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Patent Searching and Data


Title:
WHEEL TRAY
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2016/026588
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
Disclosed is a bike carrier (1) mountable to a roof of a vehicle. The bike carrier comprises a rail (2) for supporting wheels of a bike and the rail has a first portion (21) and a second portion (22). Furthermore, the bike carrier comprises first and second attachment means (31, 32) for mounting the bike carrier to cross bars of a vehicle roof carrier system, wherein at least one of the first and second attachment means is adjustable in position on the first portion and the second portion, respectively. The first portion comprises a curved portion (21a) for providing a height change in said rail. The curved portion extends along a curved path (c) and the curved path comprises an inflection point (p0) at which the curvature of the curved path changes. The curved path is formed such that an inflection point tangent (t0) is arranged at an angle (a) of at least 25 degrees with respect to an extension direction of the second portion.

Inventors:
ARVIDSSON ANDREAS (SE)
LINDELL MORGAN (SE)
LINDHOLM OLOF (SE)
Application Number:
PCT/EP2015/059459
Publication Date:
February 25, 2016
Filing Date:
April 30, 2015
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
THULE SWEDEN AB (SE)
International Classes:
B60R9/10; B62H3/08
Domestic Patent References:
WO2003106221A12003-12-24
Foreign References:
US20110297712A12011-12-08
US6523731B12003-02-25
US20100038389A12010-02-18
US20050205626A12005-09-22
US20070056915A12007-03-15
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
THULE AB (Fosievägen 13, Sweden, SE)
Download PDF:
Claims:
Claims

Bike carrier (1 ) mountable to a roof of a vehicle, the bike carrier (1 ) comprising a rail (2) for supporting wheels of a bike, said rail (2) having a first portion (21 ) and a second portion (22), first and second attachment means (31 , 32) for mounting said bike carrier (1 ) to cross bars of a vehicle roof carrier system, at least one of said first and second attachment means (31 , 32) being adjustable in position on said first portion (21 ) and said second portion (22), respectively, wherein said first portion comprises a curved portion (21 a) for providing a height change in said rail (2), said curved portion (21a) extends along a curved path (c), said curved path (c) comprises an inflection point (pO) at which the curvature of said curved path (c) changes, and wherein said curved path (c) is formed such that an inflection point tangent (tO) is arranged at an angle (a) of at least 25 degrees with respect to an extension direction of said second portion (22).

Bike carrier according to claim 1 , wherein said curved path (c) extends between two points of tangency (p1 , p2) at which two parallel tangents (t1 , t2) contact said curved path (c), respectively, and wherein said curved path (c) is formed such that said inflection point tangent (tO) is arranged at an angle (a) of at least 25 degrees with respect to said parallel tangents (t1 , t2).

Bike carrier according to claim 2, wherein said curved path (c) is formed such that an inflection point tangent (tO) is arranged in an angle range between 30 to 40 degrees, preferably at an angle (a) of 35 degrees with respect to said parallel tangents (t1 , t2).

4. Bike carrier (1 ) according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein said second portion (22) is straight and said parallel tangents (t1 , t2) are parallel with the extension direction of said second portion (22).

5. Bike carrier (1 ) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein said parallel tangents (t1 , t2) are arranged at maximum possible distance with respect to each other.

6. Bike carrier (1 ) according to one claims 2 to 5, wherein a distance (d) between said points of tangency (p1 , p2) of said parallel tangents (t1 , t2) on said curved path (c) in an extension direction of said parallel tangents (t1 , t2) is smaller than 30cm.

7. Bike carrier (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, said curved portion (21a) comprising a first curved section (21a1 ) and second curved section (21a2) at least one of which being preferably formed along a circular path, an elliptical path or a parabolic path.

8. Bike carrier (1 ) according to claim 7, wherein said first curved section (21 a1 ) and said second curved section (21 a2) are both formed along circular paths, said circular paths preferably comprising an identical radius.

9. Bike carrier (1 ) mountable to a roof of a vehicle, said bike carrier (1 ) comprising a rail (2) for supporting wheels of a bike, said rail (2) having a first portion (21 ) and a second portion (22), first and second attachment means (31 , 32) for mounting said bike carrier (1 ) to cross bars of a vehicle roof carrier system, at least one of said first and second attachment means (31 , 32) being adjustable in position on said first portion (21 ) and said second portion (22), respectively, wherein

said first portion (21 ) and said second portion (22) are hingedly coupled to each other with a hinge mechanism (4; 41 ; 42; 43; 44; 45) so that said first portion (21 ) and said second portion (22) are foldable with respect to each other by pivoting movement.

10. Bike carrier according to claim 9, wherein said hinge mechanism (4; 41 ; 42; 43; 44;

45) comprises a pivot axis (P), and wherein said first portion (21 ) and said second portion (22) are foldable about said pivot axis (P) such that their free ends are pivotably movable towards each other, wherein said pivot axis (P) is preferably located substantially perpendicular and/or offset with respect to a direction of extension of said rail (2).

1 1. Bike carrier according to one of claims 9 or 10, wherein said first portion (21 ) and said second portion (22) comprise a substantially constant cross sectional profile, and/or wherein in an unfolded condition, said rail (2) preferably comprises a substantially continuous shape.

12. Bike carrier according to one of claims 9 to 1 1 , further comprising a locking mechanism for releasably locking said hinge mechanism (4; 41 ; 42; 43; 44; 45), said locking mechanism preferably comprising two lock positions, wherein in a first lock position, the locking mechanism locks said first portion (21 ) and said second portion (22) in an unfolded condition and /or wherein in a second lock position, the locking mechanism locks said first portion (21 ) and said second portion (22) in a folded condition.

13. Bike carrier according to claim 12, wherein said locking mechanism comprises a receiving member (412) non-rotatably coupled to said first portion (21 ) and an engaging member (415) non-rotatably coupled to said second portion (22), wherein said receiving member (412) and said engaging member (415) are arranged rotatably about a pivot axis (P) of said pivot mechanism (41 ), and wherein said engaging member (415) is engageable with said receiving member (412) by movement in a direction parallel to said pivot axis (P).

14. Bike carrier according to one of claims 9 to 13, wherein said locking mechanism comprises a bridging element (433; 443; 451 ) mounted on said second portion (22) and engageable with said first portion (21 ),

wherein said bridging element (451 ) preferably protrudes from said second portion (22) and extends along said first portion (21 ) in an unfolded condition of the rail (2), and wherein said bike carrier (1 ) preferably comprises a fixation means (452) connected to said first portion (21 ) and for coupling said bridging element (451 ) to said second portion (22), wherein said bridging element (451 ) comprises a recess (451 a) for receiving said fixation means (452). Bike carrier according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a retaining arm (6) pivotably arranged on said first portion (21 ) with its first end (6a) and engageable with a bike element at its second end (6b),

wherein said retaining arm (6) preferably comprises a claw grip (6c) for engaging with said bike element at its second end (6b).

Bike carrier according to one of claims 9 to 15, wherein said rail (2) is further structured as set out in one of claims 1 to 8 and wherein said hinge mechanism is preferably provided in said curved portion (21 a), preferably at said inflection point, so that portions of said curved portion (21 a) are foldable with respect to each other by pivoting movement.

17. Bike carrier according to one of claims 1 to 8 and 16, wherein said curved portion (c) is shaped such that the curvature changes from concave upward to concave downward from the lowest point to the highest point of the curved portion (c) and wherein said first portion is further formed such that its further section extending from the highest point extends downward at least partially on a curved path.

Description:
WHEEL TRAY

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present subject matter relates to a bike carrier mountable to a roof of a vehicle.

[0002] Roof mountable bike carriers are widely used. Such bike carriers typically comprise a rail on which the bike is supported as well as a fixation mechanism for fixing the bike in an upright condition. Such bike carriers are typically constructed to support one bike. Furthermore, the bike carriers are constructed so as to be mountable on a load carrier system mounted on the roof of a vehicle. Such load carrier systems typically comprise two cross bars which are mountable to the roof of the vehicle cross to the vehicle's longitudinal direction. It is possible, to mount multiple bike carriers next to each other on load carrier systems.

[0003] Focus has been put on the construction of such bike carrier in order to enhance the mountability of bikes thereon, in particular with respect to the stabilization of the bike upon mounting the same in order to ease the mounting of bikes for the user. Different shapes have been proposed in this connection. However, it turned out that the proposed solutions have drawbacks in flexibility regarding mountability of the bike carriers on the vehicle and regarding transportability of different bike sizes on the bike carriers.

