Patent Description:
Bicycle carriers for carrying bicycles on a vehicle can be used to transport bicycles from one place to another. In some examples, the bicycle carrier can be secured to the vehicle safely and conveniently via a hitch, typically attached to rear of the vehicle. Various mechanisms can be used to secure the bicycle to the bicycle carrier, for example straps and securement arms. However, these devices can be cumbersome and difficult to use or fail to securely fasten the bicycle to the bicycle carrier in a sufficient manner. <CIT> discloses a known bicycle carrier for carrying bicycles on a vehicle, according to the preamble of claim <NUM>. Document <CIT> shows a telescopic arm with a ratchet for securing a bicycle. The bicycle carrier has gripping arms mounted to a base. The gripping arms are rotatably coupled to the base and adjusted using an adjustment and locking mechanism placed on the base.

Disclosed is a bicycle carrier according to claim <NUM>. The bicycle carrier includes a base configured to support a bicycle, the base having a first end and a second end, a wheel securement arm having a free end and a fixed end, wherein the fixed end is coupled to the first end of the base at a first joint such that the wheel securement arm is rotatably coupled to the base, and a ratchet arm having a ratcheting assembly, the ratchet arm coupled to the wheel securement arm by a third joint and rotatably coupled to the base at a second joint. The wheel securement arm is movable between a closed position and a loading position wherein in the closed position, the third joint is disposed laterally between the first joint and the second joint, and wherein in the loading position, the third joint is disposed laterally past the first j oint, such that the first joint is disposed laterally between the third joint and the second joint. The base further comprises a central support beam, wherein the second joint couples the ratchet arm with the base at a position between the central support beam and the first end. The ratcheting assembly includes a pawl with one or more teeth configured to engage with a toothed surface of the ratchet arm, and a release which is coupled to the pawl. The ratchet arm is a telescoping arm having a first telescoping part and a second telescoping part, wherein the release is disposed on the first telescoping part such that a user can manipulate the release to disengage ratcheting assembly, wherein when the ratcheting assembly is disengaged, the wheel securement arm can be rotated into the loading position. The toothed surface can be disposed on an exterior side of the second telescoping part.

The accompanying drawings illustrate the embodiments and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the embodiments and to enable a person skilled in the relevant art(s) to make and use the embodiments.

The features and advantages of the embodiments will become more apparent from the detail description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference characters identify corresponding elements throughout. In the drawings like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. References to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "some embodiments," etc., indicate that the embodiment(s) described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic.

The following examples are illustrative, but not limiting, of the present embodiments. Other suitable modifications and adaptations of the variety of conditions and parameters normally encountered in the field, and which would be apparent to those skilled in the art, are within and scope of the disclosure.

Embodiments of the bicycle carriers <NUM> disclosed herein can be used to secure one or more bicycles to a vehicle. It is important to securely mount a bicycle onto the bicycle carrier to reduce motion forces imparted on the bicycle that can result in damage. Therefore, it is important to have a bicycle carrier that is adjustable for different sizes of bicycles and wheels. It is also important for the user to be able to quickly and easily manipulate the bicycle carrier during loading, securement, and unloading of the bicycle(s).

Embodiments of the bicycle carriers <NUM> disclosed herein can have a wheel securement arm <NUM> configured to secure a wheel of a bicycle on the bicycle carrier <NUM>. The bicycle carrier <NUM> can also include a ratchet arm <NUM>, which can be coupled to a base <NUM> of the bicycle carrier <NUM> and the wheel securement arm <NUM>. The configuration of wheel securement arm <NUM> and ratchet arm <NUM> can facilitate quick and easy securement of a bicycle onto bicycle carrier <NUM>. This can particularly be achieved because of the ratcheting assembly <NUM> of ratchet arm <NUM>, which provides incremental adjustment to the position of wheel securement arm <NUM> about the wheel of a bicycle. Additionally, an actuation member <NUM> disposed conveniently at a free end <NUM> of wheel securement arm <NUM> makes it easy for the user to engage and disengage the ratcheting assembly <NUM> from a location that is readily accessible and ergonomic for the user.

