Windscreen Cover Assembly

The present invention relates to a cover assembly for vehicle windscreens/ windshields.

Covers for vehicle windscreens are well known in the art. Such covers generally perform a number of different functions, dependent upon the time of year, and prevailing weather conditions. In winter, for example, they are generally used to prevent the build up of ice and/or snow on the vehicle windscreen, thus obviating the need for the windscreen to be cleared by hand before the vehicle is used. In summer, on the other hand, windscreen covers may be used to hinder the passage of solar radiation into a vehicle, thus helping to prevent an excessive build up of heat within the vehicle.

Known types of covers for vehicle windscreens take a number of different forms, and utilise a number of different means for securing ^" the cover to the vehicle windscreen.

For example, many known covers are secured to a vehicle windscreen by clamping a part of the cover assembly between the vehicle door and the body of the vehicle. Such covers are known, for example, from US4,597,608; US4,966,405; US5,615,923; DE3320446; and US4,726,406. The part of the cover that is clamped between the vehicle door and the body of the vehicle generally takes the form of a strap, and more generally a pair of straps.

Another known means of securing a cover to a vehicle windscreen is by using magnets, which attach to the metallic bodywork of the vehicle. Such covers are known, for example, from US4,966,405; DE4234891 and NL1005181C. These arrangements have the disadvantage that the bodywork is easily damaged by repeated engagement of the magnets.

It is also known from DE3104746 to provide a windscreen cover having magnetisable material around its outer periphery, which engages with permanent magnets that have been fixed to the inside of the windscreen. This arrangement is, however, undesirable, since it is necessary to affix the permanent magnets to the inside of the windscreen, which is unsightly and difficult to reverse. Furthermore, the permanent fixings on the inside of the windscreen can obscure the field of vision of a driver.

Other known means of securing a cover to a vehicle windscreen include hook and loop fasteners (such as VELCRO ^M ), as is known from US5,615,923, and suction cups, as is known from US4,966,405.

Although a wide variety of means for securing a cover to a vehicle windscreen are known, all of the known means have in common that the cover is only secured to the vehicle at its perimeter, and generally only at two opposing sides. As a result, such covers may be vulnerable to displacement from their correct position on the windscreen, or even to detachment from the windscreen, in particular in windy weather. Accordingly, there is a need for a cover that may be attached to the windscreen of a vehicle away from, as well as at, its perimeter.

Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a cover assembly for a vehicle windscreen, the cover assembly comprising a cover and at least one fixing member secured to the cover, and the cover comprising at least one magnetic region that is magnetically engageable with the at least one fixing member, wherein the cover is adapted such that, in use, the cover is positionable adjacent the outside face of the windscreen and the or each fixing member is positionable adjacent the inside face of the windscreen, such that the or each fixing member engages magnetically with a magnetic region of the cover through the windscreen.

The magnetic engagement of the fixing member with a magnetic region of the cover serves to secure the cover to the vehicle windscreen at the point of magnetic engagement. In this way, the cover may be secured to the windscreen away from its

perimeter, such that the cover is less vulnerable to displacement on the windscreen, or detachment from the windscreen, than the windscreen covers known in the art.

A further advantage of the present invention is that an unauthorised attempt to remove the windscreen cover from a vehicle can trigger a vehicle alarm. This occurs when the cover is disengaged from the at least one fixing member, at which point the at least one fixing member falls from the vehicle windscreen within the vehicle. This movement within the vehicle can be effective to trigger a motion-activated vehicle alarm.

The cover comprises at least one magnetic region that is magnetically engageable with at least one fixing member. Thus, the or each fixing member comprises a magnetic region that is engageable with a magnetic region of the cover.

By 'magnetic region', it is meant a region that is able to engage magnetically with a second magnetic region. Thus, for any pair of engageable magnetic regions, at least one magnetic region comprises a magnet, while the second magnetic region may comprise a magnet, or may comprise a material that is capable of being magnetised by the magnet of the first magnetic region, such as a ferrous material, for example.

When the cover assembly of the present invention is in use, the magnetic region of each fixing member engages magnetically with a magnetic region of the cover through the windscreen. Thus, for each fixing member, it may be that the fixing member comprises a magnet and the cover also comprises a magnet, such that the magnet of the fixing member magnetically engages the magnet of the cover. Alternatively, it may be that the cover comprises a magnetisable material, and the fixing member comprises a magnet, such that the magnet of the fixing member magnetically engages the magnetisable material of the cover. Alternatively, it may be that the cover comprises a magnet, and the fixing member comprises a magnetisable material, such that the magnet of the cover magnetically engages the magnetisable material of the fixing member.

