RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/219,987, filed on Aug. 14, 2002, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/451,232, filed Feb. 28, 2003, the entire contents of both which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates to visual display units for use in vehicles, such as automobiles and aircraft. More specifically, the present monitor is adapted to be mounted in a headrest of a vehicle seat.  
         [0004]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0005]     Monitors for displaying visual images have been commonplace aboard commercial aircraft and motor coaches for quite some time. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,267,775 to Nguyen, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,507,556 to Dixon disclose monitors that are adapted to be mounted in a seat back of an aircraft seat. Neither of these monitors is adapted for use in an automobile.  
         [0006]     Disadvantageously, each of these monitors pivots automatically with the seat back. A viewer cannot adjust a viewing angle of either monitor independently of a recline angle of the seat back. This limitation prevents a viewer from adjusting the monitor to minimize glare. In an automobile a position and orientation of the vehicle relative to the sun is constantly changing. The movement creates glare at certain times, and viewers prefer to be able to adjust the screen to eliminate the glare. Thus, any monitor for use in an automobile is preferably adjustable so that viewers can minimize glare.  
         [0007]     The Nguyen monitor pivots about a lower edge, and pivots into the seat back when a passenger reclines the seat back. Thus, the Nguyen monitor occupies a relatively large depth of the seat back. This configuration is not suitable for use in an automobile headrest, where space is very limited.  
         [0008]     The Dixon monitor pivots about an axis located in the upper half of the housing. The axis is spaced downward and inward from the upper outer edge of the monitor (see  FIGS. 3-5 ). The Dixon monitor pivots away from the seat back when a passenger reclines the seat back. However, because of the location of the pivot axis, an upper rear edge of the Dixon monitor moves toward the seat back when the monitor pivots. Like the Nguyen monitor, this configuration occupies a relatively large depth of the seat back and is not well-adapted for use in an automobile headrest, where space is very limited. Further, when the seat of Dixon is in a reclined position, and the monitor is in a position such that a lower edge thereof protrudes from the seat back, tension in a cable within the seat back holds the monitor in position. Thus, if a passenger strikes the monitor in this position, he or she could be injured because the monitor will not retract into the seat back. This configuration is also not appropriate for use in an automobile headrest, where during emergency braking passengers are frequently thrown forward.  
         [0009]     Monitors have recently become more popular in private passenger vehicles where space is more limited than in aircraft and motor coaches. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,842,715 to Jones, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,250,976 to Chu disclose monitors that are adapted to be mounted in a head rest of an automobile seat. The Jones and Chu monitors are adapted to be mounted in an automobile headrest. However, neither of these monitors is adjustable independently of the headrest.  
         [0010]     Unfortunately, none of these patents teaches a monitor that is adapted to be mounted within an automobile headrest, and is independently adjustable by a viewer to provide an optimum viewing-angle and to reduce glare.  
         [0011]     Several monitors for use in private passenger vehicles include a plastic housing that is mounted to the vehicle headrest. The housing is glued into a cavity within the headrest, and the screen structure is securable within the housing using a variety of different attachment methods. For example, the housing may include tabs that snap into slots on the screen structure. Unfortunately, the connections between these screen structures and their respective housings are not very sturdy. Furthermore, the glued connections between the housings and their respective headrests are not very sturdy. Thus, during a vehicle collision, the screen structures tend to detach from their housings, and the housings tend to detach from their headrests. The loose screen structures and housings drifting about the passenger compartment pose a threat to the passenger&#39;s safety.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0012]     The preferred embodiments of the headrest-mounted monitor have several features, no single one of which is solely responsible for their desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of this headrest-mounted monitor as expressed by the claims that follow, its more prominent features will now be discussed briefly. After considering this discussion, and particularly after reading the section entitled “Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments,” one will understand how the features of the preferred embodiments provide advantages, which include adaptability to mounting in an automobile headrest, independent adjustability, sturdy connection between housing and headrest, sturdy connection between monitor and housing, and low risk of injury to passengers.  
