Abstract:
A bicycle cover and methods of using the same are disclosed. The body of the bicycle cover is two walls made of thin and flexible transparent, weather proof material and includes an opening in the bottom of the cover configured to receive and protect a bicycle. The bicycle cover can include a securing element that secures the bottom cover to further protect the bicycle from the elements. The bicycle cover can include reinforced openings to receive a lock allowing the bicycle to be locked to a rack. The bicycle cover is designed to specifically receive the components of a triathlon bicycle which include aerobars, electronic gear shifters and seat mounted water bottle cages while the bicycle is stored on various styles of racks in the transition area.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/373,427, filed Aug. 13, 2010, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to the field of covers, and more particularly to a bicycle cover. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Triathletes and Cyclists, especially those participating in multi-stage races, often leave their bicycles overnight as part of a mandatory pre-race check-in process. Typically, the bicycles are left outside in transition stations along the course. This exposes the bicycles to the environment, leaving them susceptible to damage from heat, moisture and wind. Athletes have the option of leaving their bicycles unprotected or trying to protect them with unconventional covers. Thus, an improved bicycle cover is needed. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The invention includes a covering for a bicycle. The covering can include a body comprising first and second walls formed from a flexible, transparent material, with the first and second walls coupled together proximate edges thereof to form a hollow interior and an opening for receiving a bicycle between the first and second walls. The covering can also include a pair of reinforced openings, wherein a first reinforced opening is disposed in the first wall and a second reinforced opening is disposed in the second wall. The first and second reinforced openings can be positioned for receiving a bicycle lock passing through the first and second reinforced openings. 
         [0005]    The body can also include a securing element coupled proximate bottom edges of the first and second walls defining the opening. The securing element can be selected from the group consisting of an adjustable cord, an elastic cord, velcro, zippers, buttons, snaps, clasps and toggles. 
         [0006]    The top edge of the body can include a generally C-shaped fitted portion. The first and second walls can include a top edge and a bottom edge opposite one another, as well as, a front edge and back edge opposite one another. The generally C-shaped fitted portion can be between the front edge and the back edge. The generally C-shaped fitted portion can include a reinforced portion. 
         [0007]    The generally C-shaped fitted portion can be part of a generally S-shaped fitted portion comprising two generally C-shaped fitted portions opening in opposite directions. Each of the generally C-shaped fitted portions forming the S-shaped fitted portion can include a reinforced portion. 
         [0008]    In any of the covers described herein, the generally C-shaped fitted portions can be adapted to receive at least one of: the front of a bicycle seat, the front of an aerobar, or a rail. 
         [0009]    A method of storing a bicycle for a race is also described. The method can include providing a bicycle cover; covering a bicycle with the bicycle cover; supporting a bicycle to a bicycle rack; and retrieving a bicycle from a bicycle rack. The bicycle cover can be any of the bicycle covers described herein. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the presently disclosed invention and, together with the description, disclose the principles of the invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a bicycle cover. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a cross-section view of the bicycle cover of  FIG. 1  taken along cut line  2 - 2 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a side view a bicycle cover as described herein covering a bicycle with aerobar handlebars. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a side view of a bicycle cover as described herein locked to a bicycle rack. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a side view of a bicycle cover as described herein locked to a rail. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a side view of a bicycle cover as described herein locked with a U-lock. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a cross section view of the bicycle cover of  FIG. 6  taken along cut line  7 - 7 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a side view of a bicycle cover as described herein having a front and a rear pair of reinforced openings. 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a cross section view of the bicycle cover of  FIG. 8  taken along cut line  9 - 9 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a side view of a bicycle cover as described herein secured by buttons and button holes. 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is a side view of a bicycle cover as described herein secured by hook and loop materials. 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  is a side view of a bicycle cover as described herein secured by a zipper. 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  is a side view of a bicycle cover as described herein secured by an elastic cord. 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  is a side view of a bicycle cover as described herein secured by an adjustable cord. 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  is a side view of a bicycle cover as described herein secured by clasps. 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  is a side view of a bicycle cover as described herein secured by toggles. 
           [0027]      FIG. 17  is a side view of a bicycle cover as described herein secured by clasps and loops. 
           [0028]      FIG. 18  is a side view of a bicycle cover as described herein having a reinforced fitted portion. 
           [0029]      FIG. 19  is a side view of a bicycle cover as described herein a reinforced fitted portion. 
           [0030]      FIG. 20  is a side view of a bicycle cover as described herein. 
           [0031]      FIG. 21  is a side view of a bicycle cover as described herein. 
           [0032]      FIG. 22  is a side view of a bicycle cover as described herein. 
           [0033]      FIG. 23  is a side view of a bicycle cover as described herein covering a bicycle. 
           [0034]      FIG. 24  is a side view of a bicycle cover as described herein covering a bicycle. 
           [0035]      FIG. 25  is a side view of a bicycle cover as described herein covering a bicycle. 
           [0036]      FIG. 26  is a side view of a bicycle cover as described herein that is supported by and locked to a bike rack. 
           [0037]      FIG. 27  is a perspective view of a bicycle cover as described herein coupled to a tube from a bicycle frame. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0038]    As shown in the FIGS., a bicycle cover  10  with a body  12  is described. The body  12  may be configured to receive and protect a bicycle (A), e.g., during storage prior to or during a race. 
         [0039]    As shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , the body  12  may be formed from first and second walls  14 ,  16  of a flexible, transparent material. The first and second walls  14 ,  16  of the body  12  can include any flexible, transparent or semi-transparent material suitable for a bicycle cover. The first and second walls  14 ,  16  are coupled together proximate edges  18 ,  20 ,  22  thereof to form a hollow interior  28  and an opening  30  for receiving a bicycle (A) between the first and second walls  14 ,  16 . 
         [0040]    The edges  18 ,  20 ,  22  of the first and second walls  14 ,  16  can be coupled together using any appropriate technique including, but not limited to, thermal bonding techniques, ultrasonic bonding techniques, sewing techniques, binding techniques and combinations thereof. In addition, the edges can be continuous and defined only by the folding of the bicycle cover itself. 
         [0041]    The first and second walls  14 ,  16  can have a top edge  20 . In some instances, the first and second walls may be formed from the same sheet of material folded at the top edge  20 . Each of the first and second walls  14 ,  16  can have a bottom edge  24 ,  26 , respectively, where the top and bottom edges can be opposite one another. Each wall  14 ,  16  and the body  12  can have a front edge  18  and a back edge  22 , where the front and back edges  18 ,  22  can be opposite one another. 
         [0042]    The body  12  can be substantially rectangular in shape. As used herein, the term “substantially rectangular” with respect to the body  12  of the bicycle cover  10  is used to describe a shape approximating a rectangle with or without minor deviations such as those shown in the FIGS. for the fitted portions. 
         [0043]    Exemplary flexible transparent or semi-transparent materials include, but are not limited to, films and non-woven materials. Exemplary flexible transparent or semi-transparent materials can be formed from a plastic, which can include, but is not limited to, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, vinyl, polyurathane, co-polymers thereof and mixtures thereof. The flexible transparent or semi-transparent materials can be add water resistant, weather proof, or both. As used herein the term “plastic” is used to describe a polymer with or without additives and includes both thermoplastics and thermosets. 
         [0044]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the body  12  can include a pair of reinforced openings  32 ,  34  where the first reinforced opening  32  can be disposed in the first wall  14  and the second reinforced opening  34  can be disposed in the second wall  16 . In one exemplary arrangement, as shown in  FIG. 1  the reinforced openings  32 ,  34  can be grommets made of a material suitable for a grommet, such as metal or plastic. The reinforced region of the reinforced openings ( 32 - 35 ,  37 ,  39 ,  41  and  43 ) can be cast as part of the first or second walls  14 ,  16 , or can be added to the first or second wall  14 ,  16 . As shown in  FIGS. 4-5 , the first and second reinforced openings  32 ,  34  can be positioned for receiving a bicycle lock (C) passing through the first and second reinforced openings  32 ,  34 . 
         [0045]    As shown in  FIGS. 6-9 , the bicycle cover  10  can be adapted to be compatible with a variety of bicycle locks (C). Bicycle locks of interest include, but are not limited to, U-locks, chain locks, and cable locks. As will be understood, the position and number of pairs of reinforced openings can vary to accommodate a variety of bicycle locks (C). 
         [0046]    As shown in  FIGS. 6-7 , two pairs of reinforced openings can be located proximate to each other in order to receive a U-shaped bicycle lock (C) passing through a first pair of reinforced openings  32 ,  34 , the frame of the bicycle (A) and a second pair of reinforced openings  33 ,  35 . As shown in  FIGS. 8-9 , one pair of reinforced openings  32 ,  34  can be located proximate the front edge  18  of the cover  10  in order to secure a front portion of the bicycle disposed therein (e.g., the front of the bicycle frame, a front wheel or both) and a second pair of reinforced openings  33 ,  35  can be located proximate the back edge  22  in order to secure a back portion of the bicycle disposed therein (e.g., the back of the bicycle frame, a back wheel, or both). Each pair of reinforced openings  32 - 35  can be positioned for receiving a bicycle lock (C) passing through the first reinforced opening  32  or  33 , the frame or a wheel of the bicycle (B), and the second reinforced opening  34  or  35 . As shown in  FIGS. 6-7 , the bicycle lock can pass through a frame or wheel between a first set of reinforced openings, and then a wheel or frame between a second set of reinforced openings. Such reinforced openings for a U-lock can be positioned on the body in order to secure the frame-front wheel, frame-rear wheel, or both (i.e., four sets of reinforced openings). 
         [0047]    As shown in  FIG. 16 , one pair of reinforced openings  32 ,  34  can be located proximate the front edge  18  of the cover  10  in order to secure a front portion of the bicycle disposed therein (e.g., the front of the bicycle frame) and second and third pairs of reinforced openings  33  &amp;  35  and  37  &amp;  39  can be located proximate the back edge  22  in order to secure a back bicycle disposed therein in a manner adapted to secure both the frame and the front wheel. As shown in  FIG. 17 , two pairs of reinforced openings  32  &amp;  34  and  33  &amp;  25  can be located proximate the front edge  18  of the cover  10  in order to secure a bicycle disposed therein in a manner adapted to secure both the frame and the front wheel, while third and fourth pairs of reinforced openings  37  &amp;  39  and  41  &amp;  43  can be located proximate the back edge  22  in order to secure a bicycle disposed therein in a manner adapted to secure both the frame and the rear wheel. 
         [0048]    As shown in  FIGS. 10-17 , the body  12  can include a securing element  36  coupled proximate to the bottom edges  24 ,  26  of the first and second walls  14 ,  16 , which define the opening  30 . The securing element  36  can be one or more adjustable cords  38  ( FIG. 14 ), elastic cords  40  ( FIG. 13 ), hook and loop materials  42  ( FIG. 11 ), zippers  44  ( FIG. 12 ), buttons  46  and button holes  47  ( FIG. 10 ), snaps  48  ( FIG. 16 ), clasps  50  and loop  51  ( FIG. 17 ), or toggles  52  and loops  53  ( FIG. 15 ). 
         [0049]    As shown in  FIGS. 1-2 ,  6 - 9  and  13 - 14 , where the securing element  36  is a cord, the securing element  36  can be disposed within sleeves  54 ,  56  proximate bottom edges  24 ,  26  of the body  12 . As shown in  FIGS. 10-12 , and  15 - 17 , the securing element  36  can be attached directly to the body  12  proximate to the bottom edges  24 ,  26 . 
         [0050]    As shown in  FIG. 23 , the securing element  36  can be an adjustable cord  38  and can substantially close the opening  30 . As shown in  FIG. 24 , the securing element  36  can be an elastic cord  40  and close the opening around the wheels of the bicycle (A). As shown in  FIG. 25 , in yet another embodiment, the securing element  36  can be an adjustable cord  38  and can completely close the opening  30 . 
         [0051]    As shown in  FIGS. 18-19 , the top edge  20  of the body  12  can include one or more generally C-shaped fitted portions  58 . The generally C-shaped fitted portion  58  can be part of a generally S-shaped fitted portion  60 . 
         [0052]    As used herein, the term “generally C-shaped” with respect to a portion of the body  12  refers to a concave shape that includes having the shape of the letter “C”, the letter “V” and modifications thereof, including, but not limited to rotation thereof. As shown in  FIGS. 21-22 , the generally C-shaped fitted portion may be a backwards “C” ( FIG. 21 ) or a “V” on its side ( FIG. 22 ). 
         [0053]    As used herein, the term “generally S-shaped” with respect to a region of the body  12  refers to two concave regions, e.g., two generally C-shaped regions adjacent one another and opening in opposite directions. In general, two C-shaped portions will necessarily be part of an generally S-shaped portion. 
         [0054]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 - 6 ,  8 ,  10 - 22 ,  24  and  26 , the generally C-shaped fitted portion  58  or generally S-shaped fitted portion  60  can be located along the top edge  20 , between the front edge  18  and the back edge  22 . As shown in  FIGS. 4-5 , the generally C-shaped fitted portion  58  or generally S-shaped fitted portion  60  can be proximate the front edge  18 . As shown in  FIGS. 10 and 17 , the generally C-shaped fitted portion  58  or generally S-shaped fitted portion  60  can be proximate the back edge  22 . 
         [0055]    The generally C-shaped fitted portion  58  or generally S-shaped fitted portion  60  can be located along the top edge  20 , and may be no closer than 5% of the total length (L) of the cover  10  to the front or back edges  18 ,  22  of the body  12 . Similarly, the generally C-shaped fitted portion  58  or generally S-shaped fitted portion  60  can be located along the top edge  20 , and may be no closer than 10% of the total length (L) of the cover  10  to the front or back edges  18 ,  22  of the body  12 , or no closer than 15% of the total length (L) of the cover  10  to the front or back edges  18 ,  22  of the body  12 , or no closer than 20% of the total length (L) of the cover  10  to the front or back edges  18 ,  22  of the body  12 . The generally C-shaped fitted portion  58  or generally S-shaped fitted portion  60  can also be located along the top edge  20 , and may be located in the middle 50% of the total length of the cover  10  between the front edge  18  and the back edge  22 . 
         [0056]    As shown in  FIGS. 18-19 , the generally C-shaped fitted portion  58  or generally S-shaped fitted portion  60  can include a reinforced portion  62 . For example, the reinforced portion  62  can reinforce the entire generally C-shaped fitted portion  58  or generally S-shaped fitted portion  60 . In other embodiments the reinforced portion  62  can reinforce part of the generally C-shaped fitted portion  58  or generally S-shaped fitted portion  60 . The reinforced portion  62  can be formed of a metal, a plastic, or any other suitable reinforcing material. The reinforcing portion  62  can define an external edge of the generally C-shaped fitted portion  58  or generally S-shaped fitted portion  60 . 
         [0057]    As shown in  FIGS. 3-5 , the generally C-shaped fitted portion  58  or generally S-shaped fitted portion  60  can be adapted to receive various objects. For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the generally C-shaped fitted portion  58  or generally S-shaped fitted portion  60  can be adapted to receive the front of a bicycle seat (E) by sliding the generally C-shaped fitted portion  58  or generally S-shaped fitted portion  60  of the bicycle cover  10  over a bicycle seat (E). As shown in  FIG. 3 , the generally C-shaped fitted portion  58  or generally S-shaped fitted portion  60  can be adapted to receive the front of an aero bar (G) of a bicycle (A) by sliding the generally C-shaped fitted portion  58  or generally S-shaped fitted portion  60  of the bicycle cover  10  over an aero bar (G). 
         [0058]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , the generally S-shaped fitted portion  60  can be adapted so that a first C-shaped portion can receive a pipe (I) external to the cover  10 , while the second C-shaped portion can be adapted to receive an aerobar of the bicycle covered by the cover  10 . Similarly, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the generally S-shaped fitted portion  60  can include a first C-shaped portion adapted to receive a rail external to the cover  10 , while the second C-shaped portion can be adapted to receive the front of a bicycle seat (E), e.g., the nose of the bicycle seat, disposed within the cover  10 . 
         [0059]    As used herein, the term “pipe” refers to any generally cylindrical structure that can serve as an external body to secure a bicycle to or rest a bicycle on or against. As used herein the term “bicycle rack” refers to any structure, framework or object capable of holding or parking a bicycle. 
         [0060]    Methods of using the cover  10  described herein are also disclosed. The cover  10  can be used for storing a bicycle (A). The method of storing a bicycle (A) can include providing the bicycle cover  10  as described herein, covering a bicycle (A) with the bicycle cover  10 , supporting the bicycle (A) to a bicycle rack (K), or other suitable structure for supporting a bicycle, and then retrieving the bicycle (A) from the bicycle rack (K). The supporting can also include fastening or locking the bicycle (A) and the cover  10  to the rack by passing a lock through one or more pairs of reinforced openings. The supporting can also include engaging an externally concave portion of a C-shaped or S-shaped fitted portion with a rail, rack or pipe, where the rail, rack or pipe resting beneath the nose of a seat or a front of an aerobar of a bicycle disposed within the cover  10 . 
         [0061]    The cover  10  can be also used for storing a bicycle (A) prior to a race. The method of storing a bicycle (A) prior to a race can include providing the bicycle cover  10  described herein, covering a bicycle (A) with the bicycle cover  10 , supporting the bicycle (A) to a pipe (I) or a bicycle rack (K), and retrieving the bicycle (A) from the pipe (I) or bicycle rack (K). 
         [0062]    The method can also include embodiments where the cover  10  is used for storing a bicycle (A) for a multistage race, e.g., a biathalon or triathalon. The method of storing a bicycle (A) for a multistage race can include providing the bicycle cover  10  described herein, covering a bicycle (A) with the bicycle cover  10 , supporting the bicycle (A) with a structure, such as a pipe (I) or a bicycle rack (K), and retrieving the bicycle (A) from the pipe (I) or bicycle rack (K). 
         [0063]    The method can also include, covering a bicycle (A) with the cover  10  at a transition zone at a biathlon, triathlon or other multistage race. The method of storing a bicycle (A) at the transition zone of a multistage race can include providing the bicycle cover  10  described herein, covering a bicycle (A) with the bicycle cover  10 , supporting the bicycle (A) with a rack at a transition station, and retrieving the bicycle (A) from the pipe (I) or bicycle rack (K) during the race. The transparency of the cover  10  and the unique shape of the fitted portions are of particular importance. For example, the S-shaped portion can be used to rest the triathlon bicycle on a simple transition station rack. In addition, the fact the cover  10  is transparent allows the user to easily identify the user&#39;s covered bicycle during the chaos at the transition zone where hundreds or even thousands of athletes may be searching for their bicycles simultaneously. 
         [0064]    The method can also include a bicycle (A) being covered with the bicycle cover  10 . The opening  30  of the cover  10  can be secured around the bicycle by a securing element  36  coupled to the bottom edges  24 ,  26  of the first and second walls  14 ,  16  defining the opening. As shown in  FIGS. 10-17 , exemplary securing elements can include adjustable cords  38 , elastic cords  40 , velcro  42 , zippers  44 , buttons  46 , snaps  48 , clasps  50 , toggles  52  or other appropriate fasteners. 
         [0065]    As shown in  FIGS. 4-5  and  26 , the covered bicycle (A) can be locked to a bicycle rack (K), pipe (I), or similar structure by passing a bicycle lock (C) through the reinforced openings  32 ,  34  and locking the covered bicycle (A) to the bicycle rack (K). Similarly, reinforcement of the C-shaped and/or S-shaped fitted portions allows the cover  10  to be reused without tearing of the cover along the top edge  20 . The bicycle cover  10  can protect the bicycle (A) from environmental conditions, such as heat, moisture and wind. 
         [0066]    In another exemplary storage method, the body  12  of the bicycle cover  10  can include a generally C-shaped fitted portion  58  or a generally S-shaped fitted portion  60 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the bicycle (A) can be covered with the body  12  of bicycle cover so that the generally C-shaped fitted portion  58 , or generally S-shaped fitted portion  60  can receive a front portion of the bicycle seat (E), or aerobar (G). The opening  30  of the cover  10  can be closed around the bicycle (A) using a securing element  36 . Due to the unique configuration of the fitted portions, the covered bicycle (A) can be easily supported on a rail or bicycle rack under the bicycle seat (E). The covered bicycle (A) can be secured to a bicycle rack, pipe, or similar structure by passing a bicycle lock (C) through the reinforced openings  32 ,  34  and locking the covered bicycle (A) to the bicycle rack (K) or pipe (I). The transparent material of the body  12  can allow the covered bicycle (A) to be easily identified when left with other covered bicycles at a race, triathlon, duathlon or similar multistage race. 
         [0067]    As shown in  FIG. 10 , the bicycle cover  10  can also include one or more fastening straps  68 . The fastening straps  68  can include fastening portions at each end of the fastening straps. For example, the fastening straps  68  can include a hook portion  70 ,  72  and a loop portion  72 ,  70 , The fastening straps  68  can be used to maintain the bicycle cover  10  in a rolled configuration for storage. In addition, as shown in  FIG. 27 , the fastening straps  68  can be used to fasten the bicycle cover  10  to a tube (T) of a bicycle frame after the bicycle cover is removed at the transition zone. 
         [0068]    The foregoing is provided in the context of possible applications for a bicycle cover according to various aspects of the invention. While the above description and figures are made in the context of specific bicycle covers and methods, it will be understood that the apparatus according to aspects of the invention can be readily applied to variants of the bicycle covers. In fact, any combination of bicycle cover features described herein are intended to be used together in any possible combination. Thus, it will of course be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details described herein, which are given by way of example only, and that various modifications and alterations will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of this invention.