Article-carrying bracket for holding article on motor vehicle

Abstract

An article carrying bracket for holding an article on a motor vehicle is disclosed, the article carrying bracket comprising: a first bracket member and a second bracket member; the bracket members are connected at a hinge and can rotate relative to each other between a closed state and an open state; in the open state, the articles to be carried can be introduced between the bracket components; in the closed state, the bracket component surrounds and holds the article; and the bracket includes a damping mechanism that inhibits movement of the bracket member from the closed state to the open state; and the resistance of the damping mechanism is gradually increased along with the movement of the bracket towards the open state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an article carrier for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Sometimes it is desirable to transport an article on the exterior of a motor vehicle. The article may be too large to be installed inside the vehicle, or it may be desirable to use the available storage space inside the vehicle for other purposes. An article carrier may be used, which is attached to the vehicle and adapted to hold or restrain the article.

[0003] To carry an elongate article, such as a shovel or other tool, article carrying devices in the form of brackets have been tried. The bracket has a fixed jaw attached to the vehicle or the vehicle's roof rack, and a movable jaw is hingedly attached to the fixed jaw. The article is held in the bracket by closing the jaws around the article. Typically, a pair of brackets are used at spaced positions along the vehicle or roof rack.

[0004] Attempts have been made to inhibit the movement of the movable jaws of these brackets by providing some type of friction to the movement of the jaws. Attempts have been made to apply friction by positioning one or more deformable washers between the jaws at the hinge connection and tightening the hinge pin at the hinge connection to create some preloading force in the deformable washers to create a frictional force that must be overcome to open or close the bracket. However, it has been found that the washers may wear quite quickly and the preloading force is lost, making the movement of the bracket loose.

[0005] There is still a need for an improved article carrier for a vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides an article carrying bracket for holding an article on a motor vehicle, the article carrying bracket comprising: a first bracket member and a second bracket member; the bracket members being joined at a hinge and rotatable relative to each other between a closed state and an open state; in the open state, the article to be carried can be introduced between the bracket members; in the closed state, the bracket members surround and hold the article; and the bracket comprises a damping mechanism that inhibits movement of the bracket members from the closed state to the open state; and wherein the resistance of the damping mechanism gradually increases as the bracket moves towards the open state.

[0007] The damping mechanism may include planar surfaces provided on the first hinge member or the second hinge member, the planes of the surfaces being angled relative to the hinge axis; when in the closed state, the planes of the surfaces may be generally parallel to each other, and when the bracket moves from the closed state towards the open state, the surfaces may cause interference to inhibit movement of the bracket members.

[0008] At least one compressible washer may be located between these surfaces.

[0009] The hinge may include a hinge pin, and the hinge pin may be tightened or loosened to adjust the amount of damping of the movement applied to the support member.

[0010] The bracket may include a latch mechanism to hold the bracket in a closed state.

[0011] The bracket may include a locking mechanism to prevent unauthorized movement of the bracket towards the open state.

[0012] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a bracket for holding an article on a motor vehicle, the bracket comprising: a first support member and a second support member and a removable insert; the support members are joined at a hinge and may rotate relative to each other between a closed state and an open state; in the open state, the article may be introduced between the support members; and in the closed state, the support members surround and hold the article; the removable insert is positioned inside the support members, and the insert engages and supports the article being held in the bracket in use.

[0013] The insert may include an upright pin that engages the shaft of a high-lift jack in use.

[0014] The insert may include a deformable elastomeric material region that conforms to the article being held in use.

[0015] In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides an article carrying device on a vehicle, the article carrying device comprising: two or more brackets according to any of the above claims, the brackets being mounted to the vehicle at spaced positions to support different regions of the article in use.

[0016] One of the support members of each bracket may be attached to the vehicle and the other support member may be opened in a downward direction.

[0017] One of the support members of each bracket may be attached to the vehicle and the other support member may be opened in an upward direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 is a side view of an article carrying bracket for holding an article on a motor vehicle in a closed state;

[0020] Figure 2 shows the bracket of Figure 1 in an open state;

[0021] Figure 3 and Figure 4 is Figure 1 the rear three-dimensional sectional view of the bracket;

[0022] Figure 5A and Figure 5B illustrate Figure 1 the compression of the elastic washer in the bracket when the bracket moves to the open state;

[0023] Figures 6 to 8 show in the lateral vehicle mounting configuration according to Figure 1 the bracket;

[0024] Figure 9 and Figure 10 show the bracket used in the top mounting configuration; and

[0025] Figure 11 show the bracket equipped with an alternative insert Figure 1 ; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , which show an article-carrying bracket 10 for holding an article on a motor vehicle. The bracket 10 includes a first bracket member in the form of a movable jaw 20, which is rotatably connected to a fixed jaw 30 by a hinge 40.