         [0013]     One preferred embodiment of the present monitor comprises a housing defining a first hinge portion. The housing is mounted to a headrest of a vehicle seat. The monitor further comprises a screen structure defining a second hinge portion. The second hinge portion cooperates with the first hinge portion to pivotably secure the screen structure to the housing.  
         [0014]     Another preferred embodiment of the present monitor is adapted to be mounted to a headrest of a vehicle seat. The monitor comprises a housing defining a storage cavity and a first hinge portion adjacent an upper edge thereof. The monitor further comprises a screen structure defining a second hinge portion adjacent an upper edge thereof. The second hinge portion cooperates with the first hinge portion to pivotably secure the screen structure to the housing. The screen structure is adapted to fit substantially within the storage cavity when the screen structure is in a storage configuration. An angular orientation of the screen structure relative to the housing is adjustable without moving the headrest or the seat.  
         [0015]     Another preferred embodiment of the present monitor is adapted to be mounted to a headrest of a vehicle seat. The monitor comprises a housing defining a storage cavity and a first hinge portion adjacent an upper edge. The monitor further comprises a screen structure defining a second hinge portion adjacent an upper edge. The second hinge portion cooperates with the first hinge portion to pivotably secure the screen structure to the housing. The screen structure is adapted to fit substantially within the storage cavity when the screen structure is in a storage configuration. When the screen structure is in a viewing configuration, a lower edge of the screen structure protrudes from the housing. When the screen structure is in the viewing configuration, a pushing force applied to a front face of the screen structure adjacent a lower edge thereof pivots the screen structure to a position toward the storage configuration. Upon removal of the force, the screen structure remains in said position.  
         [0016]     Another preferred embodiment of the present monitor is adapted to be mounted to a headrest of a vehicle seat. The monitor comprises a housing having a first hinge portion and having a pivot aperture attached to a floor thereof. The monitor further comprises a screen structure having a second hinge portion and a channel in a rear surface. The second hinge portion cooperates with the first hinge portion to pivotably secure the screen structure to the housing. The monitor further comprises a bracket having a first end pivotably retained within the pivot aperture and a second end slidably retained within the channel.  
         [0017]     Another preferred embodiment of the present monitor is adapted to be mounted to a headrest of a vehicle seat. The monitor comprises a screen structure defining first and second hinge portions adjacent an upper edge thereof. The monitor further comprises a housing defining a storage cavity adapted to receive the screen structure, and a surface adjacent an upper edge thereof for receiving the first hinge portion. A fastening member secures the first hinge portion to the housing surface. The first and second hinge portions cooperate to pivotably secure the screen structure to the housing.  
         [0018]     Another preferred embodiment of the present monitor is adapted to be mounted to a headrest of a vehicle seat. The monitor comprises a screen structure defining first and second hinge portions, and a housing defining a surface for receiving the first hinge portion. The housing is mounted to a headrest of a vehicle seat. The first hinge portion is secured to the housing surface, such that the second hinge portion cooperates with the first hinge portion to pivotably secure the screen structure to the housing, and the screen structure is pivotable ninety-degrees with respect to the housing.  
