Patent Publication Number: US-11648881-B2

Title: Carrier device for securing an accessory to a vehicle

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates, in part, to a carrier device for securing an accessory to an object, such as a vehicle. 
     BACKGROUND 
     There are a variety of known types of carrier devices for securing an accessory to a vehicle. For example, there are racks designed to secure recreational equipment, such as bicycles, skis, snowboards and surfboards to a vehicle. These racks are typically attached to the roof, and/or the rear of the vehicle. Many of these racks have permanent mounting brackets attached to the vehicle. Also, many vehicles require a custom fit rack shaped and sized for a specific make and model vehicle. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a carrier device for securing an accessory to a vehicle is provided. The carrier device includes a support frame having a first end and a second end, a first suction cup pivotally mounted at the first end of the support frame, where the first suction cup is rotatable about a first pivot axis, and a second suction cup pivotally mounted at the second end of the support frame, where the second suction cup is rotatable about a second pivot axis. The rotational position of the first and second suction cups relative to the support frame is adjustable to selectively couple the carrier device to a vehicle. The carrier device also includes a first vacuum pump associated with the first suction cup and configured to selectively adjust the pressure within the first suction cup to couple the first suction cup to a vehicle, and a second vacuum pump associated with the second suction cup and configured to selectively adjust the pressure within the second suction cup to couple the second suction cup to a vehicle. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a carrier device for securing an accessory to a vehicle is provided. The carrier device includes a support frame having a first end and a second end, a first suction cup mounted to the support frame to selectively couple the carrier device to a vehicle, and a second suction cup mounted to the support frame to selectively couple the carrier device to a vehicle. The carrier device also includes a first vacuum pump associated with the first suction cup and configured to selectively adjust the pressure within the first suction cup to couple the first suction cup to a vehicle, and a second vacuum pump associated with the second suction cup and configured to selectively adjust the pressure within the second suction cup to couple the second suction cup to a vehicle. The support frame has a length, and the length of the support frame is adjustable to adapt to the size of a vehicle, and/or to adapt to the size of an accessory. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a carrier device according to one embodiment shown in a first position; 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of the carrier device of  FIG.  1    shown in a second extended length position; 
         FIG.  3    is a side view of a first end of a carrier device according to one embodiment shown with a first suction cup in a first position; 
         FIG.  4    is a side view of the first end of the carrier device of  FIG.  3    shown with the first suction cup rotated into a second position; 
         FIG.  5    is a side view of a second end of a carrier device according to one embodiment shown with a second suction cup in a first position; 
         FIG.  6    is a side view of the second end of the carrier device of  FIG.  5    shown with the second suction cup rotated into a second position; 
         FIGS.  7 A- 7 D  illustrate a carrier device coupled to four different shaped vehicles; 
         FIG.  8 A  illustrates one embodiment of a carrier device for securing a bicycle to a vehicle; 
         FIG.  8 B  illustrates a detailed view of the suction cup shown in  FIG.  8 A ; 
         FIG.  9    illustrates one embodiment of a carrier device which includes a central hub; 
         FIG.  10    is a top view of one embodiment of a carrier device which includes a central hub that interacts with a nearby electronic device, such as a smart phone; 
         FIG.  11 A  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a carrier device support frame according to one embodiment which includes an adjustable length wire shown in a first position; 
         FIG.  11 B  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the carrier device support frame of  FIG.  11 A  with the adjustable length wire shown in a compressed position; 
         FIG.  12    illustrates a detailed view of one end of a carrier device according to one embodiment; and 
         FIG.  13    illustrates a partially disassembled view of a portion of a carrier device according to one embodiment which includes a retractable security tether. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure is directed to a carrier device for securing an accessory to a vehicle. As set forth in more detail below, the carrier device itself is configured to selectively attach and detach from the vehicle. The carrier device may be configured to secure a variety of types of accessories to a vehicle, such as, but not limited to bicycles, skis, snowboards, surfboards, luggage, cameras, cargo boxes, etc. 
     Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a carrier device that includes one or more suction cups to selectively couple the carrier device to the vehicle. As set forth in more detail below, one or more vacuum pumps are configured to selectively adjust the pressure within the suction cup. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that adjusting the pressure within the suction cup creates a partial vacuum within the suction cup causing the suction cup to adhere to an adjacent surface. The carrier device may include a plurality of spaced apart suction cups used to selectively adhere to an outside surface of a vehicle to attach the carrier device to the vehicle. As set forth in more detail below, when desired, the pressure within the suction cups is adjusted to remove the partial vacuum to detach the suction cups (and carrier device) from the vehicle. 
     As set forth in more detail below, aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a unique carrier device which enables it to be used with a wide variety of shaped and sized vehicles. For example, in one embodiment, a carrier device has a plurality of suction cups that are pivotally mounted to a support frame. The suction cups can rotate relative to the support frame based upon the shape and size of the vehicle. As set forth in more detail below, a suction cup may be mounted at each end of a support frame and each suction cup may rotate independent of each other. In another embodiment, a carrier device has a plurality of suction cups coupled to a support frame and the length of the support frame is adjustable to adapt to the size of a vehicle, and/or to adapt to the size of an accessory. As set forth in more detail below, the support frame may adjust between a more compact collapsed position and a longer extended position to enable the carrier device to be used with a variety of shaped and sized vehicles and/or accessories. 
     The present disclosure is also directed to various safety features associated with the carrier device. As set forth in more detail below, in one embodiment, a suction cup carrier device is provided with safety features which enable the driver of the vehicle to monitor the pressure within the suction cups. In one particular embodiment, wireless technology, such as Bluetooth technology, is incorporated into the carrier device such that the carrier device may be paired with a nearby electronic device, such as the driver&#39;s smart phone. As set forth in more detail below, in another embodiment, the suction cup carrier device includes a retractable safety tether configured to lock the carrier device to the vehicle to prevent theft. 
     Turning now to  FIGS.  1 - 6   , one embodiment of a carrier device  10  is shown in greater detail. As illustrated, the carrier device  10  includes a support frame  20 , with at least a first suction cup  30  and second suction cup  40 . In one illustrative embodiment, the first suction cup  30  is positioned at a first end  22  of the support frame  20  and the second suction cup  40  is positioned at a second end  24  of the support frame  20 . It should be appreciated that in another embodiment, one or more suction cups may be positioned along the length of the support frame  20 . In one illustrative embodiment, the support frame  20  is substantially linear in shape with a straight portion extending between the first and second suction cups  30 ,  40 . In another embodiment, the support frame  20  may include one or more curved portions, as the present disclosure is not limited in this respect. Furthermore, as shown in  FIGS.  1 - 2    and as described in more detail below, the carrier device  10  may also include third and fourth suction cups  32 ,  42 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 2   , the support frame  20  may have an adjustable length. In  FIG.  1   , the support frame  20  is in a collapsed position having a length, L 1 . In contrast, in  FIG.  2   , the support frame is in an extended position having a length L 2 . In the illustrative embodiment shown in  FIG.  2   , the support frame  20  has a telescoping first component  26   a ,  26   b  that is slidable within a second support frame component  28 . As shown, the telescoping first component  26   a ,  26   b  may include one or more beams that slide within channels formed within the second support frame component  28 . As set forth in more detail below, this adjustable length support frame enables a user to fit the carrier device  10  to different sized and shaped vehicles, and/or it also may enable the carrier device  10  to be used with different sized and shaped accessories. For example, in one embodiment, the adjustable length support frame enables one to use the carrier device to be used with bicycles having different frame sizes. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  3 - 6   , one or more suction cups  30 ,  40  may be positioned at each end  22 ,  24  of the support frame. It should be appreciated that the suction cups  32 ,  42  located on the opposite side of the carrier device are not visible in these side views. As mentioned above, each suction cup  30 ,  40  is configured to selectively couple the carrier device  10  to a vehicle. One or more vacuum pumps are associated with the suction cups and are configured to selectively adjust the pressure within the suction cup to create a partial vacuum within the suction cup causing the cup to adhere to an adjacent vehicle surface. In one embodiment, each suction cup  30 ,  32 ,  40 ,  42  includes a button  34 ,  36 ,  46  on its side which, when pressed, activates the associated vacuum pump to cause the suction cup to be secured to the adjacent vehicle surface. Buttons  34 ,  36 ,  46  are shown in  FIGS.  1 - 2   , and it should be appreciated that although not visible in these drawings, suction cup  32 , may also have a button. In this particular embodiment, each vacuum pump is located within each suction cup and thus it is not specifically illustrated in the figures. The present disclosure contemplates various types of known suction cups. 
