Bicycle assembly kit for one vehicle

Abstract

A bicycle mounting assembly can include a mounting bracket, a fork clamp held by the mounting bracket, and a clamping knob that can be moved back and forth between an adjustment position and a clamping position. The fork clamp is rotatable relative to the mounting bracket when the clamping knob is in the adjustment position. The fork clamp is held in a mounting position when the clamping knob is in the clamping position.

Description

AREA OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to a bicycle assembly for a vehicle and more specifically to a bicycle assembly that is rotatable. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] A bicycle may include a fork that holds a wheel. When the bicycle is stored or transported, the fork can be secured to a fork mount. The wheel can be removed before securing the fork to the mount. Some vehicles may include the fork mount in a cargo area. SUMMARY

[0003] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bicycle assembly comprising: a mounting bracket; a fork mount held by the mounting bracket; and a clamping knob transferable between an adjustment position and a clamping position, wherein the fork mount is rotatable relative to the mounting bracket when the clamping knob is in the adjustment position, and wherein the fork mount is held in a mounting position when the clamping knob is in the clamping position.

[0004] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bicycle assembly, wherein the mounting bracket comprises a first flange, a second flange and a mounting plate, the first flange and the second flange extending transversely from opposite sides of the mounting plate.

[0005] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bicycle mounting assembly, further comprising a variety of mechanical fasteners extending through the mounting plate to attach the mounting bracket to a vehicle structure.

[0006] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bicycle assembly, where the multitude of mechanical fasteners is a multitude of threaded fasteners.

[0007] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bicycle assembly, wherein the first flange and the second flange each include an opening that accommodates a fork mounting shank.

[0008] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bicycle assembly, wherein the steerer tube extends through the opening in the first flange and through the opening in the second flange.

[0009] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bicycle assembly where the clamping button can be engaged with the shaft.

[0010] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bicycle mounting assembly wherein the stem includes a threaded stem bore which accommodates a threaded shaft, wherein the fork attachment can be rotated between 0 and 360 degrees relative to the mounting bracket when the clamping knob is in the adjustment position.

[0011] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bicycle mounting assembly, wherein the fork mounting includes a connecting rod and a shaft extending transversely from the steerer tube along a steerer tube axis, wherein the connecting rod is configured to be detachably coupled to a bicycle fork, wherein the connecting rod and the shaft are rotatable 360 ​​degrees about the steerer tube axis relative to the mounting bracket when the clamping knob is in the adjustment position.

[0012] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bicycle assembly, further comprising a pair of fork mounting caps arranged at opposite ends of the connecting rod.

[0013] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bicycle mounting assembly for a vehicle, comprising: a loading platform located behind a passenger compartment of a vehicle, the loading platform being provided between a first side panel assembly and a second side panel assembly; and a bicycle mounting assembly comprising: a mounting bracket secured to either the first side panel assembly or the second side panel assembly, a fork mount held by the mounting bracket, and a clamping knob movable between an adjustment position and a clamping position, the fork mount being rotatable relative to the mounting bracket when the clamping knob is in the adjustment position, and the fork mount being held in a mounting position when the clamping knob is in the clamping position.

[0014] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bicycle assembly, wherein the fork attachment is rotatable about a vertical axis relative to the mounting bracket.

[0015] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bicycle assembly, wherein the first side panel assembly and the second side panel assembly each include a D-pillar, and wherein the mounting bracket is secured to the D-pillar of either the first side panel assembly or the second side panel assembly.

[0016] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bicycle mounting assembly, wherein the mounting bracket is secured to a forward-facing side of the D-pillar.

[0017] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bicycle assembly, wherein the fork attachment includes a connecting rod, the connecting rod engaging with a bicycle fork of a bicycle, the bicycle being mounted on the fork attachment.

[0018] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bicycle assembly, wherein the fork attachment has a connecting rod and a shaft, wherein the connecting rod is configured to be detachably coupled to a bicycle fork of a bicycle frame, wherein the clamping knob engages directly with the shaft of the fork attachment when the clamping knob is in the clamping position.

[0019] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bicycle assembly in which the steerer tube extends transversely from the connecting rod along a steerer axis, wherein the connecting rod and the steerer tube together are rotatable 360 ​​degrees about the steerer axis relative to the mounting bracket when the clamping knob is in the adjustment position.

[0020] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bicycle assembly, wherein, when the connecting rod is coupled to the bicycle fork, the bicycle frame is positioned on the loading platform at an angle relative to a centerline of the vehicle.

[0021] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bicycle assembly where the clamping knob is located vertically below the connecting rod.

[0022] The embodiments, examples, and alternatives described in the preceding paragraphs, the claims, or the following description and drawings, which may include any of their various aspects or individual features, can be considered independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, provided such features are not incompatible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0023] The various features and advantages of the disclosed examples will be apparent to the person skilled in the art from the detailed description. The figures accompanying the detailed description can be briefly described as follows: Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a top view of a vehicle having a loading platform and a bicycle mounted on the loading platform on a bicycle assembly assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view through the loading area. Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3 illustrates a close-up view of a D-pillar structure on a side wall of the vehicle. Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of an area from Fig. 1, which shows the bicycle assembly and a section of the bicycle. Fig. Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the bicycle assembly assembly. Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 6 illustrates an extended view of the bicycle assembly assembly from Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of a bicycle assembly assembly which, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, is incorporated into the vehicle made of Fig. 1 can be used. Fig. Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of the bicycle assembly assembly. Fig. 7, which is attached to a D-pillar lashing eye. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] This disclosure relates to a bicycle mounting assembly that can be rotated into a variety of different positions. The bicycle mounting assembly can be used to hold a bicycle on the loading platform of a vehicle. In one example, to secure the bicycle, one wheel is removed. The bicycle is then secured to the bicycle mounting assembly by the bicycle forks, which previously held the wheel. Because the bicycle mounting assembly can be rotated, the bicycle can, for example, be positioned on the loading platform at an angle relative to a centerline of the vehicle. This can facilitate the transport of the bicycle in a vehicle that has a relatively short loading platform.This means that, since the bicycle is secured at an angle on the loading platform, the bicycle does not extend beyond the floor of the loading platform to the rear, and a user can close the vehicle's tailgate while transporting a bicycle secured to the bicycle mounting assembly.

[0025] Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary vehicle 10, which has a passenger compartment 18 and a loading area 26. In this example, vehicle 10 is a pickup truck.

[0026] Vehicle 10 has a center line C L Loading area 26 is located along center line C. L behind the passenger compartment 18. Expressions such as 'in front' and 'behind' refer, for the purposes of this disclosure, to an orientation of the vehicle 10.

[0027] The loading platform 26 is defined between a first side wall assembly 34 and a second side wall assembly 42, which extend upwards from opposite sides of a loading platform floor 50. The first side wall assembly 34 is located on the driver's side of the loading platform 26. The second side wall assembly 42 is located on the passenger side of the loading platform 26.

[0028] A front wall 58 encloses a front end of the loading platform 26. In a closed position, a tailgate 66 encloses a rear end of the loading platform 26. The tailgate 66 can be pivoted from the closed position shown to an open position to facilitate loading items onto the loading platform 26.

[0029] The rear end sections of the first side wall assembly 34 and the second side wall assembly 42 each include a D-pillar structure 74. The tailgate 66 runs between the D-pillar structures 74 when the tailgate 66 is in the closed position. In this example, the D-pillar structures 74 each include two threaded pillar bores 82 that open to a forward-facing side 86 of the respective D-pillar structure 74. A D-pillar lashing eye 90, which is located in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 3, the D-pillar structure 74 can be secured using mechanical fasteners 170 that engage the threaded pillar bores 82. The D-pillar lashing eye 90 can be used to anchor, for example, ropes, straps, cables, etc., securing items on the loading platform 26.

[0030] In the exemplary embodiment, the D-pillar tie-down eye 90 is shown attached to the D-pillar structure 74 of the second side wall assembly 42. No D-pillar tie-down eye 90 is attached to the D-pillar structure 74 of the first side wall assembly 34. Instead, the D-pillar tie-down eye 90 has been removed and replaced by a bicycle mounting assembly 98, which is attached to the D-pillar structure 74 using the threaded pillar holes 82. A user can use the bicycle mounting assembly 98 to secure a bicycle 106 to the loading platform 26. Because the threaded pillar holes 82 are used to secure the bicycle mounting assembly 98, no significant modifications to the D-pillar 74 are required to accommodate the bicycle mounting assembly 98.

[0031] With reference to Fig. 4-6 and continued reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 The bicycle assembly 98, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, comprises a mounting bracket 114, a fork mount 122, and a clamping knob 130. In the exemplary embodiment, when the mounting bracket 114 holds the fork mount 122, the clamping knob 130 can be moved back and forth between an adjustment position in which the fork mount 122 can be rotated relative to the mounting bracket 114 and a clamping position in which the fork mount 122 is fixed relative to the mounting bracket 114.

[0032] The exemplary mounting bracket 114 includes a mounting plate 138, a first flange 146, and a second flange 154. The mounting plate 138 includes openings 162. A mechanical fastening element 170, here a bolt, extends through each of the openings 162 and engages the threaded pillar bores 82 in the D-pillar structure 74 to secure the mounting bracket 114 to the D-pillar 74.

[0033] The first flange 146 and the second flange 154 extend transversely from opposite sides of the mounting plate 138. In this example, when the mounting bracket 114 is secured to the D-pillar structure 74, the first flange 146 extends horizontally from an upper side 178 of the mounting plate 138 and the second flange 154 extends horizontally from a lower side 186 of the mounting plate 138.

[0034] The fork attachment 122 includes a connecting rod 194 and a shaft 202, which extends transversely from the shaft 202 along a shaft axis A S The fork attachment 122 has a "T" shape. The connecting rod 194 provides a T-top, and the shaft 202 provides a shaft 202 of the "T" shape. When the fork attachment 122 is held by the mounting bracket 114, the shaft 202 extends through a first opening 162 in the first flange 146 and a second opening 162 in the second flange 154.

[0035] The shaft 202 includes a threaded shaft bore 210 that can accommodate a threaded shaft 218 of the clamping knob 130. In this example, the threaded shaft 218 engages the threaded shaft bore 210 and is tightened to hold the clamping knob 130 in the clamping position. In the clamping position, the fork attachment 122 is clamped to the mounting bracket 114 and is fixed in a position relative to the mounting bracket 114. That is, the fork attachment 122 is not rotated relative to the mounting bracket 114 about the shaft axis A. S rotatable when the clamping knob 130 is in the clamping position.

[0036] To move the clamping knob 130 into the adjustment position, the clamping knob 130 is rotated to release the clamping force. In the adjustment position, the fork mounting 122 can be rotated around the shaft axis A. SThe fork mounting bracket 114 can be rotated relative to it. The fork attachment 122 can be rotated around the shaft axis A. S The fork clamp 122 can be rotated 360 degrees relative to the mounting bracket 114 when the clamping knob 130 is in the adjustment position. A user can rotate the fork clamp 122 into a desired position when the clamping knob 130 is in the adjustment position, and then rotate the clamping knob 130 to engage the fork clamp 122 and hold it in the desired position.

[0037] To secure the bicycle 106 to the loading platform 26, one tire 108 of the bicycle 106 is removed from a bicycle frame 110. The fork tines 112 of the bicycle frame, which were previously engaged with the tire 108, are then connected to the connecting rod 194 of the fork attachment 122. Opposite ends of the connecting rod 194 may include fork attachment caps 226. The fork attachment caps 226 can be tightened against the fork tines 112 to secure the bicycle 106 to the connecting rod 194. For the purposes of this disclosure, the bicycle 106 is considered to be secured to the fork attachment 122, even though the tire 108 has been removed, when the fork tines 112 are coupled to the connecting rod 194.

[0038] Since the fork mount 122 can be rotated, the connecting rod 194 can be positioned such that the bicycle 106 can be secured on the loading platform 26, with the bicycle 106 positioned at an angle relative to the centerline CL of the vehicle 10. The bicycle 106 can be secured on the loading platform 26 without any handlebar 116 of the bicycle 106 extending beyond the tailgate 66, the first side panel assembly 34, or the second side panel assembly 42. The bicycle 106 can be positioned on the loading platform 26 at an angle to the centerline CL, with the handlebar 116 in a straight position.

[0039] Fig. 7 and Fig.Figure 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the bicycle assembly 398. In this embodiment, the bicycle assembly 398 comprises a mounting bracket 314, a fork mount 322, and a clamping knob 330. In this exemplary embodiment, the mounting bracket 314 holds the fork mount 322. The clamping knob 330 can be moved back and forth between an adjustment position in which the fork mount 322 can be rotated relative to the mounting bracket 314 and a clamping position in which the fork mount 322 is fixed relative to the mounting bracket 314.

[0040] The exemplary mounting bracket 314 includes a mounting plate 338 and a flange 346. The mounting plate 338 also includes openings 362. A mechanical fastening element 370, here a bolt, extends through each of the openings and engages a D-pillar 374 in a threaded connection to secure the mounting bracket 314 to the D-pillar 374.

[0041] The flange 346 extends vertically from an upper side of the mounting plate 338. A stiffening flange 350 extends from the mounting plate 338 to the flange 346 to help support the flange 346. The fork attachment 322 further includes a connecting rod 394 and a shaft 302 extending transversely from the shaft 302 along a shaft axis A. S The fork attachment 322 has a "T" shape, with the connecting rod 394 providing a T-top and the shaft 302 providing a shaft of the "T" shape. The "T" shape in this exemplary fork attachment 322 has a shorter shaft 302 length compared to the other embodiment of the fork attachment 122. When the fork attachment 322 is held by the mounting bracket 314, the shaft 302 extends through the flange 346. Opposite ends of the connecting rod 394 may include fork attachment caps 326.

[0042] The preceding description is exemplary and not limiting. Variations and modifications of the disclosed examples may be apparent to a person skilled in the art, which do not necessarily deviate from the core of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection granted by this disclosure can only be determined by reading the following patent claims.

Claims

[1] Bicycle assembly assembly, comprising: a mounting bracket; a fork attachment held by the mounting bracket; and a clamping knob that can be moved back and forth between an adjustment position and a clamping position, wherein the fork attachment is rotatable relative to the mounting bracket when the clamping knob is in the adjustment position, and wherein the fork attachment is held in a mounting position when the clamping knob is in the clamping position. [2] Bicycle assembly assembly according to claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket comprises a first flange, a second flange and a mounting plate, wherein the first flange and the second flange extend transversely from opposite sides of the mounting plate. [3] Bicycle mounting assembly according to claim 2, further comprising a plurality of mechanical fastening elements extending through the mounting plate to attach the mounting bracket to a vehicle structure, and wherein optionally the plurality of mechanical fastening elements is a plurality of threaded fastening elements. [4] Bicycle assembly assembly according to claim 2, wherein the first flange and the second flange each include an opening that receives a fork mounting shaft, and wherein optionally the shaft extends through the opening in the first flange and through the opening in the second flange. [5] Bicycle assembly assembly according to claim 4, wherein the clamping button can be engaged with the shaft. [6] Bicycle assembly assembly according to claim 4, wherein the shaft includes a threaded shaft bore which receives a threaded shaft of the clamping knob when the clamping knob and the shaft are engaged with each other. [7] Bicycle assembly assembly according to claim 1, wherein the fork attachment can be rotated between 0 and 360 degrees relative to the mounting bracket when the clamping knob is in the adjustment position. [8] Bicycle assembly assembly according to claim 1, wherein the fork attachment comprises a connecting rod and a shaft extending transversely from the steerer tube along a steerer tube axis, wherein the connecting rod is configured to be detachably coupled to a bicycle fork, wherein the connecting rod and the shaft are rotatable 360 ​​degrees about the steerer tube axis relative to the mounting bracket when the clamping knob is in the adjustment position, and optionally further comprising a pair of fork mounting caps arranged at opposite ends of the connecting rod. [9] Bicycle assembly for a vehicle, comprising: a loading area located behind a passenger compartment of a vehicle, wherein the loading area is provided between a first side wall assembly and a second side wall assembly; and a bicycle assembly kit that includes the following: a mounting bracket that is secured to one of the first side panel assemblies or the second side panel assemblies, a fork attachment held by the mounting bracket, and a clamping knob that can be moved back and forth between an adjustment position and a clamping position, wherein the fork attachment is rotatable relative to the mounting bracket when the clamping knob is in the adjustment position, and wherein the fork attachment is held in a mounting position when the clamping knob is in the clamping position. [10] Bicycle assembly assembly according to claim 9, wherein the fork attachment is rotatable about a vertical axis relative to the mounting bracket. [11] Bicycle assembly assembly according to claim 9, wherein the first side wall assembly and the second side wall assembly each include a D-pillar, wherein the mounting bracket is secured to the D-pillar of one of the first side wall assembly or the second side wall assembly, and wherein optionally the mounting bracket is secured to a forward-facing side of the D-pillar. [12] Bicycle assembly assembly according to claim 9, wherein the fork attachment includes a connecting rod, wherein the connecting rod engages with a bicycle fork of a bicycle, wherein the bicycle is mounted on the fork attachment. [13] Bicycle assembly assembly according to claim 9, wherein the fork attachment comprises a connecting rod and a shaft, wherein the connecting rod is configured to be detachably coupled to a bicycle fork of a bicycle frame, wherein the clamping knob engages directly with the shaft of the fork attachment when the clamping knob is in the clamping position, and wherein optionally the shaft extends transversely from the connecting rod along a shaft axis, wherein the connecting rod and the shaft together are rotatable 360 ​​degrees about the shaft axis relative to the mounting bracket when the clamping knob is in the adjustment position. [14] Bicycle assembly assembly according to claim 13, wherein, when the connecting rod is coupled to the bicycle fork, the bicycle frame is arranged on the loading platform at an angle relative to a center line of the vehicle. [15] Bicycle assembly assembly according to claim 13, wherein the clamping button is located vertically below the connecting rod.

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