Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to weather protection devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a weather protection device or a protective cover for light transport vehicles that may not be equipped with such protection such as bicycles, two or three-wheeled transport vehicles and the like.

Background

[0002] The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction as at the priority date of the application.

[0003] With increasing congestion in urban cities, existing transportation - from cars to buses to trains - are struggling to keep up with the growing population. Amid rising concern on climate change and gas-powered emissions, short-distance transport solutions are emerging as a powerful alternative to the current transportation mix. In many cities of the world, bicycles and two- wheeled light vehicles are a popular mode of transport used by a wide variety of users. Micromobility startups, for example, Mobike, Ofo, Lime and Bird, are amongst the growing trend of bike and scooter-sharing companies, offering city dwellers and commuters easy and convenient acccess to work, home or school from train and bus stations.

[0004] One of the problems encountered by such short-distance transport solutions such as light transport vehicles is inclement weather. Riders of light transport vehicles are prevented from riding due to rain or if the riders are already out on the road, the bad weather causes drenching of the riders, along with potential damage to the light transport vehicle. Riders attempting to hold an umbrella in one hand and to ride at the same time while it is raining pose potential hazards to themselves and to other pedestrians and vehicles. Riders wearing ponchos that cover their legs may experience limited range of movement from the restrictive ponchos causing difficulties in riding or in the case of ponchos that provides better range of movement, accumulation of condensation due to increased humidity and rider’s movement can cause discomfort to the rider.

[0005] The present invention attempts to address or to overcome at least some of the aforementioned problems. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a weather protection device that is quick and easy to assemble in the event of inclement weather. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a weather protection device that easily portable. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a weather protection device that provides all round cover from inclement weather while riding.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] The following presents a simplified summary of one or more aspects in order to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated aspects, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all aspects nor delineate the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a weather protection device for a light transport vehicle comprising a tubular housing adapted for mounting to a front portion of the light transport vehicle, the tubular housing including a slot extending longitudinally along the tubular housing, a front cover located within the tubular housing and configured to extend from the slot; and a main bar assembly including a first side connected to an end of the front cover and a second side housing a rear cover retractable from the main bar assembly and adapted for mounting to a rear portion of the light transport vehicle. [0008] Preferably, the weather protection device further comprises a link chain assembly attached to the front cover, wherein the link chain assembly is configured for forming a roof over a rider of the light transport vehicle.

[0009] Preferably, the rear cover is releasably secured to a rear cover mount adapted for mounting to a seat post of the light transport vehicle.

[0010] Preferably, the weather protection device further comprises a lock adjustment mechanism located at an end of the tubular housing, wherein the lock adjustment mechanism is configured to releasably lock the front cover when extended.

[0011] Preferably, the lock adjustment mechanism includes a lever rotatably connected to the front cover such that a rotation of the lever prevents the front cover from extending and retracting and a rotation of the lever in the opposed direction allows the front cover to extend or retract.

[0012] Preferably, the weather protection device further comprises an adjustable mount adapted for mounting on the front portion of the light transport vehicle, wherein the adjustable mount is pivotably mounted to the tubular housing.

[0013] Preferably, the adjustable mount includes a support member and an adjustable arm pivotably connected to the support member.

[0014] Preferably, the link chain assembly includes one or more link subassemblies, each link subassemblies including a plurality of links each secured adjacent to one another to form a stepped arrangement, and each of the plurality of links including a longitudinal body member having a first side and a second side, a transverse member projecting from substantially midway of the second side of the longitudinal member, a first aperture located at an end portion of the longitudinal body member, the first aperture extending through the first and second sides of the longitudinal body member, a projecting pin located at the opposed end portion of the longitudinal body member, the projecting pin including a second aperture extending through the projecting pin from the first to the second sides of the longitudinal body member, a first and a second collar located at each end portion of the first aperture wherein the first collar and the second collar are configured to receive a projecting pin of an adjacent link.

[0015] Preferably, the first aperture and the second aperture of the link are located on the upper half of the longitudinal body member. [0016] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a link adapted for forming a link chain assembly for use on a surface of a weather protection device for a light transport vehicle comprising a longitudinal body member having a first side and a second side, a transverse member projecting from substantially midway of the second side of the longitudinal member, a first aperture located at an end portion of the longitudinal body member, the first aperture extending through the first and second sides of the longitudinal body member, a projecting pin located at the opposed end portion of the longitudinal body member, the projecting pin including a second aperture extending through the projecting pin from the first to the second sides of the longitudinal body member, a first and a second collar located at each end portion of the first aperture wherein the first collar and the second collar are configured to receive a projecting pin of an adjacent link.

