Wheel cover

Abstract

The tire cover according to various embodiments includes a body, first and second straps, and first and second fasteners. The body has first and second body ends and first and second body sides. The body defines a first channel extending along the first body side and a second channel extending along the second body side. The first strap extends through the first channel, and the second strap extends through the second channel. The first strap end of the first strap and the first strap end of the second strap are connected to the first body end, and the second strap end of the first strap and the second strap end of the second strap are connected to the second body end. The first fastener is connected adjacent to the first body end. The second fastener is connected adjacent to the second body end. Each of the second fasteners is releasably connectable to a different of the first fasteners.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of wheeled transportation devices and related accessories. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a cover for preventing dirt and other contaminants from being carried in from the tires of a bicycle or other wheeled transportation device.

Background Art

[0002] When a bicycle is ridden outdoors, the tires of the bicycle may accumulate dirt or other debris from the external environment. Dirt and debris can potentially be trapped within the tread of the tire. When the bicycle is carried indoors or into a garage, dirt and debris from the tires can fall off and onto the floor surface beneath the bicycle.

[0003] Covering a bicycle tire can be difficult. For example, covering a bicycle tire may require removal of the bicycle wheel in order to fit a cover onto the tire of the bicycle. Removing the wheel can be difficult and may prevent the use of a cover or other attempts to prevent dirt and debris from falling off the tire.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Therefore, what is needed is a bicycle tire cover that can be placed over a bicycle tire to prevent dirt and debris from falling off the tire onto the floor surface beneath the bicycle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] Various embodiments include a tire cover. The tire cover includes a body, a first strap, a second strap, one or more first fasteners, and one or more second fasteners. The body has a longitudinal axis, a first body end, a second body end opposite to the first body end and spaced apart from the first body end along the longitudinal axis, a first body side extending from the first body end to the second body end, and a second body side opposite to the first body side and spaced apart from the first body side. The body defines a first channel extending along the first body side from the first body end to the second body end, and a second channel extending along the second body side from the first body end to the second body end. Each of the first and second straps has a first strap end and a second strap end opposite to the first strap end and spaced apart from the first strap end. The first strap extends through a first channel, and the second strap extends through a second channel. The first strap end of the first strap and the first strap end of the second strap are connected to the first body end, and the second strap end of the first strap and the second strap end of the second strap are connected to the second body end. One or more first fasteners are connected adjacent to the first body end. One or more second fasteners are connected adjacent to the second body end. Each of the one or more second fasteners is releasably connectable to a different of the one or more first fasteners.

[0006] In some embodiments, the tire cover further includes a first strip connected to a first end and a second strip connected to a second end. In some embodiments, one or more first fasteners are connected to the first strip, and one or more second fasteners are connected to the second strip.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first and second straps include an elastically deformable material. In some embodiments, the body has a body length measured along the longitudinal axis from the first body end to the second body end. In some embodiments, the first and second straps each have a strap length measured from the first strap end to the second strap end in the relaxed position. In some embodiments, the body length is longer than the strap length. In some embodiments, the first and second straps include an inelastic material.

[0008] In some embodiments, the body has a body length measured along the longitudinal axis from a first body end to a second body end. In some embodiments, the body length is 207.01 cm (81.5 inches) or more. In some embodiments, the body length is 218.44 cm (86 inches) or more. In some embodiments, the body length is 231.14 cm (91 inches) or more.

[0009] In some embodiments, one or more first fasteners and one or more second fasteners include snap buttons. In some embodiments, one or more first fasteners and one or more second fasteners include opposing zipper portions. In some embodiments, one or more first fasteners and one or more second fasteners include buckles. In some embodiments, one or more first fasteners and one or more second fasteners include hook-and-loop fasteners.

[0010] In some embodiments, one or more first fasteners further include a projection configured to wrap around the tire and connect the first body end to a portion of the tire. In some embodiments, one or more first fasteners further include a loop. In some embodiments, when the projection is wrapped around the tire, the projection is configured to connect the first body end to a portion of the tire through the loop.

[0011] In some embodiments, one or more first fasteners are connected to the first body end, and one or more second fasteners are connected to the second body end. In some embodiments, one or more first fasteners are connected to the first end of the first strap and the first end of the second strap, and one or more second fasteners are connected to the second end of the first strap and the second end of the second strap. In some embodiments, the length of the first strap between the first and second fasteners, and the length of the second strap between the first and second fasteners, are adjustable.

[0012] Further features, aspects, and advantages of this disclosure will be better understood by referring to the following detailed description, the attached claims, and the attached drawings, in which elements are not to scale in order to more clearly illustrate the details, and similar reference numbers throughout several drawings indicate similar elements. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a top view of a tire cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a side view of a tire cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of a tire cover attached to a bicycle wheel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a top view of a tire cover having a zipper fastener according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a side view of a tire cover having a zipper fastener according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of a tire cover attached to a bicycle wheel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This is a top view of a tire cover having a buckle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8]A side view of a tire cover having a buckle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] A perspective view of a tire cover having a buckle attached to a bicycle wheel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] A top view of a tire cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] A side view of a tire cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] A perspective view of a tire cover attached to a bicycle wheel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] A top view of a tire cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14A] A front perspective view of a tire cover attached to a bicycle wheel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14B] A rear perspective view of the tire cover of FIG. 14A attached to a bicycle vehicle. [Figure 15] A top view of a tire cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] A perspective view of a tire cover attached to a bicycle wheel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0014] The various terms used in this specification are intended to have specific meanings. Some of these terms are defined below for clarity. The definitions shown below apply to all forms of the defined terms (e.g., singular, plural, present tense, past tense). If the definition of any of the following terms differs from the generally understood definition and / or dictionary definition of such terms, the following definition shall prevail.

[0015] Various embodiments include a tire cover. The tire cover includes a body, a first strap, a second strap, one or more first fasteners, and one or more second fasteners. The body has a longitudinal axis, a first body end, a second body end opposite to the first body end and spaced apart from the first body end along the longitudinal axis, a first body side extending from the first body end to the second body end, and a second body side opposite to the first body side and spaced apart from the first body side. The body defines a first channel extending along the first body side from the first body end to the second body end, and a second channel extending along the second body side from the first body end to the second body end. Each of the first and second straps has a first strap end and a second strap end opposite to the first strap end and spaced apart from the first strap end. The first strap extends through a first channel, and the second strap extends through a second channel. The first strap end of the first strap and the first strap end of the second strap are connected to the first body end, and the second strap end of the first strap and the second strap end of the second strap are connected to the second body end. One or more first fasteners are connected adjacent to the first body end. One or more second fasteners are connected adjacent to the second body end. Each of the one or more second fasteners is releasably connectable to a different of the one or more first fasteners.

[0016] Figure 1 shows a basic embodiment of a tire cover 10 for substantially covering a tire such as a bicycle tire to prevent dirt or other debris on the tire from contaminating the space. The tire cover 10 is adapted to fit various sizes and diameters of tires, and can be made adjustable so that the tire cover 10 can be adjusted to fit various sizes of tires. The tire cover 10 is further adapted to be easily placed over an already mounted tire, such as a wheel and tire already fixed to a bicycle. The tire cover 10 can be placed over the tire without the need to remove the wheel or tire from the bicycle.

[0017] The tire cover 10 can include an elongated body 12 having a longitudinal axis 13 extending along the length of the body 12. The body 12 has a first body end 14 and a second body end 16 spaced from the first end 14 along the longitudinal axis 13 on the side opposite the first end 14. The body 12 further includes a first body side 15 extending from the first body end 14 to the second body end 16 and a second body side 17 spaced from the first body side 15 on the side opposite the first body side 15. The body 12 can be of an elongated rectangular shape or other suitable shape. The body 12 can be formed from a flexible material, such as a durable cloth material, that can cover a bicycle wheel.

[0018] The tire cover 10 includes a first channel 18 located along a first body side 15 from a first body end 14 to a second body end 16, and a second channel 20 located along a second body side 17 from a first body end 14 to a second body end 16. The first channel 18 can be shaped to receive a first strap 30, and the second channel 20 can be shaped to receive a second strap 40. The first strap 30 has a first strap end 32 and a second strap end 34 spaced apart from the first strap end 32 on the opposite side of the first strap end 32 of the first strap 30, and the second strap 40 has a first strap end 42 and a second strap end 44 spaced apart from the first strap end 32 on the opposite side of the first strap end 32 of the second strap 40. The first strap end 32 of the first strap 30 and the first strap end 42 of the second strap 40 are connected to the first body end 14, and the second strap end 34 of the first strap 30 and the second strap end 44 of the second strap 40 are connected to the second body end 16.

[0019] The first strap 30 and the second strap 40 may be formed from an elastically deformable material or part as shown in Figures 1 to 6 and Figures 10 to 12, or from an inelastic material as shown in Figures 7 to 9. The first channel 18 and the second channel 20 may be formed by sewing or stitching the first body side 15 and the second body side 17 together, or they may be formed separately and connected to the body 12. The first strap 30 and the second strap 40 may be sewn into the first channel 18 and the second channel 20.

[0020] The body 12 of the tire cover 10, and the first channel 18 and second channel 20 in the body 12, can be formed from extra material so that the tire cover 10 can be stretched. The body 12 has a body length measured along the longitudinal axis 13 from the first body end 14 to the second body end 16. The first strap 30 and the second strap 40 each have a strap length measured from the first strap ends 32, 42 to the second strap ends 34, 44 in the relaxed position. The body length can be longer than the strap length so that the elastically deformable first strap 30 and second strap 40 located within the first channel 18 and second channel 20, respectively, can bias the tire cover 10 toward the contracted position shown in Figure 1. The tire cover 10, made from excess material, together with the elastically deformable first strap 30 and second strap 40, can be pulled or stretched to a stretched position to provide the tire cover 10 around the bicycle wheel, as shown in Figure 3 and discussed in more detail below.

[0021] The body length of the body 12 shown in Figure 1 is 231.14 cm (91 inches) so that the body 12 can extend around a standard 73.66 cm (29 inch) diameter bicycle tire. However, in some embodiments, the body length is greater than 231.14 cm (91 inches). In some embodiments, the body length is greater than 218.44 cm (86 inches) so that the body can extend around a standard 69.85 cm (27.5 inch) diameter bicycle tire. In some embodiments, the body length is greater than 207.01 cm (81.5 inches) so that the body can extend around a standard 66.04 cm (26 inch) diameter bicycle tire. In some embodiments, the body length is any length corresponding to the circumference of a standard outer diameter bicycle tire.

[0022] The tire cover 10 further includes a first strip 22 connected to a first body end 14 and a second strip 24 connected to a second body end 16. The first strip 22 and the second strip 24 can be made of a second fabric that is fixed to a body 12 which is made of a first fabric. For example, the first strip 22 and the second strip 24 can be made of a material that is more durable than the material of the body 12. The first strip 22 and the second strip 24 provide additional strength to the first body end 14 and the second body end 16.

[0023] The first body end 14 of the tire cover 10 is fixed to the second body end 16 of the tire cover 10, so that the tire cover 10 can be fixed around the bicycle wheel so that it substantially covers the tire mounted on the bicycle wheel. The tire cover 10 includes a first fastener portion 26 connected adjacent to the first body end 14 and a second fastener portion 28 connected adjacent to the second body end 16.

[0024] The first fastening portion 26 and the second fastening portion 28 can be releasably connected to each other to secure the tire cover 10 around the tire of a bicycle wheel, as shown in Figure 3. The first fastening portion 26 may include one or more first fasteners, and the second fastening portion 28 may include one or more second fasteners. The first fastening portion 26 and the second fastening portion 28 can be positioned on both sides of the main body 12 such that the first fastening portion 26 and the second fastening portion 28 are adjacent to the first channel 18 and the second channel 20.

[0025] The first fastening portion 26 and the second fastening portion 28 can be connected to the first strip 22 and the second strip 24, respectively, to securely attach the first fastening portion 26 and the second fastening portion 28 to the main body 12, as shown in Figures 1 to 6 and Figures 10 to 12. However, in some embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 7 to 9, one or more first fasteners of the first fastening portion 26 are connected to the first end 32 of the first strap 30 and the first end 42 of the second strap 40, and one or more second fasteners of the second fastening portion 28 are connected to the second end 34 of the first strap 30 and the second end 44 of the second strap 40. In some embodiments, the first fastening portion 26 and the second fastening portion 28 are connected to any portion of the first main body end 14 and the second main body end 16, respectively.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the first fastening portion 26 and the second fastening portion 28 can be formed from opposing snap buttons, so that the tire cover 10 can be secured around the bicycle wheel by the snap buttons.

[0027] Referring to Figures 4 to 6, the first fastening portion 26 and the second fastening portion 28 can be formed from opposing zipper portions. The opposing zipper portions can be arranged across the entire width of the main body 12. The opposing zipper portions can be closed together, as shown in Figure 6, to secure the tire cover 10 around the bicycle wheel so as to substantially cover the tire of the bicycle wheel. Other suitable closure mechanisms or fastening mechanisms, such as the closure mechanism shown in Figures 10 to 12, may also be suitable for use in securing the tire cover 10 around the bicycle wheel.

