable recesses and detents respectively formed on the support frame and the video monitor, wherein the detents are shaped and dimensioned for engagement with the various recesses as the video monitor is pivoted relative to the support frame.

4. An automobile entertainment system, comprising:

a video system mounted within an automobile headrest, the headrest including a headrest body and a first downwardly extending extension arm including a passage therethrough;

the video system including a housing having a support frame including a rectangular shell in which a video monitor is pivotally mounted, the support frame includes a top wall and a bottom wall connected by a first sidewall and a second sidewall;

the first sidewall and second sidewall are respectively provided with bearing slots shaped and dimensioned for receiving lateral posts extending from sides of the video monitor in a manner permitting controlled pivoting of the video monitor within the support frame; and

means for controlling movement of the monitor within the support frame.

5. The entertainment system according toclaim 4, wherein the means for controlling movement includes selectively engageable members respectively formed on the support frame and the video monitor.

6. The entertainment system according toclaim 4, wherein the means for controlling movement includes selectively engageable recesses and detents respectively formed on the support frame and the video monitor, wherein the detents are shaped and dimensioned for engagement with the various recesses as the video monitor is pivoted relative to the support frame.

7. The entertainment system according toclaim 4, wherein the video system includes at least one cable extending therefrom and the cable passes through the first extension arm.

8. The entertainment system according toclaim 7, wherein the video system includes a video source.

9. The entertainment system according toclaim 8, wherein the video source is a DVD player.

10. The entertainment system according toclaim 7, wherein the cable includes a power source wire and at least one audio wire

11. The entertainment system according toclaim 7, wherein the cable includes a connector shroud at a distal end the cable, and the connector shroud is provided with a selectively removable eyelet allowing the connector shroud to be gripped and pulled through a back of a vehicle seat.

12. The entertainment system according toclaim 11, 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.

13. The entertainment system according toclaim 7, further including a power adaptor for connecting the cable and video system to a power source.

14. The entertainment system according toclaim 13, wherein the power adaptor is shaped and dimensioned for coupling with an automobile power adaptor outlet.

15. The entertainment system according toclaim 14, 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.

16. The entertainment system according toclaim 13, wherein the power adaptor is shaped and dimensioned for direct connection to the vehicle power source.

17. The entertainment system according toclaim 16, 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.

Images