GB2494779A - A bracket for securing an umbrella or the like to a vehicle lock mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided a bracket for supporting an ancillary structure relative to a vehicle, the bracket comprising a mounting adapted, in use, to receive a corresponding portion of the ancillary structure, characterised in that the bracket is adapted to be engaged with a portion of a car boot lock when the car boot is open, the arrangement being such that, in use and when the bracket is so engaged, the ancillary structure can be engaged with the mounting so that the ancillary structure is fixedly mounted in the vicinity of the car boot. The ancillary structure may be an umbrella (15, figure 3) or an awning (52, figure 7) so as to provide a shelter for protecting a person from bad weather etc. when standing outside of the vehicle. The bracket may include a projection 9 which is inserted into the lock 25, 26 of a vehicle boot, or it may be hooked (50, figure 6) to a loop (51) of the lock mechanism. The bracket may comprise various releasable fasteners 6, 7, 12 for securing it in place when required.

Description

A bracket The present invention relates to a bracket for supporting an ancillary article or structure relative to a vehicle, such as, for example, an automobile.

There exist a number of reasons why a person may wish to provide a temporary shelter in the immediate vicinity of a car, for example to provide protection from precipitation or else the sun's rays. Alter parking, a motorist may wish to stand outside of their car, for example, to access the boot of the car. Also, when venturing outdoors, it is often useful to have a sheltered area in which to don or remove articles of clothing. It would be particularly beneficial to have a shelter which does not need to be held in the hand of the user, such that the user is free to undertake manual tasks in the vicinity of their car.

An awning can be attached to the boot of a car to provide a shelter. However, awnings take up considerable space in the car and are awkward and time consuming to erect.

Another example of a shelter is a parasol which is supported on a base, the base being located on the ground. Conventional awnings and parasols have in common that they are generally sell-supporting and thus are required to be erected using one or more shafts to hold a canopy above the ground.

In order to provide shelter to a user who is standing up, the shaft of the parasol must be relatively long and impractical. Such a parasol requires a large and heavy base which is cumbersome to transport.

There has now been devised a bracket which overcomes or substantially mitigates some or all of the above-mentioned and/or other disadvantages of the prior art.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a bracket for supporting an ancillary structure relative to a vehicle, the bracket comprising a mounting adapted, in use, to receive a corresponding portion of the ancillary structure, characterised in that the bracket is adapted to be engaged with a portion of a car boot lock when the car boot is open, the arrangement being such that, in use and when the bracket is so engaged, the ancillary structure can be engaged with the mounting so that the ancillary structure is fixedly mounted in the vicinity of the car boot.

In some embodiments, the ancillary structure is a shelter, which may be a portable or temporary shelter structure. The shelter may comprise a canopy portion and a support portion. The support portion may be shaped to correspond with the mounting in use and may comprise a support shaft.

This is advantageous as the bracket is engaged with the lock in a secure manner, so that an ancillary structure, such as an umbrella can be held securely. This therefore removes the need for the user to hold the umbrella. The bracket is relatively small and is easy to connect to the lock. The bracket negates the requirement for an awkward and heavy base located on the ground.

The bracket may be provided with an engagement formation adapted to be engaged with a portion of a car boot lock. The engagement formation may be provided with a retaining means adapted to restrict movement of the engagement formation relative to the lock. The retaining means is preferably adapted to restrict axial displacement of the engagement formation out of the lock. The retaining means may be adapted to abut a lower or opposing surface of the portion of a car boot lock.

The engagement formation may depend from a body member, which may be generally planar in form. The body member may be a plate. The engagement formation may be depend outwardly of, or be upstanding from, the plate.

The bracket may be provided with support means, adapted to restrict movement of the engagement formation relative to the lock. The support means may be a projection and may be adapted to engage a part of the car boot in the vicinity of the portion of the lock. In particular, the projection may be adapted to engage a cavity, housing or casing, within which the lock portion is located. The projection

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is preferably spaced from the engagement formation. The projection may engage an outwardly-facing surface of the lock housing, such as a surface which faces substantially away from the remainder of the boot. The projection is preferably adapted to engage the housing at a location on the surface which is offset from the location of the engagement formation. As a result of this offset, the projection acts to prevent the engagement formation from "tipping", towards the projection. The projection may have a substantially flat surface for engagement with the outwardly-facing part of the housing.

