CA2244445C - Anti-rotation bicycle rack - Google Patents
Anti-rotation bicycle rack Download PDFInfo
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- CA2244445C CA2244445C CA 2244445 CA2244445A CA2244445C CA 2244445 C CA2244445 C CA 2244445C CA 2244445 CA2244445 CA 2244445 CA 2244445 A CA2244445 A CA 2244445A CA 2244445 C CA2244445 C CA 2244445C
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- mounting arm
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- rack
- spline
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Abstract
A plastic bracket with a central opening is slidably positionable on a rearwardly extending mounting arm of an inverted L-shaped bicycle support member which is mounted to an automobile. The mounting arm has an axially extending spline which extends from the front of the mounting arm to a position spaced from the rear of the arm. Multiple recessed keyways are formed in the bracket around the central opening. A keyway mates with the spline, and restricts the rotation of the bracket when a toggle is operated to clamp the bracket against axial movement.
Bicycles supported on the bracket by two pivotable tube holders are thus securely connected to the mounting arm, but are selectably positionable to allow multiple bicycles to compactly fit on the arm. Skis may also be attached to the bracket.
Bicycles supported on the bracket by two pivotable tube holders are thus securely connected to the mounting arm, but are selectably positionable to allow multiple bicycles to compactly fit on the arm. Skis may also be attached to the bracket.
Description
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
Anti-Rotation Bicycle Rack BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to bicycle racks for attachment to motor vehicles in general, and to such racks which permit angular positioning of the bicycles in particular.
io The bicycle preceded the automobile as a mode of transportation, and, as the automobile has developed throughout the twentieth century, so has the bicycle.
While the automobile has taken its place as the primary form of transportation for many for purposes of work and recreation, the bicycle continues to provide an interesting and healthy form of transportation, recreation, and sport.
Many bicycle-related activities are not primarily directed at getting between one point and another, but may involve competitive racing, touring, sight-seeing or family activities. Hence, a bicyclist will often wish to transport a bicycle without actually riding it. Automobile mounted racks permit a bicyclist to easily carry a s bicycle many miles to permit the bicyclist to ride in regions distant from home.
Bicycles come in many configurations, shapes, and sizes with consequent variations in distribution of mass. When multiple bicycles are supported about a single axis, it is often necessary that they be pivoted with respect to one another to avoid interference between the bicycle handlebars. What is needed is a bicycle rack i o for automotive mounting which permits the mounted bicycle to be pivoted into a desired transport position, but which is at the same time easily locked into the desired position once it has been obtained.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The bicycle rack of this invention has a plastic bracket with a central opening i5 which is slidably positionable on a rearwardly extending mounting arm of an inverted L-shaped bicycle support member which is mounted to the rear of an automobile, for example to the towing hitch. The mounting arm has an axially extending spline which extends from the front of the mounting arm to a position spaced from the rear of the arm. Multiple recessed keyways are formed in the bracket around the central Zo opening. A keyway mates with the spline, and restricts the rotation of the bracket when a toggle is operated to clamp the bracket against axial movement.
Bicycles supported on the bracket by two pivotable tube holders are thus securely connected to the mounting arm, but are selectably positionable to allow multiple bicycles to compactly fit on the arm. In addition, the bracket may also support skis.
The present invention provides a bicycle support rack which positively restricts rotation of the supported bicycles about a horizontal axis. The present invention also provides a rack for the support of recreational equipment which allows the free sliding of the equipment about a front to back axis for positioning of the equipment on the rack, but which allows the fixing of the mounted equipment during travel. The present invention also provides a bicycle support rack which is rapidly adjustable between a freely rotatable and a locked configuration. Further, the present invention provides a rack which supports skis against undesired rotation.
Anti-Rotation Bicycle Rack BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to bicycle racks for attachment to motor vehicles in general, and to such racks which permit angular positioning of the bicycles in particular.
io The bicycle preceded the automobile as a mode of transportation, and, as the automobile has developed throughout the twentieth century, so has the bicycle.
While the automobile has taken its place as the primary form of transportation for many for purposes of work and recreation, the bicycle continues to provide an interesting and healthy form of transportation, recreation, and sport.
Many bicycle-related activities are not primarily directed at getting between one point and another, but may involve competitive racing, touring, sight-seeing or family activities. Hence, a bicyclist will often wish to transport a bicycle without actually riding it. Automobile mounted racks permit a bicyclist to easily carry a s bicycle many miles to permit the bicyclist to ride in regions distant from home.
Bicycles come in many configurations, shapes, and sizes with consequent variations in distribution of mass. When multiple bicycles are supported about a single axis, it is often necessary that they be pivoted with respect to one another to avoid interference between the bicycle handlebars. What is needed is a bicycle rack i o for automotive mounting which permits the mounted bicycle to be pivoted into a desired transport position, but which is at the same time easily locked into the desired position once it has been obtained.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The bicycle rack of this invention has a plastic bracket with a central opening i5 which is slidably positionable on a rearwardly extending mounting arm of an inverted L-shaped bicycle support member which is mounted to the rear of an automobile, for example to the towing hitch. The mounting arm has an axially extending spline which extends from the front of the mounting arm to a position spaced from the rear of the arm. Multiple recessed keyways are formed in the bracket around the central Zo opening. A keyway mates with the spline, and restricts the rotation of the bracket when a toggle is operated to clamp the bracket against axial movement.
Bicycles supported on the bracket by two pivotable tube holders are thus securely connected to the mounting arm, but are selectably positionable to allow multiple bicycles to compactly fit on the arm. In addition, the bracket may also support skis.
The present invention provides a bicycle support rack which positively restricts rotation of the supported bicycles about a horizontal axis. The present invention also provides a rack for the support of recreational equipment which allows the free sliding of the equipment about a front to back axis for positioning of the equipment on the rack, but which allows the fixing of the mounted equipment during travel. The present invention also provides a bicycle support rack which is rapidly adjustable between a freely rotatable and a locked configuration. Further, the present invention provides a rack which supports skis against undesired rotation.
Further features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an exploded isometric view of the automobile mounted bicycle rack io of this invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary side elevational view of an alternative embodiment mounting arm of this invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring more particularly to FIGS. 1-3, wherein like numbers refer to similar parts, a bicycle carrier or rack 20 of this invention is shown in FIG.
1. The rack 20 is mounted to the rear of an automobile 22, preferably by connection with the trailer hitch 23 of the automobile. The rack has a tubular support member 24 which is generally in the shape of an inverted L. The support member 24 is preferably a steel 2o tube which has a vertical segment 26 which is pivotably connected to an attachment assembly 28 which engages with the vehicle trailer hitch. The support member also has a horizontal segment 30 which extends rearwardly from the vehicle and which defines a cylindrical mounting arm 32 The mounting arm 32 is a cylindrical tube which may be about 2'/2 inches in diameter and which is sufficiently long to support zs one or more bicycles 34. The support member 24 may be similar to those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,775,555 to Bloemer et al.
A plastic bicycle support bracket 36 has an inner wall 37 which defines a generally cylindrical tube opening 38 through which the mounting arm 32 extends, and is thereby slidably positionable on the mounting arm. The inner wall has nineteen grooves or keyways 40 which extend axially from the front to the back of the bracket 36 and which are all parallel to one another and to the mounting arm 32. The keyways 40 are each about one-eighth inch deep and are positioned to engage with s an axially extending spline 42 which is welded to the mounting arm 32. The bracket 36 may be injection molded of glass filled nylon, and will preferably have a planar rearward wall 43 which is reinforced by a grid-like arrangement of ribs 45.
The spline 42 is also approximately one eighth of an inch tall, and extends from a position spaced approximately two inches from the rear of the mounting arm io 32 to the point at which the mounting arm begins to curve downward to meet the vertical segment 26 of the support member 24. A smooth cylindrical adjustment region 44 is thereby defined between the rear end 46 of the mounting arm 32 and the termination of the spline 42. The spline is preferably formed as a weld bead extending axially along the surface of the steel mounting arm 32. Although the spline is may be positioned at any desired orientation on the mounting arm 32, it is preferably in the upper half of the mounting arm such that gravitational loads assist in engaging the spline with a keyway, for example, the spine may be located approximately degrees from the top of the mounting arm.
