Patent Document

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/592,419, filed Jul. 30, 2004, the same being expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to load carriers for vehicles, and more particularly to a rack assembly for securing wheeled vehicles, such as bicycles, tricycles, mopeds, motorcycles and the like, over the bed structure of a vehicle, such as that of a pickup truck. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The transportation of wheeled vehicles, such as bicycles, tricycles, mopeds, motorcycles and the like using vehicle load carriers is known and vehicle load carriers for transporting wheeled vehicles, such as bicycles, typically includes the use of roof mounted type load carriers, also known as roof racks, or rear mounted type load carriers, which are often fastened to the rearward side of a vehicle or upon the hitch of a vehicle. 
     When transporting bicycles or like wheeled vehicles in vehicles having bed structures, e.g., pickup trucks, individuals typically load the bicycle into the bed by laying the bicycle directly on the bed surface or leaning the bicycle against a sidewall of the bed. While such techniques are relatively simple, the loaded equipment is not necessarily sufficiently secured upon the bed. Indeed, when transporting a bicycle in this manner it is not uncommon for the bicycle to shift, which can damage the bicycle, the transporting vehicle, or both. Additionally, in some instances, bicycles loaded in this manner can fall out during transport and cause severe damage or injury. 
     While assemblies have been developed for loading and securing bicycles, and like wheeled vehicles, into vehicle beds, such assemblies have generally proved insufficient for conveniently transporting or preventing damage to the bicycle or transporting vehicle. For example, one known assembly employs a rack that is bolted to a pickup truck bed and includes a strut for attaching the forks of a bicycle thereto. A problem with this known assembly is that holes must be drilled into the bed of the vehicle. Furthermore, the front wheel of the bicycle must be removed so that the forks may be attached to the assembly. The removal of the front wheel is not only an inconvenience to a user, but more importantly, a bicycle rack that attaches the bicycle via the forks may not be capable of accommodating a variety of bicycle fork types, e.g., racing, touring, mountain, BMX, etc., bicycle forks. Also, the detached wheel must be separately stowed in some manner. 
     Another type of assembly used for loading and securing a bicycle upon a vehicle bed consists of a strap or crossbar that is tensioned between the sidewalls of a vehicle bed. A problem with this type of assembly is that these assemblies are usually only secured against the sidewalls of a vehicle bed and have a tendency to shift or work themselves loose during transport. This allows the assembly to become unsecured and possibly cause damage or injury. Also, because the tension provided by the crossbar or strap is the primary means for securing the assembly between the sidewalls of the vehicle, if the tension in the crossbar or straps is reduced, as may occur through loosening or failure, the bicycle may also become loose or free and possibly cause damage or injury. 
     Also, while some known assemblies are capable of accommodating bicycles with their front wheels installed, such assemblies typically do not provide sufficient securement to the bed of a vehicle, do not sufficiently secure a bicycle within the assembly, or require the removal of a wheel of the bicycle. For example, a known rack assembly for use in a pickup truck bed is secured to the pickup truck by passing straps through a gap between the bed and the tailgate of the pickup truck. When the tailgate is closed, the straps are tensioned, which secures the rack assembly therein by causing a portion of the rack assembly to bear against the tailgate. A problem with this known assembly, however, is that a wheel of a bicycle must be removed and secured via the forks of the bicycle. As previously noted, these types of assemblies are undesirable because they lack the ability to secure a variety of bicycles having different fork structures and the wheels must be removed and separately stowed, and too often, the user simply rests the separated wheel in the bed of the vehicle where it can shift about and cause damage. 
     U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,092,504 and 6,367,673 disclose bicycle racks for use in truck beds, but each disclosed arrangement detrimentally requires that the front wheel of the bicycle be removed in order to use the rack. U.S. Pat. No. 4,852,779 discloses a truck bed rack for a motorcycle in which the front wheel remains installed on the bike when being transported, but modification of the truck is undesirably required (Column 3, lines 15-20) in that U-bolts are used to rigidly secure an anchor sleeve to the bed of the automotive vehicle. Still further, the use of hooked elastic bands connect directly to the bike frame and not the bike&#39;s front tire which lends less stability to the system than direct connection to the front tire of the bike which results in fixed location of that tire during transport. Further still, the bike tire exclusively engages the rack frame structure without any stabilizing contact with the truck bed itself. Certain specialized racks are also known that must be attached to the carrying vehicle at specific locations other than in the bed of a pickup truck such as the hitch-mount rack known by the tradename CYCLE-ON. In addition to not being mountable in a truck bed, this rack&#39;s specialized configuration enabling such hitch mounting teaches away from any type of adaptation to that rack which would permit its mounting at any other location on a carrying vehicle, and especially not with the carried bicycle(s) being located at a fixed position above the bed of a truck during transport. 
     Accordingly, there has existed a longfelt need for a rack assembly that secures a wheeled vehicle, such as a bicycle, within the bed of a transporting vehicle that is quick and easy to install, that does not require removal of a wheel, and which is capable of accommodating an array of wheeled vehicle types. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Many bicyclist are also pickup truck owners who use these vehicles for transporting their bicycles. In that at least a part of the bed space is often available for such bike transporting, these consumers have established a demand for racks that can be easily installed in the bed of their trucks. These users typically have two primary desires; the first is upright stability for the bike(s) being transported and the second is avoiding permanent modification of the truck itself just to facilitate use of the rack. The first desire stems from the fact that upright transport of a bicycle resting on its tires best avoids damage to the bike when other rack contact can then be avoided. Still further, exclusive rack contact with the bike at its tires permits the tires to act as buffers against the rack. Still further, the resilient nature of inflated tires permits their acting as take-up devices that eliminate play between the bike and a carrying rack that has slightly relaxed its grip upon the bike tire during transport. 
     It has also been recognized as a benefit to have such tire-constrained bicycles stabilized with respect to the carrying truck bed. Advantageously, the present invention provides such stability by compressing the tire into pressing engagement with the truck bed at one or more locations. It has been found particularly advantageous to locate the bike rack in the truck bed so that when a bike tire is properly installed and secured, the tire is press-engaged with a vertical surface such as the interior surface of the tailgate or sidewall of the bed. Alternatively, or in addition to the vertical surface contact, the tire can also be advantageously press-engaged with a horizontal surface of the truck bed such as the bed floor, or the rack itself. 
     The presently disclosed invention delivers these and further benefits through the provision of a bicycle transport system that includes a rack assembly securing a bicycle, with both wheels still attached, in the bed of a pickup truck without requiring physical modification of the pickup truck bed. The transport system comprises (includes, but is not necessarily limited to) a rack frame having a securing assembly releasably securing the rack frame in the bed of a transporting pickup truck. The system also includes a bicycle restraining portion that is maintained in abutting engagement (pressing up against) with a front tire of a bicycle being transported in the pickup truck bed. The securing assembly has an anchor member that in a secured configuration maintains the rack frame in abutment (contact) with the pickup truck bed so that the rack frame is substantially fixing relative to the truck bed. The bicycle restraining portion comprises a constrictable arm that presses upon the front tire of the bicycle in a transporting configuration. The arm exerts a compression force, obliquely (neither perpendicular nor parallel; i.e., having a slanting direction) directed with respect to both horizontal and vertical, upon the bicycle front tire in such a manner that the tire is compressed into a substantially fixed position above the truck bed when in the bicycle transporting configuration. 
     In a further embodiment, the invention takes the form of a rack assembly and method for securing an apparatus, such as a bicycle, in a transporting vehicle having a bed structure, such as a pickup, according to the present invention broadly includes a rack frame and a securing assembly configured to secure the apparatus to the transport vehicle above the bed structure. The securing assembly adjustably clampably secures to the rack frame and the rack frame comprises a restraining assembly that is pivotal with respect to the bed structure. The securing assembly and the restraining assembly, in combination, are configured to simultaneously secure the rack frame to the transporting vehicle and apply a force upon the apparatus such that the apparatus is compressively secured between the restraining assembly and the bed structure. 
     In some embodiments, the rack frame is configured to include a wheel restraining portion for restraining a wheel. The wheel restraining portion is pivotal about the wheel and the securing assembly and the wheel restraining portion, in combination, simultaneously secure the rack frame to the transporting vehicle and apply a force upon the wheel to compressively secure the wheel between the wheel restraining portion and the bed structure. In some embodiments, the wheel restraining portion pivots about a front wheel of the apparatus, e.g., a bicycle, and applies a compressive force thereupon to secure the apparatus over the bed structure. 
     In some embodiments, the restraining assembly comprises an integral portion of the rack frame and is pivotal with respect to the bed structure. In other embodiments the restraining assembly comprises an extensible arm pivotally coupled to the rack frame and configured for pivoting movement with respect to the rack frame and the bed structure. 
     In some embodiments, the apparatus is compressively secured between a surface of the bed structure and a wall; e.g., a tailgate or bed structure sidewall, which wall can be perpendicularly disposed with respect to the surface of the bed structure. 
     In some embodiments, the rack frame includes a wheel well for receiving a wheel of a wheeled vehicle therein. In some embodiments, a portion of the restraining member has a shape that substantially corresponds with a perimeter, or profile, of a wheel, e.g. a rim, sidewalls and tread portions of a bicycle wheel. In some embodiments, the restraining member includes a wheel saddle tray for receiving a wheel therein. Preferably, the wheel saddle tray has a shape that substantially extends about an outer circumferential portion of a wheel and corresponds to a perimeter of the wheel. 
     A method of securing an apparatus, e.g., a bicycle, over a bed structure of a transporting vehicle comprises securing a rack frame comprising a restraining assembly over the bed structure of the transporting vehicle with a securing assembly, wherein the securing assembly adjustably clampably couples to the rack frame, pivoting the restraining assembly about a portion of the apparatus to dispose the apparatus between the restraining assembly and the bed structure, and applying a force upon the apparatus with the restraining assembly such that the apparatus is compressibly secured between the restraining assembly and the bed structure. 
     In some embodiments of the method, the apparatus comprises a bicycle and the restraining member is pivoted about a wheel, and preferably a front wheel, of the bicycle. The restraining member, thus, applies a compressive force upon the wheel to compressively secure the wheel between the restraining assembly and the bed structure of the transporting vehicle. 
     In some embodiments of the method, the restraining member comprises an integral portion of the rack frame. In other embodiments of the method, the restraining member is pivotally coupled to the rack frame and is configured for pivotal movement with respect to the rack frame and the bed structure. 
     In some embodiments of the method, the apparatus, e.g. wheel of a bicycle, is compressively secured between a surface of the bed structure and a wall, e.g. a tailgate or bed structure sidewall, which wall can be perpendicularly disposed with respect to the surface of the bed structure. 
     In some embodiments of the method, the rack frame includes a wheel well for receiving a wheel of a wheeled vehicle therein. In some embodiments, a portion of the restraining member has a shape that substantially corresponds with a perimeter, or profile, of a wheel, e.g. rim, sidewalls and tread portions of a bicycle wheel. In some embodiments, the restraining member includes a wheel saddle tray for receiving a wheel therein. Preferably, the wheel saddle tray has a shape that substantially extends about an outer circumferential portion of a wheel and corresponds to a perimeter of the wheel. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will now be more fully described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a rack assembly according to the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of a rack assembly according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a rack assembly according to the present invention within a bed of a vehicle, e.g. a pickup truck, and illustrating movement of the extensible arm; 
         FIG. 4  is a side elevation view of a rack assembly according to the invention within a bed of a vehicle; e.g., a pickup truck, and illustrating movement of the extensible arm toward a raised position for securing the bicycle above the bed of the truck; 
         FIG. 5  is a side elevation view of a rack assembly according to the invention within a bed of a vehicle; e.g., a pickup truck, and illustrating movement of the extensible arm and wheel hook for constrictively securing the bicycle above the bed, and against the tailgate, of the truck; 
         FIG. 6  is a side elevation view of a rack assembly according to the invention within a bed of a vehicle; e.g., a pickup truck, and illustrating the bicycle positioned within the wheel well of the rack assembly and the extensible arm in a lowered position; 
         FIG. 7  is a side elevation view of a rack assembly according to the invention within a bed of a vehicle; e.g., a pickup truck, and illustrating the extensible arm and wheel hook constrictively securing the bicycle to the bed and tailgate surfaces of the truck; 
         FIG. 8  is a partial sectional view illustrating a securing assembly of the rack assembly of  FIG. 1  inserted in a gap between a pickup truck bed and a tailgate; 
         FIG. 9  is a partial sectional view illustrating a securing assembly of the rack assembly of  FIG. 1  inserted in a gap between a pickup truck bed and a tailgate with the tailgate closed and the securing assembly tensioned; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a rack assembly according to the invention illustrating a front wheel of a bicycle engaged by an extensible arm of the rack assembly for securing the bicycle within a bed of a pickup truck; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a rack assembly according to the invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a rack assembly according to the invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a plan view of a front side of the rack assembly illustrated in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view illustrating a rearward side of the rack assembly illustrated in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a front plan view of a rack assembly with wheel guide removed; 
         FIG. 16  is a plan view of a rack assembly wherein the wheel restraining portion of the rack frame has a shape that corresponds to a portion of a wheel; and, 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a rack assembly including a wheel saddle tray for receiving a portion of wheel therein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention will now be more described and disclosed in greater detail. It is to be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention and that the invention may be embodied in various and alternative forms. It should also be understood that the accompanying figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated, or minimized, to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting the scope of the claims, but are merely provided as an example to teach one having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. It should also be appreciated that in the detailed description that follows, like reference numerals on different drawing views are intended to identify like structural elements. It should also be appreciated that while the present invention is primarily described as a rack assembly primarily configured for securing bicycles within a bed structures of pickup trucks, the rack assembly is not limited to securing bicycles and is not necessarily limited to be utilized in association with pickup trucks only. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-11 , rack assembly  2  according to the present invention is illustrated as broadly comprising rack frame and securing assembly  24 . Rack frame  3  broadly includes base support  4 , wheel receiving means  7 , which is defined by a generally L-shaped cross-sectional geometry extending therefrom and which also may be referred to as wheel well  7 , and cross bars  6   a ,  6   b . Wheel well  7  may be joined to base support  4  by welding, mechanical, fastening, or another suitable joining technique. Wheel well  7  is generally sized and configured to receive the front wheel of a bicycle therein. Cross bars  6   a  and  6   b  are fixed to wheel well  7  at locations  9   a  and  9   b  and to base support  4  at locations  5   a  and  5   b  by welding or a suitable mechanical fastening technique. Wheel well  7 , base support  4 , and cross bars  6   a  and  6   b  may be formed from tubular metallic materials or another type of suitable material. 
     Rack assembly  2  can be configured to comprise extensible arm  8 , which is extendable in directions  15  and  15 ′ and rotatable about axis  19  of cross bars  6   a  or  6   b . A suitable configuration for extensible arm  8  is shown in  FIG. 1 . Extensible arm  8  includes gripping member  12 , which is slidable along a length of shaft  14  through an opening of gripping member  12 . Shaft  14  includes teeth  11  along a length thereof that are engagable with corresponding teeth (not shown) of the gripping member. Gripping member  12  is configured to be manually moved along shaft  14  in direction  15  by a user. Gripping member  12  may also be moved in direction  15 ′ by a user upon actuating release mechanism  21 , which disengages the teeth of gripping member  12  from teeth  11 . Gripping member  12  further includes wheel hook  10  projecting therefrom that is sized and configured to fit around a wheel of a bicycle. While wheel hook  10  is preferably, secured about the wheel of a bicycle, it is conceivable that the wheel hook could be fit around another component of the bicycle, e.g. a descending frame member. The aperture of wheel hook  10  is preferably sized to receive wheels of a plurality of sizes and dimensions such that the rack assembly may receive an array of bicycle types. Once wheel hook  10  is positioned at a desired location along the length of the shaft  14 , gripping mechanism  12  may only be moved in direction  15 ′ to elongate the length of extensible arm  8  by disengaging gripping member  12  from shaft  14 . Gripping member  12  is preferably of the type sold under the trademark RATCHETING QUICK-LOAD (RQL) by Sportworks of Woodinville, Wash. The RQL system is described in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,439,397 which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The end of shaft  14  includes generally C-shaped clamp  16  welded thereto that is fitted around two semicircular bearings  32   a  and  32   b  secured to cross bar  6   a ,  6   b  by pins or another suitable fasteners (not shown). Clamp  16  exhibits a profile of bearings  32   a  and  32   b  and encloses at a least a portion thereof. Another generally C-shaped clamp  16 ′ is fitted into slots (not shown) of clamp  16  so that clamps  16  and  16 ′ collectively enclose bearings  32   a  and  32   b . Clamps  16  and  16 ′ are secured together with fasteners  18  so that the interior portions of clamps  16  and  16 ′ bear against bearings  32   a  and  32   b  and, thus, retain extensible arm  8  on cross bar  6   b . Extensible arm  8  also rotates about axis  19  along arc  17 . 
     A user may easily remove extensible arm  8  so that it may be installed an either side of wheel well  7 . This is accomplished by removing fasteners  18  and bearings  32   a  and  32   b  and reinstalling them on the desired side. This feature is important if more than one rack assembly  2  is to be used in a pickup truck bed. It may be desirable for extensible arm  8  of a first rack assembly to be mounted on a left side thereof and extensible arm  8  of a second rack assembly to be mounted on an opposing right side thereof to prevent interference between respective extensible arms  8 . 
     With continuing reference to  FIGS. 1-11 , two or more securing assemblies  24  can be secured to crossbar  6 , with one securing assembly  24  secured to crossbar  6   a  and the other securing assembly  24  secured to crossbar  6   b . Securing assemblies  24  preferably includes strap portions  28  that are fitted through ratcheting mechanisms  30  that may move strap portions  28  in a direction  29  therethrough to adjust the length of the strap portions extending from the ratcheting mechanism. Ratcheting mechanism  30  may be attached to respective crossbars  6   a  and  6   b  by a suitable fastener, such as a rivet, a screw, or another suitable method of joining. Ratcheting mechanism  30  assists in preventing strap portions  28  from loosening after they are tensioned. An end of securing assemblies  24  includes stopper  26  having a generally elongated shape coupled thereto. Alternatively, stopper  26  may be integrally formed with strap portions  28 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-11 , the ability to tension securing assembly  24  to secure rack assembly  2  to a pickup truck bed is independent from the ability to adjust the length of extensible arm  8 . Although a ratcheting type securing assembly is depicted in  FIG. 1 , other types of securing assemblies may used, such as nylon straps used in conjunction with buckles. However, ratcheting type mechanisms are more advantageous because they prevent the straps from easily loosening. As will be discussed in more detail in  FIGS. 2-17 , stoppers  26  are sized small enough so that they may be inserted through a gap between the pickup truck bed and an open tailgate and large enough to restrict removal thereof, in one direction, when the tailgate is closed. 
     At an end of wheel well  7 , distal front base support  4 , wheel guide  20  may be secured using a suitable fastener. Wheel guide  20  may have a generally V-shaped cross sectional shape that is sized to receive a portion of a bicycle tire. Wheel guide  20  may also have a cross-sectional thickness dimensioned so that it will engage the treads of a typical mountain bike tire contacting it such that spinning of the tire may be prevented. Spacer  22 , formed from a material such as rubber, may be attached to the portion of base support  4  underneath wheel guide  20  to provide a contact point with the pickup truck bed and prevent damage thereof. An exploded perspective view of rack assembly  2  is shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     Operation of rack assembly  2  can be better understood by reference to  FIGS. 2-11 . Side views of rack assembly  2  secured over bed  38  are shown in  FIGS. 4-7  and  FIGS. 3 ,  10  and  11 , are perspective views of rack assembly  2  installed in bed  38 . As illustrated in the figures, rack assembly  2  is placed in bed  38  with extensible arm  8  lying flat in bed  38  and stoppers  26  inserted through the gap between bed  38  and tailgate  34  (See  FIGS. 8-9 ). Extensible arm  8  points inward and away from tailgate  34  such that it may be positioned so that it does not get in the way of the user when the user is loading bicycle  40  over bed  38 . Tailgate  34  is closed and each of securing assemblies  24  tensioned by engaging racketing mechanisms,  30 , which in turn causes base support  4  to bear against tailgate  34  and, thus, secure rack assembly  2  over bed  38 . Front wheel  42  of bicycle  40  is inserted into wheel well  7  so that a portion of front wheel  42  bears against surface  35  of tailgate  34  to create a first point of contact for front wheel  42  (See  FIGS. 4-5 ). The contact between wheel guide  20  and front wheel  42  can comprise a second point of contact for front wheel  42 . Alternatively, as illustrated in  FIGS. 6-7 , a second point of contact can comprise that point of contact between front wheel  42  and surface  35  of the bed structure. 
     The functioning of securing assembly  24  is more easily understood with reference to  FIGS. 8-9 , which is shown without wheel guide  3  and base support  4  for clarity. As illustrated in  FIGS. 8-9 , stoppers  26  are inserted through gap  27  between bed  38  and tailgate  34  when the tailgate is in the open position. After tailgate  34  is closed, straps  28  may be tensioned, which causes stoppers  26  to bear against the outside of the pickup truck and cause base support  4  (not shown) to bear against surface  35  of tailgate  34 , thus, securing rack assembly  2  over bed  38 . Although it is preferable to employ securing assembly  24 , base support  4  may also be secured to bed  38  by more permanent securing techniques, such as bolting, which necessitates drilling additional holes in bed  38 . 
     As shown more clearly in  FIGS. 1-7  and  10 - 11 , once front wheel  42  is received by wheel well  7 , extensible arm  8  may be rotated upwardly about axis  19  and wheel hook  10 , which is configured to accommodate a variety of wheel sizes, moved downwardly in direction  15  to engage and apply pressure to tire  43  of front wheel  42 , thus, creating a third point of contact with front wheel  42 . Extensible arm  8 , thus, is capable of accommodating a wide variety of front wheel sizes due its ability to adjust its length. Extensible arm  8  is rotated upwardly from behind fork  70  so that wheel hook  10  engages tire  43  aft of fork  70 . Wheel hook  10  of extensible arm  8  engages front wheel  42  in a so-called “over center” position to prevent extensible arm  8  from being able to move along the circumference of front wheel  42 , which may allow the extensible arm to disengage the front wheel  42  (See  FIGS. 7 ,  10  and  11 ). Because wheel hook  10  engages front wheel  42  in an over center position and extensible arm  8  will not substantially elongate in direction  15 ′, in the absence of an actuation of release mechanism  21  by a user, rotational movement of extensible arm  8  along arc  17  is prevented due to the interference of wheel hook  10  with tire  43  and/or forks  70 . To allow rotational movement of the extensible arm about the circumference of front wheel  42 , extensible arm  8  must first be elongated in direction  15 ′ by actuating release mechanism  21 . Wheel well  7  also substantially prevents lateral rotational movement of the front wheel due to the interference of front wheel  42  with the interior of wheel well  7 . If front wheel  42  were allowed to rotate, for instance, if wheel well  7  was not present, the front wheel could lose contact with surface  35  of tailgate  34  and allow the bicycle to fall over in the bed. Although it is preferable for the rack assembly  2  to include wheel well  7  for lateral stability, wheel well  7  is not necessarily required to enable rack assembly  2  to fully function. 
     Although the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-11  has been described with a first point of contact of tire  43  being with tailgate  34 , rack assembly  2  may be modified so that base support  4  is bolted or otherwise secured to bed  38  and a first contact point may be the interior of side wall  36  of a pickup truck or a back wall of bed  38 . 
     Other exemplary embodiments of a rack assembly according to the invention are illustrated in  FIGS. 12-17 . In these embodiments rack assembly  44  generally includes rack frame  46  which is sized and configured to fit around a front wheel of a bicycle, or like wheeled vehicle. Rack frame  46  exhibits a generally U-shaped geometry and may be formed from tubular metallic materials or other suitable materials. Rack frame  46  includes wheel restraining portion  47 , which is, preferably, integral with rack frame  46 . Wheel restraining portion  47  secures tire contact  48  at a distal end of rack frame  46 . Tire contact  48  has a generally C-shaped cross-sectional geometry and is shaped to receive a portion of a front wheel of a bicycle and bear against the front wheel when biased by a user. In the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 16-17 , wheel restraining portion  47  may be configured to more closely correspond to the profile of a the sidewall and tread portion of the front wheel such that lateral movement of the bicycle, and steering movement of a front wheel may be prevented. Alternatively, wheel restraining portion  70  may be configured to include wheel saddle trays  49 , which substantially secure about a perimeter of front wheel  42 , and more specifically, about a portion of the treads and sidewalls thereof. Wheel saddle trays  49  generally prevent rotational movement of the front wheel about its axle and also assist in preventing lateral and steering type movement of the front wheel. Rack assembly  44  further includes securing assemblies  24 , which each have strap portions  28  threaded through ratcheting mechanisms  30 , and stoppers  26 . Ratcheting mechanisms  30  may be attached to rack frame  46  using fasteners, such as rivets, screws, or another suitable methods of joining. Securing assemblies  24  are generally identical to those described with respect to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-11 , however, unlike the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-11 , securing assemblies  24  of  FIGS. 12-17  function to both secure rack assembly  44  to the bed structure of a vehicle and serve to adjust the length of rack frame  46  securing assembly  24 . Elongated member  45  may also be used to join opposing ends of each respective stopper  26  for added lateral stability. Rack assembly  44  can further include wheel well  58  that is attached to rack frame  46  and which is rotatable about axis  62 . Wheel guide  60  is attached to wheel well  58  and is independently rotatable about axis  66 . Although it is preferable for rack assembly  44  to include wheel well  58  for added lateral stability, as illustrated in  FIG. 15 , wheel well  58  is not necessarily required for the proper operation of rack assembly  44 . 
     In operation, rack assembly  44  is installed in bed  38  with rack frame  46  lying flat in the bed. Rack frame  46  points inward and away from tailgate  34 ; thus, being positioned so that it does not get in the way of the user when the user is loading bicycle  40  over bed  38 . Rack assembly  44  is placed over bed  38  and stoppers  26  are inserted through gap  27  between bed  38  and tailgate  34 . Tailgate  34  is then closed to secure stoppers  26  therein. Front wheel  42  of bicycle  40  is then inserted into wheel well  58  so that a portion of the front wheel bears against surface  35  of tailgate  34  to create a first point of contact for front wheel  42 . The contact between wheel guide  60  and the front wheel is the second point of contact for front wheel  42 . 
     Once front wheel  42  is received by wheel well  58 , rack frame  46  may be rotated upwardly about front wheel  42  along arc  68  and tire contact  48  moved downwardly in direction  29  by user tensioning securing assemblies  24  to engage and apply a downward, or compressive force upon tire  43  of front wheel  42 . Thus, a third point of contact is created with front wheel  42 . Rack frame  46  is rotated upwardly from behind forks  70  so that the tire contact engages tire  43  aft of forks  70 . The ability to adjust the length of securing means  28 ; e.g., straps, with respect to rack frame  46  enables the rack assembly to accommodate a wide variety of front wheel sizes and bicycles. Tire contact  48  of rack frame  46  engages front wheel  42  in a so-called “over center” position to prevent rack frame  46  from being able to move along the circumference of front wheel  42  which may allow rack frame  46  to disengage front wheel  42 . Because tire contact  48  engages front wheel  42  an over center position and rack frame  46  will not substantially move in direction  29  until securing assembly  24  is released by the user, rotational movement of rack frame  46  along arc  68  is prevented due to the interference of tire contact  48  with tire  43 . Securing assembly  24  must be released by a user to allow rotational movement of rack frame  46  about the circumference of front wheel  42 . Similar to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-11 , wheel well  58  substantially prevents lateral rotational movement of front wheel  42  due to the interference of the front wheel with the interior of the wheel well. 
     While the present invention has been illustrated and described in what is deemed to be the preferred embodiments, it should be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art that various changes and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it should be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art that the present invention not to be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed herein.

Technology Category: 7