Trunk carrier system

Abstract

Trunk carrier system (100) for a recreational vehicle for carrying loads, in particular bicycles, skis, snowboards, surfboards, luggage boxes or similar items, with a fastening part (1) that can be mounted on the vehicle a main support part (2) which is displaceable in a straight line relative to the fastening part (1), and at least one adapter part (3.1, 3.2) arranged on the main support part (2), each of which is designed to correspond to a load to be carried, for example as a guide groove for receiving at least one tire of a bicycle, wherein the adapter part (3.1, 3.2) can be mounted on the main support part (2) without tools by means of a quick-release fastener (5).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a trunk carrier system for a recreational vehicle, in particular a motorhome, caravan, van or other vehicle with suitable dimensions of a loading or trunk, for carrying loads, in particular bicycles, skis, snowboards, surfboards, luggage boxes, dog crates or the like, with a mounting part that can be mounted on a vehicle, a main carrier part that is essentially linearly or translationally displaceable relative to the mounting part, and at least one adapter part arranged on the main carrier part, which is designed to correspond to a load component to be carried, for example with a guide groove for receiving the tires of a bicycle.

[0002] Such carrier systems facilitate particularly convenient loading and unloading of a trunk and are already known in the design of a bicycle carrier. The design features two bicycle adapter parts attached to the main carrier section, each capable of holding a bicycle. The main carrier section can typically be moved laterally out of the trunk, at least partially, relative to the vehicle's mounting bracket, allowing for convenient loading of a load, such as a bicycle, onto the main carrier section or the adapter part attached to it. The load can be secured to the main carrier section and / or the adapter part. The main carrier section, along with the adapter part and the load, can then be moved relative to the mounting bracket until the load is fully inside the vehicle.In this position, the main support part can be fixed relative to the mounting part to prevent slippage, especially when cornering.

[0003] It has become clear that there is a need for such carrier systems for various purposes, particularly for uses beyond just bicycles. Furthermore, flexibility regarding the use of the available cargo space or trunk is in demand. Existing systems are relatively rigid and inflexible, meaning they can only be mounted or dismounted from the vehicle with considerable effort, and / or assembled or disassembled with considerable effort. This has proven to be a disadvantage, especially when the cargo space or trunk needs to be used frequently and in different ways.

[0004] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a trunk carrier system that improves at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages and, in particular, enables flexible and quick conversion of the carrier system.

[0005] The invention solves the stated problem by means of a trunk carrier system with the features of the main claim. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims, the description, and the figures.

[0006] According to the invention, the adapter part can be mounted to the main support part without tools using a quick-release fastener. This allows the adapter part to be easily removed from the main support part and / or replaced with another adapter part at any location, for example, at a holiday destination. It should be clear that a quick-release fastener is designed for quick and very easy attachment and detachment. An example of such a quick-release fastener is the buckle of an occupant's seat belt in a vehicle or aircraft. A screw connection is specifically not considered a quick-release fastener within the scope of this document.

[0007] Preferably, at least two differently designed adapter parts are provided, wherein either one (first) adapter part or the other (second, third, fourth, ...) adapter part can be selectively fixed to the main support part. This allows different adapter parts for different loads to be mounted on the main support part.

[0008] The adapter part is particularly well-suited as a carrier rail for carrying a bicycle, a carrier adapter for carrying skis, a carrier adapter for carrying a snowboard, a carrier adapter for carrying a surfboard, or a carrier adapter for carrying a luggage box, dog crate, or other container, and can be optionally mounted to the carrier part. This makes the carrier system particularly versatile.

[0009] Preferably, the adapter part can be mounted to the support part solely via a positive-locking connection, in particular without any other fastening method. This makes mounting the adapter part to the main support part particularly convenient and straightforward.

[0010] Preferably, the quick-release fastener is arranged on the main support member. This allows several (different) adapter parts to be selectively arranged on a single quick-release fastener. The corresponding counterpart to the quick-release fastener required on the adapter side can be relatively simple, making the system particularly cost-effective to manufacture.

[0011] Preferably, a locking mechanism is provided between the adapter part and the support part, whereby a section of the adapter part can be superimposed on the support part. Particularly preferably, the quick-release fastener has a locking mechanism designed such that, for attaching the adapter part to the main support part, a section of the adapter part is brought into superimposition with a section of the quick-release fastener arranged on the main support part by one or two successive movements, particularly exclusively translational movements, and is thereby held in place. For disassembly, the section of the adapter part is released from superimposition with the quick-release fastener of the main support part by one or two successive movements, particularly exclusively translational movements.A first translational movement can occur perpendicular to direction R1, in which the main support part is displaceable relative to the mounting part, and perpendicular to direction B1, in which the adapter part engages the quick-release fastener. This first movement can be essentially horizontal, particularly in a vehicle-mounted system. The second translational movement, which is essentially the movement by which the corresponding section of the adapter part engages the locking mechanism of the main support part, is perpendicular to direction R1 and perpendicular to the aforementioned direction, and, particularly in a vehicle-mounted system, essentially vertical. This final movement occurs over a relatively short distance, primarily only to engage the locking mechanism of the quick-release fastener.This makes it particularly quick and easy to mount the adapter part to the main support part.

[0012] Preferably, a snap-fit ​​connection is provided between the adapter part and the carrier part, wherein, in particular, a movable and spring-loaded snap-fit ​​is arranged on the carrier part, and a recess corresponding to the snap-fit ​​is arranged on the adapter part such that the adapter part can be clicked into place on the carrier part by a translational movement. This allows the adapter part to be mounted to the main carrier part particularly quickly and securely.

[0013] The locking lug is particularly advantageous as part of a locking mechanism for fixing the adapter part to the main support part. This ensures that the adapter part can be fixed to the main support part with exceptional security.

[0014] A particularly advantageous feature is the locking tab, which can be reset in one direction against the spring force via a sliding mechanism and a control knob, thus releasing the adapter part for removal from the main support part. This makes the adapter part particularly quick and easy to attach and detach from the main support part.

[0015] Preferably, the main support section includes a support tube to which the load can be fixed. This allows the load and / or a load-bearing aid to be fixed particularly securely to the main support section and / or adapter section.

[0016] Preferably, the support tube is multi-part, in particular three-part, wherein the individual support tube sections can be connected to each other without tools, in particular by means of at least one sleeve. This allows the main support part to be at least partially or completely disassembled in order to require as little storage space as possible.

[0017] Preferably, the sleeve has an internal thread at each of its axial end regions, which can be engaged with the axial end of a support tube section and can be rotatably attached to the support tube section via a handle. This enables a particularly stable and secure fixation of the support tube sections to one another and thus a particularly stable support function.

[0018] Preferably, the main support element is designed to be lockable in at least one position relative to the fastening element, in particular by means of a positive locking connection. This enables a particularly stable and secure fixing of the load in the vehicle's cargo area or trunk.

[0019] An embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. The same reference numerals denote the same components. The figures schematically show: Fig. 1: The trunk carrier system according to the invention in a perspective view; Fig. 2: the boot rack system made of Fig. 1 in a top view; Fig. 3a: the boot carrier system made of Fig. 1 in a transport state in a side view; Fig. 3b: the boot rack system made of Fig. 1 in a loaded state in a side view; Fig. 4a: a quick-release fastener of the trunk carrier system in coupled state in a perspective detail view; Fig. 4b: the quick-release fastener made of Fig. 4a in uncoupled state in a perspective detail view; Fig. 5a: the quick-release fastener made of Fig. 4b in a side view detail; Fig. 5b: the quick-release fastener made of Fig. 5a with the operating button pressed in a side view detail; Fig. 5c: the locking mechanism of the quick-release fastener made of Fig. 5a in a lateral sectional view; Fig. 6a: a fastening variant of a support tube to a main support member of the trunk carrier system made of Fig. 1 in a perspective detail view; and Fig. 6b: the support tube made of Fig. 6a in an exploded view.

[0020] In the Fig. Figure 1, referenced as 100, shows an embodiment of the trunk carrier system according to the invention. The trunk carrier system is used to carry loads such as bicycles, skis, snowboards, surfboards, luggage boxes, or similar items, and in particular facilitates the loading and unloading of such loads in the trunk or cargo area of ​​a vehicle, especially a recreational vehicle. For the purposes of this document, such recreational vehicles include, for example, motorhomes, caravans, vans, and transporters, especially those vehicles with a correspondingly large cargo or trunk area.

[0021] The trunk carrier system 100 comprises a mounting part 1, which forms the base of the carrier system and can be attached to a vehicle (not shown here), in particular to the floor of the vehicle's cargo area or trunk. The mounting part 1 is intended to be permanently attached to the vehicle. The attachment is preferably effected by screws, which in this case can be guided through tabs with eyelets arranged at the lower end of the carrier system. Three of these tabs with eyelets are shown in Fig. 1 visible on the underside of the support system.

[0022] A main support part 2 is arranged on the upper side of the fastening part 1. The main support part 2 comprises a main support rail 13 arranged centrally on the support system 100 and a support bracket 9 arranged centrally thereon.

[0023] An adapter part, in this case adapter parts 3.1 and 3.2, is arranged on each of the two longitudinal sides of the main support section 2. Adapter parts 3.1 and 3.2 serve to primarily bear the load. Accordingly, adapter parts 3.1 and 3.2 are designed to correspond to the load or to a further load-bearing aid. In this case, adapter parts 3.1 and 3.2 are—as we will see in particular in Fig. 2. It is recognizable as being designed for carrying a bicycle. Accordingly, the adapter part 3.1, 3.2 is designed as a support rail 4, also called a guide rail or guide groove, which serves to hold the tires of a bicycle. Additional loops 11a are provided to attach the tires of the bicycle to the guide groove 4.

[0024] Alternatively, adapter part 3.1, 3.2 could have a different shape, for example, as a holder for skis or at least a snowboard. Furthermore, adapter part 3.1, 3.2 could have a bracket for holding a kayak or surfboard. Alternatively, adapter part 3.1, 3.2 could have a luggage box or another individually designed carrying device for securing loads. There are no limits to the possibilities. Each adapter part 3.1, 3.2 simply needs to have a corresponding receptacle on the main carrier part 2. Thus, each adapter part 3.1, 3.2 can be optionally mounted on the main carrier part 2.

[0025] To enable the user to optimally utilize these variants with different mounting options, the invention provides that the adapter part 3.1, 3.2 can be mounted on the main support part 2 without tools using a quick-release fastener 5. This allows the respective adapter part 3.1, 3.2 to be detached from or attached to the main support part 2 particularly quickly and easily.

[0026] The main support section 2 is mounted on the mounting part 1 so that it can be linearly displaceable, particularly in the direction R1. This allows the main support section 2 to be offset along its longitudinal axis relative to the mounting part 1, which can be mounted on the vehicle as described above, and in particular also outside the vehicle. This displaceability is described in the Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b shown.

[0027] In the Fig. Figure 3a shows the main support section 2 together with the two adapter sections 3.1 and 3.2 in a transport position in which the main support section 2 is positioned essentially centrally above the mounting section 1. In this transport position, the load to be transported is completely within the vehicle's cargo area or trunk, allowing the corresponding vehicle door to be closed and the vehicle to be moved. The load is secured to the adapter sections 3.1, 3.2, and / or to the support bracket 9 of the main support section 2, in particular by means of mounting tabs 11a and 11b. Of course, in this transport position, the main support section 2 can be locked in a position relative to the mounting section 1 to prevent it from shifting relative to the mounting section 1 during transport.

[0028] For loading or unloading the vehicle, the main support part 2, together with the two adapter parts 3.1 and 3.2, can be moved into a loading position, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3b, the main support part 2 is shifted relative to the mounting part 1, specifically outwards in the direction of R1 through the vehicle door (not shown). In this loading position, bicycles can be easily placed on the guide rails 4 and secured to the adapter part 3.1, 3.2 and / or to the support bracket 9 of the main support part 2 using the mounting tabs 11a and 11b, or unloaded in reverse order. The mounting part 1 always remains in its original position in the vehicle.

[0029] In the Fig. Figures 4a to 5c show in detail the quick-release fastener for attaching the adapter part 3.1, 3.2 to the main support part 2. In this case, the quick-release fastener 5 is designed as a positive-locking connection 5a, so that the adapter part 3.1, 3.2 can each be mounted to the main support part 2 by at least one positive-locking connection 5a.

[0030] In the Fig. Figure 4a shows the adapter part 3.1 in a state attached to the main support part 2 via the quick-release fastener 5. Only an operating button 8 protrudes from the quick-release fastener 5, by means of which the quick-release fastener 5 can be opened and the adapter part 3.1 removed from the main support part 2.

[0031] In the Fig. Figure 4b shows the adapter part 3.1 removed from the main support part 2. The quick-release fastener 5, which forms a positive-locking connection 5a, is visible. To mount the adapter part 3.1 to the main support part 2, it is first positioned towards B2 on the main support part 2. A section 6 of the adapter part 3.1 (not shown in detail) engages with the quick-release fastener 5 on the main support part 2. When the adapter part 3.1 is then pressed downwards towards B1, section 6 engages with a positive-locking element, in this case a locking lug 7a.

[0032] This positive locking connection 5a, designed as a snap-fit ​​connection 7, is particularly useful in the Fig. 5a, Fig. 5b and Fig. 5c shown. Fig. 5a is the quick-release fastener 5 shown from the side, in the direction of B2. The locking lug 7a can be seen, which engages with section 6 of the adapter part 3.1 during assembly.

[0033] In Fig. 5b, the operating head 8 is pressed, which causes the locking lug 7a to retract against a spring force such that the receptacle of the positive locking connection 5a is fully open, allowing section 6 of the adapter part 3.1 to be moved out of the receptacle in the direction of B2. The adapter part 3.1 can also be slightly offset or shifted upwards in this process.

[0034] In Fig. Figure 5c shows the locking mechanism of the locking lug 7a with spring 12 in more detail. As described above, the locking lug 7a can be retracted against the spring force by pressing the operating button 8. When the operating button 8 is released, the locking lug 7a springs forward again into section 6 or towards the receptacle of the quick-release fastener 5 if no adapter part is fitted.

[0035] The in the Fig. 6a and Fig. The support tube shown in more detail in Figure 6b serves to provide additional support for the load to be carried. An embodiment is shown in which the support tube 9 is fastened in a longitudinal groove of the main support rail 13 via a conventional positive-locking connection. Accordingly, the support bracket 9 can be completely extended out of the rail 13 along the longitudinal extension of the main support 2 and stowed separately, for example, for transporting particularly large loads or for stowing the support system.

[0036] If the support tube 9 is still too large for storage even in its separate state, it can be further disassembled. For this purpose, the support tube 9 is designed in multiple parts. In particular, the support tube 9 has three separate support tube sections 9a, 9b, 9c. The support tube sections 9a, 9b, 9c are designed as straight or curved tube segments and can be connected to each other, in particular without tools. A connecting sleeve 10.1, 10.2 serves this purpose. The sleeve 10.1, 10.2 has an internal thread 10a, 10b at each of its axial end regions, which can be engaged with the axial end of a support tube section 9a, 9b, 9c and can be rotatably attached to the support tube section 9a, 9b, 9c by means of a handle 10c.

[0037] It should be clear that the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the described embodiment. In particular, the design of the main support part and the adapter part can certainly be modified without altering the core of the invention. Reference symbol list: 1 fastening part 2 Main support section 3.1 Adapter part 3.2 Adapter part 4 Support rail, guide groove 5 quick release 5a Positive locking connection 5b Locking mechanism Section 6 7 Latch connection 7a Rastnase 8 Control knob 9 Support tube 9a Support pipe sections 9b Support pipe sections 9c Support pipe sections 10.1 Sleeve 10.2 Sleeve 10a Internal thread 10b internal thread 10c handle 11a Fasteners 11b Fasteners 12 springs 13 Nut 100 trunk carrier system R1 direction B1 Movement B2 Movement

Claims

[1] Trunk carrier system (100) for a recreational vehicle for carrying loads, in particular bicycles, skis, snowboards, surfboards, luggage boxes or the like, with a fastening part (1) that can be mounted on the vehicle a main support part (2) which is displaceable in a straight line relative to the fastening part (1), and at least one adapter part (3.1, 3.2) arranged on the main support part (2), each of which is designed to correspond to a load to be carried, for example as a guide groove for receiving at least one tire of a bicycle, wherein the adapter part (3.1, 3.2) can be mounted on the main support part (2) without tools by means of a quick-release fastener (5). [2] Trunk carrier system (100) according to claim 1, characterized by , that at least two differently designed adapter parts (3.1, 3.2) are provided, which can be optionally mounted on the main support part (2). [3] Trunk carrier system (100) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by , that the adapter part (3.1, 3.2) is designed as a support rail (4) for carrying a bicycle, as a carrier adapter for carrying skis, as a carrier adapter for carrying a snowboard, as a carrier adapter for carrying a surfboard or as a carrier adapter for carrying a luggage box, dog box or other crate, and in particular is optionally mountable on the main carrier part (2). [4] Trunk carrier system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the adapter part (3.1, 3.2) can be mounted on the main support part (2) exclusively via a positive locking connection (5a). [5] Trunk carrier system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the quick-release fastener (5) is arranged on the main support part (2). [6] Trunk carrier system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the quick-release fastener (5) has a locking mechanism (5b) which is designed such that, for attaching the adapter part (3.1, 3.2) to the main support part (2), a section (6) of the adapter part (3.1, 3.2) is brought into superposition with a section of the quick-release fastener (5) arranged on the main support part (2) by a translational movement (B1) and is held therein, and for disassembling, the section (6) of the adapter part (3.1, 3.2) is brought out of superposition with the quick-release fastener (5) of the main support part (2) by a translational movement (B1). [7] Trunk carrier system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the quick-release fastener (5) has a locking lug connection (7), wherein in particular a movable and spring-loaded locking lug (7a) is arranged on the main carrier part (2), and on the adapter part (3.1, 3.2), in particular on a section (6) of the adapter part (3.1, 3.2) a recess corresponding to the locking lug (7a) is arranged, in particular such that the adapter part (3.1, 3.2) can be clicked into place on the main carrier part (2) by a translational movement (B1). [8] Trunk carrier system (100) according to claim 7, characterized by , that the locking lug (7a) can be reset in a direction against the spring force via a sliding mechanism with an operating knob (8), so that the adapter part (3.1, 3.2) is released for removal from the main carrier part (2), in particular translationally. [9] Trunk carrier system (100) according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized by, that the main support part (2) extends longitudinally in the direction (R1) of linear displacement relative to the fastening part (1), and for attaching or detaching the adapter part (3.1, 3.2) to or from the main support part (2) the translational movement (B1) is directed perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the main support part (2), in particular in a system (100) mounted on a vehicle essentially in the vertical direction. [10] Trunk carrier system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the main support part (2) includes a support tube (9) to which the loads can be fixed. [11] Trunk carrier system (100) according to claim 10, characterized by , that the support tube (9) is multi-part, in particular three-part, and the individual support tube sections (9a, 9b, 9c) can be connected to each other without tools, in particular by means of at least one sleeve (10.1, 10.2). [12] Trunk carrier system (100) according to claim 11, characterized by , that the sleeve (10.1, 10.2) has an internal thread (10a, 10b) at each of its axial end regions, which can be engaged to connect to the axial end of a support tube section (9a, 9b, 9c) and can be rotatably attached to the support tube section (9a, 9b, 9c) via a handle (10c). [13] Trunk carrier system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the main support part (2) is designed to be lockable in at least one position relative to the fastening part (1), in particular lockable via a positive locking connection.

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