Abstract:
A mechanism for attaching a bike rack to a vehicle including a support member located behind an exterior wall of the vehicle. An attachment assembly, including a receiver operative to move between the first, stowed position any second, use position is connected to the support member. The exterior wall includes a removable portion wherein upon removal provides access to the attachment assembly. Once the removable portion is removed, the attachment assembly, including the receiver is moved from the first, stowed position to the second, use position wherein the bike rack then connects to the receiver. Additionally, the removable portion may include a detachable license plate bracket, which upon being detached from the vehicle, can be mounted to the rear of a bike rack. Sensors are mounted on the license plate bracket to allow for a functional back-up or park assist when the bike rack is attached to rear of the vehicle.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to a vehicle bike rack attachment; and more specifically a vehicle bike rack attached to a vehicle liftgate, trunk lid, or decklid. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    Vehicle bike racks often rest on or are supported by the vehicle body, often the liftgate, decklid, or trunk lid. Straps attached to the vehicle body secure the rack to the vehicle body. Resting or supporting the bike rack on the vehicle body results in discrete attachment points or sites, which in some instances may result in body damage such as dents, paint scratches or chips, or cracked glass. The straps may vibrate or rub on the vehicle surface resulting in body damage. In some instances, such vehicle bike racks may obscure or cover and thereby reduce the working of the back-up sensors, rear camera and park assist. They may also It can also block the view of the license plate. 
         [0006]    Another type of bike rack attaches to the roof of the vehicle. Such racks may increase the difficulty in mounting the bike on a high surface and the need to avoid low clearance areas. 
         [0007]    Either style of bike rack requires time to remove and install the rack when not in use. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    A mechanism for attaching a bike rack to a vehicle including a support member located behind an exterior wall of the vehicle. An attachment assembly, including a receiver operative to move between the first, stowed position and a second, use position, is connected to the support member. The exterior wall includes a removable portion wherein upon removal provides access to the attachment assembly. In one example of the invention, the removable portion includes a detachable license plate holder. 
         [0009]    Additionally, the detachable license plate bracket upon being detached from the vehicle and can be mounted to the rear of a bike rack. Sensors are mounted on the license plate bracket to allow for a functional back-up or park assist when the bike rack is attached to rear of the vehicle. 
         [0010]    Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of showing a vehicle bike rack assembly according to the present invention supporting an electric bike on a vehicle. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of a vehicle bike rack according to the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the support portion of the vehicle bike rack assembly according to the present. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the support portion of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0016]      FIGS. 5 a  and 5 b    are perspective views of the embodiment of the support portion of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0017]      FIGS. 6 a  and 6 b    are perspective views of an alternative embodiment of the support portion of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the support portion of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view illustrating the bike rack stored within the luggage compartment of the vehicle. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0020]    The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. 
         [0021]      FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate a bike rack system, shown generally at  10 , for an automotive vehicle  12 . The vehicle  12  includes a support member  14  located in the decklid/trunk lid or liftgate  16  of the vehicle  12 . One example of support member  14  includes a frame located between the interior wall or shell  18  and the exterior wall or shell  20  of the vehicle  12  decklid/trunk lid or liftgate  16 . A further example of the support member  14  includes a rigid framework of beams and or bars. As illustrated in the example shown in  FIG. 3 , the support member  14  includes beam and cross members connected together and forming a truss  22  located between the interior wall or shell  18  and the exterior wall or shell  20  of the vehicle  12  decklid/trunk lid or liftgate  16 . The foregoing examples notwithstanding, the support member  14  may have any configuration capable of supporting a load extending from the vehicle  12 . 
         [0022]    As shown, the truss  22  is located in the decklid/truck lid or liftgate  16 . As set forth below, the support member  14 , or as illustrated truss  22 , provides with the decklid/trunk lid or liftgate  16  a mechanism for supporting a load-bearing member, for example a bike rack  32 . 
         [0023]    An attachment assembly  24 , including a bracket  26  and a receiver  28  connects to the support member  14 . The receiver  28  sized to receive a load-bearing member  30 . One example of a load-bearing member being a bike rack  32 , shown in  FIG. 2 . Other load-bearing members, for example racks, platforms, and other carriers may be attached through the attachment assembly  24  to the support member  14 . 
         [0024]      FIG. 3  schematically illustrates the attachment assembly  24  connected to the support member  14 , illustrated as the truss  22 . The support member  14  is located between or imbedded within the decklid/trunk lid or liftgate  16 . The support member  14  receives the weight of the bike rack system  10  and distributes it over the decklid/trunk lid or liftgate  16 . Distributing the load in this manner eliminates any localized loading occurring when the bike rack system  10  is connected to a discrete point on the decklid/trunk lid or liftgate  16 . 
         [0025]      FIG. 2  shows one example of the bike rack system  10  in more detail. Initially, the license plate  34  attaches to a license plate holder  36 . The license plate holder  36  includes a pair of outwardly extending tabs  38  and a latch mechanism  40  that cooperate to secure the license plate holder  36  to the decklid/trunk lid or liftgate  16 . The latch mechanism  40  may include a lockable spring-loaded pin  42  that engages and secures the license plate holder  36  to the decklid/trunk lid or liftgate  16 . Other latch mechanisms  40  may also be used, including a solenoid and pin assembly locking mechanism actuated remotely or via a button located in the vehicle  12 . To attach the bike rack  32 , the license plate  34  and corresponding license plate holder  36  are removed from the vehicle  12  by unlatching the license plate holder  36  from the vehicle  12 . 
         [0026]    As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the attachment assembly  24 , including the receiver  28 , connects to the support member  14  behind the license plate holder  36  and remain hidden behind the license plate  34  and license plate holder  36  when not in use. To use the bike rack system  10  license plate holder  36  and license plate  34  held therein are removed, exposing the attachment assembly  24 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 2, 3, 4   a , and  4   b  the receiver  28  includes a U-shaped tubular member  44  pivotally secured by mounting member  46  to the bracket  26 . First and second links  40 ,  50  extend between the outer ends  52 ,  54  of each of the legs  56 ,  58  of the U-shaped member  44  and the bracket  26 . Each link  40 ,  50  is a foldable member having a center pivot point  60 ,  62 . Each link  48 ,  50  may include a locking assembly wherein when fully extended, each link  48 ,  50  locks in position and prevents movement of the outer ends  52 ,  54  of the U-shaped tubular member  44 . Accordingly, as illustrated, the U-shaped tubular member  44  folds outward from a first, stowed position located adjacent the bracket  26  to a second, use position wherein the U-shaped to the member extends outwardly from the bracket  26 . As disclosed, the links  40 ,  50  may lock the U-shaped tubular member  44  in the second, use position, shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4   b . Pivotally mounting or using a hinge-mechanism to mount the U-shaped tubular member  44  to the bracket provides a mechanism wherein the receiver  28 , illustrated as the U-shaped tubular member  44 , folds to a first, stowed position, see  FIGS. 3 and 4   a  making it possible to cover the receiver  28  from view with license plate  34  and corresponding license plate holder  36  when bike rack system  10  is not in use. In a further example, a spring member connected between the bracket  26  and the U-shaped tubular member  44  operates to retract the U-shaped tubular member  44  to its first, stowed position. A latch or other connector holds the U-shaped tubular member  44  in the first, stowed position. 
         [0027]      FIGS. 5 a  and 5 b    illustrates another example of a bracket  26  and receiver  28  combination using a pair of L-shaped tubular members  78  pivotally supported in mounting members  80 . As illustrated in  FIG. 5 a   , in the first, stowed position the L-shaped tubular members  78  are positioned adjacent the attachment plate  82 .  FIG. 5 b    Illustrates the second, use position wherein a leg portion  84  of the L-shaped tubular members  78  extends outwardly from the attachment plate  82 . As with the previous examples, link members can be used to lock the L-shaped tubular members  78  in the second, use position with springs being used to retract and hold the L-shaped tubular members  78  in the first, stowed position. 
         [0028]      FIG. 6  shows an alternative embodiment of an attachment assembly  24  for use with the bike rack system  10 . The attachment assembly  24  includes a mounting plate  64  having a threaded bore  66  and a plurality of mounting apertures  68  secured to the support member  14 . A threaded fastener  76  releasably secures an attachment plate  70  having a plurality of mounting pins  72  on one side thereof and receivers, shown as outwardly extending tubular members  74 , located on the opposite side thereof to the mounting plate  64 . In use, the mounting pins  72  are received in the plurality of mounting apertures  68  on the mounting plate  64 . Various types or styles attachment plates  70 , that is attachment plates  70  having different configurations of receivers  28 , can be attached to the standard mounting plate  64 . In addition, the attachment plate  70  can be directly connected to the bike rack  32  without the need for a receiver  28  wherein the bike rack is attached by connecting the attachment plates  70  to the mounting plate  64 . 
         [0029]      FIG. 7  shows an example of a further embodiment of the attachment assembly  24  including a hinged mounting plate  86  having a first portion  88  and a second portion  90  pivotally connected by a pin  92 . The first portion  88  attached to the support member  14 . A pair of pivoting link members  94  connect the first portion  88  to the second portion  90 . As with the previous examples, the hinged mounting plate  86  moves between a first, stowed position and a second, use position, with the second, use position shown in  FIG. 7  wherein the second portion  90  unfolds or pivots into a position whereby it extends outwardly from the support member  14 . The second portion  90  includes a threaded bore  96 . The receiver, seen generally at  98 , includes an attachment member  100  extending between a pair of tubular members  102 . As illustrated, the attachment member  100  includes an aperture  104  that lines up with the threaded bore  96  in the second portion  90  of the hinged mounting plate  86 . A threaded fastener  104  extends through the aperture  104  and is threadably received in the threaded bore  96  to connect the receiver  98  to the hinged mounting plate  86 . As with the previous examples, the attachment member  100  can be directly connected to the bike rack  32  without the need for a receiver  98  wherein the bike rack  32  is attached by connecting the attachment number  100  to the second portion  90  of the hinged mounting plate  86 . 
         [0030]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the bike rack system  10  contemplates supporting to electric or e-bikes  130 . Accordingly, in addition to the illustrative examples provided above, different methods of attachment to the support member  14  are suitable, for example a clamp, screw, pin or other means of attachment, as long as they provide sufficient rigidity to support the bike rack  32 . 
         [0031]      FIGS. 2 and 3  show an example of one embodiment of the license plate holder  36 . The license plate holder includes tabs  38  that align with slots  44  on the decklid/trunk lid or liftgate  16  of the vehicle  12  and support the bottom of the license plate holder  36  in position on the vehicle  12 . As set forth previously, the license plate holder  36  includes a latch mechanism  40  that locks the license plate holder  36  and corresponding license plate  34  in place on decklid/trunk lid or liftgate  16  of the vehicle. The license plate holder  36  may include reflectors allowing for additional visibility to other drivers. 
         [0032]    In one example, the vehicle fob, associated with many vehicle features, operates the latch mechanism  40  whereby the license plate holder  36  will only release from the vehicle  12  upon receiving a signal from the fob. Another method of detaching the license plate holder  36  is use of a special key used to physically unlock the latch mechanism  40  enabling removal of the license plate holder  36  from the vehicle  12 . 
         [0033]    In a further example, the license plate holder  36  includes vehicle  12  backup sensors  114  and a rear-mounted camera  116 . Electrical connectors  118  connect the backup sensors  114  and rear-mounted camera  116  to the vehicle  14 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2  the bike rack  32  includes a mounting bracket or plate  120  configured to receive the license plate holder  36 . When the license plate  34  and corresponding license plate holder  36  are removed from the decklid/trunk lid or liftgate  16  of the vehicle  12  they are then attached to the mounting bracket or plate  120  on the bike rack  32 . As illustrated, mounting bracket or plate  120  includes slots  132  receiving the tabs  38  of the license plate holder  36 . The latch mechanism  40 , engaging a corresponding aperture or opening  134  on the mounting bracket or plate  122 , secure the license plate holder  36  to the mounting bracket or plate  120 . As illustrated, the mounting bracket or plate  122  includes a pair of arms  136  slidably received in the bike rack tubular members  138  of the bike rack  32 . Electrical or communication cables  122  located on the bike rack  32  connect the backup sensors  114  and rear-mounted camera  116  to the vehicle  12 . In this manner, the backup sensors  114  and rear-mounted camera  116  are still functional; that is, not obscured by the bike rack  32 . This allows the vehicle operator to use the backup sensors  114 , rear mounted camera  116  and if available the park assist program regardless of bike rack  32 , and any bikes supported thereon, extending from the rear of the vehicle  12 . Further, the bike rack  32  does not obscure the license plate  34 . 
         [0034]    In a further embodiment, charging outlets  124  suitable for charging an electric bike, shown schematically in  FIG. 1 , are located behind the license plate holder  36  on the decklid/trunk lid or liftgate  16  of the vehicle  12 .  FIG. 1  illustrates a charging cable  126  extending from the charging outlet  124  to a power source  128  located on the electric bike  130 . In addition to charging an electric bike  130 , other charging ports may be available, such as a USB port, suitable for charging other electronic devices. In this way, such devices, including the electric bike  130 , would not lose power during transport. When not in use, the charging outlets or ports  124  may be capped and ultimately covered by the license plate holder  36 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 8  shows the bike rack  32  easily stowed in the rear of the vehicle  12 . 
         [0036]    The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.