Abstract:
Apparatus for a bike rack for securing at least one bicycle are described herein. The bike rack is attachable to a vehicle receiver hitch. The bike rack includes a hub assembly, hitch insert assembly, and support wing assembly. The tub assembly includes a pair of hubs each having an arm. The hitch insert assembly includes a first end and a second end. The first end is located within the hub assembly and the second end is engageable with the receiver hitch. The hubs are rotatably adjustable about the first end of the hitch insert assembly. The support wing assembly includes a first wing engageable with the arm of the first hub and a second wing engageable with the arm of the second hub. The bike rack also includes an integral locking member and a pair of independently moveable cradles on each wing. Each cradle includes a bike support member.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a vehicle accessory mount and, more particularly, to an adjustable bike rack that may be mounted to a vehicle hitch receiver. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Bike carriers are typically utilized for storing or transporting bicycles or other cargo items. The bike carriers may be mounted to a vehicle. These vehicle mounted carriers may be positioned at any appropriate location on the vehicle, such as either on the roof of a vehicle or on the rear portion of a vehicle. Often such racks are mounted at the rear of the vehicle where the rack may cause minimum distraction and not obstruct a driver&#39;s view. Many vehicles, however, have tailgates that lower and back windows that raise, such as in station wagons, pick-up trucks and many sport utility vehicles, whereby mounting bike racks on the rear of the vehicle becomes inconvenient. 
     One large class of bike racks includes those racks that may be mounted on the roof of a vehicle. The roof carrier has the advantage of non-obstructed rear vision. However, it has not been widely accepted by the public because of its large size, unsightly appearance and high lift height for loading bicycles. In addition, while this solution may minimize space requirements, as most vehicles roofs are often not utilized for other purposes, loading and unloading the bicycles from a roof rack can be a difficult chore. 
     Moreover, bicycles that are transported on the vehicle roof may significantly add to the air drag of the vehicle and may therefore reduce gas mileage. In addition, roof mounted racks may be inconvenient since the bicycle rack connections may be located high up on the vehicle, whereby they are difficult to reach. At the very least, the rider is required to lift the bicycle above his head. Even reaching, let alone operating, attachment devices may be difficult at best, and the vehicle&#39;s paint job may be damaged. 
     Another large class of bike racks are those that may be mounted on the vehicle&#39;s rear bumper. While these racks are much easier to load and unload, the racks have serious weight restrictions due to the weight limitations of the bumper. The bumper is simply not designed to be a weight bearing fixture. Moreover, these racks tend to have a lack of stability, due in part to the desire to reduce the load on the bumper. The problems multiply if the user increases the number of bikes to be carried. 
     To engage the bumper, the bicycle carriers may require clamps or brackets that may engage with the upper and lower edges of the vehicle bumper in order to retain the carrier on the bumper. In addition, bumper mounted carriers, if not properly designed or installed, may scratch the bumper surface. 
     Other types of rear mounted carriers may require the use of straps or complicated assemblies for securing bicycles to the carriers that may be difficult to adjust. The use of the retaining ropes and straps has caused the reliability of the bicycle mountings to depend on some extent on the skill and care of the user. 
     Another class of bike racks are those that include a rack mounted on a trailer hitch receiver of the vehicle. A common configuration for such hitch receivers is a rectangular receptacle intended for a balled assembly to be inserted and fixed therein. It is upon this balled assembly that a trailer may be hitched. When such a balled assembly is not needed, it may be removed in many designs. When removed, the rectangular receiver is vacant and often covered with a removable cap. 
     Bicycle racks that may be detachably secured to a conventional trailer hitch mounted on a passenger vehicle may typically employ a rectangular base tube that is received in the trailer hitch square tube hitch receiver mounted on a passenger vehicle. Since the trailer hitch receiver is designed to support large weights, a much more substantial bike rack may be employed. 
