Load carrier

Abstract

Ball joint coupling device (102) for a load carrier (1) comprising at least a first clamping element (111) and at least a second clamping element (112), wherein at least a second clamping element (112) is movable towards and away from the first clamping element (111) between a clamping position and a release position, wherein at least one of the first clamping element (111) and the second clamping element (112) has a clamping section (114) which provides increased friction with the ball joint compared to other sections of the clamping element (111, 112).

Description

AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to rear-mounted load carriers, in particular bicycle carriers. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to components of such carriers. BACKGROUND

[0002] Load carriers that can be mounted on the rear of vehicles are known in the prior art. For example, load carriers that can be mounted on a vehicle coupling, such as a ball coupling or a plug coupling. Such load carriers are often bulky and cumbersome for a user to handle and operate. SUMMARY

[0003] The present disclosure aims to improve load carriers, in particular bicycle carriers.

[0004] It is a task to provide an improved load carrier.

[0005] The problem is solved by the configurations as presented in the claims, aspects, and exemplary configurations, examples, and embodiments described herein. Advantageous further developments can be found in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0006] According to one aspect, a load carrier is provided that can be mounted on a vehicle, especially at the rear of a vehicle, for example on a vehicle coupling, such as a ball coupling or a plug coupling.

[0007] The load carrier may have a coupling device for mounting it to a vehicle. The coupling device may be a ball coupling or a plug coupling, which may, for example, have a insertion pin. The coupling device may also include a clamping mechanism.

[0008] The load carrier may have a support structure for carrying a load to be transported. The load carrier may be configured as a bicycle carrier. The load carrier may have a tilting mechanism, for example, a tilting mechanism that has one or more of the features described below. The load carrier may have a support section for carrying the wheel of a bicycle, for example, a support section that has one or more of the features described below. The load carrier may have a bicycle support arm, for example, a bicycle support arm that has one or more of the features described below.

[0009] In some embodiments, a load carrier has a support structure and a support component. In some embodiments, a load carrier has a coupling device, a support structure, and a support component provided on the support structure. In some embodiments, a load carrier has a coupling device, a support structure, a support component provided on the support structure, and a bicycle support arm. In some embodiments, a load carrier has a support structure and a lighting arrangement.

[0010] According to one aspect, a coupling device for a load carrier is provided. The coupling device can be configured as a ball coupling. The load carrier can have one or more of the features described here. The ball coupling device has at least one first clamping element and at least one second clamping element. The second clamping element can be movable towards and away from the first clamping element between a clamping position and a release position.

[0011] At least one of the first clamping component and the second clamping component may have a clamping section that provides increased friction with the ball head compared to other sections of the clamping component.

[0012] The clamping section can be an attachment to the clamping component. The attachment can be a casting or a part manufactured from sheet metal forming.

[0013] The clamping section may have a cup-shaped recess.

[0014] The clamping section can be made of a material that is softer than the material of a ball head, for example, aluminum.

[0015] The clamping section can be coupled to the clamping component, for example by one or more rivets. Additionally or alternatively, the clamping section can be guided on the clamping component, for example by one or more pins. The clamping section can be coupled to the clamping component by only a single rivet and can be guided on the clamping component by one or more pins, for example by three pins.

[0016] The first clamping component and / or the second clamping component can be made of a material that is stiffer than the material of the clamping section. The material can be steel.

[0017] The clamping section can be integrally formed on the clamping component, for example, through a surface treatment of the clamping component. The surface treatment can include surface roughening and / or coating with a material with higher friction. The clamping section can be a blasted section of the clamping component, in particular a sandblasted section.

[0018] The clamping section may have a surface-treated contact area for contacting the ball head. The surface treatment may include surface roughening and / or coating with a material with higher friction. The clamping section may be a blasted section on the clamping component, in particular a sandblasted section.

[0019] The clamping section can be configured to provide a friction layer on the clamping component. The clamping section can be configured as an insert that is attached to the clamping component, for example, by bonding through chemical reactions or thermal effects, such as gluing, soldering, brazing, or welding.

[0020] The first clamping component and / or the second clamping component can be manufactured by bending a sheet of metal.

[0021] One or more of the clamping components can be movable. At least one of the first clamping components can be movable towards and away from the second clamping component between a clamping position and a release position.

[0022] In another configuration, the load carrier may, in addition to or as an alternative to other configurations disclosed herein, include at least one housing for accommodating moving parts of a clamping mechanism or moving parts of a tilting mechanism. Accordingly, the housing may be a coupling device housing or a tilting mechanism housing. The housing may comprise a first housing section and a second housing section, which together define an interior space. Each of the first housing section and the second housing section may be integral. Each of the first housing section and the second housing section defines two opposing side walls of the housing.

[0023] In another configuration, the coupling device for a load carrier comprises, in addition to or as an alternative to other configurations disclosed herein, at least a coupling device housing, a coupling mechanism housed within the coupling device housing, and a coupling mechanism actuating component for actuating the coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism may be a clamping mechanism. The coupling mechanism actuating component may be switchable between an active configuration, in which the coupling mechanism actuating component and the coupling mechanism are force-transmitting coupled, and an inactive configuration, in which any force transmission from the coupling mechanism actuating component to the coupling mechanism is prevented.The coupling mechanism actuator can be movable between a first position, in which the coupling mechanism actuator is in the active configuration, and a second position, in which the coupling mechanism actuator is in the inactive configuration. The first position can be further away from the coupling device housing than the second position.

[0024] The coupling mechanism actuator can be configured to be rotated by a user, and rotation of the coupling mechanism actuator can be blocked when the actuator is in the inactive configuration.

[0025] In the inactive configuration, the coupling mechanism actuator can be locked in a predetermined orientation or rotational position relative to the coupling device housing, such that the upward extension of the coupling mechanism actuator is minimized. The predetermined orientation can be such that the coupling mechanism actuator extends horizontally. Additionally or alternatively, the coupling device can be configured so that the actuator can only be moved to the second position when it is in the predetermined orientation or rotational position.

[0026] The coupling mechanism actuating component can have a first grip section extending from an actuating component base section in a first direction. The coupling mechanism actuating component can have a second grip section extending from the actuating component base section in a different second direction. The first and second directions can be opposite directions. Additionally or alternatively, the first grip section and the second grip section can extend from opposite sides of the actuating component base section.

[0027] In the inactive configuration, the rotation of the coupling mechanism actuator can be blocked by a positive locking connection between the coupling mechanism actuator and the coupling device housing. Additionally or alternatively, in the inactive configuration, the rotation of the coupling mechanism actuator can be blocked by an engagement section of the actuator with a coupling device housing engagement section. The actuator engagement section can be associated with the coupling mechanism actuator, for example, formed integrally with or attached to the coupling mechanism actuator. The coupling device housing engagement section can be associated with the housing, for example, formed integrally with or attached to the housing.The actuator engagement section may have an actuator recess. The housing engagement section may have a coupling device housing projection. Alternatively, the housing engagement section may be configured to positively engage or positively engage the actuator engagement section. The actuator engagement section may be provided by a non-circular outer contour of a front end section of the coupling mechanism actuator. The housing engagement section may have a suitably shaped recess.

[0028] In an exemplary configuration, the coupling device for a load carrier comprises a coupling device housing, a coupling mechanism housed within the coupling device housing, and a coupling mechanism actuating component for actuating the coupling mechanism.

[0029] The coupling mechanism actuator can be switched between an active and an inactive configuration. In the active configuration, the coupling mechanism actuator and the coupling mechanism are force-transmitting. In the inactive configuration, any force transmission from the coupling mechanism actuator to the coupling mechanism is prevented.

[0030] In some embodiments, in the inactive configuration, the coupling mechanism actuating component is locked in a predetermined orientation relative to the coupling device housing, for example, such that the upward extension of the coupling mechanism actuating component is minimized, with the predetermined orientation being such that the coupling mechanism actuating component extends horizontally. Additionally or alternatively, the coupling mechanism actuating component has a first grip section extending from an actuating component base section in a first direction and a second grip section extending from the actuating component base section in a second direction, the first and second directions being able to extend in opposite directions.The first grip section and the second grip section can extend from opposite sides of the actuator component base section. Additionally or alternatively, the first grip section and the second grip section can extend at an angle to each other, in particular an angle less than 180 degrees.

[0031] In addition to or alternatively to other features, the coupling device includes a coupling mechanism force transmission section configured to transmit a force to the coupling mechanism. In the active configuration, the coupling mechanism actuator and the coupling mechanism are force-transmittingly coupled or connected via the coupling mechanism force transmission section. In the inactive configuration, any force transmission from the coupling mechanism actuator to the coupling mechanism force transmission section is prevented.The coupling device can be configured such that, in the inactive configuration, the coupling mechanism actuating component can be moved to a third position in which the coupling mechanism actuating component is decoupled from the coupling mechanism power transmission section and is freely rotatable about the coupling mechanism power transmission section and is freely rotatable relative to the coupling device housing.

[0032] In another configuration, the coupling mechanism actuating component is rotationally locked to the coupling mechanism force transmission section, so that a rotational force applied to the actuating component is always transmitted to the coupling mechanism force transmission section, with rotation of the coupling mechanism actuating component relative to the coupling device housing being locked in the inactive configuration.

[0033] In another configuration, the coupling device additionally or alternatively to other configurations disclosed herein comprises at least a coupling device housing, a coupling mechanism housed in the coupling device housing, a coupling mechanism force transmission section configured to transmit a force to the coupling mechanism, and a coupling mechanism actuating component for actuating the coupling mechanism, wherein the coupling mechanism actuating component is transferable between an active configuration in which the coupling mechanism actuating component and the coupling mechanism are force-transmitting coupled via the coupling mechanism force transmission section, and an inactive configuration in which any force transmission from the coupling mechanism actuating component to the coupling mechanism is prevented, wherein the coupling device further comprises a locking mechanism.which is configured to temporarily prevent the coupling mechanism actuator component from being moved to the first position.

[0034] The coupling mechanism actuator component can have an actuator-side engagement section, and the power transmission section can have a power transmission-side engagement section, wherein the actuator-side engagement section and the power transmission-side engagement section are engaged when the coupling mechanism actuator component is in the first position. The locking mechanism can have a blocking section that is movable to and from a blocking position located between the actuator-side engagement section and the power transmission-side engagement section, thereby preventing engagement between the engagement sections.

[0035] The blocking section can be rotatable to and from the blocking position about a locking rotation axis, wherein the locking rotation axis can extend parallel to a coupling mechanism actuating component rotation axis.

[0036] The coupling device may further comprise a key-operated locking cylinder, wherein the locking cylinder is operatively coupled to the blocking section. The locking cylinder may be rotatable about a locking cylinder rotation axis, wherein the locking cylinder rotation axis and the locking rotation axis may coincide or extend parallel to each other.

[0037] The locking section may have a locking section stop surface that points in a direction away from the actuating component-side engagement section. The coupling mechanism force transmission section may have a force transmission section stop section that is, for example, located adjacent to the force transmission section-side engagement section, wherein, when the locking section is in the locking position, the locking section stop surface is positioned so that it faces the force transmission section stop section and rests against the force transmission section stop section when the coupling mechanism actuating component is moved to the first position.

[0038] In another configuration, the load carrier, in addition to or as an alternative to other configurations disclosed herein, has at least one support structure for carrying a load to be transported, a coupling device with a coupling mechanism configured to be coupled to a vehicle, a coupling mechanism actuating component for actuating the coupling mechanism, and ground contact sections configured to jointly support the load carrier on substantially level ground, with at least one of the ground contact sections being provided on the coupling mechanism actuating component.

[0039] The coupling mechanism actuating component can be a plug-in mandrel actuating component.

[0040] The actuating component can be a coupling mechanism actuating component. The coupling mechanism actuating component can have a first grip section and a second grip section. The first grip section can have a first ground contact section, and the second grip section can have a second ground contact section. The first grip section and the second grip section can extend at an angle of less than 180 degrees.

[0041] In one configuration, at least one ground contact section is provided by the support frame. The support frame can have a first frame ground contact section and a second ground contact section. The first frame ground contact section can be provided on a first frame side member, for example, at the front end of the first frame side member. The second frame ground contact section can be provided on a second frame side member, for example, at the front end of the second frame side member. Each of the frame side members can have a profile, for example, a rectangular, square, oval, or round profile. Each of the frame side members can be coupled to a front frame member and / or a rear frame member.

[0042] In another configuration, at least one ground contact section is provided by a housing ground contact section of a coupling device housing, which at least partially accommodates the coupling mechanism.

[0043] In another configuration, the load carrier further includes a license plate holder, wherein the license plate holder has a license plate holder ground contact section configured to support the load carrier together with the ground contact section of the coupling mechanism actuating component on level ground.

[0044] In another configuration, the load carrier further comprises a tilting mechanism for tilting the support structure relative to the coupling device between a use position and a non-use position, wherein in the use position the support structure is positioned to support a bicycle during vehicle travel and in the non-use position the support structure is tilted upwards, in particular to reduce the longitudinal extent of the bicycle carrier when mounted on a vehicle, or to reduce storage space when the bicycle carrier is stowed, for example, tilted upwards to extend substantially vertically, wherein the ground contact sections are available and / or configured to support the load carrier on substantially level ground when the support structure is in the non-use position.

[0045] In another configuration, the load carrier additionally or alternatively to other configurations disclosed herein, the load carrier has at least one ball-joint coupling device for a load carrier, wherein the coupling device comprises a coupling device housing, at least one first clamping element, at least one second clamping element, and a coupling mechanism actuating element that is operable by a user and operatively coupled to the second clamping element, wherein at least one second clamping element is movable relative to the coupling device housing in the direction towards and away from the first clamping element between a clamping position and a release position, wherein the first clamping element and the second clamping element are configured to allow clamping of an inserted ball head of the ball-joint coupling device from horizontally opposite sides, and wherein the ball-joint coupling device is configured such that a clamping force,which is exerted on the ball joint, is spring-loaded.

[0046] The coupling mechanism actuating component can be operatively coupled to the second clamping component, so that a force absorbed by the second clamping component is spring-loaded.

[0047] The coupling device may further include a coupling mechanism force transmission section, for example a rod, configured to transmit a force, for example a thrust force, in the direction of or onto the second clamping component.

[0048] The coupling mechanism force transmission section can be operatively coupled to the second clamping component by means of a spring arrangement, for example a spring arrangement which has one or more disc springs, for example two or four disc springs.

[0049] The coupling mechanism force transmission section can be configured to apply a force directly to the second clamping component and is supported on the coupling device housing by means of a spring arrangement, for example a spring arrangement having one or more disc springs, for example two or four disc springs.

[0050] The first clamping component can be carried on the coupling device housing by means of a spring arrangement, for example a spring arrangement having one or more disc springs, for example two or four disc springs.

[0051] The ball joint coupling device may additionally or alternatively include a spring assembly holder which is configured at least to support the spring assembly in a predetermined height position and in such a way that it cannot be detached from the respective clamping component or from the housing.

[0052] At least the first clamping component can have a spherical contact surface defined by a surface of revolution generated by rotating a curve one full revolution around an axis of rotation.

[0053] The second clamping component can have a spherical contact surface defined by a surface of revolution generated by rotating a curve one full revolution around an axis of rotation.

[0054] Each clamping component can be designed as a cap, for example as a ball cap.

[0055] In another configuration, the load carrier, in addition to or as an alternative to other configurations disclosed herein, has at least one support structure, for example a load platform, for supporting a load to be transported, one coupling device for coupling the load carrier to a vehicle, and one tilting mechanism for tilting the support structure relative to the coupling device about a tilting axis, which is defined, for example, by a pivot pin, one tilting locking section, for example a rod lock, which is movable between a tilting locking position in which it locks the support structure relative to the coupling device and a tilting release position in which the support structure can tilt freely, wherein the tilting locking section has a locking section support section which is guided by a support section guide section, for example a slot, which defines a path of movement of the locking section support section.wherein the locking section support section has a first sliding surface and a second sliding surface for slidably supporting the tilting locking section in the support section guide section, wherein the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface are provided on opposite sides of the locking section support section and run parallel to each other, wherein a guide clearance of the support section guide section changes along the path of movement.

[0056] The guide play of the support section-guide section can increase along the path of movement towards the tipping release position of the tipping lock section.

[0057] The support section guide section, for example the slot, can have a first guide surface and an opposing second guide surface. The first guide surface and the second guide surface can be configured such that the distance between them is greater at the tilt release position of the tilt lock section than at the tilt lock position of the tilt lock section.

[0058] At least the second guide surface can have a first guide surface section and a second guide surface section, wherein each guide surface section can be straight and wherein the second guide surface section can extend at an angle to the first guide surface section.

[0059] The first guide surface can be straight, and the first guide surface section of the second guide surface can run parallel to the first guide surface.

[0060] The support section guide section is configured such that moving the tilting lock section to the tilting release position is only possible by overcoming an obstacle, for example a step, which is provided in the support section guide section, in particular on the second guide surface, for example in the second guide surface section.

[0061] The second guide surface can define or have a step, with a step surface providing a change in height pointing towards the tilt-lock position side of the support section guide section.

[0062] At least the locking section support section can be rectangular or square, wherein, for example, the locking section support section can be integral with the tilting locking section and / or wherein the tilting locking section and the locking section support section can both be formed by an elongated beam, for example, an elongated beam with a continuously constant square or rectangular cross-section.

[0063] The tilting mechanism can be configured to lock the support structure relative to the coupling device in at least one driving condition or driving configuration, wherein the support structure is in a position of use in the driving condition or driving configuration in which a load, for example one or more bicycles, can be transported or moved by driving a vehicle to which the load carrier is attached.

[0064] In the driving condition or driving configuration, the support structure can be configured and locked relative to the coupling device in such a way that, in a mounted state when the load carrier is mounted on the vehicle, the total ground clearance between the load carrier and the ground increases in one direction away from the coupling device towards a rear end of the load carrier.

[0065] In the driving condition or driving configuration, the support structure may extend at an angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle or with respect to a flat ground on which the vehicle is supported, for example at an angle of 8 to 15 degrees, for example at an angle of 10 to 14 degrees, in particular at an angle of 12 degrees, and / or wherein the path of movement and / or the support section guide section and / or the first guide surface may extend parallel to the support structure.

[0066] The second guide surface can be an upper surface if the load carrier is mounted on a vehicle and is in a driving state.

[0067] The tilting mechanism can be configured to lock the support structure relative to the coupling device in a tilted or folded-up position, with the support structure being in a position of use in the driving condition or driving configuration in which a load, for example one or more bicycles, can be transported or moved by driving a vehicle to which the load carrier is attached.

[0068] The tilting mechanism can have a support-structure-side tilting section, which for example has one or more tilting plates or a tilting bracket, and a coupling-device-side tilting section support, for example a tilting base, wherein the tilting section is pivotably coupled to the tilting section support, wherein the support section guide section is provided on the tilting section.

[0069] The tilting section support or tilting base can have a first locking slot for locking the support structure in the tilted position or the folded-up state and a second locking slot for locking the support structure in the driving position or the driving state, wherein the first locking slot and the second locking slot are connected by a first sliding surface with a first radius such that the tilting locking section can slide along the first sliding surface at a first radial position from one locking slot to the other as soon as it is released from a locking slot, in particular pulled out of a locking slot.The tilting section support can be configured such that movement of the tilting locking section beyond the second locking slot in a direction away from the first locking slot is only possible if the tilting locking section is positioned at a second radial position, the second radial position being further out in the radial direction than the first radial position. The tilting section support can have a second sliding surface extending from the second locking slot or recess on an opposite side, the second sliding surface being able to have a second radius larger than the first radius.

[0070] In another configuration, the load carrier can, in addition to or as an alternative to other configurations disclosed herein, be configured at least as a bicycle carrier that can be mounted on the trailer hitch of a vehicle, for example a ball hitch or a receiver hitch of a vehicle, wherein the bicycle carrier has a support structure, at least one wheel support component that is movable relative to the support structure between a support position and a stow position, a coupling device configured to support the support structure on the trailer hitch, and a tilting mechanism for tilting the support structure relative to the coupling device between a use position and a non-use position, wherein in the use position the support structure is positioned to support a bicycle during vehicle travel and in the non-use position the support structure is tilted upwards.in particular to reduce the longitudinal extent of the bicycle carrier when mounted on a vehicle, or to reduce storage space when the bicycle carrier is stowed, for example tilted upwards to extend essentially vertically.

[0071] In another configuration, the load carrier has, in addition to or as an alternative to other configurations disclosed herein, at least a support structure, for example a load platform, for supporting a load to be transported, a coupling device for coupling the load carrier to a vehicle, a tilting mechanism for tilting the support structure relative to the coupling device about a tilting axis defined by a pivot pin, and a force transmission component for actuating the tilting mechanism, wherein the force transmission component is operatively coupled to the tilting mechanism at a first transmission component end section and is supported at a second transmission component end section on the support structure in such a way that an intermediate section of the force transmission component is freely suspended between the first transmission component end section and the second transmission component end section.

[0072] The intermediate section can have a length of more than 30% of the total length of the power transmission component, for example more than 50% of the total length of the power transmission component or more than 70% of the total length of the power transmission component.

[0073] The intermediate section can be suspended or hung or suspended between a front frame member and a rear frame member of the support structure, wherein the front frame member and the rear frame member are spaced apart from each other, and / or wherein the front frame member and the rear frame member are coupled to each other by a first frame side member and a second frame side member, and the intermediate section extends between the first frame side member and the second frame side member without being supported by either of the side members.

[0074] The power transmission component can be at least partially flexible. Additionally or alternatively, the intermediate section can be at least partially flexible or fully flexible. Additionally or alternatively, the intermediate section can have at least a wire at least partially or along its entire length. Additionally or alternatively, the intermediate section can be covered with or have a sleeve, for example, a rubber sleeve or a sleeve made of another plastic material, in particular a sleeve covering the wire.

[0075] The intermediate section can be configured to be gripped by a user to apply an actuating force. The intermediate section can be configured to be pushable and / or pullable by a user. The intermediate section can be configured to be pullable and / or pushable in a direction perpendicular to the direction of extension of the intermediate section.

[0076] The load carrier can have a tilting mechanism actuation component, for example, a tilting mechanism actuation handle, wherein the tilting mechanism actuation component is operatively coupled to the second transmission component end section, for example, to the second force transmission component end section, such that applying a force to the tilting mechanism actuation component exerts a tensile force on the second transmission component end section. The tilting mechanism actuation component can be a pull handle gripped by a user. The tilting mechanism actuation component can be supported on the support structure, for example, on a rear frame member of the support structure.

[0077] The tilting mechanism can have a tilt-lock section that is movable between a tilt-lock position, in which it locks the support structure relative to the coupling device, and a tilt-release position, in which the support structure can tilt freely, wherein the first transmission component end section is operatively coupled to the tilt-lock section.

[0078] The first transmission component end section can be operatively coupled to the tilting lock section by means of a coupling section, wherein the coupling section can be guided in such a way that no moment is exerted on the tilting lock section, and / or wherein the coupling section can be guided to be linearly movable and / or can be supported or guided on the pivot pin and / or can be supported or guided on a tilting mechanism housing, for example in an opening of the tilting mechanism housing.

[0079] In another configuration, the load carrier has, in addition to or as an alternative to other configurations disclosed herein, at least one visually detectable tilting mechanism state indicator. The tilting mechanism state indicator has a tilting mechanism state indicator section, for example, a colored section, which is movable between a tilting lock position, corresponding to the state in which the tilting lock section is in the tilting lock position, and a tilting release position, corresponding to the state in which the tilting lock section is in the tilting release position, for example, such that the tilting mechanism state indicator section is visible at least in the tilting release position or in the tilting lock position.The tilting mechanism status indicator section may have a red marking and / or be visible to a user when the status indicator section is in the tilt release position, wherein the status indicator section may be operatively coupled to the power transmission component, for example with the first transmission component end section, or may be provided on the power transmission component, for example such that it is moved into the tilt release position when the power transmission component is actuated.

[0080] The tilting mechanism status indicator section can be provided on the coupling section, for example, such that it protrudes from the tilting mechanism housing when the tilting lock section is in the tilting release position, wherein the tilting mechanism status indicator section can be provided on a coupling section sleeve section of the coupling section, wherein the force transmission component extends through the coupling section sleeve section.

[0081] In another configuration, the load carrier, in addition to or as an alternative to other configurations disclosed herein, has at least one support structure, for example a load platform, for supporting a load to be transported, one coupling device for coupling the load carrier to a vehicle, one tilting mechanism for tilting the support structure relative to the coupling device about a tilting axis, defined, for example, by a pivot pin, one tilting locking section that is movable between a tilting locking position in which it locks the support structure relative to the coupling device and a tilting release position in which the support structure can tilt freely, and one visually detectable tilting mechanism state indicator, wherein the tilting mechanism state indicator has a tilting mechanism state indicator section, for example a colored section, that is movable between a tilting locking position corresponding to the statein which the tilt lock section is in the tilt lock position, and is movable to a tilt release position corresponding to the state in which the tilt lock section is in the tilt release position, for example, such that the tilt mechanism status indicator section is visible at least in the tilt release position or in the tilt lock position. The status indicator section may have a red marking and / or be visible to a user when the status indicator section is in the tilt release position.

[0082] The status indicator section can be operatively coupled to a power transmission component, for example to the first transmission component end section, or provided on the power transmission component, for example such that it is moved into the tilt release position when the power transmission component is actuated, for example moved from a ready configuration or position, wherein the power transmission component can comprise a rod, a bar, a wire and / or a belt.

[0083] The tilting mechanism status indicator section can be provided on a coupling section that connects the power transmission component to the tilting lock section, for example, such that it protrudes from a tilting mechanism housing when the tilting lock section is in the tilting release position, wherein the tilting mechanism status indicator section can be provided on a coupling section sleeve section of the coupling section, with the power transmission component extending through the coupling section sleeve section.

[0084] In another configuration, the load carrier can be attached to at least the rear of a vehicle, in addition to or as an alternative to other configurations disclosed herein, and comprises a support structure, for example a platform, for supporting a load to be transported, a coupling device configured to support the support structure on the vehicle, for example on a vehicle coupling, a lighting arrangement with one or more lights, for example a light panel with one or more taillights or a license plate light, a connector electrically connected to the lighting arrangement and configured to be coupled to a vehicle power supply, wherein at least one of the one or more lights can be reassigned or transferred to a standby state in which light emission in an unfavorable direction is prevented, while the connector remains coupled to the vehicle power supply.

[0085] In another configuration, the load carrier additionally or alternatively to other configurations disclosed herein includes at least a support structure, a coupling device configured to be coupled to a ball trailer coupling, and a tilting mechanism for tilting the load support structure relative to the coupling device about a tilting axis, the tilting axis always being closer to the coupling device than the center of gravity of the support structure.

[0086] The tilting axis can always be located between the center of gravity of the support structure and the coupling device, for example regardless of whether the load carrier is tilted.

[0087] The support structure may, in addition to or as an alternative to other configurations disclosed herein, include at least one front frame component coupled to the tilting mechanism and extending in a transverse direction of the load carrier, and at least one first side frame component coupled to the front frame component and extending from the front frame component in a longitudinal rearward direction of the load carrier.

[0088] In another configuration, the load carrier can be attached to a vehicle's plug-in coupling in addition to or as an alternative to other configurations disclosed herein and comprises at least one support structure, a plug-in coupling device configured to be attached to the plug-in coupling, the plug-in coupling device comprising a plug-in insertion section, for example, an insertion mandrel configured to be received in the plug-in coupling, a tilting mechanism for tilting the support structure and the plug-in coupling device relative to each other about a pivot axis, the plug-in coupling device being pivotable into a stowage position relative to the support structure, wherein in the stowage position the plug-in insertion section is folded towards the support structure, for example, towards an upper surface of the support structure.and extends essentially parallel to the supporting structure.

[0089] The support structure can have a first frame side member extending in a principal extension direction of the support structure, for example in a longitudinal direction of the support structure, wherein the first frame side member can be straight, for example as a straight profile, such as a rectangular profile, wherein in the stowed position the plug coupling insertion section extends substantially parallel to the first frame side member.

[0090] In the stowed position, the plug-in coupling insertion section can be folded against the top of the support structure.

[0091] The load carrier may, in addition to or as an alternative to other configurations disclosed herein, have at least one wheel support component which is supported on the first frame side component which is movable relative to the support structure between a support position and a stowage position, for example pivoting about the first frame side component between the support position and the stowage position, wherein, when the plug-in coupling insertion section is in the stowage position and the wheel support component is in the stowage position, the plug-in coupling insertion section extends over the wheel support component or at least partially covers the wheel support component.

[0092] The load carrier can also be configured to lock the plug-in coupling insertion section in the stowed position, for example by means of a tilt-lock section.

[0093] In another configuration, the load carrier is additionally or alternatively configured as a bicycle carrier in addition to or as an alternative to other configurations disclosed herein and has a coupling device configured to be attached to a vehicle, a support structure, for example a frame, and at least one support section configured to support a wheel of a bicycle and pivotably coupled to the support structure about a support section pivot axis, wherein the support section is movable between a folded or parked position and an open or loading position, wherein the support section has a wheel support surface available for contacting the wheel of the bicycle, the wheel support surface extending offset to the support section pivot axis and passing the support section pivot axis on one side.

[0094] The wheel support surface can have a first wheel support surface section and a second wheel support surface section, wherein the first wheel support surface section and the second wheel support surface section extend in opposite directions from a third wheel support surface section that is closest to the support section pivot axis.

[0095] The bicycle carrier can have two support sections which are pivotably coupled to the support structure on opposite lateral sides of the support structure and about respective support section pivot axes, wherein each support section is movable between the folded or parked position and the open or loading position, wherein the wheel support surfaces of the support sections are oriented such that they are able to support a front wheel or a rear wheel of a single bicycle, wherein in the open or loading position a distance between laterally inner ends of the wheel support surfaces of the two support sections is smaller than the distance between the pivot axes of the two support sections.

[0096] In another configuration, the load carrier can be attached to a vehicle coupling in addition to or as an alternative to other configurations disclosed herein and has a coupling device configured to be attached to the vehicle coupling, a support structure, for example a frame, and at least one support section pivotably coupled to the support structure about a support section pivot axis and movable between a folded or parked position and an open or loading position, wherein the support section has a support section coupling section for supporting the support section on the support structure, wherein the support section coupling section has at least one circumferential sliding section defining a circular sliding path about the support section pivot axis and a stop section axially offset with respect to the sliding section.

[0097] The stop section can be provided in a recess.

[0098] The support section can be coupled to the support structure by means of a coupling section support arrangement, wherein the coupling section support arrangement can be attached to the support structure, for example having an opening for receiving a section of the support structure, wherein the coupling section support arrangement can have a sleeve-like configuration.

[0099] The coupling section support arrangement can have at least one sliding section for supporting the at least one circumferential sliding section, wherein the at least one sliding section can be provided on a guide bushing section.

[0100] The coupling section support arrangement can include a support section stop, for example, a support section stop provided on a stop section or stop bushing, for example, a stop component that can be attached to the support structure, wherein the support section stop provides a stop for the stop section, wherein the support section stop can be a projection extending radially with respect to the support section pivot axis, and / or wherein the support section stop can have a first stop surface and a second stop surface, wherein the first stop surface and the second stop surface are circumferential around the support section pivot axis and are provided on opposite sides.The support section can have two stop sections, a first stop section and a second stop section, wherein the first stop surface can be configured to touch the first stop section when the support section is in the open or loading position, and / or the second stop surface can be configured to touch the second stop section when the support section is in the folded or parked position.

[0101] The load carrier can be configured such that the support section abuts against a stop wall or stop surface of a stop section provided on the support structure, the stop section being a socket or forming part of a socket.

[0102] The support section coupling section may have two opposing stop surfaces configured to receive the support section stop between them when the support section is in the open or loading position, wherein a width of the support section stop substantially corresponds to a distance between the opposing guide surfaces, the opposing stop surfaces being oriented in a direction substantially parallel to the support section pivot axis.

[0103] The coupling section support assembly can be formed by several parts that can be connected to each other in the axial direction of the support section's pivot axis, for example by a snap lock. The coupling section support assembly can have a stop section or a stop bushing and two guide bushing sections that are coupled to the stop bushing on axially opposite sides of the stop bushing. Additionally or alternatively, the stop section or the stop bushing can be configured to provide only a rotational stop and to support the support section coupling section in a non-sliding manner. Each guide bushing section can be configured not to provide a rotational stop for the support section coupling section.

[0104] The load carrier may have a locking configuration, for example a snap configuration, configured to block or hinder rotation of the support section from the folded or parked position and / or from the open or loading position, wherein the support section coupling section may be configured to engage with a locking counterpart provided on the support structure, for example on a coupling section support assembly, in particular on a stop section or stop component, wherein a first stop section, for example the stop section as mentioned herein in other configurations, and a second stop section, for example the stop section as mentioned herein in other configurations, may be configured to produce a positive locking action that acts in the direction of rotation.when the support section is in the folded or parked position and / or in the open or loading position. The locking counterpart can be a deformable or flexible projection provided on the stop section or stop component and projecting radially with respect to the support section's pivot axis.

[0105] In another configuration, the load carrier is additionally or alternatively configured as a bicycle carrier to other configurations disclosed herein and has a coupling device configured to be attached to a vehicle, a support structure, for example a frame, and at least one support section pivotably coupled to the support structure on a lateral side of the support structure about a support section pivot axis, wherein the support section is movable between a folded or parked position and an open or loading position and has a top configured to support a bicycle and a bottom, wherein the support section has an extension section projecting from the support section along the support section pivot axis, for example, projecting from the support section parallel to the support section pivot axis, wherein at least one section of the extension sectionFor example, a main section of the extension section is offset downwards, so that at least a lower section of the extension section, for example the entire extension section, extends below the underside.

[0106] The bicycle carrier can have two support sections, each support section being movable between the folded or parked position and the open or loading position, and having a top configured to support a bicycle and a bottom, wherein the extension section is configured as a bridging section to connect the two support sections together, the bridging section being offset downwards such that at least a lower portion of the bridging section is positioned outside of a space between the two support components.

[0107] The extension section can be configured to secure or accommodate a bicycle support arm in a stowed position when the support section is in the folded or parked position.

[0108] The extension section may include a gripping section or define a gripping section that can be gripped by a user to transfer the support section between a folded or parked position and an open or loading position.

[0109] The extension section is fixed to the underside of the support section, for example by screws.

[0110] The load carrier or bicycle carrier may have a locking configuration, for example a snap configuration, configured to block or hinder rotation of the support section from the folded or parked position and / or from the open or loading position. The support section coupling section may be configured to engage with a locking counterpart provided on the support structure, for example on a coupling section support assembly, in particular on a stop section or stop component, wherein a first stop section, for example the stop section mentioned herein in conjunction with other configurations, and a second stop section, for example the stop section mentioned herein in conjunction with other configurations, may be configured to produce a positive locking action that acts in the direction of rotation.when the support section is in the folded or parked position and / or in the open or loading position, wherein the locking counterpart may be a deformable or flexible projection provided on the stop section or stop component and projecting radially in relation to the support section pivot axis.

[0111] In another configuration, the load carrier is additionally or alternatively configured as a bicycle carrier to other configurations disclosed herein and has a coupling device configured to be attached to a vehicle, a support structure, for example a frame, and a lighting arrangement movably coupled to the support structure, for example pivotally coupled, to be movable between a usage configuration and a stowage configuration, wherein in the stowage configuration at least one section of the lighting arrangement is positioned within the support structure and in front of a rear section of the support structure, for example in front of a rear frame component of the support structure, such that the lighting arrangement is at least partially protected by the rear section.

[0112] The support structure can comprise a rear frame component, a front frame component, a first frame side component and a second frame side component, wherein the lighting arrangement is pivotably supported on the first frame side component or on the second frame side component.

[0113] The first frame side member and the second frame side member can connect the front frame member and the rear frame member, for example, such that the rear frame member, the front frame member, the first frame side member and the second frame side member form a closed frame, for example, a closed rectangular frame, and / or wherein one or more frame members are straight.

[0114] The lighting arrangement can be provided on or attached to a support section which is pivotably coupled to the first frame side member or the second frame side member, wherein the support section is movable between a folded or parked position and an open or loading position, wherein when the support section is moved into the folded or parked position the lighting arrangement is in the stowed configuration.

[0115] In another configuration, the load carrier is additionally or alternatively configured as a bicycle carrier, and comprises a coupling device configured to be attached to a vehicle, a support structure, for example a frame, and at least one support section configured to support a wheel of a bicycle and having a wheel support surface available for contacting the wheel of the bicycle, and a fastening arrangement comprising a strap and a strap receptacle, wherein the strap has a fastening end attached to a first lateral side of the support section at a first longitudinal position, and the strap receptacle is attached to the support section on an opposite second lateral side at a second longitudinal position, wherein, in addition to the strap receptacle, the support section has a strap stowage section configuredto accommodate a free end section of the belt at a third longitudinal position that differs from the second longitudinal position.

[0116] The belt storage section can be configured and arranged so that when the belt is inserted into the belt storage section, the belt curvature is oriented in the opposite direction when the belt is inserted into the belt receptacle for attaching a bicycle wheel.

[0117] The belt stowage section can be integrally formed in the support section and / or has a guide for accommodating the belt in a predetermined orientation and / or is designed as a guide.

[0118] The belt stowage section may have a belt receiving slot or recess, the belt receiving slot or recess being provided in the wheel support surface or adjacent to the wheel support surface on one side of the belt receiving.

[0119] The belt mounting slot can extend parallel to the wheel support surface. Additionally or alternatively, the belt mounting slot can have a length greater than 1.2 times the width of the belt, in particular greater than 1.5 times the width of the belt, for example, twice the width of the belt or more.

[0120] The belt receiving slot can be configured to support an inserted belt such that a belt section extending from the belt receiving slot is inclined towards the belt receiving, and / or that the belt is supported to remain in a U-shape open towards a free end section of the support section, and / or a U-shape designed such that the belt is guided around the wheel support surface, and / or wherein a longitudinal end wall of the slot on the side of the belt receiving is inclined inwards such that it extends obliquely downwards from an upper surface of the support section towards the opposite end of the belt receiving slot, providing support for a lateral side of an inserted belt.

[0121] The support section can be pivotally arranged about a support section pivot axis, allowing movement between a folded or parked position and an open or loading position. The attachment end and the belt receptacle can be located on opposite sides of the support section pivot axis such that, when a free end of the belt is inserted into the belt receptacle, a belt section between the attachment end and the belt receptacle passes the support section pivot axis on one side. The belt stowage section can be located on the same side of the support section as the belt receptacle. Alternatively, the belt receptacle and the belt stowage section can be located on opposite sides of the support section pivot axis.

[0122] The support section can have a support section coupling section for supporting the support section on the support structure, wherein the support section coupling section is configured to accommodate a section of the support structure, wherein the fastening end of the belt and the belt receptacle are provided longitudinally along the support section on different sides of the support section coupling section, and wherein the belt receptacle and the belt stowage section are provided longitudinally along the support section on different sides of the support section coupling section.

[0123] In another configuration, the load carrier is additionally or alternatively configured as a bicycle carrier to other configurations disclosed herein and comprises a coupling device configured to be attached to a vehicle, a support structure, for example a frame, and at least one support section configured to support a wheel of a bicycle and pivotably coupled to the support structure about a support section pivot axis, wherein the support section is movable between a folded or parked position and an open or loading position, and wherein the support section has a wheel support surface available for contacting the wheel of the bicycle, and further comprises a fastening arrangement with a strap and a strap receptacle, wherein the strap has a fastening end attached to a first lateral side of the support section at a first attachment position.and the belt receptacle is attached to the support section on a second lateral side opposite it at a second mounting position offset in the main extension direction or longitudinal direction of the support section, wherein the fastening end and the belt receptacle are arranged on opposite sides of the support section pivot axis such that when a free end section of the belt is inserted into the belt receptacle, a belt section extends diagonally between the fastening end and the belt receptacle with respect to the support section pivot axis and passes the support section pivot axis on one side.

[0124] The support section may include a support section coupling section for supporting the support section on the support structure, wherein the support section coupling section is configured to accommodate a section of the support structure, and wherein the attached end or fastening end of the belt and the belt receptacle are provided longitudinally along the support section on opposite sides of the support section coupling section.

[0125] In another configuration, the load carrier can be a bicycle carrier in addition to or as an alternative to other configurations disclosed herein and comprises a support structure, a support section coupled to the support structure, wherein the support section is configured to support a wheel of a bicycle, a bicycle support arm pivotally coupled to the support structure by means of a bicycle support arm coupling mechanism and foldable in a transverse direction of the load carrier and the support structure between a bicycle arm stow position and a bicycle support position, wherein the bicycle support arm coupling mechanism is configured to guide the bicycle support arm such that, when the bicycle support arm is folded from the bicycle arm stow position to the bicycle support position, a free end section of the bicycle support arm changes its position relative to the support section in a longitudinal direction of the load carrier and / or in a longitudinal direction of the support structure.

[0126] When folding the bicycle support arm from the bicycle arm storage position to the bicycle support position, the free end section can be moved backwards relative to the support structure and / or in a lateral direction of the support section.

[0127] In the bicycle arm stow position, the free end section can be in a position adjacent to the support section and close to the support structure, and in the bicycle support position, the free end section can be in an elevated position, in which the free end section is positioned at a greater distance from the support structure and / or is in a vertical direction with respect to a principal extension plane of the support structure that is positioned above a section of the support section.

[0128] The load carrier can have two support sections arranged in such a way as to be able to support a front wheel or a rear wheel of a bicycle, wherein a support plane spanned by two wheel contact sections on the support sections and a bicycle contact section on the free end section of the bicycle support arm, in a mounted state of the load carrier on a vehicle and when the bicycle support arm is in the bicycle support position, is inclined or tilted in the direction of the vehicle such that a supported bicycle is inclined relative to a vertical transverse plane in the direction of the vehicle, for example inclined in the direction of the vehicle at an angle of less than 10 degrees, in particular at an angle of less than 5 degrees, for example at an angle of 3 degrees.

[0129] When folding the bicycle support arm from the bicycle arm stow position to the bicycle support position, the free end section can be moved along a circular path, with a plane of path in which the circular path extends being inclined rearward such that the free end section in the bicycle support position is further away from the front of the load carrier and / or the rear of a vehicle on which the load carrier is mounted than in the stow position.

[0130] In a mounted state of the load carrier on a vehicle and / or in a driving state or driving configuration in which a bicycle can be transported on the load carrier, the support structure or a principal extension plane of the support structure may be inclined or tilted towards the vehicle by a tilting angle and / or extend at a tilting angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle or with respect to a flat ground on which the vehicle is supported, for example at an angle of 8 to 15 degrees, for example at an angle of 10 to 14 degrees, in particular at an angle of 12 degrees, such that the total ground clearance between the load carrier and the ground increases in a direction away from the coupling device towards a rear end of the load carrier or in a reverse direction from a vehicle on which the load carrier is mounted.

[0131] The bicycle support arm can be pivotable about a bicycle support arm pivot axis, wherein the bicycle support arm pivot axis is inclined or angled relative to the support structure and / or inclined or angled relative to a frame side member, such that a distance between the bicycle support arm pivot axis and the support structure increases in the direction of a front end of the load carrier in an area where the support arm pivot axis extends over the support structure, for example inclined or angled at an angle of 10 to 15 degrees, for example at an angle of 13, 13.5 or 14 degrees.

[0132] The bicycle support arm can be straight and can extend in such a way that a forward tilt angle of 2 to 5 degrees, for example 3 to 4 degrees, in particular 3.5 degrees, is spanned between a plane that is perpendicular to the bicycle support arm pivot axis and a principal extension direction of the bicycle support arm.

[0133] The bicycle support arm coupling mechanism can be a joint mechanism.

[0134] The supporting structure can have a rear frame section, which, for example, includes or is formed by a rear frame member, and / or a front frame section, which, for example, includes or is formed by a front frame member, and / or a first frame side section, which is formed by or includes a first frame side member, and / or a second frame side section, which, for example, is formed by or is formed by a second frame side member. At least one, for example, each, frame section or frame member can be straight. At least two opposing frame sections, for example, the frame side members, can extend at least partially parallel to each other. At least three of the frame sections can be integrally formed by bending, for example, by bending a profile. The support section can be supported on one of the frame side members.The support section can be configured to support a bicycle wheel and can optionally be pivotally mounted on the support structure about a support section pivot axis, which can extend parallel to a frame side member. The support section can have a wheel support surface available for contacting the bicycle wheel. The bicycle support arm can have a coupling section, for example, a sleeve section, which is pivotally mounted on a pivot pin, for example, by means of a friction-generating structure, with the pivot pin being held on the support structure by means of a pivot pin holder.

[0135] In another configuration, a belt fastening arrangement is provided and comprises a fastening belt having teeth on at least one side thereof, a belt receptacle configured to receive a free end portion of the fastening belt and engage with the teeth on the fastening belt, the belt receptacle being configured to releasably lock the fastening belt therein, a belt engagement portion configured to engage with the belt teeth in a first direction, and a fastening belt locking portion configured to block any movement of the fastening belt, the fastening belt locking portion being between a fastening belt locking position in which the fastening belt locking portion is engaged with the teeth on the fastening belt and a release position.in which the fastening strap locking component is detached from the fastening strap, is movable, wherein the fastening strap locking section is movable in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to engage with the belt teeth.

[0136] In another configuration, a spacer for a load carrier that can be mounted on a vehicle, for example a bicycle support arm, is provided and has a mounting section, for example a load-side mounting unit, configured to be attached to a load section, for example a frame section of a two-wheeler, and a housing, a fastening mechanism with a belt and a belt receptacle, wherein the belt receptacle has or forms part of a belt entry passage, a locking mechanism for locking the belt when it is inserted into the belt entry passage, wherein the locking mechanism has a translationally movable locking element for engaging with the belt and a rotatable actuating section, for example a rotatable locking cylinder, wherein the belt receptacle and the locking element are configuredto engage with an inserted belt on the same side of the belt, and wherein the rotatable actuating section is arranged on one side of the belt passage opposite the side where the belt receptacle and the locking element engage with an inserted belt, wherein the actuating section is arranged such that its axis of rotation extends through the housing in a direction transverse to a principal extension direction of the belt passage and perpendicular to a direction of movement of the translationally movable locking element, wherein the actuating section is preferably provided on the housing such that it extends between the locking element and the belt receptacle.

[0137] The fastening section can include a locking mechanism with a movable locking element. The movable locking element can be positioned between a locked and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the movable locking element prevents movement of the belt. In the unlocked position, the locking element is released from the belt, and the belt is free to move relative to the locking element. The locking element can be arranged to be translationally movable or rotatably movable. The locking element can have an opening or passage for receiving the belt. Accordingly, the belt extends through the locking element when the belt is correctly positioned in the belt receptacle. In this embodiment, the locking element is configured to engage with the belt on the side of the belt where the ratchet engages with the belt.In other words, the locking component can have a locking section for engagement with the belt, with the locking section and the ratchet being positioned on the same side of the belt.

[0138] The locking section can be configured to make contact with the ratchet. In particular, the arrangement can be such that the ratchet can exert a force on the locking component to move it toward the unlocked position. Accordingly, the locking component is also released from the belt when the ratchet is released from the belt. On the other hand, the locking component is configured to make contact with the ratchet and hold the ratchet in a locked position when the locking component is in a locked position and locked by a locking mechanism described later. Accordingly, the ratchet cannot be released from the belt once the locking component is locked. When the ratchet and / or the locking component are in a locked position, the belt is securely fixed to the belt receptacle.

[0139] The locking component may include a blocking section. The blocking section may be configured as a receiving section to accommodate an engagement section of the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may include an actuating section, for example, a locking cylinder. The locking mechanism and the locking section of the locking component may be positioned on opposite sides of an inserted belt or on opposite sides of a belt passage. The locking mechanism may be located below the belt receptacle or the pump buckle assembly. In particular, the locking mechanism may include a rotatable locking component, for example, a locking cylinder, which can be actuated by a key.The rotatable locking element can be arranged such that its axis of rotation is perpendicular to a direction of movement of the locking element if the locking element is configured as a translationally movable locking element. The rotatable locking element can also be arranged such that its axis of rotation extends parallel to the axis of rotation of the locking element if the locking element is configured as a rotatable locking element. This makes the configuration very compact. Accordingly, engagement can occur between the locking section on one side of the belt, and blocking of the locking element, in particular engagement with the locking element to block movement, is effected on the other side of the belt. The actuating section is movable between a locking position and an unlocking position.In this embodiment, the locking cylinder is rotatable between the locked and unlocked positions. The actuating section is operatively coupled to a blocking section for preventing movement of the locking component. In this embodiment, the blocking section includes the engagement section. The engagement section can be configured as a projection that is integrally rotatable with the actuating section. Accordingly, the projection is movable between an unlocked and a locked position. The locking component can include a receiving section. The receiving section can be configured to receive the blocking section of the locking mechanism. The receiving section can be a recess. The recess can be provided by a bulged section formed in the locking component.In this embodiment, the locking component is translationally movable in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis of the actuating section. The actuating section, for example, the locking cylinder, can be positioned next to the locking component. The locking component can extend laterally beyond the actuating section. The engagement section can be configured to engage laterally with the locking component. Accordingly, a compact belt locking mechanism can be achieved.

[0140] The locking component can be pre-tensioned towards the locking position. Accordingly, the locking component can act as an additional ratchet to the ratchet mechanism or can form the ratchet mechanism of the belt holder. In particular, the locking component can be configured to allow the belt to pass in one tensioning direction and to automatically block the belt from passing in the opposite direction. The locking section can be operatively coupled to a tensioning lever of the belt holder, so that pressing the tensioning lever causes the locking section to move into the unlocked position.

[0141] Additionally or alternatively, a bicycle mounting head or bicycle fastening unit may have a toothed buckle, for example a ratchet or pump buckle, a belt lock and a locking cylinder, wherein the belt lock is positioned or effected behind the buckle and / or the ratchet, for example on an exit side of a belt passage through the belt receptacle, and / or the locking cylinder is below the buckle / ratchet or on an opposite side of the belt passage.

[0142] Additionally or alternatively, the locking cylinder is positioned below the belt receptacle, for example, under a pump buckle. A rotational movement of the locking cylinder around its axis can be transmitted by an eccentric surface that presses the locking component, which engages with and disengages from the teeth on the top of the belt.

[0143] In another configuration, a bicycle support arm joint mechanism is provided and has a first joint section associated with a bicycle support arm, wherein the first joint section may have a tube section, a second joint section configured to be coupled to a support structure of a load carrier, wherein the first joint section is pivotably coupled to the second joint section about a joint mechanism pivot axis, wherein the first joint section is supported on the second joint section by means of an adjustable sliding bearing arrangement configured to generate a predetermined friction between the first joint section and the second joint section, wherein the predetermined friction is high enough to prevent the bicycle support arm from pivoting about the joint mechanism pivot axis by its own weight.

[0144] The sliding bearing arrangement can have a first friction component, for example an inner friction component, which is assigned to the first joint section, and a second friction component, for example an outer friction component, which is assigned to the second joint section, wherein the second friction component has a cone and the first friction component has a funnel-shaped recess for receiving the cone, whereby friction is generated between a cone-enclosing surface and a correspondingly shaped surface of the recess.

[0145] The bicycle support arm joint mechanism can have two first friction components and two second friction components, one of which has a first friction-generating unit.

[0146] In another configuration, a spacer for a load carrier that can be mounted on a vehicle, for example a bicycle support arm for a bicycle carrier that can be mounted on a vehicle, is provided and has a mounting section, for example a load-side mounting unit configured to be attached to a load section, for example a frame section of a two-wheeler, such as a bicycle, a carrier-side coupling section configured to be coupled to the load carrier, an arm section coupled to the coupling section and configured to support the mounting section so that a distance between the mounting section and the coupling section can be set, the arm section having an elongated through-opening extending in the longitudinal direction of the arm section.and wherein the fastening section has a projection which is received in the elongated through-opening.

[0147] The spacer may further include a positioning arrangement provided in the elongated through-hole, which provides defined positions for the projection or elongated component and / or provides a friction surface for the projection or elongated component.

[0148] The positioning arrangement may have ribs or teeth to provide the defined positions, and / or wherein the positioning arrangement may be an insert that can be inserted into a longitudinal end of the spacer, for example into an arm section, so that the positioning arrangement is aligned with the through-hole in the arm section.

[0149] The positioning arrangement can be made of plastic, for example rubber.

[0150] In another configuration, a bicycle support arm for a bicycle carrier that can be mounted on a vehicle is provided and has a mounting section configured to be attached to a frame section of a bicycle, a carrier-side coupling section configured to be coupled to the bicycle carrier, and an arm section coupled to the coupling section and the mounting section, wherein the mounting section has a strap and a strap receptacle for receiving a free end section of the strap, wherein a fixed end section or mounting end of the strap and the strap receptacle are arranged on opposite sides of the arm section and are offset relative to each other along the arm section, in particular being attached to the arm section so that they are permanently offset relative to each other along the arm.

[0151] The fastening section can be attached to the arm section so that it cannot rotate about an axis extending transversely to a longitudinal direction of the arm section, wherein the fastening section can be configured to be translationally movable along the arm section and / or to be rotatable about the longitudinal direction of the arm section.

[0152] In another configuration, a bicycle support arm for a bicycle carrier that is mountable on a vehicle is provided and has a mounting section configured to be attached to a frame section of a bicycle, a carrier-side coupling section configured to be coupled to the bicycle carrier, an arm section coupled to the coupling section and the mounting section, wherein the mounting section has a strap and a strap receptacle for receiving a free end section of the strap to form a fastening loop, wherein the mounting section is rotatable 360 ​​degrees relative to the arm section.

[0153] An axis of rotation of the fastening section can be inclined and / or offset and / or perpendicular with respect to a principal extension direction of the arm section.

[0154] In another configuration, a bicycle support arm for a bicycle carrier that can be mounted on a vehicle is provided and has a mounting section configured to be attached to a frame section of a bicycle and a tensioning mechanism with a strap and a strap receptacle for receiving a free end section of the strap, a carrier-side coupling section configured to be coupled to the bicycle carrier, and an arm section coupled to the coupling section and the mounting section, wherein the mounting section is configured to be lockable to the arm section so that it cannot move relative to the arm section, for example, rotate and / or move translationally.

[0155] The bicycle support arm can further have a locking mechanism for locking the attachment section to the arm section, wherein the locking mechanism is operatively coupled with the tensioning mechanism, so that the attachment section is locked to the arm section when the strap is tensioned.

[0156] In another configuration, the load carrier is additionally or alternatively configured as a bicycle carrier in addition to or as an alternative to other configurations disclosed herein and comprises a support structure, a wheel support component coupled to the support structure, a bicycle support arm pivotally coupled to the support structure by means of a bicycle support arm joint mechanism and foldable in a transverse direction of the load carrier between a stow position and a bicycle support position, wherein the bicycle support arm has an offset arm section which is offset with respect to an adjacent arm section transversely to a principal extension direction of the bicycle support arm and / or in a longitudinal direction of the load carrier.

[0157] At least the offset arm section can be arc-shaped and / or wherein the offset arm section can be continuously arc-shaped and / or wherein the bicycle support arm can have a continuously arc-shaped arm support arm or be designed as a continuously arc-shaped arm support arm.

[0158] The offset arm section can be provided at a free end section of the bicycle support arm.

[0159] The offset arm section can be straight and / or can extend at an angle with respect to another section of the bicycle support arm, the offset arm section being formed by bending, for example by bending a free end section of the bicycle support arm forward in a longitudinal direction.

[0160] In another configuration, a spacer for a load carrier that can be mounted on a vehicle, for example a bicycle support arm, is provided and has a mounting section, for example a load-side mounting unit configured to be attached to a load section, for example a frame section of a two-wheeler, such as a bicycle, a coupling section, for example a carrier-side coupling section configured to be coupled to the load carrier or to a bicycle, an arm section coupled to the coupling section and configured to support the mounting section, wherein the mounting section has at least one strap for attaching a bicycle to the mounting section, wherein the mounting section is adapted so that the strap secures the bicycle to the mounting section.when the strap is in a bicycle locking position, wherein in the bicycle locking position a free end of the strap can be locked in a strap receptacle to clamp a section of the load onto a support section, wherein the spacer further comprises a strap stowage section adapted to temporarily hold the strap in a stowage position different from the bicycle locking position, for example in a position where the strap extends substantially parallel to the arm section, wherein the strap stowage section is provided in a reconfigurable manner so that it can be positioned at different locations and / or in different orientations on the spacer.

[0161] The strap stowage section can be configured to be detachable and reattached to the spacer, for example on the arm section.

[0162] The strap stowage section may include a strap stowage section coupling section configured to at least partially surround and / or grip the spacer or arm section, and a strap retention section, for example a hook-type strap retention section or a strap retention section that has a accommodation recess for the strap.

[0163] The strap stow section coupling section can have a first arm section clamping section and a second arm section clamping section which are pivotably coupled to each other and are movable between a clamping configuration in which the clamping sections clamp the arm section and a release configuration in which the strap stow section can be detached from and reattached to the arm section, wherein the first arm section clamping section and the second arm section clamping section can be configured to lock to each other at their free ends, so that they form a closed arm section receiving space.

[0164] In another configuration, a load carrier has at least one coupling device for connecting the load carrier to a vehicle and a support structure. The coupling device may have a coupling device housing that defines an interior space in which components of a coupling mechanism, for example, a first clamping element and / or a second clamping element, are housed. The support structure is configured to support a load to be transported. The support structure is coupled to the coupling device. For example, the support structure may be coupled to the coupling device in a non-tilting manner. The load carrier may have one or more of the devices disclosed in other sections of this description.

[0165] The load carrier can be configured so that the load carrier can stand freely on the ground, so that the coupling device housing is the only component on the load carrier that is in contact with the ground.

[0166] The load carrier can be configured so that the coupling device housing can support the load carrier while standing upright on level ground.

[0167] The coupling device housing can have a standing section with one or more contact surfaces extending in a plane.

[0168] The standing section can be provided on the housing on a side opposite the side on which the support structure bears a load, and / or opposite the side on which a coupling mechanism actuating component is provided.

[0169] The standing section can be provided on a front side of the coupling device housing, with the front side facing the vehicle when the load carrier is mounted on a vehicle.

[0170] The load carrier can be configured so that, when it stands freely on the ground above the coupling device housing, the center of gravity of the load carrier is positioned vertically above the coupling device housing.

[0171] In another configuration, a load carrier has at least one coupling device comprising a coupling device housing, a support structure, and a first carrying handle provided on the coupling device housing. The coupling device is configured for coupling the load carrier to a vehicle. The coupling device housing accommodates components of a coupling mechanism, for example, a first clamping element and / or a second clamping element. The support structure is configured to support a load to be transported, and the support structure is coupled to the coupling device, for example, in a non-tilting manner. The carrying handle can be a section intended solely for handling the load carrier by hand, in particular for carrying the load carrier.Accordingly, no actuating component used to actuate the coupling mechanism or a clamping mechanism shall be considered a carrying handle in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0172] The first carrying handle can be integrally formed with the coupling device housing.

[0173] The first carrying handle can be grasped from the front of the coupling device housing, with the front facing the vehicle when the load carrier is mounted on a vehicle.

[0174] The load carrier may have a second carrying handle. The second carrying handle may be attached to the support structure, for example, to a rear frame component of the support structure.

[0175] The load carrier can be configured to stand freely on the ground, so that the coupling device housing is the only component on the load carrier that is in contact with the ground, wherein the coupling device housing can have a standing section with one or more contact surfaces extending in a plane, and wherein the first carrying handle can extend between two of the contact surfaces and can provide an additional contact surface, or can be arranged in a recess between two contact surfaces, so that the carrying handle can also be gripped when the load carrier is standing upright on its contact surfaces.

[0176] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the information contained above, as well as from or in combination with the following detailed description, the drawings, and the claims. The present invention is illustrated by way of example and without limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0177] The accompanying drawings, which are included herein and form part of the description, illustrate possible configurations of embodiments and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the embodiments and to enable a person skilled in the art to manufacture and use them. It should be noted that identical or similar parts in the various figures are designated by the same reference numerals. Fig. 1 to Fig. Figure 3 shows a load carrier according to one embodiment in different states. Fig. 4 to Fig. Figure 7 shows different states of a support section of a load carrier according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 8 shows a side view of a load carrier according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 9 shows a coupling device according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 10 shows a coupling mechanism according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 11 shows a coupling mechanism according to a further embodiment. Fig. 12 to Fig. Figure 14 shows a construction of a coupling device housing according to one embodiment. Fig. 15 to Fig. Figure 22 shows features of an actuating mechanism that includes a coupling mechanism actuating component. Fig. 23 to Fig. Figure 27 shows various embodiments for supporting load carriers on the ground. Fig. Figure 28 shows details of a tilting mechanism and different states of the tilting mechanism. Fig. Figure 29 shows details of the tilting mechanism. Fig. Figure 30 shows further details of the tilting mechanism. Fig. Figure 31 shows a load carrier with a ball coupling in a tilted position. Fig. Figure 32 shows a load carrier with a plug-in coupling device in a tilted position. Fig. Figure 33 shows a cutaway side view of the load carrier, showing details of a tilting release mechanism according to one embodiment. Fig. 34 to Fig. Figure 39 shows further details of a tilting release mechanism. Fig. Figure 40 is a top view of a load carrier according to one embodiment. Fig. 41 and Fig. Figure 42 shows perspective views of a support section according to one embodiment. Fig. 43 to Fig. 49 show different features for carrying a support section on a support structure. Fig. 50 and Fig. Figure 51 shows a load carrier in a stowed state. Fig. Figure 52 shows a stow position of a free end of a bicycle support arm between support sections. Fig. 53 and Fig. Figure 54 shows side views of a load carrier according to an embodiment with bicycle support arms in different positions. Fig. 55 to Fig. Figure 57 shows details of a possible coupling device of the bicycle support arm with the support structure. Fig. 58 and Fig. Figure 59 shows details of a bicycle support arm stop. Fig. 60 to Fig. Figure 64 shows details of a bicycle support arm joint mechanism according to one embodiment. Fig. 65 to Fig. Figure 67 shows details of a bicycle support arm. Fig. Figure 68 shows an embodiment of a fastening section for a bicycle support arm. Fig. Figure 69 shows another embodiment of a load carrier in which the vehicle-side bicycle support arm has a curved free end section. Fig. Figure 70 shows an embodiment of a spacer. Fig. 71 and Fig. Figure 72 shows details of a belt stowage section attached to a spacer according to Fig. 70 or can be mounted on a bicycle support arm. Fig. Figure 73 shows a belt locking mechanism according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 74 shows a configuration of a fastening section in which a fastening strap is arranged diagonally with respect to a bicycle support arm. Fig. 75 to Fig. Figure 78 shows an embodiment of a fastening section which has a belt receptacle. Fig. Figure 79 shows a perspective view of another possible configuration of a load carrier, showing the load carrier in a usage configuration. Fig. Figure 80 shows another perspective view of the load-bearing structure. Fig. 79, with the load carrier in a stowed configuration. Fig. Figure 81 shows a perspective view of a coupling device housing according to one possible configuration. Fig. Figure 82 shows a side view of the load-bearing structure. Fig. 80, who is on the in Fig. The coupling device housing shown in 81 is upright.

[0178] All figures are merely schematic representations of exemplary embodiments, in which, in particular, distances and dimensional ratios are not shown to scale.

[0179] The features and advantages of embodiments become clearer from the detailed description below in conjunction with the drawings, in which identical reference numerals consistently denote corresponding elements. In the drawings, identical reference numerals generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and / or structurally similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0180] The following detailed description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit applications and uses. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound to any theory presented in the preceding background or summary, or in the following detailed description.

[0181] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. References to "a single embodiment," "an embodiment," "some embodiments," etc., indicate that the described embodiment(s) may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not necessarily that each embodiment must include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such formulations do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.Furthermore, if a particular feature, structure or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is assumed that it is within the knowledge of a person skilled in the art to influence such a feature, structure or characteristic in connection with other embodiments, regardless of whether this is expressly described or not.

[0182] Spatially relative terms, such as "below," "under," "lower," "above," "on," "upper," "opposite," and the like, may be used herein to simplify the description and to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element(s) or feature(s), as illustrated in the figures. These spatially relative terms are intended to encompass various orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation shown in the figures. The device may be oriented differently (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

[0183] Terms describing parts or components as "detachable" and / or "removable" refer to configurations in which the parts or components can be decoupled from at least one other part or component without destroying either of the interacting parts or components. These terms can also describe configurations in which the parts and components can be decoupled or detached without tools (tool-free). Terms describing parts or components as "positively locked" and / or "positively coupled" refer to configurations in which the parts or components are in positive engagement, positive mechanical engagement, or positive locking.

[0184] Some aspects of the present disclosure are defined below. These aspects may constitute exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and may be combined with features mentioned in other sections of this description.

[0185] Fig. 1 to Fig. Figure 3 shows a load carrier 1. The load carrier 1 is configured as a bicycle carrier. The load carrier 1 has a coupling device 100, a support structure 200, a support section 300, a lighting arrangement 400, a bicycle support arm 500, a tilting mechanism 600 and a license plate holder 2.

[0186] The load carrier 1 is located between a in Fig. 1 shown driving mode A, one in Fig. 2 shown stowage mode B and one in Fig. 3 trunk access mode C shown can be transferred.

[0187] Driving mode A can also be referred to as the driving condition of the load carrier 1. In this driving mode or driving condition, the support structure 200 is in a position or orientation suitable for transporting a bicycle. The position of the support structure 200 can be relative to the coupling device 100, in which the support structure 200 extends horizontally with respect to level ground or is slightly inclined towards the vehicle when the load carrier is mounted on a vehicle.

[0188] Stowage mode B, also known as the tilt-up state, folding-up state, or stow mode, refers to a configuration in which the support structure 200 is in a tilt-up position relative to the coupling device; in other words, folded upwards towards the vehicle when the load carrier is mounted on a vehicle. Transporting a load is not possible in stow mode B. However, in stow mode B, the load carrier, when mounted on a vehicle, occupies less space behind the vehicle compared to driving mode A. When the load carrier is mounted and in stow mode B, the support structure 200 can extend vertically with respect to flat ground.

[0189] Trunk access mode C can also be described as the folded-down or tilted-down state. In trunk access mode C, the support structure 200 is folded downwards towards the floor relative to the coupling device.

[0190] In one modification, a load carrier without stow mode B can be implemented.

[0191] It is noted that spatial indicators relating to load carrier 1 refer to a load carrier that is in a driving mode and as if the load carrier were mounted on a vehicle, unless otherwise stated.

[0192] The coupling device 100 is provided at a front end of the load carrier 1. The license plate holder 2 is provided at a rear end of the load carrier 1. The license plate holder 2 is provided at a rear end of the support structure 200. The coupling device can be coupled to a front section of the support structure 100. As is best in Fig. 2 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, the license plate holder 2 can be rotated into a stowing position to reduce the overall dimensions of the load carrier or to increase the ground clearance to transfer the load carrier into trunk access mode C.

[0193] The load carrier 1 can have one or more support sections 300. The support section 300 is configured to support a bicycle wheel. The support section 300 can be a wheel cup section or a wheel cup. The load carrier 1 can have one or more sets of two wheel cup sections provided on opposite lateral sides of the load carrier 1 and the support structure 200, oriented such that the support section 300 can support a front wheel or a rear wheel of a bicycle. The load carrier of Fig. Unit 1 has a total of four wheel tray sections and is therefore configured to support two bicycles. However, load carriers with a different number of wheel trays may be provided. For example, [unit 1] shows Fig. 6 a configuration in which there is only one wheel tray on one side of the load carrier, so that this load carrier is only able to support a single bicycle. Fig. Figure 8 shows a configuration of a load carrier that can support three bicycles, which means that this load carrier has three sets of two support sections each, or a total of six support sections.

[0194] In the configurations shown, the support sections 300 are coupled to the support structure 200. As in Fig. 4 to Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the support sections 300 can be pivotally supported on the support structure 200, for example on a side component 206. More precisely, each support section 300 can be coupled to the support structure 200 in order to be movable, for example pivotable, between a folded position or park position E and an open position or loading position D.

[0195] Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 6 shows a configuration in which the support section 300 is in the open position or loading position D. In the open position or loading position, the support section 300 is configured to support one wheel of a bicycle. In the folded position or parking position E, the support section 300 is turned inwards and / or at least partially into the support structure 200, for example between parts of the support structure 200, to make the bicycle carrier compact for storage, in particular to reduce a transverse dimension of the load carrier 1. Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 7 shows a configuration in which the support section 300 is in the folded or parked position E. The load carrier 1 may have a locking configuration, for example a snap configuration, which is configured to block or hinder rotation of the support section 300 from the folded or parked position and / or from the open or loading position.

[0196] Each bicycle support arm 500 can be swivelled to the support structure 200 by means of a bicycle support arm coupling mechanism 550 (see for example Fig. 8) be coupled and foldable in a transverse direction between the load carrier 1 and the support structure 200, between a bicycle arm stow position in which the bicycle support arm is folded towards the support structure, and a bicycle support position in which a bicycle can be supported by the bicycle support arm 500. The bicycle support position can be a position in which the bicycle support arm and the support section 200 extend at an angle within an angular range of 45 degrees to 90 degrees.

[0197] How best to Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the support structure 200 or a principal extension plane of the support structure 200, in a mounted state of the load carrier 1 on a vehicle and / or in a driving condition or driving configuration in which a bicycle can be transported on the load carrier, can be inclined towards the vehicle by a tilting angle and / or extend at a tilting angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle or with respect to a flat surface on which the vehicle is supported. The angle can be in a range of 8 to 15 degrees, for example, in a range of 10 to 14 degrees. The angle can be 12 degrees in an exemplary configuration.In this way, the total ground clearance between the load carrier or support structure and the ground increases in a direction away from the coupling device towards a rear end of the load carrier or in a backward direction from a vehicle to which the load carrier is mounted.

[0198] How best to in the Fig. 9 to Fig. As can be seen in Figure 14, the coupling device 100 may, in some embodiments, have a ball-joint coupling device 102 or be configured as such. The ball-joint coupling device 102 has at least one first clamping element 111 and at least one second clamping element 112. At least one second clamping element 112 is positioned relative to and away from the first clamping element 111 between a clamping position (in the Fig. 9 to Fig. The second clamping element 112 is movable in a clamping position (shown in Figure 11) and a release position (not shown). In the configurations shown, the second clamping element 112 is pivotably coupled to a coupling device housing 106 at an upper section thereof. The first clamping element 111 can be fixedly arranged on the coupling device housing 106 or can be formed integrally with the coupling device housing 106.

[0199] At least one of the first clamping component 111 and the second clamping component 112 has a clamping section 114 which provides increased friction with the ball head compared to other sections of the clamping component 111, 112.

[0200] The clamping section 114 can be an attachment 116 fastened to the clamping component 111, 112. The attachment 116 can be a casting or a part manufactured from sheet metal forming. The clamping section 114 can have a cup-shaped recess.

[0201] The clamping section 114 can be made of a material that is softer than the material of a ball head. For example, the clamping section 114 can be made of aluminum.

[0202] How best to Fig. As can be seen in Figure 14, the clamping section 114 can be coupled to the clamping component 111, 112 by one or more rivets 118 and / or can be guided on the clamping component 111, 112 by one or more pins 120, wherein the clamping section 114 can be coupled to the clamping component 111, 112 by only a single rivet 118 and can be guided on the clamping component 111, 112 by one or more pins 120, for example by three pins 120.

[0203] The first clamping component 111 and / or the second clamping component 112 can be made of a material that is stiffer than the material of the clamping section 114, wherein the material can be steel. The clamping section 114 can be formed integrally with the clamping component 111, 112, for example by a surface treatment of the clamping component 111, 112, wherein the surface treatment can include surface roughening and / or coating with a material with higher friction, wherein the clamping section 114 can be a blasted section of the clamping component 111, 112, in particular a sandblasted section. The clamping section 114 can have a surface-treated contact surface 122 for contacting the ball head. The surface treatment can include surface roughening and / or coating with a material with higher friction.In other configurations, the clamping section can be a blasted section on the clamping component itself, in particular a sandblasted section.

[0204] In one modification, the clamping section 114 can be configured to provide a friction layer on the clamping component, wherein the clamping section can be configured as an insert that is attached to the clamping component, for example, by joining through chemical reaction or thermal effects, such as gluing, soldering, brazing or welding.

[0205] The first clamping component and / or the second clamping component can be manufactured by bending a sheet of metal (see, for example, Fig. 9).

[0206] One or more of the clamping components 111, 112 can be movable in some alternative configurations. At least one clamping component 111 can be movable towards and away from the second clamping component 112 between a clamping position and a release position.

[0207] Fig. 12 to Fig. Figure 14 shows details of a housing according to one embodiment. The load carrier 1 can have such a housing. The housing can be configured to accommodate moving parts of a clamping mechanism 110 of the coupling device 100 or moving parts of a tilting mechanism of the load carrier 1. Reference is made below to a coupling device housing 106, but the features can also be implemented in a tilting mechanism housing. The housing 106 has a first housing section 106.1 and a second housing section 106.2, which together define an interior space. Each of the first housing section 106.1 and the second housing section 106.2 can be formed integrally, for example, by bending a sheet of metal. Each of the first housing section 106.1 and the second housing section 106.2 defines two opposing side walls 106.3, 106.4, 106.5, 106.6 of the housing 106.In this way, the housing can have a two-part structure.

[0208] How best to Fig. 14 to Fig. As shown in Figure 22, a coupling device for the load carrier 1 can comprise a coupling device housing 106, a coupling mechanism 108 housed in the coupling device housing 106, and a coupling mechanism actuating component 132 for actuating the coupling mechanism 108. The coupling mechanism actuating component 132 can be configured in an active configuration F (see, for example, Figure 22). Fig. 17, Fig. 18, Fig. 19), in which the coupling mechanism actuating component 132 and the coupling mechanism 108 are force-transmittingly coupled, and an inactive configuration G (see for example Fig. 16, Fig. 20, Fig. 21, Fig. 22), in which any force transmission from the coupling mechanism actuating component 132 to the coupling mechanism 108 is prevented. The coupling mechanism actuating component 132 can be moved between a first position in which the coupling mechanism actuating component 132 is in the active configuration F (as in Fig. 17, Fig. 18 and Fig. 19), and a second position in which the coupling mechanism actuating component 132 is in the inactive configuration G (as in Fig. 16, Fig. 20, Fig. 21 and Fig. 22), be movable. The first position can be further away from the coupling device housing 106 than the second position.

[0209] The coupling mechanism actuator 132 can be configured to be rotated by a user. Rotation of the coupling mechanism actuator 132 can be blocked if the actuator is in the inactive configuration G (as shown in Fig. 16).

[0210] In the inactive configuration, the coupling mechanism actuating component 132 can be locked in a predetermined orientation or rotational position with respect to the coupling device housing 106, such that the upward extension of the coupling mechanism actuating component 132 is minimized (see, for example, Fig. 16) The predetermined orientation can be such that the coupling mechanism actuating component 132 extends horizontally. The coupling device 100 can be configured such that the actuating component 132 can only be moved to the second position when it is in the predetermined orientation or predetermined rotational position.

[0211] The coupling mechanism actuating component 132 can have a first grip section 134 extending from an actuating component base section 133 in a first direction, and a second grip section 136 extending from the actuating component base section 133 in a second direction (see, for example, Fig. 14), wherein the first direction and the second direction can extend in opposite directions. Additionally or alternatively, the first handle section 134 and the second handle section 136 can extend from opposite sides of the actuating component base section 133 (see, for example, Fig. 14).

[0212] In the inactive configuration G, the rotation of the coupling mechanism actuating component 132 can be blocked by a positive locking of the coupling mechanism actuating component 132 with the coupling device housing 106. As is best done in Fig. 15 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 16, in the inactive configuration G the rotation of the coupling mechanism actuating component 132 can be blocked by an engagement of an actuating component engagement section 138, which is associated with the coupling mechanism actuating component 132, for example formed integrally on the coupling mechanism actuating component 132 or attached to the coupling mechanism actuating component 132, with a coupling device housing engagement section 107, which is associated with the housing 106, for example formed integrally with the housing 106 or attached to the housing 106.

[0213] The actuating component engagement section 138 can have an actuating component recess 139 and the housing engagement section 107 can have a coupling device housing projection 107 (see Fig. 15).

[0214] Alternatively, the housing engagement section can be configured to receive the actuator engagement section in a positive-locking or locking manner, wherein the actuator engagement section can be provided by a non-circular outer contour of a front end section of the coupling mechanism actuator and the housing engagement section can have a correspondingly shaped recess (see, for example, the lower section of the actuator 132 next to the lower housing wall of the housing 106 in Fig. 11).

[0215] The coupling device can additionally or alternatively comprise a coupling device housing 106, a coupling mechanism 108 housed in the coupling device housing 106, and a coupling mechanism actuating component 132 for actuating the coupling mechanism 108, wherein the coupling mechanism actuating component 132 is transferable between an active configuration F, in which the coupling mechanism actuating component 132 and the coupling mechanism 108 are force-transmitting coupled, and an inactive configuration G, in which any force transmission from the coupling mechanism actuating component 132 to the coupling mechanism 108 is prevented, wherein in the inactive configuration G the coupling mechanism actuating component 132 is locked in a predetermined orientation with respect to the coupling device housing 106.so that the upward extension of the coupling mechanism actuating component 132 is minimal, wherein the predetermined orientation can be such that the coupling mechanism actuating component 132 is as shown in , Fig. 14 horizontally extended.

[0216] The coupling mechanism actuating component 132 can have a first grip section 134 extending from an actuating component base section 133 in a first direction, and a second grip section 136 extending from the actuating component base section 133 in a second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction can extend in opposite directions. The first grip section 134 and the second grip section 136 can extend from opposite sides of the actuating component base section 133. The first grip section and the second grip section can extend at an angle to each other, in particular an angle less than 180 degrees.

[0217] In some configurations, the coupling device 100 has a coupling mechanism force transmission section 140 configured to transmit a force to the coupling mechanism 108. In the active configuration, the coupling mechanism actuating component 132 and the coupling mechanism 108 can be coupled or connected via the coupling mechanism force transmission section 140. In the inactive configuration G, any force transmission from the coupling mechanism actuating component 132 to the coupling mechanism force transmission section 140 is prevented.In the inactive configuration, the coupling mechanism actuating component 132 can be moved to a third position in which the coupling mechanism actuating component 132 is decoupled from the coupling mechanism force transmission section 140 and is freely rotatable about the coupling mechanism force transmission section 140 and is freely rotatable relative to the coupling device housing 106 (see, for example, . Fig. 20 and Fig. 21).

[0218] In other configurations, the coupling mechanism actuating component 132 is rotationally locked to the coupling mechanism force transmission section 140, so that a rotational force applied to the actuating component 132 is always transmitted to the coupling mechanism force transmission section 140, with rotation of the coupling mechanism actuating component 132 relative to the coupling device housing 106 being locked in the inactive configuration G.

[0219] How best to Fig. 18 to Fig. As shown in Figure 22, the coupling device 100 can have a locking mechanism 150 configured to temporarily prevent the coupling mechanism actuating component 132 from being moved to the first position. The coupling device 100 can at least further comprise a coupling device housing 106, a coupling mechanism 108 housed in the coupling device housing 106, a coupling mechanism force transmission section 140 configured to transmit a force to the coupling mechanism 108, and a coupling mechanism actuating component 132 for actuating the coupling mechanism.The coupling mechanism actuating component 132 is convertible between an active configuration in which the coupling mechanism actuating component 132 and the coupling mechanism 108 are force-transmitting coupled via the coupling mechanism force transmission section 140, and an inactive configuration in which any force transmission from the coupling mechanism actuating component 132 to the coupling mechanism 108 is prevented.

[0220] The coupling mechanism actuating component 132 can have an actuating component-side engagement section 132a, and the power transmission section 140 can have a power transmission section-side engagement section 142. The actuating component-side engagement section 132a and the power transmission section-side engagement section 142 are engaged when the coupling mechanism actuating component 132 is in the first position. The locking mechanism 150 can have a blocking section 152 that is movable to and from a blocking position located between the actuating component-side engagement section 132a and the power transmission section-side engagement section 142, thereby preventing engagement between the engagement sections 132a and 142.

[0221] The locking section can be rotatable to and from the locking position about a locking rotation axis P1. The locking rotation axis P1 can extend parallel to a coupling mechanism actuator rotation axis P2.

[0222] The coupling device 100 can also have a key-operated locking cylinder 154 (see, for example, Fig. 17). The locking cylinder 154 is operatively coupled to the blocking section 152. The locking cylinder 154 is rotatable about a locking cylinder rotation axis P3, whereby the locking cylinder rotation axis P3 and the locking rotation axis P1 can coincide or extend parallel to each other (see Fig. 18).

[0223] The locking section 152 can have a locking section stop surface 156 that points away from the actuating component-side engagement section 132a. The coupling mechanism force transmission section 140 has a force transmission section stop section 144, which is provided, for example, adjacent to the force transmission section-side engagement section 142. When the locking section 152 is in the locking position, the locking section stop surface 156 is positioned so that it faces the force transmission section stop section 144 and rests against the force transmission section stop section 144 when the coupling mechanism actuating component 132 is moved to the first position.

[0224] In another configuration, a load-bearing structure can have ground contact sections 106a, 135, 137; 135, 137, 3; 164, 207, 209 configured to jointly support the load-bearing structure 1 on substantially level ground (for example, in Fig. 23 to Fig. 27). At least one of the ground contact sections 135, 137; 164 is provided on the coupling mechanism actuation component 132, 162. The load carrier has at least one support structure 200 for supporting a load to be transported, a coupling device 100 with a coupling mechanism 108 configured to be coupled to a vehicle, and a coupling mechanism actuation component 132; 162 for actuating the coupling mechanism 108. The load carrier may further have other features, as described herein in relation to other configurations of load carriers.

[0225] How best to configure according to Fig. 23 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 24, the coupling mechanism actuating component 162 can be a plug-in mandrel actuating component 162 or a plug-in coupling insertion section actuating component.

[0226] The actuating component can alternatively be the coupling mechanism actuating component 132 (see, for example, Fig. 25, Fig. 26 and Fig. 27). The coupling mechanism actuating component 132 can have a first grip section 134 and a second grip section 136. The first grip section 134 has a first ground contact section 137 and the second grip section 136 has a second ground contact section 137. The first grip section 134 and the second grip section 136 extend at an angle of less than 180 degrees (see, for example, Fig. 26).

[0227] At least one ground contact section can be provided by the support frame 200. How best to... Fig. As shown in Figure 23, the support frame 200 can have a first frame ground contact section 207 and a second ground contact section 209. The first frame ground contact section 207 can be provided on a first frame side member 206, for example, at a front end of the first frame side member 206, and the second frame ground contact section 209 can be provided on a second frame side member 208, for example, at a front end of the second frame side member 208. Each of the frame side members 206, 208 can have a profile, for example, a rectangular, square, oval, or round profile. Each of the frame side members 206, 208 can be coupled to a front frame member 204 and / or a rear frame member 202.

[0228] In another configuration, at least one ground contact section can be provided by a housing ground contact section 106a of a coupling device housing 106, which at least partially accommodates the coupling mechanism 108 (see Fig. 25 and Fig. 26).

[0229] In another configuration, the load carrier can have a license plate holder 2, wherein the license plate holder 2 has a license plate holder ground contact section 3 configured to support the load carrier 1 together with the ground contact section of the coupling mechanism actuating component on level ground (see Fig. 27).

[0230] In a load carrier with a tilting mechanism 600 for tilting the support structure 200 relative to the coupling device 100 between a working position and a non-working position, wherein in working position A the support structure 200 is positioned to support a bicycle during vehicle travel and in non-working position B the support structure 200 is tilted upwards, in particular to reduce the longitudinal extent of the bicycle carrier 4 when mounted on a vehicle, or to reduce storage space when the bicycle carrier 4 is stowed, for example tilted upwards to extend substantially vertically, the ground contact sections 106a, 135, 137; 135, 137, 3; 164, 207, 209 can be provided to support the load carrier 1 on substantially level ground when the support structure 200 is in the non-working position.

[0231] In another configuration, the load carrier additionally or alternatively comprises, in addition to or as an alternative to other configurations disclosed herein, at least one coupling device housing 106, at least one first clamping element 111, at least one second clamping element 112, and a coupling mechanism actuating element 132, which is operable by a user and operatively coupled to the second clamping element 112, wherein at least one second clamping element 112 is movable relative to the coupling device housing 106 in the direction towards and away from the first clamping element 111 between a clamping position and a release position, wherein the first clamping element 111 and the second clamping element 112 are configured to allow clamping of an inserted ball head of the ball head coupling device from horizontally opposite sides. The ball head coupling device 102 can be configured such that a clamping force exerted on the ball head is spring-loaded (see Fig. 10 and Fig. 11).

[0232] The coupling mechanism actuating component 132 can be operatively coupled to the second clamping component 112, so that a force absorbed by the second clamping component 112 is spring-loaded.

[0233] How best to in the Fig. 10 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 11, the ball joint coupling device 102 can have a coupling mechanism force transmission section 140, for example a rod, which is configured to transmit a force, for example a thrust force, in the direction of or onto the second clamping component 112.

[0234] The coupling mechanism force transmission section 140 can be connected to the second clamping component 112 by means of a spring arrangement 124 (see Fig. 11) be coupled, for example to a spring arrangement 124 which has one or more disc springs, for example two or four disc springs.

[0235] The coupling mechanism force transmission section 140 can be configured to exert a force directly on the second clamping component 112 and can be attached to the coupling device housing 106 by means of a spring arrangement 124 (see, for example, Fig. 11) are carried, for example, a spring arrangement 124 which has one or more disc springs, for example, two or four disc springs.

[0236] In another configuration (not shown), the first clamping component 111 can be supported on the coupling device housing 106 by means of a spring arrangement, for example a spring arrangement 124 which has one or more disc springs, for example two or four disc springs.

[0237] The ball-joint coupling device 102 can further include a spring assembly holder 126 which is configured at least to support the spring assembly in a predetermined height position and in such a way that it cannot be detached from the respective clamping component 111, 112.

[0238] At least the first clamping component can have a spherical contact surface defined by a surface of revolution generated by rotating a curve one full revolution around an axis of rotation.

[0239] The second clamping component can have a spherical contact surface defined by a surface of revolution generated by rotating a curve one full revolution around an axis of rotation.

[0240] Each clamping component can be designed as a cap, for example a ball cap.

[0241] In other configurations, such as in Fig. 28 to Fig. As shown in Figure 39, in addition to or as an alternative to other features disclosed herein, the load carrier in other configurations has at least a support structure 200, for example a load platform, for supporting a load to be transported, a coupling device 100 for coupling the load carrier 1 to a vehicle, and a tilting mechanism 600 for tilting the support structure 200 relative to the coupling device 100 about a tilting axis 608. The tilting axis 608 can be defined by a pivot pin 610. The tilting mechanism has a tilting locking section 602, for example a rod lock, which is movable between a tilting locking position, in which it locks the support structure 200 relative to the coupling device 100, and a tilting release position, in which the support structure 200 can tilt freely.

[0242] The tilting locking section 602 can have a locking section support section 604, which is guided by a support section guide section 606 that defines or limits a path of movement of the locking section support section 604. The support section guide section 606 can have a slot. The locking section support section 604 has a first sliding surface 612 and a second sliding surface 614 for slidably supporting the tilting locking section 602 in the support section guide section 606. The first sliding surface 612 and the second sliding surface 614 can be located on opposite sides of the locking section support section 604 and can be parallel to each other. A guide clearance 616 of the support section guide section 606 changes along the path of movement.

[0243] In the Fig. 28 and Fig. In the configuration shown in Figure 29, the guide clearance 616 of the support section guide section 606 increases along the path of movement towards the tipping release position of the tipping lock section 602. The tipping release position is shown in the right-hand illustration in Fig. 28 is shown and the tilt lock position is in the middle illustration in Fig. 28 and in Fig. 29 shown.

[0244] How best to Fig. As can be seen in Figure 29, the support section guide section 606, for example the slot, has a first guide surface 616 and an opposing second guide surface 618, wherein the first guide surface 616 and the second guide surface 618 are configured such that the distance between them at the tilt release position of the tilt lock section 602 is greater than at the tilt lock position of the tilt lock section 602.

[0245] At least the second guide surface 618 has a first guide surface section 620 and a second guide surface section 622. Each section can be straight. The second guide surface section 622 can extend at an angle to the first guide surface section 620.

[0246] The first guide surface 616 can be straight. The first guide surface section 620 of the second guide surface 618 runs parallel to the first guide surface 616.

[0247] The support section-guide section 606 can be configured such that moving the tilting lock section 602 to the tilting release position is only possible by overcoming an obstacle, for example a step, which is provided in the support section-guide section 606, in particular at the second guide surface 618, for example in the second guide surface section 622.

[0248] The second guide surface 618 can define or have a step, wherein a step surface providing a change in height points to the tilt-lock position side of the support section guide section 606.

[0249] At least the locking section support section 604 can be rectangular or square, wherein, for example, the locking section support section 604 can be integral with the tilting locking section 602 and / or wherein the tilting locking section 602 and the locking section support section 604 can both be formed by an elongated beam, for example, an elongated beam with a continuously constant square or rectangular cross-section.

[0250] The tilting mechanism 600 can be configured to lock the support structure 200 relative to the coupling device 100 in at least one driving condition or driving configuration, wherein the support structure 200 is in a position of use in the driving condition or driving configuration in which a load, for example one or more bicycles, can be transported or moved by driving a vehicle to which the load carrier is attached.

[0251] In the driving condition or driving configuration, the support structure 200 can be configured and locked relative to the coupling device 100 such that, in a mounted state when the load carrier is mounted on the vehicle, the total ground clearance between the load carrier and the ground increases in a direction away from the coupling device towards a rear end of the load carrier 1.

[0252] In the driving condition or driving configuration, the support structure 200 can extend at an angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle or with respect to a flat surface on which the vehicle is supported, for example at an angle of 8 to 15 degrees, for example at an angle of 10 to 14 degrees, and in particular at an angle of 12 degrees. The path of movement and / or the support section guide section 606 and / or the first guide surface 616 can extend parallel to the support structure 200.

[0253] The second guide surface 618 can be an upper surface when the load carrier is mounted on a vehicle and is in a driving state.

[0254] The tilting mechanism 600 can be configured to lock the support structure 200 relative to the coupling device 100 in a tilted or folded-up position, wherein the support structure 200 is in a position of use in the driving condition or driving configuration in which a load, for example one or more bicycles, can be transported or moved by driving a vehicle to which the load carrier is attached.

[0255] The tilting mechanism 600 can have a support-structure-side tilting section 624, which, for example, includes one or more tilting plates 625 or a tilting bracket, and a coupling-device-side tilting section support 626, for example, a tilting base, wherein the tilting section 624 is pivotably coupled to the tilting section support 626. The support section guide section 606 can be provided on the tilting section 624.

[0256] The tilting section support 626 or the tilting base can have a first locking slot 627 for locking the support structure in the tilted position or the folded-up state and / or a second locking slot 628 for locking the support structure 200 in the driving position or the driving state. The tilting locking section 602 can engage with the first or the second locking slot. The first locking slot 627 and the second locking slot 628 are connected by a first sliding surface 629a with a first radius R1 such that the tilting locking section 602 can slide along the first sliding surface 629a at a first radial position from one locking slot to the other as soon as it is released from a locking slot, in particular pulled out of a locking slot. The tilting locking section 602 can be biased in the direction of the tilting locking position.The tilting section support 626 can be configured such that movement of the tilting locking section 602 beyond the second locking slot 628 in a direction away from the first locking slot 627 is only possible if the tilting locking section 602 is positioned at a second radial position, the second radial position being located further outwards in the radial direction than the first radial position. The tilting section support 626 can have a second sliding surface 629b extending from the second locking slot or recess on an opposite side, the second sliding surface 629b having a second radius R2 that is larger than the first radius R1.

[0257] In other configurations, which are best in Fig. 31 and Fig. As shown in Figure 32, the load carrier can, in addition to or as an alternative to other configurations disclosed herein, be configured at least as a bicycle carrier that can be mounted on the trailer hitch of a vehicle, for example, on a ball hitch or a receiver hitch of a vehicle, wherein the bicycle carrier has at least a support structure 200, at least one wheel support component 300 that is movable relative to the support structure 200 between a support position D and a stow position E, a coupling device 100 that is configured to support the support structure 200 on the trailer hitch, and a tilting mechanism 600 for tilting the support structure 200 relative to the coupling device 100 between a working position and a non-working position. In the working position, the support structure 200 is positioned to support a bicycle while the vehicle is in motion.In the operating position, the load carrier is in driving mode A or driving condition. In the non-operating position, the support structure 200 is tilted upwards, particularly to reduce the longitudinal extent of the bicycle carrier 4 when mounted on a vehicle, or to reduce storage space when the bicycle carrier 4 is stowed, for example, tilted upwards to extend essentially vertically. In the non-operating position, the load carrier is in the tilted-up or folded-up state, also referred to as the stowed state. The support component 300 can be pivotally mounted on the support structure 200, as described in conjunction with other configurations disclosed herein.

[0258] In another configuration, which is in Fig. 33 to Fig. As shown in Figure 39, the load carrier has, in addition to or as an alternative to other configurations disclosed herein, at least a support structure 200, for example a load platform, for supporting a load to be transported, a coupling device 100 for coupling the load carrier 1 to a vehicle, a tilting mechanism 600 for tilting the support structure 200 relative to the coupling device 100 about a tilting axis 608 defined by a pivot pin 610, and a force transmission component 630 for actuating the tilting mechanism 600. The force transmission component 630 can be operatively coupled to the tilting mechanism 600 at a first transmission component end section 632. The force transmission component 630 can be supported on the support structure 200 at a second transmission component end section 634.An intermediate section 636 of the power transmission component 630 between the first transmission component end section 632 and the second transmission component end section 634 can be arranged freely suspended, as for example in . Fig. 33, Fig. 38 and Fig. 40 is shown.

[0259] The intermediate section 636 can have a length of more than 30% of the total length of the power transmission component 630, for example more than 50% of the total length of the power transmission component 630 or more than 70% of the total length of the power transmission component 630.

[0260] The intermediate section 636 can be suspended, suspended, or hanging between a front frame member 204 and a rear frame member 202 of the support structure 200. The intermediate section 636 can also be suspended, suspended, or hanging between the tilting mechanism 600 and the rear frame member 202. The front frame member 204 and the rear frame member 202 are spaced apart. The tilting mechanism 600 can be located below the front frame member 204. The front frame member 204 and the rear frame member 202 can be coupled to each other by a first frame side member 206 and / or by a second frame side member 208, and the intermediate section 636 can extend between the first frame side member 206 and the second frame side member 208 without being supported by either of the frame side members 206 or 208.

[0261] The power transmission component can be at least partially flexible. The intermediate section 636 can be at least partially flexible, or fully flexible or bendable. The intermediate section 636 can have a wire at least partially or along its entire length. At least the intermediate section 636 can be covered with a sleeve or have a sleeve, for example, a rubber sleeve or a sleeve made of another plastic material, in particular a sleeve covering the wire.

[0262] The intermediate section 636 is configured to be gripped by a user so that the user can exert an actuating force on it. The intermediate section 634 can be configured to be pushable and / or pullable by a user, in particular to be pullable and / or pushable in a direction transverse to the main or longitudinal extension direction of the intermediate section 636.

[0263] The load carrier can have a tilting mechanism actuation component 650, for example, a tilting mechanism actuation handle 652. The tilting mechanism actuation component 650 is operatively coupled to the second transmission component end section 634, for example, to the second force transmission component end section 634, such that applying a force to the tilting mechanism actuation component 650 exerts a tensile force on the second transmission component end section 634. The tilting mechanism actuation component 650 can be a pull handle gripped by a user. The tilting mechanism actuation component 650 can be supported on the support structure 200, for example, on a rear frame component 202 of the support structure 200.

[0264] The tilting mechanism 600 can have a tilting locking section 602 that is movable between a tilting locking position, in which it locks the support structure 200 relative to the coupling device 100, and a tilting release position, in which the support structure 200 can tilt freely, wherein the first transmission component end section 632 can be operatively coupled to the tilting locking section 602. The tilting locking section 602 can be guided by a support section guide section 606 over the locking section support section 604 described above. The support section guide section 606 can be configured as in other tilting mechanism configurations described herein.

[0265] The first transmission component end section 632 can be operatively coupled to the tilting lock section 602 by means of a coupling section 670, wherein the coupling section 670 can be guided such that no moment is exerted on the tilting lock section 602. The coupling section 670 can be guided to be linearly movable and / or supported or guided on the pivot pin 610 and / or supported or guided on a tilting mechanism housing 601, for example in an opening of the tilting mechanism housing 601.

[0266] The load carrier may, in addition to or as an alternative to other load carrier configurations described herein, have a visually identifiable tilting mechanism status indicator 660 to signal to a user the state of the tilting mechanism, for example, whether the tilting mechanism is locked or released. The tilting mechanism status indicator 660 may have a tilting mechanism status indicator section 662, for example, a colored section. The tilting mechanism status indicator section 662 may be movable between a tilting lock position, corresponding to the state in which the tilting lock section 602 is in the tilting lock position, and a tilting release position, corresponding to the state in which the tilting lock section 602 is in the tilting release position, for example, such that the tilting mechanism status indicator section 662 is visible at least in the tilting release position or in the tilting lock position.The status indicator section 662 may have a red marking. In some configurations, the status indicator section 662 may be visible to a user when it is in the tilt-release position (see...). Fig. 38), and will not be visible when the tilting mechanism status indicator section 662 is in the tilting lock position (see Fig. 39, where the indicator section is completely housed in the casing of the tilting mechanism 600). The status indicator section 662 can be operatively coupled to the power transmission component 630, for example with the first transmission component end section 632, or provided on the power transmission component 630, for example such that it is moved into the tilting release position when the power transmission component 630 is actuated.

[0267] The tilting mechanism status indicator section 662 can be provided on the coupling section 670, for example, such that it projects from the tilting mechanism housing 601 when the tilting lock section 602 is in the tilting release position. The tilting mechanism status indicator section 662 can be provided on a coupling section sleeve section 674 of the coupling section 670, with the power transmission component 630 extending through the coupling section sleeve section 674. Alternatively, the tilting mechanism status indicator section 662 can be provided on the power transmission component 630.

[0268] In general, a visually identifiable tilting mechanism status indicator 660 can be provided for all load carriers with a tilting mechanism.Such load carriers, in addition to or as an alternative to the load carrier configurations described here, have at least a support structure 200, for example a load platform, for supporting a load to be transported, a coupling device 100 for coupling the load carrier 1 to a vehicle, and a tilting mechanism 600 for tilting the support structure 200 relative to the coupling device 100 about a tilting axis 608, which is defined, for example, by a pivot pin 610, a tilting locking section 602, which is movable between a tilting locking position in which it locks the support structure 200 relative to the coupling device 100, and a tilting release position in which the support structure 200 can tilt freely, and a visually recognizable tilting mechanism status indicator 660, for example a tilting mechanism status indicator as described here in connection with other load carrier or tilting mechanism configurations.

[0269] The status indicator section 662 can be operatively coupled to a power transmission component 630, for example to the first transmission component end section 632, or provided on the power transmission component 630, for example such that it is moved into the tilt release position when the power transmission component 630 is actuated, for example moved from a ready configuration or position, wherein the power transmission component can comprise a rod, a bar, a wire and / or a belt.

[0270] The tilting mechanism status indicator section 662 can be provided on a coupling section 670 that connects the power transmission component 630 to the tilting lock section 602, for example such that it protrudes from a tilting mechanism housing 601 when the tilting lock section 602 is in the tilting release position, wherein the tilting mechanism status indicator section 662 can be provided on a coupling section sleeve section 674 of the coupling section 632, wherein the power transmission component (630) extends through the coupling section sleeve section 674.

[0271] In another configuration, the load carrier may, in addition to or as an alternative to the load carrier configurations described here, comprise at least one support structure, for example a platform, for supporting a load to be transported, a coupling device configured to support the support structure on the vehicle, for example on a vehicle coupling, a lighting arrangement with one or more lights, for example a light panel with one or more taillights or a license plate light, and a connector electrically connected to the lighting arrangement and configured to be coupled to a vehicle power supply, wherein at least one of the one or more lights can be reassigned or transferred to a standby state in which light emission in an unfavorable direction is prevented, while the connector remains coupled to the vehicle power supply.

[0272] In another configuration, the load carrier can additionally or alternatively include, in addition to or as an alternative to the load carrier configurations described here, at least one support structure 200, a coupling device 100 configured to be coupled with a ball trailer coupling, and a tilting mechanism 600 for tilting the load support structure 200 relative to the coupling device 100 about a tilting axis 608, wherein the tilting axis 608 is always closer to the coupling device 100 than the center of gravity of the support structure 200. In other words, the support structure 200 is arranged unbalanced on the coupling device, meaning that it does not have a predetermined position or orientation in which it remains unless locked. The support structure 200 can be pivotably coupled to the coupling device 100 at a front end, for example, a front frame component 204 of the support structure 200.

[0273] The load carrier can be configured so that the tilting axis 608 is always located between the center of gravity of the support structure 200 and the coupling device 100.

[0274] The support structure 200 can comprise a front frame component 202, which is coupled to the tilting mechanism 600 and extends in a transverse direction of the load carrier 1, and at least one first frame side component 206, which is coupled to the front frame component 202 and extends from the front frame component 202 in a longitudinal rearward direction of the load carrier 1. At least one support section 300 can be mounted on the first frame side component 206.

[0275] In another configuration, the load carrier can additionally or alternatively include at least one support structure 200, a plug-in coupling device 104 configured to be attached to the plug-in coupling, wherein the plug-in coupling device 104 has a plug-in coupling insertion section 160, for example, an insertion mandrel configured to be received in the plug-in coupling, and a tilting mechanism 600 for tilting the support structure 200 and the plug-in coupling device 104 relative to each other about a pivot axis, wherein the plug-in coupling device 104 is pivotable into a stowed position relative to the support structure 200, wherein in the stowed position the plug-in coupling insertion section 160 is folded towards the support structure 200, for example, towards a top surface of the support structure 200.and extends essentially parallel to the support structure 200.

[0276] The support structure 200 can have a first frame side member 206 that extends in a main direction of extension of the support structure 200, for example, in a longitudinal direction of the support structure 200. The first frame side member 206 can be straight, for example, as a straight profile, such as a rectangular profile. In the stowed position, the plug-in coupling insertion section 160 can extend substantially parallel to the first frame side member 206.

[0277] In the stowed position, the plug-in coupling insertion section 160 can be folded against the top of the support structure 200.

[0278] The load carrier can have at least one wheel support component 300, which is supported on the first frame side component 206, which is movable relative to the support structure 200 between a support position and a stowage position, for example pivoting around the first frame side component 206 between the support position and the stowage position, wherein, when the plug-in coupling insertion section is in the stowage position and the wheel support component 300 is in the stowage position, the plug-in coupling insertion section 160 extends over the wheel support component 300 or at least partially covers the wheel support component 300.

[0279] The load carrier can further be configured to lock the plug-in coupling insertion section 160 in the stowed position, for example by means of a tilt-lock section 602, such as the tilt-lock section 602, as described in conjunction with other configurations disclosed herein.

[0280] In another configuration, the load carrier is additionally or alternatively configured as a bicycle carrier to other configurations disclosed herein and has a coupling device 100 configured to be attached to a vehicle, a support structure 200, for example a frame, and at least one support section 300 configured to support a wheel of a bicycle and pivotably coupled to the support structure 200 about a support section pivot axis 310, wherein the support section 300 is movable between a folded or parked position and an open or loading position, wherein the support section 300 has a wheel support surface 302 available for contacting the wheel of the bicycle, the wheel support surface 302 extending offset from the support section pivot axis 310 and passing the support section pivot axis 310 on one side (see, for example, Fig. 43, Fig. 44 and Fig. 40).

[0281] The wheel support surface 302 has a first wheel support surface section 304 and a second wheel support surface section 306, wherein the first wheel support surface section 304 and the second wheel support surface section 306 extend in opposite directions from a third wheel support surface section 308, which is closest to the support section pivot axis 310.

[0282] The load-bearing structure can have two support sections 300, which are pivotably connected to the support structure 200 on opposite lateral sides of the support structure 200 (see Fig. 40) and are coupled about respective support section pivot axes 310, each support section 300 being movable between the folded or parked position and the open or loading position, the wheel support surfaces 302 of the support sections 300 being oriented such that they are able to support a front wheel or a rear wheel of a single bicycle, wherein in the open or loading position (as in Fig. 40) a distance between the laterally inner ends of the wheel support surfaces 302 of the two support sections 300 is smaller than the distance between the pivot axes of the two support sections 300.

[0283] In another configuration, as exemplified in the Fig. 43 to Fig. As shown in Figure 49, the load carrier can be attached to a vehicle coupling in addition to or as an alternative to other configurations disclosed herein and has a coupling device 100 configured to be attached to the vehicle coupling, a support structure 200, for example a frame, and at least one support section 300 pivotably coupled to the support structure 200 about a support section pivot axis 310 and movable between a folded or parked position and an open or loading position, wherein the support section 300 has a support section coupling section 312 for supporting the support section 300 on the support structure 200, wherein the support section coupling section 312 has at least one circumferential sliding section 314, 316 defining a circular sliding path about the support section pivot axis 310, and further has a stop section 318, 322 axially with respect to the sliding section It is offset from 314 and 316.

[0284] The stop section 318, 320 can be provided in a recess 320.

[0285] The support section 300 is coupled to the support structure 200 by means of a coupling section support arrangement 330, wherein the coupling section support arrangement 330 can be attached to the support structure 200, for example by having an opening for receiving a section of the support structure 200. The coupling section support arrangement 330 can have a sleeve-like configuration.

[0286] The coupling section support arrangement 330 can have at least one sliding section 342, 352 for supporting the at least one circumferential sliding section 314, 316, wherein the at least one sliding section 314, 316 can be provided on a guide bushing section 340, 350.

[0287] The coupling section support arrangement 330 can include a support section stop 334, for example, a support section stop 334 provided on a stop section 332 or a stop bushing, for example, a stop component that can be attached to the support structure 200. The support section stop 334 provides a stop for the stop section 318, 320. The support section stop 334 can be a projection extending radially with respect to the support section pivot axis 310. The support section stop 334 can have a first stop surface 336 and a second stop surface 338, wherein the first stop surface 336 and the second stop surface 338 are circumferential around the support section pivot axis 310 and are provided on opposite sides.The support section 300 can have two stop sections 318, 322, a first stop section 318 and a second stop section 322, wherein the first stop surface 336 can be configured to touch the first stop section 318 when the support section 300 is in the open or loading position, and / or the second stop surface 338 can be configured to touch the second stop section 322 when the support section 300 is in the folded or parked position.

[0288] The load-bearing element can be configured such that the support section 300 abuts a stop wall or stop surface 336, 338 of a stop section 332 provided on the support structure. The stop section 332 can be a socket or can form part of a socket.

[0289] The support section coupling section 312 can have two opposing stop surfaces configured to receive the support section stop 334 between them when the support section 300 is in the open or loading position. The width of the support section stop 334 can substantially correspond to the distance between the opposing guide surfaces. The opposing stop surfaces can be oriented substantially parallel to the support section pivot axis 310 in one direction.

[0290] The coupling section support arrangement 330 can be formed by several parts that can be connected to one another in the axial direction of the support section pivot axis 310, for example by a snap lock, wherein the coupling section support arrangement 330 can have a stop section 332 or a stop bushing and two guide bushing sections 340, 350 that are coupled to the stop bushing on axially opposite sides of the stop bushing 332. The stop section 332 or the stop bushing can be configured to provide only a rotation stop and to support the support section coupling section 312 in a non-displaceable manner. Each guide bushing section 340, 350 can be configured not to provide a rotation stop for the support section coupling section 312.

[0291] The load carrier has a locking configuration, for example a snap configuration, configured to block or restrict rotation of the support section 300 from the folded or parked position and / or from the open or loading position. The support section coupling section 312 can be configured to engage with a locking counterpart provided on the support structure 200, for example on the coupling section support assembly 330, in particular on the stop section or stop component 332. The first stop section 318 and the second stop section 322 can be configured to provide a positive locking action that acts in the direction of rotation when the support section 300 is in the folded or parked position and / or in the open or loading position.The locking counterpart can be a deformable or flexible projection provided on the stop section or stop component 332 and projecting radially in relation to the support section pivot axis 310.

[0292] In another configuration, the load carrier is additionally or alternatively configured as a bicycle carrier to other configurations disclosed herein and has a coupling device 100 configured to be attached to a vehicle, a support structure 200, for example a frame, and at least one support section 300 pivotably coupled to the support structure 200 on a lateral side of the support structure 200 about a support section pivot axis 310, wherein the support section 300 is movable between a folded or parked position and an open or loading position and has a top configured to support a bicycle and a bottom, wherein the support section 300 has an extension section 360 projecting from the support section 300 along the support section pivot axis 310, for example projecting from the support section 300 parallel to the support section pivot axis 310.wherein at least one section of the extension section 360, for example a main section of the extension section, is offset downwards, such that at least one lower section of the extension section 360, for example the entire extension section 360, extends below the underside.

[0293] The load carrier or bicycle carrier can have two support sections 300, each support section 300 being movable between the folded or parked position and the open or loading position, and having the top configured to support a bicycle and the bottom, wherein the extension section 360 is configured as a bridging section to connect the two support sections 300 to each other, the bridging section being offset downwards such that at least a lower portion of the bridging section is positioned outside of a space between the two support components.

[0294] The extension section 360 can be configured to secure or accommodate a bicycle support arm 500 in a stowed position when the support section 300 is in the folded or parked position.

[0295] The extension section 360 may have or form a gripping section or define a gripping section that can be gripped by a user to transfer the support section 300 between a folded or parked position and an open or loading position.

[0296] The extension section 360 can be fixed to the underside of the support section 200, for example by screws.

[0297] The load carrier may have a locking configuration, for example a snap configuration, configured to block or restrict rotation of the support section 300 from the folded or parked position and / or from the open or loading position. The support section coupling section 312 may be configured to engage with a locking counterpart provided on the support structure 200, for example on a coupling section support assembly 330, in particular on a stop section or stop component 332. A first stop section 318 and a second stop section 322 may be configured to provide a positive locking action that acts in the direction of rotation when the support section 300 is in the folded or parked position and / or in the open or loading position.The locking counterpart can be a deformable or flexible projection provided on the stop section or stop component 332 and projecting radially in relation to the support section pivot axis 310.

[0298] In another configuration (for example, shown in Fig. 51) The load carrier is configured as a bicycle carrier in addition to or as an alternative to other configurations disclosed herein and has a coupling device 100 configured to be attached to a vehicle, a support structure 200, for example a frame, and a lighting arrangement 400 movably coupled to the support structure 200, for example pivotally coupled to be movable between a usage configuration and a stowage configuration, wherein in the stowage configuration at least one section of the lighting arrangement 400 is positioned inside the support structure and in front of a rear section 201 of the support structure, for example in front of a rear frame component 202 of the support structure 200, so that the lighting arrangement 400 is at least partially protected by the rear section 201.

[0299] The support structure 200 can have a rear frame component 202, a front frame component 204, a first frame side component 206 and a second frame side component 208, wherein the lighting arrangement 400 is pivotably supported on the first frame side component 206 or on the second frame side component 208.

[0300] The first frame side member 206 and the second frame side member 208 can connect the front frame member 204 and the rear frame member 202, for example, such that the rear frame member 202, the front frame member 204, the first frame side member 206, and the second frame side member 208 form a closed frame, for example, a closed rectangular frame. One or more frame members of frame members 202, 204, 206, 208 can be straight.

[0301] The lighting assembly 400 can be provided on or attached to a support section 300, which is pivotally coupled to the first frame side member 206 or the second frame side member 208. The support section 300 can be moved between a folded or parked position and an open or loading position, wherein, when the support section 300 is moved into the folded or parked position, the lighting assembly 400 is in the stowed configuration.

[0302] In another configuration, the load carrier is additionally or alternatively configured as a bicycle carrier, in addition to or as an alternative to other configurations disclosed herein, and comprises a coupling device 100 configured to be attached to a vehicle, a support structure 200, for example a frame, and at least one support section 300 configured to support a wheel of a bicycle and having a wheel support surface 302 available for contacting the wheel of the bicycle, and a fastening arrangement comprising a strap and a strap receptacle, wherein the strap has a fastening end attached to a first lateral side of the support section 300 at a first longitudinal position, and the strap receptacle is attached to the support section on an opposite second lateral side at a second longitudinal position, wherein, in addition to the strap receptacle, the support section 300 has a strap stowage section (as in Fig. 41 and Fig. 42) has a configuration to accommodate a free end section of the belt at a third longitudinal position that differs from the second longitudinal position.

[0303] The belt storage section is configured and arranged so that when the belt is inserted into the belt storage section, the belt curvature is oriented in the opposite direction to when the belt is inserted into the belt receptacle for attaching a bicycle wheel (as can be seen from a comparison of the Fig. 41 and Fig. 42 is evident).

[0304] The belt stowage section is integrally formed in the support section 300 and / or has a guide for accommodating the belt in a predetermined orientation and / or is designed as a guide.

[0305] The belt stowage section may have a belt receiving slot, wherein the belt receiving slot may be provided in the wheel support surface 302 or adjacent to the wheel support surface 302 on one side of the belt receptacle.

[0306] The belt receiving slot can extend parallel to the wheel support surface 302, and / or wherein the belt receiving slot can have a length greater than 1.2 times the width of the belt, in particular greater than 1.5 times the width of the belt, for example twice the width of the belt or greater.

[0307] The belt mounting slot can be configured to support an inserted belt in such a way that a belt section extending from the belt mounting slot is inclined towards the belt mounting (see Fig. 42) and / or that the belt is supported to remain in a U-shape open towards a free end section of the support section, and / or a U-shape configured such that the belt is guided around the wheel support surface 302. A longitudinal end wall of the slot on the belt receiving side may be inclined inwards such that it extends obliquely downwards from an upper surface of the support section 300 towards the opposite end of the belt receiving slot, providing support for a lateral side of an inserted belt.

[0308] The support section 300 can be pivotally arranged about a support section pivot axis 310, wherein the support section 300 is movable between a folded or parked position and an open or loading position, and wherein the fastening end and the belt receptacle are arranged on opposite sides of the support section pivot axis 310 such that, when a free end section of the belt is inserted into the belt receptacle, a belt section between the fastening end and the belt receptacle passes the support section pivot axis 310 on one side, and wherein the belt stowage section is provided on the same side of the support section as the belt receptacle, and wherein the belt receptacle and the belt stowage section are provided on opposite sides of the support section pivot axis.

[0309] The support section 300 can have a support section coupling section 312 for supporting the support section 300 on the support structure 200, wherein the support section coupling section 312 is configured to accommodate a section of the support structure 200, with the belt attachment end and belt receptacle being provided longitudinally along the support section 300 on opposite sides of the support section coupling section 312. The belt receptacle and belt stowage section can be provided longitudinally along the support section 300 on opposite sides of the support section coupling section 312.

[0310] In another configuration, the load carrier is additionally or alternatively configured as a bicycle carrier in addition to or as an alternative to other configurations disclosed herein and has a coupling device, a coupling device 100, which is configured to be attached to a vehicle, a support structure 200, for example a frame, and at least one support section 300, which is configured to support a wheel of a bicycle and which is pivotably coupled to the support structure 200 about a support section pivot axis 310, wherein the support section 300 is movable between a folded or parked position and an open or loading position, and wherein the support section 300 has a wheel support surface 302 which is available to contact the wheel of the bicycle, and a fastening arrangement with a strap and a strap receptacle, wherein the strap has a fastening end,the support section 300 is attached to a first lateral side at a first mounting position, and the belt receptacle is attached to the support section at a second mounting position on an opposite lateral side, offset in the main extension direction or longitudinal direction of the support section 300, wherein the mounting end and the belt receptacle are arranged on opposite sides of the support section pivot axis 310 such that, when a free end section of the belt is inserted into the belt receptacle, a belt section between the mounting end and the belt receptacle extends diagonally with respect to the support section pivot axis 310 and passes the support section pivot axis 310 on one side.

[0311] The support section 300 can have a support section coupling section 312 for supporting the support section 300 on the support structure 200, wherein the support section coupling section 312 is configured to accommodate a section of the support structure 200, and wherein the fastening end of the belt and the belt receptacle are provided in the longitudinal direction of the support section 300 on different sides of the support section coupling section 312.

[0312] In another configuration, which is in the Fig. 53 to Fig. As shown in Figure 57, the load carrier can be a bicycle carrier in addition to or as an alternative to other configurations disclosed herein and has a support structure 200, a support section 300 coupled to the support structure 200, wherein the support section 300 is configured to support a wheel of a bicycle, a bicycle support arm 500 pivotably coupled to the support structure 200 by means of a bicycle support arm coupling mechanism 550 and foldable in a transverse direction of the load carrier 1 and the support structure between a bicycle arm stow position and a bicycle support position, wherein the bicycle support arm coupling mechanism 550 is configured to guide the bicycle support arm 500 in such a manner as tothat when the bicycle support arm 500 is folded from the bicycle arm storage position to the bicycle support position, a free end section 502 of the bicycle support arm 500 changes its position relative to the support section 300 in a longitudinal direction of the load carrier 1 and / or in a longitudinal direction of the support structure 200.

[0313] When the bicycle support arm is folded from the bicycle arm storage position to the bicycle support position, the free end section 502 can move backwards relative to the support structure 200 and / or in a lateral direction of the support section 300.

[0314] In the bicycle arm stow position, the free end section 502 can be in a position adjacent to the support section 300 and close to the support structure 200, and in the bicycle support position, the free end section 502 can be in an elevated position, in which the free end section 502 is positioned at a greater distance from the support structure 200 and / or is in a vertical direction with respect to a principal extension plane of the support structure 200 that is positioned above a section of the support section 300.

[0315] The load carrier can have two support sections 300 arranged in such a way as to be able to support a front wheel or a rear wheel of a bicycle, wherein a support plane spanned by two wheel contact sections on the support sections 300 and a bicycle contact section on the free end section of the bicycle support arm 500, in a mounted state of the load carrier on a vehicle and when the bicycle support arm 500 is in the bicycle support position, is inclined or tilted in the direction of the vehicle such that a supported bicycle is inclined in the direction of the vehicle, for example inclined in the direction of the vehicle at an angle of less than 10 degrees, in particular at an angle of less than 5 degrees, for example at an angle of 3 degrees.

[0316] When the bicycle support arm is folded from the bicycle arm stow position to the bicycle support position, the free end section 502 can be moved along a circular path, wherein a plane of the path in which the circular path extends is inclined rearward such that the free end section 502 in the bicycle support position is further away from the front of the load carrier 1 and / or the rear of a vehicle on which the load carrier is mounted than in the stow position.

[0317] In a mounted state of the load carrier 1 on a vehicle and / or in a driving condition or driving configuration in which a bicycle can be transported on the load carrier, the support structure 200 or a principal extension plane of the support structure 200 is inclined towards the vehicle by a tilt angle and / or extends at a tilt angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle or with respect to a flat ground on which the vehicle is supported. The tilt angle may be an angle of 8 to 15 degrees, for example an angle of 10 to 14 degrees, in particular an angle of 12 degrees, such that the total ground clearance between the load carrier and the ground increases in a direction away from the coupling device towards a rear end of the load carrier or in a rearward direction from a vehicle to which the load carrier is mounted.

[0318] The bicycle support arm 500 can be pivoted about a bicycle support arm pivot axis, wherein the bicycle support arm pivot axis 553 is inclined or angled relative to the support structure 200 and / or is inclined or angled relative to a frame side component 206, 208 such that a distance between the bicycle support arm pivot axis 553 and the support structure 200 increases in the direction of a front end of the load carrier 1 in an area where the support arm pivot axis extends over the support structure 200, for example inclined or angled at an angle 212 of 10 to 15 degrees, for example at an angle 212 of 13, 13.5 or 14 degrees.

[0319] The bicycle support arm 500 can be straight and can extend in such a way that a forward tilt angle 213 of 2 to 5 degrees, for example 3 to 4 degrees, in particular 3.5 degrees, is spanned between a plane that is perpendicular to the bicycle support arm pivot axis and a principal extension direction of the bicycle support arm.

[0320] The bicycle support arm coupling mechanism 550 can be a joint mechanism.

[0321] The support structure 200 can have a rear frame section, which, for example, includes or is formed by a rear frame component 202, and / or a front frame section, which, for example, includes or is formed by a front frame component 204, and / or a first frame side section, which is formed by or includes a first frame side component 206, and / or a second frame side section, which, for example, is formed by or includes a second frame side component 208, wherein at least one, for example, each, frame section or frame component is straight. At least two opposing frame sections, for example, the frame side components, can extend at least partially parallel to each other. At least three of the frame sections can be integrally formed by bending, for example, by bending a profile.The support section 300 can be supported on one of the frame side members. The support section 300 can be configured to support a bicycle wheel and can optionally be pivotally supported on the support structure 200 about a support section pivot axis. The support section pivot axis can extend parallel to a frame side member 206, 208, wherein the support section 300 has a wheel support surface 302 available for contacting the bicycle wheel. The bicycle support arm can have a coupling section, for example a sleeve section, which is pivotally supported on a pivot pin, for example by means of a friction-generating structure, wherein the pivot pin is held on the support structure 200 by means of a pivot pin holder.

[0322] How best to Fig. 58 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 59, the load carrier can have a bicycle support arm swivel stop 220, which limits the rotation of the bicycle support arm 500 in a direction away from the stowing position to prevent the bicycle arm from rotating against the ground.

[0323] In another configuration, a strap fastening assembly is provided. The strap fastening assembly can be provided on a bicycle support arm 500, in particular on a bicycle support head for fastening the bicycle support arm 500 to a bicycle. The strap fastening assembly comprises a fastening strap having teeth on at least one side thereof, a strap receptacle configured to receive a free end section of the fastening strap and to engage with the teeth on the fastening strap, the strap receptacle being configured to releasably lock the fastening strap therein, and a strap engagement section configured to engage with the belt teeth in a first direction.The belt fastening assembly can further include a fastening belt locking section configured to block any movement of the fastening belt, wherein the fastening belt locking section is movable between a fastening belt locking position in which the fastening belt locking section is engaged with the teeth on the fastening belt and a release position in which the fastening belt locking component is released from the fastening belt. The fastening belt locking section is movable in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction of engagement with the belt teeth. Accordingly, the belt teeth can be engaged from a lateral side of the belt.

[0324] In addition to or as an alternative to configurations of a spacer disclosed herein, a spacer 500 or bicycle support arm for a load carrier 1, which is mountable on a vehicle, may have at least one fastening section 504, for example a load-side fastening unit configured to be attached to a load section, for example a frame section of a bicycle, and comprising a housing, a fastening mechanism with a belt 580 and a belt receptacle, wherein the belt receptacle has or forms part of a belt insertion passage, and a locking mechanism for locking the belt when it is inserted into the belt insertion passage, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a translationally movable locking element for engaging with the belt and a rotatable actuating section, for example a rotatable locking cylinder.The belt receptacle and locking element can be configured to engage with an inserted belt on the same side of the belt. The locking element can be provided on an exit side of the belt receptacle, in particular such that the locking element is the locking section closest to the free end of a belt inserted into the belt receptacle. The rotatable actuating section can be located on one side of the belt passage opposite the side where the belt receptacle and locking element engage with an inserted belt.The actuating section can be arranged such that its axis of rotation extends through the housing in a direction transverse to a main extension direction of the belt passage and perpendicular to a direction of movement of the translationally movable locking component, wherein the actuating section is preferably provided on the housing in such a way that it extends between the locking component and the belt receptacle.

[0325] The fastening unit or fastening section 504 can have a locking mechanism with a movable locking element 190. The movable locking element 190 is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the movable locking element 190 blocks movement of the belt 580. In the unlocked position, the locking element 190 is released from the belt 580, and the belt 580 is free to move relative to the locking element 190. The locking element 190 can be arranged to be translationally movable or rotatably movable. The locking element 190 can have an opening or passage for receiving the belt 580. Accordingly, the belt 580 extends through the locking element 190 when the belt 580 is correctly positioned in the belt receptacle 157.In this embodiment, the locking component 190 is configured to engage with the belt on the side of the belt where the ratchet 406 engages with the belt 580. In other words, the locking component 190 can have a locking section 192 for engagement with the belt 580, with the locking section 192 and the ratchet 406 being positioned on the same side of the belt 580. Furthermore, the locking section is positioned on the side where the free end of the belt is located when it is inserted into the belt receptacle. The locking section 192 can be provided on an exit side of the belt receptacle.

[0326] The locking section 192 can be configured to make contact with the ratchet 176. In particular, the arrangement can be such that the ratchet 176 can exert a force on the locking component 190 to move it toward the unlocked position. Accordingly, the locking component 190 is also released from the belt 580 when the ratchet 176 is released from the belt 580. On the other hand, the locking component 190 is configured to make contact with the ratchet 176 and hold the ratchet 176 in a locked position when the locking component 190 is in a locked position and locked by a locking mechanism described later. Accordingly, the ratchet 176 cannot be released from the belt 580 once the locking component 190 is locked. Fig. Figure 76 shows a state in which the ratchet 176 and the locking component 190 are in a locked position. The belt 580 is securely fixed to the belt holder 157.

[0327] The locking component 190 further comprises a blocking section. The blocking section is configured as a receiving section to receive an engagement section 188 of the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may include an actuating section, for example, a locking cylinder 180. The locking mechanism and the locking section 192 of the locking component 190 may be provided such that they are located on opposite sides of an inserted belt or on opposite sides of a belt passage. The locking mechanism 180 may be located below the belt receptacle or the pump buckle assembly. In particular, the locking mechanism 180 may include a rotatable locking component, for example, a locking cylinder that can be actuated by a key.The rotatable locking element can be arranged such that its axis of rotation is perpendicular to a direction of movement of the locking element 190 if the locking element is configured as a translationally movable locking element. The rotatable locking element 180 can be arranged such that its axis of rotation extends parallel to the axis of rotation of the locking element 190 if the locking element 190 is configured as a rotatable locking element. This makes the configuration very compact. Accordingly, engagement can occur between the locking section 192 on one side of the belt, and blocking of the locking element 190, in particular engagement with the locking element 190 to block movement, is effected on the other side of the belt. The actuating section is movable between a locking position and an unlocking position.In this embodiment, the locking cylinder 180 is rotatable between the locked position and the unlocked position. Fig. 75 and Fig. Figure 76 shows a configuration in which the locking cylinder 180 is in the unlocked position. The actuating section is operatively coupled to a blocking section for blocking movement of the locking component 190. In the present embodiment, the blocking section has the engagement section 188. The engagement section 188 can be configured as a projection that is integrally rotatable together with the actuating section. Accordingly, the projection is movable between an unlocked position and a locked position. The locking component 190 can have a receiving section 194. The receiving section is configured to receive the blocking section of the locking mechanism. The receiving section 194 can be a recess. The recess can be provided by a bulge formed in the locking component 190.In this embodiment, the locking component 190 is translationally movable in a direction perpendicular to a rotational axis of the actuating section. The actuating section, for example the locking cylinder 180, is positioned next to the locking component 190. The locking component 190 extends laterally beyond the actuating section. The engagement section 188 is configured to engage laterally with the locking component 190. Accordingly, a compact belt locking mechanism can be achieved.

[0328] The locking component 190 can be pre-tensioned in the direction of the locking position. Accordingly, the locking component 190 can serve as an additional ratchet to the ratchet 176 or can form the ratchet of the belt holder 157. In particular, the locking component 190 can be configured to allow the belt 580 to pass in one tensioning direction and to automatically block the belt 580 from passing in the opposite direction. The locking section 192 can be operatively coupled to a tensioning lever 174 of the belt holder 157, such that pressing the tensioning lever 174 causes the locking section 192 to move into the unlocked position.

[0329] In another configuration, a bicycle support arm joint mechanism 550 is provided. An example configuration is shown in Fig. 55 to Fig. Figure 64 shows the bicycle support arm joint mechanism. The bicycle support arm joint mechanism can be attached to a bicycle support arm 500 or can form part of the bicycle support arm 500 for coupling the bicycle support arm 500 to the support structure 200. The bicycle support arm joint mechanism 550 can have a first joint section 551 associated with a bicycle support arm 500, the first joint section 551 being a tube section. The bicycle support arm joint mechanism 550 can have a second joint section 552 configured to be coupled to a support structure 200 of a load carrier 1. The first joint section can be pivotally coupled to the second joint section about a joint mechanism pivot axis 553. The first joint section can be supported on the second joint section by means of an adjustable sliding bearing arrangement configured to generate a predetermined friction between the first joint section and the second joint section.The predetermined friction can be high enough to prevent the bicycle support arm from pivoting around the joint mechanism pivot axis due to its own weight.

[0330] The sliding bearing arrangement can have a first friction component 554, for example an inner friction component, which is assigned to the first joint section, and a second friction component 555, for example an outer friction component, which is assigned to the second joint section 555, wherein the second friction component 555 can have a cone or cone section 556 and the first friction component 554 can have a corresponding recess 557, for example a funnel-shaped recess, for receiving the cone, wherein friction is generated between a cone envelope surface and a correspondingly shaped surface of the recess.

[0331] The bicycle support arm joint mechanism can have two first friction elements and two second friction elements, wherein a first and a second friction-generating unit can each be formed by a first friction element and a second friction element. The first friction element can be housed in a sleeve section of the bicycle support arm. The first friction element can have a cylindrical outer contour or surface. The first friction element 554 can be attached to the bicycle support arm, for example by means of a projection 554a, so that it is not rotatable relative to the bicycle support arm. The second friction element can be engaged with a bracket or support for mounting the joint mechanism to the support structure 200. The second friction element 555 can be held immovably on the bracket 552, in particular such that it is not rotatable relative to the bracket.The holder and the second friction element can be attached to the first friction element by inserting the cone of the second friction element into the recess of the second friction element. A screw or a fastening bolt 558 and a nut 559 can be used to couple the first friction element and the second friction element together, the clamping force of the screw or fastening bolt pressing the cone surface onto the surface of the recess, thereby generating friction between these surfaces. Accordingly, the generated friction can be adjusted by adjusting the clamping force of the screw or fastening bolt.

[0332] In another configuration, a spacer for a load carrier that can be mounted on a vehicle, for example a bicycle support arm for a bicycle carrier that can be mounted on a vehicle, is provided and has a mounting section, for example a load-side mounting unit configured to be attached to a load section, for example a frame section of a two-wheeler, such as a bicycle, a carrier-side coupling section configured to be coupled to the load carrier, an arm section coupled to the coupling section and configured to support the mounting section so that a distance between the mounting section and the coupling section can be set, the arm section having an elongated through-opening extending in the longitudinal direction of the arm section.and wherein the fastening section has a projection which is received in the elongated through-opening.

[0333] The spacer may further include a positioning arrangement 534 which is provided in the elongated through-hole and provides defined positions for the projection or elongated component and / or provides a friction surface for the projection or elongated component.

[0334] The positioning arrangement may have ribs or teeth to provide the defined positions, and / or wherein the positioning arrangement may be an insert that can be inserted into a longitudinal end of the spacer, for example into an arm section, so that the positioning arrangement is aligned with the through-hole in the arm section.

[0335] The positioning arrangement can be made of plastic, for example rubber.

[0336] In another configuration, a bicycle support arm for a bicycle carrier that can be mounted on a vehicle is provided and has a mounting section configured to be attached to a frame section of a bicycle, a carrier-side coupling section configured to be coupled to the bicycle carrier, and an arm section coupled to the coupling section and the mounting section, wherein the mounting section has a strap and a strap receptacle for receiving a free end section of the strap, wherein a fixed end section or mounting end of the strap and the strap receptacle are arranged on opposite sides of the arm section and are offset relative to each other along the arm section, in particular being attached to the arm section so that they are permanently offset relative to each other along the arm.

[0337] The fastening section can be attached to the arm section so that it cannot rotate about an axis extending transversely to a longitudinal direction of the arm section, wherein the fastening section can be configured to be translationally movable along the arm section and / or to be rotatable about the longitudinal direction of the arm section.

[0338] In another configuration, a bicycle support arm for a bicycle carrier that is mountable on a vehicle is provided and has a mounting section configured to be attached to a frame section of a bicycle, a carrier-side coupling section configured to be coupled to the bicycle carrier, an arm section coupled to the coupling section and the mounting section, wherein the mounting section has a strap and a strap receptacle for receiving a free end section of the strap to form a fastening loop, wherein the mounting section is rotatable 360 ​​degrees relative to the arm section.

[0339] An axis of rotation of the fastening section can be inclined and / or offset and / or perpendicular with respect to a principal extension direction of the arm section.

[0340] In another configuration, a bicycle support arm for a bicycle carrier that can be mounted on a vehicle is provided and has a mounting section configured to be attached to a frame section of a bicycle and a tensioning mechanism with a strap and a strap receptacle for receiving a free end section of the strap, a carrier-side coupling section configured to be coupled to the bicycle carrier, and an arm section coupled to the coupling section and the mounting section, wherein the mounting section is configured to be lockable to the arm section so that it cannot move relative to the arm section, for example, rotate and / or move translationally.

[0341] The bicycle support arm can further have a locking mechanism for locking the attachment section to the arm section, wherein the locking mechanism is operatively coupled with the tensioning mechanism, so that the attachment section is locked to the arm section when the strap is tensioned.

[0342] In another configuration, the load carrier 1 is additionally or alternatively configured as a bicycle carrier 4 in addition to or as an alternative to other configurations disclosed herein and has a support structure 200, a wheel support component 300 coupled to the support structure 200, a bicycle support arm 500 pivotably coupled to the support structure 500 by means of a bicycle support arm joint mechanism 550 and foldable in a transverse direction of the load carrier 1 between a stow position and a bicycle support position, wherein the bicycle support arm 500 has an offset arm section 503 which is offset with respect to an adjacent arm section 502 transversely to a principal extension direction of the bicycle support arm and / or in a longitudinal direction of the load carrier.

[0343] At least the offset arm section 503 can be arc-shaped and / or wherein the offset arm section can be continuously arc-shaped and / or wherein the bicycle support arm 500 can have a continuously arc-shaped arm support arm or be designed as a continuously arc-shaped arm support arm.

[0344] The offset arm section 503 can be provided at a free end section 501 of the bicycle support arm 500.

[0345] The offset arm section 503 can be straight and / or can extend at an angle with respect to another section of the bicycle support arm, wherein the offset arm section can be formed by bending, for example by bending a free end section of the bicycle support arm in a longitudinal direction forward.

[0346] In another configuration, a spacer 500 for a load carrier 1, which is mountable on a vehicle, for example a bicycle support arm 500 for a bicycle carrier 4, is provided and has a mounting section 504, for example a load-side mounting unit configured to be attached to a load section, for example a frame section of a two-wheeler, such as a bicycle; a coupling section 506, for example a carrier-side coupling section configured to be coupled to the load carrier 1 or to a bicycle; an arm section 502 coupled to the coupling section 506 and configured to support the mounting section 504, wherein the mounting section 504 has at least one strap 580 for attaching a bicycle to the mounting section 504, wherein the mounting section 504 is adapted,so that the strap 580 secures the bicycle to the mounting section 504 when the strap 504 is in a bicycle securing position, wherein in the bicycle securing position a free end of the strap can be locked in a strap receptacle 584 to clamp a portion of the load onto a support section 586. The spacer 500 can have a strap stowage section 590 adapted to temporarily hold the strap 580 in a stowage position different from the bicycle securing position, for example, in a position where the strap 580 extends substantially parallel to the arm section 502. The strap stowage section 590 is provided in a reconfigurable manner so that it can be positioned at different locations and / or in different orientations on the spacer.

[0347] The strap stowage section 590 can be configured to be detachable and reattached to the spacer 500, for example on the arm section 502.

[0348] The strap stowage section 590 can include a strap stowage section coupling section 592 configured to at least partially surround and / or grip the spacer or arm section 502, and a strap retaining section 593, for example a hook-type strap retaining section or a strap retaining section having a accommodating recess for the strap.

[0349] The strap stowage section coupling section 592 can have a first arm section clamping section 594 and a second arm section clamping section 596, which are pivotally coupled to each other and are movable between a clamping configuration in which the clamping sections clamp the arm section and a release configuration in which the strap stowage section 590 can be detached from and reattached to the arm section. The first arm section clamping section 594 and the second arm section clamping section 596 can be configured to lock to each other at their free ends, so that they form a closed arm section receiving space 598.

[0350] Fig. 79 to Fig. Section 82 reveals further features that can be implemented in a load carrier. The load carrier can generally have one or more of the features and configurations described here and may additionally or alternatively have one or more of the features listed in Fig. 79 to Fig. exhibit 82 disclosed features.

[0351] In some configurations, the coupling device 100 can include a coupling device housing 106 configured to act as a floor stand, allowing the load carrier to be freely supported in an upright position on the ground. In such a configuration, the coupling device housing 106 can be the only part of the load carrier in contact with the ground. The load carrier can include at least one coupling device 100 with the coupling device housing 106 and a support structure 200 configured to support a load to be transported and coupled to the coupling device 100. In the embodiments of Fig. 79 to Fig. 82 the support structure 200 is not tiltable and is coupled to the coupling device 100.

[0352] The coupling device housing 106 defines an interior 106c in which components of a coupling mechanism 108 or a clamping mechanism are housed, for example, a first clamping element 111 and a second clamping element 112. The coupling device housing 106 has a vertical section with one or more contact surfaces 106a1, 106a2, 106a3 extending in a plane. The contact surfaces 106a1, 106a2, 106a3 can be arranged in a U-shape along edges of the coupling device housing 106. The vertical section is provided on the coupling device housing 106 on a side opposite the side on which the support structure 200 bears a load. The load carrier 1 can have a coupling mechanism actuating element 132, which is provided on a rear side of the coupling device housing 106.The standing section can be provided on a side of the coupling device housing opposite the side on which the coupling mechanism actuating component 132 is provided. Accordingly, in contrast to other configurations disclosed herein, the coupling mechanism actuating component 132 is not in contact with the ground when the standing section is in contact with the ground. As shown in [reference]. Fig. As can be seen in Figure 79, the standing section can be provided on a front side of the coupling device housing, a side facing the vehicle when the load carrier is mounted on the vehicle. The load carrier 1 and the standing section can be configured such that when the load carrier is supported upright on the ground via the standing section, as for example in Fig. As shown in Figure 82, the center of gravity is vertically above the coupling device housing 106. Fig. 82, and, when the load carrier is viewed from above in a plan view, is arranged within the outer circumference of the coupling device housing 106.

[0353] In some configurations, a load carrier 1 is provided with at least one coupling device 100 and a support structure 200. The coupling device 100 can have a coupling device housing 106, which is provided with a carrying handle 106b. The carrying handle 106b can be integrated into the coupling device housing 106. The carrying handle 106b can be formed integrally with the coupling device housing as a single piece. The carrying handle 106b can be configured to be gripped from a front surface of the coupling device housing 106.

[0354] The load carrier 1 can have a second carrying handle 132. The second carrying handle 132 can be attached to the support structure 200, for example, to a rear frame component 202 of the support structure. By providing two carrying handles, one on the coupling device housing 106 and one on the support structure 200, a user can easily handle the load carrier, which makes it easier to mount the load carrier 1 to a vehicle coupling or to detach it from the vehicle coupling.

[0355] In some configurations, the coupling device 100 may include a coupling device housing 106 configured to act as a floor stand, allowing the load carrier to be freely supported upright on the ground. In such a configuration, the coupling device housing 106 may be the only part of the load carrier in contact with the ground.

[0356] The coupling device housing 106 can have a standing section with one or more contact surfaces 106a1, 106a2, 106a3 extending in a plane. The contact surfaces 106a1, 106a2, 106a3 can be arranged in a U-shape along edges of the coupling device housing 106. The first carrying handle 106b can extend between two of the contact surfaces and can provide an additional contact surface, or it can be arranged in a recess between two contact surfaces so that the carrying handle can also be gripped when the load carrier is standing upright on the contact surfaces, as shown in Fig. Figure 82 shows that the carrying handle can be set inwards so that it is spaced away from the ground when the load carrier 1 is upright. This allows a user to use the carrying handle to grasp the load carrier on the coupling device housing 106 even in the upright configuration. REFERENCE MARK 1 load carrier 2 license plate holders 3 License plate holder ground contact section 4 bicycle carriers 6 Frame section of the bicycle 100 Coupling device of the load carrier 102 Ball joint coupling device 104 Plug coupling 106 Coupling device housings 106a Housing-ground contact section 106a1 Contact area 106a2 Contact area 106a3 Contact area 106b Carrying handle 106c Interior 107 Coupling device housing engagement section 108 Coupling mechanism 109 Coupling device housing projection 110 clamping mechanism 111 First clamping component 112 Second clamping component 114 Clamping section 116 Attachment 118 rivets 120 pens 122 surface-treated contact surfaces 124 Spring arrangement 126 spring assembly holders 130 Actuating mechanism 132 Coupling mechanism actuating component 132a Actuator component-side engagement section 133 Actuating component base section 134 First handle section 135 End section of the first grip section / first ground contact section 136 Second handle section 137 End section of the second grip section / second ground contact section 138 Actuating component engagement section 139 Exclusion 140 Coupling mechanism-power transmission section 142 Power transmission section engagement section 144 Power transmission section-stop section 150 locking mechanism 152 Blocking section 154 locking cylinders 156 Blocking section stop surface 160 Insertion mandrel / plug-in coupling insertion section 162 Insert mandrel actuating component 164 Insert mandrel actuating component ground contact section 200 support structure 201 Rear section of the support structure 202 Rear frame component 204 Front frame component 206 First frame side component 207 First frame-ground contact section 208 Second frame side component 209 Second frame ground contact section 210 Main extent level 211 Extension plane of the frame side component 212 Angle / Backward tilt angle 213 Forward tilt angle 220 Bicycle support arm swivel stop 230 Carrying handle 300 Wheel tray section / support section 301 Belt / Support Section Belt 302 Wheel support surface 303 Belt mounting / support section-belt mounting 304 First wheel support surface section 305 Attachment end of the belt 306 Second wheel support surface section 307 Free end section of the belt 308 Third wheel support surface section 309 Strap stowage section 310 Support section swivel axis 312 Support section-Coupling section 314 First sliding surface 316 Second sliding surface 318 First attack section 320 Exclusion 322 Second stop section 330 Coupling section support arrangement 332 Stop section / stop component 334 Support section stop 336 First stop surface 338 Second stop surface 340 Guide bushing section 342 Sliding section 350 Guide bushing section 352 Sliding section 360 extension section 400 Lighting arrangement 500 bicycle support arms / spacers 501 Free End Section 502 Arm section 503 Displaced arm section 504 (Load / Bicycle-side) Mounting section / Bicycle head 506 (carrier-side) coupling section 520 Locking mechanism 521 Bracket / Sheet metal bracket 522 bolts 523 Cover on mounting opening 524 Clamping component / insert for accommodating arm section 525 Nut that engages with the upper end of the bolt 526 Wedge disc insert coupled to the bolt 527 Wedge, which is coupled to the belt 530 Through opening 532 Projection / elongated component 534 Positioning arrangement 536 Support section 550 Bicycle support arm coupling mechanism 551 First joint section / pipe section 552 Second joint section / holder 553 Joint mechanism swivel axis 554 First friction component 554a advantage 555 Second friction component 556 Cone section / cone 557 Exclusion 558 Fastening component / bolt / screw e 559 mother 560 clamping mechanism 570 Belt Mount 571 Belt engagement section 576 Fastening strap locking section 580 belts 582 Fixed end of strap 584 Free end of the belt 586 Support section 590 Strap stowage section 592 Coupling section of the belt stowage section 593 Belt retaining section 594 First arm section clamping section 596 Second arm section clamping section 598 Recording room 600 tilting mechanism 601 Tilting mechanism housing 602 Tilt lock section 604 Blocking section support section 606 Support section guide section 608 tipping axle 610 Swivel pins 612 First sliding surface 614 Second sliding surface 616 First guide surface 618 Second guide surface 620 First guide surface section 622 Second guide surface section 624 (support structure side) tilting section 625 Tilting plate 626 (coupling device side) tilting section support / tilting base 627 first locking slot / tilt-up slot / recess 628 second locking slot / recess 629a First sliding surface 629b Second sliding surface 630 Power transmission component 632 First transmission component end section 634 Second transmission component end section 636 Intermediate section 638 wire 650 Tilting mechanism actuation component 652 Tilt mechanism operating handle 660 Tilting mechanism status indicator 662 Indicator section 670 Coupling section 672 Coupling section main body 674 Coupling section-sleeve section 676 spring A Driving mode / driving condition of the load carrier - support structure in operating position B Tilt-up state / fold-up state / stowage mode or stow state of the load carrier support structure in non-use position and tilted up C Trunk access mode / H Fold-down state / Tilt-down state configuration of the load carrier - support structure tilted down D Loading / transport configuration of wheel tray - wheel tray in support position E Stowage configuration of wheel tray - support section in stow position F Active configuration G Inactive configuration H Blocking configuration / Blocking section in blocking position I Unblocking configuration / Blocking section in unblocking position P1 Locking rotary axis P2 Coupling mechanism-actuating component-rotation axis P3 Lock cylinder rotation axis R1 First radius

Claims

[1] Ball joint coupling device (102) for a load carrier (1) comprising at least a first clamping element (111) and at least a second clamping element (112), wherein at least a second clamping element (112) is movable towards and away from the first clamping element (111) between a clamping position and a release position, wherein at least one of the first clamping element (111) and the second clamping element (112) has a clamping section (114) which provides increased friction with the ball joint compared to other sections of the clamping element (111, 112). [2] Ball head coupling device (102) according to claim 1, wherein the clamping section (114) is an attachment part (116) attached to the clamping component (111, 112), wherein the attachment part (116) can be a casting or a part produced by sheet metal forming. [3] Ball head coupling device (102) according to claim 2, wherein the clamping section (114) has a cup-shaped recess. [4] Ball head coupling device (102) according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the clamping section (114) is made of a material that is softer than the material of a ball head, for example aluminium. [5] Ball joint coupling device (102) according to claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein the clamping section (114) is coupled to the clamping component (111, 112) by one or more rivets (118) and / or is guided on the clamping component (111, 112) by one or more pins (120), wherein the clamping section (114) can be coupled to the clamping component (111, 112) by only a single rivet (118) and can be guided on the clamping component (111, 112) by one or more pins (120), for example by three pins (120). [6] Ball joint coupling device (102) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first clamping component (111) and / or the second clamping component (112) is made of a material that is stiffer than the material of the clamping section (114), wherein the material may be steel. [7] Ball joint coupling device (102) according to claim 1, wherein the clamping section (114) is integrally formed on the clamping component (111, 112), for example by a surface treatment of the clamping component (111, 112), wherein the surface treatment may include surface roughening and / or coating with a material with higher friction, wherein the clamping section (114) may be a blasted section on the clamping component (111, 112), in particular a sandblasted section. [8] Ball head coupling device (102) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the clamping section (114) has a surface-treated contact surface (122) for contacting the ball head, wherein the surface treatment may include surface roughening and / or coating with a material with higher friction, wherein the clamping section may be a blasted section on the clamping component, in particular a sandblasted section. [9] Ball joint coupling device (102) according to claim 4, wherein the clamping section (114) is configured to provide a friction layer on the clamping component, wherein the clamping section can be configured as an insert that is attached to the clamping component, for example, to the clamping component by joining through chemical reaction or thermal effects, such as gluing, soldering, brazing or welding. [10] Ball head coupling device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first clamping component and / or the second clamping component is produced by bending a metal sheet. [11] Ball joint coupling device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein one or more of the clamping components (111, 112) are movable, and / or wherein at least one first clamping component (111) is movable towards and away from the second clamping component (112) between a clamping position and a release position. [12] Load carrier (1) having a housing (106) for accommodating moving parts of a clamping mechanism (110) or moving parts of a tilting mechanism, wherein the housing (106) has a first housing section (106.1) and a second housing section (106.2) which together define an interior space, wherein each of the first housing section (106.1) and the second housing section (106.2) is integrally formed, and wherein each of the first housing section (106.1) and the second housing section (106.2) defines two opposite side walls (106.3, 106.4, 106.5, 106.6) of the housing (106). [13] Coupling device (100) for a load carrier (1), comprising a coupling device housing (106), a coupling mechanism (108) which is housed in the coupling device housing (106), and a coupling mechanism actuating component (132) for actuating the coupling mechanism (108), wherein the coupling mechanism actuating component (132) is convertible between an active configuration (F) in which the coupling mechanism actuating component (132) and the coupling mechanism (108) are force-transmitting coupled, and an inactive configuration (G) in which any force transmission from the coupling mechanism actuating component (132) to the coupling mechanism (108) is prevented, wherein the coupling mechanism actuating component (132) is movable between a first position in which the coupling mechanism actuating component (132) is in the active configuration (F) and a second position in which the coupling mechanism actuating component (132) is in the inactive configuration (G), the first position is further away from the coupling device housing (106) than the second position. [14] Coupling device (100) according to claim 13, wherein the coupling mechanism actuating component (132) is configured to be rotated by a user, and wherein rotation of the coupling mechanism actuating component (132) may be blocked when the actuating component is in the inactive configuration (G). [15] Coupling device (100) according to claim 14, wherein in the inactive configuration the coupling mechanism actuating component (132) is locked in a predetermined orientation or predetermined rotational position with respect to the coupling device housing (106) such that the upward extension of the coupling mechanism actuating component (132) is minimized, wherein the predetermined orientation may be such that the coupling mechanism actuating component (132) extends horizontally, and / or wherein the coupling device (100) is configured such that the actuating component (132) can only be moved to the second position when it is arranged in the predetermined orientation or predetermined rotational position. [16] Coupling device (100) according to claim 15, wherein the coupling mechanism actuating component (132) has a first grip section (134) extending from an actuating component base section (133) in a first direction, and a second grip section (136) extending from the actuating component base section (133) in another second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction can extend in opposite directions, and / or wherein the first grip section (134) and the second grip section (136) can extend from opposite sides of the actuating component base section (133). [17] Coupling device (100) according to claim 14, claim 15 or claim 16, wherein in the inactive configuration (G) the rotation of the coupling mechanism actuating component (132) is blocked by a positive locking of the coupling mechanism actuating component (132) with the coupling device housing (106), and / or wherein in the inactive configuration (G) the rotation of the coupling mechanism actuating component (132) is blocked by an engagement of an actuating component engagement section (138) associated with the coupling mechanism actuating component (132), for example formed integrally with or attached to the coupling mechanism actuating component (132), with a coupling device housing engagement section (107) associated with the housing (106), for example integrally with the housing (106) formed or attached to the housing (106), is blocked,wherein the actuating component engagement section (138) may have an actuating component recess (139) and the housing engagement section (107) may have a coupling device housing projection (109), or wherein the housing engagement section (107) is configured to receive the actuating component engagement section in a positive-locking or locking manner, wherein the actuating component engagement section may be provided by a non-circular outer contour of a front end section of the coupling mechanism actuating component (132) and the housing engagement section (107) may have a correspondingly shaped recess. [18] Coupling device (100) for a load carrier (1), comprising a coupling device housing (106), a coupling mechanism (108) which is housed in the coupling device housing (106), and a coupling mechanism actuating component (132) for actuating the coupling mechanism (108), wherein the coupling mechanism actuating component (132) is convertible between an active configuration (F) in which the coupling mechanism actuating component (132) and the coupling mechanism (108) are force-transmitting coupled, and an inactive configuration (G) in which any force transmission from the coupling mechanism actuating component (132) to the coupling mechanism (108) is prevented, wherein in the inactive configuration (G) the coupling mechanism actuating component (132) is locked in a predetermined orientation with respect to the coupling device housing (106) such that the upward extension of the coupling mechanism actuating component (132) is minimized, wherein the predetermined orientation can be such that the coupling mechanism actuating component (132) extends horizontally, and / or wherein the coupling mechanism actuating component (132) has a first grip section (134) extending from an actuating component base section (133) in a first direction, and a second grip section (136) extending from the actuating component base section (133) in a second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction can extend in opposite directions, and / or wherein the first grip section (134) and the second grip section (136) can extend from opposite sides of the actuating component base section (133), and / or wherein the first grip section and the second grip section can extend at an angle to each other, in particular an angle less than 180 degrees. [19] Coupling device (100) according to one of claims 13 to 18, further comprising a coupling mechanism force transmission section (140) configured to transmit a force to the coupling mechanism (108), wherein in the active configuration the coupling mechanism actuating component (132) and the coupling mechanism (108) can be coupled force-transmittingly via the coupling mechanism force transmission section (140), wherein in the inactive configuration (G) any force transmission from the coupling mechanism actuating component (132) to the coupling mechanism force transmission section (140) is prevented, wherein in the inactive configuration the coupling mechanism actuating component (132) can be moved to a third position in which the coupling mechanism actuating component (132) is decoupled from the coupling mechanism force transmission section (140) and is freely rotatable about the coupling mechanism force transmission section (140) and is freely rotatable relative to the coupling device housing (106), or wherein the coupling mechanism actuating component (132) is rotationally locked to the coupling mechanism force transmission section (140) such that a rotational force applied to the actuating component (132) is always transmitted to the coupling mechanism force transmission section (140), wherein in the inactive configuration (G) rotation of the coupling mechanism actuating component (132) relative to the coupling device housing (106) is blocked. [20] Coupling device (100) for a load carrier (1), comprising a coupling device housing (106), a coupling mechanism (108) which is housed in the coupling device housing (106), a coupling mechanism force transmission section (140) configured to transmit a force to the coupling mechanism (108), and a coupling mechanism actuating component (132) for actuating the coupling mechanism, wherein the coupling mechanism actuating component (132) is convertible between an active configuration in which the coupling mechanism actuating component (132) and the coupling mechanism (108) are force-transmitting coupled via the coupling mechanism force transmission section (140), and an inactive configuration in which any force transmission from the coupling mechanism actuating component (132) to the coupling mechanism (108) is prevented, a locking mechanism (150) configured to temporarily prevent the coupling mechanism actuating component (132) from being moved to the first position. [21] Coupling device (100) according to claim 20, wherein the coupling mechanism actuating component (132) has an actuating component-side engagement section (132a) and the power transmission section (140) has a power transmission section-side engagement section (142), wherein the actuating component-side engagement section (132a) and the power transmission section-side engagement section (142) are engaged when the coupling mechanism actuating component (132) is in the first position, wherein the locking mechanism (150) has a blocking section (152) that is movable into and out of a blocking position located between the actuating component-side engagement section (132a) and the power transmission section-side engagement section (142), thereby preventing engagement between the engagement sections (132a, 142). [22] Coupling device (100) according to claim 21, wherein the blocking section (152) is rotatable to and from the blocking position about a locking rotation axis (P1), wherein the locking rotation axis (P1) extends parallel to a coupling mechanism actuating component rotation axis (P2). [23] Coupling device (100) according to claim 21 or claim 22, further comprising a key-operated locking cylinder (154), wherein the locking cylinder (154) is operatively coupled to the blocking section (152), wherein the locking cylinder (154) is rotatable about a locking cylinder rotation axis (P3), wherein the locking cylinder rotation axis (P3) and the locking rotation axis (P1) can coincide or extend parallel to each other. [24] Coupling device (100) according to one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the locking section (152) may have a locking section stop surface (156) which points in a direction away from the actuating component-side engagement section (132a), and wherein the coupling mechanism force transmission section (140) has a force transmission section stop section (144) which is provided, for example, adjacent to the force transmission section-side engagement section (142), wherein, when the locking section (152) is in the locking position, the locking section stop surface (156) is positioned such that it faces the force transmission section stop section (144) and bears against the force transmission section stop section (144) when the coupling mechanism actuating component (132) is moved to the first position. [25] Load carrier (1) having a support structure (200) for carrying a load to be transported, a coupling device (100) with a coupling mechanism (108) configured to be coupled to a vehicle, a coupling mechanism actuating component (132; 162) for actuating the coupling mechanism (108), Ground contact sections (106a, 135, 137; 135, 137, 3; 164, 207, 209) configured to jointly support the load carrier (1) on substantially level ground, wherein at least one of the ground contact sections (135, 137; 164) is provided on the coupling mechanism actuating component (132, 162). [26] Load carrier (1) according to claim 25, wherein the coupling mechanism actuating component (162) is a plug-in mandrel actuating component (162). [27] Load carrier (1) according to claim 25, wherein the actuating component is a coupling mechanism actuating component (132), for example a coupling mechanism actuating component (132) as described in claim 16, wherein the coupling mechanism actuating component (132) may have a first grip section (134) and a second grip section (136), wherein the first grip section (134) has a first ground contact section (137) and the second grip section (136) has a second ground contact section (137), wherein the first grip section (134) and the second grip section (136) extend at an angle of less than 180 degrees. [28] Load carrier (1) according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein at least one ground contact section is provided by the support frame (200), wherein the support frame (200) can have a first frame-ground contact section (207) and a second ground contact section (209), wherein the first frame-ground contact section (207) can be provided on a first frame side member (206), for example at a front end of the first frame side member (206), and wherein the second frame-ground contact section (209) can be provided on a second frame side member (208), for example at a front end of the second frame side member (208), wherein each of the frame side members (206, 208) can have a profile, for example a rectangular, square, oval or round profile, and wherein each of the frame side members (206, 208) can be connected to a front frame member (204) and / or a rear frame member (202) may be coupled. [29] Load carrier (1) according to one of claims 25 to 28, wherein at least one ground contact section is provided by a housing-ground contact section (106a) of a coupling device housing (106) which at least partially accommodates the coupling mechanism (108). [30] Load carrier (1) according to one of claims 25 to 29, further comprising a license plate holder (2), wherein the license plate holder (2) comprises a license plate holder ground contact section (3) configured to support the load carrier (1) together with the ground contact section of the coupling mechanism actuating component on level ground. [31] Load carrier (1) according to any one of claims 25 to 30, further comprising a tilting mechanism (600) for tilting the support structure (200) relative to the coupling device (100) between a use position and a non-use position, wherein in the use position (A) the support structure (200) is positioned to carry a bicycle during vehicle travel and in the non-use position (B) the support structure (200) is tilted upwards, in particular to reduce the longitudinal extent of the bicycle carrier (4) when it is mounted on a vehicle, or to reduce storage space when the bicycle carrier (4) is stowed, for example by tilting it upwards to extend substantially vertically, wherein the ground contact sections (106a, 135, 137; 135, 137, 3; 164, 207, 209) are available to support the load carrier (1) on to support essentially level ground when the support structure (200) is in the non-use position. [32] Ball joint coupling device (102) for a load carrier (1), comprising a coupling device housing (106), at least a first clamping component (111), at least a second clamping component (112), and a coupling mechanism actuating component (132) that can be actuated by a user and is operatively coupled to the second clamping component (112), wherein at least a second clamping component (112) is movable relative to the coupling device housing (106) towards and away from the first clamping component (111) between a clamping position and a release position, wherein the first clamping component (111) and the second clamping component (112) are configured to allow clamping of an inserted ball head of the ball head coupling device from horizontally opposite sides, and wherein the ball head coupling device (102) is configured such that a clamping force applied to the ball head is spring-loaded. [33] Ball head coupling device (102) according to claim 32, wherein the coupling mechanism actuating component (132) is operatively coupled to the second clamping component (112) such that a force absorbed by the second clamping component (112) is spring-loaded. [34] Ball joint coupling device (102) according to claim 33, further comprising a coupling mechanism force transmission section (140), for example a rod, configured to transmit a force, for example a thrust force, in the direction to or onto the second clamping component (112). [35] Ball head coupling device (102) according to claim 34, wherein the coupling mechanism force transmission section (140) is operatively coupled to the second clamping component (112) by means of a spring arrangement (124), for example a spring arrangement (124) comprising one or more disc springs, for example two or four disc springs. [36] Ball joint coupling device (102) according to claim 34 or claim 35, wherein the coupling mechanism force transmission section (140) is configured to exert a force directly on the second clamping component (112) and is supported on the coupling device housing (106) by means of a spring arrangement (124), for example a spring arrangement (124) comprising one or more disc springs, for example two or four disc springs. [37] Ball head coupling device (102) according to one of claims 32 to 36, wherein the first clamping component (111) is supported on the coupling device housing (106) by means of a spring arrangement, for example a spring arrangement (124) which has one or more disc springs, for example two or four disc springs. [38] Ball joint coupling device (102) according to one of claims 35 to 37, further comprising a spring assembly holder (126) which is configured at least to support the spring assembly in a predetermined height position and in such a way that it cannot detach from the respective clamping component (111, 112). [39] Ball head coupling device (102) according to one of claims 32 to 38, wherein at least the first clamping component has a spherical contact surface defined by a surface of rotation generated by rotating a curve one full revolution about an axis of rotation. [40] Ball head coupling device (102) according to claim 39, wherein the second clamping component has a ball contact surface defined by a surface of rotation generated by rotating a curve one full revolution about an axis of rotation. [41] Ball head coupling device (102) according to one of claims 32 to 40, wherein each clamping component is designed as a cap, for example a ball cap. [42] Load carrier (1) for a vehicle, comprising a support structure (200), for example a load platform, for carrying a load to be transported, a coupling device (100) for coupling the load carrier (1) to a vehicle, and a tilting mechanism (600) for tilting the support structure (200) relative to the coupling device (100) about a tilting axis (608), which is defined, for example, by a pivot pin (610), a tilt-lock section (602), for example a rod lock, which is movable between a tilt-lock position in which it locks the support structure (200) relative to the coupling device (100) and a tilt-release position in which the support structure (200) can tilt freely, wherein the tilting locking section (602) has a locking section support section (604) which is guided by a support section guide section (606), for example a slot, which defines a movement path of the locking section support section (604), wherein the locking section support section (604) has a first sliding surface (612) and a second sliding surface (614) for slidably supporting the tilting locking section (602) in the support section guide section (606), wherein the first sliding surface (612) and the second sliding surface (614) are provided on opposite sides of the locking section support section (604) and run parallel to each other, wherein a guide play (616) of the support section-guide section (606) changes along the movement path. [43] Load carrier (1) according to claim 42, wherein the guide clearance (616) of the support section-guide section (606) increases along the path of movement towards the tipping release position of the tipping lock section (602). [44] Load carrier (1) according to claim 42 or 43, wherein the support section guide section (606), for example the slot, has a first guide surface (616) and an opposing second guide surface (618), wherein the first guide surface (616) and the second guide surface (618) are configured such that the distance between them at the tilt release position of the tilt lock section (602) is greater than at the tilt lock position of the tilt lock section (602). [45] Load carrier (1) according to claim 44, wherein at least the second guide surface (618) has a first guide surface section (620) and a second guide surface section (622), wherein each section can be straight and wherein the second guide surface section (622) can extend at an angle with respect to the first guide surface section (620). [46] Load carrier (1) according to claim 45, wherein the first guide surface (616) is straight and wherein the first guide surface section (620) of the second guide surface (618) runs parallel to the first guide surface (616). [47] Load carrier (1) according to one of claims 42 to 46, wherein the support section-guide section (606) is configured such that moving the tilting lock section (602) to the tilting release position is only possible by overcoming an obstacle, for example a step, which is provided in the support section-guide section (606), in particular at the second guide surface (618), for example in the second guide surface section (622). [48] ​​Load carrier (1) according to any one of claims 44 to 46, wherein the second guide surface (618) defines or has a step, wherein a step surface providing a change in height points to the tilt-lock position side of the support section guide section (606). [49] Load carrier (1) according to one of claims 42 to 48, wherein at least the locking section support section (604) is rectangular or square, wherein, for example, the locking section support section (604) is integrally formed with the tilting locking section (602) and / or wherein the tilting locking section (602) and the locking section support section (604) are both formed by an elongated beam, for example, an elongated beam with a continuously constant square or rectangular cross-section. [50] Load carrier (1) according to one of claims 42 to 49, wherein the tilting mechanism (600) is configured to lock the support structure (200) relative to the coupling device (100) at least in one driving state or driving configuration, wherein in the driving state or driving configuration the support structure (200) is in a position of use in which a load, for example one or more bicycles, is permitted to be transported or moved by driving a vehicle to which the load carrier is attached. [51] Load carrier (1) according to claim 50, wherein the support structure (200) is configured and locked relative to the coupling device (100) in the driving state or driving configuration such that, in a mounted state when the load carrier is mounted on the vehicle, the total ground clearance between the load carrier and the ground increases in a direction away from the coupling device towards a rear end of the load carrier (1). [52] Load carrier (1) according to claim 50 or claim 51, wherein the support structure (200) extends in the driving condition or driving configuration at an angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle or with respect to a flat ground on which the vehicle is supported, for example at an angle of 8 to 15 degrees, for example at an angle of 10 to 14 degrees, in particular at an angle of 12 degrees, and / or wherein the path of movement and / or the support section guide section (606) and / or the first guide surface (616) extend parallel to the support structure (200). [53] Load carrier (1) according to one of claims 50 to 52 in combination with claim 44, wherein the second guide surface (618) is an upper surface when the load carrier is mounted on a vehicle and is in a driving state. [54] Load carrier (1) according to one of claims 42 to 53, wherein the tilting mechanism (600) is configured to lock the support structure (200) relative to the coupling device (100) in a tilted or folded-up position, wherein the support structure (200) is in a position of use in the driving state or driving configuration in which a load, for example one or more bicycles, is permitted to be transported or moved by driving a vehicle to which the load carrier is attached. [55] Load carrier (1) according to one of claims 42 to 53, wherein the tilting mechanism (600) has a support structure-side tilting section (624) which, for example, has one or more tilting plates (625) or a tilting bracket, and a coupling device-side tilting section support (626), for example, a tilting base, wherein the tilting section (624) is pivotably coupled to the tilting section support (626), wherein the support section guide section (606) is provided on the tilting section (624). [56] Load carrier (1) according to claim 55, wherein the tilting section support (626) or the tilting base has a first locking slot (627) for locking the support structure in the tilted position or the folded-up state and a second locking slot (628) for locking the support structure (200) in the driving position or the driving state, wherein the first locking slot (627) and the second locking slot (628) are connected by a first sliding surface (629a) with a first radius (R1) such that the tilting locking section (602) can slide along the first sliding surface (629a) at a first radial position from one locking slot to the other as soon as it is released from a locking slot, in particular pulled out of a locking slot, wherein the tilting section support (626) is configured such thatthat movement of the tilting locking section (602) beyond the second locking slot (628) in a direction away from the first locking slot (627) is only possible if the tilting locking section (602) is positioned at a second radial position, the second radial position being further out in the radial direction than the first radial position, the tilting section carrier (626) being able to have a second sliding surface (629b) extending from the second locking slot or recess on an opposite side, the second sliding surface (629b) being able to have a second radius (R2) that is larger than the first radius (R1). [57] Bicycle carrier (4) that can be mounted on the trailer hitch of a vehicle, for example a ball trailer hitch or a receiver trailer hitch of a vehicle, wherein the bicycle carrier (4) has a support structure (200), at least one wheel support component (300) that is movable relative to the support structure (200) between a support position and a stow position, a coupling device (100) configured to support the support structure (200) on the trailer coupling, a tilting mechanism (600) for tilting the support structure (200) relative to the coupling device (100) between a use position and a non-use position, wherein in the use position (A) the support structure (200) is positioned to support a bicycle during vehicle travel and in the non-use position (B) the support structure (200) is tilted upwards, in particular to reduce the longitudinal extent of the bicycle carrier (4) when it is mounted on a vehicle, or to reduce storage space when the bicycle carrier (4) is stowed away, for example by tilting it upwards to extend substantially vertically. [58] Load carrier (1) having a support structure (200), for example a load platform, for carrying a load to be transported, a coupling device (100) for coupling the load carrier (1) to a vehicle, a tilting mechanism (600) for tilting the support structure (200) relative to the coupling device (100) about a tilting axis (608) defined by a pivot pin (610), a force transmission component (630) for actuating the tilting mechanism (600), wherein the force transmission component (630) is operatively coupled to the tilting mechanism (600) at a first transmission component end section (632) and is supported at a second transmission component end section (634) on the support structure (200) such that an intermediate section (636) of the force transmission component (630) is freely suspended between the first transmission component end section (632) and the second transmission component end section (634). [59] Load carrier (1) according to claim 58, wherein the intermediate section (636) has a length of more than 30% of a total length of the power transmission component (630), for example more than 50% of a total length of the power transmission component (630) or more than 70% of the total length of the power transmission component (630). [60] Load carrier (1) according to claim 58 or claim 59, wherein the intermediate section (636) is suspended or hung or suspended between a front frame component (204) and a rear frame component (202) of the support structure (200), wherein the front frame component (204) and the rear frame component (202) are spaced apart from each other, and / or wherein the front frame component (204) and the rear frame component (202) are coupled to each other by a first frame side component (206) and a second frame side component (208) and the intermediate section (636) extends between the first frame side component (206) and the second frame side component (208) without being supported by either of the side components (206, 208). [61] Load carrier (1) according to any one of claims 58 to 60, wherein the force transmission component is at least partially flexible, and / or wherein the intermediate section (636) is at least partially flexible or fully flexible, and / or wherein at least the intermediate section (636) has at least partially a wire or has a wire along its entire length, and / or wherein at least the intermediate section (636) may be covered with a sleeve or may have a sleeve, for example a rubber sleeve or a sleeve made of another plastic material, in particular a sleeve covering the wire. [62] Load carrier (1) according to one of claims 58 to 61, wherein the intermediate section (636) is configured to be grasped by a user in order to exert an actuating force on it, wherein the intermediate section (636) may be configured to be pushable and / or pullable by a user, in particular to be pullable and / or pushable in a direction transverse to the extension direction of the intermediate section (636). [63] Load carrier (1) according to one of claims 58 to 62, further comprising a tilting mechanism actuating component (650), for example a tilting mechanism actuating handle (652), wherein the tilting mechanism actuating component (650) is operatively coupled with the second transmission component end section (634), for example with the second force transmission component end section (634), so that applying a force to the tilting mechanism actuating component (650) exerts a tensile force on the second transmission component end section (634), wherein the tilting mechanism actuating component (650) can be a pull handle gripped by a user, and / or wherein the tilting mechanism actuating component (650) is supported on the support structure (200), for example on a rear frame component (202) of the support structure (200). [64] Load carrier (1) according to one of claims 58 to 63, wherein the tilting mechanism (600) has a tilting locking section (602) which is movable between a tilting locking position in which it locks the support structure (200) relative to the coupling device (100) and a tilting release position in which the support structure (200) can tilt freely, wherein the first transmission component end section (632) is operatively coupled to the tilting locking section (602). [65] Load carrier (1) according to claim 64, wherein the first transmission component end section (632) is operatively coupled to the tilting lock section (602) by means of a coupling section (670), wherein the coupling section (670) can be guided in such a way that no moment is exerted on the tilting lock section (602), and / or wherein the coupling section (670) can be guided to be linearly movable and / or can be supported or guided on the pivot pin (610) and / or can be supported or guided on a tilting mechanism housing (601), for example in an opening of the tilting mechanism housing (601). [66] Load carrier (1) according to one of claims 63 or 64, further comprising a visually identifiable tilting mechanism status indicator (660), wherein the tilting mechanism status indicator (660) comprises a tilting mechanism status indicator section (662), for example a colored section, which is movable between a tilting lock position corresponding to the state in which the tilting lock section (602) is in the tilting lock position and a tilting release position corresponding to the state in which the tilting lock section (602) is in the tilting release position, for example such that the tilting mechanism status indicator section (662) is visible at least in the tilting release position or in the tilting lock position, wherein the status indicator section (662) may have a red marking and / or be visible to a user when the status indicator section (662) is in the tilting release position.wherein the status indicator section (662) can be operatively coupled to the power transmission component (630), for example with the first transmission component end section (632), or can be provided on the power transmission component (630), for example in such a way that it is moved into the tilt release position when the power transmission component (630) is actuated. [67] Load carrier (1) according to claim 66, wherein the tilting mechanism status indicator section (662) is provided on the coupling section (670), for example such that it protrudes from the tilting mechanism housing (601) when the tilting lock section (602) is in the tilting release position, wherein the tilting mechanism status indicator section (662) may be provided on a coupling section sleeve section (674) of the coupling section (670), wherein the force transmission component (630) extends through the coupling section sleeve section (674). [68] Load carrier (1) having a support structure (200), for example a load platform, for carrying a load to be transported, a coupling device (100) for coupling the load carrier (1) to a vehicle, and a tilting mechanism (600) for tilting the support structure (200) relative to the coupling device (100) about a tilting axis (608), which is defined, for example, by a pivot pin (610), a tilt-lock section (602) which is movable between a tilt-lock position in which it locks the support structure (200) relative to the coupling device (100) and a tilt-release position in which the support structure (200) can tilt freely, and a visually identifiable tilting mechanism status indicator (660), wherein the tilting mechanism status indicator (660) has a tilting mechanism status indicator section (662), for example a colored section, which is movable between a tilting lock position corresponding to the state in which the tilting lock section (602) is in the tilting lock position and a tilting release position corresponding to the state in which the tilting lock section (602) is in the tilting release position, for example such that the tilting mechanism status indicator section (662) is visible at least in the tilting release position or in the tilting lock position, wherein the status indicator section (662) may have a red marking and / or be visible to a user when the status indicator section (662) is in the tilting release position. [69] Load carrier (1) according to claim 68, wherein the status indicator section (662) can be operatively coupled to a force transmission component (630), for example with the first transmission component end section (632), or can be provided on the force transmission component (630), for example such that it is moved into the tilt release position when the force transmission component (630) is actuated, for example moved from a ready configuration or position, wherein the force transmission component can comprise a rod, a bar, a wire and / or a belt. [70] Load carrier (1) according to claim 68 or 69, wherein the tilting mechanism status indicator section (662) is provided on a coupling section (670) which connects the force transmission component (630) to the tilting lock section (602), for example such that it projects from a tilting mechanism housing (601) when the tilting lock section (602) is in the tilting release position, wherein the tilting mechanism status indicator section (662) may be provided on a coupling section sleeve section (674) of the coupling section (632), wherein the force transmission component (630) extends through the coupling section sleeve section (674). [71] Load carrier which can be mounted on the rear of a vehicle, wherein the load carrier has a support structure, for example a platform, for carrying a load to be transported, a coupling arrangement configured to support the support structure on the vehicle, for example at a vehicle coupling, a lighting arrangement with one or more lights, for example a light panel with one or more taillights or a license plate light, a connector that is electrically connected to the lighting assembly and configured to be coupled to a vehicle power supply, wherein at least one of the one or more lights can be reassigned or transferred to a standby state in which light emission in an unfavorable direction is prevented, while the connector remains coupled to the vehicle power supply. [72] Load carrier (1) having a support structure (200), a coupling device (100) configured to be coupled to a ball trailer coupling, a tilting mechanism (600) for tilting the load support structure (200) relative to the coupling device (100) about a tilting axis (608), wherein the tilting axis (608) is always closer to the coupling device (100) than the center of gravity of the support structure (200). [73] Load carrier (1) according to claim 72, wherein the tilting axis (608) is always provided between the center of gravity of the support structure (200) and the coupling device (100). [74] Load carrier (1) according to claim 72 or 73, wherein the support structure (200) comprises a front frame component (202) coupled to the tilting mechanism (600) and extending in a transverse direction of the load carrier (1), and at least a first frame side component (206) coupled to the front frame component (202) and extending from the front frame component (202) in a longitudinal rearward direction of the load carrier (1). [75] Load carrier (1) which can be mounted on a plug coupling of a vehicle, comprising a support structure (200), a plug-in coupling device (104) configured to be attached to the plug-in coupling, wherein the plug-in coupling device (104) has a plug-in coupling insertion section (160), for example an insertion mandrel configured to be received in the plug-in coupling, a tilting mechanism (600) for tilting the support structure (200) and the plug-in coupling device (104) relative to each other about a pivot axis, wherein the plug-in coupling device (104) is pivotable into a stow position relative to the support structure (200), wherein in the stow position the plug-in coupling insertion section (160) is folded in the direction of the support structure (200), for example in the direction of a top of the support structure (200), and extends substantially parallel to the support structure (200). [76] Load carrier (1) according to claim 75, wherein the support structure (200) has a first frame side component (206) which extends in a principal extension direction of the support structure (200), for example in a longitudinal direction of the support structure (200), wherein the first frame side component (206) may be straight, for example as a straight profile, such as a rectangular profile, wherein in the stowed position the plug coupling insertion section (160) extends substantially parallel to the first frame side component (206). [77] Load carrier (1) according to claim 76, wherein in the stow position the plug coupling insertion section (160) is folded against a top side of the support structure (200). [78] Load carrier (1) according to one of claims 76 and 77, further comprising at least one wheel support component (300) which is supported on the first frame side component (206) which is movable relative to the support structure (200) between a support position and a stow position, for example pivotable about the first frame side component (206) between the support position and the stow position, wherein, when the plug-in coupling insertion section is in the stow position and the wheel support component (300) is in the stow position, the plug-in coupling insertion section (160) extends over the wheel support component (300) or at least partially covers the wheel support component (300). [79] Load carrier (1) according to one of claims 75 to 78, further configured to lock the plug coupling insertion section (160) in the stow position, for example by means of a tilt locking section (602). [80] bicycle carrier (4), comprising a coupling device (100) configured to be attached to a vehicle, a supporting structure (200), for example a frame, and at least one support section (300) configured to support a wheel of a bicycle and pivotably coupled to the support structure (200) about a support section pivot axis (310), wherein the support section (300) is movable between a folded position or parked position and an open position or loading position, wherein the support section (300) has a wheel support surface (302) which is available to contact the wheel of the bicycle, wherein the wheel support surface (302) extends offset to the support section pivot axis (310) and passes the support section pivot axis (310) on one side. [81] Bicycle carrier (4) according to claim 80, wherein the wheel support surface (302) has a first wheel support surface section (304) and a second wheel support surface section (306), wherein the first wheel support surface section (304) and the second wheel support surface section (306) extend in opposite directions from a third wheel support surface section (308) which is closest to the support section pivot axis (310). [82] Bicycle carrier (4) according to one of claims 80 and 81, comprising two support sections (300) which are pivotably coupled to the support structure (200) on opposite lateral sides of the support structure (200) and about respective support section pivot axes (310), wherein each support section (300) is movable between the folded position or parked position and the open position or loading position, wherein the wheel support surfaces (302) of the support sections (300) are oriented such that they are able to support a front wheel or a rear wheel of a single bicycle, wherein in the open or loading position the distance between the laterally inner ends of the wheel support surfaces (302) of the two support sections (300) is smaller than the distance between the pivot axes of the two support sections (300). [83] Load carrier (1) which can be mounted on a vehicle coupling, comprising a coupling device (100) configured to be attached to the vehicle coupling, a supporting structure (200), for example a frame, and at least one support section (300) which is pivotably coupled to the support structure (200) about a support section pivot axis (310) and is movable between a folded position or parking position and an open position or loading position, wherein the support section (300) has a support section coupling section (312) for supporting the support section (300) on the support structure (200), wherein the support section coupling section (312) has at least one circumferential sliding section (314, 316) which defines a circular sliding path around the support section pivot axis (310), and a stop section (318, 322) which is axially offset with respect to the sliding section (314, 316). [84] Load carrier (1) according to claim 83, wherein the stop section (318, 320) is provided in a recess (320). [85] Load carrier (1) according to claim 83 or claim 84, wherein the support section (300) is coupled to the support structure (200) by means of a coupling section support arrangement (330), wherein the coupling section support arrangement (330) can be attached to the support structure (200), for example having an opening for receiving a section of the support structure (200), wherein the coupling section support arrangement (330) can have a sleeve-like configuration. [86] Load carrier (1) according to claim 85, wherein the coupling section support arrangement (330) has at least one sliding section (342, 352) for supporting the at least one circumferential sliding section (314, 316), wherein the at least one sliding section (314, 316) can be provided on a guide bushing section (340, 350). [87] Load carrier (1) according to claim 85 or 86, wherein the coupling section support arrangement (330) has a support section stop (334), for example a support section stop (334) provided on a stop section (332) or a stop bushing, for example a stop component that can be attached to the support structure (200), wherein the support section stop (334) provides a stop for the stop section (318, 320), wherein the support section stop (334) may be a projection extending radially with respect to the support section pivot axis (310), and / or wherein the support section stop (334) may have a first stop surface (336) and a second stop surface (338), wherein the first stop surface (336) and the second stop surface (338) are circumferentially located around the support section pivot axis (310) and are provided on opposite sides.wherein the support section (300) can have two stop sections (318, 322), a first stop section (318) and a second stop section (322), wherein the first stop surface (336) can be configured to touch the first stop section (318) when the support section (300) is in the open or loading position, and / or the second stop surface (338) can be configured to touch the second stop section (322) when the support section (300) is in the folded or parked position. [88] Load carrier (1) according to one of claims 83 to 87 and configured such that the support section (300) abuts against a stop wall or stop surface (336, 338) of a stop section (332) provided on the support structure, wherein the stop section (332) can be a bushing or can form part of a bushing. [89] Load carrier (1) according to any one of claims 83 to 88, wherein the support section coupling section (312) has two opposing stop surfaces configured to receive the support section stop (334) between them when the support section (300) is in the open or loading position, wherein a width of the support section stop (334) substantially corresponds to a distance between the opposing guide surfaces, wherein the opposing stop surfaces may be aligned in a direction substantially parallel to the support section pivot axis (310). [90] Load carrier (1) according to any one of claims 83 to 89, wherein the coupling section support arrangement (330) can be formed by several parts which can be connected to each other in the axial direction of the support section pivot axis (310), for example by a snap lock, wherein the coupling section support arrangement (330) can have a stop section (332) or a stop bushing and two guide bushing sections (340, 350) which are coupled to the stop bushing on axially opposite sides of the stop bushing (332), and / or wherein the stop section (332) or the stop bushing is configured to provide only a rotation stop and to support the support section coupling section (312) in a non-displaceable manner, and wherein each guide bushing section (340, 350) is configured not to provide a rotation stop for the support section coupling section (312). [91] Load carrier (1) according to any one of claims 83 to 90, wherein the load carrier has a locking configuration, for example a snap configuration, configured to block or hinder rotation of the support section (300) from the folded or parked position and / or from the open or loading position, wherein the support section coupling section (312) is configured to engage with a locking counterpart provided on the support structure (200), for example on a coupling section support arrangement (330), in particular on a stop section or stop component (332), wherein a first stop section (318), for example the stop section as mentioned in claim 87, and a second stop section (322), for example the stop section as mentioned in claim 87, can be configured to produce a positive locking connection.which acts in the direction of rotation when the support section (300) is in the folded or parked position and / or in the open or loading position, wherein the locking counterpart may be a deformable or flexible projection provided on the stop section or stop component (332) and projecting radially in the direction with respect to the support section pivot axis (310). [92] bicycle carrier (4), comprising a coupling device (100) configured to be attached to a vehicle, a supporting structure (200), for example a frame, and at least one support section (300) which is pivotably coupled to the support structure (200) on a lateral side of the support structure (200) about a support section pivot axis (310), wherein the support section (300) is movable between a folded or parked position and an open or loading position and has a top configured to support a bicycle and a bottom, wherein the support section (300) has an extension section (360) which projects from the support section (300) along the support section pivot axis (310), for example, from the support section (300) parallel to the support section pivot axis (310), wherein at least one section of the extension section (360), for example, a main section of the extension section, is offset downwards, such that at least one lower section of the extension section (360), for example, the entire extension section (360), extends below the underside. [93] Bicycle carrier (4) according to claim 92, comprising two support sections (300), each support section (300) being movable between the folded or parked position and the opened or loading position, and comprising the top configured to support a bicycle and the bottom, wherein the extension section (360) is configured as a bridging section to connect the two support sections (300) together, wherein the bridging section is offset downwards, so that at least a lower section of the bridging section is positioned outside a space between the two supporting components. [94] Bicycle carrier (4) according to one of claims 92 or 93, wherein the extension section (360) is configured to secure or accommodate a bicycle support arm (500) in a stow position when the support section (300) is in the folded or parked position. [95] Bicycle carrier (4) according to any one of claims 92 to 94, wherein the extension section (360) has or defines a gripping section which can be gripped by a user to transfer the support section (300) between a folded or parked position and an open or loading position. [96] Bicycle carrier (4) according to one of claims 92 to 95, wherein the extension section (360) is fixed to the underside of the support section (200), for example by screws. [97] Bicycle carrier (4) according to any one of claims 92 to 96, wherein the load carrier has a locking configuration, for example a snap configuration, configured to block or hinder rotation of the support section (300) from the folded or parked position and / or from the open or loading position, wherein the support section coupling section (312) is configured to engage with a locking counterpart provided on the support structure (200), for example on a coupling section support arrangement (330), in particular on a stop section or stop component (332), wherein a first stop section (318), for example the stop section mentioned in claim 87, and a second stop section (322), for example the stop section mentioned in claim 87, can be configured to produce a positive locking action that acts in the direction of rotation.when the support section (300) is in the folded or parked position and / or in the open or loading position, wherein the locking counterpart may be a deformable or flexible projection provided on the stop section or stop component (332) and projecting radially in relation to the support section pivot axis (310). [98] bicycle carrier (4), comprising a coupling device (100) configured to be attached to a vehicle, a supporting structure (200), for example a frame, and a lighting arrangement (400) that is movably coupled to the support structure (200), for example pivotally coupled, in order to be movable between a usage configuration and a storage configuration, wherein in the stowage configuration at least one section of the lighting arrangement (400) is positioned within the support structure and in front of a rear section (201) of the support structure, for example in front of a rear frame component (202) of the support structure (200), so that the lighting arrangement (400) is at least partially protected by the rear section (201). [99] Bicycle carrier (4) according to claim 98, wherein the support structure (200) comprises a rear frame component (202), a front frame component (204), a first frame side component (206) and a second frame side component (208), wherein the lighting arrangement (400) is pivotably supported on the first frame side component (206) or on the second frame side component (208). [100] Bicycle carrier (4) according to claim 99, wherein the first frame side component (206) and the second frame side component (208) connect the front frame component (204) and the rear frame component (202), for example such that the rear frame component (202), the front frame component (204), the first frame side component (206) and the second frame side component (208) form a closed frame, for example a closed rectangular frame, and / or wherein one or more frame components of the frame components (202, 204, 206, 208) are straight. [101] Bicycle carrier (4) according to claim 100, wherein the lighting arrangement (400) is provided on or attached to a support section (300) which is pivotably coupled to the first frame side component (206) or the second frame side component (208), wherein the support section (300) is movable between a folded or parked position and an open or loading position, wherein when the support section (300) is moved into the folded or parked position, the lighting arrangement (400) is in the stow configuration. [102] bicycle carrier (4), comprising a coupling device (100) configured to be attached to a vehicle, a supporting structure (200), for example a frame, and at least one support section (300) configured to support a wheel of a bicycle and having a wheel support surface (302) available for contacting the wheel of the bicycle, and a fastening arrangement comprising a belt (301) and a belt receptacle (303), wherein the belt (301) has a fastening end (305) which is attached to a first lateral side of the support section (300) at a first longitudinal position, and the belt receptacle (303) is attached to the support section at a second lateral side opposite it at a second longitudinal position, wherein in addition to the belt receptacle the support section (300) has a belt stowage section (309) which is configured to accommodate a free end section of the belt at a third longitudinal position which differs from the second longitudinal position. [103] Bicycle carrier (4) according to claim 102, wherein the belt storage section is configured and arranged such that when the belt is inserted into the belt storage section, the belt curvature is oriented in the opposite direction to when the belt is inserted into the belt receptacle for securing a bicycle wheel. [104] Bicycle carrier (4) according to claim 102, wherein the belt storage section is integrally formed in the support section (300) and / or has a guide for accommodating the belt in a predetermined orientation and / or is designed as a guide. [105] Bicycle carrier (4) according to claim 104, wherein the belt storage section (309) has a belt receiving slot, wherein the belt receiving slot can be provided in the wheel support surface (302) or adjacent to the wheel support surface (302) on one side of the belt receiving (303). [106] Bicycle carrier (4) according to claim 105, wherein the belt receiving slot can extend parallel to the wheel support surface (302), and / or wherein the belt receiving slot can have a length greater than 1.2 times the width of the belt, in particular greater than 1.5 times the width of the belt, for example twice the width of the belt or greater. [107] Bicycle carrier (4) according to claim 106, wherein the belt receiving slot is configured to support an inserted belt such that a belt section extending from the belt receiving slot is inclined towards the belt receiving (303) and / or that the belt is supported to remain in a U-shape open towards a free end section of the support section and / or a U-shape configured such that the belt is guided around the wheel support surface (302), and / or wherein a longitudinal end wall of the slot on the side of the belt receiving is inclined inwards such that it extends obliquely downwards from an upper surface of the support section (300) towards the opposite end of the belt receiving slot and provides support for a lateral side of an inserted belt. [108] Bicycle carrier (4) according to any one of claims 102 to 107, wherein the support section (300) is pivotably arranged about a support section pivot axis (310), wherein the support section (300) is movable between a folded or parked position and an open or loading position, and wherein the fastening end and the belt receptacle are arranged on opposite sides of the support section pivot axis (310) such that when a free end section (307) of the belt (301) is inserted into the belt receptacle, a belt section between the fastening end and the belt receptacle passes the support section pivot axis (310) on one side, and wherein the belt stowage section is provided on the same side of the support section as the belt receptacle, and wherein the belt receptacle and the belt stowage section are provided on opposite sides of the support section pivot axis. [109] Bicycle carrier (4) according to any one of claims 102 to 108, wherein the support section (300) has a support section coupling section (312) for supporting the support section (300) on the support structure (200), wherein the support section coupling section (312) is configured to accommodate a section of the support structure (200), wherein the fastening end of the belt and the belt receptacle are provided longitudinally along the support section (300) on different sides of the support section coupling section (312), and wherein the belt receptacle and the belt stowage section (309) are provided longitudinally along the support section (300) on different sides of the support section coupling section (312). [110] bicycle carrier (4), comprising a coupling device (100) configured to be attached to a vehicle, a supporting structure (200), for example a frame, and at least one support section (300) configured to support a wheel of a bicycle and pivotably coupled to the support structure (200) about a support section pivot axis (310), wherein the support section (300) is movable between a folded or parked position and an open or loading position, and wherein the support section (300) has a wheel support surface (302) available for contacting the wheel of the bicycle, and a fastening arrangement comprising a belt (301) and a belt receptacle (303), wherein the belt has a fastening end (305) which is attached to a first lateral side of the support section (300) at a first mounting position, and the belt receptacle is attached to the support section at a second lateral side opposite it at a second mounting position which is offset in the principal extension direction or longitudinal direction of the support section (300), wherein the fastening end and the belt receptacle are arranged on different sides of the support section pivot axis (310) such that when a free end section (307) of the belt (301) is inserted into the belt receptacle, a belt section between the fastening end and the belt receptacle extends diagonally with respect to the support section pivot axis (310) and passes the support section pivot axis (310) on one side. [111] Bicycle carrier (4) according to claim 110, wherein the support section (300) has a support section coupling section (312) for supporting the support section (300) on the support structure (200), wherein the support section coupling section (312) is configured to accommodate a section of the support structure (200), and wherein the attached end of the belt and the belt receptacle are provided in the longitudinal direction of the support section (300) on different sides of the support section coupling section (312). [112] Load carrier (1), in particular a bicycle carrier (4), comprising a support structure (200), a support section (300) coupled to the support structure (200), wherein the support section (300) is configured to support a wheel of a bicycle, a bicycle support arm (500) which is pivotably coupled to the support structure (200) by means of a bicycle support arm coupling mechanism (550) and which is foldable in a transverse direction of the load carrier (1) and the support structure between a bicycle arm storage position and a bicycle support position, wherein the bicycle support arm coupling mechanism (550) is configured to guide the bicycle support arm (500) such that when the bicycle support arm (500) is folded from the bicycle arm stow position to the bicycle support position, a free end section (502) of the bicycle support arm (500) changes its position relative to the support section (300) in a longitudinal direction of the load carrier (1) and / or in a longitudinal direction of the support structure (200). [113] Load carrier (1) according to claim 112, wherein when folding the bicycle support arm from the bicycle arm stow position to the bicycle support position the free end section (502) is moved rearward relative to the support structure (200) and / or in a lateral direction of the support section (300). [114] Load carrier (1) according to claim 112 or 113, wherein in the bicycle arm stow position the free end section (502) is in a position adjacent to the support section (300) and close to the support structure (200), and in the bicycle support position the free end section (502) is in an elevated position in which the free end section (502) is positioned at a greater distance from the support structure (200) and / or is in a vertical direction with respect to a principal extension plane of the support structure (200) which is positioned above a section of the support section (300). [115] Load carrier (1) according to one of claims 112 to 114, comprising two support sections (300) arranged in such a manner as to be able to support a front wheel or a rear wheel of a bicycle, wherein a support plane, which is spanned by two wheel contact sections on the support sections (300) and a bicycle contact section on the free end section of the bicycle support arm (500), is inclined or tilted in the direction of the vehicle in a mounted state of the load carrier on a vehicle and when the bicycle support arm (500) is in the bicycle support position, such that a supported bicycle is inclined in the direction of the vehicle, for example inclined in the direction of the vehicle at an angle of less than 10 degrees, in particular at an angle of less than 5 degrees, for example at an angle of 3 degrees. [116] Load carrier (1) according to one of claims 112 to 115, wherein when the bicycle support arm is folded from the bicycle arm stow position to the bicycle support position the free end section (502) is moved along a circular path, wherein a path plane in which the circular path extends is inclined to the rear such that the free end section (502) in the bicycle support position is further away from the front of the load carrier (1) and / or the rear of a vehicle on which the load carrier is mounted than in the stow position. [117] Load carrier (1) according to any one of claims 112 to 116, wherein in a mounted state of the load carrier (1) on a vehicle and / or in a driving state or driving configuration in which a bicycle can be transported on the load carrier, the support structure (200) or a principal extension plane (210) of the support structure (200) is inclined towards the vehicle by a tilting angle and / or extends at a tilting angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle or with respect to a flat ground on which the vehicle is supported, for example at an angle of 8 to 15 degrees, for example at an angle of 10 to 14 degrees, in particular at an angle of 12 degrees, such that the total ground clearance between the load carrier and the ground increases in a direction away from the coupling device towards a rear end of the load carrier or in a backward direction from a vehicle on which the load carrier is mounted. [118] Load carrier (1) according to one of claims 112 to 117, wherein the bicycle support arm (500) is pivotable about a bicycle support arm pivot axis (553), wherein the bicycle support arm pivot axis (553) is inclined or angled relative to the support structure (200) and / or is inclined or angled relative to a frame side component (206, 208) such that a distance between the bicycle support arm pivot axis (553) and the support structure (200) increases in the direction of a front end of the load carrier (1) in a region in which the support arm pivot axis (553) extends over the support structure (200), for example inclined or angled at an angle (212) of 10 to 15 degrees, for example at an angle of 13, 13.5 or 14 degrees. [119] Load carrier (1) according to claim 118, wherein the bicycle support arm (500) can be straight and can extend such that a forward tilt angle (213) of 2 to 5 degrees, for example 3 to 4 degrees, in particular 3.5 degrees, is spanned between a plane that is perpendicular to the bicycle support arm pivot axis (553) and a principal extension direction of the bicycle support arm. [120] Load carrier (1) according to one of claims 112 to 119, wherein the bicycle support arm coupling mechanism (550) is a joint mechanism. [121] Load carrier according to any one of claims 112 to 120, wherein the support structure (200) has a rear frame section, which for example has or is formed by a rear frame component (202), and / or a front frame section, which for example has or is formed by a front frame component (204), and / or a first frame side section, which is formed by or includes a first frame side component (206), and / or a second frame side section, which is formed by or includes a second frame side component (208), wherein at least one, for example each, frame section or frame component is straight, wherein at least two opposing frame sections, for example the frame side components, extend at least partially parallel to each other. where at least three of the frame sections are integrally formed by bending, for example by bending a profile, wherein the support section (300) is supported on one of the frame side components, wherein the support section (300) is configured to support a wheel of a bicycle and may optionally be pivotably supported on the support structure (200) about a support section pivot axis (310), wherein the support section pivot axis (310) may extend parallel to a frame side member (206, 208), wherein the support section (300) has a wheel support surface (302) which is available to contact the wheel of the bicycle, wherein the bicycle support arm can have a coupling section, for example a sleeve section, which is pivotably supported on a joint pin, for example by means of a friction-generating structure, wherein the joint pin is held on the support structure (200) by means of a joint pin holder. [122] Belt fastening arrangement for a load-side or bicycle-side fastening section (504), comprising a fastening strap (580) having teeth on at least one side thereof, a strap receptacle (570) configured to receive a free end section of the fastening strap (580) and engage with the teeth on the fastening strap (580), wherein the strap receptacle (570) is configured to detachably lock the fastening strap (580) therein, and a strap engagement section (571) configured to engage with the belt teeth in a first direction, a fastening strap locking section (576) configured to block any movement of the fastening strap (580), wherein the fastening strap locking section (576) is movable between a fastening strap locking position in which the fastening strap locking section is engaged with the teeth on the fastening strap and a release position in which the fastening strap locking component is released from the fastening strap, wherein the fastening strap locking section (576) is movable in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, for example in a width direction of the fastening strap (580), to engage with the strap teeth. [123] Spacers (500) for a load carrier (1) which can be mounted on a vehicle, comprising a fastening section (504), for example a load-side fastening unit configured to be attached to a load section, for example a frame section of a two-wheeler, and comprising a housing; a fastening mechanism comprising a belt (580) and a belt receptacle (570), wherein the belt receptacle (570) has a belt insertion passage or forms part thereof; a locking mechanism for locking the belt (580) when it is inserted into the belt insertion passage, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a translationally movable locking element for engaging with the belt (580) and a rotatable actuating section, for example a rotatable locking cylinder, wherein the belt receptacle (570) and the locking component are configured to engage with an inserted belt on the same side of the belt, and wherein the rotatable actuating section is arranged on one side of the belt passage opposite the side where the belt receptacle (570) and the locking component engage with an inserted belt, wherein the actuating section is arranged such that its axis of rotation extends through the housing in a direction transverse to a principal extension direction of the belt passage and perpendicular to a direction of movement of the translationally movable locking component, wherein the actuating section can be provided on the housing such that it extends between the locking component and the belt receptacle. [124] Bicycle support arm joint mechanism (550), comprising a first joint section (551) associated with a bicycle support arm (550), wherein the first joint section may comprise a tube section, a second joint section (552), for example a bracket configured to be coupled to a support structure (200) of a load carrier (1), wherein the first joint section (551) is pivotably coupled to the second joint section (552) about a joint mechanism pivot axis (553), wherein the first joint section (551) is supported on the second joint section (552) by means of an adjustable sliding bearing arrangement configured to generate a predetermined friction between the first joint section and the second joint section, wherein the predetermined friction is high enough to prevent the bicycle support arm from pivoting about the joint mechanism pivot axis by its own weight. [125] Bicycle support arm joint mechanism (550) according to claim 124, wherein the sliding bearing arrangement comprises a first friction element (554), for example an inner friction element associated with the first joint section, and a second friction element (555), for example an outer friction element associated with the second joint section (552), wherein the second friction element (555) has a cone (556) or cone section and the first friction element (554) has a cone-shaped or funnel-shaped recess (557) for receiving the cone (556), wherein friction is generated between a cone shell surface and a correspondingly shaped surface of the recess. [126] Bicycle support arm joint mechanism according to claim 124, wherein the bicycle support arm joint mechanism has two first friction components and two second friction components, one of which has a first friction-generating unit. [127] Spacers (500) for a load carrier (1) that can be mounted on a vehicle, in particular comprising a bicycle support arm (500) for a bicycle carrier (4) that can be mounted on a vehicle a fastening section (504), for example a load-side fastening unit configured to be attached to a load section, for example a frame section of a two-wheeler, such as a bicycle; a carrier-side coupling section (506) configured to be coupled to the load carrier (1), an arm section (502) that is coupled to the coupling section (506) and is configured to support the mounting section (504) in such a way that a distance between the mounting section (504) and the coupling section (506) can be set, wherein the arm section (502) has an elongated through-opening (530) which extends in the longitudinal direction of the arm section (502), and wherein the fastening section (504) has a projection or an elongated component (532) which is received in the elongated through-opening (530), wherein the projection or elongated component (532) can extend completely through the arm section (502), and wherein the projection or elongated component (532) can be supported on a support section (536), for example a sleeve section, to support the fastening section (504) on the arm section (502). [128] Spacer according to claim 127, further comprising a positioning arrangement (534) which is provided in the elongated through-hole and provides defined positions for the projection or elongated component and / or provides a friction surface for the projection or elongated component. [129] Spacer according to claim 128, wherein the positioning arrangement has ribs or teeth for providing the defined positions, and / or wherein the positioning arrangement can be an insert which can be inserted into a longitudinal end of the spacer, for example into an arm section, such that the positioning arrangement is aligned with the through-opening in the arm section. [130] Spacers according to claim 128 or claim 129, wherein the positioning arrangement is made of plastic, for example rubber. [131] Bicycle support arm (500) for a bicycle carrier which can be mounted on a vehicle, comprising a mounting section (504) configured to be attached to a frame section (6) of a bicycle, a carrier-side coupling section that is configured to be coupled to the bicycle carrier, an arm section (502) that is coupled to the coupling section and the fastening section, wherein the fastening section (504) has a belt (580) and a belt receptacle (570) for receiving a free end section of the belt, wherein a fixed end section or fastening section of the belt and the belt receptacle are arranged on different sides of the arm section and are offset relative to each other along the arm section, in particular being attached to the arm section, so that they are permanently offset relative to each other along the arm. [132] Bicycle support arm (500) according to claim 131, wherein the fastening section is attached to the arm section so that it cannot rotate about an axis extending transversely to a longitudinal direction of the arm section, wherein the fastening section may be configured to be translationally movable along the arm section and / or rotatable about the longitudinal direction of the arm section. [133] Bicycle support arm for a bicycle carrier that can be mounted on a vehicle, comprising a mounting section configured to be attached to a frame section of a bicycle, a carrier-side coupling section that is configured to be coupled to the bicycle carrier, an arm section that is coupled to the coupling section and the fastening section, wherein the fastening section has a strap and a strap receptacle for receiving a free end section of the strap to form a fastening loop, the mounting section can be rotated 360 degrees relative to the arm section. [134] Bicycle support arm according to claim 133, wherein an axis of rotation of the fastening section can be inclined and / or offset and / or perpendicular with respect to a principal extension direction of the arm section. [135] Bicycle support arm (500) for a bicycle carrier (4) which can be mounted on a vehicle, comprising a mounting section (504) configured to be attached to a frame section of a bicycle, and comprising a tensioning mechanism (560) with a belt (580) and a belt receptacle (570) for receiving a free end section of the belt (580), a carrier-side coupling section (506) configured to be coupled to the bicycle carrier (4), an arm section (502) which is coupled to the coupling section (506) and the fastening section (504), wherein the fastening section (504) is configured to be lockable on the arm section (502) so that it cannot move relative to the arm section, for example, rotate and / or move translationally. [136] Bicycle support arm (500) according to claim 135, further comprising a locking mechanism (520) for locking the fastening section (504) to the arm section (502), wherein the locking mechanism (520) is operatively coupled with the tensioning mechanism (560) so that the fastening section (504) is locked to the arm section (502) when the strap is tensioned. [137] Bicycle support arm (500) according to claim 136, wherein the locking mechanism (520) is configured such that a clamping force applied to the belt (580) generates a clamping force on an arm section (502) of the bicycle support arm (500), wherein the locking mechanism (520) comprises a clamping element (524), for example, an insert and / or sleeve section for accommodating the arm section (502), and a force transmission mechanism that presses the clamping element (524) radially onto the arm section (502) when the clamping force is applied to the belt (580), wherein a fixed end of the belt may be coupled to a wedge (527) and the clamping element (524) may be supported on the wedge (527), for example, by means of a wedge washer (526), ​​a bolt (522), and a nut (525), such that a translational movement of the belt (580) into a movement of the clamping component (524) in a direction inclined with respect to the belt movement direction,for example, perpendicular to the direction of belt movement, and is transferred in a radial direction of the arm section, for example, such that the arm section is clamped by the clamping component (524) and a holding device or bracket (521) and / or a cover (523) on the holding device or bracket (521). [138] bicycle carrier (4), comprising a support structure (200), a wheel support component (300) that is coupled to the support structure (200), a bicycle support arm (500) which is pivotably coupled to the support structure by means of a bicycle support arm joint mechanism (550) and which can be folded in a transverse direction of the bicycle carrier (4) between a storage position and a bicycle support position, wherein the bicycle support arm (550) has an offset arm section (503) which is offset with respect to an adjacent arm section (502) transversely to a principal extension direction of the bicycle support arm and / or in a longitudinal direction of the bicycle carrier (4). [139] Bicycle carrier according to claim 138, wherein at least the offset arm section is arc-shaped and / or wherein the offset arm section can be continuously arc-shaped and / or wherein the bicycle support arm can have a continuously arc-shaped arm support arm or be designed as a continuously arc-shaped arm support arm. [140] Bicycle carrier according to claim 138, wherein the offset arm section is provided at a free end section (501) of the bicycle support arm (500). [141] Bicycle carrier according to claim 140, wherein the offset arm section is straight and / or extends at an angle with respect to another section of the bicycle support arm, wherein the offset arm section can be formed by bending, for example by bending a free end section (501) of the bicycle support arm in a longitudinal direction forward. [142] Spacers (500) for a load carrier (1) that can be mounted on a vehicle, in particular comprising a bicycle support arm (500) for a bicycle carrier (4) that can be mounted on a vehicle a fastening section (504), for example a load-side fastening unit configured to be attached to a load section, for example a frame section of a two-wheeler, such as a bicycle; a coupling section (506), for example a carrier-side coupling section configured to be coupled to the load carrier (1) or to a bicycle, an arm section (502) that is coupled to the coupling section (506) and is configured to support the fastening section (504), wherein the fastening section (504) has at least one strap (580) for fastening a bicycle to the fastening section (504), wherein the fastening section (504) is adapted such that the strap (580) secures the bicycle to the fastening section (504) when the strap (504) is in a bicycle securing position, wherein in the bicycle securing position a free end of the strap can be locked in a strap receptacle (584) to clamp a section of the load to a support section (586), wherein the spacer (500) further comprises a strap stowage section (590) adapted to temporarily hold the strap (580) in a stowage position different from the bicycle locking position, for example in a position in which the strap (580) extends substantially parallel to the arm section (502), wherein the belt stowage section (590) is provided in a reconfigurable manner so that it can be positioned at different locations and / or in different orientations on the spacer. [143] Spacer according to claim 142, wherein the strap stowage section (590) is configured to be detachable and reattached to the spacer (500), for example on the arm section (502). [144] Spacer according to claim 143, wherein the belt stow section (590) comprises a belt stow section coupling section (592) configured to at least partially surround and / or grip the spacer or arm section (502), and a belt retaining section (593), for example a hook-shaped belt retaining section or a belt retaining section having a storage recess for the belt. [145] Spacer according to claim 144, wherein the belt stowable section coupling section (592) comprises a first arm section clamping section (594) and a second arm section clamping section (596) which are pivotably coupled to each other and are movable between a clamping configuration in which the clamping sections clamp the arm section and a release configuration in which the belt stowable section (590) can be detached from and reattached to the arm section, wherein the first arm section clamping section (594) and the second arm section clamping section (596) can be configured to lock together at their free ends, so that they form a closed arm section receiving space (598). [146] Load carrier (1) having a coupling device (100) for coupling the load carrier (1) to a vehicle, wherein the coupling device (100) has a coupling device housing (106) which defines an interior (106c) in which components of a coupling mechanism (108), for example a first clamping element (111) and / or a second clamping element (112), are housed, a support structure (200) configured to support a load to be transported, wherein the support structure (200) is coupled to the coupling device (100), for example, non-tiltable coupled to the coupling device (100), wherein the load carrier (1) is configured such that the load carrier (1) can stand freely on the ground, so that the coupling device housing (106) is the only component on the load carrier (1) that is in contact with the ground. [147] Load carrier (1) according to claim 146, wherein the load carrier (1) is configured such that the coupling device housing (106) can support the load carrier (1) upright on level ground. [148] Load carrier (1) according to claim 147, wherein the coupling device housing (106) has a standing section with one or more contact surfaces (106a1, 106a2, 106a3) extending in a plane. [149] Load carrier (1) according to claim 148, wherein the standing section is provided on the coupling device housing (106) on a side opposite the side on which the support structure (200) carries a load and / or opposite the side on which a coupling mechanism actuating component (132) is provided. [150] Load carrier (1) according to claim 149, wherein the standing section is provided on a front side of the coupling device housing (106), wherein in a state in which the load carrier (1) is mounted on a vehicle, the front side faces the vehicle. [151] Load carrier (1) according to any one of claims 146 to 150, wherein the load carrier (1) is configured such that when it stands freely on the ground above the coupling device housing (160), the center of gravity of the load carrier (1) is positioned vertically above the coupling device housing (160). [152] Load-bearing (1) having a coupling device (100) for coupling the load carrier (1) to a vehicle, wherein the coupling device (100) has a coupling device housing (106) which defines an interior (106c) in which components of a coupling mechanism (108), for example a first clamping element (111) and / or a second clamping element (112), are housed, a support structure (200) configured to support a load to be transported, wherein the support structure (200) is coupled to the coupling device (100), for example, non-tiltable coupled to the coupling device (100), and at least one first carrying handle (106b) for handling the load carrier (1), wherein the first carrying handle (106b) is provided on the coupling device housing (106). [153] Load carrier (1) according to claim 152, wherein the first carrying handle (106b) is integrally formed in the coupling device housing (106). [154] Load carrier (1) according to claim 152 or claim 153, wherein the first carrying handle (106b) can be grasped from a front side of the coupling device housing (106), wherein in a state in which the load carrier (1) is mounted on a vehicle, the front side faces the vehicle. [155] Load carrier (1) according to any one of claims 152 to 154, furthermore having a second carrying handle (132), wherein the second carrying handle (132) can be attached to the support structure (200), for example to a rear frame component (202) of the support structure (200). [156] Load carrier (1) according to any one of claims 152 to 155, wherein the load carrier (1) is configured such that the load carrier (1) can stand freely on the ground, so that the coupling device housing (106) is the only component on the load carrier (1) that is in contact with the ground, wherein the coupling device housing (106) has a standing section with one or more contact surfaces (106a1, 106a2, 106a3) extending in a plane, wherein the first carrying handle (106b) can extend between two of the contact surfaces and can provide an additional contact surface or can be arranged in a recess between two contact surfaces so that the carrying handle can also be gripped when the load carrier (1) is standing upright on the contact surfaces.

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