U.S. patent application number 13/564477 was filed with the patent office on 2013-01-24 for hitch-mountable bicycle carrier.
This patent application is currently assigned to YAKIMA PRODUCTS, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Andrew Austin, Zac Elder, Richard Jeli, Mike Kemery, Chris Sautter. Invention is credited to Andrew Austin, Zac Elder, Richard Jeli, Mike Kemery, Chris Sautter.
Application Number | 20130022440 13/564477 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40622777 |
Filed Date | 2013-01-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130022440 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sautter; Chris ; et
al. |
January 24, 2013 |
HITCH-MOUNTABLE BICYCLE CARRIER
Abstract
A bicycle rack for carrying bicycles behind a vehicle includes a
tongue configured for connection to a vehicle hitch. A base portion
includes wheel trays for supporting the wheels of a bicycle in
cooperation with a slidable hook for contacting the top tube of a
bicycle.
Inventors: |
Sautter; Chris; (Portland,
OR) ; Jeli; Richard; (Milwaukie, OR) ; Austin;
Andrew; (Sherwood, OR) ; Kemery; Mike;
(Portland, OR) ; Elder; Zac; (Portland,
OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sautter; Chris
Jeli; Richard
Austin; Andrew
Kemery; Mike
Elder; Zac |
Portland
Milwaukie
Sherwood
Portland
Portland |
OR
OR
OR
OR
OR |
US
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
YAKIMA PRODUCTS, INC.
Beaverton
OR
|
Family ID: |
40622777 |
Appl. No.: |
13/564477 |
Filed: |
August 1, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12217768 |
Jul 7, 2008 |
8235267 |
|
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13564477 |
|
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|
|
60958520 |
Jul 6, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
414/800 ;
224/497; 224/502; 224/510 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 9/06 20130101; Y10S
224/924 20130101; B60R 9/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
414/800 ;
224/502; 224/510; 224/497 |
International
Class: |
B60R 9/10 20060101
B60R009/10; B65G 65/00 20060101 B65G065/00; B60R 9/06 20060101
B60R009/06 |
Claims
1.-19. (canceled)
20. A carrier for a bicycle, comprising: a tongue portion having a
proximal end portion and a distal end portion, the proximal end
portion being configured for connection to a vehicle hitch; a base
portion connected to the tongue portion and configured to receive
and support both wheels of a bicycle; and a mast structure mounted
to the base portion and equipped with a bicycle-securing member
having a hook for engaging a top tube of a bicycle supported by the
base portion, the securing member being slidably connected to the
mast structure to permit movement of the hook up and down the mast
structure, the hook being pivotably connected to the mast structure
such that the hook can pivot between a bicycle-securing orientation
and a bicycle-loading/unloading orientation.
21. The carrier of claim 20, wherein the base portion is pivotably
connected to the tongue portion.
22. The carrier of claim 20, wherein the mast structure is
pivotable between an upright use position and an at least generally
horizontal storage position.
23. The carrier of claim 20, wherein the securing member forms part
of a ratchet mechanism that restricts upward motion of the hook
while permitting downward motion of the hook along the mast
structure.
24. The carrier of claim 23, wherein the ratchet mechanism
restricts upward motion of the hook in an engaged configuration,
and wherein the ratchet mechanism has a released configuration that
permits upward and downward motion of the hook along the mast
structure.
25. The carrier of claim 20, wherein the hook has a first position
in which the hook is pivotable from the bicycle-securing
orientation to the bicycle-loading/unloading orientation and a
second position in which the hook is not pivotable from the
bicycle-securing orientation.
26. The carrier of claim 25, wherein the securing member includes a
mounting portion that supports the hook, and wherein the hook is
movable from the first position to the second position without
moving the mounting portion.
27. The carrier of claim 26, wherein the hook is spring-biased
toward the first position.
28. The carrier of claim 20, wherein the mast structure defines a
long axis, and wherein the hook is pivotable about an axis that is
at least generally parallel to the long axis.
29. The carrier of claim 28, wherein the mast structure includes an
elongate bar on which the securing device is slidably mounted, and
wherein the hook is pivotable about an axis that is offset from a
long axis defined by the elongate bar.
30. The carrier of claim 20, wherein a bicycle supported by the
base portion in an upright configuration defines a first plane,
wherein the hook defines a second plane, and wherein the second
plane is at least generally orthogonal to the first plane when the
hook is disposed in the bicycle-securing orientation, and wherein
the second plane is at least generally parallel to the first plane
when the hook is disposed in the bicycle-loading/unloading
orientation.
