Abstract:
A family of vehicle cover sections is disclosed, including at least one first cover section comprising a flexible material at least two second cover sections comprising a flexible material. One of the at least two second cover sections is non-permanently connectable to the at least one first cover section to form therewith a first vehicle cover configured to generally fit the contour of at least an upper portion of a first vehicle having a first configuration. Another of the at least two second cover sections is non-permanently connectable to the at least one first cover section to form therewith a second vehicle cover configured to generally fit the contour of at least the upper portion of a second vehicle having a second configuration, the second vehicle cover being removably attachable to the second vehicle. A method of forming a vehicle cover and a cover formed by the method are also disclosed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/950,966 filed on Jul. 20, 2007, entitled “Cover for a Vehicle”, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to protective covers for a vehicle. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Certain vehicles, for example recreational vehicles, are normally covered with protective covers during storage or when they are being towed by a vehicle. The covers provide protection against the elements of nature, such as protecting the colors from fading in the sunlight. The protective covers also keeps snow and dirt thrown from the towing vehicle from contacting the vehicle to prevent surface damage and corrosion of the metal parts. 
         [0004]    Accordingly, many different types of covers for recreational vehicles are known, all of which generally provide protection for the vehicle during transportation or storage thereof. Conventionally, covers are designed to snugly fit over the particular vehicle to be covered. Each cover is designed for one vehicle design and thus either does not fit, or provides less protection when placed over another vehicle of different design, even when the two vehicles have similar designs. 
         [0005]    Soft, lightweight covers are often used as they can easily be folded up and stored away when not in use. Such conventional covers generally comprise a large upper portion made of a nylon or similarly weatherproof material which is sized and fitted to slide overtop of the entire upper body portion of the vehicle. In the example of a snowmobile, the cover generally covers the forward fairings of the external shell and the seat portion. Typically, the wheels or skis and track of the vehicle are left uncovered by this type of cover, however the cover may alternatively cover one or more of these. A system of straps or attachments were used to keep the cover from blowing off the vehicle. 
         [0006]    In some instances, the difference between two vehicle designs is the rear portion of the seat. For example, a first snowmobile could be designed for trail riding with a short seat designed to accommodate the driver alone. A second snowmobile could also be designed for trail riding but have an extended seat with a back rest designed to accommodate a driver and one or more passengers. The front portions of the snowmobiles are substantially the same, as well as the driver&#39;s area; they differ toward the rear of the vehicle only. As a result, two separate covers had to be manufactured and stocked in order to have at least one cover for each vehicle readily available. If either the manufacturer or the retailer wishes to have each cover available in different colours, or with optional features such as a vent, the problem is further exacerbated. 
         [0007]    U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/671,694, filed Feb. 6, 2007, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, discloses a family of snowmobiles having engine compartments with the same configuration but tunnels of different widths. Therefore, these two snowmobiles with different tunnel widths each require a complete cover, separately designed to fit the contour of both the engine compartment and the tunnel portion of the respective snowmobile, even though their engine compartments have the same shape. 
         [0008]    Other recreational vehicles, including ATVs or three-wheeled motorized vehicles such as the Spyder™ three-wheeled vehicle marketed by Bombardier Recreational Products Inc., may present the same problem. For example, a particular model of ATV or three-wheeled motorized vehicle may have a modular component rearward of the driver&#39;s seat that can accommodate either a passenger seat or a cargo rack. In each of the two configurations, the vehicle will require a separate cover designed to snugly fit the particular modular rear component. 
         [0009]    As can be seen, manufacturers have to produce multiple covers corresponding to each model of vehicle in each of its available configurations, and dealers have had to maintain an inventory of the multiple covers, in order to have an appropriate cover readily available for purchase regardless of the particular vehicle configuration owned by the consumer. A vehicle cover requires a significant amount of material and occupies a significant amount of space even when folded for storage, and an entire cover must be manufactured and stored even when its shape differs from another cover in only one small part. Thus, while these multiple vehicle covers protect the vehicles and are convenient for the vehicle owner, the multiple required designs result in an increase in manufacturing costs and storage costs. 
         [0010]    Therefore, there is a need for a vehicle cover having reduced manufacturing cost and occupying reduced storage space. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    It is an object of the present invention to ameliorate at least some of the inconveniences present in the prior art. 
         [0012]    It is also an object of the present invention to provide a family of vehicle cover sections that can be combined to form covers that fit a variety of recreational vehicles having different configurations. 
         [0013]    One aspect of the present invention provides a family of vehicle cover sections comprising at least one first cover section comprising a flexible material and at least two second cover sections comprising a flexible material. One of the at least two second cover sections is non-permanently connectable to the at least one first cover section to form therewith a first vehicle cover configured to generally fit the contour of at least an upper portion of a first vehicle having a first configuration. The first vehicle cover is removably attachable to the first vehicle. Another of the at least two second cover sections is non-permanently connectable to the at least one first cover section to form therewith a second vehicle cover configured to generally fit the contour of at least the upper portion of a second vehicle having a second configuration. The second vehicle cover is removably attachable to the second vehicle. The second configuration is different from the first configuration. 
         [0014]    In a further aspect, the family of vehicle cover sections further comprises at least one third cover section having first and second ends. The first end of the at least one third cover section is non-permanently connectable to the at least one first cover section. The second end of the at least one third cover section is non-permanently connectable to at least one of the at least two second cover sections. The at least one third cover section is disposed between the at least one first cover section and the at least one of the at least two second cover sections when non-permanently connected thereto. 
         [0015]    In a further aspect, each of the non-permanent connections is one of a zipper, snaps, Velcro™ and buttons. 
         [0016]    In a further aspect, the non-permanent connection is at least one of a zipper, snaps, Velcro™ and buttons. 
         [0017]    In a further aspect, the first configuration is a first seat configuration and the second configuration is a second seat configuration. 
         [0018]    In a further aspect, the first seat configuration is configured to receive a single rider and the second seat configuration is configured to receive two or more riders. 
         [0019]    In a further aspect, the first seat configuration is configured to receive two riders and the second seat configuration is configured to receive three riders. 
         [0020]    In a further aspect, the first vehicle comprises handlebars. Each of the at least two second cover sections is connectable to the at least one first cover section at a location disposed rearward of the handlebars when the first vehicle cover is removably attached to the first vehicle. 
         [0021]    In a further aspect, the first vehicle is a snowmobile comprising skis. The first vehicle cover generally fits the contour of the skis when the first vehicle cover is removably attached to the first vehicle. 
         [0022]    In a further aspect, the first vehicle is a snowmobile comprising skis. The first vehicle cover does not cover the skis when the first vehicle cover is removably attached to the first vehicle. 
         [0023]    Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of providing a cover for a vehicle. The cover is removably attachable to the vehicle. The cover is configured to generally fit the contour of at least an upper portion of the vehicle. The method comprises: providing a first cover section comprising a flexible material; selecting a second cover section from a family of second cover sections comprising a flexible material, the family of second cover sections comprising at least two second cover sections having different shapes; and non-permanently connecting the first cover section to the second cover section thereby to form the cover for a vehicle. 
         [0024]    In a further aspect, the first cover section is selected from a family of first cover sections. The family of first cover sections comprises at least two first cover sections having different shapes. 
         [0025]    In a further aspect, non-permanently connecting the first cover section to the second cover section comprises: providing a third cover section comprising a flexible material, the third cover section having a first end and a second end; non-permanently connecting the first cover section to the first end of the third cover section; and non-permanently connecting the second cover section to the second end of the third cover section, such that the third cover section is disposed between the first cover section and the second cover section. 
         [0026]    Another aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle cover comprising a first cover section comprising a flexible material and a second cover section comprising a flexible material. The second cover section is selected from a family of second cover sections. The family of second cover sections comprises at least two second cover sections having different shapes. The second cover section is non-permanently connected to the first cover section. 
         [0027]    In a further aspect, the vehicle cover further comprises a third cover section comprising a flexible material. The third cover section has a first end and a second end. The second cover section is non-permanently connected to the first cover section by non-permanently connecting the first cover section to the first end of the third cover section and non-permanently connecting the second cover section to the second end of the third cover section. 
         [0028]    In a further aspect, the second cover section is non-permanently connected to the first cover section at a joint. The joint is disposed rearwardly of the handlebars of the vehicle when the vehicle cover is disposed on the vehicle. 
         [0029]    In a further aspect, the first cover section comprises: a front wall shaped to generally fit the contour of a front end of a vehicle; a top wall shaped to generally fit the contour of a top of a forward portion of the vehicle, the top wall having a rearward edge; a left side wall shaped to generally fit the contour of at least an upper portion of a left side of the forward portion of the vehicle, the left side wall having a rearward edge; and a right side wall shaped to generally fit the contour of at least an upper portion of a right side of the forward portion of the vehicle, the right side wall having a rearward edge. Each of the at least two second cover sections comprises: a rear wall shaped to generally fit the contour of a rear end of a vehicle; a top wall shaped to generally fit the contour of a top of a rearward portion of the vehicle, the top wall having a forward edge; a left side wall shaped to generally fit the contour of at least an upper portion of a left side of the rearward portion of the vehicle, the left side wall having a forward edge; and a right side wall shaped to generally fit the contour of at least an upper portion of a right side of the rearward portion of the vehicle, the right side wall having a forward edge. The first cover section is non-permanently connected to the selected second cover section by non-permanently connecting the rearward edges of the top wall, left side wall and right side wall of the first cover section respectively to the forward edges of the top wall, left side wall and right side wall of the second cover section. 
         [0030]    In a further aspect, a portion of the first cover section is a first seat-covering portion adapted to generally fit the contour of at least a portion of a seat of the vehicle. A portion of the first cover section is a first seat-covering portion adapted to generally fit the contour of at least a portion of a seat of the vehicle. A portion of the selected second cover section is a second seat-covering portion adapted to cover at least a portion of the seat of the vehicle. The first cover section is non-permanently connected to the selected second cover section at an intersection of the first seat covering portion and the second seat-covering portion. 
         [0031]    In a further aspect, the selected second cover section further includes at least one strap for removably attaching the vehicle cover to the vehicle. 
         [0032]    Another aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle cover comprising a first cover section. The first cover section has: a front wall for covering a front end of a vehicle; a first portion disposed rearwardly of the front wall, the first portion having a first height and a first width; a second portion disposed rearwardly of the first portion, the second portion having a second height greater than the first height and a second width greater than the first width; a third portion disposed rearwardly of the second portion, the third portion having a third height less than the second height and a third width less than the second width; and a first half of a non-permanent fastener disposed rearwardly of the third portion. The vehicle cover comprises a second cover section. The second cover section has: a second half of the non-permanent fastener; a fourth portion disposed rearwardly of the second half of the non-permanent fastener, the fourth portion having a fourth height substantially equal to the third height and a fourth width less than the third width; and a rear wall for covering the rear end of the vehicle. The first cover section is non-permanently connected to the second cover section by connecting the first half of the non-permanent fastener to the second half of the non-permanent fastener, thereby forming the vehicle cover. The third portion and the fourth portion together defining a seat portion adapted to cover the seat of the vehicle. 
         [0033]    In a further aspect, the first and second halves of the non-permanent fastener are disposed rearwardly of the handlebars of the vehicle when the vehicle cover is disposed on the vehicle. 
         [0034]    For purposes of this application, the term “configuration” means the arrangement of parts. For example, the seating configuration refers to the arrangement and shape of the seat for the driver or rider, and the presence or absence and position of seats for one or more riders as passengers. As a second example, the configuration of a vehicle generally may refer to one or more of the seating configuration, the arrangement of the fairings of the vehicle, the presence, absence, dimensions or shape of other features such as cargo racks, storage boxes, wheels or skis, or any other features that affect the overall external shape of the vehicle. 
         [0035]    Embodiments of the present invention each have at least one of the above-mentioned aspects, but do not necessarily have all of them. It should be understood that some aspects of the present invention that have resulted from attaining the above-mentioned objects may not satisfy these objects and/or may satisfy other objects not specifically recited herein. 
         [0036]    Additional and/or alternative features, aspects, and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0037]    For a better understanding of the present invention, as well as other aspects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description which is to be used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where: 
           [0038]      FIG. 1  is a side elevation view of a first snowmobile having a first seating configuration; 
           [0039]      FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of a second snowmobile having a second seating configuration; 
           [0040]      FIG. 3  is a side elevation view of a third snowmobile having a third seating configuration; 
           [0041]      FIGS. 4A through 4H  are schematic illustrations of vehicle covers according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0042]      FIG. 5A  is a side elevation view of a first three-wheeled motorized vehicle having a first seating configuration; 
           [0043]      FIG. 5B  is a side elevation view of a second three-wheeled motorized vehicle having a second seating configuration; 
           [0044]      FIG. 6  is an isometric view of an ATV with a variety of interchangeable modular sub-assemblies; 
           [0045]      FIG. 7  is an elevation view of a joint between two vehicle cover sections according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0046]      FIG. 8  is a schematic illustration of a vehicle cover according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0047]      FIG. 9A  is a bottom plan view of a snowmobile having a cover fastened thereto; and 
           [0048]      FIG. 9B  is a side elevation view of a snowmobile having a cover fastened thereto. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0049]    Vehicle covers in accordance with embodiments of the present invention will be described with respect to their use with snowmobiles, ATVs and three-wheeled motorized vehicles. The present invention can also be applied to other types of vehicles, such as motorcycles. 
         [0050]    There will now be described a family of snowmobiles on which the vehicle cover according to the present invention can be used.  FIG. 1  illustrates a snowmobile  10 . The snowmobile  10  includes a forward end  12  and a rearward end  14  which are defined consistently with a travel direction of the vehicle. The snowmobile  10  includes a frame  16  comprising an engine cradle portion  18  and a tunnel  20 . The tunnel  20  generally consists of one or more pieces of a suitable sheet metal such as steel, stamped into an inverted U-shape. It should be understood that the tunnel  20  may be made with materials other than steel, and that it can be formed into the desired shape by methods other than stamping, without departing from the spirit of the invention. The tunnel  20  is connected to the engine cradle portion  18  and extends rearwardly along the longitudinal axis of the snowmobile  10 . While hidden behind a front fairing  22 , an engine, not shown, provides motive force for the snowmobile  10 . 
         [0051]    Two front skis  26  are attached to the front portion of the frame  16  through a front suspension system  28 . A handlebar  38  is positioned forward of a seat  168 . The handlebar is operatively connected to the skis  26  to steer the skis  26 , thereby providing directional control of the snowmobile  10 . 
         [0052]    An endless drive track  40  is disposed under the tunnel  20  of the frame  16  with the upper portion of the drive track  40  accommodated within the tunnel  20 . The endless drive track  40  is operatively connected to the engine  24  through a transmission system (not shown), to provide propulsion to the snowmobile  10 . The endless drive track  40  is mounted to the tunnel  20  via a rear suspension assembly  44 . The rear suspension assembly  44  includes rear suspension arms  46  and  48 , a pair of slide rails  50  and idler wheels  52 . Rear suspension arms  46  and  48  connect the slide rails  50  and idler wheels  52  to the tunnel  20  of the frame  16 . The slide rails  50  generally position and guide the endless drive track  40 , and typically include a sliding lower surface made of polyethylene to reduce contact friction between the slide rails  50  and the drive track  40 . The rear suspension assembly  44  also includes one or more shock absorbers  54  which each further include a coil spring  55  surrounding the individual shock absorbers  54 . 
         [0053]    At the front end  12 , the snowmobile  10  includes an external shell consisting of fairings  56  that enclose and protect the engine  24  and transmission. The fairings can be decorated to render the snowmobile  10  more aesthetically pleasing. The fairings  56  include a hood  58  and one or more side panels  60  that can be opened to allow access to the engine  24  and the transmission when this is required, for example, for inspection or maintenance. The side panels  60  can be opened away from the snowmobile  10  along a vertical axis, independently from the hood  58 , which pivots forward about a horizontally extending axis. A windshield  62 , which may be connected either to the fairings  56 , as shown, or directly to the handlebar  38 , acts as wind deflector to lessen the force of the air on the driver when the snowmobile is moving. 
         [0054]    A straddle-type seat  68  is positioned atop and mounted to the tunnel  20 . In the seating configuration shown in  FIG. 1 , the straddle-type seat  68  provides a seating position  70  for a single driver. Two footrests  72 , generally extending outwardly from the tunnel  20 , are positioned on either side of the straddle seat  68  to accommodate the driver&#39;s feet and provide a rigid platform for the driver to stand on when maneuvering the snowmobile  10 . A backrest  74  is also provided for supporting the back of the driver. 
         [0055]      FIG. 2  illustrates a second snowmobile  110 . The snowmobile  110  differs from the snowmobile  10  of  FIG. 1  only in its seating configuration. The straddle-type seat  168  of snowmobile  110  has a first seating position  70  for the driver, and a second seating position  170  for a first passenger. The backrest  74  is positioned rearward of the seating position  170  to support the back of the first passenger, and grab handles  76  are provided for the first passenger to grip while seated on the seating position  170 . The remaining features of snowmobile  110  are the same as those of the snowmobile  10  of  FIG. 1 , and are labelled with the same reference numbers. Therefore, these will not be described in further detail. 
         [0056]      FIG. 3  illustrates a third snowmobile  210 . The snowmobile  210  differs from the snowmobiles  10  and  110  only in its seating configuration. The straddle-type seat  268  of the snowmobile  210  has a first seating position  70  for the driver, a second seating position  170  for a first passenger, and a third seating position  270  for a second passenger. The backrest  74  is positioned rearward of the third seating position  270  to support the back of the second passenger, the grab handles  76  are positioned to be gripped by the second passenger while seated on the third seating position  270 , and a looped strap  78  is provided for the first passenger to grip while seated on the seating position  170 . The remaining features of snowmobile  210  are the same as those of snowmobile  10 , and are labelled with the same reference numbers. Therefore, these will not be described in further detail. 
         [0057]    There will now be described a family of three-wheeled motorized vehicles on which the vehicle cover according to the present invention can be used.  FIG. 5A  shows a first three-wheeled motorized vehicle  410 . The vehicle  410  has a straddle seat  412  located at least partially rearwardly of a center of the vehicle  410  and disposed along the longitudinal centerline thereof. The straddle seat  412  has a first portion  420  for accommodating a driver, and a second portion  422  for accommodating a passenger behind the driver. The second portion  422  is higher than the first portion  420  to permit the passenger to see in front of the vehicle  410  over the driver. A pair of handles  424  are provided on either side of the second portion  422  for the passenger to hold onto. It is contemplated that the straddle seat  412  could be disposed at a different longitudinal location depending on the particular ergonomics of the vehicle  410 . It is also contemplated that the straddle seat  412  could only have the first portion  420  for the driver. 
         [0058]    A steering assembly is disposed forwardly of the straddle seat  412  to allow a driver to steer the two front wheels  414 . The steering assembly has handlebars  426  connected to a steering column  428 . The steering column  428  is connected to the two front wheels  414 , such that turning the handlebars  426  turns the wheels  414 . The handlebars  426  are provided with handles  430  for the driver to hold. The right handle  430  can twist and acts as the throttle controller for the engine (not shown). It is contemplated that the throttle could also be controlled by a separate lever disposed near one of the handles  430 . A brake actuator, in the form of a hand brake lever  434 , is provided near the right handle  430  for braking the vehicle  410 . 
         [0059]    A pair of driver foot pegs  436  are provided on either sides of the vehicle  410  below the first portion  420  of the straddle seat  412  for a driver to rest his feet thereon. Similarly a pair of passenger foot pegs  438  are provided on either side of the vehicle  410  below the second portion  422  of the straddle seat  412  for a passenger to rest his feet thereon. Another brake actuator, in the form of a foot brake lever  440 , is provided on a right side of the vehicle  410  below the first portion  420  of the straddle seat  412  for braking the vehicle  410 . 
         [0060]    Each of the two front wheels  414  is mounted to the frame (not labelled) of the vehicle  410  via a front suspension (not shown) in a known manner. Each of the two front wheels  414  has a tire  446  thereon which is suitable for road use. The tires  446  are preferably inflated to a pressure between 138 kPa and 345 kPa. A fairing  448  is disposed over each tire  446  to protect the driver from dirt and water which can be lifted by the tire  446  while it is rolling. Each of the two front wheels  414  is also provided with a brake  450 . 
         [0061]    The rear wheel  416  is mounted to the frame via a swing arm  456 . The swing arm  456  preferably has two arms pivotally mounted at a front thereof to the frame and between which the rear wheel  416  is rotatably mounted at the rear of the two arms. A shock absorber  458  is disposed between the swing arm  456  and the frame  442 . The rear wheel  416  has a tire  460  thereon which is suitable for road use. Preferably, the tire  460  is wider than the tires  446 . It is contemplated that the tire  460  could have a smaller width or the same width as the tires  446 . It is also contemplated that the rear wheel  416  could have two or more tires disposed next to each other thereon and still be considered a single rear wheel. The tire  460  is preferably inflated to a pressure between 138 kPa and 345 kPa. A fairing  462  is disposed over the tire  460  to protect the driver from dirt and water which can be lifted by the tire  460  while it is rolling. The rear wheel  416  is provided with a brake  464 . Power is transmitted from the engine to the rear wheel  416  via a belt drive (not shown) or any other suitable means. 
         [0062]    A vehicle body  478  is attached to the frame in order to protect the components mounted to the frame and to make the vehicle  410  aesthetically pleasing. Components necessary to make vehicle  410  suitable for road use, such as lights  480  and a rear view mirror  482 , are mounted to the vehicle body  478 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 5B  shows a second three-wheeled motorized vehicle  510 . The second three-wheeled motorized vehicle  510  differs from the three-wheeled motorized vehicle  410  of  FIG. 5A  only in the addition of a backrest  522  positioned rearward of the second portion  422  of the seat  412 , to support the back of the passenger. The remaining features of the second three-wheeled vehicle  510  are the same as those of the three-wheeled vehicle  410  of  FIG. 5A , and are labelled with the same reference numbers. Therefore, these will not be described in further detail. 
         [0064]    There will now be described a family of ATVs on which the vehicle cover according to the present invention can be used.  FIG. 6  shows an ATV  610 . The ATV  610  has a frame (not shown) which supports a body  604 . The frame rotatably supports front and rear suspension systems  606  to which are mounted front and rear wheels  608 , in a manner well known in the art. The wheel preferably have low-pressure balloon tires (i.e, between 1.5 and 4 psi) 
         [0065]    A driver seat  612  is mounted to the frame generally above an engine (not shown). The driver seat  612  can support a driver in a straddle position with a leg on each side of driver seat. Footrests  614  are mounted laterally to the sides of the ATV  610 . Connected to the frame is a steering assembly  616 , including handlebars  618 , for steering the ATV  610 . 
         [0066]    Primary cargo storage on the ATV  610  is provided by front cargo racks  620  and rear cargo racks  622  mounted to the body  604  substantially over the axles of the wheels  608 . The front cargo rack  620  may have one or more portions over the fenders of the front wheels  608 . Likewise, the rear cargo rack  622  may have one or more portions over the fenders of the rear wheels  608 . Optionally, the front cargo rack  620  and rear cargo rack  622  may be integrally formed with the body  604 . 
         [0067]    The ATV has a receptacle  624  mounted to a rear portion of the vehicle permitting a variety of different modular components, to be interchangeably connected to receptacle at the rear portion of the vehicle, as will be described below. 
         [0068]    The receptacle  624  is adapted to receive and releasably engage a modular component in the manner described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/796,371, filed Mar. 8, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The modular component may be interchangeably mounted on the ATV  610 , and can be removed by an owner and replaced by a modular component of a different type whenever a different feature is desired or deemed useful. For example, the modular component may be a rear passenger seat  630 , a cargo container  640 , a flatbed  650 , a work bench  660  (with or without the illustrated vise grip), or a rear cargo rack  670 . The modular component may be electrically and electronically connected to the ATV  610  via a wire  644  connected to the modular component, a connector  642 ,  643  adapted for being disconnected when the modular component is removed and a wire  645  connected to the vehicle&#39;s electrical circuit, for example to power a brake light  641  mounted on the modular component. 
         [0069]    For each of the vehicle types discussed above, it should be understood that each of the configurations requires a vehicle cover having a different shape, despite the many similarities between the vehicles. For example, the snowmobiles  10 ,  110  and  210  require three different covers, even though the vehicles themselves are substantially the same shape except for the respective seating configurations. In particular, the front portions of the snowmobiles  10 ,  110  and  210  are the same. 
         [0070]    Therefore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of front and rear vehicle cover sections are provided as will be discussed in greater detail below. A vehicle cover for a particular vehicle is formed by selecting the appropriate front vehicle cover section to snugly fit the front portion of the vehicle, selecting the appropriate rear vehicle cover section to snugly fit the rear portion of the vehicle, and fastening together the selected sections with a non-permanent fastener to form a vehicle cover that snugly fits the contour of the entire vehicle. 
         [0071]    The front and rear cover portions are made of nylon but could be made of any other suitable weatherproof material. They are lightweight and flexible so they can be easily folded up and stored away when not in use. 
         [0072]      FIGS. 4A-4H  illustrate schematically how a family of snowmobile cover sections in accordance with one embodiment of the invention can be interconnected to provide snugly fitting covers for a number of different configurations of snowmobiles. It will be understood that the same principles can be applied in an analogous manner to covers for the various configurations of three-wheeled motorized vehicles and ATVs previously described. 
         [0073]    Referring generally to  FIGS. 4A-4H , a snowmobile cover fitted to a particular snowmobile is formed by selecting an appropriate front cover section corresponding to the configuration of the front portion of the snowmobile, selecting an appropriate rear cover section corresponding to the configuration of the rear portion of the snowmobile, and fastening the selected front cover section to the selected rear cover section at a joint. The construction of the joint will be described in further detail below. 
         [0074]    Referring to  FIG. 4A , the snowmobile  310  has a front configuration A and a rear configuration A′. It is therefore fitted with a cover  312 , formed by selecting the front cover section  314 , corresponding to front configuration A, selecting the rear cover section  316 , corresponding to rear configuration A′, and joining them together at the joint  318 . 
         [0075]    Referring to  FIG. 4B , the snowmobile  320  has a front configuration B and a rear configuration B′. It is therefore fitted with a cover  322 , formed by selecting the front cover section  324 , corresponding to front configuration B, selecting the rear cover section  326 , corresponding to rear configuration B′, and joining them together at the joint  328 . 
         [0076]    Referring to  FIG. 4C , the snowmobile  330  has a front configuration C and a rear configuration C′. It is therefore fitted with a cover  332 , formed by selecting the front cover section  334 , corresponding to front configuration C, selecting the rear cover section  336 , corresponding to rear configuration C′, and joining them together at the joint  338 . 
         [0077]    Referring to  FIG. 4D , the snowmobile  340  has a front configuration D and a rear configuration D′. It is therefore fitted with a cover  342 , formed by selecting the front cover section  344 , corresponding to front configuration D, selecting the rear cover section  346 , corresponding to rear configuration D′, and joining them together at the joint  348 . 
         [0078]    Referring to  FIG. 4E , the snowmobile  350  has the same front configuration A as the snowmobile  310  of  FIG. 4A  and the same rear configuration D′ as the snowmobile  340  of  FIG. 4D . It is therefore fitted with a cover  352 , formed by selecting the front cover section  314  used in cover  312  of  FIG. 4A , selecting the rear cover section  346  used in cover  342  of  FIG. 4D , and joining them together at the joint  358 . 
         [0079]    Referring to  FIG. 4F , the snowmobile  360  has the same front configuration B as the snowmobile  320  of  FIG. 4B  and the same rear configuration C′ as the snowmobile  330  of  FIG. 4C . It is therefore fitted with a cover  362 , formed by selecting the front cover section  324  used in cover  322  of  FIG. 4B , selecting the rear cover section  336  used in cover  332  of  FIG. 4C , and joining them together at the joint  368 . 
         [0080]    Referring to  FIG. 4G , the snowmobile  370  has the same front configuration C as the snowmobile  330  of  FIG. 4C  and the same rear configuration B′ as the snowmobile  320  of  FIG. 4B . It is therefore fitted with a cover  372 , formed by selecting the front cover section  334  used in cover  332  of  FIG. 4C , selecting the rear cover section  326  used in cover  322  of  FIG. 4B , and joining them together at the joint  378 . 
         [0081]    Referring to  FIG. 4H , the snowmobile  380  has the same front configuration D as the snowmobile  340  of  FIG. 4D  and the same rear configuration A′ as the snowmobile  310  of  FIG. 4A . It is therefore fitted with a cover  382 , formed by selecting the front cover section  344  used in cover  342  of  FIG. 4D , selecting the rear cover section  316  used in cover  312  of  FIG. 4A , and joining them together at the joint  388 . 
         [0082]    The joint between the front and rear cover sections may be fastened by a zipper, snaps, buttons, Velcro™ or any other suitable fastener. It is contemplated that more than one type of fastener may be used on the same joint. For example, the selected front and rear cover sections may be fastened together by a zipper, buttons or snaps, which may be covered by a flap of material fastened with Velcro™. Referring to  FIG. 7 , a joint  702  is shown between a front cover section  704  and a rear cover section  706 . In this example, the joint is fastened using buttons. The first half of the fastener, the buttons  708 , is provided on the rear cover section  706 . The second half of the fastener, the button holes  710 , is provided in the front cover section  704 . Because the nature of the joint  702  results in the front and rear cover sections overlapping, the joint  702  is arranged such that the front cover section  704  is disposed outwardly of the rear cover section  706  when the cover is placed on the vehicle. If the rear cover section  706  were disposed outwardly of the front cover section  704 , it would be possible for air to be caught by the joint  702  and potentially become trapped inside the vehicle cover when the vehicle is being towed on a trailer with the vehicle oriented in a forward direction. 
         [0083]    The construction of the front cover sections  314 ,  324 ,  334 ,  344  and the rear cover sections  316 ,  326 ,  336 ,  346  will now be described. The front and rear cover sections are sized and fitted so that when they are joined the resulting vehicle cover can slide over the top of the entire upper body portion of the snowmobile, generally covering the forward fairings of the external shell and the rear seat portion. The skis and track may be left uncovered by this type of cover, as seen in  FIGS. 4A ,  4 C,  4 E and  4 G, or the front section of the cover may extend downward to cover the skis as seen in  FIGS. 4B ,  4 D,  4 F and  4 H. Similarly, for an ATV or a three-wheeled motorized vehicle, the cover may optionally cover the wheels of the vehicle or leave them uncovered. 
         [0084]    Referring to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the snowmobile cover and some of its features have been renumbered for ease of understanding and to illustrate the general applicability of the present invention. The snowmobile cover is discussed above, including a number of different combinations of front and rear cover sections.  FIGS. 9A and 9B  illustrate one particular combination of front and rear cover sections, but it should be understood that the same principles apply generally to any combination. 
         [0085]    Referring to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , each front cover section has a top wall  916  and left and right side walls  918  to generally follow the contour of the snowmobile  900  and provide a snug fit for the forward portion of the snowmobile  900 . Each rear cover section has a top wall  920  and left and right side walls  922  to generally follow the contour of the snowmobile and provide a snug fit for the rearward portion of the snowmobile. In addition, each front cover section has a front wall  924  and each rear cover section has a rear wall  926 , to generally follow the contour of the respective end of the snowmobile. Referring also to  FIGS. 1-3  generally, it should be understood that some parts of the snowmobile  900  are larger than others. This necessitates that some parts of the snowmobile cover  902  be larger than others in order to snugly fit on the snowmobile  900 , as shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B . The front wall  924  may be pointed or blunt according to the shape of the particular snowmobile. Disposed rearwardly of the front wall  924  is a first portion of the snowmobile cover  902  having a first height h 1  and a first width w 1  adapted to snugly fit over the front fairings of the snowmobile  900 . The snowmobile cover  900  then slopes generally upwardly and rearwardly to a second portion having a second height h 2  and a second width w 2 , respectively larger than the first height h 1  and a first width w 1 , adapted to snugly fit over the windshield and handlebars of the snowmobile  900 . The snowmobile cover  902  then slopes generally downwardly and rearwardly to a third portion having a third height h 3  and a third width w 3 , respectively smaller than the second height h 2  and the second width w 2 , adapted to snugly fit over a part of the seat of the snowmobile  900 . Disposed rearwardly of the third portion is a fourth portion having a fourth height h 4  approximately equal to the third height h 3 , and a fourth width w 4 , slightly smaller than the third width w 3 , adapted to snugly fit over a part of the seat of the snowmobile  900 . Disposed rearwardly of the fourth portion is the rear wall  926 , which is contoured to snugly fit over the rearward end of the snowmobile  900 . It should be understood that the same principle can be applied to covers for other types of vehicles, such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and three-wheeled motorized vehicles, in which case the cover would have the appropriate shape corresponding to the features of the vehicle being covered, to ensure a snug fit. 
         [0086]    The joint  912  between the front and rear cover sections is formed by joining the rearward edge  928  of the front cover section  908  to the forward edge  930  of the rear cover section  910 , as will be described in greater detail below. The joint  912  is situated along the seat, rearwardly of the handlebars and forwardly of the rear of the snowmobile, between the third portion and the fourth portion of the snowmobile cover  902 . Because the seat of the snowmobile  900  has generally smaller dimensions than the front fairings, windshield and handlebars, the length of the joint  912  required to fasten the front cover section  908  to the rear cover section  910  is correspondingly shorter, resulting in reduced cost of manufacture and increased convenience in fastening and unfastening the respective cover sections compared to, for example, a longer joint situated along the windshield portion of the snowmobile. It is contemplated that the joint may alternatively be located forwardly or rearwardly of the illustrated location, without departing from the scope of the invention. It should be understood that the same principle can be applied to covers for other types of vehicles, such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and three-wheeled motorized vehicles, in which case the joint would be situated along a part of the vehicle that is generally narrower or smaller than other parts of the vehicle, such as the seat portion, to provide a joint of reduced length. 
         [0087]    Thus, using only four different front cover sections  314 ,  324 ,  334 ,  344 , and only four different rear cover sections  316 ,  326 ,  336 ,  346 , snugly fitting covers can be provided for snowmobiles having the eight different configurations shown. It should be understood that as many as 16 total permutations are possible with four front cover sections and four rear cover sections, thus properly fitted covers can be provided for as many as 16 different vehicle configurations using the same four front cover sections and four rear cover sections. It should also be understood that the number of different front and rear cover sections shown here is merely exemplary, and the invention may be practiced with more or fewer front cover sections and rear cover sections. 
         [0088]    In addition, it should be understood that the differences in vehicle configuration between the vehicles are not limited to the seating configurations, but can include the presence or absence of a cargo rack or storage box rearward of the rear seat, different front fairing designs, or any combination of these. 
         [0089]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , the front cover section  802  may be connected to the rear cover section  804  by connecting a middle cover section  806  therebetween, for example if the only or primary difference between two vehicle configurations is the length of the vehicle. Thus a first joint  808  is formed between the front cover section  802  and the middle cover section  806 , and a second joint  810  is formed between the middle cover section  806  and the rear cover section  804 . Both joints  808  and  810  may employ one or more suitable fasteners such as a zipper, snaps, buttons, Velcro™ or any other suitable fastener in the manner described above. It is also contemplated that the joints may employ different fasteners, for example snaps may be used for joint  808  and a zipper may be used for joint  810 . In this manner, the proper orientation of the middle cover section  806  is assured, because only the front edge of the middle section  806  can be successfully fastened to the front cover section  802  and only the rear edge of the middle section  806  can be fastened to the rear cover section  804 . 
         [0090]    Referring to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the snowmobile cover  902  may be secured to the snowmobile  900  by lateral straps  904 ,  906  which extend from one side of the opening in the snowmobile cover  902 , and are adapted to transversely extend beneath the snowmobile  900  for fastening engagement with the snowmobile cover  902  on the opposite side of the snowmobile  900 . The cover may have as many as three or four straps  904 ,  906 . One or more straps  904  may be attached to the front cover section  908 , forward of the joint  912 , and one or more straps  906  may be attached to the rear cover section  910 , rearward of the joint  912 , to ensure that the snowmobile cover  902  is adequately secured to the snowmobile  900 . This method of securing a cover to a snowmobile is described in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,964,448, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
         [0091]    The cover  902  may alternatively or additionally be secured to the snowmobile  900  by a strap  914  which extends around the perimeter of the snowmobile cover  902 , having ends which meet at a point, such as the rear of the snowmobile  902 , for fastening together. The strap can then be drawn taut to hold the perimeter of the snowmobile cover  902  as close to the snowmobile  900  as possible, thereby preventing wind or snow from entering the snowmobile cover  902  or blowing the snowmobile cover  902  off the snowmobile  900 . This method of securing a cover to a snowmobile is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,964,448. 
         [0092]    The cover may alternatively be secured to the vehicle in the following manner, described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,964,448. A single continuous fastening strap extends around at least the rear half of the perimeter of the lower opening in the cover. Each of the free ends of the fastening strap has a length which permits it to be crossed under the snowmobile and fastened to the lower lip on a lateral side thereof opposite from that of the strap opening from which the free end projects. 
         [0093]    It should be understood that the cover can be attached to the vehicle by these or any other suitable means without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
         [0094]    Modifications and improvements to the above-described embodiments of the present invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art. The foregoing description is intended to be exemplary rather than limiting. The scope of the present invention is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.