Device for opaquely covering an object to be protected from view

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1-1c) for opaquely covering an object (2) to be protected from view, which device comprises a flexible means (3-3c) for opaquely covering the object (2) and a means (4-4b) for holding the flexible covering means (3-3c), wherein the flexible covering means (3-3c) can be detachably connected to the holding means (4-4b). Expediently, the flexible covering means (3-3c) can be moved continuously from a basic position, in which the object (2) to be protected is visible, into a covering position, in which the flexible covering means (3-3c) opaquely covers the object (2) to be protected. The continuous mobility advantageously provides a simply constructed, purely mechanical device which does not require any rotating components.

Description

[0001] 1^ 13 PATENT

[0002] Description:

[0003] "Device for covering an object to be protected from view with an opaque covering"

[0004] The invention relates to a device for covering an object to be protected from view in an opaque manner, comprising a flexible means for covering the object in an opaque manner and a means for holding the flexible covering means, wherein the flexible covering means is detachably connectable to the holding means.

[0005] Objects that need to be protected from view can include, for example, car radios, storage compartments in a passenger vehicle, a so-called radar detector in a car, or a mobile phone.

[0006] Roller blinds or Venetian blinds are well-known, and can be mounted on windows as either privacy or sun protection.

[0007] Devices for covering are known from US 2004 / 1 1931 1 A, WO 88 / 00140, CN 212148337 U, DE 1 903 553 A1 and DE 10 2010 017 960 A, whereby CN 212148337 U and DE 1 903 553 A1 are not suitable for opaque covering, as CN 212148337 U and DE 1 903 553 A1 describe only transparent coverings.

[0008] The invention is based on the objective of creating a device of the type mentioned above that can be used flexibly as a privacy screen and is simple in construction.

[0009] Furthermore, the invention is based on the objective of creating a device of the type mentioned above that can be brought into a covering position particularly quickly.

[0010] According to the invention, the problem is solved by making the flexible covering medium infinitely movable from a basic position in which the object to be protected is visible to a covering position in which the flexible covering medium covers the object to be protected in an opaque manner.

[0011] Page 1 / 13 Advantageously, the stepless movement creates a simple, purely mechanical device that does not require rotating components such as a shaft for rolling up the flexible covering material.

[0012] During the movement from the basic position to the covering position, the flexible covering material is removed from the holding device.

[0013] When moving from the covering position to the home position, the flexible covering material is moved back into the holding element.

[0014] It is conceivable that the holding device is designed in such a way that the flexible cover, after being removed from the holding device, is allowed to fall from its home position into the covered position, i.e., it is moved by the force of gravity. Such a movement from the home position to the covered position is a gravity-induced movement.

[0015] Unlike a roller blind or a Venetian blind, no restoring force needs to be overcome to hold the roller blind or Venetian blind in its respective basic position.

[0016] A cover position is located below the home position in the Earth's gravitational field.

[0017] The flexible covering material can be applied to the object to be protected from view, at least partially or even completely. For example, if a mobile phone is covered in a car mount, the flexible covering material can lie almost completely against the mobile phone.

[0018] Furthermore, if the movement from the basic position to the covering position is unguided, a very fast visual barrier is advantageously possible.

[0019] Ideally, the flexible cover is folded or collapsed in its basic position. Its space-saving storage in a defined location is advantageous.

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention, the holding means can be detachably connected to a substrate to which the covering device can be attached.

[0021] By releasably attaching the holding means to a substrate, a covering device according to the invention can be used for different covering tasks in different locations.

[0022] A detachable fastening is possible, for example, using suction cups or a surface coating on the fastening material that increases the coefficient of friction between the fastening material and the substrate. It is conceivable that the fastening material consists of a plastic that, when used with another plastic such as silicone as a friction partner, exhibits a coefficient of static friction between 0.55 and 0.90.

[0023] It is also conceivable that a non-curing adhesive is used to create a detachable connection. A clamping connection or a plug connection is also conceivable.

[0024] A suitable surface could be, for example, the dashboard or center console of a motor vehicle, to which the mounting device can be detachably attached. It is understood that the mounting device can also be attached to other surfaces besides those mentioned.

[0025] In one embodiment of the invention, the holding means is designed such that a movement of the flexible covering means from the basic position to the covering position takes place in the direction of an effective direction of gravity or with a directional component that corresponds to an effective direction of gravity.

[0026] Preferably, the covering device can be mounted above an object that needs to be protected from view. Movement from the home position to the covering position can occur in the direction of gravity or with a directional component corresponding to a direction of gravity. Movement in the direction of gravity would be directly from top to bottom, while movement with a directional component corresponding to a direction of gravity would be, for example, diagonally from top to bottom.

[0027] In particular, such a movement can occur independently as soon as the flexible covering material is removed from the holding device. The advantage is the ability to quickly cover an object in emergency situations. Guided movement is not required. The speed at which an independent movement occurs depends on the proportion of the force acting in the direction of gravity relative to the direction of movement.

[0028] Unlike a roller blind or Venetian blind, no force is required to move the blind from its open position to the closed position. Force is only required to move it from the closed position to its open position.

[0029] A movement direction such as pulling a car window blind from left to right out of its housing would be perpendicular to the direction of gravity. Therefore, a force is always required; gravity cannot act as a force facilitating movement. Gravity can be used particularly effectively when the holding device is positioned above the object to be covered.

[0030] In one embodiment of the invention, the holding means is designed in multiple parts and comprises two holders that can be detachably connected to a substrate at a distance from each other, each holder having two holding sections which are each designed to partially grip the flexible covering means in the basic position.

[0031] In its initial position, in which the flexible covering is preferably folded or collapsed, the flexible covering rests against the retaining sections and is preferably partially encompassed by them in a circumferential direction when folded or collapsed. To move it from the initial position to the covering position, the flexible covering can be pulled out of the retaining sections and moved over the object to be protected from view, particularly in the direction of gravity or with a directional component corresponding to a direction of gravity.

[0032] Each holder forms a receiving channel open on one side for the flexible covering material, with an opening extending in a longitudinal direction of the receiving channel.

[0033] It goes without saying that more than two brackets may be provided.

[0034] Advantageously, the holding device is designed in one piece and has a holding strip with two holding sections, each designed to partially grip the flexible covering material in the basic position, the holding strip being designed in the manner of a receiving channel open on one side for the flexible covering material.

[0035] Preferably, the channel walls of the receiving channel are curved, at least in certain sections or along the entire length of the channel, to hold the flexible covering material in its initial position. In particular, the channel walls can be curved in the same direction when viewed in cross-section.

[0036] Advantageously, a cover device is created that is inconspicuous in the basic position.

[0037] In a further embodiment of the invention, the holding means comprises holding sections that form a receiving channel for the flexible covering material, and the receiving channel has interruptions, wherein the interruptions are cut-out channel wall sections. In particular, opposing channel wall sections can be cut out. This ensures secure holding of the flexible covering material, while requiring less material for its manufacture. The receiving channel is open on one side, with one opening extending in a longitudinal direction along the channel.

[0038] If the intake channel has three adjacent areas, one of which has cut-out sections of the channel wall, a particularly easy-to-handle covering device is created.

[0039] In one embodiment of the invention, each of the retaining sections is partially curved, and the two retaining sections are bent in the same direction, with an opening formed between the two retaining sections through which the flexible covering means can be moved from the basic position to the covering position out of the holder, the holders or a retaining strip.

[0040] The flexible covering material can be easily removed from the holding sections, which is a significant advantage. It can also be quickly returned to its starting position.

[0041] It is conceivable that the arc-shaped holding sections are identical or different from each other.

[0042] It is also conceivable that each of the stopping sections is curved in some areas.

[0043] It is also conceivable that the partially arc-shaped holding sections are bent towards each other, with arcs of the holding sections extending towards each other, and an opening is formed between the two holding sections through which the flexible covering element can be moved from the basic position into the covering position out of the holder or holders.

[0044] In a further embodiment of the invention, the flexible covering means can be detachably connected to the holding means on one side which, in the covering position, faces the holding means.

[0045] A key advantage is the ease of replacing the flexible covering material. A covering device according to the invention can be used for various purposes in different locations, for example, as a particularly opaque sunshade or insect screen.

[0046] Advantageously, a connecting means by which the flexible covering material can be detachably connected to the holding means is designed in such a way that it is configured to form a detachable point connection or at least a partially area-wide connection along a side edge of the flexible covering material.

[0047] A connection that covers at least part of the surface also includes a full-surface connection. The stability of a connection is advantageously adjustable.