A bicycle which is supported on the bracket 36 may be rotated about the 2o mounting arm 32 while the bracket is supported on the adjustment region 44 of the mounting arm. When the bicycle is at the proper orientation, either for balance or to avoid interference with another bicycle also mounted on the mounting arm, the bracket is pushed forward on the mounting arm to engage one of the keyways 40 to prevent further rotation of the bracket with respect to the mounting arm.
25 As shown in FIG. 2, an integral plastic tang 48 extends beneath and defines a portion of the tube opening 38. Once the bracket is positioned on the mounting arm, it is releasably secured to the mounting arm by a bracket clamping assembly S0. The clamping assembly 50 has a locking handle 52 which has portions defining an off axis cylindrical cam. The handle 52 is pivotably connected to the cylindrical head of a so bolt 54 which extends through the tang 48 and into the lower wall 56 of the bracket 36. The A nut 58 is threaded on the bolt 54 and is held against rotation by stnlcture within the bracket 36. Unless forced, the locking handle 52 will be restrained against rotation and separation from the bolt 54 by the downwardly extending sidewalls 62 of the tang 48. The tang 48 has a planar end wall 64 which extends between the two sidewalk 62 and which is spaced from the bracket lower wall 66 when the bracket is s in an unclamped condition. A washer 60 is positioned between the handle 52 and the end wall 64.
When the bracket is positioned as desired on the mounting arm 32, the locking handle 52 is rotated to cause the cam portions to engage against the end wall 64 of the tang, thereby forcing the tang into closer engagement with the bracket ~o lower wall 56 to clamp the plastic bracket 36 onto the metal mounting arm 32. The clamping assembly frictionally engages the mounting arm and restricts front to back displacement of the bracket 36, while the engagement of the spline 42 in a keyway 40 restricts rotation of the bracket about the mounting arm 32.
The keyways 40 may be formed in groups of five, with each group spaced by ~s an ungrooved segment 68 which takes the place of a groove. The keyways 40 on the tang 48 may be in a group of four to take into account the gap in the mounting opening where the tang comes together with the bracket lower wall 56.
The bracket 36 has two pivotable bicycle tube holders 69, one on either side of the tube opening 38. The tube holders 69 have v-shaped troughs and are pivotable 2o to support either the horizontal tube of a bicycle or the vertical seat tube. Thus the holders will prevent back and fourth motion of the vertical seat tube.
A resilient tab 70 is connected in a snap fit to the bracket 36 above the pivotable connection of each tube holder. By engaging the down tube of the bicycle, the tube holder prevents unwanted forward and backward tilting of the bicycle while is at the same time the bicycle is supported and held on the resilient tabs 70. The bicycle tubes are secured to the tube holders 69 by elastomeric tongues 72 which extend from one side of the tube holder and are releasably fixed to the other side, by, for example, the engagement of a mushroom-shaped fastener with one of a plurality of openings in the tongue 72.
3o As shown in FIG. 1, a vertical hole extends through the mounting arm and a hard plastic boot 200 extends through the hole in a friction fit, allowing a U-lock or cable lock to pass through and secure the bicycles and brackets to the mounting arm.
The boot 200 has an upwardly projecting flange 202 which protrudes approximately one-eight inch above the mounting arm. The flange 202 serves as a back-up protection against an unclamped bracket sliding rearwardly off the mounting arm.
s When it is desired to remove a bracket or change its orientation, the boot is removed by pressing upwardly from below.
Although a single bicycle may be carried on the support member 24 by a single bracket 36, two or more brackets may be individually mounted to the same support member to support a plurality of bicycles. To avoid interference between io bicycle handlebars, the bicycles may each be clamped at a different inclination. To separately orient each bracket, the user may pull each bracket back into the cylindrical adjustment region 44. Alternatively, with the clamping assembly released, there is sufficient resiliency in the connection for a bracket to be rotated over the spline and then clamped in place.
i s In an alternative embodiment mounting arm 74, shown in FIG. 3, the spline 76 is formed as two or more aligned but non-continuous spline segments 78. The segments are separated by an adjustment region 80 which is wide enough to accommodate a bracket. The spline segments 78 may be formed as weld beads by intermittently activating the welding implement as it is moved axially along the 2o mounting arm 74.
