MOTOR VEHICLE WITH INTEGRATED BICYCLE CARRIER

Abstract

Bicycle carrier (12) for a motor vehicle (10) with a storage area (44) closed by a lock (20), comprising: a support arm (22); a first threshold segment (34) on the support arm (22) and aligned with a locking threshold (16) of the motor vehicle (10) when the bicycle carrier (12) is in a stowed position, so that the lock (20) seals against the locking threshold (16) and the first threshold segment (34) when the bicycle carrier (12) is in the stowed position; a second threshold segment (36) on the support arm (22) and aligned with the locking threshold (16) when the bicycle carrier (12) is in an extended position, so that the lock (20) seals against the locking threshold (16) and the second threshold segment (36) when the bicycle carrier (12) is in the extended position; and a base (38) adjacent to the locking threshold (16) which includes a recess (40) which receives and holds the support arm (22) when the bicycle carrier (12) is in the stowed position.

Description

[0001] This document generally concerns the field of motor vehicle equipment and in particular a bicycle carrier that can be integrated into the design of a motor vehicle, as well as a motor vehicle that includes an integrated bicycle carrier.

[0002] The concept of providing a bicycle carrier that can be installed on a motor vehicle to carry one or more bicycles is well-established in engineering. Unfortunately, state-of-the-art bicycle carriers are generally retrofitted devices that are impractical. If a bicycle is to be carried, the bicycle carrier must be installed on the vehicle. Installing the bicycle carrier is usually time-consuming and sometimes frustrating. It is also very easy to damage the finished surfaces of the vehicle during the installation process.

[0003] These types of bicycle carriers are also somewhat cumbersome and, when installed, can obstruct or impair the proper operation of a trunk lid, tailgate, or other vehicle locking mechanism. Accordingly, it is often desirable to remove the bicycle carrier from the vehicle when not in use. However, removal can be another time-consuming and frustrating task and presents a further opportunity to accidentally scratch, damage, or otherwise harm the vehicle's finished surfaces. Furthermore, once removed, the bicycle carrier must be stored and is often in the way in a garage or other storage area.

[0004] DE 102 52 133 A1 is known from the prior art.This describes a bicycle carrier for a motor vehicle with a storage area closed by a lock, comprising a carrier arm, a first sill segment aligned with a locking sill of the motor vehicle when the bicycle carrier is in a stowed position, so that the lock seals against the locking sill and the first sill segment when the bicycle carrier is in the stowed position, a second sill segment on the carrier arm aligned with the locking sill when the bicycle carrier is in an extended position, so that the lock seals against the locking sill and the second sill segment when the bicycle carrier is in the extended position, and a base adjacent to the locking sill that receives and holds the carrier arm when the bicycle carrier is in the stowed position.Furthermore, a motor vehicle with a locking threshold, a slot and the bicycle carrier is described, as well as a method for integrating the bicycle carrier with the motor vehicle.

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide a new and improved bicycle carrier that is integrated into the design of a motor vehicle, as well as a motor vehicle that includes an integrated bicycle carrier. Furthermore, a method for integrating the bicycle carrier is to be provided.

[0006] The tasks are solved through independent demands.

[0007] The dependent claims specify advantageous embodiments.

[0008] Accordingly, the integrated bicycle carrier is stowed on the vehicle in an aesthetically pleasing manner and is always available to be conveniently extended and used by the driver as needed.

[0009] According to the invention, a bicycle carrier for a motor vehicle is provided with a storage area closed by a lock.This bicycle carrier comprises a support arm, a first sill segment on the support arm and aligned with a locking sill of the vehicle when the bicycle carrier is in a stowed position, so that the lock seals against the locking sill and the first sill segment when the bicycle carrier is in the stowed position, a second sill segment on the support arm and aligned with the locking sill when the bicycle carrier is in an extended position, so that the lock seals against the locking sill and the second sill segment when the bicycle carrier is in the extended position, and a base adjacent to the locking sill that includes a recess which receives and holds the support arm when the bicycle carrier is in the stowed position.The bicycle carrier may also include a pivot pin that connects the carrier arm to the motor vehicle.

[0010] The support arm can also include a U-shaped bicycle carrier element.

[0011] According to the invention, a motor vehicle is further provided comprising a locking threshold, including a slot, a bicycle carrier having a first threshold segment which is received in the slot when the bicycle carrier is in a stowed position and a second threshold segment which is received in the slot when the bicycle carrier is in the extended position and a base adjacent to the locking threshold which includes a recess which receives and holds the carrier arm when the bicycle carrier is in the stowed position.

[0012] The bicycle carrier can include a support arm. Furthermore, a pivot pin can be provided that connects the support arm to a bicycle carrier support on the vehicle.

[0013] The first threshold segment can be supported by the base. Likewise, the second threshold segment can be supported by the base. Furthermore, the first and second threshold segments can be opposite each other.

[0014] Additionally, the vehicle may include a floor adjacent to the locking threshold. This floor may include a recess that receives and holds the support arm when the bicycle carrier is in the stowed position. Furthermore, the recess may align with the slot in the locking threshold.

[0015] Furthermore, the support arm can incorporate a U-shaped bicycle carrier element. The vehicle can also incorporate a locking mechanism that fits properly and seals against (a) the locking threshold and the first threshold segment when the bicycle carrier is in the stowed position, and (b) the locking threshold and the second threshold segment when the bicycle carrier is in the extended position.

[0016] The invention further relates to a method for integrating a bicycle carrier with a motor vehicle, comprising the following steps: providing a bicycle carrier with a first sill segment and a second sill segment, incorporating a slot into a locking sill of the motor vehicle, aligning the first sill segment in the slot when the bicycle carrier is in a stowed position, aligning the second sill segment in the slot when the bicycle carrier is in an extended position, and holding a support arm of the bicycle carrier in a recess in a floor of the motor vehicle when the bicycle carrier is in the stowed position.

[0017] Furthermore, the procedure may include the step of closing and sealing a closure against the closure threshold and the first threshold segment when the bicycle carrier is in the stowed position. Furthermore, the procedure may include the step of closing and sealing the closure against the closure threshold and the second threshold segment when the bicycle carrier is in the extended position.

[0018] Furthermore, the procedure may include the step of pivoting the bicycle carrier between the stowed position and the extended position. Additionally, the procedure may include the step of holding one support arm of the bicycle carrier in a recess in the floor of the vehicle when the bicycle carrier is in the stowed position.

[0019] The following description shows and describes a preferred embodiment of the bicycle carrier and the motor vehicle containing the integrated bicycle carrier.

[0020] The following applies to the figures in the drawings: Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating the motor vehicle with the integrated bicycle carrier in the stowed position. Fig. Figure 1a is a detailed schematic top view of the locking threshold, showing the bicycle carrier in the stowed position. Fig. Figure 1b is a detailed schematic elevation view from the outside of the rear of the motor vehicle, showing the bicycle carrier in the stowed position. Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic side elevation view illustrating how the bicycle carrier pivots between the stowed position, in which the carrier arm of the bicycle carrier is received in a recess in the floor of the motor vehicle, and an extended position, in which the carrier arm of the bicycle carrier extends backward from the rear bumper of the motor vehicle and is positioned to hold a bicycle. Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective exterior view of the motor vehicle, illustrating the bicycle carrier in the extended position, ready to receive and hold a bicycle. Fig. Figure 3a is a detailed schematic top view of the locking threshold, showing the bicycle carrier in the extended position. Fig. Figure 3b is a detailed schematic elevation view from the inside, showing the bicycle carrier in the extended position. Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective external view illustrating the bicycle carrier in its stowed position.

[0021] Now, the focus will shift to... Fig. Reference is made to Figures 1-3, which illustrate a motor vehicle 10 that includes a fully integrated bicycle carrier 12. As illustrated, the motor vehicle 10 includes a body 14 which has a locking threshold 16 at the bottom of a locking opening 18, which is closed by the lock 20.

[0022] In the illustrated embodiment, the closure 20 comprises a trunk lid. However, it should be noted that the closure 20 could comprise a hatchback panel, a tailgate, or another type of motor vehicle closure.

[0023] The bicycle carrier 12 includes a support arm 22, which is connected by means of a pivot pin 24 to a bicycle carrier support 26, such as a part of the body or frame of the motor vehicle 10. The support arm 22 can include a U-shaped bicycle carrier element 30, which is adapted to engage with or hold one or more bicycles (not shown). When extended, lines, such as tension straps, ropes, or bands (not shown), can be used to secure a bicycle to the U-shaped bicycle carrier element 30 in a manner known in the art.

[0024] As illustrated in the drawing figures, the locking threshold 16 encloses a slot 32. The support arm 22 encloses a first threshold segment 34 and a second threshold segment 36. The support arm 22 is oriented such that the first threshold segment 34 is aligned with the locking threshold 16 and is received in the slot 32, completely filling it when the bicycle carrier is in the stowed position shown in the diagram. Fig. Figure 1-1b illustrates this. In contrast, the second threshold segment 36 is aligned with the locking threshold 16 and is received in the slot 32, filling it when the bicycle carrier 12 is in the extended position, which is shown in Fig. 3-3b is illustrated.

[0025] In the embodiment described in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 1, the motor vehicle 10 includes a floor 38 adjacent to the locking threshold 16. A recess 40 with a shape complementary to the support arm 22, including the U-shaped bicycle carrier element 30, is provided in the floor 38. This recess 40 has an open end 42 that communicates with the slot 32 in the locking threshold 16. Thus, when the bicycle carrier 12 is in the stowed position, the support arm 22 is received in the recess 40, with the upper surface of the support arm being substantially flush with the surface of the floor 38. Accordingly, when the bicycle carrier 12 is in the stowed position, it is received in a manner that allows full use of the storage area 44 of the motor vehicle 10, while conveniently positioning it for easy access.

[0026] Furthermore, as can be seen from the consideration of the Fig. As shown in Figures 1-1b and 4, the lock 20 is properly seated and seals against the locking threshold 16 and the first threshold segment 34 when the bicycle carrier 12 is in the stowed position. See the locking seal 46, which is supported by the lock 20. A U-shaped seal 48 can be supported by the vehicle 10 to seal the sides and bottom of the slot 32 around the carrier arm 22.

[0027] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 2, when the bicycle carrier 12 is to be extended, only the bicycle carrier 12 and the pivot pin 24 are pivoted (see arrow A) until the support arm 22, including the U-shaped bicycle carrier element 30, protrudes rearward from the rear bumper 50 of the vehicle 10. In this position, the support arm 22, including the U-shaped bicycle carrier element 30, is ready to receive and hold one or more bicycles.

[0028] Furthermore, as can be seen from the consideration of the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3-3b, the closure 20 is properly seated and the closure seal 46 seals properly against the closure threshold 16 and the second threshold segment 36 in the slot 32, thus sealing the storage area 44 against inclement weather. It should be noted again that the U-shaped seal 48 provides a seal between the support arm 22 and the rear skirt 50, which forms the side walls and the underside of the slot 32.

[0029] In accordance with the foregoing description, a method for integrating a bicycle carrier 12 with a motor vehicle 10 is provided. The method comprises the following steps: (a) providing the bicycle carrier 12 with a first sill segment 34 and a second sill segment 36, (b) integrating a slot 32 into the locking sill 16 of the motor vehicle 10, (c) aligning the first sill segment in the slot when the bicycle carrier is in a stowed position, as shown in Fig. 1-1b illustrates and (d) aligning the second threshold segment in the slot when the bicycle carrier is in the extended position, as shown in Fig. 3-3b illustrated.

[0030] The procedure can also include the step of closing and sealing the closure 20 against the closure threshold 16 and the first threshold segment 34 when the bicycle carrier 12 is in the stowed position, as shown in Fig. 1-1b is illustrated. Additionally, the method includes the step of closing and sealing the closure 20 against the closure threshold 16 and the second threshold segment 36 when the bicycle carrier is in the extended position shown in Fig. 3-3b is illustrated.

[0031] Additionally, the procedure includes the step of pivoting the bicycle carrier 12 between the stowed position and the extended position. As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 2, the bicycle carrier 12 is pivoted about the pivot pin 24, which connects the carrier arm 22 to the bicycle carrier support 26 of the motor vehicle 10. See action arrow A.

[0032] Additionally, the procedure includes the step of holding the support arm 22 of the bicycle carrier 12 in a recess 40 in the floor 38 of the motor vehicle when the bicycle carrier is in the stowed position (see Fig. 1, Fig. 1a and Fig. 2) Accordingly, it is understood that the motor vehicle includes a dedicated storage space (i.e., the recess 40 in the floor 38) for the bicycle carrier when it is not in use. Therefore, the normal storage space of the motor vehicle above the floor 38 is kept free for storing other items.

[0033] The new and improved integrated bicycle carrier 12 and the motor vehicle 10 equipped with the integrated bicycle carrier offer a number of advantages and benefits. Using the bicycle carrier 12 is very simple. The bicycle carrier 12 is conveniently stored in a recess 40 in the floor 38 of the motor vehicle, where it is out of the way, does not obstruct the use of the storage area, but is nevertheless always ready for use. All that is required is to open the lock 20 and pivot the bicycle carrier 12 into the extended position, as indicated by the arrow A in the diagram. Fig. 2 is illustrated, and then a bicycle is attached to the U-shaped bicycle carrier element 30.

[0034] By incorporating a locking threshold 16 with a slot 32 through which the support arm 22 of the bicycle carrier 12 can be extended, and by providing the support arm with two threshold segments 34, 36 to fill the slot and close the threshold when the bicycle carrier 12 is either in the stowed or extended position, the locking mechanism 20 seals the storage compartment / closing opening when the bicycle carrier is in either of the two positions. Thus, the storage area of ​​the vehicle 10 can be isolated from ambient weather conditions at all times.

Claims

[1] Bicycle carrier (12) for a motor vehicle (10) with a storage area (44) closed by a lock (20), comprising: a support arm (22); a first threshold segment (34) on the support arm (22) and aligned with a locking threshold (16) of the motor vehicle (10) when the bicycle carrier (12) is in a stowed position, so that the lock (20) seals against the locking threshold (16) and the first threshold segment (34) when the bicycle carrier (12) is in the stowed position; a second threshold segment (36) on the support arm (22) and aligned with the locking threshold (16) when the bicycle carrier (12) is in an extended position, so that the lock (20) seals against the locking threshold (16) and the second threshold segment (36) when the bicycle carrier (12) is in the extended position; and a base (38) adjacent to the locking threshold (16) which includes a recess (40) which receives and holds the support arm (22) when the bicycle carrier (12) is in the stowed position. [2] Bicycle carrier (12) according to claim 1, further including a pivot pin (24) connecting the carrier arm (22) to the motor vehicle (10). [3] Bicycle carrier (12) according to claim 2, wherein the carrier arm (22) further includes a U-shaped bicycle carrier element (30). [4] Motor vehicle (10), comprising: a locking threshold (16), including a slot (32); a bicycle carrier (12) comprising a first sill segment (34) which is received in the slot (32) when the bicycle carrier (12) is in a stowed position and a second sill segment (36) which is received in the slot (32) when the bicycle carrier (12) is in an extended position; and a base (38) adjacent to the locking threshold (16) which includes a recess (40) which receives and holds the support arm (22) when the bicycle carrier (12) is in the stowed position. [5] Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 4, wherein the bicycle carrier (12) has a base from which the carrier arm (22) protrudes. [6] Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 5, further including a pivot pin (24) connecting the support arm (22) to a bicycle carrier support (26). [7] Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 6, wherein the first sill segment (34) is located on the support arm (22). [8] Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 7, wherein the second sill segment (36) is located on the support arm (22) opposite the first sill segment (34). [9] Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 8, wherein the recess (40) communicates with the slot (32) in the locking threshold (16). [10] Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 9, wherein the support arm (22) includes a U-shaped bicycle carrier element (30). [11] Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 10, further comprising a closure (20) that is properly seated and seals against (a) the closure threshold (16) and the first threshold segment (34) when the bicycle carrier (12) is in the stowed position and (b) the closure threshold (16) and the second threshold segment (36) when the bicycle carrier (12) is in the extended position. [12] Method for integrating a bicycle carrier (12) with a motor vehicle (10), comprising: Providing a bicycle carrier (12) with a first threshold segment (34) and a second threshold segment (36); Incorporating a slot (32) into a locking threshold (16) of the motor vehicle (10); Aligning the first threshold segment (34) in the slot (32) when the bicycle carrier (12) is in a stowed position; Aligning the second threshold segment (36) in the slot (32) when the bicycle carrier (12) is in an extended position; and Holding a support arm (22) of the bicycle carrier (12) in a recess (40) in a floor (38) of the motor vehicle (10) when the bicycle carrier (12) is in the stowed position. [13] Method according to claim 12, including closing and sealing a closure (20) against the closure threshold (16) and the first threshold segment (34) when the bicycle carrier (12) is in a stowed position. [14] Method according to claim 13, including closing and sealing the closure (20) against the closure threshold (16) and the second threshold segment (36) when the bicycle carrier (12) is in the extended position. [15] Method according to claim 14, including pivoting the bicycle carrier (12) between the stowed position and the extended position.

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