CA2338389A1

CA2338389A1 - Headrest and seat video imaging apparatus

Info

Publication number: CA2338389A1
Application number: CA002338389A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Scott D. Watkins
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-07-22
Filing date: 1999-07-13
Publication date: 2000-02-03
Also published as: WO2000005896A1; EP1104626A1; US6201568B1; AU4988099A; JP2002521933A; EP1104626A4

Abstract

A video imaging apparatus for receiving, recording, and displaying images from a motor vehicle in which the video camera (14) rigidly connects to a support member (16) in a cavity (36) of a headrest (10) for a seat in the motor vehicle. A cover (35) detachably closes an opening (33) in the headrest (10) for insertion and removal of the video camera (14). An opening (40) in a surface of the headrest (10) allows light to reach the lens (41) of the video camera (14). A seat (122) can be selectively movable for access to a video recorder (124) mounted within the seat (122). The video recorder (124) communicates with the video camera (14) and an image display device (152).

Description

10 HEADREST AND SEAT VIDEO I~AC3INC3 APPARATUS
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to apparatus for mounting video imaging equipment in motor vehicles. More particularly, the present invention relates to video camera and recorder mounts attached to seats in motor vehicles.
BACRC3ROUND O~' THE INVENTION
In recent years, police and private detectives have added video cameras to their equipment list for patrols and investigations. For police particularly, the video camera provides a visual record of events such as traffic stops, chases, and other incidents of law enforcement. Private detectives also record incidents for evidentiary purposes during investigations.
Various devices have been provided for supporting video cameras in motor vehicles. Stationary investigations allow use of tripods mounted in the motor vehicle to support the video cameras. The tripod readily stands in many vans or other trucks which have room for the legs to spread and thereby provide a stable foundation for using a video camera attached thereto. Tripods however are not SUBSUME S/iEET (RULE 26) WO 00/05896 PC1'/US99/15750 readily adaptable for use in passenger vehicles which have limited space in the rear seat portion of the car.
Generally, the legs are insufficiently separated for image recording stability.
For police vehicles, video cameras typically mount on U-shaped brackets attached to the forward portion of the roof adjacent the windshield. The bracket receives the video camera for a forward view through the windshield in order to provide a record of traffic stops, automobile chases, and the like. Other camera mounts have been used to secure video or television cameras within automobiles, such as race cars to provide a driver's perspective during an automobile race being broadcasted on television. One known device for mounting a camera in a car maintains the camera level with respect to the roads surface regardless of acceleration or gravitational forces. The camera is supported on a pendulum suspended from a gimble and constrained with spring and damping elements which match the vehicle suspension system in order to produce equal and opposite rotations of the pendulum in response to the movements of the vehicle.
Other devices are less complicated. One such device mounts a camera in a protective box which attaches to the rear deck of the vehicle near the back window. Telescoping members connect the box to the rear deck. Coil springs absorb shock in order to dampen vibrations communicated to the camera. Another device provides a channel member with a depending plate at one end. The plate is received in a slot of an upper edge of a car seat which normally receives a tongue or support member of a headrest. A distal end of the channel rests on top of the dashboard of the vehicle.
A camera mounts with a bolt through an opening in the channel. An elastic hold-down and stabilizing cord is used to secure the distal end of the channel to the dashboard.
My U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,101 discloses a transverse bar which connects at opposing distal ends to the supports for headrests in the seats of motor vehicles. The video camera mounts to a pivotable support attached to the transverse bar, whereby the camera may be oriented at a selected angle for recording.
While these devices have generally functioned to support a camera within a car, there are drawbacks to their use. Mounting the camera on a rear deck of a car does not satisfactorily show dashboard information which is useful and important during automobile races. Also this perspective view differs from that seen by the driver. On the other hand, placing the camera closer to the windshield may have the camera to far forward to show the dashboard of the car which had key gauges, such as the speedometer, displaying information about the car. Brackets which are cantilevered in the car are susceptible to vibration as the distal end is not adequately secured. Further, such brackets that mount to the seat slot for headrest supports occupies one of the headrests and takes the space otherwise occupied by a passenger.
Also, surveillance security and other police activities however need the camera to be less visible from casual observation, which the present devices do not provide.

