Vehicle carrier system

摘要

A carrier that mounts to a vehicle. In some embodiments, the carrier may include a pair of arms to support a bicycle. Each arm may include one or more securing devices each including a strap to contact a frame region of a bicycle and a pair of buckles to fasten the strap over the frame region. In some embodiments, the carrier may include a mount for a vehicle hitch. The mount may include a pair of user-actuated coupling members, such as a wedge member and a retractable retainer, each configured to attach the mount to the hitch. One of the coupling members (e.g., the retainer) may serve as a backup for the other coupling member to improve safety. In some embodiments, the carrier may include a mast that is releasable for backward pivotal motion away from the vehicle.

主权项

1. A carrier mountable to a vehicle that includes a hitch having an open end and defining a transverse aperture, comprising:
a first portion insertable as a unit into the open end of the hitch and including a retainer and a wedge member that are configured to separately connect the first portion to the hitch, the retainer having a retracted configuration that permits travel of the first portion into the hitch and an extended configuration in which the retainer is configured to project into the transverse aperture to prevent removal of the inserted first portion from the hitch, wherein the wedge member is configured to engage an inside surface of the hitch to attach the first portion to the hitch; and a second portion configured to remain outside the hitch when the retainer is disposed in the transverse aperture and including a first actuating member manipulable to place the retainer in the retracted configuration and a second actuating member manipulable to adjustably engage the hitch with the wedge member.