Accessory Carrier

A body defines an opening, an extendable support is movable between a retracted position and an extended position, and a is closure connected to the extendable support and movable between a closed position and a use position. An accessory support area is defined between the closure and the body when the closure is in the use position, and the accessory support area is configured to allow connection of an accessory.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of accessory carriers for vehicles.

BACKGROUND

Vehicles are often used to carry cargo. Various types of cargo carrying arrangements have been used to carry specific types of cargo items or to increase cargo capacity.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the disclosure is a vehicle that includes a vehicle body that defines an opening, an extendable support that is movable between a retracted position and an extended position, and a closure connected to the extendable support and movable between a closed position and a use position. The closure is located in the opening of the vehicle body when the closure is in the closed position, and the extendable support is in the retracted position when the closure is in the closed position. The closure is spaced from the opening of the vehicle body when the closure is in the use position, and the extendable support is in the extended position when the closure is in the use position. An accessory support area is defined between the closure and the vehicle body when the closure is in the use position, and the accessory support area is configured to allow connection of an accessory to the vehicle.

The vehicle may include a seal that is connected to the vehicle body and extends around the opening, wherein the seal is engaged with the closure when the closure is in the closed position, and the seal is engaged with the accessory when the closure is in the use position and the accessory is connected to the vehicle. The vehicle may include releasable couplers that are configured to connect the accessory to at least one of the extendable support, the closure, or the vehicle body.

In some implementations, the accessory is located in an interior space of the vehicle body when the closure is in the closed position and the accessory is slidable at least partially out of the interior space of the vehicle body through the opening of the vehicle body when the closure is in the use position. The vehicle may include a seal connected to the vehicle body and extending around the opening, wherein the seal is engageable with a peripheral surface of the accessory. The vehicle may include a deployable ramp that is connected to the extendable support and movable between a stowed position and a deployed position.

The vehicle may include a pivot joint that connects the closure to the extendable support and is configured to allow the closure to pivot with respect to the extendable support between a generally upright orientation and a generally horizontal orientation. The closure may be in the generally upright orientation in the closed position and the closure may be in the generally upright orientation in the use position. In some implementations, the closure is movable to an open position, the extendable support is in the retracted position when the closure is in the open position, and the closure is in the generally horizontal orientation in the open position. In some implementations the closure is movable to a loading position, the extendable support is in the extended position when the closure is in the loading position, and the closure is in the generally horizontal orientation in the loading position.

The vehicle may include a sensor that is located on the closure and is configured to move with the closure. The sensor may be a camera.

Another aspect of the disclosure is a vehicle that includes a vehicle body that defines an opening and a surface extending around the opening. A seal is located on the surface and extends around the opening. An accessory carrier has an extendable support and a closure, wherein the accessory carrier is movable between a closed position and a use position by extension and retraction of the extendable support, and the closure is engaged with the seal in the closed position. An accessory is connectable to the accessory carrier, wherein the accessory is in engagement with the seal when the accessory is connected to the accessory carrier.

In some implementations, engagement of the seal with the accessory seals an internal space of the vehicle against entry of water when the accessory is connected to the accessory carrier. A longitudinal end wall of the accessory may be oriented toward the opening and be in engagement with the seal when the accessory is connected to the accessory carrier. The longitudinal end wall of the accessory may be free from openings so that an interior space of the accessory is not accessible from an interior space of the vehicle body when the accessory is connected to the accessory carrier.

Another aspect of the disclosure is a vehicle that includes a vehicle body that defines an opening, an extendable support movable between a retracted position and an extended position, and a closure having an outer closure panel that is connected to the extendable support and an inner closure panel that is pivotally connected to the vehicle body. The outer closure panel is movable between a closed position of the outer closure panel, in which the outer closure panel is adjacent to the inner closure panel and the extendable support is in the retracted position, and a use position of the outer closure panel, in which the outer closure panel is spaced from the inner closure panel and the extendable support is in the extended position to define an accessory support area. The inner closure panel is movable between a closed position of the inner closure panel, in which the inner closure panel is located in the opening, and an open position of the inner closure panel, in which the inner closure panel is spaced from the opening.

The vehicle may include a pivot joint that connects the outer closure panel to the extendable support and is configured to allow the outer closure panel to pivot with respect to the extendable support between a generally upright orientation and a generally horizontal orientation, wherein the outer closure panel is in the generally upright orientation in the closed position and the outer closure panel is in the generally upright orientation in the use position. In some implementations, the outer closure panel is movable to an open position, the extendable support is in the retracted position in the open position of the outer closure panel, the outer closure panel is in the generally horizontal orientation in the open position of the outer closure panel, the outer closure panel is movable to a loading position, the extendable support is in the extended position in the loading position of the outer closure panel, and the outer closure panel is in the generally horizontal orientation in the loading position of the outer closure panel. The vehicle may include releasable couplers that are configured to connect an accessory to at least one of the extendable support, the outer closure panel, the inner closure panel, or the vehicle body in order to secure the accessory.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosure herein relates to a vehicle having an accessory carrier that is defined in part by a closure (e.g., a panel that can be opened and closed). The accessory carrier is movable from a closed position to a use position, in which cargo items or accessories can be secured to the accessory carrier. In some implementations, the accessory that is carried by the accessory carrier may engage a seal that extends around an opening that is defined by the vehicle body, in order to seal the opening against entry of water and wind while the accessory is being carried by the accessory carrier.

FIGS.1A-1Dare a perspective illustrations of a vehicle100that includes a vehicle body102and an accessory carrier104. The accessory carrier104includes a closure106, an extendable support108, and pivot joints110. The closure106(e.g., a closure panel or a movable panel) is an openable panel that is configured to provide access to an interior space that is defined by the vehicle body102, such as a cargo area. The closure106is connected to the vehicle body102by the extendable support108and the pivot joints110. The closure106of the accessory carrier104is movable between a closed position (FIG.1A), an open position (FIG.1B), a loading position (FIG.1C), and a use position (FIG.1D). These positions may also be referred to as positions of the accessory carrier104.

The vehicle100may be a road going vehicle that includes features that are typically found in conventional examples of such vehicles. As an example, the vehicle body102may be part of a sprung mass of the vehicle100that is supported with respect to a surface (e.g., a road surface) by wheels, tires, suspension components, and other conventional components. These and other conventional vehicle components are not shown herein for clarity.

The vehicle body102includes multiple structures that in combination define the primary structural and aesthetic components of the vehicle100, such as the body, chassis, and/or frame of the vehicle100. The vehicle body102may be or include exterior body panels, interior panels, trim components, a frame, a subframe, a unibody, a monocoque, and/or other vehicle body components of any type. The vehicle body102defines one or more interior spaces (not shown), such as a passenger compartment and/or a cargo compartment.

The vehicle body102and other components of the vehicle100may be referred to herein as extending a longitudinal direction, a lateral direction, and in an elevational direction. The longitudinal direction is a front-to-rear direction that corresponds to straight-line travel of the vehicle100. The lateral direction is a side-to-side direction of the vehicle100. The elevational direction is top-to-bottom direction of the vehicle100.

The vehicle body102defines an opening112that allows an interior space113(e.g., cargo compartment) that is defined by the vehicle body102to be accessed from outside the vehicle100. As an example, the opening112may extend through a wall panel114that is defined by the vehicle body102. The wall panel114may be defined continuously around the opening112(e.g., adjacent to top, bottom, left, and right sides thereof). A surface116extends around the opening112(e.g., around the periphery of the opening112). A seal118is connected to the vehicle body102and is located on the surface116. As an example, the seal118may extend continuously around the opening112on the surface116. The seal118is intended to define a sealed interface between the closure106and the vehicle body102when the accessory carrier104is in the closed position (FIG.1A), by engagement of the seal118with the surface116and the closure106. The seal118is a flexible, resilient structure of conventional design, which may be formed from, for example, synthetic rubber.

The structural configuration of the closure106is equivalent to that of a door or a liftgate of a conventional vehicle, except as described otherwise herein. Example, the closure106may define part of a side, front, or back of the vehicle body102of the vehicle100, and may include a window.

The vehicle100may include one or more sensors107that are located on the closure106. Examples of devices that may be included in the sensors107include cameras, LIDAR devices, and other two-dimensional and three-dimensional imaging devices. The sensors107may be used by the vehicle100as inputs to automated driving functions. Because they are located on the closure106, the one or more sensors107are configured to move with the closure106, for example, during movement between the closed position and the use position. By placing the sensors107on the closure106, the field of view of the each of the sensors107will not be obstructed by objects placed on the accessory carrier104, as could occur with respect to sensors that are located on the vehicle body102.