     Traditionally, these bike racks may have static positions that may limit the locations where a bike can be supported by the rack. These limited locations may result in the bike being supported in less than an ideal location or manner. Additionally, it can be difficult to lock the bike(s) to the bike rack with a locking mechanism in order to inhibit theft of the bikes. 
     Moreover, typical bike racks may utilize two fixed wings or posts. These fixed posts may extend upwardly at an angle relative to one another from a hitch insert. Since the posts are fixed, the angles are also fixed and cannot be changed. Various clamping devices have also been used in the prior art to attempt to secure the crossbar of the bicycles to the bike rack. Such clamping devices have various drawbacks. Some may lack the necessary structural integrity to securely hold bicycles onto the carrier while being transported by the vehicle. 
     SUMMARY 
     Apparatus for a bike rack for securing at least one bicycle are described herein. The bike rack may be attachable to a vehicle receiver hitch. The bike rack may include a hub assembly and a support wing assembly. The hub assembly may include a pair of hubs that may each have an arm. The hubs may be rotatably adjustable. The bike rack may include a hitch insert assembly. The hitch insert assembly may include a first end and a second end. The first end may be located within the hub assembly and the second end may be engageable with the receiver hitch. The hubs may be rotatably adjustable about the first end of the hitch insert assembly. The support wing assembly may include a first wing and a second wing. The first wing may be engageable with the arm of the first hub and the second wing may be engageable with the arm of the second hub. The bike rack may also include an integral locking member and a pair of independently moveable cradles on each wing. Each cradle may include a bike support member. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Objects and advantages together with the operation of the invention may be better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the following illustrations, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a bike rack in use with a receiver hitch assembly of a vehicle. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of the bike rack in use with a bicycle. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of the bike rack of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a close up perspective view of a hitch insert assembly of the bike rack. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of the hitch insert assembly of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a close up perspective view of a hub assembly of the bike rack. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective exploded view of a hub of the hub assembly of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the hub of the hub assembly of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a cross-sectional perspective exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a hub of a hub assembly of the bike rack. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a close up perspective view of the support tube assembly of the bike rack of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a partially exploded close up perspective view of the support tube assembly of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a perspective view of the bike rack of  FIG. 3  rotated. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a close up rear view of a locking mechanism of the bike rack of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a close up front view of the locking mechanism of the bike rack of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a partially exploded close up perspective view of the locking mechanism and anti-sway fingers of the bike rack of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a perspective view of the bike rack in a four bike layout having four wings. 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a top view of the four bike layout having four wings of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a perspective view of the bike rack in a four bike layout having two wings. 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a top view of the bike rack in a four bike layout having two wings of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a close up perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a support tube assembly for a bike rack. 
         FIG. 21  illustrates a close up perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a support tube assembly for a bike rack. 
         FIG. 22  illustrates a close up perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a locking mechanism for a bike rack. 
         FIG. 23  illustrates a close up perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a locking mechanism for a bike rack. 
         FIG. 24  illustrates a close up perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a locking mechanism for a bike rack. 
         FIG. 25  illustrates a close up perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a locking mechanism for a bike rack. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the respective scope of the invention. As such, the following description is presented by way of illustration only and should not limit in any way the various alternatives and modifications that may be made to the illustrated embodiments and still be within the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     A bike rack  10  is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 ,  12  and  16 - 19 . The bike rack  10  may include a hub assembly  34  and a support tube or wing assembly  59  ( FIGS. 1 ,  3  and  12 ). The bike rack  10  may be operable to assist in moving or maneuvering cargo, such as bicycles  18 . In a non-limiting example, the bike rack  10  may be secured to a vehicle (not shown) that may be equipped with a receiver hitch assembly  12  ( FIG. 1 ). The bike rack  10  may also be operable to store cargo, such as bicycles  18 , when the bikes  18  are not being transported. In a non-limiting example, the bike rack  10  may be positioned in any appropriate location, such as on a garage wall or the like. The bike rack  10  may be of any appropriate shape, size, type or configuration. 
