Bicycle cover

A bicycle cover (10) comprising a first material piece (11), a second material piece (12), and a first resilient element, the first resilient element being provided about a periphery (13) of the first material piece, the bicycle cover having a folded configuration in which portions of the first material piece and the second material piece lie adjacent one another and an expanded configuration in which the cover is adapted to receive a bicycle between the first and second material pieces, the first resilient element being biased to urge the cover towards the expanded configuration.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The application claims the benefit of, and priority to, International Application No. PCT/GB2017/053169, entitled “Bicycle Cover,” and filed Oct. 19, 2017, which claims the benefit of, and priority to, UK application No. GB 1617694.3, filed Oct. 19, 2016, the contents of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

The present invention relates to covers. In particular the present invention relates to covers for bicycles.

BACKGROUND

Cycling is increasingly popular both as a way of commuting and as a pastime. Bicycles often become dirty through being used, such as becoming wet, muddy and/or dusty. Even when clean, the chain of the bicycle is typically oiled. Thus when storing or transporting the bicycle care must be taken that the bicycle does not contact other items with which it is stored or surfaces with which it may come into contact, so that these other items or surfaces do not become dirty.

This can be achieved by covering the bicycle in a plastic sheet, or placing a plastic sheet under the bicycle in a vehicle. This is inconvenient since the bicycle is liable to move away from the sheet and may therefore still make contact with another surface, making it dirty.

A bicycle may also be put into a bag. However, it can be cumbersome to put the bicycle in the bag, and a bicycle in a bag is not as easily moved around.

There is therefore a need for an improved cover.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bicycle cover comprising:a first material piece,a second material piece, anda first resilient element,
the first resilient element being provided about a periphery of the first material piece, the bicycle cover having a folded configuration in which portions of the first material piece and the second material piece lie adjacent one another and an expanded configuration in which the cover is adapted to receive a bicycle between the first and second material pieces, the first resilient element being biased to urge the cover towards the expanded configuration.

Suitably the cover comprises a joining portion for joining the first material piece and the second material piece.

Suitably the first material piece and the second material piece are spaced from one another in the expanded configuration.

Suitably the cover comprises a second resilient element provided about a periphery of the second material piece, the second resilient element being biased to urge the cover towards the expanded configuration.

Suitably at least one of the first resilient element and the second resilient element are provided about the whole periphery of the respective material piece.

Suitably at least one of the first resilient element and the second resilient element comprises a resilient wire or rod.

Suitably in the expanded configuration the cover defines a gap between the first material piece and the second material piece around at least a portion of the periphery of the first and second material pieces.

Suitably the cover comprises a closure portion for at least partially closing the gap, the closure portion being attachable to the first material piece and releasably engageable to the second material piece.

Suitably the closure portion comprises a first engagement portion and the second material piece comprises a second engagement portion, the first engagement portion being releasably engageable with the second engagement portion to at least partially close the gap.

Suitably the closure portion comprises a third engagement portion and the second material piece comprises a fourth engagement portion, the third engagement portion being releasably engageable with the fourth engagement portion to at least partially close the gap.

Suitably the first engagement portion and the third engagement portion are spaced from one another, and the closure portion comprises a material portion between the first and third engagement portions.

Suitably the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion, and/or the third engagement portion and the fourth engagement portion, comprise cooperating engagement features, the cooperating engagement features comprising at least one of hook and loop fasteners, magnetic fasteners, press studs, and clip fasteners.

Suitably the gap provides an opening for permitting a bicycle to be receivable within the cover, and the closure portion is releasably engageable with the second material piece for retaining the bicycle within the cover.

Suitably the closure portion is adapted to close the gap adjacent a pedal of a bicycle within the cover.

Suitably when the closure portion is engaged with the second material piece, a wheel of the bicycle is permitted to protrude through the gap between the first material piece and the second material piece so that the bicycle wheel is movable along a surface.

Suitably the joining portion comprises an opening, the opening being for receiving therethrough a saddle of the bicycle.

Suitably the cover comprises a first fastening portion attachable to the first material piece and a second fastening portion attachable to the second material piece, the first fastening portion being releasably engageable with the second fastening portion to engage with a portion of a bicycle for retaining the bicycle within the cover.

Suitably at least one of the first material piece, the second material piece, the joining portion and the material portion comprises a water-resistant material.

Any one or more feature of any aspect above may be combined with any one or more feature of that aspect and/or any other aspect above. Any apparatus feature may be written as a method feature where possible, and vice versa. These have not been written out in full here merely for the sake of brevity.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. The mention of features in this Summary does not indicate that they are key features or essential features of the invention or of the claimed subject matter, nor is it to be taken as limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A cover for a bicycle is illustrated inFIGS.1and2. The cover10can be placed about a bicycle to protect the surroundings from becoming dirty by touching at least a portion of the bicycle. For example, the cover can restrict or prevent at least one of a pedal (or both pedals), a handlebar (or both handlebars), a brake lever (or both brake levers) and a frame of the bicycle coming into contact with one or more of an external or internal wall such as a building wall, a window, vehicle bodywork, an inside of a vehicle, any other item stored close to the bicycle and clothing. This can accordingly restrict or prevent such areas/items thereby becoming dirty, dented, cracked, smashed, scratched and/or ripped. Similarly, the cover can restrict or prevent the bicycle from becoming scratched, damaged and so on by nearby areas/items.

In the illustrated example, the cover covers the bulk of the frame of the bicycle, including the pedals, chain and the rear wheel. The front wheel and handlebars extend beyond the cover to permit the bicycle to be conveniently moved and steered even when the cover is in place on the bicycle.

The saddle is permitted to extend outside the cover. This means that the cover can be more compact in size, since the top of the saddle may be much higher than the top of the rest of the bicycle. Also, the saddle extending outside the cover provides another convenient way of holding and manipulating the bicycle when the cover is in place.

As illustrated, the cover comprises two sides or material pieces, a first material piece11and a second material piece12. The two material pieces define a space between them into which the bicycle is receivable.

Each material piece comprises a rim or margin around at least a portion of its periphery. In the illustrated example the rims extend around the whole of the periphery of each material piece. This is not necessary in all examples, as, for example, there may be a continuous portion of material linking the first material piece to the second material piece. Such a continuous portion of material can obviate the need for a rim adjacent the continuous portion.

Referring toFIGS.1and2, the first material piece has a first periphery13. The second material piece has a second periphery14.

The cover is shown inFIGS.1and2in an expanded configuration. The cover also has a folded configuration, as will be described in more detail below.

In the expanded configuration, the first material piece11and the second material piece12are spaced from one another. A joining portion15is provided to join the first material piece11and the second material piece12together. Suitably the joining portion comprises material linking the first and second material pieces together. The joining portion15need not be provided as a single portion of material, but can be provided as separate portions of material which each join or link the first material piece11and the second material piece12.

Referring now toFIGS.3and4, the joining portion comprises a front joining portion15awhich is disposed towards a front of the cover10, and a rear joining portion15bwhich is disposed towards a rear of the cover10.

Suitably the cover10comprises several spaces between the first material piece11, the second material piece12and the joining portion15. Suitably a gap16is provided towards the front of the cover10. The gap is large enough to permit a bicycle to be received into the cover10through the gap16.

The cover also comprises an opening17provided between the front joining portion15aand the rear joining portion15b. Suitably the opening is located and sized to permit a saddle of a bicycle covered by the cover to pass through the opening17.

In this way, a bicycle can be received into the cover through the gap16towards the front of the cover10, and the cover10lowered onto the bicycle so as to allow the saddle of the bicycle to pass through the opening17.

The rear joining portion15bsuitably joins the first material piece11and the second material piece12around an upper and rearward portion of the cover10. That is to say, the rear joining portion15bis suitably provided so as to cover the upper and rear portions of a wheel of a bicycle covered by the cover10. This means that a surface, against which the rear of the cover10may rest, will not become dirty since it will be protected by that portion of the rear joining portion15bthat covers the rear portion of the wheel.

The rear joining portion15bcan also restrict the movement of the bicycle in a rearward direction relative to the cover10. In other words the rear joining portion15bcan assist in retaining the bicycle within the cover10.

Referring now toFIGS.2and5, a covering portion20is provided as part of the cover10. The covering portion20is provided to cover at least a part of the space or gap between the first material piece11and the second material piece12.

The covering portion20is, in the illustrated example, attached to the first material piece11. The covering portion20comprises a first engagement portion21. The first engagement portion21is releasably engageable with a cooperating second engagement portion. The second engagement portion is provided on or as part of the second material piece12.

As illustrated inFIG.6, the first engagement portion21comprises two engagement features22. In general, the first engagement portion21comprises one or more engagement feature. The engagement feature22is configured to releasably engage with a cooperating engagement feature on the second engagement portion. For instance, the engagement feature22on the first engagement portion21can comprise one part of a hook and loop fastener, and the cooperating engagement feature on the second engagement portion can comprise the cooperating part of the hook and loop fastener.

The covering portion20illustrated inFIG.6comprises a third engagement portion23. The third engagement portion23is releasably engageable with a cooperating fourth engagement portion. The fourth engagement portion is provided on or as part of the second material piece12.

The third engagement portion23comprises one or more engagement feature24(two such engagement features are illustrated inFIG.2). The engagement feature24is configured to releasably engage with a cooperating engagement feature on the fourth engagement portion. For instance, the engagement feature24on the third engagement portion23can comprise one part of a hook and loop fastener, and the cooperating engagement feature on the fourth engagement portion can comprise the cooperating part of the hook and loop fastener.

The engagement features on any one or more of the first engagement portion21, the second engagement portion, the third engagement portion23and the fourth engagement portion suitably comprise at least one of hook and loop fasteners, magnetic fasteners, press studs, and clip fasteners. Any other suitable engagement mechanism can be used.

Suitably the closure portion20is elongate along a length of the cover10. The first engagement portion21and the third engagement portion23can be spaced from one another in a direction generally along the length of the cover10. The covering portion20comprises a material portion25which extends between the first engagement portion21and the second engagement portion23.

Suitably the size of the first engagement portion21and the third engagement portion23, and the width of the covering portion20, for example the width of the material portion25, is such as to permit the closure portion20to close the gap between the first material piece11and the second material piece12when a bicycle is received within the cover10.

In this way the covering portion20is able both to close at least a portion of the gap through which the bicycle was received into the cover10, and to provide protection to the surroundings from that part of the bicycle adjacent the covering portion20when retained in the cover10.

Suitably the covering portion20, and the material portion25in particular, is provided adjacent the pedals and chain of a bicycle within the cover10. Since the pedals protrude from the frame of the bicycle, it is the pedals that often contact the surroundings, which can make the surroundings dirty. Further, as mentioned above, the chain can be oily, so should be kept separate from the surroundings to prevent anything coming into contact with the chain and thereby becoming dirty.

Providing the covering portion20adjacent the pedals and chain therefore restricts the transfer of dirt, such as mud and/or oil, from the bicycle to the surroundings. In one example, the covering portion20can fully (or nearly so) close the gap adjacent the front part of the chain set. This can further restrict the transfer of dirt from the pedals/pedal crank to the bicycle's surroundings.

As illustrated inFIG.5, the covering portion20passes from the first material piece11to the second material piece12underneath the bicycle. This means that even if any material, such as mud and/or oil, falls off the pedals, pedal crank and/or chain of the bicycle, it will be caught by the covering portion20. The covering portion20therefore assists in keeping the surroundings clean. The covering portion can act as a form of tray in catching such falling dirt.

The first material piece11and the second material piece12are suitably spaced from each other to provide sufficient space between them to permit the pedals of a bicycle received within the cover to move, so that the bicycle can conveniently be wheeled along.

Referring now toFIGS.4and5, when the covering portion20is closed, a gap is provided at an underside of the cover10towards the rear of the cover10. This gap permits the rear wheel of a bicycle covered by the cover10to extend or pass through the cover so as to contact a surface. For example, the wheel can contact the ground when the bicycle, covered by the cover10, is placed on the ground. This enables the bicycle to be wheeled along even with the cover in place. This, coupled with the handlebar and front wheel extending beyond the cover10enables convenient movement of the bicycle even when it is covered by the cover10. In this manner the bicycle can conveniently be moved forwards or backwards.

The cover10suitably also comprises a fastener towards the front of the cover10. The fastener is able to releasably fasten the cover10to a front portion of a bicycle, for example to the front of the frame of a bicycle. The fastener is suitably releasably engageable with one or more of the head tube, the headset and the stem of the bicycle. The fastener permits the cover10to be more securely retained to the bicycle.

The fastener comprises a first fastening portion26and a second fastening portion27. The first fastening portion26and the second fastening portion27are provided on or as part of the first material piece11and the second material piece12, respectively. In the illustrated example, the first fastening portion26is attached to the first material piece11at the first periphery13, and the second fastening portion27is attached to the second material piece12at the second periphery14.

As illustrated inFIG.6, the first fastening portion26comprises two engagement features28. In general, the first fastening portion26comprises one or more engagement feature. The engagement feature28is configured to releasably engage with a cooperating engagement feature29on the second fastening portion27. For instance, the engagement feature28on the first fastening portion26can comprise one part of a hook and loop fastener, and the cooperating engagement feature29on the second fastening portion27can comprise the cooperating part of the hook and loop fastener.

The engagement features28,29on the first fastening portion26and the second fastening portion27suitably comprise at least one of hook and loop fasteners, magnetic fasteners, press studs, and clip fasteners. Any other suitable engagement mechanism can be used.

The cover10comprises at least one resilient element located at one or both of the first periphery13and the second periphery14. Suitably the resilient element is retained at the respective periphery, for example the resilient element may be provided within a rim or margin portion at or towards the periphery, such as being retained within a hem at the respective periphery.

Suitably each of the first periphery13and the second periphery14is provided with a respective resilient element. The resilient element extends around at least a portion of the respective periphery. Suitably the resilient element extends around a majority of the portion of the respective periphery. Preferably the resilient element extends around the whole of the periphery of the respective material piece.

The resilient element is resiliently biased so as to urge the cover10towards the expanded configuration. For example, the resilient element is biased to adopt a shape as depicted inFIG.1for the periphery, or that portion of the periphery along which the resilient element extends. As the resilient element changes shape under the action of its biasing, it will cause the cover to move towards the expanded configuration. Suitably the first material piece11, the second material piece12, the joining portion15and the covering portion20are made from a compliant material or fabric so as to permit the movement of the cover10towards the expanded configuration under action of the resilient element. The biasing assists in the opening/deployment of the cover. This helps to make the cover easier for a person to use.

Suitably the resilient element is at least semi-rigid, and is therefore able to support the shape of the cover10in the expanded configuration. In a preferred example, as illustrated in, for example,FIG.4, the cover10comprises two resilient elements, one provided at each of the first periphery13and the second periphery14. The resilience of the resilient elements lends some rigidity to the periphery of the respective material piece, and enables the cover10to retain its expanded configuration when not acted on by other forces. This can assist in improving the usability of the cover. Providing the cover with some rigidity can help make it easier for the cover to be placed over and/or removed from a bicycle.

The resilient element suitably comprises a resilient wire or rod, such as a stiffened rod. The wire or rod can be formed from any suitable material, such as a metal or a polymer.

The cover also has a folded configuration in which it takes up less space, and is suitable for being stored. Suitably the cover can be folded into a generally flat, circular shape. For example, the folded configuration of the cover can be between approximately 20 cm and 50 cm in diameter. Suitably the folded configuration is approximately 30 cm in diameter. The folded configuration can be between approximately 4 cm and 10 cm in thickness. Suitably the folded configuration is approximately 6 cm in thickness. In the folded configuration, the cover10is folded so as to coil up the resilient element (or both of the resilient elements). As a result, the resilient element need not comprise a fold or join, but can be provided as a continuous element.

The coiling of the resilient element means that there are no sharp bends in the resilient element. Folding of the cover10into the folded configuration can be achieved by twisting the resilient element (or twisting both resilient elements together) so as to coil up the resilient element.

Suitably the cover10can comprise one or more pairs of folding points. These folding points are located and/or indicated on the cover10such that by moving one of a pair of folding points towards the other of the pair of folding points, the cover10moves towards the folded configuration. Suitably three pairs of folding points can be provided. The folding points can be located on the cover10in the locations as indicated inFIGS.1and2. Suitably the cover10can be folded by moving one of a first pair of folding points (FP1) to the other of the first pair of folding points, then moving one of a second pair of folding points (FP2) to the other of the second pair of folding points, and then moving one of a third pair of folding points (FP3) to the other of the third pair of folding points (in the illustrated example one of the third pair of folding points is located on the second material piece12near the fourth engagement portion23so as to be obscured by the third engagement portion23when the covering portion20is closed). Performing the folding actions in this way results in a coiling of the resilient element, and results in the cover10being moved into the folded configuration.

The resilience of the resilient element(s) means that the cover can be placed in its folded configuration easily, by a series of simple folds and/or twists of the cover. The use of the three pairs of folding points assists the user in being able to fold the cover in a particular, for example repeatable, way. This can optimise the folding for storage of the cover.

The resilience of the resilient elements suitably assists in the deployment of the cover, meaning that the cover can be deployed quickly and conveniently. For example, the cover can be deployed within about 10 seconds. The ability of the cover to move from the expanded configuration to the folded configuration via the series of simple folds and/or twists of the cover can help make folding the cover quick and convenient. For example, the cover can be folded for storage within about 10 seconds.

The coiling of the resilient element means that energy is stored in the coils of the resilient element when the cover10is in the folded configuration. The cover10will therefore have a tendency to move towards the expanded configuration, such as by opening up or springing open.

To prevent this from occurring when it is not desired, the cover10is retainable in the folded configuration by a strap and/or band around the folded cover, or by placing the folded cover in a storage bag. An example of a storage bag for storing the folded cover is illustrated inFIGS.8aand8bat30.

The storage bag30can be made from a flexible and/or compliant material. The storage bag comprises an aperture31through which the cover10can be inserted into the storage bag30. The aperture31is bounded by an aperture periphery32. The aperture31can be at least partially closed by shortening the effective length of the aperture periphery32. In the illustrated example this is achieved by providing a pull cord33which passes through the aperture periphery32and is gathered by a sprung clasp34. Pulling on a free end35of the pull cord33will cause the material of the aperture periphery32to gather together, shortening the effective length of the aperture periphery32and thereby closing the aperture31. The sprung clasp34permits the aperture31to be kept closed by retaining a captured portion of the pull cord33. Any other suitable means for closing the aperture31could be used.

The storage bag30ensures that any dirt on the cover10itself is not transferred to the surroundings as the cover10is stored or transported in the folded configuration.

On removal of the cover10from the storage bag30, the cover10is suitably able to expand towards the expanded configuration under action of the resilient element. In other words, it does not need to be unfolded by a user. This permits ease of use, and enables the cover10to be taken out of the storage bag30with one hand, expanded into its expanded configuration whilst the user may retain a hold of it with one hand, and then used to cover the bicycle. Since the user is able to do this with one hand, they can hold onto the bicycle with the other hand, preventing the need to lay the bicycle on the ground (which might damage it by causing scratches for example, or cause it to become dirtier still).

The storage bag30can also double as a handlebar cover, as illustrated inFIG.9. The storage bag30can be used to cover the handlebars of a bicycle to restrict the transfer of any dirt from the handlebars to the surroundings and/or protect the handlebars from the surroundings. The storage bag30can also help protect the surroundings from being damaged by the handlebars and/or brake levers. The storage bag30therefore suitably comprises sufficient material to permit the storage bag to extend around the handlebars.

The storage bag30can cover the handlebars by inserting the handlebars through the aperture31of the storage bag. The aperture may then be closed so as to retain the storage bag on the handlebars.

As discussed above, the cover10and/or the storage bag30can restrict the transfer of dirt from the bicycle to the surroundings, thereby helping to keep the surroundings clean. The cover10and/or the storage bag30can also be used to protect the bicycle, for example from knocks and/or scratches.

The cover10and/or the storage bag30may be formed from a material which can assist in protecting the bicycle. The material may be a padded material, or there may be padding provided together with the material as part of the cover. Such padding may comprise a foam, such as an EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) foam. Such padding may be about 5 mm thick, for example.

Suitably the storage bag comprises at least one foam portion, and the storage bag is configured so that the foam portion lies adjacent the handlebars/brake levers when the storage bag is placed over the handlebars. This can assist in protecting the handlebars/brake levers from damage.

Suitably at least one of the first material piece and the second material piece comprises a second foam portion. Suitably the second foam portion is provided so as to be locatable adjacent a pedal, the chain and/or the pedal crank when the cover is mounted to a bicycle. In this way the second foam portion can provide additional protection to the respective part of the bicycle. Suitably the other of the first material piece and the second material piece comprises a third foam portion, provided in a corresponding manner to the second foam portion. Suitably at least one of the second foam portion and the third foam portion is a circular foam portion. This allows protection to be maintained irrespective of the rotational position of the pedal crank.

Suitably at least a portion of the material of the cover10and/or the storage bag30comprises a water resistant material such as a waterproof material. Suitably at least a portion of the material of the cover10and/or the storage bag30comprises a ripstop material, for example a plastic material such as ripstop polyester or nylon.

In another example, one of the first material piece11and the second material piece12is provided with a hole through which a securing strap can be passed. Such a hole can be used to receive therethrough a strap such as a seatbelt in a vehicle. The hole communicates with an interior of the cover10. The strap can pass out through the gap or opening between the first material piece and the second material piece. In this way, the cover10can be used to cover a bicycle whilst permitting it to be securely fastened within a vehicle.FIG.2illustrates one example of such a hole40in the cover10. The hole is suitably covered by a portion of material adjacent the interior of the cover10. A passage is provided between the covering portion of material and the material of the side of the cover, through which the strap can pass. The covering portion of material assists in restricting transfer of dirt from the bicycle to the surroundings.