     In one embodiment, first suction cup  30  is rotatable between a first position shown in  FIG.  3   , and a second position shown in  FIG.  4   . Similarly, a second suction cup  40  may be rotatable between a first position shown in  FIG.  5   , and a second position shown in  FIG.  6   . In one embodiment, first suction cup  30  is rotatable at least about 140°, and second suction cup  40  is rotatable at least about 180°. However, it should be appreciated that in another embodiment, the angle of rotation for each suction cup may vary. As shown in  FIGS.  3 - 4   , the first suction cup  30  is rotatable about a first hinge  60  which defines a first pivot axis, and as shown in  FIGS.  5 - 6   , the second suction cup  40  is rotatable about a second hinge  50  which defines a second pivot axis. As shown, the first and second hinges  60 ,  50  are located on the support frame  20 , with first hinge  60  positioned on the first end  22  of the support frame  20  and the second hinge  50  positioned on the second end  24 . As shown in  FIGS.  3 - 4   , in one embodiment, the first hinge  60  which defines the first pivot axis is positioned over the first suction cup  30 . Furthermore, as shown in  FIGS.  5 - 6   , in one embodiment, the second hinge  50  which defines the second pivot axis is positioned over the second suction cup  40 . This configuration where the hinge  60 ,  50  is positioned directly over the suction cup  30 ,  40  may provide enhanced rigidity. It should be recognized that in another embodiment, the suction cups  30 ,  40  may pivot about a pivot axis having a different configuration. For example, in one embodiment, another type of rotational coupling, such as a ball and socket joint, may be provided. 
     Furthermore, as shown in  FIGS.  1 - 2   , each end  22 ,  24  of the support frame  20  may include more than one suction cup. For example, as shown in  FIGS.  1 - 2   , a third suction cup  32  is also rotatable about the first hinge  60 , and a fourth suction cup  42  is rotatable about the second hinge  50 . It should be appreciated that the rotational position of the first, second, third and fourth suction cups  30 ,  40 ,  32 ,  42  relative to the support frame  20  is adjustable to selectively couple the carrier device to a vehicle. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  1 - 2   , the first and third suction cups  30 ,  32  are coupled together such that they move together about the first hinge  60 , and the second and fourth suction cups  40 ,  42  are also coupled together such that they move together about the second hinge  50 . However, it should be appreciated that in another embodiment, these suction cups  30 ,  32 ,  40 ,  42  may rotate independently of each other. 
       FIGS.  7 A- 7 D  illustrate a carrier device  10  coupled to four different shaped vehicles  210 . As shown, an accessory, such as a bicycle  200  is secured to the carrier device  10 . Details regarding how the bicycle  200  may be secured to the carrier device are disclosed below. As shown in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 D , the angle of the first and second suction cups  30 ,  40  relative to the support frame  20  is adjusted to match the contour of the outer surface of the vehicle  210 . Furthermore, as shown in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 D , the length of the support frame  20  can also adjusted based upon the size and shape of the vehicle  210  and/or the size and shape of the bicycle  200 , or other accessory.  FIGS.  7 A- 7 D  demonstrate that the carrier device  10  may be used with a variety of vehicles ranging from compact cars to large SUV&#39;s. 
     One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the carrier device  10  may include one or more attachment mounts for securing the accessory to the carrier device  10 . For example, as shown in  FIGS.  1 - 2   , the carrier device  10  may include a wheel strap  70  positioned at one end  24  of the support frame  20  which is configured to receive a bicycle wheel. As shown, the end  24  of the support frame  20  may also include a wheel tray  72  shaped to retain the bicycle wheel. As shown in  FIG.  8 A , the front bicycle wheel may be removed to secure the front of the bicycle to a fork mount  76  located on the first end  22  of the support frame  20 . As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 2   , the carrier device  10  may also include a quick release locking skewer  74  positioned at the first end  22  of the support frame  20  to lock the bicycle to the fork mount  76 . One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that other types of attachment mounts may be desired for mounting other types of accessories to a vehicle. It should be appreciated that in another embodiment, the carrier device  10  may include various attachment mounts such as, but not limited to various straps, tethers, racks, bars, through axles, wheel clamps, or frame clamps. It should also be recognized that various keys/locks may be incorporated into one or more attachment mounts to prevent theft of the bicycle (or other accessory) from the carrier device. 
     As shown in  FIG.  8 B , the suction cup  30  has a button  34  on its side which, when pressed, activates the associated vacuum pump (located within the suction cup  30 ) to secure the suction cup  30  to the adjacent vehicle surface. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that each button  34 ,  36 ,  44 ,  46  may be pumped to secure each suction cup  30 ,  32 ,  40 ,  42  to the vehicle. When desired, the pressure within the suction cups is adjusted to remove the partial vacuum to detach the suction cups (and carrier device) from the vehicle. For example, a button may be provided on each suction cup to assist in detaching the suction cups from the vehicle. 
     Turning now to  FIGS.  9 - 10   , the electrical components of the carrier device  10  will now be discussed. As set forth in more detail below, aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a suction cup carrier device with safety features which enable the driver of the vehicle to monitor the pressure within the suction cups  30 ,  32 ,  40 ,  42 . In one embodiment, it may be desirable for the pressure within each suction cup  30 ,  32 ,  40 ,  42  to be approximately 700 psi or less It may also be desirable for the carrier device  10  to alert the driver if the pressure within any of the suction cups  30 ,  32 ,  40 ,  42  is not at this threshold pressure. 
     As shown in the exploded view shown in  FIG.  9   , a suction sensor pod (i.e. first pressure sensor  110 ) may be associated with the first suction cup  30 . Similarly, a second pressure sensor (not specifically shown) may likewise be associated with the second suction cup  40 . These pressure sensors  110  are configured to detect information about the pressure within the suction cups  30 ,  40 . As also shown in  FIG.  9   , the carrier device  10  may include a central hub  100  associated with the support frame  20 . The central hub  100  may include a power source electrically coupled to the pressure sensors  110 , and a short range wireless interconnection module to selectively pair the pressure sensors  110  to a nearby electronic device, for example via Bluetooth® technology, to transmit suction cup pressure information to a user. As shown in  FIG.  10   , in one embodiment, the nearby electronic device is a smart phone  150 . In one embodiment, the central hub power source includes a battery which acts as the central power source for all of the suction cups  30 ,  32 ,  40 ,  42 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  9   , the central hub  100  may be housed within a recess  102  formed within the support frame  20 . Furthermore, as shown in  FIG.  10   , wires  130 ,  132  extend within the support frame to electrically connect the central hub  100  to each of the pressure sensors  110 . As shown in  FIG.  10   , a pressure sensor  110  may be associated with each of the four suction cups  30 ,  32 ,  40 ,  42 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  10   , in one embodiment, the carrier device  10  employs Bluetooth® technology to pair the central hub  100  to a smart phone  150 . The central hub  100  may include a power button, a pairing button (to connect the central hub  100  to the smart phone  150 ), and a status LED light to indicate power on/off and pairing status. The smart phone  150  may interact with the central hub  100  to provide suction cup pressure information. In one embodiment, the smart phone  150  may include an app configured to alert the driver (audible and/or visual alert) if the pressure within any of the suction cups  30 ,  32 ,  40 ,  42  is not within the desired range. The app may also be configured to also provide continuous real-time pressure data for each of the suction cups  30 ,  32 ,  40 ,  42 . In one embodiment, the carrier device  10  may also include a visual indication on the suction cup  30 ,  32 ,  40 ,  42  itself to alert the user whether the pressure within the suction cup  30 ,  32 ,  40 ,  42  is within the desired range. For example, the buttons  34 ,  44 ,  36 ,  46  may include a red portion that is visible only when the pressure within the suction cup is below a predetermined amount. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  11 A- 11 B , in one embodiment, the carrier device  10  has an adjustable length wire  132  coupling the first pressure sensor  110  to the central hub  100 . As shown in these cross-sectional views, the adjustable length wire  132  is positioned within the support frame  20  such that the length of the wire  132  is adjustable to the length of the support frame  20 . As mentioned above, the length of the support frame  20  may be adjustable to enable a user to fit the carrier device  10  to different sized and shaped vehicles. In the illustrative embodiment, the adjustable length wire  132  has a helical spring shape. Other adjustable length wire configurations such as, for example, other coiled or spring configurations and/or wires made of an elastic material, are also contemplated. 
     In  FIG.  11 A , the adjustable length wire  132  extends within the telescoping first component  26   a  of the support frame  20  in a first extended position. In contrast, in  FIG.  11 B , the adjustable length wire  132  extends within the telescoping first component  26   a  of the support frame  20  in a collapsed position. It should be appreciated that when the carrier device  10  is in an extended length position as shown in  FIG.  2   , the adjustable length wire  132  may be extended as shown in  FIG.  11 A . And when the carrier device  10  has a shorter collapsed length as shown in  FIG.  1   , the adjustable length wire  132  may be in a collapsed position as shown in  FIG.  11 B . In this respect, the adjustable length wire  132  enables the length of the support frame  20  to vary without compromising the electrical connection between the pressure sensors  110  and the central hub  100 . Although the embodiment disclosed in  FIGS.  10 - 11    disclose wires  132  electrically connecting the pressure sensors  110  to the central hub  100 , wireless connections and near-field connections are also contemplated. 
     Turning now to  FIGS.  12 - 13   , one additional safety feature of the carrier device  10  will now be discussed. As shown in the partially disassembled view shown in  FIG.  13   , the carrier device  10  may include a retractable security tether  160 . As shown in  FIG.  13   , the security tether  160  may be retracted into one of the telescoping beams  26   b  of the support frame  20 . When the vehicle is parked, the driver may want to tether the carrier device  10  to the vehicle to prevent theft. In one embodiment, the security tether  160  may be pulled out from the telescoping beam and the end of the tether  160  may be shut in one of the vehicle&#39;s doors or windows. Once the vehicle is locked, the tether  160  is secured inside of the vehicle. Thus, even if the suction cups  30 ,  32 ,  40 ,  42  are detached from the vehicle, the tether  160  is still securing the carrier device to the vehicle. In one embodiment, the security tether  160  may be retracted out from an opening in the support frame  20 , such as the opening  164  shown in the detailed end view of  FIG.  12   . As shown in  FIG.  13   , the end of the security tether  160  may include an anchor  162  which keeps the other end of the security tether  160  secured within the support frame  20 . As shown in  FIG.  13   , the security tether  160  may extend within one of the telescoping beams  26   b  of the support frame  20 , which the adjacent telescoping beam  26   a  is configured to hold the adjustable length wires  132 . 
     Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the functions and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto; the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. The present invention is directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present invention. 
     All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms. 
     The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.” 
     The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified, unless clearly indicated to the contrary. 
     All references, patents and patent applications and publications that are cited or referred to in this application are incorporated in their entirety herein by reference.