Further, while some video cameras incorporate a recording apparatus within the camera, often, the recorder is a separate component connected to the video camera by communication cables. As a separate component, the recorder is usually permanently mounted to a portion of the wall of the trunk of the motor vehicle. This makes access to the recorder and tapes cumbersome, time consuming, and unsatisfactory. Space within a police vehicle however is at premium for storage of equipment and materials. The video recorder needs to be secure so that it is not independently moving while the vehicle is traveling, yet must be readily and easily accessible for retrieval and exchange of recording tapes.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for improved mounts for video recording equipment in motor vehicles. It is to such that the present invention is directed.
ERIEF ~,g,IJ~,RY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention meets the need in the art by providing mounts for video recording equipment in motor vehicles, in which a video camera is concealed within a headrest that attaches to the seat of a motor vehicle;
while the video recorder is secured within a seat that selectively moves to provide access to the video recorder.
More particularly, the present invention comprises an elongate member for supporting a video camera which is secured thereon. A cushion attaches to the elongate member and defines a cavity at a distal end portion for enclosing the video camera. A surface of the cushion defines a first hole for being substantially in alignment with a lens of the video camera. The cushion opens for insertion of the video camera. The elongate member connects to a seat of a motor vehicle.
In an alternate embodiment, the present invention comprises an elongate member for supporting a video camera which is secured thereon. A cushion attaches to the elongate member and defines a cavity at a distal end portion for enclosing the video camera. A surface of the cushion defines a first hole for being substantially in alignment with a lens of the video camera. The cushion opens for insertion of the video camera. The elongate member connects to a seat of a motor vehicle. A seat cushion connects to a seat frame for being secured to a floor board of the motor vehicle. A video image recorder is disposed below the seat cushion and operatively connected to the video camera. A controller selectively operates the camera and recorder for recording images.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a imaging apparatus for use with a headrest integral with a seatback of a seat in a motor vehicle. A frame defines a perimeter shape of a seatback having a headrest in a first portion. A seat cover overlies the frame. The headrest has a main portion that defines a surface for receiving a head of a person occupying the seat and a second portion lateral of the main portion. The second portion defines a cavity having a support member engaged to a portion of the frame of the seatback. The support member is adapted for rigidly engaging a video imaging apparatus. A port in a side wall of the seat provides entrance to the cavity, whereby the video imaging apparatus is inserted into the cavity for engagement to the support member. The surface of the second portion defines an opening for communicating light to a lens of the video imaging apparatus in the cavity.
In an alternate embodiment, the present invention provides an imaging apparatus for use with a headrest integral with a seatback of a seat in a motor vehicle. A
frame defines a perimeter shape of a seatback having a headrest in a first portion. A seat cover overlies the frame. The headrest has a main portion that defines a surface for receiving a head of a person occupying the seat and a second portion lateral of the main portion. The second portion defines a cavity having a support member engaged to a portion of the frame of the seatback. The support member is adapted for rigidly engaging a video imaging apparatus. A port in a side wall of the seat provides entrance to the cavity, whereby the video imaging apparatus is inserted into the cavity for engagement to the support member. The surface of the second portion defines an opening for communicating light to a lens of the video imaging apparatus in the cavity. A video image recorder is secured within the seat frame and operatively connected to the video imaging apparatus. A controller selectively operates the camera and the recorder for recording images.
Objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the following detailed description of the invention and claims in view of the appended drawings.

