Load carrier for securing a load to an exterior of a vehicle

Abstract

A load carrier (10) for securing a load (20) to an exterior of a vehicle (100). The load carrier (10) comprises an anchoring element (30) configured to anchor to the vehicle (100), and a rigid support member (40) coupled to the anchoring element (30). The load carrier (10) further comprises a longitudinally adjustable channel member (50) comprising a proximal (51) and a distal end (52). The load carrier (10) further comprises a rotationally adjustable securing mechanism (60) coupling the proximal end (51) of the adjustable channel member (50) to the support member (40). The rotationally adjustable securing mechanism (60) is configured to secure the adjustable channel member (50) in an adjustable angular fixation position relative to the rigid support member (40). The rotationally adjustable securing mechanism (60), in a non-secured state, is rotatable around a horizontal axis that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle (100) when the load carrier (10) is anchored to the vehicle (100). The load carrier (10) further comprises a load attachment means (70) configured to attach the load (20) to the adjustable channel member (50).

Description

[0001] Load carrier for securing a load to an exterior of a vehicle

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to a load carrier for securing a load to an exterior of a vehicle, wherein the load carrier may comprise a fairing configured to reduce a drag of the vehicle with the load carrier.

[0004] Background Art

[0005] Load carriers for fixing a load to an exterior of a vehicle are known and are used, for example a bicycle carrier for fixing a bicycle on the roof or at the rear of a vehicle. Fixing loads on top or at the rear of a vehicle poses challenges as it is detrimental for the aerodynamic properties of the vehicle. Detrimental aerodynamic properties result in increased fuel consumption of the vehicle when the load carrier is anchored to the vehicle. Another challenge is that the load carrier might be tedious to fix the load on the load carrier.

[0006] Disclosure of the Invention

[0007] It is an objective of the present invention to provide a load carrier that is easy to load and that has aerodynamically improved properties.

[0008] This objective is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claim. Other advantageous embodiments are listed in the dependent claims as well as in the description below.

[0009] A first aspect of the invention relates to a load carrier for securing a load to an exterior of a vehicle, the load carrier comprising:

[0010] - an anchoring element configured to anchor to the vehicle,

[0011] - a rigid support member coupled to the anchoring element,

[0012] - a longitudinally adjustable channel member comprising a proximal and a distal end,

[0013] - a rotationally adjustable securing mechanism coupling the proximal end of the adjustable channel member to the support member. The rotationally adjustable securing mechanism is configured to secure the adjustable channel member in an adjustable angular fixation position relative to the rigid support member. The rotationally adjustable securing mechanism is configured to have at least two angular positions. A first angular position corresponds to a loading position and a second angular position corresponds to a carrying position. The rotationally adjustable securing mechanism, in a non-secured state, is rotatable around a horizontal axis that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle when the load carrier is anchored to the vehicle, and - a load attachment means configured to attach the load to the adjustable channel member.

[0014] Advantageously, the load is an object having a weight of less than 150 kg and having a spatial extent of less than 3 m3. In particular, the load is an object having a weight of less than 75 kg and having a special extent of less than 1.5 m3. The load may comprise several individual loads the sum of which satisfy said weight and special limits. In particular, every length dimension of the load is less than 3 meters, in particular less than 2.5 meters. The load may e.g. comprise one or more bicycles.

[0015] The anchoring element may be configured to anchor to a hitching device, e.g. a hitch, of the vehicle. In particular the anchoring element has a lock position in which it is mechanically locked to the vehicle, in particular to the hitching device, preventing any relative movement of the anchoring element to the vehicle, respectively to the hitching device. Advantageously the anchoring element has an unlocked position in which it is free to move relative to the vehicle. Advantageously, the anchoring element is configured to reversibly anchor to the vehicle.

[0016] The rigid support member allows to have a distance between the anchoring element and the rotationally adjustable securing mechanism. Said spatial extent allows the load carrier to carry loads with larger spatial extents in close proximity of the vehicle.

[0017] The longitudinally adjustable channel member may comprise or be made of a metal. In particular the channel member may comprise stainless steel, iron, plastics, fibers and / or aluminum. Advantageously the channel member has a shape of a channel, for example U-shaped or V-shaped, with a channel width being at least twice as large as the channel height.

[0018] In one embodiment, the longitudinally adjustable channel member has a length, in the longitudinal direction, between 40 cm and 250 cm, in particular between 70 cm and 210 cm. The longitudinal length of the channel member may comprise a pair of slider rail sections that may be adjusted by sliding and fixed in position by a bolt.

[0019] The channel member being longitudinally adjustable allows for adjusting the length of the channel member, for example to adjust it depending on the load or the length of the load. A particularly preferred way to make the channel member longitudinally adjustable is to provide it with an adjustment profile arranged in the channel of the channel member, which is slidable therein.

[0020] Advantageously, the longitudinal axis of the channel member, i.e. the axis extending along the channel of the channel member, is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle when the load carrier is anchored to the vehicle. The longitudinal axis of the vehicle is an axis extending through both the front and the back of the vehicle, in particular the longitudinal axis of the vehicle is parallel to the direction of travel of the vehicle when the vehicle moves along a straight line. This orientation of the channel member allows to improve the aerodynamic properties of the load carrier, in particular when the load carrier is anchored to a vehicle, more particularly it improves the aerodynamic properties of the vehicle with the load carrier anchored to said vehicle. In particular, this orientation of the channel member is aerodynamically more advantageous than having the longitudinal axis of the channel member perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle when the load carrier is anchored to the vehicle.

[0021] The shape of the channel member allows to improve the aerodynamic properties of the load carrier when the load carrier is anchored to a vehicle.

[0022] The rotationally adjustable securing mechanism allows to secure the channel member in a desired angular fixation position, wherein the angular fixation position may be chosen depending on the load, and / or the length of the longitudinally adjustable channel member and the type of the vehicle (in particular the shape of the vehicle). This is particularly advantageous as it allows to bring the load closer to the vehicle therefore contributing to improving the aerodynamic properties of the vehicle with the load carrier, in particular carrying a load, anchored to the vehicle.

[0023] The rotationally adjustable securing mechanism having a nonsecured state allows to rotate the channel member and bring the channel member in a position that is convenient for loading a load on the load carrier. In particular it allows to rotate the channel member such that the distal end of the channel member touches or is in proximity of, in particular less than 30 cm from, the ground, which facilitates the loading of a load. In particular, the just described advantages of the rotationally adjustable securing mechanism having a non-secured state are particularly relevant in a state where the load carrier is anchored to the vehicle.

[0024] The load attachment means allows to attach, in particular reversibly attach, the load to the channel member.

[0025] The load attachments means may be drawers or boxes or trays. Alternatively, the load attachment means may be a fixation for a bicycle wheel, for example a metal piece like a bolt that is insertable perpendicularly to the channel, through holes comprised in the channel member, of the channel member.

[0026] The load may be a bicycle and the load carrier may be configured to secure the bicycle to the vehicle such that a longitudinal axis of the bicycle is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle when the load carrier is anchored to the vehicle and the bicycle is attached to the load carrier. In one embodiment, the adjustable channel member may comprise a channel wide enough to accommodate a width of wheels of the bicycle. Advantageously, the channel of the adjustable channel member is configured to accommodate at least a part of one or more of the wheels of the bicycle when the load carrier is anchored to the vehicle and the bicycle is attached to the load carrier. In another embodiment, the channel member may comprise an adjustment profile arranged in its channel, which itself comprises a channel wide enough to accommodate a width of wheels of the bicycle.

[0027] Securing the bicycle to the vehicle such that the longitudinal axis of the bicycle is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle allows to improve the aerodynamic properties, in particular to reduce the drag coefficient, of the load carrier with the bicycle. In particular, securing the bicycle to the vehicle such that the longitudinal axis of the bicycle is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle is aerodynamically more advantageous than securing the bicycle to the vehicle such that the longitudinal axis of the bicycle is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

[0028] The adjustable channel member or the adjustment profile comprising a channel wide enough to accommodate a width of wheels of the bicycle allows the bicycle wheels to be placed inside the channel. This allows to attach the bicycle wheels in a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, in particular also parallel to the ground. Advantageously, the channel of the adjustable channel member or of the adjustment profile has a width of between 2 cm and 15 cm. In particular the channel is formed by two side walls which have a higher spatial extent than the center of the channel. In particular the two side walls have a spatial extent that is between 0.5 cm and 10 cm higher than the center of the channel.

[0029] Advantageously, the channel of the adjustable channel member or of the adjustment profile extends over the whole length of the channel member. Alternatively, the channel of the channel member may extend only over part of the length of the channel member. In particular, if the channel of the channel member extends only over part of the length of the channel member, the channel may be positioned such that the channel can accommodate the wheels of the bicycle, i.e. there may be a first channel at the proximal end of the channel member and there may be a second channel at the distal end of the channel member.

[0030] The loading position and / or the carrying position may depend on the type of vehicle and in particular on the shape of the rear of the vehicle. In particular the loading position has a center of mass position, also called center of gravity position, of the load carrier being further away, in a longitudinal direction, from the anchoring element than the center of mass of the load carrier in the carrying position.

[0031] In particular, the adjustable channel member is adjustable to a length, in the longitudinal direction, of the load, in particular of the bicycle.

[0032] Advantageously, the adjustable channel member is adjustable in its length, in the longitudinal direction, depending on the shape of the vehicle, in particular on the shape of the rear of the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the length adjustment is attained by sliding back and forth said adjustment profile within then channel of the channel member.

[0033] Advantageously, in the loading position, the distal end of the channel member or of the adjustment profile is closer to the ground than the proximal end of the channel member. In particular, in the loading position, the distal end of the channel member or of the adjustment profile touches the ground. The loading position allows for an easy loading of the load onto the channel member, in particular the load has to be lifted by a smaller amount, e.g. as compared to a common bicycle carrier, such that the effort / strength needed for loading is reduced. The adjustable channel member being adjustable to a length, in the longitudinal direction, of the load allows to adjust the channel member such that its longitudinal extension is not significantly, for example not more than 20% or not more than 10%, longer than that of the load, therefore improving the aerodynamic properties of the load carrier. Advantageously, the adjustable channel member comprises several channel members. In particular, the several channel members may be individually adjusted in longitudinal length, in particular by means of the adjustment profile.

[0034] Advantageously, when the load carrier is anchored to the vehicle, at least the distal end of the channel member or of the adjustment profile is configured to touch a ground on which the vehicle is standing in response to an adjustment of the adjustable angular fixation position of the channel member relative to the rigid support member. In particular in response to the rotationally adjustable securing mechanism being in the loading position.

[0035] At least the distal end of the channel member or of the adjustment profile touching the ground allows to load the load, in particular a bicycle, onto the channel member by simply sideways pushing the load onto it. Therefore, the effort / strength needed for loading is reduced. Further, this allows to roll a bicycle directly onto the channel member without the need to lift the bicycle onto it.

[0036] Advantageously, in the loading position, the channel member or of the adjustment profile is oriented such that the channel faces the sky, i.e., opposite to the ground.

[0037] Advantageously, the adjustable angular fixation position of the rotationally adjustable securing mechanism is configured to be adjustable in function of a type of the vehicle to which the load carrier is anchored by the anchoring element and / or in function of the length along the longitudinal direction of the load. In particular, the load carrier is configured to be anchored at a backside of the vehicle.

[0038] A vehicle type may be a specific vehicle model range, for example a VW Golf, an Opel Astra, a Mercedes C class. Alternatively, the vehicle type may be a specific vehicle model, for example a VW Golf 6, a VW Golf 7, a VW Golf 8. Alternatively, the vehicle type may be a vehicle class, for example a station wagon, a pickup truck, a hatchback, a notchback, a limousine, a compact, a sports utility vehicle (SUV), a truck, a van, an off-road vehicle. The fixation position of the rotationally securing mechanism being adjustable allows to reduce the amount by which the channel member or the adjustment profile, in particular the distal end of the channel member or of the adjustment profile, exceeds the height of the vehicle roof. By not exceeding the height of the vehicle roof or at least reducing the amount of exceeding, the aerodynamic properties of the load carrier attached the vehicle is improved.

[0039] Adjusting the angular fixation position of the rotationally securing mechanism in function of a type of the vehicle allows to place the load close to the vehicle by taking into account the shape of the vehicle type. This helps to improve the aerodynamic properties of the vehicle with the load carrier anchored to the vehicle.

[0040] Advantageously, the load carrier comprises several longitudinally adjustable channel members each coupled to the rotationally adjustable securing mechanism.

[0041] In particular the several longitudinally adjustable channel members are rotatable in respectively parallel planes. In particular, the rotationally adjustable securing mechanism is configured to secure each one of the several adjustable channel members, particularly in the carrying position, more particularly independently of the other adjustable channel members.

[0042] Advantageously, the several longitudinally adjustable channel members are each configured to carry one bicycle. In particular, this allows to carry several bicycles.

[0043] The several longitudinally adjustable channel members allow to carry several loads, in particular several bicycles.

[0044] The rotationally adjustable securing mechanism being configured to secure each one of the several adjustable channel members independently of the other adjustable channel members allows for independent loading and / or unloading (and / or carrying) of loads.

[0045] Advantageously, a single bicycle may be loaded to an empty channel (a not occupied channel member, i.e. no load on it) while the remaining adjustable channel members may stay in the carrying position. Similarly, unloading of a single bicycle is possible.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment of the load carrier, the support member has an angled shape with a first leg coupled, preferably rotationally adjustable coupled, to the anchoring element and a second leg pointing upward to the sky at a coupling angle with respect to the first leg. The rotationally adjustable securing mechanism couples the proximal end of the adjustable channel member to a free end of the second leg of the support member.

[0047] In one preferred alternative, the first leg and the second leg are coupled to one another by means of a joint adapted to allow adjustment of the coupling angle and to releasably lock the second leg at a desired coupling angle.

[0048] In a second alternative, the first leg and the second leg are formed in one piece at a predefined coupling angle.

[0049] In said preferred embodiment, as mentioned further above, the longitudinally adjustable channel member has a longitudinal channel and comprises an adjustment profile arranged in the channel, preferably a V-shaped or a U-shaped profile. It is preferred that the adjustment profile is longer than the adjustable channel member. The adjustment profile is configured to be slidable back and forth along the longitudinal axis of the channel member within said channel. The load is secured to the adjustment profile by said attachment means. As mentioned, in this way the channel member can advantageously be made adjustable with respect to length.

[0050] In said preferred embodiment, the adjustment profile and the longitudinally adjustable channel member comprise cooperating fastening elements for releasably fasten the adjustment profile at desired positions along the longitudinally adjustable channel member.

[0051] In said preferred embodiment, the adjustment profile is slidable back and forth in the channel of the channel member between the loading position for receiving the load, in which loading position at least a distal end, as seen from the anchoring element, of the adjustment profile is configured to touch a ground on which the vehicle is standing, in response to an adjustment of the adjustable angular fixation position of the channel member relative to the support member, and an intermediary position, in which the load is closer to the vehicle than in the loading position. A center of gravity of the load in the load position is horizontally at a first distance from the second leg of the support member and the center of gravity is substantially vertically above the second leg in the intermediary position.

[0052] In said preferred embodiment, the first angular position of the rotationally adjustable securing mechanism is substantially the same in the loading position and in the intermediary position of the adjustment profile. For securing the load to the vehicle, the rotationally adjustable securing mechanism is rotatable around the horizontal axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle starting from the intermediary position until the second angular position which corresponds to the carrying position, and is releasably securable in the carrying position.

[0053] In said preferred embodiment, the rotationally adjustable securing mechanism comprises a rotatable horizontal bar arranged substantially perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, which horizontal bar is adapted to couple the free end of the second leg to the proximal end of the channel member. The horizontal bar has such a length that during rotation of the load towards the carrying position at least a part of the load, preferably at least the front wheel and at least a part of the front fork of the bicycle, can pass laterally by the second leg.

[0054] In said preferred embodiment, the section of the adjustment profile which protrudes beyond the proximal end of the channel member in the intermediary position has a maximum length which is at least 5% smaller than the length of the first leg plus the length of the anchoring element.

[0055] In said preferred embodiment, the load carrier further comprises at least one handle bar, preferably two handle bars, firmly attached to the adjustment profile at a first end. The at least one handle bar is adapted to facilitate shifting of the adjustment profile from the loading position into the intermediary position and vice versa and rotating the adjustment profile from the intermediary position into the carrying position and vice versa, when manipulated by a user at a free second end. The at least one handle bar is shaped in such a way that in the carrying position the free second end is attachable to a receiving member on the side of the vehicle. Preferably, the two handle bars are attachable each in a receiving member on the left and right side of the vehicle, respectively. Preferably, the shape of the at least one handle bar is adjustable in a way to be adapted to different widths of vehicles.

[0056] In said preferred embodiment, the first leg and / or the second leg of the support member is / are adjustable to a desired length and are arrestable at that length.

[0057] Advantageously, the load carrier further comprises a fairing configured to reduce a drag, in particular by the surrounding air, of the vehicle with the load carrier. In particular, the fairing is configured to cover at least part of the load when the load is attached to the load carrier. In particular the fairing is configured to cover at least part of the load when the rotationally adjustable securing mechanism is in the carrying position. In particular the fairing is attached or attachable to the longitudinally adjustable channel member or to the adjustment profile.

[0058] Advantageously, the fairing has a smooth surface. In particular, the outer surface facing the environment, i.e., not facing the load and / or the location of the load carrier configured to receive the load, is smooth. A surface is smooth if it has an average surface roughness Ra <200 pm, in particular Ra <40 pm, more particularly Ra <10 pm. The fairing may comprise a plastic material, in particular the fairing may consist of a plastic material. The fairing may have a thickness between 2 mm and 2 cm. The fairing may comprise, in particular consist, of a material having a Young modulus between 0.3 GPa and 300 GPa, in particular between 0.5 GPa and 40 GPa. In particular the fairing comprises connectors configured to connect to the longitudinally adjustable channel member.

[0059] The fairing may comprise soft sections. Said soft sections allow to use a single fairing to cover the load of the load carrier. In other words, the soft sections allow to bend the fairing to follow, for example, the edge at the backside of the vehicle that is located between the side of the vehicle and the roof of the vehicle.

[0060] The fairing allows to reduce the drag coefficient of the load carrier, in particular when anchored to a vehicle. The drag coefficient may be reduced by the smooth outer surface of the fairing and / or by the shape of the fairing. The fairing may have a shape that allows to reduce the drag coefficient, in particular the fairing extends the roof and side surfaces of the vehicle without forming sharp edges. The fairing may have the shape of the upper part of a raindrop, i.e. upper refers to the part closer to the sky, i.e. further away from the ground than the lower part of the raindrop, when the raindrop is falling due to gravity. In particular the fairing may have the shape of the upper half of a raindrop. The shape of the fairing may be optimized to reduce the drag coefficient in function of the type of the vehicle and / or in function of the travelling speed of the vehicle. The type of the vehicle may influence the shape of the fairing for reducing the drag coefficient, in particular the best shape of the fairing to reduce the drag coefficient the most. The movement speed of the vehicle may influence the shape of the fairing for reducing the drag coefficient, in particular the best shape of the fairing to reduce the drag coefficient the most. The movement speed of the vehicle may be the instantaneous speed of the vehicle or an average expected movement speed over a given duration of time.

[0061] Advantageously, the fairing is configured to be connected to at least three attachment points on a backside of the vehicle. In particular a first attachment point of said three attachment points is in proximity of a roof of the vehicle. In particular a second and a third attachment point of said three attachment points are located on opposite sides of the vehicle.

[0062] The fairing being configured to be connected to at least three attachment points allows for a convenient / fast attachment and / or removal of the fairing from the vehicle. Further, three attachment points allow to spread the load, increasing durability. Having the at least three attachment points spread over different locations, as the roof, the sides of the vehicle, allows to improve the stability of the fairing (i.e. reduced movement freedom relative to the vehicle).

[0063] Advantageously, the fairing is configured to be connected to a fourth attachment point on a backside of the vehicle, wherein the fourth attachment point is in proximity of a hitching device of the vehicle. Having the fourth attachment point allows to further improve the stability of the fairing, in particular as compared to the case with only three attachment points.

[0064] In proximity of a roof of the vehicle may be understood as less than 300 cm away (in particular less than 80 cm away), in particular in a longitudinal direction and / or vertical (in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) direction, of the roof edge at the backside of the vehicle.

[0065] The second and the third attachment point of said three attachment points are located on opposite sides of the vehicle, in particular less than 60 cm away from the backside of the vehicle.

[0066] Advantageously, the load carrier further comprises at least two secondary fairings configured to be mounted at the second and the third attachment point of the three attachment points on the backside of the vehicle. In particular, the secondary fairings are configured to further reduce the drag of the vehicle with the load carrier.

[0067] In particular, the secondary fairings are configured to be connected to the fairing. The secondary fairings allow to access the load without the need to remove the fairing by only removing the secondary fairing. Therefore, access to the load is facilitated.

[0068] Advantageously, the fairing has at least one selected from the group consisting of:

[0069] - the fairing comprises or consists of a material transparent to visible light,

[0070] - the fairing comprises an outer surface, wherein the outer surface has a surface between 0.2 m2and 15 m2, in particular between 1 m2and 12 m2, more particularly between 2 m2and 8 m2,

[0071] - the fairing is configured to be connectable to the roof of the vehicle,

[0072] - the fairing is configured to substantially extend from the backside of the vehicle to the longitudinally adjustable channel member or to the adjustment profile for at least one angular position, in particular for the carrying position, of the rotationally adjustable securing mechanism when the load carrier is anchored to the vehicle, and

[0073] - the fairing is connected or connectable to the longitudinally adjustable channel member or to the adjustment profile, in particular over the full length of the longitudinally adjustable channel member.

[0074] The fairing comprising or consisting of a material transparent to visible light allows to see through the fairing. Therefore, it allows to see the load without first having to remove the fairing. Further it allows to visually check through the fairing whether the load is safely attached to the load carrier, preventing the need to first remove the fairing. In particular, the fairing comprising or consisting of a material transparent to visible light allows to improve the driving safety of the vehicle as it allows a driver to at least partially see through the fairing. In particular, this helps the driver to see what is going on behind the vehicle as he can at least partially see through the rear window of the car and further through the fairing.

[0075] A material transparent to visible light in particular means that the material transmits at least 40% of light in the wavelength range 400 nm to 700 nm. More particularly, the transparent material transmits at least 40% of light in a 200 nm range wherein the 200 nm range is chosen such that it lies between 400 nm and 700 nm. The material transparent to visible light may be a plastic material.

[0076] The fairing being connectable to the roof of the vehicle allows for a better connection between the fairing and the vehicle, in particular when the vehicle is moving as the movement speed of the air on the roof of the vehicle is larger than, for example, at the center of the backside of the vehicle. High movement speeds, for example 80 km / h, of the air induce large forces (i.e. a large drag) on the fairing.

[0077] Connecting the fairing to the longitudinally adjustable channel member or to the adjustment profile allows to improve the stability of the fairing.

[0078] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0079] The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent from the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings, wherein:

[0080] Figure 1 : Schematic side view of an embodiment of the load carrier in the carrying position.

[0081] Figure 2: Schematic side view of an embodiment of the load carrier in the loading position.

[0082] Figure 3: Schematic representation of an embodiment of the load carrier in the carrying position viewed from the backside.

[0083] Figure 4: Schematic representation of a top view of an embodiment of the load carrier in the carrying position.

[0084] Figure 5: Schematic representation of a cut through an embodiment of the channel member and the channel.

[0085] Figure 6: Schematic side view of an embodiment of the load carrier with fairing.

[0086] Figure 7: Schematic representation of an embodiment of the load carrier with fairing, top view.

[0087] Figure 8: Schematic side view of an embodiment of the load carrier with fairing and several loads.

[0088] Figure 9: Schematic side view of an embodiment of the load carrier with fairing.

[0089] Figure 10: Schematic representation of an embodiment of the load carrier with fairing, viewed from top.

[0090] Figure 11 : Schematic representation of an embodiment of the load carrier, viewed from the backside. Figure 12: Schematic side view of a preferred embodiment of the load carrier in the loading position.

[0091] Figure 13: Schematic side view of the preferred embodiment of the load carrier of Fig. 12 in the intermediary position.

[0092] Figure 14: Schematic side view of the preferred embodiment of the load carrier of Fig. 12 in the carrying position.

[0093] Figure 15: Schematic perspective view of the channel member with the adjustment profile of the preferred embodiment of the load carrier of Fig. 12.

[0094] Figure 16: Schematic perspective view of the support member of the preferred embodiment of the load carrier of Fig. 12 with a rotatable horizontal bar.

[0095] Figure 17 : Schematic top view of the support member of the preferred embodiment of the load carrier of Fig. 12 with the rotatable horizontal bar of Fig. 16 and with two handle bars.

[0096] Figure 18: Schematic side view of an unclaimed embodiment of the load carrier in the loading position.

[0097] Figure 19: Schematic side view of the unclaimed embodiment of the load carrier of Fig. 18 in the carrying position.

[0098] Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0099] Figure 1 shows, in a side view, a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the load carrier 10 in the carrying position 62. The load carrier 10 comprises an anchoring element 30 that is anchored to a hitching device 31 at the backside 101 of a vehicle 100. A rigid support member 40 couples the anchoring element 30 to a rotationally adjustable securing mechanism 60. In an embodiment, the rotationally adjustable securing mechanism 60 is a swivel which is fixable at a given angle by a screwing mechanism. The rotationally adjustable securing mechanism 60 couples the anchoring element 30 to the proximal end 51 of the longitudinally adjustable channel member 50. The securing mechanism 60 is in the carrying position 62. In the carrying position, the rear wheel of the bicycle advantageously is further away from the ground 90 than the front wheel of the bicycle 20 and the bicycle seat is facing toward the backside 101 of the vehicle 100. Further, the rear wheel of the bicycle 20 does not extend substantially higher above the ground 90 than the vehicle roof 105. The longitudinal axis of the bicycle 20 extends through the center of the rear wheel of the bicycle 20 and the center of the front wheel of the bicycle 20. In the carrying position, the longitudinal axis of the bicycle 20 extends in the same plane as the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 100 or in a plane parallel to it. The longitudinal axis of the vehicle extends from the front of the vehicle 100 to the backside 101 of the vehicle 100 and perpendicular to both the axis connecting the centers of the two front wheels together and the axis connecting the center of the two back wheels together. The longitudinally adjustable channel member 50 comprises a channel, for instance with a width of 5 cm and a depth of 6 cm. The channel is present over the whole length of the longitudinally adjustable channel member 50, i.e. from the proximal end 51 to the distal end 52. The longitudinally adjustable channel member 50 is made of Stainless steel, alternatively it could be made or comprise plastic or iron with a rust preventing coating. The length of the longitudinally adjustable channel member 50 is adjustable e.g. between 1.4 m and 2.6 m. In the present state, the channel member has a length of 2 m. At the proximal end 51, the channel member 50 has a circular shape with an inner diameter of 60 cm. At the proximal end 51 of the channel member 50, a cover element 80 is mounted on both sides of the channel member 50. This cover element 80 improves the aerodynamic properties of the load carrier, especially when a bicycle is loaded on the load carrier. The load carried by the load carrier 10 is a bicycle 20. The wheels of the bicycle 20 are attached to the channel member 50 by two clamps 70 (load attachment means 70).

[0100] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the load carrier 10 in the loading position 61. The load carrier comprises the same components which have similar functions / working principles as the same components described in relation with Figure 1. However, here the rotationally adjustable securing mechanism 60 is in the loading position 61. In the loading position 61, the distal end 52 of the channel member 50 is in contact with the ground 90. This facilitates the loading and unloading of the bicycle 20. Starting from the loading position, the carrying position is reached by unlocking the securing mechanism 60 and pulling the distal end 52 of the channel member 50 in a direction indicated by the arrow 150 until the rear wheel of the bicycle 20 is in proximity of / touching the backside 101 of the vehicle 100, wherein in this position the securing mechanism 60 is locked to keep the load carrier 10 in the carrying position. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the load carrier 10 in the carrying position viewed from the backside of the vehicle 100. The load carrier comprises the same components which have similar functions / working principles as the same components described in relation with Figure 1. In addition, the load carrier 10 comprises a license plate holder 110 which is fixed to the proximal end (opposite the distal end 52) of the channel member 50. Alternatively, license plate holder 110 may be fixed to the support member 40 or the adjustable securing mechanism 60. The vehicle 100 has a first side 106 located opposite a second side 107.

[0101] Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a top view of an embodiment of the load carrier in the carrying position. The load carrier 10 is in the carrying position and loaded with a bicycle 20. The load carrier 10 comprises two anchoring elements 30 that are anchored to the vehicle 100. Each of the two anchoring elements 30 is connected to a support member 40. Both said support members are connected to the securing mechanism.

[0102] Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the channel member and the channel, as seen in a cross-sectional view. On the right side, the channel member 50 with the channel 55 are shown. On the left side, a bicycle wheel 25 is arranged in the channel of the channel member 50. The channel 55 helps to hold the bicycle wheel on the channel member in that it prevents lateral movements of the bicycle wheel. The channel member having a triangular shape allows for better hold of bicycle wheel with different width, as the bicycle wheels 25 with smaller width will extend further into the channel than bicycle wheels 25 with a larger width.

[0103] Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the load carrier 10 with fairing 120. The load carrier comprises the same components which have similar functions / working principles as the same components described in relation with the previous figures. In addition, the load carrier 10 comprises a fairing 120 that is connected to the roof 105 of the vehicle 100 at an attachment point 130. The fairing has an outer surface 122 which is smooth, in particular it has an average surface roughness Ra of <20 pm. Here the outer surface 122 has an average surface roughness Ra of 5 pm. The fairing 120 is shown in cross-section in order to also show other parts of the load carrier 10 like the support member 40 or the securing mechanism 60.

[0104] Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the load carrier with fairing as shown in Figure 6, seen from top. On the first 106 and second side 107 of the vehicle 100 the secondary fairings 121 are attached to the vehicle at attachment points 130.

[0105] Figure 8 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the load carrier 10 with fairing 120 and two bicycles 20, 21. Each of the two bicycles 20, 21 are arranged on a respective channel member 50, 51. Both of these channel members 50, 51 are connected to a single securing mechanism 60. As a consequence, both bicycles 20, 21 are in the same position, for example in the loading position 61 or in the carrying position 62. Here, they are in the carrying position 62. Alternatively, each channel member 50, 51 could be connected to a respective securing mechanism 60, which would allow to individually move each bicycle from the loading position 61 to the carrying position 62.

[0106] Figure 9 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the load carrier with fairing. The load carrier comprises trays 140 for carrying loads. The trays are connected to the channel member. The trays may be loaded with loads in the carrying position. In this case, the loads may for instance be boxes that are configured to be mounted to the trays and e.g. filled with small load items. The fairing 120 at least partially surrounds the trays 140. Part of the fairing 120 is moveable for providing access to the trays 140 in a state where the load carrier is in the carrying position.

[0107] Figure 10 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the load carrier with fairing, viewed from top. The load carrier 10 anchored to the backside 101 of the vehicle 100 comprises trays 140 of different sizes. The fairing 120 extends from the backside 101 of the vehicle 100 around the trays 140.

[0108] In the example of Figure 10, as well as in the examples of Figures 6 to 9, the fairing 120 has an aerodynamically optimized shape. This means that the fairing is configured to reduce the drag coefficient of the mounted load carrier as compared to the situation absent the fairing. In an advantageous embodiment, the fairing even reduces the drag coefficient of the vehicle with mounted load carrier and fairing below the drag coefficient of the vehicle without any load carrier and fairing. In this case, the load carrier with fairing helps to reduce fuel consumption of the vehicle.

[0109] Figure 11 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the load carrier, viewed from the backside. The load carrier 10 has the same characteristics and elements as described in connection with figures 9 and figure 10, with the difference that here the load carrier has no fairing and comprises a license plate holder 110.

[0110] Figure 12 shows a schematic side view of a preferred embodiment of the load carrier in the loading position. A main difference to the first embodiment of the load carrier of Fig. 1, as already mentioned, is that the longitudinally adjustable channel member has an adjustment profile in order to provide for the length adjustment. A second main difference is that the support member is angled. While in the embodiment according to Figs. 1 to 11 the load carrier is less complex with respect to the number of components, it is more difficult to lift the load, in the following referred to as bicycle, and rotate it from the loading position into the carrying position. The preferred embodiment described in the following is more complex with respect to number of parts, but it requires less effort to bring the bicycle from the loading position into the carrying position.

[0111] As can be seen in Fig. 12, the support member comprises a first leg 40a coupled at a proximal end thereof to the anchoring element 30. Generally, the terms "proximal" and "distal" are regarded with respect to the vehicle, as can also be derived from the figures. It is preferred that this coupling is rotationally adjustable. In this way it is possible to perform height adjustments of the distal end of the first leg 40a depending e.g. on the car's height. The support member comprises a second leg pointing upward at a coupling angle a with respect to the first leg. The rotationally adjustable securing mechanism couples the proximal end of the adjustable channel member to a free end of the second leg of the support member.

[0112] In one preferred alternative, the first leg and the second leg are coupled to one another by means of a joint 40c adapted to allow adjustment of the coupling angle a and to releasably lock the second leg at a desired coupling angle. In other words, the second leg can be positioned at the desired angle and firmly fixed to the first leg in that position.

[0113] In a second alternative, the first leg and the second leg are formed in one piece at a predefined coupling angle. In this alternative, it is possible to replace the support member with a support member with another coupling angle.

[0114] In both alternatives, the first leg and the second leg may have a coupling angle a between 40° and 120°. As shown in the figures, this angle is preferably 90°. The longitudinally adjustable channel member has a longitudinal channel and comprises an adjustment profile arranged 50a in the channel, preferably a V-shaped or a U-shaped profile. This is best seen in conjunction with Fig. 15. The features described in connection with Fig. 5 for the channel of the channel member according to the first embodiment of the load carrier apply also for the channel of the adjustment profile. The adjustment profile is configured to be slidable back and forth along the longitudinal axis of the channel member within said channel. The load is secured to the adjustment profile by said attachment means 70 (see Fig. 1). Thus, while the bicycle is attached directly to the channel member 50 in Fig. 1, this is accomplished here by the intermediary of the adjustment profile 50a. As mentioned, in this way the channel member can advantageously be made adjustable with respect to length.

[0115] It is preferred that the adjustment profile is longer than the adjustable channel member, which serves as interface to the support member.

[0116] In this embodiment, a cover element 80 is also present, as described in the context of Fig. 1. Here it is shown in a simplified way but shall be similar to the one of Fig. 1.

[0117] Figure 13 shows a schematic side view of the preferred embodiment of the load carrier of Fig. 12 in the intermediary position. While in the embodiment of Fig. 1 the bicycle is directly rotatable from the loading position into the carrying position, this preferred embodiment comprises said intermediary position. The adjustment profile is slidable back and forth in the channel of the channel member between the loading position and the intermediary position. The loading position, similarly to the embodiment of Fig. 1, is intended for receiving the load. However, contrary to the embodiment of Fig. 1, here at least a distal end of the adjustment profile, and not of the channel member, as seen from the anchoring element, is configured to touch a ground on which the vehicle is standing in response to an adjustment of the adjustable angular fixation position of the channel member relative to the support member. In the intermediary position the load is closer to the vehicle than in the loading position. A center of gravity 206 of the load in the loading position is horizontally at a first distance d from the second leg of the support member and the center of gravity is substantially vertically above the second leg in the intermediary position. This can be seen in Fig. 12 in conjunction with Fig. 13. Figure 14 shows a schematic side view of the preferred embodiment of the load carrier of Fig. 12 in the carrying position. In this embodiment, the first angular position of the rotationally adjustable securing mechanism is substantially the same in the loading position and in the intermediary position 61a of the adjustment profile. In other words, the bicycle is only shifted in a translatory way into the intermediary position and is only rotated starting from that intermediary position. For securing the load to the vehicle, the rotationally adjustable securing mechanism is rotatable (arrow 150) around the horizontal axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle starting from the intermediary position until the second angular position which corresponds to the carrying position, and is releasably securable in the carrying position.

[0118] It has been discovered that this alternative embodiment makes it easier for the user to load the bicycle. In the embodiment of Fig. 1 the center of gravity of the bicycle is far from the connection point between the support member and the channel member and therefore a torque given by the weight of the bicycle and the distance between the center of gravity and the connection point has to be overcome by the user when rotating the bicycle into the carrying position. Contrary to this, in the embodiment of Fig. 12, the translatory shifting of the bicycle from the loading position into the intermediary position is comparatively easy to accomplish, while the rotation into the carrying position is easy as well, as the center of gravity of the bicycle is now above the connection point and there is substantially no torque to be overcome in this position. It shall be understood that the center of gravity must not be exactly vertically above the second leg (d = 0) but there may be a tolerance of the distance d of e.g. 20 cm.

[0119] It is preferred that the section (dl) of the adjustment profile which protrudes beyond the proximal end of the channel member in the intermediary position has a maximum length which is at least 5% smaller than the length of the first leg plus the length of the anchoring element (d4 in Fig. 13). The criterion dl<d4 accounts for the fact that during rotation this section shall not hit the car. However, there are different ways for satisfying this relation. Either the adjustment profile is in first place not pushed too far forward while bringing the bicycle from the loading position into the intermediary position, for example by letting the aforementioned distance d be 20cm > d > 0cm, or by adjusting the distance d4, which will be explained in the following.

[0120] In this embodiment it is preferred that the first leg 40a of the support member is adjustable to a desired length and is arrestable at that length. In this way the distance d4 can be adjusted also to match a longer distance of the section dl of the adjustment profile. Advantageously, this variable may also serve to push the bicycle closer to the car when already secured in the carrying position.

[0121] It is furthermore preferred that the length d2 of the second leg is also adjustable. Advantageously, this can account for smaller or larger bicycles by adjusting the height of the center of gravity 206 to be as low as possible in the fastened carrying position.

[0122] Figure 15 shows a schematic perspective view of the channel member with the adjustment profile of the preferred embodiment of the load carrier of Fig. 12. Preferably, the adjustment profile and the longitudinally adjustable channel member comprise cooperating fastening elements 202, 203 for releasably fasten the adjustment profile at desired positions along the longitudinally adjustable channel member. The figure shows exemplary one way of accomplishing this by providing hole pairs in both walls of the channel member and hole pairs 203 in the walls of the adjustment profile along their longitudinal axis. A rod 202, which is insertable through a pair of holes in the adjustment profile and through a corresponding pair in the channel member may be used for locking a certain relative position of the two. It shall be understood that the rod is arrestable in the locking position according to standards of security imposed by respective traffic laws, which also applies for all other fastening elements of the load carrier. Other types of fastening means are also conceivable. In this context it shall be noted that the adjustment profile is dimensioned and formed in analogy to the channel member of Fig. 5.

[0123] Figure 16 shows a schematic perspective view of the support member of the preferred embodiment of the load carrier of Fig. 12 with a rotatable, preferably horizontal, bar 50c. Preferably, the rotationally adjustable securing mechanism comprises the rotatable horizontal bar 50c arranged substantially perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, which horizontal bar as part of the rotationally adjustable securing mechanism is adapted to couple the free end of the second leg to the proximal end of the channel member. It is preferred that the horizontal bar is coupled to the swivel as described in the context of the first embodiment in the context of Fig. 1. The horizontal bar has such a length that during rotation of the load towards the carrying position at least a part of the load, preferably at least the front wheel and at least a part of the front fork, can pass laterally by the second leg. As can be seen in conjunction with Fig. 14, in some cases it may be that a part of the bicycle shall pass behind the second during the rotation into the carrying position. This measure makes this extent of rotation possible without the second leg being in the way of at least the front wheel and at least a part of the front fork of the bicycle. The horizontal bar is preferably detachable such that the connection to the channel member can be made directly at the free end of the second leg, e.g. if the load has a shape which doesn't require passing by the second leg.

[0124] Figure 17 shows a schematic top view of the support member of the preferred embodiment of the load carrier of Fig. 12 with the rotatable horizontal bar of Fig. 16 and with two handle bars. It is preferred that the load carrier further comprises two handle bars 204, which are firmly attached to the adjustment profile at a first end. The handle bars are adapted to facilitate shifting of the adjustment profile from the loading position into the intermediary position and vice versa and rotating the adjustment profile from the intermediary position into the carrying position and vice versa, when manipulated by a user at a free second end. The handle bars are shaped in such a way that in the carrying position the free second end is attachable to a receiving member 201 on the side of the vehicle. Preferably, the two handle bars are attachable each in a receiving member on the left and right side of the vehicle, respectively.

[0125] Preferably, the shape of the at least one handle bar is adjustable in a way to be adapted to different widths of vehicles. For example, the handle bars may comprise a first arm 204a and a second arm 204b, wherein the first arm is firmly attached to the adjustment bar at one end and to the second arm at the other end, and the second bar in attached to the said receiving member 201 at its free end in the carrying position. The length of the first arm may be adjustable in the same way as the first leg of the support member. Thereby, as can be contemplated from Fig. 17 in conjunction with Fig. 14, it is possible to account for different vehicle widths.

[0126] Advantageously, the handle bars can be used in the loading position to push the bicycle attached to the adjustment profile up in the channel of the channel member until the intermediary position is reached and then to rotate the bicycle into the carrying position, thereby further reducing the force a user has to apply. In case two handle bars are used, only one has to be actuated and the other one will follow the movement. As soon as the bicycle is in the carrying position, the handle bars can each be fastened to the respective receiving member. This confers a higher structural stability for the load carrier during driving.

[0127] As mentioned at the beginning, the load carrier may comprise several longitudinally adjustable channel members each coupled to the rotationally adjustable securing mechanism, e.g. two or three channel members. In particular the several longitudinally adjustable channel members are rotatable in respectively parallel planes. This configuration, as well as the other features mentioned at the beginning in the context of multiple channel members are also applicable with the embodiment of the load carrier according to Fig. 12 ff

[0128] The features of the fairing also apply to this preferred embodiment of the load carrier; thus, they will not be repeated. However, it shall be mentioned that the handle bars may preferably contribute to attach the fairing or the two secondary fairings laterally of the load carrier as well, additionally to the attachment ways described further above, for example attaching to the second arm 204b of the handles.

[0129] Figure 18 shows a schematic side view of a further aspect of the load carrier in the loading position and figure 19 shows a schematic side view of the unclaimed embodiment of the load carrier of Fig. 18 in the carrying position.

[0130] This aspect also relates to a load carrier for securing a load to an exterior of a vehicle. The load carrier comprises an anchoring element 30 configured to anchor to the vehicle 100, an angled support member 40a / 300 coupled to the anchoring element, a longitudinally adjustable channel member comprising a proximal and a distal end, a rotationally adjustable securing mechanism 60 coupling the adjustable channel member at a coupling position between the proximal and the distal end, preferably in the middle between the proximal and the distal end, to the support member. The rotationally adjustable securing mechanism is configured to secure the adjustable channel member in an adjustable angular fixation position relative to the support member. The rotationally adjustable securing mechanism is configured to have at least two angular positions. A first angular position corresponds to a loading position and a second angular position corresponds to a carrying position. The rotationally adjustable securing mechanism, in a non-secured state, is rotatable around a horizontal axis that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle when the load carrier is anchored to the vehicle, and a load attachment means configured to attach the load to the adjustable channel member.

[0131] In this aspect it is preferred that the support member is either embodied as described in the context of Fig. 12 of the preferred embodiment of the load carrier with a first and a second leg, and the second leg may either be fixed at a certain angle, e.g. of 90°, or embodied as an additional rotation member 300. In this aspect, the additional rotation member 300 couples the channel member 301 at a position between the proximal end and the distal end via the rotationally adjustable securing mechanism 60 as described above. This coupling position is preferably in the middle area of the channel member, where the center of gravity of the bicycle is expected to be when the load, particularly a bicycle, is loaded on the channel member. In this way, as described before with reference to the preferred embodiment of Fig. 12- 17, the torque that has to be delivered by the user when rotating the load into the carrying position is considerably smaller.

[0132] If the additional rotation member 300 is at a fixed angle with respect to the support member 40a, the bicycle is simply rotated from the loading position into the carrying position. If the additional rotation member is rotatable with respect to the support member 40a, in a first step it is rotated (arrow 150a) towards the rear direction, e.g. at an angle bl of 120°, in order to lay the distal end of the channel member on the ground for loading the bicycle. Subsequently, the channel member with the attached and fastened bicycle is rotated via the rotationally adjustable securing mechanism into an intermediary position, in which the bicycle is already oriented as in the carrying position. Finally, the rotation member 300 is rotated back to an angle b2 of e.g. 90°, which corresponds to the carrying position, as seen in Fig. 18.

[0133] The embodiments of the fairing and optionally the secondary fairings, as described above also apply for this aspect. So do the handle bars 204 and the rotatable bar 50c. The channel member may also comprise an adjustment profile 50a as described in the context of the preferred embodiment of the load carrier according to fig. 12-16.

[0134] The present invention with its main two embodiments according to fig. 1-11 and 12-17, respectively, makes it possible to load a bicycle on a load carrier in an easy way. Due to the longitudinal loading orientation the aerodynamic response of the vehicle has been found to be improved, as the load reduces low pressure and whirl effects behind the vehicle. This can even be improved if the optional fairing is used, which not only modifies the air path behind the vehicle to be rather laminar, but also protects the bicycle from rain, snow, etc. The invention offers a simpler solution (first embodiment of Fig. 1-11), which requires more effort from the user, and a more sophisticated solution, which is more comfortable with respect to loading effort.

Claims

Claims1. A load carrier (10) for securing a load (20) to an exterior of a vehicle (100), the load carrier (10) comprising:- an anchoring element (30) configured to anchor to the vehicle (100),- a rigid support member (40) coupled to the anchoring element (30),- a longitudinally adjustable channel member (50) comprising a proximal (51) and a distal end (52),- a rotationally adjustable securing mechanism (60) coupling the proximal end (51) of the adjustable channel member (50) to the support member (40), wherein the rotationally adjustable securing mechanism (60) is configured to secure the adjustable channel member (50) in an adjustable angular fixation position relative to the rigid support member (40), wherein the rotationally adjustable securing mechanism (60) is configured to have at least two angular positions (61, 62), wherein a first angular position (61) corresponds to a loading position (61) and a second angular position (62) corresponds to a carrying position (62), wherein the rotationally adjustable securing mechanism (60), in a non-secured state, is rotatable around a horizontal axis that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle (100) when the load carrier (10) is anchored to the vehicle (100),- a load attachment means (70) configured to attach the load (20) to the adjustable channel member (50).

2. The load carrier according to claim 1, wherein the load is a bicycle (20) and wherein the load carrier (10) is configured to secure the bicycle (20) to the vehicle (100) such that a longitudinal axis of the bicycle (20) is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle when the load carrier (10) is anchored to the vehicle (100) and the bicycle (20) is attached to the load carrier (10), in particular wherein the adjustable channel member (50) comprises a channel (55) wide enough to accommodate a width of wheels (25) of the bicycle (20), more particularly wherein the channel (55) of the adjustable channel member (55) is configured to accommodate at least part of the wheels (26) of thebicycle (20) when the load carrier (10) is anchored to the vehicle (100) and the bicycle (20) is attached to the load carrier (10).

3. The load carrier (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the loading position (61) has a center of mass position of the load carrier being further away, in a longitudinal direction, from the anchoring element (30) than the center of mass of the load carrier (10) in the carrying position (62), in particular wherein the adjustable channel member (50) is adjustable to a length, in the longitudinal direction, of the load (20), in particular of the bicycle (20).

4. The load carrier (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjustable angular fixation position of the rotationally adjustable securing mechanism (60) is configured to be adjustable in function of a type of the vehicle to which the load carrier (10) is anchored by the anchoring element (30) and / or in function of the length along the longitudinal direction of the load (20), in particular wherein the load carrier (10) is configured to be anchored at a backside (101) of the vehicle (100).

5. The load carrier (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the load carrier (10) comprises several longitudinally adjustable channel members each coupled to the rotationally adjustable securing mechanism, particularly the several longitudinally adjustable channel members being rotatable in respectively parallel planes, in particular wherein the rotationally adjustable securing mechanism is configured to secure each one of the several adjustable channel members, particularly in the carrying position, more particularly independently of the other adjustable channel members.

6. The load carrier according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support member has an angled shape with a first leg (40a) coupled, particularly rotationally adjustable coupled, to the anchoring element (30) and a second leg (40b) pointing upward at a coupling angle (a) with respect to the first leg,wherein the rotationally adjustable securing mechanism (60) couples the proximal end (51) of the adjustable channel member (50) to a free end of the second leg of the support member (40), particularly wherein either the first leg and the second leg are coupled to one another by means of a joint (40c) adapted to allow adjustment of the coupling angle (a), particularly between 40° and 120° and to releasably lock the second leg at a desired coupling angle (a), or the first leg and the second leg are formed in one piece at a predefined coupling angle (a) between 40° and 120°, particularly of 90°.

7. The load carrier according to claim 6, wherein the longitudinally adjustable channel member has a longitudinal channel and comprises an adjustment profile (50a) arranged in the channel, particularly a V-shaped or a U-shaped profile, particularly wherein the adjustment profile is longer than the adjustable channel member, wherein the adjustment profile is configured to be slidable back and forth (s) along the longitudinal axis of the channel member within said channel, wherein the load is secured to the adjustment profile by said attachment means (70).

8. The load carrier according to claim 7, wherein the adjustment profile and the longitudinally adjustable channel member comprise cooperating fastening elements (202, 203) for releasably fasten the adjustment profile at desired positions along the longitudinally adjustable channel member.

9. The load carrier according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the adjustment profile is slidable (s) back and forth in the channel of the channel member between the loading position (61) for receiving the load, in which loading position at least a distal end (205), as seen from the anchoring element, of the adjustment profile is configured to touch a ground (90) on which the vehicle (100) is standing, in response to an adjustment of the adjustable angular fixation position of the channel member (50) relative to the support member (40), andan intermediary position (61a), in which the load is closer to the vehicle than in the loading position, wherein a center of gravity (206) of the load in the load position is horizontally at a first distance (d) from the second leg of the support member and the center of gravity is substantially vertically above the second leg in the intermediary position.

10. The load carrier according to claim 9, wherein the first angular position (61) of the rotationally adjustable securing mechanism (60) is substantially the same in the loading position (61) and in the intermediary position (61a) of the adjustment profile, wherein, for securing the load to the vehicle, the rotationally adjustable securing mechanism (60) is rotatable (150) around the horizontal axis (h) that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle (100) starting from the intermediary position until the second angular position (62) which corresponds to the carrying position (62), and is releasably securable in the carrying position.

11. The load carrier (10) according to one of the claims 6 to 10, wherein the rotationally adjustable securing mechanism (60) comprises a rotatable, preferably horizontal, bar (50c) arranged substantially perpendicularly (h) with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, which horizontal bar is adapted to couple the free end of the second leg to the proximal end of the channel member, wherein the horizontal bar has such a length (d5) that during rotation of the load towards the carrying position at least a part of the load, in particular at least a front wheel and at least a part of a front fork of a bicycle, can pass laterally by the second leg.

12. The load carrier (10) according to one of the claims 6 to 11, wherein the section (dl) of the adjustment profile which protrudes beyond the proximal end of the channel member in the intermediary position has a maximum length which is at least 5% smaller than the length of the first leg plus the length of the anchoring element (d4).

13. The load carrier (10) according to one of the claims 6 to 12, further comprising at least one handle bar (204), in particular two handle bars, firmly attached to the adjustment profile at a first end, wherein the at least one handle bar is adapted to facilitate shifting of the adjustment profile from the loading position into the intermediary position and vice versa and rotating the adjustment profile from the intermediary position into the carrying position and vice versa, when manipulated by a user at a free second end, wherein the at least one handle bar is shaped in such a way that in the carrying position the free second end is attachable to a receiving member on the side of the vehicle, in particular wherein the two handle bars are attachable each in a receiving member on the left and right side of the vehicle, respectively, in particular wherein the shape of the at least one handle bar is adjustable in a way to be adapted to different widths of vehicles.

14. The load carrier according to one of the claims 6 to 13, wherein the first leg and / or the second leg of the support member is / are adjustable to a desired length and are arrestable at that length.

15. The load carrier (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the load carrier further comprises a fairing (120) configured to reduce a drag of the vehicle with the load carrier (10), wherein the fairing (120) is configured to cover at least part of the load (20) when the load (20) is attached to the load carrier (10) in particular when the rotationally adjustable securing mechanism (60) is in the carrying position (61), in particular wherein the fairing (120) is attached or attachable to the longitudinally adjustable channel member (50).

16. The load carrier (10) according to claim 15, wherein the fairing (120) is configured to be connected to at least three attachment points (130) on a backside (110) of the vehicle (100), in particular wherein a first attachment point (130) of said three attachment points (130) is in proximity of a roofthree attachment points (130) are located on opposite sides (106, 107) of the vehicle (100).

17. The load carrier (10) according to claim 16, further comprising at least two secondary fairings (120, 121) configured to be mounted at the second and the third attachment point (130) of the three attachment points (130) on the backside (101) of the vehicle (100), wherein the secondary fairings (120, 121) are configured to further reduce the drag of the vehicle (100) with the load carrier (10).

18. The load carrier (10) according to any of claims 15 to 17, wherein the fairing (120) has at least one selected from the group consisting of:- the fairing (120) comprises or consists of a material transparent to visible light,- the fairing (120) comprising an outer surface (122), wherein the outer surface (122) has a surface between 0.2 m2and 15 m2, in particular between 1 m2and 12 m2, more particularly between 2 m2and 8 m2,- the fairing (120) is configured to be connectable to the roof (105) of the vehicle (100),- the fairing (120) is configured to substantially extend from the backside (101) of the vehicle (100) to the longitudinally adjustable channel member (50) for at least one angular position (61, 62), in particular for the carrying position (62), of the rotationally adjustable securing mechanism (60) when the load carrier (10) is anchored to the vehicle (100), and- the fairing (120) is connected or connectable to the longitudinally adjustable channel member (50), in particular over the full length of the longitudinally adjustable channel member (50).

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