US20050199669A1 - Bicycle carrier - Google Patents
Bicycle carrier Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050199669A1 US20050199669A1 US11/011,497 US1149704A US2005199669A1 US 20050199669 A1 US20050199669 A1 US 20050199669A1 US 1149704 A US1149704 A US 1149704A US 2005199669 A1 US2005199669 A1 US 2005199669A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- bicycle
- stabilizer
- tube
- arm
- trough
- Prior art date
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- Abandoned
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- 239000003381 stabilizer Substances 0.000 claims description 51
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 9
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000000969 carrier Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 230000001133 acceleration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001351 cycling effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002991 molded plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920003031 santoprene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000006748 scratching Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002393 scratching effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000087 stabilizing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R9/00—Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like
- B60R9/08—Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like specially adapted for sports gear
- B60R9/10—Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like specially adapted for sports gear for cycles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R9/00—Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like
- B60R9/06—Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like at vehicle front or rear
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S224/00—Package and article carriers
- Y10S224/924—Vehicle attached carrier for bicycle or motorcycle
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Fittings On The Vehicle Exterior For Carrying Loads, And Devices For Holding Or Mounting Articles (AREA)
Abstract
A bicycle rack for carrying a bicycle adjacent the rear of a vehicle. The bicycle rack includes an adjustable frame assembly having a first frame member attached to a housing and a second frame member attached to a connecting member. The connecting member is rotationally coupled to the housing to allow relative pivotal movement between the first and second frame members. A locking member is disposed within the housing and selectively movable between a first position, in which the locking member engages the connecting member to impede relative rotational movement between the connecting member and the housing, and a second position, in which the locking member is disengaged from the connecting member to allow relative rotational movement between the connecting member and the housing. At least one support arm is coupled to the housing and configured for sliding and pivotal movement between a stowed position and an extended position in which the arm engages the housing to support a bicycle adjacent the vehicle. A mounting assembly is positionable on the support arm to hold the bicycle in place during travel.
Description
- This application is a continuation patent application of application Ser. No. 10/255,559 filed Sep. 25, 2002 titled “Bicycle Carrier,” which is a continuation of Ser. No. 09/951,484 filed Sep. 10, 2001, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,467,664, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/466,233 filed Dec. 17, 1999, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,286,738, and are hereby incorporated by reference.
- The present invention relates to bicycle carriers, and more particularly to an adjustable bicycle carrier that may be mounted on the rear of a vehicle.
- The popularity of recreational cycling has grown substantially in recent years. As a result, the demand for bicycle carriers to transport bikes on cars and other vehicles has also grown.
- There are various types of vehicle-mountable bicycle carriers available. One type is mountable on the trunk or other rear portion of a vehicle to carry one or more bicycles adjacent the rear of the vehicle. While some of these carriers are adjustable to mount on different vehicles, the adjustment mechanisms are cumbersome. In addition, even normal acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle can cause the bicycles to sway or become misaligned on the carrier, resulting in damage to the bikes and/or the vehicle.
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FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a bicycle rack mounted on a vehicle and supporting a bicycle according to the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a magnified isometric view of the outer side of a housing assembly of the bicycle rack ofFIG. 1 , showing the handle extended and rotated to secure the locking member in the second position. -
FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the inner side of the housing assembly ofFIG. 2 , with the connecting member removed to show the locking member. -
FIG. 4 is a magnified detail view of the area enclosed by dashed circle 4 inFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 5 is an isometric, partially cut away view showing the locking member in the first position so that the teeth of the locking member engage both the housing and the connecting member to prevent relative pivotal movement between the first and second frame members. -
FIG. 6 is an isometric, partially cut away view showing the locking member in the second position so that the teeth of the locking member do not engage the connecting member, thus allowing relative pivotal movement between the first and second frame members. -
FIG. 7 is a side elevation of the housing assembly ofFIG. 2 , with a portion of the housing cut away to show the slidable and pivotal engagement of the support arm with the housing assembly. -
FIG. 8 is an isometric view showing a saddle mount and a stabilizer installed on a support arm and engaging a portion of a bicycle frame (shown in dashed lines). A tie-down member is shown positioned across the bicycle frame and engaging anchors on the saddle mount to hold the bicycle in position. A second saddle mount and a second stabilizer are shown in exploded view. -
FIG. 9 is a rear elevation of a saddle mount and a stabilizer showing how the top tube of bicycle frame is supported by the saddle mount, and showing the stabilizer positioned to engage the seat tube of the bicycle frame. -
FIG. 10 is a rear elevation of a saddle mount and a stabilizer showing how the top tube of bicycle frame is supported by the saddle mount, and showing the stabilizer positioned to engage the down tube of the bicycle frame. -
FIG. 11 is a rear elevation of a saddle mount showing one tie-down member engaged on one anchor, and another tie-down member being stretched to disengage another anchor. - A vehicle-mountable bicycle rack according to the present invention is indicated generally at 20, in
FIG. 1 .Bike rack 20 includes anadjustable frame assembly 22 positionable adjacent the rear of avehicle 200, and one ormore support arms 24 extending from the frame to support at least onebicycle 220 behind the vehicle.Bike rack 20 also includes one ormore mounting assemblies 26 adapted to securebike 220 to the rack and prevent the bike from swaying or becoming dislodged during operation of the vehicle. - An exemplary embodiment of
frame assembly 22 is depicted inFIGS. 1-7 , and includes afirst frame member 28 configured to contactvehicle 200.First frame member 28 is generally U-shaped with the central, lower portion of the first frame member being inclined out of the plane of the upper portion. One or more cushioning devices such ascylindrical foam pads 30 typically are attached to the first frame member to protect the vehicle and frame assembly from scratching.First frame member 28 may be constructed out of any suitable material, such as steel tubing, and may be sized as required for compatibility with a wide variety of vehicles. -
Frame assembly 22 also includes one ormore housings 32 attached tofirst frame member 28. As can best be seen inFIG. 7 , each end of thefirst frame member 28 is received into ahousing 32 where it is secured bybolts 34 which pass through the housing. The bolts are fastened to the housing bynuts 36, as shown inFIG. 3 . - Also included in
frame assembly 22 issecond frame member 38, which is generally U-shaped and configured to contactvehicle 200.Second frame member 38 may include one or more cushioning devices, such aspads 40, to protect the vehicle and frame member from scratches.Second frame member 38 may be constructed out of any suitable material, including steel tubing, and may be sized as required for compatibility with a wide variety of vehicles. One or more connectingmembers 42 are attached tosecond frame member 38. In the exemplary embodiment, each end of the second frame member is received into a connectingmember 42, where it is secured by a bolt 44 (best seen inFIG. 3 ) passing throughhousing 32.Bolt 44 is fastened to the housing by anut 46. - As will be described in further detail below, each connecting
member 42 is pivotally coupled to one of thehousings 32, thereby permitting relative pivotal movement betweenfirst frame member 28 andsecond frame member 38. This allowsframe assembly 22 to be adjusted to mount on vehicles of any size or configuration. - Typically
frame assembly 22 is adjusted as necessary so thatsupport arms 24 extend in a generally horizontal rearward direction when the frame assembly is positioned on the vehicle.Rack 20 is then mounted ontovehicle 200 by positioning the frame assembly against the vehicle and securing the frame assembly with one ormore straps 48. Each strap is attached to achannel 49 in a housing at one end, and ahook 50 at the opposite end.Hooks 50 are configured to engage and grip portions ofvehicle 200 such astrunk lid 202. In the exemplary embodiment depicted inFIG. 1 ,rack 20 includes four straps, two connected to eachhousing 32. One strap from each housing is positioned to hold the rack to the top oftrunk lid 202, while the other strap from each housing is positioned to hold the rack to the bottom oftrunk lid 202. Each strap may also include abuckle 52 or similar device to allow the length of the strap to be adjusted. Once the rack is positioned on the vehicle and the hooks are arranged as desired, the straps may be tightened to hold the rack securely on the vehicle. - While one exemplary method of mounting
rack 20 on a vehicle has been shown and described, it will be appreciated that there are many other ways of mounting the rack within the scope of the invention. As one example, the straps may be arranged differently depending on the configuration of the vehicle. Other examples include, using a different number of straps, or holding the rack on the vehicle by fastening methods other than straps. - Focusing particular attention now on
FIGS. 2-6 , the pivoting connection betweenhousing 32 and connectingmember 42 will be described in greater detail. Connectingmember 42 includes anannular portion 54, which is received into acircular aperture 56 in the side of the housing. Bolt 44 passes through bothhousing 32 and connectingmember 42 to holdannular portion 54 withinaperture 56. Bolt 44 also passes throughlocking member 58, which is disposed within the housing and selectively movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position,locking member 58 engages both the housing and the connecting member to prevent relative movement therebetween. In the second position, the locking member is disengaged from the connecting member, thus allowing the connecting member to rotate or pivot within the aperture. - It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that locking
member 58 may be configured to engage the housing and the connecting member in a variety of ways. In the exemplary embodiment, lockingmember 58 is in the form of a wheel having a plurality of grooves orteeth 60 across its outer circumference.Housing 32 includes aninner surface 62 having a plurality ofteeth 64 configured to interlock withteeth 60 of lockingmember 58. Thus, the locking member fits within the inner surface of the housing and is restrained from rotating within the housing by the engagement ofteeth 60 withteeth 64. However, the locking member remains free to slide along its central radial axis within the housing. -
Annular portion 54 of connectingmember 42 also includes aninner surface 66 having a plurality ofteeth 68.Surface 66 andteeth 68 are configured to receive the locking member and interlock withteeth 60 to prevent relative rotation between the connecting member and the locking member. However, the locking member remains free to slide in and out of the connecting member along the central radial axis. -
FIGS. 5 and 6 best illustrate the engagement of the locking member with the housing and the connecting member.FIG. 5 shows the locking member in the first position, in which the locking member is at least partially received into the connecting member.Teeth 60 of the locking member interlock withteeth 64 of the housing and withteeth 68 of the connecting member to impede relative rotational movement between the connecting member and the housing. As a result,first frame member 28 is prevented from pivoting relative tosecond frame member 38. However, inFIG. 6 , lockingmember 58 has been moved to the second position in which the teeth of the locking member are disengaged from the teeth of the connecting member. Thus, the connecting member is free to rotate relative to the locking member and the housing. As a result,first frame member 28 may be pivoted relative tosecond frame member 38. - It will be understood that to allow substantial pivotal movement between the first and second frame members, both connecting members must be rotatable relative to their corresponding housings. Thus, to adjust the frame assembly, the user disengages each locking member from the corresponding connecting member, pivots the first and/or second frame member as desired, and then re-engages each locking member with the corresponding connecting member to lock the frame assembly in the desired configuration. In the exemplary embodiment, each locking member, connecting member, and housing contains a relatively large number of teeth to allow the frame assembly to be adjusted in relatively small increments. Alternatively, each locking member, connecting member, and housing may be constructed with a relatively small number of teeth to correspond to just a few selectable angular positions between the frame members.
- As also shown in
FIGS. 5 and 6 ,frame assembly 22 also includes a biasingmember 70 disposed within the housing to urge the locking member toward the first position. In the exemplary embodiment, biasingmember 70 is in the form of a compression spring positioned aroundbolt 44 and against the side of lockingmember 58 opposite the connecting member.Spring 70 is compressed between the locking member and the wall ofhousing 32 to urge the locking member toward the first position to engage the connecting member. - A
handle 72 extends through the housing and is coupled to the locking member to allow the user to move the locking member to the second position by pulling the handle away from the housing.Handle 72 includes twoarms 74 which extend throughslots 76 inhousing 32, and throughcorresponding slots 78 in lockingmember 58. As can best be seen in the detail view ofFIG. 4 , eacharm 74 extends throughslot 74 to the other side of the locking member. Adeflectable lip 80 is formed on the arm to abut against and grip the edge ofslot 78 so that the locking member is pulled in the direction of biasingmember 70 when the handle is pulled outward away from the housing. While it is within the scope of the invention for lockingmember 58 to be attached to handle 72 by any suitable method, the arm and lip structure described and depicted in the exemplary embodiment provides for easy assembly by simply aligningslots 78 witharms 74, and pressing the locking member inward againstspring 70 untillips 80 snap over the edges ofslots 78. - In the exemplary embodiment, the locking member is securable in the second position against the urging of the biasing member, to allow the user to adjust the frame assembly without having simultaneously to hold
handles 72 away from the housings. As shown inFIG. 2 , eachslot 76 includes anotch 82 configured to receive aledge 84 onarms 74.Ledges 84 preventarms 74 from passing throughslots 76 unless the arms are aligned withnotches 82. Thus, to secure the locking member in the second position, the user pulls handle 72 outward from the housing and rotates the handle so thatarms 74 slide alongslots 76 away fromnotches 82. When the user releases the handle,ledges 84 strike the edges ofslots 76 and prevent the locking member from returning to the first position under the urging ofspring 70.FIG. 2 shows the handle pulled outward and rotated to prevent the handle from being pulled back toward the housing byspring 70. Thus, the user can disengage the locking members on each side of the frame assembly and then adjust the frame assembly as desired without having to hold the handles away from the housings. Once the frame assembly is adjusted to the desired angular configuration, the handles can be rotated to alignarms 74 withnotches 82 and then released, at whichpoint spring 70 presses the locking member back into engagement with the connecting member to lock the frame assembly in the desired configuration. - As shown in
FIG. 4 , lockingmember 58 includes a plurality ofribs 86 disposedadjacent slots 78.Ribs 86 are adapted to slightly impede rotation ofarms 74 inslots 78. The ribs do not prevent the user from rotating the handle to secure the locking member in the second position. However, once the user has rotated the arms across the ribs, the ribs prevent the handle from accidentally rotating in the opposite direction and allowing the locking member to return to the first position.Arms 74 and/orribs 86 may be rounded to allow the arms to rotate relatively smoothly past the ribs when the user rotates the handle. - As described above,
frame assembly 22 is easily adjustable to be securely mounted on virtually any type and configuration of vehicle. The various parts of the frame assembly may be constructed of any material suitable for outdoor use and possessing the necessary structural strength to allowrack 20 to support the weight of one or more bicycles. Whilehousing 32, connectingmember 42, lockingmember 58, and handle 72 typically are constructed of a molded plastic such as nylon, other materials are also suitable. - Turning now to
FIG. 7 , it can be seen thatrack 20 includessupport arms 24 coupled to eachhousing 32 by a sliding, pivoting connection.Support arms 24 may be constructed out of any suitable material, such as steel tubing. In the exemplary embodiment, eachsupport arm 24 includes anelongate slot 88 adjacent one end of the arm. Abolt 90 passes through the housing and throughslot 88 to couple the support arm to the housing. A nut 92 (best seen inFIG. 3 ) holds the bolt in place. The slot-and-bolt connection ofsupport arm 24 tohousing 32 allows the support arm to pivot between a stowed position, indicated by dashed lines inFIG. 7 , and an extended position, indicated by solid lines inFIG. 7 . When in the extended position, the slot-and-bolt connection allows the support arm to be slid into asocket 94 within the housing. When the support arm is received into the socket, the housing engages the support arm and prevents pivotal movement of the support arm aboutbolt 90, thereby maintaining the support arm in the extended position to supportbicycle 220 adjacent the vehicle. -
Support arm 24 also includes a spring-loaded, retractable catch orpin 96, which is configured to protrude through ahole 98 inhousing 32 when the support arm is received in the socket. Thus, the pin prevents the support arm from sliding out of the socket accidentally. When the user wishes to move the support arm from the extended position to the stowed position, the user presses the pin inward against the action of the spring, and then slides the support arm out of the socket. As shown inFIG. 2 ,housing 32 may be formed to include adepression 100adjacent hole 98 to allow the user to presspin 96 inward. Additionally, pin 96 may be formed with a rounded end to allow it to pass throughhole 98 without snagging. In any event, once the support arm is removed from the socket, it can be pivoted to the stowed position. Whenpin 96 clearshousing 32, it will move outward to abut against the side of the housing and maintain the support arm in the stowed position. To pivot the support arm back to the extended position, the user first presses the pin inward to clear the housing, and then pivots the support arm upward. - It will be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment of
rack 20 described herein may be substantially collapsed for storage when not in use. As described above, the first and second frame members may be pivoted together to extend in a single general direction, and then locked in that configuration. Additionally, the support arms may be pivoted to the stowed position adjacent and generally parallel to the first frame member, leavingrack 20 in a relatively flat configuration. - Turning attention now to
FIGS. 8-11 ,rack 20 also includes one ormore mounting assemblies 26 adapted to secure one or more bikes to supportarms 24. Each mounting may comprise different components depending on the application. In the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 1 , each mounting assembly includes asaddle mount 102, astabilizer apparatus 104, and one or more tie-downmembers 106. It will be appreciated, however, that some or all of the mounting assemblies may omit one or more of these components. As one example, a particular mounting assembly may omit a stabilizer and include only a saddle mount and tie-down member. As another example, the saddle mount and/or the stabilizer may be configured to grip a bicycle without the need for a tie-down member. - As is well known in the art, bicycles typically include a
frame 222 having atop tube 224, adown tube 226, and aseat tube 228.Top tube 224 extends generally forwardly and horizontally from proximate the bicycle seat to proximate the handle bars. Downtube 226 typically is coupled to the top tube proximate the handle bars and extends downwardly and rearwardly toward the pedal sprocket.Seat tube 228 typically is coupled to the top tube proximate the seat and extends generally downwardly to the pedal sprocket. -
Saddle mount 102 is disposed onsupport arm 24 to receive and engage a portion oftop tube 224 and retain the bike in a selected longitudinal position on the support arm. As shown inFIG. 1 , saddle mounts typically will be disposed on both support arms and aligned to receive the top tube of a single bike. Thus, the bike is supported above the ground and retained in a stable position behind the vehicle during travel. In the exemplary embodiment, each saddle mount includes aunitary body 108 formed of molded Santoprene rubber or other suitable material adapted to grip the bike frame without causing scratches or other damage. -
Body 108 is formed to define acylindrical collar 110 adapted to fit over and engage asupport arm 24, and achannel 112 extending into the body. To install a saddle mount on a support arm, the user slides the collar along the support arm to the desired location, and then rotates the saddle mount until the channel is aligned in the desired orientation. Typically,channel 112 is oriented above the support arm to allow the top tube of the bicycle to rest in the channel.Channel 112 is formed as an elongate, parabolic trough adapted to accepttop tube 224. The channel is oriented in a direction generally transverse tocollar 110 so that the channel extends generally across the support arms when installed on the rack. In the exemplary embodiment, the sides ofchannel 112 are sized to extend partially up the sides of a top tube resting in the channel. Alternatively, the sides ofchannel 112 may be larger or smaller as desired. In any event,channel 112 gripstop tube 224 and retains the bicycle in a stable longitudinal position along the support arm during operation of the vehicle. - To prevent
top tube 224 from being dislodged accidentally, one or more tie-downmembers 106 may be positioned over the top tube and fastened to saddlemount 102. In the exemplary embodiment, each saddle mount includes one ormore anchors 114 extending frombody 108.Anchor 114 includes acircular base 116 sized to fit withincircular apertures 118 formed in tie-down member 106. Each anchor has adistal end 120 spaced frombody 108, and one ormore flanges 122 arranged about the distal end.Flanges 122 are arranged generally along a single transverse axis A to form an oval or elongate rim.Flanges 122 prevent the tie down members from slipping offcircular base 116. Tie-downmembers 106 typically are made of a stretchable material (e.g. Dynaflex G7431 rubber), and must be stretched along axis A to allow the apertures to pass over the flanges. Thus, the tie-downs member cannot accidentally become disengaged from the anchors unless the tie-down members are stretched to clear the flanges. - Referring to the tie-down member on the left in
FIG. 11 , a user may secure the tie-down member to an anchor by hooking one edge of a selected aperture around one flange, and then pulling the tie-down member directly away from the hooked flange (i.e., along axis A). When the tie-down member is pulled along axis A, it will stretch along axis A causing the selected aperture to stretch over the opposite flange. Once the aperture clears the opposite flange, the user presses the tie-down member inward over the flange, and then releases the tie-down member to return to its unstretched condition, illustrated by the tie-down member on the right inFIG. 11 . Tie-down member 106 may include a handle ortab 124 to allow the user to grip the tie-down member more easily. The user disengages the tie-down member by reversing the above steps. In one embodiment, the tie-down members are formed of a different, more flexible material than the saddle mounts to prevent the anchors from bending when a tie-down member is being stretched over the flanges. - In the exemplary embodiment, each
saddle mount 102 includes two pairs ofanchors 114, with one pair disposed adjacent opposite sides of one end ofchannel 112, and the other pair disposed adjacent opposite sides of the other end ofchannel 112. Nevertheless, it will be appreciated that other configurations are also within the scope of the invention. For example, a saddle mount may include less than or more than two pairs of anchors. In addition, it may not be necessary to engage a tie-down member to both pairs of anchors to hold the top tube within the saddle. Similarly, while tie-downmembers 106 are described above as being separate and removable from saddle mounts 102, an alternative embodiment of the invention may include tie-down members which are formed integrally with the saddle mounts. For example, one end of the tie-down member may extend from adjacent one side ofchannel 112, and be positionable overtop tube 224 to engage an anchor disposed adjacent the opposite side ofchannel 112. Furthermore, whilebases 116 andapertures 118 have been described and depicted as generally circular, it will be appreciated that these parts may be virtually any shape as desired. - While saddle mounts 102 are configured to retain a bike in a selected longitudinal position on the support arm, it will be appreciated that the bike may tend to swing or sway due to the motion of the vehicle. To protect both the vehicle and bike(s) from damage due to swinging, mounting
assembly 26 also includes one ormore stabilizers 104 to impede swinging of the bicycle. Each stabilizer includes an integrally formedbody 126 with a pair ofcollars 128 configured to fit over the support arm. As can be seen inFIG. 8 ,collars 128 are spaced apart to fit on either side ofcollar 110 of the saddle mount when the saddle mount and stabilizer are mounted together on the support arm.Collars 128 allow the stabilizer to slide along, and pivot about, the support arm. Becausestabilizer 104 is separate fromsaddle mount 102, the stabilizer can pivot about the support arm independently of the saddle mount. While bothcollars 128 andcollar 110 are typically configured to fit onsupport arm 24 tightly enough to prevent the mounting assembly from accidentally sliding off, the support arm may also include a removable cap (not shown) on the end of the support arm to prevent passage of the collars. -
Body 126 is formed to define achannel 130 extending at least partially into the body, and may be constructed of any suitable material including nylon. The stabilizer typically is installed on the support arm so that the channel faces out to the side of the vehicle. The channel is configured to receive at least a portion of either downtube 226 orseat tube 228. The pivoting connection ofstabilizer 104 withsupport arm 24 allows the user to selectively position the stabilizer to engage either the seat tube, as shown inFIG. 9 , or the down tube, as shown inFIG. 10 . When the seat tube or the down tube is received intochannel 130, the sides of the channel prevent lateral swinging of the bicycle frame. - It will be appreciated that
stabilizer 104 will provide greater stabilizing moment if it engages either the seat tube or the down tube at a location spaced from the top tube. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment,body 126 is approximately four inches long from the top ofcollars 128 to the bottom ofchannel 130, and engages the seat tube or the down tube at a location substantially spaced from the top tube of the bicycle. It will be appreciated, however, that the stabilizers may be formed either longer or shorter within the scope of the invention. -
Stabilizer 104 may also include one ormore anchors 114 configured to engage and secure one or more tie-down members. In the exemplary embodiment, the anchors on the stabilizers are substantially similar to the anchors on the saddle mounts so that tie-downmembers 106 may be secured interchangeably to either the saddle mounts or the stabilizers. Alternatively, the anchors on the stabilizers may be configured differently than the anchors on the saddle mounts for compatibility with different tie-down members. Furthermore, as described above in connection with the saddle mounts, the stabilizers may include other configurations of anchors and tie-down members within the scope of the invention. - In the exemplary embodiment shown in
FIG. 1 ,rack 20 includes two pairs of mounting assemblies for mounting two bicycles. Alternatively, rack 20 may include only one pair of mounting assemblies for holding one bike, or three or more pairs for holding three or more bikes. Furthermore, while each mounting assembly is illustrated as including both a saddle mount and a stabilizer, it will be appreciated that a single stabilizer per bike may be sufficient to prevent the bike from swinging during travel. Indeed, for bikes with top tubes that are substantially longer than the spacing between the support arms, it may be difficult to engage both the seat tube and the down tube with stabilizers. Thus, in an alternative embodiment, a pair of mounting assemblies may include a first assembly having both a saddle mount and a stabilizer, and a second assembly having only a saddle mount. Since the stabilizer may be pivoted to engage either the seat tube or the down tube of a bike, the bike may be mounted facing either the left or the right of the vehicle regardless of which support arm the stabilizer is installed on. Indeed, it may be desirable, when carrying two or more bikes, to mount adjacent bikes facing in opposite directions so that the handle bars of the bikes do not collide. This arrangement would allow more bikes to be carried because they could be placed more closely together. - While the invention has been disclosed in its preferred form, the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. Applicants regard the subject matter of their invention to include all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed herein. No single feature, function, element or property of the disclosed embodiments is essential to all embodiments. The following claims define certain combinations and subcombinations which are regarded as novel and non-obvious. Other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of the present claims or presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such claims, whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are also regarded as included within the subject matter of applicants' invention.
