Baggage holding device

Abstract

This disclosure generally relates to a vehicle luggage compartment, and more specifically to a luggage holding device. A compartment includes a first track and a second track spaced apart from each other, a first beam extending transversely to and slidable along the first track, a second beam extending transversely to and slidable along the second track, and a net extending from the first beam to the second beam.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to the luggage compartment of a vehicle, and more specifically to a luggage holding device. Background Technology

[0002] Autonomous vehicles have the ability to operate without human operator (e.g., driver) intervention; that is, the vehicle controller makes decisions about accelerating, braking, and / or steering the vehicle. Vehicles can be fully autonomous or semi-autonomous. Semi-autonomous vehicles are autonomous only in specific situations (e.g., highway driving or parallel parking) or regarding certain vehicle subsystems (e.g., braking but not acceleration or steering). Fully autonomous vehicles have a vehicle controller that simultaneously controls each of acceleration, braking, and steering.

[0003] A vehicle includes a passenger compartment for accommodating vehicle occupants (if any). The passenger compartment includes front seats located at the front of the passenger compartment and rear seats located behind the front seats. The front seats may be two bucket seats or bench seats accommodating two or three occupants. The rear seats may also be two bucket seats or bench seats accommodating two or three occupants. Some vehicles also include a third row of seats located at the rear of the passenger compartment. The front seats, rear seats, and third row of seats all face the direction of travel. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to the present invention, a vehicle cabin is provided, comprising:

[0005] The first track and the second track are separated from each other;

[0006] The first beam extends transversely to the first track and is slidable along the first track;

[0007] A second beam, which extends transversely to and slides along the second track; and

[0008] The net extends from the first beam to the second beam.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the invention, a first beam extends from a first track cantilever, and a second beam extends from a second track cantilever.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first beam and the second beam are parallel.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first beam and the second beam each extend from a slidable end along a corresponding track to a free end spaced apart from the corresponding track, and the cabin further includes a third beam rotatably connected to the free end of the first beam and a fourth beam rotatably connected to the free end of the second beam.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the mesh is a first mesh, and the cabin further includes a second mesh extending from a third beam to a fourth beam.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the third beam and the fourth beam are rotatable between a retracted position and an extended position.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a third beam in the retracted position extends parallel to the first beam toward the first track from the free end of the first beam, and a fourth beam in the retracted position extends parallel to the second beam toward the second track from the free end of the second beam.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the third beam in the unfolded position extends laterally from the free end of the first beam away from the first track, and the fourth beam in the unfolded position extends laterally from the free end of the second beam away from the second track.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cabin further includes a first rotary actuator connecting the first beam and the third beam, and a second rotary actuator connecting the second beam and the fourth beam.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cabin further includes a controller that communicates with a rotary actuator and is programmed to instruct the rotary actuator to move a third and fourth beam from a retracted position to an deployed position in response to the descent of the first and second beams relative to the first and second tracks.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cabin further includes a controller that communicates with a rotary actuator and is programmed to instruct the rotary actuator to move a third and fourth beam from an deployed position to a retracted position in response to the first and second beams rising above a height threshold relative to the first and second tracks.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cabin further includes a motor mounted to one of the first rails and the first beam and movably connected to the other of the first rails and the first beam.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cabin further includes a worm gear rotatably connected to a motor, the worm gear extending parallel to a first track and engaging with a first beam.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cabin further includes a first pulley rotatably connected to a motor; and a first belt extending around the first pulley, to which a first beam is mounted.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cabin further includes a second pulley connected to a motor; and a second belt extending around the second pulley, to which a second beam is mounted.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, wherein the motor is a first motor, the cabin further includes a second motor mounted relative to a second track, a second pulley connected to the second motor, and a second belt extending around the second pulley, with a second beam mounted to the second belt.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cabin further includes a pressure switch connected to a motor, the pressure switch being configured to deactivate the motor in response to a pressure exceeding a pressure threshold.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cabin further includes an input switch having a first position, a second position, and a third position and communicating with a motor. The input switch is configured to instruct the motor to raise the first beam when the input switch is in the first position, to instruct the motor to remain stationary when the input switch is in the second position, and to instruct the motor to lower the first beam when the input switch is in the third position.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the motor is a first motor, and the cabin further includes a second motor mounted relative to a second rail and movably connected to a second beam.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cabin further includes doors positioned between the tracks. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the vehicle, in which a part of the body has been removed for illustration, and the luggage retainer is in the first position;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the vehicle, with a portion of the body removed for illustration purposes, and the luggage retainer in the second position;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a portion of the baggage holding device in the first position;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a smaller portion of the baggage holding device in the first position;

[0032] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of a smaller portion of the baggage holding device in the first position;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a smaller portion of the luggage holding device in the second position;

[0034] Figure 7 This is a side view of an example motion system for a luggage holding device;

[0035] Figure 8This is a perspective view of another example motion system for luggage holding devices;

[0036] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of another example motion system for luggage holding devices;

[0037] Figure 10 This is a block diagram of the control system for the baggage holding device;

[0038] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of the program used to control the rotation actuator of the baggage holding device. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The cabin includes a first track and a second track spaced apart from each other, a first beam extending transversely to the first track and slidable along the first track, a second beam extending transversely to the second track and slidable along the second track, and a net extending from the first beam to the second beam.

[0040] The first beam can extend cantilevered from the first track, and the second beam can extend cantilevered from the second track.

[0041] The first beam and the second beam can be parallel.

[0042] The first beam and the second beam may each extend from a slidable end along a corresponding track to a free end spaced apart from the corresponding track; the cabin may further include a third beam rotatably connected to the free end of the first beam and a fourth beam rotatably connected to the free end of the second beam. The net may be a first net, and the cabin may further include a second net extending from the third beam to the fourth beam.

[0043] The third and fourth beams can rotate between a retracted position and an extended position. The third beam, in the retracted position, can extend from the free end of the first beam parallel to the first beam toward the first track, and the fourth beam, in the retracted position, can extend from the free end of the second beam parallel to the second beam toward the second track.

[0044] The third beam in the unfolded position can extend laterally from the free end of the first beam away from the first track, and the fourth beam in the unfolded position can extend laterally from the free end of the second beam away from the second track.

[0045] The cabin may include a first rotary actuator connecting the first beam and the third beam, and a second rotary actuator connecting the second beam and the fourth beam. The cabin may include a controller that communicates with the rotary actuators and is programmed to instruct the rotary actuators to move the third beam and the fourth beam from a retracted position to an deployed position in response to the descent of the first beam and the second beam relative to the first track and the second track.

[0046] The cabin may include a controller that communicates with a rotary actuator and is programmed to instruct the rotary actuator to move the third and fourth beams from the deployed position to the retracted position in response to the first and second beams being raised above a height threshold relative to the first and second tracks.

[0047] The cabin may include a motor mounted to one of the first rails and the first beam and movably connected to the other of the first rails and the first beam. The cabin may include a worm gear rotatably connected to the motor, the worm gear extending parallel to the first rails and engaging the first beam.

[0048] The vehicle compartment may include a first pulley rotatably connected to a motor, and a first belt extending around the first pulley, with a first beam mountable to the first belt. The vehicle compartment may also include a second pulley connected to a motor, and a second belt extending around the second pulley, with a second beam mountable to the second belt.

[0049] The motor may be a first motor, and the cabin may further include a second motor mounted relative to a second track, a second pulley connected to the second motor, and a second belt extending around the second pulley, and a second beam may be mounted to the second belt.

[0050] The cabin may include a pressure switch connected to the motor, and the pressure switch may be configured to deactivate the motor in response to pressure exceeding a pressure threshold.

[0051] The cabin may include an input switch having a first position, a second position, and a third position and communicating with a motor, and the input switch may be configured to instruct the motor to raise the first beam when the input switch is in the first position, to instruct the motor to remain stationary when the input switch is in the second position, and to instruct the motor to lower the first beam when the input switch is in the third position.

[0052] The motor may be a first motor, and the cabin may further include a second motor mounted relative to the second rail and movably connected to the second beam.

[0053] The cabin may include doors located between the tracks.

[0054] By making the cabin accessible from within the vehicle's passenger compartment, the cabin can provide occupants with access to their luggage, for example, while the vehicle is in motion (if the vehicle is autonomous). In the event of a vehicle collision, for example, the beams and netting can prevent luggage from shifting around and potentially injuring occupants. The beams and netting can be facilitated by automatically acquiring their position based on signals from occupants and / or from sensors.

[0055] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2Vehicle 30 may be an autonomous vehicle. A computer (not shown) may be configured to operate vehicle 30 completely or to a lesser extent independently of human driver intervention. The computer may be programmed to operate propulsion, braking, steering, and / or other vehicle systems. For the purposes of this disclosure, autonomous operation means that the computer controls the propulsion, braking, and steering systems; semi-autonomous operation means that the computer controls one or two of the propulsion, braking, and steering systems, while the human driver controls the rest; and non-autonomous operation means that the human driver controls the propulsion, braking, and steering systems.

[0056] Vehicle 30 includes a cabin 32. Cabin 32 provides space for storing objects (e.g., luggage). Cabin 32 may be separate from or partially separate from passenger compartment 34, or cabin 32 may be connected to passenger compartment 34, such as... Figure 1 and 2 As shown.

[0057] Continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The door 36 can be positioned to provide an entrance to the cabin 32 from the outside of the vehicle 30. The door 36 can be a front-hinged door, a top-hinged door, a sliding door, or any other suitable type of door. The door 36 can be positioned between tracks 38 and 40; that is, tracks 38 and 40 extend along the inner walls of the vehicle 30 on both sides of the door 36.

[0058] refer to Figure 1-3 Tracks 38 and 40 include a first track 38 and a second track 40 spaced apart from each other. The first track 38 may extend to the left side of the inner wall of the door 36, and the second track 40 may extend to the right side of the inner wall of the door 36. Tracks 38 and 40 may extend substantially vertically or extend further in the vertical direction than in any direction perpendicular to the vertical. Tracks 38 and 40 may be substantially parallel. The first track 38 and the second track 40 may be symmetrical relative to each other; that is, one of the first track 38 and the second track 40 is a mirror image of the other.

[0059] refer to Figure 4-6 The first track 38 and the second track 40 each include a groove 41 extending along the track. The groove 41 may have a cross-sectional shape that is constant along the length of the first track 38 or the second track 40. The cross-sectional shape of the groove 41 may include an opening 42 extending from the surface of the first track 38 or the second track 40 and a channel 44 connected to the opening 42. Each channel 44 is not connected to the surface of the first track 38 or the second track 40 except through the corresponding opening 42 or a potential end of the first track 38 or the second track 40. The channel 44 may be wider than the opening 42. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the groove 41 may be T-shaped, such as... Figure 4-6As shown. The cross-sectional shape of the groove 41 can be any shape suitable for an object to slide in the groove 41 without leaving the groove 41.

[0060] refer to Figure 1-6 A first beam 46 extends transversely to the first track 38, and a second beam 48 extends transversely to the second track 40. The first beam 46 and the second beam 48 may be parallel. Each of the first beam 46 and the second beam 48 may extend from a slidable end 50 to a free end 52. The slidable end 50 may slide along the corresponding track. The free end 52 is spaced apart from the corresponding track. The first beam 46 may cantilever from the first track 38, meaning that the first beam 46 extends from the end attached to the first track 38 to the unsupported end. The end attached to the first track 38 is the slidable end 50, and the unsupported end is the free end 52. The second beam 48 may cantilever from the second track 40.

[0061] refer to Figure 4-6 The first beam 46 can slide along the first track 38, and the second beam 48 can slide along the second track 40. Specifically, the slidable ends 50 of the first beam 46 and the second beam 40 can slide along the corresponding tracks 38 and 40. Each slidable end 50 is disposed in one of the grooves 41. The slidable end 50 can extend laterally to the corresponding first beam 46 or second beam 48 along the corresponding channel 44. Each slidable end 50 has a sliding portion 54, which is wider than the opening 42 disposed in the corresponding channel 44. When the first beam 46 or the second beam 48 slides along the first track 38 or the second track 40, the sliding portion 54 of the slidable end 50 slides in the channel 44 of the corresponding groove 41.

[0062] refer to Figure 1-6 A first net 56 extends from a first beam 46 to a second beam 48. The first net 56 may have a grid pattern. The grid pattern may extend from the first beam 46 to the second beam 48, or alternatively, the first net 56 may include gaps between the first net 56 and the first beam 46 and / or the second beam 48. As an example, the first net 56 may include multiple ropes 58 arranged in a grid pattern. The ropes 58 may be spaced sufficiently close to hold objects typically stored in the compartment 32; for example, the ropes 58 may be two or three times denser than the size of the smallest conventional object stored in the storage space (e.g., a bag of groceries). The ropes 58 may be any suitable flexible material with appropriately high tensile strength, such as nylon. In another example, the first net 56 may be a net, a fabric board, etc.

