PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11932172-B1
Application Number: US-202217571630-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Storage for a display screen

Abstract:
A first seat, a surface located behind the first seat, a display screen, and a support assembly. The support assembly is configured to move the display screen to a storage position, in which the display screen is positioned adjacent to the surface. The support assembly includes a pivot connected to the display screen and a track configured to support the pivot. The pivot is configured to move along the track.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A vehicle, comprising:
 a first seat; 
 a surface located behind the first seat, wherein the surface defines an opening; 
 a display screen; and 
 a support assembly connected to the display screen, 
 wherein the support assembly is configured to move the display screen to:
 a storage position, in which the display screen is positioned adjacent to the surface and obstructs the opening, and 
 an access position, in which the display screen is spaced from the surface and does not obstruct the opening; and 
 
 wherein the first seat includes a first seat back that is movable relative to a first seat bottom between a use position, in which access to the opening is obstructed by the first seat back, and a folded position, in which the first seat back permits access to the opening. 
 
     
     
       2. The vehicle of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a second seat, wherein the support assembly is further configured to move the display screen to a viewing position, in which the display screen is spaced from the surface and oriented toward the second seat so that the display screen is viewable from the second seat. 
 
     
     
       3. The vehicle of  claim 2 , wherein the second seat faces toward the first seat. 
     
     
       4. The vehicle of  claim 2 , wherein:
 the display screen is located behind the first seat in the storage position; and 
 the display screen is located between the first seat and the second seat in the viewing position. 
 
     
     
       5. The vehicle of  claim 1 , wherein the support assembly includes an actuator configured to cause movement of the display screen. 
     
     
       6. The vehicle of  claim 1 , wherein the support assembly includes:
 a first pivot connected to the display screen; 
 a second pivot connected to the surface located behind the first seat; and 
 an arm connected to the first pivot and the second pivot. 
 
     
     
       7. The vehicle of  claim 6 , wherein:
 the arm is a segmented arm including a first arm portion and a second arm portion connected by a third pivot. 
 
     
     
       8. The vehicle of  claim 1 , wherein the support assembly includes:
 a pivot connected to the display screen; and 
 a track configured to support the pivot, 
 wherein the pivot is configured to move along the track. 
 
     
     
       9. A vehicle, comprising:
 a first seat; 
 a second seat; 
 a display screen; and 
 a support assembly that includes:
 a first pivot connected to the display screen, 
 a second pivot connected to a surface, wherein the surface is located above a luggage compartment within the vehicle, the surface defines an opening that permits access to the luggage compartment, and the surface extends in a generally horizontal direction from a rear of the first seat, and 
 a segmented arm connected to the first pivot and the second pivot, wherein the segmented arm includes a first arm portion connected to a second arm portion by a third pivot, 
 
 wherein the support assembly is connected to the display screen, and wherein the support assembly is configured to move the display screen to:
 a storage position, in which the display screen is not viewable from the second seat, and 
 a viewing position, in which the display screen is viewable from the second seat. 
 
 
     
     
       10. The vehicle of  claim 9 , wherein the display screen is located between the first seat and the second seat in the viewing position. 
     
     
       11. The vehicle of  claim 9 , wherein the support assembly includes an actuator configured to cause movement of the display screen. 
     
     
       12. The vehicle of  claim 9 , wherein:
 the display screen is positioned adjacent to the surface and obstructs the opening in the storage position, and 
 the support assembly is further configured to move the display screen to a luggage access position, in which the display screen is spaced from the surface and permits access to the opening. 
 
     
     
       13. The vehicle of  claim 12 , wherein the first seat includes a first seat back that is movable relative to a first seat bottom between a use position, in which access to the opening is obstructed by the first seat back, and a folded position, in which the first seat back permits access to the opening. 
     
     
       14. The vehicle of  claim 9 , wherein the surface is located behind the first seat and the display screen is positioned adjacent to the surface in the storage position. 
     
     
       15. A vehicle, comprising:
 a first seat; 
 a surface located forward of the first seat relative to a direction of travel of the vehicle, wherein the surface extends in a generally horizontal direction to a wall of a body of the vehicle; 
 a display screen; and 
 a support assembly that includes:
 a pivot connected to the display screen, and 
 a track configured to support the pivot, wherein the pivot is configured to move along the track, 
 
 wherein the support assembly is configured to move the display screen to:
 a storage position, in which the display screen is positioned adjacent to the surface, and 
 a viewing position, in which the display screen is spaced apart from the surface and located above the surface. 
 
