U.S. patent application number 14/455597 was filed with the patent office on 2014-11-27 for storable exterior lift cover.
The applicant listed for this patent is Bruno Independent Living Aids, Inc.. Invention is credited to Andrew A. Bayer, Timothy J. Dexter, Adam C. Hooper.
Application Number | 20140346804 14/455597 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46046675 |
Filed Date | 2014-11-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140346804 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hooper; Adam C. ; et
al. |
November 27, 2014 |
STORABLE EXTERIOR LIFT COVER
Abstract
Storable exterior lift cover systems, apparatus, devices,
methods, etc. are configured to be used in connection with a lift
device or the like (such as an exterior lift used to raise,
transport, store and lower mobility devices like scooters, power
chairs and the like) mounted to a motor vehicle using a trailer
hitch or the like. To aid in protecting the lift and any cargo
thereon, a covering apparatus has a foldable frame that can be
unfolded to allow a pliable material cover to extend over the lift
platform and any cargo. Retraction of the cover and folding of the
frame compactly configures and stores the cover apparatus, for
example in space between the lift platform and a motor vehicle to
which the lift is secured. Embodiments of the storable exterior
lift cover system permit easily deployment and storage of a cover
that can be reliably transported externally in its deployed or
stored configuration.
Inventors: |
Hooper; Adam C.; (Iron
Ridge, WI) ; Dexter; Timothy J.; (Orland, CA)
; Bayer; Andrew A.; (Oconomowoc, WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Bruno Independent Living Aids, Inc. |
Oconomowoc |
WI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
46046675 |
Appl. No.: |
14/455597 |
Filed: |
August 8, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13297083 |
Nov 15, 2011 |
8800582 |
|
|
14455597 |
|
|
|
|
61414269 |
Nov 16, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
296/100.16 ;
296/100.18 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 6/04 20130101; E04H
15/06 20130101; B60J 11/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
296/100.16 ;
296/100.18 |
International
Class: |
B60J 11/00 20060101
B60J011/00 |
Claims
1. An exterior motor vehicle lift cover comprising: a foldable
frame comprising a first frame member foldably coupled to a second
frame member; an end-sheet cover mounted to the frame; a top-sheet
cover mounted to the frame; frame mounting means configured to
mount the frame to an exterior motor vehicle lift having a cargo
platform, the frame mounting means comprising: a first frame
support configured to be mounted to the exterior motor vehicle
lift; and a second frame support configured to be mounted to the
exterior motor vehicle lift; wherein the frame is movable between a
folded configuration and an open configuration; further wherein,
when the frame is in the open configuration, the top-sheet cover is
movable between a retracted configuration and an extended
configuration, the top-sheet cover configured to cover the cargo
platform and any cargo thereon when the top-sheet cover is in the
extended configuration; further wherein, when the frame is in the
open configuration, the first frame member is supported by the
first frame support and the second frame member is supported by the
second frame support; and further wherein, when the frame is in the
folded configuration, the top-sheet cover is in its retracted
configuration; and further wherein the exterior motor vehicle lift
cover is in a storage configuration when the frame is in its folded
configuration; and further wherein, when the exterior motor vehicle
lift cover is in the storage configuration, the top-sheet cover,
the end-sheet cover, and the first and second frame members are
supported by the first frame support; and further wherein the
exterior motor vehicle lift cover is in a fully deployed
configuration when the frame is in the open configuration and the
top-sheet cover is in the extended configuration.
2. The exterior motor vehicle lift cover of claim 1 wherein the
end-sheet cover encloses and holds the top-sheet cover for storage
and for external transportation by a motor vehicle to which the
exterior motor vehicle lift is mounted when the frame is in the
folded configuration.
3. The exterior motor vehicle lift cover of claim 1 further
comprising top-sheet anchoring means for anchoring the top-sheet
cover to the cargo platform when the top-sheet cover is in the
extended configuration.
4. The exterior motor vehicle lift cover of claim 1 wherein the
first frame support structure is configured to be affixed to the
exterior motor vehicle lift at an inboard mounting location between
the cargo platform and a motor vehicle to which the exterior motor
vehicle lift is mounted, and further wherein the second frame
support structure is configured to be affixed to the exterior motor
vehicle lift at an outboard mounting location.
5. The exterior motor vehicle lift cover of claim 4 wherein the
first frame member is pivotably mounted to the first frame support
and further wherein the second frame member is configured to be
detachably mounted to the first frame support when the frame is in
the folded configuration and further wherein the second frame
member is configured to be detachably mounted to the second frame
support when the frame is in the open configuration.
6. The exterior motor vehicle lift cover of claim 1 wherein the
end-sheet cover and the top-sheet cover comprise pliable
material.
7. The exterior motor vehicle lift cover of claim 1 wherein the
cargo platform is pivotable between a generally horizontal loading
position and a generally vertical storage position; further wherein
the first frame support is configured to be mounted to a mast of
the exterior motor vehicle lift and is configured to keep the lift
cover clear of pivoting of the platform when the frame is in its
folded configuration.
8. The exterior motor vehicle lift cover of claim 7 wherein the
frame further comprises frame anchoring means to secure the frame
in the folded configuration to the mast.
9. The exterior motor vehicle lift cover of claim 1 wherein the
frame moves from the folded configuration to the open configuration
by rotating the first and second frame members outboard to permit
the second frame member to engage the second frame support.
10. The exterior motor vehicle lift cover of claim 1 further
wherein the frame, the end-sheet cover and the top-sheet cover are
configured to fit in a space between the exterior motor vehicle
lift and a motor vehicle to which the exterior motor vehicle lift
is secured when the frame is in the folded configuration.
11. An apparatus for covering a lift mounted to the exterior of a
motor vehicle, the apparatus comprising: a frame configured to be
movable between a folded configuration and an open configuration
when secured to an exterior motor vehicle lift; an end-sheet cover
assembly comprising an end-sheet cover mounted to the frame; a
top-sheet cover assembly configured to be in a retracted
configuration when the frame is in the folded configuration,
wherein the top-sheet cover assembly is movable between the
retracted configuration and an extended configuration when the
frame is in the open configuration, the top-sheet cover assembly
comprising a top-sheet cover mounted to the frame and configured to
be secured to a lift platform of the exterior motor vehicle lift
and to cover the lift platform and any cargo thereon when the
top-sheet cover assembly is in the extended configuration; wherein
the covering apparatus is in a fully deployed configuration when
the frame is in the open configuration and the top-sheet cover
assembly is in the extended configuration; and further wherein the
covering apparatus is in a storage configuration when the frame is
in the folded configuration and the top-sheet cover assembly is in
the retracted storage configuration and further wherein, when the
frame is in the folded configuration, the end-sheet cover encloses
and holds the top-sheet cover for storage and for external
transportation by a motor vehicle to which the exterior motor
vehicle lift is mounted.
12. The storable exterior lift covering apparatus of claim 11
wherein the frame comprises first and second frame members
configured to be secured to the lift using frame mounting means,
the frame mounting means comprising: an inboard mounting structure
configured to be secured to the exterior motor vehicle lift; and an
outboard mounting structure configured to be mounted to the lift
platform; wherein, when the frame is in the open configuration, the
inboard mounting structure supports the first frame member and the
outboard mounting structure supports the second frame member; and
further wherein, when the frame is in the folded configuration, the
inboard mounting structure supports the first frame member, the
second frame member, the top-sheet cover assembly and the end-sheet
cover assembly.
13. The storable exterior lift covering apparatus of claim 11
wherein the top-sheet cover assembly further comprises: a Venturi
vent configured to facilitate air flow through the top-sheet cover;
one or more adjustment straps secured to the top-sheet cover and
configured to permit cinching of the top-sheet cover around the
lift platform and any cargo thereon; and a plurality of adjustable
securing hooks secured to the top-sheet cover and configured to
engage at least one of the following: the lift platform, an anchor
bracket mounted to the lift platform.
14. The storable exterior lift covering apparatus of claim 13
wherein the covering apparatus, when in the storage configuration,
is configured to occupy space between the exterior lift device and
a motor vehicle to which the exterior motor vehicle lift device is
mounted.
15. The storable exterior lift covering apparatus of claim 11
wherein the frame comprises a plurality of tubular members made of
metal or plastic, wherein the plurality of tubular members are
secured to one another with a flexible connector having a spring
held internally within the connector.
16. An exterior motor vehicle lift cover mounted to an exterior
motor vehicle lift, wherein the exterior motor vehicle lift is
mounted to a motor vehicle, wherein the exterior motor vehicle lift
comprises a cargo platform, the exterior motor vehicle lift cover
comprising: a frame comprising a first frame member foldably
coupled to a second frame member; an end-sheet cover affixed to the
frame; a top-sheet cover affixed to the frame; a first frame
support mounted to the exterior motor vehicle lift; and a second
frame support mounted to the exterior motor vehicle lift; wherein
the frame is movable between a folded configuration in which the
first frame member and the second frame member are supported by the
first frame support and an open configuration in which the first
frame member is supported by the first frame support and the second
frame member is supported by the second frame support; wherein,
when the frame is in the folded configuration, the end-sheet cover
affixed to the frame encloses and holds the top-sheet cover affixed
to the frame in a space between the motor vehicle and the exterior
motor vehicle lift for storage and for external transportation.
17. The exterior motor vehicle lift cover of claim 16 wherein the
second frame support is mounted to the cargo platform of the
exterior motor vehicle lift.
18-21. (canceled)
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM AND CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of co-pending application
Ser. No. 13/297,083, filed on 15 Nov. 2011, which claims the
benefit of Provisional Application No. 61/414,269, filed on 16 Nov.
2010. Each patent application identified above is incorporated by
reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure and
for all other purposes.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM
LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX
[0003] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND
[0004] 1. Technical Field
[0005] This invention relates generally to apparatus, systems,
methods, techniques, etc. for protecting and covering an exterior
lift device on a motor vehicle or the like, including any cargo
such as a personal mobility vehicle on the lift device. Several
embodiments specifically address covering means that are easily and
quickly deployed when needed and stored when not in use.
[0006] 2. Description of Related Art
[0007] Motor vehicles can have lifts affixed to the motor vehicle
exterior to support a personal mobility vehicle (PMV) while it is
stored and/or transported using the motor vehicle. These exterior
lifts and cargo loaded thereon are typically exposed to weather,
road debris, etc. while in use. Apparatus, systems, methods,
techniques, etc. that provide improved protection of PMVs with easy
and quick deployment and storage would represent a significant
advancement in the art.
SUMMARY
[0008] The present invention is readily understood by the following
detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings
and appendices. Embodiments of the present invention include
storable exterior lift cover systems, apparatus, devices, methods,
etc. a lift device (such as an exterior lift used to raise,
transport, store and lower mobility devices like scooters, power
chairs and the like) is mounted to a motor vehicle using a trailer
hitch or the like. To aid in protecting the lift and any cargo
thereon, a covering apparatus is provided that uses a foldable
frame that can be unfolded into an open configuration that allows a
fabric or other pliable material cover to be extended over the lift
platform and any cargo. The retraction of the cover and folding of
the frame allow the cover apparatus to be compactly configured and
stored, for example in a space between the lift platform and a
motor vehicle to which the lift is secured. Embodiments of the
present invention thus permit easily deployed and stored
configurations of a cover that can be transported externally in its
deployed or stored configuration.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be readily
understood by the following detailed description in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals
designate like structural elements, and in which:
[0010] FIGS. 1 and 2 are side views of one or more embodiments of a
storable exterior lift cover in its storage configuration with a
jacket.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a top view of one or more embodiments of a
storable exterior lift cover in its storage configuration.
[0012] FIGS. 4 and 5 are top views illustrating unfolding/folding
of one or more embodiments of a storable exterior lift cover.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a top view of one or more embodiments of a
storable exterior lift cover with a frame in its open configuration
and the top-sheet cover assembly in its retracted storage
configuration.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a side view of one or more embodiments of a
storable exterior lift cover with a frame in its open configuration
and the top-sheet cover assembly in its retracted storage
configuration.
[0015] FIG. 8 is an end view of one or more embodiments of a
storable exterior lift cover with a frame in its open configuration
and the top-sheet cover assembly in its retracted storage
configuration.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a side view of one or more embodiments of a
storable exterior lift cover with a frame in its open configuration
and the top-sheet cover being extended to cover a platform and
cargo thereon.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a side view of one or more embodiments of a
storable exterior lift cover in its fully deployed configuration
with a frame in its open configuration and the top-sheet cover
assembly in its extended covering configuration.
[0018] FIG. 11 is a top view of one or more embodiments of a
storable exterior lift cover in its fully deployed configuration
with a frame in its open configuration and the top-sheet cover
assembly in its extended covering configuration.
[0019] FIG. 12 is a side view of one or more embodiments of a
storable exterior lift cover in its fully deployed configuration
with a frame in its open configuration and the top-sheet cover
assembly in its extended covering configuration.
[0020] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a storable exterior
lift cover taken along the line 13-13 of FIG. 11.
[0021] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a storable exterior
lift cover taken along the line 14-14 of FIG. 11.
[0022] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a storable exterior
lift cover taken along the line 15-15 of FIG. 11.
[0023] FIG. 16 shows one or more embodiments of an outboard
mounting structure.
[0024] FIG. 17 shows one or more embodiments of an inboard mounting
structure.
[0025] FIG. 18 shows one or more embodiments of a hook anchor
bracket.
[0026] FIG. 19 shows one or more embodiments of a foldable
frame.
[0027] FIG. 20 shows one or more embodiments of a mounting
hook.
[0028] FIG. 21 is an exploded view of one or more embodiments of a
storable exterior lift cover.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] The following detailed description of the invention,
including the Figures, will refer to one or more invention
embodiments, but is not limited to such embodiments. Rather, the
detailed description is intended only to be illustrative. Those
skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed
description given with respect to the Figures is provided for
explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond such specific
embodiments. Embodiments of the invention provide apparatus,
systems, methods, techniques, etc. including and pertaining to (but
not limited to) covering apparatus for exterior lift devices on
motor vehicles and the like. For example, in connection with a
motor vehicle having a personal mobility vehicle lift secured to a
trailer hitch or the like, a pliable material cover and associated
support structure according to one or more embodiments of a
storable exterior lift cover system can protect the exterior lift
device when the cover is deployed, and can be folded and stored in
space between the motor vehicle and lift platform adjacent to the
lift when in a stored configuration. Other structures and uses will
be apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the
following disclosure and the Figures provided herewith.
[0030] Embodiments of a storable exterior lift cover system will be
shown and explained primarily in connection with a fabric (or other
pliable material) cover and a foldable or otherwise collapsible
supporting frame that are attachable to the lift or lift platform
of an exterior lift configured to be or actually secured to a motor
vehicle, the exterior lift being of the type made and sold by Bruno
Independent Living Aids, Inc. of Oconomowoc, Wis., and/or other
companies. Some embodiments can be used in connection with a motor
vehicle having a conventional receiver hitch socket or the like. A
variety of mobility device lifts can be used from any of a number
of manufacturers. Embodiments of a storable exterior lift cover
system herein can replace the earlier covers used for covering lift
devices and their cargo that have resembled outdoor barbecue grill
covers that do not provide suitable reliability, nor the ease of
deployment and storage provided by embodiments described and
claimed herein.
[0031] As seen in exemplary embodiments shown in the Figures, an
exterior vehicle lift 100 is secured to a motor vehicle 500, such
as a car, SUV, truck, etc., using a mounting apparatus 102 secured
to a receiver hitch socket 502. The exterior lift mounting
apparatus 102 is coupled to a lifting mechanism 104, for example an
electric, motor-driven actuator or the like, or a non-powered,
exterior mobility lift/carrier. The lifting mechanism 104 raises
and lowers a platform 106 that can hold a personal mobility vehicle
(PMV) 108 or other cargo. Platform 106 is frequently a generally
planar metal support onto and off of which the PMV 108 or other
cargo can be driven or moved.
[0032] Embodiments of a storable exterior lift cover can include a
storable exterior lift device covering apparatus 200 used to
protect cargo on a platform 106. Covering apparatus 200 can include
a foldable frame 210, an outboard mounting structure 220 mounted to
platform 106, an inboard mounting structure 230 mounted to the mast
of lift device 100 (see, e.g., FIGS. 6 and 21, where the structure
230 is mounted to a lift actuator 104 or the like), a vertical
end-sheet assembly 240, and a top-sheet assembly 250. The covering
apparatus 200 is in its fully deployed configuration when foldable
frame 210 is in its open configuration (e.g., FIGS. 6-12) and the
top-sheet cover assembly 250 is in its extended covering
configuration (e.g., FIGS. 10-12). The covering apparatus 200 is in
its storage configuration when the frame 210 is in its folded
configuration (e.g., FIGS. 1-3) and the top-sheet cover assembly is
in its retracted storage configuration.
[0033] When fully deployed, the covering apparatus 200 securely
covers a PMV 108 on platform 106. When in its storage
configuration, covering apparatus 200 is folded and maintained in
the space (sometimes referred to as "dead space") between motor
vehicle 500 and platform 106, out of the way of the PMV for loading
and unloading and consistent with raising and lowering of platform
106 on lift 100. The covering apparatus 200 in some embodiments
illustrated in the Figures and discussed below must be secured in a
manner that allows platform 106 to fold when no PMV is loaded on
platform 106 (in some cases a lift device platform will fold nearly
90.degree. when not carrying cargo), but also will "travel with"
the platform 106 to keep a loaded PMV 108 covered when the platform
is in different vertical positions. Other specifics of this and
other embodiments of a storable exterior lift cover system are
described in more detail below.
[0034] In the embodiments of a storable exterior lift cover system
shown in the Figures, covering apparatus 200 has been mounted to
platform 106. For purposes of this description, the term "inboard"
will refer to the edge of the lift platform 106 that is closest to
the motor vehicle 500. Likewise, the term "outboard" will refer to
the edge of the lift platform 106 that is farthest from the rear
end of the motor vehicle 500. Moreover, the "driver side" edge of
platform 106 is the edge that runs generally parallel to the driver
side of motor vehicle 500 and the "passenger side" edge of platform
106 is the edge that runs generally parallel to the passenger side
of motor vehicle 500. The frame 210 of covering apparatus 200 in
the Figures' exemplary embodiments is mounted adjacent to the
passenger side edge of platform 106 using outboard mounting
structure 220 and an inboard mounting structure 230.
[0035] As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 8 and 19, foldable frame 210
includes two inverted-L-shaped supports 212 that can be made of
steel tubing or any other suitable material. In addition to or in
lieu of folding, frame 210 may be otherwise "collapsible" to allow
for a more compact storage configuration. The dimensions and other
physical attributes of supports 212 may be dictated by the intended
cargo and use conditions for a given embodiment of a storable
exterior lift cover, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the
art. The upper ends of supports 212 are connected using a flexible
connector 214, which may be elastic as well. Connector 214
maintains a suitable tension between the upper ends of supports 212
when deployed to cover a PMV or other cargo on a platform 106.
[0036] Connector 214 can be made of suitable material(s), for
example flexible rubber hosing with an extension spring held
internally within the hosing (for example, attached using a stored
energy hinge device such as a coiled extension spring of
predetermined size, shape and initial tension). When the covering
apparatus 200 is being stored, the flexibility of connector 214
permits "folding" of frame 210 (as depicted, e.g., in FIGS. 3-6) to
reduce the frame's size, to allow end-sheet cover 240 to generally
enclose and hold the top-sheet cover assembly 250 (see, e.g., FIGS.
2-4), and to permit storage in the space adjacent motor vehicle
500. Connector 214 can be secured to lift device 100 in some
embodiments using appropriate anchoring means, such as a D-ring 213
shown in FIG. 21 that can be coupled to the mast of lift device 100
with an elastic strap--this prevents the stored cover from swinging
around to block a taillight, for example (a similar D-ring also can
be provided on jacket 272 in some embodiments, as seen in FIG. 21).
As seen in FIGS. 4-7, supports 212 may have eyelets 216 that allow
connection of the supports 212 to one of the mounting structures
220, 230 used to secure frame 210 to a platform 106, as described
in more detail below, for example using a bungee connector 218.
[0037] As shown in FIGS. 4-6 and 16, outboard mounting structure
220 is affixed to support frame 210 and has an outer cup support
bracket 222 to which is welded a rod handle 224 and an outboard
socket cup 226. Rod handle 224 can be used for multiple purposes,
for example as an anchoring point for a bungee connector 218, for
one of the tie-down straps of the platform 106 (used to hold a PMV
or other cargo in place on platform 106), etc. The outboard
mounting structure 220 can be screwed, bolted, welded or otherwise
affixed to or near the outer edge of the platform 106 using outer
cup support bracket 222.
[0038] As shown in FIGS. 4-6 and 17, inboard mounting structure 230
is affixed to lift device 100 using appropriate means and has a
main support 232 that includes a formed mounting bracket 236 at one
end (for securing to the lift device 100 or the like) and a socket
cup 234 mounted at the other end. Bracket 236 can be used to secure
(e.g., by welding, screwing, bolting, etc.) the inner mounting
structure 230 to or near the inner edge of the platform 106 in
embodiments where the platform 106 does not fold up or otherwise
dramatically change orientation during normal use. In other
embodiments, inboard mounting structure 230 is mounted to a lower
actuator bolt on the lift 100 because this can be done using a
single configuration for inboard bracket 236 in cases where
different configurations for platform 106 might be encountered.
Adjacent the inboard frame mounting cup 234 is a frame support hole
238, which provides a swivel or pivot support for a post 217
mounted at the bottom of the inboard frame support 212. As shown in
more detail in FIG. 15, post 217 can provide a stable, low-friction
pivot when engaged in frame support hole 238 (and held in position
by a manually securable mounting mechanism, e.g., by a cotter pin
219 or the like) for the end-sheet portion of the cover system when
it is extended to be deployed and when it is folded to be stored. A
strap tab 239 can be provided to permit securing the top-sheet
cover 250 and/or frame 210 to the inboard mounting structure 230.
All of the components of the inboard and outboard mounting
structures 230, 220 can be made of suitable material(s) such as
steel. Socket cups 226, 234 are of sufficient height and strength
to rigidly support frame 210 when in its deployed configuration as
well as when the covering apparatus 200 is in its stored
configuration. Moreover, cups 226, 234 can have a flared upper
opening to facilitate insertion of frame 210 into a cup by an
individual having limited dexterity and/or eyesight.
[0039] FIGS. 6-12 show frame 210 in its open configuration
supporting end-sheet assembly 240. FIGS. 1-3 show the end-sheet
cover assembly 240 in its folded, storage configuration, including
end-sheet cover 242 generally enclosing and holding the top-sheet
cover 252. A storage container such as a jacket 272, bag or the
like can be put over the folded and stored covering apparatus 200
to further protect covering apparatus 200 during storage and
transportation (jacket 272 can be kept in a storage pouch 259 or
the like attached to end-sheet cover 242, for example. One or more
Velcro straps 244 can be used to help secure covering apparatus 200
in its folded storage configuration, shown for example in FIG. 2,
using a length of Velcro hooks and a length of Velcro loops.
"Velcro" is a registered trademark for a well-known hook-and-loop
fastening system. Any appropriate hook-and-loop fastener can be
used wherever reference primarily made to Velcro fasteners
herein.
[0040] FIGS. 1-12 show the covering apparatus 200 secured to a lift
100 attached to a motor vehicle 500. FIGS. 6-12 show the
approximate positioning of a scooter or other PMV 108 on platform
106 when frame 210 is in its open configuration. Frame 210 is
supported by and mounted to the frame mounting hole 238 and the
inboard frame mounting cup 238 when frame 210 is in its folded
configuration. Likewise, frame 210 is further supported by and
mounted to the frame mounting hole 238 and the outboard frame
mounting cup 226 when frame 210 is in its open configuration.
[0041] The Figures show the covering apparatus 200 in various
stages of being deployed (or stored). FIGS. 10-12 show a fully
deployed covering configuration with clips or hooks 256 of
top-sheet cover assembly 250 securing the top-sheet cover fabric
252 to the platform 106 using straps 254, which can be adjustable.
Hooks 256, such as that shown in FIG. 20, can be used on the driver
side edge and, in some embodiments, on the outboard edge as well
(using anchor brackets 107 affixed to platform 106 in some
embodiments, as seen in FIGS. 10-12 and 18) to prevent flapping of
the cover fabric 252 on sedans and other motor vehicles that
generate more air flow across storable exterior lift cover 200. Air
flow and wind also can be accommodated in some embodiments, as seen
in FIGS. 11, 12 and 14 using one or more Venturi flaps or vents 255
in the cover fabric 252 (air flow being shown by the arrows in FIG.
14; each flap 255 can be covered to prevent rain and other fluids
from entering via flap 255. Cover fabric 252 also can be provided
with a slit 257 (in some embodiments being closable using Velcro
fastening or the like) that accommodates one or more lift device
components that extend over the platform (e.g., to assist in
securing cargo thereon) such as a hold-down arm 109 or the like to
secure a PMV 108, as seen for example in FIGS. 1, 3, 8, 13 and 21.
Moreover, reflective markings, tape, etc. can be provided on
top-cover 252 and/or other components of some embodiments to assist
in improving visibility of the lift device and any cargo to other
drivers.
[0042] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the top-sheet cover assembly 250 in
its retracted configuration, with hooks 256 holding the top-sheet
cover 252 to the frame members 212 using webbing straps 254. From
this configuration, the frame members 212 can be folded as shown in
FIGS. 3-6 to generally enclose and hold cover 252 for storage.
FIGS. 3-6 show the sequential unfolding of the frame 210 using hole
238 and socket cup 234 of inboard mounting structure 230. In some
embodiments, the frame 210 moves (by rotating the first frame
member 212 using post 217 and frame support hole 238) from the
folded configuration to the open configuration by rotating the
frame 212 inboard (i.e., toward the motor vehicle) then outboard
(i.e., away from the motor vehicle) to permit extension of the
second frame member 212 to engage the outboard mounting cup
226.
[0043] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art,
end-sheet 242 and top-sheet 252 can be made of any suitable
material, such as fabric, plastic, etc. Moreover, elastic can be
added to either sheet 242, 252 to accommodate tall, long or
otherwise larger PMVs, especially near the frame 210, which
substantially maintains its position and configuration when the
cover is fully deployed. Similarly, a headrest expansion panel 251
can be provided in sheet 252 to accommodate tall PMV headrests.
Where the configuration of a PMV or other cargo does not maintain
the top sheet 252 in a taut condition, adjustment straps 253 can be
provided (e.g., to the top and driver sides of sheet 252) to allow
sheet 252 to be cinched tight to prevent flapping and to reduce to
risk of debris entering inside sheet 252. Excess length of straps
253 can be accommodated using Velcro fasteners or the like.
Finally, to assist a user in pulling top sheet 252 securely over a
PMV or other cargo, one or more handles 275 can be provided to
facilitate pulling the sheet 252 tight (handles 275 can be brightly
colored and located close to the driver side edge of sheet 252 to
assist in locating such handles during deployment and storage
operations).
[0044] In use, a stored covering apparatus 200 can be deployed as
follows in some embodiments. The frame 210 is opened by removing
one of the frame members 212 from inboard socket cup 234 and then
pivoting and extending frame 210 by placing the frame member 212
into outboard socket cup 226. The outboard frame member 212 can
then be secured to the lift platform 106 using a bungee connector
218 or the like. The retracted top-sheet cover 252 is then extended
over the platform 106 and any PMV 108 on the platform 106 until the
hooks 256 are secured to the driver side edge of platform 106.
Straps 254 can be adjusted to provide an appropriate fit prior to
moving the motor vehicle 500. To fold and store the covering
apparatus 200, the reverse process is followed. Hooks 256 are
disengaged from platform 106 and the top-sheet cover 252 is drawn
back to its retracted configuration adjacent the end-sheet cover
assembly 240. As seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, hooks 256 can be used to
"hang" the top-sheet cover 252 from frame members 212. The folding
process depicted sequentially in FIGS. 6, 5, 4 and 3 is then
followed, including removing outboard frame member 212 from
outboard socket cup 226 and placing it in inboard socket cup 234 as
the covering apparatus 200 is rotated to a storage
configuration.
[0045] The many features and advantages of the present invention
are apparent from the written description, and thus, the appended
claims are intended to cover all such features and advantages of
the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes
will readily occur to those skilled in the art, the present
invention is not limited to the exact construction and operation as
illustrated and described. Therefore, the described embodiments
should be taken as illustrative and not restrictive, and the
invention should not be limited to the details given herein but
should be defined by the following claims and their full scope of
equivalents, whether foreseeable or unforeseeable now or in the
future.
* * * * *