Patent Publication Number: US-2016243998-A1

Title: A Carrier For Mounting To A Vehicle

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a carrier that is mountable to a vehicle, for example, to the rear of a vehicle on a vehicle hitch or tow-ball. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Carriers are available for externally carrying articles at the rear of an automobile. Such carriers are commonly used for sporting equipment, luggage, or other items that cannot be comfortably or conveniently carried within the vehicle. Rear-mounted carriers typically attach to an automobile&#39;s hitch or tow-ball, or strap to a rear door or trunk, and have a number of associated disadvantages. 
     Carriers mounted to the rear of a vehicle typically impede access to the vehicle back door or trunk. Therefore, rear-mounted carriers commonly need to be unloaded and removed from the vehicle before the rear door or trunk may be accessed, which is inconvenient. 
     Some carriers have a pivotable carrying member that can be temporarily pivoted down from a vertical in-use position, to a horizontal or near horizontal non-use position for rear vehicle access. Known pivoting carriers typically utilise manual pin and aperture arrangements to manually pin the carrying member in the vertical position. A user must remove a pin from the carrier before pivoting the carrying member away from the vehicle. A second person may need to support the carrying member and load while the pin is removed to prevent the carrying member dropping suddenly to the horizontal orientation and potentially damaging any attached articles and being a safety hazard. In addition, it can be difficult to correctly align the apertures to reinsert the pin when the returning the carrying member to vertical. If the pin member is misplaced, the carrier is inoperable. 
     Most rear-mounted carriers have only a single in-use carrying configuration. They are not typically adjustable to carry different types or numbers of articles, or adjustable to better accommodate different vehicle types, for example, to be more aerodynamic. 
     Further, most rear-mounted carriers are specific for carrying one type of article, for example, bicycles. They do not allow two or more different types of articles to be loaded on the carrier at one time. 
     It is an object of at least preferred embodiments of the present invention to address one or more of the abovementioned disadvantages and/or to at least provide the public with a useful alternative. 
     In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents or such sources of information is not to be construed as an admission that such documents or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided bicycle carrier for mounting to a vehicle, the carrier comprising:
         a mounting portion for attaching the carrier to a vehicle;   a main member attached to the mounting portion; and   a pair of wheel supports fixed relative to the main member and at an angle of between about 35 degrees and about 55 degrees to a substantially horizontal axis, such that upper ends of the wheel supports are closer together than lower ends of the wheel supports;   wherein each wheel support comprises a channel for partial receipt of a bicycle wheel, and wherein the wheel supports are configured to support the wheels of bicycles having a range of wheel diameters and/or wheel base lengths.       

     According to the second aspect of the present invention it is provided a bicycle carrier substantially as described above, wherein the wheel supports are fixed relative to the main member at an angle of about 45 degrees to the substantially horizontal axis. 
     According to the third aspect of the present invention it is provided a bicycle carrier substantially as described above, wherein a portion of each wheel support channel has a cross-sectional curvature corresponding to the curvature of a first selected bicycle tyre and dimensioned to frictionally contact the first selected bicycle tyre. 
     According to the fourth aspect of the present invention it is provided a bicycle carrier substantially as described above, wherein each wheel support comprises a removable insert defining a channel with a cross-sectional curvature corresponding to the curvature of a second selected bicycle tyre that is narrower than the first selected bicycle tyre and dimensioned to frictionally contact the second selected bicycle tyre. 
     According to the fifth aspect of the present invention it is provided a bicycle carrier substantially as described above, wherein the base portion of each wheel support channel has a cross sectional radius of curvature of between about 10 mm and about 12 mm, and an upper portion of each wheel support channel has a cross sectional curvature of between about 20 mm and about 30 mm. 
     According to the sixth aspect of the present invention it is provided bicycle carrier substantially as described above, wherein each wheel support channel comprises an intermediate portion between the respective base portion and upper portion, wherein the intermediate portion has a cross-sectional width of between about 12 mm and about 25 mm and/or a curvature that is less than the curvature of the respective base portion and greater than the curvature of the respective second portion. 
     According to the seventh aspect of the present invention it is provided a bicycle carrier substantially as described above, comprising a support member for attaching to the frame of a bicycle. 
     According to the eighth aspect of the present invention it is provided a carrier for mounting to a vehicle, the carrier comprising a mounting portion that is mountable to a vehicle, and a movable support connected to the mounting portion, the support comprising an elongate cross member, and two substantially parallel side members fixed relative to the cross member at or towards opposite ends of the cross member;
         wherein each side member comprises two elongate channels on opposite faces of the side member for attaching supplementary carriers to the support; and   wherein the movable support is pivotable about a longitudinal axis of the cross member and is fixable in at least two angular positions relative to the mounting portion.       

     According to the ninth aspect of the present invention it is provided a carrier substantially as described above, wherein the support is pivotable through at least 180 degrees. 
     According to the tenth aspect of the present invention it is provided a carrier substantially as described above, wherein the support is fixable in a substantially vertical orientation when the carrier is mounted to a vehicle. 
     According to the 11th aspect of the present invention it is provided a carrier substantially as described above, wherein the support is fixable in a substantially horizontal orientation when the carrier is mounted to a vehicle. 
     According to the 12th aspect of the present invention it is provided a carrier substantially as described above, wherein the mounting portion comprises a sleeve and the cross member is rotatable in the sleeve about its longitudinal axis. 
     According to the 13th aspect of the present invention it is provided a carrier for mounting to a vehicle, the carrier comprising a mounting portion that is mountable to a vehicle, and a movable support connected to the mounting portion, the support comprising an elongate member and two substantially parallel side members fixed relative to the cross member at or towards opposite ends of the cross member; 
     wherein each side member includes two elongate channels on opposite faces of the side member for attaching supplementary carriers to the support. 
     According to the 14th aspect of the present invention it is provided a carrier substantially as described above, wherein the elongate member also includes two elongate channels on opposite faces of the side member for attaching supplementary carriers to the support. 
     According to the 15th aspect of the present invention it is provided a carrier substantially as described above, wherein the movable support is pivotable about a longitudinal axis of the cross member and is fixable in at least two angular positions relative to the mounting portion. 
     According to the 16th aspect of the present invention it is provided a bicycle carrier for mounting to a vehicle, the carrier comprising:
         a mounting portion for attaching the carrier to a vehicle;   a main member attached to the mounting portion;   a pair of angled wheel supports attached to the main member, angled such that upper ends of the wheel supports are closer together than lower ends of the wheel supports; and   an adjustable support for attaching to the down tube of a bicycle, the adjustable support being movable relative to the wheel supports in a longitudinal direction of the adjustable support.       

     According to the 17th aspect of the present invention it is provided an adjustable vehicle attachment apparatus comprising:
         a mounting portion configured for mounting to a vehicle; and   a movable member operatively connected to the mounting portion and movable relative to the mounting portion, one of the mounting portion and the movable member comprising a plurality of engagement features;   the adjustable vehicle attachment apparatus further comprising a latch mechanism provided on the other one of the mounting portion and the movable member, the latch mechanism comprising:   a slidable member having a tracking surface; and   an engagement member configured to follow the tracking surface and movable in a direction perpendicular to the slide direction of the slidable member to engage and disengage different ones of the engagement features;   wherein the movable member is fixable in a plurality of positions relative to the mounting portion by engaging the engagement member with different ones of the engagement features, and wherein the latch mechanism is biased into a configuration for engaging at least one engagement feature.       

     According to the 18th aspect of the present invention it is provided a carrier tow-ball mounting device, the device comprising:
         a mounting housing including side walls and top and floor walls forming an enclosure wherein the floor wall includes an aperture therein, the aperture comprising an enlarged portion that is dimensioned to receive the tow-ball, and a narrow portion with a width that is narrower than the diameter of the tow-ball; and   a clamp having a movable jaw that is linearly movable within the housing,   wherein the movable jaw is movable to clamp the tow-ball between the movable jaw and a wall of the housing when the tow-ball is positioned in the housing above the narrow portion of the aperture, and wherein the movable jaw has a surface with a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the tow-ball and/or wherein the movable jaw is configured to contact a plurality of points on the tow-ball.       

