MOTORIZED RACK FOR A VEHICLE

Abstract

The present disclosure provides for a motorized rack having at least one motor, a plurality of attachment mechanisms, and lift mechanism coupled to the at least one motor. The motorized rack may be coupled to the back of a vehicle, provide for a mechanism to attach items, such as a bicycle, to the motorized rack, and will have at least one motor to raise and lower the attached items.

Claims

1. A vehicle rack comprising: a first platform having a first end and a second end; a first securement mechanism and a second securement mechanism coupled to the first platform; a locking arm coupled to the first end of the first platform; a rack arm coupled to the first platform; a stanchion positioned between the first platform and the vehicle, wherein the stanchion is configured to raise and lower the first platform.

2. The vehicle rack of claim 1 further comprising a second platform.

3. The vehicle rack of claim 2 wherein the second platform comprises first end, a second end, a first securement mechanism, a second securement mechanism, and a locking arm coupled to the second platform.

4. The vehicle rack of claim 2 wherein the second platform is positioned at an offset angle about an x-axis in relation to the first platform.

5. The vehicle rack of claim 1 wherein the first securement mechanism is a wheel well.

6. The vehicle rack of claim 1 wherein the second securement mechanism is a wheel securement strap.

7. The vehicle rack of claim 1 further comprising a motor operably coupled to the stanchion to allow the stanchion to raise and lower a position of the first platform.

8. A vehicle rack comprising: a first platform having a first end and a second end, wherein a first securement mechanism and a second securement mechanism is coupled to the first platform; a second platform having a first end and a second end, wherein a first securement mechanism and a second securement mechanism is coupled to the second platform a first locking arm coupled to the first end of the first platform: a second locking arm coupled to the first end of the second platform; a rack arm coupled to the first platform and the second platform; a stanchion positioned between the first platform and the vehicle, wherein the stanchion is configured to raise and lower the first platform and the second platform.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of bicycles attached to an embodiment of the present invention and resting upon a ground level.

[0043] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of bicycles attached to an embodiment of the present invention and resting upon an elevated level.

[0044] FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up view of a wheel securement mechanism of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 4A illustrates a side view of bicycles attached being lifted from a ground level to an elevated level.

[0046] FIG. 4B illustrates a side view of bicycles attached being lifted from a ground level to an elevated level.

[0047] FIG. 4C illustrates a side view of bicycles attached being lifted from a ground level to an elevated level.

[0048] FIG. 4D illustrates a side view of bicycles attached being lifted from a ground level to an elevated level.

[0049] FIG. 4E illustrates a side view of bicycles attached being lifted from a ground level to an elevated level.

[0050] FIG. 4F illustrates a side view of bicycles being lifted from a ground level to an elevated level.

[0051] FIG. 5 illustrates a close-up view of a yoke support mechanism of the present invention.

[0052] FIG. 6 illustrates a close-up view of a rear tire support mechanism.

[0053] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention with one bicycle thereon.

[0054] FIG. 8 illustrates another perspective view of the second embodiment of the present invention with two bicycles thereon.

[0055] FIG. 9 illustrates a rear view of the second embodiment of the present invention with two bicycles thereon.

[0056] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the second embodiment of the present application in a folded or stowaway configuration.

[0057] FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of the second embodiment of the present application in a folded or stowaway configuration.

[0058] FIG. 12 illustrates a bicycle interaction between the tires of a bicycle and the second embodiment of the present application.

[0059] FIG. 13 illustrates a second view of a bicycle interaction between the tires of a bicycle and the second embodiment of the present application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0060] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified with the same reference numerals.

[0061] Reference will now be made in detail to each embodiment of the present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto.

[0062] Described herein is a rack system to be utilized with at least one vehicle 102. The vehicle 102 may be virtually any motorized or non-motorized vehicle 102 capable of transporting occupants and/or cargo. For illustrative purposes, the vehicle 102 here is reflected as a sport utility vehicle (SUV). Further shown are bicycles 104, a rack 106, at least one motor 108, a hitch 110, a memory 112, and a processor 114. The rack 106 is preferably coupled to the vehicle 102 via the hitch 110 of the vehicle 102. In some embodiments, the rack 106 may be attached directly to a frame or other portion of the vehicle.

[0063] The present application may further refer to apparatus or bicycles 104 that may be held by the rack 106. Virtually any item capable of transport may be secured or utilized within the purview of the present application. Further, as it relates to bicycles 104, virtually any bicycle may be used including road bicycles, racing bicycles, mountain bicycles, etc.

[0064] The rack 106 generally comprises the features shown in FIGS. 3 and 5-6 as described below. More generally, the rack 106 has at least one motor 108 operable to raising and lowering the rack 106 and a memory 112 and processor 114. Such features allow for the rack 106 to be programmed or work with external programs (such as a mobile application) for controlling of the rack 106. Such components are preferably retained within a housing of the rack 106 to protect the components from the elements and general wear and tear. Here, as shown, the bicycles 104 are positioned on a ground level or a lowered position. The embodiments of the present invention are intended to raise the bicycles 104 or other apparatus to be transported via the rack 106 for safe transport and storage.

[0065] The rack 106 may be configured to allow a bicycle 104 to remain flat on the ground in a lowered position and substantially clear and free of the ground in an elevated position to avoid contact with a road or ground surface during transport.

[0066] The rack may provide additional functionality such a storage compartments and charging capabilities for electric bicycles (e-bikes) and other electric based apparatus. Such a rack may have an onboard power source (generator, battery, etc.) or may draw power from the vehicle's battery to which vehicle the rack is connected.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 2, there is a vehicle 102, a bicycle 104, and a rack 106. Here, the bicycles 104 are positioned in an elevated position or storage position ready to be transported. Further description of the mechanisms of action of the rack 106 will be described herein.

[0068] More specifically, FIG. 3, illustrates a front wheel well 302, a first lifting mechanism 304, a second lifting mechanism 306, a rack arm 308, a front wheel 310, and a yoke 312. Shown here in FIG. 3 is a close-up view of the structures involved with coupling bicycles 104 to the rack 106.

[0069] In use, a user will want to guide the front wheel 310 of the bicycle 104 to the front wheel well 302. The front wheel well 302 forms a basket-like receptacle that is shaped to allow the front wheel 310 of the bicycle 104 to reside therein. Once properly positioned, a securement mechanism, such as a strap (not shown) may be used to secure the front wheel 310 in the front wheel well 302.

[0070] Coupled to a lower end (when in a lowered position) of the front wheel well 302 is the yoke 312. The yoke 312 is further described and shown in FIG. 5. The yoke 312 is positioned and sized to “catch” the frame of the bicycle 104 as the bicycle 104 rotates about front wheel 310 as it is raised from the lowered position to an elevated position. The yoke 312 may be configured to rotate automatically as the rack 106 is raised or lowered or may be manually manipulated as desired.

[0071] To raise and lower the rack 106 are at least a first lifting mechanism 304 and a second lifting mechanism 306. Such lifting mechanisms may be embodied as hydraulic arms. The position and length of the first lifting mechanism 304 and the second lifting mechanism 306 are such that the overall position of bicycles 104 coupled to the rack 106 will be staggered as shown in FIG. 2. The lifting mechanisms cause the bicycles 104 to ultimately reside at differing heights and positions to thereby not interfere with the positions of one another. The first lifting mechanisms 304 and the second lifting mechanism 306 are operably coupled to at least one motor 108. As the motor 108 is activated, causing the bicycles 104 to be raised by the rack 106, a progression of the same is shown in the following drawings.

[0072] FIGS. 4A-4F illustrate a progression of the bicycles 104 being lifted from a ground or resting position to an elevated position. As shown, the bicycles 104 begin to raise upwards about the front wheel as the lifting arms raise. As further shown in FIGS. 4C-4D, as the bicycles 104 begin their move to a substantially vertical position from a horizontal position, the bicycles 104 are impacted by the yoke 312 as shown in FIG. 3. In FIG. 4F, the progression is complete and any final adjustments and/or securements may be made to prepare the bicycles 104 for transport and/or storage.

[0073] FIG. 5 illustrates a close-up image of the structures of the rack 106 once the bicycles 104 are in an elevated position as shown in at least FIG. 2. Shown here is at least a front wheel well 302, a first lifting mechanism 304, a second lifting mechanism 306, a yoke 312, an attachment mechanism 502, a first prong 504, and a second prong 506.

[0074] Once the front wheel 310 is paired with the front wheel well 302 and retained by the attachment mechanism, the front wheel 310 is intended to be secured and “locked” into position. However, the frame of the bicycle 104 may remain freer relative to the front wheel 310.

[0075] A yoke 312 comprising of a first prong 504 and a second prong 506 is therefore utilized to stabilize a frame of the bicycle 104. The yoke 312 as previously described may automatically rotate into place as needed during the lifting process or may be manually manipulated into position. The “v” shape formed by the yoke 312 and its prongs allows the yoke 312 to engage a frame of the bicycle 104 to further reduce movement of the bicycle 104 during transport and storage. The first lifting mechanism 304 and the second lifting mechanism 306 further aid in the position securing structures of the rack 106.

[0076] Referring now to FIG. 6, shown is at least bicycles 104, a first lifting mechanism 304, a second lifting mechanism 306, a rack arm 308, a yoke 312, rear wheel 604, and a rear wheel well 602. Once the bicycles 104 are in an elevated position as shown in at least FIGS. 2 and 5, the lower end of the bicycles 104 take the appearance of that of FIG. 6.

[0077] The rear wheel 604 is shown to align with the rear wheel well 602. The rear wheel well 602 is positioned along a length of the rack 106 such that the rear wheel well 602 may be adjusted along the length to accommodate bicycles 104 of various proportions. An additional strap (not shown) or another securement mechanism may be necessary to further couple the rear wheel 604 to the rear wheel well 602. For example, if a bump in a road is hit it could cause the bicycles 104 to “jump” out of position or rotate is some manner about the front wheel axis. By strapping or “locking” the rear wheel 604 into the rear wheel well 602 such movement can be prevented.

[0078] The alternate embodiment shown here in FIGS. 7-14 comprises at least a rack arm 308, a first platform 702, a second platform 704, a stanchion 706, a securement mechanism 708, and an at least one electrical receptacle 710.

[0079] As shown in FIGS. 7-9 bicycles 104 are coupled to the rack 708 and the rack may then, in turn, be coupled to a vehicle 102. As previously described the rack 708 may be coupled to a trailer hitch 110 of the vehicle. Shown generally is the rack 708 from differing views as well as with differing number of bicycles 104 positioned thereon. From the rear view, as shown in FIG. 9, it is apparent how the first platform 702 and second platform 704 are at differing angles relative to one another. This forms an “X” configuration between the platforms. The main advantage is this that “X” configuration allows for multiple bicycles to be positioned such that the handlebars and other structural elements of the bicycles to not impact or damage one another. In general, the first platform 702 and the second platform 704 of the rack 708 may be substantially the same as one another or different depending on the intended end use case.

[0080] To load one or more bicycles on the rack 708, one begins as shown in FIG. 7. The rack 708 is placed into a lowered position as shown. The rack in a raised, transport position is alternatively shown in FIG. 9. When the rack 708 is in a lowered position, one approaches a second end 710 of the respective platform allowing the platform to thereby act as a ramp to assist loading a bicycle 104 thereon. Due to the configuration of the platforms, the second end of each the respective platforms are on opposing sides of the rack 708 from one another.

[0081] As one moves the bicycle 104 “up” the length of the platform, the front tire 712 will encounter a wheel well 1204 or cut out in the platform which is configured to receive the front tire 1202 therein.

[0082] This wheel well 1204 is a cutout or void in the platform surface. The generally diamond shape of the wheel well 1204 allows for tires of various shapes and sizes to be supported by the wheel well 1204. Ultimately, in order to stabilize the bike while applying the front arm, the front wheel drops into a diamond-shaped wheel well 1204 that can hold both small and large diameter tires as well as narrow and fat tires.

[0083] Once the front tire 1202 is positioned in the wheel well 1204, a user can engage the locking arm 1206 The locking arm 1206 is rotatably coupled to the first end of the platform. The locking arm 1206 preferably comprises a pivot having a one-way ratchet that locks the front tire 1202 in place when the locking arm 1206 is fully engaged with the front tire 1202. A separate release button allows the locking arm 1206 to open or release the front tire 1202 when desired by the user.

[0084] To accommodate tires with differing diameters, the locking arm 1206 has an adjustable bracket 1208 affixed to the locking arm 1206 that can be positioned up and down (relative to its position along a length of the locking arm 1206) for optimal fit. For example, a user may pull up (towards a top of the locking arm 1206) to cause the bracket coupling the adjustable bracket 1208 to the locking arm 1206 to slide along a length of the locking arm 1206 thereby changing a position at which an apex of the locking arm 1206 engages with a front tire 1202. The adjustable bracket 1208, like the locking arm 1206, may have a locking mechanism and a release thereby preventing the adjustable bracket 1208 from moving during transport of the bicycle 104 or during other undesired times (e.g. being bumped or brushed by an external force).

[0085] Once the front tire 1202 is secured by the locking arm 1206 and/or adjustable bracket 1208, the back tire 1210 may be positioned and secured to the respective platform via a rear wheel strap 1212. The rear wheel strap 1212 may be permanently affixed at one end to the platform and releasably coupled to the platform at another end. This allows for the rear wheel strap 1212 to selectively release the rear tire 1210 from the respective platform. In at least one embodiment, the rear wheel strap 1212 uses a Velcro® fastener to secure a position of the rear wheel strap 1212. In other embodiments, more substantial and resilient mechanisms may be used such as ratchet mechanisms. The rear wheel strap 1212 is to be sized and shaped such that it fits between the spokes of the rear tire 1210 to secure a position of the rear tire 1210 to the respective platform.

[0086] The first platform 702 and the second platform 704 are further coupled to the vehicle by a rack arm 308. The rack arm 308 as shown may comprise multiple arms or a singular arm. The rack arms 308 preferably attach to an underside of the platforms such that the presence of the rack arms 308 does not impede or intrude upon a position of the apparatus disposed on an upper surface of the platforms. The rack arm 380 is configured to be coupled to the stanchion 706. The stanchion is located between the first platform 702 and the vehicle 102 and contains a linear actuator. The rack arm 308 provides support to the platforms and the stanchion 706 serves to primarily house the movement mechanisms which allow the rack 708 to be lowered (see FIG. 7) and raised (see FIG. 9). The rack 708 when raised up for transport by means of a linear actuator located within the stanchion 706 preferably provides for a minimum road clearance of 20″ which is necessary for the rack 708 to clear any steep inclines in the road topography. In some embodiments, raising and lowering of the rack 708 may be controlled a remote module such as a dedicated remote control or a mobile device operating a mobile application thereon.

[0087] Further, the rack 708 is capable of being mechanically locked in the up or raised position to mitigate any actuator malfunction during transport. In another embodiment, the rack 708 also has an accelerometer that would lock-out or prevent operation of the remote control, if any, during transport of the bicycles 104 on the rack 708. Further safety features may also include a mechanical safety lock that will prevent accidental lowering of the actuator during transport or failure of the actuator. This mechanical safety lock will also lock-out the remote controller from accidental operation.

[0088] If the rack 708 is not intended to be used, the rack 708 may be placed in a storage position as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. A separate motor (apart from motor or linear actuator in stanchion) may drive the platforms to this storage position. In at least one embodiment, the rack 708 may be capable of being tilted away from the vehicle (when in transport or storage position) to allow access to the hatch of the vehicle.

[0089] Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.