The projection is preferably displaceable, typically reversibly displaceable, relative to the engagement formation. This may allow for the engagement formation to be releasably biased against the car boot lock and/or jaw thereof in use. The projection may be actuable in a direction which tensions the engagement formation. This is advantageous as, in such an arrangement the projection may be in a state of compression such that the opposing compression in the projection and the tension in the engagement formation may hold the bracket securely in place such that it can rigidly support the load of an ancillary structure such as a shelter. If the projection is engaged with the outwardly-facing surface of the lock housing, displacement of the projection relative to the engagement formation towards the housing withdraws the engagement formation from the lock portion, until the retaining means engages an opposing side lock portion. In this way the bracket grips the car boot, providing a more secure connection.

In some embodiments of the invention, the displaceable projection may be threaded and may have an outer threaded surface adapted to engage with a correspondingly threaded aperture on the bracket. The aperture may be located in a plate, which may be substantially elongate. There may be a second projection and each projection may be located close to either end of the plate.

In alternative embodiments, the displaceable projection is displaceable relative to the engagement formation by way of a hinge. The hinge may be a mole grip type hinge. By this it is meant that the hinge uses an "over-centre" action which, when the projections are close to a lock cavity wall or housing, acts to push the projections against the housing, but when the projections are sufficiently spaced from the housing, acts to separate the projections from the housing. This type of hinge is advantageous as it enables the user to move the projections into and out of engagement with the outer surface of the lock housing quickly and easily. In these embodiments, the hinge may be connected to an elongate plate to which the engagement formation is also connected. The hinge may be connected to an edge of the plate. The plate preferably has a through-bore, which is adapted so that the projection may pass through the through-bore before engaging an outwardly-facing surface of the lock housing.

Additionally or alternatively, a lever may be connected to the hinge, the projection being carried by the lever. The lever may carry two such projections. In the case where a plate is provided, the plate will have a second through-bore, through which the second projection may pass. Additionally or alternatively, the lever may comprise a bifurcation to accommodate the two projections, which may take the form of a yoke or wishbone. In any such levered configuration, a first lever arm may carry the engagement formation and a second lever arm may carry the one or more projections.

The projections are preferably spring mounted in order to reduce damage to the cavity. The projections are preferably arranged so that they engage the cavity on opposite sides of the engagement formation. The lever is preferably provided with a handle. In some embodiments, the projections are located between the hinge and the handle. However, in other embodiments, the hinge is located between the handle and the projections. In these latter embodiments, the plate may also be provided with a handle, which extends approximately parallel with the handle of the lever. The two handles can be squeezed together to bring the projections into engagement with the cavity, further securing the bracket to the lock. Alternatively the handles can be separated in order to bring the projections out of engagement with the cavity, allowing the bracket to be disengaged from the lock.

The bracket may also be provided with stabilizing means. The stabilizing means may engage a portion of the lock cavity wall or housing, such as a surface which faces away from the bracket in use (i.e. a surface which faces substantially towards the remainder of the car boot). This is advantageous as the stabilizing means, which is preferably a hook, acts to prevent the engagement formation from "tipping" within the recess, away from the hook. The hook may be received in a cut-out portion of the casing. The hook is preferably elongate and typically comprises one or more bends. There are preferably two hooks, one of which may be disposed on either side of the engagement formation. This further improves the stability of the bracket. As discussed above the bracket may comprise a plate.

The hooks are preferably connected to the plate.

The boot lock in some types of car includes two jaws. Closing the boot causes a locking member to be received between the jaws. In embodiments of the invention particularly useful with this type of lock, the bracket is adapted to be engaged with one or more jaws of a boot lock when the boot is open.

This is advantageous as the bracket is engaged with and retained by the lock in a secure manner, so that an ancillary structure, such as an umbrella can be held securely. The engagement of the bracket with the lock is achieved by inserting the bracket into a recess defined by the shape of the one or more the jaws of the lock.

Movement of the bracket relative to the lock is constrained by the jaws of the lock and/or a locking member.

The lock may otherwise be referred to as a latch or latching mechanism and may comprise an actuable latch member in the form of a jaw. The jaw may be biased towards a latching condition and may be actuable between a latching and an actuated condition, for example during locking and unlocking of the car boot. The car boot lock is typically located on the car boot closure or door, which is typically pivotably mounted to the car body.

The engagement formation, in relation to these embodiments, is preferably elongate. The engagement formation may have a substantially constant cross-section, and preferably has a circular cross-section. The engagement formation may comprise a post. The retaining means is preferably a formation which may be located on a side wall or end of the engagement formation. The retaining formation may have a width or diameter dimension that is greater than the remainder of the engagement formation. The projection may be an enlarged head.

