PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-12168902-B1
Application Number: US-202318131455-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Window

Abstract:
A window assembly includes a support and a window frame having a first frame portion pivotally connected to a second frame portion. The second frame portion is connected to the support for movement with respect to the support. A window is connected to the first frame portion of the window frame. The window is movable between a closed position and an open position by pivoting of the window and the first frame portion of the window frame with respect to the second frame portion of the window frame and by relative sliding motion of the second frame portion of the window frame along the support.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A window assembly, comprising:
 a support; 
 a window frame having a first frame portion pivotally connected to a second frame portion by pivot joints that are located at upper ends of the first frame portion and the second frame portion, wherein the second frame portion is connected to the support for movement with respect to the support; and 
 a window connected to the first frame portion of the window frame, wherein the pivot joints are located near a top edge of the window, and wherein the window is movable between a closed position, in which an outer surface of the window is flush relative to a body surface of a vehicle body portion, and an open position by pivoting of the window and the first frame portion of the window frame with respect to the second frame portion of the window frame and by relative sliding motion of the first frame portion and the second frame portion of the window frame along the support. 
 
     
     
       2. The window assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an actuator system; and 
 a pivot assembly that includes a pivot link that is connected to the first frame portion and the second frame portion and a pivot guide that is connected to the actuator system so that operation of the actuator system moves the pivot guide and causes the pivot link to pivot in response to interaction of the pivot guide with the pivot link. 
 
     
     
       3. The window assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the pivot assembly is configured to move the window between a first angular orientation, in which the window is in alignment with a window opening, and a second angular orientation, in which the window is pivoted inward relative to the window opening. 
     
     
       4. The window assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the pivot assembly includes a lock that is configured to move between a locked position, in which the lock restrains motion of the second frame portion of the window frame with respect to the support, and an unlocked position, in which the lock does not restrain motion of the second frame portion of the window frame with respect to the support. 
     
     
       5. The window assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the lock is in the locked position when the window is in the first angular orientation and the lock is in the unlocked position when the window is in the second angular orientation. 
     
     
       6. The window assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the pivot guide is connected to the actuator system and is configured to slide with respect to the second frame portion between a first position and a second position, the first position of the pivot guide corresponds to the first angular orientation of the window and to the locked position of the lock, and the second position of the pivot guide corresponds to the second angular orientation of the window and to the unlocked position of the lock. 
     
     
       7. The window assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the window is movable between a raised position and a lowered position with respect to the support by a sliding connection of the second frame portion to the support. 
     
     
       8. The window assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the support includes a first track and a second track, and the window frame is configured to slide with respect to the first track and the second track. 
     
     
       9. The window assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the window is located inside the vehicle body portion when the window is in the open position. 
     
     
       10. The window assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first frame portion is hidden from view by the second frame portion when viewed from a location inboard of the window assembly. 
     
     
       11. The window assembly of  claim 1 , wherein a first pivot joint is located at a first upper corner of the window and a second pivot joint is located at an opposing second upper corner of the window. 
     
     
       12. The window assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first frame portion is configured to pivot with respect to the second frame portion based upon the relative sliding motion of the first frame portion and the second frame portion along the support. 
     
     
       13. The window assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the closed position of the window corresponds to a first angular orientation of the window and the open position of the window corresponds to a second angular orientation of the window. 
     
     
       14. A window assembly, comprising:
 a support that includes a first track and a second track; 
 a window that is movable between a closed position, in which an outer surface of the window is flush relative to a body surface of a vehicle body portion, and an open position in which the window is located inside the vehicle body portion; 
 a first frame portion that is connected to an inner surface of the window; and 
 a second frame portion that is pivotally connected to the first frame portion in a nested configuration, 
 wherein the second frame portion defines a channel, and at least part of the first frame portion is located in the channel, 
 wherein the first frame portion pivots with respect to the second frame portion between a first angular orientation and a second angular orientation during movement of the window between the closed position and the open position, and 
 wherein the second frame portion slides with respect to the first track and the second track between a raised position and a lowered position during movement between the closed position and the open position. 
 
     
     
       15. The window assembly of  claim 14 , wherein the first frame portion and the second frame portion each have a u-shaped configuration positioned adjacent to a bottom edge of the window, a first side edge of the window, and a second side edge of the window. 
     
     
       16. The window assembly of  claim 14 , wherein the first frame portion is connected to the second frame portion by pivot joints that are located at upper ends of the first frame portion and the second frame portion. 
     
     
       17. A door assembly, comprising:
 a door; 
 a support that is connected to the door and located inside the door, and that includes a first track and a second track; 
 a window frame having a first frame portion that is connected to a second frame portion by pivot joints, wherein the second frame portion is connected to the first frame portion in a nested configuration and the second frame portion is connected to the support and configured to slide with respect to the first track and the second track for relative sliding motion of the window frame between a raised position and a lowered position with respect to the door; 
 a window that is connected to the first frame portion of the window frame for movement of the window between a closed position with respect to the door, which corresponds to a first angular orientation of the window and to the raised position of the window frame, and an open position with respect to the door, which corresponds to a second angular orientation of the window and to the lowered position of the window frame with respect to the door, wherein the window is located inside the door when the window is in the open position and an outer surface of the window is flush relative to a door surface of the door when the window is in the closed position; 
 an actuator system that is operable to cause movement of the window frame between the raised position and the lowered position and operable to cause movement of the window between the first angular orientation and the second angular orientation; 
 a pivot assembly that includes a pivot link and a pivot guide, wherein the pivot link is connected to the first frame portion and the second frame portion of the window frame, and the pivot guide is connected to the actuator system and is configured to cause pivoting of the pivot link to move the window between the first angular orientation and the second angular orientation; and 
 a lock that is configured to move between a locked position, in which the lock restrains motion of the window frame with respect to the support, and an unlocked position, in which the lock does not restrain motion of the window frame with respect to the support, wherein the lock is in the locked position when the window is in the first angular orientation and the lock is in the unlocked position when the window is in the second angular orientation. 
 
     
     
       18. The door assembly of  claim 17 , wherein:
 the second frame portion defines a channel, and at least part of the first frame portion is located in the channel, and 
 the first frame portion and the second frame portion each have a u-shaped configuration. 
 
     
     
