A utility rack for a truck may be removably attached to the side walls of the bed of the truck. The disclosed utility rack discloses internal cavities for attachment bolts or other fasteners. The internal cavities allow the fasteners to be hidden under an access cover during use of the utility rack while also providing strong and secure butt joints between the ends of some of the components. The ends of the components of the utility rack may be provided with protrusions and sockets that interlock to improve the stability of flush butt joints between components. The utility rack may include closed-loop outer-boundary side frames configure to clamp on opposing side walls of a truck cargo bed, with a crossbar spanning the truck cargo bed between top rails of the side frames. The closed-loop outer-boundary side frames do not require internal vertically oriented support posts inside the outer-boundary frame.
A latch assembly is described for use with a pivoting hitch device that allows the pivoting of a bicycle rack away from the rear of a vehicle to allow access to a lift gate, tail gate, trunk, hatchback, or other rear access point for a vehicle. The pivoting hitch device has two support members that are pivotally attached to one another. The latch assembly is attached to one of the support members of the pivoting hitch device, and may have an actuator, a latch bar, and a connecting member that connects the actuator to the latch bar. A latch member is attached to the other support member of the pivoting hitch device. The latch bar engages the latch member to secure the two support members in relation to one another and prevent pivotal movement.
B60R 9/06 - Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like at vehicle front or rear
B60D 1/52 - Traction couplingsHitchesDraw-gearTowing devices characterised by the mounting removably mounted
B60R 9/10 - Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like specially adapted for sports gear for cycles
A bicycle carrier for an automobile comprises a platform for supporting the wheels of a bicycle and a wheel securement arm attached to the platform. The wheel securement arm can be pivotally attached to the platform to secure a wheel of a bicycle on the platform. A control arm can be attached to the platform and the wheel securement arm to releasably fix the wheel securement arm in a desired position with respect to the platform. The control arm can be slidably connected to the wheel securement arm to modify the position of the wheel securement arm. The desired position of the wheel securement arm can be with a portion of the wheel securement arm in contact with the tire of a bicycle or it can be with the wheel securement arm folded against the platform.
B60R 9/10 - Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like specially adapted for sports gear for cycles
B60R 9/06 - Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like at vehicle front or rear
An improved ratchet mechanism for the tire arm of a bicycle carrier comprises a guide component disposed inside an extendable inner arm of the tire arm, a pushrod body movably held by the guide component, and a ratchet pawl rotatably supported in relation to the guide component. An actuator on the tire arm moves a pushrod inside the inner arm to move the pushrod body causing the ratchet pawl to disengage from a ratchet rack on the tire arm, allowing the inner arm to be extended by a user. The guide component guides the movement of the pushrod body to disengage a tooth portion of the ratchet pawl from the ratchet rack. The guide component, ratchet pawl, and the pushrod body comprise an improved ratchet assembly for use in an extendable tire arm for a bicycle carrier.
B60R 9/10 - Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like specially adapted for sports gear for cycles
B60D 1/145 - Draw-gear or towing devices characterised by their type consisting of an elongated single bar or tube
B60D 1/28 - Traction couplingsHitchesDraw-gearTowing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions for preventing unwanted disengagement, e.g. safety appliances
B60R 9/06 - Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like at vehicle front or rear
A utility rack for use with a truck may incorporate removable panels to partially or fully enclose the cargo bed of the truck. The utility rack may comprise a structural frame for supporting cargo, and removable panels for attaching to the structural frame to form a shell. Portions of the structural frame may be available to support cargo while the removable panels are attached to the structural frame. In some versions of the utility rack, the removable panels may be attached to and detached from the structural frame while cargo is supported by the structural frame. In some versions the utility rack with the removable panels attached creates a weather resistant shell on the cargo bed of the truck.
A utility rack for use with a truck may incorporate removable panels to partially or fully enclose the cargo bed of the truck. The utility rack may comprise a structural frame for supporting cargo, and removable panels for attaching to the structural frame to form a shell. Portions of the structural frame may be available to support cargo while the removable panels are attached to the structural frame. In some versions of the utility rack, the removable panels may be attached to and detached from the structural frame while cargo is supported by the structural frame. In some versions the utility rack with the removable panels attached creates a weather resistant shell on the cargo bed of the truck.
B60J 7/14 - Non-fixed roofsRoofs with movable panels of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position foldableTensioning mechanisms therefor, e.g. struts with a plurality of plate-like elements
B60J 7/04 - Non-fixed roofsRoofs with movable panels of sliding type with rigid plate-like element or elements
B60R 9/06 - Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like at vehicle front or rear
An improved ratchet mechanism for the tire arm of a bicycle carrier comprises a guide component disposed inside an extendable inner arm of the tire arm, a pushrod body movably held by the guide component, and a ratchet pawl rotatably supported in relation to the guide component. An actuator on the tire arm moves a pushrod inside the inner arm to move the pushrod body causing the ratchet pawl to disengage from a ratchet rack on the tire arm, allowing the inner arm to be extended by a user. The guide component guides the movement of the pushrod body to disengage a tooth portion of the ratchet pawl from the ratchet rack. The guide component, ratchet pawl, and the pushrod body comprise an improved ratchet assembly for use in an extendable tire arm for a bicycle carrier.
B60R 9/10 - Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like specially adapted for sports gear for cycles
B60D 1/145 - Draw-gear or towing devices characterised by their type consisting of an elongated single bar or tube
B60D 1/28 - Traction couplingsHitchesDraw-gearTowing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions for preventing unwanted disengagement, e.g. safety appliances
B60R 9/06 - Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like at vehicle front or rear
A bicycle rack is described with an actuated arm that pivots to an open position in response to user activation of the actuator. The actuator is attached to the rack and the arm and exerts a force on the arm by extension to pivot the actuated arm to the open position. The actuator extends only when a release mechanism has been actuated by a user, but a user may pivot the actuated arm back to a closed position, or a position securing a bicycle, without actuating the release. The actuated arm will then be retained at a position selected by the user until the release is actuated by the user again.
B62H 3/08 - Separate supports or holders for parking or storing cycles involving recesses or channelled rails for embracing the bottom part of a wheel
B60R 9/06 - Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like at vehicle front or rear
B60R 9/10 - Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like specially adapted for sports gear for cycles
Equipment such as bicycle racks are often delivered to the end user in a partially assembled state.
Equipment such as bicycle racks are often delivered to the end user in a partially assembled state.
The component subassemblies may be heavy or unwieldy in size, making it difficult for the end user to hold the subassemblies in the correct positions with respect to each other while attaching the fasteners that hold the subassemblies together while the equipment is in use. An equipment rack is described having features that hold the subassemblies in an assembled configuration while the operational fasteners are added or engaged to hold the equipment rack in its final, assembled configuration. These features may be surface features that the end user is able to engage with each other to provide support to subassemblies and hold them in the proper orientation and position while the operational fasteners are aligned, inserted, tightened, or otherwise affixed to the assembled parts.
B60R 9/10 - Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like specially adapted for sports gear for cycles
A carrier for ski equipment comprises a rigid lower cross member and a lower membrane attached to an upper surface of the lower cross member; a rigid upper cross member pivotally attached to the lower cross member at first end thereof by a hinge, and an upper membrane attached to a lower surface of the upper cross member; a latch configured to secure the upper cross member in a closed position with respect to the lower cross member; wherein the upper and lower membranes comprise a plurality of transversely offset rows of longitudinally spaced protrusions; and wherein when the upper cross member is in the closed position, each of the plurality of rows of protrusions on the upper membrane interlocks with one of the plurality of rows of protrusions on the lower membrane to fill the gap between the upper and lower cross members.
A bicycle carrier with a pivoting hub and a removable add-on carrier to carry additional bicycles includes an actuator handle on the add-on carrier. When actuated by a user, the actuator handle disengages the pivoting hub to allow the bicycle carrier to pivot. A latch mechanism is provided to allow the actuator handle on the add-on carrier to be disconnected from the pivoting hub when the add-on carrier is removed from the bicycle carrier. The latch mechanism comprises a first linkage connected to the pivoting hub, a connector body attached to the first linkage, and a second linkage in the add-on carrier that is configured to connect and disconnect to the first linkage via the connector body. The connector body may be shaped to guide the linkage during the process of attaching the extension assembly to the bicycle rack.
B60R 9/10 - Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like specially adapted for sports gear for cycles
A ramp for use and integration with bicycle carriers for automobiles. The integrated ramp allows a user to roll a bicycle onto the bicycle carrier without using a separate ramp. The integrated ramp may include one or more integrated or removable ramp components that attach to a wheel securement arm of the bicycle carrier. The ramp components may include a ramp portion that folds or moves from a stowed position to a deployed position. In the stowed position the ramp portion does not interfere with the use of the wheel securement arm of the bicycle carrier to hold a bicycle on the carrier. In the deployed position the ramp portion serves as a ramp for rolling a bicycle onto the carrier.
B60R 9/10 - Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like specially adapted for sports gear for cycles
A cargo container for a vehicle roof has dual latch handles, with one latch handle on each side of the cargo container. The cargo container comprises a lid that may be in closed or open configurations. In the closed configuration, the latch handles may be in a locked or unlocked state. In the unlocked state the latches may be latched or unlatched. The cargo container may be reconfigured from closed to open configurations when either of the latches is in the unlocked and unlatched state, even if the other latch is in the locked state or the unlocked, latched state. This allows a user to open the cargo container without walking around to both sides of a vehicle to unlocking both latches. The cargo container does not require a dual hinge system to function in the described manner.
A cargo container for a vehicle roof has dual latch handles, with one latch handle on each side of the cargo container. The cargo container comprises a lid that may be in closed or open configurations. In the closed configuration, the latch handles may be in a locked or unlocked state. In the unlocked state the latches may be latched or unlatched. The cargo container may be reconfigured from closed to open configurations when either of the latches is in the unlocked and unlatched state, even if the other latch is in the locked state or the unlocked, latched state. This allows a user to open the cargo container without walking around to both sides of a vehicle to unlocking both latches. The cargo container does not require a dual hinge system to function in the described manner.
An integrated lock for a bicycle rack allows the position of the lock cable to be adjusted along the length of the bicycle rack tray to best accommodate locking of the bicycle to the rack. This allows a bicycle to be placed facing either direction on the bicycle rack. The lock cable can be positioned on the bicycle rack at a preferred location for locking the bicycle, such as near the rear wheel of the bicycle. The lock cable may also be stored inside a channel in the support tray when not in use. The channel may provide both the storage cavity and the adjustment mechanism for the lock cable.
A collapsible shelter includes an inwardly folding hinge configured to fold into a substantially flat configuration when the collapsible shelter is closed or collapsed for transport. The hinge may be configured to fold or pull flexible shelter walls inwardly as the shelter is opened or closed. The inward folding prevents or reduces interference of the flexible shelter walls with the closing or latching of the collapsible shelter in the closed configuration. A collapsible shelter may also require multiple latches to secure it in the closed configuration during transportation on a vehicle. A collapsible shelter may also be provided with an actuator configured to release or disengage all the latches with a single operation.
A releasable attachment device for mounting a component to a t-slot or similar channel includes an actuator for latching, unlatching, and disengaging a bolt from the t-slot or similar channel. In the latched configuration the releasable attachment device secures the component to the t-slot. The actuator may comprise a lever for rotating a cam mechanism on a first axis. The rotation of the cam mechanism translates a bolt from a latched position to an unlatched position. The actuator may rotate in a second axis to rotate the bolt from an unlatched position to a disengaged position. In the disengaged position the releasable attachment device may be removed from the t-slot. The device may have an adjustment bolt to adjust the device to secure to different sizes of t-channels.
A utility rack for a truck may be removably attached to the side walls of the bed of the truck. The disclosed utility rack discloses internal cavities for attachment bolts or other fasteners. The internal cavities allow the fasteners to be hidden under an access cover during use of the utility rack while also providing strong and secure butt joints between the ends of some of the components. The ends of the components of the utility rack may be provided with protrusions and sockets that interlock to improve the stability of flush butt joints between components. The utility rack may include closed-loop outer-boundary side frames configure to clamp on opposing side walls of a truck cargo bed, with a crossbar spanning the truck cargo bed between top rails of the side frames. The closed-loop outer-boundary side frames do not require internal vertically oriented support posts inside the outer-boundary frame.
B60P 3/40 - Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects for carrying long loads, e.g. with separate wheeled load-supporting elements
A utility rack for a truck may be removably attached to the side walls of the bed of the truck. The disclosed utility rack discloses internal cavities for attachment bolts or other fasteners. The internal cavities allow the fasteners to be hidden under an access cover during use of the utility rack while also providing strong and secure butt joints between the ends of some of the components. The ends of the components of the utility rack may be provided with protrusions and sockets that interlock to improve the stability of flush butt joints between components. The utility rack may include closed-loop outer-boundary side frames configure to clamp on opposing side walls of a truck cargo bed, with a crossbar spanning the truck cargo bed between top rails of the side frames. The closed-loop outer-boundary side frames do not require internal vertically oriented support posts inside the outer-boundary frame.
A bicycle carrier is provided with an integrated work stand to support a bicycle during maintenance or repair. The integrated work stand may be used when the bicycle carrier is in a non-use configuration. The non-use configuration may also comprise a storage configuration for the bicycle carrier. The integrated work stand may retract into the bicycle carrier. The integrated work stand may include an arm with a clamp mechanism at one end of the arm. The bicycle carrier may include a locking mechanism to lock the integrated work stand in place with respect to the bicycle carrier. Integrated work stands having jaws may capture the frame of a bicycle in the jaws.
B60R 9/10 - Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like specially adapted for sports gear for cycles
B60R 9/06 - Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like at vehicle front or rear
B60D 1/145 - Draw-gear or towing devices characterised by their type consisting of an elongated single bar or tube
B60D 1/28 - Traction couplingsHitchesDraw-gearTowing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions for preventing unwanted disengagement, e.g. safety appliances
A receiver hitch adapter is described for allowing the receiver hitch to receive several different sizes of receiver tubes or drawbars. The receiver hitch adapter allows the use of receiver tubes that have expansion type clamps such as corner expansion clamps or travelling wedges. The receiver hitch adapter is easily removable from the receiver hitch when not in use, but also remains in place during installation and removal without the user holding it in place.
A bicycle rack is described with a retention arm for securing a wheel of the bicycle to the bicycle rack. The retention arm is provided with a tire chock for contacting the tire of the bicycle. An adjustable tire chock may be positioned on the retention arm to secure different sizes of bicycles with different sizes of wheels on the bicycle rack. The adjustable tire chock may have latching components that can be released by a user with a single hand by applying opposing or rotational forces to the latch components or the tire chock. The latch components may be provided with a biasing mechanism to urge them into a latch or engaged position when aligned with latching features on the retention arm.
B60R 9/06 - Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like at vehicle front or rear
B60R 9/10 - Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like specially adapted for sports gear for cycles
Equipment such as bicycle racks are often delivered to the end user in a partially assembled state. The component subassemblies may be heavy or unwieldy in size, making it difficult for the end user to hold the subassemblies in the correct positions with respect to each other while attaching the fasteners that hold the subassemblies together while the equipment is in use. An equipment rack is described having features that hold the subassemblies in an assembled configuration while the operational fasteners are added or engaged to hold the equipment rack in its final, assembled configuration. These features may be surface features that the end user is able to engage with each other to provide support to subassemblies and hold them in the proper orientation and position while the operational fasteners are aligned, inserted, tightened, or otherwise affixed to the assembled parts.
B60R 9/10 - Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like specially adapted for sports gear for cycles
Equipment such as bicycle racks are often delivered to the end user in a partially assembled state. The component subassemblies may be heavy or unwieldy in size, making it difficult for the end user to hold the subassemblies in the correct positions with respect to each other while attaching the fasteners that hold the subassemblies together while the equipment is in use. An equipment rack is described having features that hold the subassemblies in an assembled configuration while the operational fasteners are added or engaged to hold the equipment rack in its final, assembled configuration. These features may be surface features that the end user is able to engage with each other to provide support to subassemblies and hold them in the proper orientation and position while the operational fasteners are aligned, inserted, tightened, or otherwise affixed to the assembled parts.
B60R 9/10 - Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like specially adapted for sports gear for cycles
A vertical bicycle rack is described with an adjustable tire cradle to provide optimal support to bicycles having different widths of tires. The adjustable tire cradle has two tire retention members that may be moved with respect to one another to change the distance between them to match a desired tire size. The adjustable cradle reduces movement of a bicycle tire in the cradle during use and reduces movement of and damage to bicycles stored in the rack. The tire retention members may be attached to the bicycle rack by separate brackets, one of which may be movable. The tire retention members may also be supported on the same bracket provided with a mechanism for moving one or both of the tire retention members to alter the distance between them.
A bicycle rack is described with a platform for supporting a bicycle and an arm for securing the bicycle to the platform. The arm rotates or pivots from a closed position adjacent to the platform, to an open position to allow the loading of a bicycle. The arm may also be pivoted past the horizontal to an over-center position and further past horizontal to a lowered position. The arm may be provided with a latch mechanism to limit the rotation of the arm in certain ranges of rotation. The arm may also be provided with an actuator to power the movement of the arm in certain ranges of rotation.
B60R 9/06 - Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like at vehicle front or rear
B60R 9/10 - Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like specially adapted for sports gear for cycles
An equipment rack is described with an integrated lighting system. The integrated lighting system may connect to the vehicle's electrical system to provide tail light, brake light, hazard, reverse light, and turn signal functions. The lighting system may include an automatic connection for lighting attached to a rack extension when the rack extension is attached to a base rack. The lighting may also be visible on a pivoting rack when the rack is stowed or in use to carry bicycles. The lighting elements may be disposed on or inside the equipment rack and may be provided with internal wiring to connect the lights to the vehicle's electrical system.
B62H 3/08 - Separate supports or holders for parking or storing cycles involving recesses or channelled rails for embracing the bottom part of a wheel
B60R 9/06 - Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like at vehicle front or rear
B60R 9/10 - Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like specially adapted for sports gear for cycles
Bicycle carriers or racks for attachment to vehicles may be provided with a pivoting mechanism to rotate the rack in a vertical plane to provide access to the rear of the vehicle without removing bicycles from the rack. An actuator may be provided for a user to engage and disengage the pivoting mechanism to respectively secure the rack in a desired orientation or allow it to pivot from one desired orientation to another. The actuator may be coupled to a bar that engages one or more protrusions in the pivoting mechanism to secure the pivoting mechanism at a desired orientation. In some mechanisms the actuator may be actuated by hand or by foot, or both.
B60R 9/10 - Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like specially adapted for sports gear for cycles
B60R 9/06 - Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like at vehicle front or rear
B60D 1/145 - Draw-gear or towing devices characterised by their type consisting of an elongated single bar or tube
B60D 1/28 - Traction couplingsHitchesDraw-gearTowing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions for preventing unwanted disengagement, e.g. safety appliances
A latch mechanism for a pivoting bicycle rack provides a pivot release actuator on an extension that is added on to the bicycle rack. The latch mechanism comprises a connector body that is attached to the bicycle rack, and that may have an actuator for operating the pivot release. The rack extension assembly has an actuator and a linkage that connects to the connector body in the bicycle rack so that the actuator in the extension can release the pivot on the bicycle rack. The connector body may be shaped to guide the linkage during the process of attaching the extension assembly to the bicycle rack. The mechanism may be provided with a means for disconnecting the linkage from the connector body.
B60R 9/10 - Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like specially adapted for sports gear for cycles
G05G 1/04 - Controlling members for hand-actuation by pivoting movement, e.g. levers
A bicycle rack is described with an actuated arm that pivots to an open position in response to user activation of the actuator. The actuator is attached to the rack and the arm and exerts a force on the arm by extension to pivot the actuated arm to the open position. The actuator extends only when a release mechanism has been actuated by a user, but a user may pivot the actuated arm back to a closed position, or a position securing a bicycle, without actuating the release. The actuated arm will then be retained at a position selected by the user until the release is actuated by the user again.
B62H 3/08 - Separate supports or holders for parking or storing cycles involving recesses or channelled rails for embracing the bottom part of a wheel
B60R 9/06 - Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like at vehicle front or rear
B60R 9/10 - Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like specially adapted for sports gear for cycles
An equipment rack for use with a vehicle is described having a sliding member translatably attached to a lower cross member of the rack. The sliding member translates outwardly from the rack to a loading and unloading position. In the loading and unloading position, sports equipment may be placed on or removed from the sliding member. When the sports equipment has been loaded the sliding member may be translated back toward the rack into a stowed position. In the stowed position an upper cross member may be clamped to the lower cross member to secure the sports equipment on the rack. The sliding member
A mechanism for clamping a drawbar in a receiver hitch uses a clamp pad to engage two adjacent interior surfaces of the receiver hitch tube. The clamp pad presses outwardly on the receiver hitch tube causing the opposing corner of the drawbar to engage the other sides of the receiver hitch tube. The clamp pad is extended and retracted by a shuttle member disposed inside the drawbar tube. The clamp may be self-aligning with respect to the receiver hitch. An adjustment mechanism is described for translating the shuttle member. An extendable pin mechanism may be actuated by the shuttle assembly. A locking mechanism may be provided to prevent an unauthorized person from releasing the clamp pad and the extendable pin.
B60D 1/28 - Traction couplingsHitchesDraw-gearTowing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions for preventing unwanted disengagement, e.g. safety appliances
B60D 1/145 - Draw-gear or towing devices characterised by their type consisting of an elongated single bar or tube
A latch mechanism for a pivoting bicycle rack provides a pivot release actuator on an extension that is added on to the bicycle rack. The latch mechanism comprises a connector body that is attached to the bicycle rack, and that may have an actuator for operating the pivot release. The rack extension assembly has an actuator and a linkage that connects to the connector body in the bicycle rack so that the actuator in the extension can release the pivot on the bicycle rack. The connector body may be shaped to guide the linkage during the process of attaching the extension assembly to the bicycle rack.
B60R 9/10 - Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like specially adapted for sports gear for cycles
G05G 1/04 - Controlling members for hand-actuation by pivoting movement, e.g. levers
A rack is described for securing equipment, such as a kayak, to a vehicle. The rack has a base member for attaching to the vehicle, a support member pivotally attached to the base member, and an actuator that is operable to engage or disengage a latch mechanism that fixes the movement of the support member in one or more desired positions in relation to the base member. The actuator may be actuated from either side of the base. The actuator may extend transversely across the lengthwise axis of the base member. The opposite ends of the actuator may each be displaced toward one end of the base to release the support member and allow it to pivot with respect to the base member.
A rack is described for securing equipment, such as a kayak, to a vehicle. The rack has a base member, a support member, and a hinge assembly that pivotally connects the support member to the base member. The rack may be folded from an open configuration to a closed configuration. A handle or actuator on the base member may be operated to engage or disengage a latch mechanism to allow the hinge assembly to pivot or to be fixed to control the movement of the support member between desired positions in relation to the base member. The latch mechanism may comprise a shuttle assembly.
An equipment rack is described with an integrated lighting system. The integrated lighting system may connect to the vehicle's electrical system to provide tail light, brake light, hazard, reverse light, and turn signal functions. The lighting system may include an automatic connection for lighting attached to a rack extension when the rack extension is attached to a base rack. The lighting may also be visible on a pivoting rack when the rack is stowed or in use to carry bicycles. The lighting elements may be disposed on or inside the equipment rack and may be provided with internal wiring to connect the lights to the vehicle's electrical system.
A bicycle rack is described with a retention arm for securing a wheel of the bicycle to the bicycle rack. The retention arm is provided with a tire chock for contacting the tire of the bicycle. An adjustable tire chock may be positioned on the retention arm to secure different sizes of bicycles with different sizes of wheels on the bicycle rack. The adjustable tire chock may have latching components that can be released by a user with a single hand by applying opposing or rotational forces to the latch components or the tire chock. The latch components may be provided with a biasing mechanism to urge them into a latch or engaged position when aligned with latching features on the retention arm.
B60R 9/06 - Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like at vehicle front or rear
B60R 9/10 - Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like specially adapted for sports gear for cycles
A bicycle rack is described with an actuated arm that pivots to an open position in response to user activation of the actuator. The actuator is attached to the rack and the arm and exerts a force on the arm by extension to pivot the actuated arm to the open position. The actuator extends only when a release mechanism has been actuated by a user, but a user may pivot the actuated arm back to a closed position, or a position securing a bicycle, without actuating the release. The actuated arm will then be retained at a position selected by the user until the release is actuated by the user again.
B60R 9/06 - Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like at vehicle front or rear
B60R 9/10 - Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like specially adapted for sports gear for cycles
B62H 3/04 - Separate supports or holders for parking or storing cycles involving forked supports or brackets for holding a wheel
B62H 3/06 - Separate supports or holders for parking or storing cycles involving forked supports or brackets for holding a wheel collapsible
The equipment rack for attaching equipment to the roof of a vehicle includes a rack assembly that may be folded from a stowed position to an operational position. The rack assembly is attached to the vehicle by a hinge and a positional latch mechanism to selectively retain the rack assembly in the stowed position or the operational position. The user of the rack may selectively pivot the rack assembly from one position to another. The pivotal latch mechanism may retain the rack assembly in one, two, or more desired positions. Some versions of the latch mechanism utilize a shuttle member in one element that engages a socket in the other element. Other versions of the latch mechanism utilize surfaces on the rack assembly and the hinge interact to retain the rack assembly at desired positions.
A latch assembly is described for use with a pivoting hitch device that allows the pivoting of a bicycle rack away from the rear of a vehicle to allow access to a lift gate, tail gate, trunk, hatchback, or other rear access point for a vehicle. The pivoting hitch device has two support members that are pivotally attached to one another. The latch assembly is attached to one of the support members of the pivoting hitch device, and may have an actuator, a latch bar, and a connecting member that connects the actuator to the latch bar. A latch member is attached to the other support member of the pivoting hitch device. The latch bar engages the latch member to secure the two support members in relation to one another and prevent pivotal movement.
B60R 9/06 - Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like at vehicle front or rear
B60R 9/10 - Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like specially adapted for sports gear for cycles
B60D 1/52 - Traction couplingsHitchesDraw-gearTowing devices characterised by the mounting removably mounted
A rack is described for securing equipment, such as a kayak, to a vehicle. The rack has a base member for attaching to the vehicle, a support member pivotally attached to the base member, and an actuator that is operable to engage or disengage a latch mechanism that fixes the movement of the support member in one or more desired positions in relation to the base member. The actuator may be actuated from either side of the base. The actuator may extend transversely across the lengthwise axis of the base member. The opposite ends of the actuator may each be displaced toward one end of the base to release the support member and allow it to pivot with respect to the base member.
A rack is described for securing equipment, such as a kayak, to a vehicle. The rack has a base member, a support member, and a hinge assembly that pivotally connects the support member to the base member. The rack may be folded from an open configuration to a closed configuration. A handle or actuator on the base member may be operated to engage or disengage a latch mechanism to allow the hinge assembly to pivot or to be fixed to control the movement of the support member between desired positions in relation to the base member. The latch mechanism may comprise a shuttle assembly.
A bicycle rack is described with an actuated arm that pivots to an open position in response to user activation of the actuator. The actuator is attached to the rack and the arm and exerts a force on the arm by extension to pivot the actuated arm to the open position. The actuator extends only when a release mechanism has been actuated by a user, but a user may pivot the actuated arm back to a closed position, or a position securing a bicycle, without actuating the release. The actuated arm will then be retained at a position selected by the user until the release is actuated by the user again.
A bicycle rack for mounting on the trunk or rear hatch of a vehicle is described with improved mechanisms for adjusting the components of the rack to fit the rack to different vehicles. The rack is provided with hinge assemblies having releasable latches for quickly releasing the hinges to allow the rack components to be moved with respect to one another, and the latching components back into a fixed configuration during use for carrying a bicycle. The bicycle rack is also provided with inventive support members for holding a bicycle on the rack during use.
B60R 9/10 - Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like specially adapted for sports gear for cycles
B60R 9/06 - Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like at vehicle front or rear
B60R 11/00 - Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
A latch system has a socket assembly and a plug assembly. When the socket assembly is within a predetermined distance from the plug assembly, a socket magnet member and a plug magnet member displace the socket assembly towards the plug assembly. To place the latch system in an engaged configuration, the head portion of the plug member passes through a main opening in a socket housing and a plug opening in a socket plate such that the head portion is within the primary chamber. To place the latch system in a latched configuration, the socket assembly is displaced relative to the plug assembly to arrange at least a portion of the socket plate within a head gap defined by a head portion of a plug member.
The present disclosure includes hitch-mounted carriers, including portable bicycle racks. One carrier may include front tire tray assembly; hook arm assembly; pivot assembly; hitch shank ball cam assembly; rear tire tray assembly; and a bike docking assembly. The pivot assembly allowing for adjustment between: storage, trunk access, and use configurations. The bike carrier having first and second wheel supporting tray assemblies for supporting wheels of a loaded bicycle. A hook arm assembly may be pivotally arranged relative to lock at least one wheel and ratchet clamped to at least one wheel. The hook arm assembly may also be configured to extend and retract and is frictionally locked into position. The bike carrier may include a docking assembly having inner and outer clamps configured to the hold a bike into position such that mechanical work may be accomplished at an elevated height.
B60R 9/10 - Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like specially adapted for sports gear for cycles
B60R 9/06 - Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like at vehicle front or rear