         [0019]     Another preferred embodiment of the present monitor is adapted to be mounted to a headrest of a vehicle seat. The monitor comprises a screen structure defining a post and a first hinge portion pivotably connected thereto. The post is secured adjacent an upper edge of the screen structure. The monitor further comprises a housing defining a storage cavity adapted to receive the screen structure, and a surface adjacent an upper edge thereof for receiving the first hinge portion. The first hinge portion pivotably secures the screen structure to the housing. The post and the first hinge portion are constructed of a sturdy material designed to resist separation of the screen structure and housing. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0020]     The preferred embodiments of the headrest-mounted monitor, illustrating its features, will now be discussed in detail. These embodiments depict the novel and non-obvious headrest-mounted monitor shown in the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only. These drawings include the following figures, in which like numerals indicate like parts:  
         [0021]      FIG. 1  is a front elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the headrest-mounted monitor according to the present invention, illustrating the monitor installed in a headrest of a vehicle seat;  
         [0022]      FIG. 1A  is a front elevation view of the headrest-mounted monitor of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0023]      FIG. 2A  is a left side elevation view of the screen structure of the headrest-mounted monitor of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0024]      FIG. 2B  is a rear elevation view of the screen structure of  FIG. 2A ;  
         [0025]      FIG. 3A  is a front elevation view of the housing of the headrest-mounted monitor of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0026]      FIG. 3B  is a left side elevation view of the housing of  FIG. 3A ;  
         [0027]      FIG. 3C  is a detail view of the second hinge portion of the housing of  FIG. 3A ;  
         [0028]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the headrest-mounted monitor of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the screen structure pivoted outward from the housing;  
         [0029]      FIG. 5A  is a left side section view of the headrest-mounted monitor of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the screen structure in a storage position;  
         [0030]      FIG. 5B  is a left side section view of the headrest-mounted monitor of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the screen structure pivoted outward from the housing;  
         [0031]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the bracket of the headrest-mounted monitor of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0032]      FIG. 7A  is a left side elevation view of the headrest-mounted monitor and headrest of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the screen structure in a storage position;  
         [0033]      FIG. 7B  is a left side elevation view of the headrest-mounted monitor and headrest of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the screen structure pivoted outward from the housing; and  
         [0034]      FIG. 8  is a left side elevation view of another preferred embodiment of the screen structure of the headrest-mounted monitor of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0035]      FIG. 9  is a front elevation view of another preferred embodiment of the housing of the headrest-mounted monitor of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0036]      FIG. 10  is a left side elevation view of the housing of  FIG. 9 ;  
         [0037]      FIG. 11  is a detail view of the second hinge portion of the housing of  FIG. 9 ;  
         [0038]      FIG. 12  is a left side elevation view of the headrest-mounted monitor and headrest of  FIG. 1 , including the screen structure of  FIG. 8 , illustrating the screen structure in a storage position; and  
         [0039]      FIG. 13  is a left side elevation view of the headrest-mounted monitor and headrest of  FIG. 1 , including the screen structure of  FIG. 8 , illustrating the screen structure pivoted outward from the housing. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0040]      FIG. 1  illustrates a preferred embodiment of a monitor  10  disposed within a headrest  12 . The headrest  12  is mounted to a vehicle seatback  14 , and  12  is movable independently of the seatback  14  toward and away from the seatback  14 . The monitor  10  preferable faces a rear of the vehicle so that images displayed on the monitor  10  are visible to passengers seated behind the seatback  14 . Features of the monitor  10 , which are described in detail below, reduce the risk of injury to passengers presented by the monitor  10 , and enable the monitor  10  to be mounted in the very limited space available within a typical vehicle headrest  12 .  
         [0041]     As shown in  FIGS. 4, 5A  and  5 B, the monitor  10  includes a screen structure  16  that is pivotably attached to a housing  18 . Both the housing  18  and an outer casing of the screen structure  16  are preferably constructed of a high-strength plastic, so that the monitor  10  is lightweight and durable. The housing  18 , which is embedded in the headrest  12  as shown in  FIGS. 1, 7A  and  7 B, includes a cavity  20  ( FIGS. 3, 4  and  5 B) defining a storage space for the screen structure  16 . The cavity  20  is substantially the same size and shape as the screen structure  16 , such that when the screen structure  16  is in the storage position of  FIGS. 5A and 7A , a front face  22  of the screen structure  16  is substantially flush with an outer surface  24  of the housing  18 , which is in turn substantially flush with a surface  25  of the headrest  12  ( FIG. 7A ). The monitor  10  thus preferably protrudes only minimally or not at all from the headrest  12 .  
         [0042]     In the illustrated embodiment, the screen structure  16  includes a front portion  26  ( FIGS. 2A and 2B ) that is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped, and a rear portion  28  that tapers inward from the front portion  26  toward a rear face  30 . Each of the left and right faces  32 ,  34  of the screen structure  16  includes a first hinge portion  36  adjacent a top face  38  of the screen structure  16 . Each hinge portion  36  comprises a substantially flat bar  40  defining a plane that is parallel to a side face  32 ,  34  of the screen structure  16 . The bar  40  is pivotably secured at a first end  42  to the side face  32 ,  34  of the screen structure  16 , such that the bar  40  is pivotable in the plane defined by the bar  40 . The first hinge portions  36  cooperate with second hinge portions  44  ( FIGS. 3A-3C ) on the housing  18  to pivotably secure the screen structure  16  to the housing  18 , as described in detail below. The illustrated first hinge portions  36  are preferred, because they simplify the assembly of the monitor  10 , as explained below. However, those of skill in the art will appreciate that a variety of alternate hinge constructions could be used and still achieve a number of advantages of the present monitor  10 .  
         [0043]     The front surface  22  of the screen structure  16  ( FIG. 1A ) includes a viewing screen  46  that displays images to passengers. As shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the screen structure  16  includes an input cable  48  for receiving an input signal to control the images displayed on the viewing screen  46 . A first end  50  of the cable preferably includes a multi-pin connector  52  that enables a variety of input devices to selectively communicate with the monitor  10 .  
         [0044]     The monitor  10  further includes a plurality of controls for determining characteristics of the displayed images. For example, one control preferably enables power to be selectively applied to the monitor  10 . Other controls preferably enable a viewer to select between various input sources for the monitor  10 , such as a television tuner, a DVD player, a video game system, etc. Other controls preferably enable adjustment of qualities of the screen images, such as brightness, sharpness, contrast, etc.  
         [0045]     In the illustrated embodiment, a first cluster of manual controls  54  is located on the front face  22  of the screen structure  16 , and a second cluster of manual controls  56  is located on the outer surface  24  of the housing  18  adjacent the screen structure  16 . The front face  22  of the screen structure  16  further includes an infrared sensor  58  for receiving signals from a handheld wireless remote control unit (not shown). Those of skill in the art will appreciate that all controls may be located on the screen structure  16 , or all controls may be located on the housing  18 . Alternatively, the monitor  10  may include no integrated manual controls, such that the monitor  10  is controllable using only a handheld wired or wireless remote control unit.  
         [0046]     An interior of the screen structure  16  preferably includes at least one speaker  59  that produces audible sounds that accompany the images displayed on the screen  46 . At least one of the controls  54 ,  56  on the monitor  10  or on an optional remote control unit preferably enables adjustment of a volume level produced by the at least one speaker  59 . The rear face  30  of the screen structure  16 , shown in  FIG. 2B , includes apertures  60  that enable sounds produced by the speaker  59  to be heard clearly by passengers. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the apertures  60  are not necessary to achieve many advantages of the present monitor  10 .  
         [0047]     Those of skill in the art will also appreciate that the monitor  10  need not include a speaker  59 . The monitor  10  could, for example, be connected to the vehicle&#39;s sound system such that sounds from the monitor  10  are produced by speakers mounted in the vehicle&#39;s interior. However, front seat passengers, who are not in a position to view the images on the monitor  10 , may wish to listen to, for example, a radio broadcast through the vehicle&#39;s sound system. Therefore, providing at least one speaker  59  in the monitor  10  enables rear seat passengers to listen to sounds produced by the monitor  10 , and front seat passengers to listen to sounds produced by the vehicle&#39;s sound system. To eliminate any dissonance created by two sources of different sounds, the monitor  10  could also include a headphone jack so that only backseat passengers wearing headphones can hear sounds produced by the monitor  10 .  
         [0048]     As shown in  FIGS. 3A-3C ,  5 A and  5 B, front edges of the housing  18  extend outward and backward, thus creating a rim  62  around the cavity  20  having a front face  64  and side faces  66 ,  68 ,  70 ,  72  that are substantially parallel to side faces of the cavity  20 . The rim  62  increases the rigidity of the housing  18  without substantially increasing its weight or volume. In the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the front face  64  of the rim  62  adjacent a lower right edge  68  of the housing  18  includes a plurality of apertures  74 . The apertures  74  are adapted to house controls, such as buttons or knobs, for adjusting various aspects of the monitor  10 , as described above. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the apertures  74  are not necessary to achieve all the advantages of the monitor  10 , since controls may be mounted on the screen structure  16  or on a remote control unit.  
