Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of covers for vehicles. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for automatic covering of vehicles.

Background of the Invention

Vehicle covers provide protection from the elements - dirt, sun, rain, snow, etc. However, most car owners do not provide adequate covering for their cars, usually because the action of covering is difficult for a single individual. Another reason is the significant storage space required by covers in the folded state.

Suitable vehicle covers must accurately fit the size and shape of the car in order not to be removed by wind.

However, accurate size and shape do not prevent a cover's removal by a thief or other undesirable person.

The vehicle covers described above have not yet provided satisfactory solutions to the problem of inconvenience of deploying and folding the cover. Also, the vehicle covers described above do not provide theft protection.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for convenient deployment and folding of the vehicular cover.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for theft protection, using a vehicular cover.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds. Summary of the Invention

The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools methods, and so forth, which are meant to be merely illustrative, not limiting in scope. In one aspect, the invention is directed to a vehicular covering system comprising: a hinge, mounted to the vehicle; a frame, composed of the hinge, the frame being rotatable about the hinge; and a fabric, held at one side by the frame, the fabric deployed by the rotation from one side of the vehicle to the opposite side of the vehicle.

The vehicular covering system may further comprise a package mounted to a side of the vehicle, for containing the fabric in the folded state, and for holding the remaining side of the fabric in the deployed state.

The hinge may be mounted substantially at the center underneath the vehicle. The fabric may be stretchable.

The vehicular covering system may further comprise means for stretching the fabric to cover the other sides of the vehicle.

The stretching means may comprise ropes in hems on the fabric, for carrying out the stretching by pulling the ropes by a stretching mechanism. The vehicular covering system may further comprise a mechanism for rotating the frame only by an authorized entity.

The fabric may further comprise circuitry and sensors for sounding an alarm, if damaged.

The vehicular covering system may further comprise at least one cylinder, for composing the frame and adjusting the frame size.

The at least one cylinder may comprise an electric cylinder. The size of the frame may be adjustable, for adjusting the size of the frame to that of the vehicle.

The frame may be decomposable. The vehicular covering system may further comprise at least one motor, for performing the rotation of the frame. The rotation may be controlled by members selected from a group comprising: vehicle control system, remote control. The frame may comprise: at the first side thereof: a first pair of cylinders protruding the hinge; - at the second and third sides thereof: a second pair of cylinders mounted to the hinge; at the fourth side: a rod including a third pair of cylinders protruding from the package towards the second pair of cylinders; and connectors, for connecting the second cylinders with the third cylinders. In another aspect, the invention is directed to a vehicular covering method comprising the step of rotating a frame about a hinge, for deploying a fabric held by the frame from one side of the vehicle to the opposite side of the vehicle.

The vehicular covering method may further comprise the step of authorizing rotation of the frame. The vehicular covering method may further comprise the step of composing the frame.

The vehicular covering method may further comprise the step of adjusting the frame size.

The vehicular covering method may further comprise the step of sounding an alarm upon damage to the fabric.

The vehicular covering method may further comprise the step of stretching the fabric, for covering the other sides of the vehicle.

In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the figures and by study of the following detailed description. Brief Description of the Drawings

The objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a vehicle having a cover according to an embodiment of the present invention, in the folded state.

FIG. 2 shows a first step of deployment of the covering system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a second step of deployment of the covering system of FlG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a third step of deployment of the covering system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows a fourth step of deployment of the covering system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 shows a fifth step of deployment of the covering system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 shows a sixth step of deployment of the covering system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7A shows a schematic view of the covering system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7B shows a schematic view of the covering system according to another embodiment.

FIG. 7C shows a schematic view of the covering system according to another embodiment.

FIG. 7D shows a schematic view of the covering system according to another embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows a seventh step of deployment of the covering system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 shows an anti-theft application of the covering system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 shows the mechanism inside the package, containing the fabric. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the invention, for which reference should be made to the appended claims. Tt should be further understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and that, unless otherwise indicated, are merely intended to conceptually illustrate the structures and procedures described herein. Reference numerals may be repeated among the figures in order to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known methods, procedures, components and circuits have not been described in detail, for the sake of brevity.

FIG. 1 shows a vehicle having a cover according to one embodiment of the present invention, in the folded state.

A covering system 2 includes a unit at the back and another unit (indicated, not shown) at the center of vehicle 18, both of which are mounted beneath vehicle 18.

A package 12, mounted substantially at the back beneath vehicle 18, contains a fabric (not shown) in the folded state. The fabric is folded, preferably rolled, in package 12, and is connected at one side thereof to a rod 24.

FIG. 2 shows a first step of deployment of the covering system of FIG. 1.

The term "cylinder" refers herein to a cylinder barrel having a piston rod, for pushing and pulling the piston rod. Covering system 2 may employ hydraulic cylinders, using pressurized fluid, or pneumatic cylinders, using compressed gases, or, preferably, electric cylinders, or others.

An electric cylinder uses an electric motor, either through a timing belt, or through a gear drive, or through in-line direct coupling, to rotate a ball screw or an acme screw, which translates the torque into force through the thrust tube.

A first electric cylinder (not shown), mounted substantially at the center beneath vehicle 18, parallel to rod 24, protrudes a piston 6 (two parallel pistons shown) thereof from the left side. Another first electric cylinder (not shown) protrudes piston 6 (hidden) thereof from the opposite side beneath vehicle 18.

Each of pistons 6 ends with a hinge 8, to which a second electric cylinder 10 is connected vertically.

FIG. 3 shows a second step of deployment of the covering system of FIG. 1.

Each second electric cylinder 10 is a telescopic cylinder, i.e having several pistons, such as pistons 20 and 22, in order to reach the back of vehicle 18.

FIG. 4 shows a third step of deployment of the covering system of FIG. 1.

Rod 24 includes a third pair of electric cylinders, protruding pistons 26 to the right and the left sides of vehicle 18.

Each of pistons 26 at the back of vehicle 18 connects one of pistons 22 at the sides of vehicle 18, using a connection 14, which may include a projection at the end of piston 26 entering a hole at the end of piston 22.

Second cylinders 10 protrude pistons 22 thereof to connect rods 24, composing together a frame 4, which can rotate about hinge 8.

FIG. 5 shows a fourth step of deployment of the covering system of FIG. 1. Second electric cylinders 10 protrude pistons 22 thereof to push rod 24 holding fabric 32 farther behind vehicle 18.

FIG. 6 shows a fifth step of deployment of the covering system of FIG. 1.

A rotational motor 50 at each side of vehicle 18 rotates frame 4 about hinge 8, pulling and deploying fabric 32 from package 12 at the back to the front of vehicle 18, covering it. Package 12 holds the remaining side of fabric 32, releasing portions of fabric 32 gradually.

Fabric 32 cannot be removed completely from vehicle 18, since it starts from package 12 and ends at rod 24.

The rotation of frame 4 and preferably all movements of frame 4 are limited to be motorized and controlled by authorized means only. Thus, unauthorized persons gain access only through vandalistic tearing of fabric 32.

The motors and cylinders of system 2 may preferably be controlled by the general control system of vehicle 18 and/or by a remote control 16, controlled by the driver of vehicle 18. Preferably, remote control 16 will be integrated to the standard remote control of the vehicle.

FIG. 7 shows a sixth step of deployment of the covering system of FTG. 1.

Each of second electric cylinders 10 pulls the piston 22 thereof, shortening frame 4, such that rod 24 is placed beneath the front of vehicle 18.

This action performs a first stretch of fabric 32 between points 34 and 36, which are near the wheels of vehicle 18.

FIG. 7 A shows a schematic view of the covering system of FIG. 1.

Frame 4 includes hinge 8 mounted to vehicle 18, cylinders 10 and rod 24. The track of frame 4 about hinge 8 is shown by the broken arrow lines. According to FIGs 1 to 7, frame 4 rotates from the back of vehicle 18 to the front thereof for deploying fabric 32. According to this embodiment, wheel 30 in FIG. 7A is the left back wheel of vehicle 18 and wheel 28 is the left front wheel.

According to another embodiment, frame 4 rotates from the front of vehicle 18 to the back thereof for deploying fabric 32. According to this embodiment, wheel 30 in FIG. 7A is the right front wheel of vehicle 18 and wheel 28 is the right back wheel.

FIG. 7E shows a schematic view of the covering system according to another embodiment.

According to this embodiment, frame 4 rotates from the right of vehicle 18 to the left thereof for deploying fabric 32. According to this embodiment, wheel 30 in FIG. 7A is the right back wheel of vehicle 18 and wheel 28 is the left back wheel.

According to another embodiment, frame 4 rotates from the left of vehicle 18 to the right thereof for deploying fabric 32. According to this embodiment, wheel 30 in FIG. 7A is the left front wheel of vehicle 18 and wheel 28 is the right front wheel.

According to another embodiment, frame 4 rotates from one edge of vehicle 18 to the opposite edge.

According to these embodiments, all illustrated by FIGs. 7A and 7E, and which apparently are the optimal designs, hinge 8 is located substantially at the center of vehicle 18.

FIG. 7B shows a schematic view of the covering system according to another embodiment.

Like FIGs. 7A and 7E, frame 4 may, for deploying fabric 32, rotate from the back of vehicle 18 to the front thereof, from the front to the back, from the right to the left, or from the left to the right. According to these embodiments, hinge 8 is located substantially at one side of vehicle 18. Thus, the total length of cylinders 10 must exceed the length or width of vehicle 18.

The track of frame 4 is not limited to the broken lines shown in the figure, as the current length may change during deployment to the length required for the current position of frame 4.

FIG. 7C shows a schematic view of the covering system according to another embodiment.

FIG 7C is similar to 7B, except that in FIG. 7B hinge 8 is close to package 12, and in FIG. 7C, hinge 8 is far from package 12.

FIG. 7D shows a schematic view of the covering system according to another embodiment.

Hinge 8 may be located above vehicle 18 or at any preferred height. FIG. 7D, though depicting hinge 8 at the center of vehicle 18, is meant to describe the location thereof above vehicle 18, also regarding locations of hinge 8 at the sides of vehicle 18.

Hinge 8 may be located between the locations described by the figures.

FIG. 8 shows a seventh step of deployment of the covering system of FIG. 1.

According to a preferred embodiment, fabric 32 is stretchable. Since points 34 and 36 are low centers of force, fabric 32, stretched along arrows of force 40, covers the sides of vehicle 18.

A second stretching force of fabric 32 is maintained by focusing the stretch along the line between points 34 and 36, by pulling a rope 38 in a hem 48 formed on fabric 32. A motor (not shown) on each side of package 12 may pull rope 38 at each side to stretch fabric 32 so as to cover also the sides of vehicle 18.

FIG. 9 shows an anti-theft application of the covering system of FIG. 1. System 2 may be used as an anti-theft system, by adding electrical wiring 44 and sensors 46 within fabric 32 for sensing the cut-off of wiring 44.

Since fabric 32 cannot be removed completely from vehicle 18, as it starts from package 12 and ends at rod 24, any unauthorized access beneath fabric 32 requires tearing of fabric 32, thus short-circuiting of wiring 44, which will generate an alarm.

Sensors of unauthorized movement of the frame may be added to prevent access to vehicle 18 without tearin •eg fabric 32.

FIG. 10 shows the mechanism inside the package, containing the fabric.

Package 12 contains two wheels 56, for rolling fabric 32. A motor 54 releases fabric 32 upon movement of rod 24 along arrow 58, or pulls fabric 32 upon movement of rod 24 against arrow 58.

At each side of package 12, the length of rope 38. in hem 48 (not shown) formed on fabric 32, is controlled by rolling the inner end of rope 38 around a wheel rotated by a motor 52.

In the figures and/or description herein, the following reference numerals have been mentioned: numeral 2 denotes a vehicular covering system, according to one embodiment of the present invention; - numeral 4 denotes a frame holding a fabric; numeral 6 denotes a piston protruding from a cylinder:

^■ numeral 8 denotes a hinge, about which the frame may rotate;

^■ numeral 10 denotes a cylinder at the left and another at the right side of the vehicle, composing the frame; the cylinder preferably is an electric and telescopic cylinder; numeral 12 denotes a package mounted to the vehicle, for containing the fabric; numeral 14 denotes a connection between two pistons, for composing the frame; - numeral 16 denotes a remote control, for controlling the system; ^■ numeral 18 denotes a vehicle;

- numerals 20 and 22 denote pistons protruding the telescopic cylinder;

^■ numeral 26 denotes a piston protruding from a cylinder;

- numerals 28 and 30 denote wheels of the vehicle - numeral 32 denotes fabric for covering the vehicle;

^■ numerals 34 and 36 denote points; numeral 38 denotes a rope for stretching the fabric; numeral 40 denotes arrows of force on the fabric; numeral 44 denotes electrical wiring; ■ numeral 46 denotes electrical wiring within the fabric;

- numeral 48 denotes a sensor, sensing damages in the wiring;

^■ numeral 50 denotes a motor for rotating the frame; numeral 52 denotes a motor for pulling the rope in the hem on the fabric; numeral 54 denotes a motor for rolling the fabric inside the package or for releasing it; numeral 56 denotes wheels for rolling the fabric; and

^■ numeral 58 denotes an arrow showing movement of the rod of the frame.

While certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, the invention can be embodied in other forms, ways, modifications, substitutions, changes, equivalents, and so forth. The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of this disclosure. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto.