AU2017308512A1 - "attachment device" - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments generally relate to attachment devices for attaching an object - such as a bicycle, for example - to first and second roof rack bars of a vehicle, and associated methods of use. Some embodiments relate to an attachment device for attaching an object to first and second roof rack bars of a vehicle, the device comprising: a frame; at least one coupling portion coupled to the frame and configured to selectively couple the object to the frame; at least one first hook coupled to the frame and configured to engage the first roof rack bar; at least one second hook coupled to the frame in opposition to the at least one first hook and configured to engage the second roof rack bar; and an adjustment mechanism configured to selectively increase or decrease a distance between the at least one first hook and the at least one second hook. The adjustment mechanism allows the frame to be removably coupled to the vehicle by tightening the mechanism to draw the at least one first hook towards the at least one second hook to engage the first and second roof rack bars respectively.

Description

Attachment device

Technical Field [0001] Embodiments generally relate to attachment devices for attaching an object to first and second roof rack bars of a vehicle, and associated methods of use. In particular, some embodiments relate to a bike rack for attaching a bicycle to first and second roof rack bars of a vehicle.

Background [0002] Transportation of goods on the roof of vehicles is a useful way to carry items too cumbersome or inconvenient to carry in a vehicle. The most common design of roof rack is that of two cross bars which are fixed to the vehicle and run over the roof from one side to the other. These in turn allow other items and racks to be fixed to them enabling goods to be transported with the vehicle. The cross bars are normally a length of a common section profile which can be any shape but predominantly they are rectangular, round, oval or aerofoil in shape.

[0003] A number of bike rack designs and other attachment devices exist to attach a bike or other object to cross rail roof racks. These involve fixing of a rack assembly to the cross bars with a combination of brackets and fasteners so that it can be fixed to the cross bars in isolation. Then a bike or other object can be installed onto the attachment device and clamped to the attachment device which in turn fixes the bike or object to the vehicle.

[0004] Transportation racks or attachment devices that rigidly fix an object such as a single bike to the roof racks of a car have traditionally been large, cumbersome and time consuming to install. The time consuming nature of attaching bike racks or other attachment devices to the cross bars results in users not normally moving the rack from vehicle to vehicle and not removing from the vehicle between uses.

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PCT/AU2017/050834 [0005] It is desired to address or ameliorate one or more shortcomings or disadvantages associated with existing attachment devices or bike racks, or to at least provide a useful alternative thereto.

[0006] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.

[0007] Throughout this specification the word comprise, or variations such as comprises or comprising, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

Summary [0008] Some embodiments relate to an attachment device for attaching an object to first and second roof rack bars of a vehicle, the device comprising:

a frame;

at least one coupling portion coupled to the frame and configured to selectively couple the object to the frame;

at least one first hook coupled to the frame and configured to engage the first roof rack bar;

at least one second hook coupled to the frame in opposition to the at least one first hook and configured to engage the second roof rack bar; and an adjustment mechanism configured to selectively increase or decrease a distance between the at least one first hook and the at least one second hook, allowing the frame to be removably coupled to the vehicle by tightening the mechanism to draw the at least one first hook towards the at least one second hook to engage the first and second roof rack bars respectively.

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PCT/AU2017/050834 [0009] In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism may comprise: a first submechanism configured to allow relatively large adjustments of the distance to engage the first and second hooks with the respective first and second roof rack bars; and a second sub-mechanism configured to allow relatively small adjustments of the distance to tighten the hooks and fasten the frame to the vehicle.

[0010] In some embodiments, the frame may define a track and the device may further comprise a carrier coupled to the at least one second hook and slidably engaged with the track, the track being oriented such that movement of the carrier along the track moves the at least one second hook towards or away from the at least one first hook.

[0011] In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism may comprise a threaded rod coupled to the frame such that the rod is free to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the rod relative to the frame, and the carrier may be configured to be threadedly engaged with the rod such that rotation of the rod causes movement of the carrier along the track thereby adjusting the distance between the at least one first hook and the at least one second hook. The first sub-mechanism may comprise a pawl coupled to the carrier and configured to provide the threaded engagement of the carrier with the rod such that the carrier is free to move along the track to bring the at least one second hook towards the at least one first hook, but restricted from moving in the opposite direction, and the pawl can be selectively disengaged from the threaded rod to allow free movement of the carrier in either direction along the track. The second submechanism may comprise the threaded rod and a handle to allow manual rotation of the threaded rod. The second sub-mechanism may further comprise a torque limiting mechanism to limit the amount of torque transferred from the handle to the threaded rod.

[0012] In some embodiments, one or more of: the at least one first hook; and the at least one second hook; may be mechanically linked to at least one of the at least one coupling portion such that tightening the first and second hooks onto the first and

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PCT/AU2017/050834 second roof rack bars has the effect of simultaneously tightening the at least one coupling portion onto the object.

[0013] In some embodiments, the at least one coupling portion may be configured to couple the frame to a bicycle. For example, the at least one coupling portion may comprise two handlebar coupling portions spaced apart from each other and configured to couple a handlebar of the bicycle to the frame near the at least one first hook; and a seat coupling portion configured to couple a seat of the bicycle to the frame. A distance between the seat coupling portion and the two handlebar coupling portions may be adjustable to suit different bicycles. A distance between the two handlebar coupling portions may be adjustable to suit different bicycles.

[0014] In some embodiments, the at least one first hook may comprise two first hooks spaced apart from each other. The track may be formed in a main body of the frame. The frame may comprise comprises two elongate arms pivotally connected to an end of the body such that the arms can be arranged alongside the body in a storage configuration or extended out into an operating configuration to form a Y-shape with the body. Each of the two first hooks and each of the two handlebar coupling portions may be disposed at or near an end of a respective one of the arms distal from the pivotal connection to the body. The attachment device may further comprise a locking mechanism to selectively set an angle of the arms relative to the body.

[0015] In some embodiments, each of the two first hooks may be mechanically linked to a respective one of the two handlebar coupling portions such that tightening the first and second hooks onto the first and second roof rack bars has the effect of simultaneously tightening each of the two handlebar coupling portions onto the handlebar of the bicycle.

[0016] Some embodiments relate to an attachment device for attaching a bicycle to first and second roof rack bars of a vehicle, the device comprising:

a Y-shaped frame including a body and two elongate arms extending away from an end of the body;

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PCT/AU2017/050834 a handlebar coupling portion disposed at or near a distal end of each arm and configured to couple the frame to a handlebar of the bicycle;

a seat coupling portion coupled to the body and configured to couple the frame to a seat of the bicycle;

a first hook disposed at or near the distal end of each arm and configured to engage the first roof rack bar;

a second hook coupled to the body and configured to engage the second roof rack bar; and an adjustment mechanism to selectively move the second hook towards or away from the first hooks to allow the frame to be coupled to the first and second roof rack bars.

[0017] In some embodiments, the arms may be pivotally connected to the body to allow the arms to be folded alongside the body in a storage configuration, and the device may further comprise a locking mechanism to set an angle of the arms with respect to the body. The arms may be mechanically linked to each other such that they rotate towards and away from the body at equal and opposite rates of rotation.

[0018] In some embodiments, a position of the seat coupling portion may be adjustable along a length of the body to allow the frame to be coupled to different bicycles.

[0019] Some embodiments relate to a method of coupling a bicycle to first and second roof rack bars of a vehicle, the method comprising: first coupling a frame of an attachment device to a handlebar and seat of the bicycle; and subsequently coupling the frame to the first and second roof rack bars with the bicycle in an inverted orientation.

[0020] Some embodiments relate to a method of coupling a bicycle to first and second roof rack bars of a vehicle using an attachment device, the method comprising: first coupling the attachment device to the bicycle; and subsequently coupling the attachment device to the first and second roof rack bars.

