GB2510595A

GB2510595A - A device for protecting the bodywork of a parked vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2510595A
Application number: GB1302227.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sonny Dudas
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-02-08
Filing date: 2013-02-08
Publication date: 2014-08-13
Also published as: GB201302227D0

Abstract

When a vehicle is parked next to other vehicles a user or another party may hit or bump a vehicle whilst parking, resulting in minor damage such as a scratch to the parked vehicle. Accordingly the present invention provides a temporary protective device for a vehicle comprising a resiliently deformable body 1 with two ends, two sides and two faces; wherein said body is attached in use to the vehicle using plural fingers 2, 3 provided in plural formats and adapted to extend from at least one of said sides and proximate both of said ends. The ends 3 of the protective device may be have magnetic sections for attachment to the bodywork of the vehicle. The fingers 2 extending from the edge of the deformable body may be elastically deformable so that they can be inserted into a vehicle boot and secured to the boot lining by means of hook and loop fastenings. The use of adjustable hooks and suction cups to secure the device in place is also disclosed, as is the ability to roll or fold up the device when not in use.

Description

A TEMPORARY PROTECTIVE DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a temporary protective device, more particularly for a motor vehicle bodywork or bumper.

Background

When a vehicle is parked next to other vehicles, for example along a road or in a car park often the vehicle is liable to being hit by other vehicles.

A user or another party may hit or bump a vehicle whilst parking, resulting in minor damage such as a scratch to the parked vehicle. Such damage may be minor but can be unsightly and may devalue the vehicle or lead to further damage or corrosion if not repaired Parking locations may be changed or chosen to avoid such incidents for example, use of a garage or private parking, however there are often times when multiple parking locations must be used, for example at work or whilst shopping.

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Although bumpers are included on most modern vehicles these are typically colour coded on more expensive vehicles, leading to colour matching issues when damaged, and rubber or plastic parking strips are increasingly rare on sides of vehicles due to aesthetics and aerodynamics.

The present invention arose to overcome the problems associated with minor damage to a vehicle cause by another vehicle additional to standard bumpers.

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Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: United States patent application US 2011 198 874 (LEE) discloses an automotive bumper protection device, comprising: a removable, padded vinyl panel to be fastened over the rear bumper of a vehicle, to protect the bumper from scratches, dents, and dings comprising a tough, durable, UV-resistant vinyl material, with an interior lining of impact-absorbing cellular synthetic foam.

Granted United States patent US 7 740 295 (REIN) discloses a system and method for connecting attachments to a vehicle, which generally includes a first piece and a second piece depending thereon. The first piece is a locator piece connected to the vehicle adjacent the license plate or the trunk of a vehicle. For instance, the first piece may be secured or locked to a license plate using a locking mechanism, which includes a cam and rods. In another embodiment, the first piece may be a support bracket dimensioned and configured to rest over a rim or a trunk without interfering with the normal functions of a lock on the trunk. The second piece can include a variety of devices such as and not limited to a bumper guard or a tray. The second piece may depend from and be removably connected to the first piece. By the second piece being removably connectable to the first piece, the second piece can be easily replaced when damaged or worn or interchanged. For instance, the bumperguard embodiment that serves to protect the bumper of a vehicle can be interchanged for the tray when at a tailgating event. The bumper guard or platform tray can be easily attached to the vehicle, stored and removed.

Granted United States patent US 7 073 830 (CHEN) discloses a portable automobile bumper protection device attaching to a hood or truck latch and a wheel well or wheel of a vehicle, providing protection to a front or rear bumper of a vehicle from minor impact when parked, comprises: a fabric apron having a lower portion and an upper portion defining a suspensory aperture with a reinforced margin, the suspensory aperture adapted to be placed over a trunk or hood latch mechanism of a vehicle trunk or hood; and a bumper guard section attached to said lower portion, said bumper guard section defining a flexible cylindrical sleeve forming having an inner surface, an outer surface and defining an inner cavity containing a deformable padding material, said cylindrical sleeve further defining a right end with a right end tab and a left end with a left end tab, at least one elastic cord having a first end attaching to each said right end tab and left end tab and a second end having a hook, wherein said reinforced margin of said suspensory aperture is attached around said latch1 positioning said inner surface of said bumper guard section upon said vehicle bumper below said latch, further affaching said hook of each said elastic cord to said adjacent wheel well or wheel conforming said bumper guard section to said bumper, said outer surface and said deformable padding material providing protection to said bumper from minor impact.

In contrast the present invention provides a flexible format, easy attaching means of temporarily protecting parts of a vehicle from careless damage.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a temporary protective device for a vehicle comprising a resiliently deformable body with two ends, two sides and two faces; wherein said body is attached in uie to the vehicle using plural fingers provided in plural formats and adapted to extend from at least one of said sides and proximate both of said ends.

In preferred embodiments at least part of the device comprises magnetic areas, for example wherein the fingers include magnetic portions distal from the body.

Preferably therefore use of the fingers allows a user to retrofit the device may to a number of vehicles so as to provide protection against being knocked or scratched by other vehicles or objects.

According to a second aspect therefore the device may be provided in a method of provision of said devices at a parking location.

In preferred embodiments the body is adapted to be received on a bumper so as to limit damage to the vehicle if another vehicle should knock into it for example whilst parking.

Ideally the main body is elongate in order to effectively serve to cover the bumper or any other elongate or arcuate section of the vehicle where knocks are liable to be laterally arranged or dispersed. Preferably the body is formed from a lightweight, durable, flexible, padded material or combination of materials.

Advantageously the device may be rolled or folded when not in use so as to be readily stowed.

Typically the body includes or comprises a foam or cellular structure care such as polyurethane foam, so as to be resiliently deformable and wherein said foam is encased in a waterproof and/or resiliently deformable layer such as a polymer like polyester or nylon.

Advantageously where the core is entirely encased on both faces the layer includes anti-scratch properties so as to limit scratching pf the vehicle when in position.

Preferably the body is provided in various sizes so as to accommodate different vehicle bumpers. Typically the body traverses the bumper width and extends partially around the vehicle in a similar way in use to the bumper. In some embodiments the ends may allow mutual engagement with further devices, for example in order to encircle a vehicle.

Ideally the device is at least the height of the bumper and in some embodiments may be higher than the bumper so as to provide additional protection. In further embodiments the device has a 0 shaped cross-sectional profile, extended or arcuate outer edge in use, in order to significantly extend beyond the bumper.

In yet further embodiments the body may include semi-rigid portions to provide shape, such so as to define the bumper corners but still enable the body to be folded or rolled when stowed. For example the core may include shaped panels that enable the body to match the bumper shape. Advantageously the semi-rigid portions may prevent the body from sagging in use.

In still further embodiments the body may be articulated or segmented in order to resiliently deform to shape around corners.

In preferred embodiments each end supports or projects at least one finger wherein said finger comprises an adjustable strap connected to a magnetic plate or anchor, said magnetism enabling the anchor to be secured on ferromagnetic vehicle pads.

Typically the finger is attached to the vehicle side by the magnetic anchor, securing the end to the vehicle.

In some embodiments the anchor may be adapted to fit around or inside the wheel arch so as not be secured against vehicle paint work.

Ideally and particularly in such embodiments the fingers are elastic or include elastic properties so as to urge the anchors towards the ends.

Ideally the anchor is of similar construction to the body comprising the core and outer. Additionally the core houses at least one magnet; therefore the magnets are encased within the anchor to prevent damage to the vehicle, such as scratching.

Typically a plurality of magnets may be inlaid within the core. In other embodiments a sheet of magnetic material may be provided in the core.

Preferably the fingers are flexible so as to readily accommodate vehicle shape.

Ideally the fingers are formed from a soft, anti scratch, flexible material Advantageously the fingers are adjustable so as to allow precise positioning.

Typically therefore the fingers may include a means of adjustment such as a buckle or pull toggle.

Ideally the means of adjustment may be integrated with the anchor, for example so that the anchor houses the buckle.

Advantageously the adjustment means are positioned so as not to come into contact with the vehicle surface which may lead to scratching. For example the adjustment means may be provided on the outwards face of the fingers or anchor.

In preferred embodiments the side in use uppermost includes at least one finger wherein said finger extends upwards, substantially extending perpendicular to the

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body. Said side fingers or tabs have properties according to all fingers, namely adjustability, elasticity or other attribute described above and are advantageously secured in the vehicle boot, bonnet or windows so as to prevent the body from sagging in use under weight.

Preferably said tabs include hook and loop portions such as Velcro (Trade Mark) so as to attach to a boot lining, or so as to be secured through a window or around part of the engine, therefore enabling the body to be positioned before vehicle is shut and secured.

Ideally where more than one tab is provided said tabs may include visual indication such as increments or guides assisting in level placement of the body in relation to the bumper.

Further embodiments of said fingers or tabs may be arranged to be captured or trapped in a part of the vehicle, for example window, boot, tailgate or door.

Accordingly said side fingers may be formed with material providing lateral structural strength, low rigidity and minimal depth. For example such fingerè may include interior or exterior fibre strengthening.

Yet further embodiments of said side or end fingers or tabs may in addition and/or the alternative include clips and/or resiliently deformable hooks, so as to allow hooking over parts.

Still further embodiments of the tabs, fingers, side or end, may include suction cups to provide temporary attachment to the vehicle or vehicle parts. Yet further embodiments may include such suction cups on the body to aid in useful and stable placement of the device.

Furthermore fingers or body may include reflective material so as to draw attention.

Yet further embodiments of the body may include material disposed to show impact, for example being deformable without resilience or including particles or a coating showing displacement.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the protective device; Figure 2 shows a top view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; and Figures 4 show front and rear views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.

Detailed Description of Ficiures

With reference to the figures a main section 1 is envisaged to provide a bump surface to protect a bumper or other part of a vehicle.

The main section 1 is attached to the vehicle at end anchors 3 and straps 2, wherein said straps 2 provide attachment means, comprising hook portions 4 for engagement with a vehicle inner fabric or carpet, for example in a boot.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one, skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims 1. A temporary protective device for a vehicle comprising a resiliently deformable body with two ends, two sides and two faces; wherein said body is attached in use to the vehicle using plural fingers provided in plural formats and adapted to extend from at least one of said sides and proximate both of said ends.
2. A device according to claim 1 wherein at least part of the device comprises magnetic areas.
3. A device according to claim 2 wherein at least one of the fingers comprise magnetic portions.
& A device according to claim 1 wherein at least part of the device comprises hook and loop areas.
5. A device according to claim 3 wherein at least one of the fingers comprises hook and loop portions.
6. A device according to claim 1 wherein the formats include hook and loop portions, magnetic portions and capture in vehicle parts.
7. A device with reference to the figures.