[0027] The jaws 20, 30 can rotate relative to each other between the closed state shown in Figure 1 and the open state shown in Figure 2 , as indicated by arrow A in Figure 2 . The movable jaw 20 rotates 100 degrees to reach the open state, which is defined by a hard stop provided by the two jaws abutting in the area indicated by arrow B. When in the open state, the article to be held is introduced between the jaws 20, 30, and when in the closed state, the jaws 20, 30 surround and support the article.

[0028] Refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4, the hinge 40 includes a hinge pin in the form of a hinge bolt 42 that passes through the jaw 20 and also through holes in two upright ribs 36, 37 disposed inside the jaw 30. The hinge bolt 42 has threaded end regions that are received within nuts 44. Two circular compressible washers 46, 47 are held on the hinge bolt 42 in the region between the ribs 36, 37 and the jaw 20. The bracket 10 includes a damping mechanism that inhibits movement of the bracket member from the closed state to the open state, and the damping mechanism includes two opposing flat surfaces 28, 38 of the jaws facing each other. The surfaces 28, 38 are flat in the region of the washer 47 and are angled relative to the hinge axis. They are offset by an angle of 2 degrees from a line perpendicular to the hinge axis. The angular offset of these surfaces causes compression of the washer 47, which produces the damping effect of the damping mechanism.

[0029] Now refer to Figure 5A and Figure 5B , the offset angles of these surfaces are illustrated in exaggerated form to better explain the operation of the concept of the damping mechanism. In Figure 5A , the bracket is in the closed state. The surfaces 28, 38 are parallel to each other. In Figure 5B , the bracket is in the open state. The relative rotation of the surfaces 28, 38 means that they are no longer parallel to each other. They are now offset by approximately 2 degrees. This causes compression of the resilient washer 47 in the region indicated by the solid arrow in the figure. Compression of the washer causes friction between the surfaces 28, 38 and the washer. This produces a resistance that inhibits movement of the bracket.

[0030] It can be seen that as the hinge moves from the closed state to the open state, the effective relative offset of the angles of the surfaces 28, 38 gradually increases. This has two effects. First, as the hinge moves towards the open state, this gradually increases the damping force. Second, the start of the damping force can be controlled to occur at a specific angular opening of the jaws.

[0031] The user controls the start angle of the damping force and the magnitude of the damping force by adjusting the effective width of the hinge bolt 42. This is achieved by inserting an Allen key into the structure 46 at the end of the hinge bolt and rotating the bolt 42 relative to the nut 44. Tightening the hinge bolt clamps the hinge assembly together, reducing the width of the space occupied by the compressible washer. Thereby, at a smaller opening degree of the jaws, the frictional damping force becomes larger. Additionally, the frictional force at the position of the maximum jaw opening increases.

[0032] Refer to again Figure 1 , the bracket includes a latching mechanism. When the bracket is placed in the closed state, a spring-loaded pawl inside the jaw 20 engages a structure in the jaw 30. The pawl of the latching mechanism is released by pressing the button 22.

[0033] As best seen in Figure 6 the carrier 10 also includes a locking mechanism that includes a key-operated lock cylinder 24. The lock cylinder can be placed in a locked state to prevent the button 22 from being depressed to release the latch mechanism.

[0034] The jaws are formed of cast aluminum. The pins 54 and hinge pins 42 and nuts 44 can be formed of steel.

[0035] An example of an article-carrying device incorporating the carrier 10 will now be described with reference to storing a hi lift jack in a vehicle. A hi lift jack is a piece of equipment for off-road / overland long-distance / travel vehicles. Its purpose is a mechanical vehicle jack / lift. Mechanization makes it a reliable component for agricultural applications or off-road vehicles in remote areas. Its stroke range is also advantageous compared to traditional automotive jacks / lifts. A hi lift jack is a large item that is inconvenient to carry inside a vehicle.

[0036] Referring again to Figure 1 and Figure 2 the carrier 10 is fitted with a removable insert that is provided as two halves 50, 52. The two halves are pushed into their respective jaws 20, 30. The insert is configured to adapt the carrier 10 for storing the hi lift jack. The insert halves are formed of an elastic material and are shaped such that in the closed state, the insert halves form a dog-bone-shaped orifice 57 that fits around the leg of the jack and a circular orifice 58 that fits around the handle of the jack. A pin 54 is provided in the insert half 50 that engages with one of a series of holes in the leg of the jack.

[0037] See Figure 6 and Figure 7 which shows two carriers 10 in a side-mounted configuration for holding a hi lift jack 110 relative to a vehicle. The carriers 10 are attached to the vehicle's roof rack 100 at spaced positions along the length of the side region of the roof rack 100.

[0038] For storing the hi lift jack, the carrier 10 is moved by the user to its open state. Then, the hi lift jack is rested on the two jaws 20 of the carrier such that the pins 54 of the insert (the pins 54 are best visible in Figure 7 respectively engage with one of a series of holes 112 provided along the length of the jack 110. The handle of the jack lies in the semi-circular recess 56 of the insert half 50. Then, one hand is used to lift the movable jaw 20 under each jaw 20 to rotate the jaws and the jack 110 in unison to close the carrier 10 by engaging the latch of the carrier, thereby obtaining Figure 8The configuration shown in. The elastomeric material of the insert becomes slightly compressed in the regions around the legs of the jack and the apertures 57, 58 of the handle to tightly clamp around the jack, thereby holding the jack in place. Now, the high-lift jack is held to carry on the vehicle. The bracket 10 can optionally be locked to prevent unauthorized removal of the jack.

[0039] To release the jack, press the latch buttons 22 of the bracket to release their respective latch mechanisms, and pull the jaws 20 in the downward direction. The bracket 10 is opened against the damping action of the compressible washer. This slows down the opening movement of the bracket, otherwise the bracket would open very suddenly under the weight of the jack 110, which can be about 14 kg - 16 kg. Otherwise, opening the bracket without damping would pose a danger / risk to the user or the vehicle when opening. In addition, when the bracket approaches the fully open position, the damping action prevents the jaws 20 from contacting the hard stops under high impact. With the bracket open, the jack 110 can be removed. Then, the brackets 10 can return to their closed state.

[0040] As explained above, the amount of friction and the opening angle of the applied damping can be adjusted by adjusting the hinge pins. Thus, the bracket can be adjusted to fit a lighter or heavier jack, or the bracket can be adjusted to be used with other accessories of different weights. The hinge pins can also be adjusted to increase the friction to compensate for the wear of the compressible washer over time.

[0041] Now refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 , which shows the use of the bracket in the top-mounted configuration. This device differs from the Figures 6 to 8 device in that the fixed lower jaws 30 are mounted in a horizontal rather than a vertical orientation. Also, the insert halves 50, 52 are swapped within the jaws such that the pin 54 is located in the fixed jaw 30. In this configuration, to store the jack, first place the bracket 10 in its open configuration. Overcome the damping action of the bracket by hand to sequentially raise the two movable jaws, and the bracket opens in the upward direction. The damping action holds the movable jaws 20 of the bracket in the open state. This allows the user to free up both hands to lift the jack and rest it on the two fixed jaws 30 so that the jack engages with the pin 54. Then, the movable jaws 20 can be closed by rotating them to their latch positions in the downward direction. Removal of the jack 110 is achieved by reversing the process.

[0042] Thus, the damping action provides both a safety feature to prevent sudden opening of the bracket and an ease of use that improves the smooth opening action and keeps the bracket open when in the top-mounted configuration.

[0043] By using different inserts in the bracket, the bracket 10 can be reconfigured for use with other types of articles. See Figure 11 An alternative insert is shown in the bracket formed by the halves 150, 151. The insert is formed of an elastomeric material and shaped to provide a diamond-shaped aperture 152. The insert can be used to store articles of different shapes, such as shovels, poles, or other articles, etc.

[0044] Thus, the embodiments have at least one of the following advantages:

[0045] · When the bracket holds heavy articles, the damping action provides a controlled opening operation of the bracket in the downward direction, thereby enhancing the safety of the operation.