In the closed position (FIG.1A), the closure106occupies the opening112in the vehicle body102, such that the interior space113of the vehicle body102cannot be accessed through the opening112. The closure106has an exterior surface120that is generally aligned with the surface of the wall panel114of the vehicle body102when the closure106is in the closed position. In the open position (FIG.1B), the closure106is moved out of the opening112, and no longer obstructs the opening112, thereby allowing access to the interior of the vehicle body102through the opening112. Illustrated implementation, the closure106moves from the closed position to the open position by pivoting downward using the pivot joints110. Thus, in the closed position, the closure106may be positioned so that it is generally upright, and in the open position, the closure106may be positioned so that it is generally horizontal.

To move the closure106between the closed position and the open position, the pivot joints110may be controllable electromechanical devices (e.g., incorporating an electric motor that drives pivoting movement of the closure) that are connected to the closure106and to the extendable support108. In the closed position, the pivot joints110may be positioned at their closest location relative to the vehicle body102, thereby placing and axis of rotation of the closure106adjacent to the vehicle body102during movement between the closed position and the open position.

The accessory carrier104may be moved from the open position to a loading position (FIG.1C) and to a use position (FIG.1D). In the loading position, the closure106is positioned in a generally horizontal orientation (e.g., within thirty degrees of horizontal), and is spaced from the vehicle body102in the longitudinal direction by the extendable support108. In the use position, the closure106is positioned in a generally upright orientation (e.g., within thirty degrees of vertical), and is spaced from the vehicle body102in the longitudinal direction by the extendable support108. The space between the closure106and the vehicle body102defines an accessory support area105, for example, on the extendable support108. In the loading position, the generally horizontal orientation of the closure106facilitates loading and unloading of cargo items with respect to the accessory carrier104. In the use position, the generally upright orientation of the closure106allows for securement of cargo items between the closure106and the vehicle body102, for example, by securing the cargo items to the closure106, the extendable support108, and/or the vehicle body102.

During movement from the open position to a loading position and to a use position, the closure106moves in the longitudinal direction relative to the vehicle body102. The closure106is closest to the vehicle body102in the closed position, and is relatively farther from the vehicle body102in the loading position and the use position.

To move the accessory carrier104between the open position and the loading position or the use position, the extendable support108is movable between a retracted position (FIGS.1A-1B) and an extended position (FIGS.1C-1D). The extendable support108is located near a bottom end of the opening112and is connected to the bottom end of the closure106by the pivot joints. This vertical position allows the extendable support108to define a cargo area between the closure106and the vehicle body102, and cargo items and/or accessories can be secured to the accessory carrier104in the cargo area when the accessory carrier104is in the use position.

In the illustrated implementation, the extendable support108includes support beams122that are located primarily within the vehicle body102in the retracted position, such as in housings124that are defined by the vehicle body102and located, for example, under a floor of the cargo area of the vehicle100. During movement from the retracted position toward the extended position, the support beams122move outward relative to the housings124so that a greater length of the support beams extends out of the housings124in order to space the closure106from the vehicle body102. In the extended position, a majority of the length of the support beams122may be located outside of the housings124and located rearward from the surface116of the vehicle body102and the opening112of the vehicle body102.

The support beams122of the illustrated implementation include two separate beams that are spaced apart from one another in the lateral direction of the vehicle100. Other configurations may be used for the support beams122. In addition, other types of structures may be used as the extendable support108instead of the support beams122, such as an extendable panel that extends continuously in the lateral direction and has a width that is, for example, 75% or more of a width of the closure106.

An example implementation of the support beams122is shown inFIG.2(in which a single one of the support beams is shown). In the retracted position, the support beams122are located primarily in the housings124, and is connected to and actuator system226it is configured to move the support beams122between the retracted position and the extended position (shown in dashed lines). The actuator system226includes an electric motor227that is connected to the support beams122by a cable228. The cable228is coupled to a spool230that is driven by the electric motor227, and is supported in part by pulleys229that define a loop configuration for the cable228, and allow the cable228to thereby drive extension and retraction of the support beams122through one or more connections of the cable228to the support beams122. Other configurations and types of actuators can be employed in the actuator system226to cause movement of the extendable support108between the retracted position and the extended position. In addition, although the support beams122are shown as single-piece beams in the illustrated implementation, the support beams122may instead be multi-piece beams that extend and retract telescopically, and the actuator system226can be adapted to drive telescopic extension and retraction of the support beams122according to known designs.

The accessory carrier104can be moved from the loading position to the use position by pivoting the closure106upwards from the generally horizontal position to the generally upright position using the pivot joints110. Movement of the accessory carrier104from the use position to the loading position occurs in the opposite manner. The accessory carrier104can be moved directly from the closed position to the use position without first moving to the open position or the loading position, for example, by moving the extendable support108from the retracted position to the extended position without first pivoting the closure106downward, and the accessory carrier104can be moved directly from the use position to the closed position in the opposite manner.