Where there is a support means, which is a projection adapted to restrict movement of the engagement formation relative to the lock, the projection is preferably adapted to engage the housing at a location on the surface of a lock housing which is offset from the location of the engagement formation in the direction in which the recess extends. As a result of this offset, the projection acts to prevent the engagement formation from "tipping" in the recess, towards the projection. The projection also prevents the engagement formation from sliding into the lock.

If the projection is engaged with the outwardly-facing surface of the lock housing, displacement of the projection relative to the engagement formation towards the housing withdraws the engagement formation from the lock portion, until the retaining means engages an opposing side of the jaws of the lock. In this way the bracket grips the car boot, providing a more secure connection.

The boot locks in some other types of car include a closed loop formation known as a striker bracket. In embodiments of the invention which are particularly useful with this type of lock, the bracket may be adapted to be engaged with the closed loop formation of the boot lock when the boot is open. This is advantageous as the bracket is engaged with and retained by the closed loop formation in a secure manner, so that an ancillary structure, such as an umbrella can be held securely.

A typical closed loop formation comprises an elongate metal bar of generally circular doss-section. The bar is bent to define a base portion with upstanding arm portions at either end, so as to generally form a C-shape. The ends of the arm portions connect to a support which is fixed to the boot lid. Movement of the bracket relative to the lock is constrained by the closed loop formation.

Preferably, the engagement formation is adapted to be engaged with the closed loop formation. The engagement formation may comprise a retaining portion. The retaining portion may include a hook. The hook can be engaged with the closed loop formation by passing the free end of the hook around the base of the closed loop formation. If a user attempts to withdraw the bracket from the car boot, the hook abuts the base portion of the formation, preventing withdrawal.

The bracket preferably includes a socket for receiving the shaft of an umbrella.

The bracket mounting may comprise the socket. The socket may include a depression, through-bore or opening, which may have a substantially circular cross-section. The depression may extend through the bracket. The socket may include a gripping means. Opening and closing the gripping means facilitates the insertion and removal of the umbrella shaft. The mounting may comprise a cuff or collar formation.

In some embodiments, the gripping means includes a grip which is displaceable relative to the rest of the socket. Such a grip may be shaped and/or oriented relative to the remainder of the socket to define part of the depression. Such a grip may include a fastener, adapted to locate the grip relative to the remainder of the depression. The socket may include two fasteners located on opposite sides of the depression. The fasteners are preferably bolts. Preferably, a handle is operably connected to one of the bolts in order to facilitate rotation of the bolt.

In alternative embodiments, the gripping means is a clamp. The clamp may be adapted to be loosened and tightened in order to facilitate insertion and removal of the umbrella shaft. Such tightening and loosening may be achieved by a quick release mechanism. This quick release mechanism may be, for example, of the kind conventionally used to clamp the seat of a bicycle to the seat post.

The depression is orientated relative to the engagement formation such that, in use, the depression opens in a substantially upright or vertical direction. As a result, if an umbrella is inserted into the depression, the umbrella is held in its correct orientation, ie, with the shaft of the umbrella extending substantially vertically. The depression is orientated at an angle of approximately 60° relative to the direction in which the engagement formation extends. The mounting or socket may be oriented accordingly.

The socket may be connected to the plate by a support arm, preferably, at a central location on the plate.

If the boot lock is located on a side edge of the boot lid, as may be the case for vehicles having a boot lid connected to the vehicle frame along a side edge of the boot lid, the support arm may include a spacing portion. The spacing portion may be inclined relative to the support plate. This enables the socket for receiving the ancillary device to be conveniently located in the vicinity of the mid-point between the sides of the vehicle. Preferably the spacing portion is pivotably mounted relative to the support plate. This enables the user to pivot the spacing portion relative to the support plate, and so alter the location of the socket. Locking means may be provided for preventing pivotal movement of the spacing arm relative to the socket. This enables the socket to be fixed at the desired location.

Returning now to the embodiments in which the ancillary structure is a shelter comprising a canopy portion and a support portion, the canopy portion may be connected to the support portion. In particular, the canopy portion may be connected to an upper end of the support portion in use. The canopy portion may have a cover portion. The cover portion may have a similar form to the canopy of a parasol. In particular, the cover portion may comprise a plurality of sheets each having a generally trapezoidal or triangular shape. The canopy portion may be substantially formed of a fabric material.

The canopy portion may have a covei portion and a side portion. The side portion may comprise a screen. The screen may extend from a peripheral region of the cover portion. The screen may connect to a peripheral region of the cover portion.

