Package and article carriers – Vehicle attached – Carrier associated with vehicle roof or trunk lid
Patent
1995-11-20
1998-06-09
Eloshway, Charles R.
Package and article carriers
Vehicle attached
Carrier associated with vehicle roof or trunk lid
224315, 224570, 269236, B60R 900, B60R 9048
Patent
active
057622485
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a bicycle carrier for fixedly retaining a bicycle on a vehicle roof and comprising a carrier device fixable on the vehicle and provided with a support member for at least one of the wheels of the bicycle, and an upwardly extending arm or fork with a gripping device at the upper end, the gripping device being designed for fixedly retaining a frame tube or the like included in the frame of the bicycle.
BACKGROUND ART
Bicycle carriers of the type mentioned by way of introduction are previously known in numerous different variations. Bicycle carriers of this type are mounted on so-called load carrier struts which extend transversely across a vehicle roof from side to side and a slight distance above the roof. On the one load strut, a fitting is secured which, in the transverse direction of the vehicle, is of a length of between 20 and 30 cm and which serves for pivotally securing the arm or fork. When in use, the arm or fork is, therefore, pivoted with the gripping device upwards into cooperation with a frame tube included in the bicycle.
The prior art gripping devices have carried various types of clamping mechanisms by means of which the gripping device may be forcibly urged against the frame tube in order to hold this fast reliably. The clamping mechanisms have been of different types such as thumb wheels, eccentric locks and the like, but all have been operated up at the gripping device.
It will be apparent from the foregoing that the height at which the gripping device proper is located is relatively high above the level of the vehicle roof, for which reason it has proved difficult for a person standing on the ground to reach up, simultaneously holding the bicycle in position and securing it in the gripping device.
PROBLEM STRUCTURE
The present invention has for its object to design the bicycle carrier disclosed by way of introduction in such a manner that it is simple and convenient to use, primarily in that the gripping device can be operated from the level of the vehicle roof, i.e. at a level which is readily accessible for most people. The present invention further has for its object to realise a bicycle carrier which is simple and economical in manufacture, which is operationally dependable and which is lockable so as to prevent theft, and which finally also includes the possibility of being fixedly locked on the vehicle.
SOLUTION
The objects forming the basis of the present invention will be attained if the bicycle carrier disclosed by way of introduction is characterized in that the gripping device is openable and lockable under the action of a transfer apparatus, that the transfer apparatus extends to the lower end of the arm or fork and that it is there operable under the action of an operating device.
The present invention is further suitably characterized in that the gripping device includes two clamping jaws disposed for a relative movement towards and away from one another for abutment against the frame tube; that the transfer apparatus is provided with a drawing device such as a cable, a drawbar or the like which, at the upper end, is connected to the one jaw and which, with the lower end, is connected to the operating device.
These characterizing features realise a design and construction in which it is simple, by operating the operating device, to lock in place or alternatively release the bicycle from the gripping device which is located at a hardly accessible and relatively high level.
Further advantages will be attained according to the present invention if the subject matter of the present invention is also given one or more of the characterizing features as set forth in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The present invention will now be described in greater detail hereinbelow, with particular reference to the accompanying Drawings. In the accompanying Drawings:
FIG. 1 is a schematic side elevation of a bicycle carrier according to the present invention mounted on a vehicle roof and with a b
REFERENCES:
patent: 3901421 (1975-08-01), Kalicki et al.
patent: 4171077 (1979-10-01), Richard, Jr.
patent: 4629104 (1986-12-01), Jacquet
patent: 4702401 (1987-10-01), Graber et al.
patent: 4875608 (1989-10-01), Graber
patent: 5042705 (1991-08-01), Johansson
patent: 5203484 (1993-04-01), Englander
patent: 5435475 (1995-07-01), Hudson et al.
patent: 5476201 (1995-12-01), Hall et al.
Englander Curt
Raaber Raymond R.
Eloshway Charles R.
Industri AB Thule
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