Built-in entertainment device holder

Abstract

Various disclosed embodiments include exemplary vehicle roofs, vehicles, and bicycle racks. In exemplary embodiments, the vehicle roof includes a roof and a front recessed section. The front recessed section is disposed near a front end of the roof. The front recessed section defines a first cavity. The front recessed section includes an entertainment device mounting bracket disposed within the first cavity and a cover configured to aerodynamically cover the first cavity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the attachment of entertainment devices to vehicles. The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art. Background Art

[0002] Bicycle roof racks are typically aftermarket parts that vehicle users have to purchase and install in their vehicles. Sometimes, these roof racks are not compatible with the vehicle's roof system, so additional purchases may have to be made to make the vehicle suitable for carrying one or more bicycles on the roof. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Various disclosed embodiments include exemplary roof, vehicle, and bicycle racks.

[0004] In an exemplary embodiment, a vehicle roof includes a roof and a front recess section. The front recess section is disposed near a front end of the roof. The front recess section defines a first cavity. The front recess section includes an entertainment device mounting bracket disposed within the first cavity and a cover configured to aerodynamically cover the first cavity.

[0005] In another exemplary embodiment, a vehicle includes a cab, a roof configured to cover the cab, and a front recess section disposed near a front end of the roof. The front recess section defines a first cavity. The front recess section includes an entertainment device mounting bracket disposed within the first cavity and a cover configured to aerodynamically cover the first cavity.

[0006] In another exemplary embodiment, a bicycle rack includes a recessed roof section, a cover, and a front fork mount. The recessed roof section is located at a front section of the top portion. The recessed roof section defines a cavity. The cover is configured to aerodynamically cover the recessed roof section. The front fork mount is disposed within the recessed roof section.

[0007] The above summary of the invention is only illustrative and is not intended to be limiting in any way. In addition to the above illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Illustrative embodiments are illustrated in the reference figures of the accompanying drawings.The embodiments and figures disclosed herein are intended to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0009] Figure 1 is a top plan view of an exemplary vehicle.

[0010] Figure 2 is Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary roof mounting system for use on a vehicle.

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of the roof mounting system.

[0012] Figure 4 is Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of another exemplary roof mounting system for use on a vehicle.

[0013] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of the roof mounting system.

[0014] Figure 6 is a top plan view of an exemplary vehicle.

[0015] Like reference symbols in the various drawings generally indicate like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof. In the drawings, similar symbols generally identify similar components unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein.

[0017] Various disclosed embodiments include exemplary roof, vehicle, and bicycle racks.

[0018] Now refer to Figure 1 And given by way of overview, in various embodiments, an exemplary vehicle 20 includes components for mounting a recreational device, such as a bicycle or any wheeled vehicle including a wheel mounting fork. The vehicle 20 includes one or more front mounting sections 30 located at the front end of the roof of the vehicle 20. The mounting sections 30 are incorporated into the roof of various configurations.

[0019] In various embodiments, the vehicle 20 includes a rear mounting section 40. The rear mounting section 40 can be incorporated into the roof of the vehicle 20, similar to the front mounting section 30, or can be an additional device attached to the roof of the vehicle 20, such as a suction device, a device attached to a side mounting rail, etc.

[0020] See also Figure 2 and Figure 3In various embodiments, the front mounting section 30 includes a cavity 34 formed within the front section of the roof above the cab of the vehicle 20, between the windshield 32 and the glass roof 42. Cavity 34 is defined by the front roof section 44 and a surrounding roof section 48. The front roof section 44 and the surrounding roof section 48 can be molded, stamped, or machined from a single material, such as stainless steel. Cavity 34 has a predetermined depth below the top surfaces of the roof sections 44 and 48 and the glass roof 42. An interior headliner 54 is positioned below cavity 34 within the cab of the vehicle 20. A cover 46 is rotatably attached to the front roof section 44. In the stowed configuration, the cover 46 is in a closed position with the cover 36, thereby aligning the cover 36 with the other roof sections 44 and 48 in an aerodynamic configuration. In other words, when in the aerodynamic configuration, the top surface of the cover 36 is substantially flush with the top surfaces of the roof sections 44 and 48 and the glass roof 42 .

[0021] In various embodiments, an amusement device mount 38 is attached to the base surface 36 of the cavity 34. The amusement device mount 38 includes a fork latch mechanism for securely attaching to the fork dropouts of the amusement device's fork 50. It should be understood that the amusement device can be a bicycle, tricycle, or other vehicle having a wheel-mounted fork with fork dropouts or a similar attachment mechanism.