The cover may comprise one or more magnetic regions. Preferably, the cover comprises a magnetic region for each fixing member, such that the cover comprises the same number of magnetic regions as there are fixing members, so that the magnetic region of each fixing member has a corresponding, or twin, magnetic region of the cover. However, it is also possible that the cover comprises a single magnetic region that is engageable with a plurality of fixing members, for example.

It is preferred that all of the magnetic regions comprise magnets, such as solid magnets or annular magnets, since such an arrangement generally provides the most effective engagement.

The magnetic engagement between the magnetic region of each fixing member and a magnetic region of the cover should be of sufficient strength to effectively secure the cover to the windscreen at the point of engagement. However, the magnetic engagement should not be so strong that the magnetic regions cannot be easily disengaged by a user, preferably without the use of any tools. Thus, the strength of the magnets used should be selected with these requirements in mind.

For simplicity, both magnets and magnetisable material shall be referred to from hereon in together as 'magnetic material'.

The cover of the present invention is the part of the cover assembly that is positionable on a vehicle windscreen such as to at least partially cover the outside face of the windscreen when the cover assembly is in use. The cover may be adapted to fulfil any desired role, such as to protect the windscreen from damage, to prevent the build up of ice on the windscreen, or to shield the interior of the vehicle from solar radiation, for example.

The precise shape of the cover is not important to the present invention. However, in order that the cover be as effective as possible, it will be understood that it should preferably be dimensioned such that, in use, it covers at least a substantial part of the windscreen, and more preferably substantially the full area of the windscreen. Thus,

on account of the shape of the area defined by most windscreens, a rectangular or trapezoidal cover is generally suitable, and is preferred.

Although the cover of the present invention may take any suitable form, it is preferred that it comprises an outer covering. The outer covering comprises at least one layer of a suitable covering material, and preferably forms the outer surface of the cover.

The covering material is preferably a material that is resistant to a wide range of environmental conditions, including wet weather and extremes of temperature, as well as to general wear and tear. In particular, it is preferred that the covering material should be water-resistant, or substantially water-proof. It is further preferred that the covering material is a relatively flexible material. By 'flexible material', it is meant a material that may be flexed, or bent, in a reversible manner.

Where two or more layers of outer covering material are present, then those layers are preferably secured to one another at least around, or in the region of, the outer perimeter of the cover. The layers may be secured to one another by any suitable means, such as by sealing, sewing, gluing, stapling or the like. Preferably, the layers are secured to one another by sealing. Thus, the covering material is preferably a sealable material, such that a first layer of the covering material may be sealed to a second layer of the covering material when the two layers are exposed to suitable sealing conditions, such as heat, radio frequency or ultrasound.

It is particularly preferred that the covering material is a heat-sealable material. Thus, where the covering material is a heat-sealable material, then a first layer of the covering material may be sealed to a second layer of the covering material by the application of heat to the two layers, preferably with the simultaneous application of pressure, to ensure a tight seal.

In a preferred embodiment, the cover comprises at least two layers of a suitable covering material, wherein the at least two layers are arranged such as to substantially overlie each other. In this embodiment, the at least two layers of covering material are

preferably sealed to each other at least around, or in the region of, the outer perimeter of the cover, such as to form a sealed outer layer of the cover. Most preferably, the cover comprises two layers of a suitable outer covering material arranged in this way.

Suitable covering materials for use as the outer covering include plastics, and other suitable polymeric materials, such as polythene (HDPE and LDPE), polypropylene and polyvinylchloride (PVC).

A further problem with known protective covers is that they tend to be more suitable for use in one type of weather than another. For example, they may be particularly effective at preventing the build up of ice and/or snow on a windscreen during winter, but far less effective at preventing the build up of excessive heat in a vehicle during the summer, or vice versa. Accordingly, there is a need for a protective cover that may be adapted such as to be as effective as possible in all weather conditions.

Thus, in a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cover for a vehicle windscreen having two faces, wherein the outer surface of one face of the cover is adapted such as to have different properties compared to the outer surface of the other face of the cover. In particular, the outer surface of one face of the cover may be adapted for use as the exposed surface of the cover in winter conditions, while the outer surface of the other face of the cover may be adapted for use as the exposed surface of the cover in summer conditions, for example. By 'exposed surface ¹ , it is meant the surface of the cover that is exposed to the outside when the cover is in use.

