GB2537668A

GB2537668A - Protective cover

Info

Publication number: GB2537668A
Application number: GB1506922.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sykes David
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-04-23
Filing date: 2015-04-23
Publication date: 2016-10-26
Anticipated expiration: 2035-04-23
Also published as: GB201506922D0; GB2537668B

Abstract

A water impermeable protective cover apparatus 1 configured in use to receive a vehicle, wherein the protective cover apparatus is sealable to provide a protective, water impermeable environment around a vehicle received therein. The cover 2 may comprise multiple layers of material. There may be sealable opening 10, sealed by a zipper device. There may be a side support frame (18 figure 5) which may comprise inflatable portions (22 figure 6). There may be a vehicle support frame 12. The apparatus is particularly suitable for protecting a vehicle during flooding events.

Description

PROTECTIVE COVER

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to covers, in particular to water impermeable covers which are used as part of a container. More particularly the present invention relates to covers for vehicles, in particular it relates to water impermeable covers for vehicles, such as for example but not limited to cars.

Background

A problem in flood prone areas, where cars may be parked, has been that cars can be damaged by rising water levels, for example when a river floods, and this has been costly to repair or insure against. There is therefore a need for a device which can be used to protect vehicles from flood damage.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a water impermeable protective cover apparatus configured in use to receive a vehicle, wherein the protective cover apparatus is sealable to provide a protective, water impermeable environment around a vehicle received therein.

The cover apparatus is preferably releasably sealable to provide the protective, water impermeable environment around the vehicle.

The present invention is therefore operable to be used to isolate a vehicle, such as for example a car, from surrounding flood water.

The protective cover apparatus preferably provides a cavity shaped and dimensioned to receive a vehicle.

The protective cover apparatus preferably comprises a protective cover. The cover preferably comprises at least one opening shaped and dimensioned to receive a vehicle therethrough. The at least one opening is preferably sealable to provide the protective, water impermeable environment around a vehicle.

The protective cover may be sealed by any suitable releasable sealing mechanism, or combination of sealing mechanisms, such as for example zips, interlocking grooves or any other suitable sealing mechanism.

Preferably, the protective cover is sealed by a suitable releasable water impermeable sealing mechanism, or combination of sealing mechanisms, such as for example a low friction closure device of the type similar to those used on diving suits. The releasable sealing mechanism(s) is/are preferably arranged to releasably seal at least one opening for receiving a vehicle and enclosing it in the sealed container.

The releasable sealing mechanism may be provided on any suitable surface of the cover.

The protective cover preferably comprises at least one releasable sealing mechanism arranged in use to engage a support surface, such as for example the ground adjacent the vehicle, to provide a water impermeable barrier or seal.

The at least one releasable sealing mechanism may be deformable to conform to the contours of the adjacent support surface.

The cover preferably comprises at least one side portion arranged in use to extend upwardly from the support surface for the vehicle. The support surface may for example be a road. The side portion(s) is preferably arranged in use to provide a cavity for receiving a vehicle.

The side portion(s) preferably provides at least one opening for receiving a vehicle. The side portion(s) is/are preferably arranged to provide a water impermeable barrier or seal with the adjacent support surface. The side portion is preferably releasably sealable to provide a water impermeable barrier or seal extending around a vehicle.

The opening(s) may be provided by at least one side portion. The opening may extend from the side portion(s) across at least a portion of the upper portion(s) of the cover. Preferably, an opening shaped and dimensioned to receive a vehicle is provided by each of a pair of opposed side portions of the cover.

The cover preferably further comprises a base portion arranged in use to extend across a support surface. The side portion(s) of the cover is/are preferably arranged in use to up stand from the base portion. The side portion(s) of the cover and the base portion may be formed as a single, unitary item. Alternatively, the side portion(s) of the cover and the base portion may be provided as separate items. The side portion(s) and the base portion are preferably releasably engageable with each other to provide a water impermeable barrier or seal extending therebetween.

The cover preferably further comprises an upper portion arranged in use to extend between opposing side portions. The upper portion is preferably arranged in use to extend adjacent to and/or across the roof of a vehicle received within the cover.

The cavity provided by the cover apparatus is preferably defined by the side portion(s) of the cover, and optionally one or more of: a base portion and/or an upper portion of the cover.

One or more of the side portion(s) may be collapsible. For example, one or more of the side portion(s) may be moveable between a first position in which the side portion(s) is collapsed, and a second position in which the side portion(s) is upstanding from the support surface or base portion. One or more of the side portion(s), upper portion and/or base portion may be inflatable.

The cover preferably further comprises at least one support structure, such as for example a frame or other rigid support, arranged in use to provide support to the cover. The support structure(s) is preferably shaped and dimensioned to retain the cover in a predetermined shape for providing a cavity having a predetermined shape and/or dimensions. An advantage of a permanent fixed base is that an enclosed vehicle cannot be swept away by tidal or flood water surges as the vehicle is anchored to the ground, ideally in heavy ballast such as concrete.

For example, the support structure(s) is preferably shaped and dimensioned to retain the cover in a predetermined shape relative to the vehicle which is to be received within the cavity. For example, the support structure(s) is preferably shaped and dimensioned to provide a gap having predetermined dimensions between the vehicle within the cavity and adjacent portions of the cover. The support structure(s) is preferably located to provide additional protection to the cover.

For example, the support structure(s) is preferably arranged to provide impact protection for the cover. The support structure(s) may comprise one or more elongate members arranged in use to provide additional protection to the cover. The support structure(s) may comprise one or more inflatable portions or expanded foam layers or sheets. An advantage of these protective layers or sheets is that any debris that may be floating past does not impact and damage a vehicle panels or bodywork whilst the vehicle is contained within the cover.

The cover apparatus preferably further comprises at least one vehicle support panel. The vehicle support panel(s) is preferably arranged in use to support the vehicle within the cavity of the cover. The vehicle support panel(s) is preferably arranged in use to be located adjacent the support surface and/or adjacent the base portion of the cover. The vehicle support panel(s) is preferably shaped and dimensioned to receive a vehicle and position the vehicle in a predetermined location within the cavity of the cover apparatus so as to protect the integrity of the cover, for example to reduce the risk of tearing of the cover.

The cover may be composed of any suitable materials. The cover may for example be multi-layered. The outer layer of the cover is preferably composed of a water impermeable material.

The cover may further comprise one or more additional layers composed of strong tear resistant materials, such as Kevlar (Trade Mark) for providing additional strength to the cover. For example, the cover may comprise one or more additional textile or other strengthening material layers for providing additional strength to the cover, so as for example to reduce the risk of tearing of the cover.

The cover, and optionally the support structure, may take any suitable shape and/or dimensions to provide a cavity having a suitable shape and/or dimensions for receiving an object, such as for example a vehicle. For example, the cover may be contoured to closely conform to the shape of the body of a vehicle. The cover may be tailored, for example comprise one or more folds, to enable the cover to conform closely to the shape of the body of a vehicle.

The cover apparatus may be shaped and/or dimensioned to receive a variety of different makes and models of vehicles. The term "vehicle" is used herein to refer to any mode of transport, including but not limited to bikes, scooters, mopeds, motorbikes, cars, vans, trucks, lorries, trains, boats. It is also to be understood that the cover apparatus could be used to protect any suitable object from flood water, and is not limited to use with a vehicle.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of protecting a vehicle from surrounding flood water comprising: placing a vehicle within a cover apparatus as herein described; and sealing the cover apparatus to provide a protective, water impermeable environment around the vehicle.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be illustrated with reference to Figures 1 to 6. Brief Description of the Figures Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cover apparatus comprising a drip tray according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a cover apparatus comprising a vehicle support frame according to a further embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a cover apparatus comprising a vehicle support frame according to a further embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a cover apparatus comprising a vehicle support frame and a drip tray according to a further embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the support frame for a cover apparatus according to a further embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 6 is a perspective view of the support frame comprising an inflatable portion for a cover apparatus according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Figures

With reference to the Figures, the cover apparatus 1 comprises a cover 2 in the form of a collapsible bag. The cover 2 is composed of an outer layer of water impermeable material, such as for example polythene, a rubberised material or a synthetic plastics coated fabric or a combination of these impermeable materials. In some embodiments, the cover comprises multiple layers of material. The cover may include additional layers of material to provide additional support to the cover 2.

The cover 2 comprises a base portion 5 arranged in use to extend adjacent and across the support surface of the vehicle, in this case a road. The cover 2 further comprises a side portion 6 extending to form a perimeter around a cavity 4 shaped and dimensioned to receive a vehicle, in this case a car. The cover 2 further comprises an upper portion 8 which is domed shaped to receive a vehicle.

It is to be understood that the cover apparatus may be used to protect any suitable object and as such is not limited to use with vehicles. Furthermore, although the illustrated embodiments show the cover apparatus 1 being used with a car, it is to be understood that the cover apparatus may be used with other vehicles, such as but not limited to buses, trucks, lorries, vans, bikes, trains, motorbikes, scooters etc. The side portion 6 is collapsible. The side portion 6 is moveable between a first position in which the side portion is collapsed, and a second position in which the side portion 6 is upstanding from the base portion 5. The side portion 6 may be moveable between the two positions by any suitable mechanism, such as for example manually, or automated. In one embodiment, the side portion 6 is inflatable.

A releasably sealable opening 10 is provided extending from a first portion 12' of the side portion 6, across the upper portion 8, to a second portion 12" on the opposite side of the side portion 6. The opening 10 is arranged to be located approximately centrally with respect to the upper portion 8. It is however to be understood that the opening may be provided at any suitable location on the cover depending on the particular requirements for the cover apparatus 1.

The opening 10 may be sealed by any suitable releasably sealable mechanism so as to provide a water impermeable seal or barrier between the outer surface of the cover and the cavity within. An example of such a closure member is a waterproof zipper device that is often found in diving suits and include devices such as waterproof tapes.

A drip tray 14 is provided adjacent the base portion 5 of the cover apparatus 1.

In use, the cover apparatus 1 is arranged such that the side portion 6 is in the first position and the side portions are collapsed. The opening 10 is open. A vehicle is driven into the cover apparatus 1 through opening 10. The side portion 6 is moved from the first position to the second position in which the side portion is upstanding from the base portion 5. The opening 10 is closed by a releasable sealable mechanism to provide a water impermeable seal or barrier. A cavity is provided within the cover 2. The cavity is defined by the base portion 5, the side portion 6, and the upper portion 8. The cover apparatus therefore provides a protective, water impermeable environment extending around a vehicle received therein. The vehicle is therefore protected from surrounding floodwater.

With reference to Figures 2 to 4, the apparatus 1 may further comprise a vehicle support frame 12. The vehicle support frame 12 is located within the cavity 4 of the cover apparatus 1. The vehicle support frame 12 is located such that the vehicle can be provided at a predetermined location within the cavity 4. The vehicle support frame 12 also helps to reduce any risk of damage to the cover 2 caused by movement of the vehicle across the cover 2.

The vehicle support frame 12 may have any suitable shape and dimensions, and may be composed of any suitable material, depending on the particular requirements. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle support frame 12 comprises two spaced apart elongate components 13 extending substantially parallel to each other. Each of the ramp components 13 is positioned and dimensioned to receive and support a pair of wheels of the vehicle. A plurality of spaced apart lateral support members 15 extend between the pair of elongate components 13. A pair of spaced apart ramp members 17 are provided at a first end of the support frame 12. Each ramp member 17 is aligned with an elongate component 13 of the frame 12. In use, the vehicle is manoeuvred through opening 10 into the cavity provided by the cover 2. The vehicle is manoeuvred such that the wheels are aligned with the ramp members 17. The vehicle is driven up ramp members 17 and the wheels are aligned with elongate components 13 of the frame 12. The vehicle support frame 12 therefore allows for correct positioning of the vehicle within the apparatus 1.

The vehicle support frame 12 may be adjustable in dimensions depending on the particular requirements of a vehicle. As shown in Figure 4, the drip tray 14 may be located on the frame 12. The drip tray 14 may be releasably engageable with the frame 12. Alternatively, the drip tray 14 may be formed as an integral part of the frame 12.

With reference to Figure 5, the apparatus 1 may further comprise a support frame 16. The support frame 18 is arranged to provide additional protection to the cover 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the support frame 18 is arranged to provide impact protection to the side portion 6 of the cover 2. The support frame 18 is arranged to comprise a plurality of spaced apart elongate members 19 arranged in use to extend substantially parallel to the length of the vehicle.

The support frame 18 also comprises a plurality of upstanding elongate members 20 arranged in use to extend substantially perpendicular to the support surface. t is however to be understood that the support frame 18 may be provided at any suitable location relative to the cover 2. For example, the support frame 18 may be provided adjacent one or more of: the side portion(s), the base portion and/or the upper portion of the cover.

With reference to Figure 6, the support frame 18 of the apparatus 1 may comprise one or more inflatable portions 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the support frame 18 comprises a plurality of spaced apart inflatable portions 22 which are positioned adjacent the side portions 6 of the cover 2. The inflatable portions 22 are elongate in shape and extend substantially parallel to the length of the vehicle. It is however to be understood that the support frame 18 may comprise any suitable number of inflatable portions 22, having any suitable shape and located at any suitable position depending on the particular requirements for the apparatus 1.

It is understood that variation to the aforementioned embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, protective layers may be shaped and/or contoured to fit around body panels or windows of a vehicle or they may be fitted or connected to specific parts of the interior of the waterproof covers, so that when a vehicle is driven into the protective cover, relevant aspects of the vehicle are protected. Likewise the cover may have straps or ropes or wires to lift the exterior of the cover, so as to assist the inflatable support (which may be erected by pumping a gas into a balloon or similar member) so as to erect the support structure and thereby cause or form an opening in a tent like manner so that the vehicle can be driven into the cover and is surrounded by waterproof exterior and protected by flexible and impact absorbing sheets.