Mounting rail for vehicle accessory

Abstract

A mounting track for a vehicle includes a housing attached to the vehicle and including a first portion and a second portion, a first channel extending along the first portion of the housing between a first end defining an opening to the first channel and a second end defining an opening to the second channel, and a lock member attached to the first channel. And a lock member located proximate the opening to the first channel, the lock member disposed in a lock housing and movable relative to the lock housing between a locked state in which access to the opening of the first channel is blocked and an unlocked state in which the lock member is spaced apart from the opening of the first channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] 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, to the extent it is described in this section and in aspects of the description that may not qualify as prior art at the time of filing, is neither explicitly nor implicitly admitted to be prior art against the present disclosure.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a mounting track and, more particularly, to a mounting track for selectively attaching a vehicle accessory within a passenger compartment of a vehicle. Background Art

[0003] Conventional vehicles typically include fixed vehicle controls and accessories. For example, entertainment systems (such as radios, video displays, and controls for such radios and displays) are permanently integrated with the surrounding vehicle structure. In the case of radios, physical knobs and / or touch screens can be integrated with the vehicle's instrument panel (IP) and can be set in a fixed, permanent position on the IP to allow the driver and passengers to access the radio and its controls. Video displays can be similarly integrated into the IP and / or can be integrated into the rear of the passenger compartment to allow second and / or third row occupants to view and control such displays. Video displays can be permanently integrated into the IP, the vehicle's roof lining, and / or the vehicle seats to allow vehicle occupants to watch shows or movies while sitting in the vehicle.

[0004] Other vehicle controls such as knobs, switches, and touch screen displays may also be integrated into the IP and other vehicle structures to allow the driver or passenger to control the operation of the vehicle and its accessories. For example, a series of knobs, switches, and / or touch screen displays may be integrated into the IP for use by the driver and passengers to control the vehicle's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, to control the operation of vehicle accessories such as a sunroof or heated / ventilated seats, or to control vehicle functions such as a parking brake or hood release mechanism.

[0005] While fixed controls such as knobs, switches, and touch screen displays allow vehicle drivers and passengers to control the vehicle, vehicle systems, and vehicle accessories, such controls are not customized for a particular driver or passenger. Therefore, the location and / or functionality of such fixed controls may not be optimal for a particular driver and / or passenger. Therefore, there is a need to provide vehicle controls that are customizable for the driver and / or passenger to allow the driver and / or passenger to customize the configuration of the vehicle to suit their specific needs. Summary of the invention

[0006] A mounting rail for a vehicle is provided, the mounting rail comprising a housing, a first channel and a locking member, the housing being attached to the vehicle and comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first channel extending along the first portion of the housing between a first end and a second end, the first end defining an opening leading to the first channel, the locking member being positioned proximate the opening leading to the first channel, the locking member being disposed in a lock housing and being movable relative to the lock housing between a locked state that blocks access to the opening of the first channel and an unlocked state that is spaced apart from the opening of the first channel.

[0007] The mounting track may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the locking member may extend from the outer surface of the lock housing in the locked state and may be recessed from the outer surface of the lock housing in the unlocked state. The locking member may move between the locked state and the unlocked state in response to a signal received from an external device. The external device may be at least one of a mobile phone or a tablet computer.

[0008] The vehicle accessory may be supported by the accessory mount, the accessory mount being selectively received by the first channel when the locking member is in the unlocked state, the accessory mount being movable between a plurality of positions relative to and within the first channel along the length of the housing. The mounting track may include a first electrical connector, and the accessory mount may include a second electrical connector, the first electrical connector selectively coupled to the second electrical connector to form an electrical connection between the mounting track and the accessory mount to provide at least one of power and data from the vehicle to the vehicle accessory. In one configuration, the electrical connection may be one of a USB connection and a pin connection.

[0009] The vehicle accessory may be one of a display, a push button switch, and a toggle switch. Additionally or alternatively, the accessory mount may include a latch assembly configured to selectively secure a position of the accessory mount relative to the housing.

[0010] The vehicle may include mounting tracks.

[0011] In another construction, an accessory mounting system for a vehicle is provided, the accessory mounting system comprising a mounting rail including a housing defining a first channel having an opening, a locking member located proximate the opening of the first channel, the locking member being disposed in the lock housing and movable relative to the lock housing between a locked state that blocks access to the opening of the first channel and an unlocked state that is spaced apart from the opening of the first channel, and a first vehicle accessory attached to the accessory mounting member, the accessory mounting system comprising a post that is configured to enter the first channel at the opening of the first channel when the locking member is in the unlocked state, and to be blocked from entering the first channel at the first opening or being removed from the first channel at the opening when the locking member is in the locked state.

[0012] The accessory mounting system may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the first vehicle accessory may be one of a display, a push button switch, and a toggle switch. Additionally or alternatively, the accessory mount may include a latch assembly configured to selectively secure a position of the accessory mount relative to the housing.

[0013] The locking member may extend from the outer surface of the lock housing in a locked state, and may be recessed from the outer surface of the lock housing in an unlocked state. The locking member may move between the locked state and the unlocked state in response to a signal received from an external device.

[0014] In one configuration, the mounting track may include a first electrical connector and the accessory mount may include a second electrical connector, the first electrical connector selectively coupled to the second electrical connector to form an electrical connection between the mounting track and the accessory mount to provide at least one of power and data from the vehicle to the first vehicle accessory. The electrical connection may be one of a USB connection and a pin connection.

[0015] In yet another configuration, a vehicle is provided that includes an instrument panel, a mounting rail, and a first vehicle accessory, the mounting rail including a housing that is attached to the instrument panel and defines a first channel having an opening, a locking member that is located adjacent the opening of the first channel, the locking member being disposed in the lock housing and movable relative to the lock housing between a locked state that blocks access to the opening of the first channel and an unlocked state that is spaced apart from the opening of the first channel, the first vehicle accessory being attached to an accessory mounting member, the accessory mounting member including a column that is configured to enter the first channel at the opening of the first channel when the locking member is in the unlocked state, and to be blocked from entering the first channel at the first opening or being removed from the first channel at the opening when the locking member is in the locked state.

[0016] The vehicle may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the locking member may be moved between a locked state and an unlocked state in response to a signal received from an external device, the external device being one of a mobile phone or a tablet. Additionally or alternatively, the first vehicle accessory may be one of a display, a push button switch, and a toggle switch. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial perspective view of a passenger compartment of a vehicle showing a mounting track according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A partial perspective view of a mounting track of , showing a vehicle accessory detached from the mounting track and two vehicle accessories attached to the mounting track;

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A partial perspective view of a mounting track of , showing a vehicle accessory and a locking mechanism attached to the mounting track according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of a vehicle accessory and a mounting track, wherein the vehicle accessory is attached to the mounting track;

[0023] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 a locking mechanism for a vehicle accessory; and

[0024] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a vehicle accessory and a mounting track, wherein the vehicle accessory is attached to the mounting track.

[0025] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] refer to Figure 1, a vehicle 10 is provided that includes a passenger compartment or occupant compartment 12, an instrument panel (IP) 14, and an accessory mounting system 16. The IP 14 is disposed within the passenger compartment 12 and supports the accessory mounting system 16 relative to a driver seat 18 and a passenger seat 20. As will be described in detail below, the accessory mounting system 16 is used to secure and position vehicle accessories 22 relative to the IP 14 for use by a driver or passenger seated in the driver seat 18 or the passenger seat 20, respectively.

[0040] The accessory mounting system 16 includes a mounting track 24 and a locking assembly 26 configured to prevent the vehicle accessory 22 from being undesirably removed from the mounting track 24. The mounting track 24 can extend along the entire length of the IP 14 from the driver's side of the vehicle 10 to the passenger side of the vehicle 10. Alternatively, the mounting track 24 can include individual segments that are aligned with each other or staggered with each other over the length of the IP 14. Although the mounting track 24 can include a unitary structure that extends continuously along the length of the IP 14, or can include individual segments that are aligned with each other or staggered with each other, the mounting track 24 will be described and illustrated below as having a unitary structure that extends continuously along the length of the IP 14 from the driver's side to the passenger side.

[0041] The mounting rail 24 includes a housing 28 that defines a first surface 30, a second surface 32, and a third surface 34 that extends between and connects the first surface 30 and the second surface 32. As shown, the first surface 30 and the second surface 32 are formed at an angle relative to each other and cooperate with the third surface 34 to provide the housing 28 with a symmetrical structure. Specifically, the first surface 30 and the second surface 32 are each formed at an angle (φ) relative to each other (φ) Figure 5 ), and are formed at the same angle relative to the third surface 34, thereby providing a symmetrical structure for the mounting rail 24.

[0042] The first surface 30 includes a first channel 36 extending along the length of the first surface 30. Similarly, the second surface 32 includes a second channel 38 extending along the length of the second surface 32. The first channel 36 and the second channel 38 can be vertically aligned with each other, such as Figure 5 and Figure 7 shown.

[0043] The locking assembly 26 is disposed adjacent to the mounting track 24 and includes a housing 40, a first locking member 42, and a second locking member 44. The housing 40 is fixed relative to the mounting track 24 and supports the first locking member 42 and the second locking member 44 relative to the mounting track 24. Specifically, the first locking member 42 is aligned with the first passage 36 and selectively blocks the opening to the first passage 36, and the second locking member 44 is aligned with the second passage 38 and selectively blocks the opening to the second passage 38. Each of the first locking member 42 and the second locking member 44 is movable between a locked or extended state and an unlocked or depressed state. When the locking members 42, 44 are in the extended state, the locking members 42, 44 extend from the housing 40. When the locking members 42, 44 are in the depressed state, the locking members 42, 44 are recessed from the outer surface 46 of the housing 40 to allow access to the respective first passage 36 and second passage 38, as will be described in more detail below.

[0044] The first lock 42 and the second lock 44 can be biased to an extended state by a biasing member (not shown). In one configuration, the biasing member is a spring and is used to bias the first lock 42 and the second lock 44 to an extended state to prevent access to the first passage 36 and the second passage 38, and in doing so, prevent the accessory 22 from being removed from the first passage 36 and the second passage 38. The first lock 42 and the second lock 44 can be moved from an extended or locked state to a depressed or unlocked state by sending a signal from a mobile device 48 associated with an owner, passenger, or authorized user of the vehicle 10. Specifically, the owner, passenger, or authorized user can send a signal to one or both of the first lock 42 and the second lock 44 from a mobile device 48 such as a cellular phone or a tablet to move one or both of the first lock 42 and the second lock 44 to an unlocked state. In doing so, the first lock and / or the second lock 44 are recessed from the outer surface 46 of the housing 40 and allow access to the first passage 36 and / or the second passage 38. As will be described in more detail below, when the first locking member 42 and / or the second locking member 44 are in an unlocked state allowing access to the first channel 36 and / or the second channel 38, the vehicle accessory 22 can be inserted into the first channel 36 and / or the second channel 38, or can be removed from the first channel 36 and / or the second channel 38.

[0045] The vehicle accessory 22 may be a display 50 ( Figure 2 and Figure 3 )、Button switch 52( Figure 4 ) and / or toggle switch 54 ( Figure 4 The display 50 is attached to the mounting rail 24 at the first channel 36 and the second channel 38 and can be positioned adjacent to other displays 50 along the length of the mounting rail 24, such as Figure 2As shown, to provide a somewhat continuous display extending from the driver's side to the passenger side. The displays 50 can be synchronized with each other so that the displays 50 extend and cooperate to appear to be a single display. Alternatively, one or more of the displays 50 can be used separately to display content different from the other displays 50. For example, two displays can cooperate to display the instrument of the vehicle 10, while another display 50 can be used to display a live feed from a rear camera, a front camera, and / or a side camera (not shown). Although the mounting track 24 is shown as including multiple displays 50, the mounting track 24 can receive only a single display 50 or no display 50, depending on the specific needs of the driver and / or passengers.

[0046] like Figure 4 As shown, a pair of push button switches 52 are shown as being attached to the mounting rail 24 at the first channel 36 and the second channel 38, respectively. Specifically, the first push button switch 52a of the push button switch 52 is attached to the mounting rail 24 at the first channel 36, and the second push button switch 52b of the push button switch 52 is attached to the mounting rail 24 at the second channel 38. Therefore, although the push button switch 52a is vertically aligned with the push button switch 52b, this is not necessarily the case because the switches 52a, 52b are individually and independently attached to the mounting rail 24. Each switch 52a, 52b includes a button 56 that can be pressed to switch the vehicle accessory in communication with the button 56 between an on state and an off state. For example, one of the push button switches 52 can communicate with a winch (not shown). Therefore, when the push button switch 52 is pressed, the winch can be powered on to wind a length of cable (not shown). When the push button switch 52 is pressed a second time, the vehicle accessory (the winch in this example) can stop or can remain powered on but rotate in the opposite direction to pay out a certain length of cable.

[0047] The toggle switch 54 is attached to the mounting rail 24 at the first channel 36 and the second channel 38. The toggle switch 54 includes a switch 58 that can be moved between a first state by pressing a first end 58a of the switch 58 and a second state by pressing a second end 58b of the switch 58. As with the push button switch 52, the toggle switch 54 can communicate with a vehicle accessory. For example, the toggle switch 54 can be in communication with a light bar (not shown) such that when the first end 58a of the toggle switch 54 is pressed, the light bar turns on, and when the second end 58b of the toggle switch 54 is pressed, the light bar turns off.

[0048] Although the vehicle accessory 22 is described and shown as including a display 50, a push button switch 52, and a toggle switch 54, the vehicle accessory 22 may include a variety of other configurations. For example, the vehicle accessory 22 may include a cup holder, a mobile device holder, a dial, a portable speaker, or a fan (not shown). In short, the vehicle accessory 22 may be virtually anything that a driver or passenger may need while operating or sitting in the vehicle 10.

[0049] Specific reference Figure 4-7 , the operation of the accessory mounting system 16 will be described in detail. The vehicle accessory 22 can be attached to the mounting rail 24 by first moving one or both of the first locking member 42 and the second locking member 44 from a locked state to an unlocked state by transmitting a signal from the moving device 48 to the first locking member 42 and / or the second locking member 44. Although the locking members 42, 44 can be independently operated to allow the first channel 36 or the second channel 38 to receive the vehicle accessory 22 individually, the vehicle accessory 22 (such as a first channel 36 and a second channel 38) received by both the first channel 36 and the second channel 38 will be described in detail. Figure 4 The following examples are described using the display 50 or toggle switch 54 shown in FIG.

[0050] When the first locking member 42 and the second locking member 44 are moved to the unlocked state, the first locking member 42 and the second locking member 44 are recessed from the outer surface 46 of the housing 40. Therefore, the openings to the first passage 36 and the second passage 38 are accessible. At this time, the mounting interface 60 associated with the particular vehicle accessory 22 can be inserted into the locking member housing 40 at the recess caused by the recessing of each locking member 42, 44 from the outer surface 46 of the housing 40.

[0051] Inserting the mounting interface 60 into the depression caused by the movement of the locking members 42, 44 to the depressed or unlocked state aligns the mounting interface 60 with the first and second channels 36, 38 of the mounting track 24. At this point, the mounting interface 60, as well as the display 50, can be translated from a position above the recessed locking members 42, 44 into the channels 36, 38. Once the mounting interface 60 is received within the channels 36, 38, the mounting interface 60 can be moved along the mounting track 24 with the display 50 until the desired position of the display 50 along the mounting track 24 is achieved.

[0052] like Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the mounting interface 60 includes a housing 62 that supports a particular vehicle accessory 22. In this example, and as shown in FIG. Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the housing 62 is fixedly attached to the display 50. Thus, when the housing 62 of the mounting interface 60 moves along the mounting track 24, the display 50 moves along the mounting track 24 along with the housing 62.

[0053] The mounting interface 60 includes a latch assembly 64 positioned proximate a first end 68 of the housing 62 and a connection assembly 66 positioned proximate a second end 70 of the housing 62. The latch assembly 64 is used to attach the first end 68 of the housing 62 to the mounting track 24, while the connection assembly 66 is used to attach the second end 70 of the housing 62 to the mounting track 24 and provide communication between the vehicle accessory 50 and the vehicle 10.

[0054] The latch assembly 64 includes a post 72, a retainer 74, and a cam actuated rod 76. The post 72 extends from the cam actuated rod 76 through the first channel 36 and is attached to the retainer 74 at its distal end. When the post 72 is inserted into the first channel 36, the retainer 74 is opposed to and in contact with the rear surface 78 of the housing 28. When the mounting interface 60 first approaches the mounting track 24 and the first locking member 42 is in the unlocked state, the retainer 74 is opposed to the outer surface of the first locking member 42, and the post 72 is aligned with the first channel 36. Because the first locking member 42 is recessed from the outer surface 46 of the housing 40, the retainer 74 can be positioned below the rear surface 78 of the mounting track 24. In addition, when the cam actuated rod 76 is in the unlocked state, the retainer 74 is in contact with the rear surface 78 of the housing 28. Figure 5 and Figure 7 With the position shown in phantom, there is sufficient clearance between the retainer 78 and the rear surface 78 to allow the retainer 78 to move relative to and along the rear surface 78 as the post 72 traverses the first slot 36 .

[0055] Once the desired position of the vehicle accessory 22 along the mounting track 24 is achieved, a force may be applied to the cam actuated lever 76 to rotate the lever 76 about the axis A to a desired position. Figure 5 and Figure 7 Because the cam actuated lever 76 includes a cam surface 80, this rotation effectively moves the post 72 in a direction away from the first surface 30 of the mounting rail 24. In doing so, a force is applied to the retainer 74, causing the retainer 74 to move in the same direction as the post 72 until the retainer 74 engages the rear surface 78 of the mounting rail 24. At this point, the mounting rail 24 is effectively clamped between the retainer 74 and the cam actuated lever 76, thereby limiting movement of the mounting interface 60, and therefore limiting movement of the display 50 relative to the mounting rail 24.

[0056] The connection assembly 66 includes an actuator assembly 82 that can be moved from an engaged state ( Figure 5 and Figure 7) is moved to a disengaged state. When the actuator assembly 82 is in the engaged state, the mounting interface 60 is electrically connected to the vehicle 10 so that the vehicle 10 can provide power and / or data to the mounting interface 60. Due to the electrical connection between the housing 62 of the mounting interface 60 and the vehicle accessory 22, power and / or data can be provided to the vehicle accessory 22. In the present example, when the housing 62 is electrically connected to the vehicle 10 through the actuator assembly 82, power and / or data from the vehicle 10 can be supplied to the display 50 via the electrical connection between the housing 62 of the mounting interface 60 and the mounting rail 24, as will be described in more detail below.

[0057] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the actuator assembly 82 is shown to include a housing 84, a rod 86, a USB housing 88, and a stop mechanism 90. As will be described, when the mounting interface 60 is positioned in one of a plurality of positions along the mounting track 24, the USB housing 88 will be positioned such that the USB housing 88 is opposite and aligned with a USB port 92 associated with the vehicle 10.

[0058] During operation, as the mounting interface 60 moves along the mounting track 24 within the second channel 38, the stop mechanism 90 moves with the mounting interface 60. Figure 6 As shown, the stop mechanism 90 extends through the second channel 38 and includes a recess 94 that moves with the mounting interface 60 relative to the mounting track 24. When the stop mechanism 90 encounters any one of a plurality of USB ports 92 of the vehicle 10 (located behind the mounting track 24 and opposite the rear surface 78), the stop mechanism 90 engages a housing 96 of the USB port 92 to properly position the USB housing 88 relative to the USB port 92. Specifically, a portion of the housing 96 is received by the stop mechanism 90 such that the housing 96 is disposed within the recess 94.

[0059] When the USB housing 88 is aligned with the USB port 92 of the vehicle 10 and the housing 96 is received in the recess 94 of the stop mechanism 90, a force can be applied to the rod 86 to rotate the rod 86 relative to the housing 84. In doing so, due to the connection between the one or more pins 98 of the USB housing 88 and the fork 100 of the rod 86, a force is applied to the USB housing 88, causing the USB housing 88 to move in a direction toward the USB port 92. Specifically, when the rod 86 is relative to the housing 84, the rod 86 is rotated. Figure 5 When rotated clockwise in the illustrated view, engagement between the prongs 100 of the lever 86 and the pins 98 of the USB housing 88 causes the prongs 100 to exert a force on the pins 98 , thereby moving the USB housing 88 relative to the housing 84 and in a direction toward the USB port 92 .

[0060] When the USB housing 88 is fully moved in a direction toward the USB port 92, the USB connector 102, which is fixed for movement with the USB housing 88, is received by the USB port 92 of the vehicle 10, thereby placing the mounting interface 60, and therefore the display 50, in electrical communication with the vehicle 10. At this point, the display 50 can receive power and / or data from the vehicle 10 due to the connection between the USB port and the USB connector 102.

[0061] Special References Figure 7 , the mounting interface 60 is shown as being electrically coupled to the vehicle via a pin connector 104. In this configuration, the vehicle 10 includes a series of pins 106 extending along substantially the entire length of the mounting track 24 and is used in place of the USB port 92 described above. In this configuration, the pin connector 104 of the mounting interface 60 can engage the series of pins 106 associated with the vehicle 10 at nearly any location along the length of the mounting track 24. When the pin connector 104 engages the pins 106 of the vehicle 10, the mounting interface 60, and therefore the display 50, is electrically connected to the vehicle 10 to allow the vehicle 10 to supply power and / or data to the display 50.

[0062] In operation, the mounting interface 60 can be moved along the mounting track 24 until the desired position of the display 50 along the mounting track 24 is achieved. At this point, a force can be applied to the rod 86 to cause the rod 86 to move relative to the mounting track 24. Figure 7 The view shown is rotated in a clockwise direction so that the pin housing 108 supporting the pin connector 104 moves in a direction toward the pin 106 of the vehicle 10. Specifically, Figure 5 Like the USB housing 88, the rod 84 is relative to Figure 7 Rotation in a clockwise direction in the view shown causes the fork 100 to engage the pins 98 of the pin housing 108, thereby causing the pin housing 108 to move the pin connector 104 into engagement with the pins 106 of the vehicle 10. At this point, the vehicle 10 can supply power and / or data to the display 50. Figure 7 The view shown in FIG. 8 rotates the cam actuated lever 76 in a counterclockwise direction to engage the retainer 74 with the rear surface 78 to maintain the position of the mounting interface 60 .

[0063] Although the vehicle accessory 22 is described and shown as being connected to the vehicle 10 via a USB or pin connection, the vehicle accessory 22 may additionally or alternatively communicate with the vehicle 10 via a wireless connection. For example, the vehicle accessory 22 may communicate with the vehicle 10 via a Bluetooth connection.

[0064] Once the mounting interface 60 is received by the first and second passages 36 and 38, the first and second locking members 42 and 44 can be returned to the locked state. At this point, the first and second locking members 42 and 44 again protrude from the outer surface 46 of the housing 40. In doing so, the first and second locking members 42 and 44 block the entrance to the first and second passages 36 and prevent the vehicle accessory 22 from being removed from the mounting track 24 until the first and second locking members 42 and 44 are returned to the unlocked state.

[0065] As described, the mounting track 24 used with the vehicle 10 provides the driver or passenger with the ability to secure the vehicle accessory 22 at multiple locations along the mounting track 24, and also provides the ability to continuously modify and move the accessory 22 along the mounting track 24. In addition, the connection of the vehicle accessory 22 to the mounting track 24 also provides the vehicle accessory 22 with power and / or data from the vehicle 10.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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. A mounting track for a vehicle, the mounting track comprising: a housing attached to the vehicle and comprising a first portion and a second portion; a first passage extending along the first portion of the housing between a first end and a second end, the first end defining an opening to the first passage; as well as A locking member is located near the opening to the first passage, the locking member is disposed in a lock housing and is movable relative to the lock housing between a locked state that blocks access to the opening to the first passage and an unlocked state that is spaced apart from the opening to the first passage.

2. The mounting rail according to claim 1, wherein: The locking member extends from an outer surface of the lock housing in the locked state, and is recessed from the outer surface of the lock housing in the unlocked state. 3 . The mounting track of claim 2 , wherein the locking member is movable between the locked state and the unlocked state in response to a signal received from an external device.

4. The mounting rail according to claim 3, wherein: The external device is at least one of a mobile phone or a tablet computer.

5. The mounting track of claim 1 further comprising a vehicle accessory supported by an accessory mount, the accessory mount being selectively received by the first channel when the locking member is in the unlocked state, the accessory mount being movable between a plurality of positions relative to and within the first channel along the length of the housing.

6. The mounting rail according to claim 5, wherein: The mounting track includes a first electrical connector and the accessory mount includes a second electrical connector, the first electrical connector selectively coupled to the second electrical connector to form an electrical connection between the mounting track and the accessory mount to provide at least one of power and data from the vehicle to the vehicle accessory.

7. The mounting rail according to claim 6, wherein: The electrical connection is one of a USB connection and a pin connection.

8. The mounting rail according to claim 5, wherein: The vehicle accessory is one of a display, a push button switch and a toggle switch.

9. The mounting rail according to claim 5, wherein: The accessory mount includes a latch assembly configured to selectively secure a position of the accessory mount relative to the housing.

10. A vehicle comprising the mounting rail according to claim 1.

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