[0022] In various embodiments, the cover 46 is rotatably attached to the front roof section 44. The attachment mechanism may include a biased hinge. In various embodiments, and given by way of example only and not limitation, the biased hinge may be a spring or similar device. The biased hinge may be selected to apply a closing force ( Figure 2 When the fork 50 is attached to the amusement device mount 38, the closing force exerts a force between the amusement device cover 46 and the fork 50 ( Figure 3 ).

[0023] In various embodiments, the cover 46 can include a foam piece for soft contact with the amusement device fork 50. The cover 46 provides a protective shield for a portion of the amusement device fork 50. It should be understood that without a biased hinge, air pressure caused by the movement of the vehicle 20 can be sufficient to keep the cover 46 closed when in the closed configuration and adhere to the amusement device fork 50 when the amusement device fork 50 is mounted to the amusement device mount 38.

[0024] In various embodiments, the cavity of the front mounting section 30 may include a drain channel. The drain channel may include any structure for allowing water to drain from the cavity 34, such as a slot leading to the outer edge of the surrounding roof section 48 or a hole at a low point leading to the drain channel, such as a sunroof drain channel.

[0025] It should be understood that other roof types or features may be located behind the front mounting section 30. For example, the roof types or features may include a ram roof, a removable sunroof, or a similar roof design.

[0026] See also Figure 4 and Figure 5 In various embodiments, the rear mounting section 40 includes a cavity formed within the roof section 76 behind the glass roof 42. A mounting bracket 78 is attached to the base of the cavity. The mounting bracket 78 can be shaped to receive recreational vehicle wheels of various widths, such as road bike wheels, mountain bike wheels, etc. A first end of the mounting bracket 78 includes a slot for receiving a locking strip 72. The first end of the locking strip 72 can be attached to the base of the cavity, or it can include a knob that is too large to fit through the slot. A second end of the mounting bracket 78 includes a locking feature 74. The locking feature 74 can frictionally receive the second end of the locking strip 72 under tension. Once the recreational vehicle wheel 66 is placed on the mounting bracket 78, the locking strip 72 is pulled between the spokes over the top of the inner edge of the wheel 66 and then attached to the locking feature 74.

[0027] In various embodiments, the rear mounting section 40 can include a left cover 70 and a right cover 70. The covers 70 are rotatably attached to the roof section 76 at each side of the cavity of the rear mounting section 40. The covers 70 rotate about an axis that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 20. It should be understood that offset hinges can be used to rotatably attach the covers 70 to the roof section 76. The offset hinges can apply a closing force to the covers 70.

[0028] In various embodiments, the cavity of the rear mounting section 40 may include drainage channels similar to those described above with respect to the front mounting section 30 .

[0029] In various embodiments, the vehicle 90 ( Figure 6 ) includes an entertainment device mounting bracket 96 that can be removably attached to a lateral mounting bar 94. The mounting bar 94 is to be attached within a recessed front mounting section 92 of the roof of the cab of the vehicle 90. The recessed front mounting section 92 spans most or all of the width of the roof. The entertainment device mounting bracket 96 can be positioned at a predetermined position or at any position along the mounting bar 94. This configuration allows the user to select where on the roof to laterally mount the entertainment device. In addition, the mounting bar 94 can receive multiple entertainment device mounting brackets 96, thereby enabling multiple entertainment devices to be attached to the vehicle 90.

[0030] From the above discussion and the associated drawings, it should be understood that various embodiments have been disclosed and illustrated. To this end, and without any limitation being implied (not to be inferred), the following paragraphs provide a non-limiting summary of the various embodiments disclosed herein, by way of example only and not by way of limitation:

[0031] A. A vehicle roof comprising: a top; and a front groove section, the front groove section being disposed near a front end of the top, the front groove section defining a first cavity, the front groove section comprising: an entertainment device mounting bracket, the entertainment device mounting bracket being disposed within the first cavity; and a cover configured to aerodynamically cover the first cavity.

[0032] B. The vehicle roof of A, wherein the cover is rotatable between a stowed position and an entertainment device stowage position.

[0033] C. The vehicle roof of B, wherein a top surface of the cover is substantially flush with a top surface of a portion of the top surrounding the first cavity.

[0034] D. The roof according to C, wherein the cover further comprises a hinge configured to be attached to a portion of the front groove section disposed at a front edge of the first cavity and a front end of the cover.

[0035] E. The roof of D, wherein the hinge includes a biasing mechanism configured to exert a rotational force on the cover toward the stowed position.

[0036] F. The roof of E, wherein the biasing mechanism comprises a spring.

