Vehicle accessory port and plug
AssigneeRivian IP Holdings, LLC
InventorsChristian Elder, Eric Griffith
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A vehicle may include an integrated connector system. The vehicle includes a body having an outer surface and a plurality of attachment ports arranged on the outer surface. The attachments ports include a recess that extends below the surrounding outer surface. Each attachment port is configured to receive and engage with an attachment plug of an accessory. In some embodiments, there are different types of attachment ports, configured to engage with respective types of attachment plugs. Various accessories may be engaged with the attachment ports, allowing a range of items and equipment to be secured to the vehicle.
Claims20
An attachment port comprising:
- a body arranged in a top surface of a side rail of a vehicle, wherein:
- the body forms a recess;
- and
- the body comprises a plurality of sides, wherein:
- at least one side of the plurality of sides is curved, and
- at least one side of the plurality of sides is elongated;
- and
- a pin extending between opposing elongated sides of the plurality of sides.
A port comprising:
- a body comprising a plurality of sides and embedded in a top surface of a vehicle side rail, wherein:
- at least one side of the plurality of sides is curved, and
- at least one side of the plurality of sides is elongated;
- and
- a pin extending between opposing sides of the plurality of sides, wherein the pin is configured to interface with an attachment accessory.
A method comprising:
- inserting an end of an attachment accessory into a recess of an attachment port, wherein the attachment port comprises:
- a body forming the recess and comprising a plurality of sides, and
- a pin extending between opposing elongated sides of the plurality of sides, wherein the attachment port is arranged in at least one opening in a surface of a vehicle rail;
- and
- causing a feature of the attachment accessory to interface with the pin to secure the end of the attachment accessory in the recess of the attachment port.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.