Patent Publication Number: US-2009236019-A1

Title: Cover assemblies for covering objects

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/448,801, filed Jun. 7, 2006, entitled “BARBEQUE COVER ASSEMBLY,” and a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12,333,496, filed Dec. 12, 2008, entitled “BARBEQUE COVER ASSEMBLY,” all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     This invention relates to cover assemblies, and more particularly to cover assemblies for use in covering various objects. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     It is often advantageous to position a cover over certain objects when those objects are not in use. For example, barbecues, vehicles and outdoor furniture may be covered when not in use, to protect them from the elements. As such, many different kinds of covers are known for covering various objects. However, known covers are often difficult to fit onto and to remove from the object to be covered, and are also often cumbersome and unsightly when not in use. In addition, during the deployment and removal process, the covers are often dragged across the ground, which is unsanitary and can lead to dirt being transferred from the cover to the object being covered. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to an aspect of the present invention, a cover assembly is provided. The cover assembly includes a covering member for covering a notional object, and a container for containing the covering member when the covering member is not in use. The covering member has an object-covering shape, and the container is selectively configurable in a containment configuration in which the covering member can be housed within the container, and a deployment configuration from which the covering member may be deployed to cover the notional object. The container has a defined orientation relative to the notional object to be covered, and the covering member is secured to the container at a predetermined position of the covering member and in alignment with the defined orientation of the container. As a result, when the container is placed in a predetermined position on the notional object to be covered, corresponding to the predetermined position of the covering member, with the defined orientation of the container matching the orientation of the notional object to be covered, the object-covering shape of the covering member will be aligned with the shape of the notional object to be covered. This facilitates easy and rapid deployment of the covering member to cover the object. In addition, the container may be provided with an anchor for maintaining the container in position on the notional object to be covered during deployment of the covering member. The anchor may be, for example, a high-friction material, one or more suction cups, one or more straps, or one or more magnets. 
     The defined orientation of the container may be defined by the position of the front of the container, or otherwise by the shape and configuration of the container, or may be arbitrarily defined, in which case it could be indicated by a marking on the container or by other indicia. 
     In one type of embodiment, the container is made up of a base having an anchor disposed on the underside thereof, and a plurality of wall sections secured to the base and moveable between an erected configuration in which they can be selectively secured, and an outwardly collapsed configuration. The container may optionally include a lid. In other types of embodiment, the container may take the form of a clamshell or of various types of bags having anchors. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of aspects of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: 
         FIG. 1  is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible box-type cover assembly in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, showing high-friction material on an underside of a base of a container; 
         FIG. 1A  is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible box-type cover assembly in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, showing suction cups on an underside of a base of a container; 
         FIG. 1B  is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible box-type cover assembly in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, showing straps secured to a container; 
         FIG. 1C  is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible box-type cover assembly in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, showing magnets on an underside of a base of a container; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the cover assembly of  FIG. 1  located on top of a notional barbecue, the container of the cover assembly having its lid closed; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the cover assembly of  FIG. 1  on top of the notional barbecue of  FIG. 2 , and showing the notional barbecue in its entirety; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the cover assembly of  FIG. 1  on top of the notional barbecue of  FIG. 2 , the container of the cover assembly having its lid open and its walls in an erected configuration; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the cover assembly of  FIG. 1  on top of the notional barbecue of  FIG. 2 , the container having its lid open and having straps on a rear wall and a second side wall of the container unfastened; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the cover assembly of  FIG. 1  on top of the notional barbecue of  FIG. 2 , the container having its lid open, the second side wall having been moved to an outwardly collapsed configuration, and having a strap on a first side wall of the container unfastened; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the cover assembly of  FIG. 1  on top of the notional barbecue of  FIG. 2 , the container having its lid open, the second side wall and a front wall of the container having been moved to an outwardly collapsed configuration, and having a strap on a rear wall of the container unfastened; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the cover assembly of  FIG. 1  on top of the notional barbecue of  FIG. 2 , the container having its lid open and having the rear wall, front wall and first and second side walls in an outwardly collapsed configuration; 
         FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of the cover assembly of  FIG. 1  on top of the notional barbecue of  FIG. 2 , the container having its lid open and having the rear wall, front wall and first and second side walls in an outwardly collapsed configuration, with the barbecue cover having been elevated above the container to provide a view of extension members securing the barbecue cover to the container; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the cover assembly of  FIG. 1  on top of the notional barbecue of  FIG. 2 , the container having its lid open and having the rear wall, front wall and first and second side walls in an outwardly collapsed configuration, with the barbecue cover having been unfurled over the width of the notional barbecue at a central cooking portion thereof, 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the cover assembly of  FIG. 1  on top of the notional barbecue of  FIG. 2 , the container having its lid open and having the rear wall, front wall and first and second side walls in an outwardly collapsed configuration, with the barbecue cover extended along the length of the notional barbecue over one end thereof, 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the cover assembly of  FIG. 1  on top of the notional barbecue of  FIG. 2 , the container having its lid open and having the rear wall, front wall and first and second side walls in an outwardly collapsed configuration, with the barbecue cover covering the notional barbecue; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the cover assembly of  FIG. 1  on top of the notional barbecue of  FIG. 2 , the container having its lid open and having the front wall and first side wall in an outwardly collapsed configuration and the rear wall and the second side wall in an erected configuration, with one lengthwise end of the barbecue cover having been pulled in a lengthwise direction inwardly from one end of the notional barbecue; 
         FIG. 13  is a detailed perspective view of the cover assembly of  FIG. 1  on top of the notional barbecue of  FIG. 2 , the container having its lid open and having the front wall and first side wall in an outwardly collapsed configuration and the rear wall and the second side wall in an erected configuration, with one lengthwise end of the barbecue cover having been pulled in a lengthwise direction inwardly from one end of the notional barbecue; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the cover assembly of  FIG. 1  on top of the notional barbecue of  FIG. 2 , the container having its lid open and having the first side wall in an outwardly collapsed configuration and the front wall, rear wall and second side wall in an erected configuration, with both lengthwise ends of the barbecue cover having been pulled in a lengthwise direction inwardly from each end of the notional barbecue; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the cover assembly of  FIG. 1  on top of the notional barbecue of  FIG. 2 , the container having its lid open and having the front wall, rear wall and first and second side walls secured in an erected configuration, with both lengthwise ends of the barbecue cover having been pulled in a lengthwise direction inwardly from each end of the notional barbecue; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the cover assembly of  FIG. 1  on top of the notional barbecue of  FIG. 2 , the container having its lid open and having the front wall, rear wall and first and second side walls of the container secured in an erected configuration, with the barbecue cover substantially entirely disposed therein; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible box-type cover assembly in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, located on top of a notional barbecue; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a clamshell-type cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention and showing high-friction material on one clamshell portion thereof, located on top of a notional barbecue; 
         FIG. 19  is a bottom perspective view of the cover assembly of  FIG. 18 , showing an outer surface of a first clamshell portion of a container, the container in a closed configuration; 
         FIG. 19A  is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a clamshell-type cover assembly in accordance with an aspect of the present invention and showing suction cups on one clamshell portion thereof, 
         FIG. 19B  is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a cover assembly in accordance with an aspect of the present invention and showing straps secured to a container thereof, 
         FIG. 19C  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a clamshell-type cover assembly in accordance with an aspect of the present invention and showing magnets on one clamshell portion thereof, 
         FIG. 20  is a view of the cover assembly of  FIG. 19  with its container in an open configuration, showing outer surfaces of first and second clamshell portions of the container; 
         FIG. 20A  is a view of the cover assembly of  FIG. 19A  with its container in an open configuration, showing outer surfaces of first and second clamshell portions of the container; 
         FIG. 20B  is a view of the cover assembly of  FIG. 19B  with its container in an open configuration, showing outer surfaces of first and second clamshell portions of the container; 
         FIG. 20C  is a view of the cover assembly of  FIG. 19C  with its container in an open configuration, showing outer surfaces of first and second clamshell portions of the container; 
         FIG. 20D  shows an exemplary embodiment of a clamshell-type cover assembly in accordance with an aspect of the present invention with its container in an open configuration and showing high-friction material on both clamshell portions; 
         FIG. 20E  shows an exemplary embodiment of a clamshell-type cover assembly in accordance with an aspect of the present invention with its container in an open configuration and showing suction cups on both clamshell portions; 
         FIG. 20F  shows an exemplary embodiment of a clamshell-type cover assembly in accordance with an aspect of the present invention with its container in an open configuration and showing straps secured to the container; 
         FIG. 20G  shows an exemplary embodiment of a clamshell-type cover assembly in accordance with an aspect of the present invention with its container in an open configuration and showing magnets on both clamshell portions; 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention, representing any of the cover assemblies of  FIG. 19 ,  FIG. 19A ,  FIG. 19B  or  FIG. 19D , positioned on a notional barbecue; 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of the cover assembly of  FIG. 21  positioned on a notional barbecue, showing a first stage of deployment of a covering member of the cover assembly; 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of the cover assembly of  FIG. 21  positioned on a notional barbecue, showing a second stage of deployment of the covering member of the cover assembly; 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of the cover assembly of  FIG. 21  positioned on a notional barbecue, showing a third stage of deployment of the covering member of the cover assembly; 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view showing the covering member of the cover assembly of  FIG. 21  completely deployed to cover the notional barbecue; 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view showing a first stage of operations to move the covering member of the cover assembly of  FIG. 21  from a fully deployed position to a contained configuration inside the container of the cover assembly; 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view showing a second stage of operations to move the covering member of the cover assembly of  FIG. 21  from a fully deployed position to a contained configuration inside the container of the cover assembly; 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view showing a third stage of operations to move the covering member of the cover assembly of  FIG. 21  from a fully deployed position to a contained configuration inside the container of the cover assembly; 
         FIGS. 29A and 29B  are side views showing placement and deployment of an exemplary embodiment of a clamshell-type cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention to cover a notional automobile; 
         FIGS. 29C and 29D  are side views showing placement and deployment of an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible box-type cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention to cover a notional automobile; 
         FIGS. 29E and 29F  are side views showing placement and deployment of an exemplary embodiment of an upright bag-type cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention to cover a notional automobile; 
         FIGS. 29G and 29H  are side views showing placement and deployment of an exemplary embodiment of a longitudinal bag-type cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention to cover a notional automobile; 
         FIGS. 30A and 30B  are side views showing placement and deployment of an exemplary embodiment of a clamshell-type cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention to cover a notional watercraft; 
         FIGS. 30C and 30D  are side views showing placement and deployment of an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible box-type cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention to cover a notional watercraft; 
         FIGS. 30E and 30F  are side views showing placement and deployment of an exemplary embodiment of an upright bag-type cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention to cover a notional watercraft; 
         FIGS. 30G and 30H  are side views showing placement and deployment of an exemplary embodiment of a longitudinal bag-type cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention to cover a notional watercraft; 
         FIGS. 31A and 31B  are perspective views showing placement and deployment of an exemplary embodiment of a clamshell-type cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention to cover a notional trailer; 
         FIGS. 31C and 31D  are perspective views showing placement and deployment of an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible box-type cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention to cover a notional trailer; 
         FIGS. 31E and 31F  are perspective views showing placement and deployment of an exemplary embodiment of an upright bag-type cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention to cover a notional trailer; 
         FIGS. 31G and 31H  are perspective views showing placement and deployment of an exemplary embodiment of a longitudinal bag-type cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention to cover a notional trailer; 
         FIGS. 32A and 32B  are side views showing placement and deployment of an exemplary embodiment of a clamshell-type cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention to cover a notional snowmobile; 
         FIGS. 32C and 32D  are side views showing placement and deployment of an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible box-type cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention to cover a notional snowmobile; 
         FIGS. 32E and 32F  are side views showing placement and deployment of an exemplary embodiment of an upright bag-type cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention to cover a notional snowmobile; 
         FIGS. 32G and 32H  are side views showing placement and deployment of an exemplary embodiment of a longitudinal bag-type cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention to cover a notional snowmobile; 
         FIGS. 33A and 33B  are side views showing placement and deployment of an exemplary embodiment of a clamshell-type cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention to cover a notional motorcycle; 
         FIGS. 33C and 33D  are side views showing placement and deployment of an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible box-type cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention to cover a notional motorcycle; 
         FIGS. 33E and 33F  are side views showing placement and deployment of an exemplary embodiment of an upright bag-type cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention to cover a notional motorcycle; 
         FIGS. 33G and 33H  are side views showing placement and deployment of an exemplary embodiment of a longitudinal bag-type cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention to cover a notional motorcycle; 
         FIGS. 34A and 34B  are perspective views showing placement and deployment of an exemplary embodiment of a clamshell-type cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention to cover a notional set of furniture; 
         FIGS. 34C and 34D  are perspective views showing placement and deployment of an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible box-type cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention to cover a notional set of furniture; 
         FIGS. 34E and 34F  are perspective views showing placement and deployment of an exemplary embodiment of an upright bag-type cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention to cover a notional set of furniture; 
         FIGS. 34G and 34H  are perspective views showing placement and deployment of an exemplary embodiment of a longitudinal bag-type cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention to cover a notional set of furniture; 
         FIGS. 35A and 35B  are perspective views showing placement and deployment of an exemplary embodiment of a clamshell-type cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention to cover a notional tool chest; 
         FIGS. 35C and 35D  are perspective views showing placement and deployment of an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible box-type cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention to cover a notional tool chest; 
         FIGS. 35E and 35F  are perspective views showing placement and deployment of an exemplary embodiment of an upright bag-type cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention to cover a notional tool chest; 
         FIGS. 35G and 35H  are perspective views showing placement and deployment of an exemplary embodiment of a longitudinal bag-type cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention to cover a notional tool chest; 
         FIG. 36A  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an upright bag-type covering assembly in accordance with an aspect of the present invention whose container is in the containment configuration; 
         FIG. 36B  is a bottom perspective view of the cover assembly of  FIG. 36A , showing high friction material on an underside of the container; 
         FIG. 36C  is a top perspective view of the cover assembly of  FIG. 36A  with its container in the deployment configuration, exposing a covering member; 
         FIG. 36D  is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an upright bag-type covering assembly in accordance with an aspect of the present invention whose container is in the containment configuration, showing suction cups on an underside of the container; 
         FIG. 36E  is a bottom perspective view of the cover assembly of  FIG. 36D  with its container in the deployment configuration, exposing a covering member; 
         FIG. 36F  is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an upright bag-type covering assembly in accordance with an aspect of the present invention whose container is in the containment configuration, showing straps secured to the container; 
         FIG. 36G  is a bottom perspective view of the cover assembly of  FIG. 36F  with its container in the deployment configuration, exposing a covering member; 
         FIG. 36H  is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an upright bag-type covering assembly in accordance with an aspect of the present invention whose container is in the containment configuration, showing magnets on an underside of the container; 
         FIG. 36I  is a bottom perspective view of the cover assembly of  FIG. 36H  with its container in the deployment configuration, exposing a covering member; 
         FIG. 37A  is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a longitudinal bag-type covering assembly in accordance with an aspect of the present invention whose container is in the containment configuration, showing high-friction material on an underside of the container; 
         FIG. 37B  is a bottom perspective view of the cover assembly of  FIG. 37A  with its container in the deployment configuration, exposing a covering member; 
         FIG. 37C  is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a longitudinal bag-type covering assembly in accordance with an aspect of the present invention whose container is in the containment configuration, showing suction cups on an underside of the container; 
         FIG. 37D  is a bottom perspective view of the cover assembly of  FIG. 37C  with its container in the deployment configuration, exposing a covering member; 
         FIG. 37E  is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an upright bag-type covering assembly in accordance with an aspect of the present invention whose container is in the containment configuration, showing straps secured to the container; 
         FIG. 37F  is a bottom perspective view of the cover assembly of  FIG. 37E  with its container in the deployment configuration, exposing a covering member; 
         FIG. 37G  is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an upright bag-type covering assembly in accordance with an aspect of the present invention whose container is in the containment configuration, showing magnets on an underside of the container; 
         FIG. 37H  is a bottom perspective view of the cover assembly of  FIG. 37G  with its container in the deployment configuration, exposing a covering member; 
         FIGS. 38A to 38I  depict placement and deployment of an exemplary cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention to cover a notional automobile; 
         FIGS. 38J and 38K  depict a collapsible pole according to an aspect of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 39A to 39D  show cover assembly packages each comprising a collapsible box-type cover assembly and a substrate carrying instructions for placement and deployment of the cover assembly; 
         FIGS. 40A to 40D  show cover assembly packages each comprising a clamshell-type cover assembly and a substrate carrying instructions for placement and deployment of the cover assembly; 
         FIGS. 41A to 41D  show cover assembly packages each comprising an upright bag-type cover assembly and a substrate carrying instructions for placement and deployment of the cover assembly; and 
         FIGS. 42A to 42D  show cover assembly packages each comprising a longitudinal bag-type cover assembly and a substrate carrying instructions for placement and deployment of the cover assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
     One exemplary application of a cover assembly constructed according to aspects of present invention is to cover a barbecue. In such an embodiment, the covering member would be a barbecue cover and would therefore have a barbecue-covering shape (i.e. have a shape corresponding generally to the outer contours of the notional barbecue to be covered. The covering member can be housed within the container when the container is in the containment configuration. The covering member includes an upper central portion (corresponding to the top of a notional barbecue to be covered) which is secured to the container with a particular orientation relative to the container. Specifically, the upper central portion of the covering member is secured to the container such that when the cover assembly is positioned on top of the notional barbecue with the defined front of the container aligned with the front of the notional barbecue, the barbecue-covering shape of the covering member is aligned with the barbecue. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 1 to 3 , an exemplary cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention is shown generally at  10 . The exemplary cover assembly  10  is designed to cover a notional barbecue, and is constructed accordingly. As will be explained in greater detail below, it is to be appreciated that cover assemblies according to aspects of the present invention may be adapted to cover many other types of objects besides barbecues. 
     The cover assembly  10  comprises a container indicated generally by the reference numeral  12  and a covering member indicated generally by the reference numeral  14 . In  FIGS. 1-3 , the covering member  14  is not visible because in those Figures it is housed inside the container  12 . 
     Most of the time, a notional barbecue will be idle, and it is at those times that it is desirable to cover the notional barbecue, to protect it from the elements. At those times, a covering member  14  according to an aspect of the present invention will be deployed in a barbecue covering-position, as shown in  FIG. 11 . When it is desired to use the notional barbecue, a covering member  14  according to an aspect of the present invention may be packed into a compact arrangement, such as the container  12  shown in  FIG. 2 , which sits on top of the notional barbecue, and then removed from the notional barbecue so that cooking may begin. Once cooking is complete and the notional barbecue has cooled, the rectangular container  12  within which the covering member  14  is housed may be placed back on top of the notional barbecue, and the covering member  14  may be redeployed to the barbecue-covering position, as shown in  FIG. 11 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1 to 3 , the exemplary container  12  has a base  16  and a plurality of wall sections, namely a front wall  18 , a rear wall  20  (not visible in the perspective view of  FIGS. 1-3 ), a first side wall  22  and a second side wall  24  (not visible in the perspective view of  FIGS. 1-4 ). In one embodiment, the base  16  and the walls  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  are substantially rigid. In an exemplary embodiment, the walls  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  are made from corrugated polyethylene sandwiched between two layers of polyester-supported PVC material. Each of the walls  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  is secured to the base  16  and is moveable between an erected configuration, as shown in  FIGS. 1 to 3 , and an outwardly collapsed configuration, as shown in  FIGS. 8 to 11 . The erected configuration defines the closed or containment configuration, and the outwardly collapsed configuration defines the open or deployment configuration.  FIGS. 4 to 7  show the transition between the erected configuration and the outwardly collapsed configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the walls  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  are each hingedly secured to the base  16  by way of a living hinge arrangement, although other suitable arrangements, such as individual hinges, may also be used. 
     The walls  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  are not permanently secured to one another, so as to enable movement of the walls  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  to the outwardly collapsed configuration. The walls  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  are securable in the erected configuration; in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 to 16 , the walls may be secured in the erected configuration by way of straps and receivers having complementary fastener elements which can secure each wall to an adjacent wall. One example of a suitable set of complementary fastener elements is a Velcro®-type hook-and-loop arrangement, which is used in the illustrated embodiment. More particularly, in the illustrated embodiment, the rear wall  20  has two straps  26 A,  28 A (see  FIG. 5 ) secured to its upper comers, with the straps  26 A,  28 A having either a hook region or a loop region for mating with complementary hook or loop patches  26 B,  28 B (see  FIGS. 5 and 7 ) on the upper rear comers of the first and second side walls  22 ,  24 . Similarly, in the illustrated embodiment each side wall  22 ,  24  has a respective strap  30 A,  31 A (see  FIG. 5 ) secured to its upper front corner, the straps  30 A,  31 A having either a hook region or a loop region for mating with complementary hook or loop patches  30 B,  31 B (see  FIGS. 4 to 6 ) on the upper rear comers of the front wall  18 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the container  14  has a lid  32 . The lid  32  is hingedly secured by way of a living hinge to an upper end of the rear wall  20  of the container  12 , and has a hinged flap  36 , secured to the lid  32  by way of a living hinge, for overlapping an upper end of the front wall  18  when the walls  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  are in the erected configuration. The inner surface (relative to the container  12 ) of the hinged flap  36  and the outer surface of the upper end of the front wall  18  each have disposed thereon two pairs of mating hook-and-loop fastening surfaces  40 A,  40 B. Optionally (not shown), only a single pair of hook-and-loop fastening surfaces, or more than two hook-and-loop fastening surfaces, may be used. Also optionally, where a cover assembly is to be used to cover a barbecue, a container forming part of such a cover assembly need not include a lid since, generally speaking, it will store the covering member  14  only for the relatively short periods of time during which a notional barbecue is in use or is cooling down thereafter. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the cover assembly  10  may be placed on top of a notional barbecue denoted generally by the reference letter “B” (for “barbecue”). The base  16  has a layer of high-friction material disposed on an underside thereof, which serves as an anchor for non-invasively maintaining the container  12  on top of the notional barbecue once it is positioned thereon. The high friction material may be, for example, a PVC-coated polyester scrim, such as that offered under the trademark “Gravitac” by the assignee hereof, and may be, for example, approximately ¼ inch in thickness. In one embodiment, the high friction material has approximately a 90 degree coefficient of friction. 
     It will be appreciated that high friction material is merely one example of a suitable anchor for non-invasively maintaining a container in position on a notional object to be covered. (As used herein, the term “non-invasively” refers to the fact that the anchor, during normal use, does not penetrate or otherwise substantially damage the surface of the notional object being covered.) Other examples of suitable types of anchor which may be used in conjunction with a collapsible box-type container, such as the container  12 , are shown in  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B and  1 C. 
     Each of  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B and  1 C shows an alternative embodiment of a cover assembly which is identical in construction to the cover assembly  10 , except that a different type of anchor is used. As such, identical reference numerals are used to refer to corresponding features, except that the reference numerals end with a respective “A”, “B” or “C” suffix. 
     Referring first to  FIG. 1A , the anchor for the container  12 A comprises a plurality of suction cups  15 A mounted on the underside  16 A of the container  12 A, which can be used to secure the container  12 A to a suitably smooth surface on the notional object to be covered. Optionally, in some embodiments, depending on the object to be covered, only a single suction cup may be used, or two, three or more than four suction cups may be used. 
     In  FIG. 1B , the anchor for the container  12 B comprises a plurality of straps  17 B secured to the underside  16 B of the container  12 B, which may be used to secure the container  12 B to the notional object to be covered. The straps may be secured to one another about the notional object to be covered by any fastening technique, such as snaps, buckles, belt-fastening, magnets, or the like, or may simply be tied to one another. The straps may  17 B may be of any suitable width or thickness, ranging from belts to cables or strings. In some embodiments, only a single pair of straps may be used, and a “pair” of straps may consist of two separate straps or a single continuous strap that can be formed into a loop. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 1C , when the predetermined location on top of the notional object to be covered includes at least a portion comprising magnetically attractive metal, the anchor for the container  12 C may comprise a plurality of magnets  19 C disposed on the underside  16 C of the container  12 C for removably securing the container  12 C to a magnetic surface on a notional object to be covered. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnets  19 C are disposed inwardly of an outer layer  21 C of the underside  16   c  of the container  12 C, so that the magnets  19 C do not scratch the surface of the notional object to be covered. Because the magnetic effect of the magnets  19 C will still extend beyond the outer layer of material  21 C, the anchor comprising the magnets  1919 C can still be considered to be disposed on the underside  16 C of the container  12 C. When the magnets  19 C are constructed of a suitably soft material, they may be disposed exteriorly of the outer layer  21 C of the underside  16 C of the container  12 C. The exemplary container  12 C has four magnets  19 C disposed on the underside thereof, depending on the size of the magnet(s) more or fewer magnets may be used, or a single magnet may be used. 
     The covering member  14  has a barbecue-covering shape in the sense that, when deployed, it can assume a three dimensional shape conforming generally to the shape of the notional barbecue to be covered, and defines an interior volume that accommodates the notional barbecue. Referring specifically to  FIG. 3 , a typical barbecue, as illustrated by the notional barbecue B, will generally have a length L that is substantially greater than its width W, and a central cooking portion C having a greater height H C  than the height H S  of the side portions S which may include, for example, shelves or side burners (not shown), or may be omitted from certain barbecues. As such, the covering member  14  will have a corresponding length, width and height, somewhat larger than those of the notional barbecue to be covered, and will have an upper central portion  42  (see  FIG. 10 ) corresponding to the top of the notional barbecue, or more particularly the top of the central cooking portion C of the notional barbecue. The covering member  14  may slope downward from the upper central portion  42  towards its lengthwise ends, to conform to the general shape of the barbecue. It will be appreciated that a cover assembly  10  having a covering member  14  for covering a notional barbecue may be designed to accommodate a range of notional barbecue shapes and sizes. As such, from a commercial perspective one could offer, for example, “small”, “medium” and “large” cover assemblies, with each size of assembly having a container  12  and covering member  14  dimensioned to cover notional barbecues within a given size range. Alternatively, a single “one size fits all” or “one size fits most” construction may be used, with the dimensions of the covering member  14  being determined by the size and shape (or range of sizes and shapes) of the notional barbecue(s) or other notional object(s) to be covered. In this regard, a container having a rectangular base  16  with a length of about 11 to 13 inches and a width of about 8 to 10 inches, with walls  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  having a height of about 5 to 7 inches, has been found to be generally suitable for containing a covering member dimensioned to cover typical notional barbecues. 
     With specific reference now to  FIG. 8 , the upper central portion  42  of the covering member  14  is secured to the container  12 . More particularly, the upper central portion  42  of the covering member  14  is secured to the container  12  in such a way that when the cover assembly  10  is positioned on top of the notional barbecue B with the front wall  18  of the container  12  aligned with the front of the notional barbecue B, the barbecue covering shape of the covering member  14  will be aligned with the barbecue B. In other words, when the container  12  is placed on top of the upper surface US of the of the central cooking portion C of the barbecue B with its front wall  18  facing substantially in the same direction as the front of the notional barbecue B, the length of the covering member  14  will be aligned with the length L of the notional barbecue B, and the width of the covering member  14  will be aligned with the width W of the notional barbecue B. It will be appreciated that this alignment facilitates placement of the covering member  14  over the notional barbecue B. Thus, because the covering member  14  is housable within the container  12  when the walls  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  are in the erected configuration (i.e. the containment configuration), once the container  12  is placed on top of the notional barbecue B with their respective fronts aligned, the walls  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  can be moved to the outwardly collapsed configuration (i.e. the container  12  is in the deployment configuration) to permit the covering member  14  to be deployed to a barbecue-covering position (as shown in  FIG. 11 ). 
     With reference now to  FIG. 8A , in the embodiment shown the upper central portion  42  of the covering member  14  is secured to the container by way of two extension members  50 .  FIG. 8A  shows the covering member  14  elevated above the outwardly collapsed container  12  so that the extension members  50  are more clearly visible; it will be appreciated that when in use, the cover assembly  10  would seldom, if ever, be placed in the configuration shown in  FIG. 8A . The extension members  50  may be made from the same material as the covering member  14 , or from another suitable material. 
     Continuing to refer to  FIG. 8A , each extension member  50  has a first end  50 A secured to the container  12  and a second end  50 B secured to the upper central portion  42  of the covering member  14 . In the particular embodiment shown, the extension members  50  are rectangular in shape, and the first end  50 A of each extension member  50  is secured to the container at a junction between the base  16  and one of the side walls  20 ,  22  of the container. More particularly, each first end  50 A and second end  50 B of each attachment member  50  defines a respective edge  50 A,  50 B, with each extension member  50  being secured to the container  12  (at its first end  50 A) and the upper central portion (at its second end  50 B) along the entire length of the respective edge  50 A,  50 B. The extension members  50  may be secured to the container  12  and to the upper central portion  42  of the covering member  14  by any suitable technique, such as stitching or adhesive. Optionally, the extension members  50  may be removably secured to the container  12  or to the upper central portion  42 , such as by hook-and-loop fasteners or snap fasteners, to permit the covering member  14  to be cleaned. 
     While the covering member  14  may be secured directly to the base  16 , such as by stitching the upper central portion  42  to the base  16  or by gluing the underside of the upper central portion  42  to the upper surface of the base, it is believed that the use of extension members, such as extension members  50 , provides certain advantages when the cover assembly is designed to cover a barbecue, as well as certain other objects. With reference now to the particular embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 16 , the extension members  50  allow for some limited movement of the upper central portion  42 , and hence of the covering member  14 , relative to the container  12  while still securing the covering member  14  to the container  12  in alignment therewith. Because the high-friction material on the underside of the base  16  (or suction cups  15 A, straps  17 B or magnets  19 C) will hold the container  12  in a substantially fixed position relative to the notional barbecue B as long as it is not subjected to excessive forces, the use of extension members  50  allows for some limited adjustment or “play” in the position of the covering member  14  relative to the notional barbecue B to which the collapsed container  12  is anchored. In the illustrated embodiment, the relative position of the upper central portion  42 , and thus of the covering member  14 , can be adjusted along the length of the notional barbecue B, as denoted by the arrow P L , along the width of the notional barbecue B, as denoted by the arrow P W , or both, while maintaining the general alignment of the covering member  14  with the container  12  (and hence with the notional barbecue “B”). This improves the ease with which the covering member  14  can be placed over the notional barbecue B. Thus, the upper central portion  42  of the covering member  14  is adjustably secured to the container  12 , to allow for constrained adjustment of the position of the upper central portion  42  of the covering member  14  relative to the position of the container  12  during deployment of the covering member  14 . The constraint on the positional adjustment will be defined by the length of the extension members. 
     In addition, where a container such as container  12  has sufficient mass, or where a container such as container  12 A,  12 B or  12 C is used, the use of extension members such as extension members  50  may assist in preventing the covering member  14  from being lifted off of a notional barbecue by a gust of normal wind. In particular, the extension members allow the covering member  14  to be lifted some distance away from the notional barbecue B so as to absorb the energy of the wind gust while the collapsed container  12  remains in position on top of the notional barbecue B. 
     Extension member arrangements different from those illustrated may also be used, without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, a single suitable extension member may be used, or more than two extension members may be used. In one embodiment (not shown), the extension members may take the form of elastic or inelastic cords secured at one end thereof at or adjacent the comers of the base  16  and at the other end to the upper central portion  42  of the covering member  14 . 
     As described above, the covering member  14  is housable within the container  12 , and would typically be housed in the container  12  when the notional barbecue B is in use. Once the barbecuing operations have been completed and the notional barbecue B has cooled down, the covering member  14  would typically be deployed to cover the notional barbecue  14  and protect it from the elements. An exemplary implementation of such a deployment process will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 4 to 11 . It is to be appreciated that while the deployment process is described in respect of the exemplary cover assembly  12 , the identical deployment process, with minor modification, would be used for any of the alternative cover assemblies  10   a ,  10   b  and  10   c.    
     With reference first to  FIG. 2 , the cover assembly  10  is placed on the upper surface US of the central cooking portion C of the notional barbecue B. The high-friction material on the underside of the base  16  (not visible in  FIG. 4 ) anchors the container  12  and assists in maintaining the position of the container  12  relative to the upper surface US of the central cooking portion C of the notional barbecue B during subsequent deployment operations. (Where the cover assembly  10 A is used, the suction cups  15 A would be secured to the upper surface US of the central cooking portion C of the notional barbecue B to anchor the container  12 A. Where the cover assembly  10 B is used, the straps  17 B would be used to anchor the container  12 B to the upper surface US of the central cooking portion C of the notional barbecue B. If the upper surface US is made of a magnetically attractive metal, such as suitable types of stainless steel, then the cover assembly  10 C could be used, and the container  12 C would be anchored to the upper surface US of the central cooking portion C of the notional barbecue B by the magnets  19 C.) 
     Once the cover assembly  10  is positioned, as shown in  FIG. 4  the lid  32  is opened by separating the mating hook-and-loop fastening surfaces  40 A,  40 B from one another and pivoting the lid  32  about its hinged connection to the rear wall  20 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , after the lid  32  has been opened, the strap  28 A securing the rear wall  20  to the second side wall  24  is separated from the complementary patch  28 B on the second side wall  24 , and the strap  31 A securing the second side wall  24  to the front wall  18  is separated from the complementary patch  31 B on the front wall  18 . This allows the second side wall  24  to be individually moved from the erected configuration shown in  FIG. 5  to the outwardly collapsed configuration shown in  FIG. 6 , by pivoting the second side wall  24  about its hinged connection to the base  16 . 
     Continuing to refer to  FIG. 6 , the strap  30 A which secures the first side wall  22  to the front wall  18  is separated from the complementary patch  30 B on the front wall  18 , allowing the front wall  18  to be pivoted about its hinged connection to the base  18  so that the front wall  18  moves individually from the erected configuration shown in  FIG. 6  to the outwardly collapsed configuration shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 7 , the strap  26 A, which secures the rear wall  20  to the first side wall  22 , is separated from the complementary patch  26 B on the side wall  20 . This enables both the rear wall  18  and the first side wall  22  to be individually (or, optionally, simultaneously) moved from the erected configuration shown in  FIG. 7  to the outwardly collapsed configuration shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     It will be appreciated that the order in which the straps  26 A,  28 A,  30 A,  31 A were separated from their respective complementary patches  26 B,  28 B,  30 B,  31 B and the order in which the walls  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  were moved from the erected configuration to the outwardly collapsed configuration, are arbitrary, and that these operations may be carried out in a different order without departing from the scope of the present invention. Moreover, it may in some instances be possible (although inefficient) to execute the operations required to move one or both of the side walls  22 ,  24  from the erected configuration to the outwardly collapsed configuration before opening the lid  32 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the walls  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  are in the outwardly collapsed configuration, and the covering member  14  is ready to be placed in a covering relationship with the notional barbecue B. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 9 , the covering member  14  which had been folded or, in the case of a less fastidious user, “bunched up”, inside the container  12 , is unfurled over the width W of the notional barbecue B, as shown. Then, the covering member  14  is extended over the length L of the notional barbecue B, first over one end thereof, as shown in  FIG. 10 , and then over the other, so that the notional barbecue B is completely covered by the covering member  14  as shown in  FIG. 11 . It will be appreciated that the covering member  14  could alternatively be unfurled first along the length L of the notional barbecue B and then along the width W, or in alternating lengthwise and widthwise steps. In either case, the process is simplified by the fact that the position and orientation of the covering member  14 , relative to the notional barbecue B, is held substantially constant by the engagement of the high-friction material on the underside of the base  16  (or the suction cups  15 A or magnets  19 C) with the upper surface US of the central cooking portion C (or by securing the straps  17 B to the notional barbecue B). 
     An exemplary process for removal of the covering member  14  will now be described. As shown in  FIG. 12 , one lengthwise end of the covering member  14  is pulled in a lengthwise direction inwardly from one end of the notional barbecue B, and the second side wall  24  and the rear wall  20  may be moved into the erected configuration as shown in more detail in  FIG. 13  and secured to one another by affixing the strap  28 A to the complementary patch  28 B. 
     Next, as shown in  FIG. 14 , the other lengthwise end of the covering member  14  is pulled in a lengthwise direction inwardly from the other end of the notional barbecue B, and the front wall  18  is then moved into the erected configuration and secured to the second side wall  24  by affixing the strap  31 A to the corresponding patch  31 B. 
     Then, as shown in  FIG. 15 , the first side wall  22  is moved into the erected configuration and secured to the front wall  18  and the rear wall  20  by affixing the respective straps  26 A,  30 A to their corresponding patches  26 B,  30 B (not shown in  FIG. 15 ). Thus, the container  12  has been returned to its erected configuration, and a portion of the covering member  14  is disposed therein. 
     With the container  12  in the erected configuration, the covering member  14  can then be folded or “bundled” into the container  12  so that it is completely or substantially completely disposed therein, as shown in  FIG. 16 , and then the lid  32  may be closed and secured in the closed position by securing together the two pairs of mating hook-and-loop fastening surfaces  40 A,  40 B located on the hinged flap  36  and the outer surface of the upper end of the front wall  18 , respectively. The cover assembly  10  will thus have been returned to the initial condition shown in  FIG. 2 , and can, for example, be removed from the notional barbecue B so that a user may prepare such suitable barbecued comestibles as may be desired. 
     It is to be appreciated that the above-described process for removing the covering member  14 , and returning the walls  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  of the container  12  to the erected configuration so that the covering member  14  may be housed therein, is merely one exemplary process for so doing. The steps of removing each portion of the covering member  14  from the notional barbecue B, and moving each wall from the outwardly collapsed configuration to the erected configuration and securing it in that configuration, may be executed in any suitable order. 
     In alternative embodiments of a cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention, the straps  26 A,  28 A,  30 A and  31 A and their corresponding patches  26 B,  28 B,  30 B and  31 B may be omitted entirely, and a different arrangement may be used to secure the walls  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  in the erected configuration. One such embodiment  110  is shown in  FIG. 17 , which is substantially identical to the first embodiment  10  described above, except that the front wall  118  and first side wall  122  and second side wall (not shown) of the container  112  are secured in the erected configuration by respective corresponding hinged flaps  136 A,  136 B and  136 C on the lid  132 . Each of the hinged flaps  136 A,  136 B and  136 C, and each of the front wall  118 , first side wall  122  and second side wall, have corresponding mating hook-and loop fasteners. The rear wall  120  is held in the erected configuration by securing the lid  132  to the front wall  118 , first side wall  122  and second side wall by way of the hinged flaps  136 A,  136 B and  136 C. Thus, in the embodiment  110  shown in  FIG. 17 , it is the lid  132  which secures the walls in the erected configuration. In a variation on this embodiment (not shown), a lid may comprise a separate part and include a downwardly-extending peripheral rim, similar to the downwardly-extending peripheral rim on a shoebox lid, and the downwardly-extending peripheral rim would serve to retain the walls in the erected configuration when the lid was placed on the container. 
     In another embodiment (not shown), the walls may be held in the erected configuration by an actuating member in the form of a cord extending around the upper ends of the walls and passing through apertures therein. The cord may be provided with a slider which retains the walls in the erected configuration, and can be slid back to permit the container walls to fall outwardly to the collapsed configuration to expose the covering member  14 . Conversely, to return the container to the erected configuration, a user would pull the cord and slide the slider along the cord to abut the front wall of the container. A lid similar to lid  32  in the first embodiment may be provided. An example of such an arrangement is shown in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20070283946 A1, which is co-owned by the assignee hereof. 
     In the exemplary embodiments  10 ,  10 A,  10 B and  10 C so far described, the respective container  12 ,  12 A,  12 B,  12 C has taken the form of a rectangular parallelepiped. Other suitable shapes may, with suitable adaptation, also be used as outwardly collapsible containers for a cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention. For example, the container may be a non-rectangular parallelepiped, or the container may have a triangular prismatic shape or a pentagonal, hexagonal, septagonal, octagonal or greater-sided prismatic shape, with the base being either regular or irregular. In addition, a cylindrical container or a container having an oval or elliptical base and a curved perimeter wall may be used, with the perimeter wall being divided into outwardly collapsible sections. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 18 ,  19  and  20 , an alternative embodiment of a cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention is indicated generally at  1900 . The cover assembly  1900  includes a container  1902 , and a covering member  2104  (see  FIGS. 21 to 28 ) containable within the container  1902 . The covering member  2104  is secured to the container  1902  by stitching, as described in greater detail below. The cover assembly  1900  may be a cover assembly for covering a notional barbecue, as indicated in  FIG. 18 , or may be adapted to cover a different type of object. 
     The container  1902  is a clamshell container, comprising a first clamshell portion  1908  and a second clamshell portion  1910  pivotingly secured to one another at respective inner edges  1912 ,  1914  thereof. In the illustrated embodiment  1900 , the first clamshell portion  1908  and the second clamshell portion  1910  are made from a flexible fabric material, and are pivotingly secured to one another by way of a living hinge  1916  ( FIG. 20 ). The closed configuration of the clamshell container  1902  is defined by the first clamshell portion  1908  and the second clamshell portion  1910  being in facing relation to one another as shown as shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19 ; this closed configuration serves as a containment configuration for containing the covering member  2104 . By pivoting the clamshell portions  1908 ,  1910  away from one another about the living hinge  1916 , the container  1902  can be moved into an open configuration to permit deployment of the covering member  2104 . The container includes a fastener  1918  for securing the first clamshell portion  1908  and the second clamshell portion  1920  in facing relation to one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener  1918  is a zipper provided with two zipper sliders  1920 ; other types of fasteners, such as snap fasteners, hook-and-loop fasteners, and the like, may also be used. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 20 , the covering member  2104  ( FIG. 21 ) is stitched to the container  1902 ; in the illustrated embodiment the covering member  2104  is stitched to the first clamshell portion  1908  at locations  1924  adjacent the side edges thereof and a location  1926  adjacent the edge opposite the living hinge  1916 , and is stitched to the second clamshell portion  1910  at a single location  1928  adjacent the edge opposite the living hinge  1916 . The covering member  2104  can be attached to the container  1902  at other locations and by means other than stitching, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Optionally, the covering member  2104  can be attached by way extension members similar to the extension members  50  described above. Handles  1930  are provided at the edges of the first and second clamshell portions  1908 ,  1910  opposite the living hinge to facilitate carrying of the container  1902  when it is secured in the closed configuration. 
     As noted above, the container  1902  has an anchor for maintaining the container in position on the notional object to be covered. In the exemplary cover assembly  1900 , the anchor comprises a layer of high-friction material  1932  disposed on the outer surface of the first clamshell portion  1908 . As with the exemplary cover assembly  10 , the high-friction material may be, for example, a PVC-coated polyester scrim, such as that offered under the trademark “Gravitac” by the assignee hereof, and may be, for example, approximately ¼ inch in thickness. In one embodiment, the high-friction material has approximately a 90 degree coefficient of friction. The high-friction material  1932  assists in maintaining the container  1902  in position on the notional object to be covered, such as the notional barbecue B as shown in  FIG. 18 . 
     As indicated above, high-friction material is merely one example of an anchor suitable for use in non-invasively maintaining a container in position on a notional object to be covered, and other types of anchors, such as suction cups, straps, and magnets, may also be used. 