[0017] Preferably the link further comprises a third collar located on the end portion of the second aperture opposite the projecting pin.

[0018] Preferably, the first aperture and the second aperture of the link are located on the upper half of the longitudinal body member.

[0019] Preferably, the first aperture and the second aperture of the link are located on the lower half of the longitudinal body member.

[0020] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a link chain assembly for use on a surface of a weather protection device for a light transport vehicle comprising one or more link subassemblies, each link subassemblies including a plurality of links each secured adjacent to one another to form a stepped arrangement, and each of the plurality of links including a longitudinal body member having a first side and a second side, a transverse member projecting from substantially midway of the second side of the longitudinal member, a first aperture located at an end portion of the longitudinal body member, the first aperture extending through the first and second sides of the longitudinal body member, a projecting pin located at the opposed end portion of the longitudinal body member, the projecting pin including a second aperture extending through the projecting pin from the first to the second sides of the longitudinal body member, a first and a second collar located at each end portion of the first aperture wherein the first collar and the second collar are configured to receive a projecting pin of an adjacent link.

[0021] Preferably, the link chain assembly further comprises a third collar located on the end portion of the second aperture opposite the projecting pin.

[0022] Preferably, the stepped arrangement includes a converging stepped arrangement.

[0023] Preferably, the stepped arrangement includes a diverging stepped arrangement.

[0024] Preferably, a diverging portion of the link chain assembly includes alternating a diverging stepped arrangement and a converging stepped arrangement, wherein the diverging stepped arrangement includes more links than the converging stepped arrangement.

[0025] Preferably, a converging portion of the link chain assembly includes alternating a converging stepped arrangement and a diverging stepped arrangement, wherein the converging stepped arrangement includes more links than the diverging stepped arrangement.

[0026] Preferably, the link chain assembly prevents rotational movement of the link chain assembly when a force acts against it in one direction, and allows rotational movement of the link chain assembly when a force acts against it in the opposite direction.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. The dimensions of the various features or elements may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. In the following description, various embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0028] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a weather protection device mounted on a light transport vehicle according to various embodiments; [0029] FIGS. 2a-c shows a side, front and top views respectively, of the weather protection device mounted on the light transport vehicle according to various embodiments;

[0030] FIG. 3a shows a perspective view of a tubular housing and an adjustable mount installed on a front portion of the light transport vehicle according to various embodiments;

[0031] FIG. 3b shows a perspective close-up view of the tubular housing according to various embodiments;

[0032] FIGS. 4a-c shows a bottom, side and front views respectively, of the tubular housing and the adjustable mount according to various embodiments;

[0033] FIG. 4d shows a perspective close-up view of the adjustable mount according to various embodiments;

[0034] FIGS. 5a and 5b show a perspective view and a partial perspective view respectively, of the adjustable mount connected to the housing according to various embodiments;

[0035] FIGS. 6a and 6b show a partial perspective view and perspective view respectively, of a main bar assembly and the tubular housing according to various embodiments;

[0036] FIGS. 7a and 7b show perspective views of the tubular housing according to various embodiments;

[0037] FIGS. 8a and 8b show a perspective view of a link according to various embodiments;

[0038] FIGS. 8c and 8d show a perspective view of a link according to various embodiments;

[0039] FIG. 9 shows a partial perspective view of a link chain assembly according to various embodiments;

[0040] FIGS. 10a and 10b show a top and detailed views respectively, of the extended front cover according to various embodiments;

[0041] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the main bar assembly according to various embodiments;

[0042] FIGS. 12 shows a top view of the main bar assembly according to various embodiments; [0043] FIG. 13a shows a partial perspective view of an extendable arm attached to the main bar assembly according to various embodiments;

[0044] FIG. 13b shows a partial perspective view of the side cover attached to the extendable arm according to various embodiments;

[0045] FIG. 14a shows a perspective view of the extended rear cover attached to the main bar assembly according to various embodiments;

[0046] FIG. 14b shows a perspective view of the rear cover attached to a rear mount according to various embodiments;

[0047] FIG. 15a shows a perspective view of the rear mount for securing to a seat post of the light transport vehicle according to various embodiments;

[0048] FIG. 15b shows a perspective view of the telescopic arms of the rear mount extended according to various embodiments.

Detailed Description

[0049] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings that show, by way of illustration, specific details and embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized and structural, and logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The various embodiments are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as some embodiments can be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments.