In some embodiments, the screen depends generally downwardly from the cover portion, in use. The screen may be adapted to connect to the frame of a car, in use. There are preferably two or more screens.

In alternative embodiments, the screen extends generally laterally away from the car, in use. The screen is adapted to be in a generally upright condition in use. A support may be provided for maintaining the screen in the upright condition. The support may comprise a post. The support may comprise two posts. The side portion may include a first screen and a second screen, the first and second screens being located on opposite sides of the car, in use. The side portion may include a roof for providing shelter. The roof may be disposed adjacent the screen, such that the screen and roof define a sheltered volume. The roof may connect to the support. The roof may extend from a peripheral region of the cover portion.

In alternative embodiments, the side portion may comprise a roof which is connected to the cover portion and extends generally rearwardly from the car, in use. The roof may be generally square. The distal edge of the roof may be supported by a support. The support may comprise a support post. The post may engage the roof in the vicinity of the distal end of the roof and preferably near a corner of the roof. The posts may have a base. The base may be adapted to be weighted. The base may be hollow and adapted to retain a liquid. The support may comprise two posts.

In embodiments, an anchoring means is provided for anchoring the canopy portion to the boot. This prevents the canopy being taken by the wind. The anchoring means may comprise one or more ties connecting the canopy portion to the car.

The anchoring means may further comprise an anchoring bar having a clamp for clamping to the car, eg captivated between the side walls of the boot or the boot opening. The ties may extend from a peripheral region of the canopy. The anchoring bar may have anchoring brackets for connecting the ties to the bar. The brackets may have the form of loops and may be slidable relative to the bar.

Embodiments of the invention may include a support means for preventing closure of the boot lid beyond a pie-determined angle of inclination. The support means may maintain the lid in a fully open position. Car boots are typically provided with a strut/cylinder arrangement for damping movement of the boot lid relative to the body of the car. The support means may be adapted to limit the extent to which the strut can enter the cylinder. The support means may be engageable with the strut and adapted to engage the cylinder in order to prevent relative movement between the strut and the cylinder. In particular, the support means may be adapted to abut the cylinder, in use. The support means may be provided with an abutment surface for abutting the cylinder, in use. The support means is preferably a clamp, adapted to be clamped to the strut. Typical cars have two strut/cylinder arrangements, one on each side of the boot. Preferably, a clamp is provided for each strut/cylinder arrangement.

The clamp may have two clamping arms which can be moved closer together such that the arms grip a boot strut located between them. A fastener may be provided for preventing mutual separation of the arms, such that the arms continue to grip the strut without input from a user. An opening is provided in the clamp to allow the strut to be received between the arms. The arms may be hingedly connected together. The arms may be curved to define a passageway extending therebetween. The fastener may be adapted to engage the retaining arms in the vicinity of the free ends of the retaining arms to close the clamp. Each of the retaining arms may be provided with a closing flange, with which the fastener is adapted to co-operate. The closing flanges may each be provided with an opening for receiving the fastener. The fastener may be elongate and is preferably a nut and bolt. Preferably, the plane in which the bolt lies is generally orthogonal to the axial plane of the clamp.

The interior surface of at least one of the retaining arms may be provided with a grip. The grip may be formed of resilient material. The grip is preferably a layer of resilient material. The grip is preferably provided on the interior surface of both retaining arms. The grip may be formed of an elastomeric material.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described in detail, with reference to the accompanying illustrations, in which Figure 1 is a perspective view of the bracket according to the invention, when attached to a car boot lock.

Figure 2 is a cut away front view of the bracket according to the invention when attached to a car boot lock.

Figure 3 is a side view of the bracket according to the invention when attached to a car boot lock.

Figures 4(a) and 4(b) are side and front views of the bracket according to certain embodiments of the invention. The features of the support arm and socket are omitted for brevity.

Figure 5 is a three-dimensional view of a further embodiment of the invention from one side.

Figure 6 is a cut-away perspective view of an embodiment of the invention having a retaining hook instead of a mounting post.

Figure 7 is a rear view of a car with which the mounting bracket of the invention is engaged, a first type of ancillary device being received in the socket of the mounting bracket; Figure 8 is a rear view of a car with which the mounting bracket of the invention is engaged, a second type of ancillary device being received in the socket of the mounting bracket; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a car with which the mounting bracket of the invention is engaged, a third type of ancillary device being received in the socket of the mounting bracket; Figure 10 is a plan view of an immobilising clamp for use with the invention; Figure 11 is a rear perspective view of a car, the immobilising clamps of Figure 10 having been connected to the boot struts of the car.