It is also an important aspect of the cover of the first aspect of the present invention that the outer surface of one face of the cover may be adapted such as to have different properties compared to the outer surface of the other face of the cover. In particular, the outer surface of one face of the cover may be adapted for use as the exposed surface of the cover in winter conditions, while the outer surface of the other face of the cover may be adapted for use as the exposed surface of the cover in summer conditions, for example.

Where the outer surface of one face of the cover is adapted for use as the exposed surface of the cover in summer conditions, then it is preferred that that face of the cover should comprise a covering material that is a good solar reflector, or that has an exposed surface that is a good solar reflector, or that is a more effective solar reflector than the other face of the cover. The desired solar reflective properties of the covering material may be conveniently obtained by choosing an appropriate colour, or coloured coating, for the outer surface of the covering material. Thus, the covering material itself may be coloured, or a coloured coating may be applied to the outer surface of the covering material. Suitable colours for the reflective face of the covering material include white and silver, as well as other colours that are effective reflectors of solar radiation. Suitable reflective coatings may also be used, including metallic coatings, such as foil coatings.

Where the outer surface of one face of the cover is adapted for use as the exposed surface of the cover in winter conditions, then it is preferred that that face of the cover should comprise a covering material that effectively prevents the build up of ice on the windscreen and/or the build up of snow and/or ice on the exposed surface of the cover.

In a similar manner to that described above, the desired properties of the winter covering material may be conveniently achieved by choosing an appropriate colour for the outer surface of the covering material. Thus, as for the summer covering material, the covering material itself may be coloured, or a coloured coating may be applied to the surface of the covering material. One suitable colour for use as the outer surface colour for the winter covering material is black, but other suitable colours may also be used.

It has further been recognised by the present inventor that it would be advantageous to provide a windscreen cover whose properties and/or appearance could be easily varied. For example, it would be advantageous to provide a windscreen cover whose protective properties could be easily varied, to suit different weather conditions, for example. It would also be particularly advantageous to provide a windscreen cover

whose appearance could be varied in such a way that the windscreen cover could function as a variable information display or as a variable aesthetic vehicle accessory.

Thus, in a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cover for a vehicle windscreen having at least one pocket on a surface thereof, the at least one pocket being configured to receive a selected insert in a removable manner, wherein the said selected insert is effective to alter the properties or appearance of the cover when received in the at least one pocket.

The at least one pocket may be formed in the outer covering of the windscreen cover, or preferably, may be formed on the outer covering of the windscreen cover. The pockets may be present on either, or on both, faces of the cover. However, it is preferred to provide pockets only on the side of the cover that is intended to be the outer, or exposed, face when the cover is in use.

The pockets may advantageously be formed from a layer of pocket material at least partially secured, preferably sealed, particularly heat sealed, to the outer covering. It is preferred to pre-form pockets by fixing, preferably sealing, pocket material onto a suitable backing material. Pre-formed pockets can then be secured to the cover in a suitable manner, for example by use of an adhesive.

Preferably, the pockets are essentially .rectangular in shape, and are secured to the covering material on up to three sides, while the remaining one or more sides remain open, or reversibly openable, such that a selected insert can be received into the pocket through the open side. Where one or more sides are reversibly openable, then any suitable form of reversible opening may be used, such as a hook and loop fastener or a zip fastener, for example.

Alternatively, the pockets may be secured to the cover around their outer perimeter, and may then have an opening, for example a slot-like opening, formed in their surface. A selected insert can then be received in the pocket through this opening.

As the pocket material, plastics materials are suitable, such as those plastics materials mentioned above as covering materials. Preferably, the pocket material is transparent, or semi-transparent, such that anything contained within the pockets is visible, or partially visible, through the pocket material.

The pockets, where present, may be used to house display inserts, or coloured inserts, for example. Thus, the pockets may be used to house display inserts comprising advertising material, inserts comprising vehicle price information where a vehicle is offered for sale or hire, or inserts comprising any other type of material that a user wishes to display. The pockets may also be used to house colour inserts, which may be coloured, or coated, such that the colour inserts act as solar reflectors, for example. Thus, colour inserts may be utilised in a similar manner to coloured, or coated, covering material, in order to adapt the behaviour of an exposed surface of the cover to suit different weather conditions.

Inserts for use in the present invention may take any suitable form. Preferably, they are dimensioned such as to be received relatively securely within the at least one pocket, and are formed from a durable and preferably water-resistant material. Laminated card is a suitable material.

Where the pockets are used to receive display inserts, it is a particularly advantageous property of the present invention that the display inserts remain visible in most weather conditions, as the pocket material is not susceptible to frosting in the same way as a vehicle windscreen is. Thus, while information displayed inside a vehicle may be obscured during frosty conditions, information displayed using the pockets of the present invention remains visible.

Any number of pockets may be provided, but it is preferred to provide between 1 and 8 pockets. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the windscreen cover includes a plurality of pockets formed of a transparent plastics material and heat sealed to the outer covering material of the windscreen cover.

It is a preferred aspect of the first and second aspects of the present invention that the cover comprises at least one pocket according to the third aspect of the present invention.

The cover of any aspect of the present invention may also comprise at least one, and more preferably a plurality of panels. By 'panel', it is meant a part of the cover that is rigid compared to another part of the cover.

The panels, where present, may advantageously be formed from essentially rectangular, or square, sections of a suitable panel material disposed between opposing layers of the outer covering material. Although rectangular sections are preferred, it will be appreciated that sections of any rectangular panel may be cut-out, or absent, in order to accommodate other components of the cover, or to lighten the structure.

In general, the panel material is a material that is relatively stiff/rigid, relative to the covering material. Suitable panel materials include cardboard, particularly double insulated corrugated cardboard. Other suitable panel materials include plastic sheets and metal sheets, as well as any other suitable materials known to the skilled person.

Although any suitable number of panels may be used, it is generally preferred that the cover comprises between one and eight panels. It is particularly preferred that the cover comprises four panels or six panels.

Where a plurality of panels are present, then it is generally preferred that the panels are of similar, or equal size to each other. Alternatively, the panels may be of varying size. For example, in one preferred embodiment, innermost panels are larger than outermost, or end, panels.

Preferably, the panels are arranged within the outer lining so that their short edges lie parallel to the long edges of the cover, such that a row of panels is formed along the length of the cover.

The area located between adjacent panels defines a spine. Each spine optionally comprises a spine filling material, contained between opposing layers of the outer covering. Suitable materials for use as the spine filling material are the same as for the panel material.

Where panels are present, then it is preferred that opposing layers of the outer covering material are secured to each other, preferably sealed to each other, around, or near to, the perimeter of each panel, such as to secure the panel material in the desired position between the opposing layers of covering material.

Where more than one panel is present, such that spines are present, then opposing layers of the covering material are preferably secured to one another, preferably sealed to one another, along the length of each spine, and are more preferably sealed to one another between each panel and spine, such that the opposing layers of the covering material are sealed to one another on each side of the area containing the spine filing material, where used.

Another problem with known windscreen covers is that they tend to be inconvenient to store and transport when not in use, due to their size and lack of means for folding, or otherwise converting to a more compact form. Accordingly, there is a need for a windscreen cover that is compactable and/or foldable, and thus easy to store and transport when not in use.

Thus, in a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a foldable cover for a vehicle windscreen comprising a plurality of panels separated by spines, wherein adjacent panels are foldable about the spine located between the adjacent panels such that the adjacent panels are positionable to substantially overlie one another.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the cover of the first, second and third aspects of the present invention, the cover is foldable about each spine, in accordance with the fourth aspect of the present invention, such that adjacent panels may be folded to substantially overlie one another. In this embodiment, each spine may be considered to act as a hinge, about which adjacent panels are pivotable. In this way, the cover may

be folded into a more compact form when not in use, for easy transport and storage, for example.

Where the cover is foldable, then it is preferred that the cover further comprises means for reversibly fixing the cover in its folded state. Such means may comprise any form of reversible fastening, such as hook and loop fasteners (VELCRO™, for example), or other suitable types of surface fastener. Thus, for example, fastener pads may be provided on the surface of the cover such that, when the panels are folded to overlie each other, fastener pads disposed on the surface of opposing faces of the cover engage one another to secure the cover in its folded state.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cover further comprises means for attaching the cover to the outside face of the windscreen, or to the surrounding bodywork of the vehicle. Advantageously, the cover comprises attachment means located at, or near, each of the extremities of the cover. Thus, where the cover is essentially rectangular or trapezoidal in shape, then attachment means may be situated at, or near, each of the four corners of the cover, for example.

Any suitable form of attachment means may be used for the attachment of the cover to the outer surface of the windscreen, or to the surrounding bodywork of the vehicle, such as those attachment means known in the art. Thus, suitable attachment means include suction cups engageable with the surface of the windscreen or with the surrounding bodywork, hook and loop fasteners, and magnets engageable with the surrounding metallic bodywork. However, it is particularly preferred that the attachment means comprise suction cups.

Preferably, the attachment means are adapted such that the cover may be secured to the windscreen with either one of its faces lying adjacent the outer surface of the windscreen. This may be achieved by providing separate attachment means on both faces of the cover, or by use of removable attachment means that may be releasably secured to either face of the cover, for example. Thus, where suction cups are used, a set of suction cups may be provided on each side of the cover, or a single set of suction cups may be provided that are releasably attachable to either face of the cover.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the attachment means are releasably engageable with either face of the cover. This may conveniently be achieved by use of an attachment assembly comprising attachment means, such as a suction cup, connected to an engaging part, wherein the engaging part is releasably engageable with the cover.

Preferably, the engaging part is engageable with the cover by means of engagement with an aperture provided in the cover. The aperture may advantageously take the form of an eyelet provided in the cover.

The engaging part is preferably releasably engageable with the cover on either face of the cover, such that the cover may be secured to a vehicle windscreen with either one of its outer faces adjacent the vehicle windscreen.

The engaging part may take any suitable form. In a preferred embodiment, the engaging part comprises a cylindrical part of the same, or of slightly smaller diameter than the internal diameter of a corresponding aperture, or eyelet, of the cover, such that the cylindrical part may be passed into, and out of, the aperture. The cylindrical part may be connected to the attachment means at one end thereof, and the aperture, or cylindrical part, may comprise locking means to lock the cylindrical part within the aperture. Preferably, the cylindrical part is connected to the attachment means at one end thereof, and comprises locking means at the other end thereof.

The locking means enable the cylindrical part to be releasably locked in position within an aperture of the cover, such as to releasably engage the attachment assembly with the cover. The locking means may take any suitable form. In a preferred embodiment, the locking means comprise a bore formed within the cylindrical part and a locking pin, or hook, which may be reversibly locked into position within the bore.

Although an attachment assembly has been described with reference to apertures, or eyelets, having a circular internal bore working in cooperation with a

cylindrical engaging part, it will be understood that any other shape of bore may be used in cooperation with a suitably shaped engaging part.

An alternative attachment assembly comprises a suction cup having a resilient nipple, wherein the resilient nipple is deformable such as to allow passage of the nipple through the eyelet and to then hold the suction cup in place. The nipple can then be deformed to allow removal of the suction cup from the eyelet. Preferably, the suction cup and resilient nipple are integrally formed. Any suitable resilient material may be used to form the suction cup and the nipple, and a preferred material is a rubber material.

Where removable attachment means are used to secure the cover assembly of any aspect of the present invention to a vehicle windscreen, then the attachment means may be secured to the vehicle, and the cover may then be secured to the attachment means. Alternatively, the attachment means may be secured to the cover, and the cover then secured to the vehicle.

The cover may also comprise one or more flap portion(s) that are positionable adjacent the lower part of the windscreen when the cover is in use. The or each flap portion may advantageously be formed as an excess flap of the outer covering material. In use, the windscreen wiper blades may be positioned upon the flap portion(s), such as to clamp the cover between the wiper blades and the windscreen. This acts as a further means of securing the cover to the windscreen, and acts to prevent wind from entering between the bottom of the cover and the windscreen.

The cover assembly of the first aspect of the present invention comprises at least one fixing member secured to the cover, which fixing member is magnetically engageable with a magnetic region of the cover through the windscreen.

The or each fixing member should be secured to the cover. Preferably, the or each fixing member is secured to the cover by means of a flexible connection. Most preferably, the or each fixing member comprises a strap connected to the cover, wherein

each strap comprises a magnetic region that is engageable with a magnetic region of the cover through the windscreen.

Preferably, the cover assembly comprises at least two straps, and most preferably comprises two straps.

The or each strap is connected to the cover at one end of the strap, with the other end of the strap being free, or reversibly fastenable to the cover. For simplicity, the end of the strap that is not connected to the cover will be referred to simply as the 'free end'.

