Patent Description:
Today, different bike axle mount types with different dimensions including a thru axle mount type or a quick release skewer mount type are available. While every specific bike axle mount type has its benefits, the vast variety of different dimensions need fixation options for mounting bikes with different bike axle mount types to supporting units such as bike carriers and bike cases. It is known to provide standardized bike mounts that are adaptable to different dimensions by means of adapters. Known adapters are insertable in the bike mount so as to change the dimension of the bike mount to a specific bike axle mount type. Usually, a set of distinct and different adapters is provided by the bike mount manufacturer. Each adapter is configured to change the dimension of the bike mount to a single specific bike axle mount type. For example, <CIT> and <CIT> disclose adapters for a bike mount for adapting the bike mount to different bike axle mount types. However, adapters that are currently not in use have to be stowed for a later use. Often, adapters that are not in use are lost due to their small size. <CIT> discloses as well an adapter for a bike mount allowing fixing of different bike axles.

In view of the foregoing drawbacks, it is the object of the invention to provide an enhanced adapter and an enhanced bike mount which at least reduce the foregoing disadvantages of the prior art.

The object is solved by an adapter according to independent claim <NUM> and a bike mount according to claim <NUM>. Advantageous further formations are subject of the dependent claims.

In addition, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the summary and detailed description, and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Described is an adapter fixable to a bike mount of a bike supporting unit for changing the dimension of the bike mount such that a predetermined bike axle mount type of several bike axle mount types may be supported on the bike mount. The bike axle mount types may include a thru axle mount type or a quick release skewer mount type. The thru axle mount type may comprise different sizes. The adapter is configured as multiway adapter comprising at least two different adapter sections. Each adapter section is provided to adapt the bike mount to a specific one of the different bike axle mount types. Accordingly, by means of the adapter, the bike mount can be adapted to at least two different bike axle mount types.

The coupling portion may be formed such that the positions of the at least two adapter portions are simultaneously changeable by rotating the adapter about a rotational axis. The rotational axis may be a middle axis of the adapter. The rotational axis may be a bike wheel rotational axis or another axis which is parallel to the bike wheel rotational axis or the middle axis. The adapter portions may be paraxially arranged with respect to the rotational axis. In addition or alternatively, the coupling portion may be formed rigid.

The adapter may be configured as a plug-like adapter which is at least partially insertable into a corresponding socket-like mounting portion provided in the bike mount. The socket-like mounting portion may be a recess formed in the bike mount. The recess may comprise an opening into which a mounting portion of the adapter or an adapter section which is not in use may be inserted.

The coupling portion may comprise a coupling plate. The coupling plate may be a polygonal coupling plate. For example, the coupling plate may be a triangular coupling plate. The adapter portions may be arranged in corner regions or longitudinal end portions of the coupling portion. A reinforcing rib may be provided on the coupling portion for at least partially reinforcing the coupling portion in an area between two of the adapter portions.

At least one adapter portion of the at least two adapter portions may extend on both sides of the coupling portion such that the adapter sections are arranged on opposite sides of the coupling portion. In particular, the adapter sections may protrude from both sides of the coupling portion. Two or more adapter portions may protrude from opposite sides of the coupling portion. Adjacent adapter sections on the same side may comprise different lengths such that the adapter sections do not interfere with bike axle mount types to be mounted. However, adjacent adapter section on the same side of the coupling portion may also comprise the same length.

The adapter may comprise at least one positioning portion allowing to correctly position one of the adapter portions in a supporting portion of the bike mount. Such a positioning may be achieved by a contact of the at least one positioning portion with a mating positioning portion on the bike mount. The adapter may be configured, such that a correct position is present when a middle axis of one adapter portion to be used for bike fixation is aligned with a middle axis of an opening in the supporting portion.

The positioning portion may be a portion of the coupling portion. In particular, the positioning portion may be an edge portion of the coupling portion, for example of the plate-like coupling portion. In addition or alternatively, the positioning portion may be a portion of an adapter portion. For example, the positioning portion may be an outer circumferential surface of the adapter sections. Such an outer circumferential surface of the adapter sections may be configured to contact an inner surface of the supporting portion. The inner surface of the supporting portion may be configured as a curved surface with a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the outer circumferential surfaces.

