Patent Publication Number: US-9902333-B2

Title: Multipurpose rack and method thereof

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/456,803, filed on Aug. 11, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,446,717 issued on Sep. 20, 2016, entitled “A Multipurpose Rack and Method Thereof,” which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/421,283, filed on Mar. 15, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,800,831 issued on Aug. 12, 2014, entitled “A Multi-Purpose Rack and Method Thereof, which is a continuation-in-part, claiming priority to U.S. Non-provisional application Ser. No. 12/543,646 filed Aug. 19, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,590,758 issued on Nov. 26, 2013, entitled “A Watercraft Rack and Method of Racking the Same,” with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, which claimed priority to U.S. Provisional No. 61/089,960, filed Aug. 19, 2008, entitled “Vertical Watercraft Rack.” 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for racking one or more watercraft and one or more bicycles, mopeds, motorcycles, or other lightweight land vehicles, on a vehicle, and in particular, a Recreational Vehicle and the like. 
     Related Art 
     Kayaking, canoeing, boating and related watercraft activities have become a very popular recreational activity, sport, and hobby, especially for travelers, adventurers, and families. To fully enjoy and properly use a kayak, or any watercraft, the watercraft needs to be operated on a navigable waterway, such as inter alia, a river, lake, stream, ocean, pond, or any body of water. Often times, people have to travel to these waterways to fully enjoy and properly use a kayak, or any watercraft. Popular methods of travel include, inter alia, Recreational Vehicles (“RV”), campers, and trailers. Traveling, especially for long distances, with vehicles of such size and width of an RV impose a burden on travelers, adventurers, and families who wish to bring a kayak, or any watercraft, along with them while traveling because of the difficulties and constraints associated with properly and securely affixing the watercraft to a vehicle, in particular, a vehicle with larger dimensions. 
     Moreover, it is likely that a traveler would also like to bring one or more bicycles mopeds, motorcycles, or other lightweight land vehicles. Storing the bicycles inside a RV would take up precious living space within the RV, and transporting bicycles, mopeds, motorcycles, or other lightweight land vehicles, on an RV can be difficult for the same reasons as listed above with respect to kayaks. 
     Thus, there is a need for an apparatus and method which overcomes the aforementioned deficiencies in the art for racking a watercraft, such as a kayak, along with a bicycle, mopeds, motorcycles, or other lightweight land vehicles, on a vehicle, and in particular, a larger vehicle, such as, inter alia, a RV. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A first aspect of the present invention provides a watercraft rack comprising: a first end configured to engage a trailer hitch receiver, wherein said first end accommodates a portion of a watercraft; a second end spaced apart from said first end, said second end removably enclosing another portion of said watercraft; and a connecting member connecting said first end with said second end. 
     A second aspect of the present invention provides a watercraft rack comprising: a lower support unit having a bracing system and a lower support member, said lower support member configured to support a first end of a watercraft; a lower support frame connected to said lower support member; an upper support frame having at least two side members and a locking member to form an enclosure about the second end of the watercraft; and a vertical frame having a bottom end secured to said lower support unit, and a top end secured to said upper support frame. 
     A third aspect of the present invention provides a method for racking a watercraft comprising: providing a watercraft rack, said watercraft rack including a first end having a lower support frame, a connecting member connecting said first end to a spaced apart second end, said second end having an upper support frame; removably engaging said first end of said watercraft rack with a standard trailer hitch receiver; accommodating a portion of a watercraft with said first end; and removably enclosing another portion of said watercraft within said second end. 
     A fourth aspect relates generally to a multipurpose rack comprising a first securing portion configured to secure a first portion of a transportation device, and a second securing portion configured to secure a second portion of the transportation device, wherein the first securing portion is operably secured to a lower support unit, the lower support unit configured to engage a vehicle element. 
     A fifth aspect relates generally to a multi-purpose rack comprising a lower support unit configured to engage a vehicle, a lower support frame operably connected to the lower support unit, the lower support frame configured to accommodate a first portion of a watercraft, an upper support frame having at least two side members and a locking member to form an enclosure about a second portion of the watercraft, a track element operably connected to the lower support frame, the track element configured to accommodate a first portion of a transportation device, and a securing element proximate the upper support frame, the securing element configured to engage a second portion of the transportation device. 
     A sixth aspect relates generally to a method of racking a watercraft and a transportation device comprising providing a rack including a watercraft racking portion and a transportation device racking portion, and engaging a vehicle element with a lower support unit of the rack. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Some of the embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like designations denote like members wherein: 
         FIG. 1  depicts a top view of an embodiment of a vehicle with a watercraft rack; 
         FIG. 2  depicts a rear view of an embodiment of a vehicle with a watercraft rack; 
         FIG. 3  depicts a top, rear left perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle with a watercraft rack; 
         FIG. 4  depicts a side view of an embodiment of a vehicle with a watercraft rack; 
         FIG. 5  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a watercraft rack attached to a vehicle, wherein a watercraft is in a racked position; 
         FIG. 6  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a watercraft rack; 
         FIG. 7  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a watercraft rack, wherein the watercraft rack has a separating member; 
         FIG. 8  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a watercraft rack; wherein the watercraft rack is configured for larger watercraft; 
         FIG. 9  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a watercraft, wherein a guide piece is positioned above the nose cradle; 
         FIG. 10  depicts a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a watercraft, wherein a guide piece is positioned above the nose cradle; 
         FIG. 11  depicts a side view of an embodiment of a watercraft; 
         FIG. 12  depicts a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a watercraft; 
         FIG. 13  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of watercraft attached to a vehicle, wherein an embodiment of a watercraft has more than 2 side members and an extended nose cradle; 
         FIG. 14  depicts a top view of an embodiment of a lower support system; 
         FIG. 15  depicts a front view of an embodiment of a lower support system; 
         FIG. 16  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a lower support system; 
         FIG. 17  depicts a side view of an embodiment of a lower support system; 
         FIG. 18  depicts a top view of an embodiment of a receiver hitch and brackets; 
         FIG. 19  depicts a front view of an embodiment of a standard receiver hitch and an embodiment of a bracing unit; 
         FIG. 20  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a bracing unit; 
         FIG. 21  depicts a side view of a standard receiver hitch and an embodiment of a bracing unit; 
         FIG. 22  depicts a side view of an embodiment of a method of racking a watercraft; 
         FIG. 23  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a multi-purpose rack; 
         FIG. 24  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the multi-purpose rack supporting one or more transportation devices in a racked position; 
         FIG. 25A  depicts a front perspective view of an embodiment of the multi-purpose rack supporting one or more watercraft and one or more transportation devices in a racked position; and 
         FIG. 25B  depicts a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the multi-purpose rack supporting one or more watercraft and one or more transportation devices in a racked position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Although certain embodiments of the present invention will be shown and described in detail, it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The scope of the present invention will in no way be limited to the number of constituting components, the materials thereof, the shapes thereof, the relative arrangement thereof, etc., and are disclosed simply as an example of an embodiment. The features and advantages of the present invention are illustrated in detail in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the drawings. 
       FIGS. 1-4  depict several views of an embodiment of a watercraft rack  100 , the watercraft rack  100  being attached to an embodiment of a vehicle  300 .  FIG. 5  depicts an embodiment of a watercraft rack  100 , wherein a watercraft  200  is in a racked position, and the watercraft rack  100  is attached to a vehicle  300 . A watercraft  200  may include any device that is designed to maintain buoyancy in water and that may be configured to accommodate a person or persons. A watercraft  200  may accommodate one person, or multiple people at one time while in use on a navigable waterway. The sizes of watercraft  200  vary depending on, inter alia, style, manufacturer, desired design characteristics, targeted performance, etc. Various embodiments of a watercraft  200  may be configured with a boat motor, propelling device, or any mechanical or electrical device that may drive the watercraft  200  in motion through the water. Some examples of a watercraft  200  include, inter alia, a kayak, a canoe, a row boat, paddle boat, small fishing boat, etc. A vehicle  300  may include any transportation unit which may contain, support, include, or provide a standard receiver hitch  43 . In many vehicle embodiments, the roof of the vehicle  300  may be close to, or above the height of an average human being, thus making it difficult and inconvenient to secure articles and possessions, such as a watercraft  200 , to the roof of a vehicle  300 . In addition to the height of the roof of the vehicle  300 , the width and length of the vehicle  300  may be of such size as to inconvenience a person when trying to secure article and possessions, such as a watercraft  200 . Some examples of a vehicle  300  to which the various embodiments of watercraft racks  100  may be attached to are Recreational Vehicles (“RV”) such as motor homes; truck campers; trailers; and any oversized vehicle configured with a receiver hitch  43  known to those skilled in the art. The receiver hitch  43 , or trailer hitch receiver  43 , may be located at the rear of the vehicle  300 , and may be of any shape. In one embodiment, the receiver hitch  43  may be rectangular. In another embodiment, the receiver hitch  43  may be square. In yet another embodiment, the receiver hitch  43  may be cylindrical. The shape of the receiver hitch  43  may correspond with the shape of a lower support member  51  of a watercraft rack  100 . Corresponding to the shape of a lower support member  51  means that a lower support member  51  can be inserted into the receiver hitch  43  and rest inside the receiver hitch  43  without easily slipping out of the receiver hitch  43  or providing a loose fit. The lower support member  51  and lower support unit  41  will be discussed infra in greater detail. 
       FIG. 6  depicts an embodiment of a watercraft rack  100 , which may have a first end  350  securely engaged with a receiver hitch  43 . In many embodiments, the first end  350  may be configured to attach to a receiver hitch  43  of a vehicle  300  and may provide support for the apparatus  100  and a watercraft  200 . Alternatively, the first end  350  may be secured to the vehicle  300 , such as welded or affixed to the frame of the vehicle  300 , welded or affixed to the chassis of the vehicle  300 , or the bumper of a vehicle  300 . The first end  350  may also accommodate a watercraft  200  when placed within the first end  350 . Accommodating a watercraft  200  means, inter alia, suitably contacting a portion of the watercraft  200  such that the watercraft  200  may not freely descend when in a racked position  200 . The first end  350  may have a nose cradle  62  attached thereto to further accommodate the watercraft  200  when in a racked position  200 . Additionally, the first end  350  may or may not include a protective trough  61  covering a portion of the nose cradle  62 . The first end  350  may have a lower support frame  63  discussed in greater detail infra. Spaced apart from the first end  350 , a second end  150  may removably enclose a watercraft  200 . The second end  150  may include an upper support frame  1 , which may include a back member  6 , at least two side members  11  and  12 , and a locking bar  4 . When in a racked position  400 , the second end  150  may removably secure a watercraft  200  with a locking bar  4  discussed in greater detail infra. The second end  150  may adjust in size to encompass a watercraft  200  of different sizes. Also, the second end  150  may adjust to encompass more than one watercraft  200  at a time in the racked position  400 . 
     A connecting member  250  may connect the first end  350  with the second end  150 . The connecting member  250  may be vertically positioned, so that the watercraft rack  100  may stand upright. The connecting member  250  may connect to the first end  350  and the second end  150  by methods discussed infra and by methods known to those skilled in the art. The connecting member  250  may also adjust incrementally or translationally to allow the watercraft rack  100  to rack watercrafts  200  of different sizes. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 6 , an embodiment of the watercraft rack  100  is shown. The elements, pieces, members, parts, etc. of the entire watercraft rack  100 , unless specified otherwise, may be made of, inter alia, steel, aluminum, stainless steel, hard plastics, such as thermoplastics and thermosets, composite materials, such as fiberglass, or any suitable material known to one of skill in the art. The weight of the watercraft rack  100  plus the weight of the watercraft  200  may be supported by the lower support system  41 . The lower support system  41  may include a lower support member  51  removably connected with a standard receiver hitch  43 , a lower bracing unit  42 , and a bottom end securing member  54 . 
     The lower support member  51  may be inserted into the standard receiver hitch  43  and fastened together by the lower bracing unit  42 .  FIGS. 14-21  depict various embodiments of the lower bracing unit  42 . One or more brackets  65  may be used to secure and fasten the lower support member  51  to the standard receiver hitch  43 . Vibrations coming from the vehicle  300  or variations in the topography and the surface of the ground (e.g. non-paved surfaces or bumps or cavities located in the surface) may cause the watercraft rack  100  to move up and down, potentially damaging the watercraft  200  enclosed therein. The lower bracing unit  42  may comprise one or more brackets  65  to help prevent the apparatus  100  from moving up and down while the vehicle  300  is in motion. An embodiment shown in  FIG. 6  includes two brackets  65  fastened to each other with bolts. Other fastening devices and methods known to those skilled in the art may also be used. 
     In addition to the lower bracing unit  42 , a locking pin  59  may be used to provide a means of securing the lower support member  51  into position inside the standard receiver hitch  43 . Through-hole portions  58  may be drilled or bored in the connecting ends of both the lower support member  51  and the standard receiver hitch  43  to allow a locking pin  59  to be inserted. After properly aligning the through-hole portions  58  of the lower support member  51  and the standard receiver hitch  43 , a locking pin  59  may be inserted through one or more through-hole portions  58 , securing the lower support member  51  inside the standard receiver hitch  43 . A bolted connection or rod inserted therein may also be used for securing purposes. 
     At some point along the lower support member  51 , the bottom end of an adjustable vertical frame member  21  may be secured. The bottom end of the adjustable vertical frame member  21  may be secured to the lower support member  51  by a bottom end securing member  54 . It is not mandatory that the adjustable vertical frame member  21  be secured using a bottom end securing member  51  as shown in the embodiments; it can be directly connected to the lower support member  51  through a welded connection, or any other fastening method known to those skilled in the art. The lower support member  51  may be square, rectangular, circular, oblong or any functional geometric shape, so long as it can be configured to fit inside the receiver hitch  43  of the same geometric shape (e.g. a circular lower support member might not be used with a receiver hitch with a square opening). Accordingly, the bottom end securing member  54  may then be of any shape, as long as it can form around the outside surface of the lower support member  51 , and can be fastened thereto. The bottom end securing member  54  may also be shaped and positioned to be fastened to the lower support member  51  in various methods and arrangements known to those having ordinary skill. The means for fastening the bottom end of the adjustable vertical frame member  21  to the lower support member  51  may include a bolted connection. In other embodiments, the adjustable vertical frame  21  may be secured to the lower support member  51  through welding, or may include both bolted connections and welded connections. In yet another embodiment, the bottom end securing member  54  may contain through-hole portions  49  to provide yet another method of fastening the bottom end of the adjustable vertical frame member  21  to the lower support member  51 . The adjustable vertical frame member  21  may also contain through-hole portions  49  and may have a slightly smaller cross-section than the bottom end securing member  54 . Other securing methods known to those skilled in the art may also be used. 
     On the opposite the end of the lower support member  51  that fits inside the receiver hitch  43 , the lower support member  51  may be fastened to the lower support frame  63 . Continuing to refer to  FIG. 6 , the lower support frame  63  of watercraft rack  100  may include a rectangular frame, a protective trough  61 , a nose cradle  62 , and the lower support member  51 . The lower support frame  63  may be rectangular in shape, and may be sized such that a portion of a watercraft  200 , such as a kayak, can be placed therein. In one embodiment, the entire nose of the watercraft may be placed inside the rectangular frame. To avoid any damage to the watercraft  200  (e.g. chipping of the outer surface, small dents, etc.), a cushioning material may be attached to the inner edges of the lower support frame  63 . The width of the lower support frame  63  may be similar to the width of the upper support frame  1  discussed infra. In most embodiments, the width of the lower support frame  63  should be at least wide enough for a portion of a watercraft  200  to be placed therein. 
     Attached to the outer edges of the lower support frame  63  may be a protective trough  61 . The term “trough” is used simply because it resembles the shape of a trough, and is not intended to collect or retain any fluids. The protective trough  61  should not be limited to the ordinary meaning and function of a trough. The protective trough  61  shall be defined according to the disclosures and embodiments contained herein. The protective trough  61  may be a uniform, planar sheet folded over from the back of the lower support frame  63  to the front of the lower support frame  63 . The protective trough  61  may be flush with the lower support frame  63  when attached, as shown in  FIG. 5 , and may extend the width of the lower support frame  63 . In the embodiments shown, the protective trough  61  forms a curved portion underneath the nose cradle  62 . The protective trough  61  provides, inter alia, protection to the nose cradle  62  and the bow of the watercraft  200  from road debris, road bumps, and any debris kicked up from the tires of the vehicle  300  or any other vehicle traveling nearby. The protective trough  61  may be fastened to the lower support frame  63  with screws, rivets, bolts, nails, construction grade glue, or welded connections. 
     A portion of the watercraft  200 , when in a racked position  400 , may extend inside the lower support frame  63 , and come into contact with a nose cradle  62 . The nose cradle  62  can be attached to the rectangular frame of the lower support frame  63  and converges towards the protective trough  61  or towards the ground surface absent a protective trough  61 . In one embodiment, the nose cradle  62  is triangular in shape, having two sloped sides, coming to a point. The nose cradle may extend the width of the lower support frame  63 , and the size may vary to accommodate various watercrafts  200 . The size of the nose cradle  62  may vary by increasing or decreasing the angle to which the nose cradle  62  opens up. For example, if the nose cradle  62  has a wider angle, the portion of the watercraft  200  placed therein will likely be larger or less narrow. Conversely, if the angle of the nose cradle  62  is decreased, the portion of the watercraft placed therein will likely be smaller or narrower. 
     Moreover, the lower support frame  63  may be adjustable in a forward or rearward direction to accommodate various sizes of watercraft  200 . To effectuate the adjustability of the nose cradle  62 , the lower support frame  63  may slide forward or backward along the lower support member  51 , while the nose cradle  62  is fastened to the lower support frame  63 . Because the nose cradle  62  may be fastened to the lower support frame  63 , the location of the nose cradle  62  may be moved to anywhere along the lower support member  51 . The sliding motion of the lower support frame  63  may be accomplished by a roller system, tracks, or any method known to those skilled in the art. Additionally, the nose cradle  62  may be tiltable to accommodate various shapes and sizes of the nose or bow of a watercraft  200 , and for convenience of loading a watercraft  200  into a watercraft rack  100 . Tiltable may be defined as the movement of the nose cradle  62  back and forth along an axis perpendicular to the lower support member  51 . The nose cradle  62  may be a uniform, planar surface, or the nose cradle may be mesh netting, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the nose cradle  62  can be outfitted with a cushioning material to prevent any minor damage to the watercraft  200  while in a racked position  400 . The nose cradle  62 , inter alia, prevents the watercraft from sliding around while in a racked position  400 , and provides extra support for the weight of the watercraft  200 . In addition to being outfitted with a cushioning material, the nose cradle  62  may be outfitted with a material or a surface that prevents slipping, such as treads, a non-slip surface, or fine sandpaper. 
     The watercraft rack  100  may hold, rack, mount, support, transport, carry, etc. more than one watercraft  200  at a time while in a racked position  400 . In many embodiments, the watercraft rack  100  will have at least two nose cradles  62  to simultaneously encompass at least two watercrafts  200 . When more than one watercraft  200  is placed into the watercraft rack  100 , one watercraft  200  may come into contact with one nose cradle  62 , while a second watercraft  200  may come into contact with a second nose cradle  62 . Thus, two watercrafts may be in a racked position  400  side by side, wherein a portion of each watercraft  200  may come into contact with its own nose cradle  62 , 
     Furthermore, watercraft rack embodiment  100  may include a ball hitch  68  attached to the distal end (relative to the back of a vehicle  300 ) of the lower support member  51 . The ball hitch  68  may allow a vehicle  300 , such as an RV, to tow another object while still occupying the receiver hitch  43  with the watercraft rack  101 . The ball hitch  68  used herein may also be modified and configured to be used with other devices known to those skilled in the art, such as configuring the ball hitch  68  to hang license plates, run electric wire to provide a brake light system, etc. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 6 , a watercraft rack  100  may have an upper support frame  1 , which may include at least two side members  11  and  12 , at least one back member  6 , a locking bar  4 , a hinge assembly  3 , and a locking mechanism  5 . The upper support frame  1  may form a rectangular shape, and should be sized large enough to enclose or encompass an average size kayak. However, the size, in particular the depth, of the upper support frame  1  may be adjusted because one or both of the side members  11  and  12  may be slidably adjustable. In general, side members  11  and  12  may extend outwardly from the back member  6  to allow a watercraft  200  to be enclosed within the boundaries of the upper support frame  1 . For purposes of simplicity, the examples used herein incorporate just two adjustable side members  11  and  12 . It should be understood that there may be more than two side members  11  and  12 , which shall be discussed infra. Side members  11  and  12  may each consist of two portions, wherein one of the portions has a larger cross-section as to allow the other portion to fit inside, as shown in  FIG. 6 . The portion of side member  11  and  12  that has a smaller cross-section and fits inside the other portion may contain through-hole portions. To adjust side members  11  and  12 , the through-hole portions located on the side members  11  and  12  may be used to insert a bolt, rod, or locking pin through the holes, thus locking the side members  11  and  12  into position incrementally. The incrementally and horizontal adjustability of the side members  11  and  12  allow a user to vary the depth of the upper support frame  1  to a desired dimension, mainly to encompass a watercraft  200  of different size and shape. The side members  11  and  12  may also be slidably movable. For example, the side members  11  and  12  may incorporate a roller and bracket system to allow one portion to slidably extend inwards and outwards (i.e. horizontally). In another embodiment, side members  11  and  12  may incorporate a ball and dimple system to allow horizontal adjustment. Any method known to those having skill in the art to allow horizontal adjustment of one or more side members  11  and  12  may be used. The side members  11  and  12  can be cylindrical, rectangular, triangular, etc. 
     Connecting one side member  11  to another side member  12  may be a back member  6 . In many embodiments, the back member  6  may attach to the side members perpendicularly, forming a 90° angle. However, in various embodiments, the beck member  6  may be adjustable similar to one or both of the side members  11  and  12 , discussed supra, to encompass a watercraft  200  of larger dimensions. In still further embodiments, the back member  6  may include a hinge to angularly pivot outwardly at an angle, Ø, to encompass a watercraft  200  of larger or awkward dimensions. Furthermore, the back member  6  may be curved to accommodate various watercrafts  200 . The connection may be a traditional welded connection, or could involve a hinging mechanism, a bolted connection, or any reasonable fastening method known to those having skill in the art. The back member  6  usually corresponds to the same cross-section and geometric shape as side members  11  and  12 . The size (i.e. length) of the back member  6  may determine the width of the watercraft rack  100 , which must be wider than a small-to-average size watercraft  200 . In one embodiment, the back member  6  may be wide enough to fit one average sized watercraft  200  within the boundaries of the upper support frame  1 . In another embodiment, the back member  6  may wide enough to fit two average sized watercrafts within the boundaries of the upper support frame  1 . In yet another embodiment, the back member  6  may be as wide as to fit more than 2 watercrafts within the boundaries of the upper support frame  1 . Embodiments of a watercraft rack  100  may not have a back member  6 , but may include side members  11  and  12  attached directly to the adjustable vertical frame  21 , which may serve as a connecting member  250  between the first end  350  and the second end  150  of the watercraft rack  100 . The side members  11  and  12  and the back member  6  may be configured with electric wire to allow a brake lighting system, or any other purpose for electric wire, such as decorative or cautionary lights. 
     Attached to one of the side members  11  and  12 , may be a hinge assembly  3 , which allows a locking bar  4  to enclose a watercraft  200 . The hinge assembly  3  may include a ball and socket joint that allows multi-directional movement of the locking bar  4 . Because the hinge assembly  3  may allow the locking bar  4  to freely move in a circular, multi-directional fashion, the locking bar  4  does not become an obstacle when operating the watercraft rack  100 . On the contrary, the hinge assembly  3  may be an ordinary hinging assembly known to those skilled in the art. The hinging assembly  3  may be located on the distal end of a side member  11  opposite the end that is in contact with the back member  6 . The locking bar  4  may hinge or pivot towards another side member  12 , wherein a locking clip  5 , located on the distal end of a side member  12  opposite the end that is in contact with the back member  6 , may help fasten or securably house the distal end of the locking bar  4 . In one embodiment, the distal end of the locking bar  4  may have a rod, hook, pin, etc. that may fasten to the locking clip  5 . In another embodiment, the distal end of the locking bar  4  may have a rod, hook, pin, etc. that may be securably housed or in continuous communication with the locking clip  5 . In other embodiments, the locking bar  4  may be completely removed from the watercraft rack  100 , and the upper support frame  1  may not contain a hinge assembly  3  or locking mechanism  5 . Thus, the locking bar  4  can open and close as to allow a user to place a watercraft  200  into the watercraft rack  100 . Closing the locking bar  4  after a watercraft  200  has been placed therein may serve to enclose the watercraft  200  within the boundaries of the upper support frame  1 , and, inter alia, may prevent the watercraft  200  from possibly becoming separated from the watercraft rack  100  (i.e. falling off, slipping out, tipping over). It may be advantageous to adjust the side members  11  and  12  so that when a watercraft  200  is in a racked position  400 , and the locking bar  4  is in the closed position, the watercraft  200  fits snugly within the boundaries of the upper support frame  1 . Additionally, a cable may be attached somewhere on the watercraft rack  100  to wrap around the watercraft  200  to add security. Furthermore, any cushioning material, such as neoprene, rubber, foam, etc. may be affixed to the upper support frame  1  and locking bar  4  to prevent or minimize damage to the watercraft  200 , which may occur if the watercraft  200  is not fit snugly within the boundaries of the upper support frame  1 . In addition, the locking bar  4  and/or the side bars  11 ,  12  may be replaced by a chain, a strap, bungee cord, webbing, rope, or other flexible securement device. For example, a winch may be used to pull the device to be secured in a taught manner. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 6 , an adjustable vertical frame member  21  may connect the lower support member  51  and lower support frame  63  with the upper support frame  1 , and may vertically extend a distance beginning from the receiver hitch  43  to at or near the roof of a vehicle  300 . As described supra, the adjustable vertical frame member  21  attaches to the lower support member  51  via the bottom end securing member  54 . The adjustable vertical frame member  21  attaches to the upper support frame  1  via a top end securing member  55 , in a similar fashion as the bottom end securing member  54  discussed supra. The adjustable vertical frame member  21  may consist of two portions, one portion having a smaller cross section than the other as to allow the portion with the smaller cross section to fit snugly inside the other portion. Both portions of the adjustable vertical frame member  21  may have through-hole portions drilled or bored so as to allow a rod, bolt, or locking pin to be inserted therein. A user may slide one portion of the adjustable vertical frame  21  up or down to a desired height, and insert a rod, bolt, or locking pin through the through-hole portions to lock the adjustable vertical frame member  21  into place. Thus, the adjustable vertical frame member  21  can be incrementally adjusted up or down to corresponding to the height of the watercraft  200 . For example, the height adjustable vertical frame member  21  could be raised to encompass a taller or larger watercraft  200 . Conversely, the height of the adjustable vertical frame member  21  could be lowered to encompass a shorter or smaller watercraft  200 . Furthermore, the height of the adjustable vertical frame member  21  could be raised or lower for the convenience of the user (e.g. shorter person might lower the height to more easily secure the watercraft into position.). In another embodiment, the adjustable vertical frame member  21  may be slidably movable. For example, the adjustable vertical frame member  21  may incorporate a roller and bracket system to allow one portion to slidably extend up or down (i.e. vertically). In another embodiment, the adjustable vertical frame member  21  may incorporate a ball and dimple system to allow vertical adjustment. Any method known to those having skill in the art to allow vertical or translational adjustment may be used. The adjustable vertical frame member  21  can be cylindrical, rectangular, triangular, etc, but should substantially correspond to the shapes of both the top end securing member  55  and the bottom end securing member  54 . The adjustable vertical member  21  need not be adjustable; it may nonetheless be a rigid, solid member. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , somewhere along the back member  6 , a separating member  7  may be perpendicularly attached. The separating member  7  may extend outward from the back member  6  a distance toward the locking bar  4 . In one embodiment, the separating member  7  may be rigidly fastened to the back member  6 . In another embodiment, the separating member  7  may be fastened in such a way as to allow horizontal movement along the back member  6 . Such a fastening device may include a bracket and bolt, wherein the bolt can be loosened to allow the bracket to be repositioned at another location on the back member, and tightened when in a desired location. The separating member  7  may or may not be present in the watercraft rack  100  when the watercraft  200  is in the racked position  400 . The separating member  7  can, inter alia, minimize movement of the watercraft  200  while in the racked position  400 , and may be beneficial when two or more watercrafts  200  are present in the watercraft rack  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , an embodiment of a watercraft rack  102  is shown. One difference between watercraft rack embodiment  100  and watercraft rack embodiment  102  is that the lower support frame  60  has more of a squared orientation. Additionally, the nose cradle  69  in watercraft rack  102  has a 90° clockwise orientation of the nose cradle  62  in watercraft rack  100 , or some other angled orientation with respect to the direction of the lower support member  51 . The protective trough  61  may or not be present in watercraft rack  102 . Also, the separating member  7  may or may not be present in watercraft rack  102 . Watercraft rack  102  may be beneficial when desiring to rack, carry, transport, mount, and/or support a larger watercraft  200  on a vehicle. For example, the types of watercraft  200  that may benefit from watercraft  102  include, inter alia, a canoe, row boat, or small fishing boat. 
       FIG. 9  depicts an embodiment of a watercraft  103 , wherein a guide piece  65  is positioned above the nose cradle  62 . The guide piece  85  may be curved or arced to facilitate the entry of a nose or bow of a watercraft  200  into the nose cradle  62 . The guide piece  85  may be fastened to the lower support frame  63 . Moreover, the guide piece  85  may be constructed out of aluminum, steel, composite, plastic, or any material sufficiently rigid to accept contact from a watercraft  200  and not bend. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 13 , an embodiment of watercraft rack  104  is shown.  FIG. 13  embodies a watercraft rack  103  wherein a third or more side member  11 ′ and  12 ′, and second or more back member  6 ′ may be used. Additionally, watercraft rack  104  may extend the lower support frame  63  horizontally to allow another watercraft  200  to be placed therein. Extending the lower support frame  63  also may include extending the nose cradle  62  and the protective trough  61  to securely support multiple watercrafts  200 . 
     Depicted in  FIG. 22  is an embodiment of a method of racking a watercraft. A method of racking a watercraft  200  may comprise the steps of providing a watercraft rack  100  including a first end  350  having a lower support frame  63 , a connecting member connecting the first end  350  to a spaced apart second end  150 , the second end  150  having an upper support frame  1 ; removably engaging the first end  150  of the watercraft rack  100  with a standard receiving hitch  68 ; accommodating a portion of a watercraft  200  with the first end  150 ; and removably enclosing another portion of the watercraft  200  within the second end  350 . In one embodiment, the watercraft  200  may be lifted and the nose of the watercraft  200  may be placed in contact with the guide piece  85  or the nose cradle  62 . Thereafter, the watercraft may be lifted towards the upper support frame  1  until the watercraft comes into contact with the back member  6 . Then, the watercraft may be removably enclosed by the locking bar  4  and secured into place in its racked position  400 . 
     The various parts, components, members, etc. of a watercraft rack  100  may be constructed with steel, aluminum, composites, hard plastics, similar structures and the like. The following examples represent only one embodiment of the watercraft rack  100 , and in no way limits the design, structure, materials, or dimensions, of the invention, and those with skill in the art appreciate that different sizes and materials can be used in accordance with the invention. In one embodiment, the upper support frame may consist of 1 to 2″ square stainless steel tubing with a gage thickness of ⅛″ to ¼″. The locking bar  4  may consist of 1 to 1½″ square stainless  304  steel tubing with a gage thickness of 3/16″. The adjustable vertical frame  21  may consist of 2 to 2½″ square stainless steel tubing with a gage thickness of ¼″. The brackets  65  may consist of ½″ thick cold rolled steel to ⅜″ thick cold rolled steel. The lower support frame member  51  may consist of 2½″ to 3″ square steel with a gage thickness of ¼″. The nose cradle  62  may consist of 16-gage to 20-gage stainless steel. Furthermore, the various members, components and the like may be hollow, tubular, or semi-solid. 
     Continuing to refer to the drawings,  FIG. 23  depicts an embodiment of a multi-purpose rack  1000 . Embodiments of the rack  1000  may include the same or substantially the same structure and function as rack  100 ,  101 ,  102  described supra. However, rack  1000  may also include a transportation device racking portion  600 . In other words, embodiments of the multi-purpose rack  1000  may include the same components as the watercraft rack  100 ,  101 ,  102  to effectively rack one or more watercraft  300 , yet may also include a transportation device racking portion  600  to effectively rack a bicycle, or other means of transportation having at least one wheel. Embodiments of rack  1000  may include one or more transportation device racking portions  600 . For example, rack  1000  may include two transportation device racking portions  600  to accommodate two transportation devices  700 , as shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25A-25B . Embodiments of rack  1000  should not be limited to two transportation device racking portions  600 ; there may be more than two mounted onto rack  1000  to accommodate more than two transportation means  700 , especially if a user decides to not rack a kayak, or rack only a single kayak, which may free up space for the addition of more transportation devices  700 . Embodiments of a transportation device  700  may be a bicycle, cycle, mountain bike, dirt bike, BMX bike, moped, or any transportation means that includes at least one tire or wheel. Furthermore, rack  1000  may be configured to engage a vehicle element, such as a receiver or trailer hitch located at a rear of a RV, similar to rack  100 ,  101 ,  102 . Furthermore, embodiments of rack  1000  may include a lower support unit  41  configured to engage a vehicle  300 , a lower support frame  63  operably connected to the lower support unit  41 , the lower support frame  63  configured to accommodate a first portion of a watercraft  200 , an upper support frame  1  having at least two side members  11 ,  12  and a locking member  4  to form an enclosure about a second portion of the watercraft  200 , a track element  640  operably connected to the lower support frame  63 , the track element  640  configured to accommodate a first portion of a transportation means  700 , and a securing element  630  proximate the upper support frame  1 , the securing element  630  configured to engage a second portion of the transportation means  700 . 
     Embodiments of a transportation device racking portion  600  may include a first securing portion  610  and a second securing portion  620 . For instance, embodiments of the transportation device racking portion  600  may include a first securing portion  610  configured to secure a first portion of a transportation device  700 , a second securing portion  620  configured to secure a second portion of the transportation device  700 . Embodiments of the transportation device racking portion  600 , in particular, the first securing portion  610  may be operably secured to a lower support unit  41 , the lower support unit  41  configured to engage a vehicle element, such a receiver hitch of a RV. Securing may refer to any device which attaches, fixes, fastens, holds, or anchors in place. 
     Embodiments of the transportation device racking portion  600  may include a first securing portion  610 . Embodiments of the first securing portion  610  of the transportation device racking portion  600  may have a first end  611 , a second end  612 , and a track element  640 . The track element  640  may be a structural member configured to attach to the lower support frame  63 ,  60  having an opening extending through the length of the track element  640 , wherein the lower support frame  63 ,  60  is attached to the lower support unit  41 . Embodiments of the track element  640  may include at least two side walls  642 , and a track  643 . The track element  640  may be a track, guide, groove, channel, conduit, rail, and the like, configured to secure, hold, or fasten a first portion of the transportation device  700 . For example, the track element  640  may accommodate, receive, support, engage, secure, etc., a tire or wheel of a bicycle; a tire of a bicycle or other transportation device  700  may rest upon the track  643 , while the side walls  642  may act as a guide rail for the tire or wheel of the transportation device  700 . Embodiments of the track element  640  may help support the weight of the transportation device  700  and prevent slippage or unwanted movement of the transportation device  700 , especially when the rack  1000  is mounted to the RV during transit. For example, the track element  640  may include a lock or security device to further prevent movement, or theft during transportation, parking, idling, etc. Further, the track element  640  may include one or more straps to secure the wheel or a first portion of the transportation device  700  to the first securing portion  610 . Moreover, the second end  612  of the first securing portion  610  may be structurally connected to the second end  622  of the second securing portion  620 . In one embodiment, the second end  612  of the first securing portion  610  may be structurally integral with the second end  622  of the second securing portion  620 . In another embodiment, the second end  612  of the first securing portion  610  may be connected via a fastening device(s) with the second end  622  of the second securing portion  620 . In yet another embodiment, the first securing portion  610  may not be physically fastened to the second securing portion  620 , wherein the first securing portion  610  is connected only to the lower support frame  63 , and the second securing portion  620  is connected only to the lower support frame  63  and/or the upper support frame  1 . Embodiments of the first securing portion  610  may extend a distance from the second securing portion  620 ; the distance the first securing portion  610  extends from the second securing portion  620 , or length of the first securing portion  610 , may vary according to the size of the transportation device  700  intended to be racked, and/or the size of the lower frame assembly  63 ,  60 . Furthermore, embodiments of track element  640  may include a slot proximate or otherwise near the second end  612  end of the first securing portion  610 . The slot may allow a cross-bar to slide back or forward to set the proper angle for the water craft nose angle; once the proper angle is obtained, the bolts through the slot may then be tightened. Embodiments of the first securing portion  610  may be comprised of metals, such as stainless steel, aluminum, and hard plastics, composite materials, or a combination thereof. Those having skill in the requisite art should appreciate that various materials may be used to form the rigid body of the first securing member  610 . For instance, embodiments of the first securing portion  610  may be made of ⅛″- 3/16″ aluminum, or steel 1/16″ thick, and the track element  640  may be 2″ to 2½″ wide in some embodiments. 
     Embodiments of the transportation device racking portion  600  may include a second securing portion  620 . Embodiments of the second securing portion  620  of the transportation device racking portion  600  may include a first end  621 , a second end  622 , and a securing element  630  proximate the first end  621 . Embodiments of the second securing portion  620  may be a vertical frame member  625 , wherein the vertical frame member  625  may be adjustable in height. For instance, the vertical frame member  625  may be a rigid structural member that is configured to extend vertically and perpendicularly (or approximately perpendicularly) from the first securing portion  610  a distance. The distance the second securing portion  620 , or the vertical frame member  625 , extends (i.e. size of the vertical frame member  625 ) upward from the first securing portion  610 , or the lower support frame  63  if the second securing portion  620  is not physically connected to the first securing portion  610 , may vary depending on the size or length of the transportation device  700 . The second securing portion  620  may extend at least a sufficient distance to allow for attachment to the upper support frame  1 , as shown in  FIG. 23 . For instance, the second securing portion  620  may be operably connected to the upper support frame  1  through a welded connection, a bracket, or comparable fastening means and/or the second securing portion  620  may be operably connected to the lower support frame  63  through a welded connection, a bracket, or comparable fastening means Furthermore, a plurality of openings  629  may be located on the second securing portion  620  proximate or otherwise near the first end  621  of the second securing portion  620 . The plurality of openings  629  may be openings, holes, bores, through-holes, and the like, configured to facilitate attachment of a securing element  630 . The securing element  630  may be operably structurally connected to the second securing portion  620  proximate the first end  621  through cooperation with one or more of the plurality of openings  629 . Because there is a plurality of openings  629  at different locations along the second securing portion  620 , a user may place one or more securing elements  630  at various heights to accommodate various sizes of the transportation device  700 . Alternatively, the frame members  625  may telescope to accommodate different sizes and heights. Embodiments of the securing element  630  may secure, hold, engage, grip, hook, lock, etc., a second portion of the transportation means  700  to prevent unwanted movement of the transportation device in a racked position. Embodiments of the securing element  630  may be a hook, clip, fastener, loop, clasp, or similar mechanical component that can removably enter one or more of the plurality of openings  629  at one end, and hook, secure, grip, etc. a portion of the transportation device  700 . In one embodiment, the securing element  630  is a hook element or hooking portion that can cooperate with the opening  629  to prevent unwanted dislodgement of the securing element  630 . For instance, the securing element  630  may include a bore that accepts a bolt once the securing element  630  is pushed into the opening  629  a certain distance. Moreover, embodiments of the securing element  630  may be a 5/16″ bike hook with one end threaded to allow it to enter any one of the plurality of openings  629 ; this allows a person to hook one end and then easily roll the transportation device  700  into place and then strap the transportation device  700  into place while the securing element  630  holds the transportation device  700  into place. Those having skill in the art should appreciate that various means to lock the securing element  630  to the first end  621  of the second securing portion  620  may be implemented. Moreover, embodiments of the second securing portion  620  may be comprised of metals, such as stainless steel, aluminum, and hard plastics, composite materials, or a combination thereof. Those having skill in the requisite art should appreciate that various materials may be used to form the rigid body of the second securing member  620 . For instance, embodiments of the second securing portion  620  may be made of ⅛″- 3/16″ aluminum, or steel 1/16″ thick, and the track element  640  may be 2″ to 2½″ wide in some embodiments. 
       FIG. 24  depicts an embodiment of the multi-purpose rack  1000 , wherein two separate transportation devices  700  are in a racked position. In the racked position, a first portion of the transportation device  700 , such as a front or rear tire or wheel, may engage the track element  640  of the first securing portion  610 . For instance, a front tire or wheel of a transportation device  100  may be placed between the side walls  642  and onto the track  643  of the track element  630  of the first securing portion  610 . Furthermore, in the racked position, a second portion of the transportation device  700 , such as a front tire or wheel, may be secured by the securing element  630  proximate the first end  621  of the second securing portion  620 . For instance, a rear tire or wheel of a transportation device  700  may be hooked by the securing element  630  to prevent unwanted movement of the transportation device  700  during travel of the RV to which the rack  1000  is attached. In the racked position, the second portion of the transportation devices  700 , or another portion thereof, may be surrounded by the upper support frame  1 . As shown in  FIG. 23 , rack  1000  may include two transportation device racking portions  600 . 
       FIGS. 25A and 25B  depict an embodiment of the multi-purpose rack  1000 , wherein two separate transportation devices  700  and two separate watercraft  200  are in a racked position in a single racking device  1000 . In most embodiments, the transportation devices  700  may be positioned between the watercraft  200 . Moreover, the locking bar  4  may be open and closed to form an enclosure around the transportation devices  700  and the watercraft  200 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-25B , a method of racking a watercraft  200  and a transportation device  700  may include the steps of providing a rack  1000  including a watercraft racking portion and a transportation device racking portion  600 , and engaging a vehicle element with a lower support unit  41  of the rack  1000 . The watercraft racking portion may be embodiments of rack  100 ,  101 ,  102 , with the exception of the lower supply unit  41 . In other words, the watercraft racking portion may include some or all of the components described in association with rack  100 ,  101 ,  102 , wherein the watercraft racking portion is operably connected to the lower support unit  41 . 
     Various modifications and variations of the described apparatus and method will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Although this invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments, outlined above, it should be understood that the invention should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.