 
     
     
       16. The vehicle of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 a second seat, 
 wherein in the viewing position, the display screen is oriented toward the second seat so that the display screen is viewable from the second seat. 
 
     
     
       17. The vehicle of  claim 16 , wherein:
 the second seat faces toward the first seat, and 
 the display screen is located between the first seat and the second seat in the viewing position. 
 
     
     
       18. The vehicle of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 a luggage compartment located behind the first seat, wherein:
 the surface is located above the luggage compartment and defines an opening that permits access to the luggage compartment, 
 the display screen is positioned adjacent to the surface and obstructs the opening in the storage position, and 
 the support assembly is further configured to move the display screen to a luggage access position, in which the display screen is spaced from the surface and permits access to the opening. 
 
 
     
     
       19. The vehicle of  claim 18 , wherein the first seat includes a first seat back that is movable relative to a first seat bottom between a use position, in which access to the opening is obstructed by the first seat back, and a folded position, in which the first seat back permits access to the opening. 
     
     
       20. The vehicle of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a luggage compartment located behind the first seat, wherein the surface is located above the luggage compartment and the opening defined by the surface permits access to the luggage compartment. 
 
     
     
       21. The vehicle of  claim 9 , wherein the first pivot is connected to the display screen such that the display screen and the first pivot are located above the surface when the display screen is in the viewing position. 
     
