A bicycle and/or ski carrier comprising a set of branches having a V-shape which are interconnected at the narrow end of the V-shape with a linkage providing a fixed distance and having gripping and fixing elements which are pivotable and disposed between the branches of the V-shape for gripping a holding element such as a ball-head belonging to a drawgear arrangement at the rear of a vehicle and where the branches of the V-shape are held in mutual relationship by a mechanism similar to a toggle joint in order to assume a gripping position comprising in particular two parallel joint arms on at least one side of the toggle joint and where at least one of the carrier arms capable of assuming a carrying position for a bicycle or skis is fixed to at least one of the V-shaped branches.

Such a bicycle and/or ski carrier is shown in Fig. l of the drawing. Fig. 1 also shows a ball-head end of drawgear which is well-known for use with e.g. a camper which is pulled along by a car. At the top end the bicycle and/or ski carrier is provided with extending arms 2A, 3A for hanging bicycles, respectively for acting as supporting elements for skis which may supplementary be supported at the lower end by a holding element, e.g. being basket-shaped.

The present invention according to which there is provided an improvement for such a bicycle and/or ski carrier may be used as well for such a carrier where the projecting arms for hanging bicycles, respectively for acting as supporting elements for skis, are fixed as for projecting arms which are disposed pivotably. Such a pivotable disposition of a known type is apparent from Figs. 2 and 3 where carrier arms 2A, 3A may assume a carrying position in a swung-out way as shown in the two drawing figures.

Even though such a known bicycle and/or ski

carrier is distinguished by being easily foldable in that the two branches belonging to the V-shape may be brought together in parallel for the greatest part of the lenght, disregarding the parts near the area where a grip may be established around the ball-ended drawgear of a car, such that the folded bicycle and/or ski carrier occupies a moderate space in the boot of a car when the bicycle and/or ski carrier is not in use, there is still the problem that the fitted bicycle and/or ski carrier including one or several bicycles and/or ski by the very fitting to the rear end of a car may obstruct so much of the number plate and/or stop lights and tail lights of the car that they are not sufficiently observable from another vehicle behind it. The present invention intends to remedy this problem and to indicate a solution where the bicycle and/or ski carrier retains the ability to be folded and yet simultaneously may comprise an extra number plate and/or an extra set of stop lights and tail lights, which in the following are designated by the collective term indicating elements.

This is obtained according to the invention when The basic problem lies in that when bicycles are disposed on the carrying arms of the bicycle carrier (2A, 3A according to Figs. 1, 2, and 3) it is quite undefined how much space will be taken up by one or more bicycles in the area of the carrier arms in that some bicycles have a connecting tube between the rather vertical steering column and the area under the saddle, while others lack this, while the saddle will be adjusted to different levels above the bicycle as such. There are also differences in the space taken up around the carrier arm of the bicycle carrier which is used for supporting the areas around the handlebars and/or front wheel. There is hence no possibility of fitting rearwards pointing further carrying arms for indicating elements without making difficult or impossible the

placing of bicycles of different kinds on the bicycle carrier so that they are well supported on the carrying arms (2A, 3A according to Figs, l, 2, and 3) .

One possibility consists in fitting the indicating elements by means of suitable bushes which from the rear are fitted on the rearwards pointing outer ends of the carrying arms following the placing of the bicycles on the bicycle carrier, which bushes are fixed to the ends by means of suitably strong pinching or screwing elements of some well-known type placed on the bushes and/or the carrying arms. However, this solution entails the considerable disadvantage that the indicating elements are parts which are completely separate from the bicycle carrier which have to be stored, fitted and removed separately. Obviously the electrical lights of the indicating elements have to be connected by means of a cable and a suitable plug to the socket which is always provided in connection with draw-gear for a trailer for connecting its various lights and which is not in use when the ball-end is used for fitting a bicycle and/or ski carrier. Such a connection for the electric lights for the indicating elements is obviously required and inavoidable but is not considered an essential problem here and is hence not the object of the present invention, although it is of course recognized that the hollow tubular structure of the bicycle carrier may be used for wholly or partly accommodating the wiring for the indicating elements in solutions according to the invention, so that the plug mentioned may be attached to the end of a shorter piece of cable which projects from the lower area of the bicycle carrier which is probably the most practical.

