Bicycle carrier apparatus adapted for use within a cargo area of a vehicle

Abstract

A bicycle carrier apparatus for carrying a bicycle in an upright orientation within a cargo area of a vehicle such as a minivan, sport utility vehicle or pickup truck. The apparatus includes a generally U-shaped or V-shaped, elongated lower rail which is fixedly secured to a floor of a cargo area of the vehicle. An upper U-shaped or V-shaped rail is slidably disposed on the lower rail. The lower rail includes a first pair of rollers and the upper rail includes an additional pair of rollers which cooperate to enable smooth sliding movement of the upper rail along the lower rail. A mechanism disposed on the upper rail is adapted to engage the front fork of a bicycle when the front wheel is removed and the remainder of the bicycle is placed on the apparatus. The rear wheel of the bicycle fits within the upper rail so that the bicycle can be held securely in an upright position once its front fork is secured to the upper rail. Loading and unloading of the bicycle carrier apparatus can be accomplished by an individual while standing on a ground surface outside of the vehicle. Thus, there is no need for the individual to climb into the cargo area of the vehicle to accomplish loading or unloading of the bicycle. Maintaining the bicycle in an upright position also enables the most efficient use of the remaining cargo area of the vehicle. When the apparatus is not in use it forms a relatively unobtrusive structure which takes up very little cargo space so that the cargo area can be used substantially as if the apparatus were not present.