Thus, the vehicle100includes the vehicle body102, which that defines the opening112, the extendable support108, and the closure106. The vehicle body102may extend continuously around the opening112(e.g., defining top, bottom, left, and right portions that frame the opening). The extendable support108is movable between the retracted position and the extended position. The closure106is connected to the extendable support108and is movable between the closed position and the use position. The closure106is located in the opening112of the vehicle body102and may obstruct the opening112of the vehicle body102when the closure106is in the closed position, and the extendable support108is in the retracted position when the closure106is in the closed position. The closure106is spaced from the opening112of the vehicle body102when the closure is in the use position, and the extendable support108is in the extended position when the closure106is in the use position. The accessory support area105is defined between the closure106and the vehicle body102when the closure106is in the use position, and the accessory support area105is configured to allow connection of an accessory to the vehicle100.

FIG.3a side view of the vehicle100that shows the accessory carrier104in the use position and an accessory340according to a first example. The accessory340is connected to the accessory carrier104. The accessory340is connectable and disconnectable with respect to the accessory carrier104, for example, using releasable couplers342, which are any manner of releasable coupling device capable of being moved between a connected position and a disconnected position to allow the accessory340be securely connected to the accessory carrier104and subsequently removed when not needed. As examples, the releasable couplers342maybe releasable locking pins, clamps, bolts, or other types of releasable mechanical fasteners. In some implementations, the releasable couplers342may be controllable electromechanical devices, for example, incorporating electric motors, solenoids, or other controllable electronic components that allow the releasable couplers342to be moved between secured and released positions by a signal from a control system. The releasable couplers342may be located on the closure106, the extendable support108, or the vehicle body102, and may be engageable with corresponding features that are formed on the accessory340.

The accessory340is intended to supplement the capabilities of the vehicle100and the accessory carrier104, such as by adapting the accessory carrier104to carry a specific type of cargo, or by adding a particular type of functionality to the vehicle100. As one example, the accessory340may be a bike rack, as another example, the accessory340may be cargo storage container. As another example, the accessory340may be a battery pack that is intended to supply electrical power to an electric propulsion system of the vehicle100in order to supplement the power supplied by an inboard battery pack of the vehicle100to provide extended range for the vehicle100. As another example, the accessory340may be a refrigerated storage compartment. As another example, the accessory340may be a food preparation station including a grill, a stove, and/or other accessories used for cooking. the foregoing are examples, and the accessory340may be configured to perform functions that are not explicitly stated here.

FIG.4is a side cross section view of the vehicle100that shows the accessory carrier104in the use position and an accessory440according to a second example. The accessory440is connected to the accessory carrier104and is connectable and disconnectable with respect to the accessory carrier104, for example, using the releasable couplers342as previously described. In the illustrated implementation, the accessory440is a cargo storage container that defines an interior space444that is configured to carry cargo items. The accessory440includes a door445that may be opened and closed to allow the interior space444to be accessed from outside of the vehicle100. The accessory440includes a longitudinal end wall446that is oriented toward the opening112of the vehicle body102when the accessory440is connected to the accessory carrier104.

When the accessory carrier104is in the use position, the closure106of the accessory carrier104is not an engagement with the seal118. To resist entry of water into the interior space113of the vehicle body102when the accessory carrier104is in the use position, the accessory440is configured to engage the seal118. In particular, the seal118may be compressed between the surface116of the vehicle body102and the longitudinal end wall446of the accessory440. As previously described, the seal118may extend continuously around the opening112on the surface116. To allow engagement of the longitudinal end wall446of the accessory440with the seal118, the longitudinal end wall446may be sized so that it has an area that is larger than the area that is circumscribed by the seal118, so that an entirety of the seal118is contacted by the longitudinal end wall446of the accessory440and thereby compressed between the surface116of the vehicle body102and the longitudinal end wall446. Thus, by compressing the seal118between the surface116and the longitudinal end wall446of the accessory440, entry of water into the interior space113of the vehicle body102is resisted. In addition, compression of the seal118between the surface116and the longitudinal end wall446may also reduce wind noise that may otherwise be present.