It should also be noted that the bracket 36 may support a set of skis by rotating both tube holders 69 to extend parallel to one another. Generally, the skis will be supported in a vertical orientation on the mounting arm.
In addition, although only a single spline is illustrated on the mounting arm, 2s two or more splines may be positioned on the mounting arm if desired to engage with a like number of keyways on the bracket. The number of splines may also be used to control the number of different orientations permitted. For example, the tube may have four large splines positioned at 90 degrees to one another, with the bracket having four like dimensioned recesses or keyways, with the result that both the so support arm and the bracket mounting arm opening will have a generally cross-shaped cross section.
It should be noted that various means for releasably fixing the bracket to the mounting arm may be employed, for example, in addition to the clamping mechanism shown and other mechanical clamps, a resilient rubber interference fit strap may be positioned between the bracket and the mounting arm such that extension of the strap reduces its thickness and allows movement of the bracket, a cotter pin or spring loaded pin which is selectably engagable with a series of holes in the mounting arm, a set screw, or any other known clamping or releasable positioning fastener.
It is understood that the invention is not limited to the particular construction and arrangement of parts herein illustrated and described, but embraces such i o modified forms thereof as come within the scope of the following claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an exploded isometric view of the automobile mounted bicycle rack io of this invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary side elevational view of an alternative embodiment mounting arm of this invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring more particularly to FIGS. 1-3, wherein like numbers refer to similar parts, a bicycle carrier or rack 20 of this invention is shown in FIG.
1. The rack 20 is mounted to the rear of an automobile 22, preferably by connection with the trailer hitch 23 of the automobile. The rack has a tubular support member 24 which is generally in the shape of an inverted L. The support member 24 is preferably a steel 2o tube which has a vertical segment 26 which is pivotably connected to an attachment assembly 28 which engages with the vehicle trailer hitch. The support member also has a horizontal segment 30 which extends rearwardly from the vehicle and which defines a cylindrical mounting arm 32 The mounting arm 32 is a cylindrical tube which may be about 2'/2 inches in diameter and which is sufficiently long to support zs one or more bicycles 34. The support member 24 may be similar to those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,775,555 to Bloemer et al.
A plastic bicycle support bracket 36 has an inner wall 37 which defines a generally cylindrical tube opening 38 through which the mounting arm 32 extends, and is thereby slidably positionable on the mounting arm. The inner wall has nineteen grooves or keyways 40 which extend axially from the front to the back of the bracket 36 and which are all parallel to one another and to the mounting arm 32. The keyways 40 are each about one-eighth inch deep and are positioned to engage with s an axially extending spline 42 which is welded to the mounting arm 32. The bracket 36 may be injection molded of glass filled nylon, and will preferably have a planar rearward wall 43 which is reinforced by a grid-like arrangement of ribs 45.
The spline 42 is also approximately one eighth of an inch tall, and extends from a position spaced approximately two inches from the rear of the mounting arm io 32 to the point at which the mounting arm begins to curve downward to meet the vertical segment 26 of the support member 24. A smooth cylindrical adjustment region 44 is thereby defined between the rear end 46 of the mounting arm 32 and the termination of the spline 42. The spline is preferably formed as a weld bead extending axially along the surface of the steel mounting arm 32. Although the spline is may be positioned at any desired orientation on the mounting arm 32, it is preferably in the upper half of the mounting arm such that gravitational loads assist in engaging the spline with a keyway, for example, the spine may be located approximately degrees from the top of the mounting arm.
A bicycle which is supported on the bracket 36 may be rotated about the 2o mounting arm 32 while the bracket is supported on the adjustment region 44 of the mounting arm. When the bicycle is at the proper orientation, either for balance or to avoid interference with another bicycle also mounted on the mounting arm, the bracket is pushed forward on the mounting arm to engage one of the keyways 40 to prevent further rotation of the bracket with respect to the mounting arm.
25 As shown in FIG. 2, an integral plastic tang 48 extends beneath and defines a portion of the tube opening 38. Once the bracket is positioned on the mounting arm, it is releasably secured to the mounting arm by a bracket clamping assembly S0. The clamping assembly 50 has a locking handle 52 which has portions defining an off axis cylindrical cam. The handle 52 is pivotably connected to the cylindrical head of a so bolt 54 which extends through the tang 48 and into the lower wall 56 of the bracket 36. The A nut 58 is threaded on the bolt 54 and is held against rotation by stnlcture within the bracket 36. Unless forced, the locking handle 52 will be restrained against rotation and separation from the bolt 54 by the downwardly extending sidewalls 62 of the tang 48. The tang 48 has a planar end wall 64 which extends between the two sidewalk 62 and which is spaced from the bracket lower wall 66 when the bracket is s in an unclamped condition. A washer 60 is positioned between the handle 52 and the end wall 64.
When the bracket is positioned as desired on the mounting arm 32, the locking handle 52 is rotated to cause the cam portions to engage against the end wall 64 of the tang, thereby forcing the tang into closer engagement with the bracket ~o lower wall 56 to clamp the plastic bracket 36 onto the metal mounting arm 32. The clamping assembly frictionally engages the mounting arm and restricts front to back displacement of the bracket 36, while the engagement of the spline 42 in a keyway 40 restricts rotation of the bracket about the mounting arm 32.
The keyways 40 may be formed in groups of five, with each group spaced by ~s an ungrooved segment 68 which takes the place of a groove. The keyways 40 on the tang 48 may be in a group of four to take into account the gap in the mounting opening where the tang comes together with the bracket lower wall 56.
The bracket 36 has two pivotable bicycle tube holders 69, one on either side of the tube opening 38. The tube holders 69 have v-shaped troughs and are pivotable 2o to support either the horizontal tube of a bicycle or the vertical seat tube. Thus the holders will prevent back and fourth motion of the vertical seat tube.
A resilient tab 70 is connected in a snap fit to the bracket 36 above the pivotable connection of each tube holder. By engaging the down tube of the bicycle, the tube holder prevents unwanted forward and backward tilting of the bicycle while is at the same time the bicycle is supported and held on the resilient tabs 70. The bicycle tubes are secured to the tube holders 69 by elastomeric tongues 72 which extend from one side of the tube holder and are releasably fixed to the other side, by, for example, the engagement of a mushroom-shaped fastener with one of a plurality of openings in the tongue 72.
3o As shown in FIG. 1, a vertical hole extends through the mounting arm and a hard plastic boot 200 extends through the hole in a friction fit, allowing a U-lock or cable lock to pass through and secure the bicycles and brackets to the mounting arm.
The boot 200 has an upwardly projecting flange 202 which protrudes approximately one-eight inch above the mounting arm. The flange 202 serves as a back-up protection against an unclamped bracket sliding rearwardly off the mounting arm.
s When it is desired to remove a bracket or change its orientation, the boot is removed by pressing upwardly from below.
Although a single bicycle may be carried on the support member 24 by a single bracket 36, two or more brackets may be individually mounted to the same support member to support a plurality of bicycles. To avoid interference between io bicycle handlebars, the bicycles may each be clamped at a different inclination. To separately orient each bracket, the user may pull each bracket back into the cylindrical adjustment region 44. Alternatively, with the clamping assembly released, there is sufficient resiliency in the connection for a bracket to be rotated over the spline and then clamped in place.
i s In an alternative embodiment mounting arm 74, shown in FIG. 3, the spline 76 is formed as two or more aligned but non-continuous spline segments 78. The segments are separated by an adjustment region 80 which is wide enough to accommodate a bracket. The spline segments 78 may be formed as weld beads by intermittently activating the welding implement as it is moved axially along the 2o mounting arm 74.
It should also be noted that the bracket 36 may support a set of skis by rotating both tube holders 69 to extend parallel to one another. Generally, the skis will be supported in a vertical orientation on the mounting arm.
In addition, although only a single spline is illustrated on the mounting arm, 2s two or more splines may be positioned on the mounting arm if desired to engage with a like number of keyways on the bracket. The number of splines may also be used to control the number of different orientations permitted. For example, the tube may have four large splines positioned at 90 degrees to one another, with the bracket having four like dimensioned recesses or keyways, with the result that both the so support arm and the bracket mounting arm opening will have a generally cross-shaped cross section.
It should be noted that various means for releasably fixing the bracket to the mounting arm may be employed, for example, in addition to the clamping mechanism shown and other mechanical clamps, a resilient rubber interference fit strap may be positioned between the bracket and the mounting arm such that extension of the strap reduces its thickness and allows movement of the bracket, a cotter pin or spring loaded pin which is selectably engagable with a series of holes in the mounting arm, a set screw, or any other known clamping or releasable positioning fastener.
It is understood that the invention is not limited to the particular construction and arrangement of parts herein illustrated and described, but embraces such i o modified forms thereof as come within the scope of the following claims.
Claims (14)
1. A rack for mounting to an automobile, comprising:
a support member with portions for attachment to the automobile, and which has an upwardly extending tube and a rearwardly extending portion which defines a mounting arm having a generally horizontal axis;
at least one axially extending spline which protrudes radially from the mounting arm;
a bracket which has portions defining a central opening which receives the mounting arm therein;
portions of the bracket which define a plurality of recessed keyways opening onto the central opening, wherein the at least one spline is received within one of the keyways to restrict rotation of the bracket with respect to the mounting arm; and a clamp connected to the bracket for engaging the bracket to the mounting arm and restricting axial displacement of the bracket along the mounting arm.
a support member with portions for attachment to the automobile, and which has an upwardly extending tube and a rearwardly extending portion which defines a mounting arm having a generally horizontal axis;
at least one axially extending spline which protrudes radially from the mounting arm;
a bracket which has portions defining a central opening which receives the mounting arm therein;
portions of the bracket which define a plurality of recessed keyways opening onto the central opening, wherein the at least one spline is received within one of the keyways to restrict rotation of the bracket with respect to the mounting arm; and a clamp connected to the bracket for engaging the bracket to the mounting arm and restricting axial displacement of the bracket along the mounting arm.
2. The rack of Claim 1 wherein the mounting arm is generally cylindrical, and wherein the central opening in the bracket is generally cylindrical.
3. The rack of Claim 1 wherein the mounting arm has a rearward end which terminates the mounting arm, and wherein the at least one spline terminates at a position which is spaced frontwardly from the mounting arm rearward end a distance which is approximately as great as the front to back width of the bracket.
4. The rack of Claim 1 wherein the at least one spline comprises a plurality of aligned spine segments which are not continuous, a smooth adjustment region on the mounting arm being defined between two spline segments.
5. The rack of Claim 1 further comprising:
portions of the mounting arm which define a vertically extending hole, and a rigid boot which extends through said hole, the boot protruding upwardly from the hole to block the bracket from exit from the mounting arm.
portions of the mounting arm which define a vertically extending hole, and a rigid boot which extends through said hole, the boot protruding upwardly from the hole to block the bracket from exit from the mounting arm.
6. A bicycle rack for mounting to the rear of an automobile, the rack comprising:
a rearwardly extending generally cylindrical mounting arm which has portions which are attachable to the automobile;
at least one bracket which has portions defining a generally cylindrical opening through which the mounting arm extends;
at least one spline which extends axially along the mounting arm, and which protrudes outwardly from the mounting arm;
a plurality of recessed grooves formed in the bracket and opening on to the bracket cylindrical opening, wherein the at least one spline extends into one of the plurality of grooves to restrict rotation of the bracket around the mounting arm; and a clamp connected to the bracket, wherein the clamp is adjustable to clamp the bracket to the mounting arm and restrict axial displacement of the bracket with respect to the mounting arm.
a rearwardly extending generally cylindrical mounting arm which has portions which are attachable to the automobile;
at least one bracket which has portions defining a generally cylindrical opening through which the mounting arm extends;
at least one spline which extends axially along the mounting arm, and which protrudes outwardly from the mounting arm;
a plurality of recessed grooves formed in the bracket and opening on to the bracket cylindrical opening, wherein the at least one spline extends into one of the plurality of grooves to restrict rotation of the bracket around the mounting arm; and a clamp connected to the bracket, wherein the clamp is adjustable to clamp the bracket to the mounting arm and restrict axial displacement of the bracket with respect to the mounting arm.
