GB2613006A

GB2613006A - A vehicle cover for protecting a road going vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2613006A
Application number: GB2116717.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Poggio Daniel
Original assignee: Duraida Ltd
Current assignee: Duraida Ltd
Priority date: 2021-11-19
Filing date: 2021-11-19
Publication date: 2023-05-24
Also published as: GB202116717D0

Abstract

A vehicle cover 213 for protecting a vehicle 201 comprising a cover portion having an opening 214 and a user controlled means 233 for restricting the opening such that, in use, the cover portion is placed over the vehicle so that the road going vehicle passes through the opening and into a pocket defined by the cover portion, and activation of the user controlled means restricts the opening of the cover portion, securing the cover portion over the vehicle. The cover may comprise at least one belt loop 225, at least one sleeve 221,223, 237 and at least one belt 233,241. The belt may be fed through openings 227, 229, 231, 239 in the at least one belt loop or sleeve. The belt may be orientated vertically or horizontally when the cover is in use (see Fig.3) and may comprise a fastener or buckle 235 that permits adjustment of the belt tension when in use. The belt may be positioned horizontally below an axis of the vehicle wheels when in use. The vehicle may be a motorbike. Also claimed method of use, kit of parts and vehicle comprising the cover.

Description

A Vehicle Cover for Protecting a Road Going Vehicle The present invention relates to a vehicle cover, more particularly but not exclusively, to a vehicle cover for covering a stationary vehicle such as a motorbike. Motorbike covers are known and act to inhibit a parked motorbike from getting 5 wet as a result of the rain.

Typically, a motorbike cover is in the form of a large piece of plastics material which has been stitched together in a way such as to provide a large pocket. Upon use the user places the motorbike cover over the motorbike so that the cover envelopes the motorbike. The motorbike then resides in the pocket of the cover.

For the cover to fit a range of motorbike sizes, the cover is designed to be loose fitting to ensure that the cover can extend over the handlebars and both tires of the motorbike.

Short length ties are provided on the cover at certain points, usually around the rim of the pocket. These ties are normally sewn onto the cover as part of the 15 manufacturing process.

In order to secure the cover to the motorbike, a user would secure opposingly positioned pairs of ties together at various locations around the motorbike. For instance, a first tie in a first pair of ties is passed through the spokes of the front wheel of the motorbike and secured to an adjacent second tie of the first pair of ties. A first tie in a second pair of ties is passed underneath the middle of the motorbike and secured to an adjacent second tie of the second pair of ties. A first tie of a third pair of ties is passed through the spokes of the rear wheel of the motorbike and secured to an adjacent second tie of the third pair of ties.

A user secures the cover to the motorbike in this way to inhibit the cover from 25 being either partially or fully blown off of the motorbike as a result of the wind incident upon the cover and the motorbike.

There is however a disadvantage with this prior art arrangement. Namely, because the cover is loose fitting, the opening of the pocket of the cover is large and this leaves a large area around the bottom of the motorbike, open and capable of letting air blow into the pocket of the cover. For example, due to wind incident upon the cover and the motorbike. The effect of this is that the wind can cause a parachuting effect -2 -under the cover and create a force on the cover which is sufficiently strong to pull the motorbike over and thus damaging the motorbike.

Furthermore, the wind blowing under the cover can also put a great deal of tension on the ties which can result in the ripping of the sewn connections between the 5 ties and the cover. Additionally, the wind blowing under the cover can also move the cover from its initial position on the motorbike, not only potentially exposing certain parts of the motorbike (such as the wheels) to the elements of the weather, but also possibly causing tears in the cover as the cover is repeatedly moved due to the wind over certain parts of the motorbike (such as the handlebars). In extreme winds, it has been known 10 for the ties to rip under the force from the wind and the entire cover blow off and away from the motorbike.

There is therefore a need for a cover to protect a motorbike whilst minimizing the risk of both the motorbike and the cover from getting damaged. The present invention attempts, at least in its preferred embodiment, to provide such a cover.

The present invention provides a vehicle cover for protecting a road going vehicle, the vehicle cover comprising a cover portion having an opening and a user controlled means for restricting the opening, the arrangement being such that, in use, the cover portion is placed over a road going vehicle, so that the road going vehicle passes through the opening and into a pocket defined by the cover portion, and upon activation of the user controlled means, the opening of the cover portion is restricted to secure the cover portion over the road going vehicle.

Optionally the user controlled means comprises at least one belt loop, which has an opening. It may be that the belt loop is open at both ends so as to provide a passage therethrough.

Optionally the user controlled means comprises at least one sleeve, which has an opening. It may be that the at least one sleeve is open at both ends so as to provide a passage therethrough. It may be that the at least one sleeve travels around the majority of the perimeter of the opening of the cover portion.