In one implementation, connection of the accessory440to the accessory carrier104by the releasable couplers342serves to compress the seal118between the surface116and the longitudinal end wall446, according to the position of the releasable couplers342with respect to the vehicle body102. In another implementation, movement of the closure106from a generally horizontal orientation in the loading position to a generally upright orientation in the use position causes the closure106to come into contact with the accessory440, and engagement of the closure106with the accessory440applies a force to the accessory440that urges it into engagement with the seal118to compress the seal118between the surface116and the longitudinal end wall446.

Thus, the vehicle100may include the vehicle body102, which defines the opening112and defines the surface116, which extends around the opening112. The seal118is located on the surface116and extends around the opening112. The accessory carrier104includes the extendable support108and the closure106. The accessory carrier104is movable between a closed position and a use position by extension and retraction of the extendable support108. The closure106is engaged with the seal118in the closed position. The accessory440is connectable to the accessory carrier104, and the accessory440is in engagement with the seal118when the accessory440is connected to the accessory carrier104. Engagement of the seal118with the accessory440may seal the interior space113of the vehicle100against entry of water when the accessory440is connected to the accessory carrier104. The longitudinal end wall446of the accessory440may be oriented toward the opening112and be in engagement with the seal118when the accessory440is connected to the accessory carrier104. The longitudinal end wall446of the accessory440may be free from openings so that the interior space444of the accessory440is not accessible from the interior space113of the vehicle body102when the accessory440is connected to the accessory carrier104.

FIG.5is a side cross section view of the vehicle100that shows the accessory carrier104in the use position and an accessory540according to a third example. The accessory540is connected to the accessory carrier104and is connectable and disconnectable with respect to the accessory carrier104, for example, using the releasable couplers342as previously described. In the illustrated implementation, the accessory540is a cargo storage container that defines an interior space544that is configured to carry cargo items. The accessory540includes a door545that may be opened and closed to allow the interior space544to be accessed from outside of the vehicle100. The accessory540includes a longitudinal end wall546that is oriented toward the opening112of the vehicle body102when the accessory540is connected to the accessory carrier104, so that the seal118may be compressed between the longitudinal end wall546of the accessory540as described with respect to the accessory440.

The accessory540differs from the accessory440in that an opening547is formed through the longitudinal end wall546. The outer periphery of the opening547is located inward on the longitudinal end wall546of the accessory540relative to the area of the longitudinal end wall546that engages the seal118when the accessory540is connected to the accessory carrier104. By forming the opening547through the longitudinal end wall546of the accessory540, the interior space544of the accessory540can be accessed from the interior space113of the vehicle body102when the accessory540is connected to the accessory carrier104.

FIG.6is a side cross section view of the vehicle100that shows the accessory carrier104in the use position and an accessory640according to a fourth example. The accessory640is connected to the accessory carrier104and is connectable and disconnectable with respect to the accessory carrier104, for example, using the releasable couplers342as previously described. In the illustrated implementation, the accessory640is a cargo storage container that defines an interior space644that is configured to carry cargo items. The accessory640includes a door645that may be opened and closed to allow the interior space644to be accessed from outside of the vehicle100. The accessory640may include an opening647that is formed through the longitudinal end wall646to allow access to the interior space644of the accessory640from the interior space113of the vehicle body102when the accessory640is connected to the accessory carrier104.

The accessory640differs from the accessory440in that it sized to extend into the interior space113of the vehicle body102, and may be moved into and out of the interior space113of the vehicle body102through the opening112thereof in a telescopic manner. As an example, the accessory640may be located entirely inside the interior space113when the accessory carrier104is in the closed position, and may be moved outward from the interior space113when the accessory carrier104is in the open position, the loading position, and/or the use position. In the use position, the accessory640may remain positioned partly in the interior space113while extending out of the opening112and further extending from the vehicle body102to the closure106.

Instead of engaging the seal118, which faces longitudinally rearward, the accessory640is configured to engage a seal619that is connected to the vehicle body102, encircles the opening112, and faces inward toward the opening112. The seal619is similar in structure to the seal118but is oriented so that it can be compressed in an outward direction (e.g., including in the lateral direction and the elevational direction) relative to the opening112. This configuration allows the seal619to engage peripheral walls648of the accessory640, such as an upper wall, a lower wall, a left wall, and a right wall.

Thus, the accessory640may be located in the interior space113of the vehicle body102when the closure106is in the closed position and the accessory640may be slidable at least partially out of the interior space113of the vehicle body102through the opening112of the vehicle body102when the closure106is in the use position. The vehicle100may the seal619, which is connected to the vehicle body102and extends around the opening112, wherein the seal619is engageable with a peripheral surface (e.g., including top and side surfaces) of the accessory640.

