WO1997010987A1

WO1997010987A1 - An aerodynamic form-fitting bicycle cover

Info

Publication number: WO1997010987A1
Application number: PCT/CA1996/000630
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wendy Partridge; Robert B. Reid
Original assignee: Miller Mcclelland Limited, The Receiver And Receiver Manager Of Dirtbag Sports Products Inc.
Priority date: 1995-09-21
Filing date: 1996-09-20
Publication date: 1997-03-27
Also published as: CA2230822A1; AU6981396A

Abstract

An aerodynamic form-fitting cover for storing and transporting a bicycle which substantially covers the entire bicycle and which includes opening and closing means (30) permitting rapid installation and removal of the cover from the bicycle and when in use does not permit ready flow of air into the interior of the cover. When the bicycle has a cross-bar which forms an opening in the central portion of the bicycle frame, the cover when in use comprises a central hole (31) to permit air flow through the opening in the central portion of the bicycle frame and not into the interior of the cover. When the front wheel is attached to the bicycle, the cover includes a mesh section for the front wheel portion (29), wherein air flowing into the interior of the cover through the mesh section of the front wheel portion exhausts through an opening (34) in the bottom of the cover. The cover is made from an elastic, air permeable material which can be adapted for use on a variety of bicycle frames, with or without the attachment of the front wheel. The covered bicycle can be transported on the exterior of a variety of motor vehicles and on a variety of vehicle racks including a car top carrier, a rear car carrier, and a trunk car carrier. The cover is essentially one piece, protects the bicycle from weather and other conditions, is easy to install and remove, and is cost effective to manufacture.

Description

An Aerodynamic Form-Fitting Bicycle Cover

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to an aerodynamic form-fitting bicycle cover made of stretchable, preferably elastic material which substantially covers the entire body of a bicycle and which can be used during transportation and storage of the bicycle to protect it from weather and other elements. Using similar design principles the bicycle cover of the invention can be adapted to accommodate a variety of bicycle types and bicycle carriers.

The Background of the Invention

Bicycles have long been a popular mode of transportation and source of recreational activity. Often, there is a need to transport a bicycle or bicycles from one location to another, such as: to access bicycle trails, to participate in bicycle races, triathalons and the like, or to take the bicycle in for repair. A variety of car racks are available for this purpose, including: car top carriers, rear car carriers and trunk car carriers. Other vehicle-type carriers are also available.

When transporting a bicycle on the outside of a motorized vehicle, there is a need to protect the bicycle, especially its components such as gears and the like, from weather and other conditions, such as dirt and debris, while minimizing any destabilizing effects that transportation of a covered bicycle may have on both the vehicle and the bicycle. Crosswinds experienced when driving over about 50 km/h and the flow of air into the interior of a bicycle cover, causing fluttering or billowing are but some of the factors to be taken into consideration.

There is also a need to protect a bicycle from weather and other conditions during short and long term storage, whether it be during a sudden rain storm or when the bike is put away at the end of a bicycling season.

Bicycles come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Quality and price can vary greatly and as previously stated there are a variety of vehicle carriers or car racks currently on the market which need to be considered when designing a protective device, such as a bicycle cover.

Many different types of protective covers have been designed for bicycles but none satisfactorily address the above-noted problems. Many bicycle covers are multi- piece, cover only part of the bicycle, are awkward to use, are not adaptable to a number of bicycle shapes, and/or are not aerodynamic. Also, many designs are too expensive to produce and thus are not widely available.

Therefore there is a need to protect a bicycle from weather and other conditions during both storage and transportation, in a universal, safe, quick, easy and cost effective manner. The bicycle cover should be aerodynamic in design and adaptable to a number of bicycle shapes and sizes.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention is for an aerodynamic form-fitting cover for a wheeled vehicle which substantially covers the entire vehicle and which can be used to protect the vehicle from weather and other elements (dust, debris, dampness, spills) during storage and transport. The aerodynamic design of the cover allows the wheeled vehicle to be transported on the exterior of a motorized vehicle in a safe manner with minimal destabilizing effects on either the motorized or covered wheeled vehicle.

The wheeled vehicle is preferably a bicycle. In its best mode, this invention provides a bicycle cover of a universal , cost effective design for mountain, road and hybrid bicycles, which is flexible enough to adjust for variations in frame shape and size, and which is easy to manufacture and use. The design of the cover when in use also enables the covered bicycle to be mounted on a variety of bicycle racks, including car top, rear and trunk carriers. The cover can fit and be adapted to a variety of bicycle types.

Therefore one aspect of this invention is to provide a bicycle cover that can be easily and quickly installed and removed.

Another aspect of this invention is to provide a bicycle cover made of an elastic, air permeable material which is flexible enough to adjust for variations in frame shape and size, and which is universal in design for road, mountain and hybrid type bicycles.

Another aspect of this invention is to provide a bicycle cover which in use, allows the covered bicycle to be transported on the exterior of a motorized vehicle and mounted on a variety of vehicle carrier types.