       19. The door assembly of  claim 17 , wherein the first frame portion is at least partly hidden from view by the second frame portion.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/349,605, filed on Jun. 7, 2022, the content of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to the field of windows. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Some windows can be opened to allow outside air to enter an interior. As an example, a window may move from a closed position to an open position by lowering into a door. 
     SUMMARY 
     One aspect of the disclosure is a window assembly that includes a support, a window frame, and a window. The window frame includes a first frame portion pivotally connected to a second frame portion. The second frame portion is connected to the support for movement with respect to the support. The window is connected to the first frame portion of the window frame. The window is movable between a closed position and an open position by pivoting of the window and the first frame portion of the window frame with respect to the second frame portion of the window frame and by relative sliding motion of the second frame portion of the window frame along the support. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure is a window assembly that includes a support, a window that is movable between a closed position and an open position, a first frame portion that is connected to an inner surface of the window, and a second frame portion that is pivotally connected to the first frame portion in a nested configuration. The first frame portion pivots with respect to the second frame portion between a first angular orientation and a second angular orientation during movement of the window between the closed position and the open position. The second frame portion slides with respect to the support between a raised position and a lowered position during movement between the closed position and the open position. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure is a door assembly that includes a door and a support that is connected to the door and located inside the door. The door assembly also includes a window frame having a first frame portion that is connected to a second frame portion by pivot joints, wherein the second frame portion is connected to the support for relative sliding motion of the window frame between a raised position and a lowered position with respect to the door. The door assembly also includes a window that is connected to the first frame portion of the window frame for movement of the window between a first angular orientation and a second angular orientation with respect to the door. An actuator system is operable to cause movement of the window frame between the raised position and the lowered position and is operable to cause movement of the window between the first angular orientation and the second angular orientation. A pivot assembly includes a pivot link and a pivot guide, wherein the pivot link is connected to the first frame portion and the second frame portion of the window frame, and the pivot guide is connected to the actuator system and is configured to cause pivoting of the pivot link to move the window between the first angular orientation and the second angular orientation. A lock is configured to move between a locked position, in which the lock restrains motion of the window frame with respect to the support, and an unlocked position, in which the lock does not restrain motion of the window frame with respect to the support. The lock is in the locked position when the window is in the first angular orientation and the lock is in the unlocked position when the window is in the second angular orientation. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic illustration of a vehicle that includes a door and a window assembly. 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic illustration of the door and the window assembly. 
         FIGS.  3 A- 3 D  are schematic illustrations showing a window frame and a window of the window assembly. 
         FIGS.  4 A- 4 C  are schematic illustrations showing a pivot assembly and a locking mechanism of the window assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This disclosure is directed to window assemblies for vehicles and to vehicles that incorporate such window assemblies. The window assemblies that are described herein include a window that can be moved between a closed (e.g., raised) position and an open (e.g., lowered) position, such as by lowering and raising the window in a generally elevational direction of the vehicle. In the closed position, the window may fully occupy and obstruct a window opening. In the open position, the window opening is partly or fully unobstructed by the window and may function to allow outside air to enter a passenger cabin of the vehicle. In the open position, the window may be partly or fully located inside a vehicle body portion, such as a door. 
     Typical vehicle windows are flat or have a constant-radius curvature, and are configured to move along a path having a corresponding geometric configuration. As a result, vehicle bodies often incorporate a geometric offset at the location where the window enters the vehicle body (e.g., into an interior space defined inside a door), and the window is therefore not flush with respect to the vehicle body at this location. 
     The window assemblies that are described herein include windows that are supported by tracks, and are configured to move along the tracks between the closed position and the open position. To allow the window to be flush with respect to the surrounding surfaces of a vehicle body when the window is in the closed position, the window is supported by a window frame having a first frame portion and a second frame portion. The first frame portion is connected to the window and pivots with respect to the second frame portion to move the window into and out of angular alignment with a window opening. When in angular alignment with the window opening, an outer surface of the window is flush with respect to an adjacent surface of a vehicle body portion. By pivoting the window inward relative to angular alignment with the window opening, the window may be lowered in to the vehicle body portion by a sliding connection of the second frame portion to the tracks. 
     As used herein, the term “flush” includes minor deviations from a perfectly flush configuration that are not perceptible upon casual inspection by a person. As an example, these deviations may be attributable to manufacturing and assembly deviations, such as positional deviations that are less than fifty percent of a width of the window and angular deviations of less than two degrees. 
       FIG.  1    is a schematic illustration showing part of a vehicle  100  that includes a body  102 , a door  104 , and a window assembly  106  that includes a window  108 . The body  102  and the door  104  may be referred to as vehicle body portions (e.g., a first vehicle body portion and a second vehicle body portion). The vehicle  100  may be a road going vehicle, such as a passenger automobile or a cargo vehicle, that includes features that are typically found in conventional examples of such vehicles, such as wheels, a propulsion system, a steering system, and a suspension system. 
     The body  102  may include aesthetic and structural components that define at least part of an exterior of the vehicle  100 . The body  102  also defines a vehicle interior, such as a passenger cabin or a cargo compartment. To allow access to the vehicle interior, the body  102  includes a door opening  110 . 
     The door  104  is located in the door opening  110  that is defined by the body  102 . The door  104  is connected to the body  102  by a hinge  112  or other structure that allows the door  104  to move between a closed position ( FIG.  1   ), in which door  104  occupies the door opening  110 , and an open position (not shown), in which the door  104  is spaced from the door opening  110  to allow access through the door opening. As an example, the hinge  112  may be a conventional door hinge of the type commonly used to mount automotive doors. Different mounting structures may be used, such as mounting structures that allow sliding of the door  104  with respect to the body  102 . 
     The window  108  is depicted in a closed position and is movable to an open position. In the illustrated implementation, the window  108  moves primarily in an elevational direction between the closed position and the open position. Thus, the closed position may be referred to as a raised position and the open position may be referred to as a lowered position. 
     The window  108  is at least translucent in that part of or all of the window  108  is formed from a material, such as glass or plastic, that permits transmission of light through it. Thus, the window  108  may be or include a panel that is formed from an at least translucent material. As used herein, the term at least translucent includes both translucent and transparent materials. 
     An outer periphery (e.g., a peripheral edge) of the window  108  is defined by a top edge  114   a , a bottom edge  114   b , a first side edge  114   c , and a second side edge  114   d . The outer periphery of the window  108  is adjacent to and aligned with a body surface  103  of the body  102  and/or a door surface  105  of the door  104  when the window  108  is in the closed position. An outer surface  109  of the window  108  may be flush with respect to the body surface  103  and/or the door surface  105  when the window  108  is in the closed position. The window  108  or adjacent parts of the body  102  and the door  104  may include seals that seal the window  108  with respect to the body  102  and the door  104  to prevent entry of water when the window  108  is in the closed position. 
     In the illustrated implementation, a window opening  116  is defined by the body  102  and the door  104  in cooperation. The top edge  114   a , the first side edge  114   c , and the second side edge  114   d  of the window  108  are adjacent to the body  102  in the closed position of the window  108 , and the bottom edge  114   b  is adjacent to the door  104  in the closed position of the window  108 . Thus, in the illustrated implementation, the vehicle  100  includes a first vehicle body portion, namely the body  102 , and a second vehicle body portion, namely the door  104 , that cooperate to define the window opening  116 . Other configurations are possible. 
       FIG.  2    is a schematic illustration of the door  104  and the window assembly  106 . Portions of the door surface  105  of the door  104  are omitted for clarity. The window  108  is depicted in the closed position in  FIG.  2   , and the open position is represented by dashed lines. The window assembly  106  includes the window  108 , a support  220 , a window frame  222 , a pivot assembly  224 , and an actuator system  226 . 
     The support  220  is configured to support the window  108  for movement between closed position and the open position by relative sliding motion of portions of the window assembly  106  along the support  220 . In the illustrated implementation, the support  220  includes a first track  228  and a second track  229  that are located in an interior space  230  of the door  104  and extend primarily in the elevational direction. The first track  228  and the second track  229  are spaced from one another in a lateral direction of the door  104 , for example, such that the first track  228  and the second track  229  are on opposite sides of a lateral midpoint of the door  104  and the window  108 . Although two tracks are shown, alternative configurations may use a single track or three or more tracks to support the window  108 . The first track  228  and the second track  229  are laterally inboard relative to the first side edge  114   c  and the second side edge  114   d  of the window  108  in the illustrated implementation, but may instead be positioned laterally outboard relative to the first side edge  114   c  and the second side edge  114   d  of the window  108  in an alternative implementation. 
     The support  220  may be connected to the window  108  indirectly through another structure. In the illustrated implementation, the support  220  is connected to the window  108  by the window frame  222 , such as by a sliding connection of the window frame  222  to the first track  228  and the second track  229 . To allow sliding connection of the window frame  222  to the first track  228  and the second track  229 , features such as channels or rails that extend in the elevational direction may be formed on the first track  228  and the second track  229 . 
     The illustrated implementation of the support  220 , including the first track  228  and the second track  229 , is an example that is intended to demonstrate how the support  220  may be configured to connect the window  108  to the door  104  (or other vehicle body portion) in a manner that allows elevational movement of the window  108 . Thus, the window assembly  106  may include the support  220 , to which the window  108  is connected, in order to support the window  108  for movement in the elevational direction between the closed position and the open position. Other mechanisms may be used to implement the support  220 . In one alternative implementation, the support  220  may include rods that support the window  108  for relative sliding movement. In another alternative implementation, the support  220  may include a scissor lift mechanism that is configured to lift and lower the window  108  by extension and retraction of a scissor mechanism. 
     The window frame  222  is connected to the window  108 , and is also connected to the support  220 . The window frame  222  functions to connect the window  108  to the support  220 , and also functions to provide support and rigidity to the window  108 , for example, to stabilize the window against vibrations experienced when the window  108  is not engaged with the body  102  in the closed position, such as when the window  108  is located in the interior space  230  of the door  104  in the open position. In the illustrated implementation, the window frame  222  has a u-shaped configuration including a bottom portion  223   a , a first side portion  223   b  and a second side portion  223   c , which are positioned adjacent to the bottom edge  114   b , the first side edge  114   c , and the second side edge  114   d  of the window  108 , respectively. The window frame  222  may have configurations other than u-shaped. As an example, the window frame  222  may have a rectangular configuration in which a top portion is added and extends between top ends of the first side portion  223   b  and the second side portion  223   c.    
     The window frame  222  also functions to allow pivoting of the window  108 . As will be described further herein, the pivot assembly  224  is connected to and supported by the window frame  222 , and is configured to pivot the window  108  relative to the door  104  or other vehicle body portion. The actuator system  226  is connected to the window frame  222  and to the pivot assembly  224 , and is configured to cause movement of the window  108  between the closed position and the open position. In the illustrated implementation, the actuator system  226  includes an actuator  232 , such as an electric motor, and cables  234  (e.g., a single cable or multiple cables) that are extended and retracted by operation of the actuator  232 . The cables  234  are operably connected to the window, for example, by connection of the cables to the window frame  222  and/or the pivot assembly  224 , either directly or indirectly. 
       FIG.  3 A  is a front view of the window frame  222 , and  FIG.  3 B  is an exploded view of the window frame  222 .  FIG.  3 C  is a side view of the window frame  222  and the window  108  showing the window  108  in a first angular orientation that corresponds to the closed position of the window  108 .  FIG.  3 D  is a side view of the window frame  222  and the window  108  showing the window  108  in a second angular orientation that corresponds to the open position of the window  108 . To allow pivoting of the first frame portion  340  with respect to the second frame portion  342 , the first frame portion  340  is connected to the first frame portion  340  by pivot joints  344  (e.g., two of the pivot joints  344  in the illustrated implementation). The pivot joints  344  may be located near the upper ends of the first frame portion  340  and the second frame portion  342 , with one of the pivot joints  344  positioned near one of the top corners of the window  108  and the other of the pivot joints  344  located near the other of the top corners of the window  108 . As one example, the pivot joints  344  may be defined by pins that extend through apertures. As another example, the pivot joints  344  may be defined by complementary pairs of projections and recesses that are formed on the first frame portion  340  and the second frame portion  342 . 
     The window frame  222  includes a first frame portion  340  and a second frame portion  342 . The first frame portion  340  and the second frame portion  342  may be rigid or semi-rigid structures, and may be formed from plastic, metal, or another suitable material or combination of materials. Both of the first frame portion  340  and the second frame portion  342  may have u-shaped configurations that correspond to and define the u-shaped configuration of the window frame  222 , including the bottom portion  223   a , the first side portion  223   b , and the second side portion  223   c  thereof. 
     The first frame portion  340  is connected to an inner surface  346  of the window  108 . As examples, the first frame portion  340  may be connected to the inner surface  346  by adhesives, fasteners, or other structures. Thus, the first frame portion  340  of the window frame  222  may be mounted to the inner surface  346  of the window  108  in a fixed manner, such that the window  108  is not movable relative to the first frame portion  340 , and the window  108  and the first frame portion  340  thus move in unison with one another during movement of the window  108  between the closed position and the open position. The first frame portion  340  of the window frame  222  may be positioned inward from each of the bottom edge  114   b , the first side edge  114   c , and the second side edge  114   d  of the window  108 , such that the window  108  extends outward from the first frame portion  340  and the peripheral edge of the window  108  is located outward from the first frame portion  340 . As will be described further herein, the first frame portion  340  is pivotally connected to the second frame portion  342  such that the first frame portion  340  pivots with respect to the second frame  342  portion between the first angular orientation and the second angular orientation during movement of the window  108  between the closed position and the open position. 
     The second frame portion  342  of the window frame  222  is connected to the support  220  and is pivotally connected to the first frame portion  340  of the window frame  222  in a nested configuration. The second frame portion  342  is connected to the support  220  in a manner that allows the support  220  to facilitate movement of the window frame  222  with respect to the door  104 , such as by relative sliding motion in the elevational direction between the closed and open positions by sliding downward from the closed position toward the open position and by sliding upward from the open position toward the closed position. As an example, the second frame portion  342  may be include features that define a sliding connection with the first track  228  and the second track  229  such as projections that are defined on the second frame portion  342  and extend into complementary channels that are defined by the first track  228  and the second track  229 . Thus, the connection of the second frame portion  342  to the first track  228  and the second track  229  of the support  220  allows the second frame portion to move (e.g., by sliding) with respect to the support  220  between a raised position and a lowered position with respect to the support  220  during movement of the window  108  between the closed position and the open position. 
     To allow connection of the second frame portion  342  to the support  220 , the second frame portion  342  includes a base portion  343  that extends downward relative to the remainder of the second frame portion  342  and extends downward past the bottom edge  114   b  of the window  108  so that the base portion  343  of the second frame portion  342  extends into the interior space  230  of the door  104  in both of the closed position and the open position of the window  108 . The pivot assembly  224  is connected to the base portion  343  of the second frame portion  342  and is also connected to the first frame portion  340  in order to control pivoting of the first frame portion  340  with respect to the second frame portion  342 , as will be described further herein. 
     As best seen in  FIG.  3 B , the second frame portion  342  defines a channel  348 . The channel  348  may extend in a u-shaped configuration equivalent to the u-shaped configuration that is defined by the bottom portion  223   a , the first side portion  223   b , and the second side portion  223   c  of the second frame portion  342 . As an example, the channel  348  may be defined by wall portions of the second frame portion  342 . The channel  348  is sized and configured to allow the first frame portion  340  to be located partly within the channel  348 , and the channel  348  therefore facilitates nesting of the first frame portion  340  within the second frame portion  342 . Thus, the first frame portion  340  may be located inside the channel of the second frame portion  342  in a nested configuration that is defined by the first frame portion  340  and the second frame portion  342 . Accordingly, the first frame portion  340  is nested within the channel  348  of the second frame portion  342 , which avoids having a gap between the first frame portion  340  and the second frame portion  342  that would vary in size during pivoting movement of the first frame portion  340  with respect to the second frame portion  342 . As a result, the first frame portion  340  is at least partly hidden from view by the second frame portion  342  when viewed from the vehicle interior of the vehicle  100  (e.g., from the perspective of persons who are located inside the vehicle  100 ). Instead, the second frame portion  342  is visible to the persons who are located inside the vehicle  100 , and a decorative surface may be formed on the second frame portion  342  to enhance aesthetics. 
     As best seen in  FIGS.  3 C- 3 D , connection of the first frame portion  340  to the second frame portion  342  by the pivot joints  344  allows the first frame portion  340  and the window  108  to rotate around a rotation axis defined by the pivot joints  344  between the first angular orientation ( FIG.  3 C ) and the second angular orientation ( FIG.  3 D ). Movement between the first angular orientation and the second angular orientation is caused by and controlled by operation of the pivot assembly  224 , as will be described further herein. The first angular orientation corresponds to the closed position of the window  108 , and the window  108  is in the first angular orientation when it is in the closed position. In the first angular orientation, the window  108  is in alignment with the window opening  116 . Thus, the first angular orientation also places the outer surface  109  of the window  108  in alignment with the body surface  103  of the body  102  and/or in alignment with the door surface  105  of the door  104 . The second angular orientation corresponds to the open position of the window  108 , and the window  108  is also placed into the second angular orientation during movement of the window  108  between the closed position and the open position. In the second angular orientation, the window  108  is pivoted inward relative to the window opening  116 , which places the window  108  out of alignment with respect to the body surface  103  of the body  102  and with respect to the door surface  105  of the door  104 . Measured relative to the pivot joints  344  as the center of rotation of the window  108 , the second angular orientation may differ from the first angular orientation by between one half of a degree and five degrees. 
     The window  108  is moved from the first angular orientation to the second angular orientation in order to move the window from the closed position toward the open position, prior to movement of the window  108  downward into the interior space  230  of the door  104 . Similarly, during movement from the open position toward the closed position, the window  108  is moved upward prior to pivoting from the second angular orientation back to the first angular orientation to return to the closed position. 
     Movement of the window  108  between the first angular orientation and the second angular orientation is controlled by the pivot assembly  224 , which is best seen in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 C . The pivot assembly  224  is configured to move the window  108  between the first angular orientation, in which the window  108  is in alignment with the window opening  116 , and the second angular orientation, in which the window  108  is pivoted inward relative to the window opening  116  and is not in alignment with the window opening  116 . In  FIG.  4 A , the window is in the closed position, in which the window  108  is in the first angular orientation, and the window  108  and the window frame  222  are in the raised position with respect to the support  220 . In  FIG.  4 B , the window  108  has been moved to the second angular orientation by operation of the pivot assembly  224 , and the window  108  and the window frame  222  remain in the raised position with respect to the support  220 . In  FIG.  4 C , the window  108  remains in the second angular orientation and the window  108  and the window frame  222  have moved downward from the raised position toward the lowered position with respect to the support  220 . 
     The pivot assembly  224  includes a first frame mount  450 , a second frame mount  452 , a pivot link  454 , and a pivot guide  456 . The first frame mount  450  is a base portion of the pivot assembly  224  and serves as a primary structural connection of the pivot assembly  224  to the first frame portion  340  of the window frame  222 . The first frame mount  450  may be rigidly connected to the first frame portion  340 , such as by fasteners, so that it is not movable relative to the first frame portion  340 . Alternatively, the first frame mount  450  may be an integrally formed part of the first frame portion  340 . The second frame mount  452  is a base portion of the pivot assembly  224  and serves as a primary structural connection of the pivot assembly  224  to the second frame portion  342  of the window frame  222 . The second frame mount  452  may be rigidly connected to the second frame portion  342 , such as by fasteners, so that it is not movable relative to the second frame portion  342 . Alternatively, the second frame mount  452  may be an integrally formed part of the second frame portion  342 . 
     The pivot link  454  is connected to the first frame portion  340  and the second frame portion  342  of the window frame  222 . The first frame mount  450  serves as a mounting structure by which the pivot link  454  is pivotally connected to the first frame portion  340 . The second frame mount  452  serves as a mounting structure by which the pivot link  454  is pivotally connected to the second frame portion  342 . In the illustrated implementation, a first end of the pivot link  454  is connected to the first frame mount  450  by a first pivot joint  451 , and a second end of the pivot link  454  is connected to the second frame mount  452  by a second pivot joint  453 . As an example, the first pivot joint  451  and the second pivot joint  453  may be implementing structures using structures such as pins, axles, or projections and complementary recesses. 
     One of the first pivot joint  451  or the second pivot joint  453  may be configured to allow a limited amount of sliding relative to the first frame mount  450  or the second frame mount  452 , in order to avoid over constraining motion of the second frame mount  452  relative to the first frame mount  450 . As an example, the first pivot joint  451  may be a pin or projection that extends into a slot  458  that is formed on the first frame mount  450  to allow limited sliding of the first pivot joint  451  with respect to the first frame mount  450  during pivoting of the pivot link  454  with respect to the second pivot joint  453  as the window  108  moves between the first angular orientation and the second angular orientation. Alternatively, compliance may be integrated into another portion of the assembly, such as at the pivot joints  344  between the first frame portion  340  and the second frame portion  342 , in order to avoid over constraining the second frame portion  342 . 
     The pivot guide  456  is configured to control the angle of the pivot link  454  with respect to the second frame mount  452  by movement of the pivot guide  456  with respect to the second frame mount  452  and the pivot link  454 . The pivot link  454  pivots with respect to the second frame mount  452  during movement of the window  108  between the first angular orientation and the second angular orientation. Thus, by controlling the angle of the pivot link  454  with respect to the second frame mount  452 , the pivot guide  456  controls movement of the window  108  between the first angular orientation and the second angular orientation. The angle of the pivot link  454  is controlled by engagement of the pivot guide  456  with the pivot link  454 . A guide feature, such as a guide roller  460 , is formed on or connected to the pivot link  454 . The guide roller  460  is disposed in a slot  462  that is defined by the pivot guide  456 . The slot  462  includes contoured surfaces that are configured to change the position (e.g., in an inboard/outboard direction) of the guide roller  460  as the pivot guide  456  moves elevationally with respect to the guide roller  460 . 
     So that the pivot guide  456  may move elevationally with respect to the pivot link  454  and the guide roller  460 , the pivot guide  456  is connected to the second frame portion  342  of the window frame  222  by a sliding mount  464 . The sliding mount  464  allows the pivot guide  456  to move along a limited range of translational movement in the elevational direction. Limits on the upward and downward travel of the pivot guide  456  relative to the second frame portion  342  may be imposed by engagement of the pivot guide  456  with surrounding structures as it moves to upper and lower ends of the sliding mount  464 . As an example, an upper travel limit of the pivot guide  456  along the sliding mount  464  may be defined by engagement of the pivot guide  456  with a surface or feature formed on the second frame portion  342 , and a lower travel limit of the pivot guide  456  along the sliding mount  464  may be defined by engagement of the pivot guide  456  with a surface or feature formed on the second frame mount  452  (or alternatively with a surface or feature formed on the second frame portion  342 ). The sliding mount  464  may be defined by complementary features formed on the pivot guide  456  and the second frame portion  342  (or a structure fixed thereto, such as the second frame mount  452 ), such as pins or projections that are engaged with complementary tracks or slots. In the illustrated implementation, the pivot guide  456  is located at or near the upper end of travel along the sliding mount  464  when the window  108  is in the first angular orientation, and the pivot guide  456  is located at or near the lower travel limit along the sliding mount  464  when the window  108  is in the second angular orientation. 
     To move the pivot guide  456  with respect to the second frame portion  342 , the pivot guide  456  is connected to the actuator system  226 , such as by connection of the cables  234  to a portion of the pivot guide  456 . In the illustrated example, a feature formed on the pivot guide  456  extends through a slot or other opening defined by the first track  228  of the support  220  to allow connection of the pivot guide  456  to the cables  234 . As another example, a portion of the cables  234  could extend within a channel defined by the first track  228  for connection to the pivot guide  456 . Other configurations are possible. Thus, the pivot assembly  224  includes the pivot link  454 , which is connected to the first frame portion  340  and the second frame portion  342 , and also includes the pivot guide  456 , which is connected to the actuator system  226  so that operation of the actuator system moves the pivot guide  456  and causes the pivot link  454  to pivot in response to interaction of the pivot guide  456  with the pivot link  454 . As an example, the pivot guide  456  may incorporate surfaces having a geometric profile that functions as a cam to cause pivoting of the pivot link  454  in response interaction of the surfaces of the pivot guide  456  with a feature on the pivot link  456  that functions as a cam follower as the pivot guide  456  moves elevationally. Operation of the actuator system  226  also causes movement of the window  108  and the window frame  222  between the raised position and the lowered position with respect to the support  220 , as will be described. 
     The pivot assembly  224  also includes a lock  466  (e.g., a locking mechanism) that is configured to move between a locked position ( FIG.  4 A ), in which the lock  466  restrains sliding motion of the second frame portion  342  of the window frame  222  with respect to the support  220 , and an unlocked position ( FIGS.  4 B- 4 C ), in which the lock  466  does not restrain sliding motion of the second frame portion  342  of the window frame  222  with respect to the support  220 . The lock  466  is in the locked position when the window  108  is in the first angular orientation and the lock  466  is in the unlocked position when the window is in the second angular orientation. 
     The lock  466  is configured to selectively restrain movement of the window frame  222  with respect to the support  220  dependent on the position of the pivot guide  456 , and thus dependent on the angular orientation of the window  108 . In particular, the pivot guide  456  is configured to slide with respect to the second frame portion  342  between a first position and a second position. The first position corresponds to the upper travel limit of the pivot guide  456 , the first angular orientation of the window  108 , and the locked position of the lock  466 . The second position corresponds to the lower travel limit of the pivot guide  456 , the second angular orientation of the window  108 , and the unlocked position of the lock  466 . 
     In the illustrated implementation, the lock  466  includes an engagement structure  468  and a leaf spring  470 . The engagement structure is rigid structure that is coupled to an end of the leaf spring  470 , and an opposite end of the leaf spring  470  is connected to the second frame mount  452  or otherwise supported for movement in unison with the second frame portion  342 . The engagement structure  468  is spring biased away from the first track  228  by the leaf spring  470 , and is receivable in an aperture  472  that is formed in the first track  228  when the engagement structure  468  is elevationally aligned with the aperture  472 , which occurs in the raised position (a similar configuration may be used for connection of the pivot assembly  224  to the second track  229 ). In the locked position, the engagement structure  468  is disposed in the aperture  472  formed in the first track  228 , and engagement of the engagement structure with the aperture  472  retrains the window frame  222  and the window  108  from moving with respect to the support  220 , thereby maintaining the window frame  222  and the window  108  in the raised position while the lock  466  is in the locked position. 
     The actuator system  226  is operable to cause movement of the window frame  222  between the raised position and the lowered position and is also operable to cause movement of the window  108  between the first angular orientation and the second angular orientation through the connection of the actuator  232  to the pivot guide  456  by the cables  234 . While the window  108  is in the first angular orientation, the pivot guide  456  is in the first position, near the upper travel limit of the pivot guide  456 , which engages the pivot guide  456  with the engagement structure  468 . Engagement of the pivot guide  456  with the engagement structure  468  holds the engagement structure  468  in the aperture  472  and maintains the locked position ( FIG.  4 A ) of the lock  466 . Operation of the actuator system  226  to move the pivot guide  456  downward relative to the second frame portion  342  pivots the window  108  from the first angular orientation to the second angular orientation, which is reached as the pivot guide  456  reaches the second position, at lower travel limit of the pivot guide  456  with respect to the second frame portion  342 . When the pivot guide  456  reaches the second position, it has moved downward relative to the engagement structure  468  and no longer holds the engagement structure  468  in the aperture  472 . As a result, the biasing force of the aperture  472  causes the engagement structure  468  to move out of the aperture  472  when the engagement structure  468  reaches the second position. This places the lock  466  in the unlocked position ( FIG.  4 B ). 
     Further operation of the actuator system  226  may pull the pivot guide  456  downward through force applied by the cables  234 , and this force is transferred to the window frame  222  since the pivot guide  456  is at the lower limit of travel ( FIG.  4 C ). Continued operation of the actuator system  226  may move the window frame  222  and the window  108  further downward toward the lowered position of the window frame  222  relative to the support  220 , corresponding to the open position of the window  108 . 
     When operation of the actuator system  226  is reversed to apply an upward force to the pivot guide  456  through the cables  234 , this force is transferred to the window frame  222  by the pivot guide  456 . In particular, movement of the pivot guide  456  with respect to the second frame portion  342  is blocked by engagement of the pivot guide  456  with the engagement structure  468 , which is positioned in the first track  228  and the second track  229  while the lock  466  is in the unlocked position, causing the upward force applied by the cables  234  to be applied to moving the window frame  222  upward toward the raised position. As the window frame  222  reaches the raised position, the engagement structure  468  reaches alignment with the aperture  472 , and the engagement of the pivot guide  456  with the engagement structure  468  forces the engagement structure  468  into the aperture  472  against the biasing force applied to the engagement structure  468  by the leaf spring  470 . As the engagement structure  468  moves into the aperture  472  as a result of the spring force applied by the leaf spring  470 , the locked position of the window frame  222  with respect to the support  220  is reached, and the engagement structure  468  is moved partly or fully out of the first track  228  so that it no longer restrains the pivot guide  456  from moving upward relative to the second frame portion  342 . As a result, the pivot guide  456  moves from the second position to the first position, thereby pivoting the window  108  from the second angular orientation to the first angular orientation, and thereby returning the window  108  to the closed position. It should be noted that the engagement structure  468  is shown as interacting with the aperture  472  formed on the first track  228 , but this structure may be located on either or both of the first track  228  and the second track  229 . 
     As described above, one aspect of the present technology is the gathering and use of data available from various sources for use during operation of a vehicle. As an example, such data may identify the user and include user-specific settings or preferences. The present disclosure contemplates that in some instances, this gathered data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data can include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, twitter ID&#39;s, home addresses, data or records relating to a user&#39;s health or level of fitness (e.g., vital signs measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information. 
     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 preference related information that allows settings of the vehicle, such as window position, to be adjusted automatically according to the preference related information. Accordingly, use of such personal information data enhances the user&#39;s experience. 
     The present disclosure contemplates that the entities responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use of such personal information data will comply with well-established privacy policies and/or privacy practices. In particular, such entities should implement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining personal information data private and secure. Such policies should be easily accessible by users, and should be updated as the collection and/or use of data changes. Personal information from users should be collected for legitimate and reasonable uses of the entity and not shared or sold outside of those legitimate uses. Further, such collection/sharing should occur after receiving the informed consent of the users. Additionally, such entities should consider taking any needed steps for safeguarding and securing access to such personal information data and ensuring that others with access to the personal information data adhere to their privacy policies and procedures. Further, such entities can subject themselves to evaluation by third parties to certify their adherence to widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adapted for the particular types of personal information data being collected and/or accessed and adapted to applicable laws and standards, including jurisdiction-specific considerations. For instance, in the US, collection of or access to certain health data may be governed by federal and/or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); whereas health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Hence different privacy practices should be maintained for different personal data types in each country. 
     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 automatic adjustment of vehicle systems according to user preference information, 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. 
     Moreover, it is the intent of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and handled in a way to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risk can be minimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting data once it is no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect a user&#39;s privacy. De-identification may be facilitated, when appropriate, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g., collecting location data at a city level rather than at an address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and/or other methods. 
     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, user preference information may be determined each time the vehicle is used, and without subsequently storing the information or associating with the particular user.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20230406
Publication Date: 20241217
Grant Date: 20241217
Priority Date: 20220607
Inventors: SULTANA, Trevor M.
TARGHI, ALI TAVAKOLI
KLOTZ, STEVEN H.
MEJIA-ELIZARRARAS, LUIS E.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "E05F15/6909", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05D15/22", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05D15/582", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05D2015/586", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J1/17", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J1/14", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05Y2201/684", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05Y2201/434", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05Y2900/55", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05Y2201/654", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05Y2201/686", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J1/1853", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05F15/6909", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05Y2201/684", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J1/17", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05Y2900/55", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05Y2201/654", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05Y2201/686", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J1/14", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05Y2201/434", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05D2015/586", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05D15/22", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05D15/582", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05Y2900/55", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05Y2201/686", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05Y2201/684", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05Y2201/654", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05Y2201/434", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05F15/6909", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05D2015/586", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J1/17", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J1/14", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05D15/22", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05D15/582", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 93845735