GB2366547A

GB2366547A - Bicycle saddle cover

Info

Publication number: GB2366547A
Application number: GB0100261A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Mortimer Mason
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-01-05
Filing date: 2001-01-05
Publication date: 2002-03-13
Anticipated expiration: 2021-01-05
Also published as: GB2366547B; GB0100261D0

Abstract

A waterproof saddle cover 2 for a bicycle can be stowed underneath the saddle 1 when not in use. The cover fits around the saddle with straps 4 to secure it to the saddle and a drawstring or elastic 3 to ensure a snug fit. The sides of the cover may have metal eyelets though which a security cable is threaded to prevent theft. The rear end of the cover has reflective material to enhance safety.

Description

2366547 BIKE WEATHER COVER This invention relates to a self-stowing

weather-proof cover for all types of bikes (powered and self-powered) and other vehicles that have a saddle or seat exposed to weather conditions.

Environmental concerns have led to the increased use of bicycles and motorbikes as modes of personal travel (not just short term leisure activities). On arrival at the destination, the bike may be left outside for a considerable period (eg till end of working day / lunch engagement). During this time, any rainfall will soak the saddle leading to later discomfort unless the person uses a towel to dry the saddle; in which case the wet towel becomes a further inconvenience to those wishing to travel light. Even high performance clothing fabrics may allow moisture (from frost or rain) to seep through from the saddle as the wearer's weight forces this fabric against the wet saddle surface.

According to the present invention there is provided a self-stowing saddle cover with security and safety compatible features. The waterproof cover (2) will fit around the saddle (1), with strap(s) (one version of which are shown as 4) to secure it to the saddle and a drawstring or elastic (3) to ensure a snug fit. The sides of the cover may have metal eyelets through which a standard security cable device could be threaded (as well as the wheel underneath) to prevent theft of the cover and bike.

Fitting the cover will invariably create a small air pocket between cover and seat, thus producing a thermal buffer, so that frost forming on the cover may be less likely to affect the saddle. Any frost on the cover itself will be removed when the cover is removed prior to the bike's use.

On a bicycle the cover could be removed when needed (through releasing the drawstring, but not the strap, so that the cover pivots on the fixed location of the strap(s)) and the drawstring is then used to compress the cover so that it could be stowed in the hollow underside of the saddle (the strap(s) holding it in place). Thus the strap(s) (fed through the saddle supports) help(s) to hold the cover down on to the saddle when deployed, and from the supports, when stowed. The drawstring toggle / rear end of the cover could have reflective material to enhance safety when deployed and stowed.

On a motorbike or other vehicle, the cover could be reversed inside out and stowed in the area underneath the saddle or in a pannier.

At the end of the day, the cover could be easily detached and hung up to dry thoroughly in the same manner as an umbrella.

I

Claims

1. A bike weather cover providing waterproof protection that can be fastened over and around the saddle and stowed underneath it (or elsewhere on the bike).

2. A bike weather cover as claimed in Claim I wherein elastic, Velcrotype, drawstring, pressstud, popper or other flexible / adaptable fastenings and / or straps are used.

3. A bike weather cover as claimed in Claim 2 wherein integral safety and security features are present.

4. A bike weather cover as claimed in preceding claims that if affixed to the saddle area, will pivot around these fixings and its properties include protection and stowage (for future use).

5. A bike weather cover as claimed in preceding claims that provides partial or complete protection against individual and multiple types of weather and outdoor conditions.

6. A bike weather cover as claimed in preceding claims that can be stowed reversed and / or compacted for convenient storage.

7. A bike weather cover substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1-4 of the accompanying drawing.

2 Amended claims have been filed as follows 1. A bike weather cover providing waterproof protection, that is fastened over and around the saddle or seat and stowed in the hollow area underneath the saddle or seat when not in use.

2. A bike weather cover as claimed in Claim 1, wherein straps with adjustable fastenings are used to affix the cover to supports present on the underside of the saddle or seat, so that the cover will pivot around these fixings between deployed and stowed positions.

3. A bike weather cover as claimed in Claim 2, whose straps may affix to other parts of a bike, such as the handlebars or frame.

4. A bike weather cover as claimed in any preceding claim that may be used with certain types of saddles or seats where straps and additional fixings are not necessary.

5. A bike weather cover as claimed in any preceding claim that is detachable from the bike.

6. A bike weather cover as claimed in any preceding claim that can be stowed reversed and or compacted.

7. A bike weather cover as claimed in any preceding claim that is attached as an integral part of the saddle or seat.

8. A bike weather cover as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein reflective material is used in the construction of the cover as an integral safety feature.

9. A bike weather cover as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the sides of the cover have metal eyelets through which a security cable can be passed and attached to a solid structure or to the bike.

10. A bike weather cover as claimed in any preceding claim that loosely covers the saddle or seat completely, providing protection from all sorts of weather and outdoor conditions.

11. A bike weather cover as claimed in any preceding claim whose cover acts as a barrier layer with its associated air pocket underneath creating a thermal buffer between the cover and saddle or seat.

12. A bike weather cover as claimed in any preceding claim that can provide protection for all types of seats or saddles through adjustable modes of fastening, including straps, elastication or drawstring.

13). A bike weather cover as claimed in any preceding claim that can be fitted so that it can provide protection whilst the bike is in use.

14. A bike weather cover as claimed in any preceding claim, substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1-4 of the accompanying drawing.