Figure 1 shows the bracket, generally designated 1. The bracket 1 includes an elongate support plate 2. The plate 2 has a substantially semi-circular tab 3 extending from one side of the plate 2 at a location approximately mid-way between the ends 4 of the plate. The plate has two holes 5 each of which has a circular cross-section and an internal helical thread. Each hole 5 is adapted to receive a projection in the form of a butterfly bolt 6 (i.e. a bolt having an externally threaded shank and which is provided at one end with wing-like projections 7 to enable the user to rotate the bolt 6 using thumb and forefinger). The opposite end of the bolt 6 is provided with a foot 8. The underside of the foot 8 has a substantially flat abutment surface. The foot 8 is connected to the shank by ball and socket connection. This enables the abutment surface to rotate out of the plane of the bolt. This type of connection may allow the abutment surface to abut a surface against which the bolt 6 is held, even if the axis of the bolt 6 is not orthogonal to the surface.

In alternative embodiments, such as that shown in Figs 4(a) and 4(b), each projection has the form of a bolt 6 without an externally threaded shank. The bolts 6 are each carried on a lever 30 to which they are spring-mounted. Each lever 30 is connected to a hinge 31 and extends beyond the hinge 31 so as to form a handle 32. The hinge 31 is also connected to the elongate support plate 2 by an arm 33. The arm 33 also extends beyond the hinge 31 to form a handle 34. The arm handle 34 and the lever handle 32 are arranged in such a way that squeezing the handles 32, 34 together moves the bolts 6 into engagement with a lock cavity wall or housing. In order to facilitate this, the elongate support plate 2 is provided with two holes 5 through which the bolts 6 are able to move. The hinge 31 may be a mole grip type hinge. By this it is meant that the hinge uses an "over-centre' action which, when the bolts 6 are close to a lock cavity wall or housing, acts to push the bolts 6 against the housing, but when the bolts 6 are sufficiently spaced from the housing, acts to separate the bolts 6 from the housing. The bracket 1 also comprises an engagement formation in the form of mounting post 9. This is shown most clearly in Figure 2. One end of the mounting post 9 is welded to the underside of the plate 2 and the post 9 extends downwardly there-from. The post 9 has a circular cross-section and an enlarged head 10 at its free end. The bracket 1 also comprises a pair of stabilizing arms 11. One end of each stabilizing arm 11 is welded to the upper surface of the support plate 2, at a location close to one of the holes 5. Each stabilizing arm 11 extends substantially rearwardly of the plate 2 (ie in a direction away from the tab 3) and also substantially downwardly from the plate 2. Each arm 11 has two bends in order to achieve this. Each arm 11 comprises a further bend close to its free end 12, such that the free end 12 points generally upwards, towards the plate 2.

A support arm 13 is welded, at its proximal end, to the upper surface of the tab 3.

The support arm 13 extends upwardly from the tab 3. The distal end of the support portion 13 is welded to a socket 14. The socket 14 defines a cylindrical recess for receiving an umbrella 15. The socket 14 is welded to the support arm 13 at an angle such that, in use, the recess extends vertically. The socket 14 comprises a fixed member 16 and a closure member 17. The fixed 16 and closure 17 members each define a recess having a semi-circular cross-section. The closure member 17 and the fixed member 16 are each provided with two threaded bores 18, each bore 18 being located on either side of the recess. The closure member 17 is positioned relative to the fixed member 16 so that the respective recesses are aligned and the bores 18 are also aligned. In this configuration, the two semi-circular recesses together define the recess having a circular cross-section. Threaded bolts 19 are provided, each of which passes through one of the bores 13 of the closure member 17 and one of the bores 18 of the fixed member 16, so as to hold the socket 14 in this configuration.

A handle 20 is connected to one of the bolts 19. The handle 20 has a right-angled bend, approximately mid-way along its length. The handle facilitates tightening and untightening of the bolt 19 by a user. In this way the user may untighten the bolt 19 such that the recess can be opened to a sufficient degree to allow an umbrella 15 located in the recess to be inserted or removed from the recess, without having to fully remove the bolts 19.

In alternative embodiments, the plate 2 may be omitted (see Fig 5). In these embodiments, the projections 7 are non-threaded bolts 6 carried on a lever 30 which is hingedly connected to an arm 33 and uses an "over-centre" action, as described above and shown in Figs 4(a) and 4(b). However, in these embodiments, rather than connecting to a support plate 2, the arm 33 is provided with a flat, annular formation 40. The annular formation 40 is adapted to be fixedly held between the mounting post 9 and the support arm 13. In order to achieve this, the mounting post 9 has an external thread 41 which corresponds to an internal thread on the support arm 13. The mounting post 9 and support arm 13 are also provided with opposing annular abutment surfaces 42 which, when the threaded portions are screwed together, co-operate to hold the annular formation there-between.

In these embodiments, two spacers 43 are provided on the arm 33 in the vicinity of the annular formation 40. The spacers 43 extend transversely of arm 33 and in opposite directions. A stabilizing arm 11 having a similar form to those described above and shown in Figs 1 and 2, is connected to the free end of each spacer 43.

In any of the above embodiments, and as shown in the embodiment shown in Fig 5, the support arm 13 could alternatively comprise two releasably connectable portions 1 3a and 1 3b. In that case, the two portions are connectable by means of a threaded connection 44. The threaded connection 44 is located at a location on the support arm 13 which is in the vicinity of the socket 14.

Conventional boot locks 23 are located centrally on a lower surface of a car boot closure 21. In particular, they are mounted on a metal casing 22, the casing 22 having a cut-out portion 24 adjacent to the boot lock 23. In use, the mounting post 9 of the bracket 1 is inserted into the boot lock 23 of a car. This is done by moving the post 9 transversely into the elongate recess 25 found in conventional car boot locks 23. At the same time, the free ends 12 of the stabilizing arms 11 are inserted into the cut-out portion 24 of the casing 22, such that the ends 12 of the stabilizing arms 11 hook around the edge of the cut-out portion 24 and abut an inner surface of the casing 22, close to the edge of the cut-out portion 24.

Once the mounting post 9 has been inserted into the recess 25, the boot lock 23 may be actuated. This is conventionally done using the actuator located in the car key fob. This causes the actuation of a locking member 26 which substantially prevents transverse movement of the mounting post 9 in the recess 25. The butterfly bolts 6 can then be screwed inwardly so as to cause the abutment surface on each foot 8 of the butterfly bolt 6 to abut the outer surface of the casing 22.

Various features act to secure the bracket 1 to the boot lock 23 so that relative movement between the bracket and the boot lock is substantially prevented. This enables the umbrella 15 to be supported securely, as shown in Figure 3. For example, translational movement of the mounting post 9 relative to the lock 23 is substantially prevented by the walls of the recess 25 and the locking member 26.

Also, the bracket 1 is substantially prevented from tipping in a forward direction by the stabilizing arms 12, and from tipping in rearward and sideways directions by the butterfly bolts 6. Furthermore, a combination of the action of the butterfly bolts 6 and stabilizing arms 12 substantially prevents rotation of the bracket 1 about the axis of the bracketing post 9. Furthermore, both the abutment of the feet 8 of the butterfly bolts 6 against the cavity surface 22, and the abutment of the mounting post flange 10 with the locking member 26, substantially prevent axial displacement of the mounting post 9 ielative to the lock 23. Thus the bracket 1 is held in a stable condition.

The locking element provided on the car boot lid of some vehicles is a striker bracket. A typical striker bracket is generally C-shaped and located on an edge of the lid such that, when the lid is closed, the striker bracket enters a recess on the frame of the vehicle and is retained in that recess. In embodiments of the invention, the mounting bracket is adapted to engage the striker bracket. In these embodiments, the engagement formation of the bracket does not have the form of a mounting post. Instead it has the form of a retaining hook 50. An example of one such embodiment can be seen in Figure 6. Like the mounting post, the hook is provided on the support plate 2. In particular, a mount (not shown) is provided on the underside of the support plate, the hook 50 being received in the mount and extending generally away from the plate 2. The hook 50 is adapted such that, in use the striker bracket 51 can be received within the hook 50, so as to mount the mounting bracket 1 to the striker bracket 51.

Furthermore, in certain vehicles the boot lid is connected to the vehicle frame along a side edge of the lid, rather than along a top edge. In such vehicles the striker bracket is located on the other side edge of the lid. Embodiments of the invention are disclosed in which the support arm 13 is inclined relative to the support plate. This ensures that the socket 14 for receiving the ancillary device is conveniently located in the vicinity of the mid-point between the sides of the vehicle.

If the bracket is 1 mounted in the lock 23 as described above, and the boot 21 of the car is fully open, the recess in the socket 14 extends substantially vertically.

An umbrella 15 can be inserted and retained in an upright condition by untightening and tightening the bolt 19 as described above.

Alternatively, an ancillary device can be used to create a shelter in the region of the car boot. Examples of ancillary devices in use are shown in Figs 7-9. In each of these figures, the ancillary devices have canopy 52, formed of a canvas-type material, and a rigid support shaft (not shown) for supporting the canopy 52. In each case, the canopy 52 is attached to an upper end of the support shaft. A lower end of the shaft is received in the socket of the mounting bracket 1 according to the invention, the mounting bracket being mounted on a car boot lid.

Figs 7 and 8 are views of the rear of a car in which the car boot lid is open and a mounting bracket 1 according to the invention has been engaged therewith. In both Figs 7 and 8, the canopy has a cover portion 53 and a peripheral portion 54.

The cover portion 53 is uppermost and is similar in form to the canopy of a parasol, ie it is generally pyramidal in shape with an open base. The cover portion 53 is formed from generally triangular or trapezoidal sheets of a canvas-type material.

In the embodiment shown in Fig 7, the peripheral portion 54 of the canopy comprises two side flaps 55 which each extend generally diagonally downwardly from a lower peripheral edge of the cover portion 53. The flaps 55 are located on generally opposite sides of the cover portion 53. Each flap 55 connects to one of the car's side panels located adjacent to the boot. The side flaps 55 are sheets of the same canvas-type material which forms the cover portion 53. Together with the cover portion 53, the side flaps 55 define a generally sheltered volume in the vicinity of the car boot, with a generally rearwardly facing opening, which allows a user access to the generally sheltered volume.

In the embodiment shown in Fig 8, the peripheral portion 54 comprises two screens 56 which each extend generally downwardly as far as the ground, from a lower peripheral edge of the cover portion 53. The screens 56 are located on generally opposite sides of the cover portion 53. The screens 56 are formed from sheets of the same canvas-type material from which the cover portion 53 is formed. Each screen 56 extends laterally away from the cover portion 53 and is supported by a pair of upright stands 57. The stands 57 connect to fasteners in the region of the upper and lower edges of the screen 56. Each stand 57 is provided with a generally conical base 58 so that the stand 57 remains upright in use. A laterally extending connecting bar 59 connects each pair of stands together. The connecting bar 59 extends through two retaining hoops 60 located on the inner surface of the screen 56.

The peripheral portion further includes a roof portion 100. The roof portion 100 extends between the cover portion 53 and the stands 57. In particular the roof portion 100 is connected to two of the apexes at the open end of the cover portion 53 and also engages the stands 57.

In use, the screens 56 and the roof portion 100 define a generally rectangular volume in the vicinity of the rear of the car. As well as providing privacy and shelter from wind etc, this arrangement also has the effect of cordoning off a volume of space. This may be desirable if, for example, a user were using the cordoned off space to display goods for sale.

Fig 9 shows a car with which the mounting bracket 1 of the invention is engaged.

The canopy 52 of the ancillary device has the form of a tent and, in particular, has a generally flat roof portion 62 and four generally flat side wall portions 63 which, in use, extend between the roof portion 62 and the ground, forming an enclosure.

In particular, the uppermost end of the shaft is fastened to a mounting point on the roof portion 62, thus supporting the canopy 52 in use. An upright support strut is provided in the vicinity of each of the four vertically-extending edges of the canopy 52. A lateral support strut connects an uppermost portion of each upright support strut with the mounting point on the roof portion 62. A flap 64, large enough to allow a person to enter the enclosure, is provided in a side wall portion 63 of the canopy. The enclosed shelter can be used, for example, as a tent for camping.

In some embodiments, the canopy has the form of a parasol. In order to prevent the canopy being taken by the wind, two ropes are provided, each extending from a peripheral region of the canopy, on the side of the canopy remote from the car, in use. An anchoring bar is provided for anchoring the free ends of the ropes to the car. The anchoring bar has a tubular portion provided with a clamp for clamping to a boot lock formation on the frame of the car in the region of the lower edge of the boot. Two anchors are provided, each having the form of a loop and each mounted on a respective slider bar, the two slider bars being slidable within the ends of the tubular portion. If the anchoring bar is clamped to the boot lock, the free ends of the ropes are each tied a respective anchor, and the canopy is securely held.

Immobilising clamps 65, which help to maintain the car boot lid in an open position when the bracket 1 is in use, are shown in Fig 10. The immobilising clamps 65 are for use in relation to car boot struts 66, such as those shown in Fig 11. An end of each strut 66 connects to the car boot lid, while the other ends are located in respective cylinders 67. The cylinders 67 contain compressed gas which acts as a damper for the struts 66.

