bicycle carrier

Abstract

Bicycle carrier of a motor vehicle with a base carrier (2) with at least one support element (3) for setting up the bicycle and with at least one holding element (4) with a gripping element (7) which serves to grasp and hold an element to be held, wherein the gripping element (7) defines a receiving volume (8) which it at least partially encloses and into which the element to be held can be placed, wherein the gripping element (7) has an element (10) on the surface (9) facing the receiving volume (8) for securing the element to be held.for releasing the element to be held, wherein the gripping element (7) has two arms (13, 14) that can pivot relative to each other, wherein the arms (13, 14) can be adjusted and fixed relative to each other by means of an adjusting means (15), characterized in that the element has a tube-like element (10) which is provided with a valve (11) so that it can be filled with a gas and the gas can also be released again, wherein the tube-like element (10) is attached to the two arms (13, 14).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a bicycle carrier with a holding element according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Bicycle carriers are known in various designs in the prior art. These include roof-mounted and rear-mounted carriers, the latter being attached to a tailgate or a trailer hitch. Such bicycle carriers typically consist of a base carrier with a platform on which the bicycle is placed. The base carrier is attached to the vehicle. Furthermore, these carriers typically include a support element, attached to a bar, which serves to grip and hold the bicycle frame. This bar is also typically attached to the base carrier.

[0003] The holding element is designed like a gripper with two jaws that can be adjusted and locked in place using an adjustment mechanism. This allows it to grip a tube of the bicycle frame and hold the frame securely. The two jaws are coated with a thin layer of plastic to prevent damage or scratching of the frame tube.

[0004] However, in practice, it repeatedly becomes apparent that the diversity of bicycle frames pushes the limits of bicycle carriers. Depending on the diameter of the frame tube, its shape or cross-section, and its geometry, it is more or less possible, or even impossible, for the mounting element to securely grip and hold the frame tube. It also becomes apparent that the thin plastic layer has little flexibility and offers little support for a proper fit on bicycle frame tubes that deviate from a standard design.

[0005] EP 3 378 741 A1 discloses a bicycle carrier according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0006] The object of the present invention is therefore to create a bicycle carrier with a holding element which allows a secure gripping and holding of the bicycle frame even with a wide variety of bicycle frame designs.

[0007] The problem with the bicycle carrier is solved by the features of claim 1.

[0008] One embodiment of the invention relates to a bicycle carrier for a motor vehicle with a base carrier having at least one support element for setting up the bicycle and with at least one holding element having a gripping element which serves to grasp and hold an element to be held, wherein the gripping element defines a receiving volume which it at least partially encloses and into which the element to be held can be placed, wherein the gripping element has a hose-like element on the surface facing the receiving volume which is provided with a valve so that it can be filled with a gas and the gas can also be released again, for securing the element to be held.For releasing the element to be held, the gripping element has two arms that are pivotable relative to each other, the arms being adjustable and lockable relative to each other by means of an adjusting device, the element having a tube-like element equipped with a valve so that it can be filled with gas and the gas can also be released, and the tube-like element being attached to the two arms. This allows the gripping element to be adapted to the contour of the element to be held, such as a bicycle frame, etc., by inflating or filling the tube-like element, so that the bicycle carrier can also be used for a variety of bicycle frame contours.

[0009] The gripping element according to the invention has the advantage that it can, for example, grip a bicycle frame tube, so that the holding force can be distributed more effectively around the tube, especially since the tubes of modern bicycles are becoming increasingly thin-walled and therefore more susceptible to compressive forces. This advantageously prevents pressure or stress from being applied to the frame as the element being held, thus reducing the risk of damage. The gripping element is therefore very gentle on the material. Furthermore, the gripping element ensures a secure hold on the element being held, preventing or reducing slippage of the element within the gripping element.

[0010] It is also advantageous that the tube-like element and the air cushion formed by it create a damped holding connection, so that the transmission of vibrations at the point of contact from the gripping element to the element to be held is either eliminated or reduced, which means relief for the element to be held, such as a bicycle, because it is not exposed to vibrations or only to a reduced extent, because the undamped mass is reduced.

[0011] It is particularly advantageous if the hose-like element is equipped with a connecting pipe that carries the valve. This allows the valve to be easily accessible, ensuring simple and straightforward handling during inflation or deflation. Alternatively, the valve can also be located directly on the hose-like element.

[0012] It is also advantageous if the tube-like element is divided into several chambers, so that the chambers can be filled together or individually, such as by inflation. This prevents, for example, all chambers from deflating if one chamber malfunctions.

[0013] It is particularly advantageous if the tubular element is attached to the gripping element by means of retaining devices and / or glued to the gripping element or the retaining devices. This allows the tubular element to be replaced easily and simply should it ever leak.

[0014] It is particularly advantageous if the gripping element has two arms that can pivot relative to each other, and the arms can be adjusted and locked in position relative to each other by means of an adjustment device. This allows the gripping element to be pre-adjusted to the contour of the object to be held, such as a bicycle frame.

[0015] It is also advantageous if the gripping element has an open end, wherein the open end of the gripping element is arranged, in particular, between the two arms and can be closed by means of a band, strap, or rubber element. The band, strap, or rubber element can also be tensioned between the two arms, for example, as a tensioning strap, tension band, or elastic band. This closes the open end and advantageously prevents the element being held from being unintentionally lost, especially if the tubular element loses its filling.

[0016] It is particularly advantageous and practical if the adjusting device is a screw or a clamping device. This allows the gripping element to be adjusted and set quickly and easily.

[0017] It is also advantageous if the tube-like element is attached to both arms. This allows the tube-like element to be adjusted along with the gripping element.

[0018] It is particularly advantageous if each support element is assigned a holding element, so that each bicycle to be held can be secured with its own holding element and held safely.

[0019] It is particularly advantageous if fastening means are provided on the bicycle carrier to attach it to a motor vehicle, especially to the roof, rear, tailgate, or trailer hitch. This allows for a suitable and optional method of arrangement and attachment to the vehicle.

[0020] It is particularly advantageous if a pressurizing device is provided for inflating the tube-like element, especially a pump and / or a gas pressure reservoir. This allows for quick and easy inflation of the tube-like element. The pump can be, for example, a manually operated pump, an electric pump, or a gas cartridge filled with air, nitrogen, etc., can be used. This pressurizing device can be attached to the bicycle carrier or integrated into it.

[0021] The invention will now be explained in detail using an exemplary embodiment and with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a bicycle carrier according to the invention with a holding element, and Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a holding element.

[0022] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a bicycle carrier 1, in particular a carrier 1, especially for a motor vehicle. This bicycle carrier 1 can be advantageously designed for one bicycle to be transported or for several bicycles to be transported. In principle, however, the carrier 1 can also be used for other objects, so that the term bicycle carrier 1 is only synonymous with an object to be carried in general.

[0023] The bicycle carrier 1 has a base carrier 2 with at least one support element 3 for placing the bicycle. Depending on the design of the bicycle carrier 1, it can also be used for multiple bicycles. In this case, a corresponding number of support elements 3 are provided. Corresponding to the number of support elements 3, corresponding movable and / or pivotable retaining elements 4 are provided on the base carrier 2. Fig. Figure 1 shows only one retaining element 4 as an example. However, multiple retaining elements 4 can also be used.

[0024] Depending on the number of support elements 3, it is expedient to assign one holding element 4 to each support element 3.

[0025] Furthermore, the base carrier 2 has fastening means 5 which are provided on the bicycle carrier 1 in order to be able to attach the bicycle carrier 1 to a motor vehicle, in particular to a roof of the motor vehicle, to a rear of the motor vehicle, to a rear door or tailgate of the motor vehicle and / or to a trailer hitch of the motor vehicle.

[0026] Since the retaining element 4 has an inflatable, tube-like element, a pressurizing device 6 is optionally provided for inflating the tube-like element. The pressurizing device 6 is preferably a pump and / or a gas pressure reservoir. The pump can be manually operated, foot-operated, or otherwise manually operated. The pump can also be electrically operated. The gas pressure reservoir can be, for example, a cartridge filled with a gas, such as air, nitrogen, CO2, etc. The pressurizing device 6 can be attached to or integrated into the bicycle carrier 1, in particular the base carrier 2.

[0027] The retaining element 4 according to the invention is described with reference to Fig. 2 explained in more detail. The holding element 1 has a gripping element 7, which serves to grasp and hold an element to be held, for example a tube of a bicycle frame or similar.

[0028] The gripping element 7 defines a receiving volume 8, which it at least partially encloses and into which the element to be held can be placed.

[0029] According to the invention, the gripping element 7 has a hose-like element 10 on the surface 9 facing the receiving volume 8, which is provided with a valve 11 so that it can be filled with a gas and the gas can also be released again, for securing the element to be held or for releasing the element to be held.

[0030] The hose-like element 10 can also be equipped with a connecting line that carries the valve 11. This allows the valve 11 to be positioned somewhat away from the hose-like element 10, thus improving accessibility to the valve 11.

[0031] It is also advantageous if the tube-like element 10 is attached to the gripping element 7 by means of retaining means and / or is glued to the gripping element 7 or to the retaining means by means of adhesive 12.

[0032] In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 2 The gripping element 7 has two arms 13, 14 that are pivotable relative to each other, wherein the arms 13, 14 can be adjusted and fixed relative to each other by means of an adjusting means 15. The adjusting means 15 can be a screw or a clamping means. A joint 16 is provided for pivoting the arms 13, 14 relative to each other.

[0033] Out of Fig. Figure 2 also shows that the tube-like element 10 is attached to the two arms 13, 14. Reference symbol list 1 bicycle carrier / carrier 2 base supports 3. Upright element 4 retaining elements 5 Fasteners 6 Pressure-pressurizing devices 7 Gripping element 8 recording volume 9 area 10 tubular elements 11 valve 12 Adhesive 13 Arm 14 Arm 15 Adjustment devices 16 joint

Claims

[1] Bicycle carrier for a motor vehicle comprising a base carrier (2) with at least one support element (3) for setting up the bicycle and with at least one holding element (4) with a gripping element (7) which serves to grasp and hold an element to be held, wherein the gripping element (7) defines a receiving volume (8) which it at least partially encloses and into which the element to be held can be placed, wherein the gripping element (7) has an element (10) on the surface (9) facing the receiving volume (8) for securing or releasing the element to be held, wherein the gripping element (7) has two arms (13, 14) that are pivotable relative to each other, wherein the arms (13, 14) are adjustable and lockable relative to each other by means of an adjusting means (15), characterized by, that the element has a tube-like element (10) which is provided with a valve (11) so that it can be filled with a gas and the gas can also be released again, wherein the tube-like element (10) is attached to the two arms (13, 14). [2] Bicycle carrier according to claim 1, characterized by , that the hose-like element (10) is provided with a connecting line which carries the valve (11). [3] Bicycle carrier according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the tube-like element (10) is attached to the gripping element (7) by means of retaining means and / or is glued to the gripping element (7) or to the retaining means. [4] Bicycle carrier according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized by , that the adjusting means (15) is a screwing means or a clamping means. [5] Bicycle carrier according to any of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the gripping element has an open end, with the open end being arranged between the two arms. [6] Bicycle carrier according to claim 5, characterized by that the open end can be closed by means of a band, strap or rubber element. [7] Bicycle carrier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that each support element (3) is assigned a holding element (4). [8] Bicycle carrier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that fastening means (5) are provided on the bicycle carrier (1) to attach the bicycle carrier (1) to a motor vehicle, in particular to a roof of the motor vehicle, to a rear of the motor vehicle, to a rear door or tailgate of the motor vehicle and / or to a trailer hitch of the motor vehicle. [9] Bicycle carrier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by, that pressurizing means (6) are provided for inflating the hose-like element (10), in particular a pump and / or a gas pressure reservoir.

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