GB2512096A

GB2512096A - Carrier assembly for a motorized vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2512096A
Application number: GB201305096A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gian Luca Baccelli
Original assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
Current assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
Priority date: 2013-03-20
Filing date: 2013-03-20
Publication date: 2014-09-24
Also published as: GB201305096D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to a carrier assembly attachable to a roof structure of a motorized vehicle, comprising at least a base member 12, 14 attachable to the roof, a first pivoting member 20, 22 pivotally collapsible to the base member into an initial position (figure 1) and being pivotable relative to the base member into a carrier position, in which the first pivoting member is attachable to a fastening structure (31, figure 8) of a body of the vehicle located outside a tailgate. A first end of the first pivoting member may be connected to the base member via a second pivoting member 16, 18, and a cross member (34) may connect second ends of the first pivoting member. The cross member may comprise a fastening pin (30) which is pivotally mounted on a telescopic extension (28) of the member. The fastening pin is insertable into the fastening structure, the latter possibly being located in a rear light module (6) of the vehicle. The carrier may have support means 40, 41 for a bicycle, and the fastening pin may also provide an electrical connection for the carrier.

Description

CARRIER ASSEMBLY FOR A MOTORIZED VEHICLE

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a carrier assembly, in particular to a bicycle carrier, attachable to a roof structure of a motorized vehicle.

Background

There exist various solutions on how to implement a carrier assembly to carry bulky or large items, e.g. on the roof or at the back of a motorized vehicle.

Document DE 10 2004 008 451 Al discloses for instance an item carrier featuring a pair of beams permanently attached to the roof of a vehicle. The carrier assembly extends across a pivotable tailgate and is supported with a lower end by the bumper of the vehicle.

Moreover, the carrier structure as described in DE 10 2004 008 451 Al is slideably supported on the roof of the vehicle. Such a sliding mechanism is generally rather susceptible to jamming or jerking. When permanently attached to the vehicle roof and regarding a long-term use, it may become rather difficult that the carrier assembly stilt provides a smooth running of its sliding components.

Moreover, with many carrier assemblies attachable to the rear end of a motorized vehicle, the carrier assembly has to be typically supported either by a bumper structure or by means of a trailer hitch. Depending on the load to be carried by the carrier assembly, the bumper structure, the trailer hitch and/or a respective chassis of the vehicle have to provide sufficient mechanical stability. Eventually, bumper structure or trailer hitch require reinforcement.

Moreover when attached to a rear end of a vehicle, the carrier assembly itself or items attached thereto may at least partially obstruct a rear light module of the vehicle. Attachment of an additional or separate rear light assembly to the carrier assembly may therefore become necessary.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved carrier assembly for a motorized vehicle which is attachable to the rear end of the vehicle without requiring mechanical support by a chassis of the vehicle or by components attached thereof. It is a further aim to provide electricity to the carrier io assembly in a rather simple and reliable way. Additionally the carrier assembly should be rather robust and stable. It should be easily and intuitively configurable between an initial position and an extended carrier position.

Summary of the invention

In a first aspect, a carrier assembly attachable to a roof structure of a motorized vehicle is provided. The carrier assembly comprises at least a base member attachable to the vehicles roof structure or being fixedly attached thereto.

The carrier assembly comprises at least a first pivoting member which is pivotally collapsible to the base member to transfer the carrier assembly into an initial position or configuration.

The first pivoting member is further pivotable relative to the base member into a carrier position, in which the first pivoting member allows to fasten items to be carried thereto or thereon. Moreover in the carrier position the first pivoting member is attachable to a fastening structure of a body of the vehicle. Besides the base member the fastening structure is the only and exclusive support for the first pivoting member of the carrier assembly. In this way, the carrier assembly can be completely supported by the body of the motorized vehicle and the carrier assembly does no longer require mechanical support by the chassis of the vehicle or by components attached thereto.

The fastening structure of the vehicle's body is located outside a tailgate of the body. Typically, the fastening structure is located above a bumper structure of the vehicle and laterally outside the tailgate of the body. By supporting the first pivoting member and hence the carrier assembly by a fastening structure of the vehicles body outside the body's tailgate, neither the tailgate nor the chassis of the vehicle requires mechanical reinforcement for supporting of the carrier assembly.

By having at least a base member of the carrier assembly attachable to the vehicle's roof structure and by further having at least a first pivoting member releasably attachable to a fastening structure of a rear end section of the vehicle's body, the carrier assembly can be folded or pivoted between its initial and its carrier position-In its initial position, the carrier assembly no longer extends across the vehicle's rear end but is completely located on the vehicle's roof structure. In this configuration the tailgate of the vehicle may be opened and closed while the carrier assembly is attached to the roof structure of the vehicle.

IS Accordng to a another embodiment, the carrier assembly comprises a first cross beam attached to a free end section of the first pivoting member and extending parallel to a pivot axis of the first pivoting member. The free end section of the first pivoting member is the end which faces away from the base member when the pivoting member is in its carrier position. Typically, the free end section to which the first cross beam is attached forms a lower rear end of the carrier assembly, by way of which the pivoting member is attachable to the body of the vehicle.

The first cross beam substantially extends in vehicle cross-direction (y).

Therefore, it substantially extends parallel to a pivot axis formed between the first pivoting member and the base member In the initial configuration, base member and first pivoting member extend substantially parallel in vehicle longitudinal direction (x). By means of the first cross beam, the carrier assembly is fixable or fastenable to the fastening structure of the vehicle's body. At least one, typically both longitudinal ends of the first cross beam extend beyond the lateral dimensions of the vehicle's tailgate.

Moreover, by means of the first cross beam, the at least one fastening structure located outside but in the vicinity of the tailgate becomes accessible to attach at least the first pivoting member to the rear end of the vehicle.

Typically, the dimensions of a vehicle roof structure in transverse direction are smaller than respective transverse dimensions of the vehicle's tailgate or of the vehicle's bumper structure. Therefore and in order to provide mechanical support outside the vehicle's tailgate, the first cross beam may extend beyond the transverse dimensions of the vehicle's tailgate and even beyond the dimensions of io the vehicle's roof.

According to another embodiment, the first cross beam comprises at least one fastening device displaceable relative to the first cross beam between a retracted position and an extended position. In the extended position, the fastening device is connectable to the body's fastening structure. The displaceable arrangement of the at least one fastening device to the first cross beam provides a kind of length adjustment of the cross beam. In this way, the longitudinal dimensions of the cross beam substantially extending along the vehicle transverse direction (y) can be varied.

In a retracted configuration the cross beam fits onto the roof structure of the vehicle when the carrier assembly is in its initial position. If the first pivoting member is in its carrier position the first cross beam may be effectively extended by displacing the at least one fastening device relative thereto to connect or to fasten the fastening device to the fastening structure of the vehicle's body.

By means of the fastening device the carrier assembly is not only fixable to the vehicle's body but may also experience mechanical support by the vehicle's body. Hence, by means of the fastening device, the first cross beam, the first pivoting member and hence the entire carrier assembly may lean or abut against the vehicle's body.

According to another embodiment, the fastening device is pivot mounted to the first cross beam. Here, the fastening device is pivotable between the retracted position and the extended position. Typically, the fastening device is pivotable with regard to a pivot axis extending in vehicle longitudinal direction when the first pivoting member and hence the cross beam is in its carrier position. Alternatively, said pivot axis may also extend along the vehicle's vertical axis. In either embodiment, the fastening device may be folded or pivoted between an idle configuration and a fastening configuration, in which the fastening device is releasably attachable to the fastening structure of the body.

In an alternative embodiment, the fastening device is slidably mounted to a io longitudinal end of the first cross beam. Here, the fastening device is slidably displaceable relative to the first cross beam between its retracted idle position and its extended fastening position. Tyically, the fastening device is slidably attached to a profile of the cross beam. It is therefore displaceable along the extension of the first cross beam between the retracted and the extended position. The displaceable is fastening device therefore serves as an extension of the first cross beam so that the cross beam may effectively extend beyond lateral side edges of the vehicle's tailgate.

Typically, the first cross beam is equipped with two fastening devices at its opposite ends. In this way, the first cross beam is rather symmetrically extendable between the retracted and extended position.

The displaceable attachment of the fastening device to the first cross beam may either be purely pivotable or purely slidable. It is also conceivable, that the fastening device is attached to the first cross beam in a combined slidable and pivotable manner. In this way, the magnitude of longitudinal length modification of the first cross beam may further be increased.

According to another embodiment, the fastening device comprises a fastening pin to be inserted into.a receptacle of the body's fastening structure. The receptacle of the fastening structure is accessible from outside, in particular after removal of a cover. The fastening pn of the fastening device typicallycomprises a recess or profiled structure so as to positively engage with the receptacle of the body's fastening structure. By positively engaging the pin and the receptacle, unintentional release of the fastening device from the body's fastening structure can be effectively prevented. Moreover, by realizing a releasable positive engagement of fastening pin and receptacle an audible and/or haptic feedback can be inherently provided to a user upon mutual engagement of pin and receptacle, thereby indicating to the user, that the fastening device is securely fastened to the fastening structure of the body.

According to a further embodiment the fastening pin comprises or forms an electrical connector. Here, the fastening pin provides a double function. First of all, the fastening pin provides mechanical support to the fastening device, the cross beam and hence to the pivoting member and the carrier assembly. Second, when featuring an electrical connector, the fastening pin may equally serve to supply the carrier assembly with electricity to be obtained from a respective electric plug of the vehicle. The carrier assembly may be preconfigured with additional illuminating components, such as a supplementary rear light. In particular when the carrier assembly is designed as a bicycle carrier, the electrical connector of the fastening pin may provide electric energy to the bicycle attached to the carrier assembly, e.g. for recharging of a bicycle's battery.

By integrating a mechanical fastening means and an electrical connector into one and the same fastening pin, mechanical and electrical connection of the carrier assembly to the vehicle's body can be simplified and will be inherently obtained simultaneously when installing the carrier assembly.

According to a further embodiment, the fastening device also comprises an extension profile which is shdably disposed in the first cross beam between a retracted and an extended configuration. Here, the fastening device may be retractable and extendable from the first cross beam in a telescope-like way. Hence, the first cross beam may comprise a hollow profile adapted to receive the fastening device in its retracted position therein.

By receiving the fastening device at least in parts or almost completely in the profile of the cross beam, the fastening device may be inherently protected against environmental influences when the carrier assembly is in its initial position on the roof structure of the vehicle. Hence; the first cross beam may serve as a surrounding housing for the fastening device.

Additionally and according to another embodiment the fastening pin is pivot mounted to the extension profile of the fastening device between a collapsed and an extended configuration. Typically, the extension profile may comprise a hollow profile or a U-shaped profile such as to receive the fastening pin therein. When the fastening pin is collapsed into the extension profile, the!)dension profile together with the pin located therein can be retracted into the profile of the first cross beam.

When extending the extension profile from the first cross beam, the fastening pin located therein becomes accessible and may be pivoted into the extended configuration, in which the pin may protrude from the cross beam and/or from the extension profile towards the rear end of the vehicle's body. When in is extended configuration the fastening pin may form an angle between 60 degrees and 90 degrees with regard to the extension profile.

By having the fastening pin pivot mounted to the extension profile, the fastening pin can be stowed inside the extension profile and/or in the first cross beam when not in use. The pivot mounting of the fastening pin to the extension profile is beneficial in terms of protecting the fastening pin against environmental influences as well as in terms of saving space.

According to another embodiment the first pivoting member is pivotally connected to the base member via a second pivoting member. Here, the second pivoting member is pivotally connected to the base member with a first end.

Furthermore, the first pivoting member is pivotally connected to a second, hence opposite end, of the second pivoting member.

By means of mutually interconnected first and second pivoting members the first pivoting member is pivotally collapsible to or onto the base member to transfer the carrier assembly into its initial position without conducting any translational or sliding displacement of the first pivoting member and/or of the second pivoting member relative to the at least one base member.

The interconnection between base member, first pivoting member and second pivoting member is particularly based on respective hinges providing a smooth pivoting and relative displacement of respective components of the carrier assembly even in long term use.

By means of the second pivoting member, the base member can be effectively extended towards the rear of the vehicle, while the first pivoting member may be arranged in a substantially upright or vertical orientation, thereby extending substantially parallel to the tailgate structure of the vehicle.

Typically, both, the first pivoting member and the second pivoting member are pivotally collapsible in an overlapping configuration onto or to the at least one base member. In the collapsed initial position or configuration, the first and second pivoting members of the carrier assembly can be stowed in a rather space saving way, typically on top of the roof structure of the vehicle.

The substantially overlapping or nested initial configuration of base member, first and second pivoting member is also beneficial in terms of the aerodynamics of the vehicle. A rather space saving arrangement of the carrier assembly in its initial configuration allows to reduce the aerodynamic resistance of the vehicle and may therefore contribute to reduce the vehicle's fuel or power consumption.

