U.S. patent application number 12/763112 was filed with the patent office on 2011-10-20 for motorcycle cover.
Invention is credited to Jeff Rocha, Charley Schreiber.
Application Number | 20110253274 12/763112 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44787269 |
Filed Date | 2011-10-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110253274 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schreiber; Charley ; et
al. |
October 20, 2011 |
MOTORCYCLE COVER
Abstract
A cover system is provided which is simple and quick to install,
lightweight and easy to store, effective at protecting a motorcycle
or other vehicle from damage during towing, conducive to high-speed
transportation, and capable of being securely fixed to a vehicle.
In some embodiments, a stretchable material and a plurality of
layers form a tight-fitting, impact resistant, and protective cover
of a motorcycle. Optional attachment means increase the reliability
of the attachment as well as provide for securing the cover against
theft. Further, the flexibility of the design allows for covers to
easily fit different shapes, sizes and portions of motorcycles and
other vehicles.
Inventors: |
Schreiber; Charley; (El
Cajon, CA) ; Rocha; Jeff; (San Diego, CA) |
Family ID: |
44787269 |
Appl. No.: |
12/763112 |
Filed: |
April 19, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
150/167 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60J 11/04 20130101;
B62J 19/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
150/167 |
International
Class: |
B65D 65/02 20060101
B65D065/02 |
Claims
1. A cover for a motorcycle, the cover comprising: an exterior
surface; an interior surface; a front attachment pocket sized and
shaped so as to receive a first portion of a motorcycle; and a rear
attachment pocket sized and shaped so as to receive a second
portion of the motorcycle.
2. The cover of claim 1, wherein the front attachment pocket is
smaller than the rear attachment pocket.
3. The cover of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the
motorcycle includes a front fender.
4. The cover of claim 1, wherein the second portion of the
motorcycle includes a wind screen.
5. The cover of claim 1 further comprising a zipper, the zipper
being configured to releasbly secure at least a portion of the rear
attachment pocket to another portion of the rear attachment
pocket.
6. The cover of claim 5, wherein the zipper bisects at least a
portion of the rear attachment pocket.
7. The cover of claim 1, wherein the exterior surface and interior
surface comprise a stretchable material.
8. The cover of claim 1, wherein the interior surface is comprised
of a material different from that of the exterior surface.
9. The cover of claim 1 further comprising an attachment strap for
securing the cover to the motorcycle.
10. The cover of claim 1 further comprising a protective material
disposed in between at least portions of the interior and exterior
surfaces.
11. A cover for a motorcycle, the cover comprising: a front surface
comprising a stretchable material; a rear surface comprising a
stretchable material; an interior surface comprising a stretchable
material; a front attachment pocket; a rear attachment pocket; and
one or more attachment straps.
12. The cover of claim 11, wherein the front attachment pocket is
configured to receive a front fender of a motorcycle.
13. The cover of claim 12, wherein the rear attachment pocket is
configured to receive at least handlebars of a motorcycle.
14. The cover of claim 12, wherein the rear attachment pocket is
configured to receive a portion of a motorcycle saddle bag.
15. The cover of claim 11, wherein the front attachment pocket is
configured to receive a portion of a motorcycle seat.
16. The cover of claim 15, wherein the rear attachment pocket is
configured to receive a portion of a motorcycle saddle bag.
17. The cover of claim 11, wherein the exterior surface and
interior surface comprise a stretchable material.
18. A cover for a motorcycle, the cover comprising: a stretchable
front pocket sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of a
fender of the motorcycle; and a stretchable rear pocket sized and
shaped to receive at least a portion of a handlebar of the
motorcycle.
19. The cover of claim 18, wherein the front pocket is smaller than
the rear pocket.
20. The cover of claim 18, wherein the front pocket is on an inner
surface of the cover.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention is related to devices for protecting
motorcycles from physical damage, particularly while being
towed.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Motorcycles are often towed behind other vehicles. While
being towed, the motorcycle is generally subject to the same
inclement conditions as the vehicle towing it such as flying road
debris (e.g. rocks and sand) and weather conditions (e.g. hail and
rain). Additionally, the motorcycle can become soiled or damaged by
constant exposure to vehicle emissions, such as soot from gasoline
and diesel engines. Many surfaces of motorcycles are painted and/or
plated with expensive finishes such as chrome. These surfaces are
susceptible to damage from road debris and other inclement
conditions. Covers for motorcycles are known in the art; however,
existing covers tend to be cumbersome to install, store and
maintain, and many are not designed to be used during high speed
transportation. What is needed then, is a cover which is simple and
quick to install, lightweight and easy to store, effective at
protecting the motorcycle from damage during towing, and conducive
to high-speed transportation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] An aspect of the present invention involves a cover that
protects a motorcycle. In particular, the cover may be used with a
variety of vehicles which have varying geometries.
[0006] An embodiment is a cover for a motorcycle. The cover
includes an exterior surface, an interior surface, a front
attachment pocket sized and shaped so as to receive a first portion
of a motorcycle, and a rear attachment pocket sized and shaped so
as to receive a second portion of the motorcycle.
[0007] Another embodiment is a cover for a motorcycle. The cover
includes a front surface comprising a stretchable material, a rear
surface comprising a stretchable material, an interior surface
comprising a stretchable material, a front attachment pocket, a
rear attachment pocket, and one or more attachment straps.
[0008] A further embodiment is a cover for a motorcycle. The cover
includes a stretchable front pocket sized and shaped to receive at
least a portion of a fender of the motorcycle and a stretchable
rear pocket sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of a
handlebar of the motorcycle.
[0009] The systems and methods of the invention have several
aspects and features, no single one of which is solely responsible
for all of its desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of
the invention as expressed by the claims, its more prominent
aspects have been discussed briefly above. Further aspects and
features will also be understood from the description below.
Additionally, various aspects and features of the system can be
practiced apart from each other.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will now be described in connection with
preferred embodiments of the invention, in reference to the
accompanying drawings. The illustrated embodiments, however, are
merely examples and are not intended to limit the invention. The
following are brief descriptions of the drawings.
[0011] FIG. 1 is a side view of a motorcycle showing generally
areas of the motorcycle protected by a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a side view of a cover according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention installed on an upper portion
of a motorcycle.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a front view of the motorcycle from FIG. 2 with
the cover installed.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the upper portion of the motorcycle
from FIG. 3.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a partial side view of an attachment strap of the
cover buckled so as to secure the cover relative to the
motorcycle.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the cover from FIG. 2 removed from
the motorcycle.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a rear view of another embodiment of the cover
from FIG. 2 with different attachment structures.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a partial side view of a rear portion of the
motorcycle from FIG. 2 with a cover according to another preferred
embodiment of the present invention installed and covering a saddle
bag and rear seat.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a partial side view of a travel pack for
attachment to a rear portion of the motorcycle from FIG. 2 with a
cover installed according to another preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a side view of the motorcycle from FIG. 2 with a
cover according to another preferred embodiment of the present
invention installed and covering the full-body of the
motorcycle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] The following detailed description is directed to certain
specific embodiments. However, the teachings herein can be applied
in a multitude of different ways. In this description, reference is
made to the drawings wherein like parts are designated with like
numerals throughout.
[0022] FIG. 1 shows a side view of an exemplary motorcycle 100. The
motorcycle 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 is not intended to limit the
invention in any way. The inventive cover may be used with any
motorcycle, ATV, or other vehicle which may be exposed to adverse
conditions during towing or transport of the vehicle. Towing could
be accomplished via a tow bar, pick-up truck, trailer, flat bed,
tow truck, or other transportation device.
[0023] The motorcycle 100 includes handlebars and their associated
hardware 105, rear view mirrors 110, front-facing portions of the
tank 115, windscreen 120, headlight(s) 125, signal lights, front
fork 130, front fender 135, saddlebags 145, and travel pack. The
motorcycle 100 further includes a seat 140 and instrument bezel
150. One or more of these components or areas of the motorcycle 100
may be damaged from adverse conditions during towing operations. Of
course the invention is not limited to protecting only the listed
portions and may include other unlisted portions of the motorcycle
known to a person having ordinary skill in the art.
[0024] Generally, any front-facing portion of the motorcycle 100
will be susceptible to road debris such as rocks, sand, vehicle
emissions, and other trash found along road ways. Because the rate
of speed of the towing vehicle may be high, debris coming in
contact with a towed motorcycle may damage that motorcycle.
Further, because some debris can become lodged in the towing
vehicle's tires and then be ejected at even higher speeds, there is
a need for a covering device which can protect the
high-risk-for-damage portions of the motorcycle 100 during towing.
These high-risk-for-damage portions generally include the
aforementioned portions of the motorcycle 100 which may be
susceptible to inclement weather and other conditions.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a side view of a 200 cover according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention installed on an upper
portion of a motorcycle 100. Visible is the front surface 245 of
the cover 200. Shown generally in broken lines are the portions of
the motorcycle 100 protected by this embodiment of the cover 200.
Among the protected portions are the front fender 135, fork 130,
signal lights 140, head light 125, wind screen 120, mirrors 110,
handlebars 105 and front facing portions of the tank 115. As can be
seen, the motorcycle cover 200 fits tightly over certain areas
(such as, e.g., the top of the windscreen 120) because in this
embodiment the material used in the cover is stretchable.
Advantages of a stretchable material include the ability to form a
tight fit on a variety of motorcycle designs without alteration and
to accommodate different customizations to a motorcycle such as the
inclusion or exclusion of accessories like signal lights, mirrors,
windscreens, and other parts commonly found on motorcycles.
[0026] Another advantage of a stretchable material is that it tends
to be more resistant to impact damage because a stretchable
material will often stretch rather than tear when impacted.
Additionally, when the cover 200 is stretchably fit over the
motorcycle 100, much of the cover is not in direct contact with the
motorcycle 100 and creates a trampoline effect. This reduces damage
to the motorcycle 100 because the cover will absorb the impact of
debris in these areas without the force of the impact ever coming
into contact with the motorcycle 100. Even where the cover is
tightly stretched over a portion of the motorcycle 100 without a
space between the cover and that portion of the motorcycle, the
cover itself will still absorb at least some of the force of
impacts.
[0027] The cover 200 includes at least one attachment structure,
such as an attachment strap 210, shape of the cover, pocket, or the
like. The attachment strap 210 is preferably integral with the
cover 200 and in this embodiment passes between the front of the
motorcycle frame 145 and the front fork 140 when installed on the
motorcycle 100. Of course the attachment strap 210 and the cover
200 could be separate structures which are releasably securable
together before or at the time the cover 200 is installed on the
motorcycle 100. The attachment structure can be elastic or
inelastic straps, rope, twine, or other material. For example, the
attachment structure can be a single piece elastic strap which is
stretched around a portion of the motorcycle to thereby secure the
cover 200.
[0028] The attachment structure may be a single piece or multiple
pieces which are releasably securable together. For example, a
first attachment structure can be releasably secured to a second
attachment structure via a buckle, adhesive, hook and loop
fasteners, catch, zipper, or other structure.
[0029] In some embodiments the attachment strap 210 is configured
both as a means for securing the cover 200 to the motorcycle 100
and as a lockable means to prevent theft of the cover 200 while
installed on the motorcycle 100.
[0030] The attachment structure can be in the form, size, and/or
shape of the cover 200. For example, the cover 200 can form one or
more pockets or receptacles which fit over one or more portions of
the motorcycle 100. Exemplary portions include the wind screen 120,
seat, and handlebars. When secured over one or more portions of the
motorcycle, the pocket inhibits movement of the cover 200 in at
least one direction relative to the motorcycle 100 as will be
further described with reference to FIG. 4.
[0031] The pocket may have a concave shape to receive a portion of
the motorcycle. The pocket need not have a sealed or continuous
seam to form the pocket. For example, the pocket may have one or
more openings to facilitate access into the pocket or to the
motorcycle when the cover is secured to the motorcycle.
[0032] FIG. 3 is a front view of the motorcycle 100 from FIG. 2
with the cover 200 installed. Visible is the front surface 245 of
the cover 200. Shown generally in broken lines are at least some of
the portions of the motorcycle 100 protected by the cover 200.
Among the protected portions are the front fender 135, fork 130,
signal lights 140, head light 125, wind screen 120, mirrors 110,
handlebars 105 and instrument bezel. As can be seen in this figure,
despite the cover 200 being compact as compared to the size of the
whole motorcycle, it covers a large percentage of the front-facing
portions of the motorcycle and protects the covered portions from
damage while being towed.
[0033] Further, an advantage of this embodiment is that it
significantly unifies the front facing surface of the motorcycle,
which reduces aerodynamic drag forces generated by the motorcycle
100 during towing operations. The reduced drag with little extra
weight associated with the cover 200 beneficially increases the
efficiency of the towing operation.
[0034] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the cover 200 installed over the
upper portion of the motorcycle from FIG. 3. Visible is the rear
surface 250 of the motorcycle cover 200. Shown generally in broken
lines are the portions of the motorcycle 100 protected by the cover
200. Among the protected portions visible are the wind screen 120,
mirrors 110, handlebars 105 and instrument bezel 150. The fit of
cover 200 over portions such as the handlebars 105 and the
windscreen form what is referred to as the rear attachment pocket
225, which, in this embodiment, comprises at least a portion of the
space between the rear surface 250 of the cover 200 and the front
surface 245 of the cover 200. The rear attachment pocket 225 is a
primary means of attaching the cover 200 to the motorcycle 100.
[0035] FIG. 5 is a partial side view of an attachment strap 210 of
the cover 200 buckled so as to secure the cover 200 relative to the
motorcycle 100. Specifically, this figure shows the attachment
strap 210 passing between the front of the motorcycle frame 145 and
the front fork 140 and attached with a buckle 215. The buckle 215
in this embodiment comprises a male end and a female receiving end
configured for quick engagement and disengagement of the buckle
215. Further, one end of the buckle 215 includes a friction ring
designed to allow adjustment of the length of the attachment strap
210 when buckled to accommodate different motorcycle designs. As
mentioned above, the attachment strap 210 can be configured both as
a means of securing the cover 200 to the motorcycle 100 and in some
embodiments as a lockable means to prevent theft of the cover 200
while installed on the motorcycle 100.
[0036] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the cover 200 from FIG. 2 removed
from the motorcycle 100. The cover 200 is stretched as if installed
on the motorcycle 100, but no motorcycle is shown in order to have
an unobstructed view of the cover 200. Visible, then, are the rear
surface 250 of the cover 200, the interior surface 255 of the cover
200, the attachment straps 210 and buckle 215. Also shown are a
front attachment pocket 220 and the rear attachment pocket 225 of
the cover 200.
[0037] The rear surface 250 and the front surface 245 of the cover
200 collectively make up the exterior surface 260 of this
embodiment. The front attachment pocket 220 is preferably integral
to the cover 200. The front attachment pocket 220 may be formed by
sewing a pocket or receptacle at the front of the cover 200 on the
interior surface 255. The front attachment pocket 220 receives at
least a portion of the front fender 135 of the motorcycle 100.
[0038] The front attachment pocket 220 and rear attachment pocket
225 are primary means of attaching the cover 200 to the motorcycle
100. The attachment strap 210 is an additional or secondary means
of attachment designed to increase reliability of the attachment at
high speeds and optionally to provide for a way to secure the cover
200 against theft when installed on the motorcycle 100. In some
embodiments the interior surface 255 is comprised of the same
material as the front surface 245 and rear surface 250 of the cover
200. In other embodiments, the interior surface 255 comprises
another layer of material such as, for example, microfiber, which
is specifically designed not to scratch delicate surfaces such as
painted or chromed surfaces.
[0039] Because the cover 200 is stretched tight across some
surfaces and will tend to move relative to those surfaces due to
vibration, wind forces, and other conditions during towing, or even
while being installed, it is preferred that any material touching
surfaces of the motorcycle will not scratch, mar, or otherwise
damage those surfaces. However, softer anti-scratch materials may
not be the most rugged material for preventing penetration of
flying debris and may not be as resistant to natural conditions
such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Thus, in some
embodiments the cover 200 comprises more than one material. For
example, the cover 200 can include a different material for the
exposed exterior surface 260 of the cover 200 than what is used for
the inner surfaces of the cover 200. In such embodiments, a more
rugged material, such as stretchable Nylon, may be used for the
exterior surface 260 without fear of that material damaging
delicate finishes on the motorcycle 100. Additionally, a third
protective layer may be placed in between the interior surface 255
and exterior surface 260 of the cover 200 to provide enhanced
protection against penetration of the cover or impact damage. Such
a material may be a stretchable rubber or plastic material designed
to be lightweight and impact resistant.
[0040] FIG. 7 is a rear view of another embodiment of a cover 300
from FIG. 2 with different attachment structures. Notably, the
cover 300 is stretched as if installed on a motorcycle 100, but no
motorcycle is shown in order to have an unobstructed view of the
cover 300. Visible, then, are the rear surface 350 of the cover
300, the interior surface 355 of the cover 300, attachment straps
310, interior attachment straps 335 and zipper 340. Also shown are
a front attachment pocket 320 and the rear attachment pocket 325 of
the cover 300. This embodiment is similar to that described with
reference to FIG. 6, however, it includes additional interior
attachment straps 335 and a zipper 340, and the attachment strap
310 has Velcro.RTM. instead of a buckle. The interior attachment
strap 335 further enhances the attachment effectiveness when
installed on motorcycles lacking certain features, such as a
windscreen, that are retained within the rear attachment pocket
325. Here, the interior attachment straps 335 are shown to have
Velcro.RTM. as well. Further, in this embodiment there is a zipper
340 in the rear surface 350 of the cover 300. The zipper 340 allows
the cover 300 to be fitted around large windscreens and/or
handlebars while the rear portion is primarily unstretched. After
fitting, the zipper 340 can be zipped up to form the tight fit
shown throughout the figures. The zipper 340 can thus enhance the
ease and speed of installing the cover 300.
[0041] FIG. 8 is a partial side view of a rear portion of the
motorcycle 100 from FIG. 2 with a cover 800 according to another
preferred embodiment of the present invention installed and
covering a saddle bag 145 and seat 140. The cover 800 is fitted
over the seat 140 and saddlebags 145 of the motorcycle 100. The
cover comprises an exterior surface 820, an interior surface 825, a
front attachment pocket 805 and rear attachment pockets 815 on both
sides of the motorcycle 100. In this embodiment, the front
attachment pocket 805 is fitted around the front of the seat 140 of
motorcycle 100. The rear attachment pockets 815 are each fitted
around a saddlebag 145 on motorcycle 100.
[0042] The cover 800 is additionally secured by an attachment strap
810, which is an additional or secondary means of attachment
designed to increase reliability of the attachment at high speeds
and optionally to provide for a way to secure the cover 800 against
theft when installed on the motorcycle 100. In some embodiments the
interior surface 825 is comprised of the same material as the
exterior surface 820 of the cover 800. In other embodiments, the
interior surface 825 comprises another layer of material such as,
for example, microfiber, which is specifically designed not to
scratch delicate surfaces such as painted or chromed surfaces. In
this embodiment, the exterior surface 820 and the interior surface
825 are made of a stretchable material to achieve a tight fit.
[0043] FIG. 9 is a partial side view of a travel pack 155 for
attachment to a rear portion of the motorcycle 100 from FIG. 2 with
a cover 900 installed according to another preferred embodiment of
the present invention. The cover 900 covers the travel pack 155,
which is shown apart from the motorcycle 100 for convenience. The
cover 900 has an exterior surface 920 and an interior surface 925.
In some embodiments the interior surface 925 is comprised of the
same material as the exterior surface 920. In other embodiments,
the interior surface 925 comprises a different layer of material
such as, for example, microfiber, which is specifically designed
not to scratch delicate surfaces such as painted or chromed
surfaces. In this embodiment, the exterior surface 920 and the
interior surface 925 are made of a stretchable material so that
cover 900 can be tightly fit over the travel pack 155, and such
that the cover 900 need not require an additional structure for
attachment to the travel pack 155.
[0044] FIG. 10 shows a side view of a motorcycle 100 with yet
another embodiment of the present invention installed. The cover
1000 has an exterior surface 1015 and an interior surface 1020. In
some embodiments the interior surface 1020 is comprised of the same
material as the exterior surface 1015. In other embodiments, the
interior surface 1020 comprises a different layer of material such
as, for example, microfiber, which is specifically designed not to
scratch delicate surfaces such as painted or chromed surfaces. In
this embodiment, the exterior surface 1015 and the interior surface
1020 are made of a stretchable material so that cover 1000 can be
tightly fit over the motorcycle 100. As can be seen, substantially
the entire motorcycle 100 is protected by this embodiment.
Attachment straps (not shown) are preferably integral to the cover
1000 and serve as a means of securing the cover 1000 to the
motorcycle 100. In some embodiments, the attachment straps (not
shown) are configured to act as a lockable means to prevent theft
of the cover 1000 while installed on the motorcycle 100. In this
embodiment, the front attachment pocket 1005 attaches to the front
fender 135 of the motorcycle while the rear attachment pocket 1010
envelops the rear of the motorcycle 100.
[0045] The various embodiments of the cover and techniques
described above in accordance with present invention thus provide a
tight-gripping and protective way to cover a motorcycle. In
addition, the techniques for the described covers can be used with
any of a wide variety of vehicles.
[0046] Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all
such objects or advantages may be achieved in accordance with any
particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those
skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be
embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one
advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without
necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught
or suggested herein.
[0047] Furthermore, the skilled artisan will recognize the
interchangeability of different embodiments. For example, various
attachment straps, materials, and latching mechanisms disclosed
herein, as well as other known equivalents for each such feature,
can be mixed and matched by one of ordinary skill in this art to
construct cover systems in accordance with principles of the
present invention.
[0048] Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of
certain preferred embodiments and examples, it therefore will be
understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention
extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other
alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious
modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, it is intended that
the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be
limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above,
but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims.
* * * * *