By way of example, <FIG> illustrate front views of bicycle carrier <NUM> according to an embodiment. As described herein, the front view refers to a viewpoint looking at the bicycle carrier from behind a vehicle onto which the bicycle carrier is attached. <FIG> illustrates bicycle carrier <NUM> in a closed position <NUM>, where wheel securement arm <NUM> is folded down so that it is generally parallel with wheel tray 120A of base <NUM> of bicycle carrier <NUM>. This provides a compact configuration when bicycles are not loaded onto bicycle carrier <NUM>. To open the bicycle carrier <NUM> for loading bicycles, a user can manipulate, for example, actuation member <NUM> (e.g., handle <NUM>) and rotate wheel securement arm <NUM> in direction R1, as illustrated in <FIG>, which shows bicycle carrier <NUM> in a transition position <NUM>, as wheel securement arm <NUM> is rotated from closed position <NUM> to a loading position <NUM> shown in <FIG> and also in the perspective view of <FIG>. Similarly, second wheel securement arm <NUM> can be rotated in direction R2.

The components and functions described herein for wheel securement arm <NUM> and ratchet arm <NUM> coupled to wheel tray 120A are also applicable to the components coupled to wheel trays 120B-D, for example, second wheel securement arm <NUM> and second ratchet arm <NUM>. For example, second wheel securement arm <NUM> can have a free end <NUM> and a fixed end <NUM> that is coupled to wheel tray 120B at fourth joint <NUM> near second end <NUM> of base <NUM>. Also, for example, second ratchet arm <NUM> can have a second ratcheting assembly <NUM> and be coupled to wheel tray 120B at fifth joint <NUM> and to second wheel securement arm <NUM> at sixth joint <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, when actuation member <NUM> is released, wheel securement arm <NUM> is prevented from rotating in direction R1 by ratcheting assembly <NUM>, described in detail below. However, ratcheting assembly <NUM> still permits wheel securement arm <NUM> to rotate in a direction opposite R1 when actuation member <NUM> is released, which allows for easy adjustment of wheel securement arm <NUM> about the wheel of a bicycle. Therefore, once a bicycle is loaded onto bicycle carrier <NUM> in loading position <NUM> shown in <FIG>, wheel securement arm <NUM> can be rotated in a direction opposite R1 to secure the wheel of the bicycle.

The relative positioning of the joints or attachment points of the wheel securement arm <NUM> and ratchet arm <NUM> with each other and with base <NUM> of bicycle carrier <NUM> facilitate the ease of adjustment and compact nature of the bicycle carrier. First joint <NUM> couples wheel securement arm <NUM> near a first end <NUM> of base <NUM>. Second joint <NUM> couples ratchet arm <NUM> with base <NUM> at a position between central support beam <NUM> and first end <NUM>. Third joint <NUM> couples ratchet arm <NUM> with wheel securement arm <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, in the closed position <NUM>, third joint <NUM> is disposed laterally between first joint <NUM> and second joint <NUM>. As shown in the transition position <NUM> of <FIG>, as wheel securement arm <NUM> is rotated in direction R1, third joint <NUM> moves laterally closer to first joint <NUM>. And as shown in <FIG>, in loading position <NUM>, third joint <NUM> is disposed laterally past first joint <NUM>, such that first joint <NUM> is disposed laterally between third joint <NUM> and second joint <NUM>. In some embodiments, third joint <NUM> can be disposed laterally beyond first end <NUM> of base <NUM> in loading position <NUM>.

As shown, for example, in <FIG>, bicycle carrier <NUM> can include base <NUM> having a first end <NUM>, a second end <NUM>, and a central support beam <NUM>. Base <NUM> of bicycle carrier <NUM> can be attached to a vehicle, for example, by stinger <NUM>. In some embodiments, bicycle carrier <NUM> can be a platform-style carrier, for example, with one or more wheel trays 120A-D. In some embodiments, bicycle carrier <NUM> can be configured to carry one, two, three, four or more bicycles. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, for example, the bicycle carrier <NUM> is configured to carry two bicycles. The wheels of a first bicycle can be disposed in wheel trays 120A and 120B and the wheels of a second bicycle can be disposed in wheel trays 120C and 120D.

As discussed above, bicycle carrier <NUM> can include wheel securement arm <NUM>, which can include free end <NUM> and fixed end <NUM>. In some embodiments, fixed end <NUM> can be coupled with base <NUM> at a first joint <NUM>. In some embodiments, first joint <NUM> can be a rotatable connection point such that wheel securement arm <NUM> can rotate with respect to base <NUM>. In some embodiments, wheel securement arm <NUM> can include one or more wheel engagement surface <NUM> configured to contact a wheel of a bicycle. As shown, for example in <FIG>, in some embodiments, uprights 208A-B spaced apart from each other such that a bicycle wheel can be disposed between uprights 208A-B. In some embodiments, wheel engagement surface <NUM> can be disposed between uprights 208A-B and configured to contact a surface of the bicycle wheel to secure the bicycle in place on bicycle carrier <NUM>.

Bicycle carrier <NUM> can also include ratchet arm <NUM>, which can include ratcheting assembly <NUM>, described in more detail below. In some embodiments, ratchet arm <NUM> can be coupled to base <NUM>, for example, to wheel tray 120A at second joint <NUM>. In some embodiments, second joint <NUM> can be a rotatable joint such that ratchet arm <NUM> can rotate with respect to base <NUM>. In some embodiments, ratchet arm <NUM> can also be coupled to wheel securement arm <NUM>, for example, at third joint <NUM>. In some embodiments, ratchet arm <NUM> can be an adjustment arm with an adjustment mechanism other than ratcheting assembly <NUM>. For example, the adjustment arm with adjustment mechanism can include, without limitation, gears, pulleys, pins (e.g., spring pins) with corresponding holes or notches, interference wedges, etc. The purpose of the adjustment mechanism is to provide incremental rotational positioning of the wheel securement arm <NUM>.

In some embodiments, housing <NUM> can be coupled to ratchet arm <NUM>. In some embodiments, housing <NUM> can also be coupled to wheel securement arm <NUM>. In some embodiments, housing <NUM> can house ratcheting assembly <NUM> at least partially within housing <NUM>. For example, at least a portion of ratcheting assembly <NUM> can be disposed within an interior <NUM> of housing <NUM>, as shown, for example, in <FIG> and <FIG>. In some embodiments, housing <NUM> can have a top opening <NUM> such that an interior <NUM> of housing <NUM> is exposed (see <FIG>). In some embodiments, housing <NUM> can cover ratcheting assembly <NUM> within an interior <NUM> of housing <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>). As wheel securement arm <NUM> is rotated, housing <NUM> translates along ratchet arm <NUM>.

Bicycle carrier <NUM> can also include actuation member <NUM>, which can be configured to engage and disengage ratcheting assembly <NUM>. In some embodiments, actuation member <NUM> can be disposed at or near free end <NUM> of wheel securement arm <NUM>. In some embodiments, actuation member <NUM> can be a handle <NUM> (see <FIG>) or a button <NUM> (see <FIG>). Other mechanisms such as knobs, levers, etc. can be used for actuation member <NUM>. In some embodiments, actuation member <NUM> can be coupled with ratcheting assembly <NUM> by a linkage <NUM>, for example, cable <NUM>.

As shown, for example, in <FIG>, in some embodiments, actuation member <NUM> can be a handle <NUM> such that when handle <NUM> is displaced, ratcheting assembly <NUM> is disengaged, allowing wheel securement arm <NUM> to rotate. Disposing actuation member <NUM> at free end <NUM> of wheel securement arm <NUM> provides easy accessibility for the user. And the handle <NUM> mechanism shown in <FIG> allows the user to ergonomically grip the handle <NUM> and pull it while rotating wheel securement arm <NUM> to keep ratcheting assembly <NUM> disengaged. In some embodiments, handle <NUM> can slide along an upper surface at free end <NUM>.

Handle <NUM> can be coupled to ratcheting assembly <NUM>, for example, by cable <NUM>. Materials for cable <NUM> include, but are not limited to, metal, plastic, fabric, or any combination thereof. For example, in some embodiments, cable <NUM> can be a braided steel cable. In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, cable <NUM> can be disposed exterior to wheel securement arm <NUM> for ease of manufacturing. In some embodiments, ratcheting assembly <NUM> can be disposed at least partially within housing <NUM>. Thus, in some embodiments, cable <NUM> can be disposed through a passage <NUM> in housing <NUM> in order to couple to ratcheting assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a perspective view and side cross-sectional view, respectively, of ratcheting assembly <NUM>, according to an embodiment. In <FIG>, ratcheting assembly <NUM> is in an engaged configuration, where actuation member <NUM> is not being operated. In some embodiments, ratcheting assembly <NUM> can include pawl <NUM>, which can have one or more teeth <NUM> configured to engage with a toothed surface <NUM> of ratchet arm <NUM>. For example, an exterior surface <NUM> of ratchet arm <NUM> can include the toothed surface <NUM> as either an integral or separate component. In some embodiments, ratcheting assembly <NUM> can include spring <NUM> configured to bias pawl <NUM> into engagement with toothed surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, ratcheting assembly <NUM> can include release <NUM> which can be coupled to pawl <NUM>. In some embodiments, release <NUM> can be coupled to, for example, cable <NUM> or other linkage <NUM>, which can in turn be coupled with the actuation member <NUM>. Thus, as shown in <FIG>, when actuation member <NUM> is not being operated, rotation of wheel securement arm <NUM> in direction R1 (see <FIG>) can be prevented be the interaction of teeth <NUM> on pawl <NUM> with the toothed surface <NUM> of ratchet arm <NUM>. However, rotation of wheel securement arm <NUM> is permitted in the direction opposite R1. Incremental adjustments associated with the spacing of the teeth on toothed surface <NUM> can be made to firmly secure the wheel of the bicycle on bicycle carrier <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate ratcheting assembly <NUM> in a disengaged configuration, where actuation member <NUM> is actuated by a user. For example, by pulling handle <NUM>, cable <NUM> can be pulled in a direction of distal end <NUM> of ratchet arm <NUM> thereby causing release <NUM> to rotate pawl <NUM>, which disengages teeth <NUM> from toothed surface <NUM>. This allows wheel securement arm <NUM> to rotate about first joint <NUM> in direction R1 (see <FIG>).

In some embodiments, cable <NUM> or other linkage <NUM> can be disposed within an interior <NUM> of housing <NUM> and within an interior <NUM> of wheel securement arm <NUM>. This can prevent objects from becoming caught in cable <NUM>. In such embodiments, cable <NUM> is not visible from an exterior of bicycle carrier <NUM>. For example, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> illustrate a pathway for cable <NUM> within the interiors of housing <NUM> and wheel securement arm <NUM>. In some embodiments, this pathway can include a tube <NUM> disposed within housing <NUM> to facilitate cable <NUM> making a turn from housing <NUM> into wheel securement arm <NUM> without becoming twisted. In some embodiments, tube <NUM> can be a resilient material resistant to bending and twisting (e.g., metal or plastic) to prevent cable <NUM> from becoming kinked. In some embodiments, tube <NUM> can include a bend having a <NUM> degree angle.

In some embodiments, tube <NUM> can be disposed within housing <NUM> at third joint <NUM>. In some embodiments, housing <NUM> can include a slot <NUM> through which cable <NUM> can pass from the interior <NUM> of housing <NUM> into the interior <NUM> of wheel securement arm <NUM>. In some embodiments, slot <NUM> can be formed in an end cap <NUM> of housing <NUM> disposed between housing <NUM> and wheel securement arm <NUM>. In some embodiments, slot <NUM> can be a radial slot. In some embodiments, slot <NUM> can extend up to <NUM> degrees along a circumference.

As shown, for example, in <FIG> when wheel securement arm <NUM> is in loading position <NUM>, tube <NUM> can be disposed at a first end of slot <NUM>. As wheel securement arm <NUM> is rotated to the closed position <NUM>, slot <NUM> rotates around tube <NUM> until tube <NUM> is disposed at second end of slot <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. This can allow wheel securement arm <NUM> to rotate from the closed position <NUM> to the loading position <NUM>, and vice versa, without cable <NUM> becoming kinked.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, pivot tube <NUM> can be used to prevent cable <NUM> from becoming kinked. For example, pivot tube <NUM> can include groove <NUM>, or other internal or external pathway, providing a large surface area along which cable <NUM> can be disposed from ratchet arm <NUM> to wheel securement arm <NUM>. In some embodiments, pivot tube <NUM> can be disposed about a pin <NUM> coupling wheel securement arm <NUM> and ratchet arm <NUM>, for example, at third joint <NUM>. Thus, cable <NUM> can run within interior <NUM> of ratchet arm <NUM>, within groove <NUM> of pivot tube <NUM>, and into interior <NUM> of upright 208A of wheel securement arm <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a linkage <NUM> between actuation member <NUM> and ratcheting assembly <NUM>, according to an embodiment of bicycle carrier <NUM>. In some embodiments, actuation member <NUM> can be a button <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In some embodiments, actuation member <NUM> can be coupled with ratcheting assembly <NUM> by way of linkage <NUM>, which can include rods 410A-C. Rod 410A can be coupled to button <NUM> and extend along a length within wheel securement arm <NUM>. In some embodiments, rod 410A can be coupled to wedge 412A. Wedge 412A can be coupled to transition rod 410B, which can in turn be coupled to wedge 412B. Transition rod 410B can be disposed at an angle between rod 410A and rod 410C. Further, wedge 412B can be coupled to rod 410C, which can in turn be coupled with ratcheting assembly <NUM>, for example, with pawl <NUM>. By engaging button <NUM>, for example, by pushing downward on button <NUM>, rod 410A travels downward and wedge 412A eases the transition rod 410B into wedge 412B, which translates rod 410C, thereby disengaging the one or more teeth <NUM> of pawl <NUM> from toothed surface <NUM>. This can allow wheel securement arm <NUM> to rotate as described above. As also shown, for example, in <FIG>, in some embodiments, ratcheting assembly <NUM> can be disposed within an interior <NUM> of ratchet arm <NUM>. In some embodiments, toothed surface <NUM> can be integrally formed with an interior surface <NUM> of ratchet arm <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate bicycle carrier <NUM> according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, ratcheting assembly <NUM> is disposed at third joint <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, when wheel securement arm <NUM> is rotated to the closed position <NUM>, a distal end <NUM> of ratchet arm <NUM> overhangs first end <NUM> of base <NUM> by a distance D. This increases the overall space occupied by the bicycle carrier in the closed position <NUM>.

In comparison, <FIG> illustrate an embodiment of bicycle carrier <NUM> where ratcheting assembly <NUM> is disposed between third joint <NUM> and second joint <NUM> of ratchet arm <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, in the closed position <NUM>, distal end <NUM> of ratchet arm <NUM> overhangs first end <NUM> of base <NUM> by a shorter distance d than the embodiment of <FIG>. In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the ratcheting assembly can be disposed such that the distal end <NUM> of ratchet arm <NUM> is even with or shorter than first end <NUM> in the closed position <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate bicycle carrier <NUM>, according to an embodiment. As shown in <FIG>, ratchet arm <NUM> can be a telescoping arm having a first telescoping part <NUM> and a second telescoping part <NUM>. In some embodiments, toothed surface <NUM> can be located on an exterior side of ratchet arm <NUM>, for example, on an exterior side of second telescoping part <NUM>. In some embodiments, release <NUM> can be disposed on first telescoping part <NUM> such that a user can manipulate release <NUM> to disengage the ratcheting assembly <NUM>. When ratcheting assembly <NUM> is disengaged, the wheel securement arm <NUM> can be rotated into the loading position <NUM> as shown, for example, in <FIG>. The wheel securement arm <NUM> can also be rotated into the closed position <NUM>, whereby a portion of second telescoping part <NUM> can translate through an opening <NUM> in third joint <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a portion of a bicycle carrier <NUM>, according to an embodiment. In <FIG>, ratchet arm <NUM> includes first telescoping part <NUM>, second telescoping part <NUM>, and third telescoping part <NUM>. In some embodiments, second telescoping part <NUM> can include a toothed surface <NUM> and first telescoping part <NUM> can include release <NUM> for ratcheting assembly <NUM>. Ratcheting assembly <NUM> can function in the same way as described with respect to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of ratcheting assembly <NUM> which can be included, for example, in the embodiments illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. For example, ratcheting assembly <NUM> can include a release <NUM> configured to disengage a pawl <NUM> when release <NUM> is operated by a user. When pawl <NUM> is disengaged from toothed surface <NUM>, the first telescoping part <NUM> can slide through the second telescoping part <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A bicycle carrier (<NUM>), comprising:
a base (<NUM>) configured to support a bicycle, the base (<NUM>) comprising a first end (<NUM>) and a second end (<NUM>);
a wheel securement arm (<NUM>) having a free end (<NUM>) and a fixed end (<NUM>), wherein the fixed end (<NUM>) is coupled to the first end (<NUM>) of the base (<NUM>) at a first joint (<NUM>) such that the wheel securement arm (<NUM>) is rotatably coupled to the base (<NUM>); and
an adjustment arm (<NUM>) comprising an adjusting mechanism (<NUM>), wherein the adjustment arm (<NUM>) is coupled to the wheel securement arm (<NUM>) by a third joint (<NUM>) and rotatably coupled to the base (<NUM>) at a second joint (<NUM>),
wherein the wheel securement arm (<NUM>) is movable between a closed position (<NUM>) and a loading position (<NUM>), wherein in the closed position (<NUM>), the third joint (<NUM>) is disposed laterally between the first joint (<NUM>) and the second joint (<NUM>), and wherein in the loading position (<NUM>), the third joint (<NUM>) is disposed laterally past the first joint (<NUM>), such that the first joint (<NUM>) is disposed laterally between the third joint (<NUM>) and the second joint (<NUM>),
characterized in that
the base (<NUM>) further comprises a central support beam (<NUM>), wherein the second joint (<NUM>) couples the adjustment arm arm (<NUM>) with the base (<NUM>) at a position between the central support beam (<NUM>) and the first end (<NUM>),
and in that
the adjustment arm with the adjustment mechanism is a ratchet arm (<NUM>) comprising a ratcheting assembly (<NUM>), wherein the ratcheting assembly (<NUM>) includes a pawl (<NUM>) with one or more teeth (<NUM>) configured to engage with a toothed surface (<NUM>) of the ratchet arm (<NUM>), and a release (<NUM>) which is coupled to the pawl (<NUM>),
and in that
the ratchet arm (<NUM>) is a telescoping arm having a first telescoping part (<NUM>) and a second telescoping part (<NUM>), wherein the release (<NUM>) is disposed on the first telescoping part (<NUM>) such that a user can manipulate the release (<NUM>) to disengage ratcheting assembly (<NUM>), wherein when the ratcheting assembly (<NUM>) is disengaged, the wheel securement arm (<NUM>) can be rotated into the loading position (<NUM>).