Claims (12)
1. A bicycle rack for carrying a bicycle on a vehicle wherein the bicycle has a top tube, a down tube and a seat tube, comprising
a frame attachable to the rear of the vehicle and configured to support the bicycle adjacent the vehicle,
at least one arm extending from the frame,
a saddle mount having a collar for receiving the arm and a trough for supporting the top tube of the bicycle, the trough having first and second opposing sides,
a stabilizer pivotally mounted on the arm adjacent the saddle mount, the stabilizer having a channel for engaging a down tube or a seat tube of the bicycle, wherein the trough of the saddle mount and the channel of the stabilizer are aligned in a plane perpendicular to the arm, but are permitted to rotate independently around the arm to accommodate different angles between a top tube and a down tube or a seat tube, the stabilizer including a strap for securing the stabilizer to a down tube or a seat tube of a bicycle.
2. The rack of claim 1 , further comprising
at least one strap anchored to the first side of the trough, the strap being configured for selective attachment to the second side of the trough, wherein the trough and the strap together are configured to bind and encircle the circumference of a top tube of the bicycle.
3. The rack of claim 1 , wherein the stabilizer has two cylindrical collars configured to engage the arm on opposite sides of the collar of the saddle mount.
4. The rack of claim 1 , wherein the trough on the saddle mount is elongate.
5. The rack of claim 1 , wherein the trough has an elongate parabolic shape.
6. The rack of claim 2 , wherein the at least one strap on the saddle mount has an end that is permanently connected to the first side of the trough, a fastener being provided on the second side of the trough so that the strap can be selectively coupled to the fastener to retain securely the top tube of the bicycle in the trough.
7. The rack of claim 1 , further comprising
a second arm extending from the frame, a second saddle mount being mounted on the second arm.
8. A bicycle rack for carrying a bicycle on a vehicle wherein the bicycle has a top tube, a down tube and a seat tube, comprising
a frame attachable to the rear of the vehicle and configured to support the bicycle adjacent the vehicle,
at least one arm extending from the frame,
a saddle mount having a collar for receiving the arm and a trough for supporting the top tube of the bicycle, the trough having first and second opposing sides,
a stabilizer pivotally mounted on the arm, the stabilizer having a channel for engaging a down tube or a seat tube of the bicycle, wherein the saddle mount and the stabilizer are connected so that the trough of the saddle mount and the channel of the stabilizer are aligned in a plane perpendicular to the arm, the stabilizer being permitted to rotate around the arm to accommodate different angles between a top tube and a down tube or a seat tube while the saddle mount is maintained in a fixed position supporting a top tube of a bicycle, the stabilizer including a strap for securing the stabilizer around the down tube or a seat tube of a bicycle.
9. The rack of claim 8 , wherein each of the saddle mount and the stabilizer pivot around the arm.
10. A bicycle rack for carrying a bicycle on a vehicle wherein the bicycle has a top tube, a down tube and a seat tube, comprising
a frame attachable to the rear of the vehicle and configured to support the bicycle adjacent the vehicle,
at least one arm extending from the frame,
a saddle mount having a collar for receiving a first arm and a trough for supporting the top tube of the bicycle, the trough having first and second opposing sides,
a stabilizer pivotally mounted on the first arm adjacent the saddle mount, the stabilizer having a strap for securing the stabilizer to a down tube or a seat tube, wherein the stabilizer is free to pivot around the arm to grasp a down tube or a seat tube while the saddle mount is maintained in a fixed position on the arm supporting a top tube of a bicycle.
11. The rack of claim 10 , wherein the saddle mount and the stabilizer are integrated so they slide together along the arm.
12. The rack of claim 10 , wherein the stabilizer has a channel for engaging a down tube or a seat tube of a bicycle.
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/011,497 US20050199669A1 (en) | 1999-12-17 | 2004-12-13 | Bicycle carrier |
US12/001,074 US20080190979A1 (en) | 1999-12-17 | 2007-12-06 | Bicycle carrier |
US13/469,406 US20130015220A1 (en) | 1999-12-17 | 2012-05-11 | Bicycle carrier |
US14/137,779 US20140217141A1 (en) | 1999-12-17 | 2013-12-20 | Bicycle carrier |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US09/466,233 US6286738B1 (en) | 1999-12-17 | 1999-12-17 | Bicycle carrier |
US09/951,484 US6467664B2 (en) | 1999-12-17 | 2001-09-10 | Bicycle carrier |
US10/255,559 US6840418B2 (en) | 1999-12-17 | 2002-09-25 | Bicycle carrier |
US11/011,497 US20050199669A1 (en) | 1999-12-17 | 2004-12-13 | Bicycle carrier |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/255,559 Continuation US6840418B2 (en) | 1999-12-17 | 2002-09-25 | Bicycle carrier |
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US12/001,074 Continuation US20080190979A1 (en) | 1999-12-17 | 2007-12-06 | Bicycle carrier |
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US20050199669A1 true US20050199669A1 (en) | 2005-09-15 |
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US09/951,484 Expired - Lifetime US6467664B2 (en) | 1999-12-17 | 2001-09-10 | Bicycle carrier |
US10/255,559 Expired - Lifetime US6840418B2 (en) | 1999-12-17 | 2002-09-25 | Bicycle carrier |
US11/011,497 Abandoned US20050199669A1 (en) | 1999-12-17 | 2004-12-13 | Bicycle carrier |
US12/001,074 Abandoned US20080190979A1 (en) | 1999-12-17 | 2007-12-06 | Bicycle carrier |
US13/469,406 Abandoned US20130015220A1 (en) | 1999-12-17 | 2012-05-11 | Bicycle carrier |
US14/137,779 Abandoned US20140217141A1 (en) | 1999-12-17 | 2013-12-20 | Bicycle carrier |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US09/466,233 Expired - Lifetime US6286738B1 (en) | 1999-11-23 | 1999-12-17 | Bicycle carrier |
US09/951,484 Expired - Lifetime US6467664B2 (en) | 1999-12-17 | 2001-09-10 | Bicycle carrier |
US10/255,559 Expired - Lifetime US6840418B2 (en) | 1999-12-17 | 2002-09-25 | Bicycle carrier |
Family Applications After (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US12/001,074 Abandoned US20080190979A1 (en) | 1999-12-17 | 2007-12-06 | Bicycle carrier |
US13/469,406 Abandoned US20130015220A1 (en) | 1999-12-17 | 2012-05-11 | Bicycle carrier |
US14/137,779 Abandoned US20140217141A1 (en) | 1999-12-17 | 2013-12-20 | Bicycle carrier |
Country Status (1)
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US (7) | US6286738B1 (en) |
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US9376063B2 (en) | 2012-04-30 | 2016-06-28 | Yakima Products, Inc. | Vehicle carrier system |
US9815415B2 (en) | 2015-06-05 | 2017-11-14 | Yakima Products, Inc. | Adjustable bicycle carrier |
USD779386S1 (en) | 2015-06-08 | 2017-02-21 | Yakima Products, Inc. | Hub for bicycle rack |
USD780641S1 (en) | 2015-06-08 | 2017-03-07 | Yakima Products, Inc. | Frame for bicycle rack |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US6286738B1 (en) | 2001-09-11 |
US20130015220A1 (en) | 2013-01-17 |
US20020038810A1 (en) | 2002-04-04 |
US6840418B2 (en) | 2005-01-11 |
US6467664B2 (en) | 2002-10-22 |
US20140217141A1 (en) | 2014-08-07 |
US20030089752A1 (en) | 2003-05-15 |
US20080190979A1 (en) | 2008-08-14 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: WATERMARK PADDLESPORTS, INC., OREGON Free format text: MERGER;ASSIGNOR:YAKIMA PRODUCTS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:016609/0587 Effective date: 20021220 Owner name: YAKIMA PRODUCTS, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:ROBINS, DUNCAN G.;SETTELMAYER, JOSEPH J.;ALLEN, SCOTT R.;REEL/FRAME:016604/0290;SIGNING DATES FROM 19991214 TO 19991216 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |