Patent ID: 6149039
Filing Date: 2000-11-21
Classification: B60R,Y10S

Abstract:
An apparatus for carrying a bicycle on a vehicle roof, comprising:a carrier device, the carrier device being mountable on a vehicle roof and including a pair of cross rails extending transversely across the vehicle roof; anda holder, the holder having at least one leg connected to a horizontal portion, the leg being pivotally attached to one of the cross rails of the carrier device, the holder having engagement members mounted on the horizontal portion for securing the bicycle, the holder being pivotal about a substantially horizontal pivot axis, the pivot axis being substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the holder being pivotally between an upwardly directed transport position above the vehicle and a loading and an unloading position directed outwardly in a lateral direction in which the engagement members are at a lower height than in the transport position, means for urging the holder to the transport position from the loading and unloading position, the urging means including at least one resilient means attached between the holder and the carrier device, when the holder is in the loading and unloading position, the resilient means acting to pivot the holder in a clockwise direction to urge the holder to be retained in the loading and unloading position.