Optionally the plane passing through the opening is oriented substantially 30 horizontally when the cover is in use. It may be that the openings of the at least one belt loop and the at least one sleeve are aligned in the horizontal plane. It may be that the passages running through the at least one belt loop and the at least one sleeve are aligned in the horizontal plane.

Optionally the user controlled means comprises at least one further sleeve, which has an opening. It may be that the at least one further sleeve is open at both ends 5 so as to provide a passage therethrough.

Optionally the plane passing through the opening is oriented substantially horizontally when the vehicle cover is in use. It may be that the passages running through the at least one belt loop, the at least one sleeve and the at least one further sleeve are aligned in the horizontal plane.

Optionally the plane passing through the opening is oriented substantially vertically when the vehicle cover is in use. It may be that the openings of the at least one sleeve are aligned in the vertical plane. It may be that the passages running through the at least one sleeve are aligned in the vertical plane.

Optionally the user controlled means comprises at least one belt.

Optionally the at least one belt resides within the opening of the at least one belt loop and that the at least one belt is orientated in a substantially horizontal plane when the vehicle cover is in use. It may be that the at least one belt resides within the passage of the at least one belt loop and that the at least one belt is orientated in a substantially horizontal plane when the vehicle cover is in use.

Optionally the at least one belt resides within the opening of the at least one sleeve and that the at least one belt is orientated in a substantially horizontal plane when the vehicle cover is in use. It may be that the at least one belt resides within the passage of the at least one sleeve and that the at least one belt is orientated in a substantially horizontal plane when the vehicle cover is in use.

Optionally the at least one belt is a stretchable member. It may be that the stretchable member is a length of bungee chord.

Optionally the at least one belt resides within the opening of the at least one sleeve and that the at least one belt is orientated in a substantially vertical plane when the vehicle cover is in use. It may be that the at least one belt resides within the passage of the at least one sleeve and that the at least one belt is orientated in a substantially vertical plane when the vehicle cover is in use. -4 -

Optionally the at least one belt slidably resides in the opening. It may be that the at least one belt slidably resides within the passage of any of the at least one belt loop, the at least one sleeve, the at least one further sleeve, or any combination thereof. It may be that the configuration allows a user to easily slide the at least one belt through 5 the openings of any of the at least one belt loop, the at least one sleeve, the at least one further sleeve, or any combination thereof. It may be that the configuration allows a user to easily slide the at least one belt through the passage of any of the at least one belt loop, the at least one sleeve, the at least one further sleeve, or any combination thereof Optionally it may be that the cover portion is provided with slits and the at least 10 one belt weaves through the slits. This may suitably secure the at least one belt to the cover portion.

Optionally the at least one belt is provided with a fastener so as to secure one point on the at least one belt to another point on the at least one belt. It may be that the fastener is a buckle or a side release buckle.

Optionally the fastener is configured to allow the at least one belt to be tightened and loosened. It may be that the pulling of a portion of the at least one belt results in the tightening of the at least one belt. The tightening of the at least one belt may facilitate in securing the cover to the vehicle. The loosening of the at least one belt may facilitate the removal of the cover from the vehicle.

Optionally in use, the at least one belt resides below the halfway point of wheels of the road going vehicle that the vehicle cover is protecting. This may facilitate the securing of the cover to the vehicle.

Optionally the road going vehicle is sized so that it can be driven directly by a person in or on such road going vehicle. It may be that the vehicle is sized so that a 25 person can be transported in or on the vehicle. It may be that the vehicle is a self driving vehicle.

Optionally the road going vehicle is a motorbike. A road going vehicle could be a vehicle which is intended to be driven or ridden on a road. A road going vehicle could be for example a motorbike, a dirt bike, a bicycle, a scooter, a car, a van a truck or a 30 lorry.

Optionally in use, the at least one sleeve is positioned around a front wheel of the motorbike, the at least one further sleeve is positioned around a rear wheel of the motorbike and the at least one belt passes through the at least one sleeve and the at least one further sleeve. The at least one belt may also pass through the at least one belt loop.

The present invention also provides a method of protecting a road going vehicle, the steps comprising covering a road going vehicle with a vehicle cover according to the present invention, positioning a user controlled means to a location below the halfway point of wheels of the road going vehicle being protected and activating the user controlled means to restrict an opening of a pocket of the vehicle cover in order to secure the vehicle cover to the road going vehicle.

Optionally activating the user controlled means comprises securing one point on at least one belt to another point on the at least one belt. That may be achieved by utilizing a fastener.

Optionally activating the user controlled means comprises tensioning the at least one belt to remove any residual slack. The removal of any residual slack in the at least 15 one belt may facilitate in securing the cover to the vehicle.

Optionally the at least one belt is orientated in a substantially horizontal plane when the vehicle cover is in use.

Optionally the at least one belt is orientated in a substantially vertical plane when the vehicle cover is in use.

The present invention also provides a kit of parts comprising a vehicle cover in accordance with the present invention, at least one belt, at least one fastener and instructions for assembling a vehicle cover in accordance with the present invention. The present invention also provides a kit of parts comprising a vehicle cover in accordance with the present invention, at least one belt and instructions for assembling 25 a vehicle cover in accordance with the present invention.

The present invention also provides a vehicle provided thereon with a vehicle cover in accordance with the present invention.

The present invention also provides a vehicle cover for protecting a road going vehicle comprising a cover portion having an opening and means for, in use, securing a 30 belt to the cover portion. -6 -

For a better understanding of the present invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a motorbike; Figure 2 is a side view of a prior art cover in position on the motorbike of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a vehicle cover in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, in position on a motorbike similar to that shown in Figure 1; and Figure 4 is a perspective view of a vehicle cover in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, in position on a motorbike similar to that shown in Figure 1. -7 -

Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings, there is shown a standard motorbike 101. The motorbike comprises a chassis 103, handlebars 105, a front wheel 107 and a rear wheel 109. The motorbike 101 further comprises a stand 111 which allows the user to balance the motorbike 101 and leave it standing substantially upright upon parking the motorbike 101.

As shown in Figure 2, a prior art cover 113 has been placed over the motorbike 101, so that the motorbike 101 resides within the pocket created by the cover 113. The cover 113 has an opening 114 of the pocket and the cover 113 substantially covers the entirety of the motorbike 101, with the opening 114 residing adjacent the front wheel 107 and rear wheel 109 of the motorbike 101.

Although not shown in Figure 2, quite often a bottom portion of the cover 113 comes into contact with and rests on the ground in which the motorbike 101 is parked on. This is because the cover 113 is loose fitting to fit over motorbikes of varying sizes. The cover 113 is further provided with a pair of front ties 115, a pair of middle 15 ties 117 and a pair of rear ties 119. One of each pair of ties is on one side of the cover 113 and the respective other of each pair of ties is on the opposing side of the cover 113. During the manufacturing process of the cover 113, each fie is sewn onto the cover 113 in order to secure them in place.

This arrangement is such that in use, the user puts the cover 113 over the motorbike 101. The user then moves to the front of the motorbike 101 and secures the pair of front ties 115 together through the front wheel 107 of the motorbike 101. The user then moves to the middle of the motorbike 101 and secures the pair of middle ties 117 together under the chassis 103 of the motorbike 101. The user then moves to the end of the motorbike 101 and secures the pair of rear ties 119 together through the rear wheel 109 of the motorbike 101.

Unfortunately, because the cover 113 fits over the motorbike 101 loosely and the cover 113 is secured to the motorbike 101 via only three anchor points, the cover 113 is not adequately secured to the motorbike 101. In particular, this arrangement leaves a large area of the opening 114 of the pocket of the cover 113 (around the bottom of the motorbike 101) available to allow air to blow into the pocket and under the cover 113. When it is windy, air is blown under the cover 113 expanding it. This can lead to -8 -an increase in the area of the opening 114 of the pocket of the cover 113 making it capable of letting even more air blow into the pocket and under the cover 113.

The effect of this is that the wind can cause a parachuting effect under the cover and create a force on the cover which is sufficiently strong to pull the motorbike over 5 and thus damaging the motorbike. The cover can also be damaged in such an event, preventing it from being reused.

Furthermore, the wind blowing under the cover 113 will also put a great deal of tension on the pair of front ties 115, the pair of middle ties 117 and the pair of rear ties 119. This can result in the ripping of the sewn connection between the ties and the cover 113.

Additionally, repeated wind blowing under the cover 113 will also move the cover 113 back and forth over the motorbike 101. This would create wear on the cover 113, especially over the handlebars 105. If the cover 113 is subject to sufficient wear or force, then the cover itself could rip, exposing parts of the motorbike 101 to the weather and risk the motorbike 101 being damaged by the weather (e.g. water damage from rain). The damaged cover 113 would be disposed of, resulting in waste material and a further cover being needed at a cost.

The blowing of the wind under the cover 113 may move the cover 113 from its initial position over the motorbike 101 to a position, where the cover 101 has ridden up over various parts of the motorbike (e.g. the front wheel 107, rear wheel 109 or the chassis 103). This would expose such parts to the weather and risk subsequent weather damage.

As shown in Figure 3, there is a motorbike 201 (not fully shown) having a chassis 203 (not shown), handlebars 205 (not shown), a front wheel 207 and a rear wheel 209. 25 The motorbike 201 is held substantially upright in a parked positioned via a stand 211. Referring further to Figure 3, there is shown a cover 213 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, which has been placed over the motorbike 201, so that the motorbike 201 resides in the pocket created by the cover 213. The cover 213 has an opening 214 of the pocket and the cover 213 substantially covers the entirety 30 of the motorbike 201, with the opening 214 residing adjacent the front wheel 207 and rear wheel 209 of the motorbike 201. -9 -

The cover 213 is provided with a front sleeve 221 on the outside of the cover 213, a small distance above the opening 214. The front sleeve 221 is positioned on the outside of the cover 213 so that the front sleeve 221 extends around the front wheel 207 after the cover 213 has been placed over the motorbike 201.

The cover 213 is further provided with a rear sleeve 223 on the outside of the cover 213, a small distance above the opening 214. The rear sleeve 223 is positioned on the outside of the cover 213 so that the rear sleeve 223 extends around the rear wheel 209 after the cover 213 has been placed over the motorbike 201.

The cover 213 is further provided with belt loops 225 on the outside of the cover 213, spaced equally apart from each other and each a small distance above the opening 214. The belt loops 225 extend the length of both sides of the cover 213, around the opening 214 and in between the front sleeve 221 and the rear sleeve 223. There are five belt loops 225 provided on the outside of the cover 213, on both sides of the motorbike. Namely, there are ten belt loops 225 in total, with five belt loops 225 in both of the gaps between the front sleeve 221 and the rear sleeve 223.

Openings 227 of the front sleeve 221 and openings 229 of the rear sleeve 223 are aligned with each other as well as with openings 231 of each of the belt loops 225 in a horizontal orientation. (Much like the alignment of belt loops on a pair of trousers). A horizontal belt 233 is provided so as to pass through the openings 227 of the 20 front sleeve 221, the openings 229 of the rear sleeve 223 and the openings 231 of each of the belt loops 225 and reside within the front sleeve 221, the rear sleeve 223 and belt loops 225 respectively. The horizontal belt 233 is slidable relative to the front sleeve 221, the rear sleeve 223 and the belt loops 225. (Again, much like a belt residing in the belt loops of a pair of trousers).

The horizontal belt 233 is provided with a fastener 235 (such as a side release fastener), so as to enable one end of the horizontal belt 233 to be secured to its other end. The fastener 235 is provided with means to allow the length of the horizontal belt 233 to be adjustable.

The cover 213 is further provided with a vertical sleeve 237 on the outside of the 30 cover 213, which extends over the top portion of the cover 213 roughly 2/3 along the length of the cover 213. The vertical sleeve 237 is positioned on the outside of the cover -10 - 213 so as to extend over the chassis 203 of the motorbike 201, after the cover 213 has been placed over the motorbike 201.

The vertical sleeve 237 has openings 239 at both ends thereof. A vertical belt 241 is provided so as to pass through openings 239 of the vertical sleeve 237 and reside within the vertical sleeve 237, with the vertical belt 241 being slidable relative to the vertical sleeve 237. The vertical belt 241 is provided with a fastener 243 (such as a side release fastener), so as to enable one end of the vertical belt 241 to be secured to its other end. The fastener 243 is provided with means to allow the length of the vertical belt 241 to be adjustable.

In use, a user will park their motorbike 201 in an upright position, utilizing its stand 211. The user will then place the cover 213 over the motorbike 201 so that the opening 214 of the cover resides at a lower portion of the motorbike 201 in close proximity to the front wheel 207 and rear wheel 209.

The user will then check to see whether the horizontal belt 233 is below the halfway horizontal level of both the front wheel 207 and rear wheel 209 of the motorbike 201. This is because the halfway horizontal level is the widest point on a wheel and ensuring that the horizontal belt 233 is below this position, the horizontal belt 233 will be inhibited from riding above such level. Assuming the horizontal belt 233 is in the correct position relative to the front wheel 207 and rear wheel 209, the user will secure one end of the horizontal belt 233 to its other end via the fastener 235. The horizontal belt 233 is secured 360° around the motorbike 201 in a horizontal plane. If the horizontal belt 233 was not below the halfway horizontal level of the front wheel 207 and/or rear wheel 209, then the user will reposition the cover 213 to ensure the horizontal belt 233 is in the appropriate position.

After the horizontal belt 233 has been secured via its fastener 235, the user will then tighten the horizontal belt 233 if necessary, so as to remove any residual slack in the horizontal belt 233.

This arrangement closes the opening 214 of the cover 213 around the pocket formed within the cover 213. This is advantageous because it reduces the area of 30 opening 214 of the cover 213 available for air to blow under the cover 213 via the wind. Whereas the prior art cover 113 was loose around the front wheel 107 and rear wheel 109 and had a large opening 114, the cover 213 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, is tightened around its opening 214 so as to minimize the area in which air can be blown under the cover 213 due to the wind.

The user then secures one end of the vertical belt 241 to its other end via fastener 243. The user will then tighten the vertical belt 241 if necessary, so as to remove 5 any residual slack in the vertical belt 241. The vertical belt 241 is secured 3600 around the motorbike 201 in a vertical plane.

The vertical belt 241 passes inside the horizontal belt 233 so as not to interfere with the tensioning of the opening 214 of the cover 213 resulting from the horizontal belt 233. The vertical belt 241 further closes the opening 214 of the cover 213 so as to 10 minimize the area in which air can be blown under the cover 213 due to the wind.

In order for the user to remove the cover 213 from the motorbike 201, the reverse of the aforementioned steps are carried out. Namely, the user unfastens the fastener 243 on the vertical belt 241 and unfastens the fastener 235 on the horizontal belt 233. This will slacken both the vertical belt 241 and horizontal belt 233 and the user can simply pull the cover 213 up and off of the motorbike 201.

As shown in Figure 4, there is a motorbike 301 (not fully shown) having a chassis 303 (not shown), handlebars 305 (not shown), a front wheel 307 and a rear wheel 309. The motorbike 301 is held substantially upright in a parked positioned via a stand 311. Referring further to Figure 4, there is shown a cover 313 in accordance with a 20 second embodiment of the present invention, which has been placed over the motorbike 301, so that the motorbike 301 resides in the pocket created by the cover 313. The cover 313 has an opening 314 of the pocket and the cover 313 substantially covers the entirety of the motorbike 301, with the opening 314 residing adjacent the front wheel 307 and rear wheel 309 of the motorbike 301.

The cover 313 is provided with a horizontal sleeve 345 around the perimeter of the opening 314 and proximate to the opening 314. The horizontal sleeve 345 has a first opening 347 and a second opening 349 respectively at each end of the horizontal sleeve 345. The first opening 347 and second opening 349 are provided adjacent each other at the end of the cover 313 which fits over the front wheel 307 of the motorbike 301 when in use. This arrangement effectively creates a gap 351 in an otherwise continuous sleeve.

-12 -The horizontal sleeve 345 is provided with a stretchable member 353 therein, for example a bungee chord. The stretchable member 353 is slidable through the horizontal sleeve 345 relative thereto.

The cover 313 is further provided with a vertical sleeve 337 on the outside of the cover 313, which extends over the top portion of the cover 313 roughly 2/3 along the length of the cover 313. The vertical sleeve 337 is positioned on the outside of the cover 213 so as to extend over the chassis 303 of the motorbike 301, after the cover 313 has been placed over the motorbike 301.

The vertical sleeve 337 has openings 339 at both ends thereof, which are 10 proximate the opening 314 of the cover 313. A vertical belt 341 is provided so as to pass through openings 339 of the vertical sleeve 337 and reside within the vertical sleeve 337, with the vertical belt 341 being slidable relative to the vertical sleeve 337.

The vertical belt 341 is provided with a fastener 343 (such as a side release fastener), so as to enable one end of the vertical belt 341 to be secured to its other end. 15 The fastener 343 is provided with means to allow the length of the vertical belt 341 to be adjustable.

In use, a user will park their motorbike 301 in an upright position, utilizing its stand 311. The user will then place the cover 313 over the motorbike 301 so that the opening 314 of the cover resides at a lower portion of the motorbike 301 in close 20 proximity to the front wheel 307 and rear wheel 309.

The user will then check to see whether the stretchable member 353 is below the halfway horizontal level of both the front wheel 307 and rear wheel 309 of the motorbike 301. This is because the halfway horizontal level is the widest point on a wheel and ensuring that the stretchable member 353 is below this position is important, because, in use, the stretchable member 353 will be inhibited from riding above such level.

Assuming the stretchable member 353 is in the correct position relative to the front wheel 307 and rear wheel 309, the user will then tension the stretchable member 353 by pulling on its ends so as to stretch it. The user is able to access the stretchable member 353 via the gap 351 in the horizontal sleeve 345. Once the user has tensioned the stretchable member 353 to their desired tension, they will then tie the ends of the stretchable member 353 together in a knot to retain the level of tension in the stretchable -13 -member 353. The user will then cut off any remaining loose ends of the stretchable member 353 which are on the non-tensioned side of the knot. The knot in the stretchable member 353 will remained located in the gap 353 of the horizontal sleeve 345.

The stretchable member 353 is secured 3600 around the motorbike 301 in a horizontal plane. If the stretchable member 353 was not below the halfway horizontal level of the front wheel 307 and/or rear wheel 309, then the user will reposition the cover 313 to ensure the stretchable member 353 is in the appropriate position, before the user ties the ends of the stretchable member 353 together.

Again, this arrangement closes the opening 314 of the cover 313 around the 10 pocket formed within the cover 313. This is advantageous because it reduces the area of opening 314 of the cover 313 available for air to blow under the cover 313 via the wind.

Whereas the prior art cover 113 was loose around the front wheel 107 and rear wheel 109 and had a large opening 114, the cover 313 in accordance with a second 15 embodiment of the present invention, is tightened around its opening 314 so as to minimize the area in which air can be blown under the cover 313 due to the wind.

The user then secures one end of the vertical belt 341 to its other end via fastener 343. The user will then tighten the vertical belt 341 if necessary, so as to remove any residual slack in the vertical belt 341. The vertical belt 341 is secured 360° around 20 the motorbike 301 in a vertical plane.

The vertical belt 341 passes over and around the stretchable member 353. The vertical belt 341 further closes the opening 314 of the cover 313 so as to minimize the area in which air can be blown under the cover 313 due to the wind.

In order for the user to remove the cover 313 from the motorbike 301, the user unfastens the fastener 343 on the vertical belt 341. The user then pulls on the stretchable member 353 at one end of the cover 313, for example the end adjacent the front wheel 307 of the motorbike 301 so as to stretch the stretchable member 353 and increase its length. The user will then manoeuvre the stretchable member 353 above the halfway horizontal level of the adjacent wheel, for example the front wheel 307. The user will then repeat those steps at the end of the cover 313 adjacent the opposing wheel, for example the rear wheel 309 of the motorbike 301, if necessary. The user then simply pulls the cover 313 up and off of the motorbike 301.

-14 -The advantage of utilizing the stretchable member 353 is that after the first use of the cover 313, the tension in the stretchable member 353 will be set to the size of the users motorbike 301. The next time the user covers their motorbike 301 with the cover 313, they simply need to manoeuvre the cover 313 so that the stretchable member 353 5 resides below the halfway horizontal level of one of the wheels, for example the front wheel 307 of the motorbike 301. Then they stretch the stretchable member 353 at the opposing end of the cover 313, for example adjacent the rear wheel 309 of the motorbike 301. This will increase the length of the stretchable member 353 sufficiently for the user to then manoeuvre the stretchable member 353 to below the halfway horizontal level of 10 the rear wheel 309. When the user lets go of the cover 313, the stretchable member 353 will reduce in length and return to its predefined tension and secure the opening 314 of the cover 313 around the motorbike 301 at a level that is below the halfway horizontal level of the front wheel 307 and rear wheel 309.

Referring to both the first embodiment cover 213 and the second embodiment cover 313, the tightening of the vertical belt 241,341 around the cover 213,313 has a further effect to split the pocket of the cover 213,313 into two portions, each on opposing sides of the vertical belt 241,341. This reduces the volume available under the cover 213,313 for possible parachuting effects. Namely, that in spite of the opening 214,314 of the cover 213,313 being partially closed by the tensioning of the horizontal belt 233 and stretchable member 353 respectively, there is still an opening available for air to be blown under the cover 213,313 by the wind. The splitting of the cover 213,313 by the vertical belt 241,341 further reduces any forces on the cover 213,313 by the wind as a result of a reduced volume of the cover 213,313 being available to be inadvertently converted into a parachute by the wind.

The overall effect of this arrangement is that even though there is still an opening 214,314 present after the cover 213,313 has been secured to the motorbike 201,301, the effect of parachuting occurring sufficiently to pull the motorbike 201,301 over is inhibited. Thus, there is a reduced risk of the motorbike 201,301 and the cover 213,313 becoming damaged. As a result, the cover 213,313 and the motorbike 201,301 will have a longer functioning lifetime compared to the prior art cover 113 and the motorbike 101 which utilizes prior art cover 113.

-15 -Furthermore, this arrangement prevents the need for ties to be employed. The tension of the horizontal belt 233 and stretchable member 353 respectively, around the lower portion of the motorbike 201,301 and around its front wheel 207,307 and rear wheel 209,309, spreads the anchoring points of the cover 213,313 over a much larger area than compared with the pairs of ties on the prior art cover 113. Therefore any pulling forces on the cover 213,313 due to the wind will not rip the cover 213,313 as seen in the arrangement of the prior art cover 113.

Because the horizontal belt 233 and stretchable member 353 respectively, extend around the entire bottom portion of the motorbike 201,301, and below the halfway horizontal level of both the front wheel 207,307 and rear wheel 209,309, the cover 213,313 will not partially ride up exposing certain portions of the motorbike 201,301 to the weather. For example, either the front wheel 207,307 or rear wheel 209,309 of the motorbike 201,301 or both, which could often occur in the prior art cover 113.

A further advantage is that the user can secure the cover 213 to the motorbike 201 without having to move to multiple locations around the motorbike 201. The user simply bends down on one side of the motorbike 201, after the cover 213 has been put over the motorbike 201, and then simply secures the horizontal belt 233 and the vertical belt 241. The user can reach both the horizontal belt 233 and the vertical belt 241 from their position on one side of the motorbike 201, without having to move around the motorbike 201.

Additionally, after the tension has been set in the stretchable member 353 of the cover 313, the user can simply be located at one end of the motorbike 301, for example by the front wheel 307. From there the user can ensure that the stretchable member 353 in the cover 313 is residing below the halfway horizontal level of the rear wheel 309. The user can then stretch the stretchable member 353 over the front wheel 307 whereby the user is located, so that the stretchable member 353 resides below the halfway horizontal level of the front wheel 307. The user can then move to the middle of the cover 313 to secure the vertical belt 241 with fastener 343.

This means the user can secure the cover 213,313 more quickly and more easily than the prior art cover 113, which is desirable when it is raining.

Because the fastener 235 for the horizonal belt 233 and the fastener 243,343 -16 -for the vertical belt 241,341 are away from the front wheel 207,307 and rear wheel 209,309, the user does not need to secure the cover 213,313 to the motorbike 201,301 through the front wheel 207,307 nor rear wheel 209,309 as seen with prior art cover 113. Such prior art securing was not only fiddly and therefore time consuming, but it also involved the user having to touch the dirtiest parts of the motorbike 201, namely the front wheel 207 and the rear wheel 209.

Furthermore, in order for a user to secure the pair of middle ties 117 in the prior art arrangement, quite often the user would have to kneel on the ground in order to reach under the motorbike 101 to touch the pair of middle ties 117. This was not ideal especially if the ground was wet as this resulted in the user's knees or clothing becoming dirty. The configuration of both the horizontal belt 233 and the vertical belt 241 as well as the stretchable member 353 and vertical belt 341 respectively, do not require the user to kneel on the ground in order to secure the cover 213,313 to the motorbike 201,301.

The cover 213,313 is manufactured from polyester. The front sleeve 221, the rear sleeve 223 and the belt loops 225 are manufactured from the same material as the cover 213 and are sewn onto the outside of the cover 213 at their respective locations. The horizontal sleeve 345 is manufactured from the same material as the cover 313 and is sewn onto the outside of the cover 313. The horizontal belt 233 and the vertical belt 241,341 are manufactured from polyester webbing. The fastener 235 on the horizontal belt 233 is manufactured from plastics material. The fastener 243 on the vertical belt 241,341 is manufactured from plastics material. The stretchable member 353 is manufactured from elastic and has a nylon coating.

The pocket created by the cover 213,313 has an internal volume of 25 approximately 3m3. The length of the cover 213,313 is approximately 2743mm, the width is approximately 1092mm and the height is approximately 1029mm. The thickness of the cover 213,313 is from 350 to 420 denier.

Various modifications could be made to the cover 213,313. For example, the vertical belt 241 could be secured around the outside of the horizontal belt 233. This would not only have the same effect as the previous arrangement, whereby the vertical belt 241 further assists to close the opening 214 of the cover 213, but the horizontal belt 233 would also act as an anchor point for the vertical belt 241. This could further inhibit -17 -the effects of possible parachuting of the cover 213, in the event that air is blown under the cover 213 by the wind.

It may be that the vertical belt 341 is secured around the inside of the stretchable member 353.

It may be that a larger cover is used to protect a larger motorbike or that a smaller cover is used to protect a smaller motorbike. It could be that the cover is tailor made to the user's motorbike dimensions for a better fit over the motorbike.

It may be that a different material is used to manufacture the cover. It could be that the horizontal belt and/or the vertical belt is manufactured from a different material.

It could be that the stretchable member is manufactured from a different material. It may be that the fastener for the horizontal belt and/or the fastener for the vertical belt are manufactured from different material, such as a non rustable metal or they could be hook and loop fasteners. It could be that the materials are recyclable.

It may be that the front sleeve and/or the rear sleeve or the horizontal sleeve are replaced with belt loops, which extend around the perimeter of the cover. It could be that more than 10 belt loops are provided in total. It may be that fewer than 10 belt loops are provided in total. In the case where fewer belt loops are provided, it may be that the force due to friction of the horizontal belt or stretchable member around the lower portion of the motorbike facilitates the securing of the cover over the motorbike.

It could be that the cover portion is provided with slits and the horizontal belt and/or the vertical belt or stretchable member passes through the slits. It may be that in this arrangement the horizontal belt and/or the vertical belt or stretchable member weave through the slits in the cover portion. This arrangement may suitably secure the horizontal belt and/or the vertical belt or stretchable member to the cover portion, without the need for at least one belt loop or at least one sleeve.

Although less desirable, it may be that the vertical sleeve and the vertical belt are not present and the cover is secured over the motorbike by only the horizontal belt or stretchable member arrangement.

It could be that the horizontal belt and/or the vertical belt are replaced with any 30 other suitable means, such as at least one length of rope or cable or elastic or at least one length of hook and loop fasteners.

-18 -It may be that the horizontal belt and/or the vertical belt are manufactured from a different webbing material. It may be that the horizontal belt and/or the vertical belt are manufactured from an extensible or inextensible material. It could be that the horizontal belt and/or the vertical belt are manufactured from elastics material.

It may be that the cover is configured to protect other vehicles such as scooters, cars, van, trucks, lorries and/or bicycles. It could be that the dimensions of the cover are adjusted so that the cover is suitable to be used to protect the intended vehicle.

101 201 301 Motorbike 203 303 Chassis 205 305 Handlebars 107 207 307 Front wheel 109 209 309 Rear Wheel 111 211 311Stand 113 213 313 Cover 114 214 314 Opening 115 Pair of front ties 117 Pair of middle ties 119 Pair of rear ties 221 Front sleeve 223 Rear sleeve 225 Belt loops 227 Openings 229 Openings 231 Openings 233 Horizontal belt 235 Fastener 237 337 Vertical sleeve 239 339 Openings 241 341 Vertical belt 243 343 Fastener 345 Horizontal sleeve 347 First opening 349 Second opening 351 Gap 353 Stretchable member -19 -

Claims

-20 -Claims: 1 A vehicle cover for protecting a road going vehicle, the vehicle cover comprising a cover portion having an opening and a user controlled means for restricting the opening, the arrangement being such that, in use, the cover portion is placed over a road going vehicle, so that the road going vehicle passes through the opening and into a pocket defined by the cover portion, and upon activation of the user controlled means, the opening of the cover portion is restricted to secure the cover portion over the road going vehicle.
2. A vehicle cover as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the user controlled means comprises at least one belt loop, which has an opening.
3. A vehicle cover as claimed in Claims 1 or 2, wherein the user controlled means comprises at least one sleeve, which has an opening.
4. A vehicle cover as claimed in Claims 2 or 3, wherein the plane passing through the opening is oriented substantially horizontally when the cover is in use.
5. A vehicle cover as claimed in Claim 3 or 4, wherein the user controlled means comprises at least one further sleeve, which has an opening.
6. A vehicle cover as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the plane passing through the opening is oriented substantially horizontally when the vehicle cover is in use.
7. A vehicle cover as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the plane passing through the opening is oriented substantially vertically when the vehicle cover is in use.
8. A vehicle cover as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the user controlled means comprises at least one belt.
9. A vehicle cover as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the at least one belt resides within the opening of the at least one belt loop and that the at least one belt is orientated in a substantially horizontal plane when the vehicle cover is in use. -21 -
10. A vehicle cover as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the at least one belt resides within the opening of the at least one sleeve and that the at least one belt is orientated in a substantially horizontal plane when the vehicle cover is in use.
11 A vehicle cover as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the at least one belt resides within the opening of the at least one sleeve and that the at least one belt is orientated in a substantially vertical plane when the vehicle cover is in use.
12. A vehicle cover as claimed in any of Claims 9, 10 or 11, wherein the at least one belt slidably resides in the opening.
13. A vehicle cover as claimed in any of Claims 8 to 12, wherein the at least one belt is provided with a fastener so as to secure one point on the at least one belt to another point on the at least one belt.
14. A vehicle cover as claimed in Claim 13, wherein the fastener is configured to allow the at least one belt to be tightened and loosened.
15. A vehicle cover as claimed in Claims 8 to 10 and 13 to 14, wherein in use, the at least one belt resides below the halfway point of wheels of the road going vehicle that the vehicle cover is protecting.
16. A vehicle cover as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the road going vehicle is sized so that it can be driven directly by a person in or on such road going vehicle.
17. A vehicle cover as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the road going vehicle is a motorbike.
18. A vehicle cover as claimed in Claim 17, wherein, in use, the at least one sleeve is positioned around a front wheel of the motorbike, the at least one further sleeve is positioned around a rear wheel of the motorbike and the at least one belt passes through the at least one sleeve and the at least one further sleeve.
19. A method of protecting a road going vehicle, the steps comprising: covering a road going vehicle with a vehicle cover as claimed in any preceding claim; positioning a user controlled means to a location below the halfway point of wheels of the road going vehicle being protected; and -22 -activating the user controlled means to restrict an opening of a pocket of said vehicle cover in order to secure said vehicle cover to said road going vehicle.
20. A method of protecting a road going vehicle as claimed in Claim 19, wherein activating said user controlled means comprises securing one point on at least one belt to another point on said at least one belt.
21 A method of protecting a road going vehicle as claimed in Claim 20, wherein activating said user controlled means comprises tensioning said at least one belt to remove any residual slack.
22. A method of protecting a road going vehicle as claimed in Claims 20 or 21, wherein said at least one belt is orientated in a substantially horizontal plane when the vehicle cover is in use.
23. A method of protecting a road going vehicle as claimed in Claims 20 or 21, wherein said at least one belt is orientated in a substantially vertical plane when the vehicle cover is in use.
24. A kit of parts comprising a vehicle cover as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 7, at least one belt, at least one fastener and instructions for assembling a vehicle cover as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 18.
25. A vehicle provided thereon with a vehicle cover as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 18.