Another aspect of this invention is to provide a bicycle cover with a universal design which can easily be adapted to a variety of bicycle types and to a bicycle with or without the front wheel attached.

Another aspect of this invention is to provide a bicycle cover with an aerodynamic design, allowing the bicycle to be safely transported on the exterior of a motorized vehicle at highway speeds, minimizing the effects of any crosswinds.

Another aspect of this invention is to provide a one piece bicycle cover which is easy and cost efficient to manufacture.

The present invention relates to a unique aerodynamic form-fitting cover for storing and transporting a bicycle and which substantially covers the entire bicycle. The cover includes opening and closing means which permits rapid installation and removal of the cover from the bicycle, and when in use does not permit ready flow of air into the interior of the cover.

In one embodiment, the cover comprises: a handle bar panel and seat panel, each of which preferably has an abrasion resistant coating thereon; two mating side panels; and when the front wheel is attached to the bicycle, the cover also comprises two mating front wheel panels. In yet a further embodiment, the panels are secured together to form a one piece cover, the cover having opening and closing means permitting rapid installation and removal of the cover.

In yet another embodiment, when the bicycle has a cross-bar which forms an opening in a central portion of its frame, the cover, when in use, comprises a central hole to permit air flow through the opening in the central portion of the bicycle frame and not into the interior of the cover. Each side of the cover panel having a hole therein, such that when the cover is in use, the central hole is formed by joining the edges of the holes in the side panels by separating opening and closing means, preferably a separating zipper, which when opened permits the cover to be removed from or placed on the bicycle and, when closed, forms the central hole and prevents air from flowing freely into the interior of the cover.

In other embodiments, for instance for other types of frames, the cover may not have a central hole.

In one embodiment of the invention the cover is a fabric cover, preferably an elastic and air permeable fabric. In another embodiment, the fabric of the cover except for the front wheel mesh section is preferably weather resistant.

More preferably, the cover except for the front wheel mesh section is a combination stretchable synthetic/nylon fabric with a wide weave and which is weather resistant. Even more preferably, the fabric comprises a Spandex or Spandex-like and nylon fabric blend. In one embodiment the front wheel mesh section is a stretchable synthetic fabric. In another embodiment the front wheel mesh section comprises a stretchable, tear resistant, heavy duty net fabric, which can stretch to fit the wheel size of the bicycle, and which allows air flow through the cover, while substantially preventing solid particulates from entering the cover.

In another embodiment the cover comprises openings in the tire cover area for safety straps associated with a vehicle bicycle rack and in another embodiment the cover comprises pedal openings.

In a further embodiment of the invention, when the front wheel is detached from the bicycle, the side panels include securing means allowing the front of the cover to be fastened directly to its fork mount while maintaining the integrity of the cover.

In one embodiment of the invention the abrasion resistant coating comprises abrasion dots composed of rubber based stretchable ink which act as a barrier between the combination stretchable synthetic fabric/nylon fabric and a surface.

In yet another embodiment the invention is for a one piece aerodynamic form- fitting fabric cover for storing and transporting a bicycle with a cross-bar, the front wheel being detached from the bicycle, the cover substantially covering the entire bicycle and including opening and closing means permitting rapid installation and removal of the cover and when the cover is in use, does not permit ready flow of air into the interior of the cover, the cover comprising:

(a) two mating side panels made of elastic, air permeable material, each panel comprising an opening for a pedal, an opening in the tire cover area for safety straps associated with a bicycle rack, and at least one securing means allowing the front of the cover to be fastened directly to a fork mount of the bicycle while maintaimng the integrity of the cover; (b) a handle bar panel made of elastic, air permeable material, further comprising abrasion resistant dots; and

(c) a seat panel made of elastic, air permeable material further comprising abrasion resistant dots;

the panels being secured together to form a one piece form-fitting bicycle cover, the cover further comprising an opening and closing means extending substantially along the bottom edges of the side panels, such means when closed joining the bottom edges of the side panels together; and each side panel further having a hole therein such that when the cover is in use, a central hole is formed in the cover by joining the edges of the holes in the side panels by a second separating opening and closing means, the second means, when closed preventing air from flowing freely into the interior of the cover, and when both means are open the cover may be removed from or placed on the bicycle. The separating opening and closing means preferably being a separating zipper.

