Cycle carrier

Abstract

To provide a cycle carrier capable of more easily performing loading / unloading work of a bicycle.SOLUTION: The cycle carrier 1 includes a tray 2 on which a bicycle B can be placed, and a first tire holding member 6 which is attached to the tray 2 and has a first tire holding part 611 capable of holding one tire B2 of the bicycle B. The second tire holding member 3 includes a second tire holding portion 41 that can hold the other tire side B1. Here, the first tire holding unit 611 is attached to the tray 2 so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 63. The first tire holding member 6 is provided with a turning operation part 612 connected to the first tire holding part 611 and capable of operating the turning of the first tire holding part 611 with the rotary shaft 63 as a fulcrum by turning it with the rotary shaft 63 as a fulcrum.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 33

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cycle carrier. [Background technology]

[0002] A conventional cycle carrier of this type is disclosed in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses a cycle carrier used for loading and transporting bicycles onto a vehicle.

[0003] Specifically, in this patent document, the cycle carrier is attached to a carrier bar of a vehicle and includes a tray on which the front and rear tires of a bicycle are placed. The cycle carrier also includes an inverted U-shaped arm rotatably attached to the tray to hold the front part of the front tire, and another inverted U-shaped arm rotatably attached to the tray to hold the rear part of the rear tire.

[0004] The front and rear tires are placed on the tray, and the front part of the front tire is held by the front arm while the rear part of the rear tire is held by the rear arm, so that the bicycle placed on the tray is sandwiched between the front and rear arms.

[0005] In this way, in Patent Document 1, the bicycle is placed upright on the tray and the entire bicycle is clamped from the front and back by a pair of arms, fixing the bicycle on the tray. This minimizes the load on the bicycle when it is loaded onto a vehicle and transported. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 5,833,074 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] It is desirable to make it easier to load and unload bicycles on such a cycle carrier.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a cycle carrier that makes it easier to load and unload bicycles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A cycle carrier according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a tray on which the front and rear tires of a bicycle can be placed, a first tire holding member attached to the tray and having a first tire holding portion capable of holding either the front or rear tire of the bicycle, and a second tire holding member attached to the tray and having a second tire holding portion capable of holding the other of the front or rear tire of the bicycle, wherein the first tire holding portion is attached to the tray so that it can rotate around a rotation axis as a fulcrum, and the first tire holding member comprises a rotation operating portion connected to the first tire holding portion and capable of rotating around the rotation axis as a fulcrum to operate the rotation of the first tire holding member around the rotation axis as a fulcrum. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a cycle carrier that makes it easier to load and unload bicycles. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view showing a state in which a bicycle is loaded onto a vehicle using a cycle carrier according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a side view showing a bicycle secured to a cycle carrier in a locked state according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 3]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a cycle carrier according to one embodiment, with the front pipe and rear pipe folded. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view of a tray included in the cycle carrier according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing another example of the tray. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a front tire holding member. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the front tire holder as seen from the front side. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the front tire holder as seen from the rear side. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a side view showing the rear tire holding member. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an attachment member attached to a tray with a lock cover removed. [Figure 11] 10 is a perspective view of the pipe member attached to the mounting member with the lock cover removed, as viewed from above. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a perspective view of the pipe member attached to the mounting member with the lock cover removed, as viewed from below. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a scale provided on the tray. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the mounting member, as viewed from above, with the lock cover slid to the exposed position. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the mounting member, as viewed from below, with the lock cover slid to the exposed position. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the mounting member, as viewed from above, with the lock cover slid to the covering position. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the mounting member, as viewed from below, with the lock cover slid to the covering position. [Figure 18]FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the mounting member, as viewed from above, in a state where the lock cover is slid to the covering position and locked by the lock mechanism. [Figure 19] FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a screw to which a lock knob is attached. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing another example of a screw. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a method for fixing the locking mechanism to the tray, showing a state before the T-bolt is engaged with the tray. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a method for fixing the locking mechanism to the tray, showing a state in which a T-bolt is engaged with the tray. [Figure 24] 10 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a method for restricting operation of the lock knob by the dial lock holder, showing a state in which the dial lock holder is positioned in an operation-permitted position. FIG. [Figure 25] 10 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a method for restricting operation of a lock knob by a dial lock holder, showing a state in which the dial lock holder is positioned at an operation restricting position. FIG. [Figure 26] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for restricting operation of the lock knob by the dial lock holder, and is a side view showing a state in which the dial lock holder is positioned at an operation restricting position. FIG. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a method for restricting rotation of a T-bolt by a disengagement inhibiting portion, showing a state in which the disengagement inhibiting portion is positioned in a rotation-permitting position. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a method for restricting rotation of a T-bolt by a disengagement inhibiting portion, showing the disengagement inhibiting portion positioned at the rotation restricting position. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a method for securing a bicycle to a cycle carrier according to an embodiment, showing the front pipe in an unfolded state. [Figure 30]FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a method for securing a bicycle to a cycle carrier according to an embodiment, showing the front pipe and rear pipe unfolded. [Figure 31] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a method for securing a bicycle to a cycle carrier according to an embodiment, showing the state in which the locking mechanism has been released. [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a method for securing a bicycle to a cycle carrier according to an embodiment, showing the bicycle placed on a tray with the front tire held by the front pipe. [Figure 33] FIG. 10 is a side view illustrating an example of a method for securing a bicycle to a cycle carrier according to an embodiment, showing the state in which the rear tire is held by the rear pipe and locked by the locking mechanism. [Figure 34] FIG. 10 is a side view illustrating an example of a method for securing a bicycle to a cycle carrier according to an embodiment, showing the front tire held by the front pipe and the front tire holder. [Figure 35] FIG. 10 is a side view showing another bicycle secured to the cycle carrier in a locked state according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, the dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values ​​shown in the embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the present disclosure unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are designated by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanation, and elements not directly related to the present disclosure are not shown.

[0013] In the following description, the direction along the vertical direction (up-down direction) is defined as the Z direction. Directions perpendicular to each other on a horizontal plane perpendicular to the Z direction are defined as the X direction and the Y direction. Here, the X direction is the direction along the vehicle length direction of the vehicle V, i.e., the front-to-rear direction, and the Y direction is the direction along the width direction of the vehicle V (vehicle width direction).

[0014] 1, the cycle carrier 1 according to this embodiment is fixed to a carrier bar (mounting member) V2 that is provided on the roof V1 of a vehicle V and extends in the Y direction (width direction). In this embodiment, two carrier bars (mounting members) V2 are arranged side by side and spaced apart in the X direction (front-rear direction), and the cycle carrier 1 is fixed to each of the two carrier bars (mounting members) V2.

[0015] Then, by placing and securing the bicycle B on the cycle carrier 1 fixed to each of the two carrier bars (mounting members) V2, the bicycle B can be loaded onto the vehicle V, and the bicycle B can be carried by the vehicle V.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the cycle carrier 1 is provided with a tray 2 on which a front tire B1 and a rear tire B2 of a bicycle B can be placed.

[0017] The cycle carrier 1 also includes a front tire holding member (second tire holding member) 3 attached to the tray 2. The front tire holding member (second tire holding member) 3 has a front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 capable of holding a front tire B1 of the bicycle B.

[0018] Furthermore, the cycle carrier 1 is equipped with a rear tire holding member (first tire holding member) 6 that is attached to the tray 2. This rear tire holding member (first tire holding member) 6 has a rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 that can hold a rear tire B2 of the bicycle B.

[0019] In this embodiment, the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 and the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 are attached to the tray 2 in a foldable state, as shown in FIG. 3 . This eliminates the need to operate the vehicle V with the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 and the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 unfolded when driving the vehicle V without removing the cycle carrier 1 that is not holding a bicycle B. In other words, when the bicycle B is not loaded onto the vehicle V, the vehicle V can be operated with the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 and the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 folded. This prevents the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 and the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 from getting in the way when driving the vehicle V without holding a bicycle B, even if the cycle carrier 1 is not removed from the vehicle V.

[0020] In this embodiment, the rear tire B2 is either the front tire B1 or the rear tire B2 of the bicycle B, and the front tire B1 is either the front tire B1 or the rear tire B2 of the bicycle B, but it is also possible to use the front tire B1 as one tire and the rear tire B2 as the other tire.

[0021] 1 to 4, the tray 2 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape that is elongated in the X direction (front-rear direction) and can be made of a metal material such as aluminum. The upper part of the tray 2 is formed with a tire holding surface 241 on which the front tire B1 and rear tire B2 of the bicycle B can be placed.

[0022] 4, the tray 2 includes a bottom wall 21 and a pair of side walls 22 that are connected to rise upward from the outer end of the bottom wall 21 in the Y direction (width direction). The tray 2 also includes a pair of inner walls 23 that are connected to rise upward from the inner side of the bottom wall 21 in the Y direction (width direction). A rail groove 211 is formed between the pair of inner walls 23 in the bottom wall 21 so as to extend in the X direction (front-rear direction).

[0023] Furthermore, the tray 2 is provided with a top wall 24 formed to connect the upper ends of the side walls 22 and the upper ends of the inner walls 23 , and the upper surface of this top wall 24 serves as a tire holding surface 241 .

[0024] In this embodiment, the tire holding surface 241 includes a first tire holding surface 2411 formed on the inner side of the pair of inner walls 23 in the Y direction (width direction), and a pair of second tire holding surfaces 2412 each connected to the upper ends of the pair of side walls 22 with a different radius of curvature from that of the first tire holding surface 2411. In this manner, in this embodiment, two types of tire holding surfaces (the first tire holding surface 2411 and the second tire holding surface 2412) are provided. This allows tires of various diameters (front tire B1 and rear tire B2) to be placed on the tray 2 while being held by the tire holding surface 241. This allows various types of bicycles (bicycles with tires of various widths) to be placed on the tray 2 while being prevented from coming off the tire holding surface 241. In this embodiment, the tire holding surface 241 is formed to accommodate tires with a width ranging from a narrow tire width (approximately 20 mm) for road bikes to a wide tire width (approximately 100 mm) for mountain bikes.

[0025] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a slide rail groove 242 that opens inward in the Y direction (width direction) is formed between the upper end of the first tire holding surface 2411 and the lower end of the second tire holding surface 2412, extending in the X direction (front-rear direction).

[0026] Furthermore, a groove 243 penetrating in the Z direction (up-down direction) is formed in the center of the top wall 24 in the Y direction (width direction) so as to extend in the X direction (front-rear direction). A head 722 of a T-bolt 72, which will be described later, is adapted to be inserted into this groove 243. That is, the elongated groove 243 in the X direction (front-rear direction) functions as a hole formed in the tray 2 into which the head 722 of the T-bolt 72 is inserted. Note that the hole into which the head 722 of the T-bolt 72 is inserted does not necessarily have to be the groove 243 extending in the X direction (front-rear direction). For example, by forming a plurality of elongated holes 244 shown in FIG. 5 along the X direction (front-rear direction), each elongated hole 244 can function as a hole formed in the tray 2 into which the head 722 of the T-bolt 72 is inserted.

[0027] By forming the tray 2 in this shape, it is possible to further increase the strength, and the tires (front tire B1 and rear tire B2) of the bicycle B can be placed on the tray 2 more safely.

[0028] In this embodiment, the tray 2 is also provided with a member for fixing the tray 2 (cycle carrier 1) to a carrier bar (attachment target member) V2.

[0029] Specifically, in order to fix the tray 2 (cycle carrier 1) to the carrier bar (mounting member) V2, two members, the front mounting member 8 and the carrier fixing member 623, are attached to the lower end of the tray 2 at a distance in the X direction (front-to-back direction).

[0030] In this embodiment, the front mounting member 8 has an elastic piece 81 whose front end in the X direction (front-rear direction) is hooked into the rail groove 211 with its rear end in the X direction (front-rear direction) being a free end. This elastic piece 81 is attached to the tray 2 in a state in which it can slide in the X direction (front-rear direction). Furthermore, the front mounting member 8 has a bolt 82 that is inserted into an insertion hole 811 formed in the rear end of this elastic piece 81. Then, with the front carrier bar (mounted member) V2 positioned rearward of the rear end of the elastic piece 81, the elastic piece 81 is moved rearward (by moving the elastic piece 81 rearward together with the tray 2 or by sliding the elastic piece 81 rearward relative to the tray 2), thereby inserting the front carrier bar (mounted member) V2 between the elastic piece 81 and the lower part (bottom wall 21) of the tray 2. Then, with the front carrier bar (attachment member) V2 inserted between the elastic piece portion 81 and the lower part (bottom wall 21) of the tray 2, the bolt 82 is inserted into the insertion hole 811 and fastened, thereby attaching the tray 2 to the front carrier bar (attachment member) V2.

[0031] On the other hand, the carrier fixing member 623 includes a clamp 6231 having a main body 62311 elongated in the X direction (front-rear direction) and a pair of rubber tubes 62312 located on both sides of the main body 62311 in the X direction (front-rear direction). The clamp 6231 is attached to a main body 621 of the mounting member 62, which will be described later, with the rear carrier bar (attachment target member) V2 positioned between the pair of rubber tubes 62312 and above the main body 62311. In this manner, with the rear carrier bar (attachment target member) V2 sandwiched between the main body 621 and the clamp 6231, the clamp 6231 is fixed to the tray 2 via the main body 621, and the tray 2 is attached to the rear carrier bar (attachment target member) V2. In this embodiment, the main body 621 of the mounting member 62 is attached to the tray 2 in a state in which it can slide in the X direction (front-to-back direction), so that the carrier fixing member 623 is attached to the tray 2 in a state in which it can slide in the X direction (front-to-back direction).

[0032] As described above, in this embodiment, the front attachment member 8 and the carrier fixing member 623 are attached to the tray 2 in a state in which they can slide in the X direction (front-rear direction). Therefore, with the front attachment member 8 attached (temporarily fixed) to the front carrier bar (attachment target member) V2 and the carrier fixing member 623 attached (temporarily fixed) to the rear carrier bar (attachment target member) V2, the tray 2 can move (slide) relative to the pair of carrier bars (attachment target member) V2 in the X direction (front-rear direction).

[0033] This allows the cycle carrier 1 to be adapted to accommodate bicycles of various sizes (bicycles with various lengths).

[0034] In addition, the carrier bar (receiving member) V2 may have a curved shape in the Y direction (width direction), and when attaching the tray 2 to the carrier bar (receiving member) V2, the carrier fixing member 623 may be attached to the curved portion of the carrier bar (receiving member) V2.

[0035] In this way, when the carrier fixing member 623 is attached to the curved portion of the carrier bar (attached member) V2, the tray 2 may tilt at an angle, and the bicycle B placed on the tray 2 may also tilt. If the bicycle B is placed on the tray 2 in a tilted state, a large stress is applied in one direction, and the tray 2 may be deformed.

[0036] Therefore, in this embodiment, a rubber spacer 6232 can be interposed between the carrier bar (attachment member) V2 and the main body 621, so that the tray 2 can be more reliably held in a horizontal position (see FIG. 9). In this way, by making it possible to maintain the horizontal position of the tray 2 regardless of the position where the tray 2 is attached, it is possible to more reliably prevent the bicycle B placed on the tray 2 from tilting. As a result, it is possible to more reliably prevent the bicycle B from shaking in the Y direction (width direction) when carrying it in the vehicle V, etc.

[0037] 6, in this embodiment, the front tire holding member (second tire holding member) 3 is provided with a front tire holding portion 4 that can hold the front tire B1 from the front side. The front tire holding portion 4 is provided with a front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 that can hold the front tire B1 of the bicycle B, and a resin block 42 to which the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 is rotatably attached and which is fixed to the front end portion of the tray 2.

[0038] In this manner, in this embodiment, the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 is rotatably attached to the tray 2 via the resin block .

[0039] The front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 has a substantially inverted U-shape and can be formed using, for example, a metal material such as stainless steel or a rigid resin material. In this embodiment, the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 has a pair of parallel portions 411 that are arranged substantially parallel and spaced apart in the Y direction (width direction). One end of the pair of parallel portions 411 is fixed to wall portions on both sides of the resin block 42 in the Y direction (width direction) by a rotation shaft 431 that extends in the Y direction (width direction). In this manner, the pair of parallel portions 411 are fixed to the resin block 42 in a state in which they can rotate about the rotation shaft 431.

[0040] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 has a U-shaped portion 412 connected to the other end of the pair of parallel portions 411. The front tire B1 is held by the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 by inserting the front tire B1 into a space formed between the U-shaped portion 412, which has a substantially inverted U shape, and bringing both sides of the front portion of the front tire B1 in the Y direction (width direction) into contact with the inner circumferential surfaces of the U-shaped portion 412.

[0041] Here, in this embodiment, the tip end portion of the substantially inverted U-shaped front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 is bent so as to narrow toward the tip. That is, the U-shaped portion 412 located at the tip end portion of the substantially inverted U-shaped front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 is provided with a pair of bent portions 4121 connected to the other ends of the pair of parallel portions 411 in a state where they are bent inward in the Y direction (width direction) relative to the parallel portions 411, and a curved connecting portion 4122 connecting the tips of the pair of bent portions 4121 on the narrower sides. In this way, the shape of the U-shaped portion 412 is bent so as to narrow in the Y direction (width direction) toward the tip end (direction away from the parallel portions 411) and has a tapered shape.

[0042] The U-shaped portion 412 is tapered in the Y direction (width direction) toward the tip (direction away from the parallel portion 411), allowing front tires B1 of various widths to be held by the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41. This allows various types of bicycles (bicycles B having front tires B1 of various tire widths) to be held with appropriate holding force by the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41. This more reliably prevents the front tire B1 from coming off the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41, regardless of the tire width of the bicycle B to be placed on it. Note that in this embodiment, the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41, like the tray 2, is formed to accommodate tires with a narrow tire width (approximately 20 mm) such as that of a road bike to a wide tire width (approximately 100 mm) such as that of a mountain bike.

[0043] The resin block 42 is formed to have rigidity using a hard resin material or the like, and includes a main body 421 attached to the front end of the tray 2. One end of the parallel part 411 of the front pipe (second tire holding part) 41 is rotatably fixed by a rotation shaft 431 to an outer wall part of the main body 421 in the Y direction (width direction).

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the resin block 42 is provided with a rotation restriction wall 422, which restricts the relative rotation of the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 with respect to the tray 2 (resin block 42).

[0045] Specifically, the rotation restriction walls 422 are formed on the outer wall portions on both sides of the main body portion 421 in the Y direction (width direction), and each rotation restriction wall 422 restricts the rotation of the parallel portion 411 of the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41.

[0046] In this embodiment, each of the pair of rotation restricting walls 422 includes a front rotation restricting wall 4221 and a rear rotation restricting wall 4222. When the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 is rotated so that the tip (the U-shaped portion 412 side) moves rearward and downward, the parallel portion 411 of the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 abuts against a lower surface 4221a of the front rotation restricting wall 4221 and an upper surface 4222a of the rear rotation restricting wall 4222. This prevents the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 from rotating rearward and downward any further. Furthermore, when the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 is rotated so that the tip (the U-shaped portion 412 side) moves forward and upward, the parallel portion 411 of the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 abuts against the rear surface 4221b of the front rotation restricting wall 4221 and the front surface 4222b of the rear rotation restricting wall 4222. This prevents the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 from rotating forward and upward any further.

[0047] As described above, in this embodiment, the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 is attached to the tray 2 in a state in which it can rotate between a folded position in which the parallel portion 411 abuts against the lower surface 4221a of the front rotation restricting wall 4221 and the upper surface 4222a of the rear rotation restricting wall 4222, and an unfolded position in which the parallel portion 411 abuts against the rear surface 4221b of the front rotation restricting wall 4221 and the front surface 4222b of the rear rotation restricting wall 4222. At this time, in this embodiment, two locations of the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 are held by the rotation restricting walls 422 (the front rotation restricting wall 4221 and the rear rotation restricting wall 4222). This allows the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 to be firmly held by the resin block 42 in both the folded state and the unfolded state.

[0048] Furthermore, when the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 is unfolded, the parallel portion 411 abuts against the rear surface 4221b of the front rotation restriction wall 4221 and the front surface 4222b of the rear rotation restriction wall 4222, preventing the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 from rotating further forward and upward, thereby enabling the front tire B1 to be held by the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 with an appropriate holding force.

[0049] In this embodiment, the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 is held at two locations (both sides), on the left and right (Y direction: width direction) of the high-strength resin block 42. The high-strength resin block 42 restricts the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 from rotating forward and upward when unfolded. This allows the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 to be attached to the tray 2 in a state where front-to-back and side-to-side shaking is suppressed, resulting in a stronger configuration of the front tire holding portion 4. When the front tire B1 is held by the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41, it is possible to more reliably suppress front-to-back and side-to-side shaking of the bicycle B.

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the front tire holding portion 4 is provided with a folding mechanism 43 having the above-mentioned rotation shaft 431. This folding mechanism 43 enables the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 to be held in a folded state, and also enables the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 to be moved to an unfolded state with a single touch.

[0051] Such a folding mechanism 43 can be obtained, for example, by restricting the rotation of the front pipe (second tire holding part) 41 in the unfolding direction so that it can be releasably prevented when the front pipe (second tire holding part) 41 is in the folded state and biased in the unfolding direction (a state in which a force is acting to rotate the parallel part 411 forward and upward), and then moving the front pipe (second tire holding part) 41 in the unfolding direction to release the restriction, or by operating an operation button for releasing the restriction, so that the biasing force in the unfolding direction causes the front pipe (second tire holding part) 41 to rotate to the unfolded position.

[0052] The folding mechanism 43 allows the parallel portion 411 to abut against the lower surface 4221a of the front rotation restricting wall 4221 and the upper surface 4222a of the rear rotation restricting wall 4222 when the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 is folded, preventing the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 from rotating further rearward and downward, while restricting rotation of the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 in the unfolding direction. This more reliably prevents the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 from becoming loose in the folded state. Furthermore, in this embodiment, an appropriate gap is formed between the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 and the tray 2 when the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 is folded. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent noise from being generated when the vehicle V is driven with the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 folded up by the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 hitting the tray 2, thereby further improving the quietness of the vehicle V when it is driven with the cycle carrier 1 attached.

[0053] Generally, bicycle B has a handlebar B3 connected to a front tire B1 via a front fork B4, allowing the front tire B1 to rotate left and right around the axis of the handlebar B3. The tires of bicycle B (front tire B1 and rear tire B2) are made of an elastic material, and tires made of an elastic material (front tire B1 and rear tire B2) generally hold tubes filled with air. Therefore, the tires of a typical bicycle B (front tire B1 and rear tire B2) are flexible and are configured to bend (elastically deform) left and right (Y direction: width direction).

[0054] Therefore, if only the front portion of the front tire B1 is fixed by the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41, when an external force is applied to the bicycle B, such as when the bicycle is being carried on a vehicle V, the front tire B1 may bend, creating play between the front tire B1 and the tray 2. If play occurs between the front tire B1 and the tray 2, the front tire B1 fixed by the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 may move. In particular, because the handlebars B3 are connected to the front tire B1 via the front fork B4, a force that rotates the handlebars B3 left and right (Y direction: width direction) is easily applied to the bicycle B, such as when the bicycle is being carried on a vehicle V. If a force that rotates the handlebars B3 left and right (Y direction: width direction) is applied to the bicycle B, the front tire B1 may sway left and right around the contact point with the tray 2 as a fulcrum.

[0055] Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to more reliably prevent the front tire B1 from wobbling left and right.

[0056] Specifically, the front tire holding member (second tire holding member) 3 is provided with a front tire holder (rear tire holding portion) 5 that is attached to the tray 2 and can hold both sides in the Y direction (width direction) of the front tire B1 of the bicycle B from the rear, in addition to a front tire holding portion 4 that can hold the front tire B1 from the front side. In other words, the front tire holding member (second tire holding member) 3 is provided with a front tire holder (rear tire holding portion) 5 that is a separate member from the front tire holding portion 4.

[0057] This allows the front side of the front tire B1 to be held by the front tire holding portion 4 when the bicycle B is loaded onto the cycle carrier 1, while the left and right rear surfaces of the front tire B1 are held by the front tire holder (rear tire holding portion) 5.

[0058] In this way, the front tire holding portion 4 presses down on the front side of the front tire B1, while the front tire holder (rear tire holding portion) 5 presses down on both the left and right surfaces of the rear side of the front tire B1. Therefore, even if a force is applied to the bicycle B to rotate the handle B3 left and right when carrying it in a vehicle V, the front tire B1 can be more reliably prevented from swaying left and right with the contact point with the tray 2 as a fulcrum.

[0059] Like the resin block 42, this front tire holder (rear tire holding portion) 5 is formed to have rigidity using a hard resin material or the like, and in this embodiment, the high-strength front tire holder (rear tire holding portion) 5 is configured to hold both the left and right rear surfaces of the front tire B1.

[0060] In this embodiment, the front tire holder (rear tire holding portion) 5, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, comprises a main body portion 51 having a tire holding surface 511 that abuts on both the left and right rear surfaces of the front tire B1, and a guide portion 52 connected to the lower end of the main body portion 51 and positioned on the tire holding surface 241 of the tray 2.

[0061] Furthermore, a pair of guide pieces 521 are formed on the guide portion 52 so as to protrude outward in the Y direction (width direction) from both sides of the guide portion 52 in the Y direction (width direction). The pair of guide pieces 521 are inserted into a pair of slide rail grooves 242 formed in the tray 2, respectively, so that the front tire holder (rear tire holding portion) 5 is slidably attached to the tray 2. At this time, the front tire holder (rear tire holding portion) 5 slides on the tray 2 while being guided by the pair of guide pieces 521.

[0062] In this manner, in this embodiment, the front tire holder (rear tire holding portion) 5 is attached to the tray 2 in a state in which it can slide in the X direction (front-rear direction).

[0063] This allows the left and right surfaces of the rear side of the front tire B1 to be held down by the front tire holder (rear tire holding portion) 5 simply by sliding the front tire holder (rear tire holding portion) 5. This makes it possible for the front tire holder (rear tire holding portion) 5 to hold the left and right surfaces of the rear side of the front tire B1 more easily and reliably.

[0064] Furthermore, if the front tire holder (rear tire holding portion) 5 is slidably attached to the tray 2, it becomes possible to more reliably hold down both the left and right rear surfaces of front tires B1 of various diameters with the front tire holder (rear tire holding portion) 5. In other words, even when various types of bicycles (bicycles B having front tires B1 of various tire diameters) are loaded on the cycle carrier 1, it becomes possible to more reliably prevent the front tire B1 from wobbling left and right with its contact point with the tray 2 as a fulcrum.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the front tire holder (rear tire holding portion) 5 is provided adjacent to the lower end of both sides in the Y direction (width direction) of the main body portion 51, and includes a pair of side pieces 53 that face the outer surfaces of the side walls 22 of the tray 2 when the front tire holder (rear tire holding portion) 5 is attached to the tray 2. This prevents the front tire holder (rear tire holding portion) 5 attached to the tray 2 from wobbling left and right (Y direction: width direction) by the pair of side pieces 53. At this time, the upper ends of the side walls 22 of the tray 2 are inserted into rail holding grooves 54 formed between the guide portions 52 and the side pieces 53. This allows the front tire holder (rear tire holding portion) 5 to slide in the X direction (front-rear direction) on the tray 2 while being guided not only by the pair of guide pieces 521 but also by the pair of rail holding grooves 54. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the front tire holder (rear tire holding portion) 5 from rattling when sliding the front tire holder (rear tire holding portion) 5 in the X direction (front-to-back direction) relative to the tray 2, and allows the front tire holder (rear tire holding portion) 5 to slide more smoothly in the X direction (front-to-back direction) relative to the tray 2.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the tire holding surface 511 includes a first tire holding surface 5111 formed to be convex downward at the center in the Y direction (width direction), and a pair of second tire holding surfaces 5112 each connected to the upper end of the first tire holding surface 5111 and convex downward and outward in the Y direction (width direction) with a different radius of curvature than the first tire holding surface 5111. Furthermore, the tire holding surface 511 includes a pair of third tire holding surfaces 5113 connected to the outer ends in the Y direction (width direction) of the pair of second tire holding surfaces 5112 and convex downward and outward in the Y direction (width direction) with a different radius of curvature than the second tire holding surfaces 5112.

[0067] In this way, in this embodiment, three types of tire holding surfaces are provided (first tire holding surface 5111, second tire holding surface 5112, and third tire holding surface 5113). The tire holding surface (contact surface) 511 that contacts the front tire B1 of the front tire holder (rear tire holding portion) 5 is provided with a stepped surface (plurality of tire holding surfaces with different radii of curvature: first to third tire holding surfaces 5111 to 5113).

[0068] This allows the rear left and right surfaces of front tires B1 of various widths to be more securely held down by the front tire holder (rear tire holding portion) 5. This makes it possible to place various types of bicycles (bicycles B having front tires B1 of various tire widths) on the tray 2 while preventing them from wobbling left and right with the contact point with the tray 2 as a fulcrum.

[0069] In this embodiment, the tire holding surface 511, like the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 and the tray 2, is formed to accommodate tire widths ranging from narrow tire widths (approximately 20 mm) such as those of road bikes to wide tire widths (approximately 100 mm) such as those of mountain bikes.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the tire holding surface 511 is inclined so that the rear side is positioned higher than the front side. In other words, the tire holding surface 511 is formed to have a shape that corresponds to the curved shape of the lower rear side of the front tire B1. This allows a relatively wide area along the circumferential direction of the lower rear side of the front tire B1 to come into contact with the tire holding surface 511. This makes it possible to more reliably hold both the left and right surfaces of the rear side of the front tire B1 with the tire holding surface 511, and more reliably prevents the tire from wobbling left and right around the contact portion with the tray 2 as a fulcrum.

[0071] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 9, the rear tire holding member (first tire holding member) 6 comprises a pipe member 61 having a rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 capable of holding the rear tire B2 of the bicycle B, and an attachment member 62 to which the pipe member 61 is rotatably attached and which is attached to the tray 2 in a state in which it can slide in the X direction (front-to-back direction).

[0072] In this manner, in this embodiment, the pipe member 61 having the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 is rotatably attached to the tray 2 via the attachment member 62.

[0073] The pipe member 61 includes a rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 having a substantially inverted U shape and a movable pipe (rotation operation portion) 612 having a substantially inverted U shape. A pair of ends of the movable pipe (rotation operation portion) 612 are respectively connected to a pair of ends of the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611, thereby forming a substantially frame-like pipe member 61 that is elongated in the X direction (front-rear direction). In this manner, in this embodiment, by connecting the pipes on both the left and right sides (Y direction: width direction) into a single pipe, twisting of the pipe can be suppressed, and the strength of the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 in the direction in which the bicycle B is fixed (X direction: front-rear direction) and in the left-right direction (Y direction: width direction) can be further increased.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the overall shape of the pipe member 61 is such that a portion of the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 is bent to one side in the up-down direction (upward) from a point midway in the X direction (front-rear direction). This further increases the strength of the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 in the direction in which the bicycle B is fixed (X direction: front-rear direction) and in the left-right direction (Y direction: width direction).

[0075] The connecting portion between the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 and the movable pipe (rotation operating portion) 612 is fixed to the wall portions on both sides of the mounting member 62 in the Y direction (width direction) by a rotation shaft 63 extending in the Y direction (width direction), so that the pipe member 61 is fixed to the mounting member 62 in a state where it can rotate around the rotation shaft 63 as an axis.

[0076] In this embodiment, the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 has a substantially inverted U-shape and can be formed using, for example, a metal material such as stainless steel or a rigid resin material. The rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 has a pair of parallel portions 6111 that are arranged substantially parallel to each other and spaced apart in the Y direction (width direction). Furthermore, in this embodiment, a curved portion 61111 is formed midway through each of the pair of parallel portions 6111, and the pair of parallel portions 6111 have a shape that is bent with the curved portion 61111 as a base point. A movable pipe (rotation operation portion) 612 is formed at one end of the pair of parallel portions 6111 bent with the curved portion 61111 as a base point so as to extend in the direction in which the one end sides of the pair of parallel portions 6111 extend. In this way, the substantially frame-shaped pipe member 61 that is elongated in the X direction (front-rear direction) has a shape that is bent with the curved portion 61111 as a base point. It is preferable that the bending angle of this pipe member 61 is approximately 95 to 115 degrees. In this way, when the pipe member 61 is rotated so that the movable pipe (rotation operation part) 612 located on the front side extends horizontally, the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611 located on the rear side can be made to be inclined slightly rearward from the vertical direction, and the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611 can hold the rear tire B2 more easily and reliably.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 includes a U-shaped portion 6112 connected to the other end of the pair of parallel portions 6111. The rear tire B2 is inserted into a space formed between the U-shaped portions 6112, which are substantially inverted U-shapes, and both sides of the rear portion of the rear tire B2 in the Y direction (width direction) come into contact with the inner circumferential surfaces of the U-shaped portions 6112, thereby holding the rear tire B2 in the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611.

[0078] Here, in this embodiment, the tip end portion of the substantially inverted U-shaped rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 is bent so as to narrow toward the tip. That is, the U-shaped portion 6112 located at the tip end portion of the substantially inverted U-shaped rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 is provided with a pair of bent portions 61121 connected to the other ends of the pair of parallel portions 6111 in a state where the bent portions are bent in the Y direction (width direction) relative to the parallel portions 6111, and a curved connecting portion 61122 connecting the tips of the pair of bent portions 61121 on the narrower sides. In this way, the shape of the U-shaped portion 6112 is tapered so as to narrow in the Y direction (width direction) toward the tip (direction away from the parallel portions 6111).

[0079] The U-shaped portion 6112 is tapered so that its width narrows in the Y direction (width direction) toward the tip (direction away from the parallel portion 6111), thereby enabling rear tires B2 of various widths to be held by the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611. This allows various types of bicycles (bicycles B having rear tires B2 of various tire widths) to be held by the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 with an appropriate holding force, thereby more reliably preventing the rear tire B2 from coming off the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611. Note that in this embodiment, the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611, like the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41, the tray 2, and the tire holding surface 511, is also formed to accommodate tire widths ranging from narrow tire widths (approximately 20 mm) for road bikes to wide tire widths (approximately 100 mm) for mountain bikes.

[0080] On the other hand, the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 also has a substantially inverted U-shape and can be formed using, for example, a metal material such as stainless steel or a rigid resin material. In this embodiment, the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 has a pair of parallel portions 6121 that are arranged substantially parallel to each other and spaced apart in the Y direction (width direction). Furthermore, the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 has a U-shaped portion 6122 that is connected to the other end of the pair of parallel portions 6121. Then, by rotating the substantially inverted U-shaped movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 up and down about a rotation shaft 63, the rear pipe (first tire holding unit) 611 rotates about the rotation shaft 63 in conjunction with the rotation of the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612.

[0081] In this embodiment, when the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 is rotated so that the tip (the U-shaped portion 6122 side) moves forward and downward, the rear pipe (first tire holding unit) 611 rotates in a direction in which the tip (the U-shaped portion 6112 side) moves forward and upward. Then, with the bicycle B placed on the tray 2 and the front tire B1 held by the front pipe (second tire holding unit) 41, by rotating the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 so that the tip (the U-shaped portion 6122 side) moves forward and downward, the rear pipe (first tire holding unit) 611 rotates around the rotation axis 63 as a base point in a direction in which the tip (the U-shaped portion 6112 side) moves forward and upward, and the rear tire B2 is held by the rear pipe (first tire holding unit) 611.

[0082] On the other hand, when the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 is rotated so that the tip (U-shaped portion 6122 side) moves rearward and upward, the rear pipe (first tire holding unit) 611 rotates in a direction so that the tip (U-shaped portion 6112 side) moves rearward and downward. Therefore, when the bicycle B is placed on the tray 2 with the front tire B1 held by the front pipe (second tire holding unit) 41 and the rear tire B2 held by the rear pipe (first tire holding unit) 611, if the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 is rotated so that the tip (U-shaped portion 6122 side) moves rearward and upward, the rear pipe (first tire holding unit) 611 rotates around the rotation axis 63 in a direction so that the tip (U-shaped portion 6112 side) moves rearward and downward, and the rear tire B2 is released from the hold of the rear pipe (first tire holding unit) 611.

[0083] In this way, in this embodiment, the rear tire holding member (first tire holding member) 6 is connected to the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 and is provided with a movable pipe (rotation operating portion) 612 that can be rotated around the rotation axis 63 as a fulcrum, thereby manipulating the rotation of the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 around the rotation axis 63 as a fulcrum.

[0084] In this way, by rotating the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 around the rotation shaft 63 as a fulcrum, the rear pipe (first tire holding unit) 611 rotates around the rotation shaft 63 as a fulcrum in conjunction with the rotation of the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612. By rotating the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 around the rotation shaft 63 as a fulcrum, the rear pipe (first tire holding unit) 611 rotates around the rotation shaft 63 as a fulcrum, making it possible to hold the rear tire B2 by the rear pipe (first tire holding unit) 611 or release the hold of the rear tire B2 by the rear pipe (first tire holding unit) 611.

[0085] In this manner, in this embodiment, by utilizing a force (rotational moment) based on the principle of leverage, with the rotation shaft 63 as the fulcrum, the movable pipe (rotation operation portion) 612 as the force point, and the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 as the point of application, the rear tire B2 can be held by the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611. In addition, by utilizing the force (rotational moment) based on the principle of leverage, the rear tire B2 held by the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 can be released.

[0086] This allows the movable pipe (rotation operation part) 612 to be operated with a relatively small force, and the rear tire B2 to be held with a greater fixing force by the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611. This makes it easier to load and unload the bicycle B onto the cycle carrier 1.

[0087] When loading a bicycle B onto the cycle carrier 1, the front tire B1 and rear tire B2 are placed on the tray 2, with the front part of the front tire B1 held by the front pipe (second tire holding part) 41 and the rear part of the rear tire B2 held by the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611. In this way, the bicycle B placed upright on the tray 2 is fixed to the cycle carrier 1 while being sandwiched between the pair of pipes.

[0088] In this way, by fixing the bicycle B placed upright on the tray 2 to the cycle carrier 1 while being clamped between a pair of pipes, the load on the bicycle B when it is loaded onto the vehicle V and carried can be minimized.

[0089] Therefore, by using the cycle carrier 1 shown in this embodiment, it is possible to minimize the load on the bicycle B when loading and carrying it on the vehicle V, while making it easier to load and unload the bicycle B.

[0090] Furthermore, by utilizing the force (rotational moment) of the principle of leverage to hold the rear tire B2 on the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611, the bicycle B can be loaded onto the cycle carrier 1 in a more firmly held state, making it possible to transport the bicycle B on the vehicle V more safely.

[0091] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the movable pipe (rotation operating part) 612 is operated so that the tip (the U-shaped part 6122 side) approaches the tray 2, so that the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611 holds the rear tire (one of the tires) B2.

[0092] In this way, by operating the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 so as to move the tip (the U-shaped portion 6122 side) from above downward, the rear tire (one tire) B2 is held by the rear pipe (first tire holding unit) 611. In this way, by pushing the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 downward, the rear tire (one tire) B2 can be quickly held by the rear pipe (first tire holding unit) 611. In other words, when holding the rear tire (one tire) B2 by the rear pipe (first tire holding unit) 611, by operating the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 so as to move the tip (the U-shaped portion 6122 side) from above downward, the rear tire (one tire) B2 can be more easily and reliably held by the rear pipe (first tire holding unit) 611.

[0093] Furthermore, by moving the tip (the U-shaped portion 6122 side) of the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 from above to below, it becomes possible to operate the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 while applying the operator's weight. In this way, by operating the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 while applying the operator's weight, it becomes possible to more reliably prevent the rear pipe (first tire holding unit) 611 from rotating to the opposite side (the side where the holding is released) due to the reaction force from the rear tire (one tire) B2 when the rear pipe (first tire holding unit) 611 holds the rear tire (one tire) B2 with an appropriate holding force. In other words, it becomes easier to operate the rear pipe (first tire holding unit) 611 to a position where the rear tire (one tire) B2 is held with an appropriate holding force against the reaction force from the rear tire (one tire) B2.

[0094] In this embodiment, the pipe member 61 is attached to the mounting member 62 in a state in which it can be rotated within a predetermined rotation range. Specifically, when the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 is rotated to a predetermined position so that the tip (the U-shaped portion 6122 side) moves forward and downward, the parallel portion 6121 of the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 abuts against the mounting member 62, preventing the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 from rotating further forward and downward. Furthermore, when the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 is rotated to a predetermined position so that the tip (the U-shaped portion 6122 side) moves rearward and upward, the parallel portion 6111 of the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 abuts against the mounting member 62, preventing the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 from rotating further rearward and upward. This prevents the movable pipe (rotating operation part) 612 from rotating too far upward, and more reliably prevents the movable pipe (rotating operation part) 612 from getting in the way when loading or unloading bicycle B onto tray 2.

[0095] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 is provided with a folding mechanism 6114. This folding mechanism 6114 enables the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 to be held in a folded state, and also enables the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 to be moved to an unfolded state with a single touch.

[0096] In this embodiment, a pair of folding mechanisms 6114 are provided midway along the pair of parallel portions 6111 of the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611. Specifically, the folding mechanisms 6114 are provided near the ends of the curved portions 61111 formed on the pair of parallel portions 6111 on the U-shaped portion 6112 side. The U-shaped portion 6112 side of the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 relative to the folding mechanisms 6114 can be rotated around a rotation shaft 61141 formed on the folding mechanisms 6114 as a base point. At this time, the U-shaped portion 6112 side of the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 relative to the folding mechanisms 6114 can be rotated between a folded state in which the tip (the U-shaped portion 6112 side) is located at the frontmost and lowest position, and an unfolded state in which the tip (the U-shaped portion 6112 side) is located at the rearmost and highest position.

[0097] When the U-shaped portion 6112 side of the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611 relative to the folding mechanism 6114 is folded, the rotation of the U-shaped portion 6112 side of the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611 relative to the folding mechanism 6114 in the unfolding direction is releasably restricted in a state where the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611 is biased in the unfolding direction (a state in which a force is acting to rotate the U-shaped portion 6112 side rearward and upward).

[0098] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the folding mechanism 6114 is provided with an operation button 61142 for releasing the restriction, and by operating the operation button 61142 for releasing the restriction, the U-shaped portion 6112 side of the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611 is rotated to the unfolded position by a biasing force in the unfolding direction relative to the folding mechanism 6114. Note that it is also possible to not provide the operation button 61142 for releasing the restriction, and to move the U-shaped portion 6112 side of the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611 relative to the folding mechanism 6114 in the unfolding direction to release the restriction, thereby rotating the U-shaped portion 6112 side of the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611 relative to the folding mechanism 6114 to the unfolded position by a biasing force in the unfolding direction.

[0099] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the folding mechanism 6114 is formed using a metal material that is more rigid than the parallel portion 6111, and is thicker than the parallel portion 6111. This increases the strength of the folding mechanism 6114 (rotation shaft 61141), which is a location where stress is likely to concentrate when the rear tire B2 is held by the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611, and more reliably prevents the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 from being deformed by the reaction force from the rear tire (one tire) B2. In this way, even when the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 is provided with the folding mechanism 6114, the bicycle B) having the rear tire B2 can be held by the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 with an appropriate holding force.

[0100] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the U-shaped portion 6112 side of the folding mechanism 6114 of the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611 is folded, an appropriate gap is formed between the tray 2 and the U-shaped portion 6112 side of the folding mechanism 6114 of the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611. Also, when the U-shaped portion 6112 side of the folding mechanism 6114 of the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611 is folded, an appropriate gap is also formed between the U-shaped portion 6112 side of the folding mechanism 6114 of the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611 and the movable pipe (rotation operation part) 612. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the U-shaped portion 6112 side of the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611 from hitting the tray 2 or the movable pipe (rotating operating part) 612 and making noise when driving the vehicle V with the U-shaped portion 6112 side of the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611 folded relative to the folding mechanism 6114, thereby further improving the quietness of the vehicle V when it is driven with the cycle carrier 1 attached.

[0101] The mounting member 62 is a member for detachably mounting the tray 2 to the carrier bar (mounted member) V2, and by mounting this mounting member 62 to the tray 2, the pipe member 61 is rotatably mounted to the tray 2 via the mounting member 62. This prevents a force (e.g., a force pressing to one side in the Y direction) from being applied to the movable pipe (rotation operating unit) 612 or the rear pipe (first tire holding unit) 611 when the movable pipe (rotation operating unit) 612 is operated to rotate the rear pipe (first tire holding unit) 611, for example, when loading or unloading the bicycle B onto or from the cycle carrier 1. This prevents the force from being transmitted to the tray 2. This more reliably prevents the tray 2 from being deformed by a force (e.g., a force pressing to one side in the Y direction) applied to the movable pipe (rotation operating unit) 612 or the rear pipe (first tire holding unit) 611.

[0102] Furthermore, if the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 is attached to the tray 2 via the attachment member 62, the relative position between the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 and the tray 2 can be changed simply by sliding the attachment member 62 relative to the tray 2. This makes it easier to achieve a configuration that allows the relative position between the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 and the tray 2 to be changed. Furthermore, if the relative position between the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 and the tray 2 can be changed, the cycle carrier 1 can be made to accommodate bicycles of various sizes (bicycles with various overall lengths).

[0103] 10 to 12, in this embodiment, the mounting member 62 includes a main body 621 slidably mounted on the tray 2, and a carrier fixing member 623 attached to the main body 621. The rear carrier bar (mounted member) V2 is sandwiched between the main body 621 and the carrier fixing member 623 attached to the tray 2, thereby fixing the tray 2 to the carrier bar (mounted member) V2.

[0104] The main body portion 621 includes a rear stay 6211 to which the pipe member 61 is rotatably attached, and a rear holder 6212 that is fixed to the rear stay 6211 and to which a pair of carrier fixing members 623 are attached.

[0105] 10, the rear stay 6211 includes a bottom wall 62111 and a pair of side walls 62112 that are continuously provided so as to rise upward from both ends in the Y direction (width direction) of the bottom wall 62111. The connecting portions of the pipe member 61 between the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 and the movable pipe (rotation operation portion) 612 are fixed to the pair of side walls 62112 by rotation shafts 63 that extend in the Y direction (width direction), so that the pipe member 61 is fixed to the rear stay 6211 in a state in which it can rotate about the rotation shafts 63.

[0106] Such a rear stay 6211 can be formed, for example, by drawing a single metal plate. In this embodiment, a bulge 62113 is formed at the rear of the rear stay 6211 so as to bulge outward, and the rotation shaft 63 is attached to the portion of the pair of side walls 62112 where the bulge 62113 is formed. This increases the strength of the rear stay 6211 and prevents the pair of side walls 62112 from deforming in the Y direction (width direction). This more reliably prevents the bicycle B placed on the tray 2 from wobbling in the Y direction (width direction), allowing the bicycle B to be carried more safely on the vehicle V. In addition, such a bulge 62113 can be formed, for example, by drawing a single metal plate.

[0107] Furthermore, in this embodiment, guide pieces 62114 are formed on both sides in the X direction (front-rear direction) at the center in the Y direction (width direction) of the bottom wall 62111. The base portions of these guide pieces 62114 are inserted into rail grooves 211 formed in the bottom wall 21 of the tray 2, and the head portions of the guide pieces 62114 are hooked onto the upper surface of the bottom wall 21 of the tray 2, so that the rear stays 6211 are slidably attached to the tray 2. At this time, the rear stays 6211 slide in the X direction (front-rear direction) along the rail grooves 211 relative to the tray 2.

[0108] A rear holder 6212 is fixed to the lower part of the bottom wall 62111 of the rear stay 6211. In this embodiment, the rear stay 6211 and the rear holder 6212 are fixed together using blind rivets 6213, which have high bonding strength. This increases the strength of the main body 621. The rear holder 6212 can be made of a metal material such as stainless steel, for example.

[0109] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the length of the rear holder 6212 in the Y direction (width direction) is longer than the length of the bottom wall 62111 of the rear stay 6211 in the Y direction (width direction), and the rear holder 6212 is fixed to the lower part of the bottom wall 62111 of the rear stay 6211 in a state in which both sides of the rear holder 6212 in the Y direction (width direction) protrude outward in the Y direction (width direction) beyond the bottom wall 62111 of the rear stay 6211.

[0110] A carrier fixing member 623 is attached to each end of the portion of the rear holder 6212 that protrudes outward in the Y direction (width direction) beyond the rear stay 6211.

[0111] This allows the rear holder 6212, which is wider in the Y direction (width direction), to receive any shaking of the bicycle B placed on the tray 2 in the Y direction (width direction), making it possible to more reliably prevent the bicycle B placed on the tray 2 from shaking in the Y direction (width direction). This also makes it possible to carry the bicycle B more safely on the vehicle V. In other words, it is possible to further improve the safety when carrying the bicycle B on the vehicle V.

[0112] As described above, the carrier fixing member 623 includes a clamp 6231 having a main body 62311 that is elongated in the X direction (front-rear direction) and a pair of rubber tubes 62312 located on both sides of the main body 62311 in the X direction (front-rear direction). The clamp 6231 is attached to the rear holder 6212 of the main body 621 with the rear carrier bar (attached member) V2 positioned between the pair of rubber tubes 62312 and above the main body 62311.

[0113] Specifically, a hexagon socket head bolt 62121 is inserted into a rubber tube 62312 from above the rear holder 6212, and the rear holder 6212 and the main body 62311 are fastened together by the hexagon socket head bolt 62121, so that the rear carrier bar (mounted member) V2 is sandwiched between the rear holder 6212 and the main body 62311. In this manner, the mounting member 62 is mounted to the rear carrier bar (mounted member) V2. The tray 2 is mounted to the mounting member 62 so as to be slidable in the X direction (front-rear direction), so that the tray 2 can slide in the X direction (front-rear direction) relative to the rear carrier bar (mounted member) V2.

[0114] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the main body 621 of the mounting member 62 is formed with a position adjustment portion 6214 , and this position adjustment portion 6214 includes a position adjustment bolt 62141 and a nut 62142 .

[0115] Then, with the mounting member 62 slid in the X direction (front-rear direction) relative to the tray 2 to a predetermined position, the position adjustment bolt 62141 and the nut 62142 are fastened to fix the main body 621 to the bottom wall 21 of the tray 2, and the mounting member 62 is fixed at a predetermined position on the tray 2 with its sliding restricted. Note that if the position adjustment bolt 62141 is loosened while attached to the nut 62142, the mounting member 62 is allowed to slide in the X direction (front-rear direction) relative to the tray 2, and the mounting member 62 can be moved to another position on the tray 2.

[0116] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, a scale 221 is formed on the side wall 22 of the tray 2, and by aligning the rear end of the rear stay 6211 with a predetermined number on the scale 221, the mounting member 62 is positioned at a predetermined position on the tray 2.

[0117] At this time, the distance from the rear end of the tray 2 can be marked on the side wall 22 as a scale 221. A table can be created in advance that allows the optimum distance from the rear end of the tray 2 to the rear end of the rear stay 6211 to be determined for each type of bicycle B (total length of bicycle B), and the optimum distance (the distance from the rear end of the tray 2 to the rear end of the rear stay 6211) for the bicycle B to be loaded can be determined based on this table, and the position of the mounting member 62 can be adjusted so that the distance from the rear end of the tray 2 to the rear end of the rear stay 6211 is the optimum distance. In this way, with simple position adjustment, the front tire B1 and rear tire B2 of the bicycle B to be loaded can be held with appropriate holding force by the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 and the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611.

[0118] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the mounting member 62 is provided with a lock cover (cover) 622 that is slidably attached to the main body portion 621 and can cover the fixing portion (hexagon socket bolt 62121) with the carrier bar (mounted member) V2 formed on the main body portion 621 so as to be exposed.

[0119] Specifically, as shown in Figures 14 to 17, the lock cover (cover) 622 is attached to the front of the main body 621 in a state in which it can slide within a predetermined range in the X direction (front-to-back direction), and the part of the rear holder 6212 that is exposed upward from the rear stay 6211 is covered by this lock cover (cover) 622.

[0120] In this embodiment, the lock cover (cover) 622 is formed with a fixing bolt covering portion 6221 that can cover the hexagon socket bolt 62121 from above, and this fixing bolt covering portion 6221 is formed with a bolt exposure hole 62211 that can expose the hexagon socket bolt 62121 upward.

[0121] When the lock cover (cover) 622 is slid most forward relative to the main body 621, the bolt exposing holes 62211 are positioned above the hexagon socket head bolts 62121, and the hexagon socket head bolts 62121 are exposed upward from the bolt exposing holes 62211 (see FIG. 14). When the lock cover (cover) 622 is slid most rearward relative to the main body 621, the bolt exposing holes 62211 are misaligned with the hexagon socket head bolts 62121, and the hexagon socket head bolts 62121 are covered by the fixing bolt covering portions 6221 (see FIG. 16).

[0122] This makes it impossible to release the fixation between the main body 621 and the carrier bar (mounting member) V2 (removing the hexagon socket head bolts 62121) when the lock cover (cover) 622 is slid all the way to the rear relative to the main body 621. This makes it possible to prevent the bicycle B from being stolen by removing the cycle carrier 1 itself from the carrier bar (mounting member) V2.

[0123] To remove the cycle carrier 1 from the carrier bar (receiving member) V2, slide the lock cover (cover) 622 all the way forward relative to the main body 621 until the hexagon socket head cap bolts 62121 are exposed upward through the bolt exposing holes 62211. In this state, use a wrench (not shown) to remove the hexagon socket head cap bolts 62121. In this manner, the carrier fixing members 623 are removed from the main body 621, allowing the cycle carrier 1 to be removed from the carrier bar (receiving member) V2.

[0124] When adjusting the position (Y direction: width direction position) of the tray 2 relative to the carrier bar (mounted member) V2, the hexagon socket head bolt 62121 can be loosened using a wrench (not shown) with the hexagon socket head bolt 62121 exposed upward from the bolt exposure hole 62211. In this way, the carrier bar (mounted member) V2 is released from clamping by the main body 621 and the clamp 6231, and the tray 2 can be slid in the Y direction (width direction) relative to the carrier bar (mounted member) V2.

[0125] In addition, in this embodiment, when the lock cover (cover) 622 is slid all the way to the rear relative to the main body 621 so that the fixing bolt covering portion 6221 covers the hexagon socket bolt (fixing portion) 62121, the position adjustment portion 6214 is also covered.

[0126] Specifically, the lock cover (cover) 622 is provided with a position adjustment bolt covering portion 6222 that can cover the position adjustment portion 6214 from below. When the lock cover (cover) 622 is slid all the way to the rear relative to the main body portion 621, the position adjustment bolt covering portion 6222 covers the position adjustment portion 6214 from below, preventing the position adjustment portion 6214 from being operated (the position adjustment bolt 62141) (see FIG. 17). On the other hand, when the lock cover (cover) 622 is slid all the way forward relative to the main body portion 621, the position adjustment bolt covering portion 6222 comes off the position adjustment portion 6214, exposing the position adjustment portion 6214 downward and allowing the position adjustment portion 6214 to be operated (the position adjustment bolt 62141) (see FIG. 15).

[0127] This makes it possible to prevent the mounting member 62 to which the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611 is attached from sliding relative to the tray 2 while the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611 is holding the rear tire (one tire) B2. This not only prevents the bicycle B from being stolen by removing the cycle carrier 1 itself from the carrier bar (mounted member) V2, but also prevents the bicycle B from being stolen by sliding the mounting member 62 to which the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611 is attached relative to the tray 2, releasing the rear tire (one tire) B2 from being held by the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611.

[0128] In this way, in this embodiment, when attaching or detaching the cycle carrier 1 to or from the carrier bar (receiving member) V2, the lock cover (cover) 622 is slid forward most relative to the main body 621 to expose the hexagon socket bolt 62121 upward from the bolt exposure hole 62211, and the hexagon socket bolt 62121 is then tightened or loosened using a wrench (not shown).

[0129] Also, when adjusting the position of the mounting member 62 relative to the tray 2, the lock cover (cover) 622 is slid all the way forward relative to the main body 621 to expose the position adjustment portion 6214 downward, and then the position adjustment bolt 62141 is tightened or loosened.

[0130] Then, while the cycle carrier 1 is attached to the carrier bar (attachment member) V2 and the attachment member 62 is fixed to the tray 2, the lock cover (cover) 622 is slid to the rearmost position relative to the main body 621, thereby making it impossible to operate the hexagon socket bolt 62121 and the position adjustment bolt 62141.

[0131] This makes it possible to prevent the hexagon socket head bolt 62121 and the position adjustment bolt 62141 from being unintentionally operated.

[0132] As described above, in the present embodiment, the lock cover (cover) 622 is configured to be slidable relative to the main body 621 between an exposed position that exposes the hexagon socket head bolt 62121 and the position adjustment portion 6214, and a covered position that covers the hexagon socket head bolt 62121 and the position adjustment portion 6214. In other words, the lock cover (cover) 622 is configured to be able to restrict the operation of the hexagon socket head bolt 62121 and the position adjustment portion 6214.

[0133] In this embodiment, the position where the lock cover (cover) 622 is slid most forward relative to the main body 621 is an exposed position that exposes the hexagon socket bolt 62121 and the position adjustment portion 6214, and the position where the lock cover (cover) 622 is slid most rearward relative to the main body 621 is a covered position that covers the hexagon socket bolt 62121 and the position adjustment portion 6214.

[0134] In addition, in this embodiment, the rear tire holding member (first tire holding member) 6 is formed with a lock hook (slide regulating portion) 61211 that regulates the sliding of the lock cover (cover) 622 relative to the main body portion 621 when the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 holds the rear tire (one of the tires) B2 and the lock cover (cover) 622 covers the hexagon socket bolt (fixing portion) 62121.

[0135] Specifically, a lock hook (slide restricting portion) 61211 is formed on the parallel portion 6121 of the movable pipe (rotation operating portion) 612. Then, as shown in FIG. 18 , when the lock cover (cover) 622 is slid all the way rearward relative to the main body portion 621 and the movable pipe (rotation operating portion) 612 is rotated so that the tip (the U-shaped portion 6122 side) moves forward and downward, the lock hook (slide restricting portion) 61211 is inserted into a lock hook insertion hole 6223 formed in the lock cover (cover) 622. This restricts the sliding of the lock cover (cover) 622 relative to the main body portion 621. In other words, the lock cover (cover) 622 cannot be slid forward relative to the main body portion 621. When bicycle B is loaded on tray 2, the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611 is held by the rear tire (one tire) B2 with the lock hook (slide regulating part) 61211 inserted into the lock hook insertion hole 6223.

[0136] This makes it impossible to release the fixation between the main body 621 and the carrier bar (mounted member) V2 (by removing the hexagon socket bolt 62121) and to allow the mounting member 62 to slide (by loosening the position adjustment bolt 62141) when the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 holds the rear tire (one of the tires) B2.

[0137] In this way, by removing the cycle carrier 1 from the carrier bar (mounting member) V2 with the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 holding the rear tire (one of the tires) B2, it is possible to prevent the bicycle B from being stolen.Furthermore, by sliding the mounting member 62 to which the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 is attached relative to the tray 2, the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611's hold on the rear tire (one of the tires) B2 is released, thereby preventing the bicycle B from being stolen.

[0138] Furthermore, when the lock hook (slide restricting portion) 61211 and the lock hook insertion hole 6223 are provided, when the lock cover (cover) 622 is not slid all the way rearward relative to the main body portion 621, even if an attempt is made to hold the rear tire (one of the tires) B2 with the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611, the lock hook (slide restricting portion) 61211 will hit the fixing bolt cover portion 6221. As a result, it becomes impossible to rotate the movable pipe (rotating operation portion) 612 any further so that the tip end (the U-shaped portion 6122 side) moves forward and downward, and it becomes impossible for the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 to hold the rear tire (one of the tires) B2.

[0139] Therefore, by providing the lock hook (slide restricting portion) 61211 and the lock hook insertion hole 6223, the rear tire (one tire) B2 cannot be held by the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 unless the lock cover (cover) 622 is slid all the way rearward relative to the main body portion 621. In other words, the rear tire (one tire) B2 will not be held by the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 in a state in which the lock cover (cover) 622 has been forgotten to be closed. As a result, it is possible to more reliably prevent the lock cover (cover) 622 from being forgotten to be closed when the rear tire (one tire) B2 is being held by the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611.

[0140] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 19 to 28, the cycle carrier 1 is equipped with a locking mechanism 7. When the movable pipe (rotation operating part) 612 is rotated so that the tip (the U-shaped part 6122 side) moves forward and downward, the locking mechanism 7 locks (main lock) the movable pipe (rotation operating part) 612, preventing the pipe member 61 from rotating in a direction that would move the tip (the U-shaped part 6122 side) of the movable pipe (rotation operating part) 612 backward and upward. This more reliably prevents the bicycle B from being released from its clamped state by the front pipe (second tire holding part) 41 and the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611.

[0141] In this embodiment, the locking mechanism 7 is provided with a T-bolt (fixing means) 72. Specifically, the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 is formed on the movable pipe (rotation operation part) 612. Then, with the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611 holding the rear tire (one tire) B2, the movable pipe (rotation operation part) 612 can be fixed to the tray 2 by the T-bolt (fixing means) 72.

[0142] As described above, in this embodiment, by engaging the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 with the tray 2 while the tip (the U-shaped portion 6122 side) of the movable pipe (rotation operation portion) 612 is brought close to the tray 2, it is possible to maintain a holding state (temporarily held state) of the rear tire (one tire) B2 by the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611. In other words, by engaging the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 with the tray 2, it is possible to temporarily lock (restrict rearward and upward rotation of the U-shaped portion 6122) the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 in a state in which it holds the rear tire (one tire) B2 (temporarily held state).

[0143] In this embodiment, T-bolt (fixing means) 72 includes a generally rod-shaped shaft 721 extending in one direction, and a generally rod-shaped head 722 connected to the tip (one end) of shaft 721 in a state in which it protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of shaft 721. T-bolt (fixing means) 72 is rotatably attached to U-shaped portion 6122 of movable pipe (rotation operation portion) 612 in a state in which head 722 protrudes downward from the lower end of the center of U-shaped portion 6122 (see FIG. 15 ). In this manner, T-bolt (fixing means) 72 is attached to U-shaped portion 6122 in a state in which head 722 can rotate around shaft 721.

[0144] Here, in this embodiment, when the movable pipe (rotating operation part) 612 is fixed to the tray 2 by the T-bolt (fixing means) 72, the extension direction of the head 722 is roughly aligned with the X direction (front-to-back direction), and the movable pipe (rotating operation part) 612 is rotated so that the tip (the U-shaped part 6122 side) approaches the tray 2, and the head 722 is inserted from above into the groove 243 formed in the tray 2.

[0145] Thereafter, with the head 722 inserted into the groove 243, the head 722 is rotated, for example, clockwise when viewed from above, so that both ends of the head 722 come into contact with the inner surface (regulating portion) 231 of the inner wall 23 of the tray 2. In this way, further rotation of the head 722 in the same direction (clockwise when viewed from above) is restricted.

[0146] Furthermore, when the movable pipe (rotation operation part) 612 rotates so that the tip (the U-shaped part 6122 side) moves away from the tray 2, the head part 722 gets caught on the underside of the top wall 24, preventing the head part 722 from slipping out of the groove 243.

[0147] In this way, the head 722 restricts further rotation of the tip (U-shaped portion 6122 side) of the movable pipe (rotation operating portion) 612 in the direction away from the tray 2, and the movable pipe (rotation operating portion) 612 is temporarily fixed to the tray 2 by the T-shaped bolt (fixing means) 72.

[0148] On the other hand, when releasing the temporary fixation of the movable pipe (rotating operation part) 612 to the tray 2, first, the movable pipe (rotating operation part) 612 is rotated slightly so that the tip (the U-shaped part 6122 side) approaches the tray 2, thereby releasing the head part 722 from being caught on the underside of the top wall 24.

[0149] Thereafter, with the head 722 released from its engagement with the underside of the top wall 24, the head 722 is rotated in the opposite direction (counterclockwise when viewed from above) so that the extension direction of the head 722 is approximately aligned with the X direction (front-to-back direction).

[0150] Then, with the extension direction of the head 722 roughly aligned with the X direction (front-to-back direction), the movable pipe (rotation operating part) 612 is rotated so that the tip (the U-shaped part 6122 side) moves away from the tray 2, thereby removing the head 722 upward from the groove 243 formed in the tray 2.

[0151] This allows the tip (U-shaped portion 6122 side) of the movable pipe (rotation operation portion) 612 to rotate in a direction away from the tray 2, thereby releasing the temporary fixation of the movable pipe (rotation operation portion) 612 to the tray 2.

[0152] As described above, in this embodiment, the locking mechanism 7 is configured so that the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 is releasably engaged with the tray 2.

[0153] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the locking mechanism 7 is provided with a pressure applying means 73. Specifically, the pressure applying means 73 is formed in the movable pipe (rotation operating portion) 612. By operating the pressure applying means 73, it is possible to improve the holding force of the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 on the rear tire (one tire) B2.

[0154] This makes it possible to more easily and reliably ensure that the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 holds the rear tire (one tire) B2 with an appropriate holding force (main holding state).

[0155] In this embodiment, the pressure applying means 73 includes a screw 732 extending in one direction, and a lock knob (engagement operation portion) 731 rotatably attached to the screw 732. The screw 732 is attached to the U-shaped portion 6122 of the movable pipe (rotation operation portion) 612 in a state where it protrudes upward from the upper end of the center of the U-shaped portion 6122, and the lock knob (engagement operation portion) 731 is rotatably attached to the screw 732 in a state where the threaded portion formed on the lock knob (engagement operation portion) 731 is screwed into the threaded portion formed on the screw 732. In this manner, the pressure applying means 73 is formed in the movable pipe (rotation operation portion) 612.

[0156] When the lock knob (engagement operation unit) 731 is rotated, for example, clockwise as viewed from above, with the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 engaged with the tray 2, the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 rotates so that the tip (the U-shaped portion 6122 side) approaches the tray 2 while maintaining the engagement of the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 with the tray 2. When the lock knob (engagement operation unit) 731 is rotated, for example, counterclockwise as viewed from above, with the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 engaged with the tray 2, the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 rotates so that the tip (the U-shaped portion 6122 side) moves away from the tray 2 while maintaining the engagement of the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 with the tray 2.

[0157] In this way, in this embodiment, by operating (rotating) the lock knob (engagement operating portion) 731, the rotational state (rotational position) of the pipe member 61 can be adjusted when the T-shaped bolt (fixing means) 72 is engaged with the tray 2.

[0158] Specifically, when the lock knob (engagement operation unit) 731 is rotated clockwise as viewed from above in a state where the rear pipe (first tire holding unit) 611 temporarily holds the rear tire (one tire) B2 and the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 is engaged with the tray 2, the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 rotates so that the tip (U-shaped portion 6122 side) approaches the tray 2 while maintaining the engagement of the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 with the tray 2. In this way, when the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 is rotated so that the tip (U-shaped portion 6122 side) approaches the tray 2, the rear pipe (first tire holding unit) 611 connected to the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 rotates so that the tip (U-shaped portion 6112 side) moves forward and upward. When the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611 rotates so that the tip (the U-shaped part 6112 side) moves forward and upward, the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611 presses against the rear tire B2, thereby increasing the holding force of the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611 on the rear tire (one tire) B2.

[0159] In this way, by increasing the holding force of the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 on the rear tire (one tire) B2, the movable pipe (rotation operation portion) 612 is restricted from being pushed downward to rotate the tip (the U-shaped portion 6122 side) closer to the tray 2, and it is possible to prevent the head portion 722 from being released from the lower surface of the top wall 24. As a result, it is possible to prevent the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 from being released from engagement with the tray 2. As a result, it is possible to more reliably prevent a decrease in the holding force of the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 on the rear tire (one tire) B2, and it is possible to more reliably prevent the bicycle B from rattling or coming off the tray 2 when loaded onto the vehicle V and transported.

[0160] On the other hand, when the lock knob (engagement operation unit) 731 is rotated counterclockwise as viewed from above in a state where the rear pipe (first tire holding unit) 611 actually holds the rear tire (one tire) B2 and the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 is engaged with the tray 2, the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 rotates so that the tip (U-shaped portion 6122 side) moves away from the tray 2 while maintaining the engagement of the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 with the tray 2. At this time, the rear pipe (first tire holding unit) 611 connected to the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 rotates so that the tip (U-shaped portion 6112 side) moves rearward and downward. When the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611 rotates so that the tip (the U-shaped part 6112 side) moves rearward and downward, the pressure applied by the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611 to the rear tire B2 is eased, and the holding force of the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611 to the rear tire (one tire) B2 is reduced.

[0161] In this way, by reducing the holding force of the rear tire (one tire) B2 by the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611, the rear tire (one tire) B2 by the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 is temporarily held, and it becomes possible to push the movable pipe (rotation operation portion) 612 downward and rotate the tip (the U-shaped portion 6122 side) so that it approaches the tray 2. In this way, it becomes possible to release the head portion 722 from being caught on the underside of the top wall 24, and it becomes possible to release the engagement of the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 with the tray 2.

[0162] Therefore, in this embodiment, the locking mechanism 7 is configured so that the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 temporarily holds the rear tire (one tire) B2 by engaging the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 with the tray 2, and the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 can finally hold the rear tire (one tire) B2 by operating (rotating) the lock knob (engagement operation portion) 731. The lock knob (engagement operation portion) 731 allows or restricts the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 to engage / disengage with the tray 2.

[0163] In this way, simply by operating the lock knob (engagement operation portion) 731, it is possible to permit the operation of engaging and disengaging the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 with the tray 2, or to restrict the operation of engaging and disengaging the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 with the tray 2. In this way, with a simpler configuration, it is possible to change the holding state of the rear tire (one tire) B2 by the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 to a full holding state in which the operation of engaging and disengaging the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 with the tray 2 is restricted, or to a temporary holding state in which the operation of engaging and disengaging the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 with the tray 2 is permitted.

[0164] Furthermore, by engaging the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 with the tray 2, the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611 can temporarily hold the rear tire (one tire) B2, which allows the rear tire (one tire) B2 to be quickly temporarily held by the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611, making it easier to load the bicycle B onto the cycle carrier 1.

[0165] In this embodiment, even when the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 is temporarily holding the rear tire (one tire) B2 or when the bicycle B is not placed on the tray, when the lock knob (engagement operation portion) 731 is operated to rotate the movable pipe (rotation operation portion) 612 so that the tip (the U-shaped portion 6122 side) approaches the tray 2, the pair of parallel portions 6121 of the movable pipe (rotation operation portion) 612 abuts against the fixing bolt covering portions 6221 of the lock cover (cover) 622. In other words, when the lock knob (engagement operation portion) 731 is tightened, the pair of parallel portions 6121 of the movable pipe (rotation operation portion) 612 abuts against the fixing bolt covering portions 6221 of the lock cover (cover) 622. This allows the pipe member 61 to be fixed without rattle, thereby further improving the quietness of the vehicle V to which the cycle carrier 1 is attached when traveling.

[0166] Furthermore, the pitch of the thread portion of the screw 732 to which the lock knob (engagement operation portion) 731 is attached can be 1 mm as shown in FIG. 20, or can be 3 mm as shown in FIG. 21. If the thread portion of the screw 732 has a pitch of 3 mm, it becomes possible to switch between the permanently held state and the temporary held state more quickly than if the pitch was 1 mm. Furthermore, although not shown, the pitch of the thread portion of the screw 732 can also be 5 mm. If the thread portion of the screw 732 has a pitch of 5 mm, it becomes possible to switch between the permanently held state and the temporary held state more quickly than if the pitch was 3 mm.

[0167] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the locking mechanism 7 is provided with a locking means 74 that can lock the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 while it is engaged with the tray 2, thereby more reliably preventing theft of the bicycle B loaded on the tray 2.

[0168] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 19 to 21, the locking mechanism 7 has a bracket 71 attached to the U-shaped portion 6122 of the movable pipe (rotation operating part) 612, and the locking means 74 is attached to the U-shaped portion 6122 of the movable pipe (rotation operating part) 612 via this bracket 71.

[0169] This bracket 71 has a generally inverted U-shape that opens downward and includes a top wall 711, a front wall 712 that is connected to the front end of the top wall 711 and extends downward, and a rear wall 713 that is connected to the rear end of the top wall 711 and extends downward. The bracket 71 is attached to the U-shaped portion 6122 with the top wall 711 covering the center of the U-shaped portion 6122 from above.

[0170] On the other hand, the locking means 74 includes a bracket 741 and a safety lock gauge (restriction member) 742 slidably attached to the bracket 741.

[0171] Then, a bracket 741 is fixed from the front to the front wall 712 of the bracket 71, and a safety lock gauge (restriction member) 742 is attached to the bracket 741 fixed to the front wall 712 of the bracket 71 in a state in which it can slide in the front-rear direction. In this way, the safety lock gauge (restriction member) 742 is attached to the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 in a state in which it can slide in the front-rear direction.

[0172] In this embodiment, the safety lock gauge (restriction member) 742 has a main body 7421, and a dial lock piece 74211 is formed to stand upward at the front end of the upper part of this main body 7421. When the safety lock gauge (restriction member) 742 is slid rearward relative to the bracket 741, the dial lock piece 74211 is inserted into and engaged with a lock piece insertion recess 7311 formed in the lock knob (engagement operation portion) 731 (see FIGS. 25 and 26). This restricts the rotation of the lock knob (engagement operation portion) 731.

[0173] On the other hand, when the safety lock gauge (restriction member) 742 is slid forward relative to the bracket 741, the dial lock piece 74211 is disengaged from the lock piece insertion recess 7311, and the engagement between the dial lock piece 74211 and the lock piece insertion recess 7311 is released (see FIGS. 22 to 24). This allows the lock knob (engagement operation portion) 731 to be rotated.

[0174] As described above, in this embodiment, the safety lock gauge (restriction member) 742 is configured to be able to slide relative to the movable pipe (rotation operation portion) 612 between an allowable position where rotation operation of the lock knob (engagement operation portion) 731 is allowed and a restricted position where rotation operation of the lock knob (engagement operation portion) 731 is restricted. In other words, the safety lock gauge (restriction member) 742 is configured to be able to restrict operation of the lock knob (engagement operation portion) 731.

[0175] In this embodiment, the position where the safety lock gauge (regulating member) 742 is slid most forward relative to the movable pipe (rotation operating part) 612 is the allowable position where rotation operation of the lock knob (engagement operating part) 731 is permitted, and the position where the safety lock gauge (regulating member) 742 is slid most rearward relative to the movable pipe (rotation operating part) 612 is the restricting position where rotation operation of the lock knob (engagement operating part) 731 is restricted.

[0176] In this way, it is possible to allow or restrict the rotational operation of the lock knob (engagement operation part) 731 simply by sliding the safety lock gauge (regulating member) 742 relative to the movable pipe (rotational operation part) 612, which makes it possible to prevent the lock knob (engagement operation part) 731 from being rotated unintentionally with a simpler configuration.

[0177] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the locking means 74 is provided on the main body 7421 of the safety lock gauge (restriction member) 742, and includes a key lock structure 74212 that can lock the safety lock gauge (restriction member) 742 in a state in which the rotation operation of the lock knob (engagement operation portion) 731 is restricted by the safety lock gauge (restriction member) 742. Note that a conventionally known structure can be used as such a key lock structure 74212.

[0178] Then, by sliding the safety lock gauge (restricting member) 742 to the restricted position and restricting the rotational operation of the lock knob (engagement operation portion) 731, and then inserting the key 743 into the key lock structure 74212 to lock it, the safety lock gauge (restricting member) 742 cannot be slid to the permissible position. In other words, unless the lock by the key lock structure 74212 is released using the key 743, the safety lock gauge (restricting member) 742 cannot be slid to the permissible position.

[0179] This more reliably prevents the lock knob (engagement operating portion) 731 from being unintentionally operated, thereby releasing the actual holding state of the rear tire (one of the tires) B2 by the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611, and more reliably prevents the bicycle B loaded on the tray 2 from being stolen.

[0180] Furthermore, the safety lock gauge (regulating member) 742 is formed with a disengagement suppressing portion 7422 that suppresses disengagement of the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 from the tray 2 when the operation of the lock knob (engagement operating portion) 731 is restricted by the safety lock gauge (regulating member) 742. In this embodiment, the disengagement suppressing portion 7422 is formed at the lower end of the main body portion 7421 so as to protrude downward.

[0181] When the safety lock gauge (restricting member) 742 is slid to the permitted position to permit rotation of the lock knob (engagement operation portion) 731, the disengagement suppression portion 7422 does not interfere with the head 722 of the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 (see FIG. 27). In this way, when rotation of the lock knob (engagement operation portion) 731 is permitted, the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 is permitted to engage / disengage with the tray 2.

[0182] On the other hand, when the safety lock gauge (restricting member) 742 is slid to the restricting position and the rotational operation of the lock knob (engagement operation portion) 731 is restricted, the disengagement restricting portion 7422 interferes with the head 722 of the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 to prevent the head 722 from rotating (see FIG. 28). In this way, when the rotational operation of the lock knob (engagement operation portion) 731 is restricted, the disengagement restricting portion 7422 also restricts the operation of engaging / disengaging the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 with the tray 2.

[0183] In this way, when the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 locks the rear tire (one tire) B2 in the main holding state (main lock), even if an operation (disengagement operation) to forcibly release the engagement of the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 with the tray 2 is performed using a tool or the like, the head 722 of the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 will interfere with the disengagement prevention portion 7422, preventing the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 from releasing its engagement with the tray 2. As a result, theft of the bicycle B loaded on the tray 2 can be prevented even more reliably.

[0184] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 is configured to be releasably engaged with the tray 2 while the anti-theft wire 75 is locked.

[0185] Specifically, with the wire portion 751 of the anti-theft wire 75 wound around the frame B5 of the bicycle B, the engagement ring 752 on one end of the anti-theft wire 75 is inserted into the engagement ring 752 on the other end of the anti-theft wire 75, and the head 722 of the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 is inserted into the engagement ring 752 on the other end of the anti-theft wire 75 (see FIG. 2). Then, with the anti-theft wire 75 engaged with the T-bolt (fixing means) 72, the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 is engaged with the tray 2.

[0186] This makes it impossible to remove the anti-theft wire 75 from the bicycle B while the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 is still holding the rear tire (one tire) B2.

[0187] This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the bicycle B loaded on the tray 2 from being stolen.

[0188] In this embodiment, when the position of the mounting member 62 is adjusted so that the distance from the rear end of the tray 2 to the rear end of the rear stay 6211 is the optimal distance for the bicycle B to be loaded, the movable pipe (rotation operating portion) 612 is rotated so that its tip (the U-shaped portion 6122 side) approaches the tray 2, and when the tip 7422a of the disengagement suppression portion 7422 is positioned at the upper end of the tray 2 in a side view, the rear tire (one tire) B2 is temporarily held by the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611.

[0189] Therefore, the position of the mounting member 62 can be adjusted to provide the optimum distance for the bicycle B to be loaded, depending on the position of the tip 7422a of the disengagement suppression portion 7422 and the state of holding of the rear tire (one of the tires) B2 by the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611. In other words, even if you lose the table that allows you to find the optimum distance from the rear end of the tray 2 to the rear end of the rear stay 6211 for each type of bicycle B (total length of bicycle B), it is possible to easily adjust the position of the mounting member 62 to provide the optimum distance for the bicycle B to be loaded.

[0190] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a lock area indicator 74213 is formed on the main body 7421 of the safety lock gauge (regulating member) 742, serving as a guide for clamping the bicycle B with an appropriate amount of pressure. When the lock knob (engagement operation portion) 731 is rotated clockwise as viewed from above, and the movable pipe (rotation operation portion) 612 is rotated so that the tip (the U-shaped portion 6122 side) approaches the tray 2 while maintaining the engagement of the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 with the tray 2, the upper end of the tray 2 is positioned within the range of the lock area indicator 74213 in side view, thereby achieving a main holding state in which the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 holds the rear tire (one tire) B2 with an appropriate holding force.

[0191] This makes it possible to visually confirm how much the lock knob (engagement operation portion) 731 should be tightened in order for the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 to fully hold the rear tire (one tire) B2. This makes it possible to more easily and reliably fully hold the rear tire (one tire) B2 by the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611.

[0192] Next, an example of a method for loading a road bike (bicycle B) onto the cycle carrier 1 will be described using Figures 29 to 34. Note that the following describes a method for loading a road bike onto the cycle carrier 1 fixed to the carrier bar (mounted member) V2 of the vehicle V, with the front mounting member 8 and carrier fixing member 623 adjusted to the optimum position for loading the road bike, and with the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 and rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 folded. Also, the procedure shown below is merely an example, and the steps can be interchanged as appropriate.

[0193] First, the front pipe (second tire holding part) 41 is moved in the unfolding direction to release the restriction by the folding mechanism 43, and the biasing force in the unfolding direction causes the front pipe (second tire holding part) 41 to rotate to the unfolded position (see Figure 29).

[0194] Next, by operating the restriction release operation button 61142 to release the restriction imposed by the folding mechanism 6114, the force in the unfolding direction causes the U-shaped portion 6112 side of the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 relative to the folding mechanism 6114 to rotate to the unfolded position (see Figure 30).

[0195] Next, the key 743 is inserted into the key lock structure 74212 to unlock it, and the safety lock gauge (restriction member) 742 is slid to the permitted position.

[0196] Then, the lock knob (engagement operation part) 731 is rotated counterclockwise when viewed from above, and the movable pipe (rotation operation part) 612 is rotated so that the tip (U-shaped part 6122 side) moves away from the tray 2.

[0197] Thereafter, the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 is released from temporary fixation to the tray 2. Specifically, first, the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 is rotated slightly so that the tip (the U-shaped portion 6122 side) approaches the tray 2, thereby releasing the head 722 from being caught on the underside of the top wall 24. Next, with the head 722 released from being caught on the underside of the top wall 24, the head 722 is rotated counterclockwise when viewed from above, so that the extension direction of the head 722 is approximately aligned with the X direction (front-rear direction). Then, with the extension direction of the head 722 approximately aligned with the X direction (front-rear direction), the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 is rotated so that the tip (the U-shaped portion 6122 side) moves away from the tray 2, thereby removing the head 722 upward from the groove 243 formed in the tray 2. In this way, the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 is released from temporary fixation to the tray 2. The pipe member 61 is then rotated so that the tip (the U-shaped portion 6122 side) of the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 moves away from the tray 2 (see FIG. 31). This positions the cycle carrier 1 in a position where a road bike (bicycle B) can be placed on the tray 2. Note that the pipe member 61 is set to rotate under its own weight so that the tip (the U-shaped portion 6122 side) of the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 moves away from the tray 2. Therefore, simply by releasing the temporary fixation of the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 to the tray 2, the cycle carrier 1 can be placed in a position where a road bike (bicycle B) can be placed on the tray 2.

[0198] Next, the road bike (bicycle B) is placed on the tray 2 with the front tire B1 positioned forward. At this time, the road bike (bicycle B) is placed on the tray 2 with the rear tire B2 positioned between the pair of parallel portions 6111 of the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 and between the pair of parallel portions 6121 of the movable pipe (rotation operation portion) 612.

[0199] Then, the road bike (bicycle B) is placed on the tray 2 and moved forward so that the front portion of the front tire B1 is inserted into the space formed between the U-shaped portions 412, which are roughly inverted U-shaped. In this way, both sides in the Y direction (width direction) of the front portion of the front tire B1 come into contact with the inner circumferential surfaces of the U-shaped portions 412, and the front portion of the front tire B1 is held by the front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 (see FIG. 32).

[0200] Next, with the wire portion 751 of the anti-theft wire 75 wound around the frame B5 of the bicycle B, the engagement ring 752 on the other end side is inserted into the engagement ring 752 on one end side of the anti-theft wire 75, and the head 722 of the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 is inserted into the engagement ring 752 on the other end side of the anti-theft wire 75, so that the anti-theft wire 75 engages with the T-bolt (fixing means) 72.

[0201] Then, with the anti-theft wire 75 engaged with the T-bolt (fixing means) 72, the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 is engaged with the tray 2, so that the rear tire (one tire) B2 is temporarily held by the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611.

[0202] Thereafter, with the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 temporarily holding the rear tire (one tire) B2 and with the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 engaged with the tray 2, the lock knob (engagement operation portion) 731 is rotated clockwise as viewed from above. In this way, with the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 maintained engaged with the tray 2, the movable pipe (rotation operation portion) 612 is rotated so that the tip (the U-shaped portion 6122 side) approaches the tray 2, and the rear tire (one tire) B2 is finally held by the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611.

[0203] Then, with the rear tire (one of the tires) B2 fully held by the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611, the safety lock gauge (restricting member) 742 is slid to the restricting position so that the rotational operation of the lock knob (engagement operating portion) 731 is restricted (see Figure 33).

[0204] Thereafter, the key 743 inserted into the key lock structure 74212 is operated to lock the key lock structure 74212. Then, by removing the key 743 from the key lock structure 74212 while the key lock structure 74212 is locked, the safety lock gauge (restricting member) 742 cannot be slid to the permitted position.

[0205] Finally, the front tire holder (rear tire holding portion) 5 is slid forward so that the left and right rear surfaces of the front tire B1 are pressed by the front tire holder (rear tire holding portion) 5 (see FIG. 34).

[0206] In this way, the road bike (bicycle B) is loaded onto cycle carrier 1.

[0207] The same procedure is also followed when loading a mountain bike (bicycle B) onto the cycle carrier 1 in the state shown in FIG.

[0208] In this manner, in this embodiment, the key 743 is inserted into the key lock structure 74212 to lock the key lock structure 74212, that is, one key operation locks the following six operations. 1. Rotating the lock knob (engagement operation portion) 731 2. The lock knob (engagement operation portion) 731 is rotated to release the engagement of the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 with the tray 2. 3. To release the state in which the release of engagement of the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 with the tray 2 due to an inadvertent external force is restricted by the disengagement suppressing portion 7422. 4. Remove the anti-theft wire 75 5. By operating the hexagon socket head bolt 62121, the mounting member 62 can be removed from the carrier bar (mounted member) V2. 6. By loosening the position adjustment bolt 62141, the mounting member 62 can be slid relative to the tray 2.

[0209] It should be noted that a road bike (bicycle B) or mountain bike (bicycle B) can be removed from the cycle carrier 1 by performing the above steps in reverse.

[0210] [Actions and Effects] The following describes the characteristic configuration of the cycle carrier shown in the above embodiment and the effects obtained thereby.

[0211] The cycle carrier 1 shown in the above embodiment is equipped with a tray 2 capable of carrying a front tire B1 and a rear tire B2 of a bicycle B. The cycle carrier 1 is also equipped with a rear tire holding member (first tire holding member) 6 attached to the tray 2 and having a rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 capable of holding a rear tire B2, either the front tire B1 or the rear tire B2 of the bicycle B. The cycle carrier 1 is also equipped with a front tire holding member (second tire holding member) 3 attached to the tray 2 and having a front pipe (second tire holding portion) 41 capable of holding a front tire B1, either the front tire B1 or the rear tire B2 of the bicycle B.

[0212] Here, the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 is attached to the tray 2 so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 63 as a fulcrum.

[0213] The rear tire holding member (first tire holding member) 6 is connected to the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611 and is provided with a movable pipe (rotation operating part) 612 that can be rotated around a rotation axis 63 as a fulcrum, thereby manipulating the rotation of the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611 around the rotation axis 63 as a fulcrum.

[0214] In this way, when the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 is rotated around the rotation shaft 63 as a fulcrum, the rear pipe (first tire holding unit) 611 rotates around the rotation shaft 63 as a fulcrum in conjunction with the rotation of the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612. Therefore, by rotating the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 around the rotation shaft 63 as a fulcrum, the rear pipe (first tire holding unit) 611 can be rotated around the rotation shaft 63 as a fulcrum, and the rear tire (one tire) B2 can be held by the rear pipe (first tire holding unit) 611.

[0215] In this way, in the above embodiment, the rear tire (one tire) B2 can be held by the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611 by utilizing a force (rotational moment) based on the principle of leverage, with the rotation axis 63 as the fulcrum, the movable pipe (rotation operating part) 612 as the force point, and the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611 as the point of action.

[0216] Furthermore, by utilizing a force (rotational moment) based on the principle of leverage, the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 can release the rear tire (one tire) B2 from being held thereon.

[0217] Therefore, by using the cycle carrier 1 shown in the above embodiment, loading and unloading of the bicycle B can be performed more easily.

[0218] At this time, by placing the front tire B1 and the rear tire B2 on the tray 2 and holding the front part of the front tire B1 with the front pipe (second tire holding part) 41 while holding the rear part of the rear tire B2 with the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611, it becomes possible to fix the bicycle B placed upright on the tray 2 to the cycle carrier 1 while being clamped between a pair of pipes.

[0219] Furthermore, by fixing the bicycle B placed upright on the tray 2 to the cycle carrier 1 while being clamped between a pair of pipes, the load on the bicycle B when it is loaded onto the vehicle V and carried can be minimized.

[0220] Therefore, by using the cycle carrier 1 shown in the above embodiment, it is possible to minimize the load on the bicycle B when loading and carrying it on the vehicle V, while making it easier to load and unload the bicycle B.

[0221] In addition, the movable pipe (rotation operation part) 612 may be configured so that the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611 holds the rear tire (one tire) B2 by operating the tip of the movable pipe (rotation operation part) 612 to approach the tray 2.

[0222] In this way, by operating the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 so as to move the tip of the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 from above to below, the rear tire (one tire) B2 can be held by the rear pipe (first tire holding unit) 611. In this way, when holding the rear tire (one tire) B2 by the rear pipe (first tire holding unit) 611, by operating the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 so as to move the tip of the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 from above to below, the rear tire (one tire) B2 can be held more easily and reliably by the rear pipe (first tire holding unit) 611. For example, when moving the tip of the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 from above to below, the operator can operate the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 while applying his or her weight. In this way, by operating the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 while applying body weight, it becomes possible to more reliably prevent the rear pipe (first tire holding unit) 611 from rotating in the opposite direction (the side where the holding is released) due to the reaction force from the rear tire (one tire) B2 when the rear pipe (first tire holding unit) 611 holds the rear tire (one tire) B2 with an appropriate holding force. In other words, it becomes easier to operate the rear pipe (first tire holding unit) 611 to move to a position where the rear tire (one tire) B2 is held with an appropriate holding force against the reaction force from the rear tire (one tire) B2.

[0223] In addition, the movable pipe (rotation operating part) 612 may be provided with a T-bolt (fixing means) 72 that fixes the movable pipe (rotation operating part) 612 to the tray 2 when the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611 holds the rear tire (one of the tires) B2.

[0224] In this way, by fixing the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 to the tray 2 with the tip of the movable pipe (rotation operation portion) 612 close to the tray 2, it becomes possible to maintain the state in which the rear tire (one tire) B2 is held by the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611. In other words, by fixing the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 to the tray 2, it becomes possible to lock the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 in a state in which it holds the rear tire (one tire) B2. In this way, rotation of the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 is restricted, which more reliably prevents a decrease in the holding force of the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 on the rear tire (one tire) B2. Therefore, it becomes possible to more reliably prevent the bicycle B from rattling or coming off the tray 2 when loaded onto the vehicle V and transported.

[0225] Also, the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 may be configured to be releasably engaged with the tray 2. Then, a lock knob (engagement operation portion) 731 may be used to switch between allowing and restricting the engagement / disengagement operation of the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 with the tray 2.

[0226] In this way, by operating the lock knob (engagement operation portion) 731, it is possible to permit the operation of engaging / disengaging the T-shaped bolt (fixing means) 72 with the tray 2, or to restrict the operation of engaging / disengaging the T-shaped bolt (fixing means) 72 with the tray 2. For example, by operating the lock knob (engagement operation portion) 731, it is possible to restrict the operation of releasing the engagement of the T-shaped bolt (fixing means) 72 with the tray 2 (disengagement operation) when the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 is locked in a state in which it holds the rear tire (one tire) B2. In other words, it is possible to create a state in which it is not possible to perform the operation of releasing the engagement of the T-shaped bolt (fixing means) 72 with the tray 2 when the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 is locked in a state in which it holds the rear tire (one tire) B2. This makes it possible to prevent the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 from unintentionally disengaging from the tray 2, and more reliably maintains the holding state of the rear tire (one tire) B2 by the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611.

[0227] In addition, by operating the lock knob (engagement operating portion) 731, the T-shaped bolt (fixing means) 72 can be engaged / disengaged with the tray 2, making it possible to release the retention of the rear tire (one tire) B2 by the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611.

[0228] In this way, by simply operating the lock knob (engagement operation portion) 731, it is possible to switch between allowing and restricting the engagement / disengagement operation of the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 with the tray 2, making it possible to maintain or release the holding state of the rear tire (one tire) B2 by the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 with a simpler configuration.

[0229] In addition, a locking means 74 may be provided that can lock the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 in a state where the T-bolt 72 is engaged with the tray 2.

[0230] This makes it possible to more reliably prevent bicycle B loaded on tray 2 from being stolen.

[0231] The locking means 74 may also include a safety lock gauge (restriction member) 742 that is slidably provided on the movable pipe (rotation operation portion) 612 and that can restrict the operation of the lock knob (engagement operation portion) 731. Furthermore, the locking means 74 may also include a key lock structure 74212 that is provided on the safety lock gauge (restriction member) 742 and that can lock the safety lock gauge (restriction member) 742 in a state in which the operation of the lock knob (engagement operation portion) 731 is restricted by the safety lock gauge (restriction member) 742.

[0232] In this way, it is possible to permit or restrict operation of the lock knob (engagement operation portion) 731 simply by sliding the safety lock gauge (restriction member) 742. This simplifies the configuration and prevents the lock knob (engagement operation portion) 731 from being unintentionally operated, which would result in the rear tire (one tire) B2 being released from its hold by the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611. As a result, it is possible to more reliably prevent the bicycle B loaded on the tray 2 from being stolen.

[0233] In addition, the safety lock gauge (regulating member) 742 may be formed with a disengagement suppression portion 7422 that suppresses disengagement of the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 from the tray 2 when the operation of the lock knob (engagement operating portion) 731 is restricted by the safety lock gauge (regulating member) 742.

[0234] In this way, when the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 is locked while holding the rear tire (one tire) B2, even if an operation (disengagement operation) to forcibly release the engagement of the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 with the tray 2 is performed using a tool or the like, it is possible to prevent the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 from disengaging from the tray 2. As a result, it is possible to more reliably prevent the bicycle B loaded on the tray 2 from being stolen.

[0235] Furthermore, the T-bolt (fixing means) 72 may be configured to be releasably engaged with the tray 2 while the anti-theft wire 75 is locked.

[0236] This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the bicycle B loaded on the tray 2 from being stolen.

[0237] The movable pipe (rotation operation portion) 612 may be provided with a pressure means 73 that can improve the holding force of the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 on the rear tire (one tire) B2.

[0238] This makes it possible to more easily and reliably bring the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 into a state in which it holds the rear tire (one tire) B2 with an appropriate holding force.

[0239] The rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 may be a substantially inverted U-shaped pipe that holds both sides of the rear tire (one tire) B2 in the width direction. The tip of the substantially inverted U-shaped pipe (rear pipe 611) may be bent so that the width becomes narrower toward the tip.

[0240] This allows rear tires B2 of various widths to be more securely held by the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611. In other words, even when various types of bicycles (bicycles with rear tires B2 of various tire widths) are loaded onto the cycle carrier 1, the rear tires B2 can be more securely held by the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611.

[0241] The rear tire holding member (first tire holding member) 6 may also include an attachment member 62 that detachably attaches the tray 2 to the carrier bar (attached member) V2. The rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 may be attached to the tray 2 via the attachment member 62.

[0242] In this way, when the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 is operated to rotate the rear pipe (first tire holding unit) 611, it is possible to prevent the force applied to the movable pipe (rotation operation unit) 612 or the rear pipe (first tire holding unit) 611 from being transmitted to the tray 2. As a result, it is possible to more reliably prevent the tray 2 from being deformed.

[0243] Furthermore, if the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 is attached to the tray 2 via the mounting member 62, it becomes easier to obtain a configuration that allows the relative position of the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 and the tray 2 to be changed. And, if the relative position of the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 and the tray 2 can be changed, the cycle carrier 1 can be made to accommodate bicycles of various sizes (bicycles with various overall lengths).

[0244] The mounting member 62 may also include a main body 621 fixed to the tray 2, and a lock cover (cover) 622 slidably attached to the main body 621 and capable of covering, while exposing, a fixing portion (hexagon socket head cap bolt 62121) formed on the main body 621 to be fixed to the carrier bar (mounted member) V2. The rear tire holding member (first tire holding member) 6 may be formed with a lock hook (slide restricting portion) 61211 that restricts sliding of the lock cover (cover) 622 relative to the main body 621 in a state where the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 holds the rear tire (one tire) B2 and where the lock cover (cover) 622 covers the hexagon socket head cap bolt (fixing portion) 62121.

[0245] This makes it possible to prevent the main body 621 from being released from the carrier bar (mounting member) V2 (removal of the hexagon socket head bolts 62121) when the rear pipe (first tire holding portion) 611 is locked while holding the rear tire (one of the tires) B2. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the bicycle B from being stolen by removing the cycle carrier 1 itself from the carrier bar (mounting member) V2.

[0246] Moreover, the mounting member 62 may be slidably attached to the tray 2. The lock cover (cover) 622 may also cover the position adjustment portion 6214 formed on the mounting member 62 while covering the hexagon socket head bolt (fixing portion) 62121.

[0247] In this way, when the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611 is locked while holding the rear tire (one tire) B2, it is possible to prevent the mounting member 62 to which the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611 is attached from sliding relative to the tray 2. Therefore, by removing the cycle carrier 1 itself from the carrier bar (mounted member) V2, it is possible to prevent the bicycle B from being stolen. In addition, by sliding the mounting member 62 to which the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611 is attached relative to the tray 2, the rear tire (one tire) B2 held by the rear pipe (first tire holding part) 611 is released, which also prevents the bicycle B from being stolen.

[0248] [others] The cycle carrier according to the present disclosure has been described above, but it is not limited to this description and various modifications and improvements are possible.

[0249] For example, the embodiments can be modified or varied based on the above disclosure, and all the components of the above embodiments and all the features described in the claims may be individually extracted and combined as long as they are not mutually inconsistent.

[0250] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was given of the front tire holding member (second tire holding member) 3 having a front tire holder (rear tire holding portion) 5 which is a separate member from the front tire holding portion 4, but the present disclosure can also be applied to a cycle carrier that does not have a front tire holder (rear tire holding portion) 5. [Explanation of symbols]

[0251] 1 Cycle Carrier 2 trays 3 Front tire holding member (second tire holding member) 41 Front pipe (second tire holding part) 6 rear tire holding member (first tire holding member) 611 Rear pipe (first tire holding part) 612 Movable pipe (rotating operation part) 61211 Lock hook (slide control part) 62 Mounting material 621 Main body 62121 Hexagon socket head bolt 6214 Position adjustment section 622 Lock Cover (Cover) 63 Rotation axis 72 T-bolt (fixing means) 73 Pressurizing means 731 Lock knob (engagement operation part) 74 Locking means 742 Safety Lock Gauge (Regulating Component) 74212 Key lock structure 7422 Engagement release suppression part 75 Anti-theft wire B. Bicycle B1 Front tire (other tire) B2 Rear tire (one tire) V2 Carrier bar (mounting part)

Claims

1. a tray on which the front and rear tires of a bicycle can be placed; a first tire holding member attached to the tray and having a first tire holding portion capable of holding either a front tire or a rear tire of the bicycle; a second tire holding member attached to the tray and having a second tire holding portion capable of holding the other of the front tire and the rear tire of the bicycle; Equipped with the first tire holding portion is attached to the tray so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis, the first tire holding member is provided with a rotation operation part that is connected to the first tire holding part and that can rotate about the rotation axis as a fulcrum to operate the rotation of the first tire holding part about the rotation axis, Cycle carrier.

2. The rotation operation unit is configured to rotate so that a tip thereof approaches the tray, whereby the first tire holding unit holds the one tire.

2. The cycle carrier according to claim 1.

3. the rotation operation unit is provided with a fixing means for fixing the rotation operation unit to the tray in a state in which the first tire holding unit holds the one tire.

3. A cycle carrier according to claim 2.

4. the securing means is configured to releasably engage the tray; The engagement / disengagement operation of the fixing means with the tray can be switched between permitted and restricted by an engagement operation unit.

4. A cycle carrier according to claim 3.

5. and a locking means capable of locking the fixing means in a state where the fixing means is engaged with the tray.

5. A cycle carrier according to claim 4.

6. The locking means is a restricting member slidably provided on the rotation operating portion and capable of restricting operation of the engagement operating portion; a key lock structure provided on the restricting member, the key lock structure being capable of locking the restricting member in a state in which operation of the engagement operating portion is restricted by the restricting member; Equipped with 6. A cycle carrier according to claim 5.

7. The regulating member is formed with a disengagement suppressing portion that suppresses disengagement of the fixing means from the tray when the operation of the engaging operating portion is restricted by the regulating member.

7. A cycle carrier according to claim 6.

8. The fixing means is configured to be releasably engaged with the tray in a state where the anti-theft wire is locked.

4. A cycle carrier according to claim 3.

9. the rotation operation unit is provided with a pressure means capable of increasing the holding force of the one tire by the first tire holding unit, A cycle carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. the first tire holding portion is a substantially inverted U-shaped pipe that holds one tire on both sides in the width direction, The tip of the approximately inverted U-shaped pipe is bent so as to become narrower toward the tip. A cycle carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

11. the first tire holding member includes an attachment member that detachably attaches the tray to an attachment target member, the first tire holding portion is attached to the tray via the attachment member; A cycle carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

12. The mounting member is a main body portion fixed to the tray; a cover that is slidably attached to the main body and that can cover a fixing portion formed on the main body with the attached member so as to be exposed; It is equipped with The first tire holding member is formed with a slide restricting portion that restricts sliding of the cover relative to the main body portion when the first tire holding portion holds the one tire and the cover covers the fixing portion.

12. A cycle carrier according to claim 11.

13. the mounting member is slidably mounted on the tray, The cover also covers a position adjustment portion formed on the mounting member while covering the fixing portion.

13. A cycle carrier according to claim 12.

Images