Abstract:
A bicycle carrier includes a wheel support arrangement and a stabilizer engageable with a bicycle wheel, for maintaining the bicycle upright. The stabilizer includes an inner section and an extendible and retractable outer section. The inner section is pivotable throughout a range of positions, including an operating position. A releasable engagement arrangement selectively maintains the outer section in a predetermined position relative to the inner section. The inner section includes an interlock, which prevents engagement of the releasable engagement arrangement other than when the stabilizer is in the operative position, to ensure that the stabilizer is engaged with the bicycle in a desired position relative to the bicycle. The interlock provides a sensory indication when the stabilizer is in the operative position, and includes a manual actuator disengaging the releasable engagement arrangement to move the stabilizer away from the operative position.

Description:
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to a stabilizer such as is used in a vehicle-mounted bicycle carrier, and more particularly to an interlock arrangement for a pivotable stabilizer that includes an extendible and retractable outer section or arm. 
   A vehicle-mounted bicycle carrier typically includes a support arrangement for engaging one or both wheels of the bicycle. Fork-mount bicycle carriers require removal of one of the bicycle wheels, and include provisions for engaging the bicycle fork for maintaining the bicycle in an upright position during transport. While this type of carrier functions satisfactorily, it requires the user to remove the bicycle wheel for transport and to replace the bicycle wheel when preparing the bicycle for use. 
   A ride-ready bicycle carrier provides support for both of the bicycle wheels, which eliminates the need to remove and replace one of the bicycle wheels in order to transport the bicycle. This type of carrier includes a stabilizer, in the form or an extendible and retractable arm, for maintaining the bicycle in an upright position during transport. One example of a bicycle carrier of this type is shown and described in co-pending application Ser. No. 10/156,378 filed Aug. 23, 2001, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. The carrier disclosed in the &#39;378 patent application includes a frame adapted for mounting to the vehicle, and wheel supports for supporting the front and rear wheels of the bicycle. A stabilizing arm is pivotably interconnected with the frame for movement between a raised position and a lowered position. The stabilizing arm includes a base or inner section pivotably mounted to the frame, and an outer section that is extendible and retractable relative to the inner section. A ratchet-type engagement arrangement is interposed between the inner and outer sections of the stabilizing arm, to enable the outer section of the arm to be clamped onto the bicycle wheel so as to maintain the bicycle in an upright position. 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle-mounted bicycle carrier which includes a feature for enabling the stabilizing arm to be engaged with an area of the bicycle, such as the bicycle wheel, only when the arm is in an operative position capable of maintaining the bicycle in an upright position during transport. It is a further object of the invention to provide such a bicycle carrier which operates in a generally similar manner to the carrier such as is disclosed in the &#39;378 patent application, in which the stabilizing arm is capable of being engaged with the bicycle only when in an operative position that maintains the bicycle in an upright position. It is a further object of the invention to provide a stabilizing arm which provides a sensory indication to the user that the stabilizing arm is in an operative position and is capable of being engaged with the bicycle. Yet another object of the invention is to provide such a stabilizing arm which selectively prevents rotation and extension of the stabilizing arm when the stabilizing arm is engaged with the bicycle in an operative position. A still further object of the invention is to provide an interlock arrangement for an extendible and retractable stabilizer for use with a vehicle-mounted equipment carrier, as well as a method of operating a stabilizer in a bicycle carrier. 
   In accordance with the present invention, a bicycle carrier includes a wheel support configured to engage a lower area of a bicycle wheel, and a pivotable stabilizing arm configured to engage an upper area of the bicycle, so as to maintain the bicycle in an upright position on the carrier. The stabilizing arm includes a pivoting inner section or base, and an arm or outer section movably mounted to the inner section for movement between an extended position and a retracted position. The stabilizing arm further includes engagement structure interposed between the inner section and the outer section, including an engagement member that is movable between an engaged position and a release position. In the engaged position, the engagement member is operable to fix the position of the outer section relative to the inner section when the outer section is engaged with the bicycle. In the disengaged position, the engagement member allows extension of the outer section relative to the inner section. The stabilizing arm further includes a selectively actuable control or interlock arrangement interconnected with the movable engagement member. The control or interlock arrangement is operable to maintain the movable engagement member in the disengaged position when the stabilizing arm is in an inoperative position relative to the wheel support, and to move the engagement member to the engaged position when the stabilizer is in an operative position relative to the wheel support. 
   The engagement member may be mounted to the inner section, and the outer section may include a series of teeth with which the engagement member is engageable when in the engaged position, for fixing the position of the outer section of the relative to the inner section. In one form, the engagement member and the teeth provide ratchet-type engagement upon retraction of the outer section onto the upper area of the bicycle, such as the bicycle wheel. Movement of the engagement member to the disengaged position enables the outer section of the stabilizing arm to be extended relative to the inner section, to release engagement with the upper area of bicycle. The control or interlock arrangement includes an interlock member that is interconnected with the engagement member, and which maintains the engagement member in the disengaged position at all times other than when the stabilizer is in a predetermined operative position relative to the wheel support, such as a raised position or a lowered, stowed position. When the stabilizing arm is moved to an operative position, the interlock member is moved from a release position to an interlock position, and movement of the interlock member to the interlock position is operable to place the engagement member in the engaged position into engagement with the series of teeth. The outer section of the stabilizing arm is then retracted relative to the inner section into engagement with the upper area of the bicycle. The interlock arrangement further includes a manually operable actuator, which enables a user to manually move the engagement member from the engaged position to the disengaged position, to allow extension of the outer section of the stabilizing arm and thereby disengagement of the stabilizing arm from the upper area of the bicycle. Such movement of the engagement member to the disengaged position causes the interlock member to move from the interlock position to the release position, to enable the stabilizing arm to be pivoted relative to the wheel support. 
   The invention contemplates a bicycle carrier having a stabilizing arm, as well as a stabilizing arm construction and a method of operating a bicycle carrier, substantially in accordance with the foregoing summary. 
   Various other features, objects and advantages of the invention will be made apparent from the following description taken together with the drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated of carrying out the invention. 
     In the drawings: 
       FIG. 1  is an isometric view illustrating a representative construction of a vehicle-mounted bicycle carrier having a stabilizing arm incorporating the interlock arrangement of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded isometric view illustrating the components of an inner section of the stabilizing arm incorporated in the bicycle carrier of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a section view taken along line  3 — 3  of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a partial elevation view, with reference to line  4 — 4  of  FIG. 3 , showing the inner and outer sections of the stabilizing arm of the present invention in a raised operative position; 
       FIG. 5  is an enlarged partial elevation view of the lower portion of the inner and outer sections of the stabilizing arm as shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
       FIG. 6  is a partial section view taken along line  6 — 6  of  FIG. 4 ; 
       FIG. 7  is an enlarged partial section view with reference to line  7 — 7  of  FIG. 6 ; 
       FIG. 8  is a section view taken along line  8 — 8  of  FIG. 4 , showing the engagement member in an engaged position; 
       FIG. 9  is a partial section view taken along line  9 — 9  of  FIG. 8 ; 
       FIG. 10  is an enlarged partial section view of the inner and outer sections of the stabilizing arm and the engagement member as in  FIG. 8 , showing the engagement member in a disengaged position; and 
       FIG. 11  is a view similar to  FIG. 10 , showing the engagement member in an engaged position for providing ratchet-type engagement of the teeth of the outer section of the stabilizing arm upon retraction of the outer section. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIG. 1  illustrates a bicycle rack or carrier  20  adapted for mounting to the hitch of a vehicle, shown at  22 , for transporting a bicycle  24 . Bicycle carrier  20  is adapted to carry bicycle  24  in a ride-ready fashion, and provides quick and easy mounting of bicycle  24  to carrier  20  and removal of bicycle  24  from carrier  20 . In a manner to be explained, carrier  20  engages the front and rear wheels, shown at  26 ,  28 , respectively, of bicycle  24  for retaining bicycle  24  in position on carrier  20 . 
   Carrier  20  includes an axial central support member  30 , in the form of a tubular member, which extends rearwardly from a hitch attachment mechanism  32  adapted for engagement with the trailer hitch of vehicle  22 . Hitch attachment mechanism  32  may be in the form of a mounting bracket to which central support member  30  is connected for movement between an operative extended position as shown, and an inoperative stowed position in which central support member  30  is positioned in an upright orientation. Representatively, such a mounting bracket is illustrated in copending application Ser. No. 10/271,075 filed Oct. 15, 2002, the disclosure of which is herby incorporated by reference, although it is understood that any other satisfactory type of mounting mechanism may be employed. 
   Carrier  20  includes a pair of structural cross members  34 ,  36  secured to central support member  32  in any satisfactory manner such as by welding. Structural cross members  34 ,  36  are adapted to support a bicycle  24  in a manner to be explained. While carrier  20  is shown and described as having two (2) structural cross members for supporting two bicycles, it is understood that any number of structural cross members such as  34 ,  36  may be utilized to mount any desired number of bicycles, e.g. one, two, three, four or any other desired number. Further, while structural cross members  34 ,  36  are illustrated as being of one-piece construction extending outwardly from opposite sides of central support member  30 , it is understood that each structural cross member may alternatively be two separate pieces extending outwardly from opposite sides of central support member  30 . 
   Generally, each structural cross member, such as  34 , of carrier  20  includes a pair of front wheel support members  38  and a stabilizing member in the form of a clamp or stabilizing arm mechanism  40  interconnected with structural cross member  34  on one side of central support member  30 , in combination with a rear wheel support member  42  and a rear wheel retainer  44  interconnected with structural cross member  34  on the opposite side of central support member  30 . A similar set of components is mounted to each additional structural cross member, such as  36 , for use in mounting additional bicycles to bicycle carrier  20 . 
   Each front wheel support member  38  includes a boss  46  and a wheel engagement member  48  which defines wheel engagement areas extending outwardly in opposite directions from boss  46 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , each wheel engagement member  48  may be in the form of a trough having a relatively narrow outer portion  50  and a wide inner portion  52  bounded by tubular outer members  54 . Each wheel engagement member  48  is arcuate in shape, and a pivot bolt  56  extends through a transverse passage formed in each boss  46  and through aligned openings formed in the walls of structural cross member  34 . With this construction, each front wheel support member  38  is pivotable about a pivot axis defined by pivot bolt  56 . Arcuate wheel engagement members  48  are adapted to engage a bicycle wheel such as front wheel  26  in the lower area of the wheel, and to support the wheel at spaced apart locations. The spacing between front wheel support members  38  as well as the length of engagement members  48  are selected such that front wheel support members  38  are capable of receiving and engaging all sizes of bicycle wheels, from the smallest juvenile bicycle to the largest adult bicycle. The narrowed outer trough portions  50  of support members  38  are adapted to receive narrower bicycle tires such as are found on racing or street bicycles, and the wide inner trough portions  52  are adapted to receive wider bicycle tires such as are found on juvenile and mountain bicycles. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 2–4 , stabilizing arm  40  is pivotably mounted to a shell or hub  60  secured to structural cross member  34 , stabilizing arm  40  functions as a stabilizer to engage an upper area of bicycle  24 , such as the upper area of one of bicycle wheels  26 ,  28 , to maintain bicycle  24  in an upright position during transport. Stabilizing arm  40  includes a base or inner section  62  pivotably mounted to hub  60 , and an outer section  64  which is mounted for inward and outward movement to inner section  62 . In a manner to be explained, stabilizing arm  40  is adapted to engage the upper portion of one of the bicycle wheels  26 ,  28  at a location between wheel support members  38 , for clamping the wheel to structural cross member  34 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 3 , hub  60  is in the form of a generally conical member having a side wall  66  that define a passage within which structural cross member  34  is received. Hub  60  further includes an outwardly facing outer ring  68  at the outer extent of side wall  66 . A series of openings in the form of slots  70   a ,  72   a  and  74   a  are formed in one half of ring  68 , and oppositely facing openings in the form of slots  70   b ,  72   b  and  74   b  are formed in the other half of ring  68 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 6 , inner section  62  of stabilizing arm  40  includes an inner tubular member in the form of an insert  72 , in combination with a cover  74 . Insert  72  defines a lower convex wall  76  having a central opening through which a pivot bolt  78  extends. Pivot bolt  78  further extends through aligned openings in the walls of structural cross member  34 . Pivot bolt  78  includes a shank of having a threaded end, and a nut  79  engages the threaded end of the shank of pivot bolt  79  to mount inner section  62  to cross member  34 . Pivot bolt  78  defines a pivot axis about which insert  72 , and thereby inner section  62 , is pivotable relative to hub  60  and cross member  34 . 
   Insert  72  is in the form of a tubular stamped and rolled steel member having a generally D-shaped cross section. As shown in  FIG. 2 , insert  74  includes a rear wall  80  and a pair of arcuate side walls  82  extending outwardly therefrom. Each side wall  82  terminates in an end  84 , and side wall ends  84  face each other to define an axially extending slot  86  therebetween. Approximately at the center of insert  72 . An engagement member  90  is pivotably mounted between ears  88  via a pivot pin  92  that extends through a pair of upper openings  94  in ears  88 . 
   In addition, an actuator  98  is mounted between ears  88  via a pin  100  that extends through aligned lower openings  102  formed in ears  88 . A control or interlock member  104  is engaged with actuator  98 , in a manner to be explained. 
   A pair of bearing members  106 ,  108  are engaged within openings formed in rear wall  80  of insert  72 . Bearing members  106 ,  108  are formed of a low friction material, and are positioned to engage ring  68  so as to facilitate rotation of inner section  62  of clamp arm  40  relative to hub  60 . 
   Cover  74  is configured to receive insert  72 , and includes a lower hub area  110  having a configuration that matches the outer extent of hub  60 . Cover  74  further includes a body section  112  extending upwardly from hub area  110 , terminating in an upper end  114  that defines an opening  116  within which the upper end of insert  72  is received. The lower end of insert  72  includes a pair of mounting bosses  118 , each of which defines a threaded opening. Mounting bosses  118  are adapted to be placed into alignment with a pair of openings  120  formed in the lower end of cover  74 . Screws  122  extend through openings  120  into engagement with the openings in bosses  118 , so as to secure insert  72  and cover  74  together. Body section  112  of cover  74  includes an opening  124 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 8 , engagement member  90  includes an upper lever section  126  and a lower engagement section  128  having a pair of teeth  130 . Engagement member  90  is movable between an engaged position as shown in  FIG. 8 , and a disengaged position as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 8 , actuator  98  includes a head  130  and a pair of spaced apart parallel legs  134  that extend from opposite sides of head  132 . A cross member  136  spans between legs  134 . Each leg  134  defines an opening  138  at its lower end, and pin  100  extends through the aligned openings  138  and openings  102  in ears  88 , for pivotably mounting actuator  98  to and between ears  88 . With this arrangement, engagement member  90  and actuator  98  are mounted between ears  88  for pivoting movement about offset pivot axes defined by pins  92 ,  100 , respectively. 
   A torsion spring  140  is interposed between engagement member  90  and actuator  98 . Torsion spring  140  includes coils that define a passage  142  through which pivot pin  100  extends. Torsion spring  140  includes a pair of spring ends  144  that are received within slots  146  formed in cross member  136 . Between spring ends  144 , torsion spring  140  defines an arm  148  that bears against a ramp surface  150  defined by engagement section  128  of engagement member  90 . 
   Head  132  of actuator  98  is configured so as to enclose lever section  126  of engagement member  90 . At its upper end, head  32  defines a recess  152  within which the upper end of engagement section  126  is received. 
   Opening  124  in cover  74  is configured so as to receive head  132  of actuator  98 . In this manner, head  132  extends through opening  124  such that an outwardly facing engagement surface of head  132 , shown at  154 , is accessible from the exterior of cover  74 . 
   Torsion spring  140  functions to bear between engagement section  128  of engagement member  90  and cross member  136  of actuator  98 . Torsion spring  140  is engaged with engagement member  90  at a location below the pivot axis of engagement member  90  defined by pivot pin  92 , and is engaged with actuator  98  at a location above the pivot axis of actuator  98  defined by pivot pin  100 . Torsion spring  140  is operable to urge engagement section  128  of engagement member  90  and actuator  98  apart from each other, such that both engagement member  90  and actuator  98  are biased in a clockwise direction with reference to  FIGS. 8 ,  10  and  11 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 6 , interlock member  104  includes a mounting section  156  within which a lower opening  158  is formed. Pivot pin  100  extends through lower opening  158 , as well as through openings  102  in ears  88  and aligned openings  138  in actuator legs  134  and passage  142  defined by torsion spring  140 . In addition, mounting section  156  of interlock member  104  includes an upper opening  160 . The facing surface of actuator leg  138  is formed with an opening in alignment with opening  160  in mounting member  156 , and a rivet  162  extends through opening  160  and the aligned opening in actuator leg  134 , so as to mount interlock member  104  to actuator  98  such that interlock member  104  forms an extension of actuator  98 . 
   Interlock member  104  includes an axially extending arm  163  having an outwardly extending tab  164  extending from its lower end. Tab  164  is configured so as to be slightly offset from arm  162 , and extends at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of arm  162 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , tab  164  extends through an opening  165  formed in rear wall  80  of insert  72 . Bearing member  106  includes a projection  167  configured to fit within opening  165 , and a passage  169  is formed in projection  167  for enabling tab  164  to extend rearwardly of bearing member  106 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 8 , outer section  64  of stabilizing arm  40  includes an axially extending main section  168  and a hook-shaped wheel engaging section  170  located at the outer end of main section  168 . Outer section  168  is formed of any satisfactory material, such as bent elliptical tubing, formed such that main section  168  extends along a longitudinal axis and wheel-engaging section  170  is formed to define an inner portion  172  which extends rearwardly at an angle relative to main section  168 , and an outer portion  174  which extends substantially perpendicularly relative to inner portion  172 . A wheel engagement area  176  is defined at the intersection of inner portion  172  and outer portion  174 . 
   The outer surface main section  134  is formed with a series of teeth  178  in a manner as is known. Teeth  130  formed at the end of engagement section  128  of engagement member  90  are configured so as to be engageable with teeth  178  of main section  134 , in a manner as is known. 
   An end cap  180  is engaged with the lower end of main section  168 . End cap  180  includes a beveled downwardly facing surface  182  and an engagement member  184  which extends outwardly through an opening formed in the rear wall of main section  168 . Engagement member  184  is formed on a tongue defined by end cap  180 , which enables engagement member  184  to be depressed when end cap  180  is engaged with the end of arm main section  168 , and to snap into the opening in the rear wall of main section  168  so as to maintain end cap  180  in engagement with main section  168 . 
