GB2471468A

GB2471468A - Motorcycle security anchor

Info

Publication number: GB2471468A
Application number: GB0911259A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mike Howard; David Whelan
Original assignee: TIGER LOUNGE Ltd
Current assignee: TIGER LOUNGE Ltd
Priority date: 2009-06-30
Filing date: 2009-06-30
Publication date: 2011-01-05
Also published as: GB0911259D0

Abstract

A clamp for securing a motorcycle including a frame 2 with two upstanding side panels 6,7 spaced from each other to define a space for receiving a section of a motorcycle, and a rod 4 which is mountable to each side panel 6,7 so that the rod 4 extends across said space between the side panels 6,7, the rod 4 being removable from at least one side panel 6,7 so that the rod 4 does not extend across said space, such that when a section of a motorcycle is disposed in said space, the rod 4 is insertable through said section of a motorcycle and mountable between said side panels to prevent the motorcycle from being removed. A cover 3 may lie over the frame 5 to prevent access to any fittings securing the clamp to a surface. A space within the rod 4 may be filled with stone, aggregate or cement.

Description

A clamp for a motorcycle Desctiption The present invention relates to a clamp for a motorcycle. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a clamp for a motorcycle for fixedly mounting a motorcycle to secure the motorcycle and prevent unauthorised removal of said motorcycle.

Clamps for a motorcycle are well known and are used to mount a motorcycle to a wall or floor to secure it from being stolen. Such a clamp generally comprises a ground anchor, usually a shackle or eye, which is securely fastened in or on a concrete base, or another suitable solid material. A thick, heavy duty chain is fed through the shackle or eye of the ground anchor and then fed through a section of a motorcycle, for example a wheel, to form a loop so that the ends of chain can be brought together and bolted to each other with a heavy duty lock.

However, a disadvantage of such a clamp is that it is possible for a person to cut through the chain using a hand-held chain cutter or angle grinder. Once the chain has been cut then it can be removed from the motorcycle, and the motorcycle is released from the ground anchor and may be stolen.

Attempts have been made to provide a more secure clamp, but these generally involve strengthening the ground anchor, which does not prevent the chain from being cut, or providing a more heavy duty chain or placing the chain in a sleeve.

However, the chain must have some flexibility because it is necessary to feed the chain through a section of the bike and through a shackle mounted close to the ground, and so it is not possible to provide a strengthened chain without making it difficult to secure the motorcycle.

A further problem is that the ground anchor is generally mounted to a surface using conventional bolts or fixings. Therefore, the bolts are generally accessible during use of the clamp and can be released by unscrewing the bolts or drilling them and the anchor can then be removed from the surface and the motorcycle stolen.

The present invention therefore seeks to provide a clamp for a motorbike that overcomes or substantially alleviates the problems with conventional motorbike clamps discussed above.

According to the present invention, there is provided a clamp for a motorcycle including a frame with first and second upstanding side panels spaced from each other to define a space for receiving a section of a motorcycle, and a rod which is mountable to each side panel so that the rod extends across said space between the side panels, the rod being removable from at least one side panel so that the rod does not extend across said space, such that, when a section of a motorcycle is disposed in said space, the rod is insertable through said section of a motorcycle and mountable between said side panels to prevent the motorcycle from being removed from said space.

The frame may be configured to be anchored to a surface.

Preferably, the frame further comprises a base extending between said side panels, the side panels upstanding from the base. Advantageously, base is anchorable to a surface.

In one embodiment, the base comprises a plate with anchor holes formed therethrough, so that anchoring means are insertable through said holes to anchor the base to a surface.

In a preferred embodiment, the clamp further includes a base cover, which extends over the base to cover the base.

The base cover may be hingedly mounted to the frame and advantageously the base cover is hingedly mounted to the frame along an edge of one of the side panels.

Conveniently, the base covet is fixedly mounted in a closed position, covering the base, when the rod extends between the two side panels.

Preferably, the base cover comprises a base panel which covers the base and a flange which extends from the base panel to abut against the rod when the rod extends between the two side panels.

The flange may extend from the base panel along an edge of the base panel and the base cover is hingedly mounted to the frame along a distal edge of the base panel, spaced from said flange.

A hole may be formed through the first side panel and the rod may extend through said hole in the first side panel.

Advantageously, the second end panel has a hole formed therethrough and the rod extends through said hole when the rod extends across the space between the side panels.

Preferably, the rod comprises a locking member at one end of the rod which extends through the hole in the second end panel when the rod extends between the side panels.

Conveniently, the locking member is configured to be lockable to prevent the locking member from being withdrawn through the hole in the second end panel when the locking member extends through said hole.

The locking member may comprise a locking eye that extends through said hole in the second end panel.

The locking member may further comprise an end plate which locates against the second side panel when the locking member extends through the hole in the second end panel.

Advantageously, a recess extends around the hole formed in the first side panel and the end plate, which locates against the first side panel, is locatable therein.

Conveniently, the rod further comprises an end plate at an end of the rod distal to the locking member which locates against said first side panel when the rod extends across the space between the side panels.

A recess may extend around the hole formed in the second side panel and the end plate, which locates against the second side panel, is locatable therein.

Preferably, the first side panel comprises an extended portion which extends above the rod when the rod is mounted between the side panels, said side panel being configured to prevent the spindle of a motorcycle wheel from being removed when said wheel is disposed in said space.

Preferably, the rod extends at an incline to the base.

In one embodiment, the rod comprises a cylindrical outer sleeve which is filled with stone, aggregate, cement or a combination thereof.

In another embodiment, the rod comprises a cylindrical outer sleeve and a cylindrical member disposed therein which is freely rotatable in said sleeve.

Furthermore, the cylindrical member may be an inner tube and the inner tube may be filled with stone, aggregate, cement or a combination thereof.

Preferably the clamp further comprises a lock fixedly mounted to one of the side panels configured to prevent the rod being removed from extending between said side panels.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a clamp for a motorcycle according to one aspect of the present invention; FIGURE 2 is another perspective view of the clamp for a motorcycle shown in Figure 1; FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of a main frame of the clamp shown in Figure 1; FIGURE 4 is another perspective view of the main frame shown in Figure 3; FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of a base plate of the clamp shown in Figure 1; FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of a securing rod of the clamp shown in Figure 1; and FIGURE 7 is an elevational view of the securing rod shown in Figure 5.

Referring now to the drawings, there is shown in Figures 1 and 2 a clamp for a motorcycle 1 comprising a frame 2, a base cover 3 and a securing rod 4. The main frame 2 comprises a base 5, and first and second side panels 6,7 upstanding from the base 5 which are spaced from each other by the base 5 to define a space for receiving a section of a motorcycle. It will be understood that the side panels 6,7 may include beams or columns upstanding from the base 5. The base cover 3 is disposed over the base 5 of the main frame 2 and the securing rod 4 extends between the two side panels 6,7 and is spaced from the base 5 in the space for receiving a section of a motorcycle..

The frame 2 of the clamp I is shown in Figures 3 and 4. The base 5 and each side panel 6,7 are formed from separate steel plate portions which have been cut and bent into the desired shape and fixedly mounted to each other to form a solid structure. The first side panel 6 has a main wall 8 with inner and outer surfaces 9,10, and a peripheral wall 12 extending transversely from and around a periphery of the main wall 8. The peripheral wall 12 extends outwardly from an edge of the outer surface 10 of the main wall 8, with the inner surface 9 of the first side panel main wall 8 facing the second side panel 7. Similarly, the second side panel 7 has a main wall 13 with inner and outer surfaces 14,15 and a peripheral wall 16 extending transversely from and around the main wall 13. The peripheral wall 16 extends outwardly from an edge of the outer surface 15 of the main wall 13 with the inner surface 14 of the second side panel main wall 15 facing the first side panel 6 so that the first and second side panel inner surfaces 9,14 face each other.

The side panels 6,7 upstand from the base 5 along opposing edges of the base 5 and a lower section 17,18 of the peripheral wall 12,16 of each of the first and second side panels 6,7 respectively locates against an upper face 20 of the base 5. Edges of the base 5 are bent upwardly to form opposing rims 19 which extend between the side panels 6,7 transversely to the lower sections 17,18 of the peripheral wall 12,16 of each of the first and second side panels 6,7. The peripheral walls 12,16 of the side panels 6,7 also increase the structural integrity of each side panel, and restrict bending of the main walls 8,12.

The first and second side panels 6,7 are each fixedly mounted to the base 5 by spot welding the lower sections 17,18 of each peripheral wall 12,16 to the upper face 20 of the base 5. The opposing rims 19 are fillet welded to the peripheral walls 12,16 to increase the structural integrity of the frame 2 of the clamp 1. Although the frame 2 is formed by welding, it will be appreciated that alternative conventional fixing means may be used. An advantage of welding the side panels 6,7 to the base 5 is that the clamp cannot be disassembled, as would be the case with alternative conventional fixings, such as nuts and bolts.

Four circular anchor holes 22 are formed through the base 5 extending between the upper face 20 of the base 5 and a lower face 21 theteof. The anchor holes 22 are disposed proximate to each corner of the base 5 and are formed to receive the shaft of a bolt therethrough or a threaded rod (not shown) to anchor the frame 2 of the clamp 1 to a surface (not shown), such as a concrete floor, as will be explained hereinafter. A support washer 23 is fixedly mounted to the upper face 20 of the base around each anchor hole 22 by spot welding. Each support washer 23 extending around its respective anchor hole 22 strengthens the base 5 in the region of each hole 22.

A hinge spacer plate 24 is fillet welded to the upper face 20 of the base 5 to which a hinge is fixedly mounted, to hingedly mount the base cover 3 to the frame 2, as will be explained in detail hereinafter. The hinge spacer plate 24 is disposed proximate to the second side panel 7.

A first rod mounting hole 25 is formed through the first side panel main wall 8 between the inner and outer faces 9,10 thereof. The first mounting hole 25 is obround shaped, that is a shape consisting of two semicircies connected by parallel lines tangent to their endpoints. The first mounting hole 25 is spaced a predetermined distance from the base 5 and is formed to receive a first end plate 26 of the securing rod 4 (refer to Figure 6), as will be explained hereinafter.

A protruding section 27 extends around the first mounting hole 25 and extends from the outer face 10 of the first side panel main wall 8. The protruding section 27 forms an obround shaped ridge 28 around said first mounting hole 25, the ridge 28 being spaced from the edge of said hole 25 and defining a recessed section 29. The protruding section 27 is formed by a steel plate with an obround hole formed therethrough which is fillet welded to the outer face 10 of the first side panel main wall 8. However, it will be appreciated that the protruding section may be formed by other means, such as being integrally formed with the first side panel main wall 8. The protruding section 27 acts as an anti-chisel plate to prevent the first end plate 26 of the securing rod 4 from being separated from a bar 31 of the securing rod 4 (refer to Figure 6) when the bar is mounted between the first and second side panels 6,7 of the clamp 1, as will become apparent hereinafter.

A second rod mounting hole 30 is formed through the second side panel main wall 13 between the inner and outer faces 14,15 thereof. The second mounting hole 30 is obround shaped. The second mounting hole 30 is spaced a predetermined distance from the base 5 with a centre point of the second mounting hole 30 being space equidistant from the base 5 to the first mounting hole 25, such that an axis defined through the first and second mounting holes 25,30 extends parallel to the plane of the base 5. The second mounting hole 30 is formed to receive a locking member 33 of the securing rod 4 with a second end plate 32 (refer to Figure 6), as will be explained hereinafter.

A protruding section 34 extends around the second mounting hole 30 and extends from the inner face 14 of the second side panel main wall 13. The protruding section 34 forms an obround shaped ridge 35 around said second mounting hole 30, the ridge 35 being spaced from the edge of said second mounting hole 30 and defining a recessed section 36. The protruding section 34 is formed by a steel plate with an obround hole formed therethrough which is fillet welded to the inner face 14 of the second side panel main wall 13. However, it will be appreciated that the protruding section 34 may be formed by other means, such as being integrally formed with the second side panel main wall 13. The protruding section 34 acts as an anti-chisel plate to prevent the locking member 33 of the securing rod 4 from being separated from the bar 31 of the securing rod 4 when the bar 31 is mounted between the first and second side panels 6,7 of the clamp 1, as will become apparent hereinafter.

An upper end 6a of the first side panel 6 upstands from the base 5 a greater distance than an upper end 7a of the second side panel 7, such that the first side panel 6 is higher than the second side panel 7. In this exemplary embodiment, the first side panel 6 is twice the height of the second side panel 7. The upper end 6a of the first panel 6 extends substantially above the first mounting hole 25 formed therein to prevent removal of a spindle of a motorcycle wheel secured in the clamp, as will become apparent hereinafter. Although in the above embodiment, only the first side panel 6 extends substantially above its respective mounting hole formed therein, it will be appreciated that in an alternative embodiment both the first and second side panels extend substantially above their respective mounting holes and therefore the securing rod 4, when it is disposed through the frame 2.

The base cover 3 is shown in Figure 5. The base covet 3 comprises a flat rectangular base panel 37 with top and bottom faces 38,39. A flange 40 upstands from the top face 38 and extends along one edge of the base panel 37. The flange 40 has a cut-out 42 formed at an upper end thereof which is arranged to receive a portion of the bat 31 of the securing rod 4, as will become apparent hereinafter.

Angled sections 43 of the base panel 37 extend along opposing parallel edges 44 of the base panel 37. The angled sections 43 extend downwardly such that bottom surfaces of the angled sections 44 are bent towards each other. Indents 46 are formed in the base panel 37 at one end of the parallel edges 44, distal from the flange 40, such that the opposing rims 19 of the base 5 can extend therein, as will become apparent hereinfter.

A hinge 45 is fixedly mounted to the bottom face 39 of the base panel 37, disposed proximate to a parallel edge of the base panel 37 distal to the flange 40. The hinge fixedly mounts to the hinge spacer plate 24 on the upper face 20 of the base 5 so that the base covet 3 is pivotally mounted to the base 5 of the frame 2 and can pivot from a closed position (as shown in Figures 1 and 2), wherein the base cover 3 extends over the base 5, and an open position, wherein the base cover 3 upstands from the base 5 and lies against the main wall 13 of the second side panel 7.

The hinge 45 is fixedly mounted to the bottom face 39 and the hinge spacer plate 24 by conventional means, for example rivets or fillet welding, and so no futther discussion of the hinge mounting means will be given herein.

The securing rod 4 is shown in Figures 6 and 7. The securing rod 4 comprises the bar 31 with the first end plate 26 at one end of the bar 31 and the locking member 33 at the other end of the bar 31, which are mounted thereto by welding and form end plates. The bar 31 has a hollow tubular outer sleeve 47 which is formed froma rigid, tough material such as steel. An inner tube 48 is disposed in the hollow outer sleeve 47 and is free to rotate therein. The inner tube 48 is formed from a rigid, sturdy material, such as steel, and is capped at each end. The inner tube is filled with stone, aggregate, cement or a combination thereof to form a core 49. Although in the above embodiment an inner sleeve is disposed in the hollow, outer sleeve, it will be appreciated that in an alternative embodiment the bar has a hollow tubular outer sleeve wherein the outer sleeve itself is filled with stone, aggregate, cement or a combination thereof to form a core without an inner tube being disposed therein.

The outer sleeve 47 is capped at each end by the first end plate 26 and the locking member 33 such that the inner tube 48 is sealed therein, and is free to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the rod 4. In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of cylindrical inner rods (not shown), for example three cylindrical rods, may be disposed in the outer sleeve, each being free to rotate relative to the outer sleeve and each other to resist cutting through of the bar 31 of the securing rod 4.

-10 -The first end plate 26 has a locating shoulder 50 extending around the periphery of the first end plate 26 so that the first end plate is stepped to define an inner stepped portion 52. An outer edge 53 of the inner stepped portion 52 is formed to locate against the edge of the first rod mounting hole 25 and the mounting shoulder 50 is formed to locate in the recessed section 29 formed by the protruding section 27 (refer to Figure 2). The locating shoulder 50 and the inner stepped portion 52 are obround shaped to correspond to the recessed section 29 and first mounting hole respectively. The bar 31 extends from an inner face 54 of the first end plate 26 and extends at an incline and is mounted off centre from an axis extending perpendicularly through the centre of the first end plate 26.

The locking member 33 comprises the second end plate 32 and a locking eye 55 which extends from the second end plate 32 on an opposing side of the second end plate 32 to the bar 31. The second end plate 32 has a locating shoulder 56 extending around the periphery of the second end plate 32 so that the second end plate is stepped to define an outer stepped portion 57. An outer edge 58 of the outer stepped portion 57 is formed to locate against the edge of the second rod mounting hole 30 and the locating shoulder 50 of the second end plate 32 is formed to locate in the recessed section 36 formed by the protruding section 34. The locating shoulder 56 and the outer stepped portion 57 are obround shaped to correspond to the recessed section 36 and second mounting hole 30 respectively. The bar 31 extends from an inner face 59 of the second end plate 32 and extends at an incline and is mounted off centre from an axis extending perpendicularly through the centre of the second end plate 32.

The first end plate 26 and the second end plate 32 extend parallel to each other and a longitudinal axis extends perpendicularly through the inner faces 54,59, the bar extending at an incline to said longitudinal axis.

A lock cover 60 is fixedly mounted to the outer surface 15 of the second side panel main wall 13 and extends over the second mounting hole 30 to define a lock receiving space with an opening 62 thereto.

-11 -Operation of the clamp for a motorcycle will now be described with reference to the drawings.

The frame 2 of the clamp I is placed on a surface (not shown), for example a concrete floor, to which it is to be anchored. In this exemplary embodiment, it is envisaged that threaded rods (not shown) are fixedly mounted in the surface to which the frame is to be anchored, so that the threaded rods extend through the four anchor holes 22 formed in the base 5. Locking nuts (not shown) are then threadingly engaged with the threaded rods (not shown) and are tightened by conventional means to fixedly anchor the base 5, and therefore the frame 2 of the clamp 1, to the surface. The support washers 23 act to strengthen the base 5 in the locality of the locking nuts to prevent the frame 2 from being disengaged from the threaded rods.

The threaded rods (not shown) are then cut off by conventional means, so that the base cover 3 can be moved into its closed position, such that it extends over the threaded rods and locking nuts.

Although, one means of anchoring the frame 2 to a surface is described above, it will be appreciated that alternative anchoring means may be used which extend through the anchor holes 22 and into a space defined between the upper face 20 of the base and the bottom face 39 of the base cover 3, when the base cover 3 is in its closed position. Although four circular anchoring holes are shown, it will be appreciated that the shape and number of anchoring holes are not limited thereto.

In an alternative embodiment, it is envisaged that the base 5 is a bar or pair of bars (not shown) which extend between the first and second side panels 6,7, the bar or bars being fixedly mounted to the surface (not shown) with hooks (not shown). In such an embodiment, the base cover 3 extends over the bar or bars.

The base cover 3 is then free to pivot about its hinge 45, which pivotally mounts the base cover 3 to the base 5, between its closed position and its open position. When the base cover 3 is in its closed position, that is when the base cover 3 extends over the base 5 to cover it, the edge of the base cover 3 proximate the hinge 45 lies along the second side panel 7, and the edge of the base cover 3 from which the flange 40 upstands lies along the first side panel 6. The flange lies against the inner face 9 of the first side panel main wall 8 and extends to below the first mounting hole 25.

The downwardly facing angled sections 43 of the base panel 37 extend parallel to the upwardly facing opposing rims 19 and overlap said rims 19 to prevent access to the space between the upper face 20 of the base and the bottom face 39 of the base cover 3.

When the base cover 3 is in its open position, that is when the base cover 3 upstands from the base 5, the top face 38 of the base cover 3 extends substantially parallel to and lies against the inner face 14 of the second side panel main wall 13.

The flange 40 extends over the upper end 7a of the second side panel 7, which is possible because the width of the base cover 3 is shorter than the height of said second side panel 7. It will be appreciated that the base cover can only be moved into its open position when the securing rod 4 is not inserted into the motor cycle receiving space and extending between the side panels 6,7. When the base cover 3 is in its open position the rims 19 of the base 5 extend into the indents 46 of the base cover 3 SO that the base covet 3 can move into a fully open position.

When the clamp is anchored to the surface and the base cover 3 is in its closed position (as shown in Figures 1 and 2), a user of the clamp I can manoeuvre a motorcycle to be clamped onto the clamp such that a section of the motorcycle, in particular a wheel, is disposed in the motorcycle receiving space.

The motorcycle is positioned so that an aperture in the frame of the motorcycle or the wheel is aligned along the axis along which the bar 31 of the securing tod 4 will lie. The angled sections 43 provide a ramp for a wheel of a motorcycle to ascend onto the top face 38 of the base cover 3. The motorcycle is then supported on it's stand, which is typically on the left hand side of the motorcycle so that the motorcycle tilts to the left (when viewed from behind). The side of the motorcycle from which the spindle of a wheel of the motorcycle is removable, typically the left side, is positioned by the user proximal to the first side panel 6. Therefore, when the motorcycle is secured to the clamp then the raised upper end 6a of the first side panel 6 prevents the spindle of the wheel being removed, and the rest of the motorcycle being stolen leaving just the wheel secured to the clamp 1.

To secure the motorcycle to the clamp 1, the user then inserts the locking member 33 of the securing rod 4 through the first mounting hole 25. In this embodiment the outer dimensions of the locking member 33, and therefore the outer dimensions of the second mounting hole 30 against which the locating shoulder 56 of the second end plate 32 locates, are smaller than the outer dimensions of the first mounting hole 25 so that the locking member 33 of the securing rod 4 can be inserted therethrough. However, in another embodiment it is envisaged that the outer dimensions of the locking member 33 are larger than the outer dimensions of the first mounting hole 25 so that the locking member 33 cannot be removed through said hole and the securing rod 4 is fixedly mounted to the clamp 1. In such a case the rod 4 is slidable in the first mounting hole 25 between the second end plate 32 and the first end plate 26.

The securing rod 4 is slid through the first mounting hole 25 and guided through an aperture in a wheel of the motorcycle to be clamped. The locking member 33 is aligned with the second mounting hole 30 and the locking eye 55 is guided to extend through said second mounting hole 30 so that it extends from the outer face of the second side panel wall 13 into the lock receiving space defined by the lock cover 60. The rod 4 can then be locked in position by a lock (not shown) disposed in the lock receiving space. When the securing rod 4 is inserted in the frame 2, the bar 31 extends between the first and second side panels 6,7 across the space for receiving a section of a motorcycle. The inner stepped portion 52 of the first end plate 26 locates in the first mounting hole 25 and locates against an edge of said hole 25 to prevent rotation of the rod 4, and the first end plate locating shoulder 50 abuts the first side panel outer face 10 and is disposed in the recessed section 29 defined by the protruding section 27. The periphery of the first end plate locating shoulder 50 lies against the ridge 28 to restrict implements being used to lever or detach the first end plate 26. It will be appreciated that even if a person succeeds in removing the first end plate, that the bar will still be fixedly mounted to the frame 2 at the distal end of the bar to the second side panel 7 and extend through the wheel of the motorcycle to prevent the motorcycle from being stolen.

Similarly, the outer stepped portion 57 of the second end plate 32 locates in the second mounting hole 30 and locates against an edge of said hole 30 to prevent rotation of the rod 4, and the second end plate locating shoulder 56 abuts the second side panel inner face 14 and is disposed in the recessed section 36 defined by the protruding section 34. The periphery of the second end plate locating shoulder 56 lies against the ridge 35 to restrict implements being used to lever or detach the second end plate 32.

The lock (not shown) is conventional, and in this exemplary embodiment is fixedly mounted to the outer face 15 of the second side panel wall 13. The lock is activated to extend through the locking eye 55 of the securing rod 4 to securely mount the rod 4 to the frame 2 so that it extends between the side panels 6,7 and clamps the motorcycle disposed between the side panels 6,7 to the frame 2.

If a person attempts to steal a motorcycle clamped in the clamp 1 as explained above, they will be unable to remove the securing rod 4 from the frame 2 because the first end plate 26 and the second end plate 32 abut the first and second side panels 6,7 respectively to prevent removal in one direction, and the lock extending through the locking eye 55 of the rod 4 prevents removal of the rod 4 in another direction, because the lock acts on the second side panel 7 and cannot be drawn through the second mounting hole 30. Therefore, the rod 4 cannot be extracted from the frame 2 without removing the lock. The lock is protected from attack by the lock cover 60 and is accessible only through the opening 62.

As explained above, the protruding sections 27,34 extending around the first and second mounting holes 25,30 respectively prevent a person from levering the first and second end plates 26,32 or detaching said plates 26,32 from the bar 31 of the rod 4 by placing an implement between said plates 26,32 and the first and second side panels 6,7 respectively.

-15 -The obround shape of the first and second end plates 26,32 allows the rod 4 to be disposed in two set positions when it is disposed in the frame 2 by rotating the rod by 180 degrees. A motorcycle generally leans to the left as the kick stand is placed on the left hand side of a motorcycle. Furthermore, the wheel spindle is generally disposed to be extracted from the left hand side of the bike. Thetefore, the bar is inserted through the side panels such that the bar inclines upwardly away from the first panel, that is the distance between the bar and the base panel is greater proximate to the second side panel than the distance between the bar and the base panel proximate to the first side panel 6. However, if the wheel spindle of the motorcycle is removed from the other side of the motorcycle, the right hand side, then the side of the motorcycle from which the wheel spindle is removed is disposed in the motorcycle section receiving space to face the first side panel so that the raised upper end 6a of the first side panel 6 prevents the spindle of the wheel being removed. In such a case, the motorcycle is disposed between the panels 6,7 facing in the opposite direction and so the motorcycle leans in the opposite direction on its stand. Therefore, the incline of the bar can be changed by rotating the bar by 180 degrees about its longitudinal axis and inserting it into the frame such that the distance between the bar and the base panel is greater proximate to the first side panel than the distance between the bar and the base panel proximate to the second side panel 7, and the bar is inclined at an angle corresponding to the lean of the motorcycle on its stand.

When the rod 4 extends between the side panels 6,7, the rod 4 prevents the base cover 3 from being moved into its open position, because the flange 40 contacts the securing rod 4 if an attempt is made to lift the base cover 4 and pivot it about its hinge. Therefore the anchoring means, in this exemplary embodiment the nuts threadingly engaged with the threaded rods, are not accessible and so the frame 2 cannot be removed from the surface to which it is anchored. Furthermore, the motorcycle clamped to the clamp 1 is disposed on the top face 38 of the base cover 3, between the base cover 3 and the rod 3 and so lifting of the base cover 3 is further prevented.

-16 -If a person attempts to cut through the bar 31 of the securing rod 4 with a cutting tool, such as an angle grinder, they will be able to partially cut through the outer sleeve. However, the cutting tool will then contact the inner tube 48, which is free to rotate in the outer sleeve 47 and so the cutting tool will simply rotate the inner tube 48 without cutting through it. In the event that the inner tube jams in the outer sleeve then the cutting tool will be able to partially cut through the inner tube 48.

However, the cutting tool will then impact the core 49 of stone, aggregate, cement or a combination thereof which will restrict the person from cutting further through the securing rod 4. For example, if an angle grinder is used with a metal disc cutter, then they will be able to cut partially through the outer sleeve and, if the inner tube jams in the outer sleeve, the inner tube. However, when the metal disc cutter impacts the core of stone, aggregate, cement or a combination thereof, the metal disc cutter will be damaged and will not cut therethrough. In this event, it will be necessary to use a different tool or implement to cut through the core 49, and then return to the metal disc cutter to cut through the remainder of the outer sleeve and inner tube. Similarly, in an embodiment of the bar in which the outer sleeve itself is filled with the core of stone, aggregate, cement or a combination thereof, the cutting tool will cut through the outer sleeve until it impacts the core Although in the above exemplary embodiments the flange 40 has a cut-out 41 formed therein to receive a section of the bar 31 of the securing rod 4 so that the base cover 3 is retained in its closed position when the securing rod 4 is disposed through the frame 2, it will be appreciated that in another embodiment a pin (not shown) may extend from the first end plate 26 of the securing rod 4, which is received in a hole (not shown) formed in the flange 40 to retain the base cover 3 in its closed position when the securing rod 4 is disposed through the frame 2.

Although the hinge 45 is fixedly mounted to the base 5 in the above embodiments so that the base cover 3 pivots about the hinge proximate to the second side panel 7, it will be appreciated that in another embodiment the base cover 3 will pivot about the hinge proximate to the the first side panel 6, or alternatively the base cover 3 may be detachable from the base 5, and is mounted to the base and held in position by a pair of flanges (not shown) extending from opposing edges which 17 -extend from the base panel 37 and interact with the bar 31 of the securing rod 4 when said rod 4 is disposed through the frame 2.

Although the mounting holes are obround shaped in the above exemplary embodiment, it will be understood that the holes are not limited thereto, and that in an alternative embodiment the mounting holes may be rectangular shaped, or any other suitable shape. Furthermore, although in the aforementioned embodiments the bar 31 of the securing rod 4 is arranged to extend at an incline to the base 5 when the rod 4 is disposed through the frame 2, it will be appreciated that in another embodiment that the bar of the securing rod 4 may extend parallel to the plane of the base 5. In such an embodiment, the mounting holes may be circular.

Although in the above exemplary embodiments the first and second side panels 6,7 are spaced from each other by the base 5 extending therebetween, it will be understood that in an alternative embodiment the base comprises separate first and second base portions (not shown), wherein a first base portion extends from the first side panel 6 and the second base portion extends from the second side panel 7. -In such an embodiment, each base portion is anchored to a surface in a predetermined position so that the first and second side panels are spaced from each other with the base portions facing each other, and the base cover is disposable therebetween to cover both the first and second base portions.

An advantage of a base which extends between the first and second side panels 6,7 is that the frame then has an improved structural integrity over separate first and second side panels, and the spacing between the first and second side panels 6,7 is pre-defined such that it does not have to be measured by a user to obtain the correct spacing therebetveen.

Although in the foregoing embodiments the clamp is described in relation to securing a motorcycle, it will be understood that the invention is not limited thereto and may be used to clamp alternative vehicles or apparatus, for example scooters, mopeds, bicycles or cars.

-18 -Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations may be made to the above exemplary embodiments that lie within the scope of the invention, as defined in the following claims.

Claims

-19 -Claims 1. A clamp for a motorcycle including a frame with first and second upstanding side panels spaced from each other to define a space for receiving a section of a motorcycle, and a rod which is mountable to each side panel so that the rod extends across said space between the side panels, the rod being removable from at least one side panel so that the rod does not extend across said space, such that, when a section of a motorcycle is disposed in said space, the rod is insertable through said section of a motorcycle and mountable between said side panels to prevent the motorcycle from being removed from said space.
2. A clamp according to claim 1, wherein the frame is configured to be anchored to a surface.
3. A clamp according to claim 2, wherein the frame further comprises a base extending between said side panels, the side panels upstanding from the base.
4. A clamp according to claim 3, wherein the base is anchorable to a surface.
5. A clamp according to claim 4, wherein the base comprises a plate with anchor holes formed therethrough, so that anchoring means are insertable through said holes to anchor the base to a surface.
6. A clamp according to any of claims 3 to 5, further comprising a base cover, which extends over the base to cover the base.
7. A clamp according to claim 6, wherein the base cover is hingedly mounted to the frame.
8. A clamp according to claim 7, wherein the base cover is hingedly mounted to the frame along an edge of one of the side panels.

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9. A clamp according to claim 8, wherein the base cover is fixedly mounted in a closed position, covering the base, when the rod extends between the two side panels.
10. A clamp according to claim 9, wherein the base cover comprises a base panel which covers the base and a flange which extends from the base panel to abut against the rod when the rod extends between the two side panels.
11. A clamp according to claim 10, wherein the flange extends from the base panel along an edge of the base panel and the base cover is hingedly mounted to the frame along a distal edge of the base panel, spaced from said flange.
12. A clamp according to any preceding claim, wherein a hole is formed through the first side panel and the rod extends through said hole in the first side panel.
13. A clamp according to claim 12, wherein the second end panel has a hole formed therethrough and the rod extends through said hole when the rod extends across the space between the side panels.
14. A clamp according to claim 13, wherein the rod comprises a locking member at one end of the rod which extends through the hole in the second end panel when the rod extends between the side panels.
15. A clamp according to claim 14, wherein the locking member is configured to be lockable to prevent the locking member from being withdrawn through the hole in the second end panel when the locking member extends through said hole.
16. A clamp according to claim 14 or claim 15 wherein the locking member comprises a locking eye that extends through said hole in the second end panel.
17. A clamp according to any of claims 14 to 16, wherein the locking member further comprises an end plate which locates against the second side panel when the locking member extends through the hole in the second end panel. -21 -
18. A clamp according to claim 17, wherein a recess extends around the hole formed in the first side panel and the end plate, which locates against the first side panel, is locatable therein.
19. A clamp according to any of claims 14 to 17, wherein the rod further comprises an end plate at an end of the rod distal to the locking member which locates against said first side panel when the rod extends across the space between the side panels.
20. A clamp according to claim 19, wherein a recess extends around the hole formed in the second side panel and the end plate, which locates against the second side panel, is locatable therein.
21. A clamp according to any preceding claim, wherein the first side panel comprises an extended portion which extends above the rod when the rod is mounted between the side panels, said side panel being configured to prevent the spindle of a motorcycle wheel from being removed when said wheel is disposed in said space.
22. A clamp according to any of claims 3 to 21, wherein the rod extends at an incline to the base.
23. A clamp according to any preceding claim, wherein the rod comprises a cylindrical outer sleeve which is filled with stone, aggregate, cement or a combination thereof.
24. A clamp according to any preceding claim, wherein the rod comprises a cylindrical outer sleeve and a cylindrical member disposed therein which is freely rotatable in said sleeve.

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25. A clamp according to any preceding claim, wherein the cylindrical member is an inner tube and the inner tube is filled with stone, aggregate, cement or a combination thereof.
26. A clamp according to any preceding claim, further comprising a lock fixedly mounted to one of the side panels configured to prevent the rod being removed from extending between said side panels.
27. A clamp substantially as herein described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.