WO1996038321A1

WO1996038321A1 - Variable force absorbing carrier for sports equipment

Info

Publication number: WO1996038321A1
Application number: PCT/SE1996/000715
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas A. Chimenti; Robert R. Hellman
Original assignee: Industri Ab Thule
Priority date: 1995-06-02
Filing date: 1996-05-31
Publication date: 1996-12-05

Abstract

A force absorbing assembly for a sports equipment carrier having an equipment support arm pivotally coupled to a frame of a hub assembly at a couplement. At least one variable force absorbing element interstitially positioned between the support arm and the frame to provide a buffer therebetween. The variable force absorbing element is manually configurable into a plurality of positions wherein the variable force absorbing element has different force absorbing characteristics in each position. The variable force absorbing element is oriented for absorbing force that is acting in a substantially vertical direction at the couplement and is being transferred between the support arm and the frame. The force absorbing element also dampens rebounding forces acting in a substantially vertical direction to stabilize the support arm relative to the frame.

Description

VARIABLE FORCE ABSORBING CARRIER FOR SPORTS EQUIPMENT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

The present invention relates generally to carriers mountable to vehicles for transporting sports equipment. More particularly, it relates to carriers typically mountable to a rear end of a vehicle for transporting

bicycles thereon.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

Many types of sports equipment are useable only under certain

conditions and/or in specific locales. Examples of such sports equipment

include surfboards that are ridden at beaches and snow skis that are

normally used at ski resorts. The beach and ski areas are often remotely located from the homes of those who use them, therefore the need for

transporting sports equipment upon vehicles to these locations has long been recognized. In the instance of bicycling, a rider will often desire to ride his or her bicycle in different areas without having to ride the bicycle to those areas.

To facilitate the transportation of one or more bicycles, bicycle carriers

mountable to passenger vehicles have been developed. The carriers are

typically mountable to the rear end of a vehicle, however, the carriers may be configured to be mounted at other locations upon a vehicle as long as the location is convenient for loading the bicycles onto the carriers and neither the bicycles nor the carrier inconveniences the driver or obstructs

visibility. Examples of such bicycle carriers are disclosed in U.S. Patent No.

5,21 1 ,323 to Chimenti et al for a BICYCLE CARRIER ADAPTED TO BE

MOUNTED ON THE BACK OF A VEHICLE and U.S. Patent No. 5,363,996 to Raaber et al also entitled BICYCLE CARRIER ADAPTED TO BE MOUNTED

ON THE BACK OF A VEHICLE, each of which is commonly owned together with the present invention and whose disclosures are expressly incorporated

herein.

The carriers of the above referenced patents are mountable to the rear

end of a carrying passenger vehicle. The carriers incorporate rigid mounting

members that engage surfaces of the vehicle and clippable straps that when

tightened secure the carrier to the vehicle. The carrier further includes support arms that extend away from the vehicle and upon which one or

more bicycles may be secured. Once the carrier is properly configured for

the particular vehicle upon which it is to be installed and it is secured thereupon, the orientation of the mounting members and support arms is substantially fixed so that relative movement therebetween is prevented. It has been discovered that the rigidly fixed orientation within a bicycle carrier as described hereinabove results in undue and potentially

damaging forces or loads being generated within the structure of the carrier under certain circumstances during use. In some cases, these forces may be detrimentally communicated to the bicycle or other equipment carried upon the support arms. More typically, however, detrimental forces will be experienced at the cantilever connection of the support arm to the carrier. As with all cantilevers, the reaction forces at the cantilever connection required'to resist moments caused by forces applied upon the cantilever at locations distal to said connection are greater than those distally applied forces. The amplification is due to the leveraging effect of the distance between the connection and the point at which the force is applied. The forces are generated in the carrier when the carrying vehicle moves rapidly in the vertical direction. These vertical movements typically result from the vehicle passing over irregularities in the roadway being traveled. Obvious irregularities would include speed bumps and "chuck- holes", but any depression or rise in the roadway may result in the vehicle moving rapidly upward and/or downward depending upon the depth or height of the irregularity and the speed at which the vehicle is travelling. In addition to shocking forces that may be transferred to and through

the carrier, a bouncing action may also be induced, continued, and

potentially amplified Within the structure of the carrier. Sequential up and

down motion may be caused by a series of raisings and lowerings of the

carrying vehicle, such as when it travels over rough terrain. Additionally,

a bouncing action may result from rebounded forces within the system of

the carrier and load. This rebounding action occurs primarily as a result of

flexure in the carriers components, especially the cantilevered support arm

upon which the load of the sports equipment is carried. After an initial shock force is experienced, vertical bounce may ensue in a whipping action

of the support arm. Until naturally dissipated by the carrier, the bouncing

action will continue in a normally diminishing sinusoidal pattern. Under certain circumstances, however, the bouncing action may be amplified by the natural movement of the traveling vehicle with potentially detrimental

effects to the carrying vehicle, the equipment carrier, and the sports

equipment.

It has been found that forces induced within the carrier and imparted

upon the equipment being carried may exceed several times that of gravity.

While padding material has been provided between the carrier and the

vehicle for protecting each from the other, the cushioning effect of the

padding may not be sufficient to dampen the forces transferred

therebetween. A sports equipment carrier may not always be utilized on the same

carrying vehicle or even similar vehicles. In fact, body configurations vary

widely among different passenger vehicles. If the mounting configuration

of the carrier were fixed, each carrier would only be installable upon a select

group of vehicles. This would be highly inconvenient to persons wishing to

use a carrier on vehicles that are not similarly configured. Therefore, the

ability to variably adjust the mounting apparatus of an equipment carrier is

desirable. Furthermore, the provision of indicia of proper orientation for a

particular vehicle is also beneficial to the user. In this way, the need for

trial-and-error adjustment is prevented and the installation process is

streamlined.

After the mounting apparatus has been configured to accommodate

a certain vehicle, the hub assembly at which the mounting members and the equipment support arms are interconnected may be variably positioned from

vehicle to vehicle. As such, it has also been recognized as desirable to have

the ability to variably position the equipment support arm so that the arm

may be appropriately oriented into a carrying configuration, regardless of the

vehicle to which it is mounted.

In view . of these observations, a need exists for sports equipment

carriers having capabilities for variably configuring the mounting apparatus

of the carrier, absorbing potentially detrimental forces communicated

through the carrier, and damping rebounding forces or bouncing actions induced in the carrier's structure. These features would prove to be

beneficial if individually available, or in advantageous combinations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

In an effort to alleviate the detrimental effects of shock forces

transferred to a sports equipment carrier and rebound forces propagated

therein, a force absorbing and dampening mechanism or member has been included in the structure of a carrier. As explained above, the detrimental

forces or loads are induced by movements of the carrying vehicle, normally

in the vertical direction. With respect to the carrier, the most damaging

effects of the forces are experienced at the interconnecting hub assembly between mounting members of the carrier and the support arms upon which

the sports equipment, including bicycles, is secured. Therefore, inclusion of a force absorbing member in the carrier at any position between the

vehicle and the support arm is contemplated to dampen the effects of the

vehicle's sharp up and down movements. The shock absorber may be

advantageously coupled between the carrier frame and the support arm. To

permit the shock absorber to operate, some degree of "play" must be

permitted in the connection into which the shock absorber is coupled; that

is, the components of the carrier on opposite sides of the shock absorber

are not fixed relative to one another. In the particular embodiment of the presently disclosed invention, however, a variable force absorbing assembly is included at the interconnecting frame of the variable position hub assembly. In one situation, it is rapid or sharp movements of the carrying vehicle that produce

damaging "shock" forces or loads and accelerations within the carrier. In other situations, it may be less abrupt movements that induce bouncing or rebounding forces in the carrier's structure. In the present invention, the variable force absorbing assembly both absorbs and dissipates abrupt forces, as well as dampen and stabilize a series of alternatingly directed rebounding or bouncing forces.

Because of the various possible load characteristics experienced by the carrier as a result of different loading configurations, the force absorbing assembly of the present invention is operator variable with respect to force absorbing and dampening characteristics. This feature is a benefit to the user because differing capacities for absorption and dampening will optimize the performance of the carrier with respect to stability and protection of the carrier itself, as well as the cargo being carried thereon. In the illustrated embodiment, the force absorbing and dampening capabilities are achieved by coupling an_.elastomeric element between the support arm and the frame of the interconnecting hub. The magnitude for an element's capability for

absorbing and dampening force is determined by the thickness of the layer of elastomer interstitially placed between two relatively movable parts. Assuming that the element is constructed from a elastomeric material that

has uniform properties, the thicker the buffering layer, the greater its force

and dampening capabilities.

As previously described, different load configurations will have individually corresponding absorption needs. That is to say, an absorption element that has optimal characteristics for a particular load, will not

necessarily have optimized absorption and dampening characteristics for all lighter loads. This situation has been found to be particularly relevant to bicycle carriers. There will be different absorption needs between the situation when one bicycle is being carried and when multiple bicycles are being transported. Therefore, a variable force absorbing element has been designed and employed that has at least two operating positions; in each position the layer of elastomer located in a coupled fashion between the support arm and the interconnecting frame of the hub assembly is different. One position is appropriate when one bicycle is being transported and the second position is appropriate when two or more bicycles are being carried. A lever is provided and connected to the round absorbing element for rotating the element between the two positions. The thickness of the elastomer is established by coring a certain amount out of the center and replacing it with a rigid insert that is connected to the lever handle. In the preferred embodiment, the insert is integrally molded with the handle. By extending the insert from the center of the element toward its perimeter to varying degrees, the amount of elastomer present across different diameters

of the round disk shaped absorbing element may be varied. By positioning

the absorbing element so that a diameter having more elastomer extending

thereacross is in alignment with the forces to be dissipated, greater force

absorption will be achieved. Because the insert is matingly engaged with

the absorbing element's cored interior, the element will be rotated into

different absorbing positions when the lever handle is pivoted. In this manner, the absorbing characteristics of the force absorbing assembly are

user selected.

In the several embodiments of the present invention that are disclosed

herein, it is contemplated that the carrier may be associated with a

transporting vehicle in a number of ways. The carrier.. may be directly

connected to the rear of the vehicle. Alternatively, the carrier may be

coupled to the vehicle with one or more components interposed

therebetween. As an example, the carrier may be secured to a hitch assembly that is in turn connected to the vehicle. In any event, when the

present invention is described herein as being mounted to, secured to, or otherwise associated with a vehicle, it is to be understood that the

association may be direct or indirect with intermediate components

therebetween.

During travel over level pavement, the shock absorber acts as a direct

connection between the carrier frame and the support arm; that is, there is no relative movement between the arm and frame. When the vehicle encounters irregularities sufficient to produce damaging shock forces within

the carrier, however, the shock absorber will yield by expanding and contracting to allow relative movement between the arm and the carrier frame. The shock absorber is resilient in its operation and may act as an absorber and dampener in either compression or tension, or a combination

of both.

The variable force absorbing element is constructed from a resilient elastomer that is rubber-like in its shock absorbing and dampening characteristics. As a specific example, neoprene may be utilized. By selecting elastomers of different durometers, _the "stiffness" of the elastomeric shock may be varied. By varying the stiffness of the elastomer, the resistive capability of the absorber may be controlled.

In another aspect of the present invention, a variable position hub assembly is provided. As previously discussed, it is advantageous to have the ability to variably position at least one mounting member of the carrier. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustable mounting member is that which extends from the interconnecting hub toward the back side of the carrying vehicle and rests thereupon. This permits the carrier to be oriented for different makes and models of carrying vehicles.

The present invention includes a unique design for releasably orienting both the mounting member and the equipment support arm relative to the interconnecting hub. The arrangement includes a series of indentations that

are fixed with respect to the frame of the hub assembly. The indentations

form receivers for the head end of a plunger that extends from the hub

engaging end of either the support arm or mounting member, which ever is

cooperating with the particular receiver. The plunger is retractable with

respect to the receiver. In this manner, the plunger is made engagable with

and releasable from the receiver.

So that an operator may properly position either of the two members,

a manually engagable grip is provided that is connected to the respective plunger for retracting the same. By retracting the plunger head out of

engagement with the indentations, the arm or mounting member may be pivoted to any of the selectable orientations, including a storage

configuration in which the plunger remains disengaged from the receiver and

dangles from the hub assembly for compact storage when not in use.

The series of indentations provides a number of selectable positions into which an element may be positioned for orientation. In the instance of

the mounting member, there will be a specific indentation corresponding to

the appropriate configuration of the carrier for a particular car. Therefore,

it has been recognized as being advantageous to have a user identifiable indication of the mounting members position with respect to the several

indentations. In the illustrated embodiment, a series of numbered grooves,

hash marks or lines are provided on the exterior of the housing about the pivot couplement at which the mounting member is connected to the hub

assembly. A second indicator is provided on the mounting member that is

alignable with the several hub hash marks. By referring to a tabulation of

passenger vehicles, a proper numbered position may be ascertained and the

indicator on the mounting member properly aligned with the designated

numbered hub hash mark. Alternatively, the appropriate configuration of

the mounting arm may be determined by trial-and-error the first time it is

mounted to the vehicle, or it may be systematically fitted to a particular vehicle. Once a proper orientation is accomplished, however, the corresponding numbered hash mark with which the mounting member's

indicator aligned may be noted so that subsequent installations may be facilitated by setting the member at the same numbered indicator. In this

manner, installation and use of the carrier is facilitated.

In one embodiment, a variable position hub assembly for a sports

equipment carrier is provided. It includes a hub having an interconnecting

frame adapted to be coupled with at least one mounting member and at

least one equipment support arm, the mounting member arrangable for selectively positioning the hub assembly relative to a carrying vehicle. The

equipment support arm has an elongate body that in turn has a hub

engaging end and a cantilevered end oppositely located to the hub engaging

end. The support arm is pivotally coupled to the frame proximate to the hub

engaging end. The hub engaging end of the equipment support arm is extendable and retractable relative to the elongate body. A receiving member is coupled to the frame and configured for engagement with the

hub engaging end of the support arm for releasably orienting the hub

engaging end of the support arm relative to the frame.

The equipment support arm has a plunger located at the hub engaging

end. The plunger is extendable and retractable relative to the support arm.

The receiving member has a plurality of indentations configured for

releasable engagement with the plunger for selectively orienting the support

arm relative to the hub.

The plunger has a plunger head configured for mating engagement

with each of the indentations and each indentation has a uniform interior

space configured for mating engagement with the plunger head.

The plurality of indentations are arranged in a series to provide a range of selectably discrete positions within which to locate the plunger

head for orienting the equipment support arm with respect to the hub.

The series of indentations are arranged in a semi-circular pattern on

a radius approximately equal to a length of the support arm measured between a point of pivotal couplement between the support arm and the

frame and the hub engaging end of the support arm. The plunger is slidingly coupled to the support arm for extension and retraction relative thereto. The plunger is urged to an extended position

relative to the support arm and into engagement with the receiving member by a biasing member. The plunger is linearly extendable and retractable relative to the support arm. Each, as a longitudinal axis and both axes are parallel. The biasing member is a compression spring. A manually engagable grip is coupled to the plunger for releasing the plunger from engagement with the receiving member. The plunger is located at least partially within an interior space of the support arm and configured for sliding linear motion therein. The manually engagable grip is located exteriorly to the support arm and coupled to the plunger through a slot-shaped aperture. This configuration enables manual retraction of the plunger out of engagement with the receiving member. The manually engagable grip has a non-slip exterior surface to facilitate an operator's manual engagement of the grip. .

In another embodiment, a variable position hub assembly for a sports

equipment carrier is provided. It includes a hub having an interconnecting

frame adapted to be coupled with at least one mounting member and at

least one equipment support arm, the mounting member arrangable for

selectively positioning the hub assembly relative to a carrying vehicle. The

mounting member has an elongate body and the elongate body has a hub

engaging end and a vehicle engaging end oppositely located to the hub

engaging end, the mounting member being pivotally coupled to the frame

proximate the hub engaging end. The hub engaging end of the mounting member is extendable and retractable relative to the elongate body. A

receiving member is coupled to the frame and is configured for engagement

with the hub engaging end of the mounting member for releasably orienting

the hub engaging end of the mounting member relative to the frame.

In most respects, the mounting member functions similarly to the

support arm as described above. In this embodiment, a support arm as

described hereinabove may also be optionally included. Furthermore, the receiving member for the mounting member being integrally constructed with the receiving member for the support arm.

A second mounting member is connected to the hub and relatively

fixed thereto.

A housing is provided for establishing an enclosing shell about the

hub assembly. The support arm is adapted to carry at least one bicycle thereupon.

In another inventive feature of the disclosed invention, a force

absorbing assembly for a sports equipment carrier is provided. The force

absorbing assembly comprises an equipment support arm pivotally coupled

to a frame of a hub assembly at a couplement. There is at least one variable force absorbing element interstitially positioned between the

support arm and the frame thereby providing a buffer therebetween. The

variable force absorbing element is manually configurable into a plurality of

positions wherein the variable force absorbing element has different force absorbing characteristics in each position.

The variable force absorbing element is oriented for absorbing force

that is acting in a substantially vertical direction at the couplement and is being transferred between the support arm and the frame. In this way, at least a portion of the vertical force is dissipated so that that dissipated

portion is not transferred between the support arm and the frame.

The variable force absorbing element is oriented for dampening

rebounding forces acting in a substantially vertical direction at the

couplement and that are being transferred between the support arm and the

frame. In this way, at least a portion of each rebounding force is dissipated thereby stabilizing the support arm relative to the frame.

The plurality of positions of the variable force absorbing element

include a first position in which the variable force absorbing element has a first force absorbing capacity for substantially vertical force applied thereto.

There is also a second position in which the variable force absorbing

element has a second force absorbing capacity for similarly applied

substantially vertical force.

The first position corresponding to a first sports equipment load

carrying configuration of the carrier and the second position corresponding

to a second sports equipment load carrying configuration of the carrier.

The plurality of positions also includes a first position in which the

variable force absorbing element has a first dampening capacity for

rebounding forces and a second position having a second dampening

capacity for rebounding forces.

The second sports equipment load has a greater weight than the first

sports equipment load.

The first sports equipment load carrying configuration corresponds to

carrying a load of one bicycle upon the support arm and the second sports equipment load carrying configuration corresponds to carrying a load of at

least two bicycles upon the support arm.

The frame forms a cavity within which the variable force absorbing

element is located and retained. The variable force absorbing element has an exterior surface that matingly engages an interior surface of the cavity

for fixing the variable force absorbing element's position relative to the

frame. The variable force absorbing element is constructed from an

elastomer having force absorbing characteristics such as neoprene.

The variable force absorbing element has a generally round disk-shape

and a cored interior portion. The cored interior has a shape that causes a

greater amount of elastomer to be present across a second diameter of the

variable force absorbing element than a first diameter. The second diameter

has a greater force absorbing characteristics for forces applied substantially

parallel to the second diameter than the first diameter has for forces applied

substantially parallel to the first diameter. An aperture extends through the disk-shaped variable force absorbing element at its center point for

accommodating a pivot bolt connecting the support arm to the frame.

A manually graspable lever is provided for orienting the variable force absorbing element between a first position in which the first diameter is aligned in a substantially vertical orientation for supporting a first load on

the support arm and a second position in which the second diameter is

aligned in a substantially vertical orientation for supporting a second load on

the support arm wherein the second load has a greater weight than the first

load.

The lever has at least one bolt aperture configured for mating

engagement with the pivot bolt and the lever is pivotally coupled to the

frame by the pivot bolt. The lever has inserts for mating insertion into the cored interior of the variable force absorbing element for rotating the variable force absorbing

element between the first position and the second position under the

influence of the lever's motion.

The pivot bolt is connectable to the frame by insertion into at least

one slotted aperture thereby allowing restrained relative motion between the

pivot bolt and the frame, the relative motion being restrained by the variable

force absorbing element.

Viewing ports are provided between an exterior of the hub assembly

and the variable force absorbing element thereby allowing an operator to

visually confirm the orientation of the variable force absorbing element.

In another embodiment, a method for providing a variable force

absorbing assembly for a sports equipment carrier is disclosed. The method

includes the steps of coupling a support arm to a frame of a hub assembly of a sports equipment carrier. Also locating a variable force absorbing element between the support arm and the frame for dissipating forces

transferred between the support arm and the frame, the variable force

absorbing element having variable force absorbing characteristics

determinable by the variable force absorbing element's orientation relative

to the support arm and the frame. And orienting the variable force

absorbing element into a specific position based on a weight force of a load

to be carried on the support arm. In summary, inclusion of one or more of the above described features

in a sports equipment carrier enhances the carrier's useful operational life,

its ability to protect the equipment being transported, its compatibility with

variably configured carrying vehicles, and its ease of installation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the sports equipment carrier in the

form of a bicycle carrier mounted upon the rear of a vehicle.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the sports equipment carrier. Fig. 3 is an exploded view of a single hub assembly, with mounting member!? and a support arm installed thereupon.

Fig. 4 is a cut-away view of a hub assembly.

Fig. 5 is an exploded view of the force absorbing assembly.

Fig. 6 is a side view of the hub assembly showing viewing ports to

the variable force absorbing element and the position indicators for the mounting member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are

disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed

embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied

in various forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale, some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components. Therefor,

specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be

interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a

representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ

the present invention.

Certain terminology will be used in. the following description for

convenience and reference only and will not be limiting. For example, the

words "upwardly", "downwardly", "rightwardly" and "leftwardly" will refer

to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words

"inwardly" and "outwardly" will refer to directions toward and away from,

respectively, the geometric center of the structure being referred to. This

terminology will include these words, specifically mentioned derivatives

thereof, and words of similar import.

Referring to the drawings for more detail, figure 1 is an illustration of

one embodiment of a sports equipment carrier 10 in the form of a bicycle

carrier 10. The carrier is installed upon the rear end of a carrying vehicle

12. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle is a passenger car having a trunk lid 14 and bumper 1 6. As may be more clearly seen in figure 2, the

carrier 10 comprises four assemblies: a mounting member 66 assembly; a

second or lower mounting member 20 assembly; a support arm 18

assembly; and an interconnecting frame 31 assembly that joins the three

previously listed assemblies. The interconnecting frame 31 is at least partially covered by housing 33, and in the illustrated embodiment is molded

integrally therewith. The mounting member 66 assembly is essentially U-

shaped with two leg portions 22 connected together by a bight portion 24. Similarly, the lower mounting member 20 assembly is also essentially U-

shaped with two leg portions 26 connected together by a bight portion 28.

Each leg 22,26 is connected to the interconnecting frame 31 by a pinned pivot connection or couplement. Each support arm 18 is similarly pivotally connected at a pined pivot connection. Each arm 18 has an elongate body 18a, a hub engaging end 18b, and a cantilevered end 18c. The support arm 18 is connected to the frame 31 at hub engaging end 18b while the cantilevered end 18c extends away from hub 34. In use, the carrier 10 is configured for a particular vehicle 12, mounted thereupon, and secured thereto by upper and lower securing straps 140, 142. Hooks 144 are provided upon the securing straps 140, 142 to engage a lip about the trunk lid 14 of the vehicle 12. Buckles may be provided within a length of the straps 140, 142 for removing slack and tightening the same. Because the mounting members 66,20 are required to remain substantially rigid during operation, they are typically constructed from metal. To prevent potentially damaging metal-to-metal contact between the carrier 10 and the carrying vehicle 12, soft cushion pads 131 , 134 are provided. Anti-sway bar 1 10 is provided to restrain horizontal sway of the support arms 18. In the illustration of figure 1 , the sports equipment to be carried upon the carrier 10 is the bicycle (B) having a frame (F) and bicycle bar (C). The bar (C) is securably held within cradles 90 connected upon the support arms 18.

The present invention incorporates a variable force absorbing element

1 1 into the structure of the carrier 10 to dissipate shock and rebounding forces induced in the carrier 10 by upward and downward motion of the carrying vehicle 12. Because the primary assemblies of the carrier 10 may

be coupled together upon the interconnecting frame 31 , the inclusion of a force absorbing element 1 1 at the frame 31 has been found to advantageously create a force absorbing assembly 74. It is also contemplated that inventions and features described herein may be incorporated into carriers mountable to carrying vehicles in ways other than at the rear of the vehicle at the top of the trunk. Specifically, it is contemplated that the variable positioning hub assembly 32 for the support arm 18 and the variable force absorbing assembly 74 may be incorporated into hitch mount sports equipment carriers.

Referring to figures 3 and 4, the variable position hub assembly 32 is illustrated. The support arm 18 and the mounting member 66 are pivotally connected to the frame 31 for pivotal motion relative thereto. Pivotal motion is accomplished by securing the arm 18 and mounting member 66 to the frame 31 by a pivot bolt or rivet 29, one each respectively. In the exploded view of figure 3 showing the hub assembly 32, pivot bolts 29 are indicated as being insertible through receiving apertures that extend through the housing halves 33a and 33b and the members to be connected therewith. Recesses are provided at exterior

surfaces of the housing 33 for accommodating the head and nut of the bolt or rivet 29 so as to prevent projection of those elements outside the

housing.

In the illustrated embodiment, the frame 31 is integrally molded with

the housing 33 for ease of manufacture and economy. Both the frame 31 and housing 33 are established by the joinder of the two half clam-shell type portions 33a and 33b that are joined together by fastening bolts or rivets 27. In this manner, the frame's structure 31 is provided interiorly to the housing 33. Similarly, receiving structure for the yarious components that are attached to the hub assembly 32 may be integrally molded therewith for establishing relative positions between.

Referring to figure 2, the hub 34 is shown interconnecting the support arm 18, the mounting member 66, and the second mounting member 22. Referring to figures 3 and 4 for greater detail, it may be appreciated that the support arm 18 and mounting member 66 are pivotally connected to the hub assembly 32 and configured to be oriented at variable, but discrete positions relative to the frame 31. The means for accomplishing this variable positioning is similar for both the support arm 18 and mounting member 66. For simplicity, the positioning means will be described hereinafter in detail with respect to the support arm 18. It should be appreciated, however, that similar structure and action is utilized with

respect to the mounting member 66.

Referring once again to the exploded view of figure 3, the support

arm 1 8 is shown as having an elongate body 18a with a hub engaging end

1 8b located proximate to the hub assembly 32. A cantilevered end 1 8c is located opposite to said hub engaging end 18b and distally located from the

hub assembly 32. A receiving member 44 is provided having two receiving

sides, 44a and 44a'. One side 44a is positioned to generally face the hub

engaging end 1 8b of the support arm 1 8. A means for engaging the

receiving member 44a is provided in the form of plunger 46 which is

extendable and retractable with respect to the hub engaging end 18b.

Located at the distal most end of the plunger 46 is plunger head 48. The

plunger head 48 is configured and shaped to matingly engage indentations

50 provided upon the receiving member 44a. A plurality of indentations 50

are adjacently arranged to form a series of indentations 54 that are configured in semi-circular pattern. The size and shape of each indentation

50 is uniform so that each similarly accommodates the plunger head 48

within an interior space 52 of the indentation 50. Mating engagement

between the plunger head 48 and interior space of the indention 52 is

provided with a minimum clearance therebetween so that relative motion

between the support arm 1 8 and receiving member 44, and in turn hub

assembly 32, is restricted when properly engaged. This relationship is made possible by the receiving member's 44 fixed location with respect to the

frame 31 and housing 33 when assembled and fastened together by bolts

or rivets 27.

The support arm 18 is pivotally connected to the frame 31 and the

plunger head 48 pivots about that point of connection that may be referred

to as pivotal couplement 56. The plunger head 48 must be engagable with

each indention 50 of the series 54. Therefore, the semi-circular pattern of

indentations 54 is arranged on an interior radius approximately equal to a

length measured from the pivotal couplement 56 to the plunger head's 48 distal most end.

Referring once again to figure 3, the plunger 46 is shown having a

body that is insertible into the hub engaging end 18b of the support arm 18.

The plunger 46 is contoured so as to fit snugly within an interior space of

the hub engaging end 18b for sliding engagement therewith. The plunger

head 48 extends beyond the hub engaging end 18b of the arm 1 8 where it

is exposed for insertable engagement with the receiving member 44a. A

biasing member 58 that is shown in figure 3 as a compression spring is installed within a slot within the body of the plunger 46. One end of the

biasing member 58 presses against an interior surface of the slot proximate

to the plunger head 48. An opposite end of the member 58 abuts the pivot

bolt 29 that passes therethrough. In this configuration, the plunger head 48

is continually urged or biased toward the receiving member 44a. In this way, the support arm 18 will always tend toward locking engagement with the hub assembly 32 unless the plunger 46 is purposefully retracted by an operator.

A manually engagable grip 60 is provided at an exterior surface of the

support arm body 18a. An outside and exterior surface of the engagable grip 60 is adapted to have a non-slip surface 62 presented for hand engagement by the operator. The grip 60 is connected across a slotted aperture 64 extending through the support arm body 18a to the body of the plunger 46. In the illustration, it is shown that a connective portion extends from the grip 60 through the slotted aperture 64 and into a fixing port in the plunger's body 46. Because the connective member is smaller than the slot and has a shorter length, it is possible to manually slide the grip 60, an in turn the plunger 46, in a linear direction with respect to the support arm 18. In this manner, the plunger head 48 is moved linearly with respect to the support arm 18 and retracted and extended with respect to the hub engaging end 18b. Through the use of the grip 60, the operator is able to engage and disengage the support arm 18 with the receiving member 44a.

In use, the sports equipment carrier 10 will normally be installed upon a carrying vehicle from a stored configuration. In that configuration, the support arm 18 will be disengaged from the receiving member 44a and be hanging in a pendulous fashion from the hub assembly 32. In this configuration, the plunger 46, together with its head 48, will be maximally extended from the support arm 1 8 by the biasing member or compression

spring 58. The plunger 46 is prevented from disengaging from the support

arm 18 by the pivot bolt 29 that extend through the slotted recess for the

biasing member 58. Still further, the connection of the engagable grip 60

through the slotted aperture in the body 18a of the support arm 1 8 would

also prevent complete disengagement of the plunger 46 from the support

arm 18.

In order to properly position the support arm 18 for use, the plunger

46 is retracted manually by engaging the grip 60 and sliding the plunger 46 into a retracted orientation within the support arm 1 8. The arm 18 may

then be pivoted about the pivot bolt 29 so that the plunger head 48 is directed toward the receiving member 44a. Depending upon the orientation of the hub assembly 32, which is determined by the physical configuration

of the carrying vehicle 1 2, the support arm 1 8 will be positioned and

lockingly engaged with respect to the hub 32 in a selected indentation 50

that appropriately positions the support arm 18. In most instances, that

position will be one in which the support arm 18 is substantially horizontally

oriented and projecting backward from the carrying vehicle 12.

The lower mounting member 20, also referred to as a second

mounting member 20 or bumper tube support 20, is fixed relative to the

variable position hub assembly 32. As shown in figure 3, this is

accomplished by extending two fastening bolts 27 through two apertures that extend through the body of the second mounting member 20. As with

the pivot bolts 29, each fastening bolt 27 that connects the bumper support

to the hub assembly 32 extends through the frame 31 and housing 33

thereby securing the two half clam-shell portions together.

While the bumper support 20 is fixed relative to the hub assembly 32,

the mounting member 66 is made adjustable in a similar fashion to that

utilized with respect to the support arm 1 8. The mounting member 66 is

required to be adjustable so that variously shaped carrying vehicles 12 may

be accommodated by the carrier 10. To that end, the mounting member 66

is provided with a elongate body 66a having a hub engaging end 66b and

a vehicle engaging end 66c. Like the support arm 1 8, the mounting

member 66 houses a plunger 46' having a plunger head 48'. A semi¬

circular series of indentations 54' are provided as a portion of 44a' of the receiving member 44. Each indentation 50' has an interior space 52' that

is sized and shaped to mating engage the plunger head 48' of the mounting

member assembly 66.

The plunger 46' of the mounting member 66 is also retractable under the influence of an operator's manual grasp and urging at a grip 60' having

a frictioned exterior surface 62'. A biasing member 58' is provided that

continuously urges the plunger head 48' to an extended position unless

retracted manually. Like the support arm 18, the mounting member 66 is

originally held in a pendulous fashion upon a pivot bolt 29 is connected through a pivot aperture and the recess slot of the biasing member 58.

From that dangling orientation, the plunger 46' is retracted and pivoted into

a proper orientation determined by the shape of the portion of the carrying

vehicle 1 2 to be engaged by the carrier 10. When that orientation or

position is achieved, the plunger 46' is allowed to extend under the

influence of the biasing means 58 and engagably mate with a particular

indentation 50' of the series 54'. Once the support arm 1 8 and mounting

member 66 are positioned and releasably engaged with the receiving

member 44, a carrying configuration has been established for the carrier 10

which is then completely secured to the carrying vehicle 1 2 and articles of

sports equipment, such as bicycles, are loaded and secured upon the support arms 1 8 as previously described.

Once configured into the previously described carrying position, the carrier 10 has a substantially rigid structure that would convey or transfer

forces and motion from the carrying vehicle 1 2 to the carried sports

equipment. It has been discovered as being advantageous to provide a

shock absorbing feature within the carrier 10 that absorbs abrupt shocks

conveyed from the carrying vehicle 1 2 and dampens rebounding motion

induced by both abrupt shocks from the carrying vehicle 1 2 that reverberate

and rebound within a fixed but flexible structure such as the sport

equipment carrier 10. By providing such an absorbing and dissipating

assembly, both shocking forces that may be potentially damaging to the sports equipment and carrier structure are absorbed and dissipated. Furthermore, relative actions and movements resulting in the system of the carrying vehicle, equipment carrier and sports equipment may result in bouncing and rebounding actions that may be potentially amplified if not

dampened and stabilized. For these reasons, a force absorbing assembly 74 is provided in the present invention.

Referring to figure 3, the force absorbing assembly 74 may be seen as a component on which the support arm 18 is carried and connected to the frame 31 of the variable position hub assembly 32. A more detailed illustration of the force absorbing assembly 74 is provided at figure 6. A primary benefit and operational feature of the illustrated and disclosed forced absorbing assembly 74 is that it may be selectively configured by an operator to provide different force absorbing characteristics. These features are important since different forces act on the carrier 10 depending upon the location and magnitude of the loads that are applied upon the support arm 18. The greater the load, the greater the forces generated and induced within the carrying system. Therefore, for greater loads, greater force absorbing capabilities are desirable. Consequently, with lighter loads less absorbing capacity will be required for a stabilized ride. In the illustrated embodiment of figure 2, it is contemplated that one or more bicycle maybe simultaneously carried upon the support arms 18. In the case of a single bicycle, the force absorbing assembly 74 will be oriented in one configuration and in another configuration for multiple bikes.

In the illustrated embodiment, the force absorbing assembly 74 is easily

configured to the different orientations by operator manipulation of a

manually graspable lever 88. At least one variable force absorbing element

1 1 is provided. In the illustrated embodiment, however, two force

absorbing elements. 1 T are utilized. The lever 88 itself is provided with two

legs that straddle the support arm 1 8 as illustrated in the exploded view in

figure 3. The graspable portion of the lever 88 extends outside the housing

33. An insert 94 is provided at exterior surfaces of the lever's 88 legs. The inserts 94 are configured for insertion into a cored interior 80 space of the

substantially round disk shaped absorbing element 1 1 . In the illustrated embodiment of figure 4, the insert 94 is shaped similarly to a modified "H"

or "dog bone". This particular shape and configuration is used in the

determination and specification of the force absorbing characteristics of the

assembly 74.

In order for the variable force absorbing element 1 1 to function, it is

interstitially coupled between the support arm 18 and the variable position hub assembly 32. The frame 31 is configured to provide a cavity 99 with

in which the disk-shaped force absorbing elements 1 1 is retained during

operation. The cavity 99 and the absorbing element 1 1 are each

appropriately shaped and sized so as to allow the absorbing element 1 1 to

matingly engage the cavity 99 and snugly fit therein. That is to say, an exterior surface 76 of the absorbing element 1 1 abuttingly engages in surface-to-surface contact with an interior surface of the cavity 99 and is

surroundingly supported therein. The cored interior 80 of the absorbing

element 1 1 is similarly shaped to that of the insert 94. In this way, differing

amounts of the elastomeric force absorbing element 1 1 is present between

the insert 94 and cavity 99, based on the position of the two components

relative to one another. On a first diameter taken substantially along the

length of the insert, less absorbing material is provided between the insert

and the cavity's interior. This configuration provides less shock absorbing

capability and is therefore an appropriate orientation for lighter loads that

maybe carried on the support arm. Alternatively, a second diameter taken

substantially perpendicular to the length of the insert and first diameter

encompass substantially more of the elastomeric force absorbing element

1 1 . Therefore, greater forces may be absorbed and dampened. The components of the force absorbing assembly 74 have apertures extending there through that accommodate the pivot bolt 29 that also

connects the support arm 18 to the hub assembly 32. As a component

thereof, the force absorbing elements 1 1 also have an aperture substantially

at their centers within which the pivot bolt 29 is snugly inserted.

In order to absorb forces acting across the force absorbing assembly

74, a small degree of play or relative motion must be facilitated between the

pivot bolt 29 which is substantially fixed with relation to the support arm 1 8, and the hub assembly 32. This relative motion is buffered and

restrained by the elastomeric qualities of the absorbing elements 1 1 . The

pivot bolt 29, however, must be permitted to move relative to the hub

assembly 32, even if only to a minor degree. This relative movement

facilitates the force absorbing action of the absorbing elements 1 1 , as well

as accommodates the different load characteristics experienced by the

carrier 10.

Referring to figure 7, the slotted aperture 96 through which the pivot

bolt 29 is inserted and fixed with respect to the hub assembly 32 is shown.

In the illustration of figure 7, the carrier 10 is in a stabilized and unloaded

configuration. In this orientation, the pivot bolt 29 is located closer to a top portion of the slotted aperture 96 by the force absorbing element 1 1 . From

this configuration, the bolt will move slightly downward within the slot 96 when the support arm 1 8 is loaded.

Viewing ports 98 are provided in the housing 33 through which a

visual indication may be observed of the orientation of the force absorbing

assembly. This indicator will be used to specify the shock absorbing characteristics needed to meet load requirements based on the nature of the

equipment carried on the support arm 18. Also illustrated in figure 7 is a

visual position indicator 51 that displays to the operator and indication of

the mounting member's 66 relative location upon the receiving member 44a'. As previously describe, this indicator 51 may be used to easily and repeatedly orient the carrier 10 properly for a specific vehicle.

It is to be understood that while certain forms of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, the claimed invention is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangement of parts described and shown.

Claims

What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is as follows:

1 . A force absorbing assembly for a sports equipment carrier, said force

absorbing assembly comprising:

an equipment support arm pivotally coupled to a frame of a hub

assembly at a couplement;

at least one variable force absorbing element interstitially positioned between said support arm and said frame thereby providing a buffer

therebetween; and

said variable force absorbing element being manually configurable into at plurality of positions wherein said variable force absorbing element has different force absorbing characteristics in each position.

2. The force absorbing assembly for a sports equipment carrier as

recited in claim 1 , said force absorbing assembly further comprising:

said variable force absorbing element oriented for absorbing force

acting in a substantially vertical direction at said couplement and being

transferred between said support arm and said frame thereby dissipating at

least a portion of said vertical force and preventing said dissipated portion of said force from being transferred between said support arm and said

frame.

3. The force absorbing assembly for a sports equipment carrier as recited in claim 1 , said force absorbing assembly further comprising:

said variable force absorbing element oriented for dampening

rebounding forces acting in a substantially vertical direction at said

couplement and being transferred between said support arm and said frame

thereby dissipating, at least a portion of each rebounding force thereby

stabilizing said support arm relative to said frame.

4. The force absorbing assembly for a sports equipment carrier as

recited in claim 3, said force absorbing assembly further comprising:

said variable force absorbing element oriented for absorbing force acting in a substantially vertical direction at said couplement and being

transferred between said support arm and said frame thereby dissipating at

least a portion of said vertical force and preventing said dissipated portion

of said force from being transferred between said support arm and said

frame.

5. The force absorbing assembly for a sports equipment carrier as

recited in claim 2, said force absorbing assembly further comprising:

said plurality of positions comprising a first position in which said

variable force absorbing element has a first force absorbing capacity for

substantially vertical force applied thereto and a second position in which

said variable force absorbing element has a second force absorbing capacity

for similarly applied substantially vertical force.

6. The force absorbing assembly for a sports equipment carrier as recited in claim 5, said force absorbing assembly further comprising:

said first position corresponding to a first sports equipment load

carrying configuration of the carrier and said second position corresponding

to a second sports equipment load carrying configuration of the carrier.

7. The force absorbing assembly for a sports equipment carrier as recited in claim 3, said force absorbing assembly further comprising:

said plurality of positions comprising a first position in which said

variable force absorbing element has a first dampening capacity for

rebounding forces and a second position having a second dampening

capacity for rebounding forces.

8. The force absorbing assembly for a sports equipment carrier as recited in claim 7, said force absorbing assembly further comprising: said first position corresponding to a first sports equipment load carrying configuration of the carrier and said second position corresponding to a second sports equipment load carrying configuration of the carrier.

9. The force absorbing assembly for a sports equipment carrier as recited in claim 4, said force absorbing assembly further comprising:

said plurality of positions comprising a first position in which said variable force absorbing element has a first force absorbing capacity for substantially vertical force applied thereto and a second position in which said variable force absorbing element has a second force absorbing capacity for similarly applied substantially vertical force; and said variable force absorbing element having a first dampening capacity for rebounding forces in said first position and a second dampening capacity for rebounding forces in said second position.

10. The force absorbing assembly for a sports equipment carrier as recited in claim 9, said force absorbing assembly further comprising: said first position corresponding to a first sports equipment load carrying configuration of the carrier and said second position corresponding to a second sports equipment load carrying configuration of the carrier.

1 1 . The force absorbing assembly for a sports equipment carrier as

recited in claim 10, said force absorbing assembly further comprising:

said second sports equipment load having a greater weight than said

first sports equipment load.

12. The force absorbing assembly for a sports equipment carrier as

recited in claim 1 1 , said force absorbing assembly further comprising:

said first sports equipment load carrying configuration for carrying a

load of one bicycle upon said support arm and said second sports equipment load carrying configuration for carrying a load of at least two bicycles upon

said support arm.

13. The force absorbing assembly for a sports equipment carrier as recited in claim 1 , said force absorbing assembly further comprising:

said frame forming a cavity within which said variable force absorbing element is located and retained; and

said variable force absorbing element having an exterior surface that

matingly engages an interior surface of said cavity for fixing said variable

force absorbing element's position relative to said frame.

14. The force absorbing assembly for a sports equipment carrier as recited in claim 1 , said force absorbing assembly further comprising:

said variable force absorbing element being constructed from an

elastomer having force absorbing characteristics.

1 5. The force absorbing assembly for a sports equipment carrier as

recited in claim 1 , said force absorbing assembly further comprising:

said variable force absorbing element having a generally round disk-

shape and a cored interior portion;

said cored interior having a shape that causes a greater amount of

elastomer to be present across a second diameter of said variable force absorbing element than a first diameter;

said second diameter having greater force absorbing characteristics

for forces applied substantially parallel to said second diameter than said

first diameter has for forces applied substantially parallel to said first

diameter; and

an aperture extending through said disk-shaped variable force absorbing element at its center point for accommodating a pivot bolt

connecting said support arm to said frame.

16. The force absorbing assembly for a sports equipment carrier as

recited in claim 15, said force absorbing assembly further comprising:

a manually graspable lever for orienting said variable force absorbing element between a first position in which said first diameter is aligned in a substantially vertical orientation for supporting a first load on said support arm and a second position in which said second diameter is aligned in a

substantially vertical orientation for supporting a second load on said support arm wherein said second load has a greater weight than said first load.

17. The force absorbing assembly for a sports equipment carrier as recited in claim 16, said force absorbing assembly further comprising: said lever having at least one bolt aperture configured for mating engagement with said pivot bolt; and said lever being pivotally coupled to said frame by said pivot bolt.

18. The force absorbing assembly for a sports equipment carrier as recited in claim 15, said force absorbing assembly further comprising:

said lever having inserts for mating insertion into said cored interior of said variable force absorbing element for rotating said variable force absorbing element between said first position and said second position under the influence of said lever's motion.

19. The force absorbing assembly for a sports equipment carrier as recited in claim 18, said force absorbing assembly further comprising: said pivot bolt being connectable to said frame by insertion into at least one slotted aperture thereby allowing restrained relative motion

between said pivot bolt and said frame, said relative motion being restrained by said variable force absorbing element.

20. The force absorbing assembly for a sports equipment carrier as recited in claim 19, said force absorbing assembly further comprising: viewing ports being provided between an exterior of said hub

assembly and said variable force absorbing element thereby allowing an operator to visually confirm the orientation of said variable force absorbing element.

21. A method for providing a variable force absorbing assembly for a sports equipment carrier, said method comprising the steps of:

coupling a support arm to a frame of a hub assembly of a sports

equipment carrier; locating a variable force absorbing element between said support arm and said frame for dissipating forces transferred between said support arm and said frame, said variable force absorbing element having variable force absorbing characteristics determinable by said variable force absorbing element's orientation relative to said support arm and said frame; and orienting said variable force absorbing element into a specific position based on a weight force of a load to be carried on said support arm.