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Brief Description of Drawings [0021] Embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings (with linear dimensions shown in millimetres) in which:

[0022] Fig. 1 is an exploded view of an attachment device according to some embodiments;

[0023] Fig. 2A shows a gear mechanism that controls equal and opposite movement of folding arms of the attachment device in an extended operating configuration;

[0024] Fig. 2B shows the gear mechanism of Fig. 2A with the arms in a storage configuration folded alongside a body of the attachment device;

[0025] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the attachment device of Fig. 1 in the folded storage configuration;

[0026] Fig. 4a is a perspective view of the attachment device of Fig. 1 in the unfolded operating configuration;

[0027] Fig. 4b is a top plan view of the attachment device of Fig. 1 in the unfolded operating configuration;

[0028] Fig. 5a shows a bar clamp mechanism of the attachment device of Fig. 1 in a natural position, according to some embodiments;

[0029] Fig. 5b shows the bar clamp mechanism of Fig.5a in a held open position with the clamp partially surrounding part of a handlebar of a bicycle;

[0030] Fig. 5c shows the bar clamp mechanism of Fig.5a in a held to handlebar position coupling the attachment device to the bicycle;

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PCT/AU2017/050834 [0031] Fig. 5d shows the bar clamp mechanism of Fig.5a in a secured to handlebar position with a force G being applied to a lever of the clamp to tighten the clamp onto the handlebar;

[0032] Fig. 6a shows a front perspective view of the attachment device of Fig. 1 coupled to a bicycle;

[0033] Fig. 6b shows a rear perspective view of the attachment device of Fig. 1 coupled to the bicycle;

[0034] Fig. 7a shows a rear perspective view of the bicycle coupled to roof rack bars by the attachment device of Fig. 1;

[0035] Fig. 7b shows a front perspective view of the bicycle coupled to roof rack bars by the attachment device of Fig. 1;

[0036] Fig. 8a shows a sliding hook and track formed in a body of the attachment device of Fig. 1 in a natural position, according to some embodiments;

[0037] Fig. 8b shows the sliding hook of Fig. 8a sliding along the track to meet a roof rack bar;

[0038] Fig. 8c illustrates operation of an adjustment mechanism to tighten the sliding hook against the roof rack bar by rotating a handle;

[0039] Fig. 8d shows a perspective view of the sliding hook and adjustment mechanism without the body revealing the sliding hook engaged with a threaded rod;

[0040] Fig. 8e shows a side view of the sliding hook and adjustment mechanism without the body to illustrate how rotation of the handle causes the sliding hook to move along the threaded rod to tighten the sliding hook against the roof rack position;

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PCT/AU2017/050834 [0041] Fig. 8f shows a side view of the sliding hook and adjustment mechanism without the body to illustrate operation of a release mechanism to allow the sliding hook to be disengaged from the threaded rod;

[0042] Fig. 9a is a perspective view of the body and handle of Fig. 8a;

[0043] Fig. 9b is a perspective view of the handle and rod of Fig. 8d showing a bearing configured to pivotally couple the threaded rod to the body;

[0044] Fig. 9c is another perspective view of the handle and rod of Fig. 8d with a top half of the bearing removed;

[0045] Fig. 9d is a perspective view of the rod and adjustment mechanism of Fig. 8d without the handle showing a torque limiting clutch mechanism to limit the transfer of torque from the handle to the threaded rod, according to some embodiments;

[0046] Fig. 9e is a close up perspective view of the torque limiting clutch mechanism of Fig. 9d illustrating operation of the adjustment mechanism below a threshold torque limit of the clutch mechanism;

[0047] Fig. 9f is a close up perspective view of the torque limiting clutch mechanism of Fig. 9d illustrating operation of the adjustment mechanism above the threshold torque limit of the clutch mechanism;

[0048] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a seat coupling portion of the attachment device of Fig. 1, according to some embodiments;

[0049] Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a seat coupling portion of an attachment device according to some embodiments;

[0050] Figure 12A shows a perspective view of a clamp mechanism of an attachment device in a disassembled state, according to some embodiments;

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PCT/AU2017/050834 [0051] Figure 12B shows a perspective view of the clamp mechanism of Figure 12A in an assembled configuration;

[0052] Figures 13 A to 13D illustrate the operation of the clamp mechanism of Figure 12A;

[0053] Figure 14 shows a perspective view of a crank handle and lock of an attachment device, according to some embodiments;

[0054] Figure 15 shows a perspective view of a sliding hook and pawls in a disassembled configuration; and [0055] Figures 16A to 16B illustrate the operation of the adjustment mechanism of an attachment device with the crank handle of Figure 14 and the sliding hook and pawls of Figure 15 in an assembled configuration.

