GB2563594A

GB2563594A - Releasable connector for a vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2563594A
Application number: GB1709713.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jason Roberts Shaun; Bardes Stelian-Florin; James Manktelow Philip
Original assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Current assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Priority date: 2017-06-19
Filing date: 2017-06-19
Publication date: 2018-12-26
Anticipated expiration: 2037-06-19
Also published as: GB201709713D0; GB2563594B; DE102018208797A1

Abstract

A releasable connector 10 has a shaft 110 with a threaded shaft portion for forming a connection and a splined shaft portion. A handle 130 has a first splined handle surface and is axially moveable relative to the shaft between first and second positions. In the second position the first splined handle surface is engaged with the splined shaft portion so rotation of the handle causes rotation of the shaft. The releasable connector has biasing means to bias the handle towards the first position. A cover 160 is selectively moveable to a first configuration in which the cover engages the handle to maintain the handle in the second position and inhibit rotation of the handle relative to the cover. This may be achieved by engagement between a second splined handle surface and a splined cover surface. In the first configuration the cover may prevent manual access to the handle. Also disclosed is a rack with the abovementioned connector, and said rack may be a bicycle rack or have towing connection means. Also disclosed is a vehicle connection socket comprising a threaded bore formed in a crush can and a bumper armature fixed relative to the crush can.

Description

RELEASABLE CONNECTOR FOR A VEHICLE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a releasable connector and particularly, but not exclusively, to a releasable connector for securing a rack to a vehicle. Aspects of the invention relate to a releasable connector, to a rack, to a vehicle connection socket, to connection system, and to a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

It is well known that racks may be externally fitted to vehicles in order to transport large items such as bicycles or skis. The rear bumper of some vehicles may include a tow eye socket that is typically threaded such that a tow eye may be attached thereto to tow the vehicle (e.g. to recover the vehicle).

Certain prior art racks for vehicles include a fixing mechanism that connects to the thread of the tow eye socket. Such prior art fixing mechanisms may require a bespoke wrench for attaching a bolt between the rack and the tow eye socket. Attachment, adjustment and detachment of such a rack from the vehicle will require the bespoke wrench and may present an inconvenience to the user. Further, it is known that due to vibrations caused when the car is moving, the fixing mechanism may loosen within or detach from the thread and, consequently, the rack may cause damage to the vehicle, items fitted to the rack or other road users.

It is an object of embodiments of the invention to at least mitigate one or more of the problems of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a releasable connector comprising: a shaft having a threaded shaft portion for forming a connection and a splined shaft portion; a handle having a first splined handle surface and being axially moveable relative to the shaft between a first position and a second position, wherein in at least the second position the first splined handle surface is engaged with the splined shaft portion so rotation of the handle causes rotation of the shaft; biasing means arranged to bias the handle towards the first position; and a cover being selectively moveable to a first configuration in which the cover engages the handle to maintain the handle in the second position and inhibit rotation of the handle relative to the cover.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a releasable connector comprising: a shaft having a threaded shaft portion for forming a connection and a splined shaft portion; a handle having a first splined handle surface and being axially moveable relative to the shaft between a first position and a second position, wherein in at least the second position the first splined handle surface is engaged with the splined shaft portion so rotation of the handle causes rotation of the shaft; and biasing means arranged to bias the handle towards the first position, wherein the releasable connector may optionally have a cover being selectively moveable to a first configuration in which the cover engages the handle to maintain the handle in the second position and inhibit rotation of the handle relative to the cover.

The cover may be lockable in the first configuration. This may be advantageous in that the handle cannot be rotated until the cover is unlocked, thus preventing undesired and/or unauthorised rotation of the handle.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a releasable connector as described above wherein the biasing means comprises a biasing member arranged to bias the handle towards the first position.

The handle may comprise a second splined handle surface and the cover may comprise a splined cover surface, and engagement of the second splined handle surface and the splined cover surface inhibits rotation of the handle relative to the cover when the cover is in the first configuration. Advantageously, this provides a particularly robust engagement mechanism between the cover and the handle.

The second splined handle surface may be provided on a floating gear that is moveable attached to the cover. This may be advantageous in that the floating gear may compensate for the effect of manufacturing tolerances or component misalignment on the engagement between the cover and the handle.

The cover may be configured to substantially prevent manual access to the handle when in the first configuration. This may be advantageous in that the risk of undesired and/or unauthorised access to the handle may be reduced.

The cover may be moveable between the first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the second configuration the cover does not engage the handle and rotation of the handle relative to the cover is permitted.

The releasable connector may comprise a spacer arranged on the shaft to limit an extent of engagement of the threaded shaft portion in a threaded bore. The spacer may advantageously prevent over-threading of the shaft within a socket, thus reducing the risk of damage to the threaded shaft portion or the corresponding socket. Further, abutment of the spacer with the socket may advantageously indicate to the user that the threaded shaft portion is sufficiently received in the threaded bore.

The releasable connector may comprise a bracket connected to the shaft. The shaft may be rotatable relative to the bracket. The cover may be moveably connected to the bracket. The cover may be rotationally fixed relative to the bracket when the cover is in the first configuration. This is advantageous in that the cover cannot be rotated out of engagement with the handle, thus reducing the risk that the handle is undesirably rotatable. The cover may be rotatable relative to the bracket when the cover is in the second configuration. This is advantageous in that the cover may move sufficiently clear of the handle whilst reducing the space required axially rearward of the handle.

The bracket may comprise a hinge pin configured to permit rotation of the cover relative to the bracket when the cover is in the second configuration, and prevent rotation of the cover relative to the bracket when the cover is in the first configuration.

The bracket may be connectable to or form part of a rack for receiving stowed items. The rack may be a bicycle rack for receiving one or more bicycles.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a rack including one or more of the releasable connectors described above. The rack may comprise at least one releasable connector as described above for connecting the rack to a vehicle. The rack may comprise an additional connection means for providing an additional connection to the vehicle. The rack may comprise two releasable connectors as described above. The rack may comprise connector for providing an additional connection to the vehicle.

