AU2018100605A4 - System for Securing a Motorcycle or Bicycle - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to systems for securing a motorcycle or bicycle having a front tire and a rear tire, especially to a vehicle for transportation. The present invention also relates to methods of fastening the system to the vehicle. The system may comprise a rack for the front tire comprising a tire positioner for positioning the front tire, and at least one fastener attachment for attaching a fastener to hold the motorcycle or bicycle in position. The system may also comprise a rack for the rear tire comprising a tire positioner for positioning the rear tire. The rack for the front tire may comprise a tire engager for engaging the front tire, wherein the tire engager is located relative to the tire positioner. ii hi I0- -- - - - 'Al ri 1 I llt rri II Iif I i

Description

The present invention relates to systems for securing a motorcycle or bicycle having a front tire and a rear tire, especially to a vehicle for transportation. The present invention also relates to methods of fastening the system to the vehicle. The system may comprise a rack for the front tire comprising a tire positioner for positioning the front tire, and at least one fastener attachment for attaching a fastener to hold the motorcycle or bicycle in position. The system may also comprise a rack for the rear tire comprising a tire positioner for positioning the rear tire. The rack for the front tire may comprise a tire engager for engaging the front tire, wherein the tire engager is located relative to the tire positioner.

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2018100605 10 May 2018

SYSTEM FOR SECURING A MOTORCYCLE OR BICYCLE

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to systems for securing a motorcycle or bicycle, especially to a vehicle for transportation. The present invention also relates to methods of fastening the system to the vehicle.

BACKGROUND ART [0002] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

[0003] An increasing number of people are riding motorcycles for recreation or racing in competition. Many such motorcycles are ridden primarily for off-road recreation or racing and are not licensed or licensable for highway use. Typical areas suitable for off-road motorcycling are generally remote from cities or towns, as local town planning and zoning will typically allocate and approve motocross tracks in low population areas on the outskirts of town. As such, the use of motorcycles for off-road recreation or racing purposes generally requires the transport of the motorcycle from where it is stored.

[0004] Similarly, bicycle riders frequently need to transport their bicycles to a destination before use. Mountain bicycle riders, for example, often wish to use mountain bicycle trails which are typically located remote to, or on the outskirts of population centres.

[0005] While bicycles can be transported on the roof of a vehicle, or on a bicycle rack positioned at the rear of a vehicle, motorcycles cannot be transported in such ways. As a result, the use of a utility or van to transport a motorcycle or motorcycles is the most popular option. When the motorcycle(s) are positioned in such vehicles it is desirable to position them in an upright position to minimise the space occupied by the motorcycle(s) and to minimise damage to the motorcycle(s) during transport.

[0006] Various apparatuses have been developed to transport such motorcycle(s) in an upright position. For example, the Bed Buddy (sold by CCR Sport, California USA) includes a rack for positioning three motorcycles. The rack is intended to be positioned on the front wall of a utility or pick-up tray, directly beneath the rear window of the cabin, and includes three channels for positioning three front motorcycle tires.

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2018100605 10 May 2018 [0007] A similar arrangement is described in US2008/0050212, which describes a motorcycle hauling stabiliser which receives and secures the front wheel of a motorcycle. The stabiliser has a flange to wrap over the front truck bed wall, and includes a horizontally arranged series of hooks to provide anchors for tie down straps. The stabiliser also includes vertical wheel stabilisers which extend into a pickup truck’s bed from the front vertical face of the tray. The front motorcycle tire is located between the wheel stabilisers when the motorcycle hauling stabiliser is in use.

[0008] However, the arrangements described above (the Bed Buddy and US2008/0050212) rely upon strapping applied between the rack and the motorcycle(s) to hold the motorcycle(s) in position. These arrangements may also permit lateral movement of the rear wheel of the motorcycle(s) which may destabilise the weight in the tray during transport.

[0009] US2011/0284603 describes an apparatus for securing a plurality of motorbikes in a truck bed without the need for straps. The apparatus includes a frame positioned on the front wall of a truck bed (the headwall). The frame includes an anchoring device slidably attached to the frame, which is pivotally attached to the frame for adjusting its height. The anchoring device may comprise a clamping mechanism for securing the forks of the motorbike to the frame. However, this arrangement may permit lateral movement of the rear wheel of the motorcycle(s) which may destabilise the weight in the tray during transport.

[0010] US5,259,711 describes a tie-down apparatus having an elongated track which is positioned on a supporting structure, such as the top of the side wall of a truck bed. A car is slideably positioned on the track. The car includes an elongated shank which terminates in a ring. Strapping may be tied to the ring to secure cargo within the truck bed, such as a motorcycle. However, this apparatus may allow lateral movement of the front and rear wheels of the motorcycle during transport.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0011] The present invention is directed to a system for securing a motorcycle or bicycle which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0012] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a system for securing a motorcycle or bicycle, especially to a vehicle for transportation.

[0013] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a system for securing a motorcycle or

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2018100605 10 May 2018 bicycle having a front tire and a rear tire, the system comprising:

A rack for the front tire comprising a tire positioner for positioning the front tire, and at least one fastener attachment for attaching a fastener to hold the motorcycle or bicycle in position; and

A rack for the rear tire comprising a tire positioner for positioning the rear tire.

[0014] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the rack for the front tire comprises a tire engager for engaging the front tire, wherein the tire engager is located relative to the tire positioner. In a further embodiment of the first aspect, when two of said racks for the front tire abut each other they form a tire positioner for positioning the front tire of a further motorcycle or bicycle. In another embodiment of the first aspect, when two of said racks for the rear tire abut each other they form a tire positioner for positioning the rear tire of a further motorcycle or bicycle.

[0015] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a system for securing a motorcycle or bicycle having a front tire, the system comprising:

A rack for the front tire comprising:

a tire positioner for positioning the front tire;

a tire engager for engaging the front tire, wherein the tire engager is located relative to the tire positioner; and at least one fastener attachment for attaching a fastener to hold the motorcycle or bicycle in position.

[0016] In one embodiment of the second aspect, the motorcycle or bicycle has a rear tire and the system further comprises a rack for the rear tire comprising a tire positioner for positioning the rear tire. In a further embodiment of the second aspect, when two of said racks for the front tire abut each other they form a tire positioner for positioning the front tire of a further motorcycle or bicycle. In another embodiment of the second aspect, when two of said racks for the rear tire abut each other they form a tire positioner for positioning the rear tire of a further motorcycle or bicycle.

[0017] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a system for securing a motorcycle or bicycle having two tires, the system comprising:

A rack for one of said tires comprising:

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2018100605 10 May 2018 a tire positioner for positioning the front tire; and at least one fastener attachment for attaching a fastener to hold the motorcycle or bicycle in position;

wherein when two of said racks abut each other they form a tire positioner for positioning the tire of a further motorcycle or bicycle.

[0018] The system may be for securing a motorcycle or a bicycle having a front and/or a rear tire. The rack may be for the front or the rear tire. In one embodiment of the third aspect, the rack is for the front tire and comprises a tire engager for engaging the front tire, wherein the tire engager is located relative to the tire positioner. In one embodiment of the third aspect, the rack is for the rear tire and further comprises a tire positioner for positioning the rear tire. In another embodiment of the third aspect, the rack is for the front tire, and the system further comprises a rack for the rear tire comprising a tire positioner for positioning the rear tire.

[0019] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a system for securing a motorcycle or bicycle having a rear tire, the system comprising a rack for the rear tire comprising a tire positioner for positioning the rear tire.

[0020] The system may be for securing a motorcycle or a bicycle having a front and a rear tire. In one embodiment of the fourth aspect, the system further comprises a rack for the front tire comprising a tire positioner for positioning the front tire, and at least one fastener attachment for attaching a fastener to hold the motorcycle or bicycle in position. Features of the fourth aspect of the present invention may be as described for the first aspect.

[0021] Features of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention may be as described below.

[0022] The rack for the front tire or front rack may comprise at least one tire positioner for positioning the front tire. In some embodiments, the front rack comprises one, two or three tire positioners for positioning the front tire of one, two or three bicycles or motorcycles. Said bicycles or motorcycles may be positioned parallel or substantially parallel to each other.

[0023] In one embodiment when two of said front racks abut each other they form a tire positioner for positioning the tire of a further motorcycle or bicycle. Therefore, a front rack may comprise one and a half tire positioners (or one tire positioner and a portion of a second tire positioner). The half tire positioner (or portion of a tire positioner) may be positioned at an end side wall of the front rack. The tire positioners may be positioned in a straight line. The tire positioners may be from 200 mm to 400 mm apart, especially from 300 mm to 350 mm apart,

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2018100605 10 May 2018 more especially about 325 mm apart.

[0024] Advantageously, a front rack which comprises one and a half tire positioners (or one and a portion of a tire positioner) allows a user to install one or two racks, depending upon their requirements. If only one tire positioner is needed, then it is not necessary for a user to install two racks and space in the tray of a vehicle can be conserved. Also, two front racks which each comprises one and a half tire positioners (or one and a portion of a tire positioner) would be less expensive to produce and easier to ship and package than a single front rack which comprises three tire positioners. However, two front racks may be sold together as a pair.

[0025] In one embodiment, the tire positioner (especially the sidewalls of the tire positioner) is configured to extend along the lateral side walls of the motorcycle or bicycle tire when the motorcycle or bicycle tire is in position. In one embodiment the tire positioner defines a channel or trough configured to accommodate the front tire. The tire positioner may be substantially “U” shaped. The tire positioner may be configured to be positioned beneath or to the front of the front tire when a motorcycle or bicycle is secured to the rack. Advantageously, the tire positioner may position the front tire in the correct orientation for transport.