[0050] In the specification the term“comprising” shall be understood to have a broad meaning similar to the term“including” and will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. This definition also applies to variations on the term “comprising” such as“comprise” and“comprises”. [0051] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, particular embodiments will now be described by way of examples and not limitations, and with reference to the figures. It will be understood that any property described herein for a specific apparatus or device may also hold for any apparatus or device described herein. Furthermore, it will be understood that for any apparatus or device described herein, not necessarily all the components described must be enclosed in the apparatus or device, but only some (but not all) components may be enclosed.

[0052] The term“coupled” (or“connected”) herein may be understood as electrically coupled or as mechanically coupled, for example attached or fixed, or just in contact without any fixation, and it will be understood that both direct coupling or indirect coupling (in other words: coupling without direct contact) may be provided.

[0053] Various embodiments provide for an improved weather protection device for a light transport vehicle that can address the abovementioned problems. Various embodiments provide for an improved weather protection device that is capable of unrolling a front cover and retracting it into a generally tubular (although not necessarily) housing and adaptable to any light transport vehicle that does not have such protection. Light transport vehicles may include bicycles, two-wheeled transport vehicles including scooters and electric scooters, personal mobility devices, motorcycles, 3 -wheeled vehicles or 4-wheeled vehicles. Current weather protection devices for such light transport vehicles provide general protection from inclement weather. However, such protection devices do not provide a quick and easy way to assemble the said protective covers and provide an all round protection of the user while riding.

[0054] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a weather protection device 10 mounted on a light transport vehicle 20 according to various embodiments. The weather protection device 10 comprises a tubular housing 11 that has a slot extending longitudinally along the housing 11 through which a front cover 12 can be unrolled or retracted. In some embodiments, the tubular housing 11 is typically made of a plastic material although in variations, the housing 11 can comprise other suitable materials such as a metal for example aluminum. In some embodiments, the tubular housing may be in the form of a bag that may be made of fabric material. When the front cover is 12 fully retracted, the remainder of the front cover 12 is substantially contained within the housing 11 save for a main bar assembly 15. The tubular housing 11 is pivotably mounted onto an adjustable mount (not shown) which is attached to the handlebar of the light transport vehicle 20. The end of the front cover 11 is coupled to a main bar assembly 15 which is releasably secured to the housing 11 and acts as a handle for a user to easily extend and the retract the front cover 12. The main bar assembly 15 houses a rear cover 18 that extends and retracts from the main bar assembly 15 for releasable attachment to a rear cover mount 60 attached to the seat area. The other end of the rear cover 18 is attached to a rod release mechanism (not shown) within the main bar assembly 15, details of which will be explained hereinafter. When the rear cover 18 is extended for attachment to the seat area of the light transport vehicle 20, the rod release mechanism causes a hook to unlock and to release from tension two extendable arms 13, 16 that extends outwardly and rest at an angle relative to the vertical axis of the light transport vehicle 20. Each extendable arm 13 has a side cover 14 attached which unfolds correspondingly with the upward and outward movement of the two extendable arms to provide additional protective cover to the user from the user’s sides. The front cover 12 includes a link chain arrangement 19 which provides structural support and stability to the front cover 12 when extended. The link chain arrangement 19 is arranged in such a manner, details of which will be explained hereinafter, that prevents the front cover 12 from collapsing and provides stable resistance against adverse weather conditions such as strong winds and wind resistance.

[0055] FIGS. 2a-c shows the side, front and top views respectively, of the weather protection device 10 mounted on the light transport vehicle 20 according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 2a, the front cover 12 is extended for overhead cover of the user and the rear cover 18 is secured to a rear cover mount 60 that is attached to the seat saddle post 24 of the light transport vehicle 20. In other light transport vehicles that does not require a seat, for example, a scooter or electric scooter, the rear cover 18 may be secured on a suitable location on the rear section of the light transport vehicle. The rear cover mount 60 ensures that the rear cover 18 and the main bar assembly 15 are stable and secure. Referring to FIG. 2b, each extendable arm 13, 16 extends outwardly from each end of the main bar assembly 15. Each extendable arm 13, 16 is pivotably attached to each longitudinal end of the main bar assembly 15 such that each arm is aligned along the longitudinal axis of the main bar assembly 15 when retracted. In this way, each extendable arm 13, 16 is kept within the main bar assembly 15 when folded and is movable from a first position when each extendable arm 13, 16 extends longitudinally along the main bar assembly 15 and a second position when each extendable arm 13, 16 extends outwardly at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the main bar assembly 15 or at an angle relative to the vertical axis of the light transport vehicle 20. The extendable arm 13, 16 extends at approximately 45 degrees relative to the vertical axis of the light transport vehicle. The extendable arms 13, 16 may be made from a metal, composite or fiberglass material to further the strong, durable, lightweight and weatherproof aspects of the weather protection device. Referring to FIG. 2c which shows the top view of the weather protection device 10, the front cover 12 is rectangular in shape and has a width that is approximately the length of the tubular housing 11. The length of the front cover 12 is of a length that is sufficient to provide a comfortable overhead space for most users when extended. The front cover 12 can also be extended to a desired and appropriate length by the user and locked in place by a lock adjustment mechanism 21, details of which will be explained later. Each extendable arm 13, 16 has a respective side cover 14, 17 that is triangular in shape that extends longitudinally along the extendable arm 13, 16 and longitudinally along the side of the front cover 12. This ensures that the side covers 14, 17 prevent rain from contacting the user from the sides.

[0056] The front cover and the side covers are made of a material that is waterproof and provides visibility to the user. For example, the material may be made from a plastic, vinyl, nylon, silicone or the like which protects the user from the external elements. The front cover and the side covers are transparent or partially transparent to enable the user to see obstacles and objects while riding. In some embodiments, the front cover and the side covers may comprise an opaque portion and a transparent portion, with the transparent portion providing a window to the user. The rear cover is similarly made of a waterproof material and may be of the same materials as the front and side covers. In some embodiments, the rear cover is made of polyester.

[0057] FIG. 3a shows a perspective view of the tubular housing 11 and an adjustable mount 30 installed on the handlebar of the light transport vehicle 20 according to various embodiments. The tubular housing 11 includes a slot or an opening that extends longitudinally along the length of the housing 11 for the front cover 12 to be extended and retracted from the slot. The slot or opening is of a length that is sufficient to accommodate the width of the front cover 11. A lock adjustment mechanism 21 is provided at one end of the tubular housing to allow the user to prevent the movement of the front cover 12 at a desired length by activating the lock adjustment mechanism 21. In some embodiments, the lock adjustment mechanism 21 comprises a lever rotatably communicating with the tubular housing 11 and the front cover 12 within the housing in such a way that the front cover 12 can be releasably locked to allow the length of the front cover 12 to be adjusted to a desired length by the user. In some embodiments, the user may rotate the lever of the lock adjustment mechanism 21 in a clockwise manner to hold the front cover 12 in place. To release the front cover 12 for further extension or retraction, the user can rotate the lever in an anti-clockwise manner to release the hold on the front cover.

[0058] FIG. 3b shows a perspective close-up view of the tubular housing 11 with the front cover 12 fully retracted according to various embodiments. The adjustable mount 30 is pivotably mounted to the tubular housing 11 at the approximate middle portion thereof. The adjustable mount 30 comprises a support member 34 and an adjustable arm 31. One end portion of the support member 34 is attached to a clamp member 32 for securing the adjustable mount to the handlebar of the light transport vehicle. One end portion of the adjustable arm 31 pivotably mounted to the tubular housing 11. The clamp member 32 includes one or more clamps at one end for fastening to a suitable location on the light transport vehicle. Alternatively, other means of securing or fastening the support member 31 to the light transport vehicle that are conventionally known in the art can be implemented as well. The adjustable arm 31 includes a pivotal connection that enables it to be pivotably mounted to the support member 31. The pivotal connection includes a lever spring arrangement (not shown) that biases the adjustable arm 31 outwards or away from the user. The pivotal connection also includes a locking means for adjusting and locking the adjustable arm 31 at a desired angle. In some embodiments, the locking means may be a wing nut 33, which allows the user to tighten and loosen the wing nut 33 in order to adjust and lock the spring-biased adjustable member 31 towards or away from the user. By doing so, the front cover 12 can be adjusted to a more upright position, i.e. closer to the user, and allow a more forward riding position. The spring-biased pivotal connection therefore allows the adjustable arm 31, and in turn, the tubular housing and front cover, to accommodate different riding styles and makes of light transport vehicles. Additionally, the spring-biased pivotal connection allows the front cover to be pulled back if the riding position of the user changes during the journey, following the angle of the user. This is achieved due to the user creating additional pressure to the polyester, causing the main bar assembly to be pulled, and the spring-biased pivotal connection allowing it to do so. In some embodiments, the main bar assembly 15 is releasably secured to the tubular housing 11 via a T-hook 22. This comprises a length of rope attached to the main bar assembly 15 for securing to a catch on the tubular housing 11 in order to hold the main bar assembly 15 in place.

[0059] FIGS. 4a-c shows a bottom, side and front views respectively, of the tubular housing 11 and the adjustable mount 30 according to various embodiments. As mentioned previously, the adjustable mount 30 is pivotably coupled to the tubular housing 11 for allowing the user to adjust the angle at which the front cover 12 extends from the slot of the tubular housing 11. In some embodiments, the tubular housing 11 can be attached to the light transport vehicle directly without the adjustable mount 30 through the use of a fastener or securing members. For example, the fastener or securing member can be positioned at each end of the housing and secured to a part of the light transport vehicle such as a basket. Some examples of fasteners or securing members may be a clamp member as mentioned above. The adjustable mount 30 comprises an adjustable arm 31 that is slidably connected with a guide rail 28 of the tubular housing 11. The adjustable arm 31 further includes telescopic arms which extends according to user preference. [0060] Figs. 5a and 5b show the bottom views of the tubular housing 11. The tubular housing 11 has a stationary guide rail 28 configured to slidably accommodate and to guide the adjustable arm 31 that is circumferentially connected to the tubular housing 11 so as to rotate the tubular housing 11 in a clockwise or an anti-clockwise manner. The adjustable arm 31 has a slide shoe (not shown) coupled to the end of the adjustable arm 31 which has a curved surface that corresponds with the radius or curvature of the tubular housing 11 and is configured to be in sliding engagement with the guide rail 28 to allow the tubular housing 11 to circumferentially rotate along and within confines of the guide rail 28. Each end of the guide rail 28 has a retaining wall 29 to retain adjustable arm 31 within each end of the guide rail 28. A locking member 38 is provided on the adjustable arm 31 for engaging with any one of a plurality of apertures 27 along the circumference of the tubular housing 11. This allows the tubular housing 11 to be rotated to a preferred angle and to lock the tubular housing 11 in place. In some embodiments, the locking member 38 may be a wing bolt that once engaged with an aperture 27 can be tightened or loosened. Other embodiments are also possible, such as a spring biased locking member configured to allow the user to pull downwards for rotational movement of the housing 11 and to release for engagement with one of the apertures 27 at a desired angle of the housing 11. An outlet 130 for draining excess rainwater is located at a lower portion of the tubular housing 11. The outlet 130 is positioned in a manner that allows rainwater to flow into the outlet 130 of the housing 11 and to allow the rainwater to flow out of the outlet 130 through gravity. In some embodiments, the outlet 130 is positioned above the front wheel of the light transport vehicle such that water that flows through the outlet 130 will flow over the front wheel thereby washing mud and debris off the front wheel. Fig. 4b shows a side view of the main bar assembly 15 when connected via the hook to the tubular housing 11. An adjustment knob 25 is provided at one end of the tubular housing 11 to allow the user to make granular adjustments to the angle at which the slot faces the user. By adjusting the angle at which the slot faces the user, this provides the user with different angles at which the extended front cover can be adjusted for users according to their heights or for users with different seat heights and to accommodate different styles of riding. [0061] FIGS. 6a and 6b show partial perspective views of a main bar assembly 15 attached via the front cover 12 to the tubular housing 11 according to various embodiments. Fig. 6a shows a distal end of the main bar assembly 15 that includes a rod release mechanism 40 configured to automatically unfold the extendable arms when the rear cover 18 is extended. This can be done in any known manner, for example, where the release mechanism 40 includes a rod (not shown) operably connected to a press hook 41 that in turn operably engages with a hook lock 43 to release the spring-biased extendable arms 13, 16 from a first position where the arms are aligned with the main bar assembly 15 to a second position where the arms unfold and rest at an angle relative to the vertical axis of the light transport vehicle 20. Within the main bar assembly 15, one end of the rear cover 18 is coupled to a rod (not shown). In use, when the rear cover 18 is manually extended by the user, this causes the rod to rotate. The rotation of the rod as the rear cover 18 is lengthened causes the press hook 41 to engage with the hook lock 43 in such a way that the hook lock 43 is released from its place. This causes the extendable arms 13, 16, which are spring-biased away from the main bar assembly 15, to be released from tension, and to unfold automatically upwards and outwards and to come to rest at an angle. In other embodiments, the main bar assembly does not include the rod release mechanism and instead relies on the user to manually unfold the extendable arms and the rear cover. Although the main bar assembly 15 houses the extendable arms 13, 16 and the rear cover 18, it is envisaged that a person skilled in the art would appreciate that the weather protection device may also perform the intended function without the main bar assembly 15. For example, the tubular housing may include the extension and retraction of the front cover, side covers and rear cover without the main bar assembly.

[0062] Referring to Fig. 6b, the adjustment knob 25 is provided at the distal end of the tubular housing 15. The adjustment knob 25 includes a lip 48 over the tubular housing 11 and includes grooves or indents 45 spaced apart from one another on the lip 48 which are arranged circumferentially on the lip 48. This allows the user to grip the lip 48 with the user’s hands and the indents 45 provide frictional engagement with the palm of the user to rotate the adjustment knob 25 in a clockwise and anti-clockwise manner. By doing so, the user can adjust the tubular housing 11 to a desired angle such that the rotational movement of the slot from which the front cover 12 extends allows the slot to be used as a fulcrum and to thereby cause the front cover 12 to loosen to be taut.

[0063] FIGS. 7a and 7b show perspective views of the internal components of the tubular housing 11 (without the tubular housing) according to various embodiments. Particularly, it shows how a link chain assembly 90 is positioned when the front cover 12 is partially retracted in the tubular housing 11. The link chain assembly 90 is attached to the front cover 12 by conventional methods known in the art, for example, by an adhesive resistant to water. The link chain assembly 90 comprises at least two link subassemblies 91, 92 where each link subassembly is assembled from a plurality of links 70, which will be explained in detail hereinafter, each of which is unitary and is constructed in the manner depicted in Fig. 9c and Fig. 9d. As shown in Fig. 8, the arrangement of the link chain assembly 90 is such that it provides structural support to the front cover 12 when extended and prevents the front cover 12 from collapsing against wind resistance. When the link chain assembly 90 is retracted from within the tubular housing 11, the link chain assembly 90 is arranged such that the individual links 70 are arranged side by side, thereby leading to a more compact and thinner profile when retracted. The link chain assembly 90 allows the front cover 12 to be extended to a desired length, which provides more consideration for different makes of light transport vehicles and varying heights of users. The collapsible feature of the front cover 12 into the housing allows the user to put away the front cover 12 when not needed as well. Although the front cover 12 requires a link chain assembly 90 to provide structural support and stability when extended, it is envisaged that other embodiments of a front cover without the use of a link chain assembly 90 is possible. For example, in some embodiments, instead of using a link chain assembly 90 made of individual links 70, composite metal alloys with super elastic and shape memory properties can also be utilised. For example, nitinol wire exhibits enormous elasticity and shape memory properties and may be utilised in the place of individual chain links to form the shapes as exemplified by the link chain arrangements in the paragraphs to follow. For example, a gooseneck tube may also be used in place of individual chain link. A gooseneck tube is conventionally known in the art and can comprise a high strength inner steel spring and a soft outer core wire that wraps around the inner steel spring. This provides the strength and flexibility.

[0064] Fig. 8a shows an individual link 70 that includes a longitudinal body member 71 having first side and a second side. A transverse member 74 projects laterally or perpendicularly from the second side of the longitudinal body member 71 approximately midway of the longitudinal body member 71. The longitudinal member 71 includes a first end potion having a first aperture 73 extending through the first and second sides of the longitudinal body member 71. The longitudinal body member 71 has a second end portion having a projecting pin 72. The second end portion also includes a second aperture 75 extending transversely through the projecting pin and from the first side to the second side of the longitudinal body member 71. Fig. 8b illustrates a cross-sectional view of the link 70. The first aperture 73 and each end portion of the first aperture 71 includes a first collar 76 on the first side of the longitudinal body member and a second collar 77 on the second side of the longitudinal body member 71. The first and second collars provide an abutting surface for receiving the projecting pin 72 of another link. A third collar 78 is located on the first side of the longitudinal body member 71 opposite the projecting pin 72. The collars 76, 77, 78 are adapted for receiving a projecting pin 72 of an adjacent link as shown in Fig. 8d or an adjacent link identical to that shown in Fig. 8c. The projecting pin 72 is therefore configured to cooperate with the collars 76, 77, 78 of an adjacent link such that the links can be secured to each other. It should be appreciated that the projecting pin 72 can be secured to the collar by conventional methods known in the art such as by press fit or by friction fit. Fig. 8d shows a link 80 that is substantially similar to link 70 and the description of link 70 above is equally applicable to link 80. Link 80 is a mirror image of the link 70 shown in Fig. 8b. Similar to link 70, the link 80 includes a longitudinal body member 81 having first side and a second side. A transverse member 84 projects laterally or perpendicularly from the longitudinal body member 81. The longitudinal body member 81 includes a first end potion having a first aperture 83 extending through the first and second sides of the longitudinal body member 81. The longitudinal body member 81 has a second end portion having a projecting pin 82. The second end portion also includes a second aperture 85 extending transversely through the projecting pin and from the first side to the second side of the longitudinal body member 81. Fig. 8d illustrates a cross-sectional view of the link 80. The first aperture 83 and each end portion of the first aperture 83 includes a first collar 86 on the first side of the longitudinal body member and a second collar 87 on the second side of the longitudinal body member 81. The first and second collars provide an abutting surface for receiving the projecting pin 72 of another link. A third collar 88 is located on the first side of the longitudinal body member 81 opposite the projecting pin 82. The projecting pin 82 is therefore configured to cooperate with the collars 86, 87, 88 of an adjacent link as shown in Fig. 8d or an adjacent link 70 as shown in Fig. 8b such that the links are secured to each other. By having link 70 and link 80 that is a mirror image of link 70, this provides numerous possibilities and configurations of assembling the links together to form a desired shape that provides structural support and rigidity to the front cover 12.

