GB2529230A

GB2529230A - A carrier system for securing a load to a vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2529230A
Application number: GB1414452.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Mcbride
Original assignee: MCB 4 BUSINESS Ltd
Current assignee: MCB 4 BUSINESS Ltd
Priority date: 2014-08-14
Filing date: 2014-08-14
Publication date: 2016-02-17
Anticipated expiration: 2034-08-14
Also published as: GB201414452D0; GB2529230B

Abstract

The system comprises a weight bearing portion 3 configured to be attached to an upper part of the rear of the vehicle e.g. a window 33 and hold the load such that the load hangs from the weight bearing portion. The base of the weight bearing portion may comprise a plurality of suction pads 16 suitable for attachment to a vehicle while the distal end of the weight bearing portion may comprise a plurality of receiving sections 9 configured to receive and lock a load into position. The load may be further supported by a plurality of upper and lower straps (13, 20, see figure 1) with hooks 19 and 21 at their distal ends to secure to the vehicle. A cushion portion 25 may be included with the invention to protect the rear of the vehicle from the load. Furthermore the invention may have a luggage container configured for use in the system described herein.

Description

TITLE

A Carrier System for Securing a Load to a Vehicle

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a carrier system for securing a load to vehicle. In particular they relate to a carrier system for securing a load such as a bike or luggage container to the rear of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Apparatus for securing loads to vehicles are known. For instance roof racks which may be attached to the roof of a vehicle may be configured to carry luggage containers or bikes or any other type of load. Other types of racks may be attached to the rear of a vehicle and used to support the load.

Typically such apparatus are bulky. When not in use the apparatus require a significant amount of storage space.

Therefore it is advantageous to provide a system for securing such loads to vehicles which enables the loads to be securely fixed to the vehicle but which is not bulky and will not require a large amount of storage space when not in use.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there may be provided a carrier system for securing a load to a vehicle wherein the system comprises: a weight bearing portion configured to be attached to an upper part of the rear of the vehicle and hold the load such that the load hangs from the weight bearing portion.

In some examples the weight bearing portion may be configured to be releasably attached to the upper part of the rear of the vehicle. The weight bearing portion may comprise suction pads configured to enable the weight bearing portion to be releasably attached to a rear of a vehicle.

In some examples the weight bearing portion may comprise at least one receiving section which is sized and shaped so as to receive a portion of the load. The weight bearing portion may comprise a plurality of receiving sections configured to receive the same load. The weight bearing portion may comprise a plurality of receiving sections configured to receive different loads.

The weight bearing portion may comprise means for locking the load into the receiving section. The receiving sections may be mounted on a bar. The bar may be extendable.

In some examples the weight bearing portion may comprise straps which are configured to couple the weight bearing portion to the upper part of the vehicle so that the straps bear at least some of the weight of the load.

In some examples the system may further comprise a fixing portion configured to secure the load to a lower part of the rear of the vehicle to restrict movement of the load relative to the vehicle. The fixing portion may comprise a strap which is configured to be attached to a lower part of the rear of a vehicle. In some examples the fixing portion and the weight bearing portion may be separate components which are configured to be connected by the load in use.

In some examples the system may further comprise at least one cushioning portion configured to be attached to the load to protect the rear of the vehicle from the load.

In some examples the load may comprise a bike. In some examples the load may comprise a luggage container.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there may be provided a weight bearing portion for use in a system as described above.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there may be provided a fixing portion for use in a system as described above.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there may be provided a cushioning portion for use in a system as described above.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there may be provided a luggage container configured for use in a system as described above.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there are provided examples as claimed in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

For a better understanding of various examples that are useful for understanding the detailed description, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 illustrates an example carrier system; Fig. 2 illustrates part of an example system attached to a vehicle; and Fig. 3 illustrates an example carrier system in use to secure a bike to a vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Figures illustrate a carrier system 1 for securing a load to a vehicle wherein the system 1 comprises: a weight bearing portion 3 configured to be attached to an upper part of the rear of the vehicle and hold the load such that the load hangs from the weight bearing portion 3; and a fixing portion 5 configured to secure the load to a lower part of the rear of the vehicle to restrict movement of the load relative to the vehicle.

The example carrier systems 1 of the embodiments of the invention provide means for securing a load such as a bike or luggage container to a vehicle.

The example carrier systems 1 are light weight so that when not in use the carrier systems 1 may be easily stowed away. The vehicle may be a car, a caravan, a van or any other suitable type of vehicle.

Fig. I illustrates an example carrier system 1. The carrier system I comprises a weight bearing portion 3, a fixing portion 5 and a cushioning portion 7. The components of the carrier system 1 may be provided as separate components which may be configured to be connected by the load when in use.

The weight bearing portion 3 may comprise any means which may be configured to hold a load such that the load hangs from the weight bearing portion 3. In some examples the weight bearing portion 3 may be configured to hold the load so that the load is suspended from the weight bearing portion 3. In some examples the load may be suspended from the weight bearing portion 3 without support.

The weight bearing portion 3 may be configured to be attached to the rear of a vehicle. The weight bearing portion 3 may be configured to be attached to an upper portion of the rear of a vehicle. The weight bearing portion 3 may be configured to be attached to the rear of a vehicle so that when a load is attached to the weight bearing portion 3 the load is not in contact with the ground.

In the example of Fig. 1 the weight bearing portion 3 comprises a plurality of receiving sections 9, a bar 11, a plurality of straps 13 and a plurality of attachment portions 15.

The receiving sections 9 may comprise any means which may be configured to receive a portion of the load. The receiving sections 9 may be sized and shaped so as to receive a portion of the load. The receiving sections 9 may be sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of a portion of the load.

This may enable a portion of the load to be held securely in the receiving portion 9.

In the example of Fig. 1 the receiving sections 9 are configured to receive the handlebars of a bike. The receiving section 9 comprises a U-shaped portion into which the handle bars may be received. It is to be appreciated that the receiving section 9 may have different shapes in other embodiments of the invention. For instance, in other examples the receiving sections 9 may be configured to receive different parts of a load. Where the carrier system 1 is for use with a luggage container the receiving section 9 may be sized and shaped to receive a handle or other portion of the luggage container.

The receiving sections 9 may be formed from a rigid material such as plastic or any other suitable material. The receiving sections 9 may be formed from a light weight material to ensure that the weight of the carrier system 1 is low.

In the example of Fig. 1 each of the plurality of receiving sections 9 may be configured to receive different parts of the same load. In the example of Fig. 1 two receiving sections 9 are provided. Each of the receiving sections 9 may be configure to receive one side of the handlebars of a bike. In some examples a plurality of receiving sections 9 may be configured to receive different loads. For instance a first receiving section 9 may be configured to hold a first luggage container and a second receiving section 9 may be configured to receive a second luggage container.

In other examples a different number of receiving sections 9 may be provided.

For instance four receiving sections 9 may be provided to enable two bikes to be held on the weight bearing portion 3.

In some examples the carrier system 1 may comprise means for locking the load into the receiving sections. In some examples the locking portion may comprise a strap or other cord which may extend over the load and the receiving section 9 to ensure that he load cannot be moved out of the receiving section 9. This may help to hold the load securely in place and restrict movement of the load. This may also prevent theft of the loads attached to the rear of a vehicle.

In the example of Fig. 1 the receiving sections 9 are mounted on a bar 11. In the example of Fig. 1 the receiving sections 9 comprise an aperture 12. The bar 11 is arranged to extend through the aperture 12. Aperture 12 is provided underneath the U-shaped portions 10 of the receiving sections 9. This may enable, at least some of, the weight of the load to be supported by the bar 11.

The bar 11 may comprise a rigid or substantially rigid member. The bar 11 may be made of a rigid lightweight material such as aluminium or any other

suitable material.

In some examples the bar 11 may be extendible. In some examples the bar 11 may comprise telescopic portions. The telescopic portions may be configured to slide into one another so that the length of the bar 11 can be adjusted as necessary. This may enable the carrier system 1 to be used with different sized loads and/or vehicles. This may also enable the weight bearing portion 3 to be compressed when not in use which may make the carrier system 1 easier to store.

The receiving sections 9 may be mounted on the bar so that the receiving sections 9 can be moved along the bar. This may enable the relative positions of the receiving sections 9 to be adjusted to make it suitable for use with different loads. This may enable the same carrier system 1 to be used with different sized and/or shaped loads.

The bar 11 comprises attachment portions 15. In the example of Fig. 1 two attachment portions 15 are provided. In the example of Fig. 1 an attachment portion 15 is provided at either end of the bar 11. In other examples a different number and/or arrangement of attachment portions 15 may be used.

For instance, if the bar 11 is extended to its full length a third attachment portion 15 may be provided in around the midpoint of the bar 11. This may help to prevent bending or other deformation of the bar 11.

The attachment portions 15 may comprise any means which may enable the weight bearing portion 3 to be attached to a vehicle. The attachment portions 15 may enable the weight bearing portion 3 to be releasably attached to a vehicle. The weight bearing portion 3 may be releasably attached to the rear of the vehicle so that the weight bearing portion 3 can be easily removed by a user when the system is not in use. The attachment portion 15 may comprise pads. In the example of Fig. 1 the attachment portion 15 comprises suction pads 16. The suction pads may enable the weight bearing portion 3 to be attached to the rear of the vehicle and released from the rear of the vehicle without requiring any additional tools. This may make the carrier system 1 easier for a user to use. It is to be appreciated that other types of attachment portions 15 may be used in other embodiments of the invention. For example sponge pads could be used instead of suction pads 16.

In the example of Fig 1 a support member 17 is provided between the attachment portion 15 and the bar 11. The support member 17 is provided to extend perpendicularly to the bar 11. In the example of Fig. 1 a support member 17 is provided at either end of the bar 11. In other examples a different number and/or arrangement of support members 17 may be used. In the example of Fig. 1 the suction pads 16 are provided at the ends of the support members 17.

The support members 17 may be configured so that when the carrier system 1 is attached to the rear of a vehicle a space is provided between the bar 11 and the rear window of the vehicle. In some examples the support members 17 may be configured to ensure that when the carrier system 1 is attached to the rear of a vehicle a space is provided between the bar 11 and the load.

This may allow the windscreen wipers to be used even when a load is secured to the rear of a vehicle.

The weight bearing portion 3 also comprises a plurality of straps 13. The straps 13 may comprise any means which may be configured to couple the weight bearing portion 3 to the upper part of a vehicle so that, in use, the straps 13 bear at least some of the weight of the load.

In the example of Fig. 1 the straps 13 are attached to the receiving sections 9.

In the example of Fig. 1 a strap 13 may be attached to each of the receiving sections 9. In other examples the straps 13 may be attached to the bar 11 or any other suitable part of the weight bearing portion 3.

The straps 13 may be attached to the receiving sections 9 so that if the strap 13 fails the load is still held in position. In the example of Fig. 1 the tension straps 13 are attached above the midpoint of the U-shaped portion 10 of the receiving section 9.

The straps 13 may comprise means which may enable them to be attached to the upper part of a vehicle. In the example of Fig. 1 the tension straps 13 comprise hooks 19. The hooks may be configured to be hooked over the edge of a door of a vehicle to secure the straps 13 to the rear of a vehicle. It is to be appreciated that other means for attachment may be used in other embodiments of the invention.

The straps 13 may be adjustable so that the length of the straps 13 may be extended or reduced as needed. This may enable the carrier system 1 to be used with different vehicles and with the system 1 in different positions on the rear of a vehicle.

The fixing portion 5 may comprise any means which may be configured to secure the load to a lower part of the rear of the vehicle to restrict movement of the load relative to the vehicle. In the example of Fig. 1 the fixing portion 5 may comprise a strap 20. The strap 20 may be configured to extend around the load or a portion of the load and tie the load to a lower part of the rear of the vehicle. This may prevent the load from moving relative to the weight bearing portion 3 and the rear of the vehicle.

In the example of Fig. 1 the strap 20 may comprise means which may enable the strap 20 to be attached to the rear of a vehicle. In the example of Fig. 1 the strap 20 comprises a hook 21. The hook 21 may be configured to be hooked over the edge of a door of a vehicle to secure the strap 20 to the rear of a vehicle. It is to be appreciated that other means for attachment may be used in other embodiments of the invention.

The strap 20 may be adjustable so that the length of the strap 20 may be extended or reduced as needed. This may enable the fixing portion 5 to be used with different vehicles and with the system 1 in different positions on the rear of a vehicle.

The example carrier system 1 also comprises a cushioning portion. The cushioning portion 7 may comprise any means which may be configured to be attached to a load to protect the rear of the vehicle from the load.

In the example of Fig. 1 the cushioning portion 7 is configured for use with a bike. It is to be appreciated that other cushioning portions may be provided for use with different types of load.

The cushioning portion 7 comprises means for attaching the cushioning portion 7 to the load. In the example of Fig. 1 this comprises a clip 23 which may be configured to be attached to the saddle or seat post of a bike. It is to be appreciated that other means may be used in other embodiments of the invention.

The cushioning portion 7 also comprises a soft portion 25. The cushioning portion 7 may be configured so that in use the soft portion 25 is provided adjacent to the rear of the vehicle. In use the soft portion 25 may contact the rear of the vehicle. The soft portion 25 may comprise sponge or any other

suitable material.

The cushioning portion 7 may be configured to spread the weight of the load which may be resting on the rear of vehicle during use. The cushioning portion 7 may also be configured to protect the rear of the vehicle from scratches or other damage which may be caused by the load.

The example carrier system 1 comprises a plurality of different components.

In some examples the plurality of components may be provided as separate components. In such cases each component may be physically disconnected from the other components of the carrier system 1 until the carrier system 1 is used to secure a load to the vehicle.

In other examples one or more of the components may be connected together. For example the fixing portion and the cushioning portion may be provided as a single component.

The example carrier system 1 of Fig. 1 comprises one weight bearing portion 3, one fixing portion 5 and one cushioning portion 7. It is to be appreciated that in other examples other numbers of components may be provided in other examples. For instance more than one fixing portion 5 may be provided. This may enable more than one load to be secured using the system.

Fig. 2 illustrates a weight bearing portion 3 attached to the rear of a vehicle 31. In the example of Fig. 2 the weight bearing portion 3 is ready to receive a load. The weight bearing portion 3 may be as described above in relation to Fig. 1 and so corresponding reference numerals are used for corresponding features.

In the example of Fig. 2 the suction pads 16 are attached to rear window 33 of the vehicle 31. The suction pads 16 are attached to an upper part of the rear window 33. It is to be appreciated that the suction pads 16 may be positioned at any appropriate height on the rear of the vehicle 31 so that the load does not touch the floor when the load is added to the weight bearing portion 3.

In the example of Fig. 2 the suction pads are placed on the rear window 33 so that the bar 11 is positioned horizontally with respect to the rear of the vehicle 31. The receiving sections 9 are arranged on the bar 11 so that the U-shaped portion 10 face upwards to receive the handle bars of a bike or any other suitable part of a load.

The straps 13 extend upwards from the receiving section 9. The straps may be attached the rear door of the vehicle 31 or any other suitable part of the vehicle. The straps 13 are arranged to bear at least some of the weight of a load when a load is positioned in the weight bearing portion 3.

Fig. 3 illustrates an example carrier system 1 securing a bike 41 to a vehicle 31. The carrier system 1 may be as described above in relation to Figs. 1 and 2 and so corresponding reference numerals are used for corresponding features.

In the example of Fig. 3 the weight bearing portion 3 is attached to the rear window 33 of the vehicle 31 as described above with relation to Fig. 2. In Fig. 3 the load has been secured in position. In the example of fig. 3 the load comprises a bike 41. The handlebars 43 of the bike 41 are placed in the receiving sections 9 of the weight bearing portion 3. The handlebars 43 are positioned horizontally within the weight bearing portion 3 so that the bike 41 is secured vertically on the rear of the vehicle 31.

The straps 13 are attached to the vehicle 31. The length of the straps 13 may be adjusted to ensure that they are taut.

The cushioning portion 7 is clipped to the saddle 45 so that the saddle does not rub against the rear of the vehicle 31. This may protect both the saddle and the rear of the vehicle 41 from damage.

The fixing portion 5 is fastened around the seat post of the bike 41. The fixing portion 5 is secured under the edge of the rear door of the vehicle 31. It is to be appreciated that in other examples the fixing portion 5 could be attached to other parts of the vehicle 31.

The fixing portion 5 may be adjusted to ensure that the strap 20 is pulled taut.

The fixing portion 5 may be adjusted to apply tension to the straps 13 of the weight bearing portion 3. The bike 41 may couple the components of the carrier system 1 together. The bike 41 may couple the weight bearing portion 3 and the fixing portion 5 together so that applying tension to the strap 20 of the fixing portion 5 provides a tensile force to the straps 13 of the weight bearing portion 13. Similarly, applying tension to the straps 13 of the weight bearing portion 13 provides a tensile force to the strap 20 of the fixing portion 5.

The fixing portion 5 holds the bike 41 in position relative to the rear of the vehicle. The fixing portion 5 may hold the lower portion of the load in position and prevent rotation of the load about the axis of the bar 11. The fixing portion may also prevent lateral movement of the load about the rear of the vehicle 31.

In the example of Fig. 3 the load which is attached to the vehicle 31 comprises a bike 41. It is to be appreciated that in other examples more than one bike may be attached to the vehicle 41. For instance two bikes may be located on the same weight bearing portion 3 side by side.

In other examples the load may comprise a luggage container or other type of load. The luggage container may be configured to be suitable for attachment to the receiving section 9 and/or fixing portion 5.

The embodiments of the invention provide a carrier system 1 which can be used to secure loads to a vehicle 31.

The system comprises separate components which, in use, are linked together by the load. This means that when the system 1 is not in use the separate components are small and light weight and can be easily stored. In some examples the components of the carrier system 1 may be stored in the vehicle 31 when not in use without taking up too much space in the vehicle 31.

The carrier system 1 is versatile as the various components may be arranged in any suitable configuration. This may enable the same carrier system 1 to be used to secure different types of loads. For instance the same carrier system 1 may be used to secure a bike and a luggage container or any other bulky objects such as skis, snow boards, surfboards or any other suitable load.

The carrier system 1 also provides advantages over current systems such as roof racks as it is easier to lift the load onto the weight bearing portion 3 than it is to lift the load onto the roof of the vehicle 31. Also as the load is provided on the rear of the vehicle 31 rather than the roof this may be more efficient for transporting the load.

The carrier system 1 may comprise a plurality of different components which may be coupled together by the load. The components may be provided independently of each other, for instance, they may be sold separately. This may enable different components of a system 1 to be interchanged to secure different loads to the rear of a vehicle 31.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed.

For example, in the embodiments described above the receiving sections 9 are attached to a bar 11. In some examples the receiving sections 9 may be provided as separate components. Each of the receiving sections may comprise attachment means 15 which enables them to be attached to the rear of a vehicle. Such embodiments may have the advantages that the system is even smaller and more lightweight making it easier to store or transport when not in use. It may also allow a greater degree of freedom in relation to the positioning to the receiving sections 9. This may enable the system 1 to be used with a wider variety of vehicles and/or loads.

In the above described examples the fixing portion 5 comprises one or more straps 13. In other examples the fixing portion 5 may comprise rigid rods instead of, or in addition to, the straps 13. The rigid rods may be adjustable to enable the load to be fixed to the rear of the vehicle.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

I/we claim:

Claims

CLAIMS1. A carrier system for securing a load to a vehicle wherein the system comprises: a weight bearing portion configured to be attached to an upper part of the rear of the vehicle and hold the load such that the load hangs from the weight bearing portion.
2. A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the weight bearing portion is configured to be releasably attached to the upper part of the rear of the vehicle.
3. A system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the weight bearing portion comprises suction pads configured to enable the weight bearing portion to be releasably attached to a rear of a vehicle.
4. A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the weight bearing portion comprises at least one receiving section which is sized and shaped so as to receive a portion of the load.
5. A system as claimed in claim 4 wherein the weight bearing portion comprises a plurality of receiving sections configured to receive the same load.
6. A system as claimed in any of claims 4 to 5 wherein the weight bearing portion comprises a plurality of receiving sections configured to receive different loads.
7. A system as claimed in any of claims 4 to 6 wherein the weight bearing portion comprises means for locking the load into the receiving section.
8. A system as claimed in any of claims 4 to 7 wherein the receiving sections are mounted on a bar.
9. A system as claimed in claim 8 wherein the bar is extendable.
10. A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the weight bearing portion comprises straps which are configured to couple the weight bearing portion to the upper part of the vehicle so that the straps bear at least some of the weight of the load.
11. A system as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a fixing portion configured to secure the load to a lower part of the rear of the vehicle to restrict movement of the load relative to the vehicle.
12. A system as claimed in claim 11 wherein the fixing portion comprises a strap which is configured to be attached to a lower part of the rear of a vehicle.
13. A system as claimed in any of claims 11 to 12 wherein the fixing portion and the weight bearing portion are separate components which are configured to be connected by the load in use.
14. A system as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising at least one cushioning portion configured to be attached to the load to protect the rear of the vehicle from the load.
15. A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the load comprises a bike.
16. A system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 15 wherein the load comprises a luggage container.
17. A weight bearing portion for use in a system as claimed in any of claims ito 16.
18. A fixing portion for use in a system as claimed in any of claims ito 16.
19. A cushioning portion for use in a system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 16.
20. A luggage container configured for use in a system as claimed in any ofclaimsitoi6.
21. A system as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.