         [0049]     A floor  76  of the cavity  20  preferably includes a plurality of apertures  78  ( FIG. 3A ) that cooperate with mounting hardware, such as screws, to secure the housing  18  to the headrest  12 . The floor  76  preferably also includes an aperture  80  of sufficient size to allow the input cable  48  to pass through the floor  76  without interference. A top surface  82 , bottom surface  84  and opposing side surfaces  86  extend upward from the floor  76 . The floor  76  protects the monitor  10  and the headrest  12  during use.  
         [0050]     Adjacent the top surface  82 , each side surface  86  of the cavity  20  includes a second hinge portion  44  ( FIGS. 3A-3C ) that cooperates with one of the first hinge portions  36  on the screen structure  16  to pivotably secure the screen structure  16  to the housing  18 . Each second hinge portion  44  comprises a slot having a width substantially equal to a thickness of the bar  40  of the first hinge portion  36 . The bar  40  is thus slidable within the slot. With the bar  40  disposed within the slot, a position and orientation of the bar  40  is fixed relative to the housing  18 . However, because the bar  40  is rotatable with respect to the screen structure  16 , the screen structure  16  is pivotable with respect to the housing  18 .  
         [0051]     A tab  88  within the slot cooperates with an aperture  90  ( FIG. 2A ) on the bar  40  to lock the bar  40  within the slot. The tab  88  is cantilevered and attached to a side edge  92  of the floor  76  of the cavity  20 . The tab  88  includes a forward facing tapered portion  94  ( FIG. 3C ) that terminates in a ledge  96  that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tab  88  and faces away from the rim  62 . As the bar  40  is inserted within the slot, the bar  40  slides along the outside of the tab  88 , and the bar  40  urges the tab  88  inward due to interengagement of the bar  40  with the tapered surface  94 . As a leading edge  98  ( FIG. 2A ) of the bar  40  reaches a rear end of the slot, the tab  88  snaps into position within the aperture  90  of the bar  40 . The ledge  96  abuts an edge of the aperture  90 , thus locking the bar  40  within the slot and securing the screen structure  16  to the housing  18 . The present monitor  10  is thus easy to assemble. The bars  40  are simply inserted into the slots until the tabs  88  lock into place within the apertures  90 .  
         [0052]     While the illustrated second hinge portions  44  are preferred for their ease of assembly together with the illustrated first hinge portions  36 , those of skill in the art will appreciate that the illustrated second hinge portions  44  are merely exemplary. A variety of alternate hinge constructions could be used to achieve many advantages of the present monitor  10 .  
         [0053]     Preferably, the first and second hinge portions  36 ,  44  are located near an upper edge  38 ,  82  of the screen structure  16  and housing  18 , respectively. The upper edge  38  of the screen structure  16  thus remains substantially fixed with respect to the housing  18 , while a lower edge  100  of the screen structure  16  is capable of protruding substantially from the front face  24  of the housing  18 , as shown in  FIG. 5B . Preferably, a finger catch  102  ( FIGS. 2A, 2B ,  5 A and  5 B) extends downward from the lower edge  100  of the screen structure  16 . The finger catch  102  provides a convenient surface against which a viewer may place his or her fingers to rotate the screen structure  16  with respect to the housing  18 . Preferably, the lower edge  70  of the housing includes a cut out portion  104  ( FIGS. 3A and 4 ) so that a viewer can reach behind the finger catch  102  to pull the screen structure  16  outward from the stowed position of  FIG. 5A .  
         [0054]     Advantageously, as the screen structure  16  pivots from the stowed position of FIG. SA to the position of  FIG. 5B , no portion of the rear face  30  of the screen structure  16  moves toward the floor  76  of the cavity  20 . The floor  76  thus defines a limit for the monitor  10 . No portion of the monitor  10 , including the screen structure  16 , extends beyond the floor  76  into the headrest  12 . Thus, the overall monitor  10  occupies relatively little depth of the headrest  12 , because the depth occupied by the monitor  10  corresponds roughly to the thickness of the screen structure  16 .  
         [0055]     With prior art monitors, such as the monitors disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,267,775 to Nguyen, U.S. Pat. No. 5,507,556 to Dixon, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,842,715 to Jones, additional depth beyond the thickness of the screen structure would be required within a headrest to accommodate these monitors. As the screen structures of these monitors pivot from the stowed position to a viewing position, an upper edge of the screen structure would move backward into the headrest. This configuration is disadvantageous because limited space is available within a headrest.  
         [0056]     The function of a headrest is to provide padding for comfort and safety. Thus, a headrest must comprise at least a minimum amount of padding. When a monitor is added to a headrest, padding is displaced. The padding may be eliminated entirely, but such elimination makes the headrest less comfortable and less safe. Alternatively, the padding may be retained but moved elsewhere within the headrest. Disadvantageously, this option makes the headrest larger. If the headrest is made wider, the extra width obstructs a larger portion of the driver&#39;s view. If instead the headrest is made deeper, (extends farther into rear passenger area) the portion of the headrest that protrudes into the rear passenger area presents an obstacle to rear seat passengers. Therefore, a headrest-mounted monitor desirably occupies minimal space.  
         [0057]     Besides defining a thickness of the present monitor  10 , the housing  18  also provides a self-contained casing for the monitor  10 . The housing  18  thus protects the monitor  10  from impacts, for example. The housing  18  also facilitates installation and removal of the monitor  10 . To exchange one monitor  10  for another, for example if the first monitor  10  is defective, the housing  18  and all of the components within the housing are easily removed from the headrest  12 . A new monitor  10  is then easily installed by inserting the housing  18  of the new monitor  10  into the headrest  12 .  
         [0058]     As shown in  FIGS. 4, 5A  and  5 B, the monitor  10  preferably includes a bracket  106  that limits a range of pivot of the screen structure  16  relative to the housing  18 . Advantageously, the-bracket  106  facilitates securing the screen structure  16  in a desired viewing position. The bracket  106  also enhances the safety characteristics of the monitor  10 , as explained below. However, those of skill in the art will appreciate that the monitor  10  need not include the bracket  106 . Without the bracket  106 , the screen structure  16  is pivotable approximately 90° relative to the housing  18 . The screen structure  16  can thus be pivoted to the optimum viewing angle.  
         [0059]     The shape of the bracket  106 , illustrated in  FIG. 6 , preferably resembles a straight wire  108  with an attached pair of L-shaped wires  110 . Of course, the bracket  106  may be produced by many different processes such that the straight wire  108  and L-shaped wires  110  comprise one piece, or separate pieces attached to one another.  
         [0060]     All three wires  108 ,  110 ,  110  are coplanar, and both L-shaped wires  110  extend from the straight wire  108  in the same direction. The upright portion  112  of each L-shaped wire  110  is substantially perpendicular to the straight wire  108 , and the base portion  114  of each L-shaped wire  110  is substantially parallel to the straight wire  108 . Further, the base portions  114  of each L-shaped wire  110  extend toward each other, and include a small gap  116  between their ends. The upright portions  112  of the L-shaped wires  110  are attached to the straight wire  108  such that opposite end portions of the straight wire  108 , comprising posts  118 , extend beyond the attachment points of the L-shaped wires  110 .  
         [0061]     The base portions  114  of the L-shaped wires  110 , which define a first end  124  of the bracket  106 , are pivotably retained within a tube  120  ( FIGS. 3A, 4  and  5 A- 5 B) on the floor  76  of the cavity  20 . The tube  120  defines a first pivot opening and a second pivot opening. The posts  118  of the straight wire  108 , which define a second end  126  of the bracket  106 , are slidably retained within a channel  122  on the rear face  30  of the screen structure  16 , as shown in  FIGS. 2B, 5A  and  5 B. In the stowed position shown in  FIG. 5A , the bracket  106  is substantially parallel to the rear face  30  of the screen structure  16 . As the screen structure  16  pivots outward from the cavity  20 , the base portions  114  of the L-shaped wires  110  pivot within the tube  120  and the posts  118  slide downward within the channel  122 . As  FIG. 5B  illustrates, the posts  118  eventually reach a lower end of the channel  122 , defining a maximum angle of the screen structure  16  relative to the housing  18 .  
         [0062]     Preferably, the hinges  36 ,  44  that pivotably connect the screen structure  16  to the housing  18  are self tensioning. Thus, the hinges  36 ,  44  retain the screen structure  16  in the position of  FIG. 5B , and in any position in between the positions of  FIG. 5A  and  FIG. 5B . A viewer can thus position the screen structure  16  anywhere between the limits of rotation to enjoy the optimum viewing angle. For example, the optimum viewing angle often depends upon the position of the sun. Glare from sunlight interferes with the viewer&#39;s ability to see images on the screen. Thus, the viewer can orient the screen structure  16  such that glare from sunlight is minimized. Furthermore, as the vehicle travels, its position and orientation with respect to the sun are continuously changing. At one moment, there may be little or no glare on the screen  46 , and the next moment the vehicle may round a corner and suddenly there is a substantial glare on the screen  46 . Because the present monitor  10  is positionable in a wide range of viewing angles, the monitor  10  enables the viewer to continuously adjust the angle of the screen structure  16  to avoid sun glare occasioned by variations in the vehicle&#39;s position and/or orientation with respect to the sun.  
         [0063]     The present monitor  10  advantageously collapses toward the storage position ( FIGS. 5A and 7A ) when a force F is applied to the front surface  22  of the screen structure  16  as shown in  FIGS. 5B and 7B . This feature is especially advantageous when a vehicle in which the monitor  10  is installed collides with another vehicle or brakes suddenly, for example. In these situations, a passenger seated behind the monitor  10  is often thrown forward, and may collide with the monitor  10 . If the monitor  10  does not quickly collapse upon contact, the monitor  10  could injure the passenger.  
         [0064]     As shown in  FIG. 5B , the bracket  106  limits the rotation of the screen structure  16  relative to the housing  18 . The length of the bracket  106  is fixed, and the first end  124  of the bracket  106  is constrained against translation. Therefore, a maximum angle that the screen structure  16  can be rotated from the stowed position of  FIG. 5A  coincides with a configuration wherein a longitudinal axis of the bracket  106  is perpendicular to the rear face  30  of the screen structure  16 . In such a configuration, a force applied perpendicularly to the front face of the screen structure  16 , such as the force F in  FIG. 5B , would not have a component that acts on the bracket second end  126  in a direction parallel to the channel  122  and perpendicular to the bracket  106 . Instead, the entire magnitude of the force would act in a direction parallel to the bracket  106 , and would not cause the bracket second end  126  to slide upward within the channel  122 , thus rotating the bracket  106  about its first end. In such a configuration, the bracket  106  would prevent the screen structure  16  from rotating back toward the storage configuration of  FIG. 5A . The screen structure  16  would thus pose a danger to a passenger colliding with it,.as in a crash or a sudden stop.  
         [0065]     However, as explained above and illustrated in  FIG. 5B , a lower end of the channel  122  in the rear face  30  of the screen structure  16  limits the travel of the bracket  106  within the channel  122  and prevents the bracket  106  from reaching the configuration wherein the bracket  106  is perpendicular to the rear face  30  of the screen structure  16 . As shown in  FIG. 5B , the maximum angle a between the bracket  106  and the rear face  30  of the screen structure  16  is preferably about 80°, and more preferably about 75°. In this configuration, the force F applied perpendicularly to the front face  22  of the screen structure  16  has a component that acts parallel to the channel  122 , and a component that acts perpendicularly to the bracket  106 . These force components cause the bracket second end  126  to translate upward within the channel  122 , causing the bracket  106  to rotate about its first end  124  as the screen structure  16  collapses toward the storage configuration of  FIG. 5A . The bracket  106  thus diminishes the injury-causing potential of the monitor  10  by enabling the screen structure  16  to pivot safely out of the way when a passenger collides with it.  
         [0066]      FIG. 8  illustrates another preferred embodiment of the screen structure  128 .  FIGS. 9-11  illustrate another preferred embodiment of the housing  130 , which is adapted to receive the screen structure  128  of  FIG. 8 .  FIGS. 12 and 13  illustrate the housing  130  and screen structure  128  secured within a headrest  12 . The illustrated screen structure  128  and housing  130  do not include a bracket  106 . Thus, as shown in  FIG. 13 , the screen structure  128  is pivotable 90° with respect to the housing. A viewer can thus adjust the viewing angle of the screen structure  128  to the optimum position. However, those of skill in the art will appreciate that the bracket  106  could be provided with the screen structure  128  and housing  130  in order to limit the pivotability of the screen structure  128  with respect to the housing  130 .  
         [0067]     The screen structure  128  is substantially similar to the screen structure  16  described above. The first hinge portion  132  of the screen structure is mounted on, and pivotable about, a post imbedded in the screen structure  128 . Because the post is a separate component from the rest of the screen structure  128 , the post is very easily constructed of a different material than the screen structure  128 . The screen structure  128  is preferably constructed of plastic to make it lightweight and less expensive to manufacture. However, the post, which is part of the hinged connection holding the screen structure  128  to the housing  130 , is preferably made from a high strength material, such as a metal. Like the first hinge portion  36  on the screen structure  16  described above, both the first hinge portion  132  and the post are preferably constructed of a high-strength material, such as a metal.  
         [0068]     The first hinge portion  132  ( FIG. 8 ) of the screen structure  128  includes an aperture  134  near a center thereof, as measured along a long axis of the first hinge portion  132 . The aperture  134  is adapted to receive a fastening member to secure the screen structure  128  to the housing  130 , as described below.  
         [0069]     The housing  130  is substantially similar to the housing  18  described above. However, the second hinge portion  136  of the housing  130  does not include the tab  88  in the second hinge portion  44  of the housing  18 . A side wall portion  138  ( FIG. 11 ) of the second hinge portion  136  includes a substantially U-shaped aperture  140  that is adapted to receive a fastening member. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the aperture  140  in the side wall portion  138  could have any of a variety of shapes.  
         [0070]     The first hinge portion  132  on the screen structure  128  is slidable within the slot  142  ( FIG. 9 ) formed by the second hinge portion  136  on the housing  130 . When assembling the monitor  10 , the first hinge portion  132  is slid into the second hinge portion  136  until the aperture  134  on the first hinge portion  132  aligns with the aperture  140  on the second hinge portion  136 . A fastening member  144  ( FIGS. 12 and 13 ), such as a screw, is inserted through the aperture  140  in the side wall portion  138  of the second hinge portion  136 , and through the aperture  134  in the first hinge portion  132 . The fastening member  144  thus secures the first and second hinge portions  132 ,  136  to one another, which secures the screen structure  128  to the housing  130 . Advantageously, the slot  142  facilitates the proper positioning of the first hinge portion, particularly during the tightening of the fastening member  144 .  
         [0071]     The sturdy construction of the hinged connection between the screen structure  128  and the housing  130  reduces the risk of the screen structure  128  becoming detached from the housing  130  during a collision. The post that is imbedded in the screen structure  128  is preferably metal. Thus, the connection between the post and the screen structure  128  is very strong. The first hinge portion  132  is also preferably metal. Thus, the connection between the first hinge portion  132  and the post is also very strong.  
         [0072]     The fastening member is preferably a metal screw, and the second hinge portion  136  is preferably a strong plastic. The interconnection of each of these high-strength materials greatly reduces the likelihood of the hinged connection breaking. Even in a high speed vehicle collision, the screen structure  128  is likely to remain firmly connected to the housing  130 . By preventing the screen structure  128  from becoming detached during a crash, and subsequently drifting throughout the passenger compartment, the sturdy hinged connection of the monitor  10  decreases the likelihood of injury to the vehicle&#39;s passengers that might otherwise be caused by a flying screen structure  128 .  
       Scope of the Invention  
       [0073]     The above presents a description of the best mode contemplated for the present headrest-mounted monitor, and of the manner and process of making and using it, in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use this headrest-mounted monitor. This headrest-mounted monitor is, however, susceptible to modifications and alternate constructions from that discussed above which are fully equivalent. Consequently, it is not the intention to limit this headrest-mounted monitor to the particular embodiments disclosed. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications and alternate constructions coming within the spirit and scope of the headrest-mounted monitor as generally expressed by the following claims, which particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter of the headrest-mounted monitor.
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.