     In preferred embodiments, the engagement features are provided on the mounting portion and the latch mechanism is provided on the movable member, and configured such that the slidable member is slidable in a longitudinal direction of the movable member. 
     The engagement features preferably comprise recesses or apertures. 
     In an embodiment, the movable member comprises a longitudinal axis and is rotatable about its longitudinal axis. 
     The slidable member is preferably slidable between an engagement position that enables movement of the engagement member into engagement with one of the engagement features, and a disengaged position that prevents engagement between the engagement member and the engagement features. The slidable member is preferably biased into its engagement position. In an embodiment, the engagement position is a middle position of the slidable member, and the latch mechanism comprises two opposed biasing members to bias the slidable member to the middle engagement position. 
     The carrier may comprise a slidable actuator operably connected to the slidable member, for sliding the slidable member from its engaged position to its disengaged position. Preferably, the carrier comprises two slidable actuators comprising two handles disposed on the movable member at or towards opposite ends of the slidable member, wherein the slidable member is slidable from its engaged position to its disengaged position using either one of the two handles. 
     In an embodiment, the cam surface comprises a first surface portion and a second surface portion spaced from the first surface portion in a direction perpendicular to the slide direction of the slidable member. The slidable member preferably comprises a slot, and a surface of the slot provides the cam surface. 
     The latch mechanism may comprise a pair of engagement members that are oppositely movable towards and away from each other. In an embodiment, the slidable member comprises a slot having a wide portion and a narrow portion and two opposed surfaces, wherein one engagement member is configured to follow each surface. 
     Alternatively or additionally, the latch mechanism may comprise two spaced apart engagement members. 
     In an embodiment, the latch mechanism comprises two spaced apart pairs of engagement members, the engagement members in each pair being oppositely movable towards and away from each other. The slidable member may comprise two slots each having a wide portion and a narrow portion and two opposed surfaces, wherein when one engagement member is configured to follow each surface. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the carrier comprises two rows of engagement features. The two rows of engagement features may be offset from each other. 
     Preferably, each engagement member is biased outwards from the slidable member, towards an engagement position for engaging the engagement features. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the mounting portion comprises a sleeve and the movable member is movable in the sleeve. In some embodiments, the movable member is rotatable in the sleeve, and the engagement features comprise at least one row of circumferentially disposed apertures or recesses on the sleeve. 
     The carrier may comprise a plastic bearing component between the movable member and the sleeve, which is configured to rotate with the movable member and bear against an inner surface of the sleeve. Friction between the bearing component and the sleeve resists rotation of the movable member relative to the sleeve. 
     In an embodiment, the movable member comprises an elongate extruded member having a channel along each side of the member. 
     The carrier preferably comprises a mount member for mounting to the rear of a vehicle, the mounting portion being fixed relative to the mount member. In some embodiments, the mount member is configured for mounting to a vehicle tow-ball. In alternative embodiments, the mount member is configured for mounting to a tubular hitch. 
     The carrier comprises a mounting portion that is mountable to a vehicle, and a movable support connected to the mounting portion, the support comprising an elongate cross member, and two substantially parallel side members fixed relative to the cross member at or towards opposite ends of the cross member. Each side member comprises two elongate channels on opposite faces of the side member for attaching supplementary carriers to the support. The movable support is pivotable about a longitudinal axis of the cross member and is fixable in a plurality of angular positions relative to the mounting portion. 
     The carrier comprises a mounting portion for attaching the carrier to a vehicle, a main member attached to the mounting portion, and a pair of wheel supports fixed relative to the main member and at an angle of between about 35 degrees and about 55 degrees to a substantially horizontal axis, such that upper ends of the wheel supports are closer together than lower ends of the wheel supports. Each wheel support comprises a channel for partial receipt of a bicycle wheel. The wheel supports are configured to support the wheels of bicycles having a range of wheel diameters and/or wheel base lengths. 
     The wheel supports are preferably fixed relative to the main member at an angle of about 45 degrees to the substantially horizontal axis. 
     In preferred embodiments, the wheel supports are fixed relative to the main member and are angled between about 35 degrees and about 55 degrees to a substantially horizontal axis. In an embodiment, the wheel supports are at an angle of about 45 degrees to the substantially horizontal axis. 
     In preferred embodiments, the wheel supports are configured to enable a bike having its wheels in the wheel supports to be freestanding. 
     In an embodiment, a portion of each wheel support channel has a cross-sectional curvature corresponding to the curvature of a first selected bicycle tyre and dimensioned to frictionally contact the first selected bicycle tyre. Each wheel support may comprise a removable insert defining a channel with a cross-sectional curvature corresponding to the curvature of a second selected bicycle tyre that is narrower than the first selected bicycle tyre and dimensioned to frictionally contact the second selected bicycle tyre. 
     Each wheel support channel may comprise an intermediate portion between the respective base portion and upper portion, wherein the intermediate portion has a cross-sectional width of between about 12 mm and about 25 mm and/or a curvature that is less than the curvature of the respective base portion and greater than the curvature of the respective second portion. 
     Each wheel support may comprise an elastomeric strap for securing a bicycle wheel in the wheel support. Each wheel support may comprise a plurality of contact features for securing the elastomeric strap at alternative positions along the respective wheel support. 
     The bicycle carrier may further comprise a support member for attaching to the frame of a bicycle. The support member is preferably a support member for supporting the down tube of a bicycle. 
     In an embodiment, the carrier comprises two or more pairs of wheel supports for supporting two or more bicycles. The two or more pairs of wheel supports may be substantially parallel. Preferably each wheel support is at an angle of about 45 degrees to a substantially horizontal axis. 
     In some embodiments, the mounting portion is configured for mounting to a vehicle tow-ball. Alternatively, the mounting portion may be configured for mounting to a tubular hitch. Preferably the main member is movable relative to the mounting portion. For example, the main member may be rotatable relative to the mounting portion about a longitudinal axis of the main member. 
     The adjustable support may be telescopically adjustable. 
     In an embodiment, at least one of the wheel supports comprises a receiver for receiving the adjustable support. Preferably each wheel support comprises a receiver for receiving the adjustable support, the adjustable support being removable from one receiver and movable into the other receiver to accommodate differently orientated bicycles. In an embodiment, each receiver forms an angle with the horizontal axis that is substantially the same as the angle of the respective wheel support to the horizontal axis. 
     The or each receiver may comprise a collar that can be tightened to clamp the adjustable support and fix the position of the adjustable support relative to the respective receiver and that can be loosened to enable adjustment of the adjustable support or removal of the adjustable support from the respective receiver. In an embodiment, the collar comprises a cam lever. 
     Each wheel support may comprise straps for securing a bicycle wheel to the respective wheel support. The adjustable support may comprise a strap for securing the adjustable support to the down tube of a bicycle. 
     In some embodiments, the mounting portion is configured for mounting to a vehicle tow-ball. Alternatively, the mounting portion may be configured for mounting to a tubular hitch. 
     The clamp preferably comprises a fixed jaw that is fixed relative to the housing, and the movable jaw is movable towards and away from the fixed jaw. The fixed jaw preferably comprises a surface with a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the tow-ball and/or is configured to contact a plurality of points on the tow-ball. The fixed jaw may comprise a recess in an end wall of the housing. 
     In an embodiment, the clamp comprises a threaded member and the housing comprises a complementary threaded aperture, and wherein rotation the threaded member adjusts the position of the movable jaw relative to the housing. 
     The term ‘comprising’ as used in this specification and claims means ‘consisting at least in part of’. When interpreting statements in this specification and claims which include the term ‘comprising’, other features besides the features prefaced by this term in each statement can also be present. Related terms such as ‘comprise’ and ‘comprised’ are to be interpreted in a similar manner. 
