Abstract:
A bicycle rack used to attach a bicycle to the rear of a motor vehicle. The bicycle rack is fixedly attached to the bicycle when the bicycle is operated as well as when it is transported on the motor vehicle. The bicycle rack includes two swing arms movable from a first position when the bicycle is being utilized to a second transverse position used to attach the bicycle rack and the bicycle to the rear of a motor vehicle. A plurality of retractable cables is used to assist in attaching the bicycle rack and the bicycle to the rear of the vehicle.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/818,616, entitled “BICYCLE RACK,” filed May 2, 2013. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates to a bicycle rack or carrier utilized to attach a bicycle to a vehicle for transporting the bicycle from a first location to a second location. More particularly, the invention relates to a bicycle rack that remains attached to the bicycle at all times allowing the rider to enjoy an unimpeded ride with the added convenience of a portable bicycle rack. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Cycling is a very efficient and effective mode of transportation, optimal for short to moderate distances. Bicycles provide numerous benefits compared to motor vehicles, including a means of exercise, an alternative to the use of fossil fuels, reducing air and noise pollution, as well as reducing traffic congestion. 
         [0006]    However, there are certain instances in which the cyclist requires transporting the bicycle from a first location to a second location remote from the first location, and does not choose to or cannot ride the bicycle to this second location. For example, this would occur if the cyclist wishes to bring the bicycle on a vacation and therefore must transport the bicycle to the vacation location. Additionally, there are times in which inclement weather would prevent or make it very difficult for the cyclist to ride his or her bicycle. 
         [0007]    In these instances, when a vehicle is utilized to transport the bicycle from the first location to the second location, the vehicle must be equipped with a bicycle rack. Generally, the bicycle rack is secured to the top of the vehicle or mounted on the trunk or hatch back door of the vehicle. Unfortunately, the use of either the roof bicycle rack or the rear mounted bicycle rack would create problems. For example, and with respect to the roof bicycle rack, the bicycle must be lifted onto the top of the vehicle, thus inconveniencing the bicycle rider, and possibly scratching the vehicle. When the vehicle is driven with the bicycle on top of the vehicle, the effective height of the vehicle is increased, as well as elevating the center of gravity, thus hindering the safe operation of the vehicle. 
         [0008]    With respect to rear mounted bicycle racks, when the bicycle is attached to the rack, the bicycle protrudes from the rear of the vehicle, thereby substantially increasing the effective length of the vehicle. Additionally, while both the roof bicycle rack and the rear mounted bicycle rack can be detached from the vehicle when a bicycle is not being carried by each respective rack, this is generally not done, thereby unnecessarily producing drag on the vehicle as well as, in the case of the rear mounted bicycle rack, potentially shielding the license plate as well as the tail lights from view. 
         [0009]    As previously described, conventional bicycle racks are permanently attached to, or removably attached to, the rear or top of a vehicle. Therefore, unless these bicycle racks are attached to the vehicle, the bicycle cannot be transported from the first location to the second location. Consequently, since there are instances when the bicycle rider would unexpectedly be forced to transport the bicycle from the first location to the second location, it is important that a bicycle rack be developed which is physically attached to the bicycle when it is being ridden, and can be affixed to the rear of a vehicle when the bicycle is to be transported between the two locations. For example, if the bicycle becomes inoperable or inclement weather would prevent the bicycle rider from riding the bicycle, any vehicle which would then be utilized to transport the bicycle must be provided with either a roof bicycle rack or a rear mounted bicycle rack. Unless that vehicle is so equipped, it could not transport the bicycle. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The present invention addresses the deficiencies of the prior art by providing a bicycle rack secured to the bicycle when the bicycle is in use as well as when the bicycle is attached to the rear of a motor vehicle. The bicycle rack of the present invention includes a horizontal member secured to the horizontal long bar of a typical men&#39;s bicycle. Two swing arms attach to the horizontal member of the bicycle rack. While the bicycle is being ridden, the two swing arms are secured to the horizontal member of the bicycle rack, such that the two swing arms are in the plane of the bicycle. When the bicycle and the bicycle rack are to be secured to the rear of a vehicle, a locking mechanism associated with each of the swing arms is unlocked, allowing each of the arms to be rotated out of the plane of the bicycle. Each of the swing arms is provided with two pivoting rubber terminal support members adapted to abut the rear of the vehicle when the bicycle rack is attached thereto. 