[0037] G. The roof of A, wherein the front groove section includes a drainage channel.

[0038] H. The vehicle roof of B, wherein the cover is configured to provide protection for at least a portion of an entertainment device mounted to the entertainment device mount.

[0039] I. The vehicle roof of A, wherein the entertainment device mount comprises a mount for a front fork of a bicycle.

[0040] J. The roof according to A further includes: a rear groove section, which is arranged near the rear end of the top, the rear groove section defining a second cavity, the rear groove section including: a base mounting rod, which is attached to the bottom surface of the second cavity, the base mounting rod being configured to receive the wheels of the entertainment device; a mounting strip, which is configured to be removable from a first side of the base mounting rod and slidably received within a second side of the base mounting rod; and a cover, which is rotatably attached to the top at one side of the rear groove section, the cover being configured to aerodynamically cover the second cavity.

[0041] K. A vehicle comprising: a cab; a roof configured to cover the cab; a front groove section disposed near a front end of the top, the front groove section defining a first cavity, the front groove section comprising: an entertainment device mounting bracket disposed within the first cavity; and a cover configured to aerodynamically cover the first cavity.

[0042] L. A vehicle according to K, wherein the cover is capable of rotating between a stowed position and an entertainment device loading position, the cover further comprising a hinge configured to be attached to a portion of the top disposed at a front edge of the front groove section and a front end of the cover.

[0043] M. The vehicle of L, wherein the hinge includes a biasing mechanism configured to exert a force on the cover to maintain the stowed position.

[0044] N. The vehicle of M, wherein the biasing mechanism comprises a spring.

[0045] O. The vehicle of K, wherein the recreational device mount comprises a mount for a front fork of a bicycle.

[0046] P. The vehicle according to K further includes: a rear groove section, which is arranged near the rear end of the roof, the rear groove section defining a second cavity, the rear groove section including: a base mounting rod, which is attached to the bottom surface of the second cavity, the base mounting rod being configured to receive the wheel of the entertainment device; a mounting strip, which is configured to be removable from a first side of the base mounting rod and slidably received within a second side of the base mounting rod; and a cover, which is rotatably attached to the top at one side of the rear groove section, the cover being configured to aerodynamically cover the second cavity.

[0047] Q. A bicycle rack comprising: a recessed roof section disposed at a front section of a top portion, the recessed roof section defining a cavity; a cover configured to aerodynamically cover the recessed roof section; and a front fork mount disposed within the recessed roof section.

[0048] R. The bicycle rack of Q, wherein the cover is rotatable between a stowed position and an entertainment device stowage position.

[0049] S. The bicycle rack of R, wherein a top surface of the cover is configured to be substantially flush with a top surface of a portion of the vehicle roof surrounding the recessed roof section.

[0050] T. The bicycle rack according to S, further comprising a hinge configured to be attached to a portion of the recessed roof section disposed at a front edge of the cavity and a front end of the cover.

[0051] In some cases, one or more components may be referred to herein as being "configured to," "configured by," "configurable to," "operable / operating to," "suitable / adaptable to," "capable of," "conformable / conformable to," etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that such terms (e.g., "configured to") generally encompass active state components and / or passive state components and / or standby state components, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0052] While particular aspects of the subject matter described herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made based on the teachings herein without departing from the subject matter described herein and its broader aspects, and the appended claims are intended to encompass all such changes and modifications within their scope, as being within the true spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that, in general, the terms used herein, and particularly in the appended claims (e.g., the bodies of the appended claims), are generally intended to represent "open-ended" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "comprising" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those skilled in the art that if a specific number of introduced claim recitations is intended, such intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation, no such intent is present. For example, to aid understanding, the following appended claims may contain the use of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed as implying that introducing a claim recitation by the indefinite article "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to claims containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and an indefinite article such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and / or "an" should generally be construed to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same applies to the use of definite articles to introduce claim recitations. Furthermore, even if a specific number of introduced claim recitations is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should generally be construed to mean at least the recited number (e.g., reciting "two recitations" without other modification generally means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention similar to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, generally speaking, the intended meaning of such construction is that one skilled in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include, but is not limited to, systems having A alone, having B alone, having C alone, having A and B, having A and C, having B and C, and / or A, B, and C, etc.). One skilled in the art would further understand that, unless the context dictates otherwise, disjuncts and / or phrases presenting two or more alternative terms (whether in the specification, claims, or drawings) are generally to be understood to contemplate the possibility of including one, either, or both of the terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" would generally be understood to include the possibility of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

[0053] With respect to the appended claims, those skilled in the art will understand that the operations recited therein may generally be performed in any order. In addition, although the various operational flows are presented in a sequence, it should be understood that the various operations may be performed in an order other than the order shown or may be performed simultaneously. Unless the context dictates otherwise, examples of such alternative orderings may include overlapping, interleaved, interrupted, reordered, incremental, preparatory, supplementary, simultaneous, reverse, or other variant orderings. Furthermore, unless the context dictates otherwise, terms such as "responsive to," "related to," or other past tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude such variants.

[0054] While the presently disclosed subject matter has been described with respect to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made to the subject matter without departing from the scope of the claimed subject matter as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle roof, comprising: top; and A front groove section is provided near the front end of the top portion, the front groove section defining a first cavity, and the front groove section comprising: an entertainment equipment mounting frame, the entertainment equipment mounting frame being disposed in the first cavity; as well as a cover configured to aerodynamically cover the first cavity, The cover is rotatable between a stowed position and an entertainment device stowage position, wherein the cover is configured to provide protection for at least a portion of an entertainment device mounted to the entertainment device mount. 2 . The vehicle roof of claim 1 , wherein a top surface of the cover is substantially flush with a top surface of a portion of the roof surrounding the first cavity. 3 . The vehicle roof of claim 2 , wherein the cover further comprises a hinge configured to be attached to a portion of the front groove section disposed at a front edge of the first cavity and a front end of the cover.

4. The vehicle roof of claim 3, wherein the hinge includes a biasing mechanism configured to exert a rotational force on the cover toward the stowed position. The vehicle roof of claim 4 , wherein the biasing mechanism comprises a spring. The vehicle roof of claim 1 , wherein the front groove section includes a water drain channel.

7. The vehicle roof of claim 1 , wherein the entertainment device mount comprises a mount for a front fork of a bicycle.

8. The vehicle roof according to claim 1, further comprising: a rear groove section, the rear groove section being disposed near a rear end of the top portion, the rear groove section defining a second cavity, the rear groove section comprising: a base mounting bar attached to a bottom surface of the second cavity, the base mounting bar configured to receive a wheel of an entertainment device; a mounting strap configured to be removable from a first side of the base mounting bar and slidably received within a second side of the base mounting bar; and A cover is rotatably attachable to the top at one side of the rear recess section, the cover being configured to aerodynamically cover the second cavity.

9. A vehicle, comprising: cab; a roof configured to cover the cab; A front groove section is provided near the front end of the top portion, the front groove section defining a first cavity, and the front groove section comprising: an entertainment equipment mounting frame, the entertainment equipment mounting frame being disposed in the first cavity; and a cover configured to aerodynamically cover the first cavity, wherein the cover is rotatable between a stowed position and an entertainment device loading position, The cover is configured to provide protection for at least a portion of an entertainment device mounted to the entertainment device mount.

10. The vehicle of claim 9, the cover further comprising a hinge configured to be attached to a portion of the top portion disposed at a front edge of the front groove section and a front end of the cover.

11. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the hinge includes a biasing mechanism configured to exert a force on the cover to maintain the stowed position.

12. The vehicle of claim 11, wherein the biasing mechanism comprises a spring.

13. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the entertainment device mount comprises a mount for a front fork of a bicycle.

14. The vehicle of claim 9, further comprising: a rear groove section, the rear groove section being disposed near a rear end of the roof, the rear groove section defining a second cavity, the rear groove section comprising: a base mounting bar attached to a bottom surface of the second cavity, the base mounting bar configured to receive a wheel of an entertainment device; a mounting strap configured to be removable from a first side of the base mounting bar and slidably received within a second side of the base mounting bar; and A cover is rotatably attachable to the top at one side of the rear recess section, the cover being configured to aerodynamically cover the second cavity.

15. A bicycle stand, comprising: a concave roof section disposed at a front section of the roof, the concave roof section defining a cavity; a cover configured to aerodynamically cover the recessed roof section; as well as a front fork mounting bracket, the front fork mounting bracket being arranged in the recessed roof section, wherein the cover is rotatable between a stowed position and an entertainment device loading position, The cover is configured to provide protection for at least a portion of an amusement device mounted to the front fork mount.

16. The bicycle stand of claim 15, wherein a top surface of the cover is configured to be substantially flush with a top surface of a portion of a vehicle roof surrounding the recessed roof section. 17 . The bicycle stand of claim 16 , further comprising a hinge configured to be attached to a portion of the recessed roof section disposed at a front edge of the cavity and a front end of the cover.

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