DEPLOYABLE COVER FOR THE OVERHEAD PROTECTION OF USER

Abstract

A portable and deployable cover configured to allow overhead protection to a user and a personal transport device is disclosed. The cover has a collapsible frame, pliable material attached to the frame, a case secured to the cover with fasteners allowing the case to be mounted to the personal transport device. The cover may be opened and extended from the case, providing the overhead protection, while the case remains mounted on the personal transport device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/970,975, filed Jan. 8, 2008, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/188,291, filed Jul. 22, 2005, now issued U.S. Pat. No. 7,316,450.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a deployable cover for the overhead protection of a user and more specifically a portable deployable cover for the overhead protection of a user.

BACKGROUND ART

This invention relates to a deployable cover for the overhead protection of a person and their belongings and, more particularly, to such a deployable cover which is foldable and storable. The device is mounted on backpacks for children and adults, wheelchairs, scooters, bikes, etc. when not in use and includes many features that are attractive to all backpacks. Backpacks, wheelchairs, and other wheeled vehicles generally do not include a deployable cover providing overhead protection. Deployable covers have not been designed which are acceptable in the marketplace for various reasons. The results of this lack of adequate covers for children, hikers, cyclists and the disabled, is that they do not venture out if the existing or potential weather is not conducive to uncovered travel, with a hands free design for protection in all weather.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of an exemplary embodiment. The summary is not an extensive overview of the exemplary embodiment. The summary is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate scope. The sole purpose of the summary is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The present invention provides a foldable, hands free deployable cover with pop up features for protecting a person and their belongings in all weather. It can be stowed, flattened and collapsed, when not in use.

In its basic aspects, the foldable deployable cover of the invention includes a frame, a pliable material mounted over the frame, a case secured over the frame and pliable material when stowed, and a means to deploy the overhead deployable cover by removing the case, allowing the deployable cover to automatically extend over the user.

The frame is made of a coilable spring material which is enclosed in a sleeve which may be formed at or from the edges of the pliable material. The frame is enclosed in the sleeve forming a continuous perimeter thus allowing the frame and pliable material to be collapsed into a flattened cylindrical structure.

First and second cross supports which may be a flexible, non-biasing strap or a spring support are attached to opposing sides of the sheet of pliable material. The cross supports are configured to provide the deployable cover with a domed shape. In addition, stabilization straps which are attached to the sheet of pliable material may be attached to a person, a person's belongings, a personal transport device, or any other suitable object. The personal transport device may be, for example, a personal wheeled device, a backpack, a wheel chair, a book bag, or any other suitable device. There is also, at least one vent constructed into the pliable material.

The deployable cover may be deployed from its stowed configuration by pulling on a pull cord which is affixed to the case. When deployed, the deployable cover is at least as wide as a user's shoulders. When stowed, the deployable cover, in its flattened, cylindrical structure is narrower than the user's back.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the invention are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed and the present invention is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features of the invention may become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a foldable cover of the invention that is lightweight, the cover of the embodiment being shown in its erected position providing overhead protection for an occupant.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a foldable cover of the invention installed on a motorized wheelchair.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial view of the covering of the embodiment of FIG. 2 showing an air vent.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are partial isometric views showing the embodiment of FIG. 2 in stages of being moved to its stowed position.

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIGS. 4 and 5 showing the embodiment of the invention of FIG. 2 in its stowed position.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the frame arrangement of the embodiment of FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the frame of FIG. 7 showing the frame in a partially collapsed position with a component of top section fitting within the back section.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged isometric view of the hinge securance between the back section and the midsection component of the frame the top section of the embodiment of FIG. 2, the view generally being encircled in FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the frame arrangement of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, similar to the showing in the FIG. 1 of the frame of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of that portion of the frame of the embodiment of FIG. 1 encircled in FIG. 10, illustrating the manner in which there is an interference position between the pivoting top section and the back section resulting in the desired cantilever.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are partial isometric views similar to FIGS. 4 and 5 showing the embodiment of FIG. 1 in stages of being moved to its stowed position, FIG. 13 showing the same in almost its stowed position.