         [0011]    The bicycle rack is provided with two pairs of retractable cables used to firmly secure the bicycle rack to the vehicle. The first pair of retractable cables attaches the bicycle rack within a crack produced at the top of the trunk of the vehicle, when the trunk is opened, and then closed on hooks attached to the ends of each of the cables. The second pair of retractable cables is attached to the cracks created between the bottom of the trunk and the top of the rear bumper through the use of a hook provided at the end of each of these second pair of cables. Alternatively, the hooks provided on the end of each of the second cables are attached to the bottom of the undercarriage of the vehicle. 
         [0012]    Additionally, the bicycle rack is provided with a locking mechanism used to prevent the bicycle rack from being removed from the bicycle. 
         [0013]    Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a bicycle rack secured to the bicycle when the bicycle is in use as well as when the bicycle is being transported by a motor vehicle. 
         [0014]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a bicycle rack secured to the horizontal long bar of a bicycle. 
         [0015]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide a bicycle rack provided with two swing arms. 
         [0016]    A further object of the present invention is to provide a bicycle rack provided with pivoting terminal support members connected to the swing arms. 
         [0017]    Yet another object of the present invention is to produce a bicycle rack provided with retractable cables to secure the bicycle rack to the rear of a motor vehicle. 
         [0018]    Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth certain embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing the bicycle rack attached to the bicycle. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a detailed side view of the bicycle rack shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0021]      FIGS. 3 and 4  are detailed side views showing the manner in which the bicycle rack moves from a stored position into an active position. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a side view showing the bicycle attached to a vehicle utilizing the bicycle rack of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view showing the bicycle and bicycle rack attached to the rear of a motor vehicle. 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a side view of the bicycle rack detached from a bicycle. 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a bicycle rack in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention with terminal support members removed to show the structure of the ball joints. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0026]    The detailed embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiment is merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use the invention. 
         [0027]    Referring to the various figures, a bicycle rack  10  for ready attachment to a vehicle  200  is disclosed. The bicycle rack  10  includes a horizontal member  16  shaped and dimensioned for secure attachment to a horizontal long bar  14  of a bicycle  100 . Although, it is appreciated the bicycle rack  10  may be removed from attachment with the bicycle, the present bicycle rack  10  is intended to remain attached to the bike at all times allowing the rider to enjoy an unimpeded ride with the added convenience of being portable. It is the objective of this invention that this bike rack is mounted to the frame of the bike all the times, unlike other bicycle carriers. A first swing arm  18  is rotatably secured to the horizontal member  16  and a second swing arm  20  is rotatably secured to the horizontal member  16 . The first swing arm  18  includes an arm  22  and a semicircular arm  24  shaped and dimensioned for engagement with an exterior surface of a vehicle  200  and the second swing arm  20  includes an arm  26  and a semicircular arm  28  shaped and dimensioned for engagement with an exterior surface of the vehicle  200 . 
         [0028]    More particularly,  FIG. 1  illustrates a bicycle rack  10  attached to a horizontal long bar  14  extending between the handle bars  11  and the support  13  of a bicycle seat  19  of a bicycle  100 . As briefly explained above, the bicycle rack  10  is provided with a horizontal member  16  selectively secured to the horizontal long bar  14  by two bands  54 ,  56  as shown in  FIG. 2 . The horizontal member  16  is provided with a V-shaped, concave inner surface  16   s  extending for the entire length of the horizontal member  16 , thereby abutting the convex outer surface  14   c  of the horizontal long bar  14 . 
         [0029]    The first swing arm  18  is permanently secured to the horizontal member  16  by a cap  61  in the form of a pivoting attachment member including a first locking mechanism  58  in a manner allowing for selective rotation of the first arm relative to the horizontal member  16 . The second swing arm  20  is permanently secured to the horizontal member  16  by a cap  39  including a second locking mechanism  59  in a manner allowing for selective rotation of the second swing arm  20  relative to the horizontal member  16 . As will be explained below in greater detail, the first and second locking mechanisms  58 ,  59  are similar in construction and operation (with the exception that they allow for rotation in opposite directions such that the first and second swing arms  18 ,  20  rotate in manner similar to that of a double door). The first swing arm  18  is attached to the horizontal member  16  in proximity to a first end  33  of the horizontal member  16 . The second swing arm  20  is attached in proximity to a second end  31  of the horizontal member  16 . 
         [0030]    A first locking device  82  secures the first band  56  around both the horizontal member  16  and the horizontal long bar  14  to ensure secure and tamperproof attachment thereto. A second locking device  83  secures the second band  54  around both the horizontal member  16  and the horizontal long bar  14  to also ensure secure and tamperproof attachment thereto. The first and second bands  54 ,  56  are provided between the first and second swing arms  18 ,  20 . 
         [0031]    Each of the first and second swing arms  18 ,  20  is angled toward the other swing arm as they each extend downwardly from the horizontal member  16 . The first swing arm  18  is comprised of an arm  22  and a semicircular arm  24  composed of arc segments  23 ,  25  as shown in  FIG. 2 . The arm  22  is secured between the horizontal member  16  and the semicircular arm  24 . A terminal support member  30  is attached to the end  23   e  of the arc segment  23  by a pivotal connector  46 . Similarly, a terminal support member  32  is connected to the end  25   e  of arc segment  25  through the use of a pivotal connector  50 . The end  30   e  of the terminal support member  30  is provided with a rubberized or similar non-abrasive end surface  38 . Additionally, the end  32   e  of the terminal support member  32  is provided with a rubberized or similar non-abrasive end surface  42 . 
         [0032]    The second swing arm  20  includes an arm  26  and a semicircular arm  28  including arc segments  27  and  29 . The arm  26  extends from the horizontal member  16  and is positioned between the horizontal member  16  and the semicircular arm  28 . A terminal support member  34  is attached to the end  27   e  of the arc segment  27  by a pivotal connector  48 . A rubberized or similar non-abrasive end surface  40  is attached to end  34   e  of the terminal support member  34 . Similarly, a terminal support member  36  is attached by a pivotal connector  52  to the end  29   e  of the arc segment  29 . A rubberized or similar non-abrasive end surface  44  is applied to the end  36   e  of the terminal support  36 . 
         [0033]    In accordance with an alternate embodiment, and as shown with reference to  FIG. 8 , the bicycle rack  10 ′ is provided with terminal support members  30 ′,  32 ′,  34 ′,  36 ′ connected to the ends  23   e ′,  25   e′,    27   e′,    29   c′  of the arc segments  23 ′,  25 ′,  27 ′,  29 ′ with ball and socket joints  23   b ′,  25   b ′,  27   b ′,  29   b ′. These terminal support members are provided with integral end surfaces  38 ′,  40 ′,  42 ′,  44 ′ composed of tough rubber pads. These ball and socket joints allow for a full range of motion. 
         [0034]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , when the bicycle rack  10  is not attached to the rear  202  of a vehicle  200 , the first and second swing arms  18 ,  20  are provided in the same plane as the bicycle frame  12 . This plane comprises horizontal long bar  14 , a substantially vertical bar  15  extending from one end of the horizontal long bar  16  and an angled bar  17 . The vertical bar  15  extends between the horizontal long bar  14  and the angled bar  17 . The angled bar  17  extends between a short bar  37  extending from the handlebars  11  and the bottom end of the vertical bar  15 . When the bicycle rack  10  is in this position, arc segments  23 ,  25 ,  27 , and  29  are configured in a circular arrangement. 
         [0035]      FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate the manner in which the bicycle rack  10  is readied for affixing to the rear  202  of a vehicle  200  as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . Although  FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate the manner in which the first swing arm  18  is rotated approximately 90 degrees from the position shown in  FIG. 1  to the position shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , it is appreciated that second swing arm  20  is maneuvered in a mirror image manner to affix the bicycle  100  utilizing the bicycle rack  10  to a motor vehicle  200 . As mentioned above, the cap  61  pivotally securing the first swing arm  18  to the horizontal member  16  includes a frictional locking mechanism  58 . It is appreciated the cap  61  shaped and dimensioned to receive the top  22   t  of arm  22 , proximate to where the arm  22  is secured to the horizontal member  16 . This allows the arm  22  to rotate relative to the cap  61  as the top  22   t  sits within the cap  61 . The frictional locking mechanism  58  includes a shaft  62  provided within a slot  64  in the cap  61  and screwed into the top  22   t  of the arm  22 . In the locked position, the shaft  62  abuts the cap  61  at a first end  64   f  of the slot  64  thereby preventing rotation of the arm  22  relative to the cap  61 . When the frictional locking mechanism  58 , utilizing handle  60 , is turned in the counterclockwise direction, the end of the shaft  62  moves in an outward direction and becomes disengaged from the exterior surface  65  of the cap  61 , allowing the swing arm  18  to rotate approximately 90 degrees to the position shown in  FIG. 4 . As the swing arm  18  rotates to the position shown in  FIG. 4 , the shaft  62  of the frictional locking mechanism  58  moves in the slot  64  to the position shown in  FIG. 4  at the second end  64   s  of the slot  64 . The handle  60  is then rotated in the clockwise direction, thereby forcing the end of the shaft  62  inwardly against the exterior surface  65  of the cap  61 , resulting in the arm  22  being secured in the position shown in  FIG. 4 . In accordance with an alternate embodiment, and with reference to  FIG. 8 , it is appreciated the friction locking mechanism may take the form of a spring loaded push button mechanism  58 ′ allowing the swing arms  18 ′,  20 ′ to rotate 90 degrees from a stowed position to an operational position. More particularly, two spring-loaded push buttons  59   a ′,  59   b ′ are provided in the top  22   t ′,  26   t ′ of the arm  22 ′,  26 ′ each swing arm  18 ′,  20 ′. The spring loaded push buttons  59   a ′,  59   b ′ are mounted at 90-degree angles to one another. One of the push buttons  59   a ′ will remain in a hole  64 ′ piloted in the cap  61  in which the top  22   t,    26   t  of the swing arm  18 ,  20  is positioned arresting any vertical or rotational motion of the swing arm  18 ,  20  while the other push button  59   b ′ (shown in phantom lines) is hidden inside the cap  61 . When the user would like to change the position of the swing arms  18 ′,  20 ′ they simply push in the buttons  59   a ′ on each one of the swing arms  18 ,  20  and rotate the arm until the push button  59   b ′ at 90 degrees to the first springs into the hole  64 ′ in the cap  61 ′, locking the swing arm  18 ′,  20 ′ in place. 
         [0036]    At this point, both the end surfaces  38 ,  42  of the terminal support members  30 ,  32  respectively would be in position to be secured to the trunk  281  of the motor vehicle  200 . Since the angle of the exterior surface of various motor vehicles are different, pivotal connectors  46 ,  50  are used to the terminal support members  30 ,  32  to the ends  23   e,    25   e  of the arc segments  23 ,  25  to allow the terminal support members  30 ,  32  to pivot in order to abut the exterior surface of the rear of any motor vehicle. Although  FIGS. 3 and 4  only show the manner in which the first swing arm  18  moves from one locked position to a second locked position, it can be appreciated that the second swing arm  20  would move in a like manner between the two locked positions. 
         [0037]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 2-4 , a first reel  66 , a second reel  68 , a third reel  69  and a fourth reel  71  are affixed to the underside of the horizontal member  16 . The second and third reels  68 ,  69  are provided between the first and second swing arms  18 ,  20 . The first reel  66  is provided close to the first end  33  of the horizontal member  16 , and the fourth reel  71  is provided close to the second end  31  of horizontal member  16 . 
         [0038]    As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the first reel  66  is provided with a cable  76  wound within the reel  66  when the bicycle rack  10  is not attached to the motor vehicle  200 . The end  85  of the cable  76  extends from a housing  75  attached to the first reel  66 , allowing the cable  76  be wound or unwound from the first reel  66 . The end  85  of the cable  76  is encircled by a pull tab  70  provided with a hook  77  at its bottom end. Similarly, the second reel  68  is provided with a cable  78  having an end  87  extending from a housing  74  attached to the second reel  68 , allowing the cable  78  to be wound or unwound from the second reel  68 . A top end of a pull tab  72  encircles the end  87  of the cable  78 . A hook  73  extends from the bottom of the pull tab  72 . It is appreciated the term cable may refer to a variety of elongated structures. For example, the cables may be retractable nylon straps. Still further, and in accordance with a preferred embodiment, as shown with reference to  FIG. 8 , the reels  66 ,  68 ,  69 ,  71 , used in accordance with the present invention, may be nylon strap spools with built in CAM lock mechanisms to grip the straps and keep the bicycle firmly attached to the car. 
         [0039]    Although not shown in detail, the third and fourth reels  69 ,  71  are similar in configuration and operation to the first and second reels  66 ,  68 . For example, a cable  86  extending from the third reel  69  is provided with a pull tab  88  having a hook  92  at its bottom end. Additionally, a cable  94  extending from the fourth reel  71  is provided with a pull tab  96  having a hook  98  at its bottom end. 
         [0040]    Once the bicycle rack  10  is placed in position shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , with the first swing arms  18  and the second swing arm  20  swung 90 degrees from the position shown in  FIG. 2 , the cables  78 ,  86  provided within the second and third reels  68 ,  69  are extended to attach within a crack  293  created at the top of the trunk hatch  295  and the body of the vehicle  200 , when the trunk hatch  295  is opened. Hook  73  extending from the end of cable  78  of the second reel  68 , and a similar hook  92  extending from the end of the cable  86  of reel  69 , are secured within this crack  293  when the trunk hatch  295  is closed. 
         [0041]    Similarly, when cables  76  and  94  are unwound from the first reel  66  and the fourth reels  71 , hook  77  provided at the end of the cable  76  and hook  98  provided at the end of cable  94  are secured within a crack  297  created between the bottom of the trunk hatch  295  and the top of the rear bumper  299 , when the trunk hatch  295  has been closed. Alternatively, hook  77  attached to the end of the cable  76  and a similar hook  98  attached to the end of the cable  94  are secured to the undercarriage of the vehicle. It is noted that all of the cables provided in the first, second, third and fourth reels  66 ,  68 ,  69 ,  71  would be biased in a direction which would automatically allow the cables to be retracted into each respective reel when the cables are removed from their attachment to the vehicle. 
         [0042]    Once the bicycle rack  10  attaches the bicycle  100  to the vehicle  200  as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the bicycle  100  can then be transported to a remote location. When the vehicle  200  reaches the remote location, the trunk hatch  295  is opened, and the four cables  76 ,  78 ,  86  and  94  are disengaged from the top and bottom of the trunk hatch  295 , or the undercarriage of the vehicle. The cables are then retracted into the four reels  66 ,  68 ,  69 ,  71 . The friction locks, such as frictional locking mechanism  58 ,  59  on the first and second swing arms  18 ,  20  are loosened and the first and second swing arms  18 ,  20  are swung to the position shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , at which time the swing arms  18 ,  20  are then locked into position. 
         [0043]    The first and second bands  54 ,  56  are provided with various lock mechanisms known in the art to prevent the bicycle rack  10  from being removed from the bicycle  100  for the purpose of preventing theft of the bicycle rack  10 . In addition, it is noted that since the bicycle rack  10  is intended to be attached to the bicycle  100  while the rider is riding the bicycle, the two swing arms  18 ,  20  as well as the horizontal member  16  should be constructed from a lightweight but sturdy plastic material. 
         [0044]    With the present bicycle rack, the responsibility of having a bicycle rack is taken from a motorist who might be transporting the cyclist and his/her bicycle, and instead rests it duly on the cyclist. This present bicycle rack affords a cyclist the opportunity to ride freely to destinations of their choosing knowing that they are not obligated to make the return trip. For example, a cyclist might choose to ride a certain distance and stop for dinner. Darkness falls while she/he eats, but instead of having to subject him/her to a potentially hazardous night ride, she/he may simply call a cab and attach the bicycle to the rear of the cab. Additionally, if plans are changed, a cyclist is free to hitch rides as she/he sees fit while maintaining possession of the bicycle. 
         [0045]    While the preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention by such disclosure, but rather, is intended to cover all modifications and alternate constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.