FIGS.7A-7Bshow an alternative implementation in which the vehicle100includes an accessory carrier704. The vehicle100and the accessory carrier704are consistent with the previous description except as otherwise stated, and like-numbered components may be implemented in the manner previously described. A closed position of the accessory carrier704is shown inFIG.7A, and a use position of accessory carrier704is shown inFIG.7B. The open position and the loading position of the accessory carrier704are similar to the like-named positions described with respect to the accessory carrier104.

Relative to the accessory carrier104, the closure106is omitted in lieu of a closure706having an outer closure panel750and an inner closure panel752. The outer closure panel750is configured in the manner described with respect to the closure106, and it is supported by the extendable support108as previously described, so that the outer closure panel750moves according to extension and retraction of the extendable support108and is pivotable by operation of the pivot joints110. The outer closure panel750does not, however, contact the seal118in the closed position to seal the interior space113of the vehicle body102with respect to the exterior of the vehicle100as described with respect to the closure106. This function is performed by the inner closure panel752, which is located between the outer closure panel750and the interior space113of the vehicle body102when the accessory carrier704is in the closed position. When the accessory carrier704is in the open position, the loading position, and the use position, the outer closure panel750is spaced from the inner closure panel752, which remains in place in a closed position, and the inner closure panel752is movable between the closed position (shown in solid lines) and an open position (shown in dashed lines).

The inner closure panel752is connected to the vehicle body102by a pivot joint754, which is a controllable electromechanical device, for example, including an electric motor that is actuatable to cause movement of the inner closure panel752between the closed position and the open position. In the closed position, the inner closure panel752is in contact with the seal118in order to seal the interior space113of the vehicle body102with respect to the outside of the vehicle100. In the open position, the inner closure panel752is spaced from the seal118and is spaced from the opening112vehicle body102in order to allow access to the interior space113of the vehicle body102.

Thus, the closure706may include the outer closure panel750, which is connected to the extendable support108, and the inner closure panel752, which is pivotally connected to the vehicle body102by the pivot joint754. The outer closure panel750may be movable between the closed position of the outer closure panel750, in which the outer closure panel750is adjacent to the inner closure panel752and the extendable support108is in the retracted position, and a use position of the outer closure panel750, in which the outer closure panel750is spaced from the inner closure panel752and the extendable support108is in the extended position to define the accessory support area105. The inner closure panel752is movable between the closed position of the inner closure panel752, in which the inner closure panel752is located in the opening112, and an open position of the inner closure panel752, in which the inner closure panel752is spaced from the opening112. In this implementation, the releasable couplers342may be configured to connect an accessory any or all of the extendable support108, the outer closure panel750, the inner closure panel752, or the vehicle body102in order to secure an accessory, such as the accessory340.

FIGS.8A-8Cshow an alternative example that includes an accessory carrier804that includes a deployable ramp856.FIG.8Ais a side view showing the deployable ramp856in a stowed position,FIG.8Bis a rear view along line A ofFIG.8Ashowing the deployable ramp856in the stowed position, andFIG.8Cis a rear view along line A ofFIG.8Ashowing the deployable ramp856in a deployed position.

The accessory carrier804is equivalent to the accessory carrier704except as stated herein, and can be implemented in the manner previously described. The accessory carrier includes804includes an extendable support808that is similar to the extendable support108but is in the form of a panel that extends in the lateral direction, e.g., across 75% or more of a width of a closure806, which is equivalent to the closure106. The deployable ramp856is located within the lateral extents of the extendable support808in the stowed position, and is movable to the deployed position, in which the deployable ramp856extends outward and downward from the extendable support808. The deployable ramp856may extend downward to an underlying surface (e.g., the ground) when it is in the deployed position. This facilitates loading and unloading of cargo items and accessories on the accessory carrier704. The deployable ramp856may move between positions manually, for example, on sliding joints or rollers, or the deployable ramp856may incorporate an actuator system that is configured to move the deployable ramp856automatically between the stowed position and the deployed position.

FIGS.9A-9Cshow an alternative example in which an accessory940is connected to the accessory carrier104and includes a deployable ramp956.FIG.9Ais a side view showing the deployable ramp956in a stowed position,FIG.9Bis a rear view along line B ofFIG.9Ashowing the deployable ramp956in the stowed position, andFIG.9Cis a rear view along line A ofFIG.9Ashowing the deployable ramp956in a deployed position. The deployable ramp956is located in the accessory940, but is otherwise configured in the manner described with respect to the deployable ramp856, and facilitates loading and unloading of a cargo item958on the accessory940. As an example, the accessory940may be a bike rack, and the deployable ramp956can facilitate loading and unloading of bicycles on the bike rack.

