Patent Publication Number: US-10766345-B2

Title: Hail-resistant vehicle cover

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/299,222, filed Oct. 20, 2016 and entitled HAIL-RESISTANT VEHICLE COVER, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,994,097 issued Jun. 12, 2018, the specification of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The following disclosure relates to protective covers for cars and other vehicles. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Every year, hail storms cause large amounts of damage throughout the United States. A significant portion of this damage comes in the form of hail damage to cars and trucks. The damage to a single vehicle can require thousands of dollars of repair work. Since many drivers do not park their cars in garages or under other coverings, their vehicles spend a significant amount of time exposed to potential hail storms. 
     SUMMARY 
     A hail-resistant vehicle cover is provided that is used to protect cars and trucks from hail damage. The vehicle cover includes straps with fixing members such as hooks which secure the cover to the vehicle at a point such as the underside of the vehicle&#39;s body, or any other location which can securely anchor a hook. In some embodiments, the vehicle cover includes multiple cover panels which can fold together against each other such that vehicle cover takes up much less space when being stored that it would if it could not fold up. In some of these embodiments, the cover panels are separable from each other. Some embodiments of the vehicle cover include cover panels which are comprised of cover panel sleeves into which impact-resistant cover panel inserts are inserted. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a hail-resistant vehicle cover on top of a vehicle; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a hail-resistant vehicle cover; 
         FIGS. 3A-3D  illustrate side views of a hail resistant vehicle cover in different states of folding and unfolding; 
         FIGS. 4A-4C  illustrate perspective views of different embodiments of joints used to connect vehicle cover panels; 
         FIGS. 5A-5D  illustrate perspective views of vehicle cover panels and how they connect to each other; 
         FIGS. 6A-6C  illustrate perspective views of vehicle cover panel sleeves and vehicle cover panel inserts; 
         FIG. 6D  illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle cover panel; 
         FIG. 6E  illustrates a cross-section view of a vehicle cover panel; 
         FIG. 7A  illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle cover panel with side curtains; 
         FIG. 7B  illustrates a cross-section end view of a vehicle cover panel with side curtains; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a cross-section end view of a portion of a vehicle cover panel with side curtains on a vehicle with hail stones impacting the cover panel; 
         FIG. 9A  illustrates a vehicle cover secured to a vehicle; 
         FIG. 9B  illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle cover secured to a vehicle; 
         FIGS. 10A-10B  illustrate perspective views of vehicle cover panels which include magnets; 
         FIG. 11A  illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle cover disposed on a vehicle; 
         FIG. 11B  illustrates a partial cross-section side view of cover panels which include magnets and connecting joints; 
         FIG. 11C  illustrates a partial cross-section side view of a vehicle cover which includes a protective scratch-preventative layer disposed under a cover panel; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle cover base; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle cover panel which includes hook-and-loop material; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle cover which includes a vehicle cover base and cover panels which include hook-and-loop material; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle cover which includes a vehicle cover base and a vehicle cover outer wrapping; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a hail-resistant vehicle cover, including a front panel, on top of a vehicle; and 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a perspective view of a hail-resistant vehicle cover, including a front panel. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers are used herein to designate like elements throughout, the various views and embodiments of a hail-resistant vehicle cover are illustrated and described, and other possible embodiments are described. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some instances the drawings have been exaggerated and/or simplified in places for illustrative purposes only. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the many possible applications and variations based on the following examples of possible embodiments. 
     Referring first to  FIG. 1 , there is illustrated an embodiment of a vehicle cover  102  covering a vehicle  104 . In  FIG. 1 , vehicle  104  is a car, but vehicle  104  could also be a truck, a sport-utility vehicle, or any other land vehicle in common use. The vehicle cover  102  sits on top of vehicle  104  and covers most of the top surfaces  106 , including the roof, the hood, and, if the vehicle has one, the trunk or truck bed. The vehicle cover  102  also covers and protects the windshield  112  and the rear window  114 . The vehicle cover  102  is secured to the vehicle with a set of anchors. In this embodiment, the anchors include straps  108  and fixing members  110 . One end of each strap  108  is attached to the vehicle cover  102 , while the other end has a fixing member  110  (in this embodiment, a hook) which hooks under the body of vehicle  104  in a location such as the fender or anywhere else where fixing member such as a hook can be secured. Tension in the strap  108  keeps the fixing member  110  secured under the body of the vehicle  104  and the vehicle cover  102  secured to the vehicle. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the vehicle cover includes curtains  116  on the sides of the cover  102  that drape over the top part of the sides of the vehicle  104 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , there is illustrated another view of vehicle cover  102 . In some embodiments, the vehicle cover  102  comprises multiple cover panels  202 . These cover panels  202  are impact resistant and help protect the top of the vehicle  104 . Each cover panel  202  is connected to the cover panels in front of and behind it by means of a hinge-like joint (described hereinbelow with respect to  FIGS. 3A-4C ) that allows the cover panels to fold onto each other. In some embodiments, the cover panels  202  are separate units that can be easily connected to each other to form a vehicle cover  102  of a custom length. The panels  202  and how they are connected to each other are described in more detail hereinbelow with regard to  FIGS. 3A-4C . As mentioned hereinabove, the vehicle cover  102  is secured to a vehicle  104  via straps  108  and fixing members  110 . The vehicle cover  102  has enough straps  108  to securely anchor the cover to the vehicle  104 . In some embodiments, the vehicle cover  102  has at least four straps  108 , one located near each corner of the vehicle  104 . In some embodiments, the straps  108  include bungee cords or are made of a similarly elastic material. Using an elastic material for the straps  108  allows them to stretch to the length required for the fixing members  110  to be positioned under the body of the vehicle  104  or to any other location of an appropriate anchoring point. When the fixing members  110  are secured to the vehicle  104 , the straps  108  will be stretched and in a state of tension, which will pull the fixing members against their anchor points, further securing the vehicle cover  102  to the top of the vehicle  104 . The end of each strap  108  that is attached to a cover panel  202  can be attached by any appropriate means. In some embodiments, the straps  108  are sewn to cover panels  202 . In other embodiments, an adhesive is used. In still other embodiments, a hook-and-loop attachment is used, whereby the cover panel  202  will have a patch or strip of hook material, and the end of the strap  108  will have a loop material (naturally, this could be reversed, wherein the panel  202  has loop material and the strap  108  has hook material). The end of each strap would typically be attached to the cover panel  202  near the side edge of the cover panel, but in some embodiments is attached at other points on the panel. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the cover panels  202  include side curtains  116  that drape over the side of the vehicle  104 . This provides added protection to the sides of the vehicle from hail. As described further hereinbelow with respect to  FIG. 8 , the curtains  116  in some embodiments are thinner than the rest of the cover panel. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3A-D , there are illustrated several depictions of a vehicle cover  102  in various states of folding. Turning first to  FIG. 3A , there is illustrated a side view of a vehicle cover  102  in a fully unfolded state. Visible in  FIG. 3A  are panel joints  302  which connect the cover panels  202  to each other. Note that the panel joints  302  alternate between the upper and lower sides of the vehicle cover  102 . That is, progressing from front to back of the cover  102  (left to right in  FIGS. 3A-D ), the joint  302  between the first and second panels  202  is on the upper side of the cover, the joint  302  between the second and third panels is on the lower side of the cover, the joint  302  between the third and fourth panels is on the upper side of the cover, and so on. Of course, the joints on the cover  102  could be configured in an alternating fashion such that the joint  302  between the first and second panels  202  is on the lower side of the cover; the joint between the second and third panels is on the upper side of the cover; and so on. The purpose for having joints  302  on alternating sides of the vehicle cover  102  is to allow the cover panels  202  to fold in alternating directions, as is described hereinbelow with respect to  FIGS. 3B-3D . 
     Turning to  FIG. 3B , there is illustrated another side view of a vehicle cover  102 . In  FIG. 3B , some of the cover panels  202  are partially folded over the panels next to them. Arrows  304  indicate the direction in which panels  202  can fold. For example, cover panels  202   a  and  202   b  can fold upwards about their common joint  302 , which is on the upper side of the vehicle cover  102 . Cover panels  202   d  and  202   e , on the other hand, fold downwards around their common joint  302 . The alternating, accordion-like manner in which the cover panels  202  folded over onto each other allows the vehicle cover  102  to be folded into a very compact size. 
     Turning to  FIG. 3C , there is illustrated another side view of a vehicle cover  102 . In  FIG. 3C , the vehicle cover  102  has the cover panels  202  mostly folded over onto each other in an “accordion” configuration. 
     Turning to  FIG. 3D , there is illustrated another side view of a vehicle cover  102 , with the cover panels  202  completely folded over onto each other, resulting in the vehicle cover being in an accordion configuration that is its most folded, most compact state. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4A-4D , there are illustrated several different types of joints  302  used in different embodiments to connect vehicle panels  202  to each other. Although in many embodiments the cover panels  202  are detachable from one another, in some embodiments, the joints  302  between the cover panels are permanently affixed to the panels, consequently permanently attaching the cover panels to each other via the joints. 
     Turning first to  FIG. 4A , there is illustrated an embodiment wherein the cover panels  202  are permanently connected to each other via joint  302 . The joint  302  may be made of plastic, fabric, or any other material durable enough to withstand hail and severe storms, while also being flexible enough to function as a type of hinge that allows the cover panels  202  to rotate about the joint. The joint  302  is attached to each cover panel  202  via an adhesive, is sewn onto each of the cover panels, or is attached to the cover panels via any other means that is strong and durable enough to hold together cover panels during a thunderstorm or other severe weather event. 
     Turning next to  FIG. 4B , there is illustrated an embodiment wherein the joint  302  is comprised of a cover panel strip  402  of hook-and-loop material on the surface of each cover panel  202  and a joint strip  404  of material which also has hook-and-loop material on one surface. A joint strip  404  is placed such that its hook-and-loop material makes contact with the hook-and-loop material on the cover panel strip  402  of both cover panels  202  that it connects. This affixes the two cover panels  202  to each other in such a way that the joint strip  404  can be removed from the cover panels  202 , and the cover panels can be separated for storage or at other times when they no longer need to be attached to each other. In these embodiments, the cover panel strips  402  will all be of either hook or loop material, and the joint strips  404  will then be the complimentary hook or loop material. 
     Turning next to  FIG. 4C , there is illustrated an embodiment in which the cover panels  202  are detachable from each other and from the joint  302 . In this embodiment, multiple joints  302  hold each cover panel  202  to its neighbor. Each of these joints  302  is constructed of fabric, plastic, or any other strong, flexible, waterproof material and includes two snap fastener halves  406 , each of which corresponds to a snap fastener half  408  on the cover panels  202  which the joint  302  connects. For each joint  302 , one of the snap fastener halves  406  is snapped to a snap half  408  on one cover panel  202 , and the other fastener half  406  is snapped to a snap half  408  on the other cover panel  202 , linking the two cover panels  202  together in a way that allows them to be detached from each other when needed. Naturally, the snap halves  406 ,  408  hold together with enough strength to keep from separating during a weather event that would produce hail. In some embodiments, only one joint  302  holds together each cover panel  202 , while in other embodiments, such as is illustrated in  FIG. 4C , the joint  302  attaching the cover panels to each other actually comprises multiple joints  302 . 
     In all embodiments, the joint  302  may be made of plastic, fabric, or any other scratch-preventative material durable enough to withstand hail and severe storms, while also being flexible enough to function as a type of hinge that allows the cover panels  202  to rotate about the joint. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5A-5D , is illustrated another embodiment in which the joint  302  is part of the cover panel  202 . Turning to  FIG. 5A , there is illustrated a single cover panel  202  with a joint  302 . The cover panel  202  is oriented such that the joint  302  is on the upper surface of the cover panel. In this embodiment, joint  302  is a flap  502  of material attached to the top surface of cover panel  202  and extends over the edge of the cover panel. On the underside of the flap  502  is hook-and-loop material. 
     Turning next to  FIG. 5B , there is illustrated an identical cover panel  202  as in  FIG. 5A , except that the cover panel in  FIG. 5B  is oriented such that its joint  302  is on the underside of the cover panel. Also visible on the cover panel  202  in  FIG. 5B  is a strip  504  of hook-and-loop material. This strip  504  is on the opposite surface as the joint  302  (in the case of  FIG. 5B , the upper surface). An identical strip  504  is also on the cover panel  202  illustrated in  FIG. 5A , but it is on the lower surface, which is not visible in view of  FIG. 5A . 
     Turning next to  FIG. 5C , there are illustrated two cover panels  202 , identical to those in  FIGS. 5A and 5B . The cover panels  202  are oriented such that the hook-and-loop material on the joint  302  of cover panel  202   a  overlaps and is affixed to the hook-and-loop strip  504  of cover panel  202   b  on the opposite end and opposite surface of cover panel  202   b  that includes a joint  302 . By alternating orientations in this way, additional cover panels  202  can be added to create a vehicle cover  102  that is foldable, as described hereinabove with respect to  FIGS. 3A-3D . 
     Turning to  FIG. 5D , this concept is illustrated. For example, the joint  302  of an additional cover panel  202  may be affixed to the underside of cover panel  202   a , and the joint  302  of cover panel  202   b  could be affixed to the underside of yet another additional cover panel  202 . By repeating this process, as many cover panels  202  as needed can be affixed to each other to create a vehicle cover  102  of any desired length. Note that the exact type of joint  302  may vary. In some embodiments, it will be of the hook-and-loop types described hereinabove, while in other embodiments, it may be of any of the other types described hereinabove. 
     In embodiments in which the cover panels  202  are detachably affixed to each other, a vehicle cover  102  can be easily assembled and disassembled simply by connecting and disconnecting cover panels to each other as necessary. Another benefit of this “modular” approach to the configuration of a vehicle cover  102 , is that a vehicle cover of a custom size can be assembled. Instead of having to produce vehicle covers  102  of multiple different sizes to account for different vehicle sizes, manufacturers only need to produce and sell the cover panels  202  and joints  302 . A vehicle owner can then purchase enough cover panels  202  to create a vehicle cover  102  long enough to cover the hood, roof, and trunk (or truck bed) of his/her particular vehicle  104 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6A-6C , there are illustrated an embodiment of a cover panel  202  which includes a shock-absorbing insert. Much of the cost of an item that a consumer pays is actually from the transportation of the item from overseas. Producing an item that is easily and efficiently transportable helps reduce the consumer price of an item. The embodiments shown in  FIGS. 6A-6C  address this issue. 
     Turning to  FIG. 6A , there is illustrated a cover panel  202 . In this embodiment, the cover panel  202  includes a cover panel sleeve  602  and cover panel insert  604 . Cover panel sleeve  602  is generally hollow and forms chamber  606  on its interior. Cover panel sleeve  602  also includes an opening  608  on one of its side (preferably a side other than the upper or lower surface). The opening  608  opens into the chamber  606 . Cover panel insert  604  is sized such that it is approximately the same shape and volume as the chamber  606  and can fit through the opening  608 . In these embodiments, the cover panel insert  604  provides much of the impact protection for the vehicle  104  against hail damage. The cover panel insert  604  may be made of an impact resistant material such as open or closed cell foam, rubber, gel, or any other impact resistant material. In some embodiments, the cover panel insert is actually a rubber or plastic bladder that can be filled with water or inflated with air. 
     The cover panel sleeve  602  can take different forms. In some embodiments, the sleeve  602  is a semi-rigid shell, providing some impact resistance itself, while still allowing some of the impact force to be absorbed by the cover panel insert  604 . In other embodiments, the cover panel sleeve  602  is flexible, like a pocket or pillow case. In these embodiments, the cover panel sleeve may be constructed of cloth, fabric, rubber, vinyl, a flexible plastic, or any other material that will deform when impacted without being damaged, allowing the cover panel insert  604  to absorb most of the impact force. In many embodiments, the cover panel sleeve  602  material will be a scratch-preventative material. The opening  608  on the side of the cover panel sleeve allows for the cover panel insert  604  to be inserted into the sleeve  602 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 6B , there is illustrated a cover panel  202  wherein the cover panel insert  604  is partially inserted into a cover panel sleeve  602 . 
     At least some of the cover panels  202  will also include straps  108  and fixing members  110 . The straps  108  are affixed to the exterior of the cover panel sleeves  602 . In some embodiments, the straps  108  are permanently affixed to the cover panel sleeves  602 , while in other embodiments, each strap  108  has hook-and-loop material on the end that attaches to the cover panel sleeve  602 , and the cover panel sleeve has complimentary hook-and-loop material in the location where the strap is to be attached. In some embodiments, all of the cover panel sleeves  602  include hook-and-loop material for attaching straps  108 , allowing for straps to be connected to any of the cover panels  202  that make up the vehicle cover  102 . In other embodiments, only certain cover panel sleeves have the hook-and-loop material for attaching straps. 
     Turning to  FIG. 6C , there is illustrated an embodiment of a cover panel  202  with the opening  608  of the cover panel sleeve  602  partially closed. In some embodiments, the opening  608  cover panel sleeve  602  can be closed. This prevents the cover panel insert  604  from coming out of the sleeve at an inconvenient time, such as in the middle of a storm. In these embodiments, the cover panel sleeve  602  includes a zipper or other closing means  610  that can allow the opening  608  to be easily opened and closed. Thus, when the cover panel insert  604  is to be inserted or removed from the cover panel sleeve  602 , the closing means  610  can be used to open the opening  608 . Then, when the cover panel insert  604  is either inserted or removed, the closing means  610  can be used to close the opening  608 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 6D , there is illustrated a perspective view of an embodiment of a cover panel  202  with concave cavities  612  on the underside of the cover panel. In these embodiments, the cover panel  202  may not include a chamber  606  or an insert  604 . Instead, the cover panel  202  may be solid or of a unibody construction. In these embodiments, like that illustrated in  FIG. 6D , the cover panel  202  includes hollowed-out cavities  612  on the underside of the cover panel. These cavities  612  can be advantageous, as they will save on the amount of material used in constructing the cover panels  202 . Also, the cavities  612  will still provide protection against hail, since impacts against parts of the panel  202  under which there is a cavity will cause the cover panel material to flex into the gap between the vehicle  104  and the top of the cavity  612 . Thus, in these embodiments, thick padding is not necessary over the entire area of the cover panel  202 , since the gaps between the vehicle  104  and the cover panel material formed by the cavities  612  will provide adequate impact protection. 
     Turning to  FIG. 6E , there is illustrated a cross-sectional view of the cover panel illustrated in  FIG. 6D . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , there is illustrated an embodiment in which the cover panels  202  include side curtains  116 . The embodiments shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B  also include chambers  606  and panel inserts  604 , but other embodiments having side curtains  116  may not include chambers or panel inserts. Referring to  FIG. 7A , there is illustrated a view of a cover panel  202 . In this embodiment, the cover panel sleeve  602  is made of multiple sheets  702  of material that are connected together at the edges to form the sides of the cover panel sleeve  602  and the chamber  606 . In some embodiments, the one or more of the sheets  702  extend beyond where the sheets come together and form the side curtains side curtains  116 . For example, in the embodiment of  FIGS. 7A-B , the sheets  702  forming the panel sleeve  602  converge at the edges of the panel sleeve to the form the boundaries of chamber  606  and the sides of the cover panel sleeve. Instead of terminating at the point where they converge, the sheets  702  continue to extend past that point. The sheets  702  may or may not be affixed to each other past the point where they converge. Either way, the sheets  702  form flaps which act as the side curtains  116  and provide some protection to the sides of the vehicle  104 . In embodiments where the sheets  702  are affixed together, they may be attached to each other in any appropriate way to form the side curtains  116 . For example, the sheets  702  may be sewn together, glued together, secured to each other with buttons, or secured to each other with hook-and-loop material. 
     The sheets  702  may be made of a variety of scratch-preventative materials. For example, in some embodiments, the sheets  702  are made of rubber. In other embodiments, the sheets  702  are made of breathable polyester. In still other embodiments, the sheets  702  are made of cloth. In yet other embodiments, the sheets  702  are made of plastic. In some embodiments, both the upper and lower sheets  702  are made of the same material, while in other embodiments, they are made of different types of material. 
     Since the side curtains  116  in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7A  do not include an impact resistant insert  604  like the one that is inside the chamber  606 , they will not provide as much impact resistance as the part of the cover panel  202  that covers top surfaces of the vehicle  104 . However, as discussed hereinbelow with respect to  FIG. 8 , this is not an issue, since hail stones will generally not impact the sides of vehicle  104  with the same force as they would impact the top of a vehicle. 
     Naturally, other embodiments will have variations of the side curtain  116  illustrated in  FIGS. 7A-B . In some embodiments, only one cover panel sleeve sheet  702  will extend beyond where the sheets converge, meaning that the side curtains  116  will each be only one sheet  702  of material. In some embodiments, the side curtains  116  will be separate pieces from the rest of the cover panel  202 . In some embodiments, the side curtains  116  will be removable. Other embodiments may in fact have additional or different material between the sheets  702  of the side curtains  116  or as part of the side curtains. The side curtains  116  are different lengths in different embodiments. In some embodiments, the length of the side curtains is between 12% and 25% of the distance between one side of the cover panel  202  and the other side of the cover panel  202  (the left and right sides). In other embodiments, the length of the side curtains  116  is between 80% and 100% of the distance from one side of the cover panel  202  to the other side of the cover panel (the left and right sides). In some embodiments the width of the side curtains  116  extends from the rear of the cover panel  202  all the way to the front of the cover panel, while in other embodiments, the width of the side curtain is between 70% and 100% of the distance between the front and rear edges of the cover panel. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7B , there is illustrated another view of the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 7A . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 8 , there is illustrated cross section view of cover panel  202 , from an embodiment like that of  FIG. 7A , placed on a top surface  106  of a vehicle  104 , with a side curtain  116  draped over the top part of the side of the vehicle.  FIG. 8  illustrates how the cover panel  202  protects the vehicle surface  106  from damaging hail stones  802 . The portion of the cover panel  202  which provides the most impact resistance, that is, the portion that includes the cover panel sleeve  606  and the cover panel insert  604 , rests on the top surface  106  of the vehicle  104  (although the same principles apply to a cover panel  202  resting on the hood, trunk, or any other upward facing surface of a vehicle  104 ). It is important to have a high degree of impact resistance on upward facing surfaces, such as top surface  106 , because this is where hail stones  802  will cause the most damage to an unprotected vehicle. Since hail stones  802  fall in a mostly vertical direction (even if there is high wind, hail stones will have a small horizontal component of velocity compared to their vertical component), a hail stone  802  will impact an upper facing surface of a vehicle  104  at a nearly perpendicular angle, creating a high impact force. On the other hand, a hail stone  802  that impacts the side of a vehicle  104  will do so at a very shallow angle with the side surface of the vehicle  104 , since only a small amount of the hail stone&#39;s velocity will be in a horizontal direction, that is, in a direction perpendicular to the side surface of the vehicle  104 . Because of this, the side surface of the vehicle  104  encounters a relatively small impact force from a falling hailstone  802 . Since the side surfaces of the vehicle  104  will typically encounter a smaller impact force from hail stones  802  than the top surface  106 , the curtain does not need to have a thick, impact resistant layer of material. Instead, the protection provided to the vehicle sides by thinner side curtains  116  (which, in this embodiment, are extensions of the cover sleeve sheets  702 ) is still sufficient for a typical hail storm. 
     Staying with  FIG. 8 , also illustrated is the strap  108  and fixing member  110  (in this embodiment, a hook). One end of the strap  108  is affixed to the cover panel  202 . In the embodiment shown, the strap  108  is affixed to the side curtain  116  portion of the cover panel  202 . The strap  108  may be affixed to the cover panel  202  in a number of ways. The strap  108  can be sewn to the cover panel  202 , hook-and-loop material can be used, adhesive can be used, or even snapping buttons can affix the strap to the cover panel. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 8  includes a hook as the fixing member  110 . The fixing member  110  would be anchored on appropriate part of the vehicle  104 , such as under the fender. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 9A , there is illustrated a front view of a vehicle  104  with a vehicle cover  102 . In this embodiment, the vehicle cover  102  is secured to the vehicle  104  with multiple straps  108  which wrap under the vehicle. Each strap  108  has two ends. The first end is attached to one side of a cover panel  202 . The strap  108  then is wrapped under the vehicle  104  to the other side of the vehicle. The second end of the strap  108  is then attached to the other side of the same cover panel  202 , thus anchoring the cover panel, and the rest of the vehicle cover  102 , to the vehicle  104 . This method of anchoring the vehicle cover  102  to the vehicle  104  is also very secure, as there are not fixing members  110  that might come loose from their anchor points. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9A , the ends of the strap  108  are affixed to the side curtains  116 . Different embodiments will have the strap  108  affixed to different parts of the cover panel  202 . For example, the strap  108  may, as shown in  FIG. 9A , be attached to the side curtains  116 . Alternatively, the strap  108  may be attached to the top of the cover panel sleeve  602 , or it may be attached to the bottom surface of the cover panel sleeve. 