[0004] Furthermore, since the bike carriers typically consist of a rail having a length so as to extend beyond both cross bars of a load carrier system and long enough to support both wheels of a bike, such bike carriers comprise a substantial length making it difficult to store these bike carriers when not in use. Due to their length it is also sometimes not possible to transport those bike carriers in a compartment of the vehicle. Thus, a disadvantage of such bike carriers is that they do not allow convenient storage.

[0005] The present invention addresses the above problem and it is the object of the invention to provide a reliable bike carrier which has an enhanced structure. SUMMARY

[0006] The present subject matter relates to a bike carrier mountable to a roof of a vehicle.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present subject matter, the bike carrier comprises a rail for supporting wheels of a bike wherein the rail comprises a first portion and a second portion. Furthermore, the bike carrier comprises first and second attachment means for mounting the bike carrier to cross bars of a vehicle roof carrier system, wherein at least one of the first and second attachment means is adjustable in position on the first portion and the second portion, respectively. The first portion comprises a curved portion for providing a height change in the rail. Furthermore, the curved portion extends along a curved path. The curved path comprises an inflection point at which the curvature of the curved path changes and the curved path is formed such that an inflection point tangent is arranged at an angle of at least 25 degrees with respect to an extension direction of the second portion.

[0008] Accordingly, by forming the curved path with an inflection point tangent as described above, it is possible to provide a considerable height change in the rail over a small distance along the extension direction of the rail. The rail can be straight. The rail can be specifically designed to allow a reliable support of the wheels of a bike. In order to fix the wheels of the bike to the rail, a fixation means such as a combination of a strip with a locking profile and a latching member, a tensioning and release buckle for instance, can be used. The rail can have different shapes and can be made of different materials. For example, the rail can be made of aluminum and the second portion can be formed straight. Additionally to the curved portion, the first portion can comprise a straight portion or an additional curved portion.

[0009] As regards the first and second attachment means for mounting the bike carrier to cross bars of vehicle roof carrier system, different configurations of the attachment means are possible. For example, the first and second attachment means can comprise brackets adapted to surround the cross bars of the vehicle roof carrier system. A tensioning means, such as screws, can be used to tension these brackets against the cross bars. Accordingly, a reliable connection between the rail and the cross bars is possible by such brackets. On the other hand, it is possible to provide protrusions which are engageable with a recess formed in the cross bars of the vehicle roof carrier system. For example, it is possible to provide T-shaped protrusions engageable in T-shaped recesses of the cross bars. Such a configuration allows an easy and reliable mounting of the rails on the cross bars.

[0010] At least one of the first attachment means and the second attachment means can be adjustable in position on the first portion and the second portion. Preferably, the first attachment means is provided on the first portion of the rail and the second attachment means is provided on the second portion of the rail. The adjustability in position on the first portion and the second portion can be achieved by providing a movability of at least one of the first and second attachment means. Such a movability is preferably provided in the longitudinal or extension direction of the rail. This provides the possibility to adapt the distance between the first and second attachment means to the distance between cross bars of the vehicle roof carrier.

[0011] Preferably, the bike carrier comprises at least one wheel holder movably arranged on at least one of the first portion and the second portion. The wheel holder can be a separate element for supporting the wheel on the rail or can be a separate element comprising a fixation means for fixing a wheel on the rail. In other words, the wheel holder can be an element interposed between the wheel and the rails such that the wheel does not get in contact with the rail itself. On the other hand, the wheel holder can also be formed such that the wheel gets in contact with the rail and the wheel holder only provides a fixation function for holding the wheel on the rail. The wheel holder can comprise a strip with a locking profile and a tensioning mechanism including a tensioning buckle. The wheel holder can be movably arranged on the first portion or the second portion. Accordingly, the rail can be used as a guiding rail for the wheel holder allowing a movement of the wheel holder in the extension direction of the first portion and the second portion, respectively. Accordingly, the position of the wheel holder can be adjusted to different bike sizes. It is possible to use only one wheel holder for supporting one wheel of the bike. It is also possible to use one wheel holder in combination with a fork holder. Similarly to the wheel holder, the fork holder can be movably arranged on the first portion or the second portion.

[0012] As described above, the first portion can comprise a curved portion for providing a height change in the rail. With a height change, it is meant that the starting point of the curved portion and the end point of the curved portion are arranged on different heights when considering the same with respect to an extension direction of the rail. Preferably, the center line of the rail extends in a plane and the starting point of the curved portion and the end point of the curved portion are arranged in that plane at distance from each other. The height change is preferably provided such that the wheel of the bike which is supported by the first portion is supported at a greater height than the wheel supported on the second portion.

[0013] Furthermore, the curved portion extends along a curved path. The curved path can be aligned with a center line of the rail in the curved portion or can be seen in an outer contour line extending along the rail.

[0014] In the inflection point as provided in the curved path, the curvature of the curved path changes. Preferably, when starting at the end of the first portion which is arranged next to the end of the second portion, the curved portion is preferably formed such that the curvature changes from being concave upward to being concave downward. Preferably, the construction is such that when following the rail in its extension direction starting at the end of the first portion located next to the second portion and following the curved path towards the other end of the first portion, the gradient of the curved path increases towards the inflection point, reaches its maximum value and then decreases until it reaches zero.

[0015] The curved path is formed such that an inflection point tangent is arranged at an angle of at least 25 degrees with respect to an extension direction of the second portion. By this, the height can be considerably changed over a small distance. Preferably, the inflection point tangent is arranged in an angle range between 30 to 40 degrees with respect to the extension direction of the second portion. In a beneficial construction, the inflection point tangent can be arranged at an angle of 35 degrees with respect to the extension direction of the second portion. Preferably, the extension direction of the second portion corresponds to a substantially horizontal direction when the bike carrier is mounted on a roof of a vehicle.

[0016] Preferably, the curved path extends between two points of tangency at which two parallel tangents contact the curved path, respectively, and the curved path is formed such that the inflection point tangent is arranged at an angle of at least 25 degrees with respect to the parallel tangents.

[0017] Advantageously, the curved path is formed such that an inflection point tangent is arranged in an angle range between 30 to 40 degrees, preferably at an angle of 35 degrees with respect to the parallel tangents. With such a construction, a transition portion from lower height to higher height can be achieved over a small length of the overall rail. [0018] The second portion can be straight and the parallel tangents can be arranged parallel with the extension direction of the second portion. Accordingly, an arrangement is possible in which the parallel tangents extend substantially horizontal when the bike carrier is mounted on the roof of a vehicle. The curved portion of the first portion can be provided adjacent an end of the second portion such that when the shape of the rail is followed in a direction from the second portion to the first portion, the curved portion is directly coupled to the second portion. Accordingly, in case the second portion is straight, the first portion can start at a position where a curvature of the rail is present next to the straight portion. The curved portion can extend from and end of the first portion or can extend from a small straight portion arranged between an end of the first portion and the curved portion.

[0019] Preferably, the parallel tangents are arranged at maximum possible distance with respect to each other. In case the parallel tangents are arranged parallel to the extension direction of the rail, e.g. parallel to the extension direction, the distance between the parallel tangents equals to the maximum height change in the rail at the curved portion.

[0020] Preferably, a distance between the points of tangency of the parallel tangents on the curved path in an extension direction of the parallel tangents is smaller than 30cm. Accordingly, with respect to the overall length of the bike carrier the curved portion extends over an area of less than 30cm.

[0021] Advantageously, the curved portion comprises a first curved section and a second curved section at least one of which being preferably formed along a circular path, an elliptical path or a parabolic path. Accordingly, the shape of the curved section on one side of the inflection point can be different from the curved section as provided on the opposite side of the inflection point.

[0022] Preferably, the first curved section and the second curved section are both formed along circular paths, wherein the circular paths preferably comprise an identical radius.

[0023] According to a second aspect of the present subject matter, the bike carrier comprises a rail having a first portion and a second portion, a first and a second attachment means for mounting the bike carrier to cross bars of a vehicle roof carrier system, wherein at least one of the first and second attachment means are adjustable in position on the first portion and the second portion, respectively. The first portion and the second portion are hingedly coupled to each other with a hinge mechanism so that the first portion and the second portion are foldable with respect to each other by pivoting movement.

