AU2006100358A4 - A vehicle interior cover - Google Patents

Description

From: 26/04/2006 16:42 #234 P.004/030 1 A VEHICLE INTERIOR COVER 00

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FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a cushioned protective covering/ liner, in Sparticular to a dual layered multi-purpose interior cover for the cargo bay area within a motorised vehicle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART Given the costs and pleasure obtained from new vehicles, motorists may spend a lot of time and effort in maintaining their vehicles in the endeavour of preserving their vehicles. Motorists are motivated to maximise the resale value of their vehicle, while other motorist may simply wish to preserve their vehicles given that the interior can be easily damaged.

Though there are existing products like chair-seat covers, rubber mats and car rugs that are useful in preserving the interior of a vehicle, they only serve areas within the vehicle that passengers and drivers frequent without having an impact or more importantly a cushioning quality. An area of vehicle that is neglected by a means of cushioning to also include protective qualities is the cargo area. The cargo area of a vehicle is often used to transport items that are large and robust and at other times, is used for the convenience provided.

Although moulded or rigid covers protect the floor and walls, they are difficult to install and remove, and lack versatility. Since these covers or liners are formed from either rigid materials or sheeted materials without an impact resistant quality, impact from moving items within the cargo area still may damage the trimming within the cargo area since there is a lack of cushioning.

A cushioned protective liner unlike chair-seat covers, rubber mats and car rugs which serve only to protect the interior, not only serves the user within the From: 26/04/2006 16:42 4234 P.005/030 A 2 vehicle, but also has the versatility when removed from the vehicle to function as a comfortable means of seating upon any external surface.

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t In addition, animal lovers have problems transporting their pets.

Transporting pets within the cargo bay area of a vehicle using a cover with impact absorption qualities may also decrease the risk of injury to the animal.

Sand, dirt and spillages of any kind, including odours, are common when Stransporting dogs and cleaning is time consuming and any damage to the interior is difficult to repair due to the confined space. Damage to surfaces by the way of scratches or marks often means replacement of parts.

Further, transporting equipment in the cargo area also can take its toll on the owner's time. For example, transporting paints and other chemicals, equipment such as surfboards, prams and strollers and the build up of grime, dirt and sand all have the potential to cause excessive time for the owner to remove, clean or repair prior art liners of cargo areas.

It would be advantageous to at least substantially ameliorate the disadvantages and shortcomings of the prior art, or at least provide the public with a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention resides broadly in a vehicle interior cover comprising an overlay including a cushioning material bonded to at least one side of a protective material, wherein said overlay includes securing means and moulding means to enable the cover to form a shape that substantially matches at least a portion of the internal contours within the cargo bay area of a vehicle.

Suitably, the cushioning material is upholstered with the protective material. More suitably, the protective material is bonded using an adhesive to either side of. the cushioning material of the overlay to form a double-sided upholstery having two sheets of protective material separated by the cushioning material. In a preferred the protective material may made from F om: 26/04/2006 16:42 #234 P.006/030 A 3 leather, material (preferably waterproof), or other vinyl or polymer type materials.

00 The cushioning material may include foam, sponge or other porous type material or the like. Preferably the securing means secures the cover to the internal contours of vehicle. Securing means may include press-studs, VelcroTM IN (fabric fastener), hooks, elastic loops, screws, rivets or the like SIn a preferred embodiment, the vehicle internal cover may be removable and/or be reversible. The cover is preferably multi-purpose and may be used external of the vehicle. For example, the cover of the invention may be used to asa mat for picnics or placing upon the road surface beside the vehicle when changing a flat tyre. Alternatively, the cover may include a company logo or an insignia that may alert passer-bys of mechanical problems or other troubles.

In a preferred embodiment, the moulding means may include stitching which may create fold lines between the cushioning and protective layers to enable the cover to substantially mould to the configuration of the internal structures. In another embodiment, the fold lines may be formed by heat which causes an adhesion between all bonding and protective layers wherein fold lines are created. In the preferred embodiments, the fold-lines produced by the moulding means enables the cover of the invention to be un-folded flat. In addition, the cover may include pockets and/or compartments.

Preferably, the cover of the invention is tailor-made or made to measure the vehicle model and designed not to conceal windows and/or ceiling of the cargo area. In an alternative, if desired the cover can be made to conceal windows and/or ceiling of said cargo area.

Preferably the outer perimeter of the cover is seamed using a binding method joining the edges of the sheets of cushioning and protective material.

Suitably, at least one of protective surfaces may be of an abrasion resistant surface to limit cargo moving within the confines of the cargo bay area.

Preferably, the protective material is substantially water resistant and more preferable marine grade.

In a preferred embodiment, the internal vehicle cover is used in a cargo \D From: 26/04/2006 16:43 #234 P.007/030 IO 4 area of a vehicle. Vehicles using the internal vehicle cover may include fourwheel drives (4WD), sport utility vehicles (SUV), station wagons, hatchbacks 00 t and sedans.

The cover of the invention as described may display logos and/or symbols.

INO BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order that this invention may be more readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and wherein: Figure 1 is a cross sectional view of the vehicle internal cover in accordance with the invention as described, in particular the upholstery section; Figure 2 is a cross sectional edge view of the vehicle internal cover of the invention, in particular the perimeter section of the -upholstery; Figure 3 is an elevated view of an unfolded (flat) vehicle internal cover of* the invention; Figure 4 is a perspective illustrated view of the vehicle internal cover; Figure 5 is an elevated view of an unfolded (flat) vehicle internal cover of the invention with a hazard symbol; Figure 6 is a perspective illustrated view of a secured vehicle internal cover in accordance with the invention as described; Figure 7 is a perspective illustrated view of a vehicle internal cover of the invention used as a picnic blanket Figure 8 is a perspective illustrated view of a vehicle internal cover on the invention used as a maintenance mat.

Figure 9 is a perspective illustrated view of a cover of the invention lying flat in the cargo hold of the vehicle when rear seating has been folded forward; Figure 10 is a perspective illustrated view of a cover of the invention being folded into a storable form; Figure 11 is a perspective illustrated view of a cover of the invention hung on a wall; rom:* 26/04/2006 16:43 #234 P.008/08 7A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 00 The terms such as "front", "back", "base", "top", "side", "bottom" "end", etc. refer to the orientation or configuration of an internal vehicle cover when used according to the illustrations and to assist in indicating points of reference when viewing the accompanying figures. It is to be understood that these terms Sdo not limit the present invention to any specific orientation or configuration of the invention.

In the specification the terms "comprising" and "containing" shall be understood to have a broad meaning similar to the term "including" and will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. This definition also applies to variations on the terms "comprising" and "containing" such as "comprise", "comprises", "contain" and "contains".

Referring to Figure 1, the vehicle internal cover 10 comprises two sheets of protective material 12, 14 separated by a cushioning material 16. Suitably, the cushioning 16 is a compressible material such as a medium density foam, sponge or other porous polymer type of material. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sheets of protective material 12, 14 are leather, marine grade vinyl materials, which are not only flexible but also durable. However, it would be well understood by a person skilled in the art that there are many types of polymers which can be used for the protective material.

Desirable characteristics of the protective material 12, 14 may include protection from ultra Violet (UV) light preventing fading of the colour from exposure to the sun. In addition, the sheets of protective material 12, 14 may be tear resistant and water resistant, allowing the cover 10 versatility for a number of commercial or domestic uses. The impermeable characteristic of the protective material 12, 14 may prevent fluids from contaminating the foam, thereby preventing odours which may be emitted from the cover. Preferably, the protective material 12, 14 is attached to the cushioning material 16 via an adhesive such as glue or other bonding means. The adhesion between the From: 26/04/2006 16:44 #234 P.009/030 7 6 protective and cushioning materials reduces sliding and provides a secure structure to the cover.

00 t Figure 2 illustrates another embodiment of a vehicle internal cover 20 as tc, described. The internal cover 20 includes two sheets of protective material 22, 24, a cushioning material 26 and a seam 28 adjoining the protective material 22 Iand 24 to the cushioning material 26. The seam 28 of the cover 20 is predominately on the perimeter of the cover 20 and comprises two sheets of protective material 22, 24 placed adjacent to the cushioning material 26 placed there between. The seam 28 may be stitched or may be heat fixed to enable the cover 20 to shape around the interior of the vehicle, with particular reference to the shape of the cargo hold of a vehicle and associated back seat region of the cargo hold.

Figure 3 illustrates the cover 302 comprising a seam 304, an indentation section 304a formed by the seam 304, securing means 306, stitching fold lines 308 and an auxiliary securing means 312. The stitching lines 308 enable the cover 302 to be secured via the back headrest assembly 312 within the vehicle with a securing means 306 to secure to side walls, such as press clips, hooks, loops or VelcroTM.

Figure 4 illustrates of an embodiment of a vehicle internal cover 400 used in a cargo area in a vehicle, specifically for a vehicle having a rear entrance. The vehicle internal cover 400 comprising a seam section 404, a securing means 406, foldable stitching 408, and securing loops 412.

The cover 400 is a single overlay formed to follow the contours of the existing cargo area and its trimmings. The folding stitching 408 penetrates the two protective sheet material (as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2) and allows the -cover 400 additional flexibility by condensing the compressible section to a minimal thickness. The stitching 408 as illustrated in Figure 4 is located at the intersection of the floor section and walls of the cargo area to enable the cover 400 to conform to shape of the cargo hold and back seat. Since the cover 400 is made from one single piece, any debris that may accumulate in the cargo area is prevented from making contact with the cargo floor, thereby allowing Il~hl h h~hlT.~- C ro. m: Zt'/U4/2UUb lb:44 #ZV4 k a IND 7 easy collection and disposing of debris. The preferred securing means 406 are press studs which are ideally located on the wall section of the cover with 00 V)matching locators on the wall section of the cargo hold of the vehicle. They also allow easy access to any compartments in the walls of the cargo area that could be used to store accessories like spare tyres and jacks.

IN In addition, loops 412 are used to secure the cover 400 to the head rest Sassembly section of the rear seat, preventing any further movement of the cover 400 when positioned in the cargo hold. The loops 412 may include pressstuds, VelcroTM, ties or the like.

An indentation section 404a is located at the rear of the floor section of the cover 400. The indentation section 404a is an embodiment of the invention for vehicles with a rear hatch, wherein the latch of the rear entrance is exposed and may engage with the hatch.

Given the versatility of the cover 400 of the invention as described and in particular to the double-sided upholstery and stitching, the cover 400 has the capacity to be adjusted when the back seat of the vehicle is lowered. This is illustrated in Figure 9, whereby when the back seat is lowered the cover 400 lies flat thereon.

An embodiment of the cover 400 could include extending the cover to the windows and ceiling within a cargo area.

The versatility of the invention is further illustrated by the embodiment of Figure 5, where the cover 500 includes a reflective hazard triangle 504. In the event of an emergency or break down, the motorist of the vehicle equipped with the cover 500, may wish to draw the attention of other motorists of a hazardous driving condition. This can be done by removing the cover 500 from the cargo section and displaying the external side of the cover 500 that depicts the hazard triangle externally of the vehicle. Another embodiment of the invention would have the hazard triangle located on the back seat section of the cover thereby allowing the display of the hazard triangle by simply open the rear entrance or hatch of the vehicle.

U IU/IU From: 26/04/2006 16:45 #234 P.011/030 8 Also shown in Figure 5 and 6, some of the edges of the covers can be curved or scalloped 503 and 505, and 403 and 405. This is to enable the cover 00 Swhen installed to accommodate the shape of wheel arches intruding into the vehicle cabin or cargo space.

A further embodiment of the invention is provided in Figures 4, 5, 6, IND wherein other items may be displayed on the cover 400 such as the Smanufacturer's name or logo 420.

Another use of the cover 400 could include being used as a mat, either as picnic blanket as depicted in Figure 7 or as maintenance cover as depicted in Figure 8. Given the relative ease of installing or removing the cover 400 from the vehicle and the double-sided upholstery, the cover has practical uses external of the vehicle.

Figure 9 provides a practical illustration of the cover in a lowered position used to demonstrate extended coverage required in possibly a commercial use.

In the event of a spillage, the cover 400 would afford protection to the cargo trimmings given the impermeable properties of the cover. The cover would also restrict the flow of the spillage given the cover is made from one piece, the stitching between the wall and the floor sections preventing seepage. In addition, the upholstery assists in minimising damage to trimmings by items transported impacting upon the interior walls of the vehicle within the cargo area.

Storage of the cover is made relatively simple by folding the cover 400 along the folding stitching lines as illustrated in Figure 10. Alternatively, the cover 400 can be placed upon a wall (unfolded) for storage, or positioned for cleaning as shown in Figure 11.

Figures 6 and 9 illustrate the versatility of the cover 400 of the invention whereby the transportation of pets, such as a dog is considered. Even if the dog becomes temperamental the interior surface of the vehicle is protected by the vehicle interior cover 400.

.It will of course be understood that while the foregoing has been given by way of examples of this invention are intended to be illustrating and not S. From: 26/04/2006 16:45 #234 P.012/030 9 restrictive, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope 00 Iand ambit of this invention as is herein set forth. The scope of the invention Cc should therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

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From: 26/04/2006 16:46 #234 P.013/030

VARIATIONS

0 It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are IND deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.

Throughout the description and claims this specification the word "comprise" and variations of that word such as "comprises" and "comprising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

Claims (21)

1. 2. A vehicle interior cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cushioning material is upholstered with the protective material.
2. 3. A vehicle interior cover as claimed in claim 2, wherein the protective material is bonded to either side of the cushioning material of the overlay to form a double-sided upholstery having two sheets of protective material separated by the cushioning material.
3. 4. A vehicle interior cover as claimed in claim 3, wherein the protective material may made from leather, fabric, or other vinyl or polymer type materials. A vehicle interior cover as claimed in claim 4, wherein the protective material is waterproof or has been treated by suitable chemicals to make the material substantially water resistant or waterproof.
4. 6. A vehicle interior cover asclaimed in claim 5, wherein the protective material may be treated with scotchguard TM or similar product.
5. 7. A vehicle interior cover as claimed in claim 6, wherein the protective material is marine grade waterproof. .From: 26/04/2006 16:46 #234 P.015/030 12
6. 8. A vehicle interior cover as claimed in claim 3, wherein the cushioning 00 material includes foam, sponge or other porous type material. C 9. A vehicle interior cover as claimed in any of the above claims, wherein the securing means secures the cover to the interior contours of vehicle.
7. 10.A vehicle interior cover as claimed in claim 9, wherein the securing C N means includes press-studs, Velcro M (fabric fastener), hooks, screws, rivets or ties.
8. 11.A vehicle interior cover as claimed in any of the above claims, wherein the vehicle interior cover is removable and/or is reversible.
9. 12.A vehicle interior cover as claimed in any of the above claims, wherein the cover is preferably multi-purpose and is used external of the vehicle.
10. 13.A vehicle interior cover as claimed in claim 12, wherein the cover is used as a mat for picnics or changing a wheel.
11. 14.A vehicle interior cover as claimed in any of the above claims, wherein the cover includes insignia that can alert passer-bys of mechanical problems or other trouble. vehicle interior cover as claimed in any of the above claims, wherein the .moulding means includes stitching which creates fold lines in the cushioning and protective layers to enable the cover to substantially mould to the configuration the interior structures of the vehicle.
12. 16.A vehicle interior cover as claimed in claim 15, wherein the fold lines are formed by heat which causes an adhesion between the bonding and protective layers whereby fold lines are created. From: 26/04/2rJ6 16:47 #234 P.016/030 F' 13
13. 17.A vehicle interior cover as claimed in any of the above claims, wherein 00 the fold-lines produced by the moulding means enables the cover of the Sinvention to be unfolded flat.
14. 18.A vehicle interior cover as claimed in any of the above claims, wherein the cover includes pockets and/or compartments.
15. 19.A vehicle interior cover as claimed in any of the above claims, wherein the cover is tailor-made or made to measure the vehicle model and to line the cargo area and associated back seat area. A vehicle interior cover as claimed in any of the above claims, wherein the moulding means enable the cover to mould around the side walls and the top of the back seat of the vehicle.
16. 21.A vehicle interior cover as claimed in any of the above claims, wherein the cover is designed not to conceal windows and/or ceiling of the cargo area.
17. 22.A vehicle interior cover as claimed in any of the above claims, wherein the cover is made to conceal windows and/or ceiling of the cargo area.
18. 23.A vehicle interior cover as claimed in any of the above claims, wherein the perimeter of the cover is seamed or heat sealed joining the edges of the sheets of cushioning and protective material.
19. 24.A vehicle interior cover as claimed in claim any of the above claims, wherein at least one of protective surfaces is an abrasion resistant surface. From: 26/04/2006 16:47 #234 P.017/030 14 vehicle interior cover as claimed in any of the above claims, wherein 00 the interior vehicle cover is used in a cargo area of a vehicle. M 26.A vehicle interior cover as claimed in any of the above claims, wherein _vehicles using the interior vehicle cover include four-wheel drives (4WD), NO sport utility vehicles (SUV), station wagons, hatchbacks and sedans.
20. 27.A vehicle interior cover as claimed in any of the above claims, wherein the cover can display logos and/or symbols.
21. 28. A vehicle interior cover substantially as herein described with reference to the drawings.