7. The rack of Claim 6 further comprising:
portions of the mounting arm which define a vertically extending hole, and a rigid boot which extends through said hole, the boot protruding upwardly from the hole to block the bracket from exit from the mounting arm.
portions of the mounting arm which define a vertically extending hole, and a rigid boot which extends through said hole, the boot protruding upwardly from the hole to block the bracket from exit from the mounting arm.
8. The rack of Claim 6 wherein the mounting arm has a rearward end
9 which terminates the mounting arm, and wherein the at least one spline terminates at a position which is spaced frontwardly from the mounting arm rearward end a distance which is approximately as great as the front to back width of the bracket.
9. The rack of Claim 6 wherein the at least one spline comprises a plurality of aligned spine segments which are not continuous, a smooth adjustment region on the mounting arm being defined between two spline segments.
9. The rack of Claim 6 wherein the at least one spline comprises a plurality of aligned spine segments which are not continuous, a smooth adjustment region on the mounting arm being defined between two spline segments.
10. A rack for attachment to the rear of a vehicle, the rack comprising:
a support member which is connected to the vehicle and which supports a rearwardly extending mounting arm;
a bracket which is mounted to the mounting arm, the bracket having means for supporting and engaging a bicycle;
a means for releasably fixing the bracket to the mounting arm such that the bracket may be selectably fixed to the mounting arm to restrict axial displacement of the bracket;
a protrusion which extends radially from the mounting arm, the protrusion extending radially along the mounting arm; and a plurality of recesses defined by portions of the bracket, wherein one of the plurality of recesses engage with the protrusion to restrict the rotation of the bracket with respect to the mounting arm.
a support member which is connected to the vehicle and which supports a rearwardly extending mounting arm;
a bracket which is mounted to the mounting arm, the bracket having means for supporting and engaging a bicycle;
a means for releasably fixing the bracket to the mounting arm such that the bracket may be selectably fixed to the mounting arm to restrict axial displacement of the bracket;
a protrusion which extends radially from the mounting arm, the protrusion extending radially along the mounting arm; and a plurality of recesses defined by portions of the bracket, wherein one of the plurality of recesses engage with the protrusion to restrict the rotation of the bracket with respect to the mounting arm.
11. The rack of Claim 10 further comprising:
portions of the mounting arm which define a vertically extending hole, and a rigid boot which extends through said hole, the boot protruding upwardly from the hole to block the bracket from exit from the mounting arm.
portions of the mounting arm which define a vertically extending hole, and a rigid boot which extends through said hole, the boot protruding upwardly from the hole to block the bracket from exit from the mounting arm.
12. The rack of Claim 10 wherein the mounting arm is generally cylindrical, and wherein the bracket has portions defining a central opening which is generally cylindrical.
13. The rack of Claim 10 wherein the mounting arm has a rearward end which terminates the mounting arm, and wherein the protrusion terminates at a position which is spaced frontwardly from the mounting arm rearward end a distance which is approximately as great as the front to back width of the bracket.
14. The rack of Claim 10 wherein the protrusion comprises a plurality of aligned spine segments which are not continuous, a smooth adjustment region on the mounting arm being defined between two spline segments.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US12666898A | 1998-07-30 | 1998-07-30 | |
| US09/126,668 | 1998-07-30 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2244445A1 CA2244445A1 (en) | 2000-01-30 |
| CA2244445C true CA2244445C (en) | 2003-07-29 |
Family
ID=27660511
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2244445 Expired - Fee Related CA2244445C (en) | 1998-07-30 | 1998-09-17 | Anti-rotation bicycle rack |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2244445C (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2703224B1 (en) * | 2012-08-28 | 2015-04-29 | Thule Sweden AB | Load carrier for a vehicle |
-
1998
- 1998-09-17 CA CA 2244445 patent/CA2244445C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2244445A1 (en) | 2000-01-30 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |