Abstract: A stowable support apparatus is disclosed and includes a base with a support arm pivotally coupled to the base. The support arm is pivotal between a stowed position and a display position, and it has a display unit coupled thereto distal the base. The apparatus further includes a lock mechanism that is configured to retain selectively the support arm in the stowed or the display position, and the lock mechanism is housed substantially, or completely, within the support arm. In some embodiments of the invention, the apparatus includes a sensor for detecting and indicating when the support arm is in its stowed position. In other embodiments, the apparatus further includes a mounting bracket mounted on the support arm distal the base. The display unit is mounted on the mounting bracket, and the mounting bracket enables pivotal and rotational movement of the display unit with respect to the support arm.

Abstract: A display unit is provided which includes a housing configured for mounting in an interior region of a vehicle. The housing has a track which extends from a cavity in the housing and a corresponding carriage which rides along the track. A screen, or display, with a viewing surface is pivotally mounted on the carriage to provide for deployment of the display first by translation of the display along the track between a first position wherein the display is at least partially contained within the cavity in a generally horizontal orientation and an intermediate position with the display still in the generally horizontal orientation, and second by pivot of the display about a first axis from the intermediate position to a deployed position wherein the viewing surface is presented for viewing by an occupant of the vehicle.

Abstract: A display unit is provided, the display unit including a housing configured for mounting to the ceiling of an automobile, and a screen mounted on the housing for pivot about a first axis between a stowed position wherein the screen is embedded in the ceiling and a deployed position wherein the screen projects from the housing to reveal a viewing surface of the screen. The screen also is pivotal about a second axis transverse to the first axis, promoting viewability of the screen.

Abstract: A sun visor system for use in a vehicle having a window is provided with a finger-operable swing arm. The system includes a mount attachable in the vehicle and a swing arm pivotally coupled to the mount. The swing arm, which provides two degrees of freedom for positioning a visor panel and the mount, which provides an additional two degrees of freedom, allows the visor to be disposed between a user and an unwanted light source. The finger-operable lock allows the user selectively to lock the swing arm, preventing the swing arm from pivoting, and to release the swing arm, permitting pivotal motion.

Abstract: A display unit is provided, the display unit including a housing configured for mounting to the ceiling of an automobile, and a screen mounted on the housing for movement between a stowed position wherein the screen is at least partially embedded in the ceiling and a deployed position wherein the screen projects from the housing to reveal a viewing surface of the screen. When the screen is deployed, the viewing surface typically is at an angle of between approximately 45-degrees and 90-degrees from horizontal, promoting viewability of the screen.

Abstract: A display unit is provided, the display unit including a housing configured for mounting to the ceiling of an automobile, and a screen mounted on the housing for pivot about a first axis between a stowed position wherein the screen is embedded in the ceiling and a deployed position wherein the screen projects from the housing to reveal a viewing surface of the screen. The screen also is pivotal about a second axis transverse to the first axis, promoting viewability of the screen.

Abstract: An articulable projecting plug is disclosed that provides for interchangeable mechanical connection between one of several electronic-signal ports such as video-signal ports, and housing/support structure associated with an electronic device such as a flat-screen television. The plug also accommodates video communication between a video-signal source and such television. The plug includes joining structure constructed to bring the plug into contact with the port and hold them both in such joined relationship. The joining structure includes an outer surface and holder structure for holding the first end of an elongate conductor so that joinder of the plug with the port will also result in contact between such first end and the port. The plug also includes an elongate projecting member terminating with first and second ends, with the first end being operatively connected to the joining structure so that the projecting elongate member extends from it and away from the port.

Abstract: A stowable display apparatus is disclosed that includes a base adapted to be mounted on the ceiling of a vehicle, such as an automobile, and a display unit that is mounted on the base. The display unit is pivotal with respect to the base in a range of positions between a stowed position, in which the unit is retained proximate the base and generally parallel to the ceiling of the vehicle, and a deployed position, in which the unit is pivoted away from the base into the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The display unit further includes a push-button mechanism that selectively engages the display unit to retain the unit in the stowed position. The mechanism includes a push-button actuator that is moveable between a rest position, in which the mechanism is positioned to engage the display unit, and a depressed position, in which the actuator is moved toward the base and the mechanism freed from engagement with the display unit, thereby enabling the display unit to pivot away from the stowed position.