HRIE1? DESCRIPTION O~' THE DRA~TINC3 Fig. 1 illustrates in perspective view a headrest camera mount for attaching to the seat of a motor vehicle, according to the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a cutaway detailed illustration of the headrest camera mount illustrated in Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is a side cutaway view of an embodiment of the headrest camera mount including a support or pivotally positioning the camera at a selected angle.
~ Fig. 4 is a detailed exploded perspective view of the camera mount illustrated in Fig. 3.
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a seat back for a motor vehicle having an integral headrest with a camera mount according to the present invention.
Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a seat in a motor vehicle including the video headrest illustrated in Fig. 1, with a pivotable seat cushion for accessing a video recorder mounted in the seat.
p~E~~AILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMHOD7~MENTS
Referring now in more detail to the drawings in which like parts have like identifiers, Fig. 1 illustrates in perspective view a headrest 10 that attaches to a seat 12 of a motor vehicle while containing a video camera 14 shown exploded away. The headrest 10 has an elongate member 16 in which a distal end 18 defines a bore 20. A threaded connector 22 extends through the bore 20. The connector 22 includes a groove which receives a C-ring. The C-ring conventionally prevents the connector 22 from coming out to the bore 20.

_g_ A cushion 28 for the headrest 10 includes a resilient cover 30 that encloses a foam core 32. The cushion 28 attaches conventionally to the elongate member 16. The core 32 does not extend the full length of the elongate member, so that a portion 34 of the cover 30 defines a cavity 36. The cavity 36 receives the video camera 14, which has a threaded bore in a bottom surface for engaging the connector 22. The video camera 14 thereby sits on the elongate member 16 and the connector 22 secures the video camera to the member. The headrest 10 defines an open end 33. The headrest 10 defines an open end 33 which is covered by a removable detachable plate 35. Pins 37 extend laterally from the plate 35 for engaging mating portions of the cover 30, whereby the headrest has a selectively closed distal end. Further, removal of the plate 35 permits access to control buttons on the video camera 14. A
support 38 attaches conventionally to the member 16 and depends~away from the headrest 10. The support 38 is received within a slot 39 in the seat 12 for connecting the headrest 10 to the seat 12.
As shown in Fig. 2, a front surface of the cover 30 defines an opening 40 through which a lens 41 receives light for communicating an image to the video camera 14.
A detachable cap 42 exploded from the headrest 10 covers the opening 40 when the video camera 38 is removed or is not in use. In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2, the open end 33 is a closed by a door 44 that defines a side face of~the cushion 28. The door 44 attaches along a hinge 46 to a lower portion of the cover 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the door 44 also defines an open port 45, which _g_ may be closed by a detachable cover (not illustrated) for a purpose discussed below. Other doors may be gainfully used; for example, a door which slides from a closed position to an open position. A pin 48 projects laterally from a distal portion of the door 44. A plate 50 attaches to an upper portion 52 of the side of the headrest 10. The plate 50 defines an opening 54 for receiving the pin 48 when the door for selectively holding the door closed. As may be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, a back surface of the headrest 10 likewise may include an opening for the lens of video camera to record images from a rearward perspective. In an alternate embodiment, a recorder separate from the camera is mounted in the motor vehicle, for instance in the trunk. A cable (not illustrated) connects between the video camera 14 and the recorder.
Fig. 3 is a side cutaway view of the headrest 10 having a pivot support 6 rigidly connected to the members 16 a bolt 62 locks the pivot support 60 in a selected position whereby the video camera 14 is positioned at a selected angle. Fig. 4 provides a detailed exploded view of the pivot support 60 comprises a base plate 64 having a pair of upwardly extending spaced-apart parallel flanges 66, 68. The base 64 is rigidly connected to the member 16 with a fastener 70 such as bolts, rivets, or the like. The flanges 66, 68 in the illustrated embodiment have a trapezoid shape in end view, with the wider base of the trapezoid integral with the base plate 64. The flange 66 defines a bore 72. The flange 68 defines a threaded bore 74 co-axially aligned with the bore 72.

A pivot plate 76 defines a surface 78 on which the video camera 14 rests. The pivot plate 76 defines a bore 80 which receives a connector 82 for engaging the threaded bore in the video camera 14 whereby the video camera is rigidly connected to the pivot plate 76. A flange 84 depends from the surface 78 at one side. The flange 84 defines a bore 86 which is aligned with the bores 72 and 74 when the flange 84 is positioned between the flanges 66, 6a.
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of a seat back for a seat in a motor vehicle. The seat back 90 includes an integral headrest generally 92 which defines a cavity 94 for receiving the video camera 14. The seat 92 has a frame 96 which defines a perimeter shape of the seat back 90 and the headrest 92. A core member formed of cushioning materials is received by the frame. A seat cover over lies the core member and the frame to define the seat back.
The headrest 92 includes a portion of the core member generally, a core body 98. Typically, the headrest portion of the seat is an extension of the seat back, and may be planer, or arcuate, to conform in style to the seat. In the particular illustrated embodiment, the core body has a main portion that defines a first concave recess 100 on a forward face of the core body. The recess 100 receives a head of a person occupying the seat. A second portion 102 of the core body 98 defines a second concave recess on the forward face of the core body lateral of the main portion 100. The first and second recesses 100 and 102 are separated by a forwardly projecting ridge 104. In an alternate embodiment (not illustrated), the second portion 103 defines a planer forward face. It should be noted that the ridge 104 cooperates with the extending opposite side of the recess 100 to receive the head of a seat occupant, while restricting the head from inadvertently blocking the view of the video camera 14.
The cavity 94 is defined within the second portion of the core body 102. A port in a side wall of the seat 90 is closed by a cover 106. The frame 96 engages a support member which defines a bore for receiving a threaded connector to which the video camera 14 is secured. The forward surface of the headrest 92 defines an opening in the second recess 102 whereby the lens of the video camera receives light for recording images. It is the noted that the support 60 illustrated in Fig. 3 may gainfully be installed in the cavity 94 for selectively positioning the video camera 14 in the integral seat back 90 for recording images.
Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a seat 120 in a motor vehicle, including the video headrest 10 with a seat cushion 122 shown in a pivoted position for accessing a video recorder 124 mounted within the seat. The seat 120 includes a frame 126 from which a seat back 128 extends.
Conventional seatback adjustment mechanism may be included and are not otherwise illustrated for adjusting an angle of the seatback. The headrest 10 includes the camera 14 and mounts on supports 38 which extend from an upper portion of the seat back 128. The seat cushion 122 is selectively movable from a first position for sitting and a second position for accessing the video recorder 124. In the illustrated embodiment, the seat cushion 122 connects at a forward edge with hinges 130 to the seat frame 126. The hinges 130 permit the seat cushion 122 to move from the first position with the cushion received within the frame 126 for seating purposes and the second position, as illustrated. In the first position, a back edge 132 of the cushion.122 is received against a lower side face 134 of the seat back 128. The hinges 130 permit the seat cushion 122 to pivot forward, as illustrated, to the second position for providing access to the video recorder 124.
The video recorder 124 includes an access door 136 for receiving a video recording tape (not illustrated). In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of supports 138, 140 are fixedly secured within the seat frame 126 to a floorboard of the motor vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of threaded fasteners 142 extend through the supports 138, 140 to rigidly connect the recorder 124 to the supports. A cover 137 connects with hinges,139 to the support 138. A lip 141 of the cover 137 over hangs the support 140. The lip 141 includes a slot 143 for receiving a key that engages a lock 145 to secure the cover 137 closed over the video recorder 124.
A wiring harness 144 communicates between the recorder 124 and the video camera 14. A coupler 146 connects to a mating coupler 148 of a harness 150 for providing electrical power to the video recorder 124 and the camera 14 as well as providing control wiring for operation of the recorder and the camera. The video camera 14 and the recorder 124 also communicate with a video display screen 152 and can incorporate other functions such as position WO 00/05896 PC'T/US99/15750 locating and speed detection devices. In the illustrated embodiment the video display screen 152 mounts in the dashboard 154. The video display screen 152 connects through a harness 156 to the harness 150, 144 for the video recorder 124 and the video camera 14, for display of images received by the camera or on a tape played by the recorder.
As illustrated, the present invention further provides a plurality of video cameras 160 that mount in the headrest 10. It should be appreciated that the video camera 14 is illustrated as a conventional type camera, and it is noted that smaller CCD (charge-coupled devices) functioning as cameras 160 provide the ability to receive images from a forward, side, and rear view. Similar cameras mounted in the adjacent headrest (not illustrated) provides coverage in the remaining side direction. Accordingly, multiple configurations of video image receiving cameras 14, 160 are available. In one embodiment, one video camera is preset for telephoto imaging and a CCD device 160 is preset for wide angle viewing. A controller enables a user to select between the cameras 14, 160 depending on the image to be recorded. For example, the camera 14 preset to telephoto would be used for recording a license plate and car from a long distance.
While the present invention is disclosed with respect to a single headrest in a motor vehicle, it is to be appreciated that the cameras 14, 160 could readily be mounted in the opposing end of the headrest for use on a driver's portion of the seats, whereby the cameras would also receive dashboard information, such as the speed of the motor vehicle or other vehicle speed via a detection device. In the embodiment having a plurality of side, rear, and forward view cameras 14, 160, a camera control module provides functional controls over the cameras and the recorder for on/off, telephoto, and camera selection, whereby the user can readily switch among selected views provided by the cameras. Further, in an alternate embodiment, the seat cushion 122 pivots about the back side, rather than the front. In a second alternate embodiment, the seat cushion 122 pivots from one side. It is noted that the present invention is likewise installable in either a passenger side or a driver side of the seat in the motor vehicle.
In an alternate embodiment, the video equipment communicates with a transmitter placed preferably behind the dashboard for broadcasting a video signal to a remote receiver, such as an operations control center.
With reference to Figs. 1 and 2, the video camera headrest mount of the present invention is installed in motor vehicles for use in recording images from the motor vehicle. The disclosed embodiment shows the camera mount on a right side of the headrest 10 and the seat 90. It should be noted that the camera cavity 36 and 94 may be located on the left side thereof, or the cavity may be formed on both sides of the headrest and seat. The support 38 is slidingly received in the slot 39 in the back of the seat 12. As may be appreciated, some seats in motor vehicles have a pair of spaced-apart slots which each receive a tubular member extending from a conventional headrest, and such supports are likewise included with the scope of the present invention as alternative supports 38.