The second pvoting member is typically pivotable between an initial configuration, in which the second pivoting member substantially overlaps with the at least one base member. In this initial configuration the second pivoting member may be arranged on top of a vehicle's roof structure. However, in its carrier position the second pivoting member may be pivoted with regard to the initial configuration by 1800. When arriving in its carrier.position or carrier configuration the second pivoting member may therefore substantially protrude horizontally from the rear end section of the vehicle roof.

Consequently, the second end of the second pivoting member may be located at a predefined distance from the rear end of the vehicle's roof structure.

Since the first pivoting member is pivotally connected to the second end of the second pivoting member, the first pivoting member mayextend in a substantially vertical or upright configuration typically substantially parallel to the tailgate of the vehicle.

According to another embodiment the carrier assembly comprises a pair of first and second pivoting members interconnected by the at least first cross-beam extending between respective end sections of the first pivoting members. Typically, the carrier assembly comprises also two base members attachable to respective left and right portions of the vehicle's roof structure1 e.g attachable to the roof rails.

Accordingly, there exist two second pivoting members, namely a left and a right second pivoting member, each of which being pivotally attached or pivotally connected to the left base member and to the right base member, respectively.

is Moreover, also a left and a right first pivoting member may be provided.

The left first pivoting member is typically pivotally connected to the second end of the left second pivoting member while the right first pivoting member is pivotally connected to the second end of a respective right second pivoting member.

By providing at least one cross-beam extending between left and right first and/or second pivoting members, a substantially closed but pivotable or collapsible frame structure for the carrier assembly can be provided. By means of the cross-beam interconnecting left and right pivoting members of the carrier assembly, the overall stability of the carrier assembly can be improved.

Moreover, by means of the at least one cross-beam left and right pivoting members of the carrier assembly can be mutually coupled. By means of the at least one cross-beam a pivoting motion of the right first and/or second pivoting members can be equally transferred to the respective left first and second pivoting members; and vice versa.

Typically, pairs of left and right first and second pivoting members are of substantial equal size and geometry. They may be symmetrically arranged and connected to the base member with the at least one cross-beam extending there between.

According to another embodiment, the pair of first pivoting members is interconnected by means of an additional second cross-beam extending between the hinge section interconnecting first and second pivoting members.

In contrast to that the first cross-beam extends between the free and lower end of the left and right first pivoting members. The fastening devices may be io integrated into the first cross-beam and may even support and allow fixing of the cross beam to the base member when in initial configuration.

Additionally, the first cross-beam may also serve as a handle bar in order to manually transfer the carrier assembly, in particular its first pivoting members is between the initial position and the carrier position.

Therefore and according to another embodiment, the first cross-beam is located at a rear end section cf the base member when the first pivoting member is in its initia position. In this way, the carrier assembly, in particular the first and/or the second pivoting members are accessible via the first cross-beam, which is accessible from the rear end of the roof structure of the vehicle..

When the fastening member of the first pivoting member is appropriately released from the base member, the carrier assembly may be unfolded from its initial configuration into its carrier configuration by lifting the first cross-beam and by dragging the first pJvoting member further to the rear of the vehicle. This initial motion of the first pivoting member typically induces an upward and rearward directed pivoting of the second pivoting member, which then starts to pivot with respect to the second pivot axis while its second end experiences a semicircular shaped upward and rearward directed displacement until it reaches the carrier position.

According to another embodiment, a support frame is pivotally attached to the first pivoting member. The support frame is in particular pivotable from an initial position into a carrier position. In the-initial position the support frame substantially overlaps with at least the first pivoting member, in particular with the two first piston members, namely with left and right first piston members.

In the carrier position or carrier configuration the support frame may then protrude from the first pivoting member or from the carrier frame formed by left and right first pivoting members and by the first and/or second cross-beams extending therebetween. Since the first pivoting member typically extends in a vertical orientation when in its carrier position the pivotable support frame may provide a support structure to put items thereon.

Typically, the support frame may extend in horizontal direction from the at least one first pivoting member when in carrier position. The support frame may typically serve as a. bicycle carrier. However, it may serve as a general carrier structure extending and protruding from the rear of a vehicle to put large or bulky items thereon. Typically, the support frame is pivotally attached to the free end of the first pivoting member in order to have the support frame located on a low level with respect to the vehicle's vertical axis (z), which is of particular benefit for putting items thereon. - The support frame is only one example of an accessory component to be -reconfigurably attached to the first pivoting member. Generally, the pivoting member itself may provide a support structure operable to receive various transport items thereto. For instance! skis or snowboards may be directly attached to the cross-beams extending between left and right first pivoting members. Hence, also the cross-beams may provide respective fastening members allowing to attach bulky items directly thereto.

In a further embodiment the support frame comprises two lateral branches each of which being pivotally connected to the free ends of the pair of first pivoting members. Typically! one of said lateral branches is pivotally connected to the left first pivoting member, while the other lateral branch is pivotally connected to the right first pivoting member. Moreover, the lateral branches of the support frame are interconnected by means of a cross-beam portion, which may extend between the free ends of the lateral branches facing away from the first pivoting members.

Additionally or alternatively the two lateral branches may also be interconnected by means of at least one support rail. The support rail may extend between and across the two lateral branches. Typically, the support rail is adapted to receive the wheels of a bicycle to be put thereon. For fixing and attaching a bicycle to the carrier assembly the frame of the bicycle may be separately fastened e.g. to at least one of the aforementioned cross-beams extending between the pair of first and/or second pivoting members: According to another embodiment the first pivoting member is collapsible in or into its initial position or initial configuration between two parallel oriented base members. Typically, the carrier assembly comprises a somewhat staggered structure as seen in vehicle transverse direction (y). The second pivoting members are typically pivotally attached to an inside facing portion of the based members and the first pivoting members are typically pivotally attached to an inside facing portion of the second pivcting members.

As seen in.vehicle transverse direction (y), the second pivoting member is geometrically sandwiched between the first pivoting member and the base member when the carrier assembly is in its initial configuration. By arranging first and second pivoting members next to each other in transverse direction (y) the installation height of the carrier, assembly can be kept in a rather low range, which is beneficial to reduce the aerodynamic resistance of the vehicles body.

According to another embodiment the first pivoting member and/or the second pivoting member substantially overlaps with the base member in the initial configuration. In the initial configuration the base member and at least one of first and second pivotable members comprise mutually corresponding and releasably engaging fastening members. In this way, also a midsection or another end section of e.g. the first or second pivoting members can be directly fixed to the base member in order to provide a secure fastening of the carrier assembly to the vehicle's roof structure when not in use.

Typically, the base member and one of first and second pivotable members may comprise mutUally corresponding protruding and recessed portions, by way of which a releasable interlock can be realized. The base member may for instance support a displaceable pin to be removeably inserted into a respective recess or through opening of e.g. the second pivoting member when the carrier assembly is in its initial configuration. Typically, the displaceable pin is operable from outside the vehicle, hence, from an outside facing side of the base member, thereby providing an easy and intuitive manipulation thereof.

io According to another embodiment the base member comprises or forms a roof rail of the body of a motorized vehicle. By implementing the base member as a roof rail, it may be permanently attached to the roof structure of the vehicle.

Alternatively, the entire carrier assembly may be detachably mounted to the body of the vehicle. In such configurations, the base member may be detachably connectable with a roof rail of the motorized vehicle.

According to another aspect also a body of a motorized vehicle is provided comprising a roof structure and a fastening structure at a rear end. The fastening structure is located outside a tailgate to releasably engage with a fastening device of the carrier assembly as described above. By providing the fastening structure of the body outside the tailgate, a well-defined support for the carrier assembly, in particular for its first pivoting member and/or for its first cross beam can be provided. Mechanical reinforcement of the tailgate or of the vehicle's chassis is in fact not required. If necessary, any reinforcing structure may be implemented in the body of the vehicleS For this purpose, the fastening device itself may be reinforced and may be rigidly attached to structurally supporting components of the vehicle's body.

In a further embodiment, the body actually comprises a carrier assembly as described above. It is even conceivable, that the base member of the carrier assembly forms an integral part of the vehicle's roof structure. The base member may for instance serve as a roo.f rail of the body.

-14 -In still another embodiment, the fastening structure of the body comprises a receptacle to receive a fastening pin of the carrier assembly's fastening device.

The receptacle is typically provided with a cover for covering the same when the carrier assembly and hence its at least first pivoting member is in its initial position.

By means of a cover, the receptacle and hence the fastening structure of the body for attaching the carrier assembly can be effectively concealed and hidden.

In a further embodiment, the fastening structure is integrated into a rear light module. Consequently, the receptacle of the fastening structure is located in io the rear light module. Additionally, also the cover is implemented in the rear light module. By having a rear light module with an integrated fastening structure for a carrier assembly, the body of a vehicle may provide a receptacle without the necessity of introducing additional through openings in the body-in-white. By integrating the fastening structure in the rear light module, additional through fl openings for aUaching the fastening pin are not required in the structure of the body.

Moreover, by having the receptacle for the pin located inside the rear light module, electric power supply for the fastening pin and hence for the carrier assembly may be directly branched off from a respective electrical power supply of the rear light module.

Additionally and according to another embodiment the body of the vehicle may be provided with a release member, which may also be integrated into the rear light module or which may be located elsewhere in the vicinity of the fastening structure of the body. The release member typically comprises a depressible button for releasing the positive engagement of fastening in a receptacle of the fastening structure. In particular, the release member may be provided on a lateral side portion of the rear light module.

In still anoftier aspect also a motorized vehicle comprising a body as described above isprovided. Optionally, the body and the motorized vehicle is also equipped with the carrier assembly as described above.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In the following, a non-limiting embodiment of the invention will be described in detail by making reference to the drawings, in which: Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a body of a vehicle with a carrier assembly in an initial configuration, Fig. 2 shows the body according to Fig. 1 with the carrier assembly in an io intermediate configuration, Fig. 3 shows the carrier assembly according to Figs. 1 and 2 with the first pivoting member in a carrier position, Fig. 4 shows tbQ carrier assembly with a pivoted support frame adapted to keep and to support at least one bicycle, Fig. 5 shows a view from the rear of the carrier assembly according to Fig. 4, Fig. 6 shows the carrier assembly according to Fig. 5 with extended fastening devices, Fig. 7 shows an enlarged and schematic view of a rear light module of the vehicle in an initial configuration with a covered receptacle, Fig. 8 shows the rear light module according to Fig. 7 in a configuration of use together with the fastening device of the carrier assembly, Fig. 9a shows a schematic illustration of the fastening pin pivot mounted to the fastening device in extended configuration, Fig. 9b shows the fastening pin in a collapsed configuration and Fig. 10 shows the carrier assembly connected and fixed to the rear light module. -16-

Detailed Description

The carrier assembly 10 as illustrated in various configurations in Figs. 1 to 6 comprises two base members 12, 14 that may act or that may serve as a roof rail of a roof structure 4 of the body 2 of a motorized vehicle 1. As can be seen for instance in Fig. 1 the two base members, left base member 12 and right base member 14, extend in vehicle longitudinal direction (x) almost to the tailgate 3 of the body 2. A rear end of the two base members 12, 14 almost coincides with a hinge of the tailgate 3, wherein said hinge is not explicitly illustrated in the Figures. to

To the rear end of the two base members 12, 14 there is pivotally attached a second pivoting member 16, 18. As illustrated for instance in Figs. 2 to 4, a left second pivoting member 16 is pivotally connected to the left base member 12, whereas a right second pivoting member 18 is pivotally connected to a rear end is section of the right base member 14, The opposite end, hence, the second ends of the left and right second pivoting members 16, 18 is further pivotally connected to respective first pivoting members 20, 22. The second pivoting members 16, 18 are pivotable relative tq base members 12, 14, with regard to a pivot axis 52.

The first pivoting members 20, 22 are pivotable relative to the second pivoting member 16, 18, with regard to another pivot axis 50 as indicated in Figs 1 and 2. The two pivot axes 50, 52 are oriented substantially parallel to each other and substantially extend in vehicle transverse direction (y).

As illustrated for instance in Fig. 2,the left first pivoting member 20 is pivotally connected to the second end of the respective left second pivoting member 16, whereas the right first pivoting member 22 is pivotally connected to a respective second end of a right second pivoting member 18.

Hence, the second pivoting members 16, 18 are pivotally connected to the base members 12.14 with a first end and are further pivotally connected with a pair of first pivoting members 20, 22 with their oppositely located second end.

Between the hinges formed by the pivotable interconnection of first and second pivoting members 16, 18; 20, 22 there extends a second cross-beam 32. In the carrier position or thrrier configuration as for instance illustrated in Figs. 3 to 8, the second cross-beam 32 is located at a height, which substantially coincides with the level or height of the roof structure 4.

As further shown in these Figures, the second pivoting members 16, 18 may be pivoted by about 1800 in comparison to the initial position as illustrated in Fig. 1. Consequently, the second pivoting members 16, 18 substantially extend in to vehicle longitudinal direction (x) from the rear end of the base members 12, 14.

