Abstract:
A lightweight bicycle carrier that is easily adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of sizes and shapes of bicycles and other equipment. The bicycle carrier of the present invention is easily assembled and installed onto the hitch receiver of a vehicle. The bicycle carrier can also be partially disassembled to allow access into the rear of the vehicle without interfering with the vehicle tailgate. The bicycle carrier includes adjustable angular support arms to support bicycles during transport.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to the field of vehicle mounted bicycle carriers. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     There are numerous bicycle carriers that mount to a vehicle for transporting bicycles from one location to another location. These carriers include roof-top mounted carriers, trunk mounted carriers and hitch mounted carriers. Roof-top carriers and trunk mounted carriers are primarily used for cars and other low profile vehicles. Hitch mounted carriers are popular with SUVs and other vehicles that have hitch attachments. 
     Hitch mounted carriers typically include a square bar or tube that slides into a receiver mounted on the vehicle. A pin engages the bar or tube in the receiver to secure the carrier to the vehicle. A vertical component is mounted onto the tube with horizontally extending arms onto which the bicycle is secured. These carriers are awkward to align and mount onto the vehicle. This type of carrier is also relatively heavy which also renders them difficult to mount onto the vehicle. 
     Also, these carriers are not adjustable, thus requiring different carriers for different types of bicycles, such as road bicycles and mountain bicycles. Also most current bicycle carriers are expensive ranging in price $150-$500. 
     Another problem with hitch mounted carriers is the use of the vehicle hitch receiver. Once the hitch mounted carrier is mounted to the hitch receiver, the vehicle may not be used for another use requiring the hitch receiver. Often it is necessary to use the hitch receiver for other purposes, such as towing a trailer. In that event, the hitch mounted carrier is not able to be used. 
     Many of the existing hitch mounted carriers also require partial disassembly of the bicycle for transport, such as removal of the front wheel. This is time consuming and requires securing the front wheel elsewhere on the carrier or vehicle. 
     A serious problem with hitch mounted bicycle carriers arise from damage to the bicycle being transported from the heat of the vehicle engine exhaust. Often the bicycle tires are adjacent to the vehicle engine exhaust which has considerable heat. This can result in the tires and bicycle components being damaged from this heat. Current bicycle carriers cannot be adjusted so that the bicycle is well clear of the exhaust tailpipe of different vehicles. 
     Thus a need exists for a lightweight, easily adjustable bicycle carrier for transporting bicycles between locations, one which avoids some or all of the above-described problems. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention solves these and other problems by providing a lightweight bicycle carrier that is easily adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of sizes and shapes of bicycles and other equipment. The bicycle carrier of the present invention is easily assembled and installed onto the hitch receiver of a vehicle. The bicycle carrier can also be partially disassembled to allow access into the rear of the vehicle without interfering with the vehicle tailgate. 
     The bicycle carrier of a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes two angularly extending arm members. Bicycle supports are attached to the upper ends of the arm members to secure one or more bicycles to the bicycle carrier. The bicycle supports can be adjusted on the arm members to accommodate differing sizes and shapes of bicycle frames. The adjustment of bicycle supports along the angular orientation of the arm members allow differing heights and lengths of bicycle frames to be accommodated. 
     The bicycle carrier of a preferred embodiment includes arm members that are adjustable as well. The arm members telescope into and out of the mounting bracket of the bicycle carrier. Since the arm members extend at an angle relative to the mounting bracket, the adjustment of the length of the arm members will not only raise the height of the bicycle supports relative to the brackets but also change the distance between the bicycle supports. 
     Another preferred embodiment of the present invention includes arm members that are angularly adjustable relative to the mounting bracket. This angular adjustment of the arm members raises and lowers the bicycle supports as well as changing the distance between the bicycle supports. This enables various sizes of bicycle frames to be secured to the carrier. In one preferred embodiment, the arm members are infinitely adjustable while in another preferred embodiment the arm members are adjusted between selected positions. 
     The bracket of a preferred embodiment of the present invention can be attached to a shank that can be installed into a hitch receiver or clamped onto a trailer tongue or other surfaces of a vehicle or vehicle accessory. This enables the vehicle to be used with other accessories such as a trailer along with the bicycle carrier. 
     Another feature of a preferred embodiment of the present invention enables adjustment of the height of the arm members and bicycle clamps to enable the bicycle to be mounted well away from the heat of the vehicle tailpipe emissions. 
     Another preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a three point securing mechanism for securing the bicycle tightly to the bicycle carrier to prevent movement of the bicycle relative to the carrier. 
     The bicycle carrier system of another preferred embodiment enables multiple bicycle carriers to be mounted onto one another to add additional capacity. This embodiment includes extension shanks that connect bicycle carrier systems to one another. 
     These and other features of the present invention will be evident from the ensuing detailed description of preferred embodiments along with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of the bicycle carrier of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is front view of the carrier of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  without the bicycle. 
         FIG. 3  is a cutaway view of a bicycle clamping mechanism taken along lines  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a cutaway view of the bumper mechanism taken along lines  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  is a partial assembly view of the carrier of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a rear view of the bicycle carrier of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of a bicycle carrier of another preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a view of the embodiment of  FIG. 7  undergoing adjustment. 
         FIG. 9  is a front view of the carrier of the embodiment of  FIG. 7  supporting a bicycle. 
         FIG. 10  is a rear view of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is a view of the carrier of the embodiment of  FIG. 7  supporting two bicycles. 
         FIG. 12  is a front view of a bicycle carrier of another preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  is a view of the carrier of the embodiment of  FIG. 12  supporting a bicycle. 
         FIG. 14  is a rear view of the carrier of the embodiment of  FIG. 12  supporting a bicycle. 
         FIG. 15  is a front view of a bicycle carrier of another preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  is a view of the carrier of the embodiment of  FIG. 15  in another adjusted position. 
         FIG. 17  is a view of the carrier of another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  is a front view of a three point bicycle securing mechanism. 
         FIG. 19  is a close-up view of a lower bicycle securing mechanism of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 20  is a view of bicycle secured by the three point bicycle securing mechanism of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of the bicycle securing mechanism of  FIG. 18  and the carrier of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 22  is a top view of the system of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 23  is an exploded perspective view of an extended bicycle carrier system. 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of the an extended bicycle carrier system. 
         FIG. 25  is a top view of the system in  FIG. 24 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention provides a bicycle carrier for mounting to a vehicle. It is to be expressly understood that this exemplary embodiment is provided for descriptive purposes only and is not meant to unduly limit the scope of the present inventive concept. Other embodiments of the bicycle carriers and methods of use of the present invention are considered within the present inventive concept as set forth in the claims herein. For explanatory purposes only, the bicycle carriers of the preferred embodiments are discussed primarily for the purposes of understanding the scope of the present invention. It is to be expressly understood that other equipment carriers are contemplated under the present invention as well. 
     A preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-6 . This embodiment is intended for use with a vehicle having a hitch receiver. The typical hitch receiver receives a square tube or bar, usually in standard sizes of 2 inch or 1.25 inch. It is to be expressly understood that the present invention may be used with any size or type of hitch, receiver or other vehicle surface, as will be discussed in greater detail below. 
     The bicycle carrier  10  of this preferred embodiment includes a clamping mechanism  20 , a bracket  30  and adjustable arm members  40 . The clamping mechanism  20  can include a shank  22 , which in this embodiment is an elongated length of square tube that is sized to be inserted into the hitch receiver of the vehicle. A clamp  24  is attached around the shank  22  or else it can be attached around another surface, such as a trailer tongue, a vehicle bumper or any other surface on the vehicle or on a trailer or accessory attached to the vehicle. 
     The clamp  24  is also attached to the bracket  30  by bolts, welding or any other attachment mechanism or formed integrally with the bracket  30 . The bracket  30  in this preferred embodiment is a round tubular member but can also be a solid member, a plate or any other shape or configuration. In this preferred embodiment, the bracket  30  includes arms  32 ,  34  extending upwardly at an angle to the central portion  36  of the bracket. This angle ranges between zero and ninety degrees but preferably between thirty and sixty degrees. The angle is optimally selected to allow the maximum range of adjustability of the adjustable arm members to accommodate most sizes and shapes of bicycles. 
     The adjustable arm members  40 ,  42  are sized to slide within the tubular arms  32 ,  34 . This allows the arm members to telescope within the tubular arms to adjust the extension of the arm members  40 ,  42 . This allows not only adjustment of the bicycle carrier for differing heights of bicycles but also lengths of bicycles since the arm members are adjusting at an angle. 
     The adjustable arm members  40 ,  42  are secured from movement relative to the bracket  30  by locking mechanisms  50 ,  52 . In this preferred embodiment, the locking mechanisms are cam, collets, or other clamping mechanisms. The clamping members  50 ,  52  rotate in one direction to apply pressure against the arm members  40 ,  42  to secure those members from movement. The clamping members are then rotated in the opposing direction to relieve the pressure against the arm members to allow the arm members to slide relative to the tubular arms  32 ,  34 . Other locking mechanisms may be used as well, such as spaced holes in the arm members for receiving pins through the tubular arms  32 ,  34  and arm members  40 ,  42 . Other locking mechanisms may be used as well. 
     Bicycle clamping mechanisms  60 ,  62  are attached to the upper ends  44 ,  46  of the arm members  40 ,  42 . These bicycle clamping mechanisms  60 ,  62  may clamp around the bicycle tires and wheels as shown in  FIG. 3 , or any other securing device. In this preferred embodiment, the bicycle clamping mechanisms are adjustable on the arm members  40 ,  42 . A series of spaced holes  48  are formed on the upper ends of the arm members. The bicycle clamping mechanisms  60 ,  62  may be secured to any of these spaced holes  48  to add further adjustment to the bicycle carrier. 
     Other features of this preferred embodiment are the bumpers  70 ,  72 . These bumpers are formed of a resilient material to cushion the bicycle frame against the bicycle carrier. This minimizes scratching of the bicycle against the bicycle carrier. The bumpers are slidable on arm members  40 ,  42  to ensure that the bicycle frame will be protected regardless of the size and configuration of the bicycle. Another feature of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in  FIG. 4 , is the offset aperture on the bumpers  70 ,  72 . The offset aperture is mounted onto the arm members  40 ,  42  so that the bumpers  70 ,  72  can be rotated to change the amount of material cushioning against the frame of the bicycle being carried. Since different frames may have different frame thickness, the bumpers may be adjusted to accommodate the different frames. 
     The bicycle carrier  10  of this preferred embodiment can be shipped in a knock down configuration for ease of shipping. The bracket  30  is clamped to the shank  22  by clamp  20 . The adjustable arm members  40 ,  42  are slipped into the angular tubular members  32 ,  34  and clamped by locking mechanisms  50 ,  52  in the desired position. The bicycle clamping mechanisms  60 ,  62  and bumpers  70 ,  72  are attached at their desired positions as well. Additional bicycle clamping mechanisms can be attached to opposing sides of the arm members  40 ,  42  to allow an additional bicycle to be mounted on the carrier  10  as well. 
     The arm members  40 ,  42  and bicycle clamping mechanisms  60 ,  62  are easily adjustable to accommodate almost any size and shape of bicycle. The locking mechanisms  50 ,  52  allow ease of adjustment without the necessity of tools. The angular positioning of the arm members allows adjustment for not only the height of the bicycle but also the length of the bicycle frame. 
     The adjustability of the bicycle carrier system  10  also allows the carrier to be adjusted so that the bicycle being transported will be away from the vehicle tailpipe. This will reduce the damage that might occur to the bicycle from the heat of the tailpipe emissions. 
     The adjustable arm members  40 ,  42  can be easily removed to allow the height of the bicycle carrier to be reduced so that it is below the plane of the tailgate of the vehicle. Thus the bicycle carrier can remain mounted to the vehicle while allowing use of the vehicle tailgate. The arm members are easily reattached to the bicycle carrier when it is desired to transport bicycles. 
     Additional bicycle clamping mechanisms can be mounted on the opposing side of the bicycle carrier. This allows an additional bicycle to transported on the bicycle carrier. 
     Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 7-11 . This embodiment is similar to the above described embodiment except the bicycle clamping mechanism is replaced with short peg members  64  on each side of the adjustable arm members  40 ,  42 . The arm members  40 ,  42  are easily adjusted as discussed above to allow for differing heights and lengths of bicycle frames. The bicycles are simply mounted onto the carrier  10  by securing the bicycle frames onto the peg members  64 . Elastic cords or straps can be used to secure the bicycles on the carrier. 
     Another preferred embodiment is illustrated in  FIGS. 12-15 . The carrier  100  of this preferred embodiment also includes clamp  20  that is secured to shank  22  or trailer tongue or any other vehicle or accessory surface. Bracket  130  includes a cross member  132  that is attached to the clamp  20  by bolts, welding or any other attaching device. Plate member  134  is attached to the upper surface of the cross member  132 . Arm members  140 ,  142  are secured to the plate member  134  by bolts  144 ,  146 . The arm members  140 ,  142  are pivotal relative to the bracket  130  for angular adjustment. Bicycle supports  150 ,  152  are mounted to the upper end of the arm members  140 ,  142  and are adjustable to slide up and down the arm members. Clamping knobs  154 ,  156  are used to clamp the bicycle supports in the desired position. In this preferred embodiment, the bicycle supports  150 ,  152  are formed in U shaped hooks. It is to be expressly understood that other types of bicycle supports or clamping mechanisms may be used as well with this embodiment. 
     The bicycle wheels are placed onto the bicycle supports  150 ,  152 . The pivotal action of the arm members allow the differing sizes of bicycle frames to be easily supported. As the arm members pivot downward, as shown in  FIGS. 12-14 , the bicycle supports  150 ,  152  are extended further apart. The additional adjustment of the bicycle supports on the arm members provides further adjustment for differing sizes of frames. 
     Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 15-16 . The bicycle carrier  200  of this embodiment also uses clamp  20  and shank  22  as discussed above. Bracket  220  of this carrier includes wing portions  222 ,  224  extending on each side of bracket  220 . Notches  226 ,  228 ,  230 ,  232 ,  234 ,  236  are formed in wing portions  222 ,  224 . Additional notches may be provided as well. Arm members  240 ,  242  are pivotally mounted to the bracket  220  to pivot upward and downward in a vertical plane relative to the bracket  220 . Detents  250 ,  252  are spring mounted on arm members  240 ,  242 . It is to be expressly understood that the detents can be removable or otherwise mounted to the arm members to engage and disengage from the notches in the wing portions  222 ,  224 . 
     Bicycle clamping mechanisms  260 ,  262  are adjustably mounted to the upper ends of the arm members  240 ,  242 . The position of the bicycle clamping mechanisms can be changed to adjust for different sizes of bicycle frames. 
     In use, the detents  250 ,  252  are released from notches to allow the arm members to pivot upward or downward to adjust the distance between the bicycle clamping mechanisms. As shown in  FIGS. 15 ,  16 , the arm members  240 ,  242  are pivoted to the desired position and the bicycle clamping mechanisms  260 ,  262  are adjusted to the desired position. The bicycle is then secured to the carrier  200  by the clamping mechanisms  250 ,  252 . 
     Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 17-18 . The bicycle carrier  300  of this preferred embodiment is similar to the above descriptions. Bracket  330  is secured to shank  322  by clamp  320 . The bracket  330  includes base member  332  with angular extending arms  334 ,  336 . Adjustable arm members  340 ,  342  telescope within the angular extending arms  334 ,  336 . The adjustable arm members  340 ,  342  are secured relative to arms  334 ,  336  by pins  344 ,  346 . The adjustable arm members include a series of spaced holes for receiving pins  344 ,  346  so that the length of the arm members can be adjusted. The carrier also includes bicycle clamping mechanisms  362 ,  364  and bumpers  370 ,  372  similar to the bicycle clamping mechanism and bumpers discussed in earlier embodiments. 