     It is intended that reference to a range of numbers disclosed herein (for example, 1 to 10) also incorporates reference to all rational numbers within that range (for example, 1, 1.1, 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9 and 10) and also any range of rational numbers within that range (for example, 2 to 8, 1.5 to 5.5 and 3.1 to 4.7) and, therefore, all sub-ranges of all ranges expressly disclosed herein are hereby expressly disclosed. These are only examples of what is specifically intended and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application in a similar manner. 
     This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. 
     As used herein the term ‘(s)’ following a noun means the plural and/or singular form of that noun. 
     As used herein the term ‘and/or’ means ‘and’ or ‘or’, or where the context allows both. 
     The invention consists in the foregoing and also envisages constructions of which the following gives examples only. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a rear perspective view of a preferred embodiment carrier for mounting to a vehicle tow-ball, with the H-shaped support in a vertical orientation; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the carrier of  FIG. 1  showing the latch adjustment mechanism; 
         FIG. 3  is a partial front hidden detail view of the carrier of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , showing the latch adjustment mechanism in its engagement mode; 
         FIGS. 4( i )  and  4 ( ii ) are partial front elevation views of the engagement members and the slidable member, showing the movement of the engagement members between a retracted position in  FIG. 4( i )  and an engaged position in  FIG. 4 ( ii ); 
         FIGS. 5( i )  to  5 ( iii ) are side elevation views showing the H-shaped support of the carrier of  FIGS. 1 to 3  being pivoted from a horizontal orientation in  FIG. 5( i )  to an intermediate angled orientation in  FIG. 5 ( ii ), to a vertical orientation in  FIG. 5 ( iii ); 
         FIGS. 6( i )  to  6 ( iv ) are side elevation views of an article and supplementary carrier loaded on the carrier of  FIGS. 1 to 5 ( iii ), showing the carrier mounted on different types of automobiles in different orientations, where  FIG. 6( i )  shows the carrier and article mounted in an angled upright orientation on a van,  FIG. 6 ( ii ) shows the carrier and article mounted in an angled upright orientation on a sports utility vehicle,  FIG. 6 ( iii ) shows the carrier in a horizontal orientation on a sedan with the article mounted transversely between the side members, and  FIG. 6 ( iv ) shows the carrier and article mounted an angled upright orientation on a station wagon or hatchback, with the long ends of the side members below the cross member to lower the height of the article; 
         FIGS. 7( i )  to  6 ( iv ) are rear elevation views showing the carrier of  FIGS. 1 to 5 ( iii ) mounted on different types of automobile, where  FIG. 7( i )  shows the H-shaped support in a vertical orientation, with a supplementary carrier and an article vertically mounted to the right side member,  FIG. 7 ( ii ) shows the H-shaped support in a horizontal orientation, with a supplementary carrier and article transversely mounted between the two side members,  FIG. 7 ( iii ) shows the H-shaped support in a vertical orientation, with a supplementary carrier and an article transversely mounted between the two side members, and  FIG. 7( i )  shows the carrier mounted in a vertical orientation with the article removed; 
         FIGS. 8( i )  and  8 ( ii ) show supplementary bicycle carriers attached to the carrier of  FIGS. 1 to 8 ( ii ), where  FIG. 8( i )  shows a supplementary bicycle carriers having a main member mounted transversely between the two side members, and  FIG. 8 ( ii ) shows an arrangement having individual wheel supports directly mounted to the carrier side members and a down tube support mounted to the carrier cross member; 
         FIGS. 9( i )  and  9 ( ii ) show the mounting portion for mounting the carriers of  FIGS. 1 to 8 ( iii ) to a vehicle tow-ball, where  FIG. 9( i )  is a rear elevation view of the mounting portion, and  FIG. 9 ( ii ) is an underside perspective view; 
         FIGS. 10( i )  to  10 ( iv ) show the mounting portion of  FIGS. 9( i )  and  9 ( ii ) and operation of the tow-ball clamp, where  FIG. 10( i )  is a rear view of the mounting portion mounted to a tow-ball,  FIG. 10 ( ii ) is a plan view corresponding to  10 ( i ) showing the clamp unclamped,  FIG. 10 ( iii ) is a right side section view corresponding to  FIG. 10 ( ii ), and  FIG. 10 ( iv ) is a right side section view of the mounting portion mounted to a tow-ball, showing the clamp clamped to the tow-ball to secure the mounting portion to the vehicle; 
         FIGS. 11( i )  to  11 ( iv ) show the mounting portion tow-ball housing, where  FIG. 11( i )  is an underside view of the assembled housing showing the aperture for receiving the tow-ball,  FIG. 11 ( ii ) is a rear view of the housing,  FIG. 11 ( iii ) corresponds to  FIG. 11( i )  but shows the two parts of the housing prior to joining the parts to assemble the housing, and  FIG. 11 ( iv ) is a right side section view taken along a mid plane of  11 ( iii ); 
         FIGS. 12( i )  to  12 ( iii ) show an alternative form H-shaped carrier for mounting to a tubular hitch on a vehicle, where  FIG. 12( i )  is a right side elevation view of the carrier with the H-shaped support in a vertical orientation,  FIG. 12 ( ii ) is a plan view corresponding to  FIG. 12( i ) , and  FIG. 12 ( iii ) is a rear elevation view corresponding to  FIGS. 12( i )  and  12 ( iii ). 
         FIGS. 13( i )  to  13 ( iv ) show an alternative form platform-type carrier mounted to a vehicle tow-ball, where  FIG. 13( i )  is a right side elevation view of the carrier with the platform in a horizontal orientation,  FIG. 13 ( ii ) is a rear elevation view corresponding to  FIG. 13( i ) ,  FIG. 13 ( iii ) is a plan view corresponding to  FIGS. 13( i )  and  13 ( ii ), and  FIG. 13 ( iv ) is a right side elevation view of the carrier with the platform in a vertical non-use orientation. 
         FIG. 14  is a rear elevation view of a further alternative form carrier mounted to a vehicle tow-ball and suitable for carrying bicycles; 
         FIG. 15  is a rear elevation view of a preferred form bicycle carrier for attaching to a vehicle hitch or tow-ball; 
         FIG. 16  is a rear elevation partial cut-away view of the bicycle carrier of  FIG. 15 , showing the latch adjustment mechanism; 
         FIG. 17  is an enlarged rear elevation view of the right side of the carrier of  FIGS. 15 and 16 , showing the right wheel support with a bicycle down tube support telescopically attached to the wheel support; 
         FIG. 18  is a rear schematic view of an alternative form bicycle carrier according to the present invention, comparing two differently sized bicycles resting on the carrier; 
         FIGS. 19( i )  and  19 ( ii ) show one of the wheel supports of the bicycle carrier of  FIGS. 15 to 17 , where  FIG. 19( i )  is a front view of the wheel support, and  FIG. 19 ( ii ) is an end view of the wheel support; 
         FIGS. 20( i )  to  20 ( iii ) show the wheel support of the bicycle carrier of  FIGS. 19( i )  and  19 ( ii ), where  FIG. 20( i )  is an end view of the wheel support schematically showing different sized bicycle tyres supported in the wheel support,  FIG. 20 ( ii ) is a front elevation view of the wheel support, and  FIG. 20 ( iii ) is a rear elevation view of the wheel support; 
         FIGS. 21( i )  to  21 ( iii ) are a cross-sectional views of a preferred form wheel support supporting bicycle tyres of different widths, where  FIG. 21( i )  shows the wheel support supporting a wide tyre such as a mountain bike tyre,  FIG. 21 ( ii ) shows the wheel support supporting a medium width tyre such as a tyre for a touring or commuting bicycle, and  FIG. 21 ( iii ) shows the wheel support supporting a narrow tyre such as a road bike tyre; 
         FIGS. 22( i )  to  22 ( iii ) are cross-sectional views of an alternative form wheel support supporting bicycle tyres of different widths, where  FIG. 22( i )  shows the wheel support supporting a wide tyre such as a mountain bike tyre,  FIG. 22 ( ii ) shows the wheel support with an insert for supporting a medium width tyre such as a tyre for a touring or commuting bicycle, and  FIG. 22 ( iii ) shows the wheel support with an alternative insert for supporting a narrow tyre such as a road bike tyre; 
         FIG. 23  is a rear schematic view of a bicycle supported on the bicycle carrier of  FIGS. 15 to 17 , showing the down tube support extending from the right wheel support and strapped to the bicycle&#39;s down tube; 
         FIGS. 24( i )  and  24 ( ii ) are rear schematic views showing a bicycle mounted in two alternative orientations, where  FIG. 24( i )  shows the bicycle facing left with the down tube support member attached to the left wheel support, and  FIG. 24 ( ii ) shows the bicycle facing right with the down tube support member attached to the right wheel support; 
         FIGS. 25( i )  to  25 ( iv ) show details of the attachment between the bicycle down tube and the down tube support, where  FIG. 25( i )  is plan view of the elastomeric attachment strap,  FIG. 25 ( ii ) is a front elevation view of the down tube support with the strap removed, schematically showing two differently sized down tubes resting on the support,  FIG. 25 ( iii ) is a cross section view of the down tube support with the strap extending around a down tube, schematically showing two differently sized down tubes resting on the support for comparison, and  FIG. 25 ( iv ) is a rear elevation view corresponding to  FIG. 25( i ) ; and 
         FIG. 26  is a rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment bicycle carrier for carrying up to three bicycles, attached to the hitch of a vehicle. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Rotatable H-Rack/Latch Mechanism 
       FIGS. 1 to 8 ( ii ) show a preferred form carrier  1  for mounting to the tow-ball  55  of an automobile  51 . The carrier  1  comprises an elongate, horizontal cross member  3 , and two substantially parallel side members  5  fixed to opposite ends of the cross member  3  to form an H-shaped support  2 . The carrier  1  has a mounting portion  37  for attaching to a towing fixture of a vehicle and in the form of a tow-ball  55 , and a fixed sleeve  9  that receives the cross member  3 . Alternatively, the mounting portion could be configured for mounting to a tubular hitch. The H-shaped support is operatively connected to the mounting portion  37  and is pivotable relative to the mounting portion  37  by rotating the cross member  3  in the sleeve  9  about a longitudinal axis AA of the cross member  3 . 
