Cover

Abstract

It is often desirable to cover parts of a roofless vehicle when not in use, for example to protect the seat and instrumentation from the weather or becoming damaged. The cover (10) for a roofless vehicle comprises two portions (101,102) with a first portion arranged to be placed in use over the vehicle's instrumentation and steering and a second portion arranged to be placed in use over a seat of the vehicle. The cover can be arranged in a first configuration to cover the vehicle and rearranged to a second configuration wherein the cover provides a shelter. The cover includes plural attachment points (13,14) to allow the cover to be secured in both configurations.

Claims

1. A method of converting a cover for a roofless vehicle into a shelter, comprising: arranging a trapezoidal shaped cover into a first, folded configuration having a first plurality of attachment points comprising an attachment point at each corner of the first, folded configuration; securing the trapezoidal shaped cover in a first, folded configuration with securement means for maintaining the cover in the first, folded configuration; placing a first portion of the trapezoidal shaped cover in the first, folded configuration over instrumentation and steering equipment of the roofless vehicle, and placing a second portion of the trapezoidal shaped cover over a seat of the roofless vehicle; separating the securement means to unfold the trapezoidal shaped cover into a second, unfolded configuration, the trapezoidal shaped cover having a second plurality of attachment points comprising an attachment point at each corner of the second, folded configuration; and forming a self-standing tent sufficient for a person to be sheltered beneath by arrangement of the trapezoidal shaped cover in the second, unfolded configuration by securing some of the second plurality of attachment points to the roofless vehicle and remaining ones of the second plurality of attachment points to another object or structure.

2. The method according to claim 1 wherein the first portion is wider than the second portion.

3. The method according to claim 1 wherein the first portion is narrower than the second portion.

4. The method according to claim 1 wherein the cover includes end flaps for providing an enclosed shelter when arranged in the form of the self-standing tent.

5. The method according to claim 1 wherein the cover is divided into separate parts for storage or transport.

6. The method according to claim 1 wherein the securement means comprises a zipper.

7. The method according to claim 1 wherein the securement means comprises hook and loop means.

8. The method according to claim 1 wherein the first portion is attached to at least one wing mirror, handlebar or indicator light of the roofless vehicle.

9. The method according to claim 1 wherein the first portion is attached to at least one wing mirror so as to allow activation of a steering lock of the roofless vehicle, the steering being independent of the at least one wing mirror by turning a steering column so as to maintain the cover in a taut condition.

10. A method according to claim 1 wherein at least one of the plurality of attachment points comprise a pouch for arrangement over part of the roofless vehicle.

11. A method according to claim 1, further comprising stowing the cover in a pouch.

12. A method according to claim 11 wherein the pouch is integrated into a corner of the cover.

13. A method according to claim 1 further comprising attaching the cover to an object when stowed using at least one of the attachment points.

14. The method according to claim 1 further comprising forming the cover into a sleeping bag using a zipped zipper.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

(1) FIG. 1 shows a cover deployed from a motorcycle in the second configuration;

(2) FIG. 2A shows a detailed view of the cover shown in FIG. 1 when arranged in the first configuration;

(3) FIG. 2B shows a detailed view of the cover shown in FIG. 1 when arranged in the first configuration including lines;

(4) FIG. 3A show two views from above of a motorcycle with no cover;

(5) FIG. 3B shows a motorcycle with a cover fitted;

(6) FIG. 4A shows an overview view of the cover as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B in use on a motorcycle wherein the cover is folded;

(7) FIG. 4B shows an alternative view of the cover as shown in FIG. 4A wherein the cover is unfolded to provide a larger shelter;

(8) FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C shows three versions of the cover fitting to motorcycles, each cover having a different design;

(9) FIG. 6A show an embodiment of the pouch;

(10) FIG. 6B shows the location for fitting the pouches to the motorcycle;

(11) FIG. 6C shows a cover with integrated pouches fitted to a motorcycle;

(12) FIG. 7A shows an embodiment of the cover with end flaps so as to provide an enclosed shelter;

(13) FIG. 7B shows an embodiment of the cover with end flaps in the tent arrangement;

(14) FIG. 8A shows a cover with a wallet for receiving documents;

(15) FIG. 8B shows a cover with a wallet holding a document;

(16) FIG. 9A shows a steering lock in the locked orientation wherein the wing mirrors remain stationary;

(17) FIG. 9B shows a steering lock in the locked orientation wherein the mirror(s) is/are moveable with the handlebars;

(18) FIG. 10A shows a cover arranged on a motorcycle as shown in FIG. 9A;

(19) FIG. 10B shows a cover arranged on a motorcycle as shown in FIG. 9B;

(20) FIG. 11A shows a close up view of an attachment point;

(21) FIG. 11B shows a close up of view of an attachment point, connector and line in use;

(22) FIG. 11C shows a second embodiment of close up of view of an attachment point, connector and line in use;

(23) FIG. 12 shows an attachment point fitted to a handle bar by a lock;

(24) FIG. 13 shows a cover fitted to a Jetski; and

(25) FIGS. 14A-14E show different views of a cover fitted to a quad bike.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

(26) With reference to FIG. 1 shows a cover 10 is provided for covering a motorcycle 20. The cover 10 is shown in the second configuration wherein the cover is provided as a shelter connected to the motorcycle.

(27) The cover has attachment points 13, 14. The attachment points 13, 14 allow the cover 10 to be secured in position.

(28) Attachment points 13 are provided on an edge of the first portion 101 and an edge of the second portion 102. Therefore an attachment point 13 is provided at each end of the cover. The attachment points 13 also correspond to the crease along which the cover is folded when used as a cover for a vehicle in the first configuration. Therefore the portions 101, 102 correspond in a folded arrangement with the motorcycle handlebars and/or instrumentation 21 and seat 22 (FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B).

(29) In FIG. 1 shows attachment points 13 accepting a cable 15 which is attached to the motorcycle at one end and to the ground at the second end by a peg 2.

(30) Four attachment points 14 are all attached to the ground by pegs 2 in order to secure the cover to the ground in order to provide the shelter.

(31) FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B show a preferred embodiment of the cover in a folded arrangement. The cover comprises a securement means comprising zippered edges 19, which allow mutual engagement to maintain the layers 11, 12 in a close folded arrangement. There are three zippered edges 19 with the fourth side being the fold line/crease line 19A.

(32) Two attachment points 13 are provided, one either end of the fold line.

(33) Four attachment points 14 are provided on the cover, one at each corner of the cover when in its unfolded arrangement. Therefore in FIG. 2 wherein the cover 10 is folded there are two attachment points 14 arranged adjacent to one another.

(34) The cover shown in FIG. 2B also includes 2 attachment points 17 arranged at a mid-point on an edge of the covered in the folded arrangement. The attachment points 17 are intermediate the first portion 101 and the second portion 102.

(35) The attachment points 17 are displaceable so as to clipped on to the cover and removed as and when required. The attachment point 17 comprises a clamp that can be removable clamped to the cover at any position. Advantageously this allows the user to select positioning of the attachment points to best suit vehicle, object, ground etc.

(36) The attachment points 13, 14 or 17 can receive a line 3 and/or an adjustable line 8. Adjustable line 8 includes an adjustor toggle 6 that allows line length to be altered. The lines 8 may be provided as doubled and/or extendable lines 8, with one or more adjustor toggles 6.

(37) The lines 3, 8 enable the cover 10 to be secured, either by securing to a vehicle, an object or to the ground.

(38) The lines 3, 8 are threaded through the attachment points 13, 14, 17 in order to be connected to the cover.

(39) The free end of the line 3, 8 has a connector 5. The connector is a clip. In this way the line can be passed around part of the vehicle, or an object and either clipped to another connector or returned and clipped around the line thereby securing the cover 10 to the vehicle 20.

(40) The connectors 5 may be displaceable and/or interchangeable. For example the connector 5, may be exchanged for a peg 2.

(41) The instrumentation portion 101 shown in FIG. 2 includes a toughened edge 18, for minimising flapping. The toughened edge 18 also conceals the zippered edge 19 preventing it from scratching or damaging the vehicle in use.

(42) The toughened edge 18 may include magnetic portions or other attachment mechanism to allow elongate attachment to the vehicle 20.

(43) FIGS. 3A and 3B show a top view of a motorcycle with no cover (FIG. 3A) and with a cover (FIG. 3B).

(44) The cover is attached to the motorcycle 20 at the wing mirrors 24 and passes over the instrumentation 21, and seat 22.

(45) FIG. 4A shows the cover arranged on the motorcycle 20 in the second configuration wherein the cover serves a shelter. In FIG. 4A the cover remains in the folded arrangement providing a shelter that extends from the motorcycle 20 and is secured to the ground by two lines 3 and two pegs 2.

(46) FIG. 4B shows the cover in the unfolded arrangement in the second configuration, therefore providing a larger shelter as the cover 10 has been unfolded to cover a larger surface area. A line 3 also extends from the motorcycle 20 on an opposite side to the cover 10 in order to pull the cover 10 taut and to ensure it is most secure.

(47) FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C show three covers, each having different decoration on the outward facing face. FIG. 5A includes a warning to request people not to sit on the motorcycle 20. FIG. 5B shows a cover including a logo and FIG. 5C shows a cover having a Union Jack flag motif.

(48) The cover 10 is printed with text and/or an image so as to alter appearance of the cover 10. The decoration is printed on the cover, for example by screen printing. Decoration of the cover allows for branding/advertising to be displayed, patterns, instructions to be provided, or other information to be included and displayed.

(49) FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C show a pouch 30 that may be used for securing the cover to a vehicle 20 or for stowing the cover 10.

(50) The pouch 30 is arranged to be fit over a wing mirror 24, slid over and compressed against wherein the cover may be compressed and minimised within. Use of two such cases provides two new attachment points. The pouches shown in FIG. 6C are arranged at corners of the first portion 101, so as to correspond to location of the wing mirrors 24. The pouches also serve to protect the wing mirrors 24 from dirt and damage, as well as allowing the cover to be stored within either.

(51) In some embodiments the cover may be divisible to be partly held within each case. Such cases are advantageously able to expand and compress in preferred embodiments.

(52) The pouch 30 comprises an attachment ring 31, tightening toggle 32 and cord 33. FIG. 6A shows the pouch 30 into which the cover 10 can be placed inside when not in use. The toggle 32 receives an elasticated cord 33 so as to allow flexible closure of the pouch with the cover 10 stowed within.

(53) The attachment ring 31 enables the pouch 30 and thereby the cover 10 to be secured to another object. For example the pouch 30 may be secured to a belt or strap. Alternatively the attachment ring 31 may be received by a hook, loop or karabiner so as to allow connection of the pouch 30 to another object.

(54) The pouch 30 may be made from the same material as the cover. For example the pouch may be formed from Nylon.

(55) In FIGS. 7A and 7B the cover 10 is shown with end flaps 40 which serve to provide ends to the tent so as to provide an enclosed shelter. Whilst used as a cover 10 the end flaps 40 are folded and therefore not visible. When the securement means is released so as to unfold the cover 10 the end flaps 40 are released.

(56) The end flaps 40 are triangular pieces arranged at portions 101 and 102 which in use from the tent ends and thereby the tent openings. The end flaps are right angle triangles having the hypotenuse attached to the portion and the other two edges unattached.

(57) The long unattached edge, the adjacent side of the triangle, includes securement means so as to allow it to be secured to the corresponding end flap 40 and thereby close the tent.

(58) FIGS. 8A and 8B show the cover have a transparent wallet 900 for receiving documents 910. The wallet 900 is formed from transparent plastic and is sealed by a zipper 920 so that documents 910 can be held in and sealed within the wallet 900, for example to prevent them becoming wet.

(59) FIGS. 9A and 9B show motorcycles with the steering lock engaged so that the handle bars are turned. In 10A the wing mirrors are fixed and not moveable with the handlebars whereas in FIG. 10B the wing mirrors 24 are moveable with the handlebars.

(60) FIGS. 10A and 10B show the cover 10 fitted to the motorcycle shown in 9A and 9B. In FIG. 10B part of the cover 10 is folded back and secured against itself so as to allow the cover 10 to remain taut in use. The folded back part is secured to itself by means of hook and loop means (not shown).

(61) FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C show three different combinations of attachment points and connectors.

(62) FIG. 12A shows the attachment point 13, 14 as a webbing loop stitched onto the cover 10. The webbing loop 13, 14 receives a synthetic plastic hoop 36. The peg 2 is secured through the hoop 36 in order to fix the cover to the ground.

(63) The webbing loop includes an eyelet 35.

(64) FIG. 11B shows a rigid synthetic plastic attachment point 13, 14 that is bonded to the cover 10. The attachment point 13, 14, has an aperture 37 through which the connector 5 is received. The connector 5 is connected to a line 3.

(65) FIG. 11C shows an elasticated attachment point 13, 14 that is stitched to the cover 10. The elasticated attachment point 13, 14 receives a synthetic plastic hoop 36 as shown in FIG. 11A. The hoop 36 has a connector 5 connected to it. The connector 5 is attached to a line 3 which is linked to a different part of the cover 10 (not shown).

(66) FIG. 12 shows a cover locked to a vehicle 20 by a combination lock 80. Part of the combination lock 80 is passed through an eyelet 35 that is provided on the webbing attachment point 13, 14. Therefore part of the combination lock 80 passes through the eyelet 35 and about a handle bar so as to prevent removal of the cover without unlocking the combination lock 80.

(67) FIGS. 13A and 13B show a cover arranged over a powered water craft (PWC). The cover 10 in FIG. 13A is shaped so as to cup a rear portion of the seat 22.

(68) The cover 10 in FIG. 13B is secured to a rear portion of the seat and is draped either side of the seat 22.

(69) FIGS. 14A-E show a selection of views of the cover 10 deployed in the configuration to be used on a quad bike 20.

(70) FIG. 15D shows the cover arranged and secured between two quad bikes parked parallel to one another. In this way a canopy is provided between the two vehicles 20.

(71) FIG. 15E shows the cover 10 arranged in the second configuration so as to provide a shelter above the quad bike. In this way the user may remain seated on the quad bike and be covered. For example the cover may provide a hunting shelter, or fishing shelter.

(72) With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

(73) The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

(74) Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, suitable modifications and equivalents are considered to fall within the scope of the claims appended hereto.