Rivian IP Holdings, LLC

Larry Parker

Christian Elder

Matthew Braun

Brian Gase

David Schneider

Elizabeth K Steenwyk

William Kirk Robinson

Kaitlyn Benoit

Robert J Scaringe

Patrick Hunt

Dwight S Brooks

Sheetanshu Tyagi

Kyle Mulligan

Chass Bakker

Ruey-Khan Kenneth Tsang

Arthur Bledsoe

A smart cable lock is provided that is configured to mechanically secure items and provide an automatic determination that securing is achieved. The smart cable may be integrated into a vehicle, or otherwise may communicate with a vehicle. The vehicle includes one or more ports configured to house the cable when not in use. In some embodiments, an accessory includes one or more ports configured to engage with the connector. In some embodiments, the cable is affixed to the vehicle at one end, using a retractor, for example, and can be unspooled, intertwined with equipment, and then secured to a port on the vehicle. The smart cable lock secures and releases a latch based on user indications and authorizations. For example, if the cable is destroyed or damaged, or an unauthorized indication is made, the cable lock system may sound an alarm, or otherwise alert the user.

Cable lock systems and methods

A kitchen module for a vehicle includes a frame system for providing structural support, a rail system affixed to the frame system and the vehicle, and a plurality of kitchen components mounted to the frame system. The rail system is configured to allow the frame system to move relative to the vehicle. The plurality of kitchen components include a sink, a potable water tank, a waste-water tank, a rangetop, at least one drawer, a countertop, lights, any other suitable component, or any combination thereof. The vehicle, which may be an electric vehicle having a battery module, can include an electrical extension connecting an electric power source of the vehicle to the kitchen module. The electrical extension may be coupled to at least one of an actuator of the rail system and a rangetop.

Kitchen module for a vehicle

Various disclosed embodiments include illustrative telescoping tailgate systems for an automotive vehicle and illustrative automotive vehicles with a telescoping tailgate system for carrying cargo or passengers. In an illustrative embodiment, a telescoping tailgate system for an automotive vehicle includes: a primary tailgate configured to be movably attached to a body of an automotive vehicle, the primary tailgate defining an opening therethrough; a secondary tailgate movably attached to the primary tailgate; and a telescoping mechanism configured to move the secondary tailgate between a retracted position and an extended position, the secondary tailgate being configured to close the opening in the primary tailgate when the secondary tailgate is in an extended position.

Automotive vehicle with telescoping tailgate

An illustrative folding tailgate for an automotive vehicle includes a first wall portion and a second wall portion that are rotatably connected to one another. A first latch may be attached to the first wall portion and configured to engage with a complementary latch part at a first portion of a vehicle to lock the tailgate in a closed position. A guide member may be attached to the first wall portion and configured to move along a rail disposed at a rear of the automotive vehicle, the guide member configured to move along the rail in a manner constrained by the rail. A rotatable connection mechanism may be attached to the second wall portion and configured to attach to a second portion of a vehicle. The tailgate may be configured to open and close via folding movement of the first and second wall portions relative to one another.

Automotive vehicle with folding tailgate

A swing and drop tailgate is configured to undergo two distinct motions, each with advantages depending on circumstances. The swing and drop tailgate can undergo a rotation motion about a hinge, as well as a swing down motion via a linkage. The swing down motion allows closer access to the bed, and extends less far from the rear of the vehicle as compared to the drop motion. The motions may be manually controlled, or actuator controlled. One or more latches may constrain motion, or prevent, of the tailgate. A tailgate assembly may include a post assembly and a tailgate, that may move together as a rigid body when dropping, or move relative to one another when swinging.

Swing and drop tailgate

A modular system for an automotive vehicle configured to permit removal of a removable structural module from and reattachment to an automotive vehicle is described. The system includes a removable structural module comprising a body, a support structure configured to receive and support the removable structural module and to permit the removable structural module to be releasably attached to an automotive vehicle, a sensing arrangement configured to permit confirmation of secure attachment of the removable structural module to the automotive vehicle and configured to permit identification of a predetermined type of the removable structural module, and a computer configured to identify the predetermined type of the removable structural module from among multiple possible predetermined types of removable structural modules. The removable structural module comprises multiple connecting structures that permit the removable structural module to be releasably secured to the automotive vehicle.

Growing community of inventors

Bloomfield Hills, MI, United States of America

Larry Parker