In another embodiment the invention is for a one piece aerodynamic form- fitting fabric cover for storing and transporting a bicycle with both wheels attached and with a cross-bar, and for substantially covering the entire bicycle, the cover having opening and closing means permitting rapid installation and removal of the cover, and when in use, does not permit ready flow of air into the interior of the cover, the cover comprising:

(a) two mating side panels made of elastic, air permeable material, each panel comprising an opening for a pedal, an opening in the tire cover area for safety straps associated with a bicycle rack;

(b) a handle bar panel made of elastic, air permeable material, further comprising abrasion resistant dots; (c) a seat panel made of elastic, air permeable material further comprising abrasion resistant dots;

(d) two corresponding front wheel mesh panels which allows air flow through the cover, wherein air flowing into the interior of the cover through the mesh exhausts through an opening in the bottom of the cover, the front wheel panels further comprising openings for safety straps associated with a bicycle carrier,

the panels being secured together to form a one piece form-fitting bicycle cover, the cover further comprising: an opening and closing means extending substantially along the bottom edges of the side panels to about a centre line of the cover, said means when closed joining the bottom edges of the side panels; a second opening and closing means extending along the bottom edges of the front wheel mesh panels to about a centre line of the cover, the bottom of the cover having an opening created by a gap between the two opening and closing means, and acting as an exhaust for air flowing into the interior of the cover through the mesh panels, and permitting a brace associated with a bicycle carrier to attach directly to the frame of the bicycle, each side panel further having a hole therein such that when the cover is in use, a central hole is formed by joining the edges of the holes in the side panels by a third separating opening and closing means, the third separating opening and closing means, when closed, preventing air from flowing freely into the interior of the cover, and when the three opening and closing means are open the cover may be removed from or placed on the bicycle.

In yet another embodiment the invention is for an aerodynamic form fitting cover for storing and transporting a bicycle which substantially covers the entire bicycle and which can be used in either an upright mount or fork mount mode, the cover having an exterior surface and an interior, and including opening and closing means permitting rapid installation and removal of the cover from the bicycle and when in use does not permit ready flow of air into the interior of the cover, the cover further comprising: (i) a front wheel portion comprising two front wheel panels;

(ii) two separating opening and closing means positioned at essentially right angles to each other and suitably spaced and positioned on an exterior surface of the front wheel portion to enable the front wheel portion when the cover is to be used in the fork mount mode, to be at least partially folded-in and one separating opening and closing means closed to form a front edge of the cover and the other separating opening and closing means closed to form a bottom edge of the cover; and

(iii) the front wheel portion also having suitable securing means on its exterior surface to secure the front edge of the cover to the fork mount when the cover is in the fork mount mode,

both separating opening and closing means being open when the cover is in its upright mount mode.

In another embodiment, the invention is for a bicycle cover kit comprising at least one of the bicycle covers of the invention and one or both of : (1) at least one wheel cover, and (2) at least one outer crank ring cover.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention:

Figure 1 is a side view of one embodiment of a bicycle cover of the invention covering a bicycle having a cross-bar with both wheels attached;

Figure 1 A is an enlarged view taken at position IA of Figure 1;

Figure IB is a cross-section taken at line IB- IB of Figure 1 ; Figure 2 is a bottom view of the embodiment of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a top view of the embodiment of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 A is a cross-section taken at line 3A-3A of Figure 3;

Figure 4 is an exploded view taken at line 4 of Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 is a cross-section taken at line 5-5 of Figure 2;

Figure 6 is a side view of another embodiment of the cover of the invention for a bicycle having a cross-bar with the front wheel detached;

Figure 7 is a bottom view of the embodiment of Figure 6;

Figure 8A is an enlarged view of an alternative securing means for the front portion fork attachment arrangement of the embodiment of Figure 6;

Figure 8B is a frontal view of embodiment of Figure 6 illustrating yet another alternative securing means for the front portion of the cover;

Figure 9 illustrates one embodiment of the zipper arrangement of Figure IA;

Figure 10 is an inside-out side-view of the rear portion of one embodiment of the cover of the invention showing reinforcing panels;

Figures 11A-L illustrate various embodiments of the bicycle cover of the invention, Figure 1 IM shows a bicycle wheel cover for one embodiment of the invention, and Figures 1 IN and 1 IN' show the facing and underside, respectively, of an outside crank ring cover for one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 12 is a graph which outlines the safe driving speeds with crosswinds for a loaded roof bicycle carrier with a maximum load rating of 165 lb. gg] is with an upright mount with one embodiment of the cover of the invention, (723 -^{s w}i*h a fork mount with one embodiment of the cover of the invention, and f\Vj is with an upright mount without a bicycle cover.

Figure 13 is a side view of another embodiment of the invention

Detailed Description of the Invention

These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and appended claims and upon reference to the accompanying drawings where like parts are designated with like numerals throughout.

Referring to Figure 1, a bicycle (not visible) is covered by an upright mount bicycle cover of the invention shown generally at 100. The cover 100 comprises a front wheel portion 29, a main body portion 20, a seat panel 27 and a handle bar panel 26.

The main body portion 20 comprises corresponding side panels 20a and 20b as can be seen in Figures 2 and 3. Each side panel 20a and 20b has an opening 24 for safety straps (not shown) associated with a vehicle bicycle carrier (not shown) and a pedal opening 22. An enlarged view of the pedal opening 22 is illustrated in Figure 4.

