Abstract:
A cover assembly is comprised of a first cover and a second cover configured for juxtaposed attachment to the first cover. The second cover can be an assembly of two pieces or more wherein at least one of the pieces is attached to the first cover in a manner so that it can rotate in relation to the first cover.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to exposed covers for internal aspects of a mechanical system, such as a cover on an engine of a motorcycle. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Engine covers are known, such as for example the Timing Chain Cover For A Motorcycle Engine as described in U.S. Pat. No. D525,268 issued to Stahel et al. While the ornamental aspects of the cover may be appreciated, it should be further appreciated that in order to change ornamentality the entire cover needs to be changed and replaced by a cover with a different ornamental design. This can result in exposure of critical engine parts and/or the introduction of dirt, debris, etc to critical mechanical aspects of the vehicle. 
         [0003]    Other covers are known, such as a “Derby cover” as shipped on most motorcycles, which is just a plain cover. The Derby cover is basically a dust cover that fits on the left side of the motorcycle engine/mechanics and covers the mechanical aspects of the clutch. It is typically a larger cover with 4-6 screws holding it in place when the screws are secured to the clutch housing. In some instances the Derby cover has no screws. Instead there may be a screw-cap in the center with a large closed slot in the center. Derby covers may be plain, such as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Custom covers can be purchased that have unique designs, such as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. D411,972 issued to Long. But, known custom covers are one piece without the ability to change designs without buying a whole new cover. To change the decorative nature of the cover the entire cover needs to be replaced. Taking off the cover may undesirably expose critical mechanical aspects of the motorcycle, and may in turn have negative implications for any warrantee. 
         [0004]    It is known to change ornamental aspects on a motorcycle, such as illustrated in Patent Application Publication US2005/050254920 in which a motorcycle bolt head cover is disclosed that includes a decorative part that may be removable/replaceable. While wheel nut and bolt covers are well known in the art, they are typically configured to have limited applicability for use, and the particular configurations are not suited for larger-scale applications. 
         [0005]    Given differing and ever-changing tastes in style, and the genuine interest in motorcycle and automotive enthusiasts generally to “customize” their machines to express taste and personality, heretofore known covers are not suitable to the task of large-scale and frequent change in ornamentality. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention provides a cover system that is readily adaptable to large-scale style-change applications. 
         [0007]    In one embodiment of the invention, a cover is provided, such as a Derby cover for a motorcycle. The Derby cover according to the invention is comprised of a first cover attachable to a portion of a vehicle. At least one, or a set of fasteners is configured for attaching the first cover to the vehicle portion. A second cover plate is configured for juxtaposed attachment to the first cover and/or the portion of the vehicle, with at least one or a set of fasteners configured for making such attachment. 
         [0008]    In another embodiment of the invention, a second cover is comprised of a background and a medallion (one or the other or both may be decorative). A bearing configuration is provided and disposed between the first cover and second cover pieces. In this embodiment, the medallion is fixed and the background insert spins. 
         [0009]    In still another embodiment of the invention, a second cover is comprised of a background and a medallion (one or the other or both may be decorative). A bearing configuration is provided and disposed between the first cover and second cover pieces. In this embodiment, the medallion is configured to spin and the background insert is fixed. 
         [0010]    The present invention provides several variations for customizing and personalizing portions of a vehicle, such as a motorcycle, ATV, scooter, or the like. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of a typical derby cover as known in the prior art; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a plan view of a selectable decorative cover according to the invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of a first embodiment of a selectable decorative cover according to the invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is an exploded view of a second embodiment of a selectable decorative cover according to the invention; and 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view of a third embodiment of a selectable decorative cover according to the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0016]    A fully assembled embodiment of a selectable decorative cover system according to the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 2 . This illustrative embodiment is a Derby cover  200 . The cover, illustrated further in the exploded view of  FIG. 3 , is configured with a first cover or plate  300  that is mechanically attached to the motorcycle clutch housing (not shown) as is generally known in the art. A second cover  302 , which may be configured from one or more decorative pieces in relation to one another is mechanically fastened to the first cover  300 . The second cover  302 , which is comprised of customizing ornamental aspects, such as decorative painting, sculpting, metal-work or the like, may be mechanically fastened to the first cover and/or the clutch housing. The second cover  302  and its ornamentality may be removed and replaced with different ornamentality. In this simple two piece embodiment, bolts  304  hold the second  302 , ornamental cover to the base cover  300 . 
         [0017]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , an embodiment of a decorative cover system  400  is illustrated having a first cover  401  wherein a second cover  402  is comprised of multiple pieces, in this case two pieces referred to herein as a medallion  404  and a background insert  406 . In this illustrative embodiment the medallion  404  is fixed and the background insert  406  is configured to spin. To facilitate this configuration, a bearing configuration is comprised of a bearing assembly  408  and a bearing bracket  410 . The bearing configuration is disposed between the first cover and second cover pieces. Specifically, in this illustrative embodiment, the bearing assembly  408  is press fit onto a post  412  of the bearing bracket  410 . The post  412  is long enough to protrude through the bearing assembly  408 , the background insert  406 , and into the medallion  404 . The background insert  406  is press fit onto the bearing assembly  408  outer surface. The medallion  404  is press fit onto the protruding post  412 . A plurality of bolts  414  completely pass through full clearance holes  416  in the background insert  406 , through countersunk clearance holes  418  in the bearing bracket  410  and thread into corresponding holes  420  the first or base cover  401 . Thus the post and medallion are fixed and the background insert that is friction fit to the bearing assembly spins with the outer bearing surface. 
         [0018]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , an embodiment of a decorative cover system  500  is illustrated having a first cover  501  wherein the second cover  502  is comprised of multiple pieces, in this case two pieces are also referred to herein as a medallion  504  and a background insert  506 . In this illustrative embodiment the medallion  504  is configured to spin and the background insert  506  is fixed. To facilitate this configuration, a bearing configuration is comprised of a bearing assembly  508 , a bearing bracket  510  and an independent bearing post  512 . In this configuration the bearing assembly  508  is press fit into a center hub  514  of the bearing bracket  510 . The independent post  512  is press fit into a center hole  516  of the bearing assembly  508 . The background insert  506  is placed over bearing bracket  510  in a manner so the post  512  protrudes through a center clearance hole  518  of the background insert  506 . The medallion  504  is press fit onto the bearing post  512 . Bolts  520  are positioned and installed to go through the background insert  506  and bearing bracket  510  holding them both firmly to the base/first cover  501 . In this configuration the medallion  504  spins freely on bearing post  512  and the background insert  506  is fixed. 
         [0019]    In the foregoing embodiments of the invention, the threaded holes in the first/base cover are not threaded completely through. Thus, the base cover need not be removed from engine to change the background insert or second cover to an alternative design. 
         [0020]    After market motorcycle Derby covers, or other covers according to the invention, may be manufactured with several bolt patterns to fit, but not limited to, early and late model “Harley Davidson” and “S &amp; S” motors. The unique design features will allow the end user to change the look and style without removing the cover from the bike by way of the interchangeable medallion and/or background assembly. These assemblies may be of a vast variety in style, color and design and simply attach to (by way of small bolts) and detach from the base cover. 
         [0021]    Although various aspects of the embodiments described herein are described as being press fit or friction fit, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other means of fastening the various pieces may be implemented, such as by use of mechanical fasteners, adhesives such as glue or epoxy, mechanical interfaces or the like. Similarly, although “bolts” are described for fastening and generally  2  bolts are illustrated it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other means of fastening the various pieces may be implemented and a number of fasteners other than two may be used for fastening. 
         [0022]    Although the illustrative embodiments herein disclose a “second cover” made with one or two pieces, it should be appreciated that more than two pieces could be used to configure the “second cover” and, similarly, alternative bearing configurations could be implemented to facilitate motion of other portions of the second cover. 
         [0023]    While the invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various other changes, omissions and/or additions may be made and substantial equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, unless specifically stated any use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another.