     Each of  FIGS. 19A and 20A ,  19 B and  20 B, and  19 C and  20 C shows an alternative embodiment of a cover assembly which is identical in construction to the cover assembly  1900 , except that a different type of anchor is used. As such, identical reference numerals are used to refer to corresponding features, except that the reference numerals end with a respective “A”, “B” or “C” suffix. Thus, the cover assembly in  FIGS. 19A and 20A  is denoted generally by reference numeral  1900 A, the container in  FIGS. 19A and 20A  is denoted by reference numeral  1902 A, and so on. 
     Beginning with  FIGS. 19A and 20A , the anchor for the container  1902 A comprises a plurality of suction cups  1915 A mounted to the outer surface of the first clamshell portion  1908 A. The suction cups  1915 A can be used to secure the container  1902 A to a suitably smooth surface on the notional object to be covered. In alternate embodiments embodiments, depending on the object to be covered, more or fewer suction cups may be used, and in appropriate instances, only a single suction cup may be used. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 19B and 20B , the anchor for the container  1902 B comprises a plurality of straps  1917 B secured to the outer surface of the first clamshell portion  1908 A. The straps  1917 B can be used to secure the container  1902 B to the notional object to be covered, and may be secured to one another about the notional object to be covered by any fastening technique, such as snaps, buckles, belt-fastening, magnets, or the like, or may simply be tied to one another. The straps may  1917 B may be of any suitable width or thickness, ranging from belts to cables or strings. In some embodiments, only a single pair of straps may be used, and a “pair” of straps may consist of two separate straps or a single continuous strap that can be formed into a loop. 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 19C and 20C , when the predetermined location on top of the notional object to be covered includes at least a portion comprising magnetically attractive metal, the anchor for the container  1902 C may comprise a plurality of magnets  1919 C disposed on the first clamshell portion  1908 A for removably securing the container  1902 C to the magnetic surface on a notional object to be covered. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnets  1919 C are disposed inwardly of the outer layer of material  1921 C of the first clamshell portion  1908 A, so that the magnets  1919 C do not scratch the surface of the notional object to be covered. Because the magnetic effect of the magnets  1919 C will still extend beyond the outer layer of material  1921 C of the first clamshell portion  1908 A, the anchor comprising the magnets  1919 C can still be considered to be disposed on the first clamshell portion  1908 C even though the magnets  1919 C are inward of the outer surface. When the magnets  1919 C are constructed of a suitably soft material, they may be disposed exteriorly of the outer layer  1921 C of the first clamshell portion  1908 A. The exemplary container  1902 C has four magnets  1919 C disposed on the first clamshell portion  1908 A thereof, depending on the size of the magnet(s) more or fewer magnets may be used, or a single magnet may be used. 
     In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 19 and 19A  to  19 C and  FIGS. 20 and 20A  to  20 C, the anchor (high-friction material layer  1932 , suction cups  1915 A, straps  1917 B and magnets  1919 C) is disposed only on the respective first clamshell portion  1908 ,  1908 A,  1908 B,  1908 C. Depending on the notional object to be covered, it may be advantageous for the anchor to be disposed on both the first and second clamshell portions, as illustrated in  FIGS. 20D to 20G .  FIGS. 20D to 20G  illustrate embodiments of clamshell-type cover assemblies identical in construction to those shown, respectively, in  FIGS. 19A and 20A ,  19 B and  20 B, and  19 C and  20 C, except that the anchor is disposed on both clamshell portions rather than only on the first clamshell portion. As such, identical reference numerals are used to refer to corresponding features, except that the reference numerals end with a respective “D”, “E”, “F” or “G” suffix. 
       FIG. 20D  shows a cover assembly  1900 A in which high-friction material  1932 D is disposed on both clamshell portions  1908 D and  1910 D. Optionally, the clamshell portions  1908 D and  1910 D may be formed from the high-friction material, instead of having the high-friction material form a separate layer.  FIG. 20   e  shows a cover assembly  1900 E in which suction cups  1915 E are disposed on both clamshell portions  1908 E and  1910 E; alternatively more, fewer or a single suction cup may be disposed on each clamshell portion.  FIG. 20F  illustrates a cover assembly  1900 F having a first set of straps  1917 F secured to the first clamshell portion  1908 F and a second set of straps  1917 F secured to the second clamshell portion  1910 F, and  FIG. 20G  depicts a cover assembly  1900 G in which magnets  1919 G are provided on the first and second clamshell portions  1908 G,  1910 G. As described in respect of the cover assembly  1900 C illustrated in  FIGS. 19C and 20C , the magnets  1919 G are disposed inwardly of the outer layer of material  1921 G of the first clamshell portion  1908 G to avoid scratching the surface of the notional object to be covered and, since the magnetic effect of the magnets  1919 G extends past the outer layer of material  1921 G, the anchor comprising the magnets  1919 G can still be considered to be disposed on the first and second clamshell portions  1908 G,  1910 G. Alternatively, magnets  1919 G constructed of a suitably soft material may be disposed exteriorly of the outer layer  1921 G of the clamshell portions  1908 G,  1910 G. Depending on the size of the magnet(s) more or fewer magnets may be used, or a single magnet may be used for each clamshell portion  1908 G,  1910 G. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 21 to 28 , which illustrate deployment and storage of an exemplary clamshell-type cover assembly in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. The clamshell-type cover assembly shown in  FIGS. 21 to 28  is adapted to cover a notional barbecue, and is denoted generically by the reference numeral  2100 , and may be any of the clamshell-type cover assemblies  1900 ,  1900 A,  1900 B,  1900 C depicted in  FIGS. 19 and 20 ,  19 A and  20 A,  19 B and  20 B and  19 C and  20 C, respectively. Accordingly, the cover assembly  2100  comprises a container  2102  and a covering member  2104  secured at a predetermined position thereof to the container  2102  by stitching at locations  2124 ,  2126  and  2128 . The container  2102  comprises a first clamshell portion  2108  and a second clamshell portion  2110  pivotingly connected to one another at their respective inner edges by a living hinge, and the container  2102  is therefore movable between a containment configuration for containing the covering member  2104 , and a deployment configuration for deploying the covering member  2104 . The container  2102  may be secured in the containment configuration, in which the first and second clamshell portions  2108 ,  2110  are in facing relation to one another, by way of a fastener in the form of zipper  2118  which includes two sliders  2120  (only one of which is shown, see  FIG. 21 ). Each clamshell portion  2108 ,  2110  is provided with a handle  2130  at its outer edge. The container  2102  has an anchor, which may be a layer of high-friction material as with the container  1900 , one or more suction cups as with the container  1900 A, one or more sets of straps as with the container  1900 B, one or more magnets as in the container  1900 C, or another type of anchor. Straps  2117  are shown in phantom in  FIGS. 21 to 28  to illustrate how the straps  1917 B,  1917 F would be used to anchor the container  1902 B,  1902 F to the notional barbecue B 2 . 
     The exemplary cover assembly  2100  is adapted to cover a notional barbecue. A notional barbecue, different from the notional barbecue B shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  to  17 , is shown in  FIGS. 21 to 28 , and is denoted by the reference B 2 . Like the notional barbecue B, the notional barbecue B 2  has a central cooking portion, denoted by reference C 2 , which includes an upper surface, denoted by reference US 2 . The upper surface US 2  of the notional barbecue B 2  is curved, unlike the flat upper surface US of the notional barbecue B. As such, a cover assembly whose container is formed from a flexible fabric material, such as the cover assembly  2100 , is well suited for covering the notional barbecue B 2 . The container  2100  has a defined orientation relative to the notional object to be covered, in this case the notional barbecue B 2 . For the particular exemplary cover assembly  2100 , this orientation is defined by the handles  2130  being aligned with the front of the notional barbecue B 2  while the first clamshell portion  2108  is facing the upper surface US 2  of the central cooking portion C 2 . Because the notional object to be covered is the notional barbecue B 2 , the covering member  2104  has a suitable object-covering shape, namely a barbecue-covering shape. More particularly, the covering member  2104  includes an upper central portion  2134  (see  FIG. 25 ) corresponding to a predetermined position on an upper surface of the notional barbecue to be covered, namely the upper surface US 2  of the central cooking portion C 2 . It is this upper central portion  2134  which is secured to the container  2102  (see  FIG. 25 ). 
     Deployment of the covering member  2104  of the cover assembly  2100  is now described. 
     Now referring specifically to  FIG. 21 , the cover assembly  2100 , secured in its closed or containment configuration, is placed on the upper surface US 2  of the notional barbecue B 2 , with the handles  2130  facing in the same direction as the front of the barbecue and the first clamshell portion  2108  facing the upper surface US 2  so that the anchor can engage the upper surface US 2 . The defined orientation of the container  2102  is thus co-oriented with the shape of the notional object to be covered, namely the notional barbecue B 2 , which aligns the shape of the covering member  2104  with the shape of the notional barbecue B 2 . This will permit deployment of the covering member  2104  to cover the notional barbecue B 2  when the container  2102  is in the open configuration. 
     The first and second clamshell portions  2108  and  2110  are unfastened from one another by using the zipper sliders  2120  to open the zipper  2118 . This process is shown partially completed in  FIG. 21 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 22 , once the first and second clamshell portions  2108  and  2110  are unfastened from one another, the container  2102  is moved to the open or deployment configuration, in which the covering member  2104  is exposed from deployment.  FIG. 22  shows the container  2102  at an intermediate stage between the closed or containment configuration and the open or deployment configuration. For the particular exemplary cover assembly  2100  illustrated in  FIGS. 21 to 28 , in the open or deployment configuration the first clamshell portion  2108  will rest on the upper surface US 2  of the notional barbecue B 2 , while the second clamshell portion  2110  will hang behind the central cooking portion C 2 , as shown in  FIG. 23 . 
     Continuing to refer to  FIG. 23 , once the container  2102  is in the open or deployment configuration, the covering member  2104 , which was folded or bunched inside the closed container  2102 , can be unfurled and deployed to cover the object in question, in this case the notional barbecue B 2 . More particularly, the covering member is pulled over the front, back and sides of the notional barbecue B 2 , with the securement of the upper central portion  2134  of the covering member  2104  to the container  2102 , in cooperation with the anchor on the container  2102 , assisting in maintaining alignment of the barbecue-covering shape of the covering member  2104  with the notional barbecue B 2 .  FIG. 23  shows the beginning of this unfurling and deployment process, and  FIG. 24  shows an intermediate stage of the unfurling and deployment process.  FIG. 25  shows the covering member  2104  having been completely deployed to cover the notional barbecue B 2 . 
     Return of the covering member  2104  from the deployed position shown in  FIG. 25  to a contained position within the container  2101  is essentially the reverse of the deployment process. The covering member  2104  is pulled back from the sides, front and back of the notional barbecue B 2 , and preferably folded into a stack on top of the first clamshell portion  2108 , or on top of both the first and second clamshell portions  2108  and  2110 .  FIG. 26  shows the beginning of this process and  FIG. 27  shows an intermediate stage in this process. Alternatively, a less fastidious user may simply bunch the covering member  2104  into a pile on top of the first clamshell portion  2108  or on top of both the first and second clamshell portions  2108  and  2110 . Following either the folding or bunching process, the container  2102  can be moved into the closed configuration, with the first and second clamshell portions  2108  and  2110  in facing relation to one another, essentially as shown in  FIG. 21 .  FIG. 28  shows the container  2102  at an intermediate stage between the open or deployment configuration and the closed or containment configuration. Once the container  2102  is in the closed or containment configuration, with the first and second clamshell portions  2108  and  2110  facing one another, the container can be secured in that configuration by way of the zipper  2118  and the zipper sliders  2110 . 
     While clamshell-type cover assembly  2100  shown in  FIGS. 21 to 28  may be any of the clamshell-type cover assemblies  1900 ,  1900 A,  1900 B,  1900 C depicted in  FIGS. 19 and 20 ,  19 A and  20 A,  19 B and  20 B and  19 C and  20 C, respectively, it is to be appreciated that any of the clamshell-type cover assemblies  1900 D,  1900 E,  1900 F and  1900 G shown in  FIGS. 20D to 20G  may be deployed in substantially the same manner. 
     Discussion herein has thus far been directed to cover assemblies adapted for use in covering a notional barbecue, in that the covering member has had a shape corresponding generally to the shape of a notional barbecue. One skilled in the art will, now informed by the herein disclosure, appreciate that an object-specific cover assembly for a wide variety of different types of object may be constructed according to an aspect of the present invention by providing a covering member having a suitable size and shape, and providing a container of suitable size to contain the covering member. For example, and without limitation, a cover assembly constructed similarly to the cover assembly  10  can be provided with a boat-shaped covering members so that it can be used to cover a boat, or a vehicle-shaped covering member so that it can be used to cover a vehicle, without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     Thus, aspects of the present invention may be applied to create an object-specific cover assembly for covering virtually any arbitrary object of reasonable size. Such a cover assembly will comprise a container, and a covering member. As has been described above, the container is movable between an open or deployment configuration and a closed or containment configuration, and the covering member is containable within the container when the container is in the closed configuration and is exposed for deployment when the container is in the open configuration. 
     The container has a defined orientation relative to a notional object to be covered. In the exemplary cover assembly  10 , this orientation is defined by alignment of the front wall  18  with the front of the notional barbecue B when the container  12  is upright; in the case of the exemplary cover assembly  2100 , this orientation is defined by alignment of the handles  2130  with the front of the notional barbecue B 2  while the first clamshell portion  2108  faces the upper surface US 2  of central cooking portion C 2  of the notional barbecue B 2 . Other techniques for defining the orientation of the container relative to the object to be covered may also be used, such as providing a marking on the container. 
     The container also has an anchor for non-invasively maintaining the container in position on the notional object to be covered. Examples of types of anchors which may be used include layer of high-friction material disposed on an underside of the container; one or more suction cups, one or more magnets, and straps, may also be used. In addition, combinations of different types of anchors may be used for the same container. 
     The covering member has a size and shape corresponding generally to a shape of the notional object to be covered, and therefore has an object-covering shape. In the exemplary cover assemblies described above, the notional object to be covered was a notional barbecue, so the covering members had a barbecue-covering shape. The shape of the covering member will depend on the notional object to be covered. A covering member forming part of a cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention may be of any suitable construction. Covering members for cover assemblies according to aspects of the present invention may be made from any suitable, flexible sheet-like material having suitable resistance to environmental factors such as heat, cold and precipitation. Such materials may include flexible fabric materials such as PVC, polyester, polyester-supported PVC, polyurethane-coated polyester, PVC-coated polyester, polyethylene-coated polyester, spun-bonded non-woven material (polypropylene), as well as natural materials such as leather, bamboo, hemp, and other organic/eco-friendly fibers. 
     The covering member is secured to the container at a predetermined position of the covering member; typically the covering member includes a portion corresponding to a predetermined position on an upper surface of the notional object to be covered. Thus, for the exemplary cover assemblies  10  and  2100 , which were adapted to cover a notional barbecue, the predetermined position of the covering member is the upper central portion  42 ,  2134  thereof, and the corresponding predetermined position on the upper surface of the notional object to be covered was the respective upper surface US, US 2  of the respective central cooking portion C, C 2  of the respective notional barbecue B, B 2 . As has been illustrated in the barbecue-covering context, placement of the container at the predetermined position of the notional object to be covered, which position on the notional object corresponds to the predetermined position of the covering member, with the defined orientation of the container matching (i.e. co-oriented with) the orientation of the notional object to be covered, will align the object-covering shape of the covering member with the shape of the notional object to be covered. In the case of exemplary cover assemblies  10  and  2100 , which were adapted to cover a notional barbecue, such placement aligns the barbecue-covering shape of the covering members  14 ,  2132  with the shape of the respective notional barbecue B, B 2 . Thus, the upper portion of the covering member is secured to the container in cooperation with the defined orientation of the container so that when the cover assembly is positioned at the predetermined position on the upper surface of the notional object to be covered with the defined orientation of the container co-oriented with the shape of the notional object to be covered, the shape of the covering member is aligned with the notional object to be covered. This permits easy deployment of the covering member to cover the notional object to be covered when the container is in the open configuration, since the shape of the covering member is aligned with, and anchored relative to, the notional object to be covered. 
     Clamshell-type cover assemblies according to aspects of the present invention may be formed from rigid or flexible fabric materials. When a cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention uses a clamshell container made from a flexible fabric material, the container will define a bag. Other types of bags, typically constructed from a flexible fabric material, may also be used as a container for a cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention. 
     A further exemplary embodiment of a cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 36A to 36C , and is indicated generally by the reference numeral  3600 . The cover assembly  3600  comprises a container  3602  and a covering member  3604  (visible in  FIG. 36C ). 
     The container  3602  takes the form of an upright bag  3602  comprising a base  3603  and a flexible circumferential wall  3605  secured to and extending upwardly from the base  3603 . The base  3603  defines the underside of the bag  3602 , and an anchor in the form of a layer of high-friction material  3607 , such as PVC-coated polyester scrim offered under the trademark “Gravitac” by the assignee hereof, is disposed on the outer surface of the base  3603 . The circumferential wall  3605  defines, when in the containment configuration as shown in  FIGS. 36A and 36B , an upper aperture  3606  opposed to the base  3603 , and a plurality of eyelets  3608  are defined in a reinforced rim  3610  surrounding the upper aperture  3606 . A cord  3612  is threaded through the eyelets  3608 , and can be tightened and tied or otherwise fastened to secure the bag  3602  in a closed or containment configuration in which the covering member  3604  is contained inside the bag  3602 , as shown in  FIGS. 36A and 36B . The bag  3602  can be moved from the closed or containment configuration into the open or deployment configuration by loosening the cord  3612  to open the upper aperture  3606  and then moving the reinforced rim  3610  toward the base  3603  to expose the cover member  3604  for deployment, as shown in  FIG. 36C . 
     The covering member  3604  may be sized and shaped to match the shape of whichever notional object or general type of object it is intended to cover, and is secured to the bag  3602  at a predetermined position of the covering member  3604 . For example, the covering member  3604  could be secured to the base  3603 , or to lower portions of the circumferential wall  3605 . Because the shape of the bag  3602  does not inherently define an orientation of the bag relative to a notional object to be covered, the orientation is defined by a marking on the bag  3602 , in the form of an arrow  3640  containing the word “FRONT”, thus indicating the front of the bag, which should be aligned with the front of the notional object to be covered. Thus, placement of the bag  3602  at the predetermined position of the notional object to be covered, corresponding to the predetermined position of the covering member  3604 , with the defined front of the bag  3602  facing in the same direction as the front of the notional object to be covered, so that they are co-oriented, will align the object-covering shape of the covering member  3604  with the shape of the notional object to be covered. Of course, a marking such as the arrow  3640  need not define a front of the bag  3602 , but can define, for example, a particular side or the rear of the bag  3602 . The anchor, namely the high-friction material  3607 , will assist in maintaining the bag  3602  in position on the notional object, and thus help to maintain the orientation of the covering member  3604  during deployment thereof. 
     The pairs of  FIGS. 36D and 36E ,  36 F and  36 G and  36 H and  36 I each show an alternative embodiment of a cover assembly which is identical in construction to the cover assembly  3600  shown in  FIGS. 36A to 36C , except that a different type of anchor is used. As such, identical reference numerals are used to refer to corresponding features, except that the reference numerals end with a respective “D”, “F” or “H” suffix. 
     Turning first to  FIGS. 36D and 36E , the anchor for the bag  3602 D comprises a plurality of suction cups  3615 D mounted to the outer surface of the base  3603 D, for anchoring the bag  3602 D to a suitably smooth surface on the notional object to be covered. Depending on the object to be covered, more or fewer suction cups may be used, and in appropriate instances, only a single suction cup may be used. 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 36F and 36G , the anchor for the bag  3602 F comprises a plurality of straps  3617 F secured to the outer surface of the base  3603 F. The straps  3617 F can be used to anchor the bag  3602 F to the notional object to be covered, and may be secured to one another about the notional object to be covered by any fastening technique, such as snaps, buckles, belt-fastening, magnets, or the like, or may simply be tied to one another. The straps may  3617 F may be of any suitable width or thickness, ranging from belts to cables or strings. In some embodiments, only a single pair of straps may be used, and a “pair” of straps may consist of two separate straps or a single continuous strap that can be formed into a loop. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 36H and 36I , when the predetermined location on top of the notional object to be covered includes at least a portion comprising magnetically attractive metal, the anchor for the bag  3602 H may comprises a plurality of magnets  3619 H disposed on the base  3603 H for removably securing the bag  3602 H to the portion of the notional object comprising magnetically attractive metal. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnets  3619 H are disposed inwardly of the outer layer of material  3621 H of the base  3603 H, so that the magnets  3619 H do not scratch the surface of the notional object to be covered; as explained above, the anchor comprising the magnets  3619 H can still be considered to be disposed on the base  3603 H. When the magnets  3619 H are formed from a suitably soft material, they may be disposed exteriorly of the outer layer  3621 H of the base  3603 H. While the exemplary container  3602 H has four magnets  3619 H disposed on the base  3603 H, more or fewer magnets may be used, or a single magnet may be used, depending on the size of the magnet(s). 
     A still further exemplary embodiment of a cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 37A to 37B , and is indicated generally by the reference numeral  3700 . The cover assembly  3700  comprises a container in the form of a longitudinal bag  3702 , and a covering member  3704  (visible in  FIG. 37B ). The longitudinal bag  3702  comprises a rigid or substantially rigid base  3703  and two opposed side portions  3705  each having a side wall  3706  and two opposed semi-circular end walls  3708 . The two opposed side portions  3705  may be made of a flexible fabric material. A closed or containment configuration is defined by the two opposed side portions  3705  being in facing relation to one another, as shown in  FIG. 37A , and the opposed side portions  3705  can be secured in this position by way of one or more fasteners. In the illustrated embodiment  3600 , the fastener takes the form of a zipper  3712  comprising two zipper halves extending along the mating edges of the two opposed side portions  3705 . An open or deployment configuration is defined by the two opposed side portions  3705  having been pulled away from one another, as shown in  FIG. 37B . Straps  3730 , which may be secured to the base  3703 , the opposed side portions  3705 , or both, are provided for carrying the bag  3702 . 
     The base  3703  defines the underside of the bag  3702 , and an anchor in the form of a layer of high-friction material  3707 , such as PVC-coated polyester scrim offered under the trademark “Gravitac” by the assignee hereof, is disposed on the outer surface of the base  3703 . 
     The covering member  3704  is sized and shaped to match the shape of whatever type of notional object it will be used to cover, and is secured to the bag  3702  at a predetermined position of the covering member  3704 . For example, the covering member  3704  could be secured to the base  3703 , or to lower portions of the two opposed side portions  3705 . Similarly to the bags  3600 ,  3600 D,  3600 F and  3600 H, the orientation of the bag  3702  relative to a notional object to be covered is defined by a marking on the bag  3702 , in the form of an arrow  3740  containing the word “FRONT”, thus indicating the front of the bag, which would typically be aligned with the front of the notional object to be covered. Of course, a marking such as the arrow  3640  need not define a front of the bag  3702 , but can define, for example, a particular side or the rear of the bag  3702 , and the bag could be correspondingly aligned with the notional object to be covered. Accordingly, by placing the bag  3702  at the predetermined position of the notional object to be covered, corresponding to the predetermined position of the covering member  3704 , with the defined front of the bag  3702  facing in the same direction as the front of the notional object to be covered, so that they are co-oriented, the user will have aligned the object-covering shape of the covering member  3704  with the shape of the notional object to be covered. The anchor, in particular the high-friction material  3707 , helps to keep the bag  3702  in position on the notional object during deployment thereof. 
     The pairs of  FIGS. 37C and 37D ,  37 E and  37 F and  37 G and  37 H show other embodiments of cover assemblies in which a different type of anchor is used, but which are otherwise identical in construction to the cover assembly  3700  shown in  FIGS. 37A and 37B . Accordingly, the same reference numerals have been used to refer to corresponding features, except that the reference numerals end with a respective suffix of either “C”, “E” or “G”. 
     Beginning with  FIGS. 37C and 37D , the anchor on the base  3703 C of the bag  3702 C comprises a plurality of suction cups  3715 C for anchoring the bag  3702 D to a suitably smooth surface on the notional object to be covered. As explained above, more or fewer suction cups may be used, and in appropriate instances, only a single suction cup may be used, depending on the object to be covered. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 37E and 37F , the anchor for the bag  3702 E comprises a plurality of straps  3717 E, which are secured to the outer surface of the base  3703 E. The straps  3717 E, when fastened, will anchor the bag  3702 E to the notional object to be covered, and may be secured to one another about the notional object to be covered by any suitable fastening technique, including snaps, buckles, belt-fastening, magnets, or the like, or by tying opposed straps to one another. The straps  3717 E may have any suitable width or thickness, and may take the form of belts, cables, strings or other types of strap. In certain embodiments, there may be only a single pair of straps. Moreover, a “pair” of straps may consist of two separate straps or a single continuous strap that can be formed into a loop. 
     Now referring now to  FIGS. 37G and 37H , in situations where the predetermined location on top of the notional object to be covered includes at least a portion comprising magnetically attractive metal, a cover assembly such as cover assembly  3700 G may be used. The anchor for the bag  3702 G comprises a plurality of magnets  3719 G disposed on the base  3703 G, which can be used to removably secure the bag  3702 G to the portion of the notional object comprising magnetically attractive metal. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 37G and 37H , the magnets  3719 G are positioned inwardly of the outer layer of material  3721 G of the base  3703 G. This configuration inhibits the magnets  3719 G from scratching the surface of the notional object to be covered; the anchor comprising the magnets  3719 G is still considered to be disposed on the base  3703 G. When the material of the magnets  3719 G is a suitably soft material, the magnets  3719 G may be disposed directly on the outer layer  3721 G of the base  3703 G. The exemplary container  3702 G has four magnets  3719 G disposed on the base  3703 G; more or fewer magnets, or even a single magnet, may be used depending on the size(s) thereof. 
     As stated above, a notional barbecue is simply one example of many types of notional objects which a cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention may be adapted to cover. With suitable adaptation, cover assemblies according to aspects of the present invention may be used to cover a wide variety of notional objects. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 29A to 29H ,  30 A to  30 H,  31 A to  31 H,  32 A to  31 H,  32 A to  32 H,  33 A to  33 H,  34 A to  34 H and  35 A to  35 H, deployment of various cover assemblies according to various aspects of the present invention is illustrated. 
     In  FIGS. 29A and 29B , a first cover assembly  2900 A for covering a notional automobile is placed in a predetermined position on an upper surface of a notional automobile  2950 . The cover assembly  2900 A is a clamshell-type cover assembly, comprising a container  2902 A and a cover member  2904 A, and accordingly may have the same construction as any of the clamshell-type cover assemblies  1900 ,  1900 A,  1900 B,  1900 C,  1900 D,  1900 E,  1900 F and  1900 G, except that the covering member  2904 A is sized and shaped to cover the notional automobile  2950 . Thus, the container  2950  has a containment configuration for containing the covering member and a deployment configuration for deploying the covering member. In  FIG. 29A , the container is shown in the containment configuration. The container  2902 A also has a defined orientation relative to the notional automobile  2950 , which is defined by having the handles  2930 A face toward the rear of the notional automobile  2950 . The container  2902 A also includes an anchor, which may be a high-friction material, one or more suction cups, straps, one or more magnets, or another type of anchor for non-invasively maintaining the container in position on the notional automobile  2950 . The covering member  2904 A is secured to the container  2902 A at a predetermined position of the covering member  2904 A, namely the portion of the covering member  2904 A that will cover the roof of the notional car to be covered, and in alignment with the defined orientation of the container  2902 A. As shown in  FIG. 29A , the container  2902 A is placed at a predetermined position of the notional automobile  2950  corresponding to the predetermined position of the covering member  2904 A, that is, on the roof of the notional car  2904 A, with the defined orientation of the container  2902 A matching an orientation of the notional object to be covered (i.e. the handles  2930 A pointing toward the rear of the car). This placement aligns the automobile-covering shape of the covering member  2904 A with the shape of the notional automobile  2950 , permitting easy deployment of the covering member  2904 A once the container  2902 A is moved to the deployment configuration.  FIG. 29B  shows the covering member  2904 A having been deployed to cover the notional automobile  2950 . 
