Accessory system for vehicle

Abstract

An accessory system for a vehicle includes a housing having a base attached to the vehicle and a protrusion extending from the base, the protrusion fluidly coupled to a conduit of the vehicle. The accessory system also includes a first vehicle accessory having a cavity configured to selectively receive the protrusion of the housing to selectively attach the first vehicle accessory to the housing in an engaged condition.

Description

[0001] introduction

[0002] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the present disclosure. The work of the presently named inventors is neither explicitly nor implicitly admitted as prior art to the present disclosure to the extent it is described in this section and in respect of the description that may not have qualified as prior art at the time of filing. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to accessory mounts and, more particularly, to accessory mounts for selectively securing a vehicle accessory within a vehicle cabin. Background Art

[0004] Conventional vehicles include features that provide comfort and entertainment to vehicle occupants during vehicle use. For example, a vehicle typically includes a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system that conditions air within the vehicle cabin. Such an HVAC system includes a duct system and at least one fan that cooperate to direct and circulate conditioned air within the vehicle cabin. In doing so, cooled and / or heated air may be circulated within the cabin to heat and / or cool the vehicle occupants.

[0005] Entertainment systems such as radios and other audio systems may be used throughout the vehicle cabin to allow occupants to listen to music, podcasts, and other media while seated in the vehicle cabin. Additionally, rear seat entertainment systems may be associated with the second and / or third row of seats in the vehicle cabin to allow occupants sitting in the second and / or third row of seats to watch shows or movies while seated in the vehicle cabin.

[0006] Conventional HVAC systems and entertainment systems typically include at least one user interface device (UID), such as a screen or display. The screen or display may include a touch screen that allows the occupant to control the HVAC system and / or the entertainment system. In the context of an HVAC system, the display may additionally be used to communicate various environmental conditions to the vehicle occupants, such as cabin temperature, outside temperature, and / or fan speed. In the context of an entertainment system, second and third row occupants may use one or more displays to watch a show or movie while seated in the vehicle cabin.

[0007] While the aforementioned systems adequately provide comfort and entertainment to vehicle occupants while seated in the vehicle cabin, such systems cannot be configured within the cabin. Instead, the ductwork, fans, and / or displays are located at fixed, permanent locations within the cabin. Furthermore, such systems are typically included in one or more packages when the vehicle is purchased and cannot be individually added or declined. In short, the features of the vehicle are typically not optimized for the specific person purchasing the vehicle. Summary of the invention

[0008] In one configuration, an accessory system for a vehicle includes a housing having a base attached to the vehicle and a protrusion extending from the base, the protrusion fluidly coupled to a conduit of the vehicle. The accessory system also includes a first vehicle accessory having a cavity configured to selectively receive a protrusion of the housing to selectively attach the first vehicle accessory to the housing in an engaged state.

[0009] The accessory system may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the housing may include a first fastener, and the first vehicle accessory may include a second fastener that engages the first fastener when the first vehicle accessory is in an engaged state. In one configuration, the first fastener and the second fastener may be magnets. Additionally or alternatively, the housing may include a first electrical contact, and the first vehicle accessory may include a second electrical contact. The first electrical contact may be electrically coupled to the second electrical contact when the first vehicle accessory is in an engaged state.

[0010] In one configuration, the protrusion may include an outer peripheral surface including a plurality of substantially flat surfaces, adjacent substantially flat surfaces of the plurality of substantially flat surfaces joining each other at a junction. The plurality of substantially flat surfaces may cooperate to provide a protrusion having an octagonal shape. Additionally or alternatively, the base may include an outer perimeter having an octagonal shape.

[0011] The vehicle may include the accessory systems described above.

[0012] In another configuration, an accessory system for a vehicle includes a first shell having a base attached to the vehicle and a first protrusion extending from the base, and a second shell having a base attached to the vehicle and a second protrusion extending from the base, the second shell being spaced apart from the first shell by a first distance. The accessory system also includes: a first vehicle accessory having a first cavity configured to selectively receive the first protrusion of the first shell or the second protrusion of the second shell to selectively attach the first vehicle accessory to the first shell or the second shell in an engaged state, and being spaced apart from the first shell and the second shell in a disengaged state; and a second vehicle accessory having a second cavity configured to selectively receive the first protrusion of the first shell or the second protrusion of the second shell to selectively attach the second vehicle accessory to the first shell or the second shell in an engaged state, and being spaced apart from the first shell and the second shell in a disengaged state, the second vehicle accessory being interchangeable with the first vehicle accessory.

[0013] The accessory system may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the first housing and the second housing may each include a first fastener, and the first vehicle accessory and the second vehicle accessory may each include a second fastener. In this configuration, the second fastener may engage the first fastener when the first vehicle accessory and / or the second vehicle accessory are in an engaged state. The first fastener and the second fastener may be magnets.

[0014] In another configuration, the first housing and the second housing may each include a first electrical contact, and the first vehicle accessory and the second vehicle accessory may each include a second electrical contact. When the first vehicle accessory and / or the second vehicle accessory are in an engaged state, the first electrical contact may be electrically connected to the second electrical contact.

[0015] The first protrusion and the second protrusion may each include an outer peripheral surface including a plurality of substantially flat surfaces, and adjacent substantially flat surfaces of the plurality of substantially flat surfaces may be joined to each other at the joint. The plurality of substantially flat surfaces may cooperate to provide the first protrusion and the second protrusion having an octagonal shape.

[0016] The third vehicle accessory may include a first cavity spaced a first distance from the second cavity. When the third vehicle accessory is in an engaged state and the first and second vehicle accessories are in a disengaged state, the first cavity may be configured to receive the first protrusion and the second cavity may be configured to receive the second protrusion.

[0017] The vehicle may include the accessory systems described above.

[0018] In yet another configuration, a vehicle includes an instrument panel, a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system including a duct supported by the instrument panel, and a housing having a base attached to the instrument panel and a protrusion extending from the base, the protrusion being fluidly coupled to the duct. The vehicle may also include a first vehicle accessory having a cavity configured to selectively receive the protrusion of the housing to selectively attach the first vehicle accessory to the housing in an engaged state.

[0019] The vehicle may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the first vehicle accessory may include a hole in fluid communication with the conduit. Additionally or alternatively, the housing may include a first fastener and the first vehicle accessory may include a second fastener. In this configuration, the second fastener may engage the first fastener when the first vehicle accessory is in an engaged state. Furthermore, the first fastener and the second fastener may be magnets. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 1 is a side view of a vehicle according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial perspective view of a compartment of a vehicle;

[0023] Figure 3 According to the principles of the present disclosure, Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of an accessory port in a compartment of the vehicle;

[0024] Figure 4 Shown with vehicle accessories in disengaged state Figure 3 A perspective view of the accessory port of the

[0025] Figure 5 is shown with the vehicle accessory in an engaged state Figure 3 A perspective view of the accessory port of the

[0026] Figure 6 Shown with vehicle accessories in disengaged state Figure 3 to illustrate the mating portions of the accessory port and the vehicle accessory; and

[0027] Figure 7 According to the principles of the present disclosure Figure 2 A partial perspective view of a cab of FIG. 1 showing a vehicle accessory engaged with and supported by the accessory port.

[0028] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and example configurations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0030] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific exemplary configurations and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a", "an" and "the" may also be intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises", "comprising", "including" and "having" are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes and operations described herein should not be interpreted as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or shown, unless specifically identified as an execution order. Additional or alternative steps may be adopted.

[0031] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on another element or layer," "engaged to," "connected to," "attached to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, directly engaged with, connected to, attached to, or coupled to another element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on another element or layer," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," "directly attached to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more associated listed items.

[0032] The terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used in this article to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts. These elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms may only be used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or part from another region, layer or part. Unless the context clearly indicates, terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms do not imply an order or sequence. Therefore, without departing from the teaching of the example configuration, the first element, component, region, layer or part discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer or part.

[0033] In this application, including the definitions below, the term "module" may be replaced with the term "circuit". The term "module" may refer to, be a part of, or include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by a memory; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system on a chip.

[0034] The term "code" as used above may include software, firmware and / or microcode, and may refer to a program, a routine, a function, a class and / or an object. The term "shared processor" covers a single processor that executes some or all codes from multiple modules. The term "group processor" covers a processor that executes some or all codes from one or more modules in combination with an additional processor. The term "shared memory" covers a single memory that stores some or all codes from multiple modules. The term "group memory" includes a memory that stores some or all codes from one or more modules in combination with an additional memory. The term "memory" may be a subset of the term "computer-readable medium". The term "computer-readable medium" does not include transient electrical signals and electromagnetic signals propagated through the medium, and therefore can be considered to be tangible and non-transient memory. Non-limiting examples of non-temporary memory include tangible computer-readable media, which include non-volatile memory, magnetic memory, and optical memory.

[0035] The apparatus and methods described in this application may be implemented in part or in whole by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer program includes processor executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory tangible computer readable medium. The computer program may also include and / or rely on stored data.

[0036] Software applications (i.e., software resources) may refer to computer software that enables a computing device to perform tasks. Example applications include, but are not limited to, system diagnostic applications, system management applications, system maintenance applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, messaging applications, media streaming applications, social networking applications, and gaming applications.

[0037] Non-transitory memory can be a physical device used to temporarily or permanently store programs (e.g., sequences of instructions) or data (e.g., program state information) for use by a computing device. Non-transitory memory can be volatile and / or non-volatile addressable semiconductor memory. Examples of non-volatile memory include, but are not limited to, flash memory and read-only memory (ROM) / programmable read-only memory (PROM) / erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) / electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (e.g., commonly used for firmware, such as bootloaders). Examples of volatile memory include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), phase change memory (PCM), and disk or tape.

[0038] These computer programs (also referred to as programs, software, software applications, or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor and may be implemented in high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming languages ​​and / or assembly / machine languages. As used herein, the terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" refer to any computer program product, non-transitory computer-readable medium, memory, and / or device (e.g., disks, optical disks, processors, programmable logic devices (PLDs)) for providing machine instructions and / or data to a programmable device, including machine-readable media that receive machine instructions as machine-readable signals. The term "machine-readable signal" refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0039] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein can be realized in digital electronic and / or optical circuits, integrated circuits, specially designed ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various implementations may include implementations in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system that includes at least one programmable processor, which may be special purpose or general purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device, and to send data and instructions to the storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device.

[0040] The processes and logic flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors (also referred to as data processing hardware), which execute one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating outputs. The processes and logic flows can also be performed by special logic circuits (e.g., FPGA (field programmable gate array) or ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit)). As an example, processors suitable for executing computer programs include both general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any type of digital computer. Typically, the processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The basic elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer will also include one or more mass storage devices (e.g., magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks) for storing data, or be operably coupled to receive data from it or transmit data to it or both. However, a computer does not need to have such a device. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of nonvolatile memory, media, and memory devices, including, for example, semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and memory may be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

[0041] To provide interaction with a user, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented on a computer having a display device (e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube), LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, or touch screen) for displaying information to the user and optionally a keyboard and pointing device (e.g., a mouse or trackball) through which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices may also be used to provide interaction with the user; for example, the feedback provided to the user may be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user may be received in any form, including sound, voice, or tactile input. In addition, the computer may interact with the user by sending documents to and receiving documents from a device used by the user; for example, by sending a web page to a web browser on a user's client device in response to a request received from the web browser.

[0042] refer to Figure 1, a vehicle 10 is provided that includes a vehicle cabin 12 and an instrument panel (IP) 14 located within the vehicle cabin 12. The IP 14 includes a series of accessory ports 16 disposed at various locations of the IP 14. The accessory ports 16 are configured to selectively receive vehicle accessories 18 for use by a vehicle occupant while seated in a seat 20 of the vehicle 10, as will be described in more detail below.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, the accessory ports 16 can be located at discrete locations on the IP 14. For example, two (2) accessory ports 16 are shown as being substantially centrally located on the IP 14 such that the central longitudinal axis of the vehicle 10 passes between and separates the accessory ports 16. Additionally, another accessory port 16 can be located near the junction of the IP 14 and the passenger door 22. Finally, the accessory port 16 can be located between the steering wheel 24 of the vehicle 10 and the driver's side door 26 of the vehicle 10. Although the IP 14 will be described and shown below as being located at Figure 2 Four (4) accessory ports 16 are included at the locations shown, but the IP 14 may include fewer or more accessory ports 16. Furthermore, the locations of the accessory ports 16 may vary based on the intended use of the accessory ports 16 and / or based on the type of vehicle 10 in which the accessory ports 16 are installed.

[0044] The accessory port 16 may include a housing 28 having a base 30 and a protrusion 32 extending from the base 30. The base 30 and the protrusion 32 may be formed integrally with each other and may be formed of relatively rigid materials. For example, the base 30 and the protrusion 32 may be formed of plastic and / or metal materials. Alternatively, the base 30 and the protrusion 32 may be formed separately and subsequently attached to each other. In addition, the base 30 and the protrusion 32 may be formed of different materials. For example, the base may be formed of metal and the protrusion 32 may be formed of plastic. Although the base 30 and the protrusion 32 may be formed separately from each other, the base 30 and the protrusion 32 will be described and illustrated below as being formed integrally with each other. In the illustrated configuration, the base 30 and the protrusion 32 are formed of plastic and are integrally formed via an injection molding process.

[0045] The base 30 includes a peripheral edge 34 defined by a series of substantially planar surfaces 36. In one configuration, the base 30 includes eight (8) substantially planar surfaces 36, wherein adjacent surfaces 36 are joined at junctions 38. Thus, the eight (8) substantially planar surfaces 36 and associated junctions 38 cooperate to provide the base 30 with an octagonal shape. Although the base 30 is described and shown as having an octagonal shape, the base 30 may alternatively have fewer or more substantially planar surfaces 36 defining the peripheral edge 34. For example, the peripheral edge 34 may include six (6) substantially planar surfaces 36, thereby providing the base 30 with a hexagonal shape.

[0046] The base 30 additionally includes a mounting surface 40 and an engagement surface 42 disposed on a side of the base 30 opposite the mounting surface 40. The mounting surface 40 and the engagement surface 42 are separated by the thickness of the base 30 and are substantially perpendicular to the substantially flat surface 36 of the peripheral edge 34. Finally, the base 30 includes a series of holes 44 extending from the mounting surface 40 through the thickness of the base 30 to the engagement surface 42.

[0047] The protrusion 32 extends from the base 30 in a direction away from the engagement surface 42. Like the base, the protrusion 32 includes an outer peripheral edge 46 defined by a series of substantially flat surfaces 48. In one configuration, the protrusion 32 includes eight (8) substantially flat surfaces 48, wherein adjacent surfaces 48 are joined at engagement portions 50. Thus, the eight (8) substantially flat surfaces 48 and the associated engagement portions 50 cooperate to provide the protrusion 32 with an octagonal shape. Although the protrusion 32 is described and shown as having an octagonal shape, the protrusion 32 may alternatively have fewer or more substantially flat surfaces 48 defining the outer peripheral edge 46. For example, the outer peripheral edge 46 may include six (6) substantially flat surfaces 48, thereby providing the protrusion 32 with a hexagonal shape.

[0048] The protrusion 32 includes a tapered surface 54 extending between the peripheral edge 46 and a substantially planar distal end surface 54. The tapered surface 52 provides an arcuate surface for the protrusion 32 to facilitate insertion of the protrusion 32 into the vehicle accessory 18, as will be described in greater detail below.

[0049] The projection 32 defines an aperture 56 having a similar shape as the peripheral edge 46. Specifically, the projection 32 includes a substantially planar inner surface 58 that cooperates to provide the aperture 56 with a hexagonal shape in a manner similar to the peripheral edge 46. The substantially planar inner surface 58 is formed on a side of the projection 32 opposite the corresponding outer substantially planar surface 48 of the projection 32.

[0050] In one configuration, the cross member 60 extends through the aperture 56 and is integrally formed with the base 30 and the protrusion 32. The cross member 60 can be aligned with the base 30 such that the cross member 60 has the same thickness as the base 30. Thus, the cross member 60 can be substantially an extension of the base 30. In this configuration, a portion of the base 30 can extend into the aperture 56 to form a flange 62 that cooperates with the cross member 60 to define a first aperture 64 and a second aperture 66 that are each in fluid communication with the aperture 56 defined by the inner surface 58 of the protrusion 32.

[0051] Special References Figure 3 , the housing 28 is shown attached to the IP 14 via a series of fasteners 68. Specifically, the fasteners 68 are received by the holes 44 of the base 32 to secure the base 30, and therefore the housing 28, to the IP 14. Figures 3 to 6 In the illustrated configuration, the housing 28 is shown attached to the IP 14 at the distal end of a vehicle conduit 70. The conduit 70 may be connected to the vehicle 10 ( Figure 2 ) to allow conditioned air generated by the HVAC system to be discharged into the cabin 12 via the duct 70 and the vehicle accessory port 16. Specifically, when a fan (not shown) associated with the HVAC system 72 is energized, the fan will direct conditioned air from the HVAC system 72 into the cabin 12 via the duct 70 and the apertures 56, 64, 66 of the vehicle accessory port 16. In this way, the apertures 56, 64, 66 of the vehicle accessory port 16 are in fluid communication with the duct 70 and the HVAC system 72, and cooperate with the duct 70 to direct the conditioned air into the cabin 12.

[0052] The vehicle accessory port 16 may receive one or more of the vehicle accessories 18 during use of the vehicle 10. The vehicle accessories 18 may include a fan ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ), portable speakers( Figure 6 ),monitor( Figure 7 ), cup holder, cell phone dock, or air conditioning unit. Each of the aforementioned vehicle accessories 18 is interchangeable with other vehicle accessories 18 to allow each vehicle accessory 18 to be attached to and supported by each of the vehicle accessory ports 16. For example, by simply removing the fan and replacing it with the cell phone holder, the cell phone holder can be used with Figure 4-6 The fans shown are interchangeable. Each of the vehicle accessories 18 includes the same mounting interface and thus can be individually attached to each of the ports 16 .

[0053] Each vehicle accessory 18 includes a protrusion 74 having the same shape as the protrusion 32 of the housing 28. The protrusion 74 of the vehicle accessory 18 includes an inner surface 76 that cooperates to provide a cavity 78 for the protrusion 74, and the cavity 78 has an inner perimeter that defines an octagonal shape. The surface 76 terminates at an engagement surface 80 of the cavity 78 and cooperates with the engagement surface 80 to define the shape and depth of the cavity 78. In one configuration, the depth of the cavity 78 is approximately equal to the height of the protrusion 32, so that when the protrusion 32 is received in the cavity 78, the end surface 54 of the protrusion 32 contacts the engagement surface 80, and the end surface 82 of the protrusion 74 contacts the engagement surface 42 of the base 30.

[0054] The vehicle accessory 18 may include one or more magnets 84 positioned within or on the protrusion 74, or alternatively, positioned on or within the engagement surface 80, such that each magnet 84 is aligned with a corresponding magnet 86 associated with the housing 28. For example, the magnets 84 of the vehicle accessory 18 are shown embedded within the protrusion 74 proximate the end surface 82, while the magnets 86 of the housing 28 are shown embedded within the base 30. When the vehicle accessory 18 is attached to the vehicle accessory port 16, the magnets 84 of the vehicle accessory 18 interact with the magnets 86 of the vehicle accessory port 16 to hold the vehicle accessory 18 in place and engaged with the vehicle accessory port 16.

[0055] Finally, the vehicle accessory 18 can be powered by the vehicle 10 by placing the vehicle accessory 18 in electrical communication with a power source (not shown) of the vehicle 10. Specifically, when the vehicle accessory 18 is engaged with the vehicle accessory port 16, the electrical contacts 88 of the vehicle accessory 18 can engage the electrical contacts 90 of the vehicle 10.

[0056] In operation, the vehicle owner or occupant can configure the IP 14 to provide specific features at different locations in the vehicle cabin 12. For example, the occupant can enable the speaker 18 ( Figure 6 ) engages with one of the centrally located accessory ports 16 and can enable the fan 18 ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) engages with the accessory port 16 located near the passenger door 22 to increase airflow from the HVAC system 72 to an occupant seated in the passenger seat 20. It should be noted that while the vehicle accessory 18 that engages the accessory port 16 near the passenger door 22 in this example is described as a fan 18 for increasing airflow to an occupant seated in the passenger seat 20, the vehicle accessory 18 may be an air conditioning unit that provides cooling air if the HVAC system 72 is not equipped to provide cooling air to the vehicle cabin 12 or if the occupant wishes to supplement the cooling air provided by the HVAC system 72.

[0057] The fan 18 and the speaker 18 are attached to the corresponding accessory port 16 by inserting the protrusion 32 of the particular accessory port 16 into the cavity 78 of the particular vehicle accessory 18 (i.e., the fan 18 or the speaker 18). The tapered surface 52 of the protrusion 32 facilitates the insertion of the protrusion 32 into the cavity 78 and helps align the protrusion 32 with the surface 76 of the protrusion 74. Once the protrusion 32 is fully inserted into the cavity 78, the end surface 54 of the protrusion 32 contacts the engagement surface 80 of the vehicle accessory 18, and the end surface 82 of the vehicle accessory 18 contacts the engagement surface 42 of the accessory port 16. At this point, the magnet 84 of the vehicle accessory 18 interacts with the magnet 86 of the base 30 to secure the vehicle accessory 18 to the accessory port 16. In addition, the electrical contacts 88 of the vehicle accessory 18 are connected to the electrical contacts 90 of the accessory port 16.

[0058] In fan 18( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ), the fan is powered by the vehicle 10 due to the connection between the contacts 88, 90. When powered, the fan 18 draws air from the duct 70 and the HVAC system 72 into the cabin 12 through the holes 56, 64, 66 of the accessory port 16. In doing so, the fan 18 supplements the fan of the HVAC system 72 by increasing the airflow into the cabin 12.

[0059] Due to the connection between contacts 88, 90, the portable speaker 18 ( Figure 6 ) also receives power from the vehicle 10. When powered, the speaker 18 provides audio in the form of music, podcasts, and other media to the occupants of the vehicle 10. Such media may be transmitted from the vehicle 10 to the speaker 18 via a Bluetooth™ connection between the vehicle 10 and the speaker 18. Although the speaker 18 is described and shown as being electrically coupled to the vehicle 10 via contacts 88, 90, the speaker 18 may alternatively be powered by an internal power source (not shown) to allow the speaker 18 to operate independently of the vehicle 10. Furthermore, in addition to or in lieu of a connection to the vehicle 10, the speaker 18 may be connected via Bluetooth™ to communicate with a mobile device (not shown).

[0060] By applying a force on the vehicle accessory 18 to overcome the magnets 84, 86, the vehicle accessory 18 can be moved from the engaged state ( Figure 5 ) moves to the disengaged state ( Figure 4 Once the force of the magnets 84, 86 is overcome, the vehicle accessory 18 can be removed from the accessory port 16. At this point, the vehicle accessory 18 (if powered by an internal power source) can be used away from the accessory port 16 inside or outside the vehicle cabin 12. Alternatively, the vehicle accessory 18 can be attached to the same or a different accessory port 16 within the vehicle 10 in the manner described above. For example, in the case of a fan 18 ( Figure 4 and Figure 5), if the driver desires increased airflow at the driver's seat 20 , the fan 18 can be disengaged from the accessory port 16 located near the passenger door 22 and moved to the accessory port 16 located near the driver's side door 26 .

[0061] Although thus far the vehicle accessories 18 have been described as being moved from a disengaged state to an engaged state at a single accessory port 16, multiple accessory ports 16 may be used with a single vehicle accessory 18. For example, in a vehicle such as a display or screen ( Figure 7 ), multiple accessory ports 16 may be used simultaneously to support the vehicle accessory 18 during use. In this case, the vehicle accessory 18 includes two protrusions 74, which respectively receive the protrusions 32 of a pair of accessory ports 16. Figure 7 In the example of FIG. 4 , the centrally located accessory port 16 is received by corresponding cavities 78 of a pair of protrusions 74 associated with the vehicle accessories 18 (ie, displays or screens).

[0062] As described, the accessory port 16 can be used in conjunction with various vehicle accessories 18 to allow occupants to customize the IP 14 of the vehicle 10 and provide comfort and / or entertainment to the vehicle occupants. The vehicle accessories 18 can be used interchangeably with the accessory port 16 to allow the vehicle occupants to easily reconfigure the IP 14 when needed or desired.

[0063] Many embodiments have been described. However, it should be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims.

[0064] The foregoing description is provided for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. The individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but are interchangeable where applicable and can be used in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. It can also be varied in many ways. Such variations should not be considered as departing from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An accessory system for a vehicle, the accessory system comprising: a housing having a base attached to the vehicle and a projection extending from the base, the projection fluidly coupled to a conduit of the vehicle; as well as A first vehicle accessory has a cavity configured to selectively receive the protrusion of the housing to selectively attach the first vehicle accessory to the housing in an engaged state.

2. The accessory system of claim 1, wherein: The housing includes a first fastener, and the first vehicle accessory includes a second fastener that engages the first fastener when the first vehicle accessory is in the engaged state.

3. The accessory system of claim 2, wherein the first fastener and the second fastener are magnets.

4. The accessory system of claim 1, wherein: The housing includes a first electrical contact and the first vehicle accessory includes a second electrical contact electrically connected to the second electrical contact when the first vehicle accessory is in the engaged state.

5. The accessory system of claim 1, wherein: The protrusion includes an outer peripheral surface including a plurality of substantially flat surfaces, adjacent substantially flat surfaces of the plurality of substantially flat surfaces being joined to each other at a joining portion.

6. The accessory system of claim 5, wherein: The plurality of substantially planar surfaces cooperate to provide an octagonal shape to the protrusion.

7. The accessory system of claim 6, wherein the base includes an outer perimeter having an octagonal shape.

8. The accessory system according to claim 1 further includes a second vehicle accessory, the second vehicle accessory having a cavity, the cavity being configured to selectively receive the protrusion of the shell to selectively attach the second vehicle accessory to the shell in an engaged state and to space the second vehicle accessory from the shell in a disengaged state.

9. The accessory system of claim 8, wherein: The second vehicle accessory is interchangeable with the first vehicle accessory.

10. A vehicle comprising the accessory system of claim 1.

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