Patent ID: 7975888
Filing Date: 2011-07-12
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. A bicycle carrier configured to be mounted to a rear of a vehicle, comprising: a first support frame structure including a substantially U-shaped continuous tube having first and second support arms connected to opposite sides of an upper base portion, the support arms having mounting assemblies configured to carry one or more bicycles, the upper base portion having at least one cushion configured for contacting an upper region of the rear of the vehicle; a second substantially U-shaped support frame structure, positioned below the first support frame structure relative to the support arms, the second support frame structure having a lower base portion including at least one cushion configured for contacting a lower region of the rear of the vehicle; a pair of hub assemblies operatively connecting the first and second support frame structures and permitting selective pivoting of one support frame structure relative to the other frame structure, the support arms defining a first plane, each of the support arms passing through one of the hub assemblies and then having a bend in a direction (a) outward, and (b) downward out of the first plane toward the second support frame structure before merging into the upper base portion; and wherein the second support frame structure includes a pair of end portions, each end portion having a linear portion extending from one of the hub assemblies and then having a bend in a direction (a) outward, and (b) backward toward the first support frame structure before merging into the lower base portion.