GB2451306A

GB2451306A - Vehicle cover

Info

Publication number: GB2451306A
Application number: GB0800562A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Chapman
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-07-20
Filing date: 2008-01-14
Publication date: 2009-01-28
Anticipated expiration: 2028-01-14
Also published as: GB2451133A; GB2451306B; GB0714183D0; GB0800562D0

Abstract

A flexible cover 1 for attachment to a vehicle includes a front portion 1a which fits over the front end of a vehicle and two connected side portions 1b and 1c arranged to fit over the fenders/wings of the vehicle. The front portion 1a of the cover 1 fits over the bumper body work and radiator grill. Side portions 1b and 1c of the cover 1 are shaped to fit over and around the wheel arches of a vehicle. Side portions 1b, include generally horizontal inwardly extending flaps f1, f2, which in use locate over the upper parts of the fenders/wings and extend over the edge of the interior wall that partly defines the engine bay of the vehicle. The cover 1 can be fitted to the vehicle with the bonnet closed with the flaps f1, f2 extending over the bonnet and as the bonnet is lifted the flaps can automatically drop into place over the edge of the engine bay helping to secure the cover in place. Then, if the bonnet is closed it will simply rest on the flaps. Thus, the cover 1 can be fitted to the vehicle front whether or not the bonnet is open or closed.

Description

1 2451306

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO VEHICLE PROTECTION

This invention relates to improvements in or relating to vehicle protection and is more particularly but not exclusively concerned with a cover for use on the front of a vehicle in order to provide protection, for example, whilst repairs or maintenance are carried out on the vehicle.

The vast majority of modem vehicles are no longer serviced by the vehicle owner as they are becoming increasingly complex and in many cases specialist tools are required even for basic tasks to be carried out on the vehicle. Thus there tends to be an increased risk in damage to the vehicle paint work being caused by garage mechanics, particularly in the area around the engine bay of the vehicle since mechanics tend to lean across the fenders (wings) of the vehicle in order to gain access to the engine bay. Severe damage to the vehicle itself could result, for example, if a spanner or spark plug were to be dropped onto the vehicle or, for example, if rubbing fluids were to be spilt onto overalls of the mechanic and back onto painted surfaces of the vehicle.

* , In bad case scenarios, the damaged vehicle panel may have to re-sprayed and this may * S. result in additional costs and inconvenience for the vehicle owner. Certainly, * * ** protective covers for the front part of a vehicle have been proposed but it is believed * S * S. that such covers tend to be disadvantageous for various reasons. For example, US Patent specification No. 5273316 discloses a protective cover for a vehicle, in order to * S.. * .

protect the front of the vehicle from scratches and other damage that may occur during repair or maintenance of the vehicle. The cover proposed in US Patent specification No. 5273316 tends to be disadvantageous in that it is produced uniquely to fit a specific vehicle and thus could not be utilised on a range of different vehicles.

The cover consists of a plurality of preformed cover sections that are connected together at their ends by way of hook and loop fasteners such as VELCRO attachment means. Thus, it is believed that the attachment of the cover to the front of the vehicle tends to be more time consuming and require a level of dexterity that need not necessarily be the case. Since the cover consists of a number of separate releasable parts it is possible that one or more of the parts of the cover could be lost, rendering use of the cover ineffective. Still further, it would only seem possible to fit the cover to the vehicle with the bonnet in a raised position and the cover may also prevent certain operational features of the vehicle from being carried out or viewed satisfactorily, whilst maintenance or repair of the vehicle is being earned out, with the cover fitted in place. Since the cover consists of a number of rather bulky sections a larger storage space may be required for the cover than would otherwise need be the case.

Other covers for the front of a vehicle have been proposed, but it is believed that they all tend to have particular disadvantages. For example, such covers may not have been designed with the servicing or repair of the vehicle in mind and may simply be to * *.

protect the front of a vehicle whilst it is in use, e.g. either in motion of the vehicle * *** * *, from road stone chippings or the like, or whilst the vehicle is stationary and left * * * S. unattended. One such cover is proposed in US Patent specification No. 4953909. This * cover and other such covers tend to be disadvantageous in that the front fenders/wings * S : ..: of the vehicle remain unprotected (and/or the covers are not practical to use) when the bonnet of the car is in an open position.

Other covers have been proposed for vehicles that may cover the entire vehicle and once again such covers would need to be removed if repairs or vehicle maintenance are to be carried out.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to at least alleviate one or more of the aforementioned, or other, problems associated with vehicle protection more particularly but not exclusively during repair or maintenance of the vehicle, and/or to provide a cover for a vehicle which is improved in at least some respect.

According to the present invention there is provided a cover for protecting the front of a vehicle, said cover being adapted for attachment to a range of sizes of vehicles and comprising a flexible member arranged to fit over and protect the front part of a vehicle and the fenders or wings of a vehicle, said member having stretchable or elasticated parts to fit generally or substantially snugly around the vehicle front and remaining attached to the vehicle once a bonnet of the vehicle has been opened in order to protect the fenders or wings and the front of the vehicle during vehicle * * maintenance and/or vehicle repair. * *s **.. * **.*

* , Further according to the present invention there is provided the combination of a * S * * ** vehicle and at least one cover as defined in the immediately preceding paragraph. * *

*,. The cover may be made of any suitable material such as fabric.

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Preferably, the cover is provided with loops or straps for attachment to vehicle wing mirrors and/or other parts of the vehicle such as bonnet hinges or windscreen wipers.

Conveniently, the loops/straps may be stretchable or elasticated for tighter securement to the mirror or other vehicle part.

In one embodiment of the cover, the flexible member comprises a first or front portion connected to two side portions and where provided the loops/straps may be connected to the side portions.

The side portions are, preferably shaped to fit over and around the wheel arches of a vehicle and/or the side portions may include flaps that, in use, extend over the edge of or into the engine bay of a vehicle.

Preferably, upper and lower parts of the flexible member are stretchable or elasticated to accommodate varying vehicle contours of different vehicles.

Preferably, the cover is shaped and dimensioned to fit vehicle wheel arches in such manner as to allow full access to the vehicle wheels, when fitted, so that maintenance * S. * S * * tasks can be carried out underneath the wheel arches, without hindrance. p* .* * S. *S * * **

The cover may incorporate protective padding (e.g. foam inserts) preferably on the inside thereof to help protect the bodywork of the vehicle when fitted. * S

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Preferably, the cover includes transparent or translucent sections which in use cover and protect the headlights of vehicle but allow the lighting system of the vehicle to be tested, whilst the cover is in place.

Additionally, vents or openings may be provided in the cover which, in use, are arranged to be adjacent to the radiator grill of the vehicle, in order to allow an airflow through said grill for tests to be carried out when the engine is running.

Still further according to the present invention there is provided a cover for protecting the front (or possibly rear) of the vehicle, said cover having one or more of the following features:-a) the cover being adapted for attachment to a range of vehicles b) elasticated or stretchable portions c) transparent or translucent portions to cover the headlights of a vehicle d) facility for the operational maintenance aspects of the vehicle to be checked or carried out whilst the cover is in place on the vehicle e) facility for pulling the cover tight or taut on the vehicle f) loops or straps to attach the cover to vehicle wing mirrors or other vehicle parts * : . : :* g) the cover being in one piece or constructed as a unit * S S...

* : *: : Many advantages of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the single FIGURE of the accompanying drawings.

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*5***S * The FIGURE of the drawings shows a perspective view of a flexible cover I for attachment to a vehicle (not shown). As should be evident from the FIGURE the cover I includes a first or front portion la which in use fits over the front end of a vehicle and two connected side portions lb and ic arranged to fit over the fenders/wings of the vehicle. The portions Ia, lb. ic comprise a flexible member.

Thus, the front portion Ia of the cover I will, in use, fit over the bumper body work and radiator grill and metal work of the immediate area thereof. Side portions lb and Ic of the cover 1 are suitably shaped to fit over and around the wheel arches of a vehicle. Side portions Ib, include generally horizontal (as shown in the FIGURE) inwardly extending flaps fi, f2, which in use locate over the upper parts of the fenders/wings and extend over the edge of the interior wall that partly defines the engine bay of the vehicle.

Thus, advantageously, the cover I can be fitted to the vehicle with the bonnet closed with the flaps fl,f2 extending over the bonnet and as the bonnet is lifted the flaps can automatically drop into place over the edge of the engine bay helping to secure the cover in place. Then, if the bonnet is closed it will simply rest on the flaps. Thus, the cover 1 can be fitted to the vehicle front whether or not the bonnet is open or closed.

The cover I may be made of any suitable (fabric) material. The cover may be manufactured from polyester type materials being resistant to acids and alkalis and fire retardant in order to suit the working proximity to the engine bay of the vehicle. * ***

Advantageously, in use, the cover 1 will generally follow the contours of the vehicle to which it is fitted. *

*.*..I The cover 1 is provided with loops or straps 2 and 3 arranged at the top rear corners Id andle of the side portions lb and Ic of the cover 1 as shown in the FIGURE of the drawings. The loops/straps 2 and 3 are wrapped around the associated door wing mirrors of the vehicle, in use, in order to help secure the cover I in position on the vehicle.

The loops or straps 2, 3 may be manufactured from stretchable or elastics material in order to hold the cover 1 in place on the front of the vehicle. If door wing mirrors are not available for locating the loops/straps 2, 3, alternatively said loops/straps can be attached or hooked onto bonnet hinges or windscreen wipers in order to hold the cover I in place. Thus, the cover I co-operates with the existing vehicle shape and fixtures i.e. door mirrors etc and can be used to cover the front of a wide range of vehicles such as small cars, 4x4, sports and executive vehicles.

The cover I may be manufactured from flat panels of material that are joined together by sewing or by other suitable means, which, in use, are positioned at the front edges of the vehicle. Upper and lower front corner edges 4, 5, 6, 7 of the cover are lined with stretchable or elastic material to, advantageously, allow the cover to stretch and flex to accommodate varying vehicle contours to be expected from different makes of vehicles. The elasticity of edges 4, 5, 6, 7 should allow both large and small vehicles to be accommodated as the material of the cover I is pulled taut or :. :: tight across the lower apron (not shown) of the vehicle and into the wheel arches (not * :* : :* shown) of the vehicle (and simultaneously across the upper edge of the engine bay forming a relatively taut, snug, protective surface). The addition of the stretchable or elastic material to the cover I should, advantageously, stop a loose, sagging or * S S... * S

* ..: bagging of the material to provide a smooth aesthetic appearance to the cover, when fitted onto the vehicle, so that the cover may look to be purpose-made for that particular vehicle.

Advantageously, the cover I is suitably contoured at If and Ig in the area of the front wheels of the vehicle to allow full access to the wheels where the cover has been fitted to the vehicle. Thus, whilst the cover I is fitted to the vehicle, tyre pressures of the wheels can be taken without hindrance and, where the wheels are a target area for maintenance, full access to vehicle wheel nuts and subsequent brake and other mechanical items located under the wheel arch area can be fully accessed, whilst the cover I is still directly in place on the vehicle.

The cover 1, advantageously, incorporates protective padding in the form of foam pads P sewn into the inside surface of the cover. The location of these pads P may vary in particular embodiments of the cover, but are conveniently located in prime or high risk damage areas, for example, over the top of the wheel arches and at the front of the vehicle around the radiator grille. In the FIGURE of the drawings, two pads P are shown located at the front of the vehicle and on portion lb of the cover.

Similarly, a pad P is located on the inside of portion ic of the cover, although this is not shown in the FIGURE. * ** * * .

Most importantly, the cover 1 incorporates two spaced, transparent or translucent S...

* :* : :* sections 8 and 9 generally in the shape of over sized headlights, in order to protect and allow good vision of working head lamps and indicators and the general lighting system of the vehicle, should these need to be tested during maintenance of the S..... * S

* : ..: vehicle, whilst the cover is in place. The transparent sections 8 and 9 will be suitably sized and placed to accommodate various sizes and shapes of different vehicles.

It is also envisaged that the cover may incorporate a logo at the front thereof and possibly in other positions, said logo being a suitable advertisement for the customer and or garage carrying out the repairs and/or maintenance.

Although not shown in the FIGURE of the drawings, appropriate vents or openings may be provided on an area of the front portion la of the cover which is arranged to be adjacent to the radiator grille of the vehicle, in use, in order to allow an airflow that may be required, in some instances, when the engine is working.

Although the cover I has been described in relation to protecting the front of the vehicle, it is possible that the cover 8 could be used or adapted to alternatively or additionally protect the rear of a vehicle (e.g. where the engine is mounted under a bonnet at the rear of the vehicle) or if repair work or maintenance is to be carried out on the rear of the vehicle. Where a boot is provided on the vehicle either at the front or rear of the vehicle and work is to be carried out near the boot, the flexible member may remain attached to the vehicle (either at the front or rear as the case may be) once a boot lid rather than bonnet' has been opened. * .* * S S

It is to be understood that the scope of the present invention is not to be unduly *SSS * :* : :* limited by the particular choice of terminology and that a specific term may be replaced or supplemented by an equivalent or generic term. For example, the term * portion' could be replaced by part'; loop' could be replaced by tie means', front' S..... * S

*:...: could be replaced by first portion'. Further, it is to be understood that individual features, method or functions relating to the cover or combinations thereof might be individually patentably inventive. The singular may include the plural and vice versa.

Additionally, any range mentioned herein for any parameter or variable shall be taken to include a disclosure of any derivable sub- range within that range or of any particular value of the variable or parameter arranged within, or at an end of, the range or sub-range. * .* * S P * S. *.. S * S S... * S* * S S * *S

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Claims

I. A cover for protecting the front of a vehicle, said cover being adapted for attachment to a range of sizes of vehicles and comprising a flexible member arranged to fit over and protect the front part of a vehicle and the fenders or wings of a vehicle, said member having stretchable or elasticated parts to fit generally or substantially snugly around the vehicle front and remaining attached to the vehicle once a bonnet of the vehicle has been opened in order to protect the fenders or wings and the front of the vehicle during vehicle maintenance and/or vehicle repair.
2. A cover as claimed in claim I which is of fabric.
3. A cover as claimed in claim I or claim 2 provided with loops or straps for attachment to vehicle wing mirrors and/or other parts of the vehicle. * ** * * * * **
4. A cover as claimed in claim 3 in which the loops/straps are stretchable or elasticated. * I * S**

S I.. *

*: 5. A cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the flexible * : * member comprises a first or front portion connected to two side portions.

6. A cover as claimed in claim 5 when dependent from claim 3 in which the loops/straps are connected to the side portions.

7. A cover as claimed in claim 5 or 6 in which the side portions are shaped to fit over and around the wheel arches of a vehicle.

8. A cover as claimed in claim 7 which is shaped and dimensioned to fit vehicle wheel arches in such manner as to allow full access to the vehicle wheels, when fitted.

9. A cover as claimed in claim 5, 6, 7 or 8 in which the side portions include flaps that, in use, extend over the edge of or into the engine bay of a vehicle.

10. A cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which upper and lower parts of the flexible member are stretchable or elasticated.

11. A cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims incorporating protective padding. * ** * * * * S.

*::::* 12. A cover as claimed in claim 11 in which the protective padding is in on the inside of the cover. S..

* 13. A cover as claimed in claim 11 or 12 in which the protective padding *:*. comprises foam inserts.

14. A cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including transparent or translucent sections which in use cover and protect the headlights of vehicle but allow the lighting system of the vehicle to be tested, whilst the cover is in place.

15. A cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims having vents or openings which, in use, are arranged to be adjacent to the radiator grill of the vehicle.

16. A cover substantially as herein described with reference to the FIGURE of the accompanying drawings.

17. The combination of a vehicle and a cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

18. A cover for protecting the front (or possibly rear) of the vehicle, said cover having one or more of the following features:-* S* * * * * S. a) the cover being adapted for attachment to a range of vehicles b) elasticated or stretchable portions c) transparent or translucent portions to cover the headlights of a vehicle d) facility for the operational maintenance aspects of the vehicle to be checked or *:*. carried out whilst the cover is in place on the vehicle e) facility for pulling the cover tight or taut on the vehicle 1) loops or straps to attach the cover to vehicle wing mirrors or other vehicle parts g) the cover being in one piece or constructed as a unit Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows CLAIMS t 1. A cover for protecting the front of a vehicle, said cover being adapted for attachment to a range of sizes of vehicles and comprising a flexible member arranged to fit over and protect the front part of a vehicle and the fenders or wings of a vehicle, said member having stretchable or elasticated parts to fit generally or substantially snugly around the vehicle front and remaining attached to the vehicle once a bonnet of the vehicle has been opened in order to protect the fenders or wings and the front of the vehicle during vehicle maintenance and/or vehicle repair.

2. A cover as claimed in claim I which is of fabric.

3. A cover as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 provided with loops or straps for attachment to vehicle wing mirrors and/or other parts of the vehicle. * .* * S * * *5

*. 4. A cover as claimed in claim 3 in which the loops/straps are stretchable or ***S elasticated.

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5. A cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the flexible * * * member comprises a first or front portion connected to two side portions.
6. A cover as claimed in claim 5 when dependent from claim 3 in which the loops/straps are connected to the side portions. Is)
7. A cover as claimed in claim 5 or 6 in which the side portions are shaped to fit over and around the wheel arches of a vehicle.
8. A cover as claimed in claim 7 which is shaped and dimensioned to fit vehicle wheel arches in such manner as to allow full access to the vehicle wheels, when fitted.
9. A cover as claimed in claim 5, 6, 7 or 8 in which the side portions include flaps that, in use, extend over the edge of or into the engine bay of a vehicle.
10. A cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which upper and lower parts of the flexible member are stretchable or elasticated.
11. A cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims incorporating protective padding. * ** * . . * SS

*: :: :*
12. A cover as claimed in claim 11 in which the protective padding is in on the inside of the cover. * * * **. *

*:*.
13. A cover as claimed in claim 11 or 12 in which the protective padding *:*. comprises foam inserts.
14. A cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including transparent or translucent sections which in use cover and protect the headlights of vehicle but allow the lighting system of the vehicle to be tested, whilst the cover is in place.
15. A cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims having vents or openings which, in use, are arranged to be adjacent to the radiator grill of the vehicle.
16. A cover substantially as herein described with reference to the FIGURE of the accompanying drawings.
17. The combination of a vehicle and a cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.
18. A cover for protecting the front (or possibly rear) of the vehicle, said cover having one or more of the following features:-* .* * * . * *.

a) the cover being adapted for attachment to a range of vehicles b) elasticated or stretchable portions c) transparent or translucent portions to cover the headlights of a vehicle d) facility for the operational maintenance aspects of the vehicle to be checked or carried out whilst the cover is in place on the vehicle e) facility for pulling the cover tight or taut on the vehicle 1) loops or straps to attach the cover to vehicle wing mirrors or other vehicle parts g) the cover being in one piece or constructed as a unit
19. A cover for protecting the front of a vehicle, said cover being adapted for attachment to a range of sizes of vehicles without modification and comprising a flexible member arranged to fit over and protect the front part of a vehicle and the fenders or wings of a vehicle, said member having stretchable or elasticated parts to fit generally or substantially snugly around the vehicle front and remaining attached to the vehicle once a bonnet of the vehicle has been opened in order to protect the fenders or wings and the front of the vehicle during vehicle maintenance and/or vehicle repair, and in which the cover protects the headlights of the vehicle.
20. A cover for protecting the front of a vehicle, said cover being adapted for attachment to a range of sizes of vehicles without modification and comprising a flexible member arranged to fit over and protect the front part of a vehicle and the fenders or wings of a vehicle, said member having stretchable or elasticated parts to fit generally or substantially snugly around the vehicle front and remaining attached to the vehicle once a bonnet of the vehicle has * * ** been opened in order to protect the fenders or wings and the front of the * *** vehicle during vehicle maintenance and/or vehicle repair and in which the

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*.SSS* . . . * flexible member comprises a first or front portion connected to two side * portions and in which said side portions are shaped to fit over and around the ** *5 wheel arches of a vehicle..