U.S. patent application number 10/027790 was filed with the patent office on 2002-10-31 for protective covering device and cover assembly.
Invention is credited to O'Brien, Paul W..
Application Number | 20020157696 10/027790 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26702881 |
Filed Date | 2002-10-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020157696 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
O'Brien, Paul W. |
October 31, 2002 |
Protective covering device and cover assembly
Abstract
A protective covering device having a weather-resistant sheet of
material wound about a spring-loaded roller, which material may be
extended off the roller and over an object to be covered in a
relatively easy manner, and which material may then be
spring-assisted back onto the roller during the uncovering of such
object. The spring-loaded roller is positioned with a housing that
is either anchored to the same surface on which the object to be
covered is positioned, or is mountable to a vertically-oriented
surface located near one end of the object to be covered. The
opposite end of the cover has a four-point multiple curved contour
configuration to provide better wrapping both on the storage roller
and about the end of a vehicle to be covered. Elastic attachments
between the cover and the draw bar serve to draw it over the
vehicle and provide convenient and efficient wrapping of the cover
about the end of the vehicle.
Inventors: |
O'Brien, Paul W.;
(Tunkhannock, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Law Offices of Charles A. Wilkinson
68 East Broad Street
P.O. Box 1426
Bethlehem
PA
18016-1426
US
|
Family ID: |
26702881 |
Appl. No.: |
10/027790 |
Filed: |
December 20, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60256818 |
Dec 20, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
135/87 ; 135/115;
135/121; 135/128; 135/903; 296/98 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60J 11/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/87 ; 135/128;
135/115; 135/903; 135/121; 296/136 |
International
Class: |
E04H 015/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A sheet of flexible material for use in a protective covering
device, such device comprising a roller within a housing, the
flexible material attachable to such roller and further attachable
to a handle member for guiding the flexible material off of and
onto the roller, for the self-contoured covering of an object
resting on a planar surface, such flexible material comprising: (a)
a leading edge attachable to a handle member, such leading edge
having a central portion and two opposite end portions, (b) an
attachment edge attachable to a roller, such attachment edge having
a central portion and two opposite ends, (c) a pair of side edges
having a longitudinal central portion of the flexible material
defined therebetween, (d) a plurality of guide loops located on the
side edges for passage of cord means between the roller and the
handle member, and (e) means to secure the leading edge of the
flexible material to the handle member, and (f) the leading edge of
the flexible material having a four-point contoured
conformation.
2. The sheet of flexible material for use in a protective covering
device in accordance with claim 1 wherein the leading edge of the
flexible cover has two outer contoured forward extensions and two
central contoured forward extensions, the outer contoured
extensions extending forward a significantly greater degree than
the central contoured extensions.
3. The sheet of flexible material for use in a protective covering
device in accordance with claim 2 wherein the rear edge of the
flexible cover has an attachment means for securing the flexible
material to the roller.
4. The sheet of flexible material for use in a protective covering
device in accordance with claim 3 wherein cord means pass through
and are laterally constrained by the guide loops.
5. The sheet of flexible material for use in a protective covering
device in accordance with claim 4 wherein the cord means is less
than resilient over its principal length, but resilient over its
forward end adjacent to the contoured forward end of the flexible
material and attachable to a handle member.
6. The sheet of flexible material for use in a protective covering
device in accordance with claim 5 wherein the sheet of flexible
material incorporates an elastic section in the sides of the sheet
for better control in covering and uncovering a vehicle.
7. The sheet of flexible material for use in a protective covering
device in accordance with claim 6 wherein the leading end of the
flexible material is provided with elastic tie means for attachment
to the handle member.
8. A vehicle cover adapted for reeling off and back onto a reel
mounted adjacent to a vehicle comprising: (a) an elongated flexible
weather resistant sheet material having a leading end for passage
over a vehicle and a terminal end for attachment to a reel, (b) the
leading end of the elongated flexible weather resistant sheet
having a four point contoured configuration, (c) the terminal end
of the sheet material incorporating means for attachment to the
reel.
9. A vehicle cover in accordance with claim 8 incorporating an
elastic section adjacent the leading end.
10. A vehicle cover in accordance with claim 9 wherein the cover is
provided with loop-type retaining means along the edges between the
terminal end and leading end for containing side control cords.
11. A vehicle cover in accordance with claim 11 wherein the leading
end of the cover is provided with elastic attachment means for
attaching the cover to a handle.
12. A vehicle cover in accordance with claim 8 wherein the four
point contoured configuration of the leading end of the cover has
two central contoured projections and two side contoured
projections and the two side projections are longer than the
central projections.
13. A self-contouring protective covering device for covering an
object resting on a planar surface comprising: (a) a spring loaded
roller contained within a stationery housing secured to a support,
(b) a sheet of flexible, weather resistant material fastened to the
roller, the flexible material having a leading edge, two side edges
and an inner edge where it is fastened to the roller, (c) the
flexible material having edge tensioning cords along the two side
edges extending between the roller and the vicinity of the leading
edge, (d) handle means positioned adjacent the leading edge of the
flexible material and secured to such material, (e) the leading end
of the sheet material having a four-point contoured configuration
with each of the outwardly contoured portions being attached to the
handle.
14. A self contouring covering device in accordance with claim 13
wherein the contour of the leading end of the cover includes two
inner and two outer contoured extensions, the two outer contoured
extensions extending farther forward than the two central
extensions.
15. A self contouring covering device in accordance with claim 13
wherein the contoured extensions are secured to the handle by
elastic securing means.
16. A self contouring covering device in accordance with claim 13
wherein the edge tensioning cords are nonresilient over a
substantial portion of their length and elastic adjacent to the
contoured leading edge and are secured to the handle.
17. A self contouring covering device in accordance with claim 16
wherein the edge tensioning cords are slidably secured to the outer
edges of the covering device by grommets.
18. A self contouring covering device in accordance with claim 17
wherein the grommets extend from the edge of the cover.
19. A self contouring covering device in accordance with claim 17
wherein the grommets are integral with the plane of the covering
device.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to and takes priority from
Provisional Application 60/256,818 filed Dec. 20, 2000.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to protective covering devices
generally, and more particularly, to a protective covering device
for motor vehicles, and/or similarly shaped objects, exposed to the
natural elements or other deleterious environments while parked or
at rest temporarily, or for an extended period of time, such device
being easy to operate, transport and store.
[0004] 2. Preliminary Discussion
[0005] Protective vehicle covers come in all shapes and sizes. The
most permanent type of vehicle cover is the "attached" or
"detached" garage constructed in accordance with conventional
building codes, which garage is either connected to a residence or
situated adjacent thereto, but still within the resident owner's
property line. The least permanent type of covering for a large
object such as a motor vehicle is usually in the form of a
weather-resistant, one-piece cover, which may be either a
custom-designed fitted cover or a stock cover. For vehicle owners
residing in apartment buildings without attached or detached
garages, for example, this is usually the only available option.
Obviously, the most expensive and effective type of covering is the
garage. However, one-piece fitted covers and the like can also
become expensive if they are stolen, which is often a problem
today, or if the owner changes cars, thereby necessitating the
purchase of a new "fitted" cover.
[0006] Temporary or permanent vehicle covers primarily serve the
purpose of providing protection against the natural elements, such
as wind, rain and more particularly acid rain, airborne debris,
sun, dust, leaves and branches, mischievous youth, bird droppings
and other organic matter, and the like. More particularly,
temporary covers may be desired by vehicle owners for several
reasons. They are particularly appealing in today's upwardly
mobile, transient society, since they are easily transportable to
any new location. Temporary covers are also desirable away from the
home at short term parking locations such as at one's place of
employment, or at long term parking locations such as at a
self-storage facility or an airport. Temporary covers would also be
desirable for new and used car dealers and rental agencies,
particularly since vehicle appearance is a driving factor in
customer satisfaction and appreciation. Furthermore, the owners of
expensive or custom cars frequently wish to protect their car from
dust which may settle upon it over a period even within a closed
garage or the like.
[0007] Protective covers are, however, only effective if they are
easily and conveniently available and hassle-free. For example,
storing one's vehicle in an attached garage is essentially
effortless, and usually only requires the push of a button on an
automatic garage door opener. Storing one's vehicle under a
custom-fitted cover, however, can be quite discouraging at times,
particularly when the cover is wet and cluttered with debris. One
going to work on a dreary, rainy morning, or even during storm
conditions, would generally not look forward to removing, cleaning,
and storing a custom-fitted car cover that is completely soaked and
lined with fallen debris, particularly since one is likely to get
wet and dirty in the process, and more particularly if there is no
convenient, dry storage location for the now-soaked car cover,
which is also now susceptible to mildew damage and the like. In
fact, situations such as just described sometimes tend to make
temporary vehicle covers a hassle to use and store. 3. Description
of Related Art
[0008] Unfortunately, although the objective has always been to
provide the user with convenience in protecting his/her vehicle,
prior art vehicle covers have been often cumbersome in design
and/or tedious and complicated in use. There is a clear evolution
within the temporary vehicle cover art, progressing from the simple
to the complex. This evolution demonstrates a clear need to
reevaluate and reassess the factors that drive the decision to
purchase and use temporary vehicle covers. It appears that the
prior art has become cluttered with complicated devices that
undoubtedly provide protection, but are not convenient and simple
to use. The present inventor has previously provided improvements
of these prior devices that are easy to use, store, transport and
relocate.
[0009] The present inventor has additionally recognized numerous
deficiencies within the prior art. First, several of the prior art
designs either attach directly to the owner's vehicle or require a
structural modification thereof. It is believed that the most
useful type of protective device should be the least intrusive to
the chassis of the owner's vehicle. Another problem recognized by
the present inventor is a lack of weather resistance in prior art
framing structures. Many of the recent introductions to the field
operate on a sliding track system, where the track itself is
exposed to the elements. This presents problems in those areas of
the country that experience a lot of storm-related debris or
changing of the seasons. Furthermore, the more recent "ribbed" type
car covers can be quite bulky at times, particularly when the
covering includes series of stiffening members that add weight to
the cover, involve additional, often complicated manufacturing
steps, and create the potential for breakage, thereby disrupting
the entire protective system. The ribbed-type car covers also
create a type of fixed geometry, whereby the spatial dimensions of
the cover are not easily modified and workable.
[0010] There has been a need, therefore, for a protective covering
device that is simple to use, easy to manufacture, effortless in
its operation, and easy to handle by all generations. The present
inventor has previously created a device that fulfills many such
needs. These devices disclosed in the present inventors previously
filed applications for patent Ser. No. 09/152,912 filed on Sep. 14,
1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,381, and Ser. No. 09/323,972 filed
Jun. 2, 1999, overcome many of the aforementioned problems within
the prior art. Such inventions require no modification to one's
present vehicle, are freestanding, independent devices, and are
capable of dimensional adjustment to accommodate a variety of
vehicle shapes and sizes. This is particularly useful should the
vehicle owner opt to upgrade his or her present vehicle. The
adjustability of these previous covering systems allowed them to
cover a new vehicle as easily as the previous vehicle, leaving the
previous vehicle in an unaltered state for resale or trade. Such
devices were formed of self-contouring, non-ribbed material.
Because such covers are formed from a single sheet of flexible
material without unwieldy stiffening members, they are able to be
withdrawn from the vehicle and stored within a minimum of space.
The self contouring cover is also able to accommodate a variety of
vehicle shapes, from standard sub-compacts to sport utility
vehicles. Furthermore, the lack of stiffening members cuts out
needless manufacturing steps for an otherwise simple structure.
Simplicity contributes to the commercial viability of any product
in the form of decreased manufacturing costs, which are passed
along to the customer, and an increase in user satisfaction
resulting from ease of use, storage and operation.
[0011] Perhaps the most unique and significant improvement of this
invention over the prior art is the storage of the flexible
covering on a spring-loaded roller mechanism that is not, in any
way, attached to the object to be covered. This mechanism allows
the covering to be rapidly applied and rapidly withdrawn with
minimal effort on the part of the user. Additionally, the cover,
when retracted, is assisted by the spring-loaded mechanism, thereby
making the uncovering of the object essentially effortless, while
the roller completely eliminates the need for folding and for
locating suitable storage.
[0012] In one embodiment, the roller assembly is stored within a
ground-based, preferably self-cleaning protective housing that
assists in removing debris from the outer surface of the cover and
shields the stored cover from the natural elements. In addition,
the cover itself is designed to be both gravity retained with
respect to covering a vehicle, yet air decelerated when being
placed over a vehicle so it does not merely drop over the vehicle
onto the ground, but is gently conveyed thereover without the use
of either separate or integral spring or other buffer or
deceleration devices.
[0013] In another embodiment, the roller assembly is stored within
a protective housing that is mountable and adapted for placement
against any vertically-oriented surface, such as a wall, door,
fence or the like. In such embodiment, the housing might be placed,
for example, inside one's garage and against the rear wall for
covering and protecting one's vehicle from dust, critters, and
other unwanted objects while parked in the garage. The present
inventor has realized that indoor pollution, as well as outdoor
pollution, can also be a problem, although indoor pollution,
typically characterized by gradual accumulations of dust and the
like, is usually not as noticeable or prominent as outdoor
pollution. The conveniently mountable roller assembly embodiment is
portable and easily transportable, and provides the owner with a
variety of covering options and locations, which may not always be
possible if space is at a premium.
[0014] While the arrangement used previously by the present
inventor and disclosed in previous applications filed by the
present inventor has worked well, certain difficulties both in
rolling the cover up on its spring loaded roller and in efficiently
covering the vehicles involved have been encountered. In
particular, there have been difficulties with both attaining a
tight fit of the outer end of the cover about the front of a car
parked in a garage when the storage roller for the cover is mounted
upon a garage door plus the outer end of the cover has not rolled
up on the storage roller efficiently. The present applicant has now
discovered that such difficulties can be avoided by the addition of
certain innovations hereinafter set forth. In particular, the
present applicant has discovered that the configuration of the end
of the cover has a major effect upon both efficiently covering a
vehicle and also the efficient storage of the cover on its storage
roller and has designed a suitable configuration for these
purposes. Secondly, the present applicant has found that in order
to attain an effective encapsulation or covering of the end of the
vehicle certain elastic properties of the end of the cover must be
combined with the spring tension of the roller upon which the cover
is mounted for storage and to which the inner end remains attached
during use. It has been discovered that very effective resilient
characteristics are provided to the end of the cover by the use of
an elastic section, preferably formed of so-called bungee cord, to
replace a section of the side cords just before attachment to the
pull or draw bar, which is used at the end of the cover to draw
such cover over the vehicle. In addition, it has been discovered
that the efficiency of covering the vehicle is still further
increased by the use of an elastic section in the sides of the
cover itself near the end overlapping the elastic or bungee cord
system. In addition, the specially contoured end section is
attached to the pull or draw bar by elastic shock cord, or
so-called bungee cord. With these modifications, the efficiency and
effectiveness of the cover are increased several fold, so that
complete and perfect covering of a vehicle is effected each time
with a particularly effective covering of the end of the vehicle
discouraging the infiltration of dust and debris under the
cover.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] A protective covering device comprises primarily a
spring-loaded roller around which a weather-resistant, flexible
material is wrapped for storage during periods of nonuse. The
flexible material is also of a preferably one-piece, durable fabric
construction having means to self-contour about the object to be
covered. The roller is housed either within a protective enclosure
shielding the roller and the flexible covering from the natural
elements or may be mounted indoors, for example, in a garage
without a protective cover, saving considerably on weight. The
flexible covering is extended off the roller and over the object to
be covered, with such cover being reeled back onto the roller in a
spring-assisted fashion, thereby making the entire covering and
uncovering operation essentially effortless.
[0016] In one embodiment, a pivoting arm member anchored to the
ground may be implemented to assist in the extension and retraction
of the flexible covering about the object to be covered. A further
framing piece may also be implemented to further assist in the
operation of the flexible covering, and also provide the optimum
spacing between the arm member and the storage roller. The framing
piece further centers the arm member approximately halfway between
the storage roller and the end of the object to be covered, such
that the arm member approximates an efficient 180.degree. arc
during the covering and uncovering strokes. Simple air buffered
deceleration of the cover as it settles over the object to be
covered is designed into the apparatus.
[0017] In another embodiment, the roller assembly is stored within
a protective housing that is mountable and adapted for placement
against any vertically-oriented surface, such as a wall, door,
fence or the like. In this embodiment, the housing might be placed,
for example, inside one's garage and against the rear wall for
covering and protecting one's vehicle from dust, critters, and
other unwanted objects while parked in the garage. The present
inventor has realized that indoor pollution, as well as outdoor
pollution, can also be a problem, although indoor pollution,
typically characterized by gradual accumulations of dust and the
like, is usually not as noticeable or prominent as outdoor
pollution. The mountable roller assembly embodiment is portable and
easily transportable, and provides the owner with a variety of
covering options and locations, which may not always be possible if
space is at a premium.
[0018] A special improvement which allows the cover of the
invention to be easily rolled up upon the roller and then unrolled
consecutive times consists of a special so-called "four point" cut
on the outer end of the cover which cut allows the cover to adapt
to the differential linear dimensions of a vehicle. This critical
feature enables multiple unrollings and rollings of the cover
without tangling even though the sides are usually not as long as
the top of the cover. In addition, the cover is provided with a
resilient portion of guiding line on either side arranged to pass
through nonrestrictive grommets through which the line passes on
each side of the cover from the roll and over the vehicle during
covering of the vehicle. The cover itself is also preferably
provided with a resilient side section insert on each side
overlapping the resilient guiding cord. Preferably also the outer
end of the cover is attached to the pull or draw bar by elastic
ties. In this manner the end of the cover may be guided off the
storage roller and stretched down over the front or end of the
vehicle after which the draw bar may be moved under the end of the
car and seated preferably against the front or end tires or
anywhere between the tires and the end of the vehicle as the
elastic guiding line and elastic and side section retract the end
of the cover securely against the end of the vehicle. The draw bar
may also be provided with one of several improved handles to aid
placement.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the protective housing of the
device of the invention with a portion cut away to show the
inside.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a cross section of the protective housing of the
invention taken through the side of the housing.
[0021] FIG. 2A is a broken apart view of FIG. 2.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a top view of the leading edge of the covering of
the invention showing a handle attached thereto.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic top view of one embodiment of the
invention showing the device of the invention positioned near an
object to be covered.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic side view of an object to be
covered with the device of the invention positioned along the side
thereon.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic side view of the device of the
invention extended partially over the object to be covered.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic side view of the covering of the
invention extended substantially over an object.
[0027] FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic side view of the covering of the
invention extended completely over an object.
[0028] FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic top view of a preferred embodiment
of the device of the invention.
[0029] FIG. 9A is a diagrammatic top view of FIG. 9 having a
straddling member for attachment of the device of the invention to
a conventional parking-style cement block.
[0030] FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic top view of an alternative
embodiment of the device of the invention.
[0031] FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic top view of a further alternative
embodiment of the device of the invention FIGS. 12 through 14 show
an operation of the device of the present invention, similar to
FIGS. 5, 6 and 8, but with the preferred embodiment of the
invention shown in FIG. 9.
[0032] FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic view of ramp-like safety devices
incorporated onto the device of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of the
device of the present invention shown in its constituent parts
packaged in a kit or the like.
[0034] FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic side view of a mountable
embodiment of the device of the present invention shown mounted to
a vertically-oriented surface.
[0035] FIG. 18 is an isometric view of the housing of the mountable
embodiment with mounting means for mounting of the housing.
[0036] FIG. 18A is an isometric view of an example of a mounting
means.
[0037] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of pre-attached mounting means
against a wall.
[0038] FIG. 20 is an isometric view of the housing and pull bar of
the mountable embodiment of the device of the present
invention.
[0039] FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic top view of the roller and
flexible covering of the device of the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 22 is a diagrammatic side view of the flexible covering
extended over a covered object.
[0041] FIGS. 23 through 26 illustrate operation of the mountable
embodiment of the device of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 27 is a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of the
device of the present invention shown in its constituent parts
packaged in a kit or the like.
[0043] FIG. 28 is a diagrammatic view of an antenna adapter of the
present invention used to reorient the direction of a vehicle's
existing antenna.
[0044] FIG. 29 is a diagrammatic side view of a vehicle having an
upwardly extending antenna.
[0045] FIG. 30 is a diagrammatic side view of the vehicle of FIG.
28 having an antenna equipped with the antenna adapter of the
present invention.
[0046] FIG. 31 is an isometric view of the installation of the
spring biased roller of the invention mounted on the lower inside
section of a typical garage door.
[0047] FIG. 32 is a plan view of an improved cover assembly in
accordance with the invention mounted to a spring biased storage
roller.
[0048] FIG. 33 is an enlarged plan view of the outer end of the
improved cover shown in FIG. 32.
[0049] FIG. 33A is an enlarged isometric view of one of the
grommets on the side of the cover to loosely hold the line along
side.
[0050] FIG. 34 is a diagrammatic representation of a preferred
mounting for the spring loaded roller of the invention on a garage
door.
[0051] FIG. 35 is a side elevation showing a cover equipped with
the present inventor's special end contour just after the cover has
been stretched out over the vehicle with the draw bar still
stretching out the elastic shock cord insert in the guide lines and
the elastic insert in the side panels of the cover.
[0052] FIG. 36 is a side elevation similar to FIG. 35 showing the
draw bar positioned under the rear of the vehicle and the cover
retracted over the rear of the vehicle.
[0053] FIGS. 37 and 38 are detailed views of portions of the draw
bar of the invention illustrating the adjustability of a preferred
improved grip for grasping and controlling the draw bar.
[0054] FIGS. 39 and 40 are enlarged views of alternative handles
appropriate for both right and left handed persons for gripping and
controlling the draw bar of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0055] The protective covering device of the present invention is
designed to be portable and adjustable over a variety of object
dimensions, and, in one embodiment, freestanding. It is swiftly and
easily assembled, easily adjustable and effortless to operate. It
should be noted that the protective covering device of the present
invention may be used to cover a wide variety of objects, such as
cars, motorcycles, bicycles, mini-vans, and the like. It may also
be used to cover, for example, a pile of dirt, seat cushions,
bricks, a garage sale table, a person reclining on the ground, or
anything else imaginable. The preferred type of object is, however,
a motor vehicle, and this will be used as the basis for all future
examples. The applications for the device of the present invention,
however, are in no way limited to the covering of motor vehicles
and the like, but motor vehicles, and more specifically cars, will
only be discussed for purposes of simplicity.
[0056] The foundation of the protective covering device of the
present invention is the spring loaded roller which is mounted into
a protective housing. Attached to the roller is preferably a
weather-resistant, flexible sheet of material, which is essentially
drawn off the roller and over the object to be covered. For
purposes of further discussion, the flexible sheet of material will
be designated as a "covering."
[0057] This covering also preferably has the means to be
self-contouring, whereby the covering, when extended over the
object to be covered, fits nicely or snugly around such object,
thereby creating a clean, tight appearance. This self-contouring
feature is preferably accomplished by a cord strung through the
sides of the covering by way of grommets or the like, which
maintains the sides of the covering against the covered object.
[0058] The protective roller housing, when in use, is preferably
located parallel to, for example, the front or rear bumper of a
vehicle, and is, in one embodiment, anchored to or positioned
adjacent the ground using a variety of anchoring hardware depending
on the type of surface to which it is mounted, such as, for
example, cement nails or ground screws. The housing might also be
positioned adjacent a cement-variety or parking space-type block,
using a unique frame member that straddles or "hugs" such block,
thereby alleviating the need to penetrate the ground and anchor the
housing to the ground.
[0059] In one embodiment, a spacing and supporting frame preferably
attaches to the roller housing, and preferably comprises a pivoting
arm member that assists in the extension of the covering from the
roller and over the object to be covered. The arm member also
assists in the uncovering of the object and the return of the
flexible covering onto the roller. Since the pivoting arm member
guides the covering over the vehicle, and since vehicles come in
all shapes and sizes, the device of the present invention
incorporates an adjustable pivot point, such that the pivot point
is preferably positioned at the midpoint of the object to be
covered. The spacing and support frame both positions the pivot
point of the arm member preferably near the center of the vehicle
and supports the arm member alongside the object to be covered.
This frame is adjustably positioned with respect to the protective
roller housing, while the arm member attaches to the leading edge
of the flexible covering.
[0060] A unique feature of the protective covering device of the
present invention, which, in one embodiment, i.e. where the
covering is supported during drawing over the vehicle by a pivoting
arm, distinguishes it from the prior art, is a so-called
"parachute" effect, realized by the temporary capture of air
underneath the flexible covering as the covering is drawn over the
vehicle. This parachute effect cushions the "landing" of the
covering's leading edge on the ground at the rear of the vehicle.
The leading edge of the flexible covering usually comprises a
stiffening member, which allows a user to manipulate or work with
the entire leading edge of the covering at the same time.
[0061] This stiffening member also weighs the covering down on the
ground, enabling it to remain over the vehicle without any
additional tie downs at the rear or front of the vehicle depending
upon which end of the vehicle is provided with a nearby spring
biased roller support. As the leading edge of the flexible covering
is extended over the midspan of the vehicle, which correlates to
the highest point of the arc travel of the leading edge, the weight
of the stiffening member tends to accelerate the resulting travel
of the covering over the vehicle and to the ground. The parachute
effect created by the capture of air cushions or air brakes the
fall of the leading edge onto the ground, and essentially allows
the operator of the device of the invention to let the covering
glide to the ground. This parachute effect also prevents the
leading edge of the covering, now with additional weight due to the
stiffening member, from causing harm to body or personal
property.
[0062] The device of the present invention also comprises an
optional guidepost-like marker which extends from the top of the
roller housing so as to guide the vehicle's owner when parking the
vehicle for use of the vehicle cover. The guidepost will allow the
driver to line up the center of his/her vehicle with the center of
the vehicle cover. Said guidepost will be reflective in nature to
facilitate use during night-time hours.
[0063] Another feature of the present invention is an automatic
self-contouring tension system. This system is comprised of cords,
or the like, and a series of grommets installed in the sides of the
cover. As the covering is extended up and over the vehicle, the
covering pulls along with it the cords, unspooling them from the
roller and automatically increasing the tension as the covering
extends farther from the stowed or stored position. The end result
is that the cords slide through the grommets in the lower side
portion of the covering, providing a downward pulling effect which
contours the covering under tension around the sides of the
vehicle.
[0064] A most desirable feature of the present invention in one
embodiment, as described above, is the adjustability of the ground
frame upon initial installation for various sized vehicles. This
allows the frame, used in the application of the cover, to slide
forward or backward on the ground, thereby enabling the user to
locate the frame pivot point at or near the center of the vehicle.
This adjustability provides for a tight fit for individual use as
well as providing a generic size feature in order for the device to
be used with a variety of vehicles.
[0065] In another, more portable embodiment of the present
invention, the protective covering device, and more specifically
the housing of such device, is mountable to a wall, door or the
like, as opposed to being positioned on or adjacent the ground,
floor or the like, and is operable without the framing members of
the previously described embodiment. A mountable, transportable
housing enables the protective covering device of the invention to
be used in a variety of locations, without the need for a cleared
"footprint" or the positioning of a framing structure. The more
portable embodiment also employs a unique covering that is not only
self-contouring to encase or enclose the outer surface of an
object, but is also length-adjustable to provide a snug fit with a
variety of object lengths and widths.
[0066] A further embodiment of the invention is designed to mount
upon the lower inside portion of a garage door and serves to
protect a vehicle while parked in a garage from the thin layer of
dust and grime that normally accumulates on garaged vehicles. A
draw bar provided at the front of the cover services to draw the
cover over the vehicle to be protected. This new type of assembly
normally does not require a protective enclosure for the rolled up
or stored cover and this saves weight in shipping the spring loaded
roller to customers.
[0067] A very important innovation which is supremely useful and at
times critical to operation of the cover device is the discovery
that the payout and rewinding of the cover as well as its effective
engagement with the front or end of the vehicle is the provision of
a so-called four point contour or configuration to the outer end of
the cover. Rounded forward extensions are provided one each on the
side panels that stretch over the sides of the vehicle and two
forward extending portions of the top panel are extended outwardly
preferably over the central or middle portion of the end of the
main cover portion. Each of these four rounded extensions is
attached by a guide and tension line to a forward draw or guide bar
which the operator grasps and uses to pull the cover from its
storage roller and over the vehicle. A central-tension and guide or
draw line is also preferably secured to the front of the cover in
the center of the depression between the two central extensions or
elongations on the front of the cover. Along with the four-point
cut of the front of the cover, it has been discovered that the
operation of the covering device is improved very substantially if
the front portion of the guide lines are formed from resilient
shock cord or the like, frequently referred to as bungee cord or
the like from so-called bungee jumping while restrained by such
cords. Along with the use of the shock cord, it is very preferable
if the lower front portion of the side panels of the cover is
formed of a resilient material. With such a construction, when the
cover is drawn off the spring tensioned storage roller and over the
car, as the cover reaches the limits of its extension, both the
shock cord and elastic or resilient material in the side panels of
the cover stretch against the spring tension of the storage roller
allowing the cover to be drawn down over the end of the vehicle.
The draw bar is then brought under the front of the car and held in
place, preferably against the tires, by retraction of the shock
cord. Meanwhile the resilient cords binding the front of the cover
to the draw bar place a continuing tension on one end of the cover
holding it in place. The elastic material incorporated into the
lower portions of the front of the cover retract the end of the
cover snugly against the front of the vehicle. The entire
combination of a four point front contour on the cover (which also
aids in winding the cover on its spring retracted roller), the
elastic shock cord in the ends of the guide lines and the elastic
in the side panels near the front of the panel and preferably
partially overlapping the shocks cord in the side control line
acting in conjunction with the manipulation of the draw bar result
in a very controllable covering of the front or end of the vehicle
with a superlative fit around such end of the vehicle.
[0068] The following detailed description is of the best mode or
modes of the invention presently contemplated. Such description is
not intended to be understood in a limiting sense, but to be an
example of the invention presented solely for illustration thereof,
and by reference to which in connection with the following
description and the accompanying drawings one skilled in the art
may be advised of the advantages and construction of the
invention.
[0069] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a protective housing 300
having a roller 100 with a flexible covering 200 attached thereto,
such figure shown with an edge portion of the housing 300 cut out
to expose the interior of such housing 300. The protective housing
300 is preferably incorporated to store the roller 100 and covering
200 during periods of nonuse to prevent such roller 100 and
covering 200 from being exposed to the natural elements, and is
also used to protect the roller 100 and a portion of the covering
200 during periods of actual use. Of course, while the
implementation of the protective housing 300 is preferred, it is
not crucial to the operation of the device of the present
invention, since the roller 100 and material 200 could be supported
by other anchoring means and the like. The roller 100 has a center
110 fixed within the housing 300, and preferably between the side
walls 330 and 340, shown on edge and partially cut away
respectively, of the housing 300, and a radius defined as 120.
Attached to the roller 100 is a flexible, preferably
weather-resistant, covering 200 having a leading edge 210 and two
side edges 220 and 230, with the fourth edge securely attached to
the roller and hidden from view. The leading edge 210 also has a
protective covering 212 to prevent the leading edge from marring or
damaging any surface it might contact, including the ground. This
protective covering 212 can be in the form of a cushioning strip
spanning between the ends of the leading edge 210, or it can be in
the form of separate cushioning segments. The protective housing
300 generally has an upper surface 310 a slanted surface 320 and
two sides 330 and 340, two base plates 350 and 360 one front plate
370 and one back face 380. The supporting plates 350 and 360
maintain the protective housing 300 flat, and orifices 362 and 364,
for example, provide the means to anchor the housing 300 to a
surface using any suitable anchoring means, shown for example, as
anchoring member 366. There is also shown in FIG. 1 a brush or
cleaning implement 400 attached to plate 320 which will be
described in more detail in connection with FIG. 2.
[0070] FIG. 2 is a cross section of the protective housing 300
shown in FIG. 1, taken through the side 340 of the housing 300. An
additional feature of the protective housing 300 are drainage holes
390 and 395 for example, positioned about the underside 315 of the
housing 300 to allow for drainage of collected water from within
the housing onto the ground surface. Directional arrows 130
illustrate the rotation of the roller 100 about its center 110
within the protective housing 300. Fastened within the leading edge
210 of the flexible sheet 200 is a stiffening member 240 which
allows for easy grasping and manipulation of the leading edge 210
of the flexible sheet 200 by an operator of the device of the
invention. The flexible sheet 200 is also comprised of an inner
surface 250 and an outer surface 260, the inner surface 250 coming
into contact with the object to be covered and the outer surface
260 being exposed to the natural elements. The outer surface 260 is
preferably weather resistant and of a sufficient durability to
withstand common elemental debris such as falling twigs, rain,
snow, sleet and the like. The roller 100 of the invention is spring
loaded shown diagrammatically in FIG. 2 by spring 140, with such
spring 140 being a conventional, helical spring, i.e. it only winds
in one direction. Consequently, as the covering 200 is drawn out of
the protective enclosure 300 by manipulation of the leading edge
210, the roller 100 rotates in the direction of the arrows 130
thereby tightening the spring 140, thereby increasing the tension
on the spring 140 as the material 200 is extended off the roll 100.
As will be described, and as particularly shown in FIG. 2, a brush
400 engages the outer surface 260 of the flexible sheet 200 as such
sheet 200 is withdrawn from and returned to the roll 100 within the
protective housing or enclosure 300, and this brush 400 acts to
sweep away any debris on the outer surface 260 of the sheet 200
that may have come to rest on the outer surface 260 as such is
positioned over the object (not shown) to be covered. While the
brush 400 shown in FIG. 2 is of the bristle-variety, any suitable
cleaning implement may be used, such as a blade, a piece of stiff
material, and extension of the plate 330 or the like. The gap 375
within the protective housing leaves open the possibility for rain
and other matter to settle within the floor 305 of the protective
housing and the drainage orifices, shown as 390 and 395 for
example, act to alleviate any settling of rain or the like on the
floor of the protective housing. Access to the inside 308 of the
protective housing 300 to remove larger debris can be accomplished
through the opening 375, or by having a pivoted or removable front
plate 370a, shown diagrammatically in phantom. Also shown in FIG. 2
is a guidepost-like marker 700 which could extend from the top of
the housing 310 so as, for example, to guide the vehicle's owner
when parking the vehicle for use of the covering device of the
invention. The guidepost 700 will allow the driver to line up the
center of his/her vehicle with the center of the housing. Said
guidepost 700 should also be reflective to facilitate use during
nighttime hours. Such marker 700, which may be fixedly or removably
attached to the housing 300, is obviously not necessary for the
proper covering operation of the device of the invention, and it
merely enhances the use of the device of the invention during
normal conditions and conditions of poor visibility. It also
assists the operator of the object to be covered to center such
object in synch with the center of the housing 300.
[0071] FIG. 2A is a broken apart view of the roller housing 300
shown previously in FIG. 2. The internal frame of the housing 300
is constructed from framing pieces 302. The marker 700 is shown as
a distinct unit positioned along the center of the top plate 310
for possible alignment with a hood ornament or the like, however,
it could also, if desired, extend along the entire top plate 310
for alignment of the entire front of the vehicle, or it could also
be situated along the top plate 310 as several distinct markers 700
for several alignment points. The front plate 370 is shown extended
underneath the roller 100 and is pitched downwardly at the
lowermost point 372 to further assist in the drainage of water and
the like onto the ground. Generally, the entire housing 300 and
support or anchoring plates 350 and 360 are transportable as a
unit. However, as noted in FIG. 2A, clevis pins 342 located on both
side plates 330 and 340 (only 340 being shown) enable the entire
housing 300 to be removed from the plates 350 and 360 via orifices
344 located along the support plates 350 and 360. Once the housing
300 is removed from the support plates 360 and 350, the front plate
370 can be removed to access the interior 308 of the housing for
removal, replacement and/or cleaning of the roller 100 and the
like. In addition, an alternative housing (not shown) having, for
example, a roller of covering to accommodate larger-sized objects
can be attached to the existing support plates 350 and 360 to
create a protective covering device to accommodate shorter or
longer objects or the like.
[0072] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic top view of the leading edge 210 of
the covering 200 with the stiffening member 240 shown in phantom. A
handle member 400, having a connecting member 410 and a grasping
section 420, could be coupled to the leading edge 210 via the
stiffening member 240, with the connecting member 410 being short
as shown, or somewhat longer designated 400a in phantom. The
operator could manipulate the leading edge 210 of the flexible
covering 200 using the handle 400 or 400a, thereby providing a
means to extend the covering 200 over the object to be covered (not
shown) and vice versa.
[0073] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic top view of a more preferred
arrangement, further comprising an adjustable arm member 500
pivotable on a plate 600, such pivoting accomplished through a
suitable pivot connection known in the art. The adjustable arm
member is generally comprised of two sections, a first section 510
connected to the leading edge 210 of the flexible covering 200 and
a second section 520 connected to the pivot plate 600. The first
section 510 of the arm member 500 is telescopically positioned
within the second section 520, although the second section 520, if
desired, may be telescopically positioned with the first member
510. The adjustability of the arm member 500 allows for adjusting
the distance 605 between the plate 600 and the protective housing
300, thereby enabling the operator to center the pivot point 610 at
or near the longitudinal center 905 of the object to be covered
900. To prevent the arm member 500 from going through continuous
adjustments as the arm member 500 is used to extend the covering
200 from the housing 300, the pivot point is fixed by securing the
plate 600 to the ground via suitable anchoring means through, for
example, orifices 662 and 664. Of course, the plate 600 should not
be permanently anchored, but merely securely anchored, so that the
adjustments can be made as necessary to accommodate objects 900 of
different sizes.
[0074] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic side view of an object to be
covered, here a vehicle 900, positioned on a surface S against a
parking space block or barrier 990 of the conventional cement
variety. The adjustable arm 500 is connected to the leading edge
210 of the flexible covering (not shown), while the plate 600 is
positioned and preferably anchored along the side, and at or near
the longitudinal center of the vehicle, as previously described in
connection with FIG. 4. The end 515 of the arm member 500 that
attaches to the leading edge 210 is slanted somewhat so that the
majority of the arm member 500 is able to lie flat against the
surface S. A handle of the type described in FIG. 3 may be attached
to the leading edge as shown in FIG. 3, or a handle 520 as shown in
FIG. 5 may extend either from the leading edge (such embodiment not
being shown here) or from the slanted section 515 of the arm member
500. Such handle 520 enables an operator to easily extend the
flexible covering (not shown here but understood to be contained in
the protective housing 300) over the object 900. The handle may
also dangle from the arm member 500 when not in use, or may be
stored within the arm member in a suitable storage slot or using a
suitable storage connection (both not shown) Of course, if the
operator (not shown) did not wish to use the handle 520 provided,
the operator could also easily manipulate any portion of the arm
member 500 to effect the same covering and uncovering
operation.
[0075] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic side view of the arm member 500
positioned directly above the vehicle 900 with the flexible
covering 200 partially withdrawn from the housing 300. By grasping
the handle 520 and exerting a force 500 on such handle, the
operator is able to extend the flexible covering 200 easily from
the housing 300 and over the object 900 in a simple arc motion
assisted by the pivoting of the arm member 500 on the plate 600. In
general, having the arm 500 pivoted on the plate 600 is more
effective than merely having a handle attached to the leading edge
as shown and described in FIG. 3.
[0076] As now shown in FIG. 7, as the arm 500 is extended clockwise
beyond its midpoint, the flexible covering 200 begins to accumulate
air, designated by arrows 560, and a resultant air pocket,
designated 565 in phantom, along the inner surface 250 of the
covering 200. This air 560 and air pocket 565 tends to create a
"parachute effect" whereby the flexible covering is ballooned
outward in the direction of arrow 570. This parachute effect
creates an air resistance to the continued clockwise movement of
the arm member 500 and the eventual laying of the flexible covering
200 on the object 900. This parachute feature allows the operator
to reduce the force exerted upon the arm member 500 once the arm
member 500 has passed the midpoint of its pivoting arc. Past this
midpoint, the arm member will essentially complete its arc by the
gravitational pull on the arm member 500 and on the stiffening
member 240 within the flexible covering leading edge 210, and come
to rest on the ground S as shown in FIG. 8. The air pocket 565 and
this parachute effect allows the arm member to glide downwardly to
the ground, and not slam to the ground with the potential for
injury to the operator's body and personal property.
[0077] FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic side view of an object 900 covered
with the flexible covering. Grommets 290 may be situated near the
side edges 220 and 230 (only 220 being shown here) through which a
flexible or elastic-type cord 295 or the like could be strung, such
cord 295 extending between the roller 100 and the leading edge 210
of the flexible covering 200. A more preferable system would also
include a somewhat non-elastic cord 297, whereby as the arm member
500 is moved up and over the vehicle or object 900, thereby pulling
the covering 200 with it, the covering 200 pulls along with it the
somewhat non-elastic 297 and elastic 295 cords, unspooling them
from the roller 100 and automatically increasing the tension on the
elastic cord 295 as the covering 200 extends farther from the
stowed position. The end result is that the cords 297 and 295
respectively slide through the grommets 290 in the lower side
portion of the covering 200, providing a downward pulling effect
which contours the covering 200 under tension around the sides of
the vehicle or object. The somewhat non-elastic cord 297 prevents
the sides of the covering 200 from bunching up under the increased
tension of the elastic cord 295, and maintains the covering 200
firmly against the sides of the vehicle or object 900. Of course,
the sides of the covering that would contact the sides of the
vehicle or object should be protected such as to not mar or damage
the surface of the vehicle or object. During high wind conditions,
suitable fastening means 299 may be used to fasten the sides of the
flexible covering, through the grommets 290, to the plate 600 or
the arm members 500, thereby securing the covering 200 about the
object 900. In addition, the outer surface 260 of the covering 200
could be adorned with surface ornamentation 202 of a variety of
designs and configurations.
[0078] FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic top view of a preferred embodiment
of the device of the present invention. The preferred embodiment
includes two arm members 500 and 500a, each connected at opposite
ends 210 and 210a of the leading edge 210 of the flexible covering
200, and two adjustable spacing or framing members 630 and 630a. As
with the arm members 500 and 500a, which comprise a pair of
telescopically adjustable sections 510, 510a and 520, 520a, the
spacing members 630 and 630a also each comprise a pair of
telescopically adjustable section 634, 634a and 638, 638a as shown.
A cross member 620 spans between two anchor plates 600 and 600a,
such cross member 620 being of sufficient durability to withstand
the weight of a car, for example, that might drive over it in
position to be covered. When the spacing members 630 and 630a are
connected to the housing 300 through chambers 670 and 675 shown in
phantom (see also FIG. 1 illustrating chamber 670), and when the
plates 600 and 600a are anchored to the ground, the entire
structure becomes very stable. Having a framing or spacing member
630 and 630a for example, on each side of the housing 300 would
allow an operator to manipulate either arm member 500 or 500a to be
able to cover an object from either side of the object. Of course,
the stability of the device of the present invention described in
connection with FIGS. 4 through 8 could be increased by adding a
spacing or framing member as shown in FIG. 10, or even more so by
further adding a cross member as shown in FIG. 11, and each of
these embodiments would also be sufficiently operable to cover and
uncover an object. The embodiment shown in FIG. 9 is preferred to
the others from a structural standpoint because the entire assembly
is both supported at all corners C1 through C4 by suitable
anchoring means on the plates 350 and 360 on the housing 300, and
the plates 600 and 600a between the cross member 620, and is
supported by the interconnection of the arm 500, 500a and spacing
630, 630a members with the housing 300 and between the cross member
620.
[0079] FIG. 9A is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the
framing structure of FIG. 9, having a straddling member 530
designed to fit around, or straddle, a standard parking cement
block 990 (shown in previous figures). The space or opening 540 in
the straddling member 530 is of a suitable dimension to straddle or
hug a standard-shaped parking cement block, which block tends to be
of a uniform dimension regardless of its location. In this regard,
the framing members 542 and 544 of the straddling member 530 are
preferably fixed in place. However, the framing members of the
straddling member 530 could also be adjustable to accommodate
parking blocks of varying dimensions. The present inventor has
surveyed many different locations and has found a standard parking
space cement block to be fairly uniformly dimensioned. The
straddling member 530 is preferably connected to the framing
members 634 and 634a as shown, either fixedly or through separate
fastening means or the like, and makes the previously discussed
anchoring means, i.e. plates 350, 360, 600 and 600a, unnecessary or
optional. It would be desirable to have the straddling member 530
be optionally fastenable to the framing structure, so that it may
be packaged with the protective covering device as a separate
element. When the straddling member 530 is positioned over or
around a cement block, the protective covering device of the
present invention remains structurally secure against the ground,
and movement of the device of the invention in most directions,
with the possible exception of directly upward to "unstraddle" the
device, is seriously and effectively deterred. This can be highly
desirable where the ground surface is not amenable to penetration
by anchoring means, or where penetration into the ground is not
desired. Penetration is usually highly desirable at time, however,
the owner of the property of the region to be penetrated must be
willing to consent to such penetration, which is not always
granted, allowed or even legal. If the straddling member were
attached to the device of the invention, but the device was used in
an area with or without a parking block, additional uprights could
be attached to the forward edges of the straddling member to assist
in the alignment of the vehicle with respect to the straddling
member and/or to prevent the vehicle from driving into the roller
housing, i.e. to act as a stop for the vehicle. The straddling
member does, however, provide the user with greater flexibility
regarding a choice of locations for implementing the protective
covering device of the present invention.
[0080] FIGS. 12 through 15 illustrate the operation of the device
of the invention shown in FIG. 9, and are essentially identical to
FIGS. 5, 6 and 8, but with the addition of the spacing or framing
member 630 (and 630a, not shown) shown between the plate 600 and
the housing 300. The operation of the device of the invention will
be explained with reference to the most preferred embodiment
described in FIG. 9. In order to operate the device of the
invention, the housing 300 should first be positioned and anchored
along one end of an object to be covered. Usually, the housing 300
is positioned at the head of a parking space, and if there is a
cement block 990 (see, for example, FIG. 5), then beyond such block
990 (refer also to FIG. 9A and the accompanying discussion). The
first section of the spacing or frame members 634 and 634a are then
inserted into the chambers 670 and 675 within the housing 300, and
such first sections 634 and 634a are then telescopically inserted
into the second sections 638 and 638a of the spacing or framing
members, which second sections 638 and 638a are already attached to
the anchoring plates 600 and 600a. The arm members 500 and 500a are
also connected to the leading edge 210, and preferably the
stiffening member 240, by suitable secure connections, and such arm
members 500 and 500a are also connected to the plates 600, 600a or
the spacing members 630, 630a. The cross member 620 extends between
the two arm members 500 and 500a, which are all pivotally connected
by a suitable pivotable connection to either the plates 600, 600a
or the framing members 630, 630a. The connection between the cross
member 620 and plates 600, 600a and arm members 500, 500a can be
accomplished in a variety of ways, just as long as the pivot point
of the arm members 500, 500a is at or near the plates 600, 600a.
For example, the arms could actually pivot on the spacing or
framing members 630, 630a as the case may be. The cross member 620
and plates 600, 600a are then positioned away from the housing 300
at the approximate longitudinal center of the object to be covered.
If the object were a car, then the cross member 620 and plates 600,
600a could initially be positioned at an estimated distance, and
then varied once the car is driven over the cross member and parked
in position to be covered. Of course, the variation in spacing of
the spacing or framing members 630, 630a results in an equivalent
variation in the spacing of the arm members 500, 500a between the
leading edge 210 and the plates 600, 600a. Once the spacing is
determined, the plates 600, 600a are finally anchored to the
ground.
[0081] The operator of the device then, for example, drives his or
her (his will be used for convenience hereinafter) car over the
cross member and parks, with the center of the car preferably
positioned directly over the cross member 620. If the operator is
using a marker or guide 700, see FIG. 2, then such operator would
also transversely center his car in the parking spot in relation to
the housing. The operator then exits from his vehicle and steps
over the spacing or framing member 630 and the arm member 500, each
of which are positioned along the ground. Due to the potential for
trippage at this particular location, a ramp 800 could be placed
along the edge of the arm member 500 closest to the object 900 to
be covered (see FIG. 15). Similarly, a ramp 810 could also be
placed along the edge of the spacing or framing member 630 away
from the object 900. The ramp 800 would be useful, for example,
when an operator exits his vehicle and must step over the arm and
framing members, while the ramp 810 would be useful when the
operator is entering his vehicle. In addition, since the framing
part of the device of the present invention could pose a potential
tripping hazard, the surfaces of the framing members could contain
warning indicia 820, such as a bright color, a "CAUTION" sign,
striped tape or the like, to alert potential passerbys,
particularly when the parking space is vacant, i.e. unoccupied by
the object to be covered.
[0082] After the operator exits his vehicle and steps over the
frame and arm members, the operator merely grasps the handle
attached to the arm members and extends the covering 200 over the
vehicle in a swift, arcuate motion (see FIGS. 12 through 14).
During the initial stages of the extension of the covering from the
housing, see FIGS. 12 and 13, the operator must exert a force to
bring the arm member to a position generally perpendicular to the
ground, i.e. midpoint along its arcuate path. Once the operator has
exceeded this point, the operator merely has to guide the arm
member the rest of the way to the ground, see FIG. 14, with the
amount of force required being substantially less due to the forces
of gravity and the "parachute effect" described in connection with
FIG. 7. The parachute effect shown and described in FIG. 7 would
also occur with the most preferred embodiment of the invention
shown in FIG. 9. The leading edge remains at rest on the ground,
aided by the additional weight provided by the stiffening member
240, until it is lifted during the uncovering operation.
Furthermore, the protective covering 212 around the leading edge
(see FIG. 2) prevents the leading edge, weighted down by the
stiffening member, from injuring someone positioned in its path, or
damaging a vehicle positioned in its path, such as if the owner of
the device failed to correctly positioned the pivot point along the
longitudinal center of the vehicle resulting in the leading edge
contacting the rear of the vehicle instead of the ground. During
the covering operation, rotation of the spring-loaded roller
increases the tension on the spring within the roller, and the
extension of the flexible and rigid cords through the grommets
along the sides of the cover contour the sides of the cover to the
sides of the vehicle, with the flexible, bungee-type cords also
undergoing an increase in tension. The covering operation takes a
couple of seconds at the most.
[0083] During the uncovering operation, the leading edge is lifted
off the ground and the flexible covering reels back onto the roller
under the tension of both the spring inside the roller and the
flexible cord extended along the sides of the flexible covering.
Consequently, the tension in the spring-loaded roller and the
flexible cord make the uncovering operation easier than the
covering operation, and the operator merely has to guide the
flexible covering back into the housing. As the flexible covering
is reeled back onto the roller, the brush 400 removes any debris
that has collected on the outer surface of the flexible covering,
and covers 325 (see FIG. 1) located on either side of the opening
375 of the housing 300, prevents the flexible covering from
bunching up on either end of the roller. The flexible covering is
additionally contoured so that the flexible covering is slightly
narrower at the leading edge to further prevent such reeling and
unreeling operations from creating a bunching situation or effect
at either end of the roller 100. The entire uncovering operations
also takes a couple of seconds at most, and once the flexible
material is reeled back onto the roller, the operator merely has to
drive away without worrying about cleaning, folding or storing the
cover. Furthermore, the cover is ready to use again immediately
after it is rolled up. During rainy conditions, excess rainwater
that collects on the outer surface of the covering is either
brushed away as the covering is reeled onto the roller, or is
captured within the covering on the roller. Water that gathers in
the housing is drained through the floor of the housing, and the
roller sealed such that water is unable to penetrate the interior
of the roller and effect the spring mechanism therein. Furthermore,
all rotatable connections inside the housing are preferably
rustproof and weather resistant.
[0084] The device of the present invention is designed to
accommodate a variety of objects, vehicles and the like.
Consequently, the dimensions of the spacing members and arm members
should also accommodate a wide variety of covered objects. To
accommodate larger vehicles such as vans, trucks and the like,
larger spacing members could be used, with, of course, rollers
having a longer amount of flexible material stored thereon. The
spacing and arm members could also be provided with extension means
to extend the length of the original arm and spacing members. Of
course, the spacing and arm members do not have to be
telescopically adjustable, but can be fixed or adjustable in a
different fashion. The rollers could also be removable and
interchangeable with rollers having different lengths of flexible
material stored thereon to accommodate a wider variety of storage
situations. The rollers could also be positioned in succession, for
example, along a row or series of parking slots to accommodate a
grouping or series of objects. Furthermore, while the
aforementioned protective covering device is described as being
purely manual in operation, the entire device could be mechanized
and made purely automatic, suitable for the elderly and/or
physically challenged and the like.
[0085] One of the unique features of the device of the present
invention is the creation of the appearance of a rhinoceros, as
seen more particularly in FIG. 8. The marker 700 assumes the shape
of a rhino horn, the covering 200 over the vehicle creates the
appearance of a body, while a dangling handle creates the
appearance of a tail. The entire appearance is also streamlined to
an extent, which is desirable during windy conditions, and if the
situation arises, the sides of the covering may be fastened to the
framing structure, with such fasteners being either removable or
lockable depending on the nature of the surroundings. The rhino
appearance also creates market appeal, and distinguishes the
covering device of the present invention from all others that may
be said to be rather bland, cold and mechanical in appearance.
[0086] Another desirable feature of the present invention is the
ability to anchor the housing and framing structure without
penetrating the surface upon which the protective covering device
would be situated. As shown and described in FIG. 9A, a straddling
member fixed or connected to the frame and designed to straddle or
hug a conventional cement parking block maintains the housing and
framing structure in a relatively fixed position during operation
of the protective covering device. Use of the straddling member
would be ideal on paved lots that have cement parking blocks,
particularly since it may be undesirable to nail or otherwise
secure the protective covering device through the pavement. The
straddling member, therefore, makes the protective covering device
of the present invention highly environmentally friendly,
particularly when it can be applied to a conventionally-sized
parking block, since use of the straddling member allows the
protective covering device to be used without effecting the
surroundings or otherwise leaving a trace on the ground on which
the device would be placed.
[0087] Another desirable feature of the present invention is the
ability to adjust and readjust pivot point of the arm member(s),
and/or the framing member(s), upon initial installation for various
sized vehicles. This adjustability, as discussed above, results
from the telescoping-type arm and framing members, which slide
within each other and are easily assembled and disassembled. In
addition, the cross member and support plates are also relatively
compact, and since such cross member is about the same length as
the protective housing, the entire device of the present invention
can easily be packaged in a kit or the like, with written, audio
and/or visual instructions packaged therewith. FIG. 16 illustrates
one possible embodiment of a kit or package 790 comprising, for
example, a housing 300, in which is stored the roller 100 and
covering 200 with or without cords 295 and 297, a cross member 620,
one or two arm members 500 and/or 500a, each comprised of a first
and second section 510 and/or 510a and 520 and/or 520a, one or two
spacing or framing members 630 and/or 630a, each comprised of a
first and second section 634 and/or 634a and 638 and/or 638a, a
straddling member 530, one or two support plates 600 and/or 600a, a
reflective marker 700, fastening members 299, and instructions 795
of the written, audio and/or video variety. For vehicles having
fixed, vertical antennas, an adapter 794 may also be included in
the package 790, which enables the user to modify the alignment of
the existing antenna at an angle so that the antenna does not
interfere with the proper operation of the protective covering
device of the invention. The compactness of all the constituent
elements of the device of the present invention enables one to
swiftly install, adjust, re-adjust, and transport the protective
covering if necessary.
[0088] FIG. 17 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the
protective covering device of the present invention 1000 shown
mounted to a vertically-oriented surface, shown for example as a
wall W, adjacent the parking locating of a car 900. Unlike the
covering device of the previous embodiment and figures, which is
essentially ground-based or positioned, the covering device 1000 of
FIG. 17 and the figures to follow is mountable to a variety of
surfaces. The covering device of the invention 1000 basically
comprises a flexible sheet or covering 1200 wound around a
spring-assisted roller 1100 (shown in phantom), the roller 1100
secured within a mountable housing 1300 that is mountable to a
vertically-oriented surface via mounting means as shown in FIGS. 18
and 18A. The flexible covering 1200 has all of the desirable
environmental and durability characteristics as previously
described with the covering of the ground-based embodiment, and is
preferably long enough to fit most standard vehicles, from
motorcycles, which average six to eight feet long, to boats, which
average twenty to twenty-eight feet long, or shorter or longer as
the need arises. The flexible covering is intended to be offered in
many different sizes to accommodate the covering of a variety of
objects, and may also be width adjustable to cover objects that are
wider than the standard land- or sea- based vehicle. A pull or draw
bar 1400 with handle 1450 is used to extend and retract the
covering 1200 from the housing 1300, and such pull or draw bar 1400
with handle 1450 is more particularly described in FIG. 20 below.
The covering device 1000 of FIG. 17 and the figures to follow
operates on the same general principles as the covering device of
FIGS. 1 through 16, with the primary difference being the mounting
location. The covering device of FIG. 17 and the figures to follow
is particularly suited for both indoor and outdoor use, since the
housing 1300 can be mounted to both an inside wall surface and an
outside wall surface with relatively little effort. As will be
understood, the mountable protective covering device of the
invention is highly portable and easily manipulatable, and does not
use a framing system as shown and described above which might
otherwise prevent its use in certain areas or locations.
[0089] FIG. 18 is an isometric view of the mountable housing 1300
shown without the spring assisted roller 1100 or covering 1200 for
purposes of illustrating the method of mounting the housing 1300 to
a wall surface or the like. The housing has an upper, shelf-like
section or surface 1310 and two side sections or plates 1330 and
1340. The upper, shelf-like section or surface 1310 is ideal for
the placement and storage of parts, accessories or the like,
related to the item being covered, or even just as a storage shelf
in general. The rear of the housing 1300 comprises a longitudinal
lip section 1315 and two transverse lip sections 1335 and 1345,
which sections are slid into pre-attached mounting means 1350, 1362
and 1364 for mounting the housing 1300 to a wall or the like. The
mounting means 1350, for example, basically comprises a "Z" shaped
bracket, see FIG. 118A, having a mounting section or surface 1352
for mounting the bracket to a vertically-oriented support surface,
such as a wall, fence or the like, and support sections or surfaces
1354 and 1356 designed to hold or support the housing 1300, and
more specifically the longitudinal section 1315, in position.
[0090] While FIG. 18 illustrates the use of three separate mounting
means 1350, 1362 and 1364, each pre-attachable to a wall or the
like with attachment means 1370 (nails, screws, bolts or other
threaded or non-threaded anchoring or attaching means), see FIG.
19, which is a perspective view of the pre-attached mounting means
against a wall W, it will be understood that only certain
attachment means may be necessary for a particular mounting
surface. For example, it may only be necessary to use the longer
attachment means 1350, if such longer attachment means 1350 will be
sufficient to retain the housing 1300 of the protective covering
device in position, or other attachment means may be necessary to
adequately support the housing 1300 against a wall or the like. Of
course, the attachment means does not have to take the form of a
"Z"-shaped bracket, but could take the form of any means suitable
to effect attachment of the housing 1300 to a vertically-oriented
surface.
[0091] FIG. 20 is an isometric view of the pull bar 1400, having
ends 1410 and 1420 and a handle section 1450, and housing 1300 with
roller 1100, but without showing the flexible covering 1200
attached between the roller 1100 and the pull bar 1400. The front
of the housing 1300 includes a plurality of removable supports 1320
and 1325 designed to hold the pull bar 1400 when the flexible
covering 1200 is wound about the roller 1100 during times of
non-use, storage and the like. The supports 1320 and 1325 are
removable to optimize shipping conditions, i.e. so the width of the
package in which the protective covering device of the invention
might be shipped or stored has to be no wider than the housing
1300, and it will be understood that while FIG. 20 illustrates a
pair of supports, any number of supports will be operable,
including, if desired, only one pull bar support. The supports 1320
and 1325 could also lined with reflective material for guiding
vehicles and the like during parking in darkened conditions, or a
reflective material that is more extensive could be employed
elsewhere on the housing 1300, or near the housing, to assist
drivers and the like and to orient a vehicle with respect to the
location of the housing 1300. While the pull bar 1400 is shown as a
tubular member with an outwardly extending tubular handle section
1450, it will be understood that any relatively stiff means for
controlling the leading edge 1210 of the covering 1200 will be
operable for extending the covering 1200 out from the housing 1300
and for guiding the same back into the housing 1300 and onto the
roller 1100. In other words, while a tubular pull bar is shown, it
will be understood that such pull bar could have a cross section
other than tubular and the like.
[0092] The details of the roller 1100 and covering 1200 are shown
in FIG. 21, which is a top view of an outstretched flexible
covering 1200 attached between the roller 1100 and pull bar 1400.
The housing 1300 is not shown in FIG. 21. The covering 1200, which
comprises a main section 1202 and an attachment section 1204, has a
leading edge 1210, side edges 1220 and 1230, and an attachment edge
1240. Two attachment strips 1115 and 1215, one positioned on the
roller 1115 and one positioned on the attachment section 1204 of
the covering 1200, allow the covering 1200 to be easily removed or
detached from the roller 1100 if desired. Of course, if removal of
the covering 1200 from the roller 1100 is not desired, the covering
1200 could be sewn or more permanently attached to the roller 1100.
However, it would be desirable to have the covering 1200 be
removable from the roller 1100 and the housing 1300 should the
covering become ripped, torn or otherwise lose its effectiveness,
and/or should it be desired to replace just the covering 1200 and
not the remaining components of the protective covering device.
Conventional hook and loop connecting strips frequently referred to
by their Trademark "Velcro" have been found very effective for
mounting or attachment of the end of the cover to the roller.
[0093] Two seams 1206 and 1208, shown in phantom, are preferably
incorporated into the covering 1200 to extend longitudinally from
the attachment section 1204 to the leading edge 1210, which seams
are designed to enhance the ability of the covering 1200 to contour
around the top and sides of a vehicle when the covering 1200 is
extended over a vehicle as shown in later figures. Of course, while
the seams 1206 and 1208 may be desirable in certain situations,
they may not be desirable in others, particularly where a seam
might interfere with the proper covering of an object. Two cords
1250 and 1260 are wound around the roller 1100, passed through
grommet-like orifices or rings 1290 in the sides 1220 and 1230 of
the covering 1200, and attach to the ends 1410 and 1420 of the pull
bar. The cords, which may be of any desired elasticity, attach to
the ends of the pull bar and are useful in maintaining the covering
1200 out toward the sides of the vehicle or the object to be
covered as the covering is extended over the vehicle or object to
be covered, and this is particularly useful for avoiding side view
mirrors or the like that might otherwise cause snagging problems
when covering and uncovering a vehicle. The cords also assist in
the contouring of the covering 1200 around the sides of a vehicle
or other object, because as the pull bar 1400 is extended around
the end of a vehicle opposite the housing 1300 and roller 1100, as
will be shown and described in FIGS. 25 and 26, the positioning of
the pull bar 1400 below the end of such vehicle will cause the
cords to drag or urge the sides 1220 and 1230 of the covering
downward over the sides of the vehicle, see FIG. 22.
[0094] Straps 1270 and 1280, attached to the underside of the
covering 1200, have attachment means 1272 and 1282 adapted for
attachment to sections 1274 and 1284 on the outside of the covering
1200 respectively, see FIG. 22. While FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate
the use of a pair of straps 1270 and 1280, it will be understood
that any number of straps will be operable as the case may be,
and/or that other fastening means will also be operable, such as
Velcro.RTM. straps, buckles or the like. As shown in FIGS. 21 and
22, the leading edge 1210 of the covering 1200 is secured to the
pull bar 1400 and held in position by the straps 1270 and 1280. The
straps also allow the length of the covering 1200 to be adjusted,
since the leading edge 1210 of the covering 1200 could be rolled,
for example, only once with such roll then being positioned against
the pull bar 1400 before the straps are fastened around the rolled
portion of the covering and the pull bar, see FIG. 22, or the
leading edge could be rolled many times around itself, decreasing
the overall length of the covering before the straps are fastened
around the pull bar 1400 and the rolled section of the covering,
resulting in a shorter effective covering length, or the covering
might not be rolled at all before the straps are fastened around
the pull bar 1400, resulting in a longer effective covering length.
Of course, while these figures illustrate a covering having an
adjustable length, it will be understood that the effective length
of the covering could be fixed by securing the leading edge 1210 of
the covering 1200 to the pull bar 1400 (see the previous figures of
the first embodiment of the protective covering device discussed
above). While the leading edge 1210 of the covering 1200 is
initially secured to the pull bar 1400 via the straps 1270 and
1280, resulting in a certain covering length at the outset, having
the covering be length-adjustable prior to use or after the
covering has been applied over an object, is, however, a unique
feature to the present invention and not believed to be shown in
the prior art covering devices.
[0095] FIGS. 23 through 26, which are all side views, illustrate
operation of the protective covering device of FIGS. 17 through 22.
FIG. 17 illustrates a vehicle 900 in preparation to be covered, the
car 900 positioned on a surface S adjacent the covering device
1000, which covering device 1000 is mounted to a wall W or the
like. An operator would grab hold of the handle section 1450 and
lift the pull bar 1400 upwards and away from the supports 1320 and
1325. The operator would then walk the pull bar 1400 over the car,
which would cause the flexible covering 1200 to be unrolled from
the roller 1100 and housing 1300, see FIG. 23. The pull bar 1400 is
relatively light, so as to be effectively operated by most people,
regardless of their strength, and may be encased in foam or another
protective covering if desired, i.e. if the operator is worried
about contacting the outer surface of the car and thereby marring
the same with the pull bar 1400.
[0096] As the covering 1200 is gradually pulled over the vehicle
900, the seams 1206 and 1208, in conjunction with the cords 1250
and 1260, cause the covering to contour about the upper and side
portions of the vehicle, see FIGS. 24 and 25. After the pull bar
1400 and covering 1200 have been extended over the end of the
vehicle 900 opposite the housing 1300, see FIG. 25, the pull bar is
then lowered and guided rearward, i.e. toward the housing 1300,
under the tension of the cords 1250 and 1260 toward the housing,
until finally coming to rest against the tires of the vehicle, see
FIG. 26. Having the pull bar 1400 rest against the tires of vehicle
is beneficial because tires have an inherently durable outer
surface and aren't easily marred like the outer surface of a car.
Of course, as mentioned above, the pull bar could be padded or
otherwise protected just in case the operator of the device should
happen to contact the outer surface of the vehicle. To uncover the
vehicle, the operator merely has to reverse the covering operation,
which is fairly simple and essentially effortless, particularly
when the operator has extended the pull bar 1400 past the end of
the vehicle opposite the housing 1300. After the pull bar 1400 has
extended past the end of the object opposite the housing 1300, the
operator merely has to guide the covering 1200 back into the
housing 1300 under the spring-assisted tension in the roller 1100.
Since the weight of the covering and the pull bar is not
substantial, and is in fact relatively light overall, the tension
in the spring-assisted roller does not have to be that great to
provide the operator with an effortless covering or uncovering
operation.
[0097] The mountable embodiment of the protective covering device
of the present invention is ideal for operators having relatively
limited floor space for placement of the framing embodiment shown
and described in the earlier section of this application. The
mountable housing can be attached to a wide variety of surfaces,
such as the outside of a house, the outside of a garage door, or
even the outside of a recreational vehicle. Many people who use
their garages for permanent storage while parking their vehicles
outside on the driveway, and who rarely open and close their
garages, might attach the mountable housing to the outside of the
garage door and merely extend the protective covering over their
vehicle in a relatively effortless fashion, and the operator merely
has to lift the housing off the mounting means and place the
housing aside when it is desired to open the garage door. The
housing could also be mounted to a pole or a series of uprights if
a flat, vertically-oriented surface is unable.
[0098] The housing could also be mounted to the inside of a garage
door or to the back wall of a garage, particularly if one wishes to
cover one's vehicle or some other object in the garage to protect
the same from dust, debris, critters or the like. If mounted to the
inside surface of a garage door, the mounting means could be
fashioned to support the housing in the vertical and horizonal
position, so the housing could travel upward with the garage door
and be supported thereon during periods of non-use and the like. Of
course, the housing would need to be mounted to the garage door so
that it doesn't fall on the user or the user's vehicle when the
garage door is in the "up" or open position.
[0099] Another desirable feature of the mountable embodiment of the
present invention is its portability and ease of operation. The
mountable embodiment is effectively effortless to install,
requiring only that it be mounted adjacent an object to be covered.
It is also easy to operate, requiring a user to merely extend the
pull bar and self-contouring covering over the object to be
covered, with a spring-assisted roller to assist in the retraction
of the covering back into the housing. In addition, since the
entire housing, pull bar and mounting means are also relatively
compact, the entire device of the mountable version of the present
invention can easily be packaged in a kit or the like, with
written, audio and/or visual instructions packaged therewith. FIG.
27 illustrates one possible embodiment of a kit or package 1790
comprising, for example, a housing 1300, in which is stored the
roller 1100 and covering 1200 with cords 1250 and 1260, pull bar
1400, pull bar supports 1320 and 1325, mounting means 1350, 1362
and 1364, and instructions 1795 of the written, audio and/or video
variety, if desired. For vehicles having fixed, vertical antennas,
an adapter 1794 may also be included in the package 1790, which
enables the user to modify the alignment of the existing antenna at
an angle so that the antenna does not interfere with the proper
operation of the protective covering device of the invention.
[0100] The antenna adapter 794 or 1794 and its operation is
illustrated in FIGS. 28 through 30. For purposes of explanation,
the adapter 1794, designated for use with the latter embodiment of
the protective covering device of the invention discussed above,
will be illustrated, although it will be understood that such
adapter will be operative regardless of which embodiment of the
protective covering device is implemented. The adapter 1794 is
comprised of a first section 1796, insertable into an antenna
receiving orifice located on a vehicle, and a second section 1798
into which is received the antenna 910, see FIGS. 29 and 30, that
was originally attached to such vehicle. Normally, the antenna 910
would be fastened to a vehicle via an antenna receiving orifice,
such orifice usually being threaded for threaded engagement with
the end of the antenna, see FIG. 29. The first and second sections
1796 and 1798 are preferably connected by a ball joint, such that
the second section 1798 is rotatable with respect to the first
section 1796, which allows the antenna 910, once inserted into the
second section 1798, to be rotatable with respect to the first
section 1796, and thereby rotatable and movable with respect to the
vehicle 900 once the first section 1796 is inserted into the
antenna-receiving orifice of the vehicle 900. FIG. 29 illustrates a
vehicle 900 without an antenna adapter 1794, where the antenna 910
is merely connected to the vehicle 900 through an antenna receiving
orifice. FIG. 30 illustrates a vehicle 900 equipped with an antenna
adapter 1794, or 794 from the previous embodiment, which enables
the antenna 910 to be reoriented so that the antenna 910 lays
substantially parallel to one of the sides of the vehicle and the
direction of the antenna no longer interferes with the covering
operation. In the alternative, another type of antenna adapter
could be used which operates on a spring base, which enables the
antenna to flex back and forth under the weight of the covering.
Antenna adapters as described above would be useful in older cars
having upwardly extending antennas that are not pivotable or
rotatable. However, the present inventor has found that most newer
vehicles have automatic, telescoping antennas that retract into the
car when the radio is turned off and extend outwardly when the
radio is turned on, or have antennas that are formed directly into
the windshield or the like. Such newer vehicles would probably not
need an antenna adapter, since the antenna would never get in the
way when the vehicle would be covered. While the present inventor
contemplates operation of an antenna adapter with the vehicle
owner's existing antenna, a supplemental or replacement antenna may
be provided to the vehicle owner for use with either a rotatable or
spring-based antenna adapter, or for use without an antenna adapter
but with a special fitting attached to such replacement antenna and
insertable into the vehicle's antenna-receiving orifice, which
would result in a satisfactory operation and flexing orientation of
an antenna for such vehicle.
[0101] As indicated above, the present inventor has now also
discovered that the operation of the device may be improved very
significantly by providing a special extended point, or preferably
four point, contour to the end of cover. This has been found to be
particularly applicable when the retractable roller for storage of
the cover is mounted on the inside of a garage door, but also have
applicability with closed weather resistant covers for outside use
and the like as described above. In this improved cover
arrangement, the cover is provided with four rounded or contoured
forward extensions at the outer end. The two outer of these
extensions extend essentially over the ends of the side panels of
the cover and are connected at their outer ends to the pull or draw
bar by resilient or elastic connectors, preferably also made of
shock cord, but which could also comprise flexible metal or plastic
springs or the like. The two inner rounded or contoured forward
extensions are positioned toward the center of the top panel of the
cover and are similarly connected by elastic connections to the
pull or draw bar. In addition, it is preferred to connect the
center of the cover between the two inner contoured extensions to
the draw bar by an elastic connection such as shock cord or the
like. With this arrangement the end of the cover is very
effectively held in place around the end of the vehicle. The
provision of only a short length of shock cord at the end of the
cover securing together a longer length of regular guide cord and
the draw bar has been found to be much superior to use of a
resilient shock cord along the entire side of the cover as provided
as an alternative in some of the embodiments set forth hereinabove.
In fact elastic shock cord used along the entire side of the cover
has been found to frequently result in bunching together of the
cover when it is attempted to pass it on to the storage roll.
[0102] In FIG. 31, there is shown an open spring loaded storage
roller 1500 for the improved cover assembly of the invention
mounted on a conventional garage door 1510. The storage roller 1500
is mounted on an adjustable bracket assembly 1512 at two sides of
one panel of the articulated door. No cover is shown on the storage
roller, although guide cords 1514 are shown wound on the roller at
the two ends and a hook and loop securing strip 1516 is shown on
the roller. The ends of the guide cords 1514 are shown attached to
the ends of a draw bar 1400 with an angled handle 1450. The draw
bar is conveniently stored in two hooks or brackets 1522 when the
cover is not in use.
[0103] FIG. 32 is a top or plan view of an improved cover assembly
1526 in accordance with the invention. Such assembly comprises a
cover designated generally as 1528 comprised of a main or top panel
1528a and two side panels 1528b and 1528c integrally attached on
both sides. The side panels 1528b and 1528c carry a series of loose
or open grommets 1530 along the sides through which pass the two
guide cords 1514a and 1514b. The rear end of the cover is straight
cut and is attached to the roller 1500 by hook and loop strip 1516
engaged with a similar strip on the end of the cover. The cover at
its outer end is provided with a particular so-called four point
end profile. Such profile includes a rounded or curved extension
1532 at the end of both side panels plus two central rounded or
arcuate extensions 1534 in the center. The four extensions are all
attached, preferably somewhere near the greatest forward extent of
each extension, by elastic lines 1536 to the draw bar 1400. A
portion of the side panels preferably along the lower edge has
inserted into it a length of elastic material 1538 that substitutes
in that area for the regular cover material. In addition, the outer
length of the guide lines overlapping with the elastic cover
sections is formed of shock cord or other elastic cord 1540. The
ends of the cords 1514a and 1514b including the outer elastic
sections 1540 is attached by hooks 1542 to the draw bar 1518. The
hooks are shown temporarily secured toward outer ends of the draw
bar to open up the cover as much as possible. These hooks 1542
could also, however, be hooked over the draw bar closer to the
center for a narrower vehicle. FIG. 33 is an enlargement of the
outer end of the cover as shown in FIG. 32 with the same parts
indicated by the same numerals. FIG. 33A is an enlargement of one
of the guide cords 1514 passing through an open grommet 1530 as
shown in FIG. 32.
[0104] FIG. 34 is a diagrammatic isometric view of the adjustable
mounting of the end of the storage roller upon a garage door.
[0105] FIG. 35 is an elevation or side view of a car which has just
had a cover assembly 1528 pulled over it by longitudinal tension on
the draw bar which was manipulated by the angled handle 1450. The
draw bar 1400 is still behind the vehicle and the elastic shock
cord sections 1540 and elastic insert 1538 in the side panel 1528b
are still stretched, but urging or pulling the draw bar 1400
forwardly, while the elastic ties 1536 are pulling or urging the
end of the cover 1528 rearwardly. The draw bar 1400 is then
manually moved downwardly as shown in FIG. 36 and pulled forward by
the force of the elastic shock cord 1540. The elastic tie members
1536 pull the end of the cover downwardly toward the draw bar
keeping the cover tight upon the vehicle. The elastic section 1538
in the side panel of the cover also pulls the cover tightly about
the vehicle. When it is desired to uncover the vehicle the reverse
operation is followed in which the draw bar is moved backward
against the force of the shock cord sections 1540 but aided by the
rearward force of the elastic members 1536 until clear of the rear
of the vehicle and the draw bar is then moved forwardly by the
force of the elastic shock cords 1540 aided by the force of the
winding spring in or associated with the storage roller with the
cover feeding over the top and around the storage roller. Feeding
over the top of the roller is important, particularly in outdoor or
exposed locations as it allows moisture to be expelled from the top
of the cover rather than becoming incorporated in the rolled up
cover.
[0106] The unique cut or contour at the front of the cover enables
the cover to roll up evenly so as to not "drape" all over the
roller and on to the floor, etc.
[0107] FIGS. 37 and 38 are views of a portion of the draw bar 1400
showing the angled handle 1450 which in FIG. 37 is pivoted toward
the bar for storage or shipping and in FIG. 38 pivoted outward for
grasping and manipulation of the draw bar. The handle 1450 can be
pivoted to either side to accommodate either right handed or left
handed persons. The handle fitting is also preferably movable along
the draw bar by sliding to adjust to the preferences of the
user.
[0108] Two further possible handles accommodating both right and
left handed persons are shown in FIGS. 39 and 40. Such handle is
triangular in FIG. 40 and arcuate in FIG. 39. The pivoted handle
shown in FIGS. 37 and 38 is the preferred handle arrangement.
[0109] In the invention the adjustable width of the guide cords on
the handle make the assembly adjustable for different autos. The
elastic portions in the side panels assist with contouring the
cover to various sizes of vehicles thus aiding in providing a
self-adjusting cover. Rigid cord attached to the shock cord assists
the user in securing the cover around the front or back of a
vehicle or other object and combined with the retracting springs on
the roller, produce a 1-2 second self-adjusting effect whereby the
user can drop the handle bar to the ground and allow the action of
the roller tension to increase as the handle bar is let go below
the center of vehicle or object, enabling the shock cord and
elastic sewn into cover to pull the cover tight, automatically
contouring the cover to various sized objects. This is a unique
benefit of the cover assembly of the present invention.
[0110] While the present invention has been described at some
length and with some particularity with respect to the several
described embodiments, it is not intended that it should be limited
to any such particulars or embodiments or any particular
embodiment, but it is to be construed with references to the
appended claims so as to provide the broadest possible
interpretation of such claims in view of the prior art and,
therefore, to effectively encompass the intended scope of the
invention.
* * * * *