     The receiver hitch assembly  12  may include a hitch frame  14  and a receiver  16  ( FIG. 1 ). The hitch frame  14  may be of any appropriate shape, size, type or configuration. The hitch frame  14  may be secured to the vehicle by any appropriate means, such as welding, fasteners or the like. The receiver  16  may be secured to the hitch frame  14  at any appropriate location, such as at an approximate center of the hitch frame  14 . The receiver  16  may be of any appropriate shape or size, such as a generally rectangular tubular shape. 
     The bike rack  10  may also include a hitch insert assembly  20  ( FIGS. 1 ,  3  and  12 ). In a non-limiting example, the hitch insert assembly  20  may work in conjunction with a receiver hitch assembly  12  to secure the bike rack  10  to a vehicle ( FIG. 1 ). The hitch insert assembly  20  may be of any appropriate shape, size, type or configuration ( FIGS. 1-6 ,  12 ,  15 ,  17  and  19 ). The hitch insert assembly  20  may be fabricated out of any appropriate type of material, such as steel or aluminum. The hitch insert assembly  20  may include a first end  22  and a second end  24  ( FIG. 5 ). 
     The first end  22  may be of any appropriate shape or size, such as of a substantially cylindrical shape ( FIG. 5 ). The first end  22  of the hitch insert assembly  20  may be engaged with the hub assembly  34  ( FIGS. 1-4 ,  6  and  12 ). The first end  22  may include at least one set of apertures radially located around the first end  22 . For example, the first end  22  may include two sets of apertures  26 ,  28  ( FIG. 5 ). The two sets of apertures  26 ,  28  may be located at a distance spaced apart from one another. The two sets of apertures  26 ,  28  may be of similar or different shapes and sizes. 
     The second end  24  may be of any appropriate shape or size. For example, the second end  24  may include a pair of bifurcated arms  30 ,  32 , whereby the bifurcated arms  30 ,  32  may be rotatable ( FIGS. 4 and 5 ). The arms  30 ,  32  may be secured to the second end  24  by any appropriate means, such as with fasteners  33 . For example, the arms  30 ,  32  may be secured to the second end  24  with a pin and a clip ( FIG. 4 ). In some embodiments, the second end  24  may be configured to be received within and secured to the receiver  16 , whereby the arms  30 ,  32  may not be needed. 
     The arms  30 ,  32  may be of any appropriate shape or size, such as a generally rectangular tubular shape. For example, the arms  30 ,  32 , may be of a similar shape to that of the desired receiver  16 . The bifurcated arms  30 ,  32  may have differing dimensions to allow the hitch insert assembly  20  to be received within two different sized hitches. For example, the first arm  30  may include an approximately 1¼ inch shank, and the second arm  32  may include an approximately 2 inch shank ( FIGS. 4 and 5 ). 
     The hub assembly  34  may include a pair of hubs  36  ( FIGS. 4 and 6 ). Each of these hubs  36  may include an arm  38  ( FIGS. 4 ,  6 - 8  and  15 ). The hubs  36  may be of any appropriate shape or size, such as a generally rectangular, ovular or cylindrical shape. The hubs  36  may be fabricated out of any appropriate type of material. The hub assembly  34  may be attached to the cylindrical or first end  22  end of the hitch insert assembly  20 . 
     Each hub  36  may include a hub aperture  40  ( FIG. 7 ). The hub aperture  40  may be of any appropriate shape or size, such as a generally cylindrical shape. The hub aperture  40  may be located at any appropriate position on the hub  36 , such as at a generally central location through the hub  36  ( FIG. 7 ). 
     Each hub  36  may include a hub cover  42 , a button  48 , and a locking mechanism  52 , and a sleeve  56  ( FIG. 7 ). The hub cover  42  may be of any appropriate shape or size, such as a generally rectangular, ovular or cylindrical shape. For example, each hub cover  42  may be of a similar shape to that of the hub  36  ( FIG. 7 ). The hub cover  42  may include a hub cover aperture  44  ( FIG. 7 ). The aperture  44  may be of any appropriate shape or size, such as a generally cylindrical shape. The hub cover aperture  44  may be located at any appropriate position on the hub cover  42 , such as at a generally central location through the hub cover  42 . The hub cover aperture  44  may be aligned with the hub aperture  40  ( FIGS. 7 and 8 ). 
     The hub cover  42  may also include at least one button aperture  46  ( FIG. 7 ). The button aperture  46  may be of any appropriate shape or size, such as a generally rectangular or circular shape. The button aperture  46  may be located at any appropriate position on the hub cover  42 , such as adjacent the hub cover aperture  44  ( FIG. 7 ). 
     The button  48  may be of any appropriate shape, size, type or configuration, such as of a generally square or rectangular shape ( FIG. 7 ). The button  48  may also include a tab  50  ( FIG. 7 ). The tab  50  may aid in engaging the button  48  and locking mechanism  52 . The button  48  may be engaged to operate the locking mechanism  52  ( FIGS. 7 and 8 ). 
     The locking mechanism  52  may be of any appropriate shape, size, type or configuration ( FIGS. 7 and 8 ). The locking mechanism  52  may be located at any appropriate position in the hub assembly  34 , such as within the hub  36  ( FIG. 8 ). The locking mechanism  52  may include a projection  53  ( FIGS. 7 and 8 ). The projection  53  may be selectively engaged with the apertures  26 ,  28  to rotationally lock the associated hub assembly  34  on the first end  22  ( FIGS. 5 and 8 ). 
     The locking mechanism  52  may be operable within the hub  36  by any appropriate means, such as with a spring  54  ( FIGS. 7 and 8 ). The spring  54  may be of any appropriate shape, size, type or configuration, such as a biasing spring. The locking mechanism  52  may be biased to a locked position by the spring  54 . The button  48  may be pushed to unlock the locking mechanism  52 , whereby the respective hub  36  may be rotated around the first end  22  of the hitch insert assembly  20  within its respective set of apertures  26 ,  28 . 
     The sleeve  56  may be of any appropriate shape, size, type or configuration, such as a generally cylindrical shape ( FIG. 7 ). The sleeve  56  may be located at any appropriate position in the hub  36 , such as within the hub aperture  40  ( FIG. 8 ). The sleeve  56  may act as a bushing to facilitate rotation within the hub aperture  40 . The sleeve  56  may include a sleeve aperture  58  ( FIG. 7 ). The sleeve aperture  58  may be located at any appropriate position on the sleeve  56 , such as at a generally central location through the sleeve  56 . 
     The sleeve  56  may also include an axially extending opening  55  ( FIG. 7 ). The opening  55  may be of any appropriate shape or size, such as a partial or complete opening. The opening  55  may be aligned with the projection  53  when assembled. The sleeve  56  may also include at least one rib  57  ( FIG. 7 ). The rib  57  may engage with a complementary feature  41  ( FIG. 7 ). The complementary feature  41  may be located at any appropriate position, such as on the inner surface of the hub  36  whereby the complementary feature  41  may rotationally lock the sleeve  56  to the hub  36 . 
     The sleeve aperture  58  may be aligned with the hub aperture  40  and the hub cover aperture  44  ( FIG. 7 ). The alignment of the hub aperture  40 , hub cover aperture  44  and the sleeve aperture  58  may allow the first end  22  of the hitch insert assembly  20  to be located within the hub  36  ( FIGS. 4 ,  6  and  8 ). The first end  22  of the hitch insert assembly  20  may also include a cover  51  ( FIGS. 3 ,  4  and  6 ). The cover  51  may be of any appropriate shape or size, such as a generally cylindrical shape. 
     The hubs  36  may be located at any appropriate position on the bike rack  10 , such as being engaged with or located on the first end  22  of the hitch insert assembly  20 . For example, a first hub  36  may be engaged with the first set of apertures  26  on the first end  22  of the hitch insert assembly  20 , and a second hub  36  may be engaged with the second set of apertures on the first end  22  of the hitch insert assembly  20  ( FIGS. 4 and 5 ). 
     The support tube or wing assembly  59  may include at least one support tube or wing  60  and at least one cradle  70 . The support tube assembly  59 , however, may include any appropriate number of wings  60  and cradles  70 . For example, the support tube assembly  59  may include a pair of support tubes  60 , whereby each support tube  60  may include a pair of cradles  70  (FIGS.  3  and  10 - 12 ). The wings  60  may be of any appropriate shape, size, type or configuration. The wings  60  may be fabricated out of any appropriate type of material, such as extruded aluminum. In some embodiments, the wings  60  may be integrally formed with the arms  38  and/or the hub  36 . 
     Each arm  38  may be integrally formed with the hub  36  or may be individual components that may be secured to one another by any appropriate means, such as by fasteners, welding or the like. For example, the arm  38  and the associated hub  36  may be an integrally cast component. The arms  38  may be of any appropriate shape or size, such as a generally rectangular or cylindrical arm having a curvature ( FIGS. 6-8  and  15 ). 
     The arms  38  may be located at any appropriate position on the hub  36 , whereby the arms  38  may extend or project outwardly from the hub  36 , whereby each wing  60  may be attached thereto ( FIGS. 3 ,  6  and  13 - 15 ). The arms  38  may be offset on each hub  36 , whereby the wings  60  may not interfere with one another when both wings  60  are in a vertical position ( FIG. 3 ). Each arm  38  may be secured to or engaged with each support tube or wing  60  by any appropriate means. For example, the arms  38  may be inserted into an end of each support tube  60  ( FIG. 15 ). 
     The hub assembly  34  of the bike rack  10  may allow each wing  60  to independently pivot or rotate between multiple positions to facilitate the supporting of multiple and different types of bikes  18 . In one embodiment, each support tube or wing  60  may be pivoted between three discrete positions. In a non-limiting example, each wing  60  may be pivoted between a straight up/vertical position, a straight out/horizontal position, a position located in between the vertical and horizontal positions, and in either direction relative to the vertical position. In some embodiments, each wing  60  may be pivoted about 180 degrees between two opposing horizontal positions. The wings  60  may be pivoted or adjusted independently of one another. 
     Adjustability of the mounting positions of the bike rack  10  may be accomplished by any appropriate means, such as through the use of the hub assembly  34  and wings  60 . In alternative embodiments, the positions may be more numerous and could be infinite depending on the mechanism utilized to hold the wing  60  in position. In addition, the hub assembly  34  and wings  60  may be designed with any desired angles or mounting positions. 
     In the current embodiment, the first end  22  of the hitch insert assembly  20  may include two sets of locking apertures  26 ,  28 , such as one for each hub  36  and arm  38  attached thereto. The sets of locking apertures  26 ,  28  may allow a spring biased locking mechanism  52  associated with each hub  36  and thus wing  60  to be moved or adjusted into and out of engagement, thereby allowing the wings  60  and the central hub assembly  36  to be pivoted about the first end  22 . When the locking mechanism  52  is released, the locking mechanism  52  may engage with one of the locking apertures  26 ,  28  when rotated to be aligned therewith. The spring  54  may bias the locking mechanism  52  into engagement. 
     The wings  60  may attach to the arms  38  on each hub  36  by any appropriate means, such as with fasteners. The wings  60  may be of any appropriate shape or size. For example, the wings  60  may have a hollow cavity to allow the wings  60  to fit over the arms  38 . Each wing  60  may include two curved opposite sidewalls  65 . The sidewalls  65  may be spaced apart by a groove or channel  66  ( FIGS. 10 and 11 ). 