[0026] The tire positioner may comprise a base, a mouth opposite the base and two side walls extending from the base to the mouth. The tire positioner may be of suitable dimensions for accommodating a motorcycle or bicycle tire. The side walls of the tire positioner may extend outwardly from the base. The base may be from 100 to 130 mm wide, especially from 110 to 120 mm wide, more especially about 114.5 mm or 115 mm wide. The mouth of the tire positioner may be from 110 mm to 140 mm wide, especially from 120 mm to 130 mm wide, more especially about 125 mm wide. The side walls may extend vertically from 45 mm to 75 mm, especially from 55 mm to 65 mm, more especially about 60 mm. The base of the tire positioner may be positioned about 15 mm from the base of the front rack.

[0027] The front rack may further comprise a tire engager for engaging the front tire. The tire engager may be located relative to the tire positioner. The tire engager may be located within the tire positioner. The tire engager may be a projection within the tire positioner for holding the front tire in position, especially by friction. The tire engager may be located on both side walls of the tire positioner. Advantageously once the front tire is engaged, the tire engager may be able to hold a motorcycle in an upright position before strapping is used to secure the motorcycle.

[0028] The tire engager may comprise a tire engaging member, especially two opposed tire engaging members. The or each tire engaging member may extend from the base of the tire positioner along a side wall of the tire positioner. The or each tire engaging member may be

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2018100605 10 May 2018 substantially “L” shaped. The or each tire engaging member may comprise an extended portion, which especially extends from the base to the mouth of the tire positioner. The or each tire engaging member may comprise a shoulder portion which extends from the base to a position intermediate the base and the mouth of the tire positioner. The shoulder portion and the extended portion may abut each other.

[0029] The distance between two opposed tire engaging members may be from 30 mm to 70 mm at the base of the tire positioner (especially at the base of the shoulder portion), especially from 40 mm to 60 mm, more especially about 50 mm. The shoulder portion may extend from 15 mm to 35 mm from the base of the tire positioner (toward the mouth), especially from 20 mm to 30 mm from the base of the tire positioner, more especially about 25 mm from the base of the tire positioner.

[0030] The shoulder portion may comprise a corner, especially a substantially perpendicular corner. The corner may be beveled. The distance between two opposed tire engaging members may be from 30 mm to 75 mm at the base of the comer (the portion of the corner proximal to the base of the tire positioner), especially from 40 mm to 65 mm, more especially from 45 mm to 60 mm or about 53 mm at the base of the corner. The distance between two opposed tire engaging members may be from 50 mm to 90 mm at the top of the corner (the portion of the comer distal to the base of the tire positioner), especially from 60 mm to 80 mm, more especially about 70 mm at the top of the corner. The shoulder portion may extend laterally from the corner to the extended portion.

[0031] The distance between two opposed tire engaging members may be from 65 mm to 105 mm apart at the extended portion, where the extended portion abuts the shoulder portion, especially from 75 mm to 95 mm apart, more especially about 86mm apart. The distance between two opposed tire engaging members may be from 70 mm to 115 mm apart at the mouth of the tire positioner, especially from 80 mm to 105 mm apart, more especially from 90 to 95 mm apart at the mouth of the tire positioner. The extended portion may extend substantially parallel to a tire positioner side wall.

[0032] The or each tire engaging member may be from 10 mm to 35 mm wide, especially from 15 mm to 30 mm wide, more especially from 17 mm to 24 mm wide. The or each tire engaging member may be wider at the base of the tire positioner than towards the mouth.

[0033] Advantageously, the tire engager may assist to hold the front tire in position and to prevent rotational movement of the front tire. The tire engager may be configured to hold the front tire in position by virtue of friction.

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2018100605 10 May 2018 [0034] The front rack may further comprise at least one fastener attachment for attaching a fastener to hold the motorcycle or bicycle in position. The fastener attachment may be of any suitable shape for securing a portion of a fastener, such as the end of a fastener. The fastener may be strapping, ratchet straps or the like (especially for securing to the handlebars or forks of a motorcycle or bicycle). The fastener attachment may be a substantially circular projection extending from the front rack. The fastener attachment may be substantially recessed into the front rack. The fastener attachment may comprise a bar portion, especially which extends between two side walls of the front rack, and a recess. The recess may be in the form of a trough. The recess may be to allow the fastener to be attached to the bar portion. The bar portion may be located on the same side of the front rack as the mouth of the tire positioner.

[0035] The bar portion may define a cylinder. The cylinder may be from 15 to 25 mm in diameter, especially about 20 mm.

[0036] The front rack may comprise any number of fastener attachments. In one embodiment, the front rack comprises 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 fastener attachments, especially from 1 to 6, or from 2 to 5, or from 3 to 5 fastener attachments. The front rack may comprise 4 fastener attachments. The front rack may comprise two fastener attachments positioned either side of the tire positioner.