Each adapter section may comprise an opening for passing a fixation axle therethrough. In addition or alternatively, adjacent adapter sections on the same side of the coupling portion may comprise openings with different diameters for inserting axles of different diameters therein. For example, the diameters of such openings may be <NUM> or <NUM> for receiving a thru axle therein. The diameter may also be <NUM> for receiving a quick release skewer type axle therein. In addition or alternatively, the adapter sections may comprise different lengths for extending a width of the bike mount, for example to <NUM> or <NUM>.

Also disclosed is a bike mount. The bike mount may comprise a fixation portion for coupling the bike mount to a bike supporting unit. The bike supporting unit may be a member of a bike transport case, a bike carrier, a bike stand or a bike training arrangement. The bike mount may further comprise at least one convertible supporting portion adaptable to different bike axle mount types by means of the adapter as described before. The convertible supporting portion may be configured in a socket-type manner for at least partially receiving the adapter such that an adapter section to be used for supporting a bike is at least aligned with a support opening of the bike mount.

The bike mount may further comprise an additional supporting portion adapted for a predetermined bike axle mount type. For example, the additional supporting portion may be configured for receiving a thru axle of <NUM> diameter and providing a supporting width of <NUM>. The additional supporting portion may be arranged at a greater distance from the fixation portion than the convertible supporting portion. In this way, a better ground clearance for specific bike mount types is achieved. For example, if the bike mount type is a fork, in particular a fork as it is used in downhill bikes, better ground clearance may be needed due to the construction of the fork.

The bike mount may comprise a recess separating the convertible supporting portion into two distinct support members arranged at a distance from each other such that the adapter is insertable into the convertible supporting portion from inside.

Disclosed is also a bike mount system comprising a bike mount as described before as well as an adapter as described before wherein the adapter is mountable on one side of the bike mount in at least two different ways.

Further disclosed is a bike carrier. The bike carrier may comprise a bike mount system as described before. Furthermore, the bike carrier may comprise an elongate supporting profile. The bike mount system may be coupled to the elongate supporting profile. The bike carrier may further comprise a coupling portion fixed to the elongate supporting profile. The coupling portion may be configured for mounting the bike carrier to a carrying device. The carrying device may be a cross bar of the type mountable on a vehicle roof or may be a support portion of a bike carrier case.

Further disclosed is a bike carrier case comprising a support portion. The support portion may be a lower hard case support tray. The bike carrier case may further comprise a bike carrier as described before. The bike carrier may be mounted to the support portion. The bike carrier may be releasably mountable to the support portion by means of the coupling portion.

Additional features and advantages may be gleaned by the person skilled in the art from the following description of exemplary embodiments, which are not to be construed as limiting, however, drawing reference to the attached drawings.

The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements.

All figures are only schematic depictions of exemplary embodiments in which, in particular, distances and dimensional correlations are not presented to scale.

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit application and uses. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or summary or the following detailed description.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of an adapter <NUM> according to an embodiment. The adapter <NUM> is configured as multiway adapter. Accordingly, the adapter <NUM> provides at least two different configurations allowing to at least partially adapt a bike mount <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) to at least two different bike axle mount types. In other words, by using the adapter, the dimensions of a bike mount <NUM> may be changed in at least two different ways so that it is possible to selectively support at least two different bike axle mount types on the bike mount <NUM> by using one and the same adapter <NUM>. For that, the adapter <NUM> may be configured mountable on the bike mount <NUM> in at least two different ways.

According to the present disclosure, the term "bike axle mount type" may refer to features or a group of features provided on a bike and/or allowing to fix a wheel or wheel hub to the bike. Accordingly, a "bike axle mount" may comprise portions or elements of a bike frame and/or of a bike fork and may refer to dimensions of such portions or elements allowing to fix a wheel to a bike, for example to a space on the bike which is necessary for receiving the hub of a wheel or the type of axle which is used for fixing the wheel including a thru axle or a quick release skewer type axle.

In the context of the present disclosure, "at least partially adapt" shall mean that the adapter itself does not have to have the capability to completely change the dimensions of the bike mount <NUM> to the bike axle mount type to be mounted thereto. Such a definition also includes a configuration of the adapter <NUM> in which the adapter <NUM> needs to be used in combination with a further adapter, for example an identical adapter <NUM>, for changing the size of the bike mount <NUM> to the desired bike axle mount type. For example, the adapter <NUM> as described herein can be mounted on one side of a bike mount <NUM> and a further adapter, for example an identical adapter <NUM>, may be mounted on the opposite side of the bike mount <NUM>. Both adapters in combination may then provide the desired configuration of the bike mount <NUM>, in particular the desired width and/or desired opening dimension for supporting the desired bike axle mount type and available space between dropouts of the bike. In other words, a total width to be added to the bike mount <NUM> may be provided by two adapters, for example by two adapters <NUM> comprising the same height or length, so that the adapters bridge the gap between frame or fork dropouts and the bike mount <NUM> and thus adapt the bike mount <NUM> to a specific wheel hub dimension used on the bike.

The adapter <NUM> according to the embodiment is directly couplable to the bike mount. In other words, the adapter may be directly fixed on a bike mount without the necessity of further parts for fixing the adapter on the bike mount. For example, the adapter <NUM> may be configured as an insert insertable into an opening of the bike mount. Hence, at least a portion of the adapter may be insertable in a mating portion of the bike mount <NUM>. Such a portion may be a mounting portion specifically designed to serve the only purpose of coupling the adapter to the bike mount <NUM> or may be a portion having an additional function besides such a coupling function. The adapter <NUM> is configured such that it is insertable on or into the bike mount <NUM> in two different ways. Alternatively, the adapter <NUM> may be indirectly couplable to the bike mount, for example by means of an axle for mounting a bike to the bike mount. If the adapter <NUM> is indirectly couplable to the bike mount, a further element is needed to hold the adapter on the bike mount such that the same remains on the bike mount.

In general, the adapter <NUM> may comprise multiple different adapter sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Each adapter section <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to provide a support for a specific kind of bike axle mount type. Accordingly, each adapter section <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may provide a unique dimensional change to the bike mount <NUM> when mounted thereon in a use position. In the embodiments shown in <FIG>, adapter sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are configured for mounting a thru axle mount type bike and adapter section <NUM> is configured to support a quick release skewer axle mount type bike.

In general, the adapter sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> have dimensions that allow to adapt the bike mount <NUM> to different thru axle types and to different dropout dimensions of a bike, for example to different available spaces between the bike frame tips or between bike fork tips. The available space, in particular the distance between the bike frame tips and the bike frame fork tips may also be referred to as the distance between the dropouts of the bike frame or the bike fork and may also be referred to as over-locknut dimension (O.

As already mentioned before, the adapter <NUM> may be configured to selectively and at least partially adapt the bike mount <NUM> to at least two dimensions that allow to accommodate and support different axle types on the bike mount <NUM> and/or to arrange the bike mount <NUM> together with one or more adapters <NUM> in differently sized available spaces between bike frame tips or bike fork tips. In other words, the adapter <NUM> allows to provide a support for differently dimensioned dropouts of the bike frame or of a bike fork. In order to provide a support for a bike, the distance in between the bike frame tips or the bike fork tips may be relevant for clamping the bike frame or the bike fork on the bike mount including one or more adapters, by means of a thru axle or a quick release skewer. Thus, the adapter <NUM>, in particular the adapter sections, may comprise a height or length that respectively add a width to the bike mount <NUM> up to the necessary distance in between the bike dropouts in the bike frame or in the bike fork.

At least one adapter section <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise a first height or first length <NUM> that at least partially adapts the width of a bike mount <NUM> to a first total width, for example a first total width of <NUM>. Furthermore, at least one adapter section <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise a second height or second length <NUM> that adapts the width of bike mount <NUM> to a second total width of <NUM>. In a further embodiment, at least one adapter section may comprise a third length which adapts the width of the bike mount <NUM> to third total width of <NUM>. Accordingly, the adapter <NUM> alone or in combination with a further adapter <NUM> may be able to enlarge the width of the bike mount <NUM> to different over-locknut dimensions (O. ) so that the bike mount <NUM> together with the at least one adapter <NUM> matches the available space in the bike frame between the fork tips or the frame tips (dropouts).

