Touch pad control panel located in the center console of a vehicle
US8659554B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 27, 2007 |
| Grant date | Feb 25, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 30, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2011/0085
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present disclosure provides a moveable touch pad that opens out of a center console armrest and is operable to control a navigation unit or other vehicle functions. Advantageously, locating a control touch pad unit in the center console armrest provides an ergonomically desirable solution for the vehicle's driver. The touch pad can be stored in the vehicle's center console armrest, and the touch pad is configured to move fore and aft for comfortable driver access. Additionally, the control touch pad unit can be utilized to control other vehicle functions, such as audio, climate settings, odometer settings, lighting, mobile phones, and the like.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.