[0063] A third beam 60 is rotatably connected to the free end 52 of the first beam 46, and a fourth beam 62 is rotatably connected to the free end 52 of the second beam 48. The third beam 60 and the fourth beam 62 each extend from the free ends 52 of the first beam 46 and the second beam 48, respectively. The third beam 60 is rotatable relative to the first beam 46 about a first axis A extending perpendicularly to the first beam 46 at its free end 52, and the fourth beam 62 is rotatable relative to the second beam 48 about a second axis B extending perpendicularly to the second beam 48 at its free end 52.

[0064] Continue to refer to Figure 1-6 The third beam 60 and the fourth beam 62 can be in the retracted position (e.g. Figure 1 and Figure 3-5 (as shown) and unfolded position (as shown) Figure 2 and Figure 6 The third beam 60 rotates between a retracted position and an extended position about a first axis A, and the fourth beam 62 rotates between a retracted position and an extended position about a second axis B. In the retracted position, the third beam 60 extends parallel to the first beam 46 toward the first track 38 from the free end 52 of the first beam 46, and the fourth beam 62 extends parallel to the second beam 48 toward the second track 40 from the free end 52 of the second beam 48; in other words, the third beam 60 and the fourth beam 62 in the retracted position are positioned abutting against the first track 38 or the second track 40. In the extended position, the third beam 60 extends laterally from the free end 52 of the first beam 46 away from the first track 38, and the fourth beam 62 in the extended position extends laterally from the free end 52 of the second beam 48 away from the second track 40; in other words, the third beam 60 and the fourth beam 62 in the extended position form an obtuse angle with the first beam 46 or the second beam 48.

[0065] refer to Figure 3-6 A first rotary actuator 64 connects a first beam 46 and a third beam 60, and a second rotary actuator 66 connects a second beam 48 and a fourth beam 62. The first rotary actuator 64 can be actuated to rotate the third beam 60 about a first axis A between a retracted position and an extended position. The second rotary actuator 66 can be actuated to rotate the fourth beam 62 about a second axis B between a retracted position and an extended position. The rotary actuators 64 and 66 can be any device capable of providing a rotational output of a specified angle, such as an electric motor (e.g., a servo electric motor).

[0066] The second net 68 extends from the third beam 60 to the fourth beam 62. The second net 68 is formed by a plurality of ropes 58 arranged in a grid pattern. The ropes 58 are spaced sufficiently close to hold objects typically stored in the compartment 32; for example, the ropes 58 may be two or three times denser than the size of the smallest conventional object stored in the storage space (e.g., a bag of groceries). The ropes 58 may be formed from any suitable flexible material with adequate tensile strength, such as nylon.

[0067] refer to Figure 7-9 The first motor 70 is mounted to the first track 38 and movably connected to the first beam 46. The first motor 70 can also be mounted to the second track 40 and movably connected to the second beam 48, as shown below. Figure 8 As shown. Optionally, the second motor 72 can be mounted to the second rail 40 and movably connected to the second beam 48, as shown. Figure 9 As shown. Alternatively, the first motor 70 may be mounted to the first beam 46 and movably connected to the first track 38, and either the first motor 70 or the second motor 72 may be mounted to the second beam 48 and movably connected to the second track 40.

[0068] refer to Figure 7 The first motor 70 or motors 70, 72 can be movably connected to the first beam 46 and the second beam 48 via two worm gears 74. For example, the worm gears 74 can be rotatably connected to the first motor 70. Optionally, one worm gear 74 can be rotatably connected to the first motor 70, while the other worm gear 74 can be rotatably connected to the second motor 72. The worm gears 74 can be cylindrical with helical grooves. One worm gear 74 extends parallel to the first track 38 and is longitudinally elongated, engaging with the first beam 46; the other worm gear 74 extends parallel to the second track 40 and is longitudinally elongated, engaging with the second beam 48. The first beam 46 and the second beam 48 each have a mating portion 76, the mating portion 76 having a groove that mates with the helical groove of the worm gear 74.

[0069] refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9A first motor 70 or motors 70, 72 are movably connected to a first beam 46 and a second beam 48 via a pulley system 78. The pulley system 78 includes a first lower pulley 80, a first upper pulley 82, a first belt 84 extending around the first lower pulley 80 and the first upper pulley 82, a second lower pulley 86, a second upper pulley 88, and a second belt 90 extending around the second lower pulley 86 and the second upper pulley 88. The first lower pulley 80 or the first upper pulley 82 is drivably connected to the first motor 70, and the second lower pulley 86 or the second upper pulley 88 is drivably connected to the first motor 70 or the second motor 72. The first beam 46 is mounted to the first belt 84, and the second beam 48 is mounted to the second belt 90. As the first motor 70 or motors 70, 72 rotate the lower pulleys 80, 86 or the upper pulleys 82, 88, the belts 84, 90 move the first beam 46 and the second beam 48 upwards or downwards depending on the direction of rotation.

[0070] refer to Figure 7-9 Pressure switch 92 is connected to each of motors 70, 72. Pressure is generated by the operation of the first motor 70 or the second motor 72, and each pressure switch 92 is configured to deactivate the first motor 70 or the second motor 72 in response to pressure exceeding a pressure threshold. The pressure threshold can be selected as the pressure generated by the first motor 70 or the second motor 72 when an object resists movement of the first beam 46 or the second beam 48.

[0071] Continue to refer to Figure 7-9 The input switch 94 can communicate with the first motor 70 or motors 70, 72. The input switch 94 can have first, second, and third positions. The input switch 94 is configured to instruct the first motor 70 to raise the first beam 46 when the input switch 94 is in the first position, to instruct the first motor 70 to remain stationary when the input switch 94 is in the second position, and to instruct the first motor 70 to lower the first beam 46 when the input switch 94 is in the third position. If a second motor 72 is present, the input switch 94 can be configured to instruct the second motor 72 to raise the second beam 48 when the input switch 94 is in the first position, to instruct the second motor 72 to remain stationary when the input switch 94 is in the second position, and to instruct the second motor 72 to lower the second beam 48 when the input switch 94 is in the third position. The input switch 94 can be positioned in a location accessible to the occupants of the vehicle 30.

[0072] refer to Figure 10 The controller 96 can communicate with rotary actuators 64 and 66, contact sensor 98, input switch 94 and / or motors 70 and 72. The controller 96 is a microprocessor-based controller. The controller 96 includes a processor, memory, etc. The memory of the controller 96 includes memory for storing instructions executable by the processor and memory for electronically storing data and / or a database.

[0073] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 10 The contact sensor 98 can be attached to one of the first track 38 and the second track 40. The contact sensor 98 can be positioned in a slot 41 of one of the first track 38 and the second track 40. The contact sensor 98 can be any sensor that detects whether the slidable end 50 of the first track 38 or the second track 40 is adjacent to or spaced from the contact sensor 98. For example, the contact sensor 98 can be a pressure sensor that detects the slidable end 50 pushing the contact sensor 98. As another example, the contact sensor 98 can be a proximity sensor that detects whether a laser, infrared beam, or the like has been interrupted.

[0074] The controller 96 can be programmed to instruct the rotary actuators 64, 66. For example, the controller 96 can be programmed to instruct the first motor 70 or motors 70, 72 to raise the first beam 46 and the second beam 48 in response to a signal indicating that the door 36 has just opened, and the controller 96 can be programmed to instruct the first motor 70 or motors 70, 72 to lower the first beam 46 and the second beam 48 in response to a signal indicating that the door 36 has just closed. The door 36 may be equipped with a sensor (not shown) indicating whether the door 36 is open or closed, which communicates with the controller 96.

[0075] refer to Figure 11 Regarding another example, controller 96 can be programmed to receive a signal that the first beam 46 and the second beam 48 have risen above a height threshold. The height threshold is a vertical position along one of the tracks 38, 40. The height threshold can be selected to be high enough that the third beam 60 and the fourth beam 62 are unlikely to collide with cargo in the compartment 32 during movement. Contact sensor 98 can be positioned at the height threshold, and the signal can originate from contact sensor 98. Controller 96 can be programmed to instruct rotary actuators 64, 66 to move the third beam 60 and the fourth beam 62 from the deployed position to the retracted position in response to the first beam 46 and the second beam 48 rising above the height threshold relative to the first track 38 and the second track 40 (e.g., in response to a signal shown in blocks 1105, 1110, and 1115 of program 1100 of controller 96).

[0076] Continue to refer to Figure 11Regarding another example, controller 96 can be programmed to receive signals instructing the first beam 46 and the second beam 48 to descend. These signals can originate from contact sensor 98, the first motor 70, input switch 94, etc. Controller 96 can be programmed to instruct rotary actuators 64, 66 to move the third beam 60 and the fourth beam 62 from the retracted position to the deployed position in response to the descent of the first beam 46 and the second beam 48 relative to the first track 38 and the second track 40 (e.g., in response to a signal instructing the first beam 46 and the second beam 48 to descend or in response to a signal indicating that the first beam 46 and the second beam 48 are descending, as shown in blocks 1120 and 1125 of program 1100 for controller 96).

[0077] In operation, the first beam 46 and the second beam 48 can be raised to a sufficient height in response to the occupant opening the door 36 or turning the input switch 94 to the first position. When the first beam 46 and the second beam 48 exceed the height threshold, the third beam 60 and the fourth beam 62 are rotated to the retracted position via rotary actuators 64 and 66. The occupant can then place luggage in the cabin 32. The occupant can then close the door 36 or turn the input switch 94 to the third position, causing the first beam 46 and the second beam 48 to descend and the third beam 60 and the fourth beam 62 to rotate to the deployed position. The descent of the first beam 46 and the second beam 48 can be stopped when the pressure switch 92 is triggered or when the occupant turns the input switch 94 to the second position.

[0078] This disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it should be understood that the terminology used is intended to be descriptive rather than restrictive. In view of the foregoing teachings, many modifications and variations of this disclosure are possible, and this disclosure may be implemented in ways other than those specifically described.

Claims

1. A vehicle cabin, comprising: A first track and a second track, the first track and the second track being spaced apart from each other; A first beam, which extends transversely to the first track and is slidable along the first track; The second beam extends transversely to the second track and is slidable along the second track; The first beam and the second beam each extend from a slidable end that is slidable along a corresponding track to a free end that is separated from the corresponding track; as well as A mesh, which extends from the first beam to the second beam; as well as A third beam rotatably connected to the first beam and a fourth beam rotatably connected to the second beam; The third beam is rotatably connected to the free end of the first beam, and the fourth beam is rotatably connected to the free end of the second beam.

2. The cabin according to claim 1, wherein the first beam extends from the first track cantilever, and the second beam extends from the second track cantilever.

3. The vehicle cabin according to claim 1, wherein the first beam and the second beam are parallel.

4. The vehicle compartment according to claim 1, wherein the mesh is a first mesh, and the vehicle compartment further includes a second mesh extending from the third beam to the fourth beam.

5. The cabin according to claim 1, wherein the third beam and the fourth beam are rotatable between a retracted position and an extended position; and the third beam in the retracted position extends parallel to the first beam toward the first track from the free end of the first beam, and the fourth beam in the retracted position extends parallel to the second beam toward the second track from the free end of the second beam.

6. The cabin of claim 5, wherein the third beam in the deployed position extends laterally from the free end of the first beam away from the first track, and the fourth beam in the deployed position extends laterally from the free end of the second beam away from the second track.

7. The vehicle cabin according to claim 1, further comprising a first rotary actuator connecting the first beam and the third beam, and a second rotary actuator connecting the second beam and the fourth beam.

8. The cabin of claim 7, further comprising a controller that communicates with the first rotary actuator and the second rotary actuator and is programmed to instruct the first rotary actuator and the second rotary actuator to move the third beam and the fourth beam from the retracted position to the deployed position in response to the descent of the first beam and the second beam relative to the first track and the second track.

9. The cabin of claim 7, further comprising a controller that communicates with the first rotary actuator and the second rotary actuator and is programmed to instruct the first rotary actuator and the second rotary actuator to move the third beam and the fourth beam from the deployed position to the retracted position in response to the first beam and the second beam rising above a height threshold relative to the first track and the second track.

10. The vehicle cabin according to any one of claims 1-9, further comprising a motor mounted to one of the first rails and the first beam and movably connected to the other of the first rails and the first beam, wherein a controller is programmed to instruct the motor to raise the first beam in response to a signal indicating that a door has just been opened.

11. The cabin of claim 10, further comprising a worm gear rotatably connected to the motor, the worm gear extending parallel to the first track and engaging the first beam.

12. The vehicle cabin of claim 10, further comprising a first pulley rotatably connected to the motor; and a first belt extending around the first pulley, the first beam being mounted to the first belt.

13. The vehicle compartment of claim 10, further comprising a pressure switch connected to the motor, the pressure switch being configured to deactivate the motor in response to a pressure exceeding a pressure threshold.

14. The vehicle cabin of claim 10, further comprising an input switch having a first position, a second position, and a third position and communicating with the motor, the input switch being configured to instruct the motor to raise the first beam when the input switch is in the first position, to instruct the motor to remain stationary when the input switch is in the second position, and to instruct the motor to lower the first beam when the input switch is in the third position.

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