[0065] Fig. 9 shows a link chain assembly 90 comprising two link chain subassemblies 91, 92. Each link chain subassembly is constructed as a series of alternating stepped arrangements, as also illustrated in Fig. 10a. With reference to Fig. 8b, to connect a first link to a second link for forming a stepped arrangement, the projecting pin 73 of the first link is secured to the first collar 76 or a second collar 77 of a second link. A projecting pin 73 of a third link is then secured to the first collar 76 of the second link to continue forming the stepped arrangement. The formation of the stepped arrangement of links provides the basis to form a converging stepped arrangement 110 and a diverging stepped arrangement 120 and to construct converging and diverging portions on any surface to provide the surface with structural support and rigidity. For example, Fig. 9 illustrates portions of two link chain assemblies 19 that are positioned side by side on a weather protection device. Each link chain assembly includes alternating a diverging stepped arrangement 120 and a converging stepped arrangement 110 to form a diverging portion or a converging portion of the link chain assembly 19.

[0066] Fig. 10a illustrates a weather protection device which has its front cover extended fully from a tubular housing 11 to show its link chain assemblies 19. Each link chain assembly 19 begins by converging at a common area 90 midway of the tubular housing 11 and diverging outwards at approximately midway to form a diverging portion 92 before converging inwards to form a converging portion 94 towards a common area 90 at the end portion of the front cover 12. In other words, each link chain assembly 19 includes a plurality of stepped arrangements where each stepped arrangement includes alternating a diverging stepped arrangement 120 and a converging stepped arrangement 110 to form a diverging portion 92 or a converging portion 94 of the link chain assembly 19. The converging portion 94 and the diverging portion 92 of the link chain assemblies 19 causes the link chain assemblies 19 to take the form of a diamond shape when the front cover 12 is fully extended. In some embodiments, and as mentioned above, the link chain assembly 19 may be made up of nitinol wire or gooseneck tube. The link chain assembly 19 may also be similarly arranged in a diamond shape and other shapes as explained hereinafter. The diverging portion 92 and converging portion 94 of the link chain assembly 19 is arranged on the longitudinal portion of the front cover 12. This arrangement provides the advantage of allowing the front cover to be constructed as compact as possible, in terms of the side profile or thickness of the front cover, when it is retracted into the tubular housing 11.

[0067] With reference to Fig. 7a and 7b, the link assemblies 19 are shown side by side on the front cover of the weather protection device. Also, the diverging portion 92 and the converging portion 94 of the link chain assembly 19 provides structural support to the front cover 12 on as much surface area as efficiently possible. In some embodiments, other suitable arrangements of alternative link chain assemblies 19 are also possible to provide structural support. For example, the link chain assemblies 19 can take the form of an‘X’ shape when the front cover is fully extended. For example, the link chain assemblies 19 can also be in the form of an hourglass shape, i.e. each end of the link chain assembly 19 starts separated from each other near each end of the tubular housing (as opposed to the converging common area 90 in Fig. 9a) and converges to a common area midway of the front cover and diverges outwards at the end portion of the front cover.

[0068] The links provide numerous link chain assembly configurations to form a desired shape that provides structural support and rigidity to any surface. A portion of a transverse member 74 of a first link abutting a portion of the longitudinal member 71 of a second link to form When a link chain assembly is formed, the link chain assembly prevents rotational movement of the link chain assembly when a substantially perpendicular force acts against it in one direction, and allows rotational movement of the link chain assembly when a substantially perpendicular force acts against it in the opposite direction. As a result of the construction of the links, lateral structural rigidity to the surface is provided where rotational movement of the link chain assembly is prevented and rotational movement is allowed for a force in the opposite direction of the chain link will cause the chain links to rotate and allow the link chain assembly to be rolled and retracted into the tubular housing 11. This is achieved by having the collars 76, 77 and the projecting pin 72 of the longitudinal member 71 of the link 70 to be positioned at the upper half of the link 70. The collars and the projecting pin are of an annular shape in order to provide rotational movement when the appropriate forces in the right direction are applied to the link chain assembly.

[0069] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the main bar assembly 15 according to various embodiments. The main bar assembly 15 comprises a housing that includes a slot extending longitudinally along the housing for unrolling or extending a rear cover for attachment to rear portion of the light transport vehicle. Fig. 12 shows a top, left and right side views of the main bar assembly 15. At each end of the main bar assembly 15, there is provided a rod release mechanism 40 for releasing a pair of extendable arms 13, 16 that are spring-tensioned and for the extendable arms 13, 16 to unfold upwards and outwards to eventually rest at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the main bar assembly 15 or vertical axis of the light transport vehicle 20. As mentioned previously, the rod release mechanism 40 is configured to automatically unfold the pair of extendable arms 13, 16 when the rear cover 18 is extended. This can be done in any known manner, for example, where the rod release mechanism 40 includes a rod (not shown) operably connected to a press hook 41 that in turn operably engages with a hook lock 43 to release the spring-biased extendable arms 13, 16 from a first position where the arms are aligned with the main bar assembly 15 to a second position where the extendable arms 13, 16 unfold and rest at an angle relative to the vertical axis of the light transport vehicle 20. In some embodiments, instead of the rod release mechanism 40, a user may also manually unfold the extendable arms 13, 16. In some embodiments, the extendable arms 13, 16 is not spring-biased and the extendable arms 13, 16 can be unfolded in such a manner that they will drop down at substantially perpendicular to the main bar assembly when at rest. In this case, the extendable arms 13, 16 can be held in place with a securing means such as using velcro to ensure to extendable arms are held within the housing. A shown in Fig. 13a, the hook lock 43 is attached at the end of the extendable arm 13, opposite of the end where it is pivotally mounted to the housing. The hook lock 43 has a longitudinal member that is pivotally mounted to the housing at one end. It has a hook portion 42 at the opposed end which engages and corresponds with a knob 44 to lock the extendable arm 13. Within the housing, the end of the rear cover 18 is coupled to a rod (not shown). In use, when the rear cover 18 is manually extended by the user, this causes the rod to rotate. The rotation of the rod as the rear cover 18 is lengthened causes the press hook 41 to engage with the hook portion 42 of the hook lock 43 such that the hook portion 42 is rotated away from the knob, thereby releasing it from the knob 44. This causes the extendable arms 13, 16, which are spring- biased away from the main bar assembly 15, to be released from tension, and to unfold automatically upwards and outwards and to come to rest at an angle. When not in use, the user simply rolls back the rear cover 18 into the housing and fold both arms into the housing. The arms are locked in place by rotating the hook lock 43 over the knob 44.

[0070] Referring to Fig. 13a, each extendable arm 13, 16 is pivotally connected at the end portion of the housing and is flushed with the surface of the housing when it is folded within the housing. In some embodiments, each extendable arm 13, 16 includes a tension spring 55 at its pivotal connection with the housing such that the arm is biased away from the housing at rest. In some embodiments, each extendable arm 13, 16 does not include a tension spring and the extendable arms are manually unfolded by the user. Each extendable arm is secured to the housing via Referring to Fig. 13b, each extendable arm 13, 16 has a side cover 14 attached which unfolds correspondingly with the upward and outward movement of the two extendable arms to provide additional protective cover to the user from the user’s sides. The extendable arm has a plurality of securing means spaced from one another on the length of the extendable arm which are adapted for securing the side cover to the extendable arm. The securing means may be in the form of hook or knobs. [0071] Referring to Fig. 14a, the rear cover 18 is attached to a rear mount 60 via a securing means. This can be via one or more carabines 50, through apertures provided on the rear cover 18 and the rear mount 60. In other embodiments, the securing means can be provided by any other means that are conventional in the art. The rear mount 60 includes a longitudinal member, one end of which provides an aperture 61 for releasably securing to the seat post of a light transport vehicle, and the other end for securing to the rear cover 18. Referring to Fig. 15a, in other embodiments, the rear mount 60 may include an arm 63 having an aperture 61 for releasably securing the rear mount 60 to the seat post. The rear mount includes a longitudinal member 62 that connects transversely to the arm 63. Referring to Fig. 15b, in some embodiments, the longitudinal member 62 includes a pair of telescopic arms such that it can extend the member 62 to the desired length. Each of the telescopic arms extend outwardly in opposed directions and each of the arms include one or more securing means arranged along the longitudinal arm for securing to the rear cover 18.

[0072] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced.