Rack for securing a vehicle

Abstract

A cycle rack is provided for securing and transporting cycles particularly motorcycles. The rack includes a base and an upward support. In addition, the rack includes a pair of partially circular clamping members which are sized and positioned to engage the sidewalls of a cycle's tire. Preferably, the clamping members extend circumferentially at least 90 degrees about a circle. Even more preferably, the clamping members extend 180 degrees or more about a circle. To move the clamping members relative to one another, the rack preferably includes a pair of fulcrum assemblies. Each of the fulcrum assemblies include a lever arm which is moved downwardly to force the clamping members towards each other, while the lever arms are moved upwardly to force the clamping members away from one another.

1 . a rack for securing a vehicle comprising: 
 a frame including a base for resting upon a support surface;    a first partial circular clamping member connected to said frame, said first circular clamping member extending at least 90 degrees about the circle and sized to engage the sidewall of a vehicular tire;    a second partial circular clamping member positioned substantially parallel to said first clamping member and moveably connected to said frame so as to move inward and outward relative to said first clamping member for clamping and releasing a tire between said first and second clamping members, said second circular clamping member also extending at least 90 degrees about the circle and sized to engage the sidewall of a vehicular tire; and    a locking means for moving said first and second clamping members inward and outward with respect to one another for clamping and releasing a vehicular tire.    
   
   
       2 . The rack of  claim 1  wherein said clamping means wherein said first clamping member is not moveable relative to said frame and said second clamping member is moveable relative to said frame for clamping and releasing a tire between said first and second clamping members  
   
   
       3 . The rack of  claim 1  wherein said clamping means includes a fulcrum and lever arm.  
   
   
       4 . A rack for securing a vehicle comprising: 
 a frame including a base for resting upon a support surface;    a first partial or fully circular clamping member connected to said frame, said first circular clamping member extending at least 180 degrees about the circle and sized to engage the sidewall of a vehicular tire;    a second partial or fully circular clamping member positioned substantially parallel to said first clamping member and moveably connected to said frame so as to move inward and outward relative to said first clamping member for clamping and releasing a tire between said first and second clamping members, said second circular clamping member also extending at least 180 degrees about the circle and sized to engage the sidewall of a vehicular tire; and    a locking means for moving said first and second clamping members inward and outward with respect to one another for clamping and releasing a vehicular tire.    
   
   
       5 . The rack of  claim 4  wherein said clamping means wherein said first clamping member is not moveable relative to said frame and said second clamping member is moveable relative to said frame for clamping and releasing a tire between said first and second clamping members  
   
   
       6 . The rack of  claim 4  wherein said clamping means includes a fulcrum and lever arm.