     The carrier  1  comprises a latch mechanism  7 , shown in  FIGS. 2 to 4 , for adjusting the carrier  1  by adjusting the orientation of the H-shaped support  2  between a plurality of predefined positions relative to the mounting portion  37 . The latch mechanism  7  is largely contained within the cross member  3 , and comprises a slidable member  11  that is constrained to be slidable in both directions along the longitudinal axis AA of the cross member  3 . Two spaced apart pairs of opposed engagement members  13 ,  15  are movably attached to the slidable member  11 . Part of each engagement member  13 ,  15  is positioned through a respective aperture  14 ,  16  in the cross member  3  constraining movement of the engagement members  13 ,  15  to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis AA. 
     The slidable member  11  comprises two slots  21 ,  23  each having narrow first and second ends  21   a ,  23   a , and a wider middle portion  21   b ,  23   b . Each engagement member  13 ,  15  comprises a roll pin  31  positioned in a respective slot  21 ,  23 . The position of the roll pins  31  relative to the slots  21 ,  23  changes as the slidable member  11  is slid along the longitudinal axis AA as the engagement members are constrained by the cross member apertures  14 ,  16  and unable to move longitudinally relative to the cross member  3 . 
     Biasing devices in the form of compression springs  25  on the engagement members  13 ,  15  act between the slidable member  11  and a protrusion or pin  33  on each engagement member  13 ,  15  to bias the engagement members  13 ,  15  outwards from the slidable member  11 , towards the sleeve  9 . Each slot&#39;s opposed surfaces  22   a ,  22   b ,  24   a ,  24   b  provide tracking surfaces that the roll pins  31  are biased to follow, with the possible outwards movement of the engagement members  13 ,  15  depending on the position of the roll pins  31  along the slots. 
     When the pins  31  are positioned at one of the narrow slot ends  21   a ,  23   a , the engagement member pairs  13 ,  15  are held together and unable to move outwards—see  FIG. 4( i ) . In this configuration, the engagement members are retracted and do not protrude beyond the cross member apertures  14 ,  16 . When the roll pins  31  are positioned in the wide part of the slot  21   b ,  23   b , the engagement members  13 ,  15  are biased to move apart and outwards relative to the slidable member  11  to potentially protrude through the apertures  14 ,  16  in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis AA—see  FIG. 4 ( ii ). 
     The sleeve  9  comprises two annular spaced apart rows of circumferentially arranged engagement apertures  17 ,  19  for receiving the engagement members  13 ,  15 . 
     With the roll pins  31  in the wide slot portions  21   b ,  23   b , the engagement members are only able to move outwards when cross member  3  is rotated so that the engagement member  13 ,  15  is aligned with a respective engagement aperture  17 ,  19 . If at least one engagement aperture  17 ,  19  is aligned with one of the engagement members  13 ,  15 , that engagement member will engage the aperture to lock the orientation of the H-shaped support relative to the sleeve  9 . Only one of the engagement members  13 ,  15  needs to engage an engagement aperture  17 ,  19  to lock the position of the H-shaped support relative to the carrier. 
     Alternatively, if no engagement apertures  17 ,  19  are aligned with an engagement member  13 ,  15  when the handle  29  is released, the engagement members  13 ,  15  are prevented from moving outwards by the inner surface of the sleeve, and the roll pins  31  are out of contact with their respective tracking surface  22   a ,  22   b ,  24   a ,  24   b . In this configuration, the H-shaped support remains rotatable relative to the sleeve  11 . When the H-shaped support is rotated to an orientation where at least one engagement aperture  17 ,  19  is aligned with one of the engagement members  13 ,  15 , that engagement member will automatically move outwards to engage the aligned aperture and lock the orientation of the H-shaped support relative to the sleeve  9 . 
     When the slidable member  11  is slid to the left or right via handles  29 , the roll pins  31  are positioned in the narrow portions  21   a ,  23   a  of the slots and the engagement members  13 ,  15  are retracted and disengaged from the apertures. 
     In the embodiment shown, each roll pin  31  is offset towards one side of the respective engagement member  13 ,  15 . The facing ends of the engagement members  13 ,  15  in each pair are shaped so that the when the roll pins  31  are positioned in the narrow portions  21   a ,  23   a  of the slots, the ends of engagement members in each pair  13 ,  15  overlap and the roll pins  31  are positioned side-by-side. This enables the engagement members  13 ,  15  to be retracted more than if the roll pins  31  were centrally positioned and the ends of the engagement members  13 ,  15  could not overlap. This advantageously enables a smaller width slidable member  11 . 
     The slots  21 ,  23  are shaped to accommodate the offset roll pins  31 , by offsetting the apex of each tracking surface  22   a ,  22   b ,  23   a ,  23   b , which the roll pins  31  abut when the engagement members  13 ,  15  are in engagement with a respective engagement aperture  17 ,  19 . 
     The engagement members  13 ,  15  are only able to engage a respective engagement aperture when the slidable member  11  is centrally positioned along the longitudinal axis AA, relative to the cross member, as shown in  FIG. 3 . In that central position, the engagement members roll pins  31  are positioned in the wide portion  21   b ,  23   b  of their respective slot  21 ,  23 . 
     Two biasing devices in the form of compression springs  27  at either end of the slidable member  11  act between the slidable member and the H-shaped support to bias the slidable member to its central engagement position, as shown in  FIG. 3 . A handle  29  is attached at or towards each end of the slidable member  11  and protrudes out of the cross member  3 . A user can slide either handle  29  left or right along the cross member  3  to retract and disengage the engagement members  13 ,  15  from the engagement apertures  17 ,  19 . When the user releases the handle  29 , the biased slidable member  11  returns to its central position. 
     While the latch  7  comprises two handles  29 , the latch  7  is operable with one hand, using either one of the handles  29 . This enables a user to disengage and rotate the H-shaped support  2  from one side of the carrier  1 . It also advantageously allows a user to support and rotate the H-shaped support  2  with their other hand. Alternatively, the carrier  1  may comprise only a single handle or actuator. 
     Rather than being provided on the cross member  3 , the handles  29  or an alternative actuator may be provided on another part of the support  2 . For example, a handle could be provided on one of the side members and connected to the slidable member  11  by way of a cable. 
     In the embodiment shown, each row of engagement apertures  17 ,  19  comprises an even number of evenly spaced apertures. This ensures that both of the engagement members in given a pair  13 ,  15  will be either engaged or disengaged with opposite apertures in the respective row of apertures  17 ,  19 , in all orientations of the H-shaped support  2 . 
     In the embodiment shown, each row of engagement apertures  17 ,  19  comprises an even number of evenly spaced apertures. Each annular row  17 ,  19  contains the same number of apertures. However, the rows are offset from each other (see also  FIG. 9( i ) ). Therefore, it is only possible for the engagement members in one pair  13 ,  15  to engage engagement apertures  17 ,  19  at any one rotational position of the H-shaped support. Engagement members in the other pair  13 ,  15  will be disengaged when one pair  13 ,  15  is engaged. 
     For example, in one orientation of the support, the engagement members  13  in the first pair engage opposite engagement apertures  17  in the sleeve  9 , but the engagement members  15  in the other pair remain retracted any biased against the inner surface of the sleeve  9 . However, in an alternative orientation of the H-shaped support, the engagement members  15  in the second pair may engage opposite engagement apertures  19  in the sleeve  9 , while the engagement members  13  in the first pair remain retracted and biased against the inner surface of the sleeve  9 . 
     This offset configuration provides twice the number of pre-defined rotational orientations for the H-shaped support than if the two rows of apertures were aligned. For example, in the embodiment shown, each row  17 ,  19  of engagement apertures comprises 16 apertures at 22.5 degree spacing. The H-shaped support is, therefore, adjustable to 32 rotational orientations in about 11.25 degree increments. However, if the rows were not offset, the support  2  would only be adjustable to 16 rotational orientations in 22.5 degree increments. Providing 32 apertures in a single row to provide the same adjustment resolution with a single row of apertures would require smaller apertures and/or smaller spaces between the apertures, compromising the strength of the engagement. 
     The number and configuration of the engagement apertures  17 ,  19  described above is exemplary only, and the sleeve may comprise more or fewer engagement features in varying configurations. For example the sleeve  9  may comprise only one row of engagement features, or may comprise three or more rows. The rows may be aligned or unaligned. 
     For example, in one alternative embodiment, each row of engagement apertures  17 ,  19  may comprise an odd number of evenly spaced apertures. In such an embodiment, only one of the engagement members in each pair  13 ,  15  is able to engage engagement apertures  17 ,  19  at any one rotational position of the H-shaped support. If the two rows are aligned, one engagement member in each pair  13 ,  15  will engaged with a respective aperture, and the other engagement member in each pair  13 ,  15  will be disengaged when the support  2  is fixed relative to the sleeve  9 . 
     Similarly, the latch may comprise more or fewer engagement members. For example the latch may comprise only a single engagement member, or two single spaced apart engagement members. Alternatively, the latch may comprise more than four engagement members. 
     The sleeve is described as having apertures  17 ,  19  to receive the engagement members. Alternatively, the engagement features may comprises recesses provided on the inner surface of the sleeve. Such an embodiment would advantageously prevent dirt entering the latch mechanism and bearing arrangement through the aperture, and would also conceal the engagement between the engagement members  13 ,  15  and the apertures providing safety and aesthetic advantages. 
     In a further alternative, the latch mechanism could be operatively provided on the mounting portion, and the apertures or other engagement features could be provided on the movable support portion. 
     The latch mechanism  7  further comprises bearing components  35  that attach to the cross member  3  and are configured to tightly bear against the inner surface of the sleeve  9  and fixed to the cross member  3  to rotate with the cross member and the latch mechanism  7 . The slidable member  11  extends through the bearing components  35 , and the bearing components  35  have apertures aligned with the apertures  14 ,  16  on the cross member  3 , through which the engagement members  13 ,  15  can extend. In a preferred embodiment, the bearing components  35  are plastic components. However, the bearing components may alternatively be metal or composite components. 
     The friction between the bearing components  35  and the sleeve  9  resists the rotation of the cross member  3 . This advantageously prevents the H-shaped rack dropping heavily from a near-vertical orientation to a horizontal or downwardly angled orientation under its own weight when the engagement members  13 ,  15  are retracted. Preferably, the friction between the plastic components  35  and the sleeve  9  is sufficient that the unloaded H-shaped rack is self supporting at any rotational orientation with the engagement members  13 ,  15  disengaged, but low enough that a user can easily overcome the resistance by applying a rotational force to the H-shaped support  2  with one hand. 
     The H-shaped support  2  is pivotable through at least 90 degrees, preferably through at least 180 degrees, and more preferably through 360 degrees.  FIGS. 5( i )  to  5 ( iii ) illustrate the carrier  1  mounted to the tow-ball  55  of a vehicle (not shown), and fixed in three exemplary orientations. The carrier  1  is mounted with the mounting portion  37  fixed to the vehicle tow-ball  55  and the cross member  3  substantially horizontal and extending transversely relative to the vehicle  51 . The H-shaped support  2  is pivotable relative to the vehicle and able to support articles for transportation in each of the rotational orientations. 
     The relatively fine angular adjustment of the H-shaped support  2  that is possible allows adjustment of the carrier  1  to better fit a wide range of vehicles, for example for improved aerodynamics.  FIGS. 6( i )  to  7 ( iv ) show the carrier mounted to a variety of automobile types  51 . A supplementary carrier  63  is shown mounted to the carrier  1  with a wheeled case  61  attached to the supplementary carrier  63  for illustrative purposes. These images show that the carrier  1  may be adjusted to a more upright configuration when mounted to a vehicle with a relatively upright back end, for example a van ( FIG. 6( i ) ). Alternatively the carrier may be angled forward for vehicles such as sports utility vehicles, hatch backs and station wagons that have more forward sloping back ends, as shown in  FIGS. 6 ( ii ) and  6 ( iv ), for improved aerodynamics and aesthetics. 
     H-Shaped Support 
     In addition, the H-shaped support  2  is asymmetric about the longitudinal axis AA of the cross member  3 , with each side member  5  having a short end  5   a  and a long end  5   b . In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 6( i )  and  6 ( ii ), the carrier is oriented with its long ends  5   b  above the cross member  3 . However, the carrier  1  may alternatively be oriented with the side member long ends  5   b  below the cross member  3 , as shown in  FIG. 6 ( iv ). This alternative configuration may be advantageous for mounting tall articles to lower profile vehicles, to minimise the height that the articles protrude above the vehicle. 
     In the embodiment shown, the side members  5  are of a fixed length and are fixed to the cross member  5 . Alternatively, the side members  5  may be extendible, for example telescopically, or may be interchangeable with different length side members. 
     Each side member  5  comprises an extrusion having two opposed elongate channels  43 ,  44 , for attaching supplementary carriers to the side members  5 . The cross member  3  similarly comprises an extrusion having opposed elongate channels  41 ,  42 . The opposed elongate channels  41 ,  42 ,  43  and  44  are preferably in the form of T-slots. 
     Each channel  41 ,  42 ,  43 ,  44  has two opposed lips. Supplementary carriers may be clamped or bolted to the bar, the lips of the each channel catching the bolt or a portion of the clamp in the channel. A bolt or clamp may be placed into one of the channels  41 ,  42 ,  43 ,  44  from an end of the channel, and slid along the channel to the desired position. Tightening the bolt or clamp clamps the channel lips to fix its position along the channel and secure a supplementary carrier to the carrier  1  as it known in the art. 
     End caps  45 ,  46  may be attached to the ends of the side members  5  to cover sharp end edges, protect the ends of the side members, and to prevent supplementary carriers or other attachments falling out from the attachment channels  43 ,  44 . 
     Having channels  41 ,  42 ,  43 ,  44  on both sides of the side members  5  enables supplementary carriers to be attached to the H-shaped support in all orientations of the support relative to the vehicle  51 . For example, when the H-shaped support  2  is vertical or near vertical, supplementary carriers may be attached to the then rear facing channels ( 41  and  43  if the long side sections  5   b  are above the cross member  3 , or alternatively  42  and  44  if the short side member sections  5   a  are above the cross member  3 ) as shown in  FIGS. 6( i ) ,  6 ( ii ), and  6 ( iv ). Alternatively, when the H-shaped support  2  is horizontal or near horizontal, supplementary carriers may be attached to the then upwards facing channels ( 42  and  44  if the long side sections  5   b  are rear of the cross member  3 , or  41  and  43  if the short side member sections  5   a  are rear of the cross member  3 ), as shown in  FIGS. 6 ( iii )). 
     Supplementary carriers may be mounted to only a single one of the side members  5 , as shown in  FIGS. 6( i ) ,  6 ( ii ),  6 ( iv ), and  7 ( i ), or transversely between the two side members  5 , as shown in  FIGS. 6 ( iii ),  7 ( ii ), and  7 ( iii ). For vehicles with a low profile trunk, such as a sedan, it is generally advantageous to carry items below the level of the trunk to minimise drag. This may be best achieved by mounting the supplementary carrier  63  transversely between the side members  5 . 
     If the carrier  1  is orientated with its side members  5  horizontal, the carrier  1  can support supplementary carriers in the same manner as a roof rack with two transverse roof bars, providing a similar modular system. For example,  FIG. 8( i )  shows a bicycle support  67  having a main support member  68  with attached wheel supports  69  and down tube support  70 , connected to the horizontally orientated carrier  1  by attaching the main support member  68  between the side members  5 . The bicycle support  67  may be an existing support for use in a modular roof rack system. The profile of the side members  5  may be selected to correspond to match the profile of transverse bars on a related roof rack system such that supplementary carriers are transferable between the rear mounted carrier  1  and the related roof rack. 
       FIG. 8 ( ii ) shows a further example of supporting a bicycle on the carrier  1 . In that example, individual wheel supports  71  for supporting the wheels of a bicycle  65  are attached to the side members  5 , and a down tube support  70  is attached to the cross member  3 . 
     Tow-Ball Mount 
       FIGS. 9 to 11  show the mounting portion  37  for mounting the carrier  1  to a vehicle tow-ball  55 . The mounting portion  37  comprises a housing  180  having side, top and bottom walls that receives the tow-ball  55 . The housing  180  has a floor wall  1800  having an aperture  181  therein comprising an enlarged portion  181   a  and a narrower portion  181   b.    
     The enlarged portion  181   a  of the aperture  181  has a diameter greater than the maximum diameter of the tow-ball  55 , such that the housing  37  can receive the tow-ball  55  through the aperture&#39;s enlarged portion  181   a . The narrower portion  181   b  of the aperture  181  has a width or diameter that is smaller than the maximum diameter of the tow-ball  55 , such that the tow-ball  55  is unable to pass through the narrow portion  181   b  of the aperture  181  but larger than a diameter of the tow-ball&#39;s cylindrical supporting neck  56 . The mounting portion  37  may be configured for tow-balls of varying sizes. For example, the mounting portion may be configured for use with a 1⅞ inch standard tow-ball, or for use with a 50 mm tow-ball. 
     To place the mounting portion  37  on a tow-ball  55 , the housing  180  is placed over the tow-ball  55  so that the tow-ball  55  passes through the enlarged portion  181   a  of the aperture  181 , and is received within the housing  180 . The user then pulls the carrier  1  and mounting portion  37  rearwards, away from the vehicle  51  until the tow-ball neck  56  is positioned within the narrow portion  181   b  of the aperture  181  and a major part of the tow-ball  55  is positioned over the narrow aperture portion  181   b . Preferably the diameter or width of the narrow aperture portion  181   b  substantially correspond, but is slightly larger than, the diameter of the tow-ball neck  56 . 
     When the tow-ball neck  56  is in the narrow portion  181   b  of the aperture, the edge of the narrow aperture portion  181   b  contacts the surface of the tow-ball neck  56  as shown in  FIGS. 10( i )  to  10 ( iv ). 
     The mounting portion  37  further comprises a clamp  183  having a jaw  184  that is linearly movable forwards and rearwards within the housing  180 . The rear wall of the housing  180  comprises a recess  182  for receiving a portion of the tow-ball  55  when the tow-ball neck  56  is against the end of the narrow aperture portion  181   b . The recess acts as a fixed jaw of the clamp  183 , and the movable jaw is movable towards and away from the recess  182 . 
     To adjust the position of the movable jaw  184 , the movable jaw  184  is pivotally attached to the end of a threaded bolt  187  so the end of the bolt can push or pull the jaw. The bolt  187  is also received by a complementary threaded aperture  189  in a front wall of the housing  180 . Rotating the bolt  187  in a first direction moves the jaw  184  linearly within the housing, towards the tow-ball  55  and recess  182  to clamp the tow-ball  55  and secure the mounting portion  37  to the vehicle  51 . The front wall of the housing  180  has a recessed portion  188  containing the threaded aperture  189 . The recess prevents the head of the bolt  187  from protruding outward from the housing  180  when in use. 
     The housing  180  is square or rectangular in cross section. The movable jaw  184  has sides  185  that are flush with the inner surface of the housing  180 , to prevent rotation of the jaw  184  relative to the housing  180  as the bolt  187  is tightened. 
     The curvature of the recess  182  in the rear wall of the housing  180  corresponds to the curvature of the tow-ball  55  such that when the tow-ball  55  is received in the recess  182 , the surface of the recess  182  is flush with the surface of the tow-ball  55 . Similarly, the movable jaw  184  comprises at least one contoured surface  186  for contacting and clamping the tow-ball  55 . The curvature of the contoured surface  186  corresponds to the curvature of the tow-ball  55  such that when the movable jaw  85  is moved towards the recess  182  and tightened to clamp the tow-ball  55 , the contoured surface  186  is flush with the surface of the tow-ball  55 . 
       FIG. 10 ( iv ) shows a tow-ball  55  clamped within the mounting portion  37 . In that configuration, the housing recess  182  and the contoured clamp surfaces  186  each provide a plurality of contact points (i.e. a contact area) on each jaw  182 ,  184  with the tow-ball  55 . The multiple contact points advantageously provide a more secure connection between the mounting portion  37  and the tow-ball  55  compared to a jaw having a flat surface and therefore only a tangential contact (i.e. a contact line) with the tow-ball  55 . The clamp connection of the present invention is thereby better able to resist rotation of the carrier about a vertical axis through the tow-ball  55 . 
     The walls of the housing  180  provide vertical and lateral support to the movable jaw  184  of the clamp  183  under loading. For example, if the vehicle travels over a bump, subjecting the housing to an upward force, the wall of the housing supports the movable jaw  184  ensuring that the tow-ball remains clamped and preventing transmission of the vertical force to the clamping bolt  187  as a bending load. 
       FIGS. 11( i )  to ( iv ) show the housing  180  component parts. Preferably the housing  180  is manufactured in two parts  180   a ,  180   b . The parts  180   a ,  180   b  may be cast, for example from steel using investment casting. To assemble the housing  180 , the two housing parts  180   a ,  180   b  are welded or otherwise connected along join  190  after the movable jaw  184  has been positioned in the housing. 
     Optionally, an intermediate section (not shown) comprising a length of square hollow section may be welded or otherwise connected between the two housing parts  180   a ,  180   b  to lengthen the housing. A longer mounting portion may be required where it desirable to have the latch  7  and cross member  3  positioned further out from the rear of the vehicle, for example, for carriers similar to the one shown in  FIG. 26  for supporting several bicycles. In one exemplary carrier for supporting three bicycles, the latch  7  and cross member  3  are positioned about 300 mm rear of the tow-ball to give a balanced pivot action. 
     The threaded bolt fastener  187  advantageously enables a high clamping force to be applied to the tow-ball  55 , which also minimises movement of the mounting portion  37  relative to the tow-ball  55 . Preferably the bolt can be tightened using a hex key or Allen key. 
     Alternative Carriers 
     While the exemplary carrier  1  is shown having a mount portion  37  for mounting to a tow-ball, alternatively, the carrier may comprise a mounting portion for mounting to a tubular vehicle hitch. One such embodiment is illustrated in  FIGS. 12( i )  to  12 ( iii ). In that embodiment, the mounting portion  37  comprises a mounting arm  193 . The mounting arm has a square tubular cross section that is dimensioned to be received by a tubular hitch. The arm has at least one aperture  195  or other attachment feature for securing the arm  193  to the vehicle hitch, for example to receive a bolt or pin. 
     The latch mechanism  7  described above has application in a wide range of carriers for mounting to vehicles, and may be used in carriers than have only a single in-use carrying orientation to provide the advantage of rotation of the carrier to access to the rear of the vehicle or for storage. Some examples are shown in  FIGS. 13( i )  to  14 .  FIGS. 13( i )  to  13 ( iv ) show a platform type carrier with a bumper  87  that is pivotable from a horizontal in-use position shown in  FIGS. 13( i )  to  13 ( iii ), to a vertical storage configuration shown in  FIG. 13 ( iv ).  FIG. 14  shows a bicycle carrier  91  with two support arms  93  each having a top tube support  95  for supporting the top tube of an attached bicycle  65 . The bicycle carrier  91  is pivotable away from the vehicle to enable access the rear of the vehicle. 
     Bicycle Carrier 
       FIGS. 15 to 17  show a preferred form bicycle carrier  101 . The carrier comprises a mounting portion  137  for mounting the carrier  101  to a vehicle hitch or tow-ball, and a latch adjustment mechanism  107  for adjusting the angular orientation of the carrier  101 . The latch adjustment mechanism  107  is substantially as described above in relation to the latch mechanism  37  in the H-shaped carrier  1 .  FIGS. 16 and 17  further illustrate the components and operation of the latch mechanism  107  of the bicycle carrier  101  in  FIG. 15 . Like components of the latch mechanism  107  are denoted using the same reference numbers as for the latch  7  shown in  FIGS. 2 to 4 ( ii ), but with the addition of 100 to said reference number. 
     The bicycle carrier  101  comprises a main cross member  103  that extends through the sleeve  109  of the latch mechanism  107 . The cross member  103  is rotatable relative to the sleeve  109  about a horizontal axis HA. Two angled wheel supports  105  are fixed to opposite ends of the cross member  103 . The wheel supports  105  are angled inwards towards each other at an angle α to the horizontal axis HA of between about 35 degrees and about 55 degrees, preferably about 45 degrees to the horizontal axis HA, such that top ends of the wheel supports  105  are closer together than lower ends of the wheel supports  105 . 
     Each wheel support  105  comprises two opposed side walls  141  defining a channel contact surface  142  for receiving a portion of a bicycle wheel  66 , as shown in  FIGS. 19( i )  to  21 ( iii ). Bicycles  65  are supported and carried in the bicycle carrier  101  by placing one wheel  66  in each wheel support  105 . The bicycle carrier  101  is pivotable from a vertical in-use configuration shown in the figures, to an angled or horizontal configuration (not shown) using the latch adjustment mechanism  107  in the same manner as described above. For example, the bicycle carrier  101  may be pivoted away from the vehicle (not shown) while bicycles  65  are supported by the carrier  101 , to provide access to the rear of the vehicle. 
     The bicycle carrier  101  may be transported in an angled orientation. For example, to lean bicycles towards a vehicle with a sloping rear, so the bicycles are substantially parallel with the rear of the vehicle. 
     The angle and length L of the wheel supports  105  enables the bicycle carrier  101  to support bicycles  65  of different geometries. For example, the carrier  101  is suitable for supporting bicycles with a range of different wheel bases or different wheel diameters. The wheels of bicycles with shorter wheel bases are supported higher in the wheel support channels  140  than bicycles with longer wheel bases. 
       FIG. 18  shows a schematic comparison between a bicycle with a 1100 mm wheel base and a bicycle with a 1007 mm wheel base. The contact point CP 2  between the wheels and the respective wheel support  105  for the bicycle with a 1007 mm wheel base is about 78.8 mm higher than the contact points CP 1  for the larger bicycle. Similarly, the contact point would be lower for a bicycle with the same wheel base but smaller diameter wheels. In  FIG. 18  the wheel supports have a length L of 200 mm. However, L could be about 100 mm as shown by M or up to about 300 mm (not shown). The distance N is 600 mm and represents the distance between the mid point of each wheel support in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 19 . Although, it should be appreciated that the distance N could be about 400 mm to about 700 mm and still accommodate bicycles having different wheel bases as shown. The angle of the wheel supports  105  in  FIG. 18  is 45° to the horizontal. 
     The inner contact surface  142  of the channel has a curvature and width that corresponds to the curvature and width of at least one type of bicycle tyre.  FIGS. 19( i )  to  21 ( iii ) illustrate a preferred form wheel support  105 . In that support, the curvature of the channel contact surface  142  changes from the base of the channel to the top of the channel, to support different width bicycle tyres  160 ,  161 ,  162  at different parts of the channel  140 —refer  FIG. 20( i ) . In the embodiment shown, the channel contact surface  142  has three support portions  142   a ,  142   b ,  142   c  with differing curvatures for supporting tyres and wheel rims of different widths. A base portion  142   c  of the channel has the highest curvature, an intermediate portion  142   b , and an upper portion  142   a  of the channel having respectively lower curvature than the base portion  142   c .  FIGS. 21( i ) and 22( i )  to  22 ( iii ) illustrate three different size tyres  160 ,  161 ,  162  supported in the channel  142 . 
     In the embodiment shown, the base support portion  142   c  has an arc radius that corresponds to the curvature of a typical 23 mm wide road bicycle tyre, such that when a road bicycle wheel is placed in the wheel support  105 , the tyre  162  will be supported in the base portion  142   c  of the channel and a lower surface of the tyre  162  will be cradled by the surface of the base portion  142   c.    
     The upper wall portion  142   a  has an arc radius that corresponds to the curvature of a 45 to 60 mm wide mountain bike tyre  160 , such that when a mountain bike tyre  160  is placed in the wheel support  105 , the tyre is supported by the walls of the upper support portion  142   a  of the channel. As shown in  FIG. 21( i ) , two lower surfaces of the tyre  160  will be cradled by opposite surfaces of the upper portion  142   b.    
     The intermediate support portion  142   b  is shaped to support a 25 to 28 mm wide touring or commuting bicycle tyre such that when a wheel with a 25 to 28 mm wide tyre  161  is placed in the wheel support  105 , the tyre is supported by the walls of the intermediate portion  142   b  of the channel, as shown in  FIG. 21 ( ii ), with two lower surfaces of the tyre  161  supported by opposite surfaces of the intermediate portion  142   b.    
     The walls  141  of the wheel supports  105  extend above the upper support portion  142   a  to provide additional side supports, such that when a mountain bike wheel or other wide-rim wheel is placed in the wheel support, the walls  141  extend above the top of the cross section of the tyre, as shown in  FIG. 21( i ) . Preferably the walls  141  extend sufficiently above the upper seat portion  142   a  to provide lateral support to the wheels to prevent the wheels coming out of the wheel supports under lateral loading or from bouncing out as a result of vertical movement of the carrier. 
     An alternative embodiment wheel support  105 ′ is shown in  FIGS. 22( i )  to  22 ( iii ). In that embodiment, a lower portion  140  of the wheel support channel  142  has a radius of curvature corresponding to the curvature of a mountain bike tyre  160 . Tyres  160  of mountain bike wheels placed in the wheel support  105 ′ will be positioned in the lower part of the channel such that a lower surface of the mountain bike tyre  160  is cradled by support portion  142   d.    
     To support wheels with narrower tyres  161 ,  162 , inserts  163 ,  165  specific to the wheel type may be placed in the channel  142 ′.  FIG. 22 ( ii ) shows an insert  163  for a medium width touring or commuting bicycle tyre  161 . The insert  163  has a support portion  164  with a curvature corresponding to the curvature of a 25-28 mm wide tyre  161  such that the tyres of touring or commuting bicycle wheels placed in the wheel support  105 ′ will be positioned in the lower part of the insert with a lower surface of the tyre  161  cradled by support portion  164 . As a further example,  FIG. 22 ( iii ) shows an insert  165  for a road bicycle tyre. The insert  165  has a support portion  166  with a radius of curvature of about 12.5 mm corresponding to a standard 23 mm wide road bicycle tyre, such that road bicycle wheels placed in the wheel supports  105  will be positioned in the lower part of the insert  165  with the lower surface of the tyre  162  cradled by the curved support portion  164 . 
     The inserts  163 ,  165  may comprise a foamed elastomer such as EVA, or another suitable material. 
     Both of the wheel support embodiments  105 ,  105 ′ shown in  FIGS. 20( i )  to  22 ( iii ) provide a curved support surface that provides a contact surface area or multiple contact points between a bicycle tyre and the wheel support  105 ,  105 ′. This in turn centres the tyre in the channel  140  to prevent or minimise lateral movement of the wheel. In combination with the 35 to 55 degree angle of the wheel supports  105 ,  105 ′, this advantageously enables bicycles  65  with their wheels  66  placed in the wheel supports  105 ,  105 ′ to be freestanding without the need for additional support, at least during loading or unloading of the bicycle. In contrast, a flat support surface would provide only a single tangential contact point with the tyre  160 ,  161 ,  162  rather than a multi-point or surface contact, and would not provide the same lateral support to the bicycle wheel to enable the bicycle to be freestanding. 
     Each wheel support  105 ,  105 ′ may have a strap  157  for securing bicycle wheels  160 ,  162 ,  162  in the wheel supports.  FIGS. 21( i )  to  21 ( iii ) show wheels with the different sized tyres secured in the wheel support  105  with an attachment strap  157 . 
     The strap  157  may be removably secured to the respective wheel support  105  using a hook and aperture arrangement. The wheel supports  105  comprise three apertures  145   b  in one of the side walls  141  for receiving a strap  157 (see  FIG. 20 ( ii )). The opposite side wall  141  comprises three corresponding hooks  145   a  ( FIG. 20 ( iii )). The attachment strap  157  has an enlarged end portion  157   b  that is larger than the aperture  145   b  and cannot pass through the aperture. To attach the strap  157  to the respective wheel support  105 , the strap  157  may be threaded through any one of the three apertures  145   b , depending on the position of the wheel along the wheel support  105 . The enlarged end portion  157   b  of the strap prevents the strap  157  being pulled through the aperture  145   b.    
     The strap  157  preferably comprises an elastomeric material and a plurality of apertures. To secure the wheel in the wheel support  105 , the strap  157  is stretched over the wheel rim and tyre  160 ,  161 ,  162  and secured by engaging the hook  145   a  with one of the apertures. Different apertures will be engaged depending on the size of the wheel rim and tyre.  FIGS. 21( i )  to  21 ( iii ) show the strap adjusted to different lengths to hold the differently sized wheels  160 ,  162 ,  162  in the wheel support  105 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 17 , the bicycle carrier  101  further comprises an adjustable support arm  151  for attaching to the down tube  73  of a bicycle  65  for additional stability of the bicycle during transport. The support arm  151  extends telescopically from a corresponding tubular receiver  143  in at least one of the wheel supports  105  and is movable in a longitudinal direction of the support arm  151  to adjust the length of support arm  151  protruding from the receiver  143  to accommodate bikes of different sizes and geometries. 
     The support arm  151  preferably extends from the wheel support  105  at the same angle α as the wheel support  105  angle to the horizontal axis HA, and preferably at about 45 degrees to the horizontal axis HA. 
     In the embodiment shown, both wheel supports  105  comprise a receiver  143  for the down tube support arm  151 . The support arm  151  may be placed in either receiver  143  and can be removed from one receiver  143  and placed in the other receiver  143  to support an oppositely oriented bike.  FIGS. 24( i )  and  24 ( ii ) show the support arm  151  placed in the receiver  143  of the left wheel support  105  for a bicycle facing left, and in the receiver  143  on the right wheel support  105  to support a bicycle facing right. 
     The top of each receiver  143  comprises a collar  147  with a cam lever  148  that can be tightened to fix the position of the down tube support arm  151  relative to the wheel support  105 , or loosened to allow adjustment, removal, or entry of the down tube support arm  151  in the receiver  143 . The top of the receiver  143  has a slot  144  ( FIGS. 17, 19 ( i )) to enable the diameter of the receiver  143  to be narrowed. Closing the cam lever  148  as shown in  FIG. 19 ( ii ) squeezes the slot  144  closed to clamp the down tube support arm  151  and fix the position of the support arm  151  relative to the wheel support  105 . 
     The top of the adjustable down tube support arm  151  comprises an attachment  153  for securing to the down tube  173 ,  173 ′ of a bicycle. The attachment  153  shown in  FIGS. 25( i )  to  25 ( iv ) comprises a cradle  171  that receives the down tube  173 ,  173 ′. The cradle  171  is preferably shaped to receive a range of differently sized or shaped down tubes  73 ,  73 ′ and may have a cushioned portion  172  to prevent damage to the down tube, and to better accommodate and distribute loading on differently shaped down tubes  173 ,  173 ′. 
     The attachment  153  further comprises strap  175  and hook  174  arrangement similar to wheel support strap  157 . The attachment portion  153  has an aperture  170  for receiving the strap  175 . The strap  175  has an enlarged end portion  175   a  that is larger than the aperture. The strap  175  is threaded through the aperture  170 , with the strap enlarged end portion  175   a  limiting movement of the strap  175  through the aperture  173 . The strap  175  preferably comprises an elastomeric material and a plurality of apertures  176  such that the strap  175  can be stretched over the down tube  173 ,  173 ′ and secured by pulling a free end  175   b  of the strap down and engaging the hook  174  with one of the apertures  176 , as shown in  FIG. 25 ( iii ). 
     The bicycle carrier  101  may comprise a single pair of wheel supports  105  for supporting a single bicycle, or alternatively may comprises two or more pairs of wheel supports  105  for supporting a plurality of bicycles  65 .  FIG. 26  shows a bicycle carrier  201  for supporting three bicycles. That bicycle carrier  201  comprises a main member comprising a cross member  203 , and two parallel side members  205 . One angled wheel support  105  in each pair is fixed to each side member  205 . The wheel support pairs are substantially parallel with each other such that bicycles placed side-by-side on the carrier  201  will also be substantially parallel with each other. 
     One bicycle  65  may be mounted in each pair of wheel supports  105 , with the down tube  73  supported by a respective down tube support arm  151 . To fit three bicycles side-by-side, the bicycle supported on the middle wheel support is preferably arranged to face in the opposite direction to the bicycles placed in the front and rear wheel support pairs to accommodate the bicycle handle bars. The down tube support arm  151  in the central wheel support pair would accordingly extend from the opposite side wheel support to the front and rear wheel support pairs. 
     The length L of each wheel support portion  105  also provides advantages for placing bicycles of varying sizes side-by-side. For example, it is not necessary for each bike to be centred exactly in each wheel support pair, with the height of the contact point between the bicycle front wheel and the respective wheel support at the same height as the contact point between the bicycle rear wheel and its respective wheel support. Instead, a bicycle may be arranged with its rear wheel supported higher than its front wheel, or with its front wheel supported higher than its rear wheel. This may be advantageous to prevent the handlebars of one bicycle clashing with the handlebars, seat, or frame of an adjacent bicycle. 
     A multi bicycle carrier  201  may comprise a latch mechanism  107  as described above to enable pivoting and angular adjustment of the carrier  201 . 
     Preferred embodiments of the invention have been described by way of example only and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.