FIGS.10A-10Eshow an alternative example in which the accessory carrier104includes a deployable cargo tray1060that is movable between a retracted position and an extended position by an actuator system1062. The actuator system1062is controllable (e.g., by commands received from a controller), and may be implemented using conventional components (e.g., sliding mounts, electric motors, cables, etc.) such that the actuator system1062is configured to move the deployable cargo tray between the retracted and extended positions.

FIG.10Ais a side view showing the closure106accessory carrier104in the open position, and showing the deployable cargo tray1060in the retracted position.FIG.10BIs a side view showing the closure106of the accessory carrier104in the open position and the deployable cargo tray1060in the extended position.FIG.10CandFIG.10Dare side views showing the closure106of the accessory carrier104in the loading position. InFIG.10C, the deployable cargo tray1060is in the extended position and is connected to an accessory1040, which is positioned on the closure106. In particular, the deployable cargo tray1060is connected to the accessory1040by a coupler1064that can be controlled to engage and release the connection of the deployable cargo tray1060to the accessory1040. The coupler1064may be implemented using conventional components (e.g., actuated clamps, hooks, electromagnets, etc.). When connected, movement of the deployable cargo tray1060between the extended and retracted positions causes equivalent movement of the accessory1040with respect to the accessory carrier104. Thus, movement of the deployable cargo tray1060from the extended position to the retracted position while connected to the accessory1040causes the accessory1040to be moved onto the extendable support108, as shown inFIG.10D. The closure106may then be moved to the use position, as shown inFIG.10E, thereby securing the accessory1040with respect to the accessory carrier104. Thus, movement of the accessory1040by the deployable cargo tray1060can assist in loading and unloading of the accessory1040with respect to the accessory carrier104. In addition, movement of the accessory1040by the deployable cargo tray1060can allow access to items that are stored on the deployable cargo tray1060, by temporarily moving the accessory1040using the deployable cargo tray1060to allow access to the items.

FIG.11is a block diagram that shows the vehicle100. As an example, the vehicle100may be a conventional road-going vehicle that is supported by wheels and tires (e.g., four wheels and tires). As an example, the vehicle100may be a passenger vehicle that includes a passenger compartment that is configured to carry one or more passengers.

In the illustrated implementation, the vehicle100includes the vehicle body102, a suspension system1170, a propulsion system1171, a braking system1172, a steering system1173, a sensing system1174, and a control system1175. These are examples of vehicle systems that are included in the vehicle100. Other systems can be included in the vehicle100.

The suspension system1170controls vertical motion of the wheels of the vehicle100relative to the vehicle body102, and may include passive suspension components and/or active suspension components. The propulsion system1171includes propulsion components that are configured to cause motion of the vehicle100(e.g., accelerating the vehicle100), such as an internal combustion engine, one or more electric motors, a battery, an inverter, one or more gearboxes, etc. The braking system1172provides deceleration torque for decelerating the vehicle100. The steering system1173is operable to cause the vehicle100to turn by changing a steering angle of one or more wheels of the vehicle100.

The sensing system1174includes sensors for observing external conditions of the environment around the vehicle100(e.g., location of the roadway and other objects) and conditions of the vehicle100(e.g., acceleration and conditions of the various systems and their components). The sensing system1174may include sensors of various types, including dedicated sensors and/or components of the various systems. The sensing system1174may include the sensors107.

The control system1175includes communication components (i.e., for receiving sensor signals and sending control signals) and processing components (i.e., for processing the sensor signals and determining control operations), such as a controller. The control system1175may be a single system or multiple related systems. For example, the control system1175may be a distributed system including components that are included in other systems of the vehicle100.

The control system1175may include autonomous driving functions that are configured to control operation of vehicle actuator systems of the vehicle100without manual control inputs. As an example, the control system1175may use inputs received from sensors, such as the sensors107, to understand the environment around the vehicle100and may determine commands that are sent to one or more vehicle actuator systems, such as the propulsion system1171, the braking system1172, and the steering system1173, to cause the vehicle100to travel from a current location toward a destination location.

