WO2017116867A1 - Système de divertissement pour véhicule et procédé de montage de l'unité de divertissement pour véhicule - Google Patents

Système de divertissement pour véhicule et procédé de montage de l'unité de divertissement pour véhicule Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017116867A1
WO2017116867A1 PCT/US2016/067862 US2016067862W WO2017116867A1 WO 2017116867 A1 WO2017116867 A1 WO 2017116867A1 US 2016067862 W US2016067862 W US 2016067862W WO 2017116867 A1 WO2017116867 A1 WO 2017116867A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cradle
vehicle entertainment
slot
locking mechanism
entertainment unit
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2016/067862
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
James R. Tranchina
Patrick M. Lavelle
Raymond Ford
Mike MORALES
Original Assignee
Voxx International Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US14/986,081 external-priority patent/US9987999B2/en
Application filed by Voxx International Corporation filed Critical Voxx International Corporation
Publication of WO2017116867A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017116867A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/58—Seat coverings
    • B60N2/60—Removable protective coverings
    • B60N2/6009—Removable protective coverings covering more than only the seat
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/80—Head-rests
    • B60N2/879—Head-rests with additional features not related to head-rest positioning, e.g. heating or cooling devices or loudspeakers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
    • B60R11/02—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
    • B60R11/0229—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof for displays, e.g. cathodic tubes
    • B60R11/0235—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof for displays, e.g. cathodic tubes of flat type, e.g. LCD
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1632—External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
    • B60R2011/0001—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by position
    • B60R2011/0003—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by position inside the vehicle
    • B60R2011/0012—Seats or parts thereof
    • B60R2011/0015—Back-rests
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
    • B60R2011/0001—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by position
    • B60R2011/0003—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by position inside the vehicle
    • B60R2011/0012—Seats or parts thereof
    • B60R2011/0017—Head-rests
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
    • B60R2011/0042—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by mounting means
    • B60R2011/0049—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by mounting means for non integrated articles
    • B60R2011/0064—Connection with the article
    • B60R2011/0075—Connection with the article using a containment or docking space
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
    • B60R11/02—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
    • B60R2011/0276—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof for rear passenger use

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a vehicle entertainment system including a vehicle entertainment unit, and a method of mounting a vehicle entertainment unit in a cradle in a vehicle.
  • the vehicle entertainment system further includes a first removal tool shaped and dimensioned to be inserted into the first and second spaces to disengage the first and second locking mechanisms from the first and second slots. The vehicle entertainment unit is unlocked from the cradle upon inserting the first removal tool into the first space to disengage the first locking mechanism from the first slot and upon inserting the removal tool into the second space to disengage the second locking mechanism from the second slot.
  • FIG. 7 A shows a cradle mounted in a headrest of a seat in a vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 7B shows a cradle mounted in the back of a seat in a vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 1 OA is a front view of a vehicle entertainment system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 1 OB is a rear view of a vehicle entertainment system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIGs. 11 A and 1 IB show a cradle of a vehicle entertainment system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 11C is an enlarged view of a slot shown in FIGs. 11 A and 1 IB according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIGs. 12A to 12D are side views showing a method of mounting (e.g., inserting and locking) a vehicle entertainment unit into a cradle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIGs. 13A to 13C are side views showing a method of removing a vehicle entertainment unit from a cradle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 13D shows a removal tool according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 14A is a top view of a vehicle entertainment system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 14B is a bottom view of a vehicle entertainment system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a vehicle entertainment tablet unit for a vehicle, a vehicle system including a vehicle entertainment unit, and a method of mounting a vehicle entertainment unit in a cradle in a vehicle.
  • the vehicle entertainment tablet unit / vehicle entertainment unit may include a display screen mounted in a vehicle, such as an automobile, minivan or sport utility vehicle (SUV).
  • SUV sport utility vehicle
  • entertainment tablet unit / vehicle entertainment unit may receive an Internet connection, provide a wireless connection to wireless enabled devices in and around the vehicle, and transmit and receive multimedia content from wireless enabled devices in and around the vehicle.
  • FIG. 1 A shows a front view of a vehicle entertainment tablet unit, according to an exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. 1 B is a block diagram showing the components of the vehicle entertainment tablet unit, according to an exemplary embodiment.
  • the control button(s) 101 may function as an on/off switch, and/or may be used to perform a variety of other functions on the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 such as, for example, accessing a menu on the unit 100, waking the unit 100, or turning off the display on the unit 100.
  • the connection ports 102 may include, but are not limited to, a USB port (e.g., a microUSB port or a mini-USB port), an HDMI port (e.g., a micro -HDMI port), an SD card slot (e.g., a micro-SD card slot, a mini-SD card slot, or a standard SD card slot), and/or an Ethernet port.
  • the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 may further include a battery supplying power to the unit 100.
  • the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 may function as a media player capable of presenting video and/or audio programs to a user.
  • the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 may include additional features, functions, and options.
  • the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 may include, for example, a processor 103 (e.g., a single core or multi-core processor), a memory 104 (e.g., RAM), a graphics processing unit (GPU) 105, a storage device 106 (e.g., flash memory), a global positioning system (GPS) radio 107, a display 108, a touch screen input device 109, a wireless transmitter 110, a wireless receiver 111, and/or a speaker 112.
  • the display 108 may be, for example, a TFT-LCD display, and may be a variety of sizes (e.g., between about 5 inches and about 15 inches).
  • the touch screen input device 109 is an electronic visual display that allows for the detection of touches within a display area.
  • the location of the touch screen input device 109 corresponds to the location of the display 108 on the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100, and may be used to detect touches made by, for example, a finger, a hand, or a stylus.
  • the touch screen input device 109 may be, for example, a capacitive touch screen panel or a resistive touch screen panel, however the touch screen input device 109 is not limited thereto.
  • the touch screen input device 109 may be used to present a variety of input means to a user to allow the user to enter input to the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100.
  • software on the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 may be used to present a virtual keyboard or keypad to a user, allowing for the input of text and numbers, and/or may accept touch gestures that perform various functions on the unit 100.
  • the unit 100 may run various operating systems such as, for example, the AndroidTM operating system.
  • the wireless transmitter 110 and receiver 111 may utilize a variety of wireless transmission standards including, but not limited to, cellular, BLUETOOTH, radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR), or 802.11 (e.g., 802.11 a/b/g/n) transmission standards.
  • the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 may include multiple wireless receivers and transmitters, which allows the unit 100 to utilize a variety of wireless transmission standards.
  • the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 may be positioned in any number of locations in a vehicle.
  • the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 may be mounted to a seat in a vehicle, within a headrest of a seat in a vehicle, positioned overhead in a vehicle, mounted in the dashboard or center console of a vehicle, or in any other convenient location of a vehicle.
  • the unit 100 may be detachably or fixedly mounted at any of these locations. The mounting of the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 is described in more detail below with reference to FIGs. 2A-2D, 3-4, and 7A-7B.
  • the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 provides functions similar to tablet computers such as, for example, the Apple® iPad®.
  • a user may use the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 to access the Internet, view video content such as movies or television shows, or listen to audio content such as music or podcasts.
  • a user may also have access to an application store such as, for example, the AndroidTM Market, allowing the user to utilize a variety of applications on the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100.
  • the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 may function as a hotspot.
  • the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 may establish an Internet connection using the wireless receiver 111 via a Third Generation (3G) or Fourth Generation (4G) cellular network such as, for example, a High Speed Packet Access(HSPA) network, an Evolved High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA+) network, a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, or a Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) network.
  • the Internet connection established by the wireless receiver 111 may then be shared with the wireless transmitter 110, which may assign an Internet Protocol (IP) address to each of the wireless enabled devices in and around the vehicle.
  • IP Internet Protocol
  • the IP addresses may be assigned to the wireless enabled devices using, for example, an 802.11 transmission standard (e.g., 802.11 a/b/g/n).
  • 802.11 transmission standard e.g., 802.11 a/b/g/n.
  • the assignment of IP addresses to the wireless enabled devices by the wireless transmitter 110 allows the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 to function as a hotspot by creating an Internet-enabled wireless local area network (e.g., a Wi-Fi network) in and around the vehicle.
  • Exemplary embodiments may include a single wireless receiver 111 or multiple wireless receivers, which enables the connection to various types of cellular networks (e.g., a first wireless receiver may connect to a 3G network and a second wireless receiver may connect to a 4G network). Further, exemplary embodiments may include a single wireless transmitter 110 or multiple wireless transmitters. Multiple wireless transmitters may be utilized to provide separate wireless local area networks. The utilization of separate wireless local area networks allows for a greater coverage area of the hotspot. For example, larger vehicles such as, for example, buses, trains and airplanes may implement additional wireless transmitters to expand the coverage area of a hotspot. Providing separate wireless local area networks also results in the availability of additional bandwidth which can be used to provide Internet access to a large number of wireless enabled devices. Further, separate wireless local area networks may be utilized to offer connections of varying security/access levels for different groups of users.
  • the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 receives media content using the wireless receiver 111 via a wireless network (e.g., a cellular network), and displays the received media content without interfacing with any other devices in the vehicle.
  • a wireless network e.g., a cellular network
  • the vehicle entertainment tablet unit may receive media content via a media box disposed within the vehicle, as discussed with reference to FIG. 9.
  • the wireless local area network provided by the wireless transmitter 110 may utilize an 802.11 transmission standard (e.g., 802.11 a/b/g/n).
  • 802.11 transmission standard e.g., 802.11 a/b/g/n
  • Various security techniques may be utilized to provide a secure wireless local area network.
  • the wireless local area network may implement Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) security, Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA, WPA2) security, MAC address filtering, port filtering, and the ability to disable Service Set Identifier (SSID) broadcasting.
  • WEP Wired Equivalent Privacy
  • WPA Wi-Fi Protected Access
  • WPA2 Wi-Fi Protected Access
  • MAC address filtering MAC address filtering
  • port filtering e.g., MAC address filtering
  • port filtering e.g., MAC address filtering
  • SSID Service Set Identifier
  • the vehicle entertainment tablet unit may include at least one speaker 112 for outputting audio. Additional speaker(s) may also be located separate from the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100, and may be connected to the unit 100 via an electrical or wireless connection such as, for example, a BLUETOOTH, radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR), or 802.11 (e.g., 802.11 a/b/g/n) wireless connection.
  • RF radio frequency
  • IR infrared
  • 802.11 e.g., 802.11 a/b/g/n
  • a wired or wireless controller 113 may be used to control the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100.
  • the controller 113 may control all functions of the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 including, for example, multimedia functions and Internet functions.
  • a wireless controller may utilize software installed on the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100, and may communicate with the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 using, for example, BLUETOOTH, radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR), or 802.11 (e.g., 802.11 a/b/g/n) transmission standards.
  • RF radio frequency
  • IR infrared
  • 802.11 e.g., 802.11 a/b/g/n
  • a wired controller may connect to the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 via one of the connection ports (e.g., a USB port) on the unit 100.
  • a video camera 114 and/or a microphone 115 may be connected to the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100.
  • the video camera 114 and/or microphone 115 may be disposed on the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 or may be located separate from the unit 100 and connected to the unit 100 via a wired or wireless connection such as, for example, a radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR), BLUETOOTH, or 802.11 (e.g., 802.11 a/b/g/n) connection.
  • RF radio frequency
  • IR infrared
  • BLUETOOTH or 802.11 (e.g., 802.11 a/b/g/n) connection.
  • the video camera 114 and microphone 115 can be utilized with the speaker(s) 112 under control of the processor 103, and when connected to the Internet, may provide Voice over IP (VOIP) and videoconferencing functionality.
  • VOIP Voice over IP
  • the video camera 114, microphone 115 and/or speakers) 112 may be positioned together or separately, and can be positioned in any number of locations in a vehicle.
  • the video camera 114, microphone 115, and/or speaker(s) 112 may be integrated with the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 or may be located separate from the unit 100, or may be mounted in a seat, headrest, overhead, dashboard or center console of the vehicle, or in any other convenient location of the vehicle.
  • the video camera 114 and microphone 115 may be used to record and store video data in the storage device 106 of the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100.
  • a video camera 114 disposed in a rear seat may also be utilized by a driver or a passenger in another seat to monitor a child sitting within the field of view of the video camera 114. This monitoring may be done via a vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 in the vehicle, a display, or a wireless enabled device connected to the local area network.
  • the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 may communicate with a plurality of video cameras, microphones, and/or speakers, and functions of each video camera, microphone, and/or speaker may be controlled by the same controller or a separate controller.
  • the video cameras, microphones, and/or speakers may further be controlled by the wireless enabled devices connected to the wireless local area network using, for example, software installed on the wireless enabled devices.
  • a media source 116 may be connected to the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100.
  • the media source 116 may be part of the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100, may be located within a cradle configured to receive the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100, or may be located separate from the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 and the cradle.
  • the media source 116 may be connected via a connection port 102 on the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100, or wirelessly via, for example, a BLUETOOTH, radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR), or 802.11 (e.g., 802.11 a/b/g/n) connection.
  • RF radio frequency
  • IR infrared
  • 802.11 e.g., 802.11 a/b/g/n
  • the media source 116 may be, for example, a DVD player, a CD-ROM player, a video game player, a videocassette player, a television tuner, a radio tuner, an MP3 player, a digital video recorder (DVR), and/or a device for playing media supplied from a portable storage device (e.g., a portable hard drive, memory cards, flash memory sticks, key drives, thumb drives).
  • a portable storage device e.g., a portable hard drive, memory cards, flash memory sticks, key drives, thumb drives.
  • Audio and video signals may be transmitted from the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 to other displays and/or speakers) located within the vehicle, receivers connected to a vehicle radio, wireless headphones, or wireless enabled devices connected to the wireless local area network.
  • the audio and video signals may be transmitted wirelessly by the wireless transmitter 110 using, for example, radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR), BLUETOOTH, or 802.11 (e.g., 802.11 a/b/g/n) transmission standards.
  • RF radio frequency
  • IR infrared
  • BLUETOOTH BLUETOOTH
  • 802.11 e.g., 802.11 a/b/g/n
  • the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 may be detachably or fixedly mounted to a cradle in a vehicle, which may be positioned in a variety of locations within the vehicle.
  • a cradle configured to receive and secure the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 may be mounted within a headrest of a seat in a vehicle, within a seat back of a seat in a vehicle, in an overhead position within a vehicle, or in any other convenient location of a vehicle.
  • FIGs. 2A-2D show a vehicle entertainment unit, and a cradle mounted within a headrest of a seat in a vehicle and configured to receive the vehicle entertainment unit.
  • the cradle 201 may be connected to a vehicle power source via a power wire(s) 801 connecting to the electrical connection 203 in the cradle 201 and passing through a headrest post 802 and the seat 803.
  • the power wire(s) 801 may pass through a single headrest post 802 or multiple headrest posts 802.
  • a data wire(s) 804 may connect the electrical connections in the cradles to each other, and may facilitate the transmission of data between docked vehicle entertainment tablet units.
  • the data wire(s) 804 may pass through a single headrest post 802 of the same seat 803 or multiple headrest posts 802 of the same seat 803.
  • the cradle 201 may further include a hinge mechanism allowing the vehicle
  • the mounting mechanism may be, for example, a quick release mount mechanism, and may utilize a variety of selectively releasable coupling structures.
  • the mounting mechanism may include a release button 204 disposed on a surface of the headrest 202 and a latch member 205 disposed on a rear surface 209 of the cradle 201.
  • the release button 204 is actuated to rotate the latch member 205 and permit removal of the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 from the cradle 201. Insertion of the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 within the headrest 202 is achieved by setting the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 within the cradle 201 and applying sufficient force to the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 for overcoming the rotational force of the latch member 205 to force the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 into a secure position.
  • FIG. 2B shows a rear surface 206 of the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100, which is configured to be mounted within the cradle 201 shown in FIG. 2A, according to an exemplary embodiment.
  • the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 includes a cooperating electrical connection 207 configured to be electrically coupled to the electrical connection 203 of the cradle 201, and a cooperating mounting mechanism 208 configured to be coupled to the latch member 205 of the cradle 201.
  • optional covers 210, 211 may be included to cover the cooperating electrical connection 207 and the mounting mechanism 208 of the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 when the unit 100 is not coupled to the cradle.
  • the mounting mechanism on the cradle 201 may include a recess 212 and a latch member 213, as shown in FIG. 2C.
  • the recess 212 and latch member 213 may have a variety of shapes, and may be disposed on the cradle 201 in a variety of locations.
  • the recess 212 is disposed on a first lip 214 of the cradle 201 and the latch member 213 is disposed on a second lip 215 of the cradle, which opposes the first lip 214.
  • the electrical connection 203 of the cradle is disposed on the first lip 214.
  • a depth of the cradle 201 may be defined by the distance between the rear surface 209 of the cradle 201 and the outermost portion of the lips 214, 215 of the cradle 201. Due to the thinness of the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100, the depth of the cradle 201 may be between about 0.2S inches and about 0.6 inches, however the depth is not limited thereto.
  • the mounting mechanism on the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 may include a tab 216 disposed on a first edge 217 of the unit 100 and a coupling member (not shown) disposed on a second edge (not shown) of the unit 100, which opposes the first edge 217.
  • the tab 216 Upon mounting the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 into the cradle 201, the tab 216 is inserted into the recess 212, and the coupling member on the second edge of the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 engages the latch member 213 of the cradle 201, locking the unit 100 into place.
  • the electrical connection 207 of the unit 100 is electrically coupled to the electrical connection 203 of the cradle 201 upon mounting.
  • the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 may be fixedly or removably mounted to the cradle 201. When the unit 100 is removably mounted, a portion of the latch member 213 on the cradle 201 may be exposed, allowing a user to remove the unit 100 from the cradle 201 by actuating the latch member 213. When mounted, the vehicle
  • entertainment tablet unit 100 may be substantially flush with the outer surface of the headrest 202.
  • the mounting mechanisms and electrical connections shown in FIGs. 2A-2D may be disposed in a variety of locations.
  • the release button 204 may be disposed in any area of the headrest 202
  • the latch member 205 and electrical connection 203 may be disposed in any area of the rear surface 209 of the cradle 201
  • the cooperating mounting mechanism 208 and electrical connection 207 of the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 may be disposed in any corresponding area of the rear surface 206 of the unit 100.
  • FIGs. 2 A-2B the release button 204 may be disposed in any area of the headrest 202
  • the latch member 205 and electrical connection 203 may be disposed in any area of the rear surface 209 of the cradle 201
  • the cooperating mounting mechanism 208 and electrical connection 207 of the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 may be disposed in any corresponding area of the rear surface 206 of the unit 100.
  • the recess 212 and electrical connection 203 may be disposed in any area of any lip of the cradle 201
  • the latch member 213 may be disposed in any area of an opposing lip of the cradle 201
  • the tab 216 and electrical connection 207 of the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 may be disposed in any corresponding area of any edge of the unit 100
  • the coupling member (not shown) of the unit 100 may be disposed on an opposing edge of the unit 100.
  • the electrical connection 203 may be disposed on the same lip as the latch member 213, and the electrical connection 207 may be disposed on the same edge as the coupling member (not shown).
  • FIG. 3 is a side view showing a cradle mounted within a headrest.
  • the cradle 201 is secured to the headrest 202.
  • the cradle 201 may be secured to an internal headrest support structure 301 of the headrest 202 using, for example, a fastener 302, screw, nail, or adhesive, however the method of securing the cradle 201 to the headrest 202 is not limited thereto.
  • the cradle 201 includes a receiving portion 303 shaped and dimensioned to receive the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100. Due to the thinness of the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100, the depth of the receiving portion 303 may be between about 0.25 inches and about 0.6 inches, however the depth is not limited thereto.
  • the cradle 201 may include a hinge mechanism 401 that permits the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 to be pivoted in vertical and/or horizontal directions, as shown in FIG. 4.
  • the cradle 201 includes a base portion 402, a receiving portion 403, and a hinge mechanism 401 connecting the receiving portion 403 to the base portion 402.
  • the base portion 402 may be secured to an internal headrest support structure 301 of a headrest 202 as described with reference to FIG. 3, and the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 may be secured into the receiving portion 403 as described with reference to FIGs.
  • the receiving portion 403 may include an electrical connection 203 and a mounting mechanism such as latch members 205 and 213 and/or recess 212).
  • the receiving portion 403 may be electrically connected to the base portion 402 via a wire 404 connecting the two portions.
  • the hinge mechanism 401 permits the receiving portion 403 to pivot with respect to the base portion 402 in horizontal and/or vertical directions, allowing for the adjustment of the viewing angle of the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 when mounted.
  • the hinge mechanism 401 may be a ball-like mechanism located near the center of the cradle 201 and permitting the receiving portion 403 to pivot about a number of axes, as shown in FIG. 4, however the shape and location of the hinge mechanism 401 is not limited thereto.
  • FIG. 5 shows a cradle 501 disposed in an overhead position and configured to receive the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100, according to an exemplary embodiment.
  • the cradle 501 is attached to the ceiling 502 of a vehicle.
  • the cradle 501 may be recessed within the ceiling 502, or may extend below the ceiling 502, as shown in FIG. 5. Due to the thinness of the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100, the cradle 501 may have a thin profile.
  • the cradle 501 may have a thickness between about 0.25 inches and about 0.6 inches, however the thickness is not limited thereto.
  • the cradle 501 may include a receiving portion 503 configured to detachably or fixedly receive the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 in a manner similar to the one described with reference to FIGs. 2A-2D.
  • the receiving portion 503 may include an electrical connection that can be used to electrically couple the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 to the receiving portion 503 of the cradle 501.
  • the electrical connection may be, for example, a plurality of electrical contacts or a pin connector.
  • the cradle 501 may further include a hinge mechanism 505 allowing the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 to be pivoted into the base portion 504 of the cradle 501 when the vehicle entertainment tablet 100 unit is mounted and not in use.
  • the hinge mechanism 505 may be located in an upper area of the receiving portion 503 of the cradle 501.
  • the receiving portion 503 may include an additional hinge mechanism permitting the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 to be pivoted in a vertical and/or horizontal direction, allowing for further adjustment of the viewing angle of the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100.
  • the receiving portion 503 may include the base portion 402, the receiving portion 403, and the hinge mechanism 401 described with reference to FIG. 4.
  • the cradle 501 may further include a mounting mechanism configured to allow the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 to be detachably mounted to and removed from the cradle 501.
  • the mounting mechanism may be, for example, a quick release mount mechanism, and may utilize a variety of selectively releasable coupling structures.
  • the mounting mechanisms described with reference to FIGs. 2A-2D may be utilized.
  • FIG. 6 shows a cradle 601 disposed on a seat back 602 of a seat 603 in a vehicle, and configured to receive the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100, according to an exemplary embodiment.
  • the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 may slide vertically into the cradle 601, or may pivotally attach to the cradle 601 such that it is rotated between a display position and a storage position.
  • the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 may be pivotally attached to the cradle 601 using a hinge mechanism operating in a manner similar to the hinge mechanism 505 described with reference to FIG. 5.
  • the cradle 601 may be recessed within the seat back 602, or may extend from the seat back 602, as shown in FIG. 6.
  • the cradle 601 may be embedded into a seat mold that is designed to replace the existing backseat mold of a seat in a vehicle. Due to the thin nature of the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100, the cradle 601 may have a thin profile. For example, the cradle 601 may have a thickness between about 0.25 inches and about 0.6 inches, however the thickness is not limited thereto.
  • the cradle 601 may include an electrical connection and mounting mechanisms similar to those described with reference to FIGs. 2A-2D.
  • the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 may function as a multimedia sharing unit. For example, once connected to the wireless local area network, wireless enabled devices may access multimedia data stored on the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100.
  • This multimedia data may include, for example, movies, television shows, music and pictures, and may include both real-time and non-real-time content.
  • Connected wireless enabled devices may access multimedia data stored in the storage device 106 of the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 while the wireless enabled devices are connected to the Internet or while the wireless enabled devices are not connected to the Internet. Connected wireless enabled devices may also transmit and receive data to and from each other while connected to the wireless local area network provided by the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100.
  • multiple vehicle entertainment tablet units 100 may be mounted in a vehicle.
  • one of the units 100 may function as a multimedia sharing unit, or multiple vehicle entertainment tablet units 100 may function as multimedia sharing units, allowing media content to be shared freely between all of the units 100, as well as wireless enabled devices present in and around the vehicle.
  • the vehicle entertainment tablet units 100 and the wireless enabled devices may communicate with each other once connected to the same local area network, as described above.
  • the vehicle entertainment tablet units 100 and wireless enabled devices may communicate with each other using BLUETOOTH or WI-FI DIRECT transmission standards.
  • WI-FI DIRECT allows the vehicle entertainment tablet units 100 and wireless enabled devices to wirelessly communicate with each other without connecting to a local area network via a hotspot.
  • Displays including a Wi-Fi radio and utilizing WI-FI DIRECT may also be mounted in the vehicle and may communicate with the vehicle entertainment tablet unit(s) 100 and/or wireless enabled devices. The displays may be mounted at the same locations and in the same manner as the vehicle entertainment tablet units 100 as described above.
  • a cradle configured to receive a variety of different tablet units made by different manufacturers may be disposed within a vehicle.
  • the cradle may be a universal cradle configured to receive tablet units such as the Apple® iPad®, or various tablet units running different operating systems such as, for example, the AndroidTM operating system.
  • the cradle may be disposed in a variety of locations such as, for example, in a seat in a vehicle, within a headrest of a seat in a vehicle, positioned overhead in a vehicle, or mounted in the dashboard or center console of a vehicle.
  • FIG. 7A shows an exemplary embodiment of a cradle mounted in the headrest of a seat in a vehicle
  • FIG. 7B shows an exemplary embodiment of a cradle mounted in the back of a seat in a vehicle.
  • a cradle 700 is mounted within a headrest 701 in a vehicle.
  • the cradle 700 includes a rear surface 702 and lips 703 extending outward from the rear surface 701.
  • a depth of the cradle 700 may be defined by the distance between the rear surface 702 and the outermost portion of the lips 703. Due to the thinness of most tablet units, the depth of the cradle 700 may be between about 0.25 inches and about 0.6 inches, however the depth is not limited thereto.
  • a connection port 704 is disposed on a door 70S on a lip 703 of the cradle 700.
  • the connection port 704 is designed to matingly receive a connector of a tablet unit, and may supply power and transmit and receive data to and from the tablet unit, as described above with reference to FIGs. 2A-2D and 8.
  • the cradle 700 may include a single connection port 704.
  • multiple connection ports 704 may be disposed on different lips 703 of the cradle 700, as shown in FIG. 7A, allowing the tablet unit to be mounted to the cradle 700 in a landscape orientation or in a portrait orientation, and allowing for the mounting of different tablet units having connectors located in different locations.
  • Each door 705 may be spring-loaded, allowing an unused connection port 704 to be stored beneath the surface of the lip 703 when not in use.
  • connection port 704 may include a variety of connection types adapted to connect to different tablet units such as, for example, a USB port (e.g., a microUSB port or a mini-USB port) or other proprietary connection types such as a 30-pin connector compatible with the Apple® iPad®.
  • the connection port 704 may also be used to matingly receive other mobile devices such as, for example a smartphone.
  • Each door 705 may include a hinge 706 permitting the door 705 to pivot away from the lip 703 and towards the user.
  • the door 705 may be substantially parallel to the rear surface 702 of the cradle 700. Pivoting the door 705 away from the lip 703 allows the connector of a tablet unit to be connected to the connection port 704 on the door 705. Once the tablet unit is attached to the cradle via the connection port 704, the door 705 may be pivoted back towards the lip 703, resulting in the tablet unit being disposed within the cradle 700.
  • a latch member 707 may be disposed on a lip 703 opposing the connection port 704, and may be utilized to secure the mounted tablet unit in the cradle 700.
  • the latch member 707 may be a door that pivots away from the lip 703 to allow the tablet unit to be accepted into the cradle 700, and towards the lip 703 once the tablet unit is in the cradle 700 to cover a portion of the tablet unit and secure the tablet unit in the cradle 700.
  • the latch member 707 may utilize a hinge similar to the hinge 706 of the door 705 including the connection port 704 to pivot towards and away from the lip 703.
  • the location of the cradle 700 described with reference to FIG. 7A is not limited to a headrest of a vehicle.
  • the cradle 700 may be positioned overhead in a vehicle (e.g., on the receiving portion503 of the cradle 501 shown in FIG. 5), in a seat back of a seat in a vehicle, or mounted in the dashboard or center console of a vehicle.
  • a cradle 710 is disposed on a seat back 711 of a seat 712 in a vehicle, and is configured to receive a variety of tablet units such as, for example, the Apple® iPad®, or various tablet units running different operating systems such as the AndroidTM operating system.
  • the cradle 710 may include a connection port 713 disposed on a lower lip 714 of the cradle 710.
  • the connection port 713 may include a variety of connection types adapted to connect to different tablet units such as, for example, a USB port (e.g., a microUSB port or a mini-USB port) or other proprietary connection types such as a 30-pin connector compatible with the Apple® iPad®.
  • connection port 713 may also be used to matingly receive other mobile devices such as, for example a smartphone.
  • a tablet unit 715 may slide vertically into the cradle 710 through an opening opposing the lower lip 714, and a connector on the tablet unit 715 may be coupled to the connection port 713.
  • Side lips 716 disposed adjacent to the lower lip 714 may provide structural support to the tablet unit 715 when the unit 715 is mounted in the cradle 710.
  • the tablet unit 715 may receive power and may transmit and receive data via the connection port 713 as described above in references to FIGs. 2A-2D and 8.
  • the cradle 710 may be embedded into a seat mold that is designed to replace the existing backseat mold of the seat 712. Due to the thin nature of most tablet units, the cradle 710 may have a thin profile.
  • the cradle 710 may have a thickness between about 0.25 inches and about 0.6 inches, however the thickness is not limited thereto.
  • a media control box 900 may be mounted within the vehicle and some or all of the vehicle entertainment tablet units 100 may be replaced with displays equipped with a BLUETOOTH radio or a Wi-Fi radio that utilizes WI-FI DIRECT transmission standards.
  • the displays may be mounted at the same locations and in the same manner as the vehicle entertainment tablet units 100 as described above.
  • the media control box 900 may be positioned in any convenient location in the vehicle such as, for example, overhead, under a seat, in a center console, in a dashboard, in a trunk, in a headrest of a seat, or in a seat back of a seat.
  • the media control box 900 may be connected to a power source of the vehicle, and may include, for example, a processor 901 (e.g., a single core or multi-core processor), a memory 902 (e.g., RAM), a graphics processing unit (GPU) 903, a storage device 904 (e.g., flash memory, hard drive), a wireless transmitter 90S, a wireless receiver 906, a global positioning system (GPS) radio 907, an internal or external media source 908, and/or a variety of connection ports, as shown in the block diagram in FIG. 9.
  • a processor 901 e.g., a single core or multi-core processor
  • a memory 902 e.g., RAM
  • GPU graphics processing unit
  • storage device 904 e.g., flash memory, hard drive
  • wireless transmitter 90S e.g., a wireless transmitter 90S
  • a wireless receiver 906 e.g., a global positioning system (GPS) radio 907
  • connection ports may include, but are not limited to, a USB port (e.g., a microUSB port or a mini-USB port), an HDMI port (e.g., a micro- HDMI port), an SD card slot (e.g., a micro-SD card slot, a mini-SD card slot, or a standard SD card slot), and an Ethernet port.
  • the media control box 900 may communicate with the displays via a wireless connection (e.g., WI-FI Direct, Bluetooth), or may be physically connected to the displays via wires.
  • wires connecting the media control box 900 to the displays may extend from the media control box 900 and through a seat back and headrest posts of a seat to connect to a display, in a manner similar to the power wire(s) 801 and data wires 804 as described with reference to FIG. 8.
  • the media control box 900 may be used to transmit media to any of the displays, or any wireless enabled device in and around the vehicle.
  • the media control box 900 may connect to the home network via Wi-Fi to sync, transmit and/or receive media to and from devices in the user's home.
  • the media control box 900 may be integrated with a display mounted in the vehicle.
  • the media control box 900 may be permanently mounted within a vehicle.
  • the media control box 900 may be a portable unit that can be moved between vehicles.
  • the portable unit for example, may mount and electrically connect to a docking station in a vehicle in a manner similar to the mounting of the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 into a cradle 201, as described with reference to FIGs. 2A-2D, 5-6, and 7A-7B.
  • software installed on the vehicle tablet unit 100 or display may allow the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100 or display to communicate with the vehicle head unit and control functions of the vehicle such as, for example, the vehicle's radio, GPS system, and/or air conditioning and heating system. Communication with the vehicle head unit may be carried out via a wired connection or a wireless connection, as described above.
  • FIGs. 10A to 14B A vehicle entertainment system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is described herein with reference to FIGs. 10A to 14B.
  • FIG. 1 OA is a front view of a vehicle entertainment system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 10B is a rear view of a vehicle entertainment system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • a cradle 1001 is shaped and dimensioned to receive a vehicle entertainment unit 1000. According to exemplary
  • the vehicle entertainment unit 1000 may be the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100, or the vehicle entertainment unit 1000 may include all, some, or most of the components and/or functionality described above with reference to the vehicle entertainment tablet unit 100.
  • the vehicle entertainment unit 1000 may include all of the components and functionality of the vehicle tablet unit 100 described above except that the vehicle entertainment unit 1000 may not be designed for use while it is not docked in the cradle 1001.
  • FIGs. 10A to 14B aspects of the present disclosure described above may be implemented in exemplary embodiments according to FIGs. 10A to 14B.
  • the above disclosure relating to the locations at which the cradle is mounted in the vehicle, the mounting mechanisms, components, and approaches used to mount the cradle to a part of the vehicle such as the headrest 202, the electrical connections between the cradle and the vehicle's power source and/or audio/video system, the electrical connections between multiple cradles mounted in the vehicle, etc., is understood to be applicable to exemplary embodiments according to FIGs. lOA to 14B.
  • the cradle 1001 may include a media player such as, for example, a DVD player 1002, disposed therein.
  • the vehicle entertainment system may play media provided by the media player disposed in the cradle 1001, media received wirelessly by the vehicle entertainment unit 1000, media stored on a memory of the vehicle entertainment unit 1000, and/or media provided to the vehicle entertainment unit 1000 via one of the connection ports disposed thereon.
  • FIGs. 11 A and 11 B show a cradle of a vehicle entertainment system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 11 C is an enlarged view of a slot shown in FIGs. 11A and 1 IB according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the cradle 1001 includes at least one slot 1101.
  • FIGs. 11 A and 1 IB show four slots 1101, each of which is circled in FIG. 11 A, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.
  • an exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For convenience of explanation, an exemplary
  • the cradle 1001 includes two slots 1101 will be described herein.
  • the cradle 1001 may include less than two slots 1101 or more than two slots 1101. It is further noted that although the slots 1101 shown in FIG. 11 A do not illustrate the two portions 1103 and 1104 having different widths, as shown in FIG. 1 IB and as described further below, the slots 1101 in FIG. 11 A may be embodied as the slots 1101 shown in FIG. 1 IB that include the two portions 1103 and 1104.
  • the slots 1101 are disposed near opposing sides of the cradle 1001.
  • a first slot 1101 may be disposed near a first side (e.g., a left side) of the cradle 1001 and a second slot 1101 may be disposed near a second side (e.g., a right side) of the cradle 1001.
  • the distance between the slots 1101 may vary, as exemplified by the different distance between the slots 1101 in FIG. 11 A and in FIG. 1 IB.
  • the slots 1101 are utilized with cooperating locking mechanisms of the vehicle entertainment unit 1000 to mount the vehicle entertainment unit 1000 in the cradle 1001, as described below.
  • FIGs. 12A to 12D are side views showing a method of mounting (e.g., inserting and locking) a vehicle entertainment unit into a cradle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIGs. 13A to 13C are side views showing a method of removing a vehicle entertainment unit from a cradle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the vehicle entertainment unit 1000 includes at least one locking mechanism 1301. The number of locking mechanisms 1301 disposed on the vehicle entertainment unit 1000 may vary, and corresponds to the number of slots 1101 disposed on the cradle 1001.
  • the locking mechanisms 1301 are disposed near opposing sides of the vehicle entertainment unit 1000 such that they align with the slots 1101 of the cradle 1001 when the vehicle entertainment unit 1000 is mounted in the cradle 1001.
  • the locking mechanisms 1301 may be disposed on a rear surface or may extend from a side surface of the vehicle entertainment unit 1000 such that when the vehicle entertainment unit 1000 is placed in the cradle, the locking mechanisms 1301 are matingly received into the slots 1101 on the cradle 1001.
