The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 31, 2004
Filed:
Dec. 18, 2002
Michael Ford, Ypsilanti, MI (US);
Noah Barlow Mass, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Noel Ranka, Canton, MI (US);
Travis Steven Garland, Dearborn, MI (US);
Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Dearborn, MI (US);
Abstract
An apparatus to assist an operator in loading a bicycle onto a substantially vertical bicycle rack attached to an automotive vehicle, includes a base that attaches to the upper portion of the bicycle rack, and a substantially U-shaped hook, having one end that pivots at its base end and having another end that engages the inner rim portion of bicycle wheel when the bicycle is lifted into the proximity of the upper portion of the bicycle rack. The present apparatus and method of loading of a bicycle assists an operator in loading a bicycle by fully supporting the weight of the bicycle while the operator positions and secures the bicycle to the bicycle rack for transport.