[0037] The front rack may be integrally molded with the tray floor or side wall of a utility vehicle or pickup truck. However, in one embodiment the front rack preferably may be fixable to the tray or side wall of a utility vehicle, pickup truck, van or trailer. The front rack may be a bracket.

[0038] The front rack may comprise at least one vehicular attachment point, especially two vehicular attachment points. Each vehicular attachment point may provide a site at which the front rack may be fixable to a vehicle. In one embodiment each vehicular attachment point comprises a channel through the front rack. The channel may comprise a ledge for the head of a bolt. The channel may be wider at the mouth of the channel than at the base (the mouth of the channel may be on the same side of the front rack as the mouth of the tire positioner). The channel may be for accommodating a fastener (such as a bolt) for attaching the front rack to the vehicle. The vehicular attachment point may be for accommodating a bolt, such as an X-nut or a Plusnut (which allows fastening to the vehicle without requiring access to both sides of a vehicle tray for example).

[0039] The front rack may be from 55 mm to 95 mm wide, especially from 65 mm to 85 mm wide, more especially about 75 mm wide. The front rack may be from 55 mm to 95 mm high, especially from 65 mm to 85 mm high, more especially about 75 mm high. The front rack may

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2018100605 10 May 2018 be from 700 mm to 800 mm long, especially about 750 mm long.

[0040] The front rack may be made of any suitable material and be made in any suitable way. In one embodiment, the front rack is made from one or more of plastics (such as nylon), composites, fiberglass, glass and Teflon. In another embodiment, the front rack is made from a composite of glass and Teflon, or from a composite of glass and nylon. The front rack may be injection molded.

[0041] The front rack may be substantially hollow. The front rack may comprise internal ribbing to reinforce the front rack.

[0042] A user may position the front rack in any suitable location. For example, if the system is to be installed in the tray of a utility vehicle or pickup truck, then the front rack may be positioned towards the front of the tray, closest to the cabin. Similarly, if the front rack is to be installed in a van, then it may be positioned towards the front of the van. Alternatively, if the system is to be installed in a trailer, then the front rack may be installed towards the front or towards the drawbar of the trailer. The front rack may be positioned on the floor or on a side wall (especially the front side wall) of, for example, the tray of a utility vehicle or pickup truck, or a trailer or a van.

[0043] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a rack for a rear tire of a motorcycle or bicycle, the rack comprising a tire positioner for positioning the rear tire. The rack comprising a tire positioner for positioning the rear tire may be referred to as a rear rack.

[0044] Advantageously, the use of a rack for the rear tire comprising a tire positioner for positioning the rear tire may prevent lateral movement of the rear tire during transport, which may assist in keeping the front and rear wheels in a straight line to thereby maintain a stable load and restrict movement of the motorcycle or bicycle.

[0045] The rear rack may comprise at least one tire positioner for positioning the rear tire. In some embodiments, the rear rack comprises two or three tire positioners for positioning the rear tire of two or three bicycles or motorcycles. Said bicycles or motorcycles may be positioned parallel or substantially parallel to each other.

[0046] In one embodiment when two of said rear racks abut each other they form a tire positioner for positioning the tire of a further motorcycle or bicycle. Therefore, a rear rack may comprise one and a half tire positioners (or one tire positioner and a portion of a second tire positioner). The half tire positioner (or portion of a tire positioner) may be positioned at an end side wall of the rear rack. The tire positioners may be positioned in a straight line. The tire positioners may be from 200 mm to 400 mm apart, especially from 300 mm to 350 mm apart,

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2018100605 10 May 2018 more especially about 310 mm apart.

[0047] Advantageously, a rear rack which comprises one and a half tire positioners (or one and a portion of a tire positioner) allows a user to install one or two racks, depending upon their requirements. If only one tire positioner is needed, then it is not necessary for a user to install two rear racks and space in the tray of a vehicle can be conserved. Also, two rear racks which each comprises one and a half tire positioners (or one and a portion of a tire positioner) would be less expensive to produce and easier to ship and package than a single rear rack which comprises three tire positioners. However, two rear racks may be sold together as a pair.

[0048] In one embodiment, the tire positioner (especially the sidewalls of the tire positioner) is configured to extend along the lateral side walls of the motorcycle or bicycle tire when the motorcycle or bicycle tire is in position. In one embodiment the tire positioner defines a channel or trough configured to accommodate the rear tire. The tire positioner may be substantially “U” shaped. The tire positioner may be configured to be positioned beneath the rear tire when a motorcycle or bicycle is secured to the rack. Advantageously, the tire positioner may position the rear tire in the correct orientation for transport.