It should be noted that, although the one or more straps have been described as being connected to the cover at one end, the straps may also be fully removable from the cover, if desirable. In this embodiment, the straps are reversibly connected to the cover at one end, and may be removed from the cover completely.

The or each strap may be connected to the cover by any suitable means. However, it is preferred that at least one strap, and preferably each strap, is rotatably connected to the cover, such that it may be rotated about its point of connection, preferably in both clockwise and anticlockwise directions. Preferably, it can be rotated without twisting.

Although any suitable means may be used to connect the at least one strap to the cover in a rotatable manner, it is preferred that the rotatable connection of the at least one strap to the cover is achieved by use of a loose connection to the cover. By 'loose connection', it is meant a connection by virtue of which the strap cannot be easily removed from the cover at its point of connection thereto, but may nonetheless be rotated about the point of connection.

Loose connection of the at least one strap to the cover may be achieved by use of a loose eyelet, for example. Preferably, the loose eyelet is an eyelet that, in use, is situated towards, or in, the upper corners of the cover.

It is particularly preferred that the loose, rotatable connection of the at least one strap to the cover is by means of a loose fastener assembly, whereby two engaging portions of a fastener are engaged to one another with the interposition of an annular bearing, which annular bearing is received within an annular receiver held in the strap such that the strap can rotate with respect to the fastener as a result of rotation of the annular bearing within the annular receiver. Preferably, the fastener is an eyelet. The cover is held in a suitable manner between the two engaging portions, either above or below the annular bearing and strap.

Suitable materials known to the skilled person may be selected for the component parts of the loose fastener assembly. Suitable materials include iglidur [RTM] for the annular bearing and polypropylene for the annular receiver.

In a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cover for a vehicle windscreen having one or more fixing straps for securing the windscreen cover to a vehicle, wherein at least one fixing strap is rotatably connected to the windscreen cover. Preferably, the at least one strap is connected to the cover by means of the above- described loose fastener assembly, preferably by the loose eyelet assembly.

The straps of the present invention may be formed from any suitable material. Generally, the straps comprise an outer covering of a suitable covering material and a suitable filling material disposed within the covering. Suitable materials for the strap covering material are as above for the covering material of the cover, and such materials will be referred to simply as 'covering materials'. Suitable materials for use as the strap filling material should be flexible and durable, and include any suitable natural and synthetic fibres known to those skilled in the art, for example. In general, layers of the strap covering will be secured to one another, preferably sealed, around the perimeter of the strap, as described above for the covering material of the cover, such as to enclose the strap filling material within the strap covering.

When the cover assembly of the present invention is fitted to a vehicle, the free end of the one or more straps may be fed into the vehicle through an open door, or window, of the vehicle, such that the free end is then located within the vehicle. The

vehicle door, or window, may then be closed onto the strap, such as to clamp the strap between the closed door, or window, and the vehicle bodywork. Thus, the clamping of the straps in the vehicle door, or window, may be used as a means, or further means, for securing the cover assembly to the vehicle.

In a preferred embodiment, the free end of each strap may be releasably fastened to the cover when the cover assembly is not in use, and in particular when it is being prepared for storage. Such releasable fastening may be provided by means of any form of releasable fastening, such as hook and loop fasteners (VELCRO™, for example), or other suitable types of surface fastener. Thus, for example, fastener pads may be provided on the surface of the cover and additionally on the surface of each strap, such that, when the strap is rotated into a position such that the fastener pad of the strap overlies a corresponding fastener pad of the cover, then the strap may be releasably fastened into position on the cover.

Where the or each fixing member comprises a strap secured to the cover, then the magnetic material of the one or more straps is generally located at, or near to, the free end of the strap. Preferably, the magnetic material will be secured within the strap covering material, and preferably takes the form of a solid magnet. Any suitable method may be employed to secure the magnetic material within the strap covering material, such as sewing opposing layers of the strap covering material together around the rim of the magnet, for example.

Preferably, the magnetic material of the one or more straps is of sufficient physical size that the free end of the strap comprising the magnetic material cannot pass between the closed vehicle door and the vehicle body. Thus, any attempt to remove the one or more straps from the vehicle when the cover assembly is in use are prevented by the size of the magnetic material of the one or more straps, which cannot pass through the gap between the closed vehicle door and the bodywork.

The magnetic material of the cover is preferably secured within the cover lining. Advantageously, the magnetic material may be embedded in the panel material or spine filling material, and is preferably embedded in the spine filling material.

Preferably, the magnetic material of the cover comprises an annular magnet, which may be additionally secured to the cover by way of rivets. The rivets may be passed through the covering material of the cover, in order to engage the bore of the annular magnet. In this embodiment, the rivet heads may be coloured such as to be readily distinguishable from the colour of the outer surface of the surrounding covering material, such that the user is able to easily locate the magnetic regions of the cover by virtue of the clearly visible rivet heads. Thus, a white rivet head would be suitable for attachment to black covering material, while a black rivet head would be suitable for attachment to white covering material, for example.

The present invention will now be described with reference to the following, non-limiting drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 : Shows a cover assembly of the present invention having four panels and two straps, and having black covering material on at least one face.

Figure 2: Shows the reverse face of a cover assembly according to Figure 1, having white covering material on its second face.

Figure 3 : Shows the reverse face of a cover assembly according to Figure 1, having reflective panels secured beneath clear covering material on its second face.

Figure 4a-d: Show an attachment assembly of the present invention, and method for engaging and disengaging a locking pin.

Figure 5: Shows an annular magnet embedded in the spine filling material of the present invention.

Figure 6: Shows a method of securing the annular magnet of Figure 5 to the cover by way of rivets.

Figure 7a-d: Show a method of folding and unfolding of a cover assembly of the present invention, such as that illustrated in Figures 1-3. [folding aspect..]

Figure 8: Shows a cover assembly according to the present invention having six panels, and provided with pockets according to the third aspect of the present invention.

Figure 9: Shows the reverse face of the cover assembly according to Figure 8.

Figure 10: Shows a partial representation of a cover according to the third aspect of the present invention, with a selected insert being received into a pocket.

Figure 11 : Shows an end portion of a cover provided with pockets according to the third aspect of the invention and a fixing strap according to the fifth aspect of the present invention.

Figure 12: Shows a loose fastener assembly.

The cover assembly of Figure 1 has a cover (1) having four panels (2 and 3) secured within a covering. The covering of the face of the cover illustrated is coloured black. There are two outer panels (2), and two inner panels (3). The panels (2 and 3) define three spines (4 and 5). The are two outer spines (4) and a central spine (5).

Two annular magnets (6) are positioned within the spine filling material of outer spines (4). The annular magnets (6) are secured to the cover (1) by means of rivets, and the exposed rivet heads (8) are coloured white.

The cover (1) is provided with four eyelets (9 and 10) located towards the four corners of the cover (1). The two eyelets (9) located towards the top corners of the cover (1) are loose eyelets, while the two eyelets (10) located towards the bottom corners of the cover (1) are standard, or tight, eyelets.

The cover assembly has two straps (11) rotatably attached to the cover (1) at its top corners, by means of the loose eyelets (9). As shown in Figure 1, the two straps may be rotated about the loose eyelets (9).

Two solid magnets (12) are sewn into straps (11) towards their ends.

An attachment assembly of the present invention (13) is provided for engagement with each of the four eyelets (9 and 10). For each attachment assembly, a hook (14) is provided as a locking pin, to secure the attachment assembly (13) within the eyelets (9 and 10).

Two fastener pads (15) are provided on outer panels (2) towards their outer edge for reversibly fastening straps (11) to the cover (1) by means of engagement with corresponding fastener pads of the straps (not shown).

Four fastener pads (17 and 18) are also provided on outer panels (2) towards the edge of panels (2) adjacent outer spines (4). Fastener pads (17) engage fastener pads (18) when brought into contact upon folding the cover assembly.

A flap portion (19) is provided along the lower edge of the cover (1), which may be clamped between the windscreen and the windscreen wiper blades when the cover is secured to the windscreen.

Figure 2 shows the reverse face of a cover assembly according to Figure I ₃ having white covering material on its second face. On this face, the exposed rivet heads (7) are coloured black.

The straps (11) are provided with fastener pads (16) towards their free ends. Fastener pads (16) engage with the fastener pads (15) located on the cover (illustrated in Figure 1).

Figure 3 shows the reverse face of a cover assembly according to Figure 1, having reflective panels (21) secured beneath clear covering material on its second face.

Figures 4a-b show an assembled reversible attachment assembly of the present invention (13), and Figures 4c-d show how a locking hook (14) may be disengaged from the reversible attachment assembly (13).

In Figures 4a-b, the attachment assembly is fully assembled, such that the locking hook (14) is positioned within a bore formed within the cylindrical part (22). The cylindrical part (22) is attached to a suction cup (23), which may be attached to the windscreen, or bodywork, of a vehicle.

Figures 4c-d show how the locking hook (14) may be disengaged from the attachment assembly (13) by feeding the locking hook (14) out of the bore in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 5 shows an annular magnet (6) embedded in the spine filling material (24) of outer spines (4).

Figure 6 shows a method of securing annular magnet (6) to the cover (1) by way of rivets. The rivets are inserted through the covering material of cover (1) into the bore of annular magnet (6), such that white rivet heads (8) overlie the black covering material, and black rivet heads (7) overlie the white covering material of the cover.

Figures 7a-c show how the cover assembly of Figures 1-3 may be folded, and Figures 7d-f show how the cover assembly of Figures 1-3 may be unfolded.

To fold the cover assembly of Figures 1-3, outer panels (2) are first folded inwards about outer spines (4) such as to overlie inner panels (3), in such a way that only the black face of the cover (1) remains exposed (Figure 7a). The cover is then folded inwards again (Figure 7b), about inner spine (5), such that fastener pads (17) are brought towards fastener pads (18). Finally, fastener pads (17) are engaged with fastener pads (18) such as to secure the cover (1) in its folded state (Figure 7c).

In order to unfold the cover assembly, fastener pads (17) are first disengaged from fastener pads (18), before unfolding the cover (1). The unfolding steps are illustrated in Figures 7c-d.

Figure 8 shows a further embodiment of the cover assembly of the present invention having six panels. There are two inner panels (3), two outer panels (2), and two end panels (2a). The inner panels (3) define a central spine (5).

The cover assembly of Figure 8 is provided with six pockets (25). One pocket (25) is fixed to each outer panel (2), and two pockets (25) are fixed to each inner panel (3). Each pocket (25) contains a selected insert (20), that has been received into the pocket through an open lower edge. The open lower edge is closed by pocket fasteners (26a, 26b) in the form of hook and loop fasteners.

Suction cups (23 a) having resilient nipples are provided to be received in the top and bottom eyelets (9 and 10). The suction cups (23a) can be received in the eyelets (9 and 10) by deformation of the resilient nipple, and removed again similarly by deformation of the resilient nipple.

The reverse face of the cover assembly of Figure 8 is shown in Figure 9.

Figure 10 shows an insert (20) being received into a pocket (25) of the cover assembly.

Figure 11 shows an end portion of a cover assembly having a rotatable strap (11) and a pocket (25) containing and insert (20).

Figure 12 shows a loose fastener assembly for the rotatable connection of a strap to the cover. The fastener assembly comprises an eyelet (9) having two engaging portions (9a) and (9b), an annular bearing (27), and an annular receiver (28) held in the fixing strap (11).

The two engaging portions (9a, 9b) of the eyelet are engaged to one another with the interposition of the annular bearing (27), and the annular bearing (27) is received within the annular receiver (28) held in the fixing strap (11) such that the fixing strap (11) can rotate with respect to the eyelet (9) as a result of rotation of the annular bearing (27) within the annular receiver (28).

The present invention has been described above purely by way of example, and modifications can be made within the invention, which extends to equivalents of the features described. The invention also consists in any individual features described or implicit herein or shown or implicit in the drawings or any combination of any such features or any generalisation of any such features or combination.

Key to Reference Numerals:

Cover (1) Spine filling material (24)

Outer panels (2) Pocket (25)

End panels (2a) Pocket fastener (26a, 26b)

Inner panels (3) Annular bearing (27)

Outer spines (4) Annular receiver (28

Central spine (5)

Annular magnets (6)

Black rivet heads (7)

White rivet heads (8)

Top eyelets (9)

First eyelet part (9a)

Second eyelet part (9b)

Bottom eyelets (10)

Straps (11)

Solid magnets (12)

Attachment assembly (13)

Hook (14)

Fastener pads for strap (15)

Strap fastener pads (16)

Folding fastener pads (17)

Folding fastener pads (18)

Flap portion (19)

Insert (20)

Reflective panels (21)

Cylindrical part (22)

Suction cup (23)

Suction cup with nipple (23a)