[0046] · The progressive damping action can prevent the hinge from hitting its fully open stop in a sudden manner, enhancing the comfort of the operation.

[0047] · When used in the upward opening direction, the damping action allows the movable jaws of the bracket to remain open. This allows both hands to be used to lift the article to be held into the bracket.

[0048] · If the elastic washer wears over time, the gradual increase in the damping force generated by the angled offset surface is not immediately lost. Instead, the angle at which the frictional force starts to change.

[0049] · The replaceable insert allows the bracket to be used to hold various articles of different shapes.

[0050] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to the above exemplary preferred embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments, but rather can be embodied in many other forms, variations, and modifications other than those specifically described. The present disclosure includes all such variations and modifications. The present disclosure also includes all steps, features, components, and / or devices individually or jointly mentioned or indicated in the specification, and any and all suitable combinations or any two or more steps or features.

[0051] In this specification, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the word "comprising" is not intended to have an exclusive meaning such as "consisting only of", but rather has a non-exclusive meaning in the sense of "including at least". This also applies to other forms of the word such as "comprises", etc., with corresponding grammatical variations.

[0052] Other definitions of the selected terms used herein can be found in the detailed description and apply throughout. Unless otherwise defined, all other scientific and technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0053] Any commitments made in this document should be understood as relating to some embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to be commitments made with respect to the invention in all embodiments. In the event that there are commitments that are considered applicable to all embodiments of the invention, the applicant / patentee reserves the right to subsequently delete them from the description, and they do not depend on these commitments for acceptance or subsequent grant of a patent in any country.

[0054] In the foregoing description of certain embodiments, specific terms have been employed for the sake of clarity. However, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it should be understood that specific terms include other technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to achieve a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "left" and "right", "front" and "rear", "above" and "below" are used as words to conveniently provide reference points and should not be construed as limiting terms.

[0055] Unless otherwise indicated, any reference to prior art contained herein should not be taken as an admission that such information is common general knowledge.

[0056] Finally, it should be understood that various changes or additions can be made to the previously described components without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An article-carrying bracket for holding an article on a motor vehicle, the article-carrying bracket comprises: a first bracket member and a second bracket member; the bracket members are joined at a hinge and are rotatable relative to each other between a closed state and an open state; in the open state, the article to be carried can be introduced between the bracket members; in the closed state, the bracket members enclose and hold the article; and the bracket comprises a damping mechanism that inhibits movement of the bracket members from the closed state to the open state; and wherein the resistance of the damping mechanism gradually increases as the bracket moves towards the open state.

2. The bracket according to claim 1, wherein, the damping mechanism comprises planar surfaces provided on the first hinge member or the second hinge member, the planes of the surfaces being angled relative to the hinge axis; when in the closed state, the planes of the surfaces are substantially parallel to each other, and when the bracket moves from the closed state towards the open state, the surfaces cause interference to inhibit movement of the bracket members.

3. The bracket according to claim 2, wherein, at least one compressible washer is located between the surfaces.

4. The bracket according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the hinge comprises a hinge pin, and the hinge pin can be tightened or loosened to adjust the amount of damping of the movement applied to the bracket members.

5. The bracket according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a latching mechanism for holding the bracket in the closed state.

6. The bracket according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a locking mechanism to prevent unauthorized movement of the bracket towards the open state.

7. An article-carrying bracket for holding an article on a motor vehicle, the bracket comprises: a first bracket member and a second bracket member; the bracket members are joined at a hinge and are rotatable relative to each other between a closed state and an open state; in the open state, the article can be introduced between the bracket members; and in the closed state, the bracket members enclose and hold the article; and a removable insert; the removable insert is positioned inside the bracket members, and the insert engages and supports the article being held in the bracket in use.

8. The bracket according to claim 7, wherein, the insert comprises an upright pin that engages the shaft of a high-lift jack in use.

9. The bracket according to claim 7, wherein, the insert comprises a region of deformable elastic material that conforms to the article being held in use.

10. An article-carrying device on a vehicle, comprises: two or more brackets according to any one of the preceding claims, the brackets being mounted to the vehicle at spaced-apart positions to support different regions of an article in use.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein, One of the bracket members in each bracket is attached to the vehicle and the other bracket member is opened in the downward direction.

12. The device according to claim 10, wherein, One of the bracket members in each bracket is attached to the vehicle and the other bracket member is opened in the upward direction.

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