As becomes further apparent from a comparison of Figs. 1 and 2, first and second pivoting members 20, 22; 16, 18 are.pivotally collapsible to or onto the base members 12, 14. Typically, first and second pivoting members 20, 22, 16, 18 may be stowed and located in the plane defined by the parallel oriented and laterally spaced base members 12, 14. In this way, the constructional height of the carrier assembly 10 can be kept rather small, thereby allowing to reduce the aerodynamic resistance of the carrier assembly when in initial configuration.

The free end portions of the first pivoting members 20, 22 are further interconnected by means of a first cross-beam 34 as illustrated for instance in Figs. 2 and 3. In this way, first and second cross-beams 32, 34 together with the two first pivoting members 20, 22 disposed there between form a closed, substantially rectangular frame structure that is operable to attach bulky items in an upright orientation thereto.

Even though not illustrated, the cross-beams 32, 34 may be provided with numerous fastening members allowing to releasably attach bulky items to the cross-beams 32, 34.

As further ilLustrated in Fig. 4, a support frame 36 may be pivotally attached to the two first pivoting members 20, 22. The support frame 36 comprises two lateral branches 37, 38, The branch 37 is for instance pivotally attached to the left first pivoting member 20! while the other lateral branch 38 is pivotally connected to the right first pivoting member 22.

The free ends of the lateral branches 37, 38 are typically interconnected by means of a cross-beam portion 39, Lateral branches 37, 38 and the interconnecting cross-beam portion 39 may be integrally formed. The support frame 36 pivotally connected to the free end of the pair of first pivoting members 20, 22 may comprise a U-shape.

Additionally! the support frame 36 comprises two support rails 40, 41 extending between, on and/or across the lateral branches 37, 38. Typically, the support rails 40, 41 comprise a V-shaped profile adapted to receive bulky items 42, such like the wheels of a bicycle as illustrated in Fig. 5 As in particular illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6 the first cross beam 34 comprises two fastening devices 24, 26 at opposite longitudinal end sections. As becomes particularly apparent from a comparison of Figs. 5 and 6, the fastening devices 24, 26 can be slidably displaced relative to the first cross beam 34 into an extended configuration, in which the fastenfng devices 24, 26 are connectable to a left and right rear light module 6 of the body 2 of the vehicle 1. In this way, the carrier assembly, in particular the first cross beam 34 can be attached to the body 2 of the vehicle 1 in. a portion located outside the tailgate 3 of the body 2.

As it is further illustrated in Figs. 8 and 101 the fastening devices 24, 26 comprise an extension profile 28 which is sliciably disposed in the first cross beam 34. tn the extended configuration as shown n Figs. 6, 8 and 10, the fastening devices 24, 26 can be positioned in vehicle cross-direction (y) laterally outside the roof structure 4 of the vehicle.

As illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8, the rear light module 6 comprises a receptacle 7 covered by means of a removable cover 8. Here, the left rear light module 6 as shown in Figs. 7 and B provides a fastening structure 31 to positively engage with a fastening pin 30 which is to be introduced and In be assembled in the receptacle 7 of the rear light module 6.

The fastening pin 30 is further pivotally attached to an extension profile 28 of the fastening device 24. As illustrated from the two different views of Fig. 9a and Fig. 9b, the fastening pin 30 can be pivoted with respect to a pivot axis 29 relative to the extension profile 28. In this way, the fastening pin 30 can be disposed entirely inside the hollow extension profile 28, which itself can be merged into the profile of the cross beam 34.

In its extended configuration as shown in Figs. 8-10, the fastening pin 30 can be pivoted towards the rear light module 6 and may therefore extend in vehicle to longitudinal direction (x). In this configuration as for instance shown in Fig. 8, The fastening pin 30 may be inserted into the correspondingly-shaped receptacle 7 of the body's fastening structure 31. As indicated in Figs. 8, Qa and Qb, the fastening pin 30 comprises a recessed structure 33 at its free end in order to positively engage with a correspondingly-shaped fastening member located inside the receptacle 7 not particularly illustrated here.

The rear light module 6 and hence the fastening structure 31 further comprises a release member 9, which in the present embodiment is depressible for releasing a positive engagement of fastening pin 30 and receptacle 7.

