GB2144682A

GB2144682A - Mounting television and other equipment in vehicles

Info

Publication number: GB2144682A
Application number: GB08321267A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Jacobs
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1983-08-06
Filing date: 1983-08-06
Publication date: 1985-03-13
Also published as: GB8321267D0; GB2144682B

Abstract

A panel 7 shaped to fit between the sliding glass partitions and the roof of a taxi, ie between the driver and passenger, is provided with apertures 7a, 7b and brackets 9 by means of which a television, monitor, or other screen 1 may be mounted for use by the passenger. A video player 3 may also be provided, together with a logic unit 6 and controls 6a, 6b. The panel may also be adapted for use in other vehicles e.g. buses, trains, and aeroplanes. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Panel support for monitor with control facilities This invention relates to a special panel, bulkhead or housing, fitted with a monitor, television receiver or screen in a prescribed position and a logic device to enable the operation of certain electrical equipment.

In public vehicles and in taxi cabs in particular the driver is separated from the passengers by means of a partition and bulkhead, usually constructed of sliding glass and timber. The object of the invention is to design a special panel in place of or attached to the bulkhead to enable electronic device or devices to be inserted or supported and further act as a guide for the sliding glass partition.

According to the present invention there is provided a purpose designed panel or housing 7. to fit in public vehicles and particularly in taxi cabs in which to fit a monitor 1. and a logic device 6., component parts of the equipment specified below.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 illustrates the special panel; Figure 2 illustrates the proposed assembly and item numbers of the "EQUIPMENT".

The equipment will consist of: A monitor, screen or television receiver 1. to offer visual and audio display.

A lens 2. may or may not be fitted to the monitor, screen or television receiver 1. to magnify the visual output if required.

A video player 3. to provide signals for sound and vision. This will be housed in the boot of a taxi cab in particular, or convenient space within other public vehicles.

A foam rubber 4. or similar substance capable of absorbing shock on which to mount the video player 3.

A metal restraint or security device 5. considered suitable to render the machine safe from unwanted interference, and also to stop dust or other debris coming into contact with this equipment.

A specially manufactured box 6. (hereafter referred to as a logic device 6.) containing an audio control 6a. and an on/off switch 6b. which would also signal rewinding instructions to the video tape 14. This logic device 6. will be incorporated in this stated design but may not be deemed necessary in other variables stated within this particular specification.

A panel 7. of particular design and shape in which to house the monitor, screen or television receiver 1. can vary as to the design of the taxi cab. This panel will be made preferably of wood or any other substance so considered suitable to construct a rigid frame, for example, metal, plastic or perspex but preferably wood.

One or two speakers 8. fitted in or to the rear shelf of the taxi cab, the volume of which will be controled by the logic control 6a.

The position of the monitor, television receiver or screen is of prime importance.

The panel 7. in which to house the monitor, screen or television receiver 1. will be installed between the drivers compartment and the passenger compartment, it will be constructed in such a manner as to act as a guide for glass sliding partitions.

If the taxi does not have glass then the panel 7.

would not need to be constructed to act as a guide for the glass but just to act as a support for the monitor, the screen or the television receiver 1.

The monitor, the screen or television receiver will be attached to the panel 7. by a pair of brackets 9. so designed to fit the monitor, screen or television receiver 1. securely to the panel 7. The panel 7. will have an opening 7b. cut into it in a central position, the size and shape suitable to accept the monitor, the screen or the television receiver 1., and a further opening 7a to one side of the monitor, screen or the television receiver 1. to accept the audio switch 6b. and an on/off switch 6a.

The position and shape of the opening 7b. to accept the monitor, screen or television receiver 1.

can vary if and when deemed necessary. The shape of the monitor, screen or television receiver 1. can also vary.

The video player 3. will be powered from the ignition of the taxi cab or vehicle by a cable 10.

which in turn will supply power via. the logic unit 6. to the monitor, screen or television receiver 1. A further cable 11. from the audio side of the video player 3. will pass via. logic unit 6. through a volume control 6a. to the speaker or speakers 8. Another cable 12. will pass from the video player 3.

direct to monitor, screen or television receiver 1.

It is understood that the invention is not limited to a set up as described specifically above and as apparent from the description many variations may be possible withought departing from the scope of the invention. Thus for example the size of the screen, the monitor or television receiver 1. may vary and therefore the openings 7a and 7b.

The equipment i.e., the monitor or television receiver 1. or the video player 3. may in future incorporate features which will proclude the use of a logic device 6. It will be appreciated also from the above description that the monitor screen or television receiver 1. and the video player 3. of the present invention may be used as a visual aid in a variety of other vehicles. Thus, in buses, trains, aeroplanes or non public vehicles.

When in certain positions the device of the present invention affords an attractive feature of decor or interest. The decoration on the surface of the panel 7. may be chosen to blend with any surrounding surfaces in use at the time where the invention may be used. Moreover, the surface may be personalised within a company context by displaying photographs of factories or any other advertising, including the display of the taxi cab tariff.

The panel 7. is accordingly, not only decorative but functional. In addition since the monitor, screen or television receiver 1. can be supplied in varying sizes, the logic unit 6., audio control 6a., on/off switch 6b., as shown on the left hand side of the panel 7. can be varied to suit requirements, as can the speakers 8. These can be supplied in varying sizes and can be placed in other positions too.

Claims

1. A panel manufactured from soft or hard timber to a definite size and shape to fit the roof of a taxi cab or other vehicle with apertures as per Figure 1.

2. A panel as claimed in claim 1 but moulded out of plastic material.

3. A panel as claimed in claim 1 manufactured from steel or aluminium with the apertures pierced.

4. A panel as claimed in claim 1 coated with plastic on a steel base.

5. A panel as claimed in claim 1 manufactured from timber and covered with plastic laminate.

6. A panel as claimed in claim 1 manufactured from timber with the lower edge grooved in such a way to act as guides for sliding glass or perspex.

7. A panel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a metal or plastic guide is fitted to it with rivets, screws or adhesive in which glass or perspex can slide.

8. A panel as claimed in any preceding claim to which a louvred plate is fitted, together with the monitor 1 and the logic device 6 through which people can speak.

9. A panel as claimed in any preceding claim in which there is a microphone fitted through which communication is possible.

10. A panel as claimed in any preceding claim on which brackets are attached to accept the monitor, screen or television receiver.

11. A panel as claimed in any preceding claim manufactured in plastic material on which a housing is moulded as an integral part to accept the monitor, screen or television receiver.

12. A panel as claimed in any preceding claim manufactured from any material or substance, and covered with foam rubber or similar material.

13. A panel as claimed in any preceding claim with or without the foam rubber as mentioned in claim 12., and upholstered with vyonide, leather or any fibre material.

14. A panel as claimed in any preceding claim fitted with recessed frames in which to display cards of information.