Each immobilising clamp 65 comprises two generally C-shaped clamping jaws 68.

The jaws 68 are connected by a hinge 69. The jaws 68 are arranged so as to define a generally cylindrical central bore extending through the clamp. The bore is dimensioned so as to be able to receive a car boot strut 66. The jaws 68 are held together by a fastener 70 comprising a nut and bolt, the bolt extending through an aperture formed in a peripheral region of each jaw 68. The jaws 68 are each formed in metal and the interior curved surfaces have an elastomeric coating 71. In use, the clamp is opened by removing the nut from the bolt and separating the jaws. The car boot is opened and the clamp 65 is placed onto the strut 66 and positioned in the vicinity of the top of the cylinder 67. The nut is then replaced on the bolt and tightened, such that the clamp 65 grips the base of the strut 66. The grip is increased by the presence of the elastomeric material 71. A similar procedure is carried out using a second clamp 65 on the other strut 66. When the clamps 65 are in place, attempting to close the boot causes the clamps 65 to abut the upper surface of the cylinders 67, preventing insertion of the struts 66 into the cylinders 67. Thus closure of the boot is prevented. This is particularly useful if a heavy ancillary article is located in the socket of the bracket 1.

Claims (1)

1. <claim-text>Claims: 1. A bracket for supporting an ancillary structure relative to a vehicle, the bracket comprising a mounting adapted, in use, to receive a corresponding portion of the ancillary structure, characterised in that the bracket is adapted to be engaged with a portion of a car boot lock when the car boot is open, the arrangement being such that, in use and when the bracket is so engaged, the ancillary structure can be engaged with the mounting so that the ancillary structure is fixedly mounted in the vicinity of the car boot.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A bracket as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the bracket is provided with an engagement formation for engagement with a portion of a car boot lock.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A bracket as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the engagement formation has retaining means for restricting movement of the bracket relative to the lock.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. A bracket as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the retaining means is adapted to restrict axial displacement of the engagement formation out of the lock.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. A bracket as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the retaining means is adapted to abut a lower or opposing surface of the portion of a car boot lock.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. A bracket as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the bracket is provided with support means, adapted to restrict movement of the engagement formation relative to the lock.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. A bracket as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the support means includes a projection.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. A bracket as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the projection is adapted to engage a cavity, housing or casing, within which the lock is located.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. A bracket as claimed in Claim 7 or Claim 8, wherein the projection is displaceable relative to the engagement formation.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. A bracket as claimed in Claim 9, wherein the displaceable projection has an outer threaded surface.</claim-text> <claim-text>11. A bracket as claimed in any of Claims 7 to 9, wherein the projection is connected to the engagement formation by means of a hinged connection.</claim-text> <claim-text>12. A bracket as claimed in any of Claims 6 to 11, wherein the support means includes two projections.</claim-text> <claim-text>13. A bracket as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the hinge is a mole-grip type hinge.</claim-text> <claim-text>14. A bracket as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the bracket is provided with stabilizing means adapted to engage an inwardly-facing portion of the lock cavity wall or housing.</claim-text> <claim-text>15. A bracket as claimed in Claim 14, wherein the stabilizing means includes a hook.</claim-text> <claim-text>16. A bracket as claimed in Claim 15, wherein the stabilizing means includes two hooks.</claim-text> <claim-text>17. A bracket as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the bracket is adapted to be engaged with one or more jaws of a car boot lock.</claim-text> <claim-text>18. A bracket as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the engagement formation is adapted to be inserted between the jaws of a car boot lock.</claim-text> <claim-text>19. A bracket as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the retaining means is an enlarged head.</claim-text> <claim-text>20. A bracket as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the engagement formation is elongate.</claim-text> <claim-text>21. A bracket as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the bracket is adapted to be engaged with a closed loop formation of a car boot lock.</claim-text> <claim-text>22. A bracket as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the retaining means comprises a hook.</claim-text> <claim-text>23. A bracket as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the mounting comprises a socket.</claim-text> <claim-text>24. A bracket as claimed in Claim 23, wherein the socket includes a depression having a substantially circular cross-section.</claim-text> <claim-text>25. A bracket as claimed in Claim 24, wherein the depression extends through the bracket.</claim-text> <claim-text>26. A bracket as claimed in Claim 24 or Claim 25, wherein the depression includes a gripping means which is displaceable relative to a further portion of the socket.</claim-text>