Protective Mirror Cover, and Methods of Constructing and Utilizing Same

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a system for protecting the exposed glass surfaces of a vehicle, including the external rear view mirrors. More particularly cover means are provided over these surfaces to prevent the formation of ice or frost and to ease the removal of snow and/or other debris.

2. Description of the Relevant Art

Prior to the present system, there have been other methods for protecting the outer surfaces of vehicles.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,157 discloses cover of flexible material adapted to cover the outer surface of a rear view mirror. However, the cover is adapted to protect the outer surface of the mirror support with the mirror left unprotected.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,209,197 discloses a flexible cover for the windshield and side windows of a vehicle to aid in the removal of snow and ice. The cover extends over the roof of the vehicle and may be mounted by using flexible magnets.

U.S. Pat. No. 633,306 discloses a cover for a lamp comprising a bag like member having means to close an open end. However, elastic or mating members are not disclosed for closing the open end of the cover.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,983,298 discloses the use of elastic margins for water impervious covers, such as boat covers.

The present invention differs from the prior art by providing window cover means and rear view mirror cover means as a system for protecting these surfaces.

According to the present invention, there is disclosed a system for protecting exposed glass surfaces comprising window cover means and cover means for externally mounted rear view mirrors. The window cover means comprises a flexible sheet of material sized to be slightly larger than the auto window which is to be protected with securement means provided at the perimeter of said sheet. The cover means for rear view mirrors comprises a pocket-like or bag-like device adapted to close around the mirror with an opening for the mirror support stem.

It is an object of the present invention to provide protective covers to prevent the formation of ice on vehicle glass surfaces.

It is a further feature of the present invention to provide covers which are easily applied and removed.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide flexible covers which are weather resistant.

The above and further objects, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of an exterior mirror cover in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates the cover of FIG. 1 in an open position.

FIG. 3 illustrates the cover of FIG. 1 when applied to a first type of exterior rear view mirror.

FIG. 4 illustrates a second embodiment of an exterior mirror cover on a second type of exterior mirror in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates the cover of FIG. 4 on a third type of exterior rear view mirror.

FIG. 6 illustrates a third embodiment of an exterior mirror cover on a fourth type of exterior mirror in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates the cover of FIG. 6 on a fifth type of exterior rear view mirror.

FIG. 8 illustrates the window covers on an automobile in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates the window covers in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates the method for securing the window covers of FIG. 9.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1, the exterior cover means 10 of the system of the present invention is shown. The cover means 10 generally comprises of two sheets of flexible material 12, 14 permanently joined along at least one side 16 which acts as a hinge. This type of cover is utilized when the mirror 1 is of the type having two support items. Each sheet 12, 14 has secured thereto mating fastening means 18, 20 such that the cover 10 surrounds the mirror 1 when the fastening means are mated about the mirror 1. The cover 10 is sized to cover the mirror and includes a soft, non-abrasive inner surface 6 and a substantially weather-resistant outer surface 8. Cover means 10 may also be composed of a large sheet folded in half and having fastening means 18, 20 comprising snap fasteners provided thereon.

As shown in FIGS. 4-7, a second embodiment of the exterior mirror cover means 10' is utilized to protect mirror 2 of the type having a single support stem. The bag-like cover 10' is constructed of two sheets of materials 21, 22 permanently fastened together around three sides, first side 25, second side 26, third side 27 with the fourth side 28 remaining open. The open side or fourth side 28 includes mating fastening means 18, 20 which act to secure the cover 10' to the mirror 2. A central portion of the open side 28 preferably includes an elastic closure 30 to substantially close around the support stem of mirror 2. This feature provides the mirror the greatest weather protection possible. The cover 10' also permits coverage of mirrors including the "wide angle" type mirror 3 which comprises a secondary mirror which budges outwardly from the mirror face.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-10, the window cover means 50 of the present invention is shown. The cover means 50 comprises a flexible sheet affixed to the vehicle to cover the window 48. The cover means 50 is shaped to generally conform to the shape of the window. The cover means 50 includes securement means 52, 54 about the perimeter thereof. The securement means may comprise book member 54 as best seen in FIG. 10 and magnetic strips 52. The magnetic strips 52 are of the type which are not harmful to the finish of the vehicle. The hook members 54 may be strips of material capable of being clamped by the window 48.

Although there has been described what is at present considered to be preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be understood that various modifications and variations may be made therein, and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.