According to the invention the problem is solved whithout causing problems with the placement of the bicycles in that the said further carrying arms are paced and serve as carrying elements for the indicating elements. These further carrying elements may

simultaneously further cooperate for ensuring the fixing of the bicycles to the carrying arms.

A particularly simple constructional disposition of the further carrying arms for the bicycle carrier is obtained according to the invention when the joint pin to a corresponding joint pin used as a joint pin for pivotable fitting of at least one of the carrying arms.

The functionality is ensured to a considerable degree according to the invention when the further carrying arm is fitted with at least one support element for supporting the further carrying arm against one of the carrying arms for bicycles and/or skis.

Fixing in the operative position of the further carrying arm is improved according to the invention if the support elements are fitted with attachment means for obtaining a fixing attachment with the carrying arms for bicycles and/or skis.

As mentioned above the term indicating elements comprises a number plate with the official registration number. It obviously the intention to place this below or above one or between two of the said indicating elements with lights in order that the number plate is lit from one, two or several of the indicating elements with lights. The latter placement with a number plate fitted between two indicating elements with lights held on each of two further carrying arms according to the invention, which would probably be preferred because of the size of the number plate or because of rules of law, will however cause constructional problems, because it would lead to a limitation of the free area around the carrying arms for carrying bicycles and/or skis.

This problem may however be solved by means of the present invention by letting at least one of the indicating elements be supplementary provided with a hinge element which is preferably disposed at an angle with respect to a geometrical plane of symmetry through

the middle of the bicycle and/or ski carrier, which hinge element is meant for carrying of at least a part of a further indicating element, such as an indicating element, of which another part is joinable by means of fixing elements known per se to elements in the area of another carrying arm.

The advantage of such a construction according to the invention consists in that the said number plate is pivotable with respect to the bicycle carrier when it is shaped as an oblong, horizontally disposed plate connected to one of the indicating elements, which in one position is disposed on the vehicle rearwards of the bicycles in order to be fully visible from behind and in conjunction with the two lighting elements which project light towards the ends of the oblong shape, and in which the other position is obtained by pivoting the number plate by means of a hinge element attached to one end of the number plate after having freed the other end from the other indicating element. In the folded position, that is after having removed the bicycle carrier from the ball joint, the number plate will then point upwards from the hinge and disposed between the carrying arms for bicycles and/or skis.

It is hereby obtained that the bicycle carrier is fully capable of functioning according to its purpose, as well as being still able to be folded, and also that indicating elements, inclusive of a number plate fitted between suitable lighting bodies, are visibly fitted to the vehicle taken as a whole during the use of the bicycle carrier.

A constructionally particularly practical and generally advantageous embodiment of the invention is obtained if at least one of the further carrying arms is manufactured more elastically resilient than the carrying arms for carrying bicycles and/or skis.

The further carrying arms as well as the carrying arms for carrying bicycles and/or skis may possibly be

fitted with a suitably soft cover, coating, or coat in order to obtain a gentle support for the bicycles and for skis.