At least one adapter section <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise a first opening <NUM> having a first inner diameter for supporting a thru axle with a specific first outer diameter. For example, the first opening <NUM> may have a first inner diameter of <NUM> for supporting a thru axle with an outer diameter of <NUM>. At least one adapter section <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise a second opening <NUM> having a second inner diameter for supporting a thru axle with a specific second outer diameter. For example, the second opening <NUM> may have a second inner diameter of <NUM> for supporting a thru axle with an outer diameter of <NUM>. The first and the second openings <NUM>, <NUM> may be cylindrical openings with a cylindrical inner surface. The cylindrical inner surface may comprise recesses extending in longitudinal direction or axial direction A1, A2 of the cylindrical openings. In this way, the contact surface between a thru axle to be inserted and the inner surface may be reduced in order to facilitate a mounting and dismounting process of the thru axle since friction between the thru axle and the inner surface is reduced with a reduced size of a contact surface.

In the exemplary configuration as shown in the Figures, the adapter sections <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to provide a support for a thru axle having an outer diameter of <NUM>. For that, the adapter sections <NUM>, <NUM> comprise an opening <NUM> with an inner diameter of <NUM> allowing to receive a thru axle with a corresponding outer diameter. Furthermore, the adapter sections <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to provide a support for a thru axle having an outer diameter of <NUM>. For that, the adapter section <NUM>, <NUM> comprise an opening <NUM> with an inner diameter of <NUM> allowing to receive a thru axle with a corresponding outer diameter. The adapter sections <NUM>, <NUM> according to the exemplary configuration further comprise a first length or first height <NUM> for extending the width of a bike mount <NUM> to a first total width of <NUM>. Accordingly, each adapter section <NUM>, <NUM> adds a first length or first height <NUM> to the width of the bike mount <NUM> when the respective adapter section is mounted on the bike mount <NUM> in use position. The adapter sections <NUM>, <NUM> according to the exemplary configuration further comprise a second length or second height <NUM> for extending the width of a bike mount <NUM> to a second total width of <NUM>. Accordingly, each adapter section <NUM>, <NUM> adds a second length or second height <NUM> to the width of the bike mount <NUM> when the respective adapter section is mounted on the bike mount <NUM> in a use position. It is noted that a use position is to be understood as a position in which the respective adapter section is mounted on the bike mount <NUM> such that it protrudes from the same in width or cross direction (y-direction in <FIG>).

According to an embodiment, the adapter section <NUM> and the adapter section <NUM> share an opening <NUM> with continuously constant diameter. Accordingly, the adapter section <NUM> and the adapter section <NUM> can be coaxially arranged. The opening <NUM> can be a cylindrical through opening ranging from one side of the adapter <NUM> to the other opposite side of the adapter <NUM>. In other words, the opening <NUM> extends through the adapter section <NUM> on one side of the adapter <NUM> and continues through the adapter section <NUM> on the opposite side of the adapter <NUM>. Accordingly, when a thru axle is inserted in the adapter <NUM>, the thru axle extends through both adapter sections <NUM>, <NUM>.

In the present configuration, the adapter section <NUM> and the adapter section <NUM> share the same opening <NUM>. Accordingly, the adapter section <NUM> and the adapter section <NUM> are coaxially arranged. The opening <NUM> is a cylindrical opening ranging from one side of the adapter <NUM> to the other opposite side of the adapter <NUM>. In other words, the opening <NUM> extends through the adapter section <NUM> on one side of the adapter <NUM> and continues all the way through the adapter section <NUM> on the opposite side of the adapter <NUM>. Accordingly, when a thru axle is inserted in the adapter section <NUM> or the adapter section <NUM>, the thru axle always extends through both adapter sections <NUM>, <NUM>.

The adapter section <NUM> is configured to provide a support for a quick release skewer axle and comprises an opening <NUM> for receiving the quick release skewer axle. Furthermore, the adapter section <NUM> comprises a protrusion with an outer surface for supporting dropouts of a bike frame or a bike fork.

The adapter sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> including their respective openings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> as provided therein extend along their respective middle axes A1, A2, A3. In the present configuration, the adapter sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are configured such that their middle axes A1, A2, A3 are paraxially arranged. According to the embodiment, the adapter sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged about a middle axis A4 of the adapter <NUM>. The middle axis A4 may also be referred to as rotational axis A4 as the position of the adapter sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> with respect to the bike mount <NUM> may be changed by rotating the adapter <NUM> about the rotational axis A4. The middle axes A1, A2, A3 may extend in parallel with the rotational axis A4.