Description of Embodiments [0056] Embodiments generally relate to attachment devices for attaching an object to first and second roof rack bars of a vehicle, and associated methods of use. For example, in some embodiments, the attachment device may be configured to attach a cargo pod or capsule to a vehicle. In other embodiments, the attachment device may be configured to attach other apparatus or equipment to a vehicle, such as sporting equipment, kayaks, canoes, skis, snowboards or bicycles, for example. In particular, some embodiments relate to an attachment device or bike rack for attaching a bicycle to first and second roof rack bars of a vehicle.

[0057] Referring to Figure 1, an attachment device 100 for attaching an object to first and second roof rack bars of a vehicle is shown according to some embodiments. The device 100 may comprise a frame 102; at least one coupling portion 106 coupled to the frame and configured to selectively couple the object to the frame; at least one first hook 6 coupled to the frame and configured to engage the first roof rack bar; at least

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PCT/AU2017/050834 one second hook 9 coupled to the frame in opposition to the at least one first hook and configured to engage the second roof rack bar; and an adjustment mechanism 104 configured to selectively increase or decrease a distance between the at least one first hook and the at least one second hook allowing the frame to be removably coupled to the vehicle by tightening the mechanism to draw the at least one first hook towards the at least one second hook to engage the first and second roof rack bars respectively.

[0058] In some embodiments the frame 102 of the attachment device or bike rack 100 may comprise folding arms [part 2] that unfold from a body or main arm [part 1]. The frame 102 may be mounted to the bike before installation on the roof of the car. The folding arms [part 2] connect to the main arm [part 1] with a gear mechanism that controls equal and opposite rotation of the folding arms and provides a direct strong connection between the three parts. This design enables fitment on bikes of varied size and handlebar widths as well as angles. The gear mechanism is designed such that the folding arms [part 2] can be moved in a range that allows fitment to all common bike handlebars as shown in Figure 4b. This includes the narrowest road bike (250mm dimension) up to the widest mountain bike handlebar (800mm dimension). The dimension range 600 - 920 shown in Figure 4b is designed such that the total folded unit is compact and the installed rack is able to fit on most common cross bar installations.

[0059] The mechanism which controls the folding arm movement consists of two gears [part 3] (further detailed in Figure 2). These gears are designed to be made of any suitable material, such as a strong, self-lubricating plastic with the same or similar properties to Acetal, for example. Drawings to show the folded and unfolded rack are shown in Figure 3, Figure 4a and Figure 4b respectively. The arms are designed to be made of a lightweight, stiff and strong material like aluminium, for example, that can bridge the gap between the handlebars and seat of the bike as well as the cross bars of the roof racks whilst holding the loads present in use.

[0060] The folding arms [part 2] have handlebar coupling portions or levering bar clamps [part 106] fixed to their end which install on the handlebars holding the rack to

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PCT/AU2017/050834 the bike at one end. Figures 5A to 5D show the full operation of the bar clamp. In the step of installing the rack onto the bike, the lever is pressed (shown as force A in figure 5b) which will open the handlebar engagement gap 24-46mm in order to allow the clamp to be placed over all common handlebars B, the lever is then released thus enabling the clamp to hold the rack to the handlebar. When released the natural position of the clamp is closed as force D pivots about point E and provides a clamping force F (shown in figure 5c) thereby holding the rack to the bike handlebar. The clamp materials are designed to be a combination of strong materials including Nylon and Aluminium, for example, as well as soft, conformable materials including TPE and elastomer, for example. In this way it has a secure but gentle grip of the handlebar.

[0061] In some embodiments, the clamps 106 may each comprise a spring 7 to bias the clamps 106 to a closed configuration as shown in Figures 12A and 12B. The clamps 106 may be opened by pushing the lever or hook 6 towards the folding arms 2 as shown in figure 13B. The clamps 106 may then be placed over the handlebars of a bicycle and closed by releasing the hook 6 allowing the springs 7 to close the clamps 106 around the handle bars.

[0062] At the other end of the rack 100 a seat coupling portion or seat clamp [part 5], shown in Figure 10, is used to complete the fitment of the rack to the bike. Figure 6a and Figure 6b show the rack fitted to the bike, where the strap component of seat clamp [part 5] is fed around the underside of the seat behind the seat pole. Then one of the strap holes, depending on the seat size, is secured over the nob to complete the clamp on the seat of the bicycle. The seat clamp is designed to be a made from a combination of strong materials including Nylon and Aluminium, for example, as well as soft, conformable materials including TPE and elastomer, for example. In this way it has a secure but gentle grip of the bike seat. The seat clamp [part 5] may be designed with an opening width of approximately 52mm so that all bike seats can slide into it but not all the way through it. In some embodiments, the strap may be integrally formed with a main body of the seat clamp [part 5], as shown in Figure 10. In some embodiments, the strap may be separable from the main body of the seat clamp [part 5], as shown in Figure 11.

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PCT/AU2017/050834 [0063] The seat clamp [part 5] can slide up and down the main arm [part 1] as well as rotate. This enables fitment of the rack to bikes of varying sizes as well as varying seat heights and angles relative to handlebar positions. This completes the installation of the rack to the bike so that it is now ready to install onto a vehicle with cross rail roof racks.

[0064] The bike is picked up and inverted with the main arm [part 1] and folding arms [part 2] resting on the cross bars of a vehicle. Figure 7a and Figure 7b show the bike and rack installed on the cross bars of a vehicle roof rack. The bar clamps [part 106] each have a first hook 6 that can now hook under one of the cross bars. There is also a sliding second hook [part 9] engaged in a track 101 in the main arm 1. which can hook under the other cross bar. The next installation step, one which provides enhanced convenience of use, is tightening the sliding hook longitudinally against one of the cross bars with the adjustment mechanism 104. As this occurs, the bar clamp [part 106] hooks are also tightened against the other cross bar (force G in Figure 5d) and this in turn levers the bar clamps [part 106] tight closed around the bike handlebars (force H in Figure 5d). Therefore with one tightening action by the user, the rack is fixed to the cross bars with the first and second hooks (part 9 and part 6) and the bike is fixed to the rack with the coupling portions (parts 5, and 106). In summary, when tension is applied to the main arm and folding arms by the sliding hook, this will pull the bar clamp pivoting arm around the cross bar and tighten the grip onto the cross bars as well as lock onto the handlebar.

[0065] The longitudinal tightening of the sliding hook [part 9] is accomplished by two actions as shown in figure 8. One action is sliding the sliding hook [part 9] by direct action (shown as force A in Figure 8b) on the sliding hook [part 9], pushing it up against the cross bar. In this movement, pawls [part 12] ratchet over the thread of a threaded rod [part 19] to allow movement in this direction but do not allow movement in the other direction. This can be further tightened by turning (shown as torque B in Figure 8e) the crank handle [part 10] which turns the threaded rod [part 19] and thereby forces (shown as force C in Figure 8e) the sliding hook [part 9] tighter against the cross bar. The action to engage the release lever [part 13] (shown as force E in

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Figure 8f) enables the sliding hook to be slid backwards towards the crank handle [part 10] by releasing the pawls [part 12] from the threaded rod [part 19].

[0066] In some embodiments, the pawls 12 may be disengaged from the threaded rod 19 by engaging the release lever 13 to urge the pawls 12 apart, as shown in Figure 8D. In some embodiments, each of the pawls 12 may be connected to a corresponding release lever 13 with an end of each lever forming a button 13 a, as shown in Figures 15 and 16A to 16C. The levers 13 may be hingedly coupled to one another such that the pawls 12 are urged away from each other when the buttons 13a and levers 13 are pushed towards each other, as shown by arrows (E) in Figure 16C. In this way, the pawls 12 may be disengaged from the threaded rod 19 to allow the sliding hook 9 to slide along the track.

[0067] The turning action of the crank handle is torque limited by input and output gears [part 16] of the torque limiting clutch. If the clutch experiences over-load, the input gear will ramp up the tooth of the output gear, overcoming the force of the clutch spring [part 17] to click over to the next tooth. This action is shown in detail in Figure 9e and Figure 9f. Input torque from the crank handle [part 10] (shown as rotation A in Figure 9e and 9f) turns the input gear (shown as rotation B in Figure 9e and Figure 9f) which also turns the output gear (shown as rotation C in Figure 9e and 9f). If the torque is sufficient to overcome the spring force, the input gear moves away from the output gear compressing the clutch spring [part 17] (shown as direction D in Figure 9f) and ratcheting to the next output gear tooth. The pawls and clutch parts may be designed to be made of any suitable material, such as a strong, self-lubricating plastic with the same or similar properties to Acetal, for example. The other components in this mechanism can be made of any suitable plastics and metals of appropriate grades and physical properties for the expected design loads.

[0068] Once the attachment device 100 has been tightened onto the roof racks, the pawls 12 may be restricted from being disengaged from the threaded rod 9. Therefore, in some embodiments, it may be necessary to at least partially loosen the adjustment

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PCT/AU2017/050834 mechanism 104 to at least partially release the tension in the threaded rod 19 and allow the pawls 12 to be released.

[0069] In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism 104 may comprise a lock 107 to selectively restrict the adjustment mechanism 104 from being loosened. The lock 107 may selectively engage and disengage the crank handle 10 with the threaded rod 19, such that when it is desired to lock the attachment device 100 onto the roof racks, the adjustment mechanism 104 can be tightened and then the lock 107 adjusted to disengage the crank handle 10 from the threaded rod 19 so that the adjustment mechanism 104 cannot be loosened by turning the crank handle. In some embodiments, the lock 107 may comprise a mechanical lock. In some embodiments, the lock 107 may comprise an electronic lock 107.

[0070] In some embodiments, the lock 107 may comprise a latch configured to engage a keyed member such as a dog clutch 108 coupled to the threaded rod 19, as shown in Figure 14. The latch 107 may be selectively engaged and disengaged from the dog clutch 108 by operating a motor 109. The motor 109 may be operated by RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) activation of a controller 110 configured to receive a signal from an electronic key (not shown) and operate the motor 109 in response to the received signal to selectively lock and unlock the adjustment mechanism 104. In some embodiments, the position of the latch 107 may be adjusted with a mechanical lock and key mechanism, for example.

[0071] The embodiments described herein may provide a compact and portable attachment device that can be installed and removed quickly and easily. They may also enable the attachment of various types and sizes of bikes to various roof rack types.

[0072] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims (23)

1. CLAIMS:

   1. An attachment device for attaching an object to first and second roof rack bars of a vehicle, the device comprising:

   a frame;

   at least one coupling portion coupled to the frame and configured to selectively couple the object to the frame;

   at least one first hook coupled to the frame and configured to engage the first roof rack bar;

   at least one second hook coupled to the frame in opposition to the at least one first hook and configured to engage the second roof rack bar; and an adjustment mechanism configured to selectively increase or decrease a distance between the at least one first hook and the at least one second hook, allowing the frame to be removably coupled to the vehicle by tightening the mechanism to draw the at least one first hook towards the at least one second hook to engage the first and second roof rack bars respectively.
2. 2. An attachment device according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises:

   a first sub-mechanism configured to allow relatively large adjustments of the distance to engage the first and second hooks with the respective first and second roof rack bars; and a second sub-mechanism configured to allow relatively small adjustments of the distance to tighten the hooks and fasten the frame to the vehicle.
3. 3. An attachment device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the frame defines a track and the device further comprises a carrier coupled to the at least one second hook and slidably engaged with the track, the track being oriented such that movement of the carrier along the track moves the at least one second hook towards or away from the at least one first hook.

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4. 4. An attachment device according to claim 3, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a threaded rod coupled to the frame such that the rod is free to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the rod relative to the frame, and wherein the carrier is configured to be threadedly engaged with the rod such that rotation of the rod causes movement of the carrier along the track thereby adjusting the distance between the at least one first hook and the at least one second hook.
5. 5. An attachment device according to claim 4, wherein the first sub-mechanism comprises a pawl coupled to the carrier and configured to provide the threaded engagement of the carrier with the rod such that the carrier is free to move along the track to bring the at least one second hook towards the at least one first hook, but restricted from moving in the opposite direction, and wherein the pawl can be selectively disengaged from the threaded rod to allow free movement of the carrier in either direction along the track.
6. 6. An attachment device according to claim 4 or 5 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the second sub-mechanism comprises the threaded rod and a handle to allow manual rotation of the threaded rod.
7. 7. An attachment device according to claim 6, wherein the second submechanism further comprises a torque limiting mechanism to limit the amount of torque transferred from the handle to the threaded rod.
8. 8. An attachment device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein one or more of: the at least one first hook; and the at least one second hook; is mechanically linked to at least one of the at least one coupling portion such that tightening the first and second hooks onto the first and second roof rack bars has the effect of simultaneously tightening the at least one coupling portion onto the object.
9. 9. An attachment device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one coupling portion is configured to couple the frame to a bicycle.

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10. 10. An attachment device according to claim 9, wherein the at least one coupling portion comprises:

    two handlebar coupling portions spaced apart from each other and configured to couple a handlebar of the bicycle to the frame near the at least one first hook; and a seat coupling portion configured to couple a seat of the bicycle to the frame.
11. 11. An attachment device according to claim 10, wherein a distance between the seat coupling portion and the two handlebar coupling portions is adjustable to suit different bicycles.
12. 12. An attachment device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein a distance between the two handlebar coupling portions is adjustable to suit different bicycles.
13. 13. An attachment device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the at least one first hook comprises two first hooks spaced apart from each other.
14. 14. An attachment device according to claim 13 when dependent on claim 3, wherein the track is formed in a main body of the frame, wherein the frame comprises two elongate arms pivotally connected to an end of the body such that the arms can be arranged alongside the body in a storage configuration or extended out into an operating configuration to form a Y-shape with the body, and wherein each of the two first hooks and each of the two handlebar coupling portions is disposed at or near an end of a respective one of the arms distal from the pivotal connection to the body.
15. 15. An attachment device according to claim 14, further comprising a locking mechanism to selectively set an angle of the arms relative to the body.
16. 16. An attachment device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein each of the two first hooks is mechanically linked to a respective one of the two handlebar coupling portions such that tightening the first and second hooks onto the first and

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    PCT/AU2017/050834 second roof rack bars has the effect of simultaneously tightening each of the two handlebar coupling portions onto the handlebar of the bicycle.
17. 17. An attachment device for attaching a bicycle to first and second roof rack bars of a vehicle, the device comprising:

    a Y-shaped frame including a body and two elongate arms extending away from an end of the body;

    a handlebar coupling portion disposed at or near a distal end of each arm and configured to couple the frame to a handlebar of the bicycle;

    a seat coupling portion coupled to the body and configured to couple the frame to a seat of the bicycle;

    a first hook disposed at or near the distal end of each arm and configured to engage the first roof rack bar;

    a second hook coupled to the body and configured to engage the second roof rack bar; and an adjustment mechanism to selectively move the second hook towards or away from the first hooks to allow the frame to be coupled to the first and second roof rack bars.
18. 18. An attachment device according to claim 17, wherein the arms are pivotally connected to the body to allow the arms to be folded alongside the body in a storage configuration, and wherein the device further comprises a locking mechanism to set an angle of the arms with respect to the body.
19. 19. An attachment device according to claim 18, wherein the arms are mechanically linked to each other such that they rotate towards and away from the body at equal and opposite rates of rotation.
20. 20. An attachment device according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein a position of the seat coupling portion is adjustable along a length of the body to allow the frame to be coupled to different bicycles.

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21. 21. A method of coupling a bicycle to first and second roof rack bars of a vehicle, the method comprising:

    first coupling a frame of an attachment device to a handlebar and seat of the bicycle; and subsequently coupling the frame to the first and second roof rack bars with the bicycle in an inverted orientation.
22. 22. A method of coupling a bicycle to first and second roof rack bars of a vehicle using an attachment device according to any one of claims 9 to 20, the method comprising:

    first coupling the attachment device to the bicycle; and subsequently coupling the attachment device to the first and second roof rack bars.
23. 23. The steps, features, integers, components and/or structures disclosed herein or indicated in the specification of this application individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of two or more of said steps or features.