     In  FIGS. 29C and 29D , a second cover assembly  2900 C for covering the notional automobile  2950  is shown. The cover assembly  2900 C is a collapsible box-type cover assembly, and includes a container  2902 A comprising outwardly collapsible walls and a cover member  2904 A. The covering member  2904 C of the cover assembly  2900 C is sized and shaped to cover the notional automobile  2950 , but the cover assembly  2900 C may otherwise be constructed identically to any of the collapsible box-type cover assemblies  10 ,  10 A,  10 B,  10 C. Accordingly, the container  2902 C has a containment configuration in which it can contain the covering member  2904 C and a deployment configuration from which the covering member  2904 C may easily be deployed. In  FIG. 29C , the container  2902 C is shown in the containment configuration. As has been explained, the container  2902 C also has a defined orientation relative to the notional automobile  2950 . In the illustrated embodiment, this orientation is defined by having the side of the container  2902 C having the lid flap face toward the left side of the notional automobile  2950 . The container  2902 C also includes an anchor, which, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 ,  1 A,  1 B and  1 C, may be a high-friction material, one or more suction cups, straps, one or more magnets, or another type of anchor for non-invasively maintaining the container in position on the notional automobile  2950 . The covering member  2904  is secured to the container  2902 C at a predetermined position of the covering member  2904 . More particularly, the covering member  2904  is secured to the container so that the container is aligned with the portion of the covering member  2904  that will cover the roof of the notional automobile  2950 , and in alignment with the defined orientation of the container  2902 C. As shown in  FIG. 29A , the container  2902  is placed at a predetermined position of the notional automobile  2950  corresponding to the predetermined position of the covering member  2904 . In the illustrated embodiment, this predetermined position is on the roof of the notional automobile  2950 , with the defined orientation of the container  2902 C matching an orientation of the notional object to be covered (i.e. the flap on the lid of the container  2902 C pointing toward the left side of the notional automobile  2950 ). Placing the container  2902 C on the roof of the notional automobile  2950 , with the covering member  2904 C contained therein, aligns the automobile-covering shape of the covering member  2904  with the shape of the notional automobile  2950 . This permits rapid deployment of the covering member  2904 C once the walls of the container  2902 C are collapsed outwardly (i.e. the container  2902 C is moved to the deployment configuration), since the portion of the covering member  2904 C intended to cover the roof of the notional automobile  2950  is aligned with the roof of the notional automobile  2950  and anchored in position.  FIG. 29D  shows the covering member  2904 C having been deployed to cover the notional automobile  2950 . 
     In  FIGS. 29E and 29F , a third cover assembly  2900 E for covering the notional automobile  2950  is shown. The cover assembly  2900 E is an upright bag-type, and as such the container takes the form of an upright bag  2902 E comprising a circumferential wall extending upwardly from a base having an anchor, such as a high-friction material, one or more suction cups, straps, one or more magnets, or another type of anchor for non-invasively maintaining the bag in position. The cover assembly  2900 E also includes a covering member  2904 E that is sized and shaped to cover the notional automobile  2950 . Thus, the cover assembly  2900 E may be substantially identical to any of the upright bag-type cover assemblies  3600 ,  3600 D,  3600 F and  3600 H, and the bag  2900 E therefore has a containment configuration enabling containment of the covering member  2904 E as well as a deployment configuration facilitating deployment of the covering member  2904 E.  FIG. 29E  shows the bag  2902 E in the containment configuration. As has been explained, the bag  2902 C also has a defined orientation relative to the notional automobile  2950 . In the illustrated embodiment, a marking such as marking  3640 ,  3640 D,  3640 F,  3640 H (not shown in  FIGS. 29E and 29F ) is disposed on the bag  2902 E, and the specific orientation is defined by having the marking on the bag  2902 C face toward the front of the notional automobile  2950 . The bag  2902 C also includes an anchor disposed on its base, which, as depicted in  FIGS. 36A to 36I , may comprise a high-friction material, one or more suction cups, straps, one or more magnets, or any other suitable type of anchor for non-invasively maintaining the bag in position on the notional automobile  2950 . The covering member  2904 E is secured to the bag  2902 E at a predetermined position of the covering member  2904 E; specifically, the covering member  2904 E is secured to the bag  2902 E with the bag  2902 E in alignment with the portion of the covering member  2904 E that will cover the roof of the notional automobile  2950 , and in alignment with the orientation of the bag  2902 E as defined by the marking thereon.  FIG. 29E  shows the bag  2902 E having been placed at a predetermined position of the notional automobile  2950  corresponding to the predetermined position of the covering member  2904 , that is, on the roof of the notional automobile  2950 , with the marking on the bag  2902 E pointing toward the front of the car so that the defined orientation of the bag  2902 E matches the orientation of the notional automobile  2950 . By so placing the bag  2902 E, which has the covering member  2904 E contained inside, the user has aligned the car-covering shape of the covering member  2904 E with the shape of the notional automobile  2950 . This enables the covering member  2904 E to be quickly deployed once the bag  2902 E is in the deployment configuration. In  FIG. 29F , the covering member  2904 E has been deployed to cover the notional automobile  2950 . 
       FIGS. 29G and 29H  depict a fourth cover assembly  2900 G for covering a notional car, such as the notional automobile  2950 . As shown in  FIG. 29G , the cover assembly  2900 G has been positioned on the roof of the notional automobile  2950 . The cover assembly  2900 G is a longitudinal bag-type cover assembly, and the container therefore takes the form of a longitudinal bag  2902 G comprising two opposed side portions secured to a rigid base having an anchor, such as a high-friction material, one or more suction cups, straps, one or more magnets, or another type of anchor for non-invasively maintaining the bag in position. The cover assembly  2900 G also includes a covering member  2904 G which has a size and shape corresponding to the notional automobile  2950 . Thus, the cover assembly  2900 G may be substantially identical to any of the longitudinal bag-type cover assemblies  3700 ,  3700 C,  3700 E and  3700 G, and the bag  2902 G is therefore selectively configurable between a containment configuration, in which the covering member  2904 G is contained by the bag  2902 G, and a deployment configuration from which the covering member  2904 G may be deployed.  FIG. 29G  depicts the bag  2902 G in the containment configuration. The bag  2902 G also has a defined orientation relative to the notional automobile  2950  which, in the particular embodiment depicted, is provided by way of a marking such as marking  3740 ,  3740 D,  3740 F,  3740 H (not shown in  FIGS. 29G and 29H ) on the bag  2902 G. More particularly, in the exemplary embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 29G and 29H  the orientation of the bag  2902 G is defined by having the marking on the bag  2902 G face toward the right of the notional automobile  2950 . The bag  2902 G also includes an anchor disposed on its base; the anchor may comprise a high-friction material, one or more suction cups, straps, one or more magnets, or any other suitable type of anchor for non-invasively maintaining the bag in position, as depicted in  FIGS. 37A to 36H . The covering member  2904 G is secured to the bag  2902 G at a predetermined position of the covering member  2904 E, so that the bag  2902 G is positioned in alignment with the portion of the covering member  2904 G that will cover the roof of the notional automobile  2950 , and matching the orientation of the bag  2902 G as defined by the marking thereon.  FIG. 29G  shows the bag  2902 G having been placed at a predetermined position of the notional automobile  2950 , which is the roof of the notional automobile  2950 , with the marking on the bag  2902 G pointing toward the right side of the car so that the defined orientation of the bag  2902 G matches the orientation of the notional automobile  2950 . Positioning the bag at this location will align the car-covering shape of the covering member  2904 G with the shape of the notional automobile  2950 . This enables a user to move the bag  2902 G into the deployment configuration and then deploy the covering member  2904 G to cover the notional automobile  2950 , as shown in  FIG. 29H . 
       FIGS. 30A and 30B  show a first embodiment of a cover assembly  3000 A according to an aspect of the present invention for covering a notional watercraft  3050 . The cover assembly  3000 A comprises a container  3002 A and a covering member  3004 A, and is substantially identical to the cover assembly  2900 A except that the covering member  3004 A is sized and shaped to effectively cover the notional watercraft  3050 . The predetermined position of the covering member  3004 A, which is secured to the container  3002 A, is the portion that will cover the seat of the notional watercraft  3050 , and the predetermined position of the notional watercraft  3050  is the seat thereof.  FIG. 30A  shows the cover assembly  3000 A anchored on the seat of the notional watercraft  3050  with the container  3002 A in the closed configuration with the covering member  3004 A contained therein, and  FIG. 30B  shows cover assembly  3000 A with the covering member  3004 A deployed to cover the notional watercraft  3050 . 
       FIGS. 30C and 30D  depict a second embodiment  3000 C of a cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention, also for covering a notional watercraft  3050 . The cover assembly  3000 C comprises a container  3002 C and a covering member  3004 C, and is substantially identical to the cover assembly  2900 C except that the covering member  3004 C is sized and shaped to match the shape of the notional watercraft  3050  to be covered. The predetermined position of the covering member  3004 C, which is secured to the container  3002 C, is the portion that will cover the seat of the notional watercraft  3050 , and the predetermined position of the notional watercraft  3050  is the seat thereof  FIG. 30C  shows the cover assembly  3000 C anchored on the seat of the notional watercraft  3050  with the container  3002 C in the closed configuration (so that the covering member  3004 C is disposed inside the container  3002 C), and  FIG. 30D  shows cover assembly  3000 C with the covering member  3004 C deployed to cover the notional watercraft  3050 . 
     In  FIGS. 30E and 30F , a third embodiment of a cover assembly for covering a notional watercraft  3050  according to an aspect of the present invention, is indicated generally at  3000 E. The cover assembly  3000 E comprises a container in the form of an upright bag  3002 E and a covering member  3004 E. The covering member  3004 E has a size and shape corresponding to those of the notional watercraft  3050  to be covered, but aside from this difference is substantially identical to the cover assembly  2900 E. The predetermined position of the covering member  3004 E, which is secured to the container  3002 E, is the portion that will cover the seat of the notional watercraft  3050 , and the predetermined position of the notional watercraft  3050  is the seat thereof. In  FIG. 30E , the cover assembly  3000 E is shown anchored on the seat of the notional watercraft  3050  with the upright bag  3002 E in the closed configuration and thereby containing the covering member  3004 E.  FIG. 30D  shows the cover assembly  3000 E with the covering member  3004 E in the deployed position, covering the notional watercraft  3050 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 30G and 30H , a fourth embodiment of a cover assembly for covering a notional watercraft  3050  according to an aspect of the present invention is denoted generally at  3000 G. The cover assembly  3000 G comprises a container in the form of a longitudinal bag  3002 G and a covering member  3004 G. The size and the shape of the covering member  3004 G are such as to enable the covering member  3004 G to effectively cover the notional watercraft  3050 ; the cover assembly  300 G is otherwise substantially identical to the cover assembly  2900 G. The predetermined position of the covering member  3004 G, which is secured to the container  3002 G, is in this case the portion that will cover the seat of the notional watercraft  3050 , and the predetermined position of the notional watercraft  3050  is the seat thereof.  FIG. 30G  depicts the cover assembly  3000 G with the container  3002 G in the closed configuration to contain the covering member  3004 G, with the container  3002 G anchored on the seat of the notional watercraft  3050 . In  FIG. 30H  the cover assembly  3000 G is shown with the covering member  3004 G having been deployed to cover the notional watercraft  3050 . 
       FIGS. 31A and 31B  show a first embodiment of a cover assembly  3100 A according to an aspect of the present invention for covering a notional trailer  3150 . The cover assembly  3100 A comprises a container  3102 A and a covering member  3104 A, and is substantially identical to the cover assemblies  2900 A,  3000 A except that the covering member  3104 A is sized and shaped to effectively cover the notional trailer  3150 . The predetermined position of the covering member  3104 A, which is secured to the container  3102 A, corresponds to a predetermined upper surface of the trailer  3150 .  FIG. 31A  shows the cover assembly  3100 A anchored on the upper surface of the notional trailer  3150  with the container  3102 A in the closed configuration with the covering member  3104 A contained therein, and  FIG. 31B  shows cover assembly  3100 A with the covering member  3104 A deployed to cover the notional trailer  3150 . 
       FIGS. 31C and 31D  depict a second embodiment  3100 C of a cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention, also for covering a notional trailer  3150 . The cover assembly  3100 C comprises a container  3102 C and a covering member  3104 C, and is substantially identical to the cover assemblies  2900 C,  3000 C except that the covering member  3104 C is sized and shaped to match the shape of the notional trailer  3150  to be covered. The predetermined position of the covering member  3104 C, which is secured to the container  3102 C, corresponds to a predetermined upper surface of the trailer  3150 .  FIG. 31C  shows the cover assembly  3100 C anchored on the upper surface of the notional trailer  3150  with the container  3102 C in the closed configuration (so that the covering member  3104 C is disposed inside the container  3102 C), and  FIG. 31D  shows the cover assembly  3100 C with the covering member  3104 C deployed to cover the notional trailer  3150 . 
     In  FIGS. 31E and 31F , a third embodiment of a cover assembly for covering a notional trailer  3150  according to an aspect of the present invention, is indicated generally at  3100 E. The cover assembly  3100 E comprises a container in the form of an upright bag  3102 E and a covering member  3104 E. The covering member  3104 C has a size and shape corresponding to those of the notional trailer  3150  to be covered, but aside from this difference is substantially identical to the cover assemblies  2900 E,  3000 E. The predetermined position of the covering member  3104 E, which is secured to the container  3102 E, corresponds to a predetermined upper surface of the trailer  3150 . In  FIG. 31E , the cover assembly  3100 E is shown anchored on the upper surface of the notional trailer  3150  with the upright bag  3102 E in the closed configuration and thereby containing the covering member  3104 E.  FIG. 31F  shows the cover assembly  3100 E with the covering member  3104 E in the deployed position, covering the notional trailer  3150 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 31G and 31H , a fourth embodiment of a cover assembly for covering a notional trailer  3150  according to an aspect of the present invention is denoted generally at  3100 G. The cover assembly  3100 G comprises a container in the form of a longitudinal bag  3102 G and a covering member  3104 G. The size and the shape of the covering member  3104 G are such as to enable the covering member  3104 G to effectively cover the notional trailer  3150 ; the cover assembly  310 G is otherwise substantially identical to the cover assemblies  2900 G,  3000 G. The predetermined position of the covering member  3104 G, which is secured to the container  3102 G, corresponds to a predetermined upper surface of the trailer  3150 .  FIG. 31G  depicts the cover assembly  3100 G with the container  3102 G in the closed configuration to contain the covering member  3104 G, with the container  3102 G anchored on the predetermined upper surface of the notional trailer  3150 . In  FIG. 31H  the cover assembly  3100 G is shown with the covering member  3104 G having been deployed to cover the notional trailer  3150 . 
       FIGS. 32A and 32B  show a first embodiment of a cover assembly  3200 A according to an aspect of the present invention for covering a notional snowmobile  3250 . The cover assembly  3200 A comprises a container  3202 A and a covering member  3204 A, and is substantially identical to the cover assemblies  2900 A,  3000 A,  3100 A except that the covering member  3204 A is sized and shaped to effectively cover the notional snowmobile  3250 . The predetermined position of the covering member  3204 A, at which the container  3202 A is secured to the covering member  3204 A, is in this case the portion that will cover the seat of the notional snowmobile  3250 , and the predetermined position of the notional snowmobile  3250  is the seat thereof.  FIG. 32A  shows the cover assembly  3200 A anchored on the seat of the notional snowmobile  3250  with the container  3202 A in the closed configuration with the covering member  3204 A contained therein, and  FIG. 32B  shows cover assembly  3200 A with the covering member  3204 A deployed to cover the notional snowmobile  3250 . 
       FIGS. 32C and 32D  depict a second embodiment  3200 C of a cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention, also for covering a notional snowmobile  3250 . The cover assembly  3200 C comprises a container  3202 C and a covering member  3204 C, and is substantially identical to the cover assemblies  2900 C,  3000 C,  3100 C except that the covering member  3204 C is sized and shaped to match the shape of the notional snowmobile  3250  to be covered. The predetermined position of the covering member  3204 C, at which the container  3202 C is secured to the covering member  3204 C, is in this case the portion that will cover the seat of the notional snowmobile  3250 , and the predetermined position of the notional snowmobile  3250  is the seat thereof.  FIG. 32C  shows the cover assembly  3200 C anchored on the seat of the notional snowmobile  3250  with the container  3202 C in the closed configuration (so that the covering member  3204 C is disposed inside the container  3202 C), and  FIG. 32D  shows the cover assembly  3200 C with the covering member  3204 C deployed to cover the notional snowmobile  3250 . 
     In  FIGS. 32E and 32F , a third embodiment of a cover assembly for covering a notional snowmobile  3250  according to an aspect of the present invention, is indicated generally at  3200 E. The cover assembly  3200 E comprises a container in the form of an upright bag  3202 E and a covering member  3204 E. The covering member  3204 C has a size and shape corresponding to those of the notional snowmobile  3250  to be covered, but aside from this difference is substantially identical to the cover assemblies  2900 E,  3000 E,  3100 E. The predetermined position of the covering member  3204 E, at which the container  3202 E is secured to the covering member  3204 E, is in this case the portion that will cover the seat of the notional snowmobile  3250 , and the predetermined position of the notional snowmobile  3250  is the seat thereof. In  FIG. 32E , the cover assembly  3200 E is shown anchored on the seat of the notional snowmobile  3250  with the upright bag  3202 E in the closed configuration and thereby containing the covering member  3204 E.  FIG. 32D  shows the cover assembly  3200 E with the covering member  3204 E in the deployed position, covering the notional snowmobile  3250 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 32G and 32H , a fourth embodiment of a cover assembly for covering a notional snowmobile  3250  according to an aspect of the present invention is denoted generally at  3200 G. The cover assembly  3200 G comprises a container in the form of a longitudinal bag  3202 G and a covering member  3204 G. The size and the shape of the covering member  3204 G are such as to enable the covering member  3204 G to effectively cover the notional snowmobile  3250 ; the cover assembly  320 G is otherwise substantially identical to the cover assemblies  2900 G,  3000 G,  3100 G. The predetermined position of the covering member  3204 G, at which the container  3202 G is secured to the covering member  3204 G, is the portion that will cover the seat of the notional snowmobile  3250 , and the predetermined position of the notional snowmobile  3250  is the seat thereof.  FIG. 32G  depicts the cover assembly  3200 G with the container  3202 G in the closed configuration to contain the covering member  3204 G, with the container  3202 G anchored on the seat of the notional snowmobile  3250 . In  FIG. 32H  the cover assembly  3200 G is shown with the covering member  3204 G having been deployed to cover the notional snowmobile  3250 . 
       FIGS. 33A and 33B  show a first embodiment of a cover assembly  3300 A according to an aspect of the present invention for covering a notional motorcycle  3350 . The cover assembly  3300 A comprises a container  3302 A and a covering member  3304 A, and is substantially identical to the cover assemblies  2900 A,  3000 A,  310 A,  3200 A except that the covering member  3304 A is sized and shaped to effectively cover the notional motorcycle  3350 . The predetermined position of the covering member  3304 A at which it is secured to the container  3302 A is in this case the portion that will cover the upper surface of the fuel tank of the notional motorcycle  3350 , and the predetermined position of the notional motorcycle  3350  is the upper surface of its fuel tank.  FIG. 33A  shows the cover assembly  3300 A anchored on the upper surface of the fuel tank of the notional motorcycle  3350  with the container  3302 A in the closed configuration with the covering member  3304 A contained therein, and  FIG. 33B  shows cover assembly  3300 A with the covering member  3304 A deployed to cover the notional motorcycle  3350 . 
       FIGS. 33C and 33D  depict a second embodiment  3300 C of a cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention, also for covering a notional motorcycle  3350 . The cover assembly  3300 C comprises a container  3302 C and a covering member  3304 C, and is substantially identical to the cover assemblies  2900 C,  3000 C,  3100 C,  3200 C except that the covering member  3304 C is sized and shaped to match the shape of the notional motorcycle  3350  to be covered. The predetermined position of the covering member  3304 C at which it is secured to the container  3302 C is the portion that will cover the upper surface of the fuel tank of the notional motorcycle  3350 , and the predetermined position of the notional motorcycle  3350  is the upper surface of its fuel tank.  FIG. 33C  shows the cover assembly  3300 C anchored on the upper surface of the fuel tank of the notional motorcycle  3350  with the container  3302 C in the closed configuration (so that the covering member  3304 C is disposed inside the container  3302 C), and  FIG. 33D  shows the cover assembly  3300 C with the covering member  3304 C deployed to cover the notional motorcycle  3350 . 
     In  FIGS. 33E and 33F , a third embodiment of a cover assembly for covering a notional motorcycle  3350  according to an aspect of the present invention, is indicated generally at  3300 E. The cover assembly  3300 E comprises a container in the form of an upright bag  3302 E and a covering member  3304 E. The covering member  3304 C has a size and shape corresponding to those of the notional motorcycle  3350  to be covered, but aside from this difference is substantially identical to the cover assemblies  2900 E,  3000 E,  3100 E,  3200 E. The predetermined position of the covering member  3304 E at which it is secured to the container  3302 E is in this case the portion that will cover the upper surface of the fuel tank of the notional motorcycle  3350 , and the predetermined position of the notional motorcycle  3350  is the upper surface of its fuel tank. In  FIG. 33E , the cover assembly  3300 E is shown anchored on the upper surface of the fuel tank of the notional motorcycle  3350  with the upright bag  3302 E in the closed configuration and thereby containing the covering member  3304 E.  FIG. 33D  shows the cover assembly  3300 E with the covering member  3304 E in the deployed position, covering the notional motorcycle  3350 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 33G and 33H , a fourth embodiment of a cover assembly for covering a notional motorcycle  3350  according to an aspect of the present invention is denoted generally at  3300 G. The cover assembly  3300 G comprises a container in the form of a longitudinal bag  3302 G and a covering member  3304 G. The size and the shape of the covering member  3304 G are such as to enable the covering member  3304 G to effectively cover the notional motorcycle  3350 ; the cover assembly  330 G is otherwise substantially identical to the cover assemblies  2900 G,  3000 G,  3100 G,  3200 G. The predetermined position of the covering member  3304 G at which it is secured to the container  3302 G is in this case the portion that will cover the upper surface of the fuel tank of the notional motorcycle  3350 , and the predetermined position of the notional motorcycle  3350  is the upper surface of its fuel tank.  FIG. 33G  depicts the cover assembly  3300 G with the container  3302 G in the closed configuration to contain the covering member  3304 G, with the container  3302 G anchored on the upper surface of the fuel tank of the notional motorcycle  3350 . In  FIG. 33H  the cover assembly  3300 G is shown with the covering member  3304 G having been deployed to cover the notional motorcycle  3350 . 
       FIGS. 34A and 34B  show a first embodiment of a cover assembly  3400 A according to an aspect of the present invention for covering a notional set of patio furniture  3450  comprising chairs  3452  and a table  3454 . As such, it is to be understood that the term “object” as used herein may refer to a single object, such as the notional barbecues B and B, or notional automobile  2950 , etc., or to a set of objects that are intended to be covered together as a set. The cover assembly  3400 A comprises a container  3402 A and a covering member  3404 A, and is substantially identical to the cover assemblies  2900 A,  3000 A,  3100 A,  3200 A,  3300 A except that the covering member  3404 A is sized and shaped to effectively cover the notional set of patio furniture  3450 . The predetermined position where the covering member  3404 A is secured to the container  3402 A is the portion that will cover the central upper surface of the notional table  3454 , and the predetermined position of the notional set of patio furniture  3450  is the central upper surface of the notional table  3454 .  FIG. 34A  shows the cover assembly  3400 A anchored on the upper surface of the notional table  3454  with the container  3402 A in the closed configuration with the covering member  3404 A contained therein, and  FIG. 34B  shows cover assembly  3400 A with the covering member  3404 A deployed to cover the notional set of patio furniture  3450 . 
       FIGS. 34C and 34D  depict a second embodiment  3400 C of a cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention, also for covering a notional set of patio furniture  3450 . The cover assembly  3400 C comprises a container  3402 C and a covering member  3404 C, and is substantially identical to the cover assemblies  2900 C,  3000 C,  3100 C,  3200 C,  3300 C except that the covering member  3404 C is sized and shaped to match the shape of the notional set of patio furniture  3450  that is to be covered. The predetermined position where the covering member  3404 C is secured to the container  3402 C is the portion that will cover the central upper surface of the notional table  3454 , and the predetermined position of the notional set of patio furniture  3450  is the central upper surface of the notional table  3454 .  FIG. 34C  shows the cover assembly  3400 C anchored on the upper surface of the notional table  3454  with the container  3402 C in the closed configuration (so that the covering member  3404 C is disposed inside the container  3402 C), and  FIG. 34D  shows the cover assembly  3400 C with the covering member  3404 C deployed to cover the notional set of patio furniture  3450 . 
     In  FIGS. 34E and 34F , a third embodiment of a cover assembly for covering a notional set of patio furniture  3450  according to an aspect of the present invention, is indicated generally at  3400 E. The cover assembly  3400 E comprises a container in the form of an upright bag  3402 E and a covering member  3404 E. The covering member  3404 C has a size and shape corresponding to those of the notional set of patio furniture  3450  to be covered, but aside from this difference is substantially identical to the cover assemblies  2900 E,  3000 E,  3100 E,  3200 E,  3300 E. The predetermined position where the covering member  3404 E is secured to the container  3402 E is the portion that will cover the central upper surface of the notional table  3454 , and the predetermined position of the notional set of patio furniture  3450  is the central upper surface of the notional table  3454 . In  FIG. 34E , the cover assembly  3400 E is shown anchored on the upper surface of the notional table  3454  with the upright bag  3402 E in the closed configuration and thereby containing the covering member  3404 E.  FIG. 34D  shows the cover assembly  3400 E with the covering member  3404 E in the deployed position, covering the notional set of patio furniture  3450 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 34G and 34H , a fourth embodiment of a cover assembly for covering a notional set of patio furniture  3450  according to an aspect of the present invention is denoted generally at  3400 G. The cover assembly  3400 G comprises a container in the form of a longitudinal bag  3402 G and a covering member  3404 G. The size and the shape of the covering member  3404 G are such as to enable the covering member  3404 G to effectively cover the notional set of patio furniture  3450 ; the cover assembly  340 G is otherwise substantially identical to the cover assemblies  2900 G,  3000 G,  3100 G,  3200 G,  3300 G. The predetermined position where the covering member  3404 G is secured to the container  3402 G is the portion that will cover the central upper surface of the notional table  3454 , and the predetermined position of the notional set of patio furniture  3450  is the central upper surface of the notional table  3454 .  FIG. 34G  depicts the cover assembly  3400 G with the container  3402 G in the closed configuration to contain the covering member  3404 G, with the container  3402 G anchored on the upper surface of the notional table  3454 . In  FIG. 34H  the cover assembly  3400 G is shown with the covering member  3404 G having been deployed to cover the notional set of patio furniture  3450 . 
       FIGS. 35A and 35B  show a first embodiment of a cover assembly  3500 A according to an aspect of the present invention for covering a notional tool chest  3550 . The cover assembly  3500 A comprises a container  3502 A and a covering member  3504 A, and is substantially identical to the cover assemblies  2900 A,  3000 A,  310 A,  3200 A,  3300 A,  3400 A except that the covering member  3504 A is sized and shaped to effectively cover the notional tool chest  3550 . The upper portion of the covering member  3504 A is secured to the container  3502 A, and corresponds to the top of the notional tool chest  3550 .  FIG. 35A  shows the cover assembly  3500 A anchored on the top of the notional tool chest  3550  with the container  3502 A in the closed configuration with the covering member  3504 A contained therein, and  FIG. 35B  shows cover assembly  3500 A with the covering member  3504 A deployed to cover the notional tool chest  3550 . 
       FIGS. 35C and 35D  depict a second embodiment  3500 C of a cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention, also for covering a notional tool chest  3550 . The cover assembly  3500 C comprises a container  3502 C and a covering member  3504 C, and is substantially identical to the cover assemblies  2900 C,  3000 C,  3100 C,  3200 C,  3300 C,  3400 C except that the covering member  3504 C is sized and shaped to match the shape of the notional tool chest  3550  to be covered. The upper portion of the covering member  3504 C is secured to the container  3502 C, and corresponds to the top of the notional tool chest  3550 .  FIG. 35C  shows the cover assembly  3500 C anchored on the top of the notional tool chest  3550  with the container  3502 C in the closed configuration (so that the covering member  3504 C is disposed inside the container  3502 C), and  FIG. 35D  shows the cover assembly  3500 C with the covering member  3504 C deployed to cover the notional tool chest  3550 . 
     In  FIGS. 35E and 35F , a third embodiment of a cover assembly for covering a notional tool chest  3550  according to an aspect of the present invention, is indicated generally at  3500 E. The cover assembly  3500 E comprises a container in the form of an upright bag  3502 E and a covering member  3504 E. The covering member  3504 C has a size and shape corresponding to those of the notional tool chest  3550  to be covered, but aside from this difference is substantially identical to the cover assemblies  2900 E,  3000 E,  3100 E,  3200 E,  3300 E,  3400 E. The upper portion of the covering member  3504 E is secured to the container  3502 E, and corresponds to the top of the notional tool chest  3550 . In  FIG. 35E , the cover assembly  3500 E is shown anchored on the top of the notional tool chest  3550  with the upright bag  3502 E in the closed configuration and thereby containing the covering member  3504 E.  FIG. 35D  shows the cover assembly  3500 E with the covering member  3504 E in the deployed position, covering the notional tool chest  3550 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 35G and 35H , a fourth embodiment of a cover assembly for covering a notional tool chest  3550  according to an aspect of the present invention is denoted generally at  3500 G. The cover assembly  3500 G comprises a container in the form of a longitudinal bag  3502 G and a covering member  3504 G. The size and the shape of the covering member  3504 G are such as to enable the covering member  3504 G to effectively cover the notional tool chest  3550 ; the cover assembly  350 G is otherwise substantially identical to the cover assemblies  2900 G,  3000 G,  3100 G,  3200 G,  3300 G,  3400 G. The upper portion of the covering member  3504 G is secured to the container  3502 G, and corresponds to the top of the notional tool chest  3550 .  FIG. 35G  depicts the cover assembly  3500 G with the container  3502 G in the closed configuration to contain the covering member  3504 G, with the container  3502 G anchored on the top of the notional tool chest  3550 . In  FIG. 35H  the cover assembly  3500 G is shown with the covering member  3504 G having been deployed to cover the notional tool chest  3550 . 
       FIGS. 38A to 38I  illustrate deployment of a further exemplary embodiment  3800  of a cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention to cover a notional automobile  3850 . The cover assembly  3800  comprises a generally box-shaped container  3802  formed from a flexible fabric material, and a covering member  3804  formed from a similar or identical material. The container  3802  comprises two opposed halves which may be secured in facing relation to one another, so that the container  3802  has a containment configuration for containing the covering member  3804 . The two opposed halves may be collapsed away from one another to define a deployment configuration from which the covering member  3804  may be deployed.  FIG. 38A  shows the container  3802  in the containment configuration; in  FIGS. 38B to 38I  the container  3802  is in the collapsed or deployment configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the two opposed halves may be secured to one another by way of a zipper comprising two zipper halves extending along the facing edges of the two opposed halves. An anchor is disposed on the flat underside of the container  3802 , which may be a layer of high-friction material, one or more suction cups, one or more sets of straps, one or more magnets, or another type of anchor. 
     The container  3802  has a defined orientation relative to the notional automobile  30 ; in the illustrated embodiment this orientation is defined by a marking  3840  on the container  3802  indicating that the marking should face toward the front of the notional automobile  3850 . The covering member  3804  has an automobile-covering shape, and is secured to the container at the portion of the covering member  3804  corresponding to the hood  3870  of the notional automobile  3850 . The covering member  3804  is secured, at the portion thereof corresponding to the hood  3870 , to the container  3802  so as to be in alignment with the orientation of the container  3802  as defined by the marking  3840 . Thus, placing the container  3802  on the hood  3870  of the notional automobile  3850  with the marking  3840  on the container  3802  facing the front of the notional automobile  3850  (so that the defined orientation of the container  3802  matches the orientation of the notional automobile  3850 ) aligns the automobile-covering shape of the covering member  3802  with the shape of the notional automobile  3850 . 
     Once the container  3802  has been placed on the hood  3870  of the notional automobile  3850 , the container may be configured into the deployment configuration, and a user  3896  can begin to unfurl the covering member, as shown in  FIGS. 38B and 38C . In the illustrated embodiment, during storage of the covering member  3804  in the container  3802 , the side portions  3820  of the covering member  3804  (corresponding to the sides  3858  of the notional automobile  3850 ) are rolled or folded toward the central portion  3822  of the covering member  3804  (corresponding to the central length of the notional automobile  3850  as defined by its hood  3870 , roof  3880  and trunk/hatchback  3890 ). The side portions  3820  of the covering member  3804  may be secured in the aforementioned rolled or folded condition by fasteners  3828 , which may be hook-and-loop fasteners, snap fasteners, magnetic fasteners, or any other suitable type of fasteners. 
     Securing the side portions  3820  of the covering member  3804  in the rolled or folded condition adjacent the central portion  3822  of the covering member  3804  facilitates deployment of the covering member  3804  by making it easier to align the central portion  3822  of the covering member  3804  with the hood  3870 , roof  3880  and trunk/hatchback  3890  of the notional automobile  3850  and extend the covering member  3804  lengthwise along the length of the notional automobile  3850 . This alignment is best seen in  FIG. 38D . To further support this lengthwise extension of the covering member  3804  along the notional automobile  3850 , a plurality of loops  3842  are provided along the width of the covering member  3804  at the end of the covering member  3804  corresponding to the trunk/hatchback  3890  of the notional automobile  3850 . By inserting a rigid or substantially rigid pole  3844  through the loops  3842 , the user  3896  can extend the covering member  3804  along the length of the notional automobile  3850 , including over the roof  3880  and trunk/hatchback  3890  thereof, while standing on one side of the notional automobile  3850 . This process is shown in  FIGS. 38C to 38F . This feature, and the deployment technique enabled thereby, is particularly advantageous when the notional automobile  3850  to be covered has a high roof, such as a van, minivan, pickup truck or sport utility vehicle. 
     Once the covering member  3804  has been extended along the length of the notional automobile  3850 , the side portions  3820  of the covering member  3804  may be unfastened from the central portion  3822  of the covering member  3804  and unrolled or unfolded to cover the sides  3858  of the notional automobile  3850 , as shown in  FIGS. 38H and 38I . Optionally, one or more elastic members (not shown) may be provided at the outer perimeter of the covering member  3804 , in a manner analogous to the elastic portions of a fitted bed-sheet, to assist in maintaining the deployed covering member  3804  in position on the notional automobile  3850 . Removal of the covering member  3804  and return of the container  3802  to the closed or containment configuration is essentially the reverse of the process described above. 
       FIGS. 38J and 38K  show an exemplary embodiment of a rigid or substantially rigid pole  3844  which may be inserted through the loops  3842  provided along the width of the covering member  3804  at the end thereof. The pole  3844  is collapsible, and is made from a plurality of nesting pole segments  3846 . The intermediate pole segments  3846  are hollow tubes, and each have one open end  3847  and one region of reduced diameter  3848  which can fit into the open end  3847  of the adjacent pole segment  3846 . (The pole segments  3846  defining the ends of the pole  3844  may each omit one of the open end and the region of reduced diameter, since these pole segments  3846  will only be adjacent to one other pole segment  3846 .) By making the pole  3844  collapsible, it can easily be stored within the container  3802 , such as on top of the folded or bunched cover member  3804 , or a specialized compartment may be provided as part of the container  3802 . Optionally, a telescopic pole may be used as the collapsible pole instead of the pole  3844 . 
     A cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention may form part of a package. Such a package would include a cover assembly, such as any of the cover assemblies described herein. As such, the cover assembly would include a covering member having an object-covering shape, and a container for containing the covering member, with the container having a containment configuration for containing the covering member and a deployment configuration for deploying the covering member, and also having a defined orientation relative to the notional object to be covered and an anchor for maintaining the container in position on the notional object. As described above, the covering member would be secured to the container at a predetermined position of the covering member. The package would also include a substrate having instructions to place the container at a predetermined position of the notional object to be covered corresponding to the predetermined position of the covering member with the defined orientation of the container matching the notional object to be covered. Thus, by following the instructions, a user will be able to position the container so that the object-covering shape of the covering member will be aligned with the shape of the notional object to be covered. 
       FIG. 39A  shows a cover assembly package  3900 A comprising a cover assembly  3910 A including a collapsible box-type container  3902 A having a high-friction material  3907 A on its underside, as well as a set of instructions  3960 A.  FIG. 39B  depicts a cover assembly package  3900 B comprising a cover assembly  3910 B including a collapsible box-type container  3902 B whose underside has suction cups  3915 B disposed thereon, along with a set of instructions  3960 B.  FIG. 39C  illustrates a cover assembly package  3900 C comprising a cover assembly  3910 C including a collapsible box-type container  3902 C having straps  3917 B secured to the container  3902 C, together with a set of instructions  3960 C.  FIG. 39D  shows a cover assembly package  3900 D comprising a cover assembly  3910 D including a collapsible box-type container  3902 D having magnets  3919 D on its underside, as well as a set of instructions  3960 D. 
       FIG. 40A  shows a cover assembly package  4000 A comprising a cover assembly  4010 A including a clamshell-type container  4002 A having a high-friction material  4007 A on a clamshell portion thereof, as well as a set of instructions  4060 A.  FIG. 40B  depicts a cover assembly package  4000 B comprising a cover assembly  4010 B including a clamshell-type container  4002 B whose having suction cups  4015 B disposed thereon, along with a set of instructions  4060 B.  FIG. 40C  illustrates a cover assembly package  4000 C comprising a cover assembly  4010 C including a clamshell-type container  4002 C having straps  4017 B secured to the container  4002 C, together with a set of instructions  4060 C.  FIG. 40D  shows a cover assembly package  4000 D comprising a cover assembly  4010 D including a clamshell-type container  4002 D having magnets  4019 D, as well as a set of instructions  4060 D. 
       FIG. 41A  shows a cover assembly package  4100 A comprising a cover assembly  4110 A including an upright bag-type container  4102 A having a high-friction material  4107 A on its underside, as well as a set of instructions  4160 A.  FIG. 41B  depicts a cover assembly package  4100 B comprising a cover assembly  4110 B including an upright bag-type container  4102 B whose underside has suction cups  4115 B disposed thereon, along with a set of instructions  4160 B.  FIG. 41C  illustrates a cover assembly package  4100 C comprising a cover assembly  4110 C including an upright bag-type container  4102 C having straps  4117 B secured to the container  4102 C, together with a set of instructions  4160 C.  FIG. 41D  shows a cover assembly package  4100 D comprising a cover assembly  4110 D including an upright bag-type container  4102 D having magnets  4119 D on its underside, as well as a set of instructions  4160 D. 
       FIG. 42A  shows a cover assembly package  4200 A comprising a cover assembly  4210 A including a longitudinal bag-type container  4202 A having a high-friction material  4207 A on its underside, as well as a set of instructions  4260 A.  FIG. 42B  depicts a cover assembly package  4200 B comprising a cover assembly  4210 B including a longitudinal bag-type container  4202 B whose underside has suction cups  4215 B disposed thereon, along with a set of instructions  4260 B.  FIG. 42C  illustrates a cover assembly package  4200 C comprising a cover assembly  4210 C including a longitudinal bag-type container  4202 C having straps  4217 B secured to the container  4202 C, together with a set of instructions  4260 C.  FIG. 42D  shows a cover assembly package  4200 D comprising a cover assembly  4210 D including a longitudinal bag-type container  4202 D having magnets  4219 D on its underside, as well as a set of instructions  4260 D. 
     In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 39A to 39D ,  40 A to  40 D,  41 A to  41 D and  42 A to  42 D, the substrate containing the instructions has been depicted as a separate sheet of paper, typical of the written instructions frequently included in consumer products. In other embodiments, the substrate carrying the instructions may be a retail package in which the cover assembly is enclosed, or may be a machine-readable medium such as a CD-ROM, DVD, or USB thumb-drive carrying machine readable instructions for placement of the container of the cover assembly. Alternatively, the substrate carrying the instructions may be attached to or form part of the container. For example, instructions for placement of the container may be printed on an outer surface of the container. Moreover, the instructions may be written instructions in any language, or may be pictorial instructions, or may be a combination of written and pictorial instructions. 
     Various types of anchor have been described for maintaining a container in position on a notional object to be covered. Anchors on containers according to an aspect of the present invention may also include a first mating portion of a set of mating fastener pairs, with the second mating portion of the set being secured to the notional object to be covered. By way of example, and without limitation, a container may have one of a hook portion or a loop portion of a hook-and-loop fastener pair, and the other of the hook portion or loop portion may be secured to the notional object to be covered at the predetermined position thereof. 
     Reference has been made herein to the use of flexible fabric material. Fabric materials which may be used for covering members according to aspects of the present invention may include synthetic materials, such as PVC, polyester-backed PVC, polyester, PVC-backed polyester, spun-bonded non-woven material (polypropylene), polyurethane-coated polyester, polyethylene-coated polyester, as well as natural materials such as leather, bamboo, hemp, and other organic/eco-friendly fibers. Similar materials may be used for constructing containers according to aspects of the present invention; where a container includes rigid components, such as the collapsible box-type containers, some reinforcement will be required to provide the rigidity. For example, rigid components of a container may be made from corrugated polyethylene sandwiched between two layers of polyester-supported PVC material. 
     Covering members according to aspects of the present invention may be of unitary construction (although they may be assembled by stitching or otherwise securing several pieces of material together), or may comprise a plurality of portions, such as a main portion and side portions and wherein only part of the inner edge of the side portion is be permanently secured to the main portion, with the remaining part of the inner edge being detachably connectable, such as by zippers, to the main portion after deployment. An example of a barbecue cover of this type is shown in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20070283946 A1, which is co-owned by the assignee hereof. Also, a cover member according to an aspect of the present invention may be provided with hook-and-loop fastening straps at its lower, outer edges, to assist in securing the barbecue cover to the notional barbecue with which it will be used. Such straps could be fastened to one another either to tighten the lower edges of the cover around the base of the notional barbecue, or could be used to secure the lower edges of the cover directly to the notional object to be covered. 
     Reference has been made herein to the use of hook-and-loop fastening arrangements. Hook-and-loop fasteners made by entities other than Velcro Industries B.V. and its affiliates may also be used, subject to any relevant intellectual property rights, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Moreover, other suitable fasteners, including but not limited to snap-fasteners and magnetic fasteners, may also be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     Optionally, a container for a cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention may have a trademark or other promotional image disposed thereon, either that of the manufacturer or that of a third party who has retained the manufacturer. For example, a barbecue manufacturer or retailer may wish to place its trademark on the lid of a container for a cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention, and offer the cover assembly either as a separate product or as a promotional item to incent purchase of a barbecue. 
     Reference has been made herein to notional exemplary barbecues, denoted by the references “B” and “B 2 ”, as well as various other objects in association with which cover assemblies according to aspects of the present invention may be used. Neither the notional exemplary barbecues B and B 2 , nor any other object, form part of the present invention, and any references to an object in the claims are intended solely to define attributes of the invention and not to define any object to be covered as a component of any embodiment of any aspect of the invention. Rather, the barbecues B, B 2  and other objects shown as being covered are merely exemplary objects representative of objects in association with which embodiments of aspects of the present invention may be used. 
     In general, it will be apparent to persons skilled in the art that a number of variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. More particularly, it will be appreciated that various individual features from different exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined to produce an embodiment not explicitly shown or described, without departing from the scope of the present invention.