Bicycle carrier with unitary frame and leveling indicators
US6422443B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 31, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jul 23, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 31, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S224/924
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved bicycle carrier is provided for mounting to the rear end of an automobile to receive and support one or more bicycles. The bicycle carrier has a frame formed from a unitary convolutely-shaped metal bar that defines a pair of bicycle support members on one end and a vehicle engaging member at the other end. The frame is shaped such that the vehicle engaging member can be positioned to engage and rest against the rear end of an automobile with the support members projecting rearwardly for receiving one or more bicycles. A stabilizer is secured to the frame and extends away from the support members for resting on the trunk of a car to stabilize the carrier. The stabilizer is selectively movable in the vertical direction and can be locked in place to insure that the support members extend at a predetermined attitude relative to horizontal. A leveling indicator is provided on the frame for indicating an optimum attitude of the support arms during adjustment of the stabilizer. When the leveling indicator indicates optimum attitude, the stabilizer is locked into position and the carrier is lashed to the automobile with straps.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.