Abstract: A video system for selective mounting within a cradle secured to a ceiling of an automobile includes a video housing in which a video monitor and a video source are mounted and a base secured to the video housing in a manner that permits rotation of the video housing. The video housing includes a mounting bracket and the base includes a mounting bracket for use in pivotally coupling the video housing to the base. A motorized first hinge connects the base to the video housing for facilitating pivotal movement between the video housing and the base between a use position and a storage position, the first hinge includes a pivot pin having a first end and a second end and extends between, and is coupled to, the mounting bracket of the video housing and the mounting bracket of the base, the second end of the pivot pin is fixedly coupled to the mounting bracket of the base. The drive motor assembly is mounted to the video housing.

Abstract: A vehicle entertainment system includes a video system detachably mounted within an automobile arm rest/console, the armrest/console including an upper support surface. The video system includes an integrated housing supporting a video monitor and a video source.

Abstract: A vehicle safety system includes a vehicle having at least one pillar. The at least one pillar includes an inner surface covered with a display surface. An exterior focused camera linked to the display surface for displaying an image taken by the camera upon the display material, wherein the camera takes an image of the exterior area of the vehicle that a driver would otherwise see if the at least one pillar were not blocking the view of the driver. A camera control mechanism links a driver sitting within a driver seat of the vehicle to the camera such that the camera may be adjusted to optimize the view provided upon the display surface along the inner surface of the at least one pillar.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a ceiling with a headliner. A cradle is secured within the ceiling of the vehicle such that it is substantially flush with the headliner, the cradle being shaped and dimensioned for selectively receiving and securely holding a video system.

Abstract: A hinge for use in conjunction with an overhead mobile video system includes a pivot rod fixedly coupled to a mounting bracket, a housing pivotally mounted upon the pivot rod and a friction spring interposed between the pivot rod and the housing controlling rotation of the mounting bracket relative to the housing.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a ceiling with a headliner and a cradle is secured within the ceiling of the vehicle such that it is substantially flush with the headliner. The cradle is shaped and dimensioned for selectively receiving and securely holding a video system. A cover for selective attachment to the cradle when the video system is not in use.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a ceiling with a headliner, a cradle secured within the ceiling of the vehicle and a video system selectively secured to the cradle for movement between a use position and a storage position. A retaining mechanism is provided maintaining the video system adjacent the headliner and the cradle when the video system is in its storage position.

Abstract: An entertainment system for a vehicle includes a cradle secured within the ceiling of the vehicle, the cradle including a first end and a second end, and a video system selectively secured to the cradle, the video system including a base having a first end and a second end. An attachment mechanism selectively secures the video system to the cradle. The attachment mechanism consists essentially of a first attachment structure at the first end of the base, the first attachment structure of the base being shaped and dimensioned for selective coupling with a first attachment structure at the first end of the cradle, and a second attachment structure at the second end of the base, the second attachment structure of the base being shaped and dimensioned for selective coupling with the second attachment structure at the second end of the cradle. The system further includes a portable docking station having a cradle shaped and dimensioned for receiving the video system.

Abstract: A mobile entertainment system includes a video system designed for reducing energy consumption. The video system includes a battery permitting proximity charging of the video system. A supporting structure supports the video system within a vehicle.

Abstract: A hinge for use in conjunction with an overhead mobile video system includes a pivot rod fixedly coupled to a mounting bracket, a housing pivotally mounted upon the pivot rod and a friction spring interposed between the pivot rod and the housing controlling rotation of the mounting bracket relative to the housing.

Abstract: A mobile entertainment system includes a video system in combination with a media source. The video system and media source are housed within a housing secured within an automobile. The media source includes a storage medium upon which audio and video media content is stored for display upon the video system as desired by a user. A wireless global communication network access point is mounted within the automobile, wherein the media source includes wireless communication capabilities permitting communication with the wireless global communication network access point for retrieval of audio and video media content for display upon the video monitor. A remote library of audio and video media content is in wireless communication with the media source via the wireless access point.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a ceiling, a cradle secured within the ceiling of the vehicle, the cradle including a first end and a second end, and a video system selectively secured to the cradle, the video system including a base having a first end and a second end. An attachment mechanism selectively secures the video system to the cradle. The attachment mechanism consists essentially of a first attachment structure at the first end of the base, the first attachment structure of the base being shaped and dimensioned for selective coupling with a first attachment structure at the first end of the cradle, and a second attachment structure at the second end of the base, the second attachment structure of the base being shaped and dimensioned for selective coupling with the second attachment structure at the second end of the cradle.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a ceiling, a cradle secured within the ceiling of the vehicle and a video system selectively secured to the cradle for movement between a use position and a storage position. The video system includes a base shaped and dimensioned for selectively coupling with the cradle. The base includes a first hinge facilitating rotation of the video system, wherein the first hinge includes a tensioning mechanism controlling vibration of the video system as the vehicle moves and allowing for controlled positioning of the video system at a variety of angular orientations by simply releasing and reapplying the tensioning mechanism.

Abstract: A vehicle entertainment system includes a video system mounted within an automobile armrest/console, the armrest/console including an upper support surface. The video system includes an integrated housing supporting a video monitor and a video source.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a ceiling, a cradle secured within the ceiling of the vehicle, the cradle including a first end and a second end, and a video system selectively secured to the cradle, the video system including a base having a first end and a second end. Electronic connections for coupling the video system with the cradle are provided in the base of the video system. An attachment mechanism selectively secures the video system to the cradle. The attachment mechanism including a first attachment structure at the first end of the base, the first attachment structure of the base being shaped and dimensioned for selective coupling with a first attachment structure at the first end of the cradle, and a second attachment structure at the second end of the base, the second attachment structure of the base being shaped and dimensioned for selective coupling with the second attachment structure at the second end of the cradle.

Abstract: An automobile entertainment system includes a video system having a video monitor, and a cradle secured within an automobile. The cradle is shaped and dimensioned for selectively receiving and securely holding the video system.

Abstract: A mobile video system includes a housing having a front surface and a rear surface. The housing is shaped and dimensioned for attachment to a rear surface of a back support portion of an vehicle seat, wherein the housing includes a rear surface that is provided with coupling members shaped and dimensioned for attachment to the back support portion of the vehicle seat. A video monitor and a video source are supported within the housing. The video monitor is mounted within the housing for movement between an exposed orientation in which it is positioned above the housing and a storage position in which it is positioned within the housing for protection from the external environment.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a ceiling with a headliner, a cradle secured within the ceiling of the vehicle and a video system selectively secured to the cradle for movement between a use position and a storage position. The video system includes a base with a first hinge permitting movement between the use position and the storage position. A rotation control mechanism is associated with the first hinge for adjustably controlling the use position and the storage position of the video system.