     The channel  66  may be of any appropriate shape or size, such as extending the length of the wing  60 , thereby forming opposing “C” shapes when viewed in cross-section ( FIGS. 10 and 11 ). The wings  60  may also include apertures  68 . The apertures may be of any appropriate shape or size, such as a generally cylindrical shape. The apertures  68  may be located at any appropriate position on the wings  60  such as at distances spaced apart along the length of each sidewall  65  ( FIGS. 10 and 11 ). Each wing  60  may also include a cap  84 . The cap  84  may be of any appropriate shape or size, such as a generally semi-spherical shape. The cap  84  may be located at a second end  64  of the support wing assembly  59 , adjacent an end of the wing  60  ( FIGS. 3 ,  10  and  11 ). 
     As an alternative embodiment, the hub assembly  34 ′ may include several serrated surfaces  94  and different components ( FIG. 9 ). In this embodiment, the hub assembly  34 ′ may include serrated surfaces  94  on each hub  36 . In addition, hub assembly  34 ′ may also include a knob  92 , a washer  96  and a fixed member  98 . The washer  96  may also include serrated surfaces  94  in order to engage with the serrated surfaces  94  of each hub  36 . The fixed member  98  may also include a serrated surface  94  to engage with one of the hubs  36 . The knob  92  may be pulled on to operate and engage or turn the hub assembly  34 ′ components along the various serrated surfaces  94  to adjust the wings  60  that may be secured to the arms  38 . The serrated surfaces  94  may prevent relative rotation when they are engaged, and may allow relative rotation when they are disengaged. Operation of the knob  92  may engage and disengage the serrated surfaces  94 , thereby allowing for selective relative rotation. 
     The cradles  70  may be of any appropriate shape, size, type or configuration. The cradles  70  may be fabricated out of any appropriate type of material, such as aluminum or steel. The cradles  70  may be of any appropriate shape, size, type or configuration. For example, the cradles  70  may be of a generally “C” shape ( FIG. 11 ). The cradles  70  may include at least one slat  76  ( FIG. 11 ). For example, each cradle  70  may include a pair of slats  76 . The slats  76  may be of any appropriate shape or size, such as a generally rectangular shape. The slats  76  may be engaged with or located within the groove or channel  66  of the wings  60  ( FIG. 11 ). For example, the “C” shaped end of the cradle  70  may surround one of the sidewalls  65  with the slats  76  engaged in the channels  66  ( FIGS. 10 and 11 ). 
     Two cradles  70  may be disposed on each wing  60 , such as surrounding opposite sidewalls  65  of the wing  60 , and may move past one another on the wing  60 . Each cradle  70  may include a spring loaded pin  88  and a knob  72  ( FIG. 11 ). The knob  72  may be located at any appropriate position on the cradle  70 , such as opposite that of the spring loaded pin  88 . The spring loaded pin  88  may engage with apertures  68  in the sidewalls  65  of the wings  60  to retain the cradle  70  and bike support member  74  in a desired location along the length of the wing  60  ( FIGS. 10-12 ). The spring loaded pin  88  may be adjustable by use of pulling on the knob  72 , for example. 
     A bike support members  74  may be attached to each cradle  70  (FIGS.  3  and  10 - 12 ). The bike support members  74  may be of any appropriate shape or size to be easily engaged with a bicycle  18 . The bike support members  74  may be located at any appropriate position on the cradle  70 , such at an uppers location on the cradle  70 . The bike support members  74  may include a cable or strap  86  ( FIGS. 2 ,  20  and  21 ). The cable or strap  86  may be utilized to support the hub of a bike wheel and strap the wheel to the bike support member  74  ( FIGS. 2 ,  20  and  21 ). 
     The bike rack  10  may also include an anti-sway finger or cradle  78  ( FIGS. 1 ,  4 ,  12  and  15 ). The anti-sway finger  78  may be of any appropriate shape, size, type or configuration. The anti-sway fingers  78  may be a similar shape and size and constructed in a similar manner as the bike support members  74 , and may be configured without having the spring loaded pin  88 . The anti-sway finger  78  may be located at any appropriate position on the bike rack  10 , such as being located on and engaged with the wing  60 . The anti-sway fingers  78  may be positioned on the wings  60  closest to the central hub  36  and may be moved along the length of the wing  60  ( FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  4 ,  12  and  15 ). 
     Once a bike  18  is supported by the bike support members  74 , the anti-sway finger  78  may be moved to a position that may support a lower portion of the bike  18  and the attached strap  86  may be wrapped around a portion of the bike  18  to inhibit the bike  18  from swaying as the vehicle travels. The anti-sway finger  78  may be fabricated out of any appropriate type of material, such as aluminum and steel. The bike support members  74  and anti-sway fingers  78  may be anodized aluminum and may include a protective cover, such as Santoprene®, by way of a non-limiting example. 
     The bike rack  10  may also include a locking member  80  ( FIGS. 4 ,  6  and  12 - 15 ). The locking member  80  may be of any appropriate shape, size, type or configuration. For example, the locking member  80  may be a pair of attached circular members. The locking member  80  may be located at any appropriate position on the bike rack  10 , such as adjacent the wings  60 . For example, the locking member  80  may be configured to be disposed on the lower portion of the wing  60  which may overlap the arm  38  on the hub  36 . For example, the fastener that retains the wing  60  to the arm  38  may also retain the locking member  80 . The locking member  80  may provide a secure pass-through opening for a cable  86  to facilitate the locking of the bikes  18  to the rack  10  with a cable  86  ( FIG. 2 ). 
     Various other alternative locking arrangements may be shown in  FIGS. 22-26 . For example, the locking member  80  may comprise: an aperture located in each arm  38  ( FIG. 22 ); a loop located adjacent each arm  38  ( FIG. 23 ); a loop located adjacent the receiver hitch  16  ( FIG. 24 ); or an aperture located within the cradle  70  ( FIG. 25 ). Additional alternatives may include housing the cable  86  within the wings  60 , whereby the cable  86  may lock into the hub assembly  34 . When not in use, the cable  86  may slide or retract back into the wings  60 . The cable  86  may be housed within the hitch insert assembly  20  and also be able to lock onto the hitch insert assembly, such as through a loop. 
     The bike rack  10  may include foam protectors  82  ( FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  4 ,  12  and  15 ). The foam protectors  82  may be of any appropriate shape or size, such as generally cylindrical. The foam protectors  82  may be located at any appropriate position on the bike rack  10 . For example, the foam protectors  82  may be located on each support tube  60 , whereby each foam protector  82  may be slidable along the length of the support tube  60 . In addition, there may be any appropriate number of foam protectors  82 . The foam protectors  82  may be utilized on the wings  60  to inhibit damage to the bikes  18  located thereon. 
     The bicycle or cargo item  18  may be secured to the bike rack  10  by any appropriate means, such as a strap, cable, rope, chain or the like  86 , for maintaining the cargo item  18  on the bike rack  10 . The bike rack  10  may incorporate many desired features, allow for pleasant aesthetics, and provide for a sturdy construction. 
     The bike support members  74  that engage with and support the wheels of the bike  18  can be adjusted along the length of the wings  60 . Two bike support members  74 , extending in opposite directions, are moveably attached to each wing  60 . As a result, each pair of wings  60  may support two bikes  18 , one forward of the wings  60 , such as between the wings  60  and the vehicle, and the other rearward of the wings  60  ( FIGS. 16 and 17 ). In some embodiments, a single pair of wings  60  may support four bikes  18  ( FIGS. 18 and 19 ). 
     In some embodiments, the bike rack  10  may be attached to a wall of a garage to store bikes in the garage. The adjustable wings  60  may facilitate the fitment of the bikes on the rack  10  and allow for a more compact rack  10  when not in use. 
     Although the embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it is to be understood that the present invention is not to be limited to the embodiments disclosed, but that the invention described herein is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the claims hereafter.