31. The carrier of claim 20, wherein the mast structure includes a
pair of bars, and wherein a distinct securing member is slidably
mounted on each bar.
32. The carrier of claim 20, wherein the mast structure includes a
bar along which the securing member slides, and wherein the
securing member includes a mounting portion that supports the hook
and connects the hook to the bar.
33. The carrier of claim 32, wherein the hook is pivotable
independently of the mounting portion.
34. A method of carrying a bicycle with a carrier mounted to a
vehicle, the carrier including a base portion and a mast structure
mounted to the base portion and equipped with a securing member
having a hook pivotably connected to the mast structure, the method
comprising: pivoting the hook from a bicycle-loading/unloading
orientation to a bicycle-securing orientation, or vice versa;
disposing both wheels of a bicycle on the base portion of the
carrier; and engaging a top tube of the bicycle with the hook such
that the bicycle is secured to the carrier.
35. The method of claim 34, further comprising a step of moving the
hook out of engagement with the top tube, wherein the step of
pivoting is performed after the step of moving and disposes the
hook in the bicycle-loading/unloading configuration.
36. The method of claim 35, wherein the bicycle defines a plane,
and wherein the step of pivoting reorients the hook from at least
generally orthogonal to the plane to at least generally parallel to
the plane.
37. The method of claim 34, wherein the step of engaging includes a
step of urging the securing member downward until the bicycle is
clamped between the hook and the base portion.
38. The method of claim 34, further comprising a step of securing
at least one of the wheels of the bicycle to the base portion.
39. The method of claim 34, further comprising a step of adjusting
the hook member from a non-pivotable configuration to a pivotable
configuration before the step of pivoting.
40. A carrier for a bicycle, comprising: a tongue portion having a
proximal end portion and a distal end portion, the proximal end
portion being configured for connection to a vehicle hitch; a base
portion connected to the tongue portion and configured to receive
and support both wheels of a bicycle; and a mast structure mounted
to the base portion and equipped with a bicycle-securing member
having a hook for engaging a top tube of a bicycle supported by the
base portion, the securing member having a securing configuration
in which the securing member is slidable down but not up the mast
structure and a released configuration in which the securing member
is slidable both up and down the mast structure.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/217,768 filed Jul. 7, 2008 which application claims priority
under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Ser. No. 60/958,520 filed on Jul. 6, 2007 and is entitled "Hitch
Mounted Bicycle Racks for Vehicles." The complete disclosures of
which are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes in
their entireties.
[0002] This application incorporates by reference in their entirety
for all purposes the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,857,545, 6,761,297,
6,523,731, 6,439,397, 6,053,336, 6,019,266, 5,833,074, 5,692,659,
5,169,042, 5,029,740, 4,875,608, 4,823,997, 4,702,401, 4,524,893,
4,437,597, 4,403,716, 4,213,729, 4,171,077, 3,744,689, 1,179,823,
623,807, 614,264, 607,024, 586,681, 576,351, 556,789, 529,827 and
488,395.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] This invention relates to racks for carrying bicycles,
particularly racks configured for mounting in the hitch of a
vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0004] There are many different types of bicycle racks for securing
bicycles to a variety of different vehicles. For example, there are
racks for carrying bicycles on top of a car, behind a car, in the
bed of a pick-up, on the front of a bus, etc. Many currently used
bicycle racks are relatively large. They require large storage
areas, and may be cumbersome to load and unload. There is a need
for lighter, more compact racks that are easy and safe to use.
SUMMARY
[0005] A bicycle rack is configured for mounting to a hitch on the
rear of a vehicle. An example of a hitch-mounted bicycle rack
includes one or more wheel trays or wells mounted on a base, a
front wheel hoop, and a frame support arm having an adjustable hook
for contacting the top tube of a bicycle. The bicycle rack may be
adapted for carrying multiple bicycles. Hooks for securing bicycle
top tubes may be mounted on the same support arm and be
independently adjustable. Hitch-mountable bicycle racks may be
configured for efficient folding into a compact form behind the
vehicle when the rack is not being used to carry bicycles.
DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bicycle rack configured
for hitch mounting on the rear of a vehicle.
[0007] FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views of the bicycle rack
shown in FIG. 1, connected to the hitch of a vehicle.
[0008] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bicycle rack shown in
FIGS. 1-3, collapsed and folded up.
[0009] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the hook
release mechanism of the rack shown in FIGS. 1-4.
[0010] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a hook rotation
device of the rack shown in FIGS. 1-4.
[0011] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative
hitch-mountable bicycle rack embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative
hitch-mountable bicycle rack embodiment.
DESCRIPTION
[0013] A rack for carrying bicycles behind a vehicle may use a
single support which is configured for secure mounting in the hitch
of a vehicle, a spine pivotally mounted on the support, and one or
more bases mounted on the spine, each base being configured and
equipped for carrying a bicycle. As shown in the figures, a base
equipped with two short wheel trays on opposing ends of the base,
with one tray pivoting or slidable along the base, and the other
tray fixed or non-pivoting. A hoop is attached to the front wheel
tray and may be foldable onto the tray, or over the tray toward the
center of the base when not in use to minimize the collapsed form
of the rack. The front wheel of a bicycle contacts the fixed front
wheel tray and hoop in at least two points. The bicycle is held
down by an indexing frame support arm contacting the top tube of
the bicycle frame. A strap holds the rear tire down to the rear
wheel tray. The distance between the front and rear wheel trays is
less than the bicycle wheel base except for the smallest typical
bicycle sizes.
[0014] Bicycle racks described below are collapsible into small
package forms for shipping and storage, simply by folding the wheel
trays, tongues, spines, of the racks. The clamping hooks rotate to
clear the bicycle when loading or removing the bicycle. A button
release mechanism on the arm of a hook is easily manipulated for
collapsing the rack for storage and shipping. Racks are lightweight
for ease of transport, and easy to install and remove. Racks use
redundant parts which minimize tooling costs. Use of a pivoting
rear wheel tray allows use of a short base to fit a wide range of
bicycle sizes. Ratcheting wheel straps may be provided on the rear
wheel tray for securely retaining the rear wheel of a bicycle.
[0015] FIG. 1 shows an example of the invention providing a bicycle
rack for mounting in a hitch on the rear of a vehicle. Tongue 22 is
adapted at a proximal end (not shown) for mounting securely in a
vehicle hitch. Spine 24 is pivotally mounted at a distal end of
tongue 22. Spine 24 supports and is rigidly connected to base
portions 30a and 30b. Base portions 30a and 30b are substantially
perpendicular to spine 24, and parallel to each other. The rack's
carrying capacity may be increased by increasing the length of
spine 24 and the number of base portions connected to spine 24 in
parallel.
[0016] The following description regarding base portions 30a and
associated equipment, applies also to base portion 30b. Base
portion 30a includes fixed wheel tray 34 and pivoting wheel tray 32
connected near opposite ends of base portion 30a. Fixed wheel tray
34 is intended to support the front wheel of a bicycle, while
pivoting wheel tray 32 is configured to support the rear wheel of a
bicycle. Strap 35 is provided for fastening a rear wheel to wheel
tray 32. Hoop member 36 is rotatable between an extended position
for carrying the front wheel of a bicycle, and a compact storage
position (shown in dashed lines). Hoop 36 has a contour and/or
design features which improve versatility and overall performance
of rack 20. For example, downward curvature 37 may allow hoop 36 to
conform around spine 24 when hoop 36 is folded up. A graduated
V-shaped portion 38 of hoop 36 provides secure retention of bicycle
tires and wheels of varying width.
[0017] Wheel trays or wells 34 and 32 are angled outward,
configured to contact inside portions of front and back bicycle
wheels respectively. This configuration allows the basic frame of
the rack to be shorter, more compact, efficient, and economical
compared to other bicycle racks. For example, a longitudinal axis
of each wheel tray may form an angle with the base of approximately
45 degrees.
[0018] U-shaped support arm 40 is pivotally mounted on spine 24
between base portions 30a, 30b. Support arm 40 has two mast
portions 50a, 50b. The following description of the equipment for
mast portion 50a applies equally to masted portion 50b. Hook 52 is
slidably mounted on mast portion 50a via a ratcheting system which
permits one way downward movement of hook 52 simply by pushing on
the top of hook 52. Hook 52 is movable up and down in the direction
of arrow 54 for securing or releasing the top tube of a bicycle.
Additionally, hook 52 is rotatable in the direction of arrow 56, as
shown with respect to the hook on mast portion 50b. Release button
58 may be manipulated to permit hook 52 to move upward along mast
portion 50a.
[0019] FIGS. 2-4 show how rack 20 may be collapsed and folded up
toward the rear of vehicle 70. In FIG. 2, hoop 36 is folded inward
toward spine 24. In FIG. 3, U-shaped support arm 40 is folded down
to a horizontal position. In FIG. 4, spine 24 pivots up to a
vertical position in line with the distal portion of tongue 22.
[0020] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view through mast portion 50a
illustrating a hook release mechanism activated by pressing button
58 against the force of spring 80. When button 58 is not pressed,
spring 80 urges engagement with notches or grooves along mast
portion 50a in a configuration which permits downward sliding,
while preventing upward sliding without depression of button
58.
[0021] FIG. 6 shows a mechanism used to lock hook 52b in a use
position, basically in a plane perpendicular to base portions 30a
and 30b. Spring 82 biases mast portion 50b upward relative to
housing 84. Peg or pin 86 is provided on mast portion 50b for
fitting in slot 88 when hook 52b is in its use position for
engaging a top tube of a bicycle. Alternatively, hook 52b may be
rotated out of the use position toward or into a plane parallel
with base portions 30a, 30b by pressing mast portion 50b downward,
for example, about 1/2-inch, allowing peg 86 to escape slot 88
which frees hook 52b to rotate out of the use position. When it is
desired to use the hook to engage a top tube of a bicycle, the hook
is merely rotated toward the use position. When the hook becomes
perpendicular to base portion 30b, then peg 86 moves upward into
slot 88, thus locking the orientation of hook 52b in its use
position.
[0022] When loading bicycles, the hooks may be rotated sideways to
allow the bicycles to be easily loaded into the wheel trays without
interference from the hooks. Then the hooks rotate back to hook
over the top tube to retain the bicycle. To rotate the hook to
loading position, the hook is pushed down, for example, about
1/2-inch and then rotated. Once the bicycle is loaded into the
wheel trays, the hook can be rotated back to clamping position,
simply by twisting the hook until it pops into an orientation where
the hook is in a plane approximately perpendicular to the plane of
the bicycle frame. At this point, the hook pops up about 1/2-inch
and locks into the clamping orientation. The hook may then be
ratcheted down into contact with the top tube of the bicycle simply
by pushing the hook down.
[0023] FIG. 7 shows an alternative bicycle rack design similar to
the design described above. However, the front wheel of the bicycle
is carried by a large taco or wheel tray 102 along with a strap for
supporting the front wheel of the bicycle. A roller 104 is provided
at the opposite end of base portion 106 along with a strap for
supporting the rear wheel of the bicycle. A central ratcheting hook
and support arm is similar to the arm described above when engaging
the top tube of the bicycle.
[0024] FIG. 8 shows an alternative bicycle rack 120 adapted for
mounting in the hitch behind a vehicle. Tongue 122 is configured
for connecting the rack to a vehicle hitch. The tongue is curved
upward to elevate the level of the rack relative to the hitch.
Spine 124 is pivotally mounted on tongue 122. Spring-biased pin 125
is provided to lock and release the position of spine 124 relative
to tongue 122, depending on whether the rack is in its use position
or storage position. Base members 130a and 130b are rigidly
connected to spine 124, perpendicular to spine 124, and parallel to
each other. Each of base members 130a, 130b is equipped the same
for supporting a bicycle. Base member 130a has front wheel tray 132
and curved hoop 134 for supporting the front wheel of the bicycle.
Rear wheel tray 136 is provided near the opposite end of base
member 130a along with strap 138 for securing the rear wheel of a
bicycle. Rear wheel tray 136 may be slidable along base member 130a
for accommodating bicycles of different sizes which typically have
different spans between the wheels. U-shaped support arm 150 may be
equipped essentially the same as the support arm shown and
described with respect to FIGS. 1-6. Mast portions 152a and 152b
support sliding hooks 154a and 154b. Hooks 154a may be ratcheted
downward into contact with a top tube of a bicycle simply by
pushing the hook downward. Button 156 is provided to allow release
of the hook from a bicycle top tube by moving the hook upward along
mast portion 152a.
[0025] Although the present disclosure has been provided with
reference to the foregoing operational principles and embodiments,
it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the
spirit and scope of the disclosure. The present disclosure is
intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and
variances. Where the disclosure recites "a," "a first," or
"another" element, or the equivalent thereof, it should be
interpreted to include one or more such elements, neither requiring
nor excluding two or more such elements. Furthermore, any aspect
shown or described with reference to a particular embodiment should
be interpreted to be compatible with any other embodiment,
alternative, modification, or variance.
* * * * *