Headrest-mounted monitor

Abstract

A monitor adapted for mounting in an automobile headrest is provided. A screen structure of the monitor is pivotable about an upper edge thereof, such that the monitor occupies little volume within the headrest. A viewing angle of the screen structure is independently adjustable by a viewer, such that the viewer can continuously select the optimum viewing angle with changing conditions inside the automobile. The screen structure automatically retracts into a housing when struck. Thus, the monitor poses little risk of injury to passengers. The housing of the monitor is attachable to the headrest with screws, which provides a very sturdy connection and reduces the chances of the housing becoming detached from the headrest during a vehicle collision. The hinged connection between the screen structure and the housing is preferably constructed of interconnected components made from sturdy materials, such as metals. Hinge components are optionally secured with metal fastening members and fastening apertures made of metal and strong plastics. The hinges are thus unlikely to break during a vehicle collision.

1 . A video monitor adapted to be mounted to a headrest of a vehicle seat, the monitor comprising: 
 a screen structure defining a first hinge portion adjacent an upper edge thereof;    a housing defining a storage cavity adapted to receive the screen structure, and a surface adjacent an upper edge thereof defining a second hinge portion for receiving the first hinge portion; and    a fastening member securing the first hinge portion to the housing surface; wherein    the first and second hinge portions cooperate to pivotably secure the screen structure to the housing.    
   
   
       2 . The video monitor of  claim 1 , wherein the fastening member is made of a metal.  
   
   
       3 . The video monitor of  claim 1 , wherein the fastening member is a screw.  
   
   
       4 . The video monitor of  claim 1 , wherein the fastening member cooperates with apertures in the housing surface and the first hinge portion.  
   
   
       5 . The video monitor of  claim 1 , wherein the first hinge portion comprises a substantially rectangular flat plate, and the housing surface comprises a wall of a slot that is adapted to slidingly receive the first hinge portion.  
   
   
       6 . The video monitor of  claim 5 , wherein a longitudinal axis of the fastening member is oriented substantially perpendicularly to a plane defined by the first hinge portion.  
   
   
       7 . The video monitor of  claim 1 , wherein an angular orientation of the screen structure relative to the housing is adjustable without moving the headrest or the seat.  
   
   
       8 . The video monitor of  claim 1 , wherein the screen structure is pivotable ninety-degrees with respect to the housing.  
   
   
       9 . The video monitor of  claim 1 , wherein a floor of the housing includes at least one aperture, and the at least one aperture is adapted to receive a fastening member.  
   
   
       10 . The video monitor of  claim 9 , wherein the fastening member secures the housing to a headrest.  
   
   
       11 . The video monitor of  claim 10 , wherein the fastening member is a screw.  
   
   
       12 . The video monitor of  claim 1 , wherein the screen structure is pivotable approximately 90° with respect to the housing.  
   
   
       13 - 16 . (canceled)  
   
   
       17 . A video monitor adapted to be mounted to a headrest of a vehicle seat, the monitor comprising: 
 a screen structure defining a post and a first hinge portion pivotably connected thereto, the post being secured adjacent an upper edge of the screen structure;    a housing defining a storage cavity adapted to receive the screen structure, and a surface for receiving the first hinge portion; wherein    the first hinge portion pivotably secures the screen structure to the housing.    
   
   
       18 . The video monitor of  claim 17 , wherein the post and the first hinge portion are constructed of a sturdy material designed to resist separation of the screen structure and housing.  
   
   
       19 . The video monitor of  claim 17 , wherein the post and the first hinge portion are made of metal.  
   
   
       20 . The video monitor of  claim 17 , further comprising a fastening member securing the first hinge portion to the housing surface.  
   
   
       21 . The video monitor of  claim 20 , wherein the fastening member is a screw.