WO2005012014A2

WO2005012014A2 - Distinctive vehicle protective covering apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2005012014A2
Application number: PCT/US2004/024402
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joel H. Foreman
Original assignee: Foreman Joel H
Priority date: 2003-07-28
Filing date: 2004-07-28
Publication date: 2005-02-10
Also published as: WO2005012014A3

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to vehicle protective covering apparatus that is specifically designed to fit the distinctive contours of the front end of exotic vehicles such as Bentley/Silver Cloud Rolls Royce Auto Cars, street rods and motorcycles. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide for the reversible coupling of the apparatus to the vehicle with the use of strong yet finish friendly couplers. Moreover, the apparatus has reinforced support portions around certain parts of the vehicle where added protection and structure are needed.

Description

DISTINCTIVE VEHICLE PROTECTIVE COVERING APPARATUS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to vehicle protective covering devices and an apparatus for protecting the front end of distinctive vehicles in particular.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Since the days of Henry Ford's Model T, automobile owners have attempted to protect the front of their vehicles from flying debris while traveling. Many devices have been tried but one, the "bra", has become a ubiquitous feature on the front of many cars. Unfortunately, bra manufacturers have uniformly neglected distinctive automobiles such as the Bentley/Rolls Royce, street rods and motorcycles such as a Harley Davidson^®. This is because, heretofore, manufactures have been unable to replicate the form fitting characteristics of the traditional bra for these distinctive cars. Moreover, the traditional material (naugahyde and felt) from which most bras are manufactured could potentially damage the highly polished finish of these models. Also, many of these automobiles have extensive chrome work, particularly about the headlights, that cannot be rubbed by such course material. Therefore, there remains a need for an apparatus for protecting the front end of distinctive motor cars such as Bentley/Rolls Royce motor cars generally and from road debris in particular. Moreover, there is an existing need for such a protective apparatus that fits to the distinctive contours of even Continental and coach built styles of these motor cars as well as street rods and motorcycles distinctive chassis. In particular, there is a need for a protective cover that can be affixed to such vehicles without requiring fasteners; however, when fasteners are used there is a need for fasteners that would not leave marks on the vehicle's finish.

SUMMARY OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS The present inventor discovered a unique way of addressing all of the above limitations and providing additional advantages. In an exemplary embodiment in accordance with the present invention, a front-end protection apparatus is provided. In a preferred embodiment, it is an objective of the invention to provide a decorative yet functional protection apparatus that fits to the unique contours of various models of Bentley/Rolls Royce motor cars. In the furtherance of this and other objectives, the present invention may be provided in integrated and modular designs that fit snuggly to the contours of the automobile without flapping or damaging the finish. Moreover, it is an additional objective of alternative embodiments in accordance with the present invention to provide a protection apparatus for motorcycles, street rods or other distinctive vehicles. Another objective of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is to provide a novel coupling system that allows the user to reversibly install the protection apparatus without having to use traditional fastening means that could damage the automobile. In the furtherance of this and other objectives, the fasteners are preferably reinforced polymer fasteners that have a high enough tensile strength to withstand high stress without blemishing the automobile. Yet another objective in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention is to provide headlight covers having a glove-like contour profile and reinforcement for protecting the headlight from direct contact. Still another objective of the present inventions is to provide an alternative to the current systems that require Velcro^® or other adhesives to remain in place. Further objectives, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a protective covering apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the device in use on a Bentley. FIG. 2 is a left side view of the protective covering apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a left side perspective view of the protective covering device of the present invention shown on a Silver Cloud. FIG. 4 is a right side plan view of the protective covering apparatus of the present invention, showing the reinforced support portions about the wheels that accommodate the flared moldings. FIG. 5 is α left plan view of the protective covering device of the present invention, showing the reinforced support portions about the wheels that accommodate the flared moldings. FIG. 6 is an aerial perspective view of a protective apparatus showing the custom fit and finish of the an embodiment of the apparatus designed to fit about the mascot of the Silver Cloud motor car. FIG. 7 is an enhance right side plan view of the protective covering device of the present invention, showing detail of an embodiment having reinforcement about the flared wheel well and cushioning along the hood of the vehicle. FIG. 8 is a front aerial view of an alternative embodiment of the protective covering apparatus of the present invention, showing a preferred hood ornament accommodation aperture (i.e., Bently) and hood cushion. FIG. 9 shows alternative front views of a vehicle without and with headlight covers in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 shows alternative side views of a vehicle without and with headlight covers in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention provides a protective covering apparatus for distinctive vehicles such as Bentley/Silver Cloud Rolls Royce style motor cars, motorcycles and street rods such as roadsters, coupes, sedans and pickups. With general reference being made to the figures, the present invention provides α protection apparatus that is configured in a preferably integrated form to fit the distinctive contours of vehicles. However, in alternative embodiments, the apparatus may be a modular form where certain portions of the vehicle may be protected individually. The importance of having a form fitting apparatus cannot be overemphasized considering the expense and time required to repair even superficial paint damage on these vehicles. As a result, it is important that the cover does not flap because the repetitive action of the flapping cover can cause significant scratching. This is of particular relevance to conventional bras in that they are made of materials that can be abrasive if rubbed across an automobile's surface. Therefore, in addition to providing a form fit to prevent flapping, the present invention provides a cover that has an interior surface comprising a soft material that does not damage the finish even if rubbed against the surface. In a preferred embodiment, the interior surface is formed of a chamois material or other synthetic material such as microfiber to protect the automobile surface from getting scratched as well as keeping moisture or other environmental elements from the surface. As would be within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the textile art, combining two basic fibers, namely, polyester and polyamide makes microfiber. These fibers are then "split" and formed into a blend of 80% Polyester (the scrubbing and cleaning fiber) and 20% polyamide (the absorbing and quick drying fiber) and made into a microscopic wedge-shaped polyester filament with a nylon core. The interior surface has a soft feel and uses principles of α technology called microreplication to reproduce precisely a pattern of tiny peaks and valleys creating a capillary action. The capillary action of these filaments and nylon core creates a quick and strong absorbency, which enables the material to segregate moisture from the automobile surface to keep the surface clean and polished at the same time. The principle would be analogous to an inverted diaper where the absorbency is on the exterior while retaining the comfort and porosity features on the interior thereof. In line with the process disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,579,274, which is incorporated in its entirety by this reference, the exterior surface of the protective covering apparatus of the present invention is preferably made of a nonwoven polymeric material at dimensions close to the dimensions of the automobile upon which it will be used so as to allow for form fitting application that does not require fasteners. However, in alternative embodiments, fasteners are provided that are preferably formed of high tensile strength reinforced thermoplastics. Though not necessarily equivalent to the preferred thermoplastics versions, the fasteners themselves may be made from a variety of materials and the fastening system may comprise a number of different fasteners known in the art, including but not limited to buckles, latches, hooks, bungee cords etc. The important consideration is that the fastening system generally and the fasteners in particular do not damage the vehicle. Referring now to FIGS. 1 -2, 4-5 & 7, a protective cover apparatus 100 is provided that form fits to the contours of a very shapely vehicle (in this case a Silver Cloud). FIG. 4 shows the cover apparatus 100 partially in place so as to show the gathering possible when a cover is not form fitting. This FIG also shows the buffer 130 that provides a soft cushion that allows the user to slide the cover 100 into place without scratching the vehicle. Moreover, the buffer 130 provides added protection by keeping the cover 100 in snug communication with the vehicle when in place. FIG.7 shows a close- up of the buffer 130 and the reinforcement 1 10 found in certain embodiments of the cover 100 that is located strategically along the wheel well and alternatively along the bumper, grill, or other locations (not shown) . It should be kept in mind that the cover 100 can be configured to have multiple reinforcements or configured without any reinforcement present. In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7 there is heavy duty stitching 120 to keep the reinforcement 1 10 in place. FIGS. 6 & 8 show differing embodiments of protective covering apparatuses 100 in accordance with the present invention showing the snug fit of the cover 100. Moreover, the cover defines an aperture 180 that allows hood ornaments 140 & 180 (alternatively referred to as mascots) to be displayed while protecting the base 150 & 170 thereof. FIGS. 9 & 10 show embodiments of headlight covers 200 that are designed to protect headlights 190 from direct contact. In particular, the headlight covers in accordance with select embodiments comprise a first layer and a second layer with a reinforcement layer coupled preferably there between. The reinforcement layer comprising a an organic or inorganic composition such as a polymer, paper, fiberglass, metal alloy or the like. The headlight cover 200 is install in such a fashion that the reinforcement 210 is preferably placed flush with the front of the headlight 190 while the remainder of the cover 200 is placed about a sufficient portion of the headlight 190 to conform to the headlight 190 and remain in place. In certain embodiments, the there is an additional second reinforcement layer 220 that conforms around the outer diameter of the headlight 190. Just behind this second reinforcement layer 220 the headlight cover 200 may reduce in diameter, depending on the geometry of the headlight, to form the tight back 230 of the headlight cover 200. It should be kept in mind that thought it is not shown in the figures, the same principles, as they relate to the protective cover and the headlight cover, applies to motorcycles, street rods and other distinctive vehicles. It should also be kept in mind that in certain embodiments that the reinforcement layer does not materially inhibit the luminescence of the headlight. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes, which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims, are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

What is claimed is: 1. A protective covering apparatus for use with a distinctive vehicle, the apparatus comprising a sheet of fabric having a first and a second side, portions of the first side in protective communication with a portion of the vehicle, whereby, the portion of the vehicle that is in communication with the first side of the apparatus is protected when in use.

2. The protective cover apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the distinctive vehicle is a motorcycle.

3. The protective cover apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is designed to cover a portion of the front end of distinctive automobile,

4. The protective cover apparatus of claim 3, wherein the distinctive vehicle is a Bently.

5. The protective cover apparatus of claim 3, wherein the distinctive vehicle is a Silver Cloud.

6. The protective cover apparatus of claim 3, wherein the distinctive vehicle is a street rod.

7 The protective cover apparatus of claim 2, wherein the distinctive vehicle is a Harley Davidson.

8. The protective cover apparatus of claim 3, wherein the portion of the front end of the cover is in communication with at least one headlight of the distinctive automobile.

9. The protective cover apparatus of claim 8, wherein the cover further comprises reinforcement coupled with a portion thereof, said reinforcement capable of protecting the headlight from damage from flying debris.

10. The protective cover apparatus of claim 9, wherein the reinforcement is made of flexible yet durable polymer.

1 1. The protective cover apparatus of claim 10, wherein the durable polymer is fiberglass.

12. The protective cover apparatus of claim 2, wherein a portion of the cover is in protective communication with at least one headlight of the motorcycle.

13. The protective cover apparatus of claim 12, wherein the cover further comprises a reinforcement coupled with a portion thereof, said reinforcement capable of protecting the headlight from damage from flying debris.

14. The protective cover apparatus of claim 13, wherein the reinforcement is made of flexible yet durable polymer.

15. The protective cover apparatus of claim 13, wherein the reinforcement is fiberglass.

16. The protective cover apparatus of claim 3, wherein the cover has reinforcement that for protecting portions of the automobile selected from the group consisting of: the mascot, fender, headlights, bumper, hood, wheel well, undercarriage, grill, chassis and combinations thereof.

17. A headlight cover for protecting a headlight of a distinctive vehicle, the cover comprising a sheet of fabric having a first layer and a second layer, and a reinforcement layer between the first and second layers wherein the reinforcement layer provides protection for the headlight when the cover is in use.

18. The headlight cover of claim 1 7, wherein the distinctive vehicle is a motorcycle.

19. The headlight cover of claim 18, wherein the reinforcement layer comprises fiberglass.

20. The headlight cover of claim 18, wherein the reinforcement layer comprises a synthetic polymer.

21. The headlight cover of claim 18, wherein the reinforcement layer is cardboard.

22. The headlight cover of claim 17, wherein the distinctive vehicle is an automobile.

23. The headlight cover of claim 22, wherein the reinforcement layer comprises fiberglass.

24. The headlight cover of claim 22, wherein the reinforcement layer comprises a synthetic polymer.

25. The headlight cover of claim 22, wherein the reinforcement layer is cardboard.