Embodiments according to the invention are described in more detail in the following with reference to the drawing in which

Fig. 1 in perspective shows an embodiment for a carrier for carrying bicycles and/or skis of the kind described in the introduction and including a ball-head joint 8 onto which the carrier for carrying bicycles and/or skis is made to be fitted,

Figs. 2 and 3, likewise in perspective, show carrying arms for a carrier for carrying bicycles and/or skis of the kind described in the introduction, displaying carrying arms either in a position ready for carrying or in a folded-back position,

Fig. 4 in perspective shows the upper part of a carrier for carrying bicycles and/or skis according to Figure 2 supplied with a set of further carrying arms according to the invention carrying a set of tail lights 9A, 9B,

Fig. 5 in perspective shows a carrier for carrying bicycles and/or skis of a construction according to Fig. 4, in its folded condition, Fig. 6 shows a further modification of a carrier for carrying bicycles and/or skis of the kind indicated in Fig. 2, but with, as a further alternative, a possibility of change between several, in the present case three, bearing locations 41, 42, 43 for the bearing 41, and above which is shown a set of further carrying arms 2C, 3C fitted with indicating elements 9A, 9B as well as a number plate 10, which are designed for being fitted by means of bearing openings 201, 301 on the bearing locations 21 and 31 and hence on the carrying arms 2A, 3A,

Fig. 7 shows the elements of Fig. 6 in their fitted state,

Fig. 8 shows the folded parts indicated in Fig. 5, but inclusive of a number plate 10 fixed by means of a hinge 9H, 10H, and

Figs. 9 - 10 show a modification, cf. Figs. 6 and 7.

In the figures of the drawing elements which are identical or which perform the same function are indicated with the same reference numeral.

The Figs. 1, 2, and 3 of the drawing show a carrier for carrying bicycles and/or skis of the kind indicated in the introduction, while the rest of the figures show embodiments of the invention.

The known carrier for carrying bicycles and/or skis, one form of which is shown in Fig. 1, is V-shaped with slanting carrier branches 2 and 3 which at the top carry projecting carrier arms 2A and 3A for carrying of at least one bicycle or a pair of skis which as previously indicated is supported at the lower end by a holding element, e.g. of basket shape. In the area of the narrow end of the V the two carrier branches 2 and 3 are mutually pivotably connected by means of two parallel struts 7A and 7B which simultaneously retain the carrier branches 2 and 3 in some distance from each other. Below these struts 7A, 7B there is fitted to the two carrier branches to gripping and fixing elements 8A and 8B which when the two branches 2 and 3 are brought away from each other create an opening which may be brought down over the ball head 1 which is fitted to the drawgear for a camper or trailer of e.g. a car. When the carrier branches 2 and 3 in the lower region are forced against each other the bicycle and/or ski carrier will be securely fixed to the ball 1. As mentioned above it is known to fit an upwardly open basket element in the area next to the arms 7A, 7B below the carrying arms 2A and 3A for supporting the lower end of skis which higher up are sideways supported by the carrying arms 2A and 3A so that the bicycle and/or ski carrier may function as a

ski carrier in this way.

The carrier branches 2 and 3 are held mutually in place by means of a cross member 4, 5 similar to a toggle joint each consisting of two parallel joint members which in the central part may be secured in its straight tensioning position by means of a locking mechanism or catch 6 of a kind which is in itself known. The toggle joint is opened upon removal of this catch by moving the central part at 6 upwards, whereby the totally straight position is passed, and the arms 4 and 5 are pulled against each other at the top end. 41 and 51 are bearing for this movement.

In Figs. 2 and 3 there is in perspective view shown an embodiment for the carrier arms 2A, 3A according to the invention where these are placed fitted to a bracket-shaped element 2B, 3B which grips the carrier arms 2 and 3 on either side and are pivotably disposed on joint pin 21 and 31. In Fig. 2 the carrier arms 2A, 3A are shown in the carrying position for carrying bicycles and/or skis when using the bicycle and/or ski holder, while the carrier arms 2A, 3A are shown in the swung-back position in Fig. 3.

In Figs. 4 through 8 of the drawing such a known bicycle and/or ski holder is shown fitted with indicating elements 9A, 9B as well as a number plate 10 as described above and which is disposed according to the present invention.

In Fig. 4 there is only shown the fitting of a set of tail lights 9A, 9B. According to the invention the fitting comprises two further carrying arms 2C and 3C which, e.g. via angled elements 2D and 3D are pivotably connected to the carrier branches 2 and 3, since pivoting may occur around a joint pin 21, 31 which is common to the joint pin 21, 31 of the carrying arms. It is however not necessary according to the invention that the joint pins are disposed coincidentally for the corresponding arms 2A, 2C and 3A, 3C, nor that the

carrying arms 2A, 3A must be pivotably fitted to the carrier branches 2, 3. The carrying arms 2A, 3A may very well be fitted firmly to the carrier branches 2, 3.

The two further carrying arms 2C, 3C are shown as being lighter in construction than the carrying arms 2A, 3A. This may be practical because it may then in practice be easier to perform simultaneous folding-back of the pairs of corresponding arms 2A, 2C and 3A, 3C and obtain a folded position as it is shown in Fig. 5 where the carrying arms 2A, 3A is shown to have performed a larger angular movement than the two further carrying arms 2C, 3C.

On the outer ends of the further carrying arms 2C, 3C there are fixed the tail lights 9A and 9B. In order to obtain a suitably large distance between these the further carrying arms 2C, 3C are shown as being bent outwards at 2F and 3F.

The futher carrying arms 2C, 3C are shown provided with support elements 2E, 3E meant for supporting the futher carrying arms 2C, 3C against the carrying arms 2A, 3A. The support elements are shown with a bent portion 2EE, 3EE in order that the support elements 2E, 3E suitably strongly, wholly or partly may grip the carrying arms 2A, 3A. In Fig. 6 only is shown a supplementary locking bracket 20, 30 fitted to the support elements 2E, 3E which serves to retain the grip between the support elements 2E, 3E and the carrying arms 2A, 3A. By means of special locking elements, e.g. a chain lock or padlock this grip may be conclusively locked. It will be seen that hereby the opening between the arms 2A, 2C and 3A, 3C is locked at the same time which may advantageously be used for simultaneous locking of bicycles or skis fitted on a bicycle or skis, in that parts of these are fitted through these openings beetween the arms.

In Figs. 6 and 7 is shown the fitting of an oblong number plate 10, one end 10H of which is fitted by means

of a hinge 9H on a carrier plate 9BB which is a part of the lighting fixture 9B. The hinge may be a simple hinge of a wellknown kind but may advantageously be made as two or more balljoints acting like hinges. As such balljoints are easily made in a separable form, it is hence easy, if it were desirable in principle, to switch number plates, if the bicycle carrier is to be used on another car. It will be noted that a ball joint is mechanically strong, which may be advantageous in this place. By means of a catch 9C which is in itself known but not described here the other end of the number plate may be attached or detached from a similer carrier plate elongation 9AA belonging to the other lighting fixture 9A. Obviously nothing prevents such a number plate 10 from being connected to either one tail light housing 9A or 9B only or that the number plate is fixable by means of spring catches or any other suitable fixing means to one, two, or several tail lights, all according to requirements. In Fig. 7 there is indicated by means of an arrow a pivotal movement of the number plate around the hinge element 9H, 10H in a direction across the bicycle carrier.

In the folded condition of the bicycle carrier the number plate will be placed pointing upwards from the tail light housing 9B because of the hinge which is at an angle in this position, as indicated in Fig. 8 and shown in broken lines in Fig. 7. The lights 9A, 9B may be slidably fitted on the carrying arms 2C, 3C in order to avoid being covered during use of the bicycle carrier.

In the Figs. 9 and 10 of the drawing is shown an embodiment corresponding to that of Figs. 6 and 7, where however the number plate 10 is fitted with two arm elements 102 and 103 having suitable lenght. When the number plate 10 is pivoted on the hinge elements 1H, 9H from the open position of Fig. 10 to the closed position of Fig. 9 these will be brought to a poεtion below the

carrying- arms 2A and 3A and serve to prevent an upwards deflection of the total pivotable arrangement around the joint pins 21 and 31.