The rack may be configured to receive one or more bicycles.

In another embodiment, the rack may comprise connection means configured for towing a towable object. The connection means may comprise a clamp, a socket, a tow eye or a tow ball.

In another embodiment, the rack may comprise a connection member configured for towing a towable object. The connection member may comprise a clamp, a socket, a tow eye or a tow ball.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle having one or more of the releasable connectors described above, or the rack described above. The vehicle may comprise a towable object.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle connection socket comprising: a crush can having a threaded bore formed therein; and a bumper armature fixed relative to the crush can and having an aperture that is axially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the threaded bore; wherein the threaded bore is configured to receive a threaded portion of a connector and the bumper armature is configured to support the connector when the connector extends through the aperture and the threaded portion is received in the threaded bore.

The bumper armature may be connected to the crush can. The crush can may be a rear crush can of a vehicle. The bumper armature may be a rear bumper armature of a vehicle.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising one or more of the vehicle connection sockets described above.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a connection system comprising the vehicle connection socket described above and a connector having a threaded portion, wherein the threaded portion is configured to be received in the threaded bore and the connector is configured to extend through the aperture when the threaded portion is received in the threaded bore.

The connector may comprise: a shaft having a splined shaft portion; a handle having a first splined handle surface and being axially moveable relative to the shaft between a first position and a second position, wherein in at least the second position the first splined handle surface is engaged with the splined shaft portion so rotation of the handle causes rotation of the shaft; biasing means arranged to bias the handle towards the first position; and a cover being selectively moveable to a first configuration in which the cover engages the handle to maintain the handle in the second position and inhibit rotation of the handle relative to the cover; wherein the threaded portion of the connector is located on the shaft.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a a vehicle connection socket as described above wherein the biasing means comprises a biasing member arranged to bias the handle towards the first position.

The cover of the connector may be lockable in the first configuration. This may be advantageous in that the handle cannot be rotated until the cover is unlocked, thus preventing undesired and/or unauthorised rotation of the handle.

The handle of the connector may comprise a second splined handle surface and the cover of the connector may comprise a splined cover surface, and engagement of the second splined handle surface and the splined cover surface inhibits rotation of the handle relative to the cover when the cover is in the first configuration. Advantageously, this provides a particularly robust engagement mechanism between the cover and the handle.

The cover of the connector may be configured to substantially prevent manual access to the handle when in the first configuration. This may be advantageous in that the risk of undesired and/or unauthorised access to the handle may be reduced.

The cover of the connector may be moveable between the first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the second configuration the cover does not engage the handle of the connector and rotation of the handle relative to the cover is permitted.

The connector may comprise a spacer arranged on the shaft to limit an extent of engagement of the threaded shaft portion in a threaded bore. The spacer may advantageously prevent over-threading of the shaft within a socket, thus reducing the risk of damage to the threaded shaft portion or the corresponding socket. Further, abutment of the spacer with the socket may advantageously indicate to the user that the threaded shaft portion is sufficiently received in the threaded bore.

The connector may comprise a bracket connected to the shaft. The shaft may be rotatable relative to the bracket. The cover may be moveably connected to the bracket. The cover may be rotationally fixed relative to the bracket when the cover is in the first configuration. This is advantageous in that the cover cannot be rotated out of engagement with the handle, thus reducing the risk that the handle is undesirably rotatable. The cover may be rotatable relative to the bracket when the cover is in the second configuration. This is advantageous in that the cover may move sufficiently clear of the handle whilst reducing the space required axially rearward of the handle.

The bracket of the connector may comprise a hinge pin configured to permit rotation of the cover relative to the bracket when the cover is in the second configuration, and prevent rotation of the cover relative to the bracket when the cover is in the first configuration.

The bracket of the connector may be connectable to or form part of a rack for receiving stowed items. The rack may be a bicycle rack for receiving one or more bicycles.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising one or more of the connection systems described above.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The application reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend and originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

Figure 1 shows a releasable connector according to an embodiment of the present invention in a pre-threaded configuration with a vehicle;

Figure 2 shows the releasable connector of Figure 1 in a threaded configuration with the vehicle;

Figure 3A shows the shaft of the releasable connector of Figure 1;

Figure 3B shows the spacer of the releasable connector of Figure 1;

Figure 3C shows a sectional partial view of the releasable connector of Figure 1;

Figure 4A shows a shaft of a releasable connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4B shows a spacer of a releasable connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4C shows a sectional partial view of a releasable connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5A shows a part-sectional view of a part of the releasable connector of Figure 1;

Figure 5B shows a sectional view of a part of the releasable connector of Figure 5A;

Figure 5C shows a sectional view of the releasable connector of Figure 5A along a plane that is perpendicular to the plane of the sectional view of Figure 5B;

Figure 6A shows a part-sectional view of a part of the releasable connector according to the second embodiment;

Figure 6B shows a sectional view of a part of the releasable connector of Figure 6A;

Figure 6C shows a sectional view of the releasable connector of Figure 6A along a plane that is perpendicular to the plane of the sectional view of Figure 6B;

Figure 7A shows a semi-transparent view of the cover and handle of the releasable connector of Figure 1;

Figure 7B shows the handle of the releasable connector of Figure 1;

Figure 7C shows an inner surface of the cover of the releasable connector of Figure 1;

Figure 8A shows a semi-transparent view of the cover and handle of the releasable connector according to the second embodiment;

Figure 8B shows the handle of the releasable connector according to the second embodiment;

Figure 8C shows an inner surface of the cover of the releasable connector according to the second embodiment;

Figure 9A shows a semi-transparent view of the releasable connector in a second configuration;

Figure 9B shows a detailed semi-transparent view of the releasable connector in an intermediate configuration;

Figure 9C shows a detailed semi-transparent view of the releasable connector in a first configuration;

Figure 10A shows a detailed semi-transparent view of the releasable connector in the first configuration;

Figure 10B shows a part of the releasable connector in the first configuration;

Figure 11A shows a detailed semi-transparent view of the releasable connector in the second configuration;

Figure 11B shows a part of the releasable connector in the second configuration;

Figure 12A shows a detailed semi-transparent view of the releasable connector in the second configuration in which the cover has been rotated relative to its position in Figure 11 A;

Figure 12B shows a detailed semi-transparent view of the releasable connector corresponding to the configuration shown in Figure 12A;

Figure 13 shows a schematic view of a rack according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 14 shows a semi-transparent schematic view of a part of a vehicle and a rack according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 15 shows a schematic view of a rack according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 16 shows a schematic view of a vehicle, a rack and a towable object according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 shows a partial view of a bicycle rack 12 configured to receive one or more bicycles, and a vehicle 14. The bicycle rack 12 includes a releasable connector 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention for releasably connecting the bicycle rack to the vehicle 14. In particular, the vehicle 14 includes at least one tow eye socket 16 that the releasable connector 10 may connect to. The tow eye socket 16 is conventionally configured to receive a tow eye so that the vehicle 14 may be towed or secured to another structure or vehicle (e.g. if loaded onto a recovery vehicle).

In Figure 1, the releasable connector 10 is shown in a pre-threaded configuration (e.g. during connection of the releasable connector 10 to the vehicle 14), wherein the releasable connector 10 is received by the tow eye socket 16 of the vehicle 14 but not yet secured therein.

The tow eye socket 16 of the vehicle 14 extends through both a bumper armature 14a (e.g. a rear bumper armature) and a crush can 14b (e.g. a rear crush can) of the vehicle 14, where the crush can 14b is fixed relative to the bumper armature 14a. Furthermore, the tow eye socket 16 includes a threaded bore 16a and the bumper armature 14a comprises an aperture that defines a bushing around a portion of the tow eye socket 16 that is not coincident with the threaded bore 16a. The aperture is axially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the threaded bore 16a such that the bumper armature 14a may support a connector that passes through the aperture and is engaged in the threaded bore 16a. The bushing may be provided by a collar 15 (as shown in the Figures) that may be formed as part of the bumper armature 14a or may be welded or otherwise fixed to the bumper armature 14a.

The releasable connector 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a shaft 110 for forming a connection with the vehicle 14. In the prethreaded configuration shown in Figure 1, the shaft 110 is received in the tow eye socket 16. As shown in more detail in Figure 3A, the shaft 110 comprises a centring portion 110b at a distal end 110a of the shaft 110, a threaded shaft portion 110c adjacent the centring portion 110b, and a cylindrical portion 110d adjacent the threaded portion 110c. The centring portion 110b is configured to axially align the threaded shaft portion 110c with the threaded bore 16a of the tow eye socket 16 when the shaft 110 is received therein. An opening 16b of the tow eye socket 16 may have a chamfered edge that may facilitate location of the centring portion 110b in the threaded bore 16a. In use, the centring portion 110b may enter the threaded bore 16a of the tow eye socket 16 prior to the threaded shaft portion 110c engaging the threaded bore 16a to axially align the threaded shaft portion 110c with the threaded bore 16a of the tow eye socket 16. This may advantageously reduce the likelihood of cross-threading and may improve the integrity of the connection made between the releasable connector 10 and the vehicle 14.

Figure 2 shows the releasable connector 10 of Figure 1 in a threaded configuration wherein the threaded shaft portion 110c is threaded in the threaded bore 16a of the tow eye socket 16.

In other embodiments, the releasable connector 10 may comprise any alternative suitable centring feature that is configured to axially align the threaded shaft portion 110c with the threaded bore 16a. For example, the threaded shaft portion 110c may comprise a self-centering thread. In another example, the shaft 110 may be substantially the same diameter as the tow eye socket 16 such that, when the shaft 110 is received by the tow eye socket 16, the shaft is substantially concentric with the tow eye socket 16.

The releasable connector 10 further comprises a spacer 120 arranged on the shaft 110 (shown in detail in Figure 3B). The spacer 120 may advantageously act to limit an extent of engagement of the threaded shaft portion 110c in the threaded bore 16a as shown in Figure 3C. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3C, the spacer 120 is fixed (e.g. welded) to a first bracket 12a of the bicycle rack 12 such that the shaft 110 may move (rotationally but not axially) relative to the spacer 120.

To form a connection, the threaded shaft portion 110c is advanced distally into the threaded bore 16a until the spacer 120 abuts the opening 16b of the tow eye socket 16 (as shown in Figure 2). Abutment between the spacer 120 and the opening 16b substantially prevents further distal movement of the threaded shaft portion 110c relative to the threaded bore 16a. Thus, the spacer 120 prevents over-threading of the shaft 110 within the tow eye socket 16 which may advantageously reduce the risk of damage to the threaded bore 16a of the tow eye socket 16 or the threaded shaft portion 110c of the shaft 110 during use. Further, abutment of the spacer 120 with the opening 16b may advantageously indicate to the user that the threaded shaft portion 110c is sufficiently received by the threaded bore 16a.

In other embodiments, the releasable connector 10 may comprise any alternative limiting feature configured to limit the extent of engagement of the threaded shaft portion 110c in the threaded bore 16a of the tow eye socket 16. For example, the shaft 110 may include a projection configured to abut with a portion of the vehicle 14.

