Abstract:
A durable yet flexible protective bicycle cover is disclosed. The protective cover having properties of insulation from damage, wear, elements, dust and dirt, and the like. The protective cover further includes means for carrying a bicycle while within the cover, means for pushing a bicycle while within the cover, means for lifting a bicycle to and from a motor vehicle while within the cover, and means for transforming the cover into a backpack.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[S] 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application to Bradford entitled “BACKPACK AND PROTECTIVE COVER FOR BICYCLE,” Ser. No. 61/573,831, filed Sep. 12, 2011, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated entirely herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     This disclosure relates generally to covers for personal recreational vehicles, and in particular to a multi-purpose bicycle cover. 
     2. State of the Art 
     Bicycle enthusiasts often transport their bicycles to and from enjoyable locations to ride at these locations. There are any number of ways to transport a bicycle. Modes of transportation may include, among others: carrying the bicycle, transporting the bicycle within a vehicle, carrying a vehicle attached to a rack on the vehicle, transporting the bicycle within a cargo truck, airplane, etc. 
     While in transport, a variety of dangers may present themselves. A bicycle that is inside of a vehicle can be hazardous to the upholstery of the vehicle as well as becoming a projectile with sharp edges if and when the vehicle should have to come to an abrupt stop. Although the bicycle is generally protected from the elements while inside a vehicle, it is vulnerable to theft as it can be easily seen through the windows of the vehicle. While attached to a rack outside of a vehicle it is particularly vulnerable to theft as well as natural elements, wind and dust damage, and the like. Cargo trucks are generally used to transport bicycles to and from special events, whereby a plurality of bicycles may be arranged tightly together such that coming into contact with one another can easily cause scratches and chips in the paint, scratches or tears in the seat or hand grips, damage to spokes from a neighboring pedal, and the like. 
     There is thus a need for a protective cover for bicycles which is suitable for all modes of transportation, as well as the having the ability to be transformed into a backpack. 
     SUMMARY 
     This disclosure relates generally to covers for personal recreational vehicles, and in particular to a multi-purpose bicycle cover. 
     An aspect of the present disclosure includes a cover for a bicycle, the cover comprising: a top portion; a plurality of sidewalls coupled to the top portion, the sidewalls being configured to flex with respect to the top portion; and a plurality of coupling means configured on a perimeter of the sidewalls for releasably coupling the sidewalls to one another to define therebetween a hollow. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure includes wherein the top portion further comprises a top pocket, the top pocket having an open end oriented toward the one of the sidewalls. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure includes wherein one of the sidewalls further comprises an outer sidewall pocket having an open end oriented toward the top portion. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure includes wherein the first edges of the respective sidewalls are releasably coupled to one another and wherein the second edges of the respective sidewalls are releasably coupled to one another. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure includes attachment means being in a bottom perimeter of each of the plurality of sidewalls, wherein the attachment means are configured to releasably couple a portion of the bottom edges of the respective sidewalls to one another to define coupled portions and uncoupled portions. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure includes wherein under the condition that the bicycle is placed within the hollow, a portion of each wheel of the bicycle protrudes from the uncoupled portions. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure includes wherein the cover further comprises an interior pocket configured on an interior surface of the sidewall. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure includes attachment means configured on an interior pocket in a bottom perimeter of each of the plurality of sidewalls, each of the interior pockets having a flap to cover the pocket opening, wherein under the condition that the bottom edges of the respective sidewalls are coupled together via the attachment means the flaps of the respective pockets are prevented from opening. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure includes wherein the top portion further comprises a plurality of handles configured thereon. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure includes wherein a first handle of the plurality of handles is configured centrally along the length of the top portion, a second handle of the plurality of handles is configured proximate the first edge of the top portion, and a third handle of the plurality of handles is configured on the top portion between the first and second handles. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure includes wherein the cover further comprises a retainer and an interior strap, the retainer being functionally coupled to an interior surface of the cover and the interior strap being slidably engaged by the retainer. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure includes wherein the interior strap is adjustable and is configured to functionally engage the bicycle to releasably secure the cover to the bicycle. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure includes wherein the cover further comprises a security device functionally coupled to the interior strap. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure includes wherein the cover further comprises a shoulder strap having opposing ends, each of the opposing ends being releasably coupled to an exterior surface of the top portion at a position corresponding to a position of the retainer on the interior surface. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure includes wherein the cover further comprises interior connection means configured on an interior surface of the cover and adapted to releasably couple a first end of each of the sidewalls thereto. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure includes wherein the cover is configured to fold between an in use position for use with transporting a bicycle therein and a stored position for use as a backpack, the cover further comprising a cinch strap that is configured to extend from the first end of the top portion and, under the condition that the cover is in the stored position, to thread through the first handle in the top portion to secure the cover to itself. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a kit for transporting a bicycle, the kit comprising: a bicycle frame cover, the cover comprising: a top portion; a plurality of sidewalls coupled to the top portion, the sidewalls being configured to flex with respect to the top portion; and a plurality of coupling means configured on a perimeter of the sidewalls for releasably coupling the sidewalls to one another to define therebetween a hollow that covers the bicycle; and a bicycle wheel cover, the bicycle wheel cover comprising: a main body defining a storage space; a handle; and a carrying strap, wherein the storage space stores the bicycle wheel. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure includes wherein the first edges of the respective sidewalls are releasably coupled to one another and wherein the second edges of the respective sidewalls are releasably coupled to one another. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure includes wherein the frame cover further comprises a retainer and an interior strap, the retainer being functionally coupled to an interior surface of the frame cover and the interior strap being slidably engaged by the retainer. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure includes wherein the interior strap is adjustable and is configured to functionally engage the bicycle to releasably secure the frame cover to the bicycle. 
     The foregoing and other features, advantages, and construction of the present disclosure will be more readily apparent and fully appreciated from the following more detailed description of the particular embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Some of the embodiments will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like designations denote like members: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a bike cover in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the bike cover in-use, showing a bicycle within the cavity of its entirety; with a portion of the wheels of a bicycle protruding therefrom in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is an exterior surface view of the bike cover in an open and unfolded position in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is an interior surface view of the bike cover in an open and unfolded position in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are perspective views of the bike cover demonstrating first folding properties in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6A-6F  are perspective views of the bike cover demonstrating second folding properties in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the bike cover in a folded position, as transformed into a backpack and showing the storage compartments therein in accordance with the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     A detailed description of the hereinafter described embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures listed above. Although certain embodiments are shown and described in detail, it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The scope of the present disclosure will in no way be limited to the number of constituting components, the materials thereof, the shapes thereof, the relative arrangement thereof, etc., and are disclosed simply as an example of embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     As a preface to the detailed description, it should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     Referring to the drawings,  FIG. 1  depicts an embodiment of a protective cover  10  in accordance with the present disclosure. The embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1  shows the cover  10  of the present invention being assembled, completely expanded, and in-use as a protective cover for a bicycle  200 . Embodiments of the protective cover  10  comprise the cover  10  being made of flexible material, water resistant material, durable material, and/or lightweight material. Embodiments of the protective cover  10  comprise a top portion  202  and sidewalls  208 . The top portion  202  may be configured to have a streamline shape, wherein the shape includes a rounded initial section that thereafter tapers to a narrower tailing section. Coupled along the length of the top portion  202  is mesh pocket  304 , shoulder strap  214 , pocket  306 , and handles  220 ,  216 , and  218 . Coupled to the pocket  306 , is a transparent enclosure  310 . Protective cover  10  also includes sidewalls  208 . The sidewalls  208  may comprise a right side  208   a , and a left side  208   b  (not seen in this view), the top portion  202  and sidewalls  208   a  and  208   b  define an interior cavity. The outside surface of the right sidewall  208   a  may comprise a pocket  312 . The open end of the pocket  312  is configured to face an edge surface of the top portion  202 . All components shown here, as well as others, will become apparent in the views to follow. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2  whereby the protective cover embodiment of the present invention is generally shown as cover  10 . Said protective cover  10  is in-use (user not shown) and includes a bicycle  200  which can be removably coupled to the inside cavity of protective cover  10  by straps  204  and  206 . Embodiments of the cover  10  include the straps  204  and  206  being coupled at one end to one of the handles  216  and  218 , which are configured in the top portion  202  proximate the base of the strap  214 , and being coupled to the bicycle  200  at the other end. The straps  204  and  206  may be configured to be adjustable. The straps  204  and  206  may be configured to be coupled to the handles  216  and  218 , respectively, to strengthen the straps  204  and  206  such that they may hold the weight of the bicycle  200 . Moreover, the handles  216  and  218  may be configured in the top portion  202  proximate the shoulder strap  214  such that under the condition that the user lifts the cover  10  by way of the shoulder strap  214 , the shoulder strap  214  may functionally engage the straps  204  and  206  to also lift and support the bicycle  200  within the cover  10 , or support the bicycle  200  with respect to the cover  10 . The straps  204  and  206  may be configured to have a quick release mechanism incorporated therein, such that the user may operate the quick release mechanism to quickly disengage the straps  204  and  206  from, or otherwise around, the bicycle  200 . 
     Embodiments of the cover  10  may further comprise either of the straps  204  and  206  including a security device  209 , the security device  209  being for example a locking mechanism, a theft-deterrent mechanism, or other anti-theft device, such as a pad lock, key lock, combination lock, or the like. The security device  209  may further comprise an audible alert, a visual alert, or a wireless alert that communicates a wireless communication to a user via a wireless network. 
     Embodiments of the cover  10  that are configured to engage the bicycle  200  may be generally referred to herein as the “combination”. Embodiments of the cover  10  may further comprise the side flaps  208  hanging down over the sides of said bicycle  200 , such that the bicycle  200  is enveloped, covered, protected, or otherwise sheltered, except for portions of the wheels  210  and  212 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . The side walls  208   a  and  208   b  may have a length slightly longer than a length of the bicycle  200 . The sidewalls  208   a  and  208   b  may have a length that is substantially similar to the length of the top portion  202 . With the sidewalls  208   a  and  208   b  hanging over the bicycle  200  as described herein, under the condition that the combination of the cover  10  that functionally engages the bicycle  200  therein is transported by the user, the user may use the normal operating capability of the bicycle  200 , i.e., the rolling capability of the wheels  210  and  212 , to move, shift, transport, or otherwise relocate, the bicycle  200 . These modes of relocating the bicycle  200  include but are not limited to: pushing or pulling the bicycle  200  whereby the protruding wheel portions  210  and  212  roll freely along the ground. 
     Additional modes of transporting the bicycle  200  within the cover  10  include but are not limited to toting the combination by using an adjustable shoulder strap  214  or by carrying the combination by handles  216  and  218 . An additional handle  220  is configured in the top portion  202  proximate a first edge of the cover  10  to assist the user in inserting and removing the combination in and out of a motor vehicle. The handle  220  may be configured to be used in isolation, or may be further configured to be used in conjunction with either handle  216  or  218  for easier lifting of the combination and for balancing the weight of the combination. Embodiments of the cover  10  may further comprise the handle  218  being configured in a central part of the top portion  202 , the handle  220  being configured in an initial part of the top portion  202 , and the handle  216  being configured somewhere between the handle s 218  and  220 . Embodiments of the cover  10  may further comprise the handle  216  being centrally configured between the handle s 218  and  220 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the exterior surface of the cover  10  in an unfolded and opened-up view is generally shown as exterior surface  30 . In this view, the shoulder strap  214  has been removed to more clearly illustrate attachment means thereof. A first end of straps  300  are permanently affixed to top portion  202 . Anchor loops  302  are permanently affixed to a distal end of straps  300 . The shoulder strap  214 , depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , clips onto said anchor loops  302 . Also affixed to top portion  202  is mesh pocket  304  which may be used to store items such as a water bottle, snacks, or the like. Also affixed to the top portion  202  is a pocket  306  having a flap  308  across the open end of the pocket  306 . The open end of the pocket  306  is configured to face an edge portion of the top portion  202 . On the surface of said pocket  306 , a transparent flexible plastic enclosure  310  may be included to store identification information of the user or the bicycle  200 . Side flaps  208   a  and  208   b  may be permanently affixed to the top portion  202  by fixing means such as stitching or other adhesive means, or, in the alternative, may be releasably coupled to the top portion  202  by releasable means such as a zipper or hook and loop fastener, such that the sidewalls  208   a  and  208   b  may be disassembled from the top portion  202 , as desired by the user. The sidewall  208   a  may include a pocket  312  having a flap  314  across the open end of the pocket  312 . 
     Embodiments of the exterior surface  30  of the cover  10  may further comprise coupling means, such as a hook and loop fabric, configured along perimeter edges of the sidewalls  208   a  and  208   b . This enables the sidewalls  208   a  and  208   b  to be repeatedly and releasably coupled to one another when the cover  10  folded to its ‘in-use’ position (as shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). As depicted in  FIG. 3 , embodiments of the exterior surface  30  may comprise said loop fabric  322  being configured on the sidewall  208   a  on a first edge thereof, whereas said loop fabric  324  may be configured on the sidewall  208   b  on a second edge thereof. 
     Embodiments of the cover  10  may further comprise a cinching strap  316  that may be coupled to the top portion  202  in the initial part thereof, such that the cinching strap  316  is configured proximate the handle  220 . The cinching strap  316  may have a predetermined length and may further comprise a surface having a hook portion  318  and a loop portion  320  configured in succession on the surface, which will be discussed in greater detail herein. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the interior surface of the cover  10  in an unfolded and opened up view is generally shown as interior surface  40 . Embodiments of the interior surface  40  of the cover  10  may further comprise coupling means, such as a hook and loop fabric, configured along first and second perimeter edges of the sidewalls  208   a  and  208   b . From the interior surface  40 , the hook fabric  402  may be configured on the perimeter edge of sidewall  208   a  on a first edge thereof, whereas the hook fabric  404  may be configured on the perimeter edge of sidewall  208   b  on a second edge thereof. The hook fabric  402  and  404  may be configured to correspond to and functionally engage the loop fabric  322  and  324  respectively when the cover  10  is placed in its “in use” position, as depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . For example, the frontal hook fabric  402  may be coupled to the loop fabric  322 , and the hook fabric  404  may be coupled to the loop fabric  324 , creating an enclosure which is only open at the bottom and defines therebetween a hollow, wherein the bicycle  200  may be placed. 
     Embodiments of the interior surface  40  of the cover  10  may further comprise attachment means, such as a hook and loop fabric, configured along bottom perimeter edges of the sidewalls  208   a  and  208   b . For example, the sidewall  208   b  may be configured to comprise the attachment means such as the hook fabric  406  at a bottom edge of the sidewall  208   b , and the sidewall  208   a  may be configured to comprise the attachment means such as the loop fabric  408  at a bottom edge of the sidewall  208   a , the hook and loop fabrics  406  and  408  being configured to functionally engage one another under the condition the cover  10  is placed in its “in use” position. The hook and loop fabric  406  and  408  may be configured centrally in a bottom edge of each sidewall  208   b  and  208   a , respectively, such that under the condition that hook and loop fabrics  406  and  408  functionally engage one another, there remains an opening in the bottom edge of the sidewalls  208   a  and  208   b  wherein the bicycle tires  210  and  212  may protrude. 
     Embodiments of the cover  10  may further comprise the hook and loop fabric  406  and  408  being affixed to the outer surfaces of pockets  412  and  414 , respectively. Each pocket may have flaps  410  and  416  respectively across the opening of the pockets. The hook and loop fabric  406  and  408  may be configured on bottom portions of the pockets  412  and  414 , respectively, to secure the base of the pockets  412  and  414  to one another during transport of the bicycle in the in use position to help hold the pockets  412  and  414  against one another so that the flaps  410  and  416  do not inadvertently open. These pockets, while usable for any purpose, are primarily intended to store pedals, tools, patch kit, and the like. Although not shown, it is understood that the pocket flaps located within the entirety of the present invention may be joined to their respective pockets with hook and loop, buttons, zippers, snaps, or the like. 
     Embodiments of the cover  10  further comprise the straps  204  and  206  being slidably coupled to the underside of the top portion  202  by way of retainers  207 , the retainers  207  being coupled to the top portion  202 . The straps  204  and  206  may move, or otherwise slide, with respect to the retainers  207 , but such movement does not disengage the straps  204  and  206  from the retainers. The straps  204  and  206  include fastening means  420  at a first end, and receiving fastening means  422  at a distal end. Said fastening means are fully adjustable and are to be fastened and then tightened to bicycle members. Said bicycle members include but are not limited to gooseneck, handlebars, seat, seat post, and frame. 
     Embodiments of the cover  10  further comprise the cover  10  being configured to enclose, cover, or otherwise envelop a bicycle  200  that has its front wheel  210  removed therefrom for ease of transportation. For example, there are times when the front wheel  210  may need to be removed from the bicycle  200  in order to provide transportation for the combination in a small vehicle, one with limited space, or to secure the combination to a bike rack. Under the condition that the front wheel  210  is removed, the front parts of sidewalls  208   a  and  208   b  may be folded up over the forks of the bicycle  200 . The resulting folded portion of the sidewalls  208   a  and  208   b  may be secured by utilizing loop connection means  430   b  and  432   b  configured on an interior surface  40  of the cover  10  on sidewalls  208   a  and  208   b , respectively. For example, folded portions may be releasably coupled to the interior surface  40  by functionally coupling a portion of hook fabric  402  to connection means  430   b  and functionally coupling hook fabric  432   a  to connection means  432   b , the result of which is depicted in  FIG. 5A . Thereafter, the remaining portion of the hook fabric  402  may be functionally coupled to the remaining portions of the loop fabric  322  (not shown in  FIG. 4  or  5 ), so that the first edges of the sidewalls  208   a  and  208   b  can be coupled together despite the folded portions being folded as described herein. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5A , under the condition that said portions of sidewalls  408   a  and  408   b  are in the folded position, smaller flaps  500  are created that cover the forks of the bicycle  200 . When the wheel  210  has been removed, it may be placed in an optional storage/tote bag  504  as shown in  FIG. 5B . The bag  504  may further comprise a body  506 , a carrying handle  508 , and a shoulder strap  510 . The bag  504  may also include opening and closing means such as hook and loop, zipper, or the like (not shown). The bag  504  and the cover  10  may comprise a bicycle transportation kit, wherein the cover  10  and the bag  504  are utilized together to carry the bicycle  200 , having the front wheel  210  removed, and the front wheel  210 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6A-6F . Directional arrows A-E demonstrate how the cover  10  folds up into its storage configuration. The storage configuration may be useful to a user to ship the cover  10  independent of the bicycle  200 , or may also be useful as a tote bag, backpack, or other hand-held storage bag. Referring specifically to  FIGS. 6E and 6F , the configuration of the handles  216 ,  218  and  220  enable the cover  10  to be transitioned from the “in use” position to the storage configuration and secured in the storage configuration, such that the cover  10  does not inadvertently transfer back to an unfolded position without user input. For example, the cinch strap  316  is configured to extend from a first edge portion of the top portion  202  of the cover  10 , which is proximate the handle  220 . Once the cover  10  is folded as instructed by the arrow D, as shown in  FIG. 6E , the result is that the handle  218  is configured proximate the crease line created by the fold D, but is yet positioned under the crease line and not visible in  FIG. 6E . Thereafter, the fold E is made as shown by arrow E, as depicted in  FIG. 6F , such that the handles  216  and  220  are visible, the result of which is that the cinch strap  316  is brought in relative close proximity to the crease line created by fold D, and thus relatively close to the handle  218 . Thereafter, the cinch strap  316  may be drawn through the handle  218  and the hook portion  318  and the loop portion  320  of the cinch strap  316  may be functionally coupled to one another to secure the first edge portion of the top portion  202  to the handle  218  to thereby secure the folded cover  10  to itself in the stored configuration. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , embodiments of the cover  10  further comprise the cover  10  being configured in the stored configuration  60 . In this embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention is completely collapsed. This configuration is folded and cinched taught to be used for shipping, storage, and in-use is a backpack. In the backpack mode, at least one shoulder strap  214  is affixed to a D ring  700  which is affixed to a clip  702 . Said clip  702  removably clips to anchor ring  706  which is permanently affixed to apparatus  60 . Two shoulder straps  214  may be coupled to the cover  10  for use as a conventional backpack. A mesh pocket  304  is included which may be used to store a water bottle  710  or the like. Also, the configuration of the open end of the pockets  306  and  312  being positioned near an edge of the top portion  202  provides that the pockets  306  and  312  are accessible to the user even with the cover in the stored configuration  60 . For example, with the flaps of pockets  306  and  312  in the open position, various articles  712  may be stored in these backpack pockets. 
     While this disclosure has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure as set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as required by the following claims. The claims provide the scope of the coverage of the present disclosure and should not be limited to the specific examples provided herein.