Multi-layered protective cover for transparent vehicle barriers
A protective cover designed for transparent barriers, such as those found on vehicles. The cover comprises two panels, each constructed from multiple layers that can include polymeric materials and coatings. These layers can be tailored to exhibit visual changes under varying lighting conditions or be constructed from iridescent fabrics. The cover and one or more optional aesthetic elements can be customized based on user input. An extender mechanism, equipped with specific attachment features, ensures adaptability for different barrier sizes. The design incorporates features like elastic elements and optional piping for a precise fit and augmented positional stability. The cover offers protection against environmental factors, including UV light, moisture, and debris, while also being easily installable and removable.
1. A cover for a transparent barrier, the cover comprising:
a. a first panel comprising:
i. a first layer;
ii. a second layer, wherein a periphery of the first layer is operatively affixed to the periphery of the second layer;
b. a second panel comprising:
i. an optional third layer;
ii. a fourth layer;
iii, wherein the optional third layer, when present, is operatively affixed to the fourth layer;
c. wherein the first panel and the second panel are operatively connected along their peripheries, including at a bottom portion located distally from a top portion, at least at a portion of a bottom of a side edge, and wherein portions of the first panel and the second panel remain unaffixed, thereby creating an opening specifically designed to facilitate placement and removal of the cover over the transparent barrier;
d. wherein the first layer, the second layer, the optional third layer, and the fourth layer each independently and optionally comprise a polymeric material and/or the polymeric material with a polymer coating; and
e. wherein at least one of the first layer, the second layer, the optional third layer, and the fourth layer comprises a material and/or coating which prevents or resists degradation from environmental factors including ultraviolet (UV) light, moisture, and airborne debris and/or vandalism.
2. The cover of claim 1 , wherein each layer independently comprises a material selected from the group consisting of: a natural material; a synthetic material; a natural polymeric material; a synthetic polymeric material; a natural fiber; a synthetic fiber; and combinations thereof; wherein the material may be coated or uncoated; and wherein the material may include four-way stretch capability in at least one of the layers.
3. The cover of claim 1 , wherein the first layer, the second layer, the optional third layer, and the fourth layer each independently comprise a material designed to prevent or reduce damage to the transparent barrier.
4. The cover of claim 1 , wherein the second layer and the optional third layer comprise a vinyl coated polyester.
5. The cover of claim 1 , wherein the second panel comprises a fabric selected from polyester, elastane, cotton, vinyl coated polyester and combinations thereof.
6. The cover of claim 1 , wherein the second layer of the first panel and the optional third layer of the second panel are independently selected from polyester, nylon, and combinations thereof.
7. The cover of claim 1 , wherein the polymer coating on at least one of the first layer, the second layer, the optional third layer, and the fourth layer is a polymer of vinyl and/or urethane.
8. The cover of claim 1 , wherein the second layer comprises a first attachment feature which allows selective engagement with an extender mechanism, wherein the extender mechanism lengthens one or more dimensions of the cover to accommodate a differently sized transparent barrier of a vehicle.
9. The extender mechanism of claim 8 , wherein the extender mechanism comprises a first extender layer and a second extender layer, wherein the first extender layer comprises a second attachment feature which allows selective engagement with the first attachment feature on the second layer, and wherein the second extender layer is configured to prevent damage to the transparent barrier.
10. The extender mechanism of claim 9 , wherein the extender mechanism is selectively attachable to the second layer of the first panel via a plurality of attachment mechanisms selected from the group consisting of: hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, zippers, ties, elastic bands, magnetic closures and combinations thereof.
11. The cover of claim 1 , wherein the first layer of the first panel further comprises an aesthetic element, wherein the aesthetic element is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of: natural fiber, synthetic fiber, natural leather, synthetic leather, natural stones, synthetic stones, natural gems, synthetic gems, natural material, synthetic material, polymeric material, plastic material, metallic material, fluorescent material, reflective material, and combinations thereof, wherein the aesthetic element may be coated or uncoated.
12. The cover of claim 11 , wherein the aesthetic element is custom-designed based on user-provided input, wherein said user-provided input comprises a design, logo, or other aesthetic indicia provided by a user in a form selected from the group consisting of digital files, physical templates, drawings, photographs, descriptions and combinations thereof.
13. The cover of claim 1 , further comprising:
a. the second panel having a top portion and a bottom portion, wherein the top portion is located distal to the opening formed by the bottom portion; and one or more elastic features disposed along a section of the bottom portion; the one or more elastic features being positioned proximal to a first side edge and a second side edge of the second panel and not extending across an entirety of the bottom portion, thereby forming a non-elasticized central section along the bottom portion of the second panel; and
b. optional piping affixed along the periphery of the cover, wherein the piping is affixed between the first panel and the second panel along the periphery at the operative connection between the first panel and the second panel; and affixed along the opening, wherein the bottom portion of the second panel is folded around the piping, wherein the piping provides additional support and stability to the cover, and optionally wherein the one or more elastic features are affixed to the piping along the first side edge and second side edge of the second panel.
14. The cover of claim 13 , wherein the one or more elastic features secure the cover to the transparent barrier, maintain positional stability of the cover during use and facilitate rapid, accurate and/or efficient placement and rapid and/or efficient removal of the cover by providing adaptive fitment to various transparent barrier shapes and sizes.
15. The cover of claim 1 , wherein:
a. said cover is fabricated to precisely fit a specific transparent barrier based on user-provided measurements of said specific transparent barrier;
b. wherein such fabrication involves the first panel and second panel and optionally an extender mechanism to ensure a precise fit with the transparent barrier;
c. wherein the precise fit in combination with one or more elastic features facilitates rapid, accurate and/or efficient placement and rapid and/or efficient removal, while maintaining specific positioning on the transparent barrier during placement;
d. wherein the precise fit in combination with the one or more elastic features secures the cover against displacement during wind, rain, and other adverse weather conditions; and
e. wherein the precise fit in combination with the one or more elastic features provides augmented positional stability and protection to the transparent barrier.