When the bicycle contains a cross-bar, the cross bar forms an opening in the central portion of the bicycle frame. A bicycle cover which would cover this central portion without permitting air flow through the cover would result in a sail effect due to crosswinds when transporting the covered bicycle on the top of a vehicle. Furthermore, it is desirable to prevent air from flowing into the interior of the cover, which causes fluttering or billowing. Therefore for bicycles with a cross-bar, each side panel 20a and 20b of the cover 100 has an opening such that when the cover 100 is in use, a central hole or opening 31 is formed by joining the edges of the openings 30c, 30d of the side panels 20a and 20b, respectively, by a separating, opening and closing means 30 (see Figure IA). The separating, opening and closing means 30 is preferably a separating zipper as shown in Figure IA, but alternative separating opening and closing means may be employed. Because the zipper separates (as would any alternative choice of closure), the two side panels 20a, 20b of the main body portion 20 are fully detached during removal and application of the cover.

When closed, the separating, opening and closing means 30 forms the central hole or opening 31 preventing air from flowing freely into the interior of the cover 100 and assists in producing the close, form-fit around the central parts of the bicycle which contribute to the aerodynamic aspects of the cover. The central opening 31 of the cover 100 is advantageous since it is effective for ensuring that a covered transported bicycle, and the carrying vehicle are not unduly impacted by crosswinds.

Figure IB, a front view cross section of the cover 100, taken at line IB- IB of Figure 1 , shows the relative position of the separating, opening and closing means 30.

Preferably, the central hole 31 is of a shape and size which permits the bicycle, when covered, to be mounted on a bicycle rack where the bicycle is mounted on posts through the central portion of the bicycle, such as on many rear mounted trunk carriers or wall mounted storage carriers. It should be noted that no bicycle carriers are illustrated in the drawings, but such equipment is well known and any suitable commercially available carrier may be used.

The main body portion 20 also comprises a second opening and closing means 32, such as a zipper, extending generally from the bottom rear wheel portion to about the middle of the bottom of the cover 100 as can be seen in Figure 2. The front wheel portion 29 comprises two corresponding panels 29(a) and 29(b) respectively, shown in Figures 2 and 3. In one embodiment, each panel, contains an opening 25 for safety straps (not shown) associated with a vehicle carrier (not shown).

The front wheel portion 29 comprises an opening and closing means, such as for example zipper 33, extending generally from the bottom of the front wheel portions of the cover 100 to about the middle of the cover 100.

The arrangement of the opening and closing means, preferably zippers 32 and 33, can best be seen in Figure 2. The opening and closing means 32 and 33 are preferably separating, opening and closing means, but need not be so. The bottom of the cover 100 has an opening 34 between the two opening and closing means 32 and 33. The size of the opening 34 can be adjusted by the degree the zippers are closed. As will be explained below, the opening 34 allows for the exhaust of air which enters the cover 100 through the front wheel portion 29. It also permits a supporting brace (not shown), which is associated with many vehicle top bicycle carriers, such as Unisport Systems US 300, 301 carriers, for attaching directly to the bicycle frame (not shown).

It should be noted that depending on the application of the bicycle cover and the type of bicycle to be covered, in some embodiments of the invention, an opening 34 may not be required. Furthermore, the opening 34 could be differently arranged, for instance it could be a hole in the panel of the cover. These and other variations would be familiar to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure.

The opening and closing means 30, 32, and 33, are preferably separating, opening and closing means, such as a separating zipper as shown in Figure IA. For example, the separating zipper 30 is preferably applied to the edges 30c, 30d of the openings in the side panels 20a, 20b of the main body such that one side of the zipper 30a is on one panel 20a and the other side of the zipper 30b is on the other panel 20b. More preferably, the zipper 30 is applied so that one side of each zipper 30a, 30b is applied to mating edges 30c, 30d, by sewing or the like. Figure 5 illustrates the opening and closing means 32 (equally applicable to opening and closing means 30 and 33) in the closed position.

The main body portion 20, seat panel 27 and handle bar panel 26 are made of a stretchable, preferably elastic fabric, and preferably from a stretchable synthetic fabric/nylon fabric blend. In the most preferred embodiment the fabric is preferably a 90% Nylon/ 10% Spandex blend with a stretch length x width of about 190% x 110%. The width of the Nylon is preferably about 50" and the weight is preferably about 47 OZ/YD². The width of the Spandex is preferably about 70" and the weight is preferably about 159 GM/M². The stretchable fabric is preferably somewhat air permeable or breathable, while still protecting the bicycle from weather and other conditions.

Furthermore, the handle bar panel 26 and seat panel 27 are preferably coated on their exterior with an abrasion resistant coating. Preferably the handle bar 26 and seat 27 panels are printed with abrasion dots 28. The dots comprise a rubber based ink which is preferably stretchable. The dots are preferably raised and can preferably flex with the underlying fabric and resist at least light abrasions. The abrasion dots 28 are especially useful to protect the fabric of the cover from abrasions when a covered bicycle is turned upside down, during perhaps the installation process. The actual abrasion dots 28 may be of any shape, and may include lettering or words. A close up view of one type of abrasion dots 28 suitable for the cover 100 of this invention is shown in Figure 3 A.

The front wheel portion 29 is of a material which permits the flow of air through the cover 100 and substantially inhibits the front wheel (not shown), which is not stationary, from turning in a carrier rack (not shown) due to crosswinds, when the covered bicycle is mounted and transported on a vehicle carrier. The material is preferably a mesh-like fabric, more preferably it is a stretchable heavy duty net fabric, and most preferably it is tear resistant. The material can stretch to fit the wheel size of the bicycle and allows air flow through the cover 100 while keeping large particulates from entering the cover 100. Air entering the interior of the cover 100 through the front wheel portion 29 exhausts through an opening 34 in the bottom 90e of the cover 100.

Figure 6 illustrates a fork mount cover, shown generally at 90, which is an alternative embodiment of the cover of the invention. This cover 90 is used when the front wheel is detached from the front fork of the bicycle. The cover 90 comprises a body portion 20, a seat panel 27 and a handle bar panel 26, similar to that of cover 100, the difference being that cover 90 comprises an opening and closing means 35 at the bottom of the cover 90, extending from the rear wheel portion to the front portion of the cover 90 as illustrated in Figure 7. The cover 90 does not comprise a front wheel portion as described with reference to the cover 100 of Figure 1.

Also, the front of the cover 90b is fastened to the fork mount, preferably a skewer of the front fork of a bicycle or bicycle mount, by suitable securing means 90a, while maintaining the integrity of the cover. The securing means 90a can consist of at least two hooks, one on each side panel 20a, 20b, of the main body portion 20 of the cover 90 such as shown in Figure 6 or alternatively Figure 8A as 90c. In a most preferred embodiment, the securing means, is an elastic loop 90d extending preferably from either side of the front 90b of the cover 90 as illustrated in Figure 8B.

In one embodiment of the invention, each of the zippers 30, 32, 33, and 35 have tie cords 40a which can be secured to corresponding tie cords 40b on the fabric of the cover 90,100, as shown in Figure 9, to ensure that the zippers do not open when the cover 90,100 is on the bicycle.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, reinforcing panels 50 and 51 can be attached on the inside of the cover at the position where the axle of the bicycle (not shown) would come into contact with the cover and around the opening 24 of the cover, respectively, to reinforce the material at those positions, as shown in Figure 10. A reinforcing panel (not shown) can equally be placed around the opening 25 of the cover 100 or at other positions on the cover of the invention which may be subjected to a lot of stress during use. For instance, extra, reinforcing material (not shown) may also be placed behind the heads of the zippers 30, 32, 33,and 35.

Preferably, exposed rough areas, sharp edges and cable ends of the bicycle, which may come into contact with the cover of the invention, are taped or covered prior to application of the bicycle cover of this invention to avoid excessive wear on the fabric of the cover. In another embodiment, a shower cap - like device, or outer crank ring cover, as shown in Figure 1 IN has an opening 400 so that it can be placed over the outer crank ring (not shown) of the bicycle, prior to installing the cover to protect the cover from excessive wear at that position.

The side panels 20a,20b, handle bar panel 26, seat panel 27 and front wheel panel 29 (where applicable) are designed with a universal fit in mind, so that any assembled cover of the above description, will fit a mountain, road or hybrid bicycle. They are all formed of a material which is selected in terms of size and expandability, such that a minimum amount of material is used that is sufficient to stretch the cover to fit any number of bicycle shapes and sizes, while at the same time providing a fit that will not put undue pressure on joints, seams, closures, zippers, or panels.

Figures 1 1 A to 1 IL illustrate various embodiments of the cover of the invention, illustrating how the invention can be adapted for various shapes of bicycles. Figures 11A-L are by no means exhaustive of the types of bicycles this invention can accommodate. Figure 11 A illustrates a fork mount cover for a standard frame, where the cross-bar 300 is parallel to the floor when the front wheel (not shown) is mounted. Figure 11B illustrates a fork mount cover for a slope frame, where the cross-bar 300 of the bicycle is tilted an angle down to the seat or saddle. Figure I IC illustrates a fork mount cover for a Super "V" frame bicycle. Figure 1 ID illustrates a cover for a "Y" frame bicycle. Figure HE illustrates a fork mount cover for a Softride Power "V" frame bicycle. Figure 1 IF illustrates a fork mount cover for a Soft Ride Power Curve frame bicycle. Figure 11G illustrates an upright cover for a tandem frame. Figure 11 H illustrates an upright cover for a cruiser frame. Figure 1 II illustrates a fork mount cover for a lady's frame, having a deep V geometry with the top tube 301 almost parallel to the down tube 302. Figure 1 IJ illustrates an upright cover for a BMX frame. Figure 1 IK illustrates a fork mount cover for a rear suspension frame. Figure 1 1 L illustrates the handle bar portion of the cover for an aero handlebar headset.