Figure 5A and 5B show a proximal end 110g of the shaft 110 and its surrounding features. As shown in Figure 5A and 5B, the shaft 110 comprises a splined shaft portion 133 at the proximal end 110b of the shaft 110. Throughout the present specification, the term “splined” is intended to relate to any surface feature that is engageable with another surface to permit the transfer of torque therebetween, e.g. any non-circular or polygonal cross-sectional shape (i.e. in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the shaft 110). The splined shaft portion 133 of the embodiment shown in Figures 5A and 5B has an outer surface 133a that determines a hexagonal cross-sectional profile of the splined shaft portion 133. In other embodiments, the splined shaft portion 133 may comprise one or more axially extending ribs, radial projections or other surface features that may be engaged to cause rotation of the shaft 110 about its longitudinal axis. In the illustrated embodiment, the splined shaft portion 133 is a component that is affixed to the proximal end 110g of the shaft 110 during assembly. In particular, the splined shaft portion 133 has an inner surface 133b (see Figure 5B) that mates with the proximal end of the shaft 110. The splined shaft portion 133 is affixed to the shaft 110 by a spring pin 202 that is received in a transverse hole 110e of the shaft and transverse hole 113c of the splined shaft portion 133. This arrangement permits the transfer of torque between the splined shaft portion 133 and the shaft 110. In alternative embodiments, the splined shaft portion 133 may be otherwise affixed to the shaft 110 or the splined shaft portion 133 may be formed as part of the shaft 110.

The releasable connector 10 comprises a handle 130 moveably connected to the shaft 110, the handle 130 having an outer surface 130b that is shaped for facilitating manual operation of the handle 130. Figure 5A shows the handle 130 in section around the shaft 110 to aid understanding of the relationship between the handle 130 and the shaft 110. The releasable connector 10 comprises a bolt 136 for connecting the handle 130 to the shaft 110 such that the handle 130 may move axially and rotationally relative to the shaft 110 but be otherwise fixed relative thereto. The bolt 136 extends through a handle bolt bore 130d of the handle 130 and is received within a threaded bolt bore 11 Of (as shown in Figures 3A and 5B) of the shaft 110, wherein the threaded bolt bore 11 Of extends distally within the shaft 110 and from the proximal end 110g of the shaft 110.

The handle 130 comprises a first splined handle surface 130a on an inner surface of the handle 130. The handle 130 is moveable axially relative to the shaft 110 between a first position (that is shown in Figure 5A) and a second position (that is shown in Figure 9C).

In particular, the handle 130 is moveable axially in a distal direction from the first position to the second position. In at least the second position, the splined shaft portion 133 is engaged by the first splined handle surface 130a such that, in the second position, rotation of the handle 130 causes rotation of the shaft 110. As such, in the second position, the handle 130 is substantially rotationally fixed relative to the shaft 110 (with the exception of any slight but limited relative rotational movement permitted by play between surface features of the splined shaft portion 133 and the first splined handle surface 130a prior to engagement therebetween). The same rotational engagement between the splined shaft portion 133 and the first splined handle surface 130a may be possible in the first position of the handle 130. However, in alternative embodiments, the splined shaft portion 133 may not be engaged with the first splined handle surface 130a in the first position of the handle 130 and, as such, the handle may rotate relative to the shaft 110 in the first position.

The releasable connector 10 further comprises a biasing means in the form of a biasing member that is arranged to bias the handle 130 towards the first position shown in Figure 5A. In the specific but non-limiting embodiment shown in the Figures, the biasing means comprises a spring 140. The spring 140 is concentric with the bolt 136 and is located between the shaft 110 and the handle 130. The spring 140 is compressed as the handle 130 is moved distally relative to the shaft 110 towards the second position. When in the second position, the compressed spring 140 acts to urge the handle 130 proximally relative to the shaft 110, such that in the absence of any force applied by the user, the handle 130 may move back to the first position.

In other embodiments, the biasing means may comprise any suitable biasing member that biases the handle 130 towards the disengaged position, e.g. an elastic material.

In use, with the releasable connector 10 in the pre-threaded configuration shown in Figure 1, a user may apply a force to the handle 130 that is greater than a biasing force provided by the spring 140 to move the handle 130 from the first position shown in Figure 5A to the second position. When in the second position, the user may then apply torque to the handle 130 (i.e. turn the handle 130) to rotate the shaft 110 so that the threaded shaft portion 110c engages the threaded bore 16a of the tow eye socket 16 to move the releasable connector 10 towards the threaded configuration as shown in Figure 2. Thus, the handle 130 may permit a user to manually apply torque to the threaded shaft portion 110c without necessarily requiring a tool. In embodiments having rotational engagement between the splined shaft portion 133 and the first splined handle surface 130a in the first position of the handle 130, the user does not necessarily need to move the handle 130 from the first position to the second position in order to rotate the shaft 110 via the handle 130.

In the first position, a portion of the splined shaft portion 133 extends distally from within the handle 130 and is accessible by a tool. Thus, when the handle 130 is in the first position, the user may use a high torque hand tool such as a wrench (not shown) to apply torque to the splined shaft portion 133 to tighten the threaded shaft portion 110c within the threaded bore 16a and move the releasable connector 10 towards the threaded configuration. Tightening with a tool may establish a better connection between the releasable connector 10 and the vehicle 14 following hand tightening via the handle 130.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the releasable connector 10 comprises a cover 160 moveably connected to the first bracket 12a. Figures 9C and 10A show the releasable connector 10 with the cover 160 in a first configuration. In the first configuration, the cover 160 substantially encloses the handle 130 and the splined shaft portion 133 thereby preventing manual access to the handle 130 and the splined shaft portion 133.

The cover 160 comprises a rim 161 (see Figures 7A, for example) configured to form a snap-fit connection with the first bracket 12a when the cover 160 is in the first configuration. In use, a force is required to temporarily deform the cover 160 to connect or disconnect the rim 161 with the first bracket 12a. When the cover 160 is in the first configuration, abutment between a part of the cover 160 and the handle 130 causes the handle 130 to be in the second position such that the first splined handle surface 130a engages the splined shaft portion 133. The force required to temporarily deform the cover 160 to overcome the snap-fit connection of the rim 161 is greater than the force provided by the spring 140 to bias the handle 130 towards the first position. Therefore, when the cover 160 is in the first configuration, the handle 130 is maintained in the second position by the snap-fit connection between the rim 161 and the first bracket 12a.

In other embodiments, the cover 160 may be temporarily fixable to the first bracket 12a in the first configuration by any suitable fastening means or fasteners. Such fastening means or fasteners may form a temporary fixing where the force required to overcome the temporary fixing is greater than the force biasing the handle towards the first position. For example, the cover 160 may comprise a latch configured to engage a slot of the first bracket 12a, or, indeed, the first bracket 12a may comprise a latch configured to engage a slot of the cover 160, to prevent relative movement between the cover 160 and the first bracket 12a.

The handle 130 further comprises a second splined handle surface 130e at a rear end of the handle 130. As shown in Figure 7A, the cover 160 comprises a splined cover surface 160a that extends from an internal wall of the cover 160 and that is configured to mate with the second splined handle surface 130e when the cover 160 is in the first configuration. Mating of the splined cover surface 160a with the second splined handle surface 130e inhibits rotation of the handle 130 relative to the cover 160. Therefore, when the cover 160 is in the first configuration, the handle 130 is in the second position and is rotationally fixed relative to the shaft 110. Due to the engagement between the cover 160 and the handle 130, the shaft 110 is also substantially prevented from rotating relative to the cover 160 and the first bracket 12a. In such a configuration, the biasing force provided by the spring 140 maintains axial engagement between the splined cover surface 160a and the second splined handle surface 130e.

It is generally known that relative vibration between two threadedly connected parts can cause loosening of the threaded connection and possible damage to either or both of the parts. In certain embodiments of the present invention, when the cover 160 is in the first configuration, the risk that relative vibration between the vehicle 14 and the releasable connector 10 may cause the threaded shaft portion 110c to loosen or disengage from the threaded bore 16a is substantially eliminated as the shaft 110 is fixed relative to the cover 160 and first bracket 12a. This may advantageously reduce the likelihood of vibration-induced damage to the vehicle 14, the releasable connector 10 and/or the bicycle rack 12 when the bicycle rack 12 is connected to the vehicle 14 using the releasable connector 10.

The above-described advantage is realised when the cover 160 is fixed relative to the vehicle 14, for example via the first bracket 12a that the cover 160 is attached to. In certain embodiments, the cover 160 is fixed relative to the vehicle 14 by an additional releasable connector that is connected (e.g. via other components) to the cover 160. For example, in certain embodiments the bicycle rack 12 may comprise two releasable connectors 10 such that, when both of the releasable connectors 10 are received by the tow eye sockets 16 of the vehicle 14, the bracket 12a, 12b of each releasable connector 10 is rotationally fixed relative to the vehicle 14. Bicycles and other items may therefore be securely stowed and transported on the bicycle rack 12. In other embodiments, the bicycle rack 12 may comprise one releasable connecter 10 as herein described and an additional connector for attaching the bicycle rack 12 to the vehicle 14, where the additional connector may be any suitable connector for making a connection between the bicycle rack 12 and a portion of the vehicle 14 (i.e. the additional connector may not necessarily be a releasable connector 10 as described herein).

Further, when the cover 160 is in the first configuration, the cover 160 may reduce the likelihood of water or dirt interfering with the connection between the handle 130 and the splined shaft portion 133. This may advantageously reduce the likelihood of rust or deposits forming on the splined shaft portion 116 or the handle 130, and may therefore reduce maintenance costs of the releasable connector 10 and may increase the lifetime of the releasable connector 10.

With reference to Figures 9A to 9C, the cover 160 comprises locking means in the form of a lock 165 for locking the cover 160 in the first configuration. The lock 165 has a lock bolt 165a in the form of a radial protrusion and the first bracket 12a comprises a bracket piece 201 having a lock slot 155 configured to receive the lock bolt 165a when the cover 160 is in the first configuration. Figures 9A and 9B show the lock 165 in an unlocked configuration in which the lock bolt 165a is not received by the lock slot 155 and movement of the cover 160 relative to the first bracket 12a is possible. Figure 9C shows the lock 165 in the locked configuration in which the lock bolt 165a is received by the lock slot 155 and the cover 160 is secured in the first configuration and is prevented from moving relative to the first bracket 12a. The lock 165 provides further security in fixing the cover 160 in the first configuration. The lock 165 may be in addition to or instead of any snap-fit or other temporary fixing of the cover 160 to the first bracket 12a. As described above, when the cover 160 is in the first configuration, the handle 130 is in the second position, as shown in Figure 9C.

When the cover 160 is in the first configuration, the spring 140 of the handle 130 may not be fully compressed. That is to say that, as the cover 160 is moved to the first configuration, the handle 130 does not delimit the movement of the cover 160. As such, as the cover 160 is moved to the first configuration, the handle 130 cannot impair the ability of the cover 160 to reach the first configuration. This is advantageous in that manufacturing tolerances of the handle 130 and the spring 140 are less likely to affect movement of the cover 160.

The lock 165 may require a key or other tool (not shown) to operate the lock 165 between the locked configuration (shown in Figure 9C) and the unlocked configuration (shown in Figures 9A and 9B). Thus, the risk that someone other than the intended user may disconnect the releasable connector 10 from the vehicle 14 is advantageously eliminated when the cover 160 is locked to the first bracket 12a.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 9A to 9C, the lock bolt 165a is radially moveable relative to the remainder of the lock 165 and is biased to a radially outward position, as shown in Figure 9C. The radially moveable lock bolt 165a is capable of moving radially inwardly prior to snapping out to the radially outward position and being receiving in the lock slot 155. A tapered surface of the lock bolt 165a may preferentially permit movement of the lock bolt 165a from the radially outward position to the radially inward position by a camming action on the tapered surface.

In other embodiments, the lock 165 may be positioned on or form part of the first bracket 12a and the cover 160 may comprise a slot configured to receive the lock bolt 165a. In other embodiments, any suitable lock may be employed to selectively prevent movement of the cover 160 relative to the bracket 150 using a specific key or tool (e.g. locks having a rotational lock bolt). For example, the releasable connector may be configured such that a padlock may be used to lock the cover 160 to the first bracket 12a.

The cover 160 is moveable between the first configuration as shown in Figures 9C and 10A, and a second configuration as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 9A. In the specific non-limiting embodiment shown in the Figures, the snap-fit connection between the cover 160 and the first bracket 12a must be overcome to move the cover 160 between the first configuration and the second configuration.

Figure 10A shows a semi-transparent schematic view of the releasable connector 10 in which the cover 160 is in the first configuration. In the first configuration, as described above, the cover 160 is fastened to the first bracket 12a, lockable to the first bracket 12a (via the bracket piece 201), and manual access to the handle 130 and splined shaft portion 133 is substantially prevented.

Figure 11A shows a semi-transparent schematic view of the releasable connector 10 in which the cover 160 is in the second configuration. In the second configuration, the cover 160 is sufficiently spaced from the handle 130 such that the spring 140 is permitted to maintain the handle 130 in the first position. The user may access the handle 130 and the splined shaft portion 133 when the cover 160 is in the second configuration. Further, when in the second configuration, the cover 160 is rotatable about an axis 157 so as to permit rotation of the cover 160 relative to the first bracket 12a (from the position shown in Figure 11A to the position shown in Figure 12A) and provide better access to the handle 130. By permitting the cover 160 to rotate relative to the first bracket 12a, clear access to the handle 130 may be permitted without requiring substantial axial movement of the cover 160 relative to the handle 130.

Figure 9B shows the cover 160 in an intermediate configuration wherein the cover 160 is not engaging the handle 130. In the intermediate configuration, the cover 160 is not rotatable relative to the bracket 12a.

Figure 12B shows a semi-transparent schematic view of the cover 160 of the releasable connector 10 corresponding to the rotated configuration shown in Figure 12A. As shown in Figure 12B, the cover 160 comprises a pair of hinge pins 154 configured to moveably connect the cover 160 to the bracket piece 201. Each hinge pin 154 is fixed to the cover 160 by a washer 153.

As shown in Figures 10B, 11B and 12B, the cover 160 comprises, on opposite sides, guide ribs 167a and slide ribs 167b each extending from an internal surface of the cover 160. Each hinge pin 154 additionally passes through a slot 201a of the bracket piece 201 so as to connect the cover 160 to the bracket piece 201. The slide ribs 167b serve as a spacer to provide a close fit between the cover 160 (i.e. pretension) and the bracket piece 201 but permit sliding therebetween.

Figure 10B corresponds to the first configuration shown in Figure 10A. In the first configuration, the bracket piece 201 is received between the each pair of guide ribs 167a and abutment between the guide ribs 167a and the bracket piece 201 prevents rotation of the cover 160 relative to the bracket piece 201 about axis 157.

Figure 11B corresponds to the second configuration shown in Figure 11 A. In the second configuration, the hinge pins 154 are disposed at an opposite end of the slot 201a relative to their position in the first configuration (shown in Figures 10A and 10B). In this position, the bracket piece 201 is no longer received between the guide ribs 167a and so rotation of the cover 160 relative to the bracket piece 201 is permitted about axis 157. As such, the cover 160 may rotate about axis 157 to the configuration shown in Figure 12A and 12B.

The extent to which the cover 160 is axially moveable relative to the bracket piece 201 is determined by the length of the slots 201a of the bracket piece 201. Indeed, the cover 160 is in the intermediate configuration as it moves between the first configuration and the second configuration.

In some embodiments, there may be one or more hinge pins configured to connect the cover 160 to the bracket piece 12a. In other embodiments, the cover 160 may be moveably connected to the first bracket 12a by any other suitable means that selectively prevent manual access to the handle 130 and/or the splined shaft portion 133. For example, the cover 160 may be slideable and/or rotatable relative to the shaft 110 and the handle 130.

In an example use of the releasable connector 10 in which the releasable connector 10 is used to connect the bicycle rack 12 to the vehicle 14, the user may first move the releasable connector 10 to the pre-threaded configuration such that the shaft 110 is received by the tow eye socket 16. Then, the user may use the key (not shown) to move the lock 165 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration to enable movement of the cover 160 from the first configuration to the second configuration. Once in the second configuration, the cover 160 may be rotated about axis 157 to allow better access to the handle 130. Then, the user may then apply a torque to the handle 130 (i.e. rotate the handle 130 by hand) to rotate the threaded shaft portion 110c relative to the threaded bore 16a so that the releasable connector 10 moves towards the threaded configuration and forms a connection with the vehicle 14 (as noted above, the handle 130 may need to be moved axially to the second position before torque may be transferred to the shaft 110). Then, the user may release the handle 130 so as to expose a portion of the splined shaft portion 133 such that the user may apply torque via the high torque hand tool to the splined shaft portion 116 to rotate the threaded shaft portion 110c relative to the threaded bore 16a and thereby tighten the formed connection. When the releasable connector 10 is in the threaded configuration, the user may move the cover 160 from the second configuration to the first configuration and then use the key to move the lock 165 from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration, such that the releasable connector 10 is securely fixed to the vehicle 12. In this final configuration, the locked cover 160 prevents rotation of the handle 130 and, in turn, prevents rotation of the shaft 110, thereby providing a secure connection with the vehicle 14.

Figure 13 shows a schematic view of the bicycle rack 12 according to an embodiment of the present invention for receiving one or more bicycles. The bicycle rack 12 comprises two releasable connectors 10, 10’ in accordance with an embodiment of the invention for connecting the bicycle rack 12 to a vehicle.

Figure 14 shows a portion of the vehicle 14 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 14 comprises a bicycle rack 12 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention connected to the vehicle 14.

As shown in each of Figures 13 and 14, the pair of releasable connectors 10, 10’ includes the above-described releasable connector 10 and a variant 10’ of the above-described releasable connector, as indicated by a prime, according to a second embodiment. In particular, the above-described releasable connector 10 may be a so-called “fixed side” releasable connector 10 that connects to the first bracket 12a of the bicycle rack 12. The second embodiment of the releasable connector 10’ may be a so-called “compensating side” releasable connector 10’ that connects to a second bracket 12b of the bicycle rack 12. The releasable connector 10’ is largely the same as the releasable connector 10 except for the differences described below.

Figure 4A shows a shaft 110 of the releasable connector 10’. As can be seen from Figure 4A, the shaft 110 of the releasable connector 10’ is identical to the shaft 110 of the releasable connector 10 as shown in Figure 3A.

Figure 4B shows a spacer 120’ of the releasable connector 10’. The spacer 120’ is substantially identical to the spacer 120 of the releasable connector 10 as shown in Figure 3B. However, while the spacer 120 of Figure 3B is fixed (e.g. welded) to the first bracket 12a of the bicycle frame (as shown in Figure 3C), the spacer 120’ of Figure 4B is not fixed to a second bracket 12b of the bicycle frame (as shown in Figure 4C) and is free to rotate or move axially relative to the second bracket 12b. Indeed, the spacer 120’ is retained on the shaft 110 between the crush can 14b and the second bracket 12b. As is described in further detail below, this arrangement may permit compensating adjustments to be made to compensate for misalignments between the releasable connector 10’ and the vehicle 14 during connection.

Unlike the first bracket 12a that has a circular hole 13a (shown in Figure 5C) for permitting passage of the shaft 110 therethrough, the second bracket 12b has an elongate slot 13b for permitting the passage of the shaft 110 therethrough. As such, the shaft 110 may be inclined relative to the second bracket 12b to a degree determined by any misalignment between the bicycle rack 12 and the vehicle 14 and such inclination may be permitted by the elongate slot 13b. The non-fixed spacer 120’ also permits the inclination of the shaft 110 relative to the second bracket 12b. For completeness, it is noted that Figures 6A, 6B and 6C show views of parts of the releasable connector 10’ that correspond to the views shown in Figures 5A, 5B and 5C, respectively, for the releasable connector 10.

Additionally, in order to create the required engagement of the handle 130 by a cover 160’ and the handle 130 of the releasable connector 10’ to prevent rotation of the handle 130 relative to the cover 160’ when the cover 160’ is in the first configuration, the splined cover surface 160a’ of the cover 160’ is provided on a floating gear 207 so as allow for any misalignment. In particular, the floating gear 207 is connected to an inner surface of the cover 160 by a pair of rails 162. The connection between the floating gear 207 and the pair of rails 162 is such that the floating gear 207 may move along the rails 162 but not become disconnected from the rails 162.

During movement of the cover 160’ towards the first configuration, any misalignment between the splined cover surface 160a’ and the second splined handle surface 130e may be compensated for by movement of the floating gear 207 along the rails 162. Either or both of the splined cover surface 160a’ and the second splined handle surface 130e may have tapered surfaces that may provide a guiding camming action between the splined cover surface 160a’ and the second splined handle surface 130e to facilitate engagement therebetween. A bicycle rack 12 having a fixed side releasable connector 10 and a compensating side releasable connector 10’ may be used by first connecting the fixed side releasable connector 10 to the vehicle 14 and then connecting the compensating side releasable connector 10’ to the vehicle 14, where the above-described features will permit a connection to be made in spite of misalignment between the bicycle rack 12 and the vehicle 14.

In certain embodiments, the releasable connector may connect to any socket configured to receive the releasable connector. For example, a vehicle may comprise a specific socket for receiving the releasable connector instead of or in addition to a tow eye socket.

In certain aspects of the invention, there may be provided any suitable rack or other structure that comprises one or more of the releasable connectors 10, 10’ described herein for forming a connection with a vehicle. Whilst the above described embodiments are primarily in relation to a bicycle rack 12, in accordance with other aspects of the invention other racks and structures for receiving stowed items may be provided that comprise the features of the bicycle rack 12 described above. Such alternative racks and structures may include (but are not necessarily limited to) ski racks, storage boxes, and stowage platforms.

In certain embodiments, there may be provided a connection means 200 comprising one or more of the releasable connectors 10, 10’ described herein for forming a connection with a vehicle. Figure 15 shows a schematic side view of the connection means 200 comprising the releasable connector 10’ described above. The connection means 200 may be configured for attaching a towing rope, cable or bar suitable for towing a towable object 300 such as a vehicle. For example, the connection means may comprise a connection member such as a clamp, a socket, a tow eye or a tow ball. Figure 16 shows a schematic side view of the vehicle 14 comprising the releasable connector 10’, and the connection means 200 connected to the towable object 300. In certain embodiments, the towable object 300 may comprise a trailer having wheels.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed. The claims should not be construed to cover merely the foregoing embodiments, but also any embodiments which fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A releasable connector comprising: a shaft having a threaded shaft portion for forming a connection and a splined shaft portion; a handle having a first splined handle surface and being axially moveable relative to the shaft between a first position and a second position, wherein in at least the second position the first splined handle surface is engaged with the splined shaft portion so rotation of the handle causes rotation of the shaft; biasing means arranged to bias the handle towards the first position; and a cover being selectively moveable to a first configuration in which the cover engages the handle to maintain the handle in the second position and inhibit rotation of the handle relative to the cover.

2. The releasable connector of claim 1, wherein the cover is lockable in the first configuration.

3. The releasable connector of claim 1 or 2, wherein the handle comprises a second splined handle surface and the cover comprises a splined cover surface, and engagement of the second splined handle surface and the splined cover surface inhibits rotation of the handle relative to the cover when the cover is in the first configuration.

4. The releasable connector of claim 3, wherein the second splined surface is provided on a floating gear that is moveably attached to the cover.

5. The releasable connector of any preceding claim, wherein the cover is configured to substantially prevent manual access to the handle when in the first configuration.

6. The releasable connector of any preceding claim, wherein the cover is moveable between the first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the second configuration the cover does not engage the handle and rotation of the handle relative to the cover is permitted.

7. The releasable connector of any preceding claim, comprising a spacer arranged on the shaft to limit an extent of engagement of the threaded shaft portion in a threaded bore.

8. The releasable connector of any preceding claim, comprising a bracket connected to the shaft.

9. The releasable connector of claim 8, wherein the shaft is rotatable relative to the bracket.

10. The releasable connector of claim 8 or 9, wherein the cover is moveably connected to the bracket.

11. The releasable connector of claim 10, wherein the cover is rotationally fixed relative to the bracket when the cover is in the first configuration.

12. The releasable connector of claim 10 or 11, wherein the cover is rotatable relative to the bracket when the cover is in the second configuration.

13. The releasable connector of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the bracket comprises a hinge pin configured to permit rotation of the cover relative to the bracket when the cover is in the second configuration, and prevent rotation of the cover relative to the bracket when the cover is in the first configuration.

14. The releasable connector of any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the bracket is connectable to or forms part of a rack for receiving stowed items.

15. The releasable connector of claim 14, wherein the rack is a bicycle rack for receiving one or more bicycles.

16. A rack including one or more of the releasable connectors of any preceding claim.

17. The rack of claim 16 comprising at least one releasable connector of any of claims 1 to 15 for connecting the rack to a vehicle, and comprising additional connection means for providing an additional connection to the vehicle.

18. The rack of claim 16 comprising two releasable connectors of any of claims 1 to 15.

19. The rack of any of claims 16 to 18, wherein the rack is configured to receive one or more bicycles.

20. The rack of any of claims 16 to 19, wherein the rack comprises connection means configured for towing a towable object.

21. The rack of claim 20, wherein the connection means comprises a clamp, a socket, a tow eye or a tow ball.

22. A vehicle having one or more releasable connectors of any of claims 1 to 15, or the rack of any of claims 16 to 21.

23. The vehicle of claim 22, when dependent on claim 20, further comprising a towable object.

24. A vehicle connection socket comprising: a crush can having a threaded bore formed therein; and a bumper armature fixed relative to the crush can and having an aperture that is axially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the threaded bore; wherein the threaded bore is configured to receive a threaded portion of a connector and the bumper armature is configured to support the connector when the connector extends through the aperture and the threaded portion is received in the threaded bore.

25. The vehicle connection socket of claim 24, wherein the bumper armature is connected to the crush can.

26. The vehicle connection socket of claim 24 or 25, wherein the crush can is a rear crush can of a vehicle.

27. The vehicle connection socket of any of claim 24 to 26, wherein the bumper armature is a rear bumper armature of a vehicle.

28. A connection system comprising the vehicle connection socket of any of claims 24 to 27 and a connector having a threaded portion, wherein the threaded portion is configured to be received in the threaded bore and the connector is configured to extend through the aperture when the threaded portion is received in the threaded bore.

29. The connection system of claim 28, wherein the connector comprises: a shaft having a splined shaft portion; a handle having a first splined handle surface and being axially moveable relative to the shaft between a first position and a second position, wherein in at least the second position the first splined handle surface is engaged with the splined shaft portion so rotation of the handle causes rotation of the shaft; biasing means arranged to bias the handle towards the first position; and a cover being selectively moveable to a first configuration in which the cover engages the handle to maintain the handle in the second position and inhibit rotation of the handle relative to the cover; wherein the threaded portion of the connector is located on the shaft.

30. The connection system of claim 29, wherein the cover of the connector is lockable in the first configuration.

31. The connection system of claim 29 or 30, wherein the handle of the connector comprises a second splined handle surface and the cover of the connector comprises a splined cover surface, and engagement of the second splined handle surface and the splined cover surface inhibits rotation of the handle relative to the cover when the cover is in the first configuration.

32. The connection system of claim 31, wherein the second splined surface is provided on a floating gear that is moveably attached to the cover.

33. The connection system of any one of claims 29 to 32, wherein the cover of the connector is configured to substantially prevent manual access to the handle of the connector when in the first configuration.

34. The connection system of any one of claims 29 to 33, wherein the cover of the connector is moveable between the first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the second configuration the cover does not engage the handle of the connector and rotation of the handle relative to the cover is permitted.

35. The connection system of any one of claims 29 to 34, wherein the connector comprises a spacer arranged on the shaft to limit an extent of engagement of the threaded shaft portion in a threaded bore.

36. The connection system of any one of claims 29 to 35, wherein the connector comprises a bracket connected to the shaft.

37. The connection system of claim 36, wherein the shaft is rotatable relative to the bracket.

38. The connection system of claim 36 or 37, wherein the cover is moveably connected to the bracket.

39. The connection system of claim 38, wherein the cover is rotationally fixed relative to the bracket when the cover is in the first configuration.

40. The connection system of claim 38 or 39, wherein the cover is rotatable relative to the bracket when the cover is in the second configuration.

41. The connection system of any one of claims 38 to 40, wherein the bracket comprises a hinge pin configured to permit rotation of the cover relative to the bracket when the cover is in the second configuration, and prevent rotation of the cover relative to the bracket when the cover is in the first configuration.

42. The connection system of any one of claims 36 to 41, wherein the bracket is connectable to or forms part of a rack for receiving stowed items.

43. The connection system of claim 42, wherein the rack is a bicycle rack for receiving one or more bicycles.

44. A vehicle comprising one or more of the vehicle connection sockets of any of claims 24 to 27.

45. A vehicle comprising one or more of the connection systems of claims 28 to 43.