The autonomous driving functions that are implemented by the control system1175can be used to cause the vehicle100to pick up and deliver items autonomously using the cargo carriers described herein, such as the accessory carrier104. Initially, the vehicle100may have the accessory carrier104in the closed position. At this time, the vehicle100is not carrying an accessory, such as the accessory340. The vehicle100may receive a command that instructs the vehicle100to pick up an item at a specified pick up location and transport the item to the specified drop off location. This command may be received and processed by the control system1175of the vehicle100. In response to the command, the vehicle100drives autonomously from its current location to the specified pick up location. As an example, the vehicle100may drive autonomously to the specified pick up location without a human driver or passenger present in the vehicle100.

Upon arriving at the specified pick up location, the vehicle100may position itself at a designated loading area. The designated loading area may be a predefined location, for example, specified by geospatial coordinates or by indicators (e.g., painted lines) that are present at the predefined location. Upon arriving at the predefined location, the vehicle100automatically moves the accessory carrier104from the closed position to the loading position. A cargo item, such as the accessory340, is then loaded onto the accessory carrier104, either manually by persons present at the specified pick up location or by an automated system that is present at the specified pick up location, so that the accessory340is placed on the accessory support area105. In this example, the accessory340may be a cargo storage container that has cargo items located inside of it. The accessory340may be secured to the accessory carrier104, for example, using the releasable couplers342. In one implementation, the releasable couplers342are actuated devices and are automatically engaged (e.g., by a command from the control system1175) to secure the accessory340after it has been placed on the accessory support area105of the accessory carrier104. After the accessory340is secured within the accessory support area105of the accessory carrier104, the accessory carrier104may be moved from the loading position to the use position. The vehicle100may then drive autonomously from the specified pickup location to the specified drop off location.

Upon arriving at the specified drop off location, the vehicle100may move the accessory carrier104from the use position to the loading position and release securement of the releasable couplers342in order to allow the accessory340to be unloaded from the accessory carrier104, either by persons located at the specified drop off location or by an automated system it is located at the specified drop off location. In another implementation, items may be unloaded from inside the accessory340after it arrives at the specified drop off location, and the vehicle100may optionally return to the specified pickup location to return the accessory340, which is unloaded upon return, by the vehicle100, at the specified pickup location.

Automated pickup and delivery of the accessory340or other items may occur while the vehicle100is being used to transport rideshare passengers who are not authorized to access the accessory340. In such a case, the accessory340may be secured so that it cannot be accessed by persons who are being transported by the vehicle100.

FIG.12is a block diagram that shows an example implementation of the control system1175and/or other computer-implemented systems of the vehicle100. The control system1175may be a conventional computing device that includes include a processor1280, a memory1281, a storage device1282, one or more input devices1283, and one or more output devices1284. The control system1175may include a bus or a similar device to interconnect the components for communication. The control system1175may include computer program instructions (e.g., stored on the storage device1282) that are configured to cause the control system1175to perform the computer-implemented functions described herein with respect to the vehicle100and the accessory carrier104.

The processor1280is operable to execute computer program instructions and perform operations described by the computer program instructions. As an example, the processor1280may be a conventional device such as a central processing unit. The memory1281may be a volatile, high-speed, short-term information storage device such as a random-access memory module. The storage device1282may be a non-volatile information storage device such as a hard drive or a solid-state drive. The input devices1283may include any type of human-machine interface such as buttons, switches, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen input device, a gestural input device, or an audio input device. The output devices1284may include any type of device operable to provide an indication to a user regarding an operating state, such as a display screen or an audio output, or any other functional output or control.

The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users. For example, a user profile may be established that stores configuration related information that allows adjustment of operation of the vehicle according to user preferences. Accordingly, use of such personal information data enhances the user's experience.

Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, in the case of storing a user profile for adjusting systems according to user preferences, the present technology can be configured to allow users to select to “opt in” or “opt out” of participation in the collection of personal information data during registration for services or anytime thereafter. In another example, users can select not to provide data regarding usage of specific applications. In yet another example, users can select to limit the length of time that application usage data is maintained or entirely prohibit the development of an application usage profile. In addition to providing “opt in” and “opt out” options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use of personal information. For instance, a user may be notified upon downloading an app that their personal information data will be accessed and then reminded again just before personal information data is accessed by the app.

Therefore, although the present disclosure broadly covers use of personal information data to implement one or more various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that the various embodiments can also be implemented without the need for accessing such personal information data. That is, the various embodiments of the present technology are not rendered inoperable due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, configuration information may be determined each time the vehicle is used, such as by prompting the user to supply the information, and without subsequently storing the information or associating with the particular user.