  • Mounting the vehicle entertainment unit 1000 in the cradle 1001 includes placing the vehicle entertainment unit 1000 in the cradle 1001, and subsequently fixedly locking the vehicle entertainment unit 1000 in the cradle 1001, as described further below.
  • the term “mounting” may also be generally used herein to refer to the process of removing the vehicle entertainment unit 1000 from the cradle 1001 after the vehicle entertainment unit 1000 has been fixedly locked in the cradle 1001.
  • a first side (e.g., a left side) of the vehicle entertainment unit 1000 is adjacent to a first side (e.g., a left side) of the cradle 1001 and a second side (e.g., a right side) of the vehicle entertainment unit 1000 is adjacent to a second side (e.g., a right side) of the cradle 1001.
  • the first side of the vehicle entertainment unit 1000 may contact the first side of the cradle 1001 except for an area in which a first space 1302 between the units that is used for removal of the vehicle entertainment unit 1000 from the cradle 1001 is disposed.
  • the second side of the vehicle entertainment unit 1000 may contact the second side of the cradle 1001 except for an area in which a second space 1303 between the units that is used for removal of the vehicle entertainment unit 1000 from the cradle 1001 is disposed.
  • a first locking mechanism 1301 near the first side of the vehicle entertainment unit 1000 is inserted into a first slot 1101 near the first side of the cradle 1001
  • a second locking mechanism 1301 near the second side of the vehicle entertainment unit 1000 is inserted into a second slot 1101 near the second side of the cradle 1001 to fixedly lock the vehicle entertainment unit 1000 in the cradle 1001.
  • fixedly locking the vehicle entertainment unit 1000 in the cradle 1001 refers to locking the unit 1000 in the cradle 1001 such that the unit 1000 is stably supported within the cradle 1001 without moving within the cradle 1001, and such that the unit 1000 cannot be accidentally or unintentionally removed from the cradle 1001, for example, without the use of a removal tool by the user.
  • the vehicle entertainment unit 1000 is fixedly mounted in the cradle 1001 as a result of fixedly locking the first and second locking mechanisms 1301 within the first and second slots 1101, respectively.
  • Fixedly locking the locking mechanisms 1301 within the slots 1101 refers to inserting the locking mechanisms 1301 into the slots 1101 to engage the slots 1101 in a manner such that the locking mechanisms 1301 cannot be accidentally or
  • the locking mechanisms 1301 are fixedly locked within the slots 1101 by first placing the vehicle entertainment unit 1000 in the cradle, and subsequently sliding the vehicle entertainment unit 1000 in a first direction within the cradle.
  • the first direction may be, for example, a downward direction, as shown in FIG. 12C.
  • each of the slots 1101 includes a first portion 1103 having a first width and a second portion 1104 having a second width smaller than the first width, as shown in FIGs. 1 IB and 11C.
  • each of the locking mechanisms 1301 includes a protruding member 1304 (see FIGs.
  • the protruding member 1304 may be generally referred to as the locking mechanism 1301 and vice versa.
  • the locking mechanisms 1301 align with the corresponding slots 1101 such that the protruding member 1304 is inserted into the wider first portion 1103. While the protruding member 1304 is inserted into the wider first portion 1103, the vehicle entertainment unit 1000 is not yet fixedly locked within the cradle 1001. Upon sliding the vehicle entertainment unit 1000, for example, in a downward direction within the cradle 1001, as shown in FIG. 12C, the protruding member 1304 moves from the wider first portion 1103 to the narrower second portion 1104.
  • the extension length of the locking mechanism 1301 first decreases as the protruding member 1304 is compressed, and then slightly increases, as the protruding member 1304 slightly decompresses and extends into a locking recess 1105 of the slot 1101, as can be seen in FIGs. 13 A to 13C.
  • the protruding member 1301 is fixedly locked within the slot 1101, thereby fixedly locking the vehicle entertainment unit 1000 in the cradle 1001. That is, when the locking mechanism 1301 is fixedly locked within the slot 1101, portions of the protruding member 1304 are disposed both within the narrower second portion 1104 and the locking recess 1105 of the slot 1101.
  • the locking mechanisms 1301 and the slots 1101 are not limited to the embodiment described above in which the slots 1101 include two portions having different widths and a locking recess 1105, and in which the locking mechanisms 1301 include a protruding member 1304.
  • a first space 1302 aligned with the first locking mechanism 1301 is disposed between the first side of the cradle 1001 and the first side of the vehicle entertainment unit 1000
  • a second space 1303 aligned with the second locking mechanism 1301 is disposed between the second side of the cradle 1001 and the second side of the vehicle entertainment unit 1000, as shown in FIG. 13 A.
  • the spaces 1302/1303 are designed to allow for the insertion of a removal tool 1305 (see FIG. 13D) therein. Since the spaces 1302/1303 are aligned with the locking mechanisms 1301, the removal tool 1305, which is shaped and dimensioned to be inserted into the spaces 1302/1303, makes contact with locking mechanisms 1301 in the slots 1101 when inserted and pushed into the spaces 1302/1303, thereby disengaging the locking mechanisms 1301 from the slots 1101. The vehicle entertainment unit 1000 is unlocked from the cradle 1001 upon inserting the removal tool 1305 into the spaces 1302/1303 to disengage the locking mechanisms 1301 from the slots 1101.
  • the removal tool 1305 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 13D.
  • the removal tool 1305 may be made of a variety of materials such as, for example, plastics, metals, etc., and may be made in a variety of sizes and shapes to correspond to the size of the spaces 1302/1303 and to correspond to the configuration of the locking
  • the spaces 1302/1303 are exposed to the user on the front side of the vehicle
  • the top area in which the insertion tool 1305 is shown as being inserted into the spaces 1302/1303 corresponds to a user inserting the insertion tool 1305 into the spaces 1302/1303 via the front side of the vehicle entertainment unit 1000 and the cradle 1001.
  • the removal tool 1305 When inserted through the spaces 1302/1303, the removal tool 1305 disengages the locking mechanisms 1301 from the slots 1101. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIGs. 13A to 13C, when inserted through the spaces 1302/1303, the removal tool 1305 contacts the protruding member 1304 of the locking mechanism 1301 to compress the locking mechanism 1301, allowing the protruding member 1304 to be pushed out of the locking recess 1105. Once out of the locking recess 1105, the locking member 1301 is permitted to move from the narrower portion 1104 of the slots 1101 to the wider portion 1103, thereby disengaging the locking mechanism 1301 from the slot 1101 upon sliding the vehicle entertainment unit 1000 out of the cradle 1001.
  • the vehicle entertainment unit 1000 may be slid in a second direction within the cradle opposite to the first direction (e.g., the unit 1000 may be slid in an upward direction) to disengage the locking mechanisms 1301 from the slots 1101.
  • the vehicle entertainment unit 1000 is understood to be fixedly locked within the cradle 1001 when the locking mechanisms 1301 are disposed within the narrower second portion 1104 and the locking recess 1105 of the slots 1101, and is understood to be placed within - but not fixedly locked within - the cradle 1001 when the locking mechanisms 1301 are disposed within the wider first portion 1103 of the slots 1101.
  • a single removal tool 1305 may be utilized to separately disengage multiple locking mechanisms 1301 from multiple slots 1101.
  • all locking mechanisms 1301 may be separately disengaged (e.g., disengaged at different times) from their respective slots 1101 in a manner such that once the removal tool 1305 makes contact with a locking mechanism 1301 through the corresponding space 1302/1303, the locking mechanism 1301 remains disengaged until the vehicle entertainment unit 1000 is removed from the cradle 1001 by sliding the vehicle entertainment unit 100 out of the cradle 1001.
  • two (or more) removal tools 1305 may be utilized to be inserted into multiple spaces 1302/1303 to disengage multiple locking mechanisms 1301 from multiple slots 1101 at substantially the same time.
  • each locking mechanism 1301 remains disengaged only while a removal tool 1305 is contacting it. Only upon
  • disengagement of all locking mechanisms 1301 is the vehicle entertainment unit 1000 permitted to be removed from the cradle 1001 by sliding the vehicle entertainment unit 1000 out of the cradle 1001.
  • This embodiment may provide additional stability by requiring that removal tools 1305 are contacting all engaged locking mechanism 1301 together to allow removal in order to prevent the accidental removal of the vehicle entertainment unit 1000 from the cradle 1001 upon the disengagement of less than all of the locking mechanisms 1301.
  • FIG. 14A is a top view of a vehicle entertainment system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 14B is a bottom view of a vehicle entertainment system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the cradle 1001 may include an electrical connection 1401 disposed thereon and the vehicle entertainment unit 1000 may include a cooperating electrical connection 1402 disposed thereon.
  • FIGs. 14A and 14B show the electrical connections 1401/1402 disposed on bottom surfaces of the cradle 1001 and the vehicle entertainment unit 1000, the location of the electrical connections 1401/1402 is not limited thereto.
  • the electrical connections 1401/1402 may utilize, for example, a pogo pin type connector, a D-sub type connector, etc..
  • the electrical connections 1401/1402 are not limited thereto.
  • the electrical connections 1401/1402 may be implemented using the electrical connections 203/207 described above.
  • Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a secure way to mount a vehicle entertainment unit within a cradle which may be disposed in, for example, a vehicle headrest, as well as a convenient manner of removing the vehicle entertainment unit from the cradle when needed.
  • a vehicle entertainment unit within a cradle which may be disposed in, for example, a vehicle headrest, as well as a convenient manner of removing the vehicle entertainment unit from the cradle when needed.
  • a vehicle entertainment unit within a cradle which may be disposed in, for example, a vehicle headrest, as well as a convenient manner of removing the vehicle entertainment unit from the cradle when needed.
  • a vehicle entertainment unit may be disposed in, for example, a vehicle headrest, as well as a convenient manner of removing the vehicle entertainment unit from the cradle when needed.
  • a vehicle headrest may be disposed in, for example, a vehicle headrest, as well as a convenient manner of removing the vehicle entertainment unit from
  • a user can conveniently and securely mount a vehicle entertainment unit in a cradle in a vehicle while still having the ability to conveniently move, transfer and replace different vehicle entertainment units (e.g., units having different features) mounted in different cradles (e.g., in one or more cradles).
  • vehicle entertainment units e.g., units having different features

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  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
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  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
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  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fittings On The Vehicle Exterior For Carrying Loads, And Devices For Holding Or Mounting Articles (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de divertissement pour véhicule comprenant un socle disposé dans un appui-tête, d'un véhicule et ayant une fente, et une unité de divertissement pour véhicule comprenant un affichage et un mécanisme de verrouillage. En positionnant l'unité de divertissement pour véhicule dans le socle, le mécanisme de verrouillage est inséré dans la fente à des fins de verrouillage fixe de l'unité de divertissement pour véhicule dans le socle. Dès le verrouillage fixe de l'unité de divertissement pour véhicule dans le socle, un espace aligné sur le mécanisme de verrouillage est disposé entre un premier côté du socle et un premier côté de l'unité de divertissement pour véhicule. L'espace est formé et dimensionné pour recevoir un outil de retrait qui entre en contact avec le mécanisme de verrouillage au travers de l'espace pour séparer le mécanisme de blocage de la fente.
PCT/US2016/067862 2015-12-31 2016-12-20 Système de divertissement pour véhicule et procédé de montage de l'unité de divertissement pour véhicule WO2017116867A1 (fr)

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US14/986,081 US9987999B2 (en) 2006-01-04 2015-12-31 Vehicle entertainment system and method of mounting vehicle entertainment unit
US14/986,081 2015-12-31

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20050204596A1 (en) * 2004-03-18 2005-09-22 Peng Juen T Portable seat back display
US7245274B2 (en) * 2003-05-15 2007-07-17 Audiovox Corporation Headrest mountable video system
US20090115233A1 (en) * 2003-03-20 2009-05-07 Tuccinardi Eugene M Headrest having an integrated video screen
US20110049943A1 (en) * 2009-08-26 2011-03-03 Edward Liu Vehicle seat head rest with built-in electronic appliance

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20090115233A1 (en) * 2003-03-20 2009-05-07 Tuccinardi Eugene M Headrest having an integrated video screen
US7245274B2 (en) * 2003-05-15 2007-07-17 Audiovox Corporation Headrest mountable video system
US20050204596A1 (en) * 2004-03-18 2005-09-22 Peng Juen T Portable seat back display
US20110049943A1 (en) * 2009-08-26 2011-03-03 Edward Liu Vehicle seat head rest with built-in electronic appliance

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