As further illustrated in Figs. S and 6, the fastening structure 31 implemented in the rear light modules 6 is located well above a bumper structure 5 of the vehicle. Due to the mechanical support provided by the body's fastening structure 31, chassis and tailgate 3 of the vehicle 1 do not require mechanical reinforcement in order to carry heavy items l he fixed to the carrier assembly 10.

Moreover, by integrating an electric connector into the fastening pin 30, the carrier assembly 10 can be inherently suoplied with electrical energy. This is of particular use for recharging an electric battery of e.g. a bicycle attached to the carrier assembly 10 or to provide electrical power to accessory and supplemental rear lights assembled to the carrier assembly 10.

Even though not particularly illustratorl in the present set of Figures, the fastening structure 31 does not have to be ir:.. lemented into the rear light module 6.

The fastening structure 31 to engage with respective fastening devices 24, 26 of the carrier assembly 10 may also be located elsewhere at the rear end of the vehicle's body but outside the tailgate or tailgate opening While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing summary and detailed description, t should appreciated that a vast number of variations exists. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary and io detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient roadmap for implementing at least one exemplary em. odiment, it being understood, that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalence. -21 -

Reference Numerals 1 vehicle 2 body 3 tailgate 4 roof structure bumper structure 6 rear light module 7 receptacle 8 cover 9 release member carrier assembly 12 base member 14 base member 16 pivoting member 18 pivoting member pivoting member 22 pivoting member 24 fastening device 26 fastening device 28 extension 29 pivot axis fastening pin 31 fastening structure 32 crossbeam 33 recessed structure 34 cross beam 36 support frame 37 branch 38 branch 39 cross beam portion support rail 41 support rail

Claims

Claims 1. A carrier assembly attachable to a roof structure (4) of a motorized vehicle (1)! comprising: -at least a base member (12, 14) attachable to the roof structure (4), -a first pivoting member (20, 22) pivotally collapsible to the base member (12, 14) into an initial position and being pivotable relative to the base member (12, 14) into a carrier position, in which the first pivoting member (20, 22) is attachable to a fastening structure (31) of a body (2) of the vehicle (1) located outside a tailgate (3) of the body (2).
2. The carrier assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a first cross beam (34) attached to a free end section of the first pivoting member (20, 22) and extending parallel to a pivot axis (50) of the first pivoting member (12, 14).
3. The carrier assembly according to claim 2, wherein the first cross beam (34) comprises at least one fastening device (24, 26) displaceable relative to the first cross beam (34) between a retracted position and an extended position, in which the fastening device (24, 26) is connectable to the fastening structure (31).
4. The carrier assembly according to claim 3, wherein the fastening device (24, 26) is pivot mounted to the first cross beam (34).
5. The carrier assembly according to claim 3, wherein the fastening device (24, 26) is slidably mounted to a longitudinal end of the first cross beam (34).
6. The carrier assembly according to any one of the preceding claims 3 to 5, wherein the fastening device (24, 26) comprises a fastening pin (30) to be inserted into a receptacle (7) of the fasening structure (31).
7. The carrier assembly according to claim 6 wherein the fastening pin (30) comprises or forms an electrical connector.
8. The carrier assembly according to claim 5 to 7, wherein the fastening device (24, 26) comprises an extension profile (28) slidabli disposed in the first io cross beam (34) between a retracted md an extended configuration.
9. The carrier assembly according claim 8 and according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the fastening pin (30) is pivot mounted to the extension profile (28) between a collapsed and an extended configuration.
10. The carrier assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first pivoting member (20, 22) is pivotafly connected to the base member (12 14) via a second pivoting membsr (16, 18), wherein the second pivoting member (16, 18) is pivotally connected o the base member (12, 14) with a first end and wherein the first pivoting riember (20, 22) is pivotally connected to a second end of the second pivoting member (16, 18) 11 A body of a motorized vehicle comprising a roof structure (4) and a fastening structure (31) at a rear end but outside tailgate (3) to releasably engage with a fastening device (24, 26) of tho arher assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.12. The body according to claim 11, further comprising a carrier assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claim ito 10.13. The body according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the fastening structure (31) comprises a receptacle (7) to receive fastening pin (30) of the carrier assembly's fastening device (24, 26) -24 - 14. The body according to any one of the claims claims 11 to 131 wherein the fastening structure is integrated into a rear light module (6).15. A motorized vehicle comprising a carrier assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims and/or comprising a body (2) according to any one of the claims 11 to 14.