   In operation, stabilizing arm  40  functions as follows to maintain bicycle  24  in an upright position. Initially, stabilizing arm  40  is placed in a stowed position, such as shown in  FIG. 4 . In the stowed position, tab  164  of interlock member  104  is engaged within slot  72   a  in hub ring  68 . This functions to place interlock member  104  in an interlock position such as shown in  FIG. 6 , which results in positioning of engagement member  90  in its engaged position as shown in  FIG. 8 . When engagement member  90  is in its engaged position, teeth  130  of engagement section  128  are engaged with teeth  178  of arm main section  178 , to prevent extension of stabilizer outer section  168  relative to inner section  62 . In order to engage stabilizing arm  40  with bicycle  24 , the user depresses actuator  98  by application of an inward manual force on engagement surface  154 , which disengages teeth  130  of engagement member  90  from teeth  178  and moves tab  164  out of slot  72   a  to place interlock member  104  in a release position, as shown in  FIG. 10 . The user then pivots stabilizing arm  40  upwardly about the pivot axis defined by pivot bolt  78 . As soon as stabilizing arm  40  is pivoted away from the stowed position as shown in phantom in  FIG. 4 , the user releases engagement of actuator  98 . When this occurs, the biasing force of torsion spring  140  urges actuator  98  and engagement member  90  in a clockwise direction. Disengagement of interlock member tab  164  from slot  72   a  enables pivoting movement of stabilizing arm  40  about the pivot axis defined by pivot bolt  78 . During such pivoting movement of stabilizing arm  40 , interlock member  104  is maintained in the release position via engagement of tab  164  with ring  68 . The biasing force of torsion spring  140  causes the end of tab  164  to ride along the surface of ring  168 . When stabilizing arm  40  reaches an operative position, such as a raised position as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  4  and  5 , the biasing force of torsion spring  140  functions to move interlock member  104  to an interlock position, in which tab  164  of interlock member  104  is moved into slot  70   a  formed in ring  68  to prevent further rotation of stabilizing arm  40 . The engagement of tab  164  within slot  70   a  in this manner produces both an audible clicking sound as well as a tactile feel, which provides the user with a sensory indication that stabilizing arm  40  is in an operative position. Such movement of tab  64  into slot  70   a  functions to bias engagement member  90  toward the engaged position, illustrated at arrow  178  in  FIG. 11 . The user then moves outer section  64  of stabilizing arm  40  downwardly into inner section  62 , to bring wheel engagement area  176  into engagement with the upper area of wheel  26 . Outer section  64  is moved inwardly or retracted in this manner by ratcheting engagement of teeth  178  with teeth  130  of engagement member  90 , against the force of torsion spring  140 . When outer section  168  is retracted to a desired position, i.e. engaged with bicycle wheel  26  with sufficient force to maintain bicycle  24  upright, further retraction of outer section  168  is prevented and engagement of teeth  130  of engagement member  90  with teeth  178  of outer section  168  functions to prevent extension of outer section  64 . In this manner, stabilizing arm  40  is engaged with wheel  26  in a clamp-type manner, and functions to maintain bicycle  24  upright during transport. 
   When it is desired to remove bicycle  24 , the user repeats and reverses the steps as set forth above, depressing actuator  98  to simultaneously move engagement member  90  from the engaged position to the disengaged position of  FIG. 10  and to move interlock member  104  from the interlock position of  FIG. 6  (in solid lines) to the release position of  FIG. 6  (in phantom). The user then extends outer section  64  relative to inner section  62  out of engagement with bicycle wheel  26 . Stabilizing arm  40  is then moved to the lowered, stowed position, where tab  164  of interlock member  104  is urged into slot  72   a , to return interlock member  104  to the interlock position and engagement member  90  to the engaged position. When stabilizing arm  40  is stowed in this manner, extension of outer section  64  is prevented by engagement of teeth  130  of engagement member  90  with teeth  178  of outer section  64 . 
   Slot  74   a  is located slightly below slot  72   a , and provides a failsafe stop position for ensuring that stabilizing arm  40  cannot be lowered to a position which would result in outer section  64  falling out of inner section  62  by gravity. 
   The mirror image slots  70   b ,  72   b  and  74   b  are provided for manufacturing efficiency, so as to allow hub  60  to be mounted in either a right hand, left hand, forwardly or rearwardly facing orientation relative to cross member  34 . 
   While the invention has been shown and described with respect to a specific embodiment, it is understood that alternatives and modifications are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention. For example, and without limitation, while stabilizer  40  is shown as being engaged with wheel  26 , it is understood that stabilizer  40  may be employed to engage any other part of bicycle  24  above engagement of the bicycle wheels with the wheel supports, e.g. the bicycle frame. Further, it is understood that interaction of interlock member  104  with the slots in ring  68  is representative of different types of mechanisms that may be employed to maintain engagement member  90  in the disengaged position at all times when stabilizer  40  is in a position other than an operative raised position or a stowed position, as shown. 
   Various alternatives and embodiments are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter regarded as the invention.