[0028] The tire cover 10 can be made length-adjustable so that it can be used with a variety of bicycle wheel and tire sizes, as shown in Figures 7 to 9. The tire cover 10 may include a first adjustable strap 30 of inelastic or elastic nature extending through a first channel 18 and a second adjustable strap 32 of inelastic or elastic nature extending from a second channel 20. The first adjustable strap 30 and the second adjustable strap 32 extend from a first end 14 and a second end 16 of the body 12. The first adjustable strap 30 and the second adjustable strap 40 include buckles positioned at their ends as a first fastening portion 26 and a second fastening portion 28. The lengths of the first adjustable strap 30 and the second adjustable strap 32 can be adjusted at the buckles so that the tire cover 10 can be sized for use with a variety of bicycle wheel and tire sizes.

[0029] Referring to Figures 13 to 14B, the first fastening portion 26 and the second fastening portion 28 can be formed from three first fasteners and three second fasteners, respectively. The three first fasteners include two first lateral fasteners and one first intermediate fastener, and the three second fasteners include two second lateral fasteners and one second intermediate fastener. The first body end 14 is configured so that two first lateral fasteners can be wrapped around the tire and wheel and connected to each other, as shown in Figures 14A and 14B. The body 12 can then be extended around the circumference of the tire so that the second body end 16 is adjacent to the first body end 14. The second body end 16 is configured so that two second lateral fasteners can be wrapped around the tire and wheel and connected to each other. Next, the first intermediate fastener and the second intermediate fastener are connected to each other, so that the first main body end 14 can be fixed to the second main body end 16.

[0030] Each of the first fastening portion 26 and the second fastening portion 28 shown in Figures 13 to 14B includes two lateral fasteners and one intermediate fastener; however, in some embodiments, the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion include any number of one or more lateral fasteners and any number of one or more intermediate fasteners.

[0031] Referring to Figures 15 and 16, the first fastening portion 26 and the second fastening portion 28 can be formed from opposing hook-and-loop fastener portions. The first fastening portion includes a first projection having a hook-and-loop fastener and a first loop, and the second fastening portion includes a second projection having a hook-and-loop fastener and a second loop. The first body end 14 is configured such that the first projection can be wrapped around the tire and wheel and passed through the first loop portion, as shown in Figure 16. The first projection can then be folded back so that the hook-and-loop fastener on the first projection fastens to itself. The body 12 can then be extended around the circumference of the tire such that the second body end 16 is adjacent to the first body end 14. The second body end 14 is configured such that the second projection can be wrapped around the tire and wheel and passed through the second loop portion. The second projection can then be folded back so that the hook-and-loop fastener on the second projection fastens to itself. Next, the hook-and-loop fasteners of the first fastening portion 26 and the second fastening portion 28 are connected to each other, allowing the first main body end 14 to be fixed to the second main body end 16.

[0032] Each of the first fastener portion 26 and the second fastener portion 28 shown in Figures 15 and 16 includes a protruding portion and a loop, however, in some embodiments, the first fastener portion, the second fastener portion, or both do not include a protruding portion, a loop, or both. In some embodiments, the first fastener portion, the second fastener portion, or both include only one or more hook-and-loop fasteners without protruding portions and / or loops. In some embodiments, the first fastener portion, the second fastener portion, or both include a protruding portion, a loop, or both, and include any of the other fastener types disclosed herein.

[0033] To install the tire cover 10 around the bicycle wheel, the tire cover 10 is positioned such that the main body 12 is positioned relative to the tire of the bicycle wheel and the first main body end 14 is positioned adjacent to the second main body end 16. After the tire cover 10 is positioned around the wheel, the first fastening portion 26 is releasably connected to the second fastening portion 28 to pull the tire cover 10 around the bicycle wheel and secure it in place. When the first fastening portion 26 is releasably connected to the second fastening portion 28, the first channel 18 and the second channel 20 are at least partially pulled towards opposing sides of the bicycle wheel tire that are spaced apart in the axial direction, preventing the tire cover 10 from coming off. Furthermore, the first channel 18 and the second channel 20 cover the side portion of the tire tread and trap any dirt or other debris from the tire inside the tire cover 10, so that the tire cover 10 has a U-shaped cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main body 12 during use. To remove the tire cover 10, the first fastening portion 26 and the second fastening portion 20 are separated from each other, allowing the tire cover 10 to be removed from the wheel.

[0034] The tire cover 10 has the advantage of being able to cover and install bicycle tires without requiring the removal of the bicycle wheels. The tire cover 10 can be positioned around the wheel to substantially cover the tire, and can be passed through the bicycle fork and any other parts before being secured around the bicycle tire. The tire cover 10 can prevent dirt and debris from falling from the tire onto the floor or other surfaces when the bicycle is brought indoors. The tire cover 10 may also be suitable for use with other wheeled vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, and other wheeled vehicles.

[0035] The apparatus, systems, and methods disclosed herein relate to tire covers for covering bicycle tires, but in some embodiments the tire covers are sized and configured for use in covering the tires or wheels of wheelchairs, motorcycles, tricycles, unicycles, wheelbarrows, and any other wheeled transport equipment.

[0036] The above description of preferred embodiments of the Disclosure is provided for illustrative and explanatory purposes only. The preferred embodiments described are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the Disclosure to the exact form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments have been selected and described in an effort to provide best examples of the principles of the Disclosure and their practical application, thereby making the concepts revealed in the various embodiments of the Disclosure, along with various modifications to suit specific conceivable uses, available to those skilled in the art. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the Disclosure as defined by the appended claims, provided they are interpreted in accordance with the extent to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

Claims

1. It is a tire cover, A body having a longitudinal axis, a first body end, a second body end opposite to the first body end and spaced apart from the first body end along the longitudinal axis, a first body side extending from the first body end to the second body end, and a second body side opposite to the first body side and spaced apart from the first body side, the body defining a first channel extending along the first body side from the first body end to the second body end, and a second channel extending along the second body side from the first body end to the second body end, A first strap and a second strap, each of the first and second straps having a first strap end and a second strap end opposite to the first strap end and spaced apart from the first strap end, the first strap extending through a first channel, the second strap extending through a second channel, the first strap end of the first strap and the first strap end of the second strap connected to a first body end, and the second strap end of the first strap and the second strap end of the second strap connected to a second body end, One or more first fasteners connected adjacent to the first end of the main body, One or more second fasteners connected adjacent to the second end of the main body, each of the one or more second fasteners being detachably connectable to a different of the one or more first fasteners, A tire cover equipped with [feature].

2. The tire cover according to claim 1, further comprising a first strip connected to the first end and a second strip connected to the second end.

3. The tire cover according to claim 2, wherein one or more first fasteners are connected to the first strip, and one or more second fasteners are connected to the second strip.

4. The tire cover according to claim 1, wherein the first strap and the second strap are made of an elastically deformable material.

5. The tire cover according to claim 4, wherein the main body has a body length measured along the longitudinal axis from the first end of the main body to the second end of the main body, the first strap and the second strap each have a strap length measured from the first strap end to the second strap end in a relaxed position, and the body length is longer than the strap length.

6. The tire cover according to claim 1, wherein the first strap and the second strap include an inelastic material.

7. The tire cover according to claim 1, wherein the body has a body length measured along the longitudinal axis from the first body end to the second body end, and the body length is 207.01 cm (81.5 inches) or more.

8. The tire cover according to claim 7, wherein the length of the main body is 218.44 cm (86 inches) or more.

9. The tire cover according to claim 8, wherein the length of the main body is 231.14 cm (91 inches) or more.

10. The tire cover according to claim 1, wherein the one or more first fasteners and the one or more second fasteners include snap buttons.

11. The tire cover according to claim 1, wherein the one or more first fasteners and the one or more second fasteners include opposing zipper portions.

12. The tire cover according to claim 1, wherein the one or more first fasteners and the one or more second fasteners include buckles.

13. The tire cover according to claim 1, wherein the one or more first fasteners and the one or more second fasteners include hook-and-loop fasteners.

14. The tire cover according to claim 1, wherein the one or more first fasteners further include a protruding portion configured to wrap around the tire and connect the end of the first main body to a part of the tire.

15. The tire cover according to claim 14, wherein the one or more first fasteners further include a loop, and when the protruding portion is wrapped around the tire, the protruding portion is configured to connect the first body end to a part of the tire through the loop.

16. The tire cover according to claim 1, wherein one or more first fasteners are connected to the first end of the main body, and one or more second fasteners are connected to the second end of the main body.

17. The tire cover according to claim 1, wherein one or more first fasteners are connected to the first end of the first strap and the first end of the second strap, and one or more second fasteners are connected to the second end of the first strap and the second end of the second strap.

18. The tire cover according to claim 17, wherein the length of the first strap between the first fastener and the second fastener, and the length of the second strap between the first fastener and the second fastener are adjustable.

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