Other headrests include apparatus for pivoting the headrest to accommodate personal preferences in positioning, and the present invention may include such additional features.
The door 44 is pivoted open by detaching the pin 48 from the opening 54 and pulling the door at its distal end 52 downwardly towards the seat 12. The video camera 14 is inserted through the opening in the side of the headrest 10 into the cavity 36. The connector 22 is threadably engaged to the video camera 14 to secure the video camera 14 with the lens aligned with the opening 40. The cap 42 is detached during operation of the video camera. The door 44 is pivoted closed with the pin 48 engaging the opening 54.
Also, the video camera maybe oriented so that the lens is pointed towards the port 45, for recording images to the side of the motored vehicle.
With reference to Figs. 3 and 4, the cavity 36 may include the pivot plate 60. The connector 82 extending through the pivot plate 76 engages the video camera 14.
The bolt 62 is loosened and the pivot plate 76 tilted about the bolt with the flange 94 disposed between the flanges 66, 68. The bolt 62 is tightened when the pivot plate 76 is at the selected angle. The lens of the video camera aligns with the opening in the headrest for recording images.
With reference to Fig. 5, the seat back 90 is preferably installed as original equipment by the manufacturer of the motor vehicle, although a secondary market is not excluded. The cover 106 is detached from the side of the seat back 90. The video camera 14 is inserted into the cavity 94 and attached to the support by the threaded connector. The cover 106 is reinstalled, after the video camera 14 is started. In an alternate embodiment, remote control devices are used to control the operation of the camera.
For police operations, the video camera 14 is connected by a cable to a controller for activation of the recording. The video camera 14 records automatically when the siren or lights are activated, and such control device is conventional. The headrest according to the present ~ invention provides a conventional appearing headrest independently insertable into the backs of seats in motor vehicles or integrally included in seatbacks, with the cavity for holding a video camera for recording. It is preferred that the video recorder 124 be digital, for a smaller size to fit a conventional size seat bottom. In an alternate embodiment, the headrest 10 and seat 90 receive a lens device which communicates by a cable to a separate recorder mounted elsewhere in the motor vehicle.
With reference to Fig. 6, the video recording mount for motor vehicles according to the present invention is operated by pivoting the seat 122 from the closed position for seating to the upright open position for accessing the video recorder 124 as illustrated in Fig. 6. The cover 137 is unlocked and pivoted open. The video recorder 124 is operated to open the door 136 for insertion or removal of video recording tapes as appropriate. The cover 137 is then moved to the second position and secured closed with the lock 145. The seat 122 is pivoted to the closed position for seating. The video recorder 124 accordingly is readily accessible to a police officer for exchange of WO 00/05896 PCTNS99/15~50 video tapes without undue difficulty. The video recorder 124 and cameras 14, 160 are preferably linked by the controller to the operation of the vehicle emergency lights and siren. The cameras 14, 160 and the recorder 124 commence operation upon activation of the emergency lights or siren. However, the controller also provides for manual activation of the cameras 14, 160 and the reorder 124.
The controller further allows selecting between the cameras 14, 160 for selective recording of various views from around the motor vehicle. The video image received by the cameras is selective recorded on the tape in the video recorder 124, or two or more of the video signals can be recorded on the tape for subsequent playback and use. A
conventional remote control device as well as a wireless microphone communicates with the recorder 124. The wireless microphone permits the audio of the activity outside the vehicle to be recorded. The present invention accordingly provides a comprehensive video surveillance monitoring and recording apparatus in a motor vehicle, together with ready and convenient access to the recorder 124, the video camera 14, and a display screen 152. In an alternate embodiment, the video cameras 14, 160 are incorporated within an integral headrest as illustrated in Fig. 5.
It is thus seen that an improved headrest is provided for mounting a video camera in a motor vehicle as an integrated system, as well as providing a video recorder disposed within a seat for ready access. While this invention has been described in detail with particular reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, the principles and modes of operation of the present invention have been described in the foregoing specification. The invention is not to be construed as limited to the particular forms disclosed because these are regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Moreover, modifications, variations and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departure from the spirit and scope of the invention as described by the following claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A video imaging and recording apparatus for attaching to a seat of a motor vehicle, comprising:
a member for supporting at least one video imaging device;
means for securing the video imaging device to the member;
a housing attached to the member and defining a cavity for enclosing said at least one video imaging device therein and defining a first hole for being substantially in alignment with a lens of the video imaging device; and a connector for connecting the member to a portion of a seat of a motor vehicle such that the video imaging apparatus is disposed centrally relative to a central axis of said motor vehicle beyond a view point of an eye of an occupant of the seat nearest the centerline of the motor vehicle to be unobstructed by use of the seat.

2. The video imaging apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising a door pivotally connected to the member, whereby the video imaging device is insertable to the cavity for engagement to the member.

3. The video imaging apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising a plate detachably engaged to a portion of the housing, whereby the cavity is accessible for insertion of the video imaging device therein.

4. The video imaging apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising a second opening in an end surface of the cushion, whereby control buttons on the video imaging device are accessible.

5. The video imaging apparatus as recited in claim 4, wherein the second opening is defined by a selectively openable second door.

6. The video imaging apparatus as recited in claim 5, wherein the second door pivotally connects to the cushion.

7. The video imaging apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising a pivot member attached to the elongate member, which pivot member detachably engages the video imaging device for being positionable at a selected angle.

8. The video imaging apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising:
a seat cushion connected to a seat frame for being secured to a floor board of the motor vehicle;
a video image recorder disposed below the seat cushion and operatively connected to the video imaging device; and control means for selectively operating the video imaging device and video image recorder for recording images.

9. The video imaging apparatus as recited in claim 8, further comprising means for restricting access to a tape held in the video image recorder.

10. The video imaging apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein means for restricting comprises a cover for covering the video image recorder; and a lock for securing the cover closed over the video image recorder.

11. The video imaging apparatus as recited in claim 10, wherein the seat cushion connects with a pair of hinges to the seat frame for pivotable movement between a closed position and an open position, whereby selective access is provided to the video image recorder.

12. The video imaging apparatus as recited in claim 8, further comprising a video display screen for being selectively mounted to an interior surface of a motor vehicle and communicating with the video image recorder for display of recorded images.

13. An imaging apparatus for a seat in a motor vehicle, comprising a frame for a seat having cushioning pads therein and defining a perimeter shape of a seatback of a seat for installing in a motor vehicle having a cushioned headrest in a first portion thereof;
a seat cover overlying the frame;
the headrest having a main portion that defines a surface thereon for receiving a head of a person occupying the seat;
a cavity defined within a second portion of the headrest; and a support member disposed in the cavity and engaged to a portion of the frame of the seatback, the support member adapted for rigidly engaging a video camera disposed within the headrest centrally relative to a central axis of said motor vehicle beyond a view point of an eye of an occupant of the seat nearest the centerline of the motor vehicle to be unobstructed by use of the seat, said second portion defining an opening for being in alignment with a lens of a video camera.

14. The imaging apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein the support member is pivotable for positioning the video camera at a selected angle.

15. The imaging apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein the surface of the main portion and a surface of the second portion each define a respective concave recess, which first and second concave recesses are separated by a forwardly projecting ridge therebetween.

16. The imaging apparatus as recited in claim 13, further comprising a port in a side wall of the headrest for entrance to the cavity selectively opened by a cover, whereby the video camera is inserted into the cavity for engagement to the support member.

17. The imaging apparatus as recited in claim 13, further comprising a video image recorder secured to the seat and operatively connected to the video camera.

18. The imaging apparatus as recited in claim 17, further comprising means for restricting access to a tape held in the video image recorder.

19. The imaging apparatus as recited in claim 18, wherein means for restricting comprises a cover for covering the video image recorder; and further comprising a lock for securing the cover over the video image recorder.

20. The imaging apparatus as recited in claim 17, futher comprising a video display screen for being selectively mounted to an interior surface of the motor vehicle and communicating with the video image recorder for display of recorded images.

21. The imaging apparatus as recited in claim 17, further comprising a seat cushion connected to the frame and adapted for moving from a closed position to an open position, whereby selective access is provided to the video image recorder.

22. The imaging apparatus as recited in claim 21, wherein the seat cushion attaches with hinges for pivotable movement between a seating position and an open position.

23. A seat including a camera imaging apparatus, comprising:
a camera imaging apparatus fixedly attached to said seat, said attachment disposing said camera imaging apparatus substantially centrally relative to a central axis of a vehicle receiving said seat beyond a view point of an eye of an occupant of the seat nearest the centerline of the motor vehicle to be unobstructed by use of the seat, for imaging in one or more directions from said seat;
said camera imaging apparatus including one or more lenses and adapted to create one or more electrical signal representative of the images received by said one or more lens; and signal transmitting pathway transmitting said one or more electrical signal to a signal receiver.

24. The seat as recited in claim 23, wherein the signal receiver comprises a signal recorder.

25. The seat as recited in claim 24, wherein said signal recorder is adapted for remote operation by a control module including operator operable indica for changing one or more mode of operation of said camera imaging apparatus.

26. The seat as recited in claim 25, wherein said control module includes a display for displaying images.

27. The seat as recited in claim 26, wherein the image displayed on the display is representative of the electrical signal recorded by the signal recorder.

28. The seat as recited in claim 26, wherein the image displayed by the display is representative of the image received by the lens.

29. The seat as recited in claim 23, wherein said signal transmitting pathway comprises a cable signal path.

30. The seat as recited in claim 23, wherein said signal transmitting pathway comprises a wireless signal path.

31. The seat as recited in claim 23, wherein said fixedly attached camera imaging apparatus is attached by a fungible member such that said member will break under crash force.

32. The seat as recited in claim 23, wherein said one or more optical lenses has at least one lens directed forwardly and at least one lens directed rearwardly.

33. The seat as recited in claim 32, wherein one or said forwardly directed and rearwardly directed lenses are selectable for communicating said electrical signal to the signal recorder.