     
       22. The vehicle of  claim 15 , wherein the first seat includes a first seat back movable with respect to a first seat bottom, and the surface is located below a top of the first seat back relative to an elevational direction of the body of the vehicle.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/167,373, filed on Mar. 29, 2021, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to storing a movable display screen that is connected to a support assembly. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Structures may include display screens. As examples, display screens may be used to display information or entertainment content. 
     SUMMARY 
     One aspect of the disclosure is a vehicle including a first seat, a luggage compartment located behind the first seat, and a surface located behind the first seat and above the luggage compartment, the surface defining an opening that permits access to the luggage compartment. The vehicle also includes a display screen and a support assembly connected to the display screen. The support assembly is configured to move the display screen to a storage position, in which the display screen is positioned adjacent to the surface and obstructs the opening, and a luggage access position, in which the display screen is spaced from the surface and does not obstruct the opening. 
     In some implementations of the vehicle, the vehicle includes a second seat, and the support assembly is further configured to move the display screen to a viewing position, in which the display screen is spaced from the surface and oriented toward the second seat so that the display screen is viewable from the second seat. 
     In some implementations of the vehicle, the second seat faces toward the first seat. 
     In some implementations of the vehicle, the display screen is located behind the first seat in the storage position, and the display screen is located between the first seat and the second seat in the viewing position. 
     In some implementations of the vehicle, the support assembly includes an actuator configured to cause movement of the display screen. 
     In some implementations of the vehicle, the support assembly includes a first pivot connected to the display screen, a second pivot connected to the luggage compartment, and an arm connected to the first pivot and the second pivot. 
     In some implementations of the vehicle, the arm is a segmented arm including a first arm portion and a second arm portion connected by a third pivot. 
     In some implementations of the vehicle, the support assembly includes a pivot connected to the display screen and a track configured to support the pivot, and the pivot is configured to move along the track. 
     In some implementations of the vehicle, the first seat includes a first seat back that is movable relative to a first seat bottom between a use position, in which the first seat back obstructs access to the opening, and a folded position, in which the first seat back permits access to the opening. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure is a vehicle including a first seat, a second seat facing toward the first seat, a display screen, and a support assembly connected to the display screen. The support assembly is configured to move the display screen to a storage position, in which the display screen is located behind the first seat, and a viewing position, in which the display screen is viewable from the second seat. 
     In some implementations of the vehicle, the display screen is located between the first seat and the second seat in the viewing position. 
     In some implementations of the vehicle, the support assembly includes an actuator configured to cause movement of the display screen. 
     In some implementations of the vehicle, the vehicle includes a luggage compartment located behind the first seat and a surface located behind the first seat and above the luggage compartment. The surface defines an opening that permits access to the luggage compartment. In the storage position, the display screen is positioned adjacent to the surface and obstructs the opening. The support assembly is further configured to move the display screen to a luggage access position, in which the display screen is spaced from the surface and permits access to the opening. 
     In some implementations of the vehicle, the first seat includes a first seat back that is movable relative to a first seat bottom between a use position, in which the first seat back obstructs access to the opening, and a folded position, in which the first seat back permits access to the opening. 
     In some implementations of the vehicle, the vehicle includes a surface located behind the first seat. In the storage position, the display screen is positioned adjacent to the surface. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure is a vehicle including a first seat, a surface located behind the first seat, a display screen, and a support assembly connected to the display screen. The support assembly is configured to move the display screen to a storage position, in which the display screen is positioned adjacent to the surface. 
     In some implementations of the vehicle, the vehicle includes a second seat. The support assembly is further configured to move the display screen to a viewing position, in which the display screen is spaced from the surface and oriented toward the second seat so that the display screen is viewable from the second seat. 
     In some implementations of the vehicle, the second seat faces toward the first seat, and the display screen is located between the first seat and the second seat in the viewing position. 
     In some implementations of the vehicle, the vehicle includes a luggage compartment located behind the first seat. The surface is located above the luggage compartment and defines an opening that permits access to the luggage compartment. In the storage position, the display screen is positioned adjacent to the surface and obstructs the opening. The support assembly is further configured to move the display screen to a luggage access position, in which the display screen is spaced from the surface and permits access to the opening. 
     In some implementations of the vehicle, the first seat includes a first seat back that is movable relative to a first seat bottom between a use position, in which the first seat back obstructs access to the opening, and a folded position, in which the first seat back permits access to the opening. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a top view of a passenger compartment of a vehicle with a display screen in a storage position. 
         FIG.  2    is a side view of the passenger compartment of the vehicle with the display screen in the storage position. 
         FIG.  3    is a side view of the passenger compartment of the vehicle with the display screen in a viewing position. 
         FIG.  4    is a side view of the passenger compartment of the vehicle with the display screen in a luggage access position. 
         FIG.  5    is a top view of a second embodiment of the passenger compartment of the vehicle with the display screen in the storage position. 
         FIG.  6    is a side view of the second embodiment of the passenger compartment of the vehicle with the display screen in the storage position. 
         FIG.  7    is a side view of the second embodiment of the passenger compartment of the vehicle with the display screen in the viewing position. 
         FIG.  8    is a side view of the second embodiment of the passenger compartment of the vehicle with the display screen in the luggage access position. 
         FIG.  9    is a top view of a third embodiment of the passenger compartment of the vehicle with the display screen in the storage position. 
         FIG.  10    is a side view of the third embodiment of the passenger compartment of the vehicle with the display screen in the storage position. 
         FIG.  11    is a side view of the third embodiment of the passenger compartment of the vehicle with the display screen in the viewing position. 
         FIG.  12    is a side view of the third embodiment of the passenger compartment of the vehicle with the display screen in the luggage access position. 
         FIG.  13    is a block diagram that shows a vehicle. 
         FIG.  14    is a block diagram that shows a controller. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A vehicle includes a first seat, a luggage compartment located behind the first seat, a surface located behind the first seat and above the luggage compartment, a display screen, and a support assembly connected to the display screen. The surface defines an opening that permits access to the luggage compartment. The support assembly is configured to move the display screen to a storage position, in which the display screen is positioned adjacent to the surface and obstructs the opening, and a luggage access position, in which the display screen is spaced from the surface and does not obstruct the opening. The vehicle may also include a second seat, and the support assembly is further configured to move the display screen to a viewing position, in which the display screen is spaced from the surface and oriented toward the second seat so that the display screen is viewable from the second seat. 
       FIG.  1    is a top view of a passenger compartment  104  of a vehicle  100  with a display screen  124  in a storage position. In an implementation, the display screen  124  may include a light-emitting display screen including, but not limited to, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) display, or a quantum dot (QLED) display. In an implementation, the display screen  124  may include a surface onto which images can be projected. The display screen  124  may be used to display content including, but not limited to, infotainment content, productivity content, content from an in-vehicle entertainment system, content from a vehicle operation system (e.g., navigation content), or content streamed from a user device (e.g., a phone or a laptop computer). 
     In an implementation, the display screen  124  may be located in a rear of the vehicle  100  relative to the direction of travel. In an implementation, the display screen  124  may be located in a front of the vehicle  100  relative to the direction of travel. In an implementation, the vehicle  100  may include two display screens, a first display screen located in the rear of the vehicle  100  relative to the direction of travel and a second display screen located in the front of the vehicle  100  relative to the direction of travel. For clarity, the figures and the description include one display screen  124 , but the features and operation of the description are equally applicable regardless of the location of the display screen  124  relative to the direction of travel or if there are two display screens present. 
     The vehicle  100  includes a body structure  102  that defines the passenger compartment  104 . The passenger compartment  104  includes a first seat  106  having a first seat bottom  108  and a first seat back  110 . The passenger compartment  104  includes a second seat  112  having a second seat bottom  114  and a second seat back  116 . The second seat  112  faces toward the first seat  106 . The first seat  106  and the second seat  112  may be fixedly connected to the body structure  102  or movably connected to the body structure  102 . The first seat bottom  108  and the second seat bottom  114  define seating surfaces of the first seat  106  and the second seat  112  that are configured to be sat on by a passenger who is seated in the passenger compartment  104  by engagement with portions of the lower body of the passenger. The first seat back  110  and the second seat back  116  extend generally upwards from the first seat bottom  108  and the second seat bottom  114  to define seating surfaces of the first seat  106  and the second seat  112  that are configured to engage portions of the upper body of the passenger who is seated in the passenger compartment  104 . The first seat back  110  and the second seat back  116  may be mounted in a manner that allows movement (e.g., by pivoting) with respect to the first seat bottom  108  and the second seat bottom  114  to allow adjustment of a recline angle or to fold forward (i.e., towards a center of the passenger compartment  104 ) to allow access to areas behind the first seat  106  and the second seat  112 . While the first seat  106  and the second seat  112  are shown in  FIG.  1    as “bench style” seats, it is noted that first seat  106  and second seat  112  may take different configurations. 
     The passenger compartment  104  includes a luggage compartment  118  which is accessed via an opening  120 . The opening  120  extends in a generally horizontal direction (as shown by the dashed outline in  FIG.  1   ) and in a generally vertical direction behind the first seat back  110 . A passenger can access the luggage compartment  118  when the display screen  124  is in a luggage access position and the first seat back  110  is moved toward the first seat bottom  108 , as will be described in connection with  FIG.  4   . 
     A surface  122  is located behind the first seat  106  and extends generally horizontally from a rear of the first seat back  110  to walls defined by the body structure  102 . In this instance, the term “behind” is relative to the first seat  106  and is not related to a direction of travel of the vehicle  100 . In an implementation, the opening  120  is an opening in the surface  122 . The display screen  124  may be in contact with at least a portion of the surface  122  when the display screen  124  is in the storage position. 
     When the display screen  124  is in the storage position, the display screen  124  is not viewable by a passenger seated in the passenger compartment  104 . In the storage position, the display screen  124  is parallel to the surface  122  and located such that the display screen  124  covers at least a portion of the opening  120 . In an implementation, when the display screen  124  is in the storage position, the display screen  124  is positioned adjacent to the surface  122  and obstructs access to the opening  120  such that the luggage compartment  118  is hidden from a passenger. 
     The display screen  124  may also be in a viewing position in which the display screen  124  is viewable by a passenger seated in the passenger compartment  104 , for example seated in the second seat  112 . To allow viewing from the second seat  112 , the second seat  112  faces toward the display screen  124 . The viewing position will be discussed in greater detail in connection with  FIG.  3   . 
     When the display screen is in the luggage access position, the display screen  124  may not be viewable by a passenger seated in the passenger compartment  104 . In the luggage access position, the display screen  124  is spaced away from the surface  122  such that a passenger can access the luggage compartment  118  through the opening  120 . In an implementation, the first seat back  110  may also be moved away from the opening  120  while the display screen  124  is in the luggage access position such that the passenger can access the luggage compartment  118  through the opening  120 . The luggage access position will be discussed in greater detail in connection with  FIG.  4   . 
     The display screen  124  may be moved from the storage position to the luggage access position, and back to the storage position. The display screen  124  may be moved from the storage position to the viewing position, and back to the storage position. The display screen  124  may be moved from the viewing position to the luggage access position and back to the viewing position, either directly or via temporarily being in the storage position. 
     A first support assembly  126  is positioned adjacent to the opening  120 . A second support assembly  128  is positioned adjacent to the opening  120 , at an opposite side of the opening  120  as the first support assembly  126 . The first support assembly  126  and the second support assembly  128  are configured to support the display screen  124  and to move the display screen  124  between the storage position, the viewing position, and the luggage access position. It is noted that while the first support assembly  126  and the second support assembly  128  are shown in  FIG.  1    as being positioned on an interior portion of the opening  120 , the first support assembly  126  and the second support assembly  128  may be positioned on an exterior portion of the opening  120 . In an implementation, the first support assembly  126  and the second support assembly  128  are positioned proximate to the opening  120  such that when the display screen  124  is in the storage position, the display screen  124  obstructs access to the opening  120  and that when the display screen  124  is in the luggage access position, the display screen  124  is spaced from the opening  120  such that a passenger may access the luggage compartment  118 . 
     While  FIG.  1    shows both the first support assembly  126  and the second support assembly  128 , in an implementation, only one support assembly may be used. In such an implementation, the support assembly is configured to support the display screen  124  such that the display screen  124  may be moved between the storage position, the viewing position, and the luggage access position. As used herein, the term “support assembly” encompasses all components that support the display screen  124  and enable the display screen  124  to be moved between the storage position, the viewing position, and the luggage access position. A few exemplary configurations of the support assembly are described in further detail below. 
       FIG.  2    is a side view of the passenger compartment  104  of the vehicle  100  with the display screen  124  in the storage position. The first seat  106  includes a first seat pivot  230  around which the first seat back  110  may be moved relative to the first seat bottom  108 , as will be described in connection with  FIG.  4   . The luggage compartment  118  is configured to store one or more pieces of luggage  232  such that the display screen  124  covers at least a portion of the opening  120  without the luggage  232  extending beyond the opening  120 . In an implementation, the display screen  124  completely obstructs the opening  120  such that the luggage compartment  118  and the luggage  232  are hidden from a passenger. 
     The first support assembly  126  includes a first pivot  234  connected to the display screen  124  and a second pivot  236  connected to the luggage compartment  118 . In an implementation, the second pivot  236  may be connected to a different location of the body structure  102  proximate to the opening  120 . The first pivot  234  and the second pivot  236  are support structures that include actuated or non-actuated pivot joints. The first pivot  234  and the second pivot  236  are connected to the display  124  and the luggage compartment  118 , respectively, either directly or indirectly, such as by brackets, fasteners, frames, or other type of connector. The first pivot  234  is connected to the second pivot  236  by an arm  238 . It is noted that while the second support assembly  128  is not shown in  FIG.  2   , the second support assembly  128  may be constructed in a similar manner as the first support assembly  126 . 
     It is noted that the first support assembly  126  and the second support assembly  128  may take on different configurations, including other brackets, fasteners, frames, connectors, attachments, or mounting mechanisms such that the first support assembly  126  and the second support assembly  128  are connected to the display screen  124  and the luggage compartment  118 , respectively, such that the display screen  124  can be moved between the storage position, the viewing position, and the luggage access position either manually by a passenger or automatically when initiated by a passenger. 
       FIG.  3    is a side view of the passenger compartment  104  of the vehicle  100  with the display screen  124  in the viewing position. In the viewing position, the display screen  124  is oriented toward the second seat  112  so that the display screen  124  is viewable from the second seat  112 . To move the display screen  124  from the storage position (as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   ) to the viewing position, the arm  238  is rotated around the second pivot  236  and the display screen  124  is rotated around the first pivot  234 . In an implementation, the display screen  124  is manually moved by a passenger from the storage position to the viewing position. In an implementation, the display screen  124  is automatically moved from the storage position to the viewing position when activated by a passenger. In this implementation, the first pivot  234  and the second pivot  236  include actuators, for example, a rotary electric motor. 
       FIG.  4    is a side view of the passenger compartment  104  of the vehicle  100  with the display screen  124  in the luggage access position. In an implementation, the display screen  124  may be moved to the luggage access position from the storage position. In an implementation, the display screen  124  may be moved to the luggage access position directly from the viewing position. In an implementation, the display screen  124  may be moved into the luggage access position from the viewing position after temporarily being in the storage position. 
     To move the display screen  124  to the luggage access position, the arm  238  is rotated around the second pivot  236  and the display screen  124  is rotated around the first pivot  234 . In an implementation, the display screen  124  is manually moved by a passenger to the luggage access position. In an implementation, the display screen  124  is automatically moved to the luggage access position when activated by a passenger. In this implementation, the first pivot  234  and the second pivot  236  include actuators, for example, a rotary electric motor. 
     When the display screen  124  is in the luggage access position, the first seat back  110  may be rotated around the first seat pivot  230  (from a use position, as shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3   ) toward the first seat bottom  108  (to a folded position, as shown in  FIG.  4   ) to enlarge the unobstructed portion of the opening  120  such that a passenger can access the luggage compartment  118  via the vertical portion of the opening  120  (shown by a dashed line in  FIG.  4   ). With the first seat  106  in the folded position, the opening  120  is larger to enable a passenger to stow and retrieve larger items, such as suitcases. If the first seat  106  is retained in the use position while the display screen  124  is in the luggage access position, a passenger may still access the portion of the opening  120  adjacent to the surface  122 . In an implementation, the luggage compartment  118  may include a removable tray or insert that may be used to store small items. The removable tray or insert may be then removed from the luggage compartment  118  such that a passenger can access larger items in the luggage compartment  118 . 
       FIG.  5    is a top view of a second embodiment of the passenger compartment  104  of the vehicle  100  with the display screen  124  in the storage position. This embodiment is similar in certain respects to the embodiment shown in  FIG.  1   , and like reference numbers refer to the same elements. 
     A first support assembly  526  is positioned adjacent to the opening  120 . A second support assembly  528  is positioned adjacent to the opening  120 , at an opposite side of the opening  120  as the first support assembly  526 . The first support assembly  526  and the second support assembly  528  are configured to support the display screen  124  and to move the display screen  124  between the storage position, the viewing position, and the luggage access position. It is noted that while the first support assembly  526  and the second support assembly  528  are shown in  FIG.  5    as being positioned on an interior portion of the opening  120 , the first support assembly  526  and the second support assembly  528  may be positioned on an exterior portion of the opening  120 . In an implementation, the first support assembly  526  and the second support assembly  528  are positioned proximate to the opening  120  such that when the display screen  124  is in the storage position, the display screen  124  obstructs access to the opening  120  and that when the display screen  124  is in the luggage access position, the display screen  124  is spaced from the opening such that a passenger may access the luggage compartment  118 . 
     While  FIG.  5    shows both the first support assembly  526  and the second support assembly  528 , in an implementation, only one support assembly may be used. In such an implementation, the support assembly is configured to support the display screen  124  such that the display screen  124  may be moved between the storage position, the viewing position, and the luggage access position. 
       FIG.  6    is a side view of the second embodiment of the passenger compartment  104  of the vehicle  100  with the display screen  124  in the storage position. The first support assembly  526  includes a first pivot  234  connected to the display screen  124  and a second pivot  236  connected to the luggage compartment  118 . In an implementation, the second pivot  236  may be connected to a different location of the body structure  102  proximate to the opening  120 . The first pivot  234  and the second pivot  236  are support structures that include actuated or non-actuated pivot joints. The first pivot  234  and the second pivot  236  are connected to the display  124  and the luggage compartment  118 , respectively, either directly or indirectly, such as by brackets, fasteners, frames, or other type of connector. The first pivot  234  is connected to the second pivot  236  by an arm  238 . It is noted that while the second support assembly  528  is not shown in  FIG.  6   , the second support assembly  528  may be constructed in a similar manner as the first support assembly  526 . 
     It is noted that the first support assembly  526  and the second support assembly  528  may take on different configurations, including other brackets, fasteners, frames, connectors, attachments, or mounting mechanisms such that the first support assembly  526  and the second support assembly  528  are connected to the display screen  124  and the luggage compartment  118 , respectively, such that the display screen  124  can be moved between the storage position, the viewing position, and the luggage access position either manually by a passenger or automatically when initiated by a passenger. 
       FIG.  7    is a side view of the second embodiment of the passenger compartment  104  of the vehicle  100  with the display screen  124  in the viewing position. To move the display screen  124  from the storage position (as shown in  FIGS.  5  and  6   ) to the viewing position, the arm  238  is rotated around the second pivot  236  and the display screen  124  is rotated around the first pivot  234 . The arm  238  may be a segmented arm (e.g., including a first arm portion and a second arm portion) with the arm portions connected by a third pivot  740  such that the arm portions may rotate relative to each other. In an implementation, the display screen  124  is manually moved by a passenger from the storage position to the viewing position. In an implementation, the display screen  124  is automatically moved from the storage position to the viewing position when activated by a passenger. In this implementation, the first pivot  234  and the second pivot  236  include actuators, for example, a rotary electric motor. 
       FIG.  8    is a side view of the second embodiment of the passenger compartment  104  of the vehicle  100  with the display screen  124  in the luggage access position. To move the display screen  124  to the luggage access position, the arm  238  is rotated around the second pivot  236  and the display screen  124  is rotated around the first pivot  234 . The arm  238  may be a segmented arm (e.g., including a first arm portion and a second arm portion) with the arm portions connected by the third pivot  740  such that the arm portions may rotate relative to each other. In an implementation, the display screen  124  is manually moved by a passenger to the luggage access position. In an implementation, the display screen  124  is automatically moved to the luggage access position when activated by a passenger. In this implementation, the first pivot  234  and the second pivot  236  include actuators, for example, a rotary electric motor. 
       FIG.  9    is a top view of a third embodiment of the passenger compartment  104  of the vehicle  100  with the display screen  124  in the storage position. This embodiment is similar in certain respects to the embodiment shown in  FIG.  1   , and like reference numbers refer to the same elements. 
     A first support assembly  926  is positioned adjacent to the opening  120  and includes a first pivot  942  and a first track  944 . The first pivot  942  is connected to the display screen  124  and moves along the first track  944 . A second support assembly  928  is positioned adjacent to the opening  120 , at an opposite side of the opening  120  as the first support assembly  926 . The second support assembly  928  includes a second pivot  946  and a second track  948 . The second pivot  946  is connected to the display screen  124  and moves along the second track  948 . 
     The first support assembly  926  and the second support assembly  928  are configured to support the display screen  124  and to move the display screen  124  between the storage position, the viewing position, and the luggage access position. In an implementation, the first support assembly  926  and the second support assembly  928  are positioned proximate to the opening  120  such that when the display screen  124  is in the storage position, the display screen  124  obstructs access to the opening  120  and that when the display screen  124  is in the luggage access position, the display screen  124  is spaced from the opening such that a passenger may access the luggage compartment  118 . 
     While  FIG.  9    shows both the first support assembly  926  and the second support assembly  928 , in an implementation, only one support assembly may be used. In such an implementation, the support assembly is configured to support the display screen  124  such that the display screen  124  may be moved between the storage position, the viewing position, and the luggage access position. 
       FIG.  10    is a side view of the third embodiment of the passenger compartment  104  of the vehicle  100  with the display screen  124  in the storage position. The first pivot  942  is a support structure that includes an actuated or a non-actuated pivot joint. The first pivot  942  is connected to the display  124  either directly or indirectly, such as by a bracket, a fastener, a frame, or other type of connector. The first pivot  942  is configured to move along the first track  944 , for example, by a sliding motion. It is noted that while the second support assembly  928  is not shown in  FIG.  10   , the second support assembly  928  may be constructed in a similar manner as the first support assembly  926 . 
       FIG.  11    is a side view of the third embodiment of the passenger compartment  104  of the vehicle  100  with the display screen  124  in the viewing position. To move the display screen  124  from the storage position (as shown in  FIGS.  9  and  10   ) to the viewing position, the display screen  124  is rotated around the first pivot  942  from a generally horizontal position (as shown in  FIGS.  9  and  10   ) to a generally vertical position (as shown in  FIG.  11   ). When the display screen  124  is in the viewing position, the first pivot  942  is located at a position on the first track  944  proximate to the first seat  106 . 
     In an implementation, the display screen  124  is manually moved by a passenger from the storage position to the viewing position. In an implementation, the display screen  124  is automatically moved from the storage position to the viewing position when activated by a passenger. In this implementation, the first pivot  942  includes an actuator, for example, a rotary electric motor. 
       FIG.  12    is a side view of the third embodiment of the passenger compartment  104  of the vehicle  100  with the display screen  124  in the luggage access position. To move the display screen  124  to the luggage access position, the first pivot  942  is moved along the first track  944  away from the first seat  106  towards an outer perimeter of the passenger compartment  104 . In an implementation, the display screen  124  is manually moved by a passenger to the luggage access position. In an implementation, the display screen  124  is automatically moved to the luggage access position when activated by a passenger. In this implementation, the first pivot  942  includes an actuator, for example, a rotary electric motor. 
       FIG.  13    is a block diagram that shows the vehicle  100 . As an example, the vehicle  100  may be a conventional road-going vehicle that is supported by wheels and tires (e.g., four wheels and tires). As an example, the vehicle  100  may be a passenger vehicle that includes a passenger compartment that is configured to carry one or more passengers. In an implementation, the vehicle  100  may be a non-road-going vehicle, including, but not limited to, a train, a boat, or an aircraft. 
     In the illustrated implementation, the vehicle  100  includes the body structure  102 , a suspension system  1350 , a propulsion system  1352 , a braking system  1354 , a steering system  1356 , a sensing system  1358 , and a control system  1360 . These are examples of vehicle systems that are included in the vehicle  100 . Other systems can be included in the vehicle  100 . 
     The body structure  102  includes structural components of the vehicle  100  through which other components are interconnected and supported as well as aesthetic components of the vehicle  100 . The body structure  102  may, for example, include or define the passenger compartment  104  for carrying passengers. The structural components of the body structure  102  may include, as examples, a frame, subframe, unibody, monocoque, etc. The aesthetic components of the body structure  102  may include exterior body panels, exterior trim panels, interior trim panels, fixtures, accessories, etc. 
     The suspension system  1350  controls vertical motion of the wheels of the vehicle  100  relative to the body structure  102 , and may include passive suspension components and/or active suspension components. The propulsion system  1352  includes propulsion components that are configured to cause motion of the vehicle  100  (e.g., accelerating the vehicle  100 ), such as an internal combustion engine, one or more electric motors, a battery, an inverter, one or more gearboxes, etc. The braking system  1354  provides deceleration torque for decelerating the vehicle  100 . The steering system  1356  is operable to cause the vehicle to turn by changing a steering angle of one or more wheels of the vehicle  100 . 
     The sensing system  1358  includes sensors for observing external conditions of the environment around the vehicle  100  (e.g., location of the roadway and other objects) and conditions of the vehicle  100  (e.g., acceleration and conditions of the various systems and their components). The sensing system  1358  may include sensors of various types, including dedicated sensors and/or components of the various systems. 
     The control system  1360  includes 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 system  1360  may be a single system or multiple related systems. For example, the control system  1360  may be a distributed system including components that are included in other systems of the vehicle  100 . The control system  1360  may be configured to control the automatic movement of the display screen  124  by sending commands or signals to motion control components such as electric motors. For example, the control system  1360  may be configured to send one or more commands in response to a user command received from a user interface device or in response to a condition such as arriving at a destination. 
     The control system  1360  may include autonomous driving functions that are configured to control operation of vehicle actuator systems of the vehicle  100  without manual control inputs. As an example, the control system  1360  may use inputs received from the sensing system  1358  to understand the environment around the vehicle and may determine commands that are sent to one or more vehicle actuator systems, such as the propulsion system  1352 , the braking system  1354 , and the steering system  1356 , to cause the vehicle  100  to travel from a current location toward a destination location. 
       FIG.  14    is a block diagram that shows a controller  1462  that may be used to implement the control system  1360  and/or other control systems of the vehicle  100 . The controller  1462  may include a processor  1464 , a memory  1466 , a storage device  1468 , one or more input devices  1470 , and one or more output devices  1472 . The controller  1462  may include a bus or a similar device to interconnect the components for communication. The processor  1464  is operable to execute computer program instructions and perform operations described by the computer program instructions. As an example, the processor  1464  may be a conventional device such as a central processing unit. The memory  1466  may be a volatile, high-speed, short-term information storage device such as a random-access memory module. The storage device  1468  may be a non-volatile information storage device such as a hard drive or a solid-state drive. The input devices  1470  may 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 devices  1472  may 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. 
     As described above, one aspect of the present technology is storage for a display screen, which may, in some implementations, include the gathering and use of data available from various sources to customize operation of the storage for the display screen based on user 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. As one example, information describing a user of the vehicle may be collected and used to adjust the ride of the vehicle based on user preferences. As another example, the vehicle may include sensors that are used to control operation of the vehicle, and these sensors may obtain information (e.g., still pictures or video images) that can be used to identify persons present in the image. 
     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, the personal information data can be used to develop a user profile that describes user comfort levels for certain types of motion of the vehicle. 
     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 identifying content to be displayed to users, 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 personal data for use in the support assembly for the display screen. In yet another example, users can select to limit the length of time personal data is maintained or entirely prohibit the use and storage of personal data. 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 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, a customized storage for the display screen can be performed using non-personal information data or a bare minimum amount of personal information, other non-personal information available to the devices, or publicly available information.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20220110
Publication Date: 20240319
Grant Date: 20240319
Priority Date: 20210329
Inventors: WOLF, PHILIPP J.
RIEPLING, Jeffrey M.
DOWLE, JAMES J.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "B60R11/0229", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60N2/01", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R7/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R2011/0036", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R11/0229", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R2011/0036", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60N2/01", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R7/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R11/0229", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R7/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R2011/0036", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R11/0235", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60N2/3004", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 90245802