Abstract:
A bicycle carrier rack mountable to a vehicle includes a mounting member configured to abut against the vehicle and a flexible strap coupled to the mounting member, the flexible strap having a free end. A blocker is disposed at the free end of the flexible strap and a hooked end piece is removably coupled to the free end of the flexible strap. The hooked end piece includes a distal end having a hooked portion and a proximal end. A cover has a passage extending therethrough from a first end of the cover to a second end of the cover. The cover is slidably disposed about the flexible strap and configured to enclose the blocker and a portion of the hooked end piece within an interior of the cover. The blocker inhibits movement of the flexible strap through the proximal end of the hooked end piece in the proximal direction.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/497,458, which has a §371(c) date of Aug. 27, 2013, which is a National Stage application of PCT/US2010/049885, filed Sep. 22, 2010, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/244,850, filed Sep. 22, 2009, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to load carriers for transporting various articles, and in particular bicycle carriers. In particular, the present application relates to trunk mounted bicycle carriers and various improved aspects thereof such as retractable spool mechanism, cable end-hooks, anti-sway device, improved rotatable hubs, and improved frame supports. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Bicycle carriers are well known and very popular for cyclists and sports enthusiasts. Oftentimes it is of interest to ride in particular areas that are far from home, and thus transporting a bicycle becomes necessary. Accordingly, trunk and hitch mounted bicycle carriers have been employed for this purpose as they are generally easily to install and use. 
     Generally a bicycle rack will have some apparatus for attachment to a vehicle, either through a hitch or attachment to the trunk. Besides having a portion for attachment to a vehicle, there will also be load bearing arms onto which one can place a bicycle. Additionally, these load bearing arms generally have “cradles” installed thereon. Cradles generally have a softer material and directly receive the tubes of the bicycle when bicycles are installed. Such cradles aid in holding the bicycles on the load bearing arms. Furthermore, straps are employed on the arms or cradle to secure the bicycle onto the cradles. 
     In the past, bicycle racks have suffered from drawbacks such as not facilitating ease of use, for example attachment to a trunk of a vehicle, or folding and unfolding of the rack, attachment of anti-sway devices or adjustment for placing a bicycle therein. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Disclosed herein are trunk mountable bicycle carriers which improve the ease of use of carriers for sports enthusiasts. For example, disclosed herein are improved cable spools for release of cables for attachment to vehicles. Such improved spools facilitate use of cables and storage when not in use. Furthermore, such cable spools disclosed herein reduce or prevent the tangling of the cable when being retracted or released. 
     Furthermore, improved cable end hooks are disclosed herein which facilitate use and attachment of the hooks to cables and removal therefore, and their use for attachment to vehicles for installing bicycle racks. 
     Disclosed herein is a vehicle trunk mountable bicycle rack having mounting arms abuttable against a vehicle and an adjustable ratcheting arrangement, the ratcheting arrangement including: a substantially circular spool rotatable about a central axis and nested in a housing, the spool having an inner trough portion and an outer edge portion, the inner trough portion receiving a flexible cable on a portion thereof; the inner trough having a plurality concave tracks each sized to correspond to a diameter of the flexible cable, the tracks being arranged to wind the flexible cable in a single layer across the trough portion. 
     Disclosed herein is an anti-sway device which is easily attached and removed from a bicycle rack. Furthermore, the anti-sway devices are easily employed for reducing or eliminating rocking or “sway” of a bicycle held in the bicycle rack. 
     In some embodiments is disclosed a bicycle carrier rack for mounting on a vehicle, the rack having an arm extending away from the vehicle for carrying a bicycle, the arm including an attachment member on an underside of the arm having a locking portion suspended a distance from the arm and extending in the same longitudinal direction of the arm; an anti-sway member removably attachable to the locking portion of the member, the anti-sway member having a contact portion for abutting against a bicycle installed in the bicycle carrier and an attachment portion on one end of the anti-sway member, the anti-sway member having an engaged position wherein the anti-sway member prevents sway of the bicycle; the attachment portion enclosing a central aperture and having an opening in a side of the attachment portion to the central aperture, the locking portion being sized to receive the opening of the anti-sway member when the anti-sway member is in a non-engaged position, and wherein the locking portion is sized to prevent passage through the opening when anti-sway member is in the engaged position, the anti-sway member being rotatable between the engaged and non-engaged positions. 
     In further embodiments when anti-sway member is in a non-engaged position it is rotated to an essentially horizontal position such that the opening in the side of the attachment portion is aligned with the locking portion for insertion thereon and removal. In further embodiments, when the anti-sway member is in a non-horizontal position it is in an engaged position and the opening in the side of the attachment portion is not aligned with the locking portion for insertion and removal. 
     In still further embodiments, the locking portion has a vertical side and a horizontal side and where the opening in the side of the attachment portion is sized to exceed that of the horizontal side and the vertical side is sized to exceed the opening in the side of the attachment portion and wherein the opening is aligned with the horizontal sides only when rotated to an essentially horizontal position. 
     In other embodiments, the locking portion includes a bar having a narrow cross-section and a broad cross-section wherein the narrow cross-section is sized to permit insertion and removal of the opening over the locking portion and the broad cross-section is sized to prevent insertion and removal of the opening over the locking portion. 
     In other embodiments, the opening in the side of the attachment portion is aligned with the narrow cross-section when in the non-engaged position for insertion and removal over the locking portion. 
     In other embodiments, the central aperture is sized to enclose the locking portion and permit rotation of the anti-sway member between the engaged and non-engaged position on the locking portion. 
     In other embodiments, the central aperture cross-section is larger than the opening cross-section. 
     In other embodiments, the contact portion extends from the attachment portion and the opening is positioned at essentially a right angle or less with respect to the extending attachment portion. 
     In further embodiments there is disclosed an anti-sway device for a bicycle rack for preventing or reducing sway of a bicycle installed in the rack, the anti-sway including an attachment portion, an anti-sway portion extending from the attachment portion, the anti-sway portion having a contact surface for abutting against a bicycle tube for reducing sway, the attachment portion having a central aperture with an opening in a side of the attachment portion forming a channel to the central aperture, the opening positioned at essentially a right angle or less with respect to the extending anti-sway portion. 
     In further embodiments the central aperture is essentially circular for permitting rotation of the anti-sway device when attached to a bicycle rack. 
     In further embodiments, the anti-sway portion extending from the attachment portion is arced. Additionally, the anti-sway portion can be concave on one side to receive a bicycle tube. 
     In still other embodiments, there is disclosed a cradle for a bicycle rack and preventing sway of a bicycle installed therein, the cradle including an attachment member on an underside of the cradle having a locking portion suspended a distance from the cradle; an anti-sway member removably attachable to the locking portion of the member, the anti-sway member having a surface for abutting against a bicycle installed in the bicycle rack and an attachment portion, the anti-sway member having an engaged position wherein the anti-sway member extends from the cradle for preventing sway of the bicycle; the attachment portion enclosing a central aperture and having an opening in a side of the attachment portion forming a channel to the central aperture; the locking portion being sized to receive the opening of the anti-sway member when the anti-sway member is in a non-engaged position, and wherein the locking portion is sized to prevent passage through the opening when anti-sway member is in the engaged position, the anti-sway member being rotatable between the engaged and non-engaged positions. 
     In some embodiments, disclosed herein is a bicycle carrier rack mountable to a vehicle trunk, the rack including: mounting arms abuttable against a vehicle; a flexible cable extending from the rack and having a hooked end piece for attachment to a portion of the vehicle; the hooked end piece being comprised of a substantially rigid body and having a first end configured for receiving a portion of the flexible cable and a second end having a hooked portion, an aperture disposed through the body of the end piece; a tunnel portion being arranged on the first end of the hooked end piece for insertably receiving the flexible cable and directing an end portion of the flexible cable toward the aperture upon exit of the tunnel portion; the end portion of the flexible cable having a first diameter and the flexible cable having a second diameter prior to the end portion, the second diameter being larger than the first diameter; the aperture being sized larger than the second diameter to permit passage of the end portion therethrough and the tunnel being sized larger than the first diameter and smaller than the second diameter, whereby the end portion is restricted from passing through the tunnel portion, and upon passage of the end portion of the flexible cable through the aperture, the hooked end piece is removable from the flexible cable. 
     In some embodiments, disclosed herein a bicycle carrier rack mountable to a portion of a vehicle, the bicycle rack including: a hub having load carrying arms extending away from the vehicle for supporting a bicycle and a mounting frame member for abutment against the vehicle, the mounting frame member being rotatable about the hub, the hub having an elongate member passing through an apertured portion of the mounting frame member about which the mounting frame member is rotatable, the elongate member having a plurality of teeth disposed on an external surface of the elongate member, the mounting frame member comprising a latch having a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein in the locked position the latch is interferingly fitted against the teeth in the locked position, and suspended away from the teeth in the unlocked position, the mounting frame member being rotatable when the latch is in the unlocked position and non-rotatable when latch is in the locked position. 
     In some embodiments, disclosed herein is a bicycle carrier rack for mounting on a rear portion of a vehicle, the rack including: an arm extending in a rearward direction having a carrying element located proximate the end of the arm, the carrying element shaped for receiving a portion of a bicycle, the end of the arm having a locking portion arranged further rearward toward the end than the carrying element, a flexible cable extending from a portion prior to the carrying element, the arm configured for retracting a portion of the flexible cable beneath a surface of the arm, the flexible cable being extendable across the carrier element and the portion of a bicycle installed therein and insertable in the locking portion. 
     In some embodiments, disclosed herein a bicycle carrier rack for mounting on a rear portion of a vehicle, the rack comprising: a mounting portion which grips a rear portion of the vehicle, a support frame extending rearward from a mounting portion in the same longitudinal direction as the vehicle, the support frame being rotatable about a hub in a lower portion of the mounting portion, the mounting portion having a latch biased toward the support frame, the frame comprising two frame extension members each extending from an opposite side of the frame member in a transverse direction relative the frame member, the extension members each having a surface adapted for receiving a wheel of bicycle, the support frame being rotatable from a first extended position to a second folded position, wherein in the folded position the latch is biased to toward an interference fit with the support frame thereby preventing rotation of the frame. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       A bicycle rack according to the present disclosure shall is described with reference to the following figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a truck mounted bicycle rack; 
         FIG. 1B  is a front view of one embodiment of a truck mounted bicycle carrier rack; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a ratcheting adjustment arrangement; 
         FIG. 3  is an illustration of the inner and outer spool components of the ratcheting adjustment arrangement; 
         FIG. 4  is an illustration of a spool assembly central member component of the ratcheting adjustment arrangement; 
         FIG. 5  is an illustration is a side view of an outer spool component of the ratcheting adjustment arrangement; 
         FIG. 6  is an illustration is a side view of an inner spool component of the ratcheting adjustment arrangement; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an end of a cable of a truck mounted bicycle rack; 
         FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of one embodiment of an end of a cable with a hooked end piece; 
         FIG. 8B  is a perspective view of one embodiment of an end of a cable of a truck mounted bicycle rack with a hooked end piece; 
         FIG. 8C  is a perspective view of a cover for a cable end; 
         FIG. 8D  is a perspective view of a narrow end of a cover for a cable end; 
         FIG. 8E  is a perspective view of a squeezed narrow end of a cover for a cable end; 
         FIG. 8F  is a perspective view of a cover insertable over a cable end; 
         FIG. 8G  is a perspective view of a cover for a cable end; 
         FIG. 8H  is a perspective view of a cover for a cable end urged against a hooked end piece; 
         FIG. 8I  is a perspective view of a cover enclosing a portion of a hooked end piece for a cable end; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of one embodiment of an anti-sway arrangement; 
         FIG. 9A  is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an anti-sway arrangement; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of one embodiment of an anti-sway arrangement; 
         FIG. 10A  is a side view of one embodiment of an anti-sway arrangement and cradle piece; 
         FIG. 10B  is a perspective view of one embodiment of an anti-sway arrangement and cradle piece inserted on a bicycle rack arm; 
         FIG. 10C  is a side view of one embodiment of an anti-sway arrangement and cradle piece; 
         FIG. 10D  is a side view of one embodiment of an anti-sway arrangement and cradle piece; 
         FIG. 10E  is a side view of one embodiment of an anti-sway arrangement and cradle piece; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a cradle and locking cable; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a cradle and locking cable; 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an upper mounting member; 
         FIG. 14  is one embodiment of an inner surface of a lower mounting member; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a platform bicycle carrier; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of one embodiment of platform members in an extended position; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of one embodiment of platform members in a contracted position; 
         FIG. 18  is an illustration of the platform bicycle carrier in a folded position; 
         FIG. 19  is a side view of the platform bicycle carrier in an unfolded extended position; 
         FIG. 20  is a side view of the platform bicycle carrier in a folded position; 
         FIG. 21  is a close up view of a support frame and button; 
         FIG. 22  is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a bicycle support arm; 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a frictional element in an aperture of a bicycle support arm. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Detailed embodiments of a rack arrangement are described herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary and accordingly, the rack arrangement may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale, some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the inventions. 
     Referring to the Figures, one exemplary embodiment of a hanging bicycle carrier  1  is shown in  FIG. 1A  which can be mounted on the rear of a vehicle. The rear of the vehicle may include a trunk and a bumper portion. 
     The carrier  1  includes a mounting frame portion  2  and a bicycle load carrying portion  3 . The mounting frame portion  2  includes upper mounting member  4  and lower mounting member  5 . Upper mounting member  4  is generally U-shaped with a pair of legs  6  interconnected by a cross-member  7 . Likewise, lower mounting member  5  is generally U-shaped with a pair of legs  8  interconnected by a cross-member  9 . In the depicted embodiment, the upper mounting legs  6  as well as the lower mounting legs  5  may also have a curved arching shape as they extend toward the vehicle, thereby facilitating a more secure grip onto the vehicle. The upper mounting member  4  and lower mounting member  5  each have a rubber and/or soft plastic buffering material along the corners and cross-members. Such material allows softer contact with the vehicle as the mounting portion abuts against the vehicle and may also provide some friction with the vehicle to prevent sliding or movement of the rack across the legs. 
     The bicycle load carrying portion  3  is comprised of two carrier arms  11 ,  11 ′ which project rearward away from the vehicle and are capable of carrying the load of one or more bicycles thereon. The arms  11 ,  11 ′ have cradles  12  which are integrally formed into each arm  11 ,  11 ′. Cradles  12  may have a trough formed therein for receiving a bicycle and made of a material such as rubber and/or soft plastic so as not to scratch the bicycle. The cradles may optionally have an anti-sway devices  13  attached thereto. Furthermore, straps  14 , having a plurality of through-holes, may be attached to tabs  14   a  and pulled over a bicycle installed in the rack to secure it a cradle  12 . Additionally, straps  14 , also having a plurality of through-holes, may be attached to anti-sway devices  13  to be pulled over for securement of a bicycle. 
     The carrier arms  11 ,  11 ′, upper mounting member  4  and lower mounting member  5  connectable about hub  15 . At either end of hub  15  are ratcheting adjustment arrangements  16 . Upper flexible cables  17  and lower flexible cables  18  extend from the ratcheting arrangements  16  and can attach onto a vehicle. Additionally the flexible cables may be retracted back into the ratcheting arrangements  16  by rotation of knobs  19 . At the end of the upper cables  17  and lower cables  18  are hooks  20  which hook into portions of a vehicle. Accordingly, the rack  1  may be mounted to a vehicle by the interaction of forces, such that the flexible cables pull the bicycle rack  1  against the vehicle while at the same time mounting members  4  and  5  abut against vehicle. This causes the rack to be stably mounted to the vehicle and carry a bicycled installed thereon. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , one exemplary embodiment a ratcheting adjustment arrangement  16  is illustrated therein. The depicted ratcheting arrangement  16  is located at the end of the hub  15  and has an inner spool  21 . Upper flexible cable  17  extends in an upward direction from inner spool  21 . Inner spool  21  is substantially circular and is rotatable around a central axis for retraction and/or release of the flexible cable  17 . Furthermore, inner spool  21  has trough  22  where the cable  17  will be received when retracted. As depicted in  FIG. 3 , across the surface of the trough  22  are tracks  23  which are sized in dimension to correspond to the diameter of the flexible cable  17 . Accordingly, as the flexible cable  17  is retracted and drawn into the inner spool  21 , it will be drawn onto these tracks. Therefore, there will only be one layer of flexible cable  17  drawn across the trough  22 . This has the effect of preventing bunching of the cable and interference with retraction or release. 
     For example, in one embodiment, if the cable  17  is already withdrawn out of the spool its full length, as it is first retracted, it will be drawn into the most inner track  21 . As the cable  17  is drawn in, it will be gradually drawn across the trough from the most inner track to the most outer track thereby providing one layer, side-by-side of cable  17  across the trough. Ordinarily, spooling without such tracks along with multiple layers of cable one on top of the other can lead to the complications and blocking of the cable during retraction or release. Such problems are further exacerbated when the flexible cable has a plastic coating. However, utilizing the tracks and single layer of cable as disclosed according to embodiments herein facilitates retraction and release of the cable even with a plastic coating around the cable. 
     Also shown in  FIG. 2 , inner spool  21  has gear teeth  24  on the sides for rotation of the spool. Furthermore, latch  25  is provided to allow a user to toggle between retract and release of the cable  17 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , when the latch  25  is down, the spool  17  may rotate only in the retraction direction wherein the flexible cable  17  is drawn in around the spool. In such configuration the inner spool  21  is locked from rotating to prevent the cable  17  from being drawn out from the spool. When latch  25  is pulled in an upward direction by a user, the latch is released and will allow the cable  17  to be retracted from the spool. 
     Also depicted in  FIG. 2  is outer spool  26 , which operates similarly in mechanism to the inner spool  21 . Outer spool  26  has flexible cable  18  extending in a downward direction which can be retracted and released from the spool. Outer spool  26  is positioned adjacent the inner spool  21  and as shown in  FIG. 3 , also has a trough  27 , with tracks  28  sized in dimension to correspond to the diameter of the flexible cable  18  such that only one layer of cable is drawn across trough  27 . The inner and outer spools may have the same number of tracks as or a different number. For example, inner spool  21  may have a greater number of tracks than the outer spool, and thus would have a larger cross sectional area to draw in cable. Additionally, in such case the upper flexible cable  18  would be longer than lower flexible cable  18 . Accordingly, both the inner and outer spools may have any number of tracks from 3-10, including 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 tracks. Outer spool  26  also has gear teeth  29  for rotation thereof, and furthermore latch  25   a  works similar in principle to latch  25  for release and retraction of the cable  18 . 
     As the inner and outer spools are adjacent one another, they may be formed in one housing  30 . One or more cross-rivets  31  may extend across the entire housing  30  suspended a distance above the spools. The cross-rivets  31  are spaced above the spools such that there is room enough only for one layer cable in the spools. This is a further step for assuring there can be only one layer of flexible cable across the length of the spools. 
     There are additionally two end knobs, inner knob  32  and outer knob  33  and may be turned by a user to rotate the inner and outer spools  21  and  26  for retraction or release of the cable. As depicted in  FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 , outer knob  33  may be smaller in diameter compared to inner knob  32  to facilitate access to both. Correspondingly, the inner knob  32  may be used for rotation of outer spool  26 , and outer knob  33  may be used for rotation of inner spool  21 . In other embodiments, this can be reversed such that inner knob  32  may be used for rotation of the inner spool  21  and outer knob  33  may be used for outer spool  26 . Furthermore, the knobs may be positioned along the hub or rack, but in such a manner as to provide rotation to the inner and outer spools  21  and  26 . 
     Illustrated in  FIG. 4  is the spool assembly central member  34  along with inner and outer knobs  32  and  33 . The inner knob piece  35  is made up of the inner knob  32  connected with an external axle segment  36 . The outer knob piece  37  is made up of outer knob  33  which is connected with an internal axle segment  38  that extends through the external axle segment  36  of the inner knob piece and is freely rotatable with respect to the outer knob piece  37 . Additionally, the external axle segment  36  has outer projections  39  and the internal axle segment  38  has inner tabs  40 . 
     Depicted in  FIG. 5  is a side view of outer spool  26  having outer spool apertures  41  and a central member aperture  42 . The outer spool  26  can be inserted over the central member  34  of the spool assembly  43 , wherein the outer spool apertures  41  will align with the outer projections  39  of the central member  34 . Depicted in  FIG. 6  is a side view of inner spool  21  having inner spool apertures  44 . The inner spool  21  can be inserted into central member  34  of the spool assembly, wherein inner spool apertures  44  will receive inner tabs  40  of the central member  34 . Accordingly, because the inner spool  21  is connected with the outer knob piece  37 , when the outer knob  33  is rotated, the inner spool  21  will also rotate. Correspondingly, because outer spool  26  is connected with the inner knob piece  35 , when the inner knob  32  is rotated, the outer spool  26  will also rotate. In this manner, both the inner and outer spools may be rotated independently of one another. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7-8B , illustrated therein is a hooked end piece  45  and a flexible cable  46 , wherein the hooked end piece  45  can be removed and attached with the flexible cable  46 . As shown in  FIG. 7  is a flexible cable  46  with an end portion  47 . The flexible cable may be made of metal wire, and may have a plastic coating. The flexible cable end portion  47  has a blocker piece  48  attached on or near the end of end portion  47 . The blocker piece  48  has a first diameter “D” which is larger than the diameter “d” of the flexible cable  46 . 
     Illustrated in  FIG. 8A  is hooked end piece  45  which attaches to the end of the flexible cable  46 . The hooked end piece  45  is made up of a rigid body with a first end having a tunnel portion  49 . The tunnel portion  49  is an arched portion of hooked end piece. In middle portion of the hooked end piece  45  is an aperture  50  which further has an aperture channel  51  leading to the tunnel portion  49 . The hooked end piece  45  additionally has a hooked portion  52  on a second end, opposite the end having the tunnel portion  49  for attachment to a portion of a car. 
     The hooked end piece  45  is removable from the end of the flexible cable  43 . The tunnel portion  49  is sized to correspond to the diameter “d” to allow passage of the flexible cable  46  therethrough. However, the tunnel portion is also smaller than the diameter “D” of the blocker piece  48 , such that it is restricted from passing therethrough. Accordingly, when the hooked end piece  45  is attached to a vehicle and at the same time the flexible cable  43  is tightened by use of the ratcheting arrangement  16 , the blocker piece  48  is drawn against the tunnel portion  49  and fixed at the mouth of the tunnel portion  49 . 
     When removing the hooked end piece  45 , the blocker piece  48  may be moved forward toward the hooked portion, as illustrated in the configuration shown in  FIG. 8B . The aperture channel  51  is sized to allow passage of the flexible cable with diameter “d” therethrough, however, is also sized to be smaller than diameter “D” therefore preventing passage of the blocker piece  48 . However, the aperture  50  is sized to allow passage of the blocker piece  48  to pass therethrough. 
     Accordingly, when the blocker piece  48  is moved forward as depicted in  FIG. 8B , the flexible cable may pass through the aperture channel  51 , and the blocker piece  48  may be pulled through aperture  50 . In this way the hooked end piece  45  may be removed from the flexible cable  43 . It may be attached by merely performing the reverse case, by inserting the blocker piece  48  through the aperture  50  and then pulling the blocker piece  48  back against and into the tunnel portion  49 . 
     Moreover, the tunnel portion  49  may have a wider diameter toward the middle portion of the hooked end piece, and a narrower diameter as it tapers toward the end of the hooked end piece  45 . This enables the blocker piece to nest just inside the tunnel portion  49  while at the same time preventing it from passing all the way through the tunnel portion  49 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1A , the flexible cables  17  and  18  may have a covering  53  over a length of the cable, and also covering a portion of the hooked end piece  45 . This allows a user to easily grasp the cables as well as can help prevent the hooked end piece from being inadvertently removed from the flexible cable. 
     Covering  53  is further described with reference to  FIG. 8C  through  FIG. 8I . As shown in  FIG. 8C , covering  53  has an elongate body with a narrow end  301  and a broad end  302 . The broad end  302  has an aperture  302 A which is sized to receive and enclose the blocker piece  48  and a portion of the hooked end piece  45 . The covering  53  is made up of a flexible material, preferably a rubber, elastomer or soft plastic. Additionally, covering  53  has finger grips  303  on each side to facilitate gripping by a user. As further shown in  FIGS. 8D-8H , the covering  53  will be inserted narrow end  301  first over the cable, with the broad end  302  extending toward the end of the cable having the blocker piece  48  and hooked end piece  45 . The broad end  302  will fit over the blocker piece  48  and the hooked end piece  45 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8D , the narrow end  301  is shown just prior to being inserted over the end portion  47  of flexible cable  46 . Narrow end  301  has an aperture  304  at its end. In preferred embodiments, the narrow end  301  will have an elliptical or oval shape. Accordingly, in these embodiments it will have a longer major axis and a shorter minor axis. The aperture  304  has a central cavity  305  with horizontal slits  306  on either side. The central cavity  305  is sized to receive the blocker piece  48 . As illustrated in  FIG. 8E  the narrow end can be squeezed along its major axis, thus causing the horizontal slits  306  together with the central cavity  305  to form a larger aperture  306 . In this way it can be more easily fitted over the blocker piece  48  as shown in  FIG. 8F . 
     After inserting the cover  53  over the blocker piece  48 , the cover  53  can be pulled fully past the blocker piece  48  so as to slide along the flexible cable  46  as shown in  FIG. 8G . After insertion of the cover  53  past the blocker piece  48 , then the hooked end piece  45  can be attached as described previously with reference to  FIGS. 7 to 8B . After attachment of the hooked end piece  45 , the cover  53  can be moved up to the hooked end piece  45  as shown in  8 H. The broad end  302  has an aperture  302 A which is sized to receive and enclose the blocker piece  48  and a portion of the hooked end piece  45 . Accordingly, as shown in  FIG. 8I , the cover  53  can be inserted over a portion of the hooked end piece  45 . In this way, the cover  53  aids a user to easily grasp the cables as well as help prevent the hooked end piece from being inadvertently removed from the flexible cable. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , one embodiment of an anti-sway device  54  is illustrated therein. Anti-sway devices are generally provided beneath bicycle carrier arms and prevent swinging, or “sway,” of the bicycle when installed in a rack which may occur when the vehicle is in progress. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , an anti-sway device  54  is rotatably attached to an attachment member  55  while  FIG. 9  shows the anti-sway device  54  detached from the attachment member  55 . 
     As can be seen with reference to  FIG. 9 , the attachment member  55  protrudes from the underside of a bicycle carrier arm  56 . The attachment member  55  extends in the same longitudinal direction as the bicycle arm. The attachment member  55  has locking members  57  suspended a distance from the bicycle arm. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 , there are spaces  58  between the bicycle arm and the locking members  57 . Furthermore, the locking members  57  are connected between three wall protrusions  59 . The locking members  57  are shaped such that they are longer in the vertical sides  60  than their horizontal sides  61 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 10  the anti-sway device  54  has a corresponding attachment portion  62  and arches to a contact portion  63 . This contact portion  63  may abut a bicycle installed in the bicycle rack in order to prevent “sway.” It also may be slightly concave to better embrace the tube of a bicycle. Furthermore, tabs  64  are provided onto which a strap may be attached so as to wrap around a portion of a bicycle for better stabilization. Referring to  FIG. 9 , the attachment portion  62  is of a longitudinal circular shape divided into several segments separated by apertures  65 . The attachment portion  62  further has a central axis aperture  66  extending along its length. Additionally, there are openings  67  on the side of the attachment portion  62  which act as an entrance channel for the central aperture  66 . 
     The openings  67  are positioned such that only when the anti-sway device is oriented substantially horizontal can the attachment portion  62  of the anti-sway device be inserted onto the locking members  57 . The openings  67  are shaped such that they can receive the locking members  57  only when they are oriented substantially horizontal. The openings  67  are additionally sized such that they can receive the horizontal sides  61  of the locking members  57 . In some embodiments, the openings  67  may simply be larger than the horizontal sides  61  so as to easily fit onto the locking members  57 , however, this can include a press-fit where the horizontal sides  61  are just slightly larger than the openings  67  so that when pressed they will force over the horizontal sides  61  and fit onto the locking members  57 . However, the vertical sides  60  of the locking member  57  are longer than the horizontal sides, and are sized to exceed the dimensions of the openings  67 . Thus to attach the anti-sway device  54 , it must be oriented horizontally with the openings  67  aligned with the locking horizontal sides  61  of locking members  57 . 
     The respective sizing of the openings  67  and the locking members  57  may also be described in terms of cross-section. For example, illustrated in  FIG. 9A  is a cross-sectional view of the locking members  57  and attachment portion  62 . The locking members  57  have a narrow cross-section  203  and a broad cross-section  202 . The narrow cross section  203  faces a direction perpendicularly downward from the bike carrier  201  to which it is attached, and may also be termed the horizontal side. The broad cross-section  202  as can be seen faces a direction parallel to the bicycle carrier, and may also be termed the vertical side. Additionally shown in  FIG. 9A  (not drawn to scale) is locking members  57  with cross-sectional diameter  205  of the central aperture of the attachment portion  62 . Also shown is the cross sectional size  204  of openings  67 . As can be seen, the thickness of the narrow cross-section  203  is such that the cross-sectional size  204  of openings  67  may fit over the locking members  57  in order to insert or remove the attachment portion  62  from the locking members  57 . Additionally, the thickness of broad cross section  202  is greater than the cross-sectional distance of openings  67  and thus cannot fit over the locking members  57  from this direction. Accordingly, when the anti-sway device  54  is oriented horizontally, the openings  67  are aligned with the narrow cross section  203  of the locking members  57  and thus may be inserted onto or removed from the locking members  57 . However, when the anti-sway device  54  is oriented vertically or non-horizontally, the openings  67  are not aligned with the narrow cross-section  203  but instead face the broad cross-section  202 . Additionally, the cross-section  205  of the central aperture will be such that it is greater than the broad cross-section  202 , thus allowing rotation of the anti-sway device when attached to the locking members  57 . 
     Furthermore, as shown in  FIGS. 9, 9A, and 10 , the openings  67  may also be described as opening to a right angle with respect to the extended body portion of the anti-sway device  54 . For example, in  FIG. 9A , when the anti-sway device  54  is oriented essentially horizontally, the openings  67  face directly in an upward direction and thus may be inserted over the narrow cross-section  203 . However, when oriented vertically or non-horizontal, the openings  67  will not be aligned with the narrow cross-section  203  and so will not be insertable or removable from the locking members  57 . This “C” shape of the central aperture and openings in the attachment portion of the anti-sway device enable it to be easily inserted, removed and rotated to an engaged position to prevent sway of the bicycle. 
     Once the anti-sway device  54  is inserted, it can then be rotated from the horizontal position about the central axis aperture  66 . When the device is no longer in the horizontal position such as in  FIG. 10 , the openings  67  will no longer be aligned with the horizontal sides  61  of the locking members  57 , but instead will face the vertical sides  60 . Because the vertical sides  60  exceed the dimensions of the openings  67 , the anti-sway device cannot be disengaged from the locking member  64  when not oriented horizontally. For example,  FIG. 10  illustrates an embodiment where the anti-sway device is not oriented in the horizontal position, but closer to vertical. Accordingly, when the anti-sway device is not in the horizontal position, but oriented more vertically, it may be used to engage a bicycle tube to aid in preventing “sway.” When the anti-sway device is oriented in substantially horizontal position it is in a non-engaged position, and may be removed from the attachment member  62 . Furthermore, although the anti-sway device may be arced outward in some embodiments, it will be understood that the description of “horizontal” and “vertical” are in relation to the portion immediately extending from the attachment portion  62  and their orientation relative the locking members  57  and bicycle rack arm. 
     The respective sizing of the openings  67  and the locking members  57  may also be described in terms of cross-section. For example, illustrated in  FIG. 9A  is a cross-sectional view of the locking members  57  and attachment portion  62 . The locking members  57  have a narrow cross-section  203  and a broad cross-section  202 . The narrow cross section  203  faces a direction perpendicularly downward from the bike carrier  201  to which it is attached, and may also be termed the horizontal side. The broad cross-section  202  as can be seen faces a direction parallel to the bicycle carrier, and may also be termed the vertical side. Additionally shown in  FIG. 9A  (not drawn to scale) is locking members  57  with cross-sectional diameter  205  of the central aperture of the attachment portion  62 . Also shown is the cross sectional size  204  of openings  67 . As can be seen, the thickness of the narrow cross-section  203  is such that the cross-sectional size  204  of openings  67  may fit over the locking members  57  in order to insert or remove the attachment portion  62  from the locking members  57 . Additionally, the thickness of broad cross section  202  is greater than the cross-sectional distance of openings  67  and thus cannot fit over the locking members  57  from this direction. Accordingly, when the anti-sway device  54  is oriented horizontally, the openings  67  are aligned with the narrow cross section  203  of the locking members  57  and thus may be inserted onto or removed from the locking members  57 . However, when the anti-sway device  54  is oriented vertically or non-horizontally, the openings  67  are not aligned with the narrow cross-section  203  but instead face the broad cross-section  202 . Additionally, the cross-section  205  of the central aperture is such that it is greater than the broad cross-section  202 , thus allowing rotation of the anti-sway device when attached to the locking members  57 . 
     Furthermore, as shown in  FIGS. 9, 9A, and 10 , the openings  67  may also be described as opening to at about a right angle (90 degrees) with respect to the extended body portion of the anti-sway device  54 . For example, in  FIG. 9A , when the anti-sway device  54  is oriented essentially horizontally, the openings  67  face directly in an upward direction and thus may be inserted over the narrow cross-section  203 . However, when oriented vertically or non-horizontal, the openings  67  will not be aligned with the narrow cross-section  203  and so will not be insertable or removable from the locking members  57 . This “C” shape of the central aperture and openings in the attachment portion of the anti-sway device enable it to be easily inserted, removed and rotated to an engaged position to prevent sway of the bicycle. In other embodiments, the opening may be less than 90 degrees such that the anti-sway device would be rotated above and past the horizontal position to be released. 
     Furthermore in other embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 10A  an anti-sway device  220  may be attachable to a removable cradle piece  221 . For example, the cradle piece  221  may have a saddle portion  222  as well as a bicycle rack arm receiving portion  223 . The saddle portion may receive a bicycle tube or may additional have some padding thereon. Furthermore, the bicycle rack arm receiving portion  223 . As can be seen in  FIG. 10C , the arm receiving portion  223  has a hollow  224  for receiving a bicycle rack arm. In many conventional bicycle racks, the cradles are not built into the bicycle rack, and thus cradles are separably added. Thus the hollow  224  may be inserted over a bicycle rack arm for installing thereon as shown in  FIG. 10B . Additionally a strap  222 A can be seen attached to the cradle piece  221 . 
     The cradle piece  221  has an attachment member  225  extending in the same longitudinal direction as the body of the cradle piece  221 . The attachment member  225  has a locking members  227  suspended a distance from the cradle piece  221 . There are spaces  226  between the bicycle arm and the locking members  227 . Furthermore, the locking members  227  are connected between three wall protrusions  228 . The anti-sway device  220  has an attachment portion  329  with a central axis aperture  330  and openings  332 . The locking members  227  are shaped such that they are longer in the vertical sides than their horizontal sides as similarly described with respect to the locking members  57  in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . The respective sizing of the openings  332  and the locking members  227  may also be described in terms of cross-section with a broad and narrow cross-section as described with respect to  FIG. 9A . Additionally, the openings  332  may also be described as opening to a right angle with respect to the extended body portion of the anti-sway device  220 . 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 10C to 10E , there is shown rotation of anti-sway device  220  on locking members  227 . As shown in  FIG. 10C , the anti-sway device  220  is rotated essentially horizontal. Accordingly, the openings  331  are aligned with the narrow cross-section of the locking members  227  such that it may be removed from attachment to the cradle piece  221 . As shown in  FIG. 10D , the anti-sway device  220  is rotated to be essentially vertical, and thus in an engaged position (although the end portion arcs away from the vertical). Accordingly, the openings  331  are not aligned with the narrow cross section of the locking members  227 . Thus, the anti-sway device  220  cannot be removed from the cradle piece  221 . Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 10E , the anti-sway device  220  is rotated between the horizontal and vertical positions. However, because the anti-sway device  220  is not in the horizontal non-engaged position, the openings  331  are still not aligned with the narrow cross section of the locking members  227 . Thus, even in this configuration, the anti-sway device  220  cannot be removed from the cradle piece  221 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , one embodiment of an integrated cable lock is illustrated therein. The lock as illustrated, for example, in  FIGS. 11 and 12  enable the securement of the bicycle installed at the end of the bicycle carrier arm. For securement of all the bicycles on a rack arrangement, only the end bicycle need be locked because removal of the other bicycles are prevented. Depicted in  FIG. 11  is an end cradle  68  integrated with the bicycle arm  69  and having tabs  70  capable of receiving a strap (not shown). The cradle has a concave trough  71  which is shaped for receiving a bicycle tube. 
     Further depicted is a locking cable  72  extending from an aperture  73  in the surface of the top portion of the bicycle arm  69 . The locking cable can be manually withdrawn from the aperture  73  or retracted therein. A locking cavity  74  is provided on the other side of the cradle  68 , which contained therein is a locking mechanism. The end of locking cable  72  has a locking end piece  75  made up of a rigid, preferably metal planar tab with a circular aperture  76  which opens to the lower edge of the tab. 
     Shown in  FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the cable lock embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 . As shown therein the locking cable  72  extends through aperture  73  into a containment space  76  and attached at its end to an anchor  77  beneath the bicycle carrier surface. The locking cable can be retracted and stored in the containment space  76 . The locking end  74  can be shaped in such a way as to substantially cover the aperture  73  when the locking cable is fully retracted. In other embodiments, the anchor  77  may be provided in a channel such that it may be pushed back if the locking cable is retracted. Additionally, a spring may be employed which automatically retracts the locking cable  72 . 
     Further illustrated in  FIG. 10  is a locking mechanism  80  which has a lock core  81  and a key hole  82 . Furthermore, within the locking cavity  74  is the locking head  83  of the lock core. The locking head can be shaped such that it has a narrow on one side, while wide on another. Because the aperture  76  of the locking end piece  75  is circular the opening at the edge of the locking tab will have a lesser width than the center of the aperture. Accordingly, when the locking head is rotated to the un-locked position, the cable can be inserted into the locking cavity so that the aperture  75  receives the locking head  83 . Furthermore, the locking head  83  can be rotated in the aperture to a locked position wherein the locking cable is prevented from being removed. It will be understood that many modes and mechanisms may be employed for restricting the cable end  75  in the locking cavity  74 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1A , illustrated therein are carrier arms  11 ,  11 ′, the upper mounting member  4  and lower mounting member  5  which are connectable about hub  15 . Around this hub the bicycle arms  11 ,  11 ′ and upper mounting member  4  are rotatable.  FIG. 1B , which is a front view from behind the vehicle looking forward as the carrier  1  is mounted to the vehicle) of the carrier  1 , illustrates that the hub  15  has an elongate member  90  passing through apertures in the bicycle arms  11 ,  11 ′ and upper mounting member  4 . Elongate member  90  has a plurality of teeth on running along its length on the external surface, hence, it may also be described as a splined shaft member. 
     Illustrated in  FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of an upper mounting member  4  having an upper mounting aperture  92 . Within aperture  92  is elongate member  90  having splines, or teeth  93 . The teeth  93  extend outward and contact the inner surface of the aperture  92 . A latch  94  is provided having a set of teeth  96  corresponding to the teeth on elongate member  90  and which is rotatable about pivot  97 . A lever  98  is provided on the top surface of the upper mounting member  4  which is linked to the latch  94  by pin  99 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , the latch  94  is in a locked position and interferingly fitted and engaged against the teeth  93  on elongate member  90 . In such position, the upper mounting member  4  is prevented from rotating about elongate member  90 . However, a user can pull lever  98 , accordingly pulling latch  94  thereby suspending the latch  94  away from the teeth on elongate member  90 . Accordingly, this can be termed the unlocked or released position, because in this configuration the upper mounting arm  4  is rotatable around elongate member  90 . Furthermore, the pin  99  is biased (spring loaded), by a spring for example, such that when the lever is released, the spring will cause the lever  98  to close and again urge the latch  94  against the teeth of elongate member  90  thereby locking it in place. 
     Further depicted in  FIG. 13  are four fastening holes  100  that are positioned on the internal surface of the elongate member  90 . It will be understood by those of skill in the art that a greater or fewer number of fastening holes  100  can be employed. To these fastening holes the lower mounting member  5  can be attached. Illustrated  FIG. 14  is an inner surface of a lower mounting member  5 . Into the surface is an impression  101  in the shape of the elongate member  90 . Accordingly, the elongate member  90  (shown in  FIG. 13 ) can be snugly fit into this impression  101 . Additionally, fasteners, such as screws, bolts or pins, may be passed through apertures  102  which are aligned with the fastening holes  100  of the elongate member  90 . Accordingly, when the elongate member is inserted into impression  101  and fastened by use of the fastening holes  100  and apertures  102 , the lower mounting member  5  is fixed with respect to the elongate member  90 , allowing no movement or rotation relative one another. Therefore, while the lower mounting member  5  is fixed relative the elongate member  90 , the upper mounting member  4  as well as the bicycle arms  11 ,  11 ′ are rotatable with respect to the elongate member  90 . By rotation of the upper mounting member, along with proper fixing of the bicycle arms  11 ,  11 ′, the rack arrangement can be made to fit a multitude of vehicles and shapes for mounting thereon. The bicycle arms  11 ,  11 ′ may be rotated using a similar mechanism as described in  FIG. 13  with respect to upper mounting member  4 . Accordingly, a user pulling lever  105  (shown in  FIG. 1A ) will release the bicycle arms  11 ,  11 ′ for rotation about hub  15 . 
     One exemplary embodiment of a platform bicycle carrier  110  is shown in  FIG. 15  which can be mounted on the rear of a vehicle. The rear of the vehicle may include a trunk and a bumper portion. 
     The carrier  110  includes an upper mounting member  114  and a lower mounting member  115 . Upper mounting member  114  is generally U-shaped with a pair of legs  116  interconnected by a cross-member  117 . Likewise, lower mounting member  115  is generally U-shaped with a pair of legs  118  interconnected by a cross-member  119 . In the depicted embodiment, the upper mounting legs  116  as well as the lower mounting legs  118  may have a curved arching shape as they extend toward the vehicle, thereby facilitating a more secure grip onto the vehicle. The upper mounting member  4  and lower mounting member  5  each have a rubber and/or soft plastic buffering material along the corners and cross-members. 
     The carrier  110  further includes bicycle support arms  111 ,  111 ′, also known as overhanging support arms, which project rearward away from the vehicle each having a clamp  112  on each end. The clamps are sized to grasp a bicycle tube installed in the carrier for stabilizing the bicycle and may be tightened. Support frame  113  also extends rearward from the vehicle and in a downward direction. The support frame  113  is generally U-shaped with legs  120  and a cross-member  121  connecting the two legs. 
     The upper and lower mounting members along with the bicycle arms and support frame are all connectable about a hub  122 . The hub  122  has an elongate member passing through apertures in the bicycle support arms  111 ,  111 ′, the support frame  113  and upper mounting member  114 . Elongate member has a plurality of teeth running along its length on the external surface, hence, it may also be described as a splined shaft member. The upper mounting members  114  are rotatable about elongate member in the same manner as described with respect to  FIG. 13  for upper mounting member  4 , the description of which is equally applicable for carrier  110 . Accordingly, latches  123  are depicted in  FIG. 1  which may be pulled by a user to place the upper mounting member in an unlocked or released position for rotation. Similarly, support frame member  113  also has a lever and latch mechanism as described with respect to  FIG. 13 . Accordingly, latches  123  on support frame member  124  may be by a user to place the support frame member in an unlocked or released position for rotation 
     Furthermore lower mounting member  115  is attached to elongate member in the same manner as described with respect to  FIG. 14 , being equally applicable for carrier  110 . 
     Upper flexible cables  125  and lower flexible cables  126  extend from the ratcheting arrangements  127  and can attach onto a vehicle. The flexible cables may be retracted back into the arrangements  127  by rotation of knobs  128 . At the end of the upper cables  125  and lower cables  126  are hooks  129  which hook into portions of a vehicle. Accordingly, the rack  110  may be mounted to a vehicle by the interaction of forces, such that the flexible cables pull the bicycle rack  110  against the vehicle while at the same time mounting members  114  and  115  abut against vehicle. This causes the rack to be stably mounted to the vehicle and carry a bicycled installed thereon. 
     The ratcheting system as described in  FIGS. 2-5  may be employed for retraction and release of the upper and lower cables  125  and  126  the associated description equally applicable for carrier  110 . Furthermore, the hooks  129  are attached to upper and lower cables  125  and  126  in the manner as described in  FIGS. 7-9 , being equally applicable for carrier  110 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , support frame  113  has a platform frame member  130  rotatably attached and which extends in a rearward direction. With reference to  FIG. 16 , the platform frame member  130  has an axial connector  121  which passes through the cross-member  131  of the support frame  113 . The platform frame member  130  has two legs  132  which are interconnected by two platform cross-members  133  and  134 . Attached to the platform frame member are two platform extension members  135  and  136  extending in a transverse direction from each side of the platform frame member  120 . The platform extension members  135  and  136  are aligned in their longitudinal direction with each of the two platform cross-members  133  and  134 . 
     The platform extension members  135  and  136  are made up of an anchor extensions  137  from which support extensions  138  extend. Each support extension member has a concave trough shaped for receiving a bicycle wheel which, as does a portion of the anchor extensions  137 . At each end of the support extension members are crib supports  139  which serve to cup the bicycle wheel installed in the rack  101 . Moreover tabs  140  are provided along with a strap  141  having a plurality of apertures therein which may be used to secure the bicycle wheel. The support frame along with the platform extension members may together be considered the platform  150  of carrier  110 . 
     While  FIGS. 15 and 16  illustrate the platform extension members in an extended position, the platform extension members  135  and  136  additionally have a retracted position as depicted in  FIG. 17 . As shown in  FIG. 16 , the platform extension members  130  may be withdrawn into the support frame  113  to a retracted position such that the crib supports  139  are brought adjacent to the anchor extensions  137 . When a bicycle is not installed in the carrier, a user can place the extension members  130  in retracted position. Additionally, such retracted position facilitates storage as well as shipping of the carrier  110 . 
     Furthermore the platform  150  may have a folded position and an extended position. While  FIG. 15  shows the platform  150  in an extended position,  FIG. 18  depicts the platform in a folded position. In the folded position the platform is folded upwards toward the frame support member  113 . Side views of the extended and folded positions are also depicted in  FIGS. 19 and 20  respectively. 
     The mechanism for rotating the platform between the extended and folded positions is shown in detail in  FIG. 21 . As illustrated therein, support frame  113  has a button  160 . Additionally shown, platform frame member  130  is rotatably attached to the support frame  113 . The platform frame member  130  has two apertures,  161  and  162  separated by about 90 degrees and positioned immediately adjacent the support frame  113 . The button  160  contains a spring bias, which urges the button  160  outward toward the platform frame member  130 . Accordingly, when the button  160  is aligned with either aperture  161  or  162 , it will be urged within aperture thereby preventing rotation between platform frame member  130  and support frame  113 . A user can then press the button  160 , which pushes it sufficiently far into the support frame  113  to the aperture, thereby allowing free rotation of the frame member  130 . 
     Because the apertures  161  and  162  are positioned such that when the button  160  is inserted into aperture  161 , the platform  150  is in a substantially vertical position when in the folded position. As the apertures are separated by about 90 degrees, when the platform frame member is rotated to an extended position, the button  160  will be inserted into aperture  162  and accordingly, the platform  150  will be in an essentially horizontal position. It will be understood by those in the art that in other embodiments, the platform frame member and support frame may be designed to take other positions, the apertures may be separated by more or less than 90 degrees, and furthermore, use of greater than two apertures may be employed 
     Also illustrated in  FIG. 19  is a stabilizing cross-section support bridge  190  attached between support frame  113  and lower mounting member  115 . The support bridge  190  adds further stability and support to support frame  113 . The additional force aids for overall strength of the carrier  110 . In one embodiment, the support bridge  190  may be detached from lower mounting member  115  by pressing a button  191 . In such embodiment, support bridge  190  is pivotally attached to lower frame member  113  and so will swing freely after such release. In this way, the carrier  110  can be folded by rotating support frame  113  in line with lower mounting member  115  so that it takes up less space in a trunk or for shipping. In other embodiments, the reverse may be implemented, where the support bridge  190  is detached from support frame  113  and swings pivotally from lower mounting member  115 . In other embodiments, the support frame  113  may have an elongate aperture or track running along the length of its leg, wherein upon collapse of support frame  113  to lower mounting member  115 , the end of the support bridge  190  will slide up the support frame  113  and fit at least a portion of the support bridge  190  in the aperture. A pin may be input into the end of the bridge  190  so that the pin would slide in the elongate aperture or track. In such embodiment, the support bridge  190  would remain with the carrier  110  so that when stored a user would not lose the support bridge  190  and it would be kept in an organized stored position. In other embodiments, the bridge  190  may have a pivot point in the middle, that it will bend in the middle and each end segment of the bridge will fold in. In another embodiment the bridge may have an aperture along its length, and accordingly as the support member  113  is folded inward, a pin or the connection point will slide along this aperture. 
     As discussed previously, bicycle support arms  111 ,  111 ′ are rotatable about hub  122 . Referring now to  FIG. 22 , shown therein is a cross-sectional view of bicycle support arm  170  having a clamp  112 . An aperture  171  is shown on the end of the bicycle support arm  170  which will be centered at hub  122  and receives an elongate member  173 . The elongate member has teeth  174 , or splines around the external surface of the elongate member and which contact the internal surface of the aperture  171 . The aperture  171  of bicycle support arm  170  also has a frictional element  175 . As illustrated in  FIG. 23 , the frictional element  175  may be positioned in the center of the aperture  171  and extend a portion around the internal surface of the aperture. In some embodiments the frictional element  175  is rubber, such as polyphenylene ether (PPE), or a soft plastic. The frictional element is positioned on the surface of the aperture against the teeth  174  of the elongate member  173 . When the bicycle arm  170  is rotated, the frictional element  175  will rub against the teeth  174  causing a frictional resistance to its movement. This resistance is sufficient to rotate by force of hand, for example if a user attempts to manually rotate the bicycle arm  170 . However, the resistance is also such that when the arm is not being manually adjusted by a user, it will maintain its rotational position. In this way the rotation of the arm  170  is infinitely adjustable around the hub  122  so that a user can place it any convenient position to secure the bicycle with the clamp  176 . In  FIG. 22 , the elongate member  173  is also shown with fastening holes  178  to which the lower mounting member  115  can be fastened. 
     Examples have been described above regarding a rack arrangement. One of ordinary skill in the art, however, will appreciate that various modifications to and departures from the disclosed embodiments will occur to those having skill in the art.