Abstract:
A cover system is provided which is simple and quick to install, lightweight and easy to store, effective at protecting a motorcycle or other vehicle from damage during towing, conducive to high-speed transportation, and capable of being securely fixed to a vehicle. In some embodiments, a stretchable material and a plurality of layers form a tight-fitting, impact resistant, and protective cover of a motorcycle. Optional attachment means increase the reliability of the attachment as well as provide for securing the cover against theft. Further, the flexibility of the design allows for covers to easily fit different shapes, sizes and portions of motorcycles and other vehicles.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    This invention is related to devices for protecting motorcycles from physical damage, particularly while being towed. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    Motorcycles are often towed behind other vehicles. While being towed, the motorcycle is generally subject to the same inclement conditions as the vehicle towing it such as flying road debris (e.g. rocks and sand) and weather conditions (e.g. hail and rain). Additionally, the motorcycle can become soiled or damaged by constant exposure to vehicle emissions, such as soot from gasoline and diesel engines. Many surfaces of motorcycles are painted and/or plated with expensive finishes such as chrome. These surfaces are susceptible to damage from road debris and other inclement conditions. Covers for motorcycles are known in the art; however, existing covers tend to be cumbersome to install, store and maintain, and many are not designed to be used during high speed transportation. What is needed then, is a cover which is simple and quick to install, lightweight and easy to store, effective at protecting the motorcycle from damage during towing, and conducive to high-speed transportation. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    An aspect of the present invention involves a cover that protects a motorcycle. In particular, the cover may be used with a variety of vehicles which have varying geometries. 
         [0006]    An embodiment is a cover for a motorcycle. The cover includes an exterior surface, an interior surface, a front attachment pocket sized and shaped so as to receive a first portion of a motorcycle, and a rear attachment pocket sized and shaped so as to receive a second portion of the motorcycle. 
         [0007]    Another embodiment is a cover for a motorcycle. The cover includes a front surface comprising a stretchable material, a rear surface comprising a stretchable material, an interior surface comprising a stretchable material, a front attachment pocket, a rear attachment pocket, and one or more attachment straps. 
         [0008]    A further embodiment is a cover for a motorcycle. The cover includes a stretchable front pocket sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of a fender of the motorcycle and a stretchable rear pocket sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of a handlebar of the motorcycle. 
         [0009]    The systems and methods of the invention have several aspects and features, no single one of which is solely responsible for all of its desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of the invention as expressed by the claims, its more prominent aspects have been discussed briefly above. Further aspects and features will also be understood from the description below. Additionally, various aspects and features of the system can be practiced apart from each other. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will now be described in connection with preferred embodiments of the invention, in reference to the accompanying drawings. The illustrated embodiments, however, are merely examples and are not intended to limit the invention. The following are brief descriptions of the drawings. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a motorcycle showing generally areas of the motorcycle protected by a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a side view of a cover according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention installed on an upper portion of a motorcycle. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a front view of the motorcycle from  FIG. 2  with the cover installed. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a rear view of the upper portion of the motorcycle from  FIG. 3 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a partial side view of an attachment strap of the cover buckled so as to secure the cover relative to the motorcycle. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a rear view of the cover from  FIG. 2  removed from the motorcycle. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a rear view of another embodiment of the cover from  FIG. 2  with different attachment structures. 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a partial side view of a rear portion of the motorcycle from  FIG. 2  with a cover according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention installed and covering a saddle bag and rear seat. 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a partial side view of a travel pack for attachment to a rear portion of the motorcycle from  FIG. 2  with a cover installed according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a side view of the motorcycle from  FIG. 2  with a cover according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention installed and covering the full-body of the motorcycle. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0021]    The following detailed description is directed to certain specific embodiments. However, the teachings herein can be applied in a multitude of different ways. In this description, reference is made to the drawings wherein like parts are designated with like numerals throughout. 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  shows a side view of an exemplary motorcycle  100 . The motorcycle  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1  is not intended to limit the invention in any way. The inventive cover may be used with any motorcycle, ATV, or other vehicle which may be exposed to adverse conditions during towing or transport of the vehicle. Towing could be accomplished via a tow bar, pick-up truck, trailer, flat bed, tow truck, or other transportation device. 
         [0023]    The motorcycle  100  includes handlebars and their associated hardware  105 , rear view mirrors  110 , front-facing portions of the tank  115 , windscreen  120 , headlight(s)  125 , signal lights, front fork  130 , front fender  135 , saddlebags  145 , and travel pack. The motorcycle  100  further includes a seat  140  and instrument bezel  150 . One or more of these components or areas of the motorcycle  100  may be damaged from adverse conditions during towing operations. Of course the invention is not limited to protecting only the listed portions and may include other unlisted portions of the motorcycle known to a person having ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0024]    Generally, any front-facing portion of the motorcycle  100  will be susceptible to road debris such as rocks, sand, vehicle emissions, and other trash found along road ways. Because the rate of speed of the towing vehicle may be high, debris coming in contact with a towed motorcycle may damage that motorcycle. Further, because some debris can become lodged in the towing vehicle&#39;s tires and then be ejected at even higher speeds, there is a need for a covering device which can protect the high-risk-for-damage portions of the motorcycle  100  during towing. These high-risk-for-damage portions generally include the aforementioned portions of the motorcycle  100  which may be susceptible to inclement weather and other conditions. 
         [0025]      FIG. 2  is a side view of a  200  cover according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention installed on an upper portion of a motorcycle  100 . Visible is the front surface  245  of the cover  200 . Shown generally in broken lines are the portions of the motorcycle  100  protected by this embodiment of the cover  200 . Among the protected portions are the front fender  135 , fork  130 , signal lights  140 , head light  125 , wind screen  120 , mirrors  110 , handlebars  105  and front facing portions of the tank  115 . As can be seen, the motorcycle cover  200  fits tightly over certain areas (such as, e.g., the top of the windscreen  120 ) because in this embodiment the material used in the cover is stretchable. Advantages of a stretchable material include the ability to form a tight fit on a variety of motorcycle designs without alteration and to accommodate different customizations to a motorcycle such as the inclusion or exclusion of accessories like signal lights, mirrors, windscreens, and other parts commonly found on motorcycles. 
         [0026]    Another advantage of a stretchable material is that it tends to be more resistant to impact damage because a stretchable material will often stretch rather than tear when impacted. Additionally, when the cover  200  is stretchably fit over the motorcycle  100 , much of the cover is not in direct contact with the motorcycle  100  and creates a trampoline effect. This reduces damage to the motorcycle  100  because the cover will absorb the impact of debris in these areas without the force of the impact ever coming into contact with the motorcycle  100 . Even where the cover is tightly stretched over a portion of the motorcycle  100  without a space between the cover and that portion of the motorcycle, the cover itself will still absorb at least some of the force of impacts. 
         [0027]    The cover  200  includes at least one attachment structure, such as an attachment strap  210 , shape of the cover, pocket, or the like. The attachment strap  210  is preferably integral with the cover  200  and in this embodiment passes between the front of the motorcycle frame  145  and the front fork  140  when installed on the motorcycle  100 . Of course the attachment strap  210  and the cover  200  could be separate structures which are releasably securable together before or at the time the cover  200  is installed on the motorcycle  100 . The attachment structure can be elastic or inelastic straps, rope, twine, or other material. For example, the attachment structure can be a single piece elastic strap which is stretched around a portion of the motorcycle to thereby secure the cover  200 . 
         [0028]    The attachment structure may be a single piece or multiple pieces which are releasably securable together. For example, a first attachment structure can be releasably secured to a second attachment structure via a buckle, adhesive, hook and loop fasteners, catch, zipper, or other structure. 
         [0029]    In some embodiments the attachment strap  210  is configured both as a means for securing the cover  200  to the motorcycle  100  and as a lockable means to prevent theft of the cover  200  while installed on the motorcycle  100 . 
         [0030]    The attachment structure can be in the form, size, and/or shape of the cover  200 . For example, the cover  200  can form one or more pockets or receptacles which fit over one or more portions of the motorcycle  100 . Exemplary portions include the wind screen  120 , seat, and handlebars. When secured over one or more portions of the motorcycle, the pocket inhibits movement of the cover  200  in at least one direction relative to the motorcycle  100  as will be further described with reference to  FIG. 4 . 
         [0031]    The pocket may have a concave shape to receive a portion of the motorcycle. The pocket need not have a sealed or continuous seam to form the pocket. For example, the pocket may have one or more openings to facilitate access into the pocket or to the motorcycle when the cover is secured to the motorcycle. 
         [0032]      FIG. 3  is a front view of the motorcycle  100  from  FIG. 2  with the cover  200  installed. Visible is the front surface  245  of the cover  200 . Shown generally in broken lines are at least some of the portions of the motorcycle  100  protected by the cover  200 . Among the protected portions are the front fender  135 , fork  130 , signal lights  140 , head light  125 , wind screen  120 , mirrors  110 , handlebars  105  and instrument bezel. As can be seen in this figure, despite the cover  200  being compact as compared to the size of the whole motorcycle, it covers a large percentage of the front-facing portions of the motorcycle and protects the covered portions from damage while being towed. 
         [0033]    Further, an advantage of this embodiment is that it significantly unifies the front facing surface of the motorcycle, which reduces aerodynamic drag forces generated by the motorcycle  100  during towing operations. The reduced drag with little extra weight associated with the cover  200  beneficially increases the efficiency of the towing operation. 
         [0034]      FIG. 4  is a rear view of the cover  200  installed over the upper portion of the motorcycle from  FIG. 3 . Visible is the rear surface  250  of the motorcycle cover  200 . Shown generally in broken lines are the portions of the motorcycle  100  protected by the cover  200 . Among the protected portions visible are the wind screen  120 , mirrors  110 , handlebars  105  and instrument bezel  150 . The fit of cover  200  over portions such as the handlebars  105  and the windscreen form what is referred to as the rear attachment pocket  225 , which, in this embodiment, comprises at least a portion of the space between the rear surface  250  of the cover  200  and the front surface  245  of the cover  200 . The rear attachment pocket  225  is a primary means of attaching the cover  200  to the motorcycle  100 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 5  is a partial side view of an attachment strap  210  of the cover  200  buckled so as to secure the cover  200  relative to the motorcycle  100 . Specifically, this figure shows the attachment strap  210  passing between the front of the motorcycle frame  145  and the front fork  140  and attached with a buckle  215 . The buckle  215  in this embodiment comprises a male end and a female receiving end configured for quick engagement and disengagement of the buckle  215 . Further, one end of the buckle  215  includes a friction ring designed to allow adjustment of the length of the attachment strap  210  when buckled to accommodate different motorcycle designs. As mentioned above, the attachment strap  210  can be configured both as a means of securing the cover  200  to the motorcycle  100  and in some embodiments as a lockable means to prevent theft of the cover  200  while installed on the motorcycle  100 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 6  is a rear view of the cover  200  from  FIG. 2  removed from the motorcycle  100 . The cover  200  is stretched as if installed on the motorcycle  100 , but no motorcycle is shown in order to have an unobstructed view of the cover  200 . Visible, then, are the rear surface  250  of the cover  200 , the interior surface  255  of the cover  200 , the attachment straps  210  and buckle  215 . Also shown are a front attachment pocket  220  and the rear attachment pocket  225  of the cover  200 . 
         [0037]    The rear surface  250  and the front surface  245  of the cover  200  collectively make up the exterior surface  260  of this embodiment. The front attachment pocket  220  is preferably integral to the cover  200 . The front attachment pocket  220  may be formed by sewing a pocket or receptacle at the front of the cover  200  on the interior surface  255 . The front attachment pocket  220  receives at least a portion of the front fender  135  of the motorcycle  100 . 
         [0038]    The front attachment pocket  220  and rear attachment pocket  225  are primary means of attaching the cover  200  to the motorcycle  100 . The attachment strap  210  is an additional or secondary means of attachment designed to increase reliability of the attachment at high speeds and optionally to provide for a way to secure the cover  200  against theft when installed on the motorcycle  100 . In some embodiments the interior surface  255  is comprised of the same material as the front surface  245  and rear surface  250  of the cover  200 . In other embodiments, the interior surface  255  comprises another layer of material such as, for example, microfiber, which is specifically designed not to scratch delicate surfaces such as painted or chromed surfaces. 
         [0039]    Because the cover  200  is stretched tight across some surfaces and will tend to move relative to those surfaces due to vibration, wind forces, and other conditions during towing, or even while being installed, it is preferred that any material touching surfaces of the motorcycle will not scratch, mar, or otherwise damage those surfaces. However, softer anti-scratch materials may not be the most rugged material for preventing penetration of flying debris and may not be as resistant to natural conditions such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Thus, in some embodiments the cover  200  comprises more than one material. For example, the cover  200  can include a different material for the exposed exterior surface  260  of the cover  200  than what is used for the inner surfaces of the cover  200 . In such embodiments, a more rugged material, such as stretchable Nylon, may be used for the exterior surface  260  without fear of that material damaging delicate finishes on the motorcycle  100 . Additionally, a third protective layer may be placed in between the interior surface  255  and exterior surface  260  of the cover  200  to provide enhanced protection against penetration of the cover or impact damage. Such a material may be a stretchable rubber or plastic material designed to be lightweight and impact resistant. 
         [0040]      FIG. 7  is a rear view of another embodiment of a cover  300  from  FIG. 2  with different attachment structures. Notably, the cover  300  is stretched as if installed on a motorcycle  100 , but no motorcycle is shown in order to have an unobstructed view of the cover  300 . Visible, then, are the rear surface  350  of the cover  300 , the interior surface  355  of the cover  300 , attachment straps  310 , interior attachment straps  335  and zipper  340 . Also shown are a front attachment pocket  320  and the rear attachment pocket  325  of the cover  300 . This embodiment is similar to that described with reference to  FIG. 6 , however, it includes additional interior attachment straps  335  and a zipper  340 , and the attachment strap  310  has Velcro® instead of a buckle. The interior attachment strap  335  further enhances the attachment effectiveness when installed on motorcycles lacking certain features, such as a windscreen, that are retained within the rear attachment pocket  325 . Here, the interior attachment straps  335  are shown to have Velcro® as well. Further, in this embodiment there is a zipper  340  in the rear surface  350  of the cover  300 . The zipper  340  allows the cover  300  to be fitted around large windscreens and/or handlebars while the rear portion is primarily unstretched. After fitting, the zipper  340  can be zipped up to form the tight fit shown throughout the figures. The zipper  340  can thus enhance the ease and speed of installing the cover  300 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 8  is a partial side view of a rear portion of the motorcycle  100  from  FIG. 2  with a cover  800  according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention installed and covering a saddle bag  145  and seat  140 . The cover  800  is fitted over the seat  140  and saddlebags  145  of the motorcycle  100 . The cover comprises an exterior surface  820 , an interior surface  825 , a front attachment pocket  805  and rear attachment pockets  815  on both sides of the motorcycle  100 . In this embodiment, the front attachment pocket  805  is fitted around the front of the seat  140  of motorcycle  100 . The rear attachment pockets  815  are each fitted around a saddlebag  145  on motorcycle  100 . 
         [0042]    The cover  800  is additionally secured by an attachment strap  810 , which is an additional or secondary means of attachment designed to increase reliability of the attachment at high speeds and optionally to provide for a way to secure the cover  800  against theft when installed on the motorcycle  100 . In some embodiments the interior surface  825  is comprised of the same material as the exterior surface  820  of the cover  800 . In other embodiments, the interior surface  825  comprises another layer of material such as, for example, microfiber, which is specifically designed not to scratch delicate surfaces such as painted or chromed surfaces. In this embodiment, the exterior surface  820  and the interior surface  825  are made of a stretchable material to achieve a tight fit. 
         [0043]      FIG. 9  is a partial side view of a travel pack  155  for attachment to a rear portion of the motorcycle  100  from  FIG. 2  with a cover  900  installed according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The cover  900  covers the travel pack  155 , which is shown apart from the motorcycle  100  for convenience. The cover  900  has an exterior surface  920  and an interior surface  925 . In some embodiments the interior surface  925  is comprised of the same material as the exterior surface  920 . In other embodiments, the interior surface  925  comprises a different layer of material such as, for example, microfiber, which is specifically designed not to scratch delicate surfaces such as painted or chromed surfaces. In this embodiment, the exterior surface  920  and the interior surface  925  are made of a stretchable material so that cover  900  can be tightly fit over the travel pack  155 , and such that the cover  900  need not require an additional structure for attachment to the travel pack  155 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 10  shows a side view of a motorcycle  100  with yet another embodiment of the present invention installed. The cover  1000  has an exterior surface  1015  and an interior surface  1020 . In some embodiments the interior surface  1020  is comprised of the same material as the exterior surface  1015 . In other embodiments, the interior surface  1020  comprises a different layer of material such as, for example, microfiber, which is specifically designed not to scratch delicate surfaces such as painted or chromed surfaces. In this embodiment, the exterior surface  1015  and the interior surface  1020  are made of a stretchable material so that cover  1000  can be tightly fit over the motorcycle  100 . As can be seen, substantially the entire motorcycle  100  is protected by this embodiment. Attachment straps (not shown) are preferably integral to the cover  1000  and serve as a means of securing the cover  1000  to the motorcycle  100 . In some embodiments, the attachment straps (not shown) are configured to act as a lockable means to prevent theft of the cover  1000  while installed on the motorcycle  100 . In this embodiment, the front attachment pocket  1005  attaches to the front fender  135  of the motorcycle while the rear attachment pocket  1010  envelops the rear of the motorcycle  100 . 
         [0045]    The various embodiments of the cover and techniques described above in accordance with present invention thus provide a tight-gripping and protective way to cover a motorcycle. In addition, the techniques for the described covers can be used with any of a wide variety of vehicles. 
         [0046]    Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such objects or advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. 
         [0047]    Furthermore, the skilled artisan will recognize the interchangeability of different embodiments. For example, various attachment straps, materials, and latching mechanisms disclosed herein, as well as other known equivalents for each such feature, can be mixed and matched by one of ordinary skill in this art to construct cover systems in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
         [0048]    Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it therefore will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims.