Abstract:
A removable protective vehicle cover for motorcycles and similarly designed vehicles for protecting the upper surface of the vehicle from the elements. A cover sheet component protects vehicle structures disposed rearward of the handlebars and incorporates two front mounting elements for releasably receiving forward structures of the vehicle. The cover sheet is deployed in a generally horizontal plane and provides minimal wind resistance to any such lateral forces. An optional cover module protects vehicle components disposed forward of the handlebars and may be releasably attached to the front edge of the cover sheet. A storage pouch may be integrally incorporated with the vehicle cover to allow for compact storage and portability of the vehicle cover when not in use.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not applicable. 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISK 
       [0003]    Not applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0005]    The present invention generally relates to protective vehicle covers, more specifically, the present invention relates to a lightweight protective covering for motorcycles and motorcycle-like vehicle. 
         [0006]    2. Background Art 
         [0007]    The deteriorating effects of direct sunlight and water are well known and much time, effort, and money has been spent protecting vehicles and other items from these effects. The detrimental effects commonly include fading, blistering, and cracking. The largest impact from these effects is often felt by the uppermost horizontal surfaces of vehicles. 
         [0008]    Vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles, motor scooters, all terrain vehicles, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, and similarly designed vehicles are particularly susceptible to these effects since, by design, the vehicles are used in outdoor conditions and have no protective bodies or coverings inherently incorporated in their design. Due to their manner of use, such vehicles are typically exposed to atmospheric elements for extended periods of time. 
         [0009]    More specifically, vehicle owners such as motorcyclists often desire to protect their vehicles from damage that can be caused by exposure to rain and, particularly, by exposure to the sun. Commercially available covers are customarily made of material such as vinyl or canvas which is essentially non-stretchable in character. Such covers are normally relatively large and cumbersome, typically making them non-portable for a motorcyclist. 
         [0010]    Such covers are usually draped over the motorcycle and are relatively loose fitting, customarily being secured by ties or the like. In any event, such devices, being very loosely fit to the motorcycle, do not afford adequate protection from the elements. This situation is aggravated by virtue of the fact that motorcycles come in various sizes and configurations, while the conventional covers do not. 
         [0011]    In addition, motorcycle riders utilize their motorcycles for many purposes, including pleasure trips, running errands, and riding to and from work. It is therefore desirable that the seat and fuel tank be kept free of dust, dirt, and moisture which may accumulate when the motorcycle is parked, so as not to soil the rider&#39;s clothes. In hot climates, the black vinyl material of which motorcycle seats are typically composed may become very hot, causing considerable discomfort to the rider when first mounting the motorcycle. In the most extreme cases, the heat may even cause bums. Such heat further serves to seriously degrade the vinyl material. Many motorcycle riders also take pride in the overall appearance of their motorcycle, especially in the cleanliness and shininess of the fuel tank. The intense sunlight and high temperatures that characterize the motorcycle riding season, rapidly oxidizes the paint or lacquer finish of motorcycle fuel tanks, providing a degraded appearance. Some examples of motorcycle coverings and protectors that have been granted patents include the following: 
         [0012]    In U.S. Pat. No. 3,659,872, Warner discloses a foldable cover structure that completely covers a motorcycle. The cover has front and rear openings with fasteners and a top opening for the handlebars, with another covering portion that fastens over the top opening. 
         [0013]    In U.S. Pat. No. 3,884,523, Allen describes another protective cover for a motorcycle that stores within the seat of the cycle. The cover encloses the entire motorcycle, with no openings, and must be stuffed back into the seat for storage and riding of the motorcycle. 
         [0014]    In U.S. Pat. No. 4,171,145, Pearson, Sr. describes a retractable protective covering which may be unrolled from a spring loaded spool mounted in a housing attached to a motorcycle behind the motorcycle seat to cover the seat and the tank of the motorcycle. The covering has a long, rectangular top panel formed of heavy waterproof material, and two long, narrow upper side panels and two long, narrow lower side panels, with an upper and lower side panel on each side of the top panel. A pair of V-shaped bars, fastened to opposite sides of the housing, serves as guides in unfolding the upper and lower panels as the protective cover is extended. The covering is preferably fabricated from a nylon fabric. 
         [0015]    In U.S. Pat. No. 4,283,084, Gallagher discloses a protective cover for a motorcycle that is pentagonal in shape. The cover has an elastic curved edge that fits the rear seat portion, a pair of elastic bands for engaging the foot posts, and a set of Velcro strips for joining the cover about the cycle frame between the engine and the front wheel. The cover is described as fabricated from a lightweight, flexible material such as “ripstop” nylon, polyester fabric or other materials which resist the effects of weather. 
         [0016]    In U.S. Pat. No. 5,062,560, Wasden shows a flexible protective bicycle cover that fits over the seat, crossbar, handlebars and the front fork of a bicycle. The covering is a contour fitted covering of stretchable material that provides aerodynamic features with little or no protection of the bicycle it is covering. 
         [0017]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,562,139 by Cseri discloses a stretchable cover for providing a tight aerodynamic fit on the cycle to protect against the elements while the cycle is at rest or being transported. The cover is stretched over the front structure, the cycle frame and seat, attached to the front structure and seat and secured to the foot pegs to retain the cover on the cycle. Openings are provided in the cover for any side mirrors. The stretchable fabric material can be a nylon spandex fabric, known as Spandura®, which is commercially available. 
         [0018]    In U.S. Pat. No. 5,676,288, Spirk shows a portable protective cover for a bicycle adapted to be connected to the handlebars and seat of a bicycle. The protective cover is made of waterproof or water resistant materials to protect various bicycle components from the elements. The protective cover includes an elastic material design to secure the protective cover to the bicycle. The protective cover can include an integrated storage pouch to conveniently and compactly store the protective covering when not in use. 
         [0019]    In U.S. Pat. No. 5,795,009, Sack et al. describe a removable sun shade for motorcycles that includes a fabric sheet for extension over the upper part of the motorcycle, forming an air-circulating region between the motorcycle and the sheet. The sheet has a number of attachment members around its edge for securing the sheet to various parts of the motorcycle to hold the sheet in place. A storage pouch is attached to the sheet for reversible attachment to the motorcycle at various locations as most suitable for each model. The material of the fabric sheet is described as “weather resistant with breathability”. 
         [0020]    In U.S. Pat. No. 6,516,884, Henry discloses a sunscreen protector for motorcycles that covers the seat and fuel tank area to protect these components from the deteriorating effects of sunlight. The protector shade includes a rectangular sheet of tightly woven nylon/lycra elastomeric material sized to cover only the motorcycle seat and fuel tank. Four elastic strap members and a plurality of hook loop members with attached, coated J-hook members are employed for attachment to selected attachment points on the motorcycle. 
         [0021]    Thus, there is an unmet need for a protective vehicle cover that covers the seat and fuel tank regions of the vehicle and which can be employed for a large variety of vehicle designs and sizes. The cover also needs to be easily attached to and detached from the vehicle while being small enough for convenient storage. 
         [0022]    Additionally, many conventional protective covers envelope the entirety of the vehicle and are more suitable for long term storage. Everyday use of such covers requires more preparation by the user and subjects the vehicle to cross winds that may overturn the vehicle causing significant damage. Therefore, it is a purpose of this invention to provide a cover that protects the vehicle from detrimental environmental factors, while not subjecting the vehicle to destabilizing lateral forces. 
         [0023]    While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not necessarily to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0024]    It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a protective vehicle cover adapted to be releasably connected to both the handlebar region and a structure located rear of the seat of a vehicle to protect vehicle components from the elements when the vehicle is not in use. 
         [0025]    It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a protective vehicle cover having minimal vertical surfaces thereby reducing wind resistance and lateral forces that may damage the vehicle. 
         [0026]    Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a protective vehicle cover with a cover sheet that lies generally in a horizontal plane and further allows air to circulate between the cover and the vehicle. 
         [0027]    A still further aspect of the present invention is to provide a protective vehicle cover that further includes an optional cover module that protects vehicle components located forward of the handle bar region of the vehicle. 
         [0028]    In accordance with one embodiment, there is provided a protective vehicle cover, comprising a flexible cover sheet for protecting a vehicle and its components disposed rearward of the handlebars, wherein the cover sheet is weather resistant, lies generally in a horizontal plane, and has minimal vertical surfaces providing for low wind resistance, two front mounting points having a releasable connection to forward structures of the vehicle, wherein the two front mounting points are fastened to a bottom surface of the cover sheet, and a rear mounting point for providing a releasable attachment to a rear structure of the vehicle. 
         [0029]    The scope of the present invention may further include a cover module for protecting vehicle components disposed forward of the handlebars wherein a rear edge of the cover module is releasably attachable to the front edge of the cover sheet and both the cover sheet and the cover module are independently functional when not releasably attached. 
         [0030]    Further, the present invention may incorporate an integrated storage pouch for retaining the vehicle cover when not in use. The integrated storage pouch may preferably be disposed at the midpoint along the rear edge of the cover sheet. 
         [0031]    The above and other aspects of the present invention will become more readily appreciated and understood from a consideration of the following detailed description of the preferred form of the present invention when taken together with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0032]      FIG. 1  depicts a top view of a protective cover of the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 2  depicts a bottom view of the protective cover depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 3  depicts a top view of the rear edge of the cover sheet of the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 4  depicts a bottom view of the rear edge of the present invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 5  depicts the protective cover of the present invention folded into a compact storage pouch. 
           [0037]      FIG. 6  depicts an attachment means between the cover sheet and the cover module of the present invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 7  depicts a top view of protective cover of the present invention further including a motorcycle shown in phantom for illustrative purposes. 
           [0039]      FIG. 8  depicts a left side view of a protective cover of the present invention. 
           [0040]      FIG. 9  depicts a right side view of a protective cover of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0041]    Referring now to the drawings, wherein the drawings are for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting the same, in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  7 - 9 , there is shown a protective vehicle cover  10 . 
         [0042]    The protective vehicle cover  10  is primarily intended to shield the upper portions of a vehicle from the detrimental effects of sun, heat, precipitation, and other elements. Accordingly, the vehicle cover  10  is preferably composed of a lightweight weather resistant material that may be resistant to sun, ultraviolet rays, various forms of precipitation, and/or any other known causes of weathering. The vehicle cover  10  material may further possess characteristics of breathability to permit air circulation there through. Suitable materials may include, but are not limited to, nylon, ripstop nylon, vinyl materials, polyester fabrics and other materials known within the art. In use, the vehicle sheet  10  may protect the handlebars, hand grips (HG), hand brakes, headlight (H), instrument panel (IP), fuel tank (FT), seat (S), and other central components of the vehicle. A taut fit ensures both maximal stability and protection for the vehicle. When the cover sheet  20  is extended over the vehicle and attached as described, a space will be formed between the cover sheet  20  and the upper portion of the vehicle permitting air to circulate beneath the cover sheet  20 . Further, it is important that the vehicle cover  10  material be thin and pliable so that it can be readily folded into a package corresponding in size to one&#39;s hand (as shown in  FIG. 5 ). 
         [0043]    A top view and a bottom view of one embodiment of the vehicle cover are depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , respectively. Protective vehicle cover  10  may comprise a flexible cover sheet  20  and an optional cover module  50  that are each composed of a lightweight flexible material, as described above. Cover sheet  20  further comprises a top surface  21  and a bottom surface  22  having a reinforced peripheral edge  23  folded upon the bottom surface  22  and fixed thereto by a fixation means  24  thereby forming a finished peripheral edge (best shown in  FIG. 2 ). Preferably, the fixation means  24  is embodied by stitches  24  that allow for sufficient stretching and will not break when used for their intended purpose. The stitches  24  may comprise nylon thread or any other suitable materials known within the art. Additionally, the method of stitching may include box-stitching, zig-zag stitching, or any forms of stitching known within the art that preferably adds strength and/or durability to a stitched connection. While stitching is the preferred method of reinforcing the peripheral edge  23  of the cover sheet  20 , any conventional material edge reinforcing methods (e.g. adhesives, heat seal, etc.) may be employed. 
         [0044]    The preferred overall shape of the cover sheet  20  is best described as an irregular hexagonal shape, as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  7 . Cover sheet  20  may comprise a front edge  25  that is parallel but unequal in length to a rear edge  26 , a first parallel lateral edge  27  equal in length to a second parallel lateral edge  28 , and a first non-parallel lateral edge  29  equal in length to a second non-parallel lateral edge  30 . Both the first parallel lateral edge  27  and second parallel lateral edge  28  may be disposed perpendicular to both the front edge  25  and the rear edge  26  of the cover sheet  20 . 
         [0045]    The primary mounting points for attaching the cover sheet  20  to a vehicle form a three point mounting system. The mounting points may be constructed of materials including, but not limited to, a flexible nylon band, a web strap, a pocket, an elastic cord, line or strap, and any other similar materials which may further incorporate beneficial features such as snap-fastening means, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, various types of clips, clasps, belt means, buckles, and the like. Preferably, the primary mounting points are comprised of a cut-resistant material. 
         [0046]    The three point mounting system preferably comprises two front mounting points  31  and one rear mounting point  32 . The two front mounting points  31  are preferably disposed at or near the forward corners  33  of the cover sheet  20  and preferably attach to the hand grips (HG) of the vehicle. Alternatively, the two front mounting points  31  may attach to any other convenient forward components of the vehicle such as, but not limited to, the handlebars, hand levers, instrument panel (IP), mirrors (M), and mirror stem (MS). The two front mounting points  31  are preferably disposed on the bottom surface  22  of the cover sheet  20  via a stitched connection, an adhesive connection, a heat seal connection, or any conventional connection means known within the art. The configuration of the two front mounting points  31  may include, but is not limited to, loop-shaped fasteners, pockets, elastic retention straps, and the like. A pocket mounting point may be formed by sewing extra pieces of stretchable material onto the bottom surface  22  of the cover sheet  20 . Such pockets may serve to enclose the handle bars and hand levers of the vehicle. Preferably, the two front mounting points  31  are of a generally looped-shaped configuration so as not to necessitate the tying of each individual front mounting point  31  to a forward component of the vehicle, such as the hand grips HG. 
         [0047]    The rear mounting point  32  may be disposed between the rear corners  34  along the rear edge  26  of the cover sheet  20 , and may be attached to the top surface  21 , bottom surface  22 , or the peripheral edge  23  of the cover sheet  20 . The rear mounting point  32  provides the third primary point of contact with a rear structure of the vehicle such as, but not limited to, the frame, fender (F), seat (S), tire (T), tail light assembly (TA), turn signal fixtures, and the like. The rear mounting point  32  may comprise a loop-shaped configuration for attachment around an appropriate rear structure of a vehicle, such as those enumerated above. This configuration may be formed in a wide variety of embodiments including, but not limited to, a strap fixedly attached at both its ends to the rear edge  26 , a strap fixedly attached to the rear edge  26  at one of its ends and communicably connectable  35  to the rear edge  26  at its opposite end, and two respective straps each having one end fixedly attached to the rear edge  26  and each strap having a free end communicably connectable  35  to the free end of the other strap. Such communicable connections  35  are fully releasable and may include, but are not limited to, hook and loop fasteners, snap-fastening means, buttons, various types of clips, clasps, latches, belt means, buckles, hooks, hooks and D-rings, tie off strap ends, and the like. 
         [0048]    Additional secondary attachment members  36  may be used to supplement the three point mounting system. As depicted in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  7 - 9 , secondary attachment members  36  may be fixedly secured to the cover sheet  20  along its lateral edges  27 - 30 . Preferably, the secondary attachment members  36  may be disposed at the lateral corners  37  which are located at the intersections of a parallel lateral edge  27 ,  28  and the respective non-parallel lateral edge  29 ,  30 . Secondary attachment members  36  may also be disposed along the front edge  25 , front corners  33 , rear edge  26 , and rear corners  34  of the cover sheet  20  if a more secured attachment to the vehicle is desired. Configurations of the secondary attachment members  36  may include, but are not limited to, loops, straps, lines or elastic cords which may further utilize hook and loop fasteners, snap-fastening means, buttons, various types of clips, clasps, latches, belt means, buckles, hooks, hooks and D-rings, and the like to provide attachment to structures of the vehicle. 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-5 , the vehicle cover  10  may further comprise an integrated storage pouch  40 . The storage pouch  40  may be integrated along any available surface or peripheral edge  23  of the cover sheet  20 . Preferably, the attachment point for the storage pouch  40  is at the midpoint of the rear edge  26  of the cover sheet  20 . The pouch  40  may be configured in any general shape, with preferred embodiments having a rectangular or square shape. The pouch  40  may be formed by overlaying two layers of material and fixedly fastening the two layers to each other around their respective peripheries, leaving one edge unfastened forming the mouth of the pouch  40 . A portion of the mouth of the pouch  40  may be integral with or attached to cover sheet  20 , preferably along a peripheral edge  23 , so that the cover sheet  20  will remain attached to the pouch  40  in both the stored and deployed positions. As shown in  FIG. 3 , each adjacent material layer at the mouth of the pouch  40  further comprises a complimentary closure means  42 a,  42 b for releasably closing the mouth of the pouch  40  when the vehicle cover  10  is deployed. During cover  10  deployment, the pouch  40  is empty and may be temporarily used to store incidental items. 
         [0050]    As depicted in  FIGS. 3-5 , when storage of the vehicle cover  10  is desired the cover  10  may be compacted, rolled, or folded into a size and shape insertable within the pouch  40  via folding cover  10  over integral closure means  42   a . With cover  10  folded over closure means  42   a  and into the pouch  40 , the mouth of the storage pouch  40  may be releasably fastened, as depicted in  FIG. 5 , by complimentary closure means  42   b ,  42   c . Complimentary closure means  42   a ,  42   b ,  42   c  may include a wide variety of closure structures including, but not limited to, hook and loop fasteners, zippers, snaps, buttons, clasps, clips, or any other means known within the art. The storage pouch  40  is preferably composed of the same materials described in detail above regarding cover sheet  20 . Utilizing water resistant pouch material prevents liquid and other matter from penetrating the pouch  40  and moistening or soiling the flexible cover sheet  20  stored therein. As shown in  FIG. 5 , protective cover sheet  20  is collapsible in a convenient and easily transportable pouch  40  when not in use. In this manner, the protective vehicle cover  10  can easily be stored in a bag, a user&#39;s pocket, or conveniently carried by the user when the cover  10  is not in use. 
         [0051]    As depicted in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  6 - 9 , the present invention may further comprise a cover module  50  for protecting vehicle components disposed forward of the handlebars. Such a cover module  50  may overlay the instrument panel (IP), headlight (H) and other forward vehicle components, depending on the design and styling of the vehicle. Preferably, the cover module  50  may be of a substantially rectangular configuration having a front edge  51 , a rear edge  52 , and two side edges  53 ,  54 . Depending on the contours of the vehicle, the cover module  50  may be relatively flat, dome-shaped, or similarly adapted to fit the specific contours of the vehicle forward of the handlebars. A cover module  50  constructed of stretchable material may fully conform to a wide variety of vehicle components and contours. Cover module  50  may be comprised of the same materials as described for the cover sheet  20  above including, but not limited to, nylon, ripstop nylon, vinyl materials, polyester fabrics and other materials known within the art. Similarly, cover module  50  may further incorporate the same manner of a reinforced peripheral edge (i.e. stitching, etc.) as described above. 
         [0052]    As depicted in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the rear edge  52  of the cover module  50  may be releasably attached  55  to the front edge  25  of the cover sheet  20 . Releasable attachment  55  comprises complimentary structures disposed on the aforementioned rear edge  52  and front edge  25  which may include a wide variety of structures including, but not limited to, hook and loop fasteners, zippers, snap-fastening means, buttons, various types of clips, clasps, latches, belt means, buckles, hooks, hooks and D-rings, and the like. Alternatively, attachment  55  may be of a fixed nature such as, but not limited to, using stitching, adhesive, or the like. Depending on the design of the vehicle, mirror stems (MS) or other protruding vehicle structures may project through the point of releasable attachment  55 . When a cover module  50  is to be used in conjunction with a cover sheet  20 , the dimensions of the integrated storage pouch  40  may be increased accordingly to accommodate the storage of both the cover module  50  and the cover sheet  20  within the pouch  40  (see  FIG. 5 ). Alternatively, an integrated pouch  40  may be disposed on any available surface of cover module  50  in instances including, but not limited to, desired independent use and/or storage of cover sheet  20  and cover module  50 . 
         [0053]    In use, as depicted in  FIGS. 7-9 , the protective vehicle cover  10  may be installed on a vehicle by slipping the two front mounting points  31  attached to the bottom surface  22  of cover sheet  20  over the hand grips of the vehicle. Alternatively, two front mounting points  31  can be attached to the handle bars or any other convenient forward vehicle structures. The cover sheet  20  may then be pulled or stretched rearward along the central axis of the vehicle (e.g. over the fuel tank (FT) and seat (S) of a motorcycle). Next the rear mounting point  32  may be attached about the rear taillight assembly (TA). Alternatively, the rear mounting point  32  may be attached to the vehicle by passing around, under, or through any other convenient rear structure of the vehicle including, but not limited to, the fender (F), the tire (T), the rear border of the seat (S), the frame, and the like. As described above, the rear mounting point  32  may be either a static structure or an adjustable element that allows further tightening of the rear mounting point  32  to the vehicle. Rear mounting point  32  may include a variety of embodiments, with a preferred embodiment being a strap and complimentary buckle configuration as depicted in  FIGS. 7-9 . 
         [0054]    Optional secondary attachment members  36  may be employed and preferably do not distort cover sheet  20  causing significant vertical surfaces. Secondary attachment members  36  may attach to available vehicle structures including, but not limited to, the frame, seat (S), fuel tank (FT), foot pegs, cleat, or any other convenient point of attachment. Such attachment members  36  may include, but are not limited to, loops, straps, lines or elastic cords which may further utilize hook and loop fasteners, snap-fastening means, buttons, various types of clips, clasps, latches, belt means, buckles, hooks, hooks and D-rings, and the like to provide attachment to structures of the vehicle. 
         [0055]    The protective vehicle cover  10  is shown in the functional state in  FIGS. 7-9 . As disclosed above, an optional cover module  50  may be utilized either in conjunction with cover sheet  20  or independent of cover sheet  20  as desired. Cover module  50  may be constructed in a variety of shapes to accommodate the wide variety of vehicle designs in the marketplace. Cover module  50  may comprise stretchable material, wherein the module  50  may thereafter stretch and conform to an unlimited number of vehicle designs. When used in conjunction with a cover sheet  20 , the rear edge  52  of the cover module  50  and the front edge  25  of the cover sheet  20  may each incorporate respective complimentary releasable attachments  55 . In this manner, the abutting edges  25 ,  52  of the cover sheet  20  and module  50 , respectively, may be joined. Releasable attachments  55  may allow for the passage of vehicle structures including, but not limited to, mirrors (M) and mirror stems (MS), windshield sections, and the like (see  FIGS. 8 and 9 ). Further, the cover module  50  may utilize attachment members  56  about the edges of the module  50  to provide additional points of attachment to the vehicle. Attachment members  56  may be disposed on any edge of the cover module  50 , with attachment members  56  preferably being disposed along the front edge  51  as depicted in  FIGS. 7-9 . Attachment members  56  may include, but are not limited to, loops, straps, lines or elastic cords which may further utilize hook and loop fasteners, snap-fastening means, buttons, various types of clips, clasps, latches, belt means, buckles, hooks, hooks and D-rings, and the like to provide attachment to structures of the vehicle. If the cover module  50  is to be used independent of the cover sheet  20 , the rear edge  52  of the cover module  50  may incorporate attachment members  56  instead of a releasable attachment  55 . Alternatively, both releasable attachment  55  and attachment members  56  may be simultaneously disposed upon the rear edge  52  of the cover module  50  to allow for cover module  50  use both in conjunction with and independent of the cover sheet  20 . 
         [0056]    The protective vehicle cover  10  is quickly and easily installed or removed from a vehicle using the described three point attachment system. It is important to appreciate that the vehicle cover  10  is not permanently attached to the vehicle and that the cover  10  can be entirely removed and carried away from the vehicle itself. The protective cover  10  readily folds into a small size for easy storage and transport. Removal of the cover  10  from a vehicle is preferably accomplished via the release of the rear mounting point  32  followed by the release of the front mounting points  31 , respectively. With the cover  10  disengaged from the vehicle, closure means  42   a ,  42   b  may be spread apart to reveal the interior of the integrated pouch  40 . The user may then fold, compact or otherwise insert the cover sheet  20  and/or the cover module  50  into the integrated pouch  40 . As depicted in  FIG. 5 , closure means  42   b ,  42   c  may then be placed in communication to fully enclose cover  10  within the integrated pouch  40 . 
         [0057]    For deployment of the cover  10 , closure means  42   b ,  42   c  are disengaged and the integrated storage pouch  40  is opened to allow the user access to the cover sheet  20  and/or cover module  50  therein. Once the storage pouch  40  has been opened, the protective vehicle cover  10  may be unfolded and positioned on the vehicle, as described above and depicted in  FIGS. 7-9 . 
         [0058]    It will be appreciated that no attempt has been made to cover the entire vehicle. Rather, the parts which are most desirably sheltered from the elements, namely the seat (S) and fuel tank (FT) areas are protected. In this manner, a cover  10  having less material can be constructed. Additionally, the cover  10  of the invention is provided with the above-described attachment means which may be simple to use, rust proof and adapted to be securely engaged to the vehicle in such a manner that the cover  10  cannot be readily blown from the vehicle. In this manner, less bulk is required while covering the critical features of a vehicle. Also, one can readily foresee the advantage of having a cover  10  that can be compacted or folded into a size and shape roughly equivalent to the palm of one&#39;s hand. It is within the scope of the present invention to further provide an integrated storage pouch  40  for the folded cover  10  such that the entire package may be placed in one&#39;s pocket. While  FIGS. 7-9  depict a cover sheet  20  in use with a cover module  50 , each of these separable components may be independently deployed without requiring the use of the complimenting component. In such a manner, vehicle structures disposed forward of the handlebars and vehicle structures disposed rearward of the handlebars may be independently or conjunctively protected. 
         [0059]    It is important to appreciate, however, that the present invention is not permanently attached to the vehicle and can be entirely removed and carried away from the vehicle itself. The present disclosure will afford significant protection for a wide variety of vehicle, as well as accomplish the other aspects of the invention set forth above. 
         [0060]    While the above description contains much specificity, this should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any embodiment, but as exemplifications of the presently preferred embodiments thereof. Many other ramifications and variations are possible within the teachings of the various embodiments. 
         [0061]    Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not by the examples given.