U.S. patent application number 15/287968 was filed with the patent office on 2018-04-12 for motor vehicle with integrated bike rack.
The applicant listed for this patent is FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC. Invention is credited to Francisco Javier Ferreira Yanez, Leonardo Alonso Huitron Rodriguez, Jose Alfredo Peregrina Loera, Carlos Alberto Tavera Guerrero.
Application Number | 20180099619 15/287968 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61695870 |
Filed Date | 2018-04-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180099619 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ferreira Yanez; Francisco Javier ;
et al. |
April 12, 2018 |
MOTOR VEHICLE WITH INTEGRATED BIKE RACK
Abstract
A motor vehicle is provided incorporating an integrated bike
rack. That bike rack includes a support arm, a first sill segment
that is received in a slot and aligned with a closure sill of the
motor vehicle when the bike rack is in a stowed position and a
second sill segment that is received in a slot and aligned with the
closure sill when the bike rack is in a deployed position. A
related method is also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Ferreira Yanez; Francisco
Javier; (Atizapna de Zaragoza, MX) ; Peregrina Loera;
Jose Alfredo; (Mexico City, MX) ; Tavera Guerrero;
Carlos Alberto; (Mexico City, MX) ; Huitron
Rodriguez; Leonardo Alonso; (Naucalpan de Juarez,
MX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC |
Dearborn |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
61695870 |
Appl. No.: |
15/287968 |
Filed: |
October 7, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 9/10 20130101; B60R
5/041 20130101; B60R 9/06 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60R 9/10 20060101
B60R009/10; B60R 9/06 20060101 B60R009/06 |
Claims
1. A bike rack for a motor vehicle including a storage area closed
by a closure, comprising: a support arm; a first sill segment on
said support arm and aligned with a closure sill of said motor
vehicle when said bike rack is in a stowed position such that the
closure seals against the closure sill and the first sill segment
when the bike rack is in the stowed position; a second sill segment
on said support arm and aligned with said closure sill when said
bike rack is in a deployed position such that the closure seals
against the closure sill and the second sill segment when the bike
rack is in the deployed position thereby sealing the storage area
and a floor adjacent said closure sill, said floor including a
recess receiving and holding said support arm when said bike rack
is in said stowed position.
2. The bike rack of claim 1, further including a pivot connecting
said support arm to said motor vehicle.
3. The bike rack of claim 2, wherein said support arm further
includes a U-shaped bike carrier.
4. A motor vehicle, comprising: a closure sill including a slot; a
bike rack having a support arm, a first sill segment, received in
said slot when said bike rack is in a stowed position, and a second
sill segment received in said slot when said bike rack is in a
deployed position; and a floor adjacent said closure sill, said
floor including a recess receiving and holding said support arm of
said bike rack when said bike rack is in said stowed position.
5. The motor vehicle of claim 4, wherein said bike rack includes a
base, said support arm projecting from said base.
6. The motor vehicle of claim 5, further including a pivot
connecting said support arm to a bike rack support.
7. The motor vehicle of claim 6, wherein said first sill segment is
on said support arm.
8. The motor vehicle of claim 7, wherein said second sill segment
is on said support arm opposite said first sill segment.
9. (canceled)
10. The motor vehicle of claim 8, wherein said recess is in
communication with said slot in said closure sill.
11. The motor vehicle of claim 10, wherein said support arm
includes a U-shaped bike carrier.
12. The motor vehicle of claim 11, further including a closure that
properly seats and seals against (a) said closure sill and said
first sill segment when said bike rack is in said stowed position
and (b) said closure sill and said second sill segment when said
bike rack is in said deployed position.
13. A method of integrating a bike with a motor vehicle,
comprising: providing a bike rack with a first sill segment and a
second sill segment; incorporating a slot into a closure sill of
said motor vehicle; aligning said first sill segment in said slot
when said bike rack is in a stowed position; aligning said second
sill segment in said slot when said bike rack is in a deployed
position; and holding a support arm of said bike rack in a recess
in a floor of said motor vehicle when said bike rack is in said
stowed position.
14. The method of claim 13, including closing and sealing a closure
against said closure sill and said first sill segment when said
bike rack is in a stowed position.
15. The method of claim 14, including closing and sealing said
closure against said closure sill and said second sill segment when
said bike rack is in said deployed position.
16. The method of claim 15, including pivoting said bike rack
between said stowed position and said deployed position.
17. (canceled)
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This document relates generally to the motor vehicle
equipment field and, more particularly, to a bike rack that may be
integrated into the design of a motor vehicle as well as to a motor
vehicle incorporating an integrated bike rack.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The concept of providing a bike rack that may be installed
on a motor vehicle to carry one or more bicycles is well known in
the art. Unfortunately, prior art bike racks are generally
after-market devices that are inconvenient to use. When one wishes
to carry a bicycle, the bike rack must be installed on the motor
vehicle. Bike rack installation is typically time consuming and at
times frustrating. It is also very easy to mar the finished
surfaces of the motor vehicle during bike rack installation.
[0003] Such bike racks are also somewhat cumbersome and, when
installed, may hinder or interfere with proper operation of a trunk
lid, tailgate or other closure of the motor vehicle. Accordingly,
it is often desirable to remove the bike rack from the motor
vehicle when not in use. Removal can be another time consuming, and
frustrating task and provides another opportunity to inadvertently
scratch, mar or otherwise damage the finished surfaces of the motor
vehicle. Further, after the bike rack has been removed, it must be
stored and is often in the way in a garage or other storage
area.
[0004] This document relates to a new and improved bike rack that
is integrated into the design of the motor vehicle as well as to a
motor vehicle incorporating an integrated bike rack. Thus, the
integrated bike rack is stowed on the motor vehicle in an
aesthetically pleasing manner and is available at all times to be
conveniently deployed and used as needed by the motor vehicle
operator.
SUMMARY
[0005] In accordance with the purposes and benefits described
herein, a bike rack is provided for a motor vehicle. That bike rack
comprises a support arm, a first sill segment on the support arm
that is aligned with a closure sill of the motor vehicle when the
bike rack is in a stowed position and a second sill segment on the
support arm that is aligned with the closure sill when the bike
rack is in a deployed position. The bike rack may further include a
pivot connecting the support arm to the motor vehicle.
[0006] The support arm may further include a U-shaped bike
carrier.
[0007] In accordance with an additional aspect, a motor vehicle is
provided comprising a closure sill including a slot and a bike
rack. The bike rack includes a first sill segment received in the
slot when the bike rack is in a stowed position and a second sill
segment received in the slot when the bike rack is in the deployed
position.
[0008] The bike rack may include a support arm. Further, a pivot
may be provided connecting the support arm to a bike rack support
of the motor vehicle.
[0009] The first sill segment may be carried on the base.
Similarly, the second sill segment may be carried on the base.
Further, the first sill segment and the second sill segment may be
opposed.
[0010] In addition, the motor vehicle may include a floor adjacent
the closure sill. That floor may include a recess receiving and
holding the support arm when the bike rack is in the stowed
position. Further, the recess may be in communication with the slot
in the closure sill.
[0011] Still further, the support arm may include a U-shaped bike
carrier. Further, the motor vehicle may include a closure that
properly seats and seals against (a) the closure sill and the first
sill segment when the bike rack is in the stowed position and (b)
the closure sill and the second sill segment when the bike rack is
in the deployed position.
[0012] In accordance with yet another aspect, a method is provided
of integrating a bike rack with a motor vehicle. That method
comprises the steps of: (a) providing a bike rack with a first sill
segment and second sill segment, (b) incorporating a slot into a
closure sill of the motor vehicle, (c) aligning the first sill
segment in the slot when the bike rack is in the stowed position
and (d) aligning the second sill segment in the slot when the bike
rack is in the deployed position.
[0013] Further, the method may include the step of closing and
sealing a closure against the closure sill and the first sill
segment when the bike rack is in the stowed position. Further, the
method may include the step of closing and sealing the closure
against the closure sill and the second sill segment when the bike
rack is in the deployed position.
[0014] Still further, the method may include the step of pivoting
the bike rack between the stowed position and the deployed
position. In addition, the method may include the step of holding a
support arm of the bike rack in a recess in a floor of the motor
vehicle when the bike rack is in the stowed position.
[0015] In the following description, there are shown and described
several preferred embodiments of the bike rack and the motor
vehicle incorporating the integrated bike rack. As it should be
realized, the bike rack and the motor vehicle are capable of other,
different embodiments and their several details are capable of
modification in various, obvious aspects all without departing from
the bike rack and motor vehicle as set forth and described in the
following claims. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should
be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0016] The accompanying drawing figures incorporated herein and
forming a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of
the bike rack and the motor vehicle and together with the
description serve to explain certain principles thereof. In the
drawing figures:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the motor vehicle
with the integrated bike rack in the stowed position.
[0018] FIG. 1a is a detailed schematic top plan view of the closure
sill showing the bike rack in the stowed position.
[0019] FIG. 1b is a detailed schematic exterior elevational view of
the rear of the motor vehicle showing the bike rack in the stowed
position.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a schematic side elevational view illustrating how
the bike rack is pivoted between the stowed position wherein the
support arm of the bike rack is received in a recess in the floor
of the motor vehicle and a deployed position wherein the support
arm of the bike rack projects rearward from the rear fascia of the
motor vehicle and is in position to hold a bicycle.
[0021] FIG. 3 is an exterior perspective view of the motor vehicle
illustrating the bike rack in the deployed position ready to
receive and hold a bicycle.
[0022] FIG. 3a is a detailed schematic top plan view of the closure
sill showing the bike rack in the deployed position.
[0023] FIG. 3b is a detailed schematic interior elevational view
showing the bike rack in the deployed position.
[0024] FIG. 4 is an exterior perspective view illustrating the bike
rack in the stowed position.
[0025] Reference will now be made in detail to the present
preferred embodiments of the bike rack and motor vehicle, examples
of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] Reference is now made to FIGS. 1-3 illustrating a motor
vehicle 10 incorporating a fully integrated bike rack 12. As
illustrated, the motor vehicle 10 includes a body 14 having a
closure sill 16 at the bottom of a closure opening 18 which is
closed by the closure 20.
[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the closure 20 comprises a
trunk lid. It should be appreciated, however, that the closure 20
may comprise a hatchback panel, lift gate, tailgate or other type
of motor vehicle closure.
[0028] The bike rack 12 includes a support arm 22 that is connected
by means of a pivot 24 to a bike rack support 26 such as a part of
the body or frame of the motor vehicle 10. The support arm 22 may
include a U-shaped bike carrier 30 adapted for engaging or holding
one or more bicycles (not shown). When deployed, tethers such as
bungee cords, ropes or straps (not shown) may be utilized to secure
a bicycle to the U-shaped bike carrier 30 in a manner known in the
art.
[0029] As illustrated in the drawing figures, the closure sill 16
includes a slot 32. The support arm 22 includes a first sill
segment 34 and a second sill segment 36. The support arm 22 is
oriented so that the first sill segment 34 is aligned with the
closure sill 16 and received in and completely fills the slot 32
when the bike rack is in the stowed position illustrated in FIGS.
1-1b. In contrast, the second sill segment 36 is aligned with the
closure sill 16 and received in and fills the slot 32 when the bike
rack 12 is in the deployed position illustrated in FIGS. 3-3b.
[0030] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the motor vehicle
10 includes a floor 38 adjacent the closure sill 16. A recess 40 of
complimentary shape to the support arm 22, including the U-shaped
bike carrier 30, is provided in the floor 38. That recess 40 has an
open end 42 that is in communication with the slot 32 in the
closure sill 16. Thus, when the bike rack 12 is in the stowed
position, the support arm 22 is received in the recess 40 with the
top of the support arm substantially flush with the surface of the
floor 38. Accordingly, when the bike rack 12 is in the stowed
position, the bike rack is stored in a manner that allows full use
of the storage area 44 of the motor vehicle 10 while being
conveniently located for easy access.
[0031] As should also be appreciated from viewing FIGS. 1-1b and 4,
the closure 20 properly seats and seals against the closure sill 16
and the first sill segment 34 when the bike rack 12 is in the
stowed position. Note closure seal 46 carried on the closure 20. A
U-shaped seal 48 may be carried on the motor vehicle 10 to seal
around the support arm 22 at the sides and bottom of the slot
32.
[0032] As illustrated in FIG. 2, when one wishes to deploy the bike
rack 12, one simply pivots (note action arrow A) the bike rack 12
about the pivot 24 until the support arm 22, including the U-shaped
bike carrier 30 projects rearwardly from the rear fascia 50 of the
motor vehicle 10. In this position, the support arm 22/U-shaped
bike carrier 30 is ready to receive and hold one or more
bicycles.
[0033] As should be further appreciated from viewing FIGS. 3-3b,
the closure 20 will properly seat and the closure seal 46 will
properly seal against the closure sill 16 and the second sill
segment 36 in the slot 32 thereby sealing the storage area 44 from
inclement weather. Here, again, it should be noted that the
U-shaped seal 48 will provide sealing between the support arm 22
and the rear fascia 50 forming the sidewalls and bottom of the slot
32.
[0034] Consistent with the above description, a method is provided
of integrating a bike rack 12 with a motor vehicle 10. That method
comprises the steps of: (a) providing the bike rack 12 with a first
sill segment 34 and a second sill segment 36, (b) incorporating a
slot 32 into the closure sill 16 of the motor vehicle 10, (c)
aligning the first sill segment in the slot when the bike rack is
in a stowed position as illustrated in FIGS. 1-1band (d) aligning
the second sill segment in the slot when the bike rack is in the
deployed position as illustrated in FIGS. 3-3b.
[0035] The method may also include the step of closing and sealing
the closure 20 against the closure sill 16 and the first sill
segment 34 when the bike rack 12 is in the stowed position as
illustrated in FIGS. 1-1b. In addition, the method includes the
step of closing and sealing the closure 20 against the closure sill
16 and the second sill segment 36 when the bike rack is in the
deployed position illustrated in FIGS. 3-3b.
[0036] In addition, the method includes the step of pivoting the
bike rack 12 between the stowed position and the deployed position.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the bike rack 12 is pivoted about the
pivot 24 that connects the support arm 22 to the bike rack support
26 of the motor vehicle 10. Note action arrow A.
[0037] In addition, the method includes the step of holding the
support arm 22 of the bike rack 12 in a recess 40 in the floor 38
of the motor vehicle when the bike rack is in the stowed position
(see FIGS. 1, 1a and 2). Thus, it should be appreciated that the
motor vehicle includes a dedicated storage space (i.e. the recess
40 in the floor 38) for the bike rack when it is not in use. As
such, the normal storage space of the motor vehicle above the floor
38 is maintained unencumbered for use to store other items.
[0038] The new and improved integrated bike rack 12 and the motor
vehicle 10 equipped with the integrated bike rack provide a number
of benefits and advantages. The bike rack 12 is very easy to use.
The bike rack 12 is conveniently stowed in a recess 40 in the floor
38 of the motor vehicle where it is out of the way, does not hinder
use of the storage area yet is ready for use at all times. One need
only open the closure 20, pivot the bike rack 12 into the deployed
position as illustrated by action arrow A in FIG. 2 and then attach
a bicycle to the U-shaped bike carrier 30.
[0039] By incorporating a closure sill 16 with a slot 32 through
which the support arm 22 of the bike rack 12 may be extended and
providing the support arm with two sill segments 34, 36 to fill the
slot and complete the sill when the bike rack 12 is in either the
stowed or deployed positions, the closure 20 will seal the storage
compartment/closure opening when the bike rack is in either
position. Thus, the storage area of the motor vehicle 10 may be
isolated from ambient weather conditions at all times.
[0040] The foregoing has been presented for purposes of
illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive
or to limit the embodiments to the precise form disclosed. Obvious
modifications and variations are possible in light of the above
teachings. All such modifications and variations are within the
scope of the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with
the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably
entitled.
* * * * *