Pickup truck with cargo area and raised bike rack

Abstract

Device for transporting a bicycle having wheels (W) and a frame (F) in relation to a loading platform (12) of a pickup truck (10) having a tailgate (19), spaced-apart side walls (13) and a front wall (14), comprising: holding devices (40) for connecting to the spaced-apart side walls (13), each holding device (40) being designed to accommodate one of the wheels (W) of the bicycle; and a support (20) for connecting to the front wall (14) to support the frame (F) of the bicycle, each holding device (40) being height-adjustable to an elevated position above the loading platform (12).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] This document generally concerns the motor vehicle sector and in particular a pickup truck with a loading platform that has an elevated bicycle carrier. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] When a pickup truck user wants to transport one or more bicycles, the conventional options are to place the bicycles in the passenger compartment, arrange them within the cargo area, or use a suitable third-party bicycle carrier. Placing the bicycles inside the vehicle carries the risk of soiling and / or damaging the vehicle and potentially the bicycles themselves. Placing the bicycles in the cargo area, whether fully assembled or partially disassembled (for example, by removing one or both wheels), carries the risk of the bicycles shifting around, potentially being damaged, and reducing the available cargo space for other items.

[0003] Thus, a need was identified for an improved device for storing a bicycle in a vehicle, and in particular in the loading area of ​​a pickup truck. SUMMARY

[0004] In accordance with the purposes and advantages described herein, a pickup truck is provided which has a loading platform with a raised bicycle carrier. According to one aspect of the disclosure, a device for forming the carrier in the loading platform includes retaining devices for connecting to the spaced-apart side walls and designed for inserting one of the bicycle's wheels. A bracket for connecting to the front wall to support the bicycle frame is also provided.

[0005] In one embodiment, each holding device is height-adjustable to an elevated position above the loading platform. Each holding device can also be designed to be recessed, at least partially, within one of the spaced-apart side walls that define the loading platform. The holding devices can each include a receptacle designed to accommodate part of a bicycle wheel.

[0006] The bracket can be height-adjustable to an elevated position above the loading platform. The bracket can also be designed to connect to the front panel. In one embodiment, the bracket comprises a vertical section connected to a first transverse section for inserting the front panel, and a second transverse section for inserting the vehicle frame. One or more of the mounting devices, or the bracket itself, includes a strap for wrapping around the wheels or frame of the bicycle.

[0007] According to another aspect of the revelation, a pickup truck is designed for transporting a bicycle, which has wheels and a frame, in one direction of travel. The pickup includes a loading platform with side walls spaced apart in one direction transversely to the direction of travel. A retaining device on each side wall serves to insert or hold a wheel of the bicycle when it is aligned with its wheels spaced apart in the transverse direction.

[0008] In one embodiment, each side wall includes an upper surface from which the holding device projects in an extended position. The holding device may include a section recessed within a corresponding side wall and extendable from this recess to a raised position. The pickup may further include a tailgate, a front wall spaced from the tailgate in the direction of travel, and a bracket for attaching to the front wall to store the bicycle frame. The bracket may be height-adjustable to accommodate a variety of bicycle sizes and shapes. One or both of the holding device or the bracket may include a receptacle for receiving the bicycle's wheels or frame.

[0009] Another aspect of the revelation concerns a pickup truck designed to transport a bicycle, consisting of wheels and a frame, in one direction of travel. The pickup includes a cargo bed with side walls spaced perpendicular to the direction of travel, a tailgate, and a front wall spaced parallel to the tailgate. A height-adjustable bracket is attached to the front wall to support the bicycle frame.

[0010] In another embodiment, retaining devices can be provided on the side walls to hold the bicycle wheels. The holder can be mounted on the front wall. One or both of the retaining devices or holders include a receptacle for receiving the bicycle wheels or frame.

[0011] The following description shows and describes several preferred embodiments of an elevated bicycle carrier for the bed of a pickup truck. It should be noted that the arrangement is capable of other, different embodiments, and its various details can be modified in several obvious aspects without deviating from the bed, which has an elevated bicycle carrier, as set out and described in the following claims. Therefore, the drawings and descriptions are to be considered illustrative and not limiting. List of characters

[0012] The accompanying diagrams, which are included herein and form part of the description, illustrate several aspects of a loading platform with a raised bicycle carrier and, together with the description, serve to explain certain principles. Description of the diagrams: Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a loading area, such as for a pickup truck or similar vehicle, which includes a raised bicycle carrier; and Fig. Figure 2 is a side view of a bracket for storing a bicycle frame in conjunction with a loading platform; Fig. Figure 3 is a side view of a holding device for a bicycle wheel in conjunction with a loading platform; and Fig. Figure 4 is a top view of a loading platform with the bracket and holding devices that store a bicycle.

[0013] A detailed reference will now be made to the present preferred embodiments of a loading platform which has a raised bicycle carrier, examples of which are explained in the accompanying drawing figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] With reference to Fig. 1 includes a pickup truck 10 a loading area 12 , which forms its rear section. The loading area 12 generally includes vertical, upright side walls 13 , which are in a transverse direction T to the direction of travel D of the vehicle 10 are spaced apart, a front wall 14 and a floor 15 The vehicle's frame 10 includes a generally vertical D-pillar 16, which is located at the rear end of the loading area 12 adjacent to the swiveling tailgate 19 The tailgate is located. 19 extends across the ground 15 between the side walls13 at the rearmost section of the loading area 12 The tailgate 19 It can be swivelled on the floor 15 mounted and is between an upright closed position, perpendicular to the ground 15 and generally opposite the front wall 14 is aligned, and a lowered open position, which is an extension of the floor 15 backwards of the side walls 13 forms, mobile.

[0015] According to one aspect of the revelation and with further reference to Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 is the loading area 12 with a device for storing a bicycle in a stable state during transport through the vehicle 10 A bracket can be used to store a bicycle frame. 20 for connecting to the front wall 14 the loading area 12 be provided. How best to do this with reference to Fig.2. To understand, the holder can 20 a generally vertical section 22 include, which has spaced-out cross sections 24 , 26 is connected. The lower transverse section 24 In its upright state, it includes a connector, such as a fork head. 25 , which has a railing 28 can accommodate areas that extend along a section of the loading platform 12 extends, for example, along an upper section of the front wall 14 , but under the cabin. A fastener, such as a bolt or pin P (or several bolts / pins), can be used to connect it to the railing. 28 to be carried out in a safe and stable but releasable manner, whereby the mounting 20 with the front wall 14 is connected.

[0016] Additionally or optionally, the upper transverse section can 26 a recording 30include, which is designed to pick up and hold the bicycle frame F when the bicycle is oriented in a transverse direction (along with an optional strap). 32 , the one with the bracket 20 is connected). The recording 30 It can generally be U-shaped to accommodate the frame F in a vertical direction when the bracket is oriented as illustrated in the assembled state. The vertical section 22 The bracket can be constructed like a telescope to allow height adjustment (see arrow A), and a suitable bolt or pin P can be passed through it and engage aligned openings at the selected height.

[0017] An individual mount for each wheel of the bicycle can be achieved using a mounting device. 40 be provided along each side wall 13 the loading area 12 is provided. The holding device 40can at least partially within the corresponding side wall 13 It may be recessed and, in an extended state, may protrude through an opening O to allow height adjustment (see arrow B). The holding device can be located along an upper section. 40 an optional recording 42 to accommodate wheel W. When stowed, the mount can 42 with the upper surface of the side wall 13 be flush or recessed within the opening O, and a suitable cap or cover (not shown) can be provided. A strap 44 can also be used with any holding device 40 be connected to assist in holding the wheel W in the deployed position.

[0018] During use, the holder 20 and the holding devices 40 to the desired height above the loading platform 12The supports can be extended to store the bicycle over the frame F and the wheels W. In this way, the bicycle is securely held in a desirable upright position at three connection points (which helps to prevent slipping, rocking, or swaying) without resting on the ground. 15 to touch (thereby leaving the loading area open for picking up cargo). The bracket 20 It is also fully height-adjustable to avoid problems in situations with low clearance (and also variable for different sizes or shapes of bicycles with regard to the independent adjustability of the mount). 20 and the holding devices 40 Disassembling the bicycle for transport is also unnecessary.

[0019] When not in use, the holding devices can 40 can be easily stored, and the holder 20can be removed from the mounted position for easy storage in the loading area 12 or solved elsewhere. Alternatively, the bracket can be... 20 be designed to be used with the vehicle 10 to remain connected and easily swivel between the stowed and extended positions. While it is desirable that each of the mounts 20 and the holding devices 40 While they are fully and independently height-adjustable, it is also an option to use only the holding devices. 40 to manufacture in a height-adjustable manner (in this case, the bracket would be 20 (are at a fixed height) or only to manufacture the bracket to be height-adjustable (in which case the holding devices would be 40 (at a fixed height). The bracket 20It can also be provided with multiple mounts (not shown) and a corresponding number of mounting devices can be provided to accommodate multiple bicycles.

[0020] The foregoing description has been set forth for illustrative purposes. It is not to be understood as exhaustive and is not intended to limit the embodiments to the exact form disclosed. In light of the foregoing teaching, obvious modifications and variations are possible. All such modifications and changes are within the scope of the appended claims if they are interpreted in accordance with the patent law to the extent that they are reasonable, legal, and equitable.

Claims

[1] Device for storing a bicycle having wheels and a frame in relation to a loading area of ​​a pickup truck having a tailgate, spaced-apart side walls and a front wall, comprising: Holding devices for connecting to the spaced side walls, each holding device being designed to accommodate one of the bicycle's wheels; and a bracket to connect to the front wall in order to store the bicycle frame. [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein each holding device is height-adjustable to an elevated position above the loading area. [3] Device according to claim 1, wherein each holding device is designed to be recessed at least partially within one of the spaced-apart side walls. [4] Device according to claim 1, wherein each holding device includes a receptacle designed to receive a part of a wheel of the bicycle. [5] Device according to claim 1, wherein the holder is height-adjustable to an elevated position above the loading area. [6] Device according to claim 1, wherein the holder is further designed to connect to the front wall. [7] Device according to claim 1, wherein the holder comprises a vertical section which is connected to a first transverse section for inserting the front wall and a second transverse section for inserting the frame of the vehicle. [8] Device according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the holding devices or the holder includes a strap for wrapping around the wheels or frame of the bicycle. [9] Pickup comprising the device according to claim 1. [10] Pickup truck designed for transporting a bicycle having wheels and a frame in one direction of travel, comprising: a loading platform having side walls spaced apart in one direction perpendicular to the direction of travel; and a holding device on each side wall for inserting a wheel of the bicycle when it is aligned with spaced-apart wheels in the transverse direction. [11] Pickup according to claim 10, wherein each side wall includes an upper surface from which the holding device protrudes in an extended position. [12] Pickup according to claim 10, wherein the holding device includes a section which is recessed within a corresponding of the side walls and which can be extended from this to a raised position. [13] Pickup according to claim 10, further comprising a tailgate, a front wall spaced apart from the tailgate in the direction of travel and a support connected to the front wall for storing the frame of the bicycle. [14] Pickup according to claim 13, wherein the bracket is height adjustable. [15] Pickup according to claim 13, wherein the bracket is mounted on the front wall. [16] Pickup according to claim 15, wherein the holding device or the holder includes a receptacle for receiving the wheels or the frame of the bicycle. [17] Pickup truck designed for transporting a bicycle having wheels and a frame in one direction of travel, comprising: a loading platform having side walls spaced apart in one direction transversely to the direction of travel, a tailgate and a front wall spaced apart from the tailgate in the direction of travel; and a height-adjustable bracket connected to the front wall to accommodate and store the bicycle frame when it is positioned perpendicular to the direction of travel. [18] Pickup according to claim 17, further comprising holding devices connected to the side walls for receiving the wheels of the bicycle. [19] Pickup according to claim 18, wherein one or more of the holding devices or the holder includes a receptacle for receiving the wheels or frame of the bicycle. [20] Pickup according to claim 17, wherein the bracket is mounted on an upper section of the front wall.

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