[0049] The rear rack tire positioner may comprise a base, a mouth opposite the base and two side walls extending from the base to the mouth. The tire positioner may be of suitable dimensions for accommodating a motorcycle or bicycle tire. The side walls of the tire positioner may extend outwardly from the base. The base of the rear rack tire positioner may be wider than the base of the front rack tire positioner. This may be advantageous, as it may be intended to be possible to wheel the motorcycle or bicycle through the rear rack tire positioner.

[0050] The base may be from 80 to 120 mm wide, especially from 90 to 110 mm wide, more especially about 102 mm wide. The mouth of the tire positioner may be from 120 mm to 160 mm wide, especially from 130 mm to 150 mm wide, more especially about 140 mm wide. The side walls may extend vertically from 45 mm to 75 mm, especially from 55 mm to 65 mm, more especially about 60 mm. The base of the tire positioner may be positioned about 15 mm from the base of the rear rack.

[0051] The rear rack may further comprise a tire engager for engaging the rear tire. The tire engager of the rear rack may be as described for the front rack. However, in a preferred embodiment the rear rack may not comprise a tire engager.

[0052] The rear rack may further comprise at least one fastener attachment for attaching a fastener to hold the motorcycle or bicycle in position. The fastener attachment may be of any suitable shape for securing a portion of a fastener, such as the end of a fastener. The fastener

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2018100605 10 May 2018 may be strapping, ratchet straps or the like (especially for securing for example, over or near to the seat of the motorcycle or bicycle). The fastener attachment may be a substantially circular projection extending from the rear rack. The fastener attachment may be substantially recessed into the rear rack. The fastener attachment may comprise a bar portion, especially which extends between two side walls of the rear rack, and a recess. The recess may be in the form of a trough. The recess may be to allow the fastener to be attached to the bar portion. The bar portion may be located on the same side of the rear rack as the mouth of the tire positioner.

[0053] The bar portion may define a cylinder. The cylinder may be from 15 to 25 mm in diameter, especially about 20 mm.

[0054] The rear rack may comprise any number of fastener attachments. In one embodiment, the rear rack comprises 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 fastener attachments, especially from 1 to 6, or from 1 to 4, or from 2 to 3 fastener attachments. The rear rack may comprise 3 fastener attachments. The rear rack may comprise at least one fastener attachment positioned either side of the tire positioner.

[0055] The rear rack may be integrally molded with the tray floor of a utility vehicle or pickup truck. However, in one embodiment the rear rack preferably may be fixable to the tray of a utility vehicle or pickup truck. The rear rack may be a bracket. In one embodiment, the rear rack may be integrally molded with the interior of the tailgate of a utility vehicle or pickup truck. In this embodiment, a user may need to position the tailgate down to secure a motorcycle or bicycle.

[0056] When the rear rack is fixable to a utility vehicle or pickup truck (for example via the tray or the tailgate), the rear rack may comprise at least one vehicular attachment point, especially two vehicular attachment points. Each vehicular attachment point may provide a site at which the rear rack may be fixable to a vehicle. In one embodiment each vehicular attachment point comprises a channel through the rear rack. The channel may be wider at the mouth of the channel than at the base (the mouth of the channel may be on the same side of the rear rack as the mouth of the tire positioner). The channel may be for accommodating a fastener for attaching the rear rack to the vehicle, such as bolts. The vehicular attachment point may be for accommodating a bolt, such as an X-nut or a Plusnut (which allows fastening to the vehicle without requiring access to both sides of a vehicle tray for example).

[0057] The rear rack may be from 55 mm to 95 mm wide, especially from 65 mm to 85 mm wide, more especially about 75 mm wide. The rear rack may be from 55 mm to 95 mm high, especially from 65 mm to 85 mm high, more especially about 75 mm high. The rear rack may be from 600 mm to 700 mm long, especially about 650 mm long.

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2018100605 10 May 2018 [0058] The rear rack may be made of any suitable material and be made in any suitable way. In one embodiment, the rear rack is made from one or more of plastics (such as nylon), composites, fiberglass, glass and Teflon. In another embodiment, the rear rack is made from a composite of glass and Teflon, or from a composite of glass and nylon. The rear rack may be injection molded.

[0059] The rear rack may be substantially hollow. The rear rack may comprise internal ribbing to reinforce the rear rack.

[0060] A user may position the rear rack in any suitable location. For example, if the system is to be installed in the tray of a utility vehicle or pickup truck, then the rear rack may be positioned on the tailgate of the vehicle. Similarly, if the rear rack is to be installed in a van, then it may be positioned towards the rear of the van. Alternatively, if the system is to be installed in a trailer, then the rear rack may be installed towards the rear or away the drawbar of the trailer.

[0061] The rear rack may comprise a number plate attachment for attaching a number plate to the rear bracket. In some jurisdictions the rear number plate of a vehicle cannot legally be obscured, so being able to mount (especially releasably mount) a number plate to the rear bracket may be advantageous.

[0062] The front and/or rear racks may have a substantially flat or in line profile. With the exception of the tire positioner, the upper surface (or the surface which includes the mouth of the tire positioner) of the front and/or rear racks may be substantially flat. This arrangement may be very advantageous, as the racks may not compromise the use of the vehicle when bicycles or motorcycles are not transported. Other items (such as general cargo) may be transported and secured to the vehicle without being encumbered by, or damaged by the racks (and the racks may additionally provide additional tie down points). Furthermore, when the racks have a substantially flat profile the racks may blend in with the tray of the utility vehicle.

[0063] In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a method of fastening the system of any one of the first to fourth aspects of the invention to a vehicle, the method comprising fastening said rack or said racks to the vehicle.

[0064] Features of the fifth aspect may be as described for one or more of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention. In one embodiment, the step of fastening said rack or said racks to the vehicle may comprise using nuts and bolts or use of a bolt that will form a head after being inserted through a hole in the vehicle, such as through a hole in the vehicle tray (e.g. X-nuts or Plusnuts).

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2018100605 10 May 2018 [0065] In a sixth aspect the present invention provides a method of securing a motorcycle or a bicycle to the system of any one of the first to fourth aspects of the invention. The method may comprise the step of wheeling the bicycle or motorcycle through the rear rack. The method may comprise the step of positioning the front tire in the front rack tire positioner. The method may comprise the step of positioning the rear tire in the rear rack tire positioner. The method may comprise the step of engaging the front tire in the front rack tire engager. The step of engaging the front tire may comprise the step of pushing the front tire into the front rack tire engager. The method may comprise the step of securing at least one fastener (such as strapping) to the motorcycle or bicycle and to at least one fastener attachment. Advantageously, use of two cam buckle tie down straps attached to each side of the handle bars and fastener attachments may be sufficient to secure the motorcycle or bicycle for transporting. Use of the system may allow a motorcycle or bicycle to be transported in a substantially upright position.

[0066] Advantageously, general cargo may also be secured using the system of the present invention, for example by using one or more fastener attachments.

[0067] The front rack may be fixed to the front of the truck bed behind the cabin via 4/ M8 SS bolts fitted to the vehicle body work. The front rack may have tapered stepped recesses which dock the front wheel / tyre to a snug fit. There may be three such recesses to accommodate one bike in the central location of the truck bed and one each side to accommodate two bikes.

[0068] The same may apply to the rear rack which may be located under the rear tyre of the motorcycle or bicycle. The rear rack may be fixed to the bed or dropped tailgate of a vehicle with 4/ M8 SS bolts. The rear wheel may be wedged in the recess of the rack with the option of fixing via a rubber strap to anchor points on the rack. The front and rear racks may provide a flush finish which does not restrict the carrying and fixing of general cargo.

[0069] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0070] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0071] Examples of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

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2018100605 10 May 2018 [0072] Figure 1 is a top view of an exemplary rack for a front tire of a motorcycle or bicycle according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0073] Figure 2 is a side view of the rack of Figure 1;

[0074] Figure 3 is a cross sectional view through section A-A of the rack of Figure 1;

[0075] Figure 4 is a bottom view of the rack of Figure 1;

[0076] Figure 5 is a right side end view of the rack of Figure 1;

[0077] Figure 6 is a cross sectional view through section B-B of the rack of Figure 3;

[0078] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the rack of Figure 1;

[0079] Figure 8 is a top view of an exemplary rack for a rear tire of a motorcycle or bicycle according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0080] Figure 9 is a side view of the rack of Figure 8;

[0081] Figure 10 is a cross sectional view through section A-A of the rack of Figure 8;

[0082] Figure 11 is a bottom view of the rack of Figure 8;

[0083] Figure 12 is a right side end view of the rack of Figure 8;

[0084] Figure 13 is a cross sectional view through section B-B of the rack of Figure 10;

[0085] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the rack of Figure 8;

[0086] Figure 15 is a top view of the system of Figures 1 to 14 fastened to a vehicle, with two motorcycles secured;

[0087] Figure 16 is a rear view of the system of Figure 15;

[0088] Figure 17 is a photograph showing an exemplary system of the present invention; and [0089] Figure 18 is a photograph showing an exemplary rack for a front tire of a motorcycle or bicycle according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0090] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art

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2018100605 10 May 2018 to perform the invention. The following Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0091] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 16. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to like features [0092] Figures 1 to 18 show an exemplary system for securing a motorcycle or bicycle having a front tire and a rear tire, especially to a vehicle (such as to the tray of a utility vehicle, van or trailer).

[0093] Figures 1 to 7 show an exemplary rack for the front tire 2. The front rack 2 comprises a tire positioner 10 for positioning the front tire. The front rack 2 further comprises multiple fastener attachments 20 for attaching a fastener to hold the motorcycle or bicycle in position. The front rack further comprises a tire engager 30 for engaging the front tire.

[0094] The front rack 2 comprises one and a half tire positioners 10, 12. In this regard, one end of the front rack 2 forms half of a tire positioner 12. When two front racks 2 abut each other at tire positioner 12, a complete tire positioner is formed for positioning the front tire of a further motorcycle or bicycle. When two front racks 2 abut each other the front racks 2 may be able to secure up to three motorcycles or bicycles, especially such that they are parallel or substantially parallel to each other. The distance between tire positioner 10 and tire positioner 12 is 325 mm.

[0095] The tire positioner 10 defines a channel or trough and is substantially “U” shaped. The side walls 16 of the tire positioner are configured to extend along the lateral side walls of the motorcycle or bicycle tire when the motorcycle or bicycle tire is in position.

[0096] The tire positioner 10 comprises a base 14, a mouth opposite the base 14 and two side walls 16 extending from the base 14 to the mouth. The side walls 16 extend outwardly from the base 14. The base 14 is 114.5 mm wide, and the mouth is 125 mm wide. The side walls 16 extend substantially vertically about 60 mm. The base 14 is positioned about 15 mm from the base of the front rack 2.

[0097] The tire engager 30 comprises two tire engaging members 32, which are located within the tire positioner 10 and which engage the front tire by virtue of friction. Each tire engaging member 32 is substantially “L” shaped. Each tire engaging member 32 comprises an extended portion 34, which extends substantially parallel to a tire positioner side wall 16 and

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2018100605 10 May 2018 from the base 14 to the mouth of the tire positioner. Each tire engaging member 32 also comprises a shoulder portion 36 which extend from the base 14 to a position intermediate the base 14 and the mouth of the tire positioner 10. The shoulder portion 36 abuts the extended portion 34.

[0098] The distance between two opposed tire engaging members 32 is 50 mm at the base of the shoulder portion 36. The shoulder portion 36 extends about 25 mm from the base 14 of the tire positioner 10 towards the mouth. The shoulder portion 36 comprises a beveled comer 38. The distance between two opposed tire engaging members 36 is 52.9 mm at the base of corner 38 (the portion of the corner 38 proximal to the base 14 of the tire positioner). The distance between two opposed shoulder portions 36 is about 70 mm at the top of the corner 38 (the portion of the comer 38 distal to the base 14 of the tire positioner). The shoulder portion 36 extends laterally from the corner 38 to the extended portion 32.

[0099] The distance between two opposed extended portions 34 is 86 mm where the extended portion 34 abuts the shoulder portion 36. The distance between two opposed extended portions 36 (or tire engaging members 32) is 92.1 mm at the mouth of the tire positioner 10.

[00100] Each tire engaging member 32 is from 17 mm to 24 mm wide, being wider at the base 14 of the tire positioner 10 than at the mouth.

[00101] The front rack 2 comprises four fastener attachments 20 for attaching a fastener to hold the motorcycle or bicycle in position. Each fastener attachment includes a substantially cylindrical portion 22 (about 20 mm in diameter) which extends between two side walls of the front rack 2, and a recess 24 in the form of a trough. The fastener attachment 20 is for attaching tie-down straps, especially to the handlebars or forks of a motorcycle or bicycle. Two fastener attachments 20 are positioned either side of the tire positioner 10.

[00102] The front rack 2 is fixable to the tray or side wall of a utility vehicle, van or trailer and includes two vehicular attachment points 40. Each vehicular attachment point 40 comprises a channel 42 through the front rack 2. The channel 42 comprises a ledge 44 for accommodating the head of a bolt (for example). Exemplary bolts used with the vehicular attachment points 40 may include X-nuts and Plusnuts.

[00103] The front rack 2 is 75 mm wide, 75 mm high and 750 mm long. The front rack may be made from a composite of glass and Teflon, or from a composite of glass and nylon, and may be injection molded. The front rack 2 may be made of 25% glass filled nylon. The front rack is substantially hollow and comprises internal ribbing 50 to reinforce the front rack. In Figures 15

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2018100605 10 May 2018 and 16, the front rack 2 is positioned on the front side wall of the tray of the utility vehicle.

[00104] Figures 8 to 14 show an exemplary rack for the rear tire 102. The rear rack 102 comprises a tire positioner 110 for positioning the rear tire. When two rear racks 102 abut each other they form a tire positioner for positioning the front tire of a further motorcycle or bicycle.

[00105] The rear rack 102 comprises one and a half tire positioners 110, 112. In this regard, one end of the rear rack 102 forms half of a tire positioner 112. When two rear racks 102 abut each other at tire positioner 112, a complete tire positioner is formed for positioning the rear tire of a further motorcycle or bicycle. When two rear racks 102 abut each other the rear racks 102 may be able to secure up to three motorcycles or bicycles, especially such that they are parallel or substantially parallel to each other. The distance between tire positioner 110 and tire positioner 112 is 310 mm.

[00106] The tire positioner 110 defines a channel or trough and is substantially “U” shaped. The side walls 116 of the tire positioner are configured to extend along the lateral side walls of the motorcycle or bicycle tire when the motorcycle or bicycle tire is in position.

[00107] The tire positioner 110 comprises a base 114, a mouth opposite the base 114 and two side walls 116 extending from the base 114 to the mouth. The side walls 116 extend outwardly from the base 114. The base 114 is 132 mm wide, and the mouth is 140 mm wide. The side walls 116 extend substantially vertically about 60 mm. The base 114 is positioned about 15 mm from the base of the rear rack 102.

[00108] The rear rack 102 comprises three fastener attachments 120 for attaching a fastener to hold the motorcycle or bicycle in position. Each fastener attachment includes a substantially cylindrical portion 122 (about 20 mm in diameter) which extends between two side walls of the rear rack 102, and a recess 124 in the form of a trough. The fastener attachment 120 is for attaching tie-down straps, especially over or near to the seat of a bicycle or motorcycle. One fastener attachment 120 is positioned either side of the tire positioner 110.

[00109] The rear rack 102 is fixable to the tray, tailgate or side wall of a utility vehicle, van or trailer and includes two vehicular attachment points 140. Each vehicular attachment point 140 comprises a channel 142 through the rear rack 102. The channel 142 comprises a ledge 144 for accommodating the head of a bolt (for example). Exemplary bolts used with the vehicular attachment points 140 may include X-nuts and Plusnuts.

[00110] The rear rack 102 is 75 mm wide, 75 mm high and 650 mm long. The rear rack 102

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2018100605 10 May 2018 may be made from a composite of glass and Teflon, or from a composite of glass and nylon, and may be injection molded. The rear rack 102 may be made of 25% glass filled nylon. The rear rack 102 is substantially hollow and comprises internal ribbing 150 to reinforce the front rack.

In Figures 15 and 16, the rear rack 102 is positioned on the tailgate of the utility vehicle.

[00111] Figures 17 and 18 show two front racks 2 fastened to the front side wall of the tray of a utility vehicle, and two rear racks 102 fastened to the tailgate of a utility vehicle. Figures 15 and 16 show two motorcycles secured in the racks 2, 102.

[00112] To secure a motorcycle to the system shown in Figures 1 to 16, a motorcycle is wheeled into the tray of the utility vehicle, guiding the front and rear wheels through the tire positioner 110 of the rear rack 102 as the motorcycle is positioned. When in position, the front tire of the motorcycle is positioned in the tire positioner 10 of the front rack 2, and the rear tire is positioned in the tire positioner 102 of the rear rack 102. The motorcycle is pushed into the front rack 2 so that the tire engager 30 on the front rack 2 engages the front tire. Tie down straps are then attached to fastener attachments 20, 120 and are used to secure the motorcycle in position.

[00113] To fasten the front and rear racks 2, 102 to a vehicle holes are first drilled through the metal of, for example, the tray or tailgate of a utility vehicle. Plusnuts (or similar fasteners) are then used to secure the front and rear racks 2, 102 in place. A suitable fastener may be an M8 socket cap screw 1.25 x 20 (for example as sold by James Glen, http://www.iamesglen.com.au/) and a steel M8 pre-bulbed Plus Nut (75 mm long, for example as sold by Pro fast, http://www.profast.com.au/).

[00114] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[00115] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[00116] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises

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2018100605 10 May 2018 preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

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2018100605 10 May 2018

Claims (7)

1. A system for securing a motorcycle or bicycle having a front tire and a rear tire, the system comprising:

A rack for the front tire comprising a tire positioner for positioning the front tire, and at least one fastener attachment for attaching a fastener to hold the motorcycle or bicycle in position; and

A rack for the rear tire comprising a tire positioner for positioning the rear tire.

2. A system for securing a motorcycle or bicycle having a front tire, the system comprising:

A rack for the front tire comprising:

a tire positioner for positioning the front tire;

a tire engager for engaging the front tire, wherein the tire engager is located relative to the tire positioner; and at least one fastener attachment for attaching a fastener to hold the motorcycle or bicycle in position.

3. A system for securing a motorcycle or bicycle having two tires, the system comprising:

A rack for one of said tires comprising:

a tire positioner for positioning the front tire; and at least one fastener attachment for attaching a fastener to hold the motorcycle or bicycle in position;

wherein when two of said racks abut each other they form a tire positioner for positioning the tire of a further motorcycle or bicycle.

4. A system for securing a motorcycle or bicycle having a rear tire, the system comprising:

A rack for the rear tire comprising a tire positioner for positioning the rear tire.

5. A method of fastening the system of any one of claims 1 to 4 to a vehicle, the method comprising fastening said rack or said racks to the vehicle.

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