GB2562087A

GB2562087A - Vehicle cover

Info

Publication number: GB2562087A
Application number: GB1707125.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Finley Roger
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-05-04
Filing date: 2017-05-04
Publication date: 2018-11-07
Also published as: GB201707125D0

Abstract

A vehicle cover has a frame with a body section 8 and end sections 37, the height of one of the sections is adjustable, and a fabric sheet covering supported by the frame. A length of the body or end sections may also be adjustable. The end sections 37 are pivoted to brace (68, fig 2) on the central body section 8, and fold on top of the body section 8 (fig 4) to reduce the frame footprint when not in use. A kit of parts can slot to together, with interchangeable extension frame pieces of different lengths and zip-connected sheets to adjust the length of the sections. Foam padding (93, fig 5) can protect the vehicle, a sloping surface prevent liquid build-up, side panels protect the vehicle sides, and straps hold the sheet taut when fixed to the ground.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Roger Finley

Windmill Close, Long Ditton, Surbiton, Surrey, KT6 5JU, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):

Roger Finley (51) INT CL:

B60J 11/04 (2006.01) (56) Documents Cited:

CN 204451971 U CN 201283769 Y CN 105329078 A

CN 201380742 Y CN 201272228 Y (58) Field of Search:

INT CL B60J

Other: EPODOC,WPI,Patent Fulltext (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Venner Shipley LLP 5 Stirling House, Stirling Road,

The Surrey Research Park, Guildford, GU2 7RF, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: Vehicle cover

Abstract Title: Folding section frame vehicle cover with height adjustment (57) A vehicle cover has a frame with a body section 8 and end sections 37, the height of one of the sections is adjustable, and a fabric sheet covering supported by the frame. A length of the body or end sections may also be adjustable. The end sections 37 are pivoted to brace (68, fig 2) on the central body section 8, and fold on top of the body section 8 (fig 4) to reduce the frame footprint when not in use. A kit of parts can slot to together, with interchangeable extension frame pieces of different lengths and zip-connected sheets to adjust the length of the sections. Foam padding (93, fig 5) can protect the vehicle, a sloping surface prevent liquid build-up, side panels protect the vehicle sides, and straps hold the sheet taut when fixed to the ground.

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- 1 Vehicle Cover

The present invention relates to a cover for a vehicle, and extends to a kit of parts which would allow a user to assemble such a cover.

Car covers are used to protect a car from the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation, acid rain, bird droppings and wind borne particles. Car covers are also used to reduce accessibility to a car, and to thereby deter thieves.

So called “one size fits all” type covers are publicly available. However, a cover that 10 does not fit properly can damage a car as if it is too loose wind may cause it to flap against the car, scratching the paintwork. Accordingly, to overcome this problem it is possible to purchase covers designed for a specific make and model of car. However, such covers cannot be manufactured in bulk and are therefore costly.

The present invention arises from the inventor’s work in attempting to solve the problems associated with the prior art.

In accordance with a first aspect there is provided a vehicle cover comprising a frame comprising a body section configured to fit over a body of the vehicle, and an end section configured to fit over an end of the vehicle, wherein the height of at least one of the body section and the end section is adjustable, and a sheet for covering at least part of the vehicle, the sheet being disposed over and supported by at least part of the body section..

In some embodiments the end section may be configured to fit over the front section of the vehicle, and may be referred to as a “front section” of the frame. It may be appreciated that the term “front section of the vehicle” relates to the front part of a vehicle which may also be called the bonnet or the hood. The front section of the vehicle may also comprise the front windscreen.

In some embodiments the end section may be configured to fit over the rear section of the vehicle, and maybe referred to as a “rear section” of the frame. Furthermore, in some embodiments the vehicle cover may comprise both front and rear sections. That is, in some embodiments the vehicle cover may comprise two end sections. The rear section may be configured to fit over a rear section of the vehicle. It may be appreciated that the term “rear section of the vehicle” relates to the rear part of a vehicle which may also be called the boot or trunk. The rear section of the vehicle may also comprise the rear windscreen.

It may be appreciated that the term “body of the vehicle” relates to the portion of the 5 vehicle disposed behind the front section of the vehicle. The body of the vehicle may comprise the portion of the vehicle configured to house passengers, which may also be referred to as the cabin or passenger compartment. In vehicles comprising a rear section, the term may relate to the portion of the vehicle disposed between the front and rear sections of the vehicle.

In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the frame comprises a plurality of interconnected elements. The interconnected elements maybe formed as tubes. The elements may be formed from any suitable material, for example aluminium or steel.

In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the frame comprises a plurality of padding elements disposed over the interconnected elements. Advantageously, the padding elements protect the vehicle from damage.

In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the sheet comprises fastening means configured to fasten the sheet to the frame. The fastening means may comprise one or more straps attached to the sheet and configured to be fastened to the frame.

For example, the straps maybe configured to be tied around part of the frame. Alternatively or additionally, the fastening means may comprise one or more elasticated loops configured to be extended over corresponding attachment points disposed on the frame. Alternatively or additionally, the attachment means may comprise hook fasteners disposed on an underside of the sheet and configured to contact the padding elements and attach thereto.

The sheet may comprise fixing means configured to fix the vehicle cover to the ground.

The fixing means may comprise an anchor strap, which may be adjustable, configured to be attached to a hard standing fixture points or a ground screw. The anchor strap may be configured to hold the sheet taut, so as to prevent areas of the sheet sagging and collecting water during wet weather. In some embodiments, the sheet comprises at least two anchor straps disposed on opposite sides of the vehicle cover.

-3In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the body section and/or the end section may comprise at least one upright member configured to be adjustable in length so as to adjust the height of the body section and/or the end section. The at least one upright member may comprise a first tubing section with a projection disposed thereon, and a second tubing section comprising a plurality of height-adjustment apertures disposed along at least part of its length, wherein the second tubing section is sized to receive the first tubing section such that the projection maybe reversibly located in any one of the plurality of height-adjustment apertures, thereby allowing a total length of the upright member to be adjusted. The first tubing section comprises a projection aperture and a spring loaded button, wherein the button is disposed in the projection aperture to define the compressible projection.

In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the body section comprises at least two, three or four upright elements. The body section may be configured such that each upright element extends in a direction substantially parallel to the normal vector to a surface on which the vehicle cover is disposed, that is to say, in the vertical direction when the vehicle cover is disposed on a horizontal surface. In other embodiments, one or more of the upright elements may be configured to extend upwardly from the surface at an inclined angle. In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the body section and/or the end section comprises a plurality of upright elements, for example four upright elements, disposed to define corners of the body section. Adjacent pairs of upright elements may be connected to each other by longitudinal elements to define sides of the body section and/or the end section. Here, “longitudinal” can be understood as referring to a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle cover, which may also be the longitudinal axis of the vehicle when the cover is disposed over the vehicle. The sides of the body section and/or end section may be connected to each other by at least one top strut, for example by two top struts. The at least one top strut can be disposed so as to support the sheet, thereby providing additional support to help the sheet maintain the desired shape. Together, the top struts and adjacent pairs of upright elements define a front and back of the body section. Two or more of the top struts may be directly connected to one another by a connecting element.

In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the body section and the end section are both configured to be independently adjustable in height. This can allow the body section and end section to be set to different heights, so that the cover can be configured for different shapes and sizes of vehicle.

-4In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the length of the body section is adjustable. It will be appreciated that this may be achieved by providing side elements and, in embodiments where it is present, connecting elements, of varying length.

Alternatively, the body section may be configured to receive extension sections configured to extend the length of the side elements and, in embodiments where it is present, the connecting element. Advantageously, the length of the body section may be varied without the need to produce numerous different sized side and connecting elements.

In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the sheet is disposed over the body section. The body section may be configured so that at least one edge of the sheet is supported at a lower height than a central section to the sheet, thereby to prevent liquid collecting on the sheet during use. For example, the sheet maybe disposed over the or each top strut and, in embodiments where it is present, the connecting strut. The frame and the sheet may be configured to provide a sloping surface. The one or more top struts maybe disposed at the highest point of the body section, and maybe disposed substantially centrally between the sides of the body, such that the surface formed by the sheet slopes away from the top strut. Advantageously, the sloping surface prevents the build-up of liquid on the vehicle cover.

In one embodiment, the body may be configured to convert between an extended configuration, where the side elements and, in embodiments where it is present, the connecting element are substantially straight, and a folded section, where the side elements and, in embodiments where it is present, the connecting element are bent. Advantageously, in the folded configuration the size of the body is reduced making the frame more compact for storage.

In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the end section is configured to be folded against the body section to reduce a total footprint of the frame. For example, the end section may comprise a pivot configured to enable the end section to be folded upwardly against the body section, or to enable the end section to be folded so as to collapse the end section along its length and stored against the body section. For example, each side element of the end section may comprise two end components, wherein each end component is configured to attach to an adjacent height element and/or extension section, and two folding components, wherein each folding

-5component is pivotably connected to an end component and also pivotably connected to a folding component. The connecting element may comprise two end components, wherein each end component is configured to attach to an adjacent top strut and/or extension section, and two folding components, wherein each folding component is pivotably connected to an end component and also pivotably connected to a folding component. The frame may comprise locking means to lock the body in the extended configuration. The locking means may comprise corresponding apertures provided in either an end component and corresponding folding component or in two folding components, such that the apertures overlie when the body is in the extended configuration, and a pin which may be removably inserted into the corresponding apertures, thereby locking the body in the extended configuration. The corresponding apertures may be provided in the two folding components.

In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the body section comprises at least one wheel configured to allow the frame to be rolled along the ground. The body section may comprise at least two wheels, for example four wheels. In some embodiments, each side of the body section comprises two wheels. The wheels may be disposed at or near each corner of the body. In some embodiments, the or each wheel comprises locking means configured to allow the wheel to be reversibly locked.

In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the or each upright element in the end section may comprise a foot configured to rest on the ground when the vehicle cover is deployed. Advantageously, the upright elements stabilise the frame on the ground.

In some embodiments according to the first aspect, in addition to being disposed over the body, the sheet is disposed over the front section and, in embodiments where it is present, the rear section. The sheet may be disposed over the front connecting element and, in embodiments where it is present, the rear connecting element. The front connecting element and, in embodiments where it is present, the rear connecting element, may define a height which is less than the height of the body section. Advantageously, in this way the sheet defines a sloping section between the body and the front/rear connecting element, thereby preventing or reducing the tendency for standing water to gather on the vehicle cover during wet weather.

-6In one embodiment, the sheet may comprise one or more side panels configured to cover the side of the front section, body section and, in embodiments where it is present, the rear section. The side panels can provide additional protection to at least part of the side of the vehicle.

In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the front section is connected to the body section. The front section may comprise a connecting element which defines a side of the front section and is connected to the body section. The front section may comprise two connecting elements which define two sides of the front section and are both connected to the body section. In embodiments where it is present, the rear section maybe connected to the body section. The rear section may comprise a connecting element which defines a side of the rear section and is connected to the body section. The rear section may comprise two connecting elements which define two sides of the rear section and are both connected to the body section.

In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the length of the front section and/or the rear section is adjustable. This may be achieved by providing connecting elements of varying length, such that an appropriate length connecting element can be selected for connecting the front and/or rear section to the body section. Alternatively, the front and/or rear sections may be configured to receive one or more extension sections configured to be connected to one or both ends of each connecting element so as to increase the total length of the connecting element. Advantageously, the length of the front and/or rear sections maybe varied without the need to produce numerous different sized side and connecting elements.

In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the sheet comprises at least two sheet elements reversibly attached together. The sheet elements may be attached together by hook and loop fasteners or by a zip. The sheet elements may be attached together by a waterproof zip. The sheet may be configured to receive extension sheet elements between the two sheet elements. Advantageously, the length of the sheet may be varied as the length of the front, rear and/or body sections are varied.

In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the or each connecting element is pivotably connected to the body section. Advantageously, the frame can be converted between an extended configuration, where the front of the frame is spaced apart from and body section, and a folded configuration, where the front of the frame is disposed

-Ίsubstantially adjacent to the body section. In the folded configuration, the front of the frame may be disposed over the body section.

In embodiments where the frame comprises a rear section, in the extended 5 configuration the rear of the frame is spaced apart from the body section and in the folded configuration the rear of the frame is disposed substantially adjacent to the body section. In the folded configuration, the rear of the frame may be disposed over the body section.

In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the frame comprises one or more brace elements, wherein the or each brace element comprises an aperture and the or each connecting element comprises a corresponding aperture and a pin disposed through the apertures pivotably connects the or each connecting element to a brace element. In some embodiments, the or each connecting element is disposed between and pivotably connected to a pair of brace elements. At least one brace element, and more preferably a pair, can be disposed on each corner of the body.

In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the height of the front section is adjustable independently of the height of the body section and, in embodiments where it is present, the height of the rear section. The height of the body section may be adjustable independently of the height of the front section and, in embodiments where it is present, the height of the rear section. In embodiments where it is present, the height of the rear section may be adjustable independently of the height of the body section and/or the front section. The or each brace elements may comprise a plurality of apertures along at least a portion of its length, such that the height at which the connecting element is attached to the brace element may be varied.

In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the frame comprises locking means configured to lock the frame in the extended configuration. Advantageously, the locking element prevents access to a vehicle disposed under the frame. The locking means may comprise at least one strut, wherein the or each strut is configured to be locked to a connecting element and associated brace element, thereby locking the frame in the open configuration. In one embodiment, the frame comprises four locking elements, one for each connecting element and associated brace element.

It will be appreciated that the vehicle cover may be provided as a kit of parts.

-8Accordingly, in accordance with a second aspect there is provided a kit of parts comprising a plurality of elements configured to form a frame comprising a body section configured to fit over a body of the vehicle, and an end section configured to fit over an end of the vehicle, wherein the height of at least one of the body section and the end section is adjustable, and a sheet for covering at least part of the vehicle, the sheet being disposed over and supported by at least part of the body section.

All features described herein (including any accompanying claims, abstract and 10 drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined with any of the above aspects in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, byway of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a side view of a foldable vehicle protection cover comprising a frame and a fabric cover;

Figure 2 is a side view of a frame;

Figure 3 is a top plan view of the frame of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the frame of Figure 2 in a folded configuration;

Figure 5 is an exploded view of the frame of Figure 2;

Figure 6 is an exploded view of a middle section of the frame of Figure 2;

Figure 7 is an exploded view of an end section of the frame of Figure 2;

Figure 8 is a front view of a brace component;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the frame;

Figure 10 is a close up of a folding section of the frame of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a side view showing how the frame of Figure 9 may move between folded and extended configurations;

Figure 12 is a side view of the frame of Figure 9 in a folded configuration with a fabric cover disposed thereon;

Figure 13 is a side view showing how the frame of Figure 9 may be adjusted for smaller vehicles;

Figure 14 is a side view of the adjusted frame in a folded configuration;

Figure 15 is a top plan view of the cover;

Figure 16 is a side view of the cover and an additional airflow screen; and Figure 17 is a spacer for use with the cover.

-9As shown in Figure l, a foldable vehicle protection cover 2 comprises a frame 4 and a fabric sheet 6. As explained below, the frame 4 comprises a number of separate components which have been slotted together to form the frame 4. In the present embodiment the separate components are formed as tubes, thereby providing a strong lightweight structure. By adding additional components and/or adjusting the core components, the length and height of the frame 4 is adjustable, allowing the cover 2 to be sized to suit a variety of vehicles.

As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the cover comprises a central section 8, designed to fit over the body of a vehicle. Referring now to Figure 6, the central section 8 comprises four base corner components 10, each comprising an upright section 12 which extends above a horizontal section 14, the two sections 12,14 being connected by a bend 16. Bottom spacer components 18 mate with the horizontal sections 14 of adjacent base corner components 10 to define two substantially parallel side edges 11,13. A wheel 20 is provided below each horizontal section 14, to allow the frame 4 to be moved by a user.

Four top corner components 20 also comprise an upright section 22 which extends below a top section 24, the two sections 22, 24 being connected by a bend 26. The upright section 12 of each base corner component 10 is sized to receive the upright section 22 of a top corner component 20. Apertures 30, provided in the upright section 12 of each base corner component 10, are sized to receive a pin 32, disposed adjacent to the bottom of the upright section 22 of each top corner component 20, and hold the top corner component 20 in place. By moving the pin 32 from one aperture 30 to another, a user can adjust the height of the central section 8.

Top components 34 mate with top sections 24 of adjacent top corner components 20 to define two substantially parallel front and back edges 23, 25 of the central section 8.

The front and back edges 23, 25 of the central section 8 are substantially perpendicular to the side edges 11,13, as shown in Figure 3. The top components 34 and the top section 24 of the top corner components 20 are shaped such that the centre of the top component 34 is higher than the top sections 24 of adjacent top corner components 20. This prevents water from building up when the cover 2 is in place over the frame 4. For example, the top components 34 and the top section 24 of the top corner may define a curved surface.

- 10 Each top component 34 comprises a connecting projection 36 which extends from the centre of the top component 34 in a substantially horizontal plane perpendicular to the top component 34. The connecting projections 36 mate with a top spacer component 35, thereby connecting the two top components 34. It will be appreciated that the length of the central section 8 may be increased by inserting additional spacer components between adjacent base corner components 10 and between the top components 34.

The cover shown in Figures 1 to 5 also comprises two end sections 37, disposed either 10 side of the central section 8 and designed to fit over the bonnet and boot of the vehicle.

Referring now to Figure 7, each end section 37 comprises two corner components 38, each comprising an upright section 40 extending below a top section 42, the two sections 40, 42 being connected by a bend 44. The upright section 40 of each corner component 38 is sized to receive a leg 46. Apertures 48, provided in the upright section

40 of each corner component 38, are sized to receive a pin 50, disposed adjacent to the top of the leg 46, and hold the leg 46 in place. By adjusting which aperture 48 receives the pin 50, a user can adjust the height of the end section 37. Each leg 46 also comprises a spiked rubber foot 52, to better enable the leg 46 to grip the ground.

The upright section 40 of each corner component 38 comprises two connecting projections 54,56 disposed substantially adjacent to the bottom of the upright section

40. The first projection 54 extends in a substantially horizontal direction perpendicular to the upright section 40 and is configured to mate with a connecting component 58. The first projection 54 and connecting component 58 further define the side edges 11,

13. It will be appreciated that the length of the end sections 37 may be increased by inserting additional spacer components between the adjacent first projection 54 and connecting component 58.

The second projection 56 extends in a substantially horizontal direction perpendicular to both the upright section 40 and the first projection 54. The second projections 56 mate with a further spacer component 60, thereby connecting the two corner components 38 and defining a front or rear side 62, 64 of the cover 2.

A top component 66 connects the top sections 42 of the corner components 38 to further define the front or rear side 62, 64. The front and back sides 62, 64 of the cover 2 are substantially perpendicular to the side edges 11,13, as shown in Figure 3. Similar

- 11 to the central section 8, the top component 66 is curved, such that the central point is higher than the sides, as this prevents water from building up when the cover 2 is in place.

The frame 4 comprises brace components 68 configured to attach the end sections 37 to the central section 8. Referring to Figure 8, each brace component 68 comprises a vertical section 70, an upper horizontal section 72 and a lower horizontal section 74. As shown in the Figures, the upper and lower horizontal sections 72, 74 are disposed either side of the vertical section 70 and extend parallel to each other and perpendicular to the vertical section. An aperture 76 is provided substantially adjacent to a first end 78 of the upper horizontal section 72, and a further aperture 80 is provided substantially adjacent to a first end 82 of the lower horizontal section 74.

As shown in Figure 5, a brace component 68 is disposed either side of each of the base corner components 10 of the central section 8. Bolts 84 extend through the apertures and 80 on the brace components 68 and corresponding apertures 76’ and 80’ provided in the base corner components 10 thereby fixing the brace components 68 to the central section 8.

A series of apertures 86 extend across the length of the vertical section 70. A further bolt extending 84 through one of these apertures 86 and a corresponding aperture 86’ provided in the connecting component 58 fixes the end section 37 to the brace 68. It will be appreciated that the end section 37 are pivotably attached to the central section 8, and so may be folded on top of the central section 8, as shown in Figure 4, to reduce the size of the frame 4 when it is not in use.

As shown in Figures 9 to 11, in some embodiments, the top and bottom spacer components 35,18 comprise two pivotable components 87a, 87b disposed between two connecting components 89a, 89b. The first pivotable component 87a is pivotably attached to the first connecting component 89a, and the second pivotable component 87b is pivotably attached to the second connecting component 89b, and the first and second pivotable components 87a, 87b are also pivotably attached to each other. Accordingly, this allows the central section 8 to be compressed thereby further reducing the frame 4 when it is not in use. When the frame 4 is in the extended configuration a pin 91 can be extended through corresponding apertures 95 on the pivotable components to hold the frame 4 in the extended configuration. As shown in Figure 11,

- 12 by providing connecting components 58 of slightly different lengths, the end sections 37 can overlap when the frame 4 is in the folded configuration. [Is this correct?]

To further reduce the amount of space taken up by the frame 4 in the folded 5 configuration, in some embodiments clips 97 are provided on the connecting component 58, as shown in Figures 11 and 12. Accordingly, when the frame 4 is in the folded configuration, the legs 46 maybe removed from their respective corner components 38 and inserted into the clips 97.

Conversely, when the frame 4 is in the extended configuration, as shown in Figure 2, a strut 88 may be fixed to an aperture 90 in the connecting component and to one of the apertures 86 in the brace 68 to hold the frame in the extended configuration. The strut 88 maybe secured using a bolt 84, or for added security using a padlock 90. This would prevent an unauthorised person from folding the front or rear sections up in order to gain access to the vehicle.

Foam padding 93 fits over the components of the completed frame 4 to prevent any damage to the vehicle that might otherwise occur due to contact between the frame 4 and the bodywork of the vehicle.

As mentioned above, a sheet 6 is fitted over the frame 4, as shown in Figure 1. The sheet 6 may be configured to cover at least part of the vehicle, so as to provide protection for at least part of the vehicle. The sheet 6 is supported by the frame 4. The sheet 6 may be formed from any suitable material, for example fabric or a plastic membrane, and may be waterproof or water-resistant. The fabric sheet 6 comprises a top section 94 configured to fit over the top of the frame 4. As shown in Figure 15, the top section 94 comprises a flat sheet 96. The sheet is split into two parts 96a, 96b intended to cover the front and rear of the vehicle, respectively. The two parts 96a, 96b are joined by a waterproof zip 98. Accordingly, if the central section 8 of the frame 4 is lengthened by adding additional spacer components, as described above, the top section can also be lengthened by unzipping the two parts 96a, 96b and zipping a lengthening section 100, as shown in Figure 17, therebetween.

Both the top section 94, and any lengthening sections 100, comprise hook fasteners, such as Velcro®, 102 disposed centrally and extending in a longitudinal direction. Accordingly, the fasteners 102 will contact the foam padding 93 placed on the top

-13spacer component 35 and help to hold the fabric sheet 6 in place. Further hook fasteners 104 are disposed in a position to contact the foam padding 93 placed on the top components 34 and further help to hold the fabric sheet 6 in place.

Two slits 106 are disposed either side of the top section 94 and align with the front and back edges 23, 25 of the central section 8. This ensures that when the top section 94 is over the frame it will comprise side flaps 108. The top section 94 also comprises end flaps 109 configured to extend over the front and rear sides 62, 64 of the frame 4.

As shown in Figure 1, elasticated straps no can be threaded through eyelets 112 disposed either side of the slits 106. The elasticated straps no can then be pulled over an anchor 114 fixed to a base corner component 10, thereby securely fixing the cover onto the frame.

Alternatively, as shown in Figure 16, side screens 116, configured to cover the side of the frame 4, can be fixed to the top section 94 due to cord extending through the eyelets 112 in the top section 94 and corresponding eyelets 120 in the side screen 116. Further eyelets 122 and cord 118 can also attach the side screens to eyelets (not shown) in the end flaps 109.

Adjustable anchor straps 124 are connected to points of the top section 94 which will cover the top of the front and rear sides 62, 64. These anchor straps 124 can be attached to hard standing fixture points or ground screws 126 to secure the foldable vehicle protection cover 2 in place. The anchor straps can be configured so as to hold the sheet taut when the vehicle cover is deployed over the vehicle, to prevent areas of the sheet sagging and collecting water during wet weather.

Finally, it will be appreciated that for some vehicles, such as a van, only one end sections 37 will be required. Accordingly, one of the end sections 37, and the associated braces 68 may be removed, as shown in Figure 13. Any excess sheet 6 can be rolled up and fixed to the base corner components 10, as shown in Figure 13, or to the top component 34, as shown in Figure 14. In some embodiments, the vehicle cover may further comprises a strap or other suitable securing means to secure the excess part of the sheet in a rolled or folded arrangement when one end section has been removed.

-14Embodiments of the invention have been described in which the height of the body section and/or the end section of the frame, and in some cases the length and/or width of one or both of the body and end sections, can be adjusted. This enables the dimensions of the vehicle cover to be adjusted for use with different shapes and sizes of vehicle, without taking up any more space than is necessary. For example, in one embodiment the vehicle cover is configured to be adjustable up to a maximum dimension of 4 metres x 1.1 metres x 2.1 metres (length x height x width).

Whilst certain embodiments of the invention have been described herein with reference to the drawings, it will be understood that many variations and modifications will be possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims

l. A vehicle cover comprising:

a frame comprising a body section configured to fit over a body of the vehicle,

5 and an end section configured to fit over an end of the vehicle, wherein the height of at least one of the body section and the end section is adjustable; and a sheet for covering at least part of the vehicle, the sheet being disposed over and supported by at least part of the body section.

io
2. The vehicle cover according to claim l, wherein the body section and/or the end section comprises at least one upright member configured to be adjustable in length so as to adjust the height of the body section and/or the end section.
3. The vehicle cover according to claim 2, wherein the at least one upright member

15 comprises:

a first tubing section with a projection disposed thereon; and a second tubing section comprising a plurality of height-adjustment apertures disposed along at least part of its length, wherein the second tubing section is configured so as to receive the first tubing section such that the projection may be

20 reversibly located in any one of the plurality of height-adjustment apertures, thereby allowing the length of the upright member to be adjusted.
4. The vehicle cover according to claim 3, wherein the body section and/or the end section comprises a plurality of upright elements disposed to define corners of the

25 respective body section and/or the end section.
5. The vehicle cover according to claim 4, wherein an adjacent pair of the plurality of upright elements are connected to each other by longitudinal elements to define sides of the respective body section and/or the end section.
6. The vehicle cover according to claim 5, wherein the longitudinal elements are connected to each other by at least one top strut, the at least one top strut being disposed so as to support the sheet.

-ι67. The vehicle cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body section and the end section are both configured to be independently adjustable in height.

5 8. The vehicle cover according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising two end sections configured to fit respectively over front and rear end sections of the vehicle.
9. The vehicle cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the 10 frame comprises a plurality of interconnected elements.
10. The vehicle cover according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a plurality of padding elements affixed to the vehicle cover and disposed between the frame and the vehicle.
11. The vehicle cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet comprises fastening means configured to fasten the sheet to the frame.
12. The vehicle cover according to any one of the preceding claims, further 20 comprising fixing means configured to fix the vehicle cover to the ground.
13. The vehicle cover according to claim 12, wherein the fixing means comprises one or more straps connected to the sheet and configured to hold the sheet taut once fixed to the ground.
14. The vehicle cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body section and/or the end section is configured to be adjustable in length.
15. The vehicle cover according to claim 14, wherein the body section and/or the 30 end section is configured to receive a plurality of interchangeable extension sections of different lengths, thereby to adjust the length of the respective body section and/or the end section.
16. The vehicle cover according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the sheet comprises:

35 at least two sheet elements; and

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17connecting means configured to connect the at least two sheet elements to one another, wherein the connecting means are configured to permit the at least two sheet elements to be detached from one another so as to adjust a length of the sheet.

5 17. The vehicle cover according to claim 16, wherein the connecting means comprises a waterproofed zip.
18. The vehicle cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet is disposed over at least the body section, and the body section is configured so

10 that at least one edge of the sheet is supported at a lower height than a central section to the sheet, thereby to prevent liquid collecting on the sheet during use.
19. The vehicle cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the end section is configured to be folded upwardly against the body section to reduce a total

15 footprint of the frame.
20. The vehicle cover according to claim 19, further comprising:

locking means for locking the end sections in an unfolded configuration.

20
21. The vehicle cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the end section comprises a support foot configured to rest on the ground when the vehicle cover is deployed, thereby to support at least part of the weight of the end section.
22. The vehicle cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the

25 sheet comprises one or more side panels configured to provide protection to at least part of a side of the vehicle.
23. A kit of parts comprising:

a plurality of elements configured to form a frame comprising a body section

30 configured to fit over a body of the vehicle, and an end section configured to fit over an end of the vehicle, wherein the height of at least one of the body section and the end section is adjustable; and a sheet for covering at least part of the vehicle, the sheet being disposed over and supported by at least part of the body section.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1707125.9 Examiner: Terence Newhouse