     Turning to  FIG. 9B , there is illustrated another view of the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 9A . In  FIG. 9B , multiple straps  108  are visible. Having multiple straps  108  will better secure the vehicle cover  102  and keep it from lifting off the vehicle  104  during high winds. Like other embodiments, the straps  108  may be affixed to the vehicle cover by a variety of methods, to the cover panels  202  or to the side curtains  116 , except that in embodiments in which the straps  108  wrap under the vehicle and attach to the other side of a cover panel  202 , at least one of the attachments between the vehicle cover  202  and the strap  108  must be removable, such as hook-and-loop or snapping buttons. Otherwise, it would be very difficult to wrap the strap  108  under the vehicle  104 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 10A and 10B , there are illustrated perspective views of an embodiment which uses magnets to secure cover panels  202  to the vehicle  104 . In some embodiments, instead of being secured to the vehicle  104  by a strap  108  and fixing member  110 , the cover panels  202  of the vehicle cover  102  are each secured to the vehicle by magnets. In these embodiments, such as that shown in  FIG. 10A , the cover panel  202  includes one or more magnets  1002 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10A , the magnets  1002  are affixed the outside of the cover panel sleeve  602  (the bottom of the cover panel  202 , that is, the side that would abut the vehicle  104 , is visible). The magnets  1002  are attracted to the metal body of the vehicle  104  and have strong enough magnetism to firmly secure the cover panel  202  to the vehicle  104  directly or through a protective layer such as a felt or cotton liner. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 10A , the cover panel  202  includes four magnets  1002 , with one magnet near each corner of the cover panel. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 10B , there is illustrated a perspective view of another embodiment which uses magnets  1002  to secure the cover panels  202  to the vehicle  104 . This embodiment is similar to that depicted in  FIG. 10A , except in the embodiment of  FIG. 10B , the magnets  1002  are affixed on the inside of the cover sleeve  602 . This configuration provides a slight separation (in the form of part of the cover sleep  602 ) between the magnets  1002  and the body of the vehicle  104 . This separation can help prevent scratches on the body of the vehicle  104  that might occur from the direct contact of the magnets  1002  with the body of the vehicle  104 . 
     Different embodiments will have different numbers, shapes, and configurations of magnets  1002  on the cover panels  202 . The embodiments shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B  each have four magnets  1002 , one near each corner of the underside of the cover panel  202 . In some embodiments, each cover panel  202  will have long, strip-shaped magnets  1002  near one or more edges of the underside of the cover panel. Some embodiments have numerous magnets  1002  affixed to several locations on the underside (or inside the underside) of the cover panel  202 . Still other embodiments will have a single magnet  1002  on the cover panel  202  which is large enough to securely hold the cover panel onto the vehicle body  104 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 11A , there is illustrated a perspective view of a vehicle cover  102  which includes cover panels  202  secured to a vehicle  104  with magnets  1002 . Each cover panel  202  is individually secured to the vehicle  104  because of the magnets  1002  on the underside of each cover panel. In some embodiments which use magnets  1002  to secure the cover panels  202  to the vehicle  104 , the cover panels will still include joints  302  which connect the cover panels to each other. In other embodiments, each cover panel  202  is a completely separated from the other cover panels, with no cover panel joints  302 . In these embodiments, a plurality of the cover panels  202  depicted in  FIGS. 10A and 10B  would be enough to form a complete vehicle cover  102 . In other embodiments, some of the cover panels  202  may be connected to each other by joints  302 . This would be useful in certain cover panels  202  protect areas of the vehicle  104  that may not include enough metal onto which the magnets  1002  to secure the cover, e.g., the windshield, moonroof, or rear window of the vehicle. Some of the embodiments which include magnets  1002  will also include straps  108  and securing members  110  to provide additional anchors to the vehicle  104 . It should be noted that while the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 11  does not include side curtains  116  on the cover panels  202 , some embodiments that use magnets  1002  to secure the cover panels to the vehicle  104  will still include side curtains. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 11B , there is illustrated an embodiment in which the cover panels  202  include magnets  1002  and hook-and-loop material joints  302 . In these embodiments, the joints  302  may be included on all of the cover panels  202 , or the joints  302  may only be on cover panels which cover parts of the vehicle  104  to which magnets would not be attracted. For example, cover panels  202  covering the windshield or rear window of a vehicle  104  may include the joints  302  as a way of securing them to other cover panels which are covering magnetically attractive parts of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the joint  302  includes a strip  1102  of material. One end of the strip  1102  is sewn or otherwise permanently attached to the front or rear edge of each cover panel  202 . Each cover panel  202  also includes a patch  1104  of hook-and-loop material on the other of the front or rear edge from the strip  1102 . The other end of the strip  1102  includes hook-and-loop material which attaches to the patch  1104  of hook-and-loop material on the other cover panel  202 . As explained hereinabove, some embodiments will include these joints  302  on each cover panel, while in other embodiments, only specific cover panels  202  will include the strips  1102  and patches  1104 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 11C , there is illustrated another embodiment in which the vehicle cover  102  includes magnets  1002  in the cover panels  202 , and also includes a protective layer  1106  of material under part or all of each of the cover panels  202 . The protective layer  202  helps protect the paint of the vehicle  104  from being scratched by the magnets  1002 , or by a portion of the cover sleeve  602  if it is pressed against the vehicle by one or more of the magnets. This protective layer  1106  may be a sheet that lies under the entirety of the surface areas of the lower surfaces of all of the cover panels  202 . In other embodiments, however, the protective layer  1106  may be a patch that covers the magnets  1002 , meaning that a vehicle cover  102  may in fact have numerous protective layers  1106 . The protective layer  1106  may be made of a variety of scratch-preventative materials, such as vinyl, cloth, cotton, foam, felt, rubber, or foam. 
     Using cover panels  202  which include magnets  1002  allows for a user to quickly and easily install the vehicle cover  102  on the vehicle  104 , since the cover panels  202  can effectively affix themselves to the metal vehicle surfaces. In embodiments which only use the magnets  1002  to affix the cover panels  202  to the vehicle  104 , no additional straps  108  or fixing members  110  need to be adjusted or configured, making installation onto a vehicle and removal from the vehicle relatively simple. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 12 , there is illustrated a perspective view of a vehicle cover base for use in embodiments which include hook-and-loop material to secure cover panels  202  to a vehicle cover base which is then itself secured to the vehicle  104 . Referring back to  FIG. 12 , the vehicle cover base  1202  is a sheet of scratch-preventative material that is large enough to be laid over and cover the top surfaces of the vehicle  104 . The vehicle cover base  1202  includes hook-and-loop material  1204  on its top surface. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 12 , the hook-and-loop material  1204  is in two strips near the left and right sides of the vehicle cover base  1202  and run from near the front end to the rear end of the vehicle cover base. The vehicle cover base  1202  includes straps  108  and fixing members  110  which are used to secure the vehicle cover base to the vehicle  104  at appropriate anchoring locations, such as the fender of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the vehicle cover base  1202  will include base side curtains  1206 . Thus, instead of, or in addition to, the cover panel side curtains  116 , the base side curtains  1206  will give protection to the sides of the vehicle  104 . The vehicle cover base  1202  may be made of a number of various materials, including scratch-preventative materials. In some embodiments, the vehicle cover base  1202  is comprised of plastic. In other embodiments, the vehicle cover base  1202  may be comprised of other materials, such as rubber, cloth, vinyl, felt, cotton, or foam. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 13 , there is illustrated a perspective view of a cover panel  202  (upside down—with the underside visible) which is used in conjunction with the vehicle cover base of  FIG. 12 . In these embodiments, strips of hook-and-loop material  1302  are affixed to the exterior of the underside of the cover panel  202  via adhesive, sewing, or any other permanent attachment. The cover panel  202  is positioned such that the hook-and-loop strips  1302  make contact with and affix to complementary strips of hook-and-loop material  1204  on the vehicle cover base  1202 , securing the cover panel to the vehicle cover base. 
     Turning to  FIG. 14 , there is illustrated an embodiment of the vehicle cover  102  which includes the cover panels  202  secured to a vehicle cover base  1202  as described hereinabove with respect to  FIGS. 12 and 13 . The vehicle cover base  1202  is placed on top of the vehicle  104  with the side with the hook-and-loop material  1204  facing upwards away from the surface of the vehicle. Cover panels  202  are placed on top of the vehicle cover base  104  with the sides of the cover panels that include the hook-and-loop material  1302  facing downward and affixing to the hook-and-loop material  1204  of the cover base  1202 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 14 , each cover panel  202  is separate from the other cover panels, and the cover panels are not connected to each other by connecting joints  302 ; they are only connected to the cover base  1204  via the hook-and-loop material. In some embodiments, the cover panels  202  will still include connecting joints  302  which connect some or all of the cover panels to each other. 
     Turning to  FIG. 15 , there is illustrated another embodiment which uses hook-and-loop material to affix cover panels  202  to a vehicle cover base  1202 , much like the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 14 . In this embodiment, however, the vehicle cover  102  also includes an outer wrapping  1502 . The outer wrapping  1502  is meant to be placed over the vehicle cover base  1204  and the cover panels  202  to provide another layer of protection and to further secure the entire vehicle cover  102 . Once the cover base  1202  and the cover panels  202  are placed on the vehicle  104  and secured to the vehicle with the straps  108  and fixing members  110 , the outer wrapping  1502  is placed over the vehicle  104  and the cover base and cover panels. The outer wrapping  1502  may cover all of the cover panels  202 , or, in some embodiments, parts of the some of the cover panels may not be covered by the outer wrapping. The outer wrapping  1502  includes its own out wrapping straps  1504  and outer wrapping fixing members  1506 , which are used to secure the outer wrapping to the vehicle  104 . In some embodiments, the outer wrapping  1502  covers the top surfaces of the vehicle  104 , but does not extend very far, it at all, over the side of the vehicle. In other embodiments, the outer wrapping  1502  extends down the sides of the vehicle  104  and provides added protection to the sides of the vehicle. In some of these embodiments, the cover panels  202  may not include side curtains  116  if the portions of the outer wrapping that extend over the sides of the vehicle  104  are thick enough to provide adequate protection. The outer wrapping  1502  may be made of a number of various scratch-preventative materials. In some embodiments, the outer wrapping  1502  is comprised of plastic. In other embodiments, the outer wrapping  1502  may be comprised of other materials, such as rubber, cloth, vinyl, or foam. 
     It should be noted that the outer wrapping  1502  may also be included in alternate embodiments of the vehicle cover  102  with magnets  1002  in the cover panels  202  depicted in  FIG. 11 , or alternate versions of other embodiments, such as those depicted in  FIGS. 1, 2, and 9A -B. 
     Turning to  FIG. 16 , there is illustrated an embodiment of a vehicle cover  102 , including a front panel  1602 , covering a vehicle  104 . In  FIG. 16 , vehicle  104  is a car, but vehicle  104  could also be a truck, a sport-utility vehicle, or any other land vehicle in common use. The vehicle cover  102  sits on top of vehicle  104  and covers most of the top surfaces  106 , including the roof, the hood, and, if the vehicle has one, the trunk or truck bed. The vehicle cover  102  also covers and protects the windshield  112  and the rear window  114 . The vehicle cover  102  additionally includes the front panel  1602 . The front panel  1602  covers and protects the front of the vehicle, including the headlights and the grille and/or grille emblems. The vehicle cover  102  is secured to the vehicle with a set of anchors. In this embodiment, the anchors include straps  108  and fixing members  110 . One end of each strap  108  is attached to the vehicle cover  102 , while the other end has a fixing member  110  (in this embodiment, a hook) which hooks under the body of vehicle  104  in a location such as the fender or anywhere else where fixing member such as a hook can be secured. Tension in the strap  108  keeps the fixing member  110  secured under the body of the vehicle  104  and the vehicle cover  102  secured to the vehicle. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in  FIG. 16 , the vehicle cover includes curtains  116  on the sides of the cover  102  that drape over the top part of the sides of the vehicle  104 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 17 , there is illustrated another view of vehicle cover  102 , including the front panel  1602 . In some embodiments, the vehicle cover  102  comprises multiple cover panels  202 . These cover panels  202  are impact resistant and help protect the top of the vehicle  104 . The front panel  1602  further protects the front of the vehicle, including the headlights and the grille and/or grille emblems. Each cover panel  202  is connected to the cover panels in front of and behind it by means of a hinge-like joint (described hereinabove with respect to  FIGS. 3A-4C ) that allows the cover panels to fold onto each other. The front panel  1602  also can fold in this way. In some embodiments, the cover panels  202  are separate units that can be easily connected to each other to form a vehicle cover  102  of a custom length. The panels  202  and how they are connected to each other are described in more detail hereinabove with regard to  FIGS. 3A-4C . As mentioned hereinabove, the vehicle cover  102  is secured to a vehicle  104  via straps  108  and fixing members  110 . The vehicle cover  102  has enough straps  108  to securely anchor the cover to the vehicle  104 . In some embodiments, the vehicle cover  102  has at least four straps  108 , one located near each corner of the vehicle  104 . In some embodiments, the straps  108  include bungee cords or are made of a similarly elastic material. Using an elastic material for the straps  108  allows them to stretch to the length required for the fixing members  110  to be positioned under the body of the vehicle  104  or to any other location of an appropriate anchoring point. When the fixing members  110  are secured to the vehicle  104 , the straps  108  will be stretched and in a state of tension, which will pull the fixing members against their anchor points, further securing the vehicle cover  102  to the top of the vehicle  104 . The end of each strap  108  that is attached to a cover panel  202  can be attached by any appropriate means. In some embodiments, the straps  108  are sewn to cover panels  202 . In other embodiments, an adhesive is used. In still other embodiments, a hook-and-loop attachment is used, whereby the cover panel  202  will have a patch or strip of hook material, and the end of the strap  108  will have a loop material (naturally, this could be reversed, wherein the panel  202  has loop material and the strap  108  has hook material). The end of each strap would typically be attached to the cover panel  202  near the side edge of the cover panel, but in some embodiments is attached at other points on the panel. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 17 , the cover panels  202  include side curtains  116  that drape over the side of the vehicle  104 . This provides added protection to the sides of the vehicle from hail. As described further hereinabove with respect to  FIG. 8 , the curtains  116  in some embodiments are thinner than the rest of the cover panel. 
     It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description herein are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive manner, and are not intended to be limiting to the particular forms and examples disclosed. On the contrary, included are any further modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope hereof, as defined by the following claims. Thus, it is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such further modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and embodiments.