FIG. 14 is a partial elevation view of the cover of FIG. 2 completely stowed.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged isometric view of the mount bar of the FIG. 1 embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 15 of the mount bar showing an attachment for securing the foldable cover of the invention to a wheeled vehicle such as a scooter designed for use by the disabled.

FIG. 17 is a view showing cover and exterior shape.

FIG. 18 is a side perspective view showing cover and vent.

FIG. 19 is a view of a case mounted to backpack showing mounting fasteners and pull cord.

FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view of a case mounted to wheelchair showing mounting fasteners and pull cord.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a cover secured to a case.

FIG. 22 is a sideview of a cover in open position showing stabilization straps.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a collapsing of the cover.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an embodiment as worn by a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the invention in combination with a standard push-type wheelchair. It can be seen how the foldable cover of the invention extends over the space provided for the occupant. Many of the principles of the invention, though, can best be understood from a description of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 2. With reference to such figure, the foldable cover 11 of this embodiment is an after market item attached to a motorized wheelchair 12. Such chair includes, as is typical, a pair of powered wheels 13 and a pair of front stabilizing wheels 14. A platform 16 is provided, separating the occupant space of the chair from the mechanics which result in the powering of the wheels. Although not shown in detail since the mechanics forms no part of the invention, such mechanics include a battery pack and motor represented at 17.

The occupant space is defined by a chair having a back 18, two arms 19, and the usual footrests 21.

In accordance with normal practice, the chair 12 also includes a pair of push handles 22. It is to these push handles that the foldable cover of the invention is rigidly secured via an intermediate mount bar 23.

The foldable cover is made up of a frame 15 (described in more detail hereinafter), supporting a covering 20. The covering 20 is generally opaque although it could be transparent. In this embodiment it is generally opaque with a transparent window at the location for the back of the head of an occupant of the wheelchair. Such covering also defines small air vents at the location of the window to enable air to escape and thus prevent pressure buildup from occurring within the covering and interfering with its location over the space defined for an occupant. This is shown in FIG. 3 in which it is illustrated that air represented by arrow 30 is flowable between securing window fasteners from the interior of the covering to the exterior.

As mentioned previously, the foldable cover of this embodiment is an after market item. It is for this reason that the mount bar 23 is provided. This mount bar 23 extends between the push handles 22 and is rigidly secured in front of the portion of the same designed to receive the hands of a pusher. As is best illustrated in FIG. 8, the mount bar 23 includes a plurality of slots 24 at two separated locations corresponding to the locations of the push bars. Each group of slots accommodates a strap 26 or U bolt which passes about the associated handle bar and provides a rigid securance to the chair.

Although both embodiments being described have mount bars, such a bar is really not necessary when one considers the basic aspects of the instant invention. From the broad standpoint, the foldable cover need not be an after market item and could be integrated into the chair itself with the result that the mounting bar is not needed. Even when the cover is integrated into the chair itself, it is rigidly securable to the chair. However, it is important is that the cover frame be pivotally connected for switching between a stowed or stored position on the wheelchair and a protective position in which it covers the occupant's space.

The stowed or stored position is selected to facilitate erection of the cover. While it is recognized that many disabled will not be able to erect the cover (or covers of any design at all), this position facilitates erection and permits erection by some disabled.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2 being described, the frame is shown in its entirety in FIG. 7 and is made up of a plurality of polyethylene plastic bars. It includes a back section 28 and two top section components, a front section component 29 and a midsection component 31.

When the cover of the invention is moved to its stowed position, the front frame component 29 fits within the back section 28. That is, the transverse width of the front section 29 is less than the transverse width of the back section to accommodate such an arrangement, helping to provide the cover in a compact, collapsed condition when it is in its stored position.

Another important feature of the invention is that the cover extends over the full occupant space. In this connection, in this embodiment the top section made up of its components 29 and 31 are cantilevered from the back section 28. This is facilitated by including a hinged securance of the top midsection component to the back section with an interference position. This midsection is sandwiched between the back section and the front section component. When the cover is erected, this front component is, in essence, an extension of the midsection component so that the two top components are serially cantilevered from the back section.

The relationship resulting in the interference position for this embodiment is best illustrated in FIG. 9. Such figure is a blow-up of a portion of the frame shown in FIG. 7, but in a somewhat different position. As illustrated, the back section 28 and midsection 31 are hingedly connected together by an L-shaped hinge 32. However, the end 33 of the frame piece 31 is designed to abut against the frame piece 28 and thus provide the interference position which results in the cantilevering of the midsection frame and, hence, the full top section from the back section as desired.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate steps in the folding of the cover. As can be seen from FIG. 4, as the front component 29 of the top section is folded rearwardly, it takes the flexible covering 20 with the same. It is folded to be generally parallel to the top component 31. As a particularly salient feature of the instant invention, the front section 29 has a transverse with less than that of the back section 28 with the result that it fits within the width of such back section when the foldable cover of the invention is stowed. While this can be seen in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 (which shows the foldable cover fully stowed) it is best illustrated in FIG. 8 which does not include the covering. This dimensional relationship aids in assuring that when the foldable cover is in its stowed position, it is a relatively compact arrangement.

As mentioned previously, the mount bar 23 assures that rigid securance to the wheelchair is achieved. As discussed previously, a pair of spaced groups of slots 24 accommodate Velcro straps or U bolts which extend around the two push handles of a wheelchair to enable the bar to be rigidly secured thereto. The cover itself is then pivotally connected to the bar, i.e., the back section 28 is so connected, to enable the cover to be moved from its protective position to its stowed position.

It will be seen from the above how the frame is designed not only to provide the desired foldability, but also to make sure that the full occupant space is covered. It is not necessary, though, that the top section be made up of a plurality of section components to provide the desired coverage. The embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1 is an example. Its frame is made from spring wire. More particularly, as is best shown in FIG. 13, the frame includes both aback section 41 out of spring wire and a front section 42 which is cantilevered therefrom. (By “spring” wire is meant wire which is flexible and “springs back” to its original position once the force which is responsible for the flexing is released.)

With reference to FIG. 1, the foldable cover of this embodiment is also an after market item and is rigidly secured to a regular push wheelchair 43 via a mount bar 44. (This mount bar 44 is different than the mount bar of the embodiment of FIG. 2 and will be described in more detail hereinafter.)

The foldable cover of the FIG. 1 embodiment is made up both of a covering 46 and the frame discussed previously. The covering is also either fully transparent or generally opaque with a window 47 as illustrated. Such covering is secured to the frame only at the front edge 48 and therefore follows the frame when it is erected but enables the frame (and cover) to be folded easily. The air vent provided by this embodiment is simple in that the window is secured only at the upper end of the same to the remainder of the covering by a standard hook- loop securing tape (not visible), such as that sold with the trademark Velcro. The result is that the full sides of the windows provide air vents. A simple hole 50 is provided in the center of the front of the cover so that the user can easily attach a bungee cord or the like to the front of the cover to keep it from being blown in a strong wind or the like.

Reference is made to FIG. 10 for a better understanding of the frame of this embodiment. The back section 41 is of a one-piece construction of spring wire with a transverse portion 49 extending between its two elongated side portions 51.

The top section 42 is pivotally hinged to the back section via bolts 52. That is, with reference to FIG. 11, it is seen that the side portions 51 of the back section are folded around to make a loop through which bolts 52 extend. The spring wire of the back section then continues to form the transverse portion 49. The free ends of the spring wire making up the front section 42 are respectively secured around the bolts 52 as illustrated, and as a significant feature of the invention the construction results in the top section 42 being cantilevered from the back section. That is, as can be seen from FIG. 11 the transverse portion 49 of the back section interferes with pivoting motion of the top section 42 relative to the back section beyond the position which is shown. In other words, an interference position in each hinge connection is provided to assure that the cantilever is achieved. (It will be appreciated that although only one end is shown, the manner in which the other end of the top section interacts with the back section is simply a mirror image of that shown.) As illustrated, ties are provided to enable the forward lower end of the cover to be secured on each side to the wheelchair arms. This arrangement helps to maintain the cover in place when it is erected.

As mentioned previously, the covering is only secured to the frame at the front edge of the foldable cover. The result is that when the top section of the frame is pivoted or folded to the stowed position in the direction of the arrow 53 in FIG. 12, the covering 46 falls away from the same and simply follows the frame. The transverse width of the top section of the frame is slightly less than the transverse width of the back section defined by the wire portion 51 to thereby facilitate folding.

FIG. 12 shows an intermediate position when the cover of the invention is being folded to the stowed or stored position. The back section of the frame is pivotally connected to the mount bar 44 so that the whole construction can be folded into the collapsed portion illustrated in FIG. 13. This embodiment is different than the earlier embodiment in that it includes a bag enclosure 54 for housing the cover when it is in its stowed position. This bag enclosure is made up of front and back panels with the front panel permanently secured along an edge (the edge opposite edge 56) to the back panel, and the front panel is wrapped around the cover to the edge 56; the bottom of the enclosure being closed by a zipper (not shown) which extends upward along the edge 56 to thereby secure the front panel 58 of the bag enclosure to the back panel. The result of this construction is that the bottom and both sides of the bag enclosure are enclosed. A flap 59 (FIG. 14) is provided to close the top portion and provide complete protection for the foldable cover of the invention when it is stowed. It should be noted that while for clarity purposes, in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 the front panel 58 of the bag enclosure is shown extending outward from the back panel, as a practical matter when the foldable cover of the invention is erected, the front panel is simply zipped to the back panel to thereby provide an empty bag enclosure and for clarity purposes, the bag enclosure is not shown in FIG. 1.

The front panel 58 of the enclosure is provided with a pouch 61 for the occupant to carry various items, such as groceries. It should be noted that the flap 59 extends over the opening into the pouch.

A sun visor or the like similar to those provided in automobiles can be provided on the front of the cover to enable the occupant to obtain shade as desired.

As mentioned previously, the mount bar 44 of this embodiment is different than the mount bar of the other earlier described embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, such mount bar is similar to the earlier mount bar in that it extends between the push handles 62 of the chair to which the foldable cover is secured. However, it differs in that it includes a pair of opposed U-shaped clamps 63 and 64 maintaining the same in position on the push bars. Clamp 63 is held rigidly in position by a bolt 66 extending through one of a plurality of holes 67. In contrast, the clamp 64 is secured to the remainder of the mount bar 68 via a bolt 69, which extends through a slot 71. The result of this construction is that a quick release mechanism is provided on the mount bar for selectively providing the rigid securance to a wheelchair. In this connection, when the mount bar is initially installed, the bolt 66 is tightened through an appropriate one of the holes 67 to center the mount bar, and then the bracket 64 is slipped on the other push handle 62 to locate the same for the rigid securance; then the bolt 69 is tightened. It will be appreciated that with this arrangement to remove the mount bar and, hence, the foldable cover from the chair it is only necessary to loosen the bolt 69 and slide the bracket 64 to disengage the same from its respective handle and the full mount bar from the chair.

Mount bar 44 is quite versatile and can be used to mount the foldable cover (or any other desired structure) to other vehicles, such as the scooters typically used by the disabled. As shown in FIG. 16 the mount bar includes a bracket 72 designed to mate with and be secured to a channel extension 73. Such extension is designed to be adjustably received within an L-shaped connector 74 and, in this connection, a plurality of holes 76 are provided for interaction with a pin 77 to enable one to select an appropriate height. The L-shaped connector 34 is, in turn, held by a pin 78 within a receiver 79 of the type typically found at the rear of scooters and the like.

It will be recognized from the above that this embodiment is particularly lightweight and is therefore especially useful with push chairs. Moreover, the foldable cover of the invention is easily moved between the fully upright condition and a stowed position.

As mentioned at the beginning of the detailed description, applicant is not limited to the specific embodiments and variations described above. For example, it may be desirable to provide two different coverings for a single foldable cover of the invention, one covering being fully transparent for use in storms and the like (provide protection without interfering with visibility) and one generally opaque for protection from the sun. It will also be recognized that the cover of the invention can be used with other wheeled vehicles. It is not limited to use with those designed for the disabled. The claims, their equivalents, and their equivalent language define the scope of protection.

Those with skill in the art would appreciate that the invention may be understood in a number of different ways. In simplest form, understanding would be understood with relation to FIGS. 12, 13, and 14. These figures show a portable cover configured to allow the overhead protection of a user and a personal transport device. In these figures the personal transport device is wheelchair. However, such a device may include any other sort of personal wheeled device in which the user has left uncovered, or even a backpack or other back worn device such as a water skin worn on the back during bicycling. For the purposes of this document personal transport device includes both devices used for transport and devices worn on the back. The device includes a frame and a sheet of pliable material secured over the frame. These together form a cover that may extend over a user. Secured over the frame and pliable material is a case, which would be element 61 in FIG. 14. This device also includes a plurality of fasteners allowing the frame and sheet of pliable material over the frame to be mounted onto the personal transport device. The device also includes an opening means associated with the case and configured to allow the cover to be enclosed within the case. In FIG. 14 this is flap 59. Alternative embodiments of this same basic idea are shown in FIGS. 17 through 24.

With reference to FIG. 17 a deployable cover 100 is shown having a flexible spring frame 106 made of bars of coilable spring wire or plastic. Secured on a flexible spring frame 106 is a pliable material having a pliable material back end 102 and pliable material front end 104. Pliable material back end 102 and pliable material front end 104 may be either a single sheet of material or multiple sheets of material sewn, joined, or otherwise placed together such that they form a continuous pliable sheet on the flexible spring frame 106. In a simplest manner, the pliable material is stitched onto the flexible spring frame 106 using stitching 108. This forms a sleeve 114 shown in the cutaway through which one or more bars of coilable spring wire or plastic may be inserted thus forming the flexible spring frame 106. A two bar configuration of coilable spring wire or plastic provides additional spring force to the flexible spring frame 106. Thus the flexible spring frame 106 may be formed of a first bar 110 and second bar 112 encased within the sleeve 114.

The device may have one or more types of cross support as shown in a cutaway. A woven material cross support 116 may extend between the side edges across the width dimension of the deployable cover 100. When deployed this cross support may rest behind a user's head keeping the cover stabilized. A spring frame cross support 122 may extend between the side edges across the width dimension of the deployable cover 100. The spring frame cross support 122 may be held in place by the stitching of the pliable material or attached by a linkage 124. In another embodiment, the spring frame cross support 122 may constructed of an injection molded plastic frame with heat pressed pliable material. The dome shape of the cover is formed by combined use of the woven material cross support 116 and a spring frame cross support 122. In one embodiment, the woven material cross support 116 has a length less than the width dimension of the deployable cover 100 where the woven material cross support 116 is attached to the deployable cover 100 and the spring frame cross support 122 has a length approximately the same as the width dimension of the deployable cover 100 where the spring frame cross support 122 is attached to deployable cover 100.

A stabilization strap 118 having a female buckle 120 may extend from a side edge proximate to the cross supports. The stabilization strap 118 may extend from the side of the spring frame to a belt of a user, to the sides of a wheeled device such as a wheelchair, a bottom of a shoulder strap of a backpack, or any portion of the personal transport device to further stabilize the deployable cover 100.

FIG. 18 illustrates additional features of the invention the pliable material back end 102 of the pliable material may be the first of two layers and have an elastic edge 102A. The elastic edge allows material of the pliable material back end 102 to be lifted up off of a section of an under material 101. This exposes vents 128A, 128B. Vents 128A, 128B may be mesh material allowing airflow thus preventing heat from being trapped in the deployable cover 100. Also shown in the view of FIG. 18 are mounting fasteners 126. These may simply be holes through which straps may be inserted. These straps would then be affixed to a backpack, wheelchair, or other personal transport device.

An alternative embodiment is shown in FIGS. 19 and 20. In FIG. 19 a backpack 300 is shown having a case 130, from which the cover (not shown) may be deployed, mounted onto backpack 300 by mounting fasteners 140, 142. The cover (not shown) is stowed inside the case 130. Mounting fasteners 140, 142 may simply be straps having one end sewn onto the case 130 and a second end having a snap fastener 144 which mates with a snap fastener on the case 130. In this way the device can be snapped or unsnapped onto the backpack 300. A pull tab 132 allows a user to simply reach behind the backpack 300, grip the pull tab 132, and pull the case 130 off of the spring frame (not shown) of the cover (not shown). The cover (not shown) may then spring open forming an overhead cover to prevent rain or sun from adversely affecting the wearer.

FIG. 20 shows a partial cutaway of the case 130 with the mounting fasteners 140, 142. The deployable cover 100 is shown stowed in the case 130 as a flattened cylindrical structure. The deployment has an elastic edge 134 which may be pulled off the spring frame (not shown) of the deployable cover 100 by means of the pull tab 132 thus deploying the cover.

With reference to FIG. 21 portions of the deployable cover 100 attached to the case 130 are shown in detail. Circle 207 represents a head placement location that may be constructed out of foam and bound onto the pliable material front end 104 by stitching or any other securing means. The case 130 includes an elastic edge 134 which allows the case 130 to extend over the deployable cover 100 when coiled into a flattened, collapsed, and stowable configuration. The case 130 may be sewn by stitching 210 to the air vent 128A which keeps the case 130 attached to the deployable cover 100. A pull tab 132 is attached to pull cords 211 which extend through a grommet 212 or suitable opening and end at attachment points 214. The pull cords 211 are attached to the case 130 at the attachment points 214 by stitching or any other securing means. Pulling on the pull tab 132 causes the pull cords 211 to stretch the elastic edge 134, thereby removing the case 130 from around the remainder of the deployable cover 100. The deployable cover 100 then spring deploys and extends over the user.

With reference to FIG. 22 a side view of the deployable cover 100 in an open or deployed position is shown with stabilization straps 118, 152. A first end of the stabilization straps 118, 152 are attached to the deployable cover 100 proximate to the sleeve 114 of the deployable cover 100. A second end of stabilization straps 118 terminates with female buckles 120 and a second end of stabilization straps 152 terminates with male buckles 150. The male buckles 150 and the female buckles 120 allow stabilization straps 118, 152 to be buckled to either each other or respective male and female buckles (not shown) worn on the user (not shown) or placed on a user transported device (not shown) such as a wheelchair.

With reference to FIG. 23 the coiling of the flexible spring frame 106 to shape the deployable cover 100 into a flattened, collapsed, stowable configuration is shown. The deployable cover 100 is held by the flexible spring frame 106 and twisted thereby forming a number of loops: a first loop 160 second loop 162 and a final loop 164. The loops 160, 162, 164 may be collapsed and flattened forming the stowable cylindrical structure (not shown). Various attachments such as cross supports (not shown), stabilization straps (not shown), etc. are enclosed within the reshaped collapsed, flattened, stowable cylindrical structure (not shown). The reshaped cylindrical structure (not shown) is designed to be in one embodiment roughly the width in collapsed form of a user's back. This allows the deployable cover 100 to compactly fit on a backpack or the back of a wheelchair or other wheeled device. When deployed the width of deployable cover 100 is optimally slightly larger than the width of the user's shoulders. This can be accommodated by the use of the spring frame.