Figure 13 illustrates yet another embodiment of the invention which illustrates a convertible style cover, shown generally at 200, which can be used as either a fork mount 90 or upright mount cover 100. The cover 200 is essentially similar in design to the upright mount cover 100 illustrated in Figure 1, for the exception that the front wheel portion 29 has on its outer surface, two separating opening and closing means 36,37 positioned at essentially right angles to each other as shown. The termini of the zippers 36, 37 are suitably spaced to enable their proper operation. Separating opening and closing means 36 extends down from the top of the front wheel portion 29 and separating and closing means 37 extends across from the bottom of the front wheel portion 29 proximal to the bottom opening 34. The separating opening and closing means 36,37 are preferably separating zippers, wherein one side of the zipper is positioned on the outer surface of one of the front wheel panels 29a or 29b (not shown), and the other corresponding side of the zipper is positioned on the other opposing front wheel panel. Upon reading this disclosure, variations on the positioning of the opening and closing means 36, 37 and spacing therebetween would be apparent to a person skilled in the art.

Suitable securing means 90a can be placed on the outer surface of the front wheel portion 29 to enable the front of the cover 90b to be secured to the fork mount of the bicycle when the cover is in the fork mount mode. Preferably, the securing means is an elastic loop 90a positioned on the outer surface of one of the front wheel panels 29a or 29b(not shown) proximal to the termini the opening and closing means 36. Hooks positioned on either side of the exterior of the front wheel portion 29 could also be used. The cover 200 can be converted from its upright mount to its fork mount mode by having the separating opening and closing means 36,37 in the separate and open position. The excess fabric of the front wheel portion 29 is then folded-in up behind the separating zipper 36,37, between the two front wheel panels 29a, 29b (not shown). The separating zippers 36 and 37 are then closed forming a front edge 90b and a bottom edge 90e respectively. The securing means can then be used to secure the front 90b of the cover 200 to the fork mount of the bicycle (not shown).

The cover of the invention is designed so that a limited number of pieces are used to manufacture it. This keeps the manufacturing costs under control and also allows for full use of the elastic feature of the fabrics utilized, so that the form- fitting shape is produced.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the upright mount cover 100 (front wheel attached) comprises six panels joined together to form a unitary piece as can be seen in Figure 3. The main body portion 20 comprising two side panels 20a, 20b, the front wheel portion 29 comprising two side panels 29a, 29b, and the handle bar and seat panels each comprising another piece.

The preferred embodiment of the fork mount cover 90 (front wheel detached) of the invention comprises four panels as can be seen in Figure 7, the front side seam edges of the main body portion 20 being secured together, for example by sewing, to form the front end of the cover 90b, as best seen in Figure 8B.

Sewing is the preferred means of securing the panels of the cover 90, 100, 200 of the invention together. The selection of thread stitch length, stitch type, and seam type are very much within the skill of a person familiar with this art. Obviously strength, durability and flexibility, meaning in particular elasticity, will determine the choices. The seams and the cover as a whole must endure the wear and tear of applying and removing the cover which will involve pulling and yanking and the like. The choice of zipper will also be dictated by the same requirements and falls within the skill of the art skilled person.

To apply the cover of the invention to a bicycle, all opening and closing means are in their open position. Preferably, the handle bar panel 26 is placed around the handle bars (now shown) and the cover is stretched back to fit the seat panel 27 over the seat or saddle of the bicycle. Side panels 20a and 20b should be hanging down on either side of the bicycle.

For bicycles having a cross-bar and a central opening, the centre separating zipper 30 should be closed and the tie cord 40a,40b, where applicable should be tied to ensure that the zipper 30 does not shake open during use.

For the upright mount cover 100, the bicycle may be turned upside down if desired, and the cover is pulled part way around the rear wheel , making sure to pull it around rear cables. The zipper 32 is then closed half-way. The cover 100 is then stretched over the pedals on each side of the main body portion 20 and the pedals are pushed through the pedal openings 22. The front wheel cover portion 29 of the cover is then pulled over the front wheel and the front zipper 33 is closed leaving an opening 34 in the centre. For certain purposes, such as long term storage, all zippers at this point may be closed as far as possible and the tie cords 40a,40b, where applicable tied. There should preferably still be at least a tiny opening 34 in the bottom of the cover which acts as an exhaust for air which gets into the cover through the front wheel portion 29 during transport. It should be noted that for storage purposes, exhaust vents such as hole 34 are not necessarily required.

For mounting the covered bicycle on a vehicle roof top carrier having a mounting brace, the zipper 32 should initially be left partially open. The bicycle is then lifted into position on the roof carrier. The mounting brace is swivelled into the bottom opening 34 of the cover and secured onto the bicycle down tube, per carrier manufacturer's instructions. After the brace is in position, the zippers are closed as far as possible on the underside of the cover and the zipper tie cords 40a,40b, where applicable, are tied.

For the fork mount cover, the lower zipper 35 is closed and the zipper tie cords 40a,40b, where applicable, are tied prior to mounting the bicycle on the vehicle carrier. The securing means are then secured in the mounting block with the fork of the bicycle prior to tightening the skewer (not shown) as per carrier manufacturer's instructions. When the securing means is an elastic loop 90d, the bicycle should be mounted into position on the roof carrier and the skewer tightened as per carrier manufacturer's instructions. The elastic loop is then hooked around either side of the skewer to keep the front of the cover 90b, down.

In another embodiment the outer crank ring cover should be placed on the outer crank ring prior to applying the cover of the invention to the bicycle.

Where applicable, safety straps associated with most roof top carriers should be placed through corresponding openings 24 in each side panel 20a,20b of the main body portion 20 and corresponding openings 25 in each front wheel panel 29a,29b, to secure the bicycle to the carrier.

It would be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art that the sequence of the above steps for applying the cover can be varied and the same result reached. For instance, the zippers can be open and closed in a variety of orders and the bicycle may or may not be completely turned over during application of the cover. To remove the cover, a reverse procedure to the one described above is employed.

Clearly the above described operations can be conducted rapidly and easily.

The bicycle cover of this invention is aerodynamic in design, as illustrated by Figure 12, which outlines the safe driving speeds with cross winds, for a roof carrier with a maximum load rating of 165 lbs. (NNJ illustrates the safe driving zones for an upright mount without a bicycle cover, [ / illustrates the safe driving zones for a fork mount cover, and E55-3 illustrates the safe driving zones for an upright mount cover. The cover of this invention has been rated to the legal speed limits of most areas, of 100 km/h.

This invention also encompasses a bicycle cover kit, comprising at least one, bicycle cover of the invention as described above, at least one wheel cover, for example as shown in Figure 1 1 M, and at least one outside crank ring cover, for example as shown in Figure UN. In another embodiment, the kit may comprise a bicycle cover of the invention with either at least one wheel cover or at least one outside crank ring cover. The kit may or may not include instructions for use and care of the cover of the invention.

The one wheel cover 11 M is preferably made of the same material as the main body portion of the bicycle cover of this invention, alternatively it can be made of the same material as the front wheel portion 29 of the cover of this invention as seen in Figure 1. The wheel cover may or may not have openings for the wheel axle.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments, it is to be understood that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. For instance, the side panels 20a and 20b of the main body portion of the cover could be one piece of material folded over in the middle and cut to accommodate the handle bar and seat panels 27 and 26 respectively. Accordingly, this invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations which fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

The Embodiments Of The Invention In Which An Exclusive Property Or Privilege Is Claimed Are Defined As Follows:

1. An aerodynamic form-fitting cover for storing and transporting a bicycle which substantially covers the entire bicycle, the cover including an opening and closing means which permits rapid installation and removal of the cover from the bicycle, and when in use does not permit ready flow of air into the interior of the cover; and when the bicycle has a cross-bar which forms an opening in a central portion of its frame, the cover, when in use, comprises a central hole to permit air flow through the opening in the central portion of the bicycle frame and not into the interior of the cover; and when a front wheel is attached to the bicycle , the cover includes a mesh section for the front wheel which allows air flow through and into the cover, and wherein any air flowing into the interior of the cover through the mesh section exhausts through an opening in the bottom of the cover.

2. The cover of claim 1 wherein the opening in the bottom of the cover also allows a brace associated with a bicycle rack to attach directly to the frame of the bicycle.

3. The cover of claim 1 wherein the cover is one piece.

4. The cover of claim 3 having a handle bar panel and a seat panel, each of which has an abrasion resistant coating thereon.

5. The cover of claim 3 comprising two mating side panels, and when the bicycle has a cross-bar, each panel having a hole therein, such that when the cover is in use, a central hole is formed by joining the edges of the holes in the side panels by a separating opening and closing means, which when opened permits the cover to be removed from or placed on the bicycle and, when closed, forms the central hole and prevents air from flowing freely into the interior of the cover.

6. The cover of claim 5 wherein the cover is a fabric cover..

7. The cover of claim 5 wherein the cover is made of an elastic, air permeable material.

8. The cover of claim 7 wherein the elastic air-permeable material, except for the mesh section, is a stretchable, weather resistant synthetic fabric.

9. The cover of claim 8 wherein the fabric comprises a Spandex/Nylon fabric blend.

10. The cover of claim 5 wherein the mesh section comprises a stretchable, tear resistant, heavy duty net fabric, which can stretch to fit the wheel size of the bicycle, and which allows air flow through the cover, while substantially preventing solid particulates from entering the cover.

1 1. The cover of claim 10 wherein the mesh section is a stretchable synthetic fabric.

12. The cover of claim 10 comprising openings in the tire cover area for safety straps associated with a vehicle bicycle rack.

13. The cover of claim 12 comprising pedal openings.

14. The cover of claim 13 comprising in addition to the two side panels, a handle bar panel and a seat panel; and when the front wheel is attached to the bicycle, the cover further comprising a front wheel portion comprising two mating panels, the panels being secured together to form a one piece bicycle cover with an opening and closing means permitting rapid installation and removal of the cover.

15. The cover of claim 14 wherein the handle bar panel and the seat panel include an abrasion resistant coating thereon.

16. The cover of claim 14 wherein the side panels, when the front wheel is detached from the bicycle, include securing means allowing the front of the cover to be fastened directly to its fork mount while maintaining the integrity of the cover.

17. The cover of claim 16 wherein the side panels, handle bar panel and seat panel are composed of a combination stretchable synthetic fabric/nylon fabric with a wide weave and wherein the handle bar panel and seat panel further comprises abrasion dots composed of rubber based stretchable ink which act as a barrier between the combination stretchable synthetic fabric/nylon fabric and a surface; and wherein the front wheel panels comprise a heavy duty tear and weather resistant net fabric, which can stretch to fit the wheel size of the bicycle, and which allows air flow through the cover.

18. The cover of claim 1 wherein the opening and closing means comprises a separating zipper.

19. A one piece aerodynamic form-fitting fabric cover for storing and transporting a bicycle with a cross-bar, the front wheel being detached from the bicycle, the cover substantially covering the entire bicycle and including opening and closing means permitting rapid installation and removal of the cover and when the cover is in use, does not permit ready flow of air into the interior of the cover comprising:

(a) two mating side panels made of elastic, air permeable material, each panel comprising an opening for a pedal, an opening in the tire cover area for safety straps associated with a bicycle rack, and at least one securing means allowing the front of the cover to be fastened directly to a fork mount of the bicycle while maintaining the integrity of the cover;

(b) a handle bar panel made of elastic, air permeable material, further comprising abrasion resistant dots; and (c) a seat panel made of elastic, air permeable material further comprising abrasion resistant dots;

the panels being secured together to form a one piece form-fitting bicycle cover, the cover further comprising an opening and closing means extending substantially along the bottom edges of the side panels, such means when closed joining the bottom edges of the side panels together; and each side panel further having a hole therein such that when the cover is in use, a central hole is formed in the cover by joining the edges of the holes in the side panels by a separating opening and closing means, the separating opening and closing means, when closed preventing air from flowing freely into the interior of the cover, and when both opening and closing means are open the cover may be removed from or placed on the bicycle.

20. A one piece aerodynamic form-fitting fabric cover for storing and transporting a bicycle with both wheels attached and with a cross-bar, and for substantially covering the entire bicycle, the cover having opening and closing means permitting rapid installation and removal of the cover, and when in use, does not permit ready flow of air into the interior of the cover comprising:

(b) a handle bar panel made of elastic, air permeable material, further comprising abrasion resistant dots;

(d) two coπesponding front wheel mesh panels which allows air flow through the cover, wherein air flowing into the interior of the cover through the mesh exhausts through an opening in the bottom of the cover, the front wheel panels further comprising openings for safety straps associated with a bicycle canier,

the panels being secured together to form a one piece form-fitting bicycle cover, the cover further comprising:

an opening and closing means extending substantially along the bottom edges of the side panels to about a centre line of the cover, said means when closed joining the bottom edges of the side panels;

a second separating opening and closing means extending along the bottom edges of the front wheel mesh panels to about a centre line of the cover,

the bottom of the cover having an opening created by a gap between the two, opening and closing means, and acting as an exhaust for air flowing into the interior of the cover through the mesh panels, and permitting a brace associated with a bicycle carrier to attach directly to the frame of the bicycle,

each side panel further having a hole therein such that when the cover is in use, a central hole is formed by joining the edges of the holes in the side panels by a third opening and closing means, the third separating opening and closing means, when closed, preventing air from flowing freely into the interior of the cover, and when the three opening and closing means are open the cover may be removed from or placed on the bicycle.

21. An aerodynamic form fitting cover for storing and transporting a bicycle which substantially covers the entire bicycle and which can be used in either an upright mount or fork mount mode, the cover having an exterior surface and an interior, and including opening and closing means permitting rapid installation and removal of the cover from the bicycle and when in use does not permit ready flow of air into the interior of the cover, the cover further comprising: (i) a front wheel portion comprising two front wheel panels;

(ii) two separating opening and closing means positioned at essentially right angles to each other and suitably spaced and positioned on an exterior surface of the front wheel portion to enable the front wheel portion, when the cover is to be used in the fork mount mode, to be at least partially folded-in and one separating opening and closing means closed to form a front edge of the cover and the other separating opening and closing means closed to form a bottom edge of the cover; and

the separating opening and closing means being open when the cover is in its upright mount mode.

22. A bicycle cover kit comprising at least one of the bicycle covers of the invention and one or both of: (1) at least one wheel cover, and (2) at least one outer crank ring cover.