GB2546338A

GB2546338A - Enclosure for a motor vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2546338A
Application number: GB1600913.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Black Calvin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-01-18
Filing date: 2016-01-18
Publication date: 2017-07-19
Also published as: GB201600913D0

Abstract

The enclosure 10 for a motor vehicle 5 has a flexible rectangular ground sheet 12 with at least one flexible cover 14 joined to it and with fastening devices 18, 20 along the edges. Preferably the cover has reflectors 25, 26 on the sides and in positions which allow the car to be parked on the road. The cover may have vents (fig.2, 23). The ground sheet is preferably made from a tougher material than the covers and may be reinforced at points (fig.2, 16) where the vehicle rests on it when parked. Preferably the fasteners are toothed zips or zippers with a slider to open and close them.

Description

Enclosure for a Motor Vehicle

The invention relates to an enclosure for a motor vehicle, such as a van, car or motorbike, providing a secure enclosure to protect the motor vehicle from the environment, but which is nevertheless portable.

According to the present invention there is provided an enclosure for a motor vehicle, the enclosure comprising: a flexible, generally rectangular, ground sheet onto which the vehicle can be driven and parked, and at least one flexible covering element, each flexible covering element being joined to and extending from part of the periphery of the ground sheet; primary fastening devices along the part of the periphery of the ground sheet other than the parts of the periphery to which a flexible covering element is joined, and secondary fastening devices along edges of each flexible covering element; such that, if the vehicle is parked on the ground sheet, each flexible covering element can be positioned so that it encloses at least part of the motor vehicle, and that by linking the primary fastening devices to secondary fastening devices, and if there is more than one flexible covering element also linking secondary fastening devices of adjacent flexible covering elements, the vehicle is completely enclosed.

From a different viewpoint the invention provides an enclosure for motor vehicle which comprises a flexible cover in combination with a ground sheet onto which the vehicle can be driven and parked, wherein the flexible cover is permanently connected to part of the periphery of the ground sheet, and the enclosure is also provided with fastening devices such as a zip fastener so that the flexible cover can be removably connected to the remainder of the periphery of the ground sheet.

Each flexible covering element is joined in a substantially permanent fashion to part of the periphery of the ground sheet; whereas the remaining parts of the periphery of the ground sheet are provided with fastening devices such as sets of zip teeth. Each flexible covering element might be of the same material as the ground sheet, in which case it could be integral with the ground sheet at the portion of the perimeter where they are joined. More typically each flexible covering element is of a more flexible but less hard wearing material than the ground sheet, and so at the part of the periphery where they are joined together they may be sewn together, glued together, or welded together. Since the flexible covering element or elements are joined in this way to the periphery of the ground sheet, the user of the enclosure only has to carry one item: the ground sheet with the flexible covering element or elements attached to its periphery.

Preferably the enclosure also includes reflectors, in particular reflectors on the flexible covering elements at such a position that when the vehicle is enclosed by the enclosure the reflectors comply with the requirements for reflectors of a vehicle that is parked on a road. This means that the vehicle can be enclosed within the enclosure when parked on the road, as the reflectors ensure that the vehicle is clearly visible to other road users. Such reflectors may also be provided on the sides of the enclosure.

Preferably the enclosure includes vents through at least one flexible covering element to provide ventilation, when the vehicle is enclosed.

The ground sheet is preferably of a tougher material than that of the flexible covering elements, and may be of uniform thickness and appearance over its entire area. Alternatively the ground sheet may incorporate thicker or tougher portions where the wheels of the vehicle are to be when the vehicle is parked. If the enclosure is for a motorbike, the ground sheet would preferably include a thicker and tougher pad at the position where the motorbike stand would rest when the motorbike is parked.

The fastening devices may be studs that fit into sockets, or toggles that fit through eyes or loops. However the fastening devices are preferably sets of zip teeth. In this case the sets of zip teeth would also be provided with a slider, to open or close the zip, and the slider may be provided with a long cord in some cases, to simplify installation of the enclosure. The zip teeth are preferably of heavy duty, and may be of any suitable tough material such as brass, or more preferably a plastic material. Where there are sets of secondary fastening devices that are intended to connect together adjacent flexible covering elements, these may be different to the secondary fastening devices that are intended to connect to primary fastening devices on the periphery of the ground sheet. So for example portions of the cover may be held together by sets of comparatively lightweight zip teeth, whereas the cover may be linked to the ground sheet by heavier duty zip teeth.

The flexible covering elements are preferably of a much more flexible material than the ground sheet but should also be weatherproof. By way of example they may be of a lightweight fabric such as a nylon fabric provided with a waterproof coating, similar to that used in fold-up nylon raincoats, or a lightweight cotton/polyester fabric provided with a waterproofing treatment, like that used in lightweight tents. The ground sheet is preferably also of a woven fabric material, but of heavier duty, for example like that used for tarpaulins.

The invention will now be further and more particularly described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a side view of a car parked on an enclosure of the invention, before the enclosure has been raised to cover the car;

Figure 2 shows a plan view of the enclosure of figure 1, without the car;

Figure 3 shows a plan view of an alternative enclosure of the invention, before the enclosure has been raised to cover a vehicle;

Figure 4 shows a plan view of another alternative enclosure of the invention, before the enclosure has been raised to cover a vehicle; and

Figure 5 shows a plan view of an enclosure of the invention for covering a motorcycle, before the enclosure has been raised to cover the motorcycle.

Referring to figure 1 this shows a side view of a car 5 and an enclosure 10. The enclosure 10 incorporates a ground sheet 12 which, as shown in figure 1, is laid flat on the ground, and the car 5 is parked with its wheels 6 resting on the ground sheet 12. The enclosure 10 also includes a flexible cover element 14 which is large enough to enclose the car 5. The flexible cover element 14 is joined to the ground sheet 12 along one edge of the ground sheet 12, and at this stage forms a loose concertina alongside the ground sheet 12.

Referring also to figure 2, the ground sheet 12 includes reinforced portions 16 which in this example correspond to positions where the wheels 6 of the car 5 are likely to rest when the car 5 is parked. The reinforced portions 16 are sufficiently large to accommodate variations in the positions in which the car is parked. In a modification (not shown), the reinforced portions may extend along the entire length of the ground sheet 12, corresponding to those portions of the ground sheet 12 over which the wheels 6 can be expected to travel when driving on or off the ground sheet 12.

As indicated by double lines in figure 2, a set of zip teeth 18 of tough plastic are fixed along the periphery of the ground sheet 12 along one end A and along the side B opposite that to which the flexible cover element 14 is joined. A second set of teeth 20 of tough plastic are fixed along the periphery of the ground sheet 12 along the other end C. Corresponding to the set of zip teeth 18, a matching set of zip teeth 18a are fixed along a major part of the free periphery of the flexible cover element 14, and there is a slider 18b where the sets of teeth 18 and 18a meet. Similarly, corresponding to the set of zip teeth 20, a matching set of zip teeth 20a are fixed along the remaining part of the free periphery of the flexible cover element 14, and there is a slider 20b where the sets of teeth 20 and 20a meet. The enclosure 10 also includes two cords 22 attached at spaced apart positions along the periphery of the flexible cover element 14. In addition, the flexible cover element 14 defines at least one vent 23.

Thus in use, with the car 5 parked in the position shown in figure 1, the user would then throw the ends of the cords 22 over the roof of the car 5. The user would then go round to the other side of the car 5 and pull on the cords 20 to so that the flexible cover element 14 would enclosure the car 5. The user would then slide the slider 18b so as to join the two sets of teeth 18 and 18a together, so the slider 18b goes from one corner of the ground sheet 12 along the end A and along the side B to the opposite corner 24. The user would then slide the slider 20b so as to join the two sets of teeth 20 and 20a together, the slider 20b going along the end C to the corner 24.

The enclosure, as indicated in broken lines in figure 1, would then completely enclose the car 5. For additional security the sliders 18b and 20b could then be joined together for example with a padlock (not shown).

In the preferred embodiment the enclosure 10 also includes red reflectors 25 and white reflectors 26 attached on the outside of the flexible cover element 14, in positions that correspond to the rear and front of the car 5, as shown in broken lines in figure 1, to ensure that the parked vehicle is visible to other drivers at night even though it is enclosed within the enclosure 10. Furthermore, each slider 18b and 20b may be provided with a cord (not shown) to make it easier for the user to pull it along without bending double.

It will be appreciated that the enclosure 10 may be modified in various ways, for example the sets of teeth 18 and 20 might be of equal length, as with the sets of matching teeth 18a and 20a, so the position at which the sliders 18b and 20b would meet would be the midpoint of the side B instead of the corner 24.

In a further modification of the enclosure 10, the flexible cover element 14 is joined to the ground sheet 12 only at one end; in this case a set of zip teeth corresponding to the set 18 can extend along one side of the ground sheet 12 and around to the midpoint of the end C, and a set of zip teeth corresponding to the set 20 can extend along the opposite side of the ground sheet 12 and around to the midpoint of the end C.

Referring now to figure 3 there is shown an alternative enclosure 30. The enclosure 30 includes a ground sheet 32 with reinforced portions 33 which correspond to those portions of the ground sheet 32 over which the wheels 6 of a car 5 can be expected to travel when driving on or off the ground sheet 32. In this case a flexible cover element 34 is joined to the ground sheet 32 along both the long sides and also across one end, and forms a loose concertina when in the collapsed state as shown, so the car 5 should reverse off the ground sheet 32, as it is preferable not to drive over the flexible cover element 34.

As indicated by double lines in figure 3, matching sets of zip teeth 36 and 36a of tough plastic are fixed along most of the periphery of the left half and the right half of the flexible cover element 34. These two sets 36 meet at a slider 36b in the middle of one end of the enclosure 30 (in its collapsed state as shown), and a cord 35 is tied on to the slider 36b. At the opposite end of the enclosure there are two much shorter sets of zip teeth 37 and 38 each extending between the corners of the ground sheet 32 and the midpoint of the end C; and there are matching sets of zip teeth 37a and 38a along corresponding portions of the periphery of the left half and right half of the flexible cover element 34, and these are provided with sliders 37b and 38b respectively. As with the enclosure 10, the enclosure 30 is provided with vents 23 and with rear and front reflectors 25 and 26 (not shown in figure 3).

Thus in use, with the car 5 parked on the ground sheet 32, the slider 36b would be pulled up to the top of the bonnet of the car 5, and the cord 35 would then be thrown over the car 5 to the rear. The user would then go round to the rear of the car 5, and pull the cord 35 so as to join the sets of zip teeth 36 and 36a together along the centre line of the car 5, and down to the ground at the rear. Finally the sliders 37b and 38b would be zipped across to the middle of the end C, joining the sets of teeth 37 and 37a, and joining the sets of teeth 38 and 38a, and so completely enclosing the car 5. As with the enclosure 10, for added security the sliders 36b, 37b and 38b could then be joined together for example with a padlock.

In the enclosure 30, the sets of zip teeth 36 and 36a are required only to link together the left and right halves of the flexible cover element 34. These sets of zip teeth 36 and 36a may therefore be different from the sets of teeth 37, 37a 38 and 38a that provide a connection to the ground sheet 32, for example being less hard wearing and less heavy. A modification of the enclosure 30 has the ground sheet 32 joined to the flexible cover element 34 across one end but only halfway along the long sides; and has the sets of teeth 37 and 37a, and the sets of teeth 38 and 38a, extending from halfway along the long sides to the midpoint of the end C. This modification would be used in substantially the same way as described above. In this case also the car 5 should reverse off the ground sheet 32, as it is preferable not to drive over the flexible cover element 34.

Referring now to figure 4 there is shown an alternative enclosure 40. The enclosure 40 includes a ground sheet 42 with reinforced portions 43 which correspond to those portions of the ground sheet 42 over which the wheels 6 of a car 5 can be expected to travel when driving on or off the ground sheet 42. In this case a flexible cover element 44 is joined to the ground sheet 42 along one side and also across one end, and forms a loose concertina when in the collapsed state as shown, so the car 5 should reverse off the ground sheet 32, as it is preferable not to drive over the flexible cover element 44.

As indicated by double lines in figure 4, matching sets of zip teeth 46 and 46a of tough plastic are fixed along the unattached side B of the ground sheet 42 and the corresponding portion of the periphery of the flexible cover element 44, and are provided with a slider 46b which is initially at one corner. Similarly matching sets of zip teeth 47 and 47a are fixed along the end C of the ground sheet 42 and the corresponding portion of the periphery of the flexible cover element 44, and are provided with a slider 47b at the opposite corner. The periphery of the flexible cover element 44 is also provided with two cords 45. As with the enclosure 10, the enclosure 40 is provided with vents 23 and with rear and front reflectors 25 and 26 (not shown in figure 4).

Thus in use, with the car 5 parked on the ground sheet 42, the cords 45 are used to pull the flexible cover element 44 up and over the car 5. The slider 46b would then be pulled along the edge B to join the sets of teeth 46 and 46a; and the slider 47b would be pulled along the end C to join the sets of teeth 47 and 47a, so completely enclosing the car 5. As with the enclosures 10 and 30, for added security the sliders 46b and 47b could then be joined together for example with a padlock.

It will be appreciated that in each example the dimensions of the ground sheet 12, 32 or 42 and the dimensions and shape of the flexible cover element 14, 34 or 44 must correspond to the dimensions of the vehicle that is to be enclosed. It will be understood that a hatchback, for example may require a somewhat differently shaped enclosure than an estate car or a sports car. In every case the materials are desirably selected so as to provide a tough and weatherproof enclosure, while being sufficiently lightweight and flexible that the enclosure can be readily folded up and for example stored in the boot of the vehicle. Since the vehicle itself rests on the ground sheet of the enclosure, which is connected to the cover element either by a zip or by a permanent connection around its entire perimeter, there is no risk of the cover element being blown off the vehicle.

As described above, enclosures of the invention may be suited to this cars and vans. The concept is equally applicable to a motorbike enclosure. So, referring to figure 5, there is shown a motorbike enclosure 50. The enclosure 50 includes a ground sheet 52 with two reinforced portions: a long strip 53 corresponding to the portion on which the wheels of the motorbike will rest, and a short strip 53a on which the motorbike stand will rest. In this case a flexible cover element 54 is joined to the ground sheet 52 along one side, and forms a loose concertina when in the collapsed state as shown.

As indicated by double lines in figure 5, matching sets of zip teeth 56 and 56a of tough plastic are fixed along the end A and halfway along the side B of the ground sheet 52 and the corresponding portion of the periphery of the flexible cover element 54, respectively, and are provided with a slider 56b which is initially at the right-hand end (as shown) of the end A. Similarly, matching sets of zip teeth 57 and 57a are fixed along the end C of the ground sheet 52 and halfway along the side B, and the corresponding portion of the periphery of the flexible cover element 54, respectively, and are provided with a slider 57b at the right-hand end of the end C. As with the enclosure 10, the enclosure 50 is provided with vents 23 and with rear and front reflectors 25 and 26 (not shown in figure 5).

Thus in use, with the motorbike parked on the ground sheet 52, and with the stand resting on the short reinforcement strip 53, the user would lift the flexible cover element 54 up and over the motorbike. The slider 56b would then be pulled along the end A and halfway down the edge B to join the sets of teeth 56 and 56a; and the slider 57b would be pulled along the end C and halfway up the edge B to join the sets of teeth 57 and 57a, so completely enclosing the motorbike. As with the enclosures 10, 30 and 40, for added security the sliders 56b and 57b could then be joined together for example with a padlock.

In a modification to the enclosure 50, the cover element 54 may be permanently connected to the ground sheet 52 along the end A, and be removably connected by connectors such as zips along the two sides and the other end C.

It will be appreciated that in each example the dimensions of the ground sheet 12, 32, 42 or 52 and the dimensions and shape of the flexible cover element 14, 34, 44 or 54 must correspond to those of the vehicle that is to be covered.

Claims

1. An enclosure for a motor vehicle, the enclosure comprising: a flexible, generally rectangular, ground sheet onto which the vehicle can be driven and parked, and at least one flexible covering element, each flexible covering element being joined to and extending from part of the periphery of the ground sheet; primary fastening devices along the part of the periphery of the ground sheet other than the parts of the periphery to which a flexible covering element is joined, and secondary fastening devices along edges of each flexible covering element; such that, if the vehicle is parked on the ground sheet, each flexible covering element can be positioned so that it encloses at least part of the motor vehicle, and that by linking the primary fastening devices to secondary fastening devices, and if there is more than one flexible covering element also linking secondary fastening devices of adjacent flexible covering elements, the vehicle is completely enclosed.

2. An enclosure as claimed in claim 1 also including reflectors on each flexible covering elements at such a position that when the vehicle is enclosed by the enclosure the reflectors comply with the requirements for reflectors of a vehicle that is parked on a road.

3. An enclosure as claimed in claim 2 also including reflectors at positions that would be at the side of the vehicle.

4. An enclosure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims also including vents through at least one flexible covering element to provide ventilation, when the vehicle is enclosed.

5. An enclosure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the ground sheet is of a tougher material than that of the flexible covering elements.

6. An enclosure as claimed in claim 5 wherein the ground sheet incorporates thicker or tougher portions where portions of the vehicle would rest when the vehicle is parked.

7. An enclosure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the fastening devices are sets of zip teeth, also provided with a slider, to open or close the zip.

8. An enclosure for a motor vehicle substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, figures 1 and 2, or figure 3, or figure 4, or figure 5, of the accompanying drawings.