As shown in FIG. 24, the deployable cover 100, worn on user 170, allows the user 170 to attach the deployable cover 100 to a backpack 300 thereby protecting both the user 170 and the backpack 300 during inclement weather.

In the foregoing specification, the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident to a skilled artisan that various modifications and changes can be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims. For example, although a method of the present invention is described primarily in reference to portable deployable covers, the principles embodied in the present invention may be beneficially applied to the portability and deployment of any structure. In addition, a person skilled in the art will realize that a cover is a general term which may also be described as a canopy, shelter, awning, sun shade, umbrella, etc. and a case is also a general term which may also be described as a box, holder, container, pack, vessel, etc. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims

1. A portable cover configured to allow overhead protection to a user and a personal transport device, the cover comprising:

a frame configured to be collapsible;

a sheet of pliable material secured to the frame;

a case secured to the cover;

mounting fasteners configured to allow the case to be mounted onto the personal transport device; and

an opening means on the case configured to allow the cover to be enclosed within the case, extended from the case, and used from the case while the case remains mounted onto the personal transport device.

2. The cover of claim 1 wherein the sheet of pliable material has a length dimension, a width dimension, and edges, the edges of the sheet of pliable material configured to form a sleeve, the sleeve enclosing the frame.

3. The cover of claim 1 wherein the frame is a coilable spring material forming a continuous perimeter configured to allow the frame and the sheet of pliable material to be collapsed into a flattened cylindrical structure.

4. The cover of claim 1 wherein the frame is constructed of an injection molded, coilable, spring material and a heat pressed pliable material forming a continuous perimeter configured to allow the frame and the sheet of pliable material to be collapsed into a flattened cylindrical structure.

5. The cover of claim 1 further including at least one first cross support extending across a dimension of the sheet of pliable material and secured to opposing sides of the sheet of pliable material configured to provide a domed shape to the cover.

6. The at least one first cross support of claim 5 wherein the at least one first cross support is a flexible, non-biasing strap.

7. The at least one first cross support of claim 5 wherein the at least one first cross support is a spring support.

8. The at least one first cross support of claim 5 wherein the at least one first cross support is constructed of an injection molded, coilable, spring material and a heat pressed pliable material.

9. The cover of claim 1 further including at least one second cross support extending across a dimension of the sheet of pliable material and secured to opposing sides of the sheet of pliable material configured to provide a domed shape to the cover.

10. The at least one second cross support of claim 9 wherein the at least one second cross support is a flexible, non-biasing strap.

11. The at least one second cross support of claim 9 wherein the at least one second cross support is a spring support.

12. The at least one second cross support of claim 9 wherein the at least one second cross support is constructed of an injection molded, coilable, spring material and a heat pressed pliable material.

13. The cover of claim 1 further including at least one stabilization strap fastened onto the sheet of pliable material.

14. The cover of claim 1 wherein the sheet of pliable material contains at least one vent.

15. The cover of claim 1, wherein the cover has a stored dimension and a deployed dimension, the stored dimension being selected to be narrower than a width of a user's back, and the deployed dimension selected to be at least as wide as a user's shoulders.

16. The cover of claim 1 further including a pull cord affixed to the case and configured to allow the user to deploy the cover from the case when the pull cord is pulled.

17. The cover of claim 1 wherein the personal transport device is a personal wheeled device.

18. The cover of claim 1 wherein the personal transport device is a backpack.

19. The cover of claim 1 wherein the personal transport device is a wheelchair.

20. The cover of claim 1 wherein the personal transport device is a book bag.