[0024] Accordingly, the length of the bike carrier can be considerably reduced by folding the rail. This allows a space saving storage of the bike carrier. The rail can be specifically designed to allow a reliable support of the wheels of a bike. In order to fix the wheels of the bike to the rail, a fixation means such as a combination of a strip with a locking profile and a latching member, a tensioning and release buckle for instance, can be used. The rail can have different shapes and can be made of different materials. For example, the rail can be made of aluminum and can have a straight shape. That is, each of the first portion and the second portion can be formed straight. On the other hand, it is possible to provide different constructions of the rail in the first portion and the second portion. The rail in the first portion can comprise a bent shape and the rail in the second portion can comprise a straight shape and vice versa. It is also possible, to provide two portions each having a curved rail.

[0025] As regards the first and second attachment means for mounting the bike carrier to cross bars of a vehicle roof carrier system, different configurations of the attachment means are possible. For example, the first and second attachment means can comprise brackets adapted to surround the cross bars of the vehicle roof carrier system. A tensioning means, such as screws, can be used to tension these brackets against the cross bars. Accordingly, a reliable connection between the rail and the cross bars is possible by such brackets. On the other hand, it is possible to provide protrusions which are engageable with a recess formed in the cross bars of the vehicle roof carrier system. For example, it is possible to provide T-shaped protrusions engageable in T-shaped recesses of the cross bars. Such a configuration allows an easy and reliable mounting of the rails on the cross bars.

[0026] At least one of the first attachment means and the second attachment means can be adjustable in position on the first portion and the second portion. Accordingly, a movability of at least one of the first and second attachment means can be provided. Such a movability is preferably provided in the longitudinal or extension direction of the rail. This provides the possibility to adapt the distance between the first and second attachment means to the distance between cross bars of the vehicle roof carrier system.

[0027] The foldability of the first portion and the second portion with respect to each other is provided by a hinge mechanism coupling the first portion to the second portion. Preferably, the hinge mechanism comprises two elements pivotable with respect to each other, wherein one element is fixedly mounted to the first portion and the other element is fixedly mounted to the second portion. The hinge mechanism can be a flexible ligamentous joint. In this case, the hinge mechanism can be an integrally formed flexible part of which one end is connected to the first portion and the other end is connected to the second portion. By hingedly coupling the first portion to the second portion, the first portion and the second portion are foldable with respect to each other by pivoting movement. Foldable with respect to each other in this connection means that the first portion and the second portion are moved towards each other by pivoting movement. By this, the free ends of the first portion and the second portion get close to each other when the first portion is folded with respect to the second portion.

[0028] Preferably, the bike carrier comprises at least one wheel holder movably arranged on at least one of the first portion and the second portion.

[0029] The wheel holder can be a separate element for supporting the wheel on the rail or can be a separate element comprising a fixation means for fixing a wheel on the rail. In other words, the wheel holder can be an element interposed between the wheel and the rail such that the wheel does not get in contact with the rail itself. On the other hand, the wheel holder can also be formed such that the wheel gets in contact with the rail and the wheel holder only provides a fixation function for holding the wheel on the rail. The wheel holder can comprise a strip with a locking profile and a tensioning mechanism including a tensioning buckle. The wheel holder can be movably arranged on the first portion or the second portion. Accordingly, the rail can be used as a guiding rail for the wheel holder allowing a movement of the wheel holder in the extension direction of the first portion and the second portion, respectively. Accordingly, the position of the wheel holder can be adjusted to different bike sizes. It is possible, to use only one wheel holder for supporting one wheel of the bike. It is also possible, to use one wheel holder in combination with a fork holder. Similarly to the wheel holder, the fork holder can be movably arranged on the first portion or the second portion.

[0030] Preferably, the hinge mechanism comprises a pivot axis and the first portion and the second portion are foldable about the pivot axis such that their free ends are pivotably movable towards each other, wherein the pivot axis is preferably located substantially perpendicular and/or offset with respect to a direction of extension of the rail.

[0031] Since the hinge mechanism comprises a pivot axis, the first portion and the second portion are movable about the pivot axis in one plane. Accordingly, a defined movement of the first portion with respect to the second portion is possible and it is possible to position the first and second portions next to each other when folded. The pivot axis of the hinge mechanism can be provided perpendicular to the direction of extension of the rail. The direction of extension of the rail can be the extension direction of the center line of the rail. In case the rail comprises a curved shape, this center line also comprises a curved shape. Preferably, the pivot axis is located offset with respect to the direction of extension of the rail that is offset with respect to the center line. Accordingly, the pivot axis is preferably offset from the center of the rail.

[0032] The first portion and the second portion can be foldable into a folded state, in which the first portion and the second portion are substantially aligned.

[0033] For example, in case the first and second portions are straight, substantially aligned can have the meaning that the first portion and the second portion extend substantially in parallel in the folded state. Generally, substantially aligned shall have the meaning that the first portion and the second portion extend in the same direction from the hinge mechanism when in the folded state. When folded into the folded state, it is possible that no substantial angle between both portions is provided.

[0034] The second portion can be formed as straight element and the first portion can comprise a curved portion which is curved in a plane in which the rail extends, wherein the first portion and the second portion preferably comprise a substantially constant cross sectional profile, and wherein in an unfolded condition, the rail preferably comprises a substantially continuous shape.

[0035] Accordingly, the second portion can be formed as a straight element and the first portion can comprise a curved portion which is curved in a plane in which the rail extends. It is however also possible to provide two portions being formed as straight elements. Preferably, the first portion and the second portion comprise a substantially constant cross sectional profile. For example, such a cross sectional profile can have a U-shape allowing to accommodate the wheels of the bike. The cross sectional profiles of the first portion and the second portion can be identical. However, it is also possible to use different cross sectional profiles while in each of the first portion and the second portion, the cross sectional profile is substantially constant over the extension of the respective portion. Preferably, the rail comprises a substantially continuous shape when both portions are in an unfolded condition. Such a rail and the rail portions, respectively, can for example be produced by extruding the respective profile. Preferably, the portions are made by aluminum extrusion. By using a substantially continuous shape in the unfolded condition, the construction is easy and preferably, no change of the sectional profile is provided. This allows for an easy connection of both portions to each other.

[0036] Advantageously, the bike carrier comprises a locking mechanism for releasably locking the hinge mechanism.

[0037] The locking mechanism can be constructed so as to at least lock the movement of one of the first portion and the second portion with respect to each other. Accordingly, by using such a locking mechanism, it is possible to fix the movement of the first portion with respect to the second portion in a predefined state, the unfolded state for instance.

[0038] It is preferred that the locking mechanism comprises two lock positions, wherein in a first lock position, the locking mechanism locks the first portion and the second portion in an unfolded condition and/or wherein in a second lock position, the locking mechanism locks the first portion and the second portion in a folded condition.

[0039] By locking the movement of the first portion with respect to the second portion in an unfolded condition, it is possible to provide a reliable supporting function when the bike carrier is in use. Furthermore, it is much easier to mount the bike carrier on the roof of a vehicle in a condition, where no movement of the first portion and the second portion with respect to each other is possible. By providing a second lock position in which the locking mechanism locks the first portion and the second portion in a folded condition, it is possible to reliably keep both portions in the folded state for storing purposes. For example, it is much easier to accommodate the bike carrier in a storage bag when the first portion and the second portion are non-movably arranged in the folded position.

[0040] According to a preferable embodiment of the present subject matter, the locking mechanism comprises a receiving member non-rotatably coupled to the first portion and an engaging member non-rotatably coupled to the second portion, wherein the receiving member and the engaging member are arranged rotatably about a pivot axis of the pivot mechanism, and wherein the engaging member is engageable with the receiving member by movement in a direction parallel to the pivot axis.

[0041] The receiving member and the engaging member can be rotatably arranged about the pivot axis of the pivot mechanism. In this connection, different constructions are possible. For example, the engaging member can be formed so as to be coaxially arranged with respect to the receiving member. Accordingly, it is possible to provide both elements movable about one and the same pivot axis. The receiving member and the engaging member can each be provided in a housing connected to the first portion and the second portion, respectively. The engaging member can be pretensioned so as to engage with the receiving member as soon as both members are aligned. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an automatic engagement. On the other hand, it is possible to manually move the engaging member with respect to the receiving member. For example, it is possible to provide a screw drive mechanism in which a screw is rotated and the rotation of the screw is transferred into an axial movement of the engaging member.