[0048] A detachable point connection can be a connection using snap fasteners, while a surface connection using Velcro patches, i.e. a hook and loop connection, is possible.

[0049] In a further embodiment of the invention, the retaining strip has a connecting element by which the flexible covering means can be detachably connected to the retaining means, and which is arranged on the retaining strip in an area between the two retaining sections.

[0050] The retaining strip is preferably designed as a receiving channel for the flexible covering material, with opposing channel walls formed by the two retaining sections. The receiving channel is open on one side, with an opening extending along one longitudinal direction of the channel.

[0051] The connecting element can be detachably connected, attached, or integrally molded to the bottom of the receiving channel between the two holding sections and the retaining strip.

[0052] Preferably, the connecting element, which may be in the form of a strip, forms a force-fit or form-fit connection with the flexible covering element. A clamping connection is preferred.

[0053] It is understood that several connecting elements can be provided side by side and spaced apart from each other. This advantageously reduces manufacturing costs and allows for material savings.

[0054] In one embodiment of the invention, the covering means comprises a covering cloth that opaquely covers the object to be protected in the covered position.

[0055] A cover cloth is preferably made of fabric or leather. These materials are particularly flexible and, if necessary, can be easily adapted to the surface contour of an object to be protected from view.

[0056] If the cover is made of fabric, it can also be used to clean the object.

[0057] Preferably, the flexible covering material, in particular the covering cloth, is rectangular or trapezoidal in plan view when in the covering position. Advantageously, the covering device has a handle attached to the flexible covering material on the side facing away from the holding element when in the covering position.

[0058] Moving the cover from its initial position to the covered position is particularly easy by grasping the handle. The handle can be used to remove the flexible cover from its holder and move it into the covered position. If the movement is gravity-driven, the handle can act as a weight.

[0059] In a further embodiment of the invention, the handle has a preferably strip-shaped connecting section through which the flexible covering means can be detachably connected or connected to the handle at least partially on a side edge of the side which, in the covering position, is facing away from the holding means.

[0060] The strip-shaped connecting section can act as a stabilizing element, defining the width of the flexible cover. Advantageously, after moving from the basic to the covered position, no further adjustment of the flexible cover is required to conceal an object.

[0061] In one embodiment of the invention, the preferably strip-shaped connecting section rests against the holding means in the basic position of the flexible covering means.

[0062] Advantageously, this ensures that the actual width of the flexible covering element, i.e., its extension along a side edge determined by the length of the strip-shaped connecting section, remains constant during movement from the home position to the covering position.

[0063] In a further embodiment of the invention, the covering device has a handle attached to the flexible covering element on one side facing away from the holding element in the covering position. The handle comprises a rib-shaped connecting section that rests against the holding element in the flexible covering element's home position and is positioned between opposing holding sections of the holding element in such a way that the holding sections project beyond the rib-shaped connecting section. The holding element with the holding sections forms a receiving channel open on one side for the flexible covering element, with the opposing holding sections forming the receiving channel walls and an opening extending along the longitudinal direction of the channel.

[0064] Because the retaining sections of the retaining device protrude beyond the connecting section, the strip-shaped connecting section is completely positioned in the receiving channel.

[0065] It is understood that the receiving channel can be designed in such a way that the strip-shaped connecting section is completely inserted into it in the basic position, or only partially, provided that the holding means comprises several adjacent holders, each having opposing holding sections.

[0066] In the covered position, the handle is positioned below the holding device, with "below" referring to a position in the Earth's gravitational field.

[0067] Advantageously, the flexible covering means comprises a means for stiffening opposite side edges, wherein the stiffening means has weight elements which preferably extend in strands along the opposite side edges between the holding means and a handle which is arranged on a side which, in the covering position, is facing away from the holding means.

[0068] Advantageously, the side edges of the flexible covering material, which is preferably rectangular or trapezoidal, are stabilized.

[0069] Overall, a covering device is created in which the flexible covering material is stabilized along side edges despite its flexibility, with this stabilization acting in the manner of a frame: through the detachable connection with the holding element along a side facing the holding element, as well as through the strip-shaped connecting section on a side facing the handle and through the stiffening element extending along the side edges.

[0070] The stabilization of the opposing side edges can be achieved by gravity, especially if the stiffening device has weight elements.

[0071] It is understood that a stiffening agent comprising weight elements can also be used to weight down the flexible covering agent.

[0072] In a further embodiment of the invention, the stiffening element comprises a fabric edge that extends in strands along the opposite side edges, at least partially, between the holding element and a handle located on the side facing away from the holding element in the covering position. The fabric edge can be designed in the form of a border made of a heavy fabric sewn onto the flexible covering element to form the fabric edge. A heavy fabric is one with a basis weight of 500 g / m². 2 exhibits. It is understood that the tissue edge can also be circumferential.

[0073] A heavy fabric is particularly stiff and resistant to creasing. This allows for the creation of a membrane-like covering with a reinforced edge, especially a continuous reinforced edge. Objects protruding from a surface can be covered particularly effectively, providing complete opacity.

[0074] Furthermore, it is advantageous to create a stiffening agent that is particularly easy to manufacture.

[0075] In a further embodiment of the invention, the flexible covering means is detachably connectable to the holding means on one side which, in the covering position, faces the holding means, and the flexible covering means has a fabric edge which is preferably round in cross-section and which is designed to engage with a connecting element of the holding means.

[0076] Preferably, a positive-locking or force-locking connection is formed. The fabric edge can be designed in the form of a border made from a heavy fabric sewn onto the flexible covering material to form the fabric edge. A heavy fabric is one with a basis weight of 500 g / m². 2The fabric edge is preferably designed to be particularly stiff and resistant to creasing.

[0077] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings relating to these embodiments. The drawings show:

[0078] Fig. 1 a, b shows a covering device according to the invention in several views in a basic position and in a covering position,

[0079] Fig. 2a, b Details of a covering device according to the invention as shown in Fig. 1 a, b, Fig. 3 a further embodiment of a covering device according to the invention, Fig. 4 Details of a further covering device according to the invention.

[0080] A device 1, schematically shown in a front view in Fig. 1a, for opaquely covering a schematically shown mobile phone 2, comprises a meanderingly folded rectangular cover 3 made of an opaque fabric, which is held in a basic position shown in Fig. 1a by a retaining means. Further details of the arrangement of the flexible cover 3 in the basic position are shown in Fig. 2b.

[0081] In this embodiment, the retaining element 4 comprises two brackets 6 that are detachably connectable to a center console 5 of a passenger vehicle and are connected in this embodiment. The brackets are arranged at a distance from one another on the center console 5. The covering device 1 also has a handle 7 with an integrally formed, strip-shaped connecting section 8 that completely encompasses one side edge of the flexible covering cloth 3, the side facing away from the retaining element 4, over its entire width B. The connecting section 8 ensures that the width B of the rectangular covering cloth remains constant in a covering position shown in Fig. 1b.

[0082] In the covered position according to Fig. 1b, the cover cloth covers the mobile phone 2 (shown with dashed lines) so that it is not visible, i.e., protected from view, and in this embodiment lies partially against the mobile phone. In the covered position, the handle 7 is arranged below the holders 6.

[0083] The cover cloth 3 can be moved continuously from the basic position shown in Fig. 1 a to the covering position shown in Fig. 1 b by grasping the handle 7 and pulling the strip-shaped connecting section 8, which rests against the holders 6 in the basic position, out of them through an opening 9 and placing the cover cloth 3 over the mobile phone 2.

[0084] The effect of gravity can also be used, particularly if the holding element is arranged above an object to be covered, or at least if the holders are arranged above an object to be covered. In this case, the handle 7 could act as a weight element, causing a gravity-induced movement of the cover 3 from its home position to the covered position. An elongated weight chain 11 is inserted along each of the opposite side edges 10 of the cover 3. This chain consists of interconnected weight elements (not shown in Fig. 1a, b) and, in this embodiment, forms a stiffening and weighting element. Although provided in this embodiment, it is understood that the weight chain 11 is not strictly necessary. A covering device according to the invention can also be designed without a stiffening element along the edges 10.

[0085] Reference is now made to Fig. 2, where identical or equivalent parts are designated with the same reference number as in Fig. 1, and the letter a is added to the respective reference number.

[0086] A flexible cover cloth 3a of length L, shown schematically in a top view of a bottom surface in Fig. 2a, in a covering position, has two spaced-apart hook and loop fasteners 13 of a hook and loop fastener on a side 12 facing away from a handle, wherein the hook and loop fasteners 13 of the cover cloth 3 are arranged to form a partially planar hook and loop connection with corresponding hook and loop fasteners of holders not shown in Fig. 2a and designated by 6 in Fig. 1 a, b.

[0087] A holder 6a, shown schematically in detail in a side view in Fig. 2b, into which a cover cloth 3a is inserted in a basic position, comprises two holding sections 14, each of which is partially arc-shaped, wherein in this embodiment an opening 9a is formed between the two holding sections 14.

[0088] The two retaining sections 14 run parallel to each other, extend in this embodiment into the plane of Fig. 2b, and are bent in the same direction, here to the right.

[0089] A hook-and-loop fastener 15, which can form a detachable connection between the cover cloth 3a and a retaining element 4a (designated by reference numeral 13 in Fig. 2a), is attached to an inner surface of the holder 6a, which forms a receiving channel for the cover cloth 3a. The receiving channel is open on one side, with an opening extending in one longitudinal direction of the receiving channel.

[0090] It is understood that the hook and loop fasteners 13, 15 can extend over the entire width B of the covering material 3a and the holding material 4a.

[0091] The flexible cover sheet 3a is inserted into the holding element 4a in a meandering pattern. Reference is now made to Fig. 3, where identical or equivalent parts are designated with the same reference number as in Figs. 1 and 2, and the letter b is appended to the respective reference number.

[0092] A covering device 1b shown in a schematic side view in Fig. 3 differs from that shown in Fig. 1a, b in that the retaining element 4b comprises a one-piece retaining strip 16, which in this embodiment has two retaining sections 14b that are each partially arcuate, the retaining strip forming a continuous receiving channel for a flexible covering element 3b. "Continuous" means that the receiving channel extends into the plane of Fig. 3 and has a dimension in this direction that corresponds to the width of a strip-shaped connecting section 8b.

[0093] It is understood that the width of the connecting section 8b can also be greater than the width of the retaining strip 16.

[0094] Furthermore, the covering device shown in Fig. 3 differs from that shown in Fig. 1a in that a connecting element 17 is introduced into the receiving channel formed by the retaining strip 16 with the two retaining sections 14b, which in this embodiment is integrally formed on an inside of the retaining strip and is designed to form a clamping connection with a fabric edge 18 of the flexible covering material 3b.

[0095] In this embodiment, the connecting element 17 is designed in the shape of a strip and extends parallel to the retaining strip 16 into the plane of Fig. 3.

[0096] On a side facing away from a strip-shaped connecting section 8b, the flexible covering element 3b has the fabric edge 18, which is preferably round in cross-section, and which is designed to engage with the connecting element 17 to form a detachable connection between the retaining element 4b and the flexible covering element 3b.

[0097] The fabric edge is designed in the manner of a border, consists of a heavy fabric that is particularly stiff and crease-resistant, and extends over the entire side edge of the flexible covering element 3b facing away from the strip-shaped connecting section 8b. Reference is now made to Fig. 4, where identical or equivalent parts are designated with the same reference number as in Figs. 1 to 3, and the letter c is appended to the respective reference number. A covering device 1c shown in Fig. 4 differs from that shown in Figs. 1 to 3 in that a weighted fabric edge 19 is sewn onto each of the opposite side edges 10c of the covering cloth 3c, which in this embodiment acts as a stiffening and weighting element. The fabric edge is designed in the manner of a border and consists of a heavy fabric that is particularly stiff and crease-resistant.

[0098] Although not shown in any of Figures 1 to 4, it is conceivable that the receiving channel has interruptions, wherein interruptions are cut-out sections of the channel wall, in particular opposite sections of the channel wall may be cut out.

[0099] It is understood that all possible combinations of features shown in Figures 1 to 4 are conceivable. For example, a flexible covering material 3c shown in Figure 4 can comprise a weight chain designated by reference numeral 11 in Figure 1.

[0100] It goes without saying that the described covering devices can also be used as insect protection or sun protection.

[0101] It is further understood that a covering device according to the invention is not limited to use in a motor vehicle. Its use in a private household is conceivable.

[0102] Furthermore, their use in workplaces such as an office, a workshop, or a kitchen is conceivable.

Claims

1. Patent claims:

1. Device (1-1c) for opaquely covering an object (2) to be protected from view, comprising a flexible means (3-3c) for opaquely covering the object (2) and a means (4-4b) for holding the flexible covering means (3-3c), wherein the flexible covering means (3-3c) is detachably connectable to the holding means (4-4b), characterized in that the flexible covering means (3-3c) is steplessly movable from a basic position in which the object (2) to be protected is visible to a covering position in which the flexible covering means (3-3c) opaquely covers the object (2) to be protected.

2. Covering device according to claim 1, characterized in that the holding means (4-4b) is designed such that a movement of the flexible covering means (3-3c) from the basic position into the covering position takes place in the direction of an effective direction of gravity or with a directional component that corresponds to an effective direction of gravity.

3. Covering device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the retaining means (4-4b) is detachably connectable to a substrate (5) to which the covering device (1-1c) can be attached.

4. Covering device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the holding means (4-4b) is designed in multiple parts and comprises two holders (6; 6a) that can be detachably connected to a substrate (5) at a distance from each other, wherein each holder (6; 6a) has two holding sections (14) which are each designed to partially grip the flexible covering means (3; 3a) in the basic position.

5. Covering device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the retaining means (4-4b) is formed in one piece and has a retaining strip (16) with two retaining sections (14b) which are each designed to partially grip the flexible covering means (3b) in the basic position, wherein the retaining strip (16) is designed in the manner of a receiving channel open on one side for the flexible covering means (3b).

6. Covering device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the holding means (4-4b) comprises holding sections (14;14b) which form a receiving channel for the flexible covering means (3-3b), and the receiving channel has interruptions, wherein interruptions are cut-out channel wall sections.

7. Covering device according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that each of the retaining sections (14; 14b) is formed in an arc shape in certain areas, and the two retaining sections are bent in the same direction, wherein an opening (9-9b) is formed between the two retaining sections (14; 14b) through which the flexible covering means (3-3c) can be moved from the basic position into the covering position out of the holder (6; 6a), the holders (6; 6a) or a retaining strip (16).

8. Covering device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the flexible covering means (3-3c) is detachably connectable to the holding means (4-4b) on a side which, in the covering position, is facing the holding means (4-4b).

9. Covering device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a connecting means by which the flexible covering means (3-3c) can be detachably connected to the holding means (4-4b) is designed such that it is configured to form a detachable point connection or at least a partially planar connection along a side edge of the flexible covering means (3-3c).

10. Covering device according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the retaining strip (16) or the holder (6; 6a) has a connecting element (17) by which the flexible covering means (3b) can be detachably connected to the holding means (4; 4a), and which is arranged on the retaining strip (16) or the holder (6; 6a) in an area between the two holding sections (14; 14b).

11. Covering device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the covering means comprises a covering cloth (3-3c) which covers the object to be protected in an opaque manner in the covering position.

12. Covering device according to one of claims 1 to 1 1 , characterized in that the covering device (1 -1 c) has a handle (7-7c) which is attached to the flexible covering means (3-3c) on a side which is turned away from the holding means (4-4b) in the covering position.

13. Covering device according to claim 12, characterized in that the handle (7-7c) has a preferably strip-shaped connecting section (8-8c) by which the flexible covering means (3-3c) can be detachably connected or connected to the handle (7-7c) at least partially at a side edge of the side which, in the covering position, is facing away from the holding means (4-4b).

14. Covering device according to claim 13, characterized in that the preferably strip-shaped connecting section (8-8c) rests against the holding means (4-4b) in the basic position of the flexible covering means (3-3c).

15. Covering device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the flexible covering means (3-3c) comprises a means (11 ; 1 1 a; 11 c) for stiffening opposite side edges (10; 10a; 10c).

16. Covering device according to claim 15, characterized in that the stiffening means (11 ; 11 a; 11c) has weight elements which preferably extend in strands along the opposite side edges (10; 10a; 10c) between the holding means (4-4b) and a handle (7-7c) which is arranged on a side which is facing away from the holding means in the covering position.

17. Covering device according to claim 15, characterized in that the stiffening means (11 ; 11 a; 11c) comprises a fabric edge (18) which extends in a strand-like fashion along the opposite side edges (10; 10a; 10c) at least partially between the holding means (4-4c) and a handle (7-7c) which is arranged on a side which, in the covering position, is facing away from the holding means.

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