In the embodiment, the adapter sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged in adapter portions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In some adapter portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the adapter portions, two of the adapter sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be grouped. In the exemplary embodiment as shown in the Figures, the adapter sections <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged in a first adapter portion <NUM>. The adapter sections <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged in a second adapter portion <NUM>. The adapter section <NUM> is arranged in a third adapter portion <NUM>. Unlike the other adapter portions <NUM>, <NUM>, the third adapter portion <NUM> only provides a single supporting option for a quick release skewer type bike axle mount. In order to couple the third adapter portion <NUM> to the bike mount, the adapter <NUM> comprises a coupling protrusion <NUM> in the third adapter portion <NUM>, for coupling the adapter portion <NUM> to the bike mount <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the adapter sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> comprise a body which is at least partially formed about the middle axes A1, A2, A3. Accordingly, the adapter sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may extend along such middle axes (y-direction in some Figures). In some configurations, the adapter sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may at least partially comprise a rotation body section or solid of revolution section. In other words, the adapter sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may at least partially be formed as a rotation body or solid of revolution. In some embodiments, at least one of the adapter sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may at least partially be formed as a hollow cylinder or may comprise a hollow cylindrical portion. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the adapter sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise cylindrical outer circumferential surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the cylindrically formed adapter sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be identical. In this way, the adapter sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured insertable into one and the same opening <NUM> in a bike mount <NUM> thereby forming a coupling portion or coupling protrusion as will be described later.

Two of the adapter sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be arranged adjacent to each other in axial extension direction of the same. In other words, to adapter sections <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>, <NUM> may be arranged such that one adapter section <NUM>, <NUM> may continue from a respective axial end portion of the adapter sections <NUM>, <NUM>. The openings <NUM>, <NUM> of the adjacent adapter sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> comprise an identical diameter, respectively, so that in some configurations, the openings <NUM>, <NUM> extend through both adapter sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In this way, it is possible to accommodate an axle with a predetermined diameter in the openings of the adapter sections.

In some embodiments, the adapter sections <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>, <NUM> which may respectively share one of the above-mentioned openings <NUM>, <NUM>, may be directly coupled to each other such that there is at least partially a substantially seamless transition from one of the outer circumferential surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>, <NUM> to the other adjacent circumferential surface. In some embodiments, the adapter sections <NUM>, <NUM> and/or <NUM>, <NUM> comprise a coupling portion <NUM>. The coupling portion <NUM> may couple the adapter sections to each other and/or may be provided to couple the adapter <NUM> to the bike mount <NUM>. The coupling portion <NUM> may serve as a stop for correctly positioning the adapter <NUM> in the bike mount. An arrangement may be provided in which the adapter sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> extend from such a coupling portion <NUM> either from one side or from opposite sides of the coupling portion <NUM>.

The coupling portion <NUM> may extend in a direction perpendicular to the extension directions or middle axes A1, A2, A3 of the adapter sections and/or may extend along a plane perpendicular to the middle axes A1, A2, A3. The coupling portion <NUM> may be a plate-like member. The coupling portion <NUM> may be polygonal, for example triangular, with the adapter sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> being arranged in corner regions of such a polygon, for example equidistant to a middle axis A4 of the adapter <NUM> wherein the middle axis A4 extends perpendicular to the plate-like coupling portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the position of the adapter portions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be changed by rotating the adapter <NUM> about the middle axis A4 of the adapter <NUM>. In other words, the position of the adapter portions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> relative to the bike mount <NUM> may be changed by flipping the adapter <NUM>.

It is possible to provide some or all adapter sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> on one side of the coupling portion <NUM> and to provide a mounting portion on the opposite side. As an example of such a configuration, the adapter portion <NUM> comprises only one adapter section <NUM> which as an exemplary embodiment is configured to support a quick release skewer type bike dropout. In other words, the adapter section <NUM> is configured to receive a quick release skewer axle in an opening <NUM> which is provided in a protrusion that is configured to support a fork end or a frame end of a bike. The adapter section <NUM> is provided on one side of the coupling portion <NUM>. On the opposite side of the coupling portion <NUM>, a coupling portion <NUM> may be provided which has the only purpose of coupling the adapter <NUM> to a bike mount. In the embodiment as shown, the coupling portion <NUM> is configured insertable into an opening <NUM> of the bike mount but does not comprise specific features other than necessary for mounting the adapter to the bike mount such that the adapter section <NUM> is rendered available for supporting a bike thereon. Similar coupling portions like the coupling portion <NUM> may be provided for and assigned to adapter sections.

If two adapter sections <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>, <NUM> are grouped in a single adapter portion <NUM> or <NUM>, a very compact adapter <NUM> may be provided. In such a configuration, the adapter sections have a double function, namely to add the desired dimensional change to the bike mount and to have the ability to support the adapter on the bike mount <NUM>. Each adapter section may thus be configured insertable into the same opening <NUM> of a bike mount <NUM> for coupling the adapter <NUM> to the bike mount <NUM> thereby rendering the inserted coupling section inactive and rendering the other coupling section of the adapter portion active and ready for use. Some of the adapter sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may, thus, comprise the additional function of being configured to serve as a coupling portion in a manner as described above with respect to the coupling portion <NUM>. As already mentioned above, the latter mentioned adapter sections may comprise outer circumferential surfaces with an identical outer radius. In this way, the adapter sections are configured to be received in one and the same opening in a bike mount having a corresponding inner diameter. Accordingly, dependent on which adapter section is inserted into such an opening, an opposite adapter section is rendered available and functional for supporting a bike thereon.

Although not shown in the drawings, the following modifications are conceivable. According to a modification, the adapter may only comprises one adapter portion, for example the adapter portion <NUM> or the adapter portion <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. In this way, an adapter providing two different mounting options on a bike mount <NUM> may be provided. In such an adapter, the coupling portion <NUM> may be embodied as a ring-like protrusion, either a continuous ring-like protrusion or an intermitted ring-like protrusion extending about the middle axis and provided at a transition portion between the adapter sections. In this way, the coupling portion <NUM> may serve as a stop when the adapter is inserted into an opening of a bike mount. In the exemplary configuration as shown in <FIG>, the adapter <NUM> is configured as multiway adapter in that it comprises five adapter sections and is configured to adapt a bike mount <NUM> to five different configurations. According to a modification, it is possible to provide an adapter with less or more than five different configuration possibilities but with at least two different configuration possibilities.

A bike mount <NUM> according to an embodiment is shown in <FIG>. The bike mount <NUM> comprises a fixation portion <NUM> for coupling the bike mount <NUM> to a bike supporting unit, for example an elongate supporting profile <NUM> of a bike carrier <NUM>.

The bike mount <NUM> may be used to support a bike fork or a bike frame. Thus, the bike mount <NUM> may be used as a front hub or a rear hub for mounting the bike to the supporting member.

The bike mount <NUM> comprises a convertible supporting portion <NUM> adaptable to different bike axle mount types by means of an adapter <NUM> as described before. The convertible supporting portion <NUM> is configured in a socket-type manner for at least partially receiving the adapter <NUM>. Accordingly, the convertible supporting portion <NUM> and the adapter <NUM> may be configured in a plug and socket type manner so that the adapter <NUM> may be plugged into the supporting portion <NUM>. For that, the supporting portion <NUM> may comprise a support opening <NUM> configured to receive a mounting portion of the adapter <NUM>. As already mentioned before, some of the adapter sections may be configured such that they can be accommodated in the support opening <NUM>. In other words, the adapter sections may additionally form mounting portions and may thus have a double function. The support opening <NUM> may comprise an inner diameter corresponding to an outer diameter of the adapter sections or mounting portions. The support opening <NUM> may define a portion of an accommodating recess <NUM> in which the adapter <NUM> is insertable. In the present embodiment, the accommodating recess <NUM> is configured to receive one side of the adapter <NUM>, more precisely the adapter sections <NUM>, <NUM> and the mounting portion <NUM> on one side of the coupling portion <NUM>.

Furthermore, the accommodating recess <NUM> is configured to at least partially receive the coupling portion <NUM>. The accommodating recess <NUM> may comprise one or more contact sections <NUM> being at least partially formed corresponding to or following a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the adapter sections or mounting portions or of the coupling portion <NUM>. In this way, the contact sections <NUM> may serve as positioning portions that mate with a positioning portion on the adapter, for example an outer circumferential surface of some adapter sections. In an embodiment, the positioning portion <NUM> may be an edge portion <NUM> of the coupling member <NUM>.

All adapter sections and mounting portions on one side of the coupling portion <NUM> can be accommodated in the accommodating recess <NUM> wherein one of the adapter sections or a mounting portion is inserted into the support opening <NUM>. The support opening <NUM> defines a middle axis A5 and is configured to receive an adapter section or mounting portion. The support opening <NUM> is further configured as through opening so that an axle may be passed through the entire bike mount <NUM> in width or cross direction (y-direction in the drawings). According to an embodiment, an adapter section which is not inserted into the support opening <NUM> but is aligned with the support opening such that the middle axis A5 and a middle axis A1, A2, A3 of the adapter section are coaxially arranged may be referred to as active adapter section. In other words, such an adapter section is in use position. An edge portion of the convertible supporting portion <NUM>, more precisely an edge portion defining an opening of the convertible supporting portion <NUM> comprises a recess <NUM> creating a step surface in the inner wall of the supporting portion <NUM>. This step surface extends in a vertical plane of the bike mount <NUM> (x-z-plane in the drawings) and acts as a stop in width direction of the bike mount <NUM> (in y-direction). The step surface is configured to get in contact with the coupling portion <NUM> thereby defining an abutment limiting a movement of the adapter in cross direction (y-direction). In this way, it is predetermined how far the adapter may be inserted into the convertible supporting portion. Accordingly, the step surface may also be referred to as a reference abutment portion allowing to position the adapter at a predetermined position. With such an arrangement, a reference position in cross direction (y-direction) is achieved allowing to exactly determine the lengths/heights of the adapter sections that are necessary to extend the width of the bike mount <NUM> to the desired total width.

The convertible supporting portion <NUM> may be configured corresponding to the shape of the coupling portion <NUM> and may in particular be formed such that the coupling portion <NUM> entirely covers an opening of the convertible supporting portion <NUM>. Accordingly, when the adapter <NUM> is correctly inserted in the supporting portion <NUM>, a transition between the adapter and the supporting portion may be seamless. The supporting portion <NUM> may be configured to receive the adapter in a snap-fit type manner. In other words, when inserting the adapter in the supporting portion <NUM>, the adapter may snap into place. In order to facilitate a dismounting operation, the supporting portion may comprise recesses <NUM> in the edge portion allowing to access a space between the coupling portion <NUM> and the supporting portion <NUM>.

Accordingly, the recesses protrude further into the bike mount <NUM> in y-direction than the above mentioned recess <NUM> for creating the step surface. In this way, a user may grasp the adapter <NUM> for pulling the same out or may insert a tool for dismounting the adapter <NUM>. In particular, a user may grasp a gripping portion <NUM> in an edge portion <NUM> of the coupling portion <NUM>. The recesses <NUM> may be cutouts protruding towards the inside of the bike mount <NUM> (in y-direction). As is also visible from <FIG>, the convertible supporting portion <NUM> may comprise a triangular shape with rounded corners when viewed in cross direction (y-direction) of the bike mount <NUM>. This shape corresponds to the shape of the coupling portion <NUM>.

The bike mount according to the embodiment as shown in the Figures further comprises an optional additional supporting portion <NUM> adapted for a predetermined bike axle mount type, namely for receiving a thru axle of <NUM> diameter and to provide a supporting width of <NUM>. As is directly visible form <FIG>, this additional supporting portion <NUM> is arranged at a greater distance from the fixation portion <NUM> than the convertible supporting portion <NUM> in order to provide a better ground clearance for specific bike mount types, in particular for specific fork types.

In the following, it will be described how the adapter <NUM> can be mounted to the bike mount <NUM> and how the adapter portions and sections may be switched or changed on the bike mount <NUM>. A bike mount system <NUM> comprising two adapters <NUM> and a bike mount <NUM> is shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. <FIG> is an exploded view of the bike mount system <NUM> in which the adapters <NUM> are shown in a dismounted state and <FIG> shows the bike mount system <NUM> in a state in which the adapters <NUM> are mounted on the bike mount <NUM>. In the exemplary embodiment as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the adapter sections <NUM> are positioned for use and the adapter sections <NUM> are arranged to be inserted into the openings <NUM> of the supporting portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the middle axis A2 of the adapter portion <NUM> is aligned with the middle axis A5 of the opening <NUM> so that the adapter sections <NUM> may be inserted into the openings <NUM> by moving the adapters in cross direction towards the bike mount <NUM> (along the y-axis direction).

<FIG> shows a state in which the adapters <NUM> are inserted and the coupling sections <NUM> protrude from the bike mount <NUM>. In this state, the bike mount system <NUM> is ready for use. In order to switch the configuration of the bike mount system <NUM>, the adapters <NUM> may be disengaged from the bike mount <NUM> by pulling them away from the bike mount <NUM> and out of the convertible supporting portion <NUM>, for example in the direction of arrow B as shown in <FIG>. As soon as the adapters <NUM> are removed from the bike mount <NUM>, the adapters may be rotated in the direction of arrow C about axis A4 and/or may be turned in the direction of arrow D about an axis perpendicular to the axis A4 in order to reverse the arrangement of the adapter <NUM>. As soon as the desired mounting portion is aligned with the opening <NUM> and oriented such that the desired adapter section is positioned on a side of the adapter facing away from the bike mount, the adapter can be reinserted into the supporting portion <NUM> by moving the adapter in cross direction of the bike mount along the y-axis and towards the bike mount <NUM>. As soon as the adapter is inserted in the convertible supporting portion <NUM>, the dimension of the bike mount <NUM> is changed and the bike mount <NUM> is ready for use.

A bike carrier <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. The bike carrier <NUM> comprises a bike mount system <NUM> as described before. Furthermore, the bike carrier <NUM> comprises an elongate supporting profile <NUM>. The bike mount <NUM> is mounted on an upper side of the elongate supporting profile <NUM>. In addition, the bike carrier <NUM> may comprise a coupling portion <NUM> fixed to the elongate supporting profile <NUM>, for example from below. The coupling portion <NUM> may comprises a fixation portion for fixing the coupling portion on a carrying arrangement, for example on a crossbar of a load carrying system of a vehicle or on a lower supporting portion of a bike carrier case.

In the embodiment, the bike mount <NUM> is mounted on a forward end portion of the elongate supporting profile <NUM>. The elongate supporting profile may be made from aluminum. The front rear direction of the bike carrier <NUM> extends along the x-axis as shown in <FIG>. On a rear end portion of the elongate supporting profile <NUM>, a wheel support <NUM> is mounted for supporting a rear wheel of a bike when the bike is fixed to the bike mount <NUM>. However, according to an exemplary modification, a bike mount <NUM> serving as a rear hub for supporting a bike frame may be provided instead of the wheel support <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a bike carrier case <NUM>, in particular a lower supporting portion <NUM> being formed as a support tray <NUM>. The lower supporting portion <NUM> may be a hard case. The bike carrier case <NUM> comprises a front wheel assembly <NUM> and a rear wheel assembly <NUM> allowing to roll the bike carrier case <NUM> on the ground for easier transport. Furthermore, a bike carrier <NUM> as described before is mounted on the support tray <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the bike carrier <NUM> is releasably mountable on the bike carrier case <NUM>. In this way, a bike to be transported may first be coupled to the bike carrier <NUM>. After that, the bike carrier <NUM> including the bike to be transported can be mounted on the support tray <NUM>.

In conclusion a, it is pointed out that the terms like "comprising" or the like are not intended to rule out the provision of additional elements or steps. Let it further be noted that "a" or "an" do not preclude a plurality. In addition, features described in conjunction with the different embodiments can be combined with each other however desired. It is also noted that the reference numbers in the claims are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. Moreover, while at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing summary and detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist.

Claim 1:
Adapter (<NUM>) fixable to a bike mount (<NUM>) of a bike supporting unit (<NUM>),
wherein said adapter (<NUM>) is configured as multiway adapter comprising at least two different adapter sections (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) each configured to support a bike axle of a specific one of different bike axle mount types,
wherein each adapter section (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprises an opening (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for passing a bike axle therethrough,
wherein said adapter (<NUM>) comprises a coupling portion (<NUM>) which couples the adapter sections to each other,
wherein adjacent adapter sections on the same side of said coupling portion (<NUM>) comprise openings (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) with different diameters for inserting axles of different diameters therein.