[0042] According to a preferable embodiment of the present subject matter, the receiving member comprises a recess and the engaging member comprises a protrusion engageable with the recess wherein the recess and the protrusion are alignable by rotational movement of at least one of the receiving member and the engaging member about the pivot axis, the recess and the protrusion being preferably centered with respect to each other upon engagement.

[0043] The recess and/or protrusion can be formed conical in order to provide a centering function. Accordingly, when the protrusion is moved into the recess, the center line of the protrusion is aligned with the center line of the recess.

[0044] Preferably, the bike carrier further comprises an operating mechanism for unlocking the locking mechanism, wherein the operating mechanism comprises a means for moving the engaging member with respect to the receiving member.

[0045] The operating mechanism can be any suitable mechanism for moving the engaging member with respect to the receiving member or vice versa. For example, the operating mechanism can be a screw mechanism in which a rotation of a screw results in an axial movement of the engaging member or the receiving member. It is also possible to provide a pushing mechanism in which pushing a button results in a movement of the engaging member with respect to the receiving member.

[0046] The locking mechanism can comprise a bridging element mounted on the first portion and engageable with the second portion.

[0047] In this connection bridging element is to be understood as an element which extends beyond a connecting portion of the first portion and the second portion and is able to get in contact with both the first and the second portion. Accordingly, such a bridging element can extend from one portion to the other portion. The bridging element can be fixedly or movably mounted on one of the first portion and the second portion. For example, it is possible to fix the bridging element on one of the first portion and the second portion by screws or by rivets. On the other hand, it is possible to movably provide the bridging element on one of the first portion and the second portion. This can be done for instance by mounting the bridging element on the first portion by means of a guiding element allowing to move the bridging element between a retracted position in which the bridging element does not protrude beyond the first portion and an extended position, in which the bridging element protrudes from the first portion. By this, it is possible to provide a connecting mechanism in which the bridging element serves as an engaging member engageable with a corresponding portion or means on the second portion. In case the first portion and the second portion are constructed as hollow profiles, it is possible to accommodate the bridging element movably within the first portion and to engage the bridging element with a recess formed in the second portion by moving the bridging element from the retracted position into the extended position when the first portion and the second portion are in an unfolded state.

[0048] The bridging element can protrude from the first portion and extend along the second portion in an unfolded condition of the rail, wherein the bike carrier comprises a fixation means connected to the second portion for coupling the bridging element to the second portion, wherein the bridging element comprises a recess for receiving the fixation means.

[0049] Accordingly, the bridging element can be fixedly provided on the first portion and protrude from the same such that it extends along the second portion in an unfolded condition of the rail. Hence, the bridging element can serve as a stop for the movement of the second portion. A fixation means can be provided on the second portion for coupling the bridging element to the second portion. For example, the fixation means can have a latching function so that the bridging element is engaged with the second portion as soon as the second portion abuts against the bridging element. On the other hand, it is possible to provide a tensioning screw pivotable on the second portion and to provide a recess in the bridging element. The tensioning screw can comprise a nut allowing to apply a tensioning force on the bridging element when operated. When the first portion and the second portion are in the unfolded condition, it is possible to pivotably move the tensioning screw in the recess formed in the bridging element. After that it is possible to tension the nut against the bridging element by rotation thereof. Consequently, an easy and reliable fixation of the first portion and the second portion in the unfolded condition is possible.

[0050] Advantageously, the bridging element comprises a clamp pivotably mounted on the first portion, the clamp comprising an engaging section engageable with an engaging portion formed on the second portion.

[0051] The engaging section can have the form of a hook and the engaging portion formed on the second portion can have the shape of a loop. Accordingly, it is possible to insert the hook in the loop. Since the clamp is pivotably mounted on the first portion, it is possible to provide a tensioning force by pivotably moving the clamp when the engaging section is in engagement with the engaging portion. Instead of a loop, it is also possible to provide a recess in the second portion for instance.

[0052] According to a preferable embodiment of the present subject matter, the bridging element is provided on an area of the rail, which faces in the same direction as the wheel holder and the pivot axis of the hinge mechanism is provided on the opposite side of the rail.

[0053] Also already mentioned earlier, the rail comprises a side on which the wheels of the bike are supportable. It is preferable, if the bridging element is provided on that side of the rail. In other words, the bridging element is provided on the side of the rail facing in the direction of the bike. In this connection, it is preferable, if the pivot axis of the hinge mechanism is provided on the opposite side of the rail. Accordingly, when folding the first portion towards the second portion, the first attachment means and the second attachment means are moved towards each other. Stated differently, when the first portion and the second portion are in the folded state of the rail, the sides of the first portion and the second portion facing towards the vehicle in the unfolded condition face each other in the folded condition.

[0054] The pivot axis of the hinge mechanism can be located on the side of the rail on which the first and second attachment means are located.

[0055] Preferably, the bike carrier further comprises a retaining arm pivotably arranged on the first portion with its first end and engageable with a bike element at its second end, wherein the retaining arm preferably comprises a claw grip for engaging with the bike element at its second end. [0056] A further aspect of the present subject matter resides in a combination of the first and second aspects as described above. More precisely, according to this aspect, the folding concept as described in connection with the second aspect is combined with the shape of the curved portion of the rail as described in the first aspect meaning that the rail as described in the second aspect comprises a curved portion constructed in the same way as described with respect to the first aspect. Preferably, in such a construction, the hinge can be arranged as close as possible to the curved portion or curved path of the curved portion. Advantageously, the hinge is arranged adjacent and in close proximity to the curved portion. In this connection, the first portion can be structured such that the curved portion is provided at an end of the first portion.

[0057] Another aspect of the present subject matter resides in the combination of the features of the first and second aspect with the difference that the hinge mechanism is arranged in the curved portion, preferably at the inflection point of the curved path. In this connection, arranged at the inflection point is to be understood to cover an arrangement at which the rotational axis passes through the inflection point of the curved path and also an arrangement in which the rotational axis is offset in parallel in a cross sectional plane of the rail in which the inflection point is located.

[0058] While in the construction according to the second aspect, the entire first portion is foldable with respect to the second portion, the further aspect as described here is to be understood such that only a section of the first portion is foldable with respect to the second portion. Accordingly, there can be a section of the first portion which is not foldable with respect to the second portion and which is fixedly coupled to or integrally formed with an end portion of the second portion. Such an arrangement should however also fall under the definition of the first portion being foldable with respect to the second portion as at least a part of the first portion performs a rotational movement with respect to the second portion. The only difference is that the hinge mechanism is not provided at the border of the first and the second portions but is provided within the curved portion of the first portion. In case the curved portion is suitably structured, the bike carrier can be folded into a more compact state.

[0059] The present subject matter as described in the above aspects has several advantages compared to known prior art bike carriers. For example, providing the foldability as described above results in a bike carrier which is very compact in a non-use state. Known prior art documents do not address the issue of making the bike carrier more compact and using a folding mechanism therefore. As far as the prior art describes elements of a bike carrier which are hingedly coupled to each other, known prior art documents do not provide a locking mechanism in order to prevent the rail from an unintended folding. In the prior art, it is also not known to provide a foldability to the supporting rail and a locking mechanism allowing to lock the rail in the folded state. Consequently, several beneficial effects are achieved by the construction of the bike carrier according to the present subject-matter.

[0060] Preferably, in case that the curved portion is provided according to one of the above aspects, it can be shaped such that the curvature changes from concave upward to concave downward from the lowest point to the highest point of the curved portion and the first portion can be further formed such that its further section extending from the highest point extends downward at least partially on a curved path.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a bike carrier according to the present subject matter in a perspective view;

Figure 2 shows a side view of a rail of the bike carrier in an unfolded state;

Figure 3 shows a side view of the rail of the bike carrier in a folded state;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a first hinge mechanism of a bike carrier according to a first embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figure 5 shows an exploded perspective view of main components of the first hinge mechanism shown in Figure 4;

Figure 6 shows an operating member and an engaging member of the first hinge mechanism in a perspective view;

Figure 7 shows a first holder of the first hinge mechanism;

Figure 8 shows a sectional view of the first hinge mechanism;

Figure 9 shows a second hinge mechanism of a bike carrier according to a second embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figure 10 shows an exploded perspective view of main components of the second hinge mechanism as shown in Figure 9;

Figure 1 1 shows a perspective view of a second holder element of the second hinge mechanism;

Figure 12 shows a perspective view of a first holder of the second hinge mechanism;

Figure 13 shows a sectional view of the second hinge mechanism;

Figure 14 shows a third hinge mechanism of a bike carrier according to third embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figure 15 shows a more detailed perspective view of the third hinge mechanism as shown in Figure 14; shows a side view of the third hinge mechanism in an intermediate state;

shows a sectional view of the third hinge mechanism;

shows a fourth hinge mechanism of a bike carrier according to a fourth embodiment of the present subject matter;

shows the fourth hinge mechanism in an intermediate state;

shows a sectional view of the fourth hinge mechanism;

shows an enlarged perspective view of a fifth hinge mechanism of a bike carrier according to a fifth embodiment of the present subject matter;

shows an intermediate state of the fifth hinge mechanism;

shows the fifth hinge mechanism in a folded state;

shows a sectional view of the fifth hinge mechanism;

shows an enlarged portion of the curved portion of the rail; and shows the geometric dimensions of the curved portion as shown in Figures 25; and

shows a side view of a rail which has a curved portion as described in Figures 25 and 26 but does not have a hinge mechanism.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0061] In the following, embodiments of the present subject matter will be explained with reference to the drawings. The drawings only show specific embodiments as explained below and further alternative modifications as specified in the description are at least in part not illustrated therein. Furthermore, same components are denoted with same reference signs in the figures.

[0062] Figure 1 shows a bike carrier 1 according to the present subject matter. The bike carrier 1 is mountable to a roof of a vehicle and comprises a rail 2. More precisely, the rail 2 comprises a first portion 21 and a second portion 22 hingedly coupled to each other by means of a hinge mechanism 4.

[0063] The bike carrier 1 shown in Figure 1 is shown in a state in which the rail 2 is in an unfolded state. In this state, it is possible to mount the bike carrier 1 on a roof of a vehicle and to fix a bike thereon.

[0064] As is shown in Figure 1 , the first portion 21 of the rail 2 comprises a curved shape whereas the second portion 22 of the rail 2 is formed straight according to the present embodiment. Both portions of the rail 2 comprise a substantially identical cross section and are formed such that they comprise a longitudinal groove extending over substantially the entire length of the rail 2. The longitudinal groove is suitably formed with a dimension large enough for accommodating wheels of a bike therein.

[0065] The shape of the rail portions 21 , 22 of the rail 2 and the arrangement of the same in the unfolded state is also shown in Figure 2. More precisely, the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 are arranged such that a substantially continuous shape of the rail 2 is achieved. As is shown in Figure 2, the first portion 21 comprises a curved portion 21 a being formed such that a supporting section on the first portion 21 at which the front wheel of a bike is supported is arranged on a higher level compared to the support area of the second portion 22 at which the rear wheel of a bike is supported. Furthermore, as is shown in Figure 2, a large section of the first portion 21 is inclined towards the front end of the rail 2.

[0066] Figure 3 shows the rail 2 in a folded state. In this state, the second portion 22 is rotated about 180° about the pivot axis P into a state in which the free ends of the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 are arranged close to each other. As is also shown in Figure 3, the length of the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 is substantially the same. Thus, by bringing rail 2 into the folded state, the overall length of the bike carrier 1 can be reduced almost by half.

[0067] As is further shown in Figure 1 , the bike carrier 1 comprises a first attachment means 31 and a second attachment means 32 respectively mounted below the rail 2 wherein the first attachment means 31 is connected to the first portion 21 and the second attachment means 32 is connected to the second portion 22. The first and second attachment means 31 , 32 comprise suitable means for connecting the bike carrier 1 to a load carrier of the vehicle. For this purpose, the first attachment means 31 and the second attachment means 32 can comprise elements for fixing the bike carrier 1 onto load carrying bars of the load carrier of the vehicle.

[0068] Furthermore, the bike carrier 1 comprises a hinge mechanism 4 for allowing a pivoting movement of the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 with respect to each other about a pivot axis P. The pivot axis P is arranged substantially perpendicular to the extension direction of the rail 2. The hinge mechanism 4 can comprise different configurations as will be explained later.

[0069] The bike carrier 1 further comprises two wheel holders 5, one of which being arranged on the first portion 21 and the other one being arranged on the second portion 22. It is however to be mentioned that it is also possible to provide a bike carrier with one wheel holder only, provided at the first portion 21 for example. The wheel holders 5 are slidably mounted on the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 such that the distance between the same can be suitably adjusted to the distance of the wheels of the bike to be transported on the bike carrier 1. Furthermore, the wheel holders 5 comprise a ratchet type fixation means basically comprising a toothed band like plastic element insertable between the spokes of a wheel and into a latching buckle for tensioning and locking the toothed plastic element.

[0070] Moreover, the bike carrier 1 comprises a retaining arm 6 for supporting the bike to be transported at a portion of its frame. According to the embodiment, the retaining arm 6 comprises a first end 6a connected to the first portion 21 of the rail 2 and a second end 6b comprising a claw grip 6c for an engagement with an element of the bike to be transported. The retaining arm also comprises an operating mechanism 6d for operating the claw grip 6c. The operating mechanism 6d comprises an operating section 6e which in the present case is a rotatable operating knob rotatable by the user. Thus, by rotating the operating knob, the claw grip 6c can be closed. [0071] In the following, a first hinge mechanism 41 of the bike carrier 1 according to a first embodiment of the present subject matter will be described. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the first hinge mechanism 41 of the bike carrier according to the first embodiment. The first hinge mechanism 41 comprises a first holder 412 and a second holder 413 pivotably connected to each other about a pivot axis P. The first holder 412 is coupled to the first portion 21 of the rail 2 and the second holder 413 is coupled the second portion 22 of the rail 2. Furthermore, as is shown in Figure 4, the first hinge mechanism 41 comprises an operating member 414 for locking and releasing a rotational movement of the first holder 412 and the second holder 413 with respect to each other.

[0072] Figure 5 shows an exploded perspective view of main components of the first hinge mechanism 41 shown in Figure 4. The first hinge mechanism 41 according to the present embodiment comprises four main components namely the first holder 412, the second holder 413, the operating member 414 and an engaging member 415.

[0073] The first holder 412 comprises a holding portion 412a, and a supporting portion 412b. The supporting portion 412b comprises a construction allowing a pivotable connection between the first holder 412 and the second holder 413. More precisely, the supporting portion 412b comprises a circular outer surface 412d which is formed corresponding to a mating surface of the second wheel holder 413 and allowing a rotational movement of the first holder 412 with respect to the second holder 413. Furthermore, the supporting portion 412b comprises an opening 412c for threadedly accommodating a portion of the operating member 414 as will be described later. For that purpose, the opening 412c can comprise a shape allowing to non-rotatably accommodate a nut therein.

[0074] The second holder 413 comprises a holding portion 413a and a supporting portion 413b. The supporting portion 413b comprises a supporting section 413c which is designed so as to be accommodatable in the supporting portion 412b of the first holder 412. The supporting section 413c comprises the shape of a hollow cylinder and provides a suitable supporting surface contactable to an inner surface of the supporting portion 412b. Furthermore, the supporting portion 413b comprises an engaging member support portion 413d. In the present embodiment, the engaging member support portion 413d is realized in the form of a surface having a curved shape and is provided inside the supporting section 413c. The engaging member support portion 413d is suitably shaped so as to support the engaging member 415 as will be described later. Furthermore, the supporting portion 413b comprises a guiding portion 413e for slidably accommodating protrusions 415b of the engaging member 415.

[0075] The operating member 414 comprises a rod 414a having a threaded section 414b at one end. At the other end, the rod 414a is coupled to a support portion 414c. Furthermore, the operating member 414 comprises an operating section coupled to the support portion 414c. The support portion 414c comprises a circular outer surface which is supported by the second holder 413 such that a rotational movement of the operating member 414 is possible.

[0076] The engaging member 415 comprises a cylindrical main body 415a as well as two protrusions 415b protruding from the cylindrical main body 415a from opposite sides thereof. As is shown in Figure 5, the protrusions 415b not only protrude in the radially outward direction of the cylindrical main body 415a but also protrude beyond the front end of the cylindrical main body 415a in the longitudinal direction thereof. The protrusions 415b serve for different purposes. By accommodating the protrusions 415b in grooves having the width of the protrusions 415b and being formed in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical main body 415a, the protrusions 415b serve as guides which allow a sliding movement of the engaging member 415 along its center axis direction while preventing a rotation of the engaging member 415. On the other hand, since the protrusions 415b protrude from the front end of the main body 415a as shown in Figure 5, the protrusions 415b can serve as engaging portions engaging with a recess formed in the first holder 412 thereby non-rotatably coupling the first holder 412 to the engaging member 415.

[0077] The engaging member 415 is operated by the operating member 414. For that purpose, the operating member 414 and the engaging member 415 are coupled to each other as is shown in Figure 6. Figure 6 shows the operating member and the engaging member coupled to each other in a perspective view. As is shown in Figure 6, the rod 414a of the operating member 414 is passed through the opening 415c such that the threaded section 414b protrudes from the engaging member 415 on the side at which the protrusions 415b protrude from the cylindrical main body 415a in the longitudinal direction. As is also shown in Figure 6, a locking ring 414d is provided in a groove of the rod 414a in order to secure the engaging member 415 on the operating member 414. Accordingly, the operating member 414 and the engaging member 415 are arranged rotatably movable with respect to each other. [0078] As already described above, the protrusions 415b are provided for an engagement with the first holder 412. Therefore, as is shown in Figure 7, the first holder comprises two recesses 412f into which the longitudinal ends of the protrusions 415b can be inserted. The design of the recesses 412f is mated with the design of the protrusions 415b. In order to provide a centering function, the protrusions 415b are tapered towards their longitudinal ends protruding beyond the main body 415a. The first holder 412 furthermore comprises a guiding section 412g which is formed by the inner surface of the supporting portion 412b and serves for supporting the supporting section 413c of the second holder 413. Accordingly, it is possible to rotatably support the second holder 413 against the first holder 412. A mounted state of the first hinge mechanism 41 as well as the functioning thereof will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 8 in the following.

[0079] Figure 8 shows a sectional view of the first hinge mechanism 41. As is shown in Figure 8, the operating member 414 is inserted into the second holder 413 such that its support portion 414c is supported against an inner wall of the engaging member 413d. In the mounting step, the engaging member is inserted on the rod 414a from the other side of the second holder 413 such that the outer surface of the main body 415a is supported against the inner surface of the engaging member support portion 413d. After that, the locking ring 414d is placed in the groove formed on the rod 414a so that an axial movement of the engaging member 415 with respect to the operating member 414 is limited. As a next step, the first holder 412 is mounted by inserting the threaded section 414b in the threaded opening 412c of the first holder 412 and is coupled to the second holder 413 at an engaging section. More precisely, the threaded portion 414b of the rod is inserted into a nut 412g provided in the opening 412c. Accordingly, an assembly, shown in Figure 8, is achieved. In this assembly, the main body 415a of the engaging member 415 and the protrusions 415b provided thereon are movable in the direction of the pivot axis P relative to the first holder 412 and the second holder 413 by rotating the operating member 414. In other words, a rotation of the operating member 414 leads to a movement of the rod 414a in the direction of the pivot axis P due to the engagement of the threaded portion 414b with the nut 412g. In other words, in case the operating member 414 is rotated in one direction, the rod 414a will move towards the left side in Figure 8. By this movement, the locking ring 414d gets in contact with an abutment surface 415d of the engaging member 415 so that the engaging member 415 is axially moved corresponding to the axial movement of the rod 414a. As can be gathered from Figure 8, the protrusions 415b can be disengaged from the recesses 412f by such a movement thus allowing a rotation of the first holder 412 with respect to the second holder 413. On the other hand, in case the operating member 414 is rotated in the opposite direction, the engaging member 415 will be moved towards the right side in Figure 8 thereby engaging the protrusions 415b with the recesses 412f. Accordingly, a locked condition of the hinge mechanism 41 is achieved in which a rotation of the first holder 412 with respect to the second holder 413 is prevented.

[0080] A second hinge mechanism of a bike carrier according to a second embodiment of the present subject matter will be described with reference to figures 9 to 13. As it will become obvious from the following description, the second hinge mechanism 42 uses the same principle for locking a rotational movement between the first holder 421 and the second holder 422 as described with respect to the first hinge mechanism. More precisely, the second hinge mechanism 42 also comprises an engaging member 423 which is movable in the direction of the pivot axis P and engages with corresponding recesses formed in the first holder for locking the rotational movement between the first holder 421 and the second holder 422. However, while the basic principle is similar to that of the first hinge mechanism 41 , the operation of the engaging member is different.

[0081] The hinge mechanism 42 as shown in Figure 9 comprises a first holder 421 connected to the first portion 21 and a second holder 422 connected to the second portion 22. As is shown in Figure 10, the second holder 422 comprises a first holder element 422a and a second holder element 422b. The first holder element 422a and the second holder element 422b comprise supporting portions contactable with a supporting portion of the first holder 421 so that the first holder 421 and the second holder 422 are movable about a common pivot axis P. The first holder 421 comprises a support 421 a in its interior for slidably accommodating the engaging member 423 in the direction of the pivot axis P. Furthermore, the first holder 421 comprises recesses 421 b provided in the support 421 a. The recesses are suitably formed for accommodating protrusions 423a of the engaging member 423. By this, an arrangement is achieved in which the engaging member 423 is slidably movable in the direction of the pivot axis P and non-rotatably arranged in the first holder 421. The protrusions 423a protrude radially outward on opposite sides of a support portion 423b of the engaging member 423. Furthermore, a portion of the protrusions 423a protrudes beyond the support portion 423b in the axial direction of the engaging member 423. Accordingly, the protrusions are formed so as to be engageable with the recesses 421 b on the one hand and to be engaged with recesses 422c of the second holder element 422b on the other hand. [0082] In the second hinge mechanism 42, the operating member 424 is provided in the form of a push button. The operating member 424 comprises a support portion 424b which comprise a substantially circular outer surface. Furthermore, the operating member 424 comprises two protrusions 424a protruding radially outward from the support portion 424b on opposite sides thereof. The protrusions 424a are also insertable in the recess 422c formed in the second holder element 422b such that the operating member 424 is non-rotatably accommodatable in the second holder element 422b. Figure 1 1 shows a perspective view of the second holder element 422b of the second hinge mechanism 42. As is shown in Figure 1 1 , the recesses 422c comprise a stepped shape with an outer portion having a width substantially corresponding to the protrusions 423a and an inner portion having a width substantially corresponding to the width of the protrusions 424a of the operating member 424. Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the first holder 421 of the second hinge mechanism showing the recesses 421 b provided in the support 421 a in greater detail.

[0083] Figure 13 shows a sectional view of the second hinge mechanism 42.

[0084] A third hinge mechanism of a bike carrier according to a third embodiment of the present subject matter will be described with reference to Figures 14 to 17. The third hinge mechanism 43 comprises a first holder 431 connected to the first portion 21 and a second holder 432 connected to the second portion 22. Furthermore, the third hinge mechanism comprises a locking latch 433 for locking a movement of the first holder 431 with respect to the second holder 432 with respect to each other. The locking latch 433 is formed as a clamp and can also be considered as a bridging element bridging the connecting portion between the first holder 431 and the second holder 432 in an unfolded state of the rail. Figure 14 shows the third hinge mechanism 43 in a locked condition in which the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 of the rail 2 are in an unfolded state. The clamp 433 is mounted on the second holder 432 and is engageable with the first holder 431. For that purpose, the first holder 431 comprises an engaging portion 431 a as is shown in Figure 15 in which the third hinge mechanism 43 is illustrated without the clamp 433. Figure 16 shows a side view of the third hinge mechanism in which the clamp member is engaged with the engaging portion 431 a but is in a state in which the clamp 433 is not tensioned. As is shown in Figure 16, the clamp 433 is connected to the second holder 432 by means of a pivot arm 433d. [0085] The construction of the third hinge mechanism 43 is shown in detail in

Figure 17 showing a sectional view of the third hinge mechanism in the longitudinal direction of the rail 2. As is shown in Figure 17, the clamp 433 comprises an engaging section 433a and the first holder 431 comprises an engaging portion 431 a having a recess with which the engaging section 433a can be engaged. As is also shown in Figure 17, the pivot arm 433d of the clamp 433 is mounted on the main body of the clamp 433 by means of a first hinge 433f and is connected to the second holder 432 by means of a pivot pin 433e which, in the present embodiment is integrally formed with the pivot arm 433d. While the pivot arm 433d is rigid, the pivot pin 433e comprises a dimension rendering the same elastic to a certain degree in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extension direction of the pivot pin 433e. The pivot pin 433e is rotatably supported in a supporting section 432a of the second holder 432. Accordingly, the clamp 433 is hingedly mounted by means of the pivot arm 433d on the second holder 432. Figure 17 shows the clamp 433 in a tensioned state. In this state, the first hinge 433f is arranged at a distance from the engaging section 433a of the clamp 433 which is smaller than a maximum distance between the first hinge 433f and the engaging section 433a during operation of the clamp 433. Due to this arrangement, the hinge mechanism 43 comprises a self-locking function since according to the construction shown in Figure 17, a force is generated urging the right end of the clamp 433 in the clockwise direction. When the clamp member 433 is moved from an intermediate position as shown in Figure 16 into the tensioned position as shown in Figure 17, the pivot pin 433e is flexed to a certain extent. Therefore, a force is exerted in the clamp 433 providing a secure engagement between the engagement section 433a and the engaging portion 431 a.

[0086] A fourth hinge mechanism 44 of a bike carrier according to a fourth embodiment of the present subject matter is described with respect to figures 18 to 20. The basic function of the hinge mechanism 44 is similar to that of the third hinge mechanism 43 as described before. The fourth hinge mechanism 44 comprises a clamp 443 functioning as a locking latch which can also be considered as bridging element. Figure 18 shows the clamp 443 in a tensioned state in which the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 of the rail 2 are in an unfolded state. Figure 19 shows an intermediate position of the clamp 443 in which the same is not tensioned, but already engaged with a first holder 441 connected to the first portion 21. The construction of the fourth hinge mechanism 44 is best shown in Figure 20 which shows a sectional view of the hinge mechanism in the longitudinal direction of the rail 2. The clamp 443 comprises a latching portion 443a which is made of a metal sheet bent into the shape as shown in Figure 20. The latching potion 443a comprises an engaging section 443b engageable with an engaging portion 441 a of the first holder 441. Furthermore, the clamp 443 comprises a cover portion 443b covering the latching portion 443a and being made of plastic material. On the right side of Figure 20, the clamp 443 comprises a supporting portion 443c at which the latching portion 443a is hingedly coupled to a pivot arm 443d by means of a first hinge 443f. The pivot arm 443d is in turn connected to the second holder 442 by means of a second hinge 443e. As is the case in the third hinge mechanism 43 as described before, the fourth hinge mechanism also has a clamp 443 comprising a self-locking function as described before. However, in the present case, the pivot arm is not flexibly coupled to the second holder 442. Instead, the flexibility is provided by means of the latching portion 443a which comprises a certain degree of elasticity. Thus, when the clamp 443 is moved from a position as shown in Figure 19 into a tensioned position as shown in Figure 18, the latching portion 443a is slightly deformed so that in the state shown in Figure 20, the engaging section 443b exerts a clamping force on the engaging portion 441 a.

[0087] As is furthermore shown in Figure 20, the first holder 441 and the second holder 442 are rotatably coupled to each other about an axle 444 which in the present case is made of a plastic material. Each of the first holder 441 and the second holder 442 comprises a supporting portion similiarly designed wherein in Figure 20 only a supporting portion 441 b of the first holder 441 is shown. More precisely, the supporting portion 441 b is circularly formed and comprises supporting protrusions 441 d protruding radially inward from an inner surface of the supporting portion 441 b and contacting the outer surface of the axle 444. With such a construction, it is possible to reliably support the first holder 441 and the second holder 442 about a common pivot axis defined by the axle 444.

[0088] The first holder 441 comprises a recess 441 c and the second holder 442 comprises a recess 442c each for accommodating a magnet 441 d, 442d therein. The recesses 441 c, 442c are provided near abutment surfaces of the first and second holder 441 , 442 facing and contacting each other in the unfolded state of the rail 2. Accordingly, in the unfolded state, the magnets are arranged close to each other generating an attraction force pulling the abutment surfaces towards each other. Preferably, the magnetic force is high enough for holding the rail portions in the unfolded state. By this, it is easier for the user to operate the clamp 443.

[0089] A fifth hinge mechanism 45 of a bike carrier according to a fifth embodiment of the present subject matter is described with reference to Figures 21 to 24 in the following. Figure 21 shows the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 in an unfolded state in which the fifth hinge mechanism 45 is in a locked condition. Figure 22 shows an intermediate state in which the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 are in an unfolded state in which the fifth hinge mechanism 45 is still in an unlocked state. Figure 23 shows the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 in a folded state. Figure 24 shows a sectional view of the fifth hinge mechanism 45 in a longitudinal direction of the rail 2. As is shown in the figure, the fifth hinge mechanism 45 comprises a bridging element 451 fixedly mounted on the second portion 22 of the rail 2. As is shown in Figure 23, the bridging element 451 comprises a protruding section protruding beyond the end portion of the second portion 22. The first portion 21 and the second portion 22 are rotatably mounted to each other about a pivot pin 451 b. In an unfolded state of the first portion 21 and the second portion 22, the protruding section 451 d of the bridging element 451 is in abutment with the first portion 21 and extends along the same. As is best shown in Figure 23, the protruding section 451 d of the bridging element 451 comprises a recess 451 c extending in its longitudinal direction. The fifth hinge mechanism 45 further comprises a fixation means 452 comprising a threaded rod 452b and an operating member 452a. The threaded rod 452b is hingedly coupled to the first portion 21 of the rail 2. Therefore, it is possible to move the threaded rod 452b together with the operating member 452a into a position shown in Figure 22. In this position, the threaded rod 452b is inclined with respect to a portion of the rail 2 at which it is hingedly mounted. By this, it is possible to rotate the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 with respect to each other such that they take the unfolded condition. In this state, the protruding section 451 d of the bridging element 451 is in abutment with the first section 21 and the recess 451 a formed therein is aligned with the threaded rod 452b. By this, it is possible to move the fixation means 452 from a position as shown in Figure 22 into a position as shown in Figure 21. As is shown in Figure 21 , the threaded rod 452b is engaged with the recess 451 a. The operating member 452a is threadedly mounted on the threaded rod 452b so that rotating the same leads to a movement of the operating member 452a in the longitudinal direction of the threaded rod 452b. Thus, by rotating the operating portion 452a it is possible to exert a clamping force on the protruding section 451 d of the bridging element 451 thereby clamping the bridging element 451 to the first portion 21 corresponding to a locked condition of the fifth hinge mechanism 45. Accordingly, a simple and reliable hinge mechanism is provided.

[0090] A further preferable construction of the bike carrier is described with reference to Figures 25, 26 and 27. [0091] Figures 26 and 27 show the dimensions of a preferred construction of the curved portion 21a.

[0092] More precisely, as can be gathered from Figures 26 and 27, the curved portion 21a of the first portion 21 provides a height change in said rail 2 in that it extends along a specifically formed curved path c. This curved path comprises an inflection point pO at which the curvature of the curved path and consequently the curvature of the curved portion of the rail changes. According to this embodiment, the curved path c is formed such that an inflection point tangent tO is arranged at an angle a of about 35 degrees with respect to the center line of the straight second portion. In this embodiment, the center line of the second portion 22 is aligned with a tangent t2 as shown in Figures 25 and 26. In this embodiment, the extension direction of the center line or the tangent t2 corresponds to the extension direction of the rail.

[0093] In the embodiment as shown, the curved path extends between tangent t2 and another tangent t1 arranged parallel to tangent t2. Tangent t2 marks the highest point of the curved path and tangent t1 marks the lowest point of the curved path c. In other words, both parallel tangents t1 , t2 are arranged at maximum possible distance with respect to each other in this embodiment. Accordingly, the rail has its maximum height at the point of tangency p1. The rail is further constructed such that the height of the rail is gradually reduced on the right side of point p1 in the figures, as is also derivable from Figure 2. With such a construction, the height of the first portion will quickly reach its maximum and remain high for a majority of the remaining elongation of the first portion. At the end of the first portion, the inclination of the rail in the downward direction increases so that the lowest part is reached.

[0094] With this construction of the curved portion 21a, it is possible to reduce the length of the curved portion, i.e. a distance d between the points of tangency p1 , p2 of the parallel tangents on the curved path in an extension direction of the parallel tangents, to less than 30cm.

[0095] A ratio of the distance d or length of the curved portion 21 a with respect to the overall length of the first portion 21 can be gathered from Figure 27 in which a rail is shown which is similar to the rail as shown in Figure 2 but lacks the hinge mechanism as described before. It turned out that the shape of the curved portion as described before is also beneficial and directly applicable to rails not having a hinge mechanism. As is shown in Figure 27, the distance d or length of the curved portion is considerably smaller than the length e of a further section of the rail leading to a construction in which the distance d or length of the curved portion can be less than one third, preferably less than one fifth of the length L of the entire first portion 21. The further section as described here is the section of the first portion 21 on which a wheel of the bike carrier can be supported. Thus, by the construction as described above, the section of the rail on which the wheel can be supported is increased. As the curved portion has a reduced length, the sections for supporting the wheels of a bike on the rail are greater, leading to an increased flexibility in use of the bike carrier. For instance, it is possible to mount small bikes for children, bikes with large 29 inch wheels or increasingly common so called fat bikes, all with the same beneficial effects.

[0096] As can also be gathered from Figures 25 and 26, the curved path c comprises a first curved section 21 a1 located on the left side of the inflection point pO and a second curved section 21a2 located on the right side of the inflection point pO in the Figures. Both curved sections 21 a1 , 21 a2 are formed along circular paths and the circular paths comprise an identical radius.

[0097] One aspect of the present subject matter is reflected below in clause structure.

Bike carrier (1 ) mountable to a roof of a vehicle, the bike carrier (1 ) comprising a rail (2) having a first portion (21 ) and a second portion (22)

first and second attachment means (31 , 32) for mounting said bike carrier (1 ) to cross bars of a vehicle roof carrier system, at least one of said first and second attachment means (31 , 32) being adjustable in position on said first portion (21 ) and said second portion (22), respectively, wherein

said first portion (21 ) and said second portion (22) are hingedly coupled to each other with a hinge mechanism (4; 41 ; 42; 43; 44; 45) so that said first portion (21 ) and said second portion (22) are foldable with respect to each other by pivoting movement.

Bike carrier (1 ) according to clause 1 , further comprising at least one wheel holder (5) movably arranged on at least one of said first portion (21 ) and said second portion (22). Bike carrier according to clause 1 or 2, wherein said hinge mechanism (4; 41 ; 42; 43; 44; 45) comprises a pivot axis (P), and wherein said first portion (21 ) and said second portion (22) are foldable about said pivot axis (P) such that their free ends are pivotably movable towards each other, wherein said pivot axis (P) is preferably located substantially perpendicular and/or offset with respect to a direction of extension of said rail (2).

Bike carrier according to clause 3, wherein said first portion (21 ) and said second portion (22) are foldable in a folded state, in which said first portion (21 ) and said second portion (22) are substantially aligned.

Bike carrier according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein said second portion (22) is formed as straight element and said first portion (21 ) comprises a curved portion (21 a) which is curved in a plane in which the rail (2) extends, wherein said first portion (21 ) and said second portion (22) preferably comprise a substantially constant cross sectional profile, and wherein in an unfolded condition, said rail (2) preferably comprises a substantially continuous shape.

Bike carrier according to one of the preceding clauses, further comprising a locking mechanism for releasably locking said hinge mechanism (4; 41 ; 42; 43; 44; 45).

Bike carrier according to clause 6, wherein said locking mechanism comprises two lock positions, wherein in a first lock position, the locking mechanism locks said first portion (21 ) and said second portion (22) in an unfolded condition and /or wherein in a second lock position, the locking mechanism locks said first portion (21 ) and said second portion (22) in a folded condition.

Bike carrier according to one of clauses 6 or 7, wherein said locking mechanism comprises a receiving member (412) non-rotatably coupled to said first portion (21 ) and an engaging member (415) non-rotatably coupled to said second portion (22), wherein said receiving member (412) and said engaging member (415) are arranged rotatably about a pivot axis (P) of said pivot mechanism (41 ), and wherein said engaging member (415) is engageable with said receiving member (412) by movement in a direction parallel to said pivot axis (P). Bike carrier according to clause 8, wherein said receiving member (412) comprises a recess (412f ) and said engaging member (415) comprises a protrusion (415b) engageable with said recess (412f) and wherein said recess (412f) and said protrusion (415b) are alignable by rotational movement of at least one of said receiving member (412) and said engaging member (415) about said pivot axis (P), said recess (412f) and said protrusion (415b) being preferably centered with respect to each other upon engagement. Bike carrier according to clause 9, further comprising an operating mechanism (414) for unlocking said locking mechanism, wherein said operating mechanism (414) comprises a means for moving said engaging member (415) with respect to said receiving member (412). Bike carrier according to clause 6, wherein said locking mechanism comprises a bridging element (433; 443; 451 ) mounted on said second portion (22) and engageable with said first portion (21 ). Bike carrier according to clause 1 1 , wherein said bridging element (451 ) protrudes from said second portion (22) and extends along said first portion (21 ) in an unfolded condition of the rail (2), and wherein said bike carrier (1 ) comprises a fixation means (452) connected to said first portion (21 ) and for coupling said bridging element (451 ) to said second portion (22), wherein said bridging element (451 ) comprises a recess (451 a) for receiving said fixation means (452). Bike carrier according to clause 11 , wherein said bridging element (433; 443; 451 ) comprises a clamp pivotably mounted on said second portion (22), said clamp comprising an engaging section (433a; 443b) engageable with an engaging portion (431 a; 441 a) formed on said first portion (21 ). Bike carrier according to one of clauses 11 to 13, wherein said bridging element (433; 443; 451 ) is provided on an area of said rail (2), which faces in the same direction as said wheel holder (5) and said pivot axis (P) of said hinge mechanism is provided on the opposite side of said rail (2). Bike carrier according to one of clause 3 to 14, wherein said pivot axis (P) of said hinge mechanism (4; 41 ; 42; 43; 44; 45) is located on the side of the rail (2) on which said first and second attachment means (31 ; 32) are located.

Bike carrier according to one of the preceding clauses, further comprising a retaining arm (6) pivotably arranged on said first portion (21 ) with its first end (6a) and engageable with a bike element at its second end (6b), wherein said retaining arm (6) preferably comprises a claw grip (6c) for engaging with said bike element at its second end (6b).

REFERENCE SIGNS

P pivot axis 35 414c support portion

414d locking ring

5 1 bike carrier 415 engaging member

415a cylindrical main body

2 rail 415b protrusion

21 first portion 40 415c opening

21 a curved portion 415d abutment surface

10 21 a1 curved section

21a2 curved section 42 second hinge mechanism

22 second portion 421 first holder

45 421 a support

31 first attachment means 421 b recess

15 32 second attachment means 422 second holder

422a first holder element

4 hinge mechanism 422b second holder element

41 first hinge mechanism 50 423 engaging member

412 first holder 423a protrusion

20 412a holding portion 423b support portion

412b supporting portion 424 operating member

412c opening 424a protrusion

412d outer surface 55 424b support portion

412f recess

25 412g guiding section 43 hinge mechanism

413 second holder 431 first holder

413a holding portion 431 a engaging portion

413b supporting portion 60 432 second holder

413c supporting section 432a supporting section

30 413d engaging member support portion 433 locking latch / clamp

413e guiding portion 433a engaging section

414 operating member 433d pivot arm

414a rod 65 433e pivot pin

414b threaded section 433f first hinge 443e second hinge

44 hinge mechanism 444 axle

441 first holder 15

441 a engaging portion 45 hinge mechanism

5 441 b supporting portion 451 bridging element

441 d magnet 451 b pivot pin

442 second holder 451 c recess

443 clamp 20 451 d protruding section

443a latching portion 452 fixation means

10 443b engaging section 452a operating member

443c supporting portion 452b rod

443d pivot arm pO inflection point

P1 point of tangency

P2 point of tangency

to inflection point tangent

t1 tangent

t2 tangent

L length of first portion

d distance

c curved path

e length of section

inclination angle of inflection point tangent