     Another preferred embodiment of the present invention includes innovative bicycle securing mechanism. One embodiment of these bicycle securing mechanisms are disclosed in  FIGS. 18-25 . Lower bicycle securing mechanism  400 , as shown in  FIGS. 23 ,  24  secure the lower portion of the bicycle to the bicycle carrier. Lower bicycle securing mechanism  400  includes collar  402  that slides onto the shank  322 . The collar may be loose on the shank, secured to the shank or even mounted onto the bracket  330 . Elastic cord  404  is attached to the collar  402  through holes formed in the collar. Hook member  406  is attached to the elastic cord  404 . The hook member  406  engages over the pedal stem of the bicycle to hold the lower portion of the bicycle securely to the carrier  300 . The length of the elastic cord is such that there is tension in the cord when the hook member engages the pedal stem. An additional securing mechanism  400  can be installed on the opposing side of the carrier to secure an additional bicycle. 
     Bicycle wheel securing mechanisms  410 ,  420  secure the wheels of the bicycle to the carrier to prevent them from articulating relative to the carrier. The securing mechanisms  410 ,  420  include collars  412 ,  414 ,  422 ,  424  mounted onto angled arm members  334 ,  336 . These collars may be loose or secured to the angled arm members. Elastic cords  416 ,  426  are secured to the lower collars  412 ,  422  respectively. Once the bicycle is mounted onto the carrier  300 , the cords  416 ,  426  are secured over the bicycle wheels and engaged with the upper collars  414 ,  424 . This prevents the wheels from articulating relative to the bicycle carrier during transport. 
     While the bicycle securing mechanisms were discussed with the bicycle carrier embodiment  300 , it is to be expressly understood that these mechanisms may be used with any type of bicycle carrier such as those described above and with other embodiments as well. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 21-22 , the bicycle carrier  300  may be easily adjusted along the length of the shank  322 . This enables the carrier to be fitted to any particular vehicle configuration. For instance, some SUVs include a tailgate mounted spare tire while others do not. The carrier can be adjusted to accommodate either situation. Also, the collars for the lower bicycle securing mechanism can also be easily adjusted. Further, the bicycle securing mechanisms that are discussed above can be mounted on both sides of the bicycle carrier to allow two bicycles to be carried. 
     Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 23-25 . This preferred embodiment includes the carrier system  300  as discussed above. The carrier of this embodiment also includes an extension shank  430 . The extension shank includes two spaced holes  432 ,  434  extending crosswise through the shank  430 . Pins  436 ,  438  are insertable through the holes  432 ,  434  with locks  440 ,  442 . The extension shank  430  engages over shank  322  of carrier  300  with pin  436  is insertable into hole  432  that is aligned with hole  324  on shank  322 . It is to be noted that the extension shank  430  can also be sized to slide within shank  322 . The pins  436 ,  438  may be bolts or preferably securing pins with resilient inner nuts as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,609,725, incorporated herein by reference. 
     A second bicycle carrier system  300  is then mounted to extension shank  430 . The shank  322  of the second carrier  300  slides into or over extension shank  430  until hole  324  is aligned with hole  434 . Pin  438  is inserted through the holes to secure the shanks to one another. Thus, two bicycle carrier systems can be mounted to a vehicle that can carry up to four bicycles. Additional extension shanks can be used to add even more bicycle carrier systems to the vehicle. 
     While the extension shanks  430  were discussed with the bicycle carrier embodiment  300 , it is to be expressly understood that these extension shanks may be used with any type of bicycle carrier such as those described above and with other embodiments as well. 
     It is to be expressly understood that other embodiments are considered to be within the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims. For example, the carrier systems may be used with a single or dual shank carrier system such as those disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09683820 incorporated herein by reference. Also, the carrier could be mounted on other vehicle surfaces other than the hitch. For example the adjustable bicycle carrier system could be secured to a vehicle roof surface, a cargo bed, a trunk lid surface or other vehicle or trailer surface.