GB2491717A

GB2491717A - Cover arrangement for a wheeled vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2491717A
Application number: GB1210150.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Melvin John Price
Original assignee: P J IND SUPPLIES Ltd
Current assignee: P J IND SUPPLIES Ltd
Priority date: 2011-06-11
Filing date: 2012-06-08
Publication date: 2012-12-12
Also published as: GB201210150D0; GB201109835D0

Abstract

A cover arrangement 10 for use in covering a unit having wheels 18, comprising a frame arrangement 14, a coupling arrangement 16 operable to locate the frame arrangement 14 relative to at least one wheel 18. A pivot mechanism 20 to allow pivotal motion of the frame arrangement about the coupling arrangement 16. The frame arrangement 14 can pivot between respective end positions in which the frame arrangement is extendible in use from a front or first end of the unit (Figure 7a) to a rear or second end of the unit (Figure 7c) through intermediate positions in which the frame arrangement 14 extends above the unit. A retaining arrangement for retaining a cover 64 to the frame arrangement 14. The coupling arrangement 16 and the retaining arrangement can be configured to allow the frame arrangement to be removed in use with the pivot mechanism to respectively draw and place the cover 64 over the unit. A method of using the cover arrangement 10 is also disclosed.

Description

Improvements in or Relating to Cover Arrangements The present invention relates to improvements in or relating to cover arrangements and s in particular but not exclusively to cover arrangements for wheeled units such as caravans, trailers and motor homes during storage.

Many situations exist in which covers are used when apparatus is not in use. Examples include wheeled units in storage. Wheeled units may be caravans, motor homes, trailers (with or without a removable load such as a boat) and the like. For example, when a caravan is left in storage, it is common to cover the caravan against bird droppings, weather, UV degradation etc. by means of a large fabric cover which must be placed over the caravan and then removed when the caravan is next to be used. Many caravans are very large, so that the fabric cover is itself very large. This can make the fabric cover very difficult to manhandle, particularly if the caravan has external features liable to damage, such as television or radio aerials, skylights, vents etc. Ideally the cover arrangement should be easy to handle, store itself and deploy/remove as required.

Examples of aspects of the present invention provide a cover arrangement for use in covering a unit having wheels, comprising: a frame arrangement; a coupling arrangement operable to locate the frame arrangement relative to at least one wheel of the unit; a pivot mechanism to allow pivotal motion of the frame arrangement about the coupling arrangement whereby the frame arrangement can pivot between respective end positions in which the frame arrangement is extendible in use from a front or first end of the unit to a rear or second end of the unit through intermediate positions in which the frame arrangement extends above the unit; a retaining arrangement for retaining a cover to the frame arrangement; wherein the coupling arrangement and the retaining arrangement can be configured to allow the frame arrangement to be moved in use with the pivot mechanism to respectively draw and place the cover over the unit.

The frame arrangement may comprise arms extending away from the wheels, and a crossbar connecting the arms at a position remote from the wheels. The frame arrangement may be collapsible. The frame arrangement may comprise frame members whose length is adjustable. At least one of the arms may project beyond the junction of the arm and the crossbar, to provide a finger for engaging a cover.

The coupling arrangement may comprise at least one base member to reach under a wheel, thereby securing the base member against being lifted. The base member may have arms to reach under a wheel, respectively in front and behind the point of ground contact of the wheel. The base member may further comprise a web which connects the arms. The arms may carry chock members for engaging a wheel. The separation of the chock members may be adjustable to engage a range of wheel sizes. The pivot mechanism may be provided between the base member and frame arrangement.

Alternatively the coupling arrangement comprises a bent member and an adjustable arm to engage either side of a wheel in use to locate the frame arrangement. The bent member and/or the adjustable arm may include an engagement part or surface. The engagement part or surface may be flat or curved to follow the curve of a wheel in use.

The engagement part or surface may have a grip. The bent member may bend by 90 degrees. The bent member may have a routed channel or section to accommodate a lock for the adjustable arm. The lock may be a locking pin extending into the adjustable arm. The coupling arrangement may include a pivot arm extending through the bent member. The pivot arm may have a spacer to offset the pivot arm and a turned pad from a wheel upon which the coupling arrangement is secured.

Examples of the invention also provide a method of covering a wheeled unit, comprising: providing a frame arrangement; releasably coupling the frame arrangement to the wheels of the unit to allow the frame arrangement to pivot between end positions in which the frame arrangement extends respectively to the front and rear of the unit, through intermediate positions in which the frame arrangement extends above the unit; placing the frame arrangement in an end position; providing a flexible cover and attaching the cover to the frame arrangement; pivoting the frame arrangement to the other end position to draw the cover over the unit; and removing the frame arrangement.

The method may be implemented by means of the apparatus defined above.

Examples of the present invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. I is a perspective view of apparatus according to the invention, in use with a caravan; Figs. 2a to 2d are side elevations indicating the use of the apparatus of Fig. I; Figs. 3 and 4 are enlarged perspective views of parts of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a chock member of the coupling arrangement; Fig. 6 is an enlarged plan view of part of the base member of the coupling arrangement; Figs. 7a to 7c are side elevations showing the apparatus in use; and, Figure 8 is a schematic plan view of a coupling arrangement part of a frame arrangement in accordance with some alternative aspects of the present invention about a wheel of a wheeled unit.

Overview Fig. I illustrates apparatus indicated generally at 10, for use in covering a wheeled unit illustrated in Fig. I as a caravan 12. The apparatus 10 has a frame arrangement 14. A coupling arrangement 16 secures the frame arrangement 14 to the wheels 18 of the caravan 12. Normally the coupling arrangement is secured across a wheel axle to both wheels for stability but location is most important to allow a cover to be drawn across the unit so the coupling may be secured or located about one wheel whilst the other side of the frame may be positioned in some other way. A pivot mechanism indicated generally at 20 provides for a pivotal motion of the frame arrangement 14 about the coupling arrangement 16. This allows the frame arrangement 14 to pivot between end positions (Fig. 2a and Fig. 2d) in which the frame arrangement 14 extends respectively to a front or first end 22 and a rear or second end 24 of the caravan 12, through intermediate positions (Fig. 2b and Fig. 2c) in which the frame arrangement 14 extends above the caravan 12.

A retaining arrangement 26, illustrated schematically in Fig. I is for retaining a cover (not shown in Fig. 1) to the frame arrangement 14. The coupling arrangement 16 and the retaining arrangement 26 are releasable to allow the frame arrangement 14 to be removed after pivoting to draw a cover over the caravan 12, to leave the caravan covered by the cover, as will be described in more detail below.

s The frame arrangement 14 and the pivot mechanism 20 may be configured by the length of the frame arrangement 14 and/or a bias assistance in the mechanism 20 to assist drawing of the cover (not shown in figure 1) over the unit 14. The cover will be configured to cooperate with the frame and may be formed of sections secured together and/or introduced separately in sequence as the frame is formed and so the sections of cover are drawn across the unit with the frame about the pivot mechanism. Arm parts of the frame may be capable of variable length upon assembly and possibly during movement over the unit 14 through a gas strut or slide mechanism or telescopic association.

is Frame arrangement The frame arrangement 14 comprises arms 28 which extend away from the wheels 18 on either side of the caravan 12, and a crossbar 30 which connects the arms 28 at positions remote from the wheels 18, forming a generally rectangular frame. The frame 14 is collapsible particularly about connectors 32. In particular, the junctions which may be joints 32 between the arms 28 and the crossbar 30 can be disassembled. The length of the frame members (the arms 28 and the crossbar 30) is adjustable, for example by means of lockable telescopic joints 32. The arms 28 and the crossbar 30 may be made of a synthetic plastics material, composite materials or metal, the choice of material being made to provide adequate stiffness during use, and acceptable weight when not in use. Many joint mechanisms will be known to the skilled reader for allowing the lengths of the frame members to be adjusted, and allowing the frame arrangement to be collapsed when not in use. The frame members may have joints or connectors which can be broken or have a spring tether to keep them together when broken apart but to facilitate re-assembly when required.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged, partial view of the junction 34 between one of the arms 28 and the crossbar 30. The arm 28 projects beyond the junction 34 to provide a finger 36. The finger 36 projects beyond the crossbar 30 and is used to assist in engaging a cover, as will be described. The other arm 28 also projects beyond the crossbar 30 to form a finger, in like manner.

Coupling arrangement and pivot mechanism The coupling arrangement 16 has a base member 38. The base member 38 consists of a web 40 interconnecting two arms 42 which extend from the web 40. When in use, the arms 42 reach under a wheel 18 (Fig. 4). In this position, the two arms 42 are positioned respectively in front and behind or towards a rear position relative to the point 44 of ground contact of the wheel 18. Thus, the base member 38 is secured against being lifted, by engagement with the wheels 18. Stable positioning of the base member 38 is will facilitate action of the pivot mechanism to draw the cover over the unit 12 (figure 1) in use.

Security of the base member 38 is further enhanced by the use of chock members 46 (Fig. 5). The chock members 46 are located in channels 48 formed in the arms 42 (Fig. 6). The sides of the channels 48 are provided with ratchet teeth 50. The sides of the chock members 46 are provided with arms 52 carried by the chock members 46 upon sprung hinges 54. The arms 52 carry further ratchet teeth 56. The sprung nature of the hinges 54 tends to press the ratchet teeth 56 outwardly and into engagement with the ratchet teeth 50, unless manually overridden by squeezing the arms 52 inwardly toward the chock members 46. Consequently, when the base member 38 is installed under a wheel 18, as illustrated in Figure 4, the chock members 46 can be pushed by hand inwardly along the channels 48, toward the wheel 18 until engaging the wheel 18, to press the base member 38 down against the ground, securing the base member 38 in position. Engagement between the ratchet teeth 50, 56 retains the chock members 46 in this position. However, when the base member 38 is to be removed, the arms 52 are squeezed in order to release the ratchet teeth 56 from the ratchet teeth 50, allowing the chock members 46 to be moved apart, away from the wheels 18, thereby releasing the base member 38.

The use of chock members 46 and the ratchet teeth 50, 56 also allows the base s member 38 to be used with a range of different wheel sizes. An alternative coupling mechanism is described below with regard to figure 8 which is mechanically less complex.

The base member 38 also has two lugs 58, upstanding from the web 40 to define a slot 60 between them. The slot 60 receives the end of one of the arms 28. A pivot pin is mounted on the lugs 58. The pivot pin is not visible in Fig. 4, but the line of the pivot axis provided by the pin is indicated at 62 in Fig. 4. Thus, the pivot pin is mounted on the lugs 58 and extends through the arm 28, to provide a pivotal connection between the arm 28 and the base member 38. Another base member 38 is provided on the other side of the caravan 12, providing a pivotal connection with the other arm 28.

The slots 60 allow the arms 28 to pivot through an arc of around 180° from an end position in which the arms 28 lie along the ground and extending toward the front 22 of the caravan 12, and another end position in which the arms 28 lie along the ground and extending toward the rear 24 of the caravan 12. These end positions can be seen in Fig. 2. Thus, in Fig. 2a, the arms 28 lie along the ground and extending toward the front 22 of the caravan 12. This is the front or first end position. Fig. 2b and Fig. 2c indicates how the arms 28 can pivot through the available arc, as just described, until reaching the other rear or second end position (Fig. 2d), approximately 180° from the first end position and in which the arms 28 lie along the ground and extending toward the rear 24 of the caravan 12. It may be possible to lock the arms 28 at an intermediate position as shown in Fig 2b, Figure 2c or another position but generally the arrangement will be biased by gravity or otherwise to the front/first position (figure 2a) or rear/second position (figure 2d).

Use of the apparatus Having described the apparatus above, the method of use of the apparatus may now be described, with particular reference to Fig. 7.

s The apparatus is first assembled to one of the end positions (Fig. 2a or Fig. 2d). This is achieved by assembling the arms 28 and the crossbar 30, connecting them together and adjusting their lengths as required to allow the frame arrangement 14 to extend around the front or rear of the caravan 12, lying on the ground. The ends of the arms 28 are connected to the base member 38 on each side of the caravan 12, if necessary.

However, it is envisaged that for simplicity, the arms 28 will be left permanently connected to the base members 38, by means of the pivot arrangements 20.

The base members 38 are next offered to the wheels 18, on either side of the caravan 12, sliding the arms 52 under the wheels 18 and then bringing the chock members 46 together to engage the wheels 18 and secure the base members 38 in position under respective wheels 18. The frame arrangement 14 is now secured relative to the caravan 12. In particular, the lower ends of the arms 28 are secured by means of the wheels 18, but the arms 28 are free to pivot, as has been described.

A caravan cover 64 is next provided, loosely flaked on the ground adjacent the crossbar 30. The cover 64 is then attached to the frame arrangement 14. Many different mechanisms can be envisaged for attaching a cover 64 to the frame arrangement 14. It may be sufficient for the fingers 36 to press into corners of the cover 64, particularly if the cover 64 is provided with internal pockets to receive the fingers 36. Alternatively, ties, straps, buckles or hook-and-pile fastening arrangements (indicated at 26 in Fig. 1) may be provided on the crossbar 30 all within the cover 64, in order to effect the attachment.

Once the cover 64 has been attached to the frame arrangement 14, the crossbar 30 can be raised by pivoting the arms 28 on the base members 38. This raises the crossbar 30, to the second position illustrated in Fig. 7a. As the crossbar 30 rises, the material of the cover 64 is drawn with it. Accordingly, continued movement to pivot the arms 28 over the caravan 12 causes the cover 64 to be drawn over the front 22. A position will be reached (Fig. 7b) in which the arms 28 are generally upright alongside the caravan 12, so that the frame arrangement 14 extends above the caravan 12 and the cover 64 has been drawn approximately halfway across the caravan 12. Movement of the arms 28 is then continued to swing them down behind the rear 24 of the caravan 12, still drawing the cover 64 behind them. Eventually, the position of Fig. 7c is reached, in which the frame arrangement 14 is extending around the rear of the caravan 12. The weight of the cover will aid downward movement to the position shown in Fig 7c. The cover 64 is then released from the frame arrangement 14, for example by manipulating the cover 64 to free the fingers 36, or by releasing any other fixings.

It will be understood that movement of the frame is typically by man handling the frame upon each side about the pivot mechanism and coupling 16 but where appropriate or possible a tether or rope shown schematically by a broken line 100 may be used to lift the frame arrangement. The tether or rope or more than one will be secured at intermediate positions on the cross bar 30 to provide a more balanced lift at least during one person operation in comparison with one person lifting on one side of the frame by engaging/man-handling the arm 28 to that side. However, great care must be taken that the tether or rope does not damage the roof of the unit 14 i.e. the caravan.

The cover 64 can then be finally manipulated into position and secured by means of conventional straps, buckles or the like. The arms 28 and the crossbar are collapsed and the base members 38 are removed from under the wheels 18, after releasing the chocks 46.

The cover can be removed by reversing the above sequence.

As indicated above secure and stable presentation of a frame arrangement about a unit such as a caravan is important. The embodiment described above uses a base plate along with wedges or chocks to ensure position is retained as the frame is drawn with the cover over the unit. The wedges or chocks used ratchet teeth inter-engagements to retain association but such inter-engagements may not be ideal and could add to costs and operational complexity.

Figure 8 provides an alternative which may be used independently or with the base plate base coupling arrangement 16 as described previously. The remainder of the frame and cover arrangement will function substantially in the same way as already described. In the alternative depicted in figure 8 a coupling arrangement 116 is located and substantially secured about a wheel 109 of a unit (not shown). The coupling arrangement 116 comprises a bent member 117 and an adjustable arm 118. The bent member typically has a 90 degree curve or bend so that an engagement part 11 7a of the member 117 can locate against a tyre wall of the wheel 109. The member 117 may be flat or curved to an extent to follow the curve of the wheel 109 to facilitate location.

An inner surface at least of the engagement pad 11 7a may be roughened or have a surface to grip the wheel 109 again to secure location under the forces of pivot motion of the frame as the cover is deployed or removed on the frame arrangement.

The adjustable arm 118 is presented substantially at the perpendicular to a hub part 117b of the bent member 117 normally on a locking pin 119 with a screw thread and nuts to secure position in a routed out section or channel 120 to allow lateral displacement of the pin 119 and arm 118 is in a slot to accommodated different wheel and tyre sizes. The arm 118 as depicted may be flat or curved to envelope a curved part of the wheel 109 for better location and lock against a tyre or wheel 109 in use. The engagement pad 117a and the arm 118 may hold the wheel 109 in compression for location and the engaged pads of the wheel 109 may be below the centre of rotation and so of the wheel 109 to inhibit lift up of the arrangement 116 in use. It may be desirable for the engagement part 11 7a and the arm 118 to locate just above ground level substantially either side of the point of ground contact for the wheel 109 in use.

The coupling arrangement 116 at least on one side may also act as a wheel clamp for security and to prevent theft of the unit if retained after the cover is drawn over the unit.

In such circumstances the pin 119 may be lockable with a key need for release of the arm 118 and so the arrangement 116 from about the wheel 109.

As previously a pivot mechanism in the form of a pivot arm 121 extends through the bent member 11 7b to allow rotation over the necessary range between the front or first position and the rear or second position as described previously. The pivot arm 121 generally has a turned part 121' or crank to join with the remainder of the frame arrangement (not fully shown). In the example show it can be seen that the upstanding part is a solid spigot type section which enters and engages a hollow tube section 122 of the remainder of the frame arrangement. The mechanism for location may just be an interference fit, the weight of the frame and particularly when the cover is associated with the frame may ensure good location but to ensure such location a tapered association may also be provided or a cross pin or similar could be used.

is The turned part or crank as shown by broken line 121' will turn with the frame (not shown) with the cover associated about the coupling arrangement 116. To facilitate good position both of the coupling arrangement 116 and the turned part/crank 121' of the pivot arm 121 it will be understood that a spacer 123 normally with a rubber end to limit damage is provide. Thus, the pivot arm 121 and in particular the turned part 121' is present away from the unit or caravan to prevent fouling as the frame (not shown) is rotated in use.

It will be understood that a base plate type coupling arrangement 16 could be provided on one side of a unit and a bent member/adjustable arm type coupling arrangement 116 could be provide on the other side of the unit such as caravan to engage a respective wheel for location of the frame arrangement in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

Concluding comments The mechanism described above is expected to provide a number of advantages. The amount of manual effort required to install or remove a cover 64 is expected to be reduced because much of the weight of the cover 64 is borne by the apparatus 10, through the arms 28, particularly when high above the caravan 12 (Fig. 7b).

s Furthermore, securing the arms 28 to the wheels 18 helps prevent the arms 28 skidding away when under load and inclined, thus further reducing the manual effort required to control the arms 28. Many caravans are much longer than they are high, so that the arms will pass high above the caravan 12, thus helping to keep the cover 64 clear of items such as radio or television aerials etc. This helps avoid the risk of damage to those items.

It is envisaged that once the apparatus 10 has been assembled and installed, as described, the process of drawing the cover 64 over the caravan 12, or removing the cover 64 from the caravan 12, can be undertaken by two people, one standing alongside each of the arms 28. It may be possible for the process to be undertaken by one person, particularly if the frame arrangement 14 is sufficiently rigid to be operated from one side only.

Many variations and modifications can be made to the apparatus described above, without departing from the scope of the present invention. In particular, shapes, sizes and relative shapes and sizes of many of the components can be changed. Many different materials can be used for the components, particularly depending on performance requirements such as strength, weight, compactness when not in use etc. Many different mechanisms can be used for joints for assembling the apparatus and for adjusting the size of the apparatus. It is envisaged that the apparatus can be used with many different types of wheeled unit, such as caravans, motor homes, trailers (with or without a removable load such as a boat) and the like.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

Claims 1. A cover arrangement for use in covering a unit having wheels, comprising: a frame arrangement; a coupling arrangement operable to locate the frame arrangement relative to at least one wheel of the unit; a pivot mechanism to allow pivotal motion of the frame arrangement about the coupling arrangement whereby the frame arrangement can pivot between respective end positions in which the frame arrangement is extendible in use from a front or first end of the unit to a rear or second end of the unit through intermediate positions in which the frame arrangement extends above the unit; a retaining arrangement for retaining a cover to the frame arrangement; wherein the coupling arrangement and the retaining arrangement can be configured to allow the frame arrangement to be moved in use with the pivot mechanism to respectively draw and place the cover over the unit.
2. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1 wherein the frame arrangement comprises arms extending away from the wheels, and a crossbar connecting the arms at a position in use remote from the wheels.
3. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the frame arrangement is collapsible by dis-engaging parts of the frame arrangement from other parts of the frame arrangement.
4. An arrangement as claimed in any of claims I to 3 wherein the frame arrangement comprises frame members whose length is adjustable.
5. An arrangement as claimed in claim 2 and any claim dependent thereon wherein at least one of the arms projects beyond the junction of the arm and the crossbar, to provide a finger for engaging a cover.
6. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the coupling arrangement comprises at least one base member to reach in use under a wheel, thereby securing the base member against being lifted.
7. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the base member has arms to reach under a wheel, respectively in front and behind the point of ground contact of the wheel in use.
8. An arrangement as claimed in claim 7 wherein the base member further comprises a web which connects the arms.
9. An arrangement as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the arms carry chock members for engaging a wheel in use.
10. An arrangement as claimed in claim 10 wherein the separation of the chock members is adjustable to engage a range of wheel sizes.
11. An arrangement as claimed in claim 6 and any claim dependent thereon wherein the pivot mechanism is provided between the base member and the frame arrangement.
12. An arrangement as claimed in any of claims I to 5 wherein the coupling arrangement comprises a bent member and an adjustable arm to engage either side of a wheel in use to locate the frame arrangement.
13. An arrangement as claimed in claim 12 wherein the bent member and/or the adjustable arm include an engagement part or surface.
14. An arrangement as claimed in claim wherein 13 the engagement pad or surface may be flat or curved to follow the curve of a wheel in use.
15. An arrangement as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14 wherein the engagement part or surface has a grip.
16. An arrangement as claimed in any of claims 12 to 15 wherein the bent member bends by 90 degrees.
17. An arrangement as claimed in any of claims 12 to 16 wherein the bent member has a routed channel or section to accommodate a lock for the adjustable arm.
18. An arrangement as claimed in claim 17 wherein the lock has a locking pin extending into the adjustable arm.
19. An arrangement as claimed in any of claims 12 to 18 wherein the coupling arrangement includes a pivot arm extending through the bent member.
20. An arrangement as claimed in claim 19 wherein the pivot arm has a spacer to offset the pivot arm and a turned part from a wheel upon which the coupling arrangement is secured.
21. A cover arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
22.. A method of covering a wheeled unit using a cover arrangement, comprising: providing a frame arrangement; releasably coupling the frame arrangement to the wheels of the unit to allow the frame arrangement to pivot between end positions in which the frame arrangement extends respectively to the front and rear of the unit, through intermediate positions in which the frame arrangement extends above the unit; placing the frame arrangement in an end position; providing a flexible cover and attaching the cover to the frame arrangement; pivoting the frame arrangement to the other end position to draw the cover over the unit; and removing the frame arrangement.
23. A method as claimed in claim 22 wherein the cover arrangement is as claimed in any of claims I to 21.
24. A method of covering a wheeled unit substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.