Abstract:
A cover for automobiles is provided that includes a cover with connection devices mounted around or within the exterior of the cover. The cover is dimensioned to cover an open area of the automobile, for instance, a cockpit of a convertible automobile. The connection devices may be a series of magnets covered in a micro-fiber cloth that will not interrupt the magnetic force between the cover and the automobile, but will protect the surfaces of the automobile from any unwanted contact between the magnets and the surfaces of the automobile that may result in scratches or other damage. The cover may be lightweight and customizable, and can quickly and easily be installed or removed from the automobile.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/982,374, filed on Apr. 22, 2014, the entirety of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to a cover for an automobile and more specifically to a cover for use with a convertible automobile. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Convertible automobiles feature a variety of hard and soft top options that allow the user to enjoy both a closed top vehicle during cold temperatures or other adverse weather conditions and an open top vehicle when the weather is warm. Many newer convertible automobile tops can be quickly and easily raised and lowered with minimal effort. However, many older convertible automobiles require an increased effort to raise and lower the top. Some models include complicated hydraulic systems in combination with a series of manual latches or other fastening mechanisms. Especially with older vehicles, the material forming the convertible top can be dated and/or worn and increased care must be taken to avoid ripping or puncturing the material. Additionally, many automobile models require the top to be carefully folded and packed whenever lowered. Further, some convertible tops require the user to move from side to side around the car repeatedly to adjust the top and engage or disengage the connector devices of each side as the top is raised or lowered. 
         [0004]    These many components and lengthy procedures for raising and lowering the convertible top can cause users to leave the top down whenever possible. However, it is often advantageous to cover the vehicle when not driving, even if the stop is only for a brief period of time. For instance, many individuals prefer to raise their automobile&#39;s top to avoid exposure of the interior of the vehicle to the sun and UV rays. This is especially true for older vehicles that have valuable original interiors or restored or new vehicles with expensive new or reproduction interiors. Also, failure to raise the top may expose the interior of the automobile to unwanted dust and dirt, Additionally, the interior surfaces, such as the seats and steering wheel, can reach excessive temperatures on a sunny day which are uncomfortable for the driver and passengers to contact, or in extreme cases my cause skin burns. Furthermore, users will typically want to quickly cover their convertible when a sudden and unexpected rain storm blows in. Moreover, a convertible that is covered is less likely to be approached by thieves or vandals. 
         [0005]    To address many of these issues, temporary convertible covers have been introduced in a number of forms. For instance, some temporary convertible covers use bungees, cords, rods, hooks, straps, and other types of connectors to secure a temporary cover. Some covers require additional pieces or fasteners that are installed directly onto the surface of the convertible, which may be unappealing, especially for collector vehicles. The majority of these temporary covers can typically be installed more quickly than by raising the automobile&#39;s permanent top. However, there is risk that the connecting pieces may scratch the exterior paint or damage the interior of the automobile or that permanent alteration of the vehicle decreases value or creates initiation points for corrosion. 
         [0006]    The majority of these covers attach to the automobile around the perimeter of the cockpit area of the convertible, and up and around the windshield. Oftentimes, this configuration increases the likelihood that the material of the cover may move, flap or be removed entirely from the vehicle in the wind. Flapping or increased movement of the cover may result in scratches or other damage to the vehicle. Another frequent issue is that loose-fitting and flapping vehicle covers may be visually unappealing. 
         [0007]    As a result, it is desirable to develop a cover for a convertible automobile that can be quickly installed underneath the windshield of the convertible without risk of damage to the automobile in a variety of weather conditions. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    According to one aspect of an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a cover for a vehicle is made of a lightweight material. The cover may be made of a micro-fiber cloth to avoid damage or scratching on any surfaces of the vehicle. 
         [0009]    According to another aspect of an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the cover may be used with a convertible automobile. The cover is dimensioned to cover the cockpit area of the convertible when the top of the convertible top is lowered. In one embodiment the cover will fit around the edge of the cockpit area, and under the windshield of the automobile. To securely attach the cover to the convertible, the cover may have a plurality of magnets located throughout or along the periphery of the cover. In one embodiment, the magnets are flat extruded magnets that are sewed in or along and enclosed by the edges of the cover. In an alternate embodiment, the magnets are high strength magnets that are positioned around each corner of the cover. 
         [0010]    According to another aspect of an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the cover may be made of a clear material. This will allow individuals to see the interior of the convertible while the cover is on. The clear material may be UV opaque, which will prevent fading and damage of the interior due to the sun. 
         [0011]    According to yet another aspect of an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the cover may have a plurality of vent holes formed therein. Alternatively, the cover may be made of a mesh material. Both options result in a cover that allows air movement through the cover in order to prevent the air in the interior of the vehicle under the cover from becoming “stale”. 
         [0012]    Numerous other aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be made apparent from the following detailed description together with the drawings figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    The drawings illustrate the best mode currently contemplated of practicing the present disclosure. 
           [0014]    In the drawings: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the inventive removable cover for automobiles constructed according to the present disclosure; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a partially broken away isometric view of the magnet located within the inventive removable convertible cover about line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the inventive removable cover for automobiles; and 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the inventive removable cover of  FIG. 3 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0019]    Referring now in detail to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, two exemplary embodiments of a cover  20  according to the present disclosure is illustrated generally in  FIGS. 1-4 . 
         [0020]    The cover  20  provides a covering for an automobile or other vehicle that can quickly and easily be applied and removed. The cover  20  is made of a generally lightweight material such that it can easily be installed onto an automobile by a single individual. As shown, the cover  20  has a generally rectangular shape conforming to the shape of an automobile  22  or other vehicle on which the cover  20  is to be positioned, and has a leading edge  44 , multiple side edges  40 , and four corners  42 . Other configurations could be used depending on the type and size of automobile and the type of covering or protection desired. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover  20  is for use with a convertible automobile  22 , and more specifically to cover the open interior or cockpit  24  of the convertible automobile  22 . Thus, the cover  20  has a footprint that mimics, but is slightly larger than, the perimeter of the open cockpit  24  of the automobile  22 . The cover  20  can be installed onto the convertible automobile  22  when the top  28  of the convertible automobile  22  is in a lowered or collapsed position. This allows the cockpit  24  of the convertible to be sheltered from weather and dust. Furthermore, a covered automobile  22  is generally less susceptible to theft either of the automobile  22  or of items (not shown) present in the interior cockpit  24  of the automobile  22 . 
         [0021]    In addition, the inventive cover  20  need not be designed exclusively for convertible automobiles  22 . Rather, the cover  20  may be altered in shape to be usable with any type of vehicle as would be known to one skilled in the art. For instance, the cover  20  could be used to cover open cockpit sports utility vehicles. Also, the cover  20  could be used with T-top vehicles. Further, the cover  20  could be used to cover an entire motorcycle. Moreover, the cover  20  could be designed to cover merely the seat of the motorcycle to prevent the temperature rise of the surface where the operator sits. Further still, a larger cover  20  could be used to provide covering for a traditional automobile. Such a cover  20  could be draped over the windows of the vehicle, or it could extend down the sides of the vehicle. 
         [0022]    Looking now at  FIG. 1 , the cover  20  has a plurality of connector devices  30  that allow it to be releasably-installed in a quick and easy manner to the automobile  22 . For instance, the cover  20  may be installed onto the automobile  22  using magnets  32 ,  33 . As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art any variety of different magnetic configurations could be incorporated into the cover  20 . As shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , the cover  20  may have a plurality of flat, extruded magnets  33  that are positioned along the sides  40  of the cover  20 . These flat, extruded magnets  33  may be sewn into the side edges  40  of the cover  20 .  FIG. 2  provides a detailed cut-away view of a flat, extruded magnet  33  located between the cover  20  and a micro-fiber cloth  34  as will be described below. The magnetic connection between the flat, extruded magnets  33  and the sides of the convertible automobile  22 , along with the weight of the flat, extruded magnets  33 , help to secure a tight fitting connection that will resist movement of the cover  20  as a result of wind or unintentional contact with the cover  20 . Alternatively, or in conjunction with the fiat, extruded magnets  33 , high strength magnets  32  may be installed at or along the corners  42  of the cover or installed periodically around the edges of the cover.  FIG. 1  illustrates a cover  20  that includes both flat, extruded magnets  33  and high strength magnets  32  whereas  FIGS. 3-4  feature an alternate design where only high strength magnets  32  are mounted at the corners  42  of the cover  20 . Whether the cover  20  includes the flat, extruded magnets  33  located on the side edges  40  of the cover  20  and/or the high strength magnets  32  located at the corners  42  of the cover  20 , the cover  20  will be securely fitted to the convertible automobile  22  by the engagement of the magnets  32  with the metal forming the automobile  22 . This will prevent risk of flapping or other movement of the cover  20  which may result in damage to the convertible automobile  22 , or the complete removal and loss of the cover  20  in the wind. Additionally, a combination of both types of magnets  32 ,  33  may be used in any suitable configuration. As shown, the magnets  31 ,  32 ,  33  are shown in phantom because they are located within the cover  20  or between the cover  20  and a micro-fiber cloth  34  secured to the cover  20  around the magnets  31 ,  32 ,  33  to prevent damage to the exterior of the automobile  22 . 
         [0023]    Still looking to  FIG. 1 , the cover  20  is illustrated with the leading edge  44  of the cover lifted up to expose the interior cockpit  24 . The leading edge  44  of the cover may contain additional dashboard magnets  31  that engage the dashboard  50  of the automobile  22  when the dashboard  50  is metallic. As such, the leading edge  44  can releasably engage the dashboard  50  to fully cover the interior cockpit  24  while keeping the cover  20  beneath the windshield  26 . The resulting cover  20  will lay flat and be tight fitting about the cockpit  24  of the convertible automobile  22 . Other leading edge  44  connector devices may be used where the dashboard  50  is not metallic. Once applied, the cover  20  will prevent wind and debris from entering under the interior cockpit  24  and causing movement or flapping of the cover  20  about the convertible automobile  22 . Furthermore, a cover  20  that fits tightly and cleanly over the automobile cockpit  24  is visually appealing and accentuates the figure of the automobile  22 . 
         [0024]    In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the cover  20  is secured to the automobile  22  using weights (not shown). For instance, instead of or in conjunction with the magnets  32 ,  33  the weights can be incorporated along the side edges  40  of the cover  20 . Preferably, the weights are surrounded by a scratch resistant material to avoid potential damage to the vehicle and its paint. Additionally weights may be mounted within the corners  42  of the cover. Further still, a weight may be located adjacent to the leading edge  44  such that the leading edge  44  of the cover  20  is secured beneath the vehicle windshield. Other weights could be located around the cover  20  to ensure the cover  20  is reliably secured to the automobile. Different weights could be used depending on the weight and thickness of the cover material to ensure that the cover  20  is securely mounted over the interior cockpit  24  of the automobile  22 . 
         [0025]    In still another exemplary alternative embodiment, high friction materials (not shown) secured to the cover  20  may be used to frictionally engage the various exterior surfaces of the automobile  22 , either separately from or in conjunction with the magnets  32 . For example, materials such as printed silicone or rubber strips or patterns and be placed on a lower surface of the cover  20  to frictionally engage the surface of the automobile  22 . In addition, hooks (not shown) or other similar engaging structures capable of releasably engaging vents or other structures on the automobile  22  can be attached to the cover  20  to be used separately from or in conjunction with the magnets  32  to secure the cover  20  to the automobile  22 , as well as any other suitable engaging means. 
         [0026]    As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, any combination of the suggested connector devices  30  could also be used, including magnets  31 ,  32 ,  33  weights, and high friction materials could be used with the cover. 
         [0027]    The cover  20 , in one exemplary embodiment, is made of a lightweight yet durable material, for example, such as nylon, canvas, vinyl, acrylic, polyethylene, PVC, muslin, or similar materials or combinations thereof The cover  20  may be made of a material with vents or small open holes (not shown) of any suitable configuration located throughout the cover  20 , or at strategic locations to encourage air movement into and out of the interior  24  of the automobile  22  without degrading the functionality of the cover  20 . In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the cover  20  may be made in part or entirely of a water-proof, but air-permeable or breathable mesh. This increased air movement through the cover  20  assists in prevention of condensation on the underside of the cover  20  which may occur if the interior of the cockpit  24  is covered during a significant outside temperature cycle, such as day to night. 
         [0028]    In still other exemplary embodiments, the connector devices  30  may be covered by a variety of scratch resistant materials to prevent the connector devices from coming into direct contact with the vehicle or automobile  22 . For instance, a micro-fiber cloth  34  may be sewn or otherwise secured onto the underside of the cover  20  and around the connector device  30  to ensure that vehicle  22  is not scratched or otherwise damaged by direct contact of the connector device  30  with the automobile  22 , as can be seen in detail in  FIG. 2 . The cloth  34  may form a pocket or other opening within which various connector devices  30 , for instance magnets  32  or weights, can be inserted or removed. This would allow the connector devices  30  to be removed from the cover  20  to enable the cover  20  to be cleaned or washed. Alternatively, the connector devices  30  may be permanently connected to the cover  20 , for instance, by sewing the cloth  34  completely around the connector devices  30 , or in the case of the extruded magnet  33  the cloth  34  may be secured by sewing through the cloth  34 , magnet  33  and cover  20 . Alternatively, the connector devices  30  may be held with adhesive to the cloth  34  or cover  20 , thereby fixing the position of the devices  30  on the cover  20 . 
         [0029]    The cover  20  may feature various designs  46 , such as logos, messages advertisements, and other graphics. This allows a user to personalize the appearance of the automobile  22  via the design  46  of the cover  20  without having to make permanent changes to the automobile  22 . Alternatively, the cover  20  can be made of a transparent material, such as PVC. This would allow individuals to see the interior of the automobile  22  while the cockpit  24  is still isolated and protected from the elements by the cover  20 . This would be especially useful at auto shows where the interior cockpit  24  of the automobile  22  is displayed and protected simultaneously. In one exemplary embodiment, the transparent material can be UV opaque such that the interior of the cockpit  24  is not exposed to damaging sunlight. Additionally, the cover  20  can have a water diverter hole or device (not shown) such that captured rain water drains away from the interior of the automobile  22  through a dedicated hole and location for capture and containment. 
         [0030]    Changes can be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Various other embodiments of the present invention are contemplated as being within the scope of the filed claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter regarded as the invention.