GB2521471A

GB2521471A - Apparatus for mounting to a vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2521471A
Application number: GB1322811.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Belinda Mason
Original assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Current assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Priority date: 2013-12-20
Filing date: 2013-12-20
Publication date: 2015-06-24
Anticipated expiration: 2033-12-20
Also published as: GB2521471B; GB201322811D0

Abstract

The present application relates to a protective cover 101 for a vehicle accessory 1 to be mounted in an aperture of a vehicle 3. The protective cover includes a centre panel 103, first and second longitudinal flaps 109, 111, and first and second lateral flaps 105, 107. The protective cover can be arranged in first and second operative configurations. In the first operative configuration (figures 9B-D), the first and second lateral flaps are folded inwardly over the centre panel over lateral ends of the vehicle accessory to form a protective cover. In the second operative configuration, the first and second lateral flaps are folded outwardly, such that, in use, when the centre panel is positioned at least partially to overlie a tailgate of the vehicle, the lateral flaps extend over the lateral edges of the tailgate to cover the sides of the tailgate. The accessory may comprise a temporary seating arrangement which can be removably fastened to the vehicle in a tailgate aperture.

Description

APPARATUS FOR MOUNTING TO A VEHICLE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a protective cover for a vehicle accessory; and to a combination of a vehicle accessory and the protective cover.

BACKGROUND

It is known to provide protective covers for vehicle accessories. However, these protective covers must typically be stowed when the related accessory is in use and, therefore, are of limited use.

At least in certain embodiments, the present invention sets out to overcome or ameliorate at least some of the shortcomings outlined above in respect of known protective covers.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present invention relate to a protective cover for a vehicle accessory; and to a combination of a vehicle accessory and the protective cover.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a protective cover for a vehicle accessory to be mounted in an aperture of a vehicle, the protective cover comprising: a centre panel; first and second longitudinal flaps; and first and second lateral flaps; wherein the protective cover can be arranged in a first operative configuration and a second operative configuration; and in the first operative configuration, the first and second lateral flaps are folded inwardly over the centre panel such that, in use, the lateral flaps are folded over lateral ends of the vehicle accessory to form a protective cover; and in the second operative configuration, the first and second lateral flaps are folded outwardly, such that, in use, when the centre panel is positioned at least partially to overlie a tailgate of a vehicle, the lateral flaps extend over the lateral edges of the tailgate to cover the sides of the tailgate. The protective cover is dual-function and, in use, can protect the vehicle accessory and/or the tailgate of the vehicle depending on its configuration.

In use, the centre panel can be at least substantially aligned with the tailgate of the vehicle to locate the protective cover in the intended operating position. The centre panel can be profiled for alignment with at least one edge of the tailgate when in its intended operating position, for example to align with the outer (distal) edge of the tailgate. At least in certain embodiments, the profile of the centre panel can substantially match the profile of the tailgate.

The tailgate can be hinged along a bottom edge so that it is lowered to an open position.

The tailgate can, for example, be a lower tailgate of a split tailgate.

In said first operative configuration, the first and second longitudinal flaps can be folded inwardly over the centre panel such that, in use, the longitudinal flaps are folded over the longitudinal edges of a vehicle accessory.

In said second operative configuration, the first longitudinal flap can be folded outwardly such that, in use, when the centre panel is positioned at least partially to overlie a tailgate of a vehicle, the first longitudinal flap extends over a longitudinal edge of the tailgate to cover a distal edge of the tailgate. Furthermore, the second longitudinal flap can be folded outwardly such that, in use, when the centre panel is positioned at least partially to overlie a tailgate of a vehicle, the second longitudinal flap extends into a load bay of the vehicle.

The second longitudinal flap can be larger than the first longitudinal flap. The second longitudinal flap can be sized to match at least a portion of the floor of the load bay of the vehicle.

The first and second lateral flaps can each comprise an aperture for receiving a tailgate support cable. The centre panel and the lateral flaps can thereby lie in face-to-face arrangement with the tailgate of the vehicle when the protective cover is in said second operative configuration.

The protective cover can be formed from one or more layers of flexible or pliable material.

The material can comprise a woven matelial, such as wool, cotton or waxed cotton.

Alternatively, the material can be leather. The protective cover can comprise several layers of different materials.

The protective cover can be padded. For example, a layer of foam or other suitable padding material can be disposed between layers of facing material. A section of the protective cover can be un-padded to identify, in use, the location of a switch or button for releasing a tailgate mechanism. The un-padded section of the protective cover can align with the switch or button when the centre panel is positioned on a tailgate of a vehicle and the protective cover is in said second operative configuration.

An aperture can be provided in the protective cover to enable a user to grip the vehicle accessory when the protective cover is in said first operative configuration.

The protective cover can comprise attachment means for attaching the protective cover to the vehicle when in said first operative configuration.

The protective cover can comprise a first major surface for positioning adjacent to the vehicle accessory when the protective cover is in said first operative configuration. One or more storage compartments can be disposed on said first major surface. The one or more storage compartments can be accessible when the protective cover is in said second operative configuration. Alternatively, or in addition, the protective cover can comprise fastening means for releasably mounting a storage unit to the protective cover. The fastening means can be provided on said first major surface.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention there is provided a protective cover for a vehicle accessory to be mounted in an aperture of a vehicle, the protective cover comprising: a centre panel; first and second longitudinal flaps; and first and second lateral flaps; wherein the protective cover can be arranged in a first operative configuration and a second operative configuration; and in the first operative configuration, the first and second lateral flaps are folded inwardly over the centre panel for protecting the lateral ends of the vehicle accessory; and in the second operative configuration, the first and second lateral flaps are folded outwardly for protecting the lateral edges of the tailgate.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a combination of a protective cover as claimed in any preceding claim and a vehicle accessory. The vehicle accessory can be a temporary seating assembly comprising one or more seats mounted to a support frame.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a tailgate seating apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a support frame of the tailgate seating apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the support frame shown in Figure 2; Figures 4 and 5 show the tailgate seating apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention disposed in a vehicle; Figures 6A-C illustrate the sequence for mounting the tailgate seating apparatus to the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 illustrates an alternate arrangement in which a storage unit is mounted to the support frame in accordance with a further aspect of the present invention; Figure 8 shows a protective cover for the tailgate seating apparatus in accordance with a further aspect of the present invention; Figures 9A-9E illustrates the steps for reconfiguring the protective cover shown in Figure 8 to perform different functions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A tailgate seating apparatus 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying Figures. The apparatus 1 is configured for mounting to a vehicle 3 to provide a recreational or social seat to be used when the vehicle 3 is stationary. In the present embodiment, the apparatus 1 is configured to locate within a tailgate aperture A of the vehicle 3.

The apparatus 1 is described herein with reference to the major axes of the vehicle 3, namely: a longitudinal axis X, a transverse axis Y and a vertical axis Z (shown in Figure 1) Furthermore, references herein to left and right refer to the corresponding sides of the vehicle 3 when looking from the rear of the vehicle towards the front.

As shown in Figure 1, the apparatus 1 comprises a support frame 5 adapted to be releasably mounted to the vehicle 3. The support frame 5 in the present embodiment is made from extruded aluminium sections arranged in a lattice structure, as described herein.

The apparatus 1 also comprises left and right seats 7L, 7R mounted to the support frame 5.

The left and right seats 7L, 7R both have the same configuration but only the left seat 7L will be described herein for brevity.

The seat 7L comprises a base (cushion) element 9 pivotally mounted to a back (squab) element 11. The base element 9 comprises a resilient base support member (not shown); and the back element 11 comprises a resilient back support member (not shown).

The support members define the contours of the associated components of the first seat 7.

The base element 9 is attached to the support frame 5 to inhibit longitudinal movement of the seat 7L. The base support member has a convex profile for supporting the user's thighs.

A plurality of woven webbing straps extend longitudinally from the front to the back of the base element 9 help to maintain the convex profile of the base support member. In the present embodiment, the back support member and the base support member are made of saddle leather which is trimmed with automotive grade leather. An intermediate layer of foam can optionally be provided between the saddle leather and the automotive grade leather to provide additional cushioning.

A reinforcing element in the form of a rigid rod (not shown) is mounted across a front edge of the base support member to carry a foot support 13. The foot support 13 is supported at each end by an adjustable strap 15 to allow the height of the foot support 13 relative to the base element 9 of the first seat 7 to be adjusted. In the present embodiment, a hook 16 is mounted to each end of the transverse rod for receiving a loop formed in the adjustable straps 15 to support the foot support 13. A resilient facing material can be applied to a back face of each hook 16 to prevent damage to the bodywork of the vehicle 3.

As shown in Figure 2, the support frame 5 comprises an upper extendible member 17 and a lower extendible member 19. The upper extendible member 17 has a first longitudinal central axis Yl and the lower extendible member 19 has a second longitudinal central axis Y2. The first and second longitudinal central axes Yl, Y2 are arranged substantially parallel to each other and, when the apparatus 1 is installed in the vehicle 3, extend transversely across the vehicle 3 substantially parallel to the transverse axis Y thereof.

The width of the support frame 5 can be adjusted by varying the lateral extent of the upper and extendible members 17, 19. The upper extendible member 17 comprises left and right outer sections 17L, 17R which both receive a portion of an upper centre piece 170 in a telescopic arrangement. Similarly, the lower extendible member 19 comprises left and right outer sections 19L, 19R which both receive a portion of a lower centre piece 19C in a telescopic arrangement. The upper and lower centre pieces 170, 190 each comprise stop members (not shown) to limit the relative travel of the respective outer sections 17L, 17R, 19L, 19R. The width of the support frame Scan be reduced for storage and increased to the required length when the apparatus 1 is to be installed. It will be appreciated that other arrangements can be implemented to adjust the length of the upper and lower extendible members 17, 19.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the support frame 5 comprises mounting means in the form of left and right frame striker pins 21L, 21R disposed at respective ends of the lower extendible member 19. The frame striker pins 21L, 21R are arranged co-axially with the second longitudinal central axis Y2. An end piece 23 is mounted in each end of the lower extendible member 19 to support the left and right frame striker pins 21L, 21R.

The upper extendible member 21 comprises locating means in the form of left and right locating arms 25L, 25R disposed at respective ends of the upper extendible member 21. The locating arms 25L, 25R are configured to locate in drainage channels provided on each side of the tailgate aperture A in which the apparatus 1 is installed. In use, the locating arms 25L, 25R space the upper extendible member 17 apart from the vehicle 3 to prevent damage to a rubber seal (not shown) or the like provided around the door aperture. The locating arms 25L, 25R also determine the angular orientation of the back element 11 of the seats 7. The angular position and/or length of the locating arms 25L, 25R could be adjustable to allow the orientation of the back element 11 to be adjusted. A resilient facing material, for example made of leather or an elastomeric material, can be provided on each of the locating arms 25L, 25R to prevent damage to the vehicle 3.

A first pair of upright frame members 27L is provided on the left hand side of the support frame 5; and a second pair of upright frame members 27R is provided on the right hand side of the support frame 5. The first and second pairs of upright frame members 27L, 27R are associated with the left and right seats 7L, 7R and provide support for the corresponding back elements ilL, 11 R. The upright frame members 27L, 27R each have a fixed length (i.e. they are not extendible) in the present embodiment. A locating foot 29 is mounted at a lower end of each upright frame member 27L, 27R for engaging a floor of the vehicle 3. Each locating foot 29 has a curved profile to facilitate pivoting of the support frame into position.

The apparatus 1 is configured to locate within a tailgate aperture A of the vehicle 3, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. The tailgate aperture A is provided at the rear of the vehicle 3 and provides access to a load space in the vehicle 3. A door closure element in the form of a tailgate 31 is provided to close the tailgate aperture A. In the present embodiment, the vehicle 3 has a split tailgate 31 comprising an upper tailgate 33 and a lower tailgate 35. The upper tailgate 33 is mounted to a vehicle body structure 37 by hinges (not shown) disposed along its upper edge so as to pivot upwardly to an open position. The lower tailgate 35 is mounted to the vehicle body structure 37 by hinges (not shown) disposed along its lower edge so as to pivot downwardly to an open position. When it is open, the lower tailgate 35 provides a substantially horizontally platform. A support cable 39 extends from the vehicle body structure 37 to the distal end of the lower tailgate 35. The support cables 39 provide additional support for the lower tailgate 35 when it is open.

The vehicle body structure 37 comprises fixing means in the form of left and right latching mechanisms 41L, 41R. The latching mechanisms 41L, 41R are fixedly mounted to the vehicle body structure 37 and arranged releasably to engage the tailgate striker pins 43L, 43R to secure the lower tailgate 35 in its closed (i.e. upright) position in a conventional manner. The left and right frame striker pins 21 L, 21 R disposed on the support frame 5 are arranged also to cooperate with the latching mechanisms 41 L, 41 R. Thus, the support frame 5 can be mounted in the tailgate aperture A by employing the existing latching mechanisms 41L, 41R used to secure the lower tailgate 35 in its closed position. The latching mechanisms 41 L, 41 R are electromechanically operated and can be released remotely, for example using a key fob (not shown) associated with the vehicle 3 or by operating a release button 43 provided on the lower tailgate 35. It will be appreciated that a separate set of latching mechanisms could be provided on the vehicle 3 for mounting the support frame 5.

The mounting of the apparatus 1 to the vehicle 3 will now be described with reference to Figures BA-C. The lower tailgate 35 is lowered to its open position and the upper tailgate 33 is raised to its open position, thereby opening the tailgate aperture A. The apparatus 1 is initially in a folded configuration for storage in which the base elements 9 are arranged in face-to-face contact with the back elements 11, as shown in Figure 6A. The apparatus 1 is positioned on the lower tailgate 35 in its folded configuration such that the hooks 16 are located at (or rearwardly of) the longitudinal edge of the lower tailgate 35 (i.e. the rearmost edge of the lower tailgate 35).

The support frame 5 and the back assemblies 11 are then pivoted upwardly about the locating feet 29 disposed at the base of the upright frame members 27L, 27R. The left and right frame striker pins 21L, 21R provided on the support frame bare displaced into the respective left and right latch mechanisms 41L, 41R, as shown in Figure 68. The latch mechanisms 41 L, 41 R mechanically engage the corresponding frame striker pins 21 L, 21 R and retain the support frame 5 in position, as shown in Figure 6C. The latch mechanisms 41 L, 41 R thereby positively locate the support frame 5 and inhibit movement relative to the vehicle 3. The use of frame striker pins 21L, 21R on the support frame 5 (rather than U-shaped hoops or bolts) permits a limited amount of rotational movement of the frame once the frame striker pins 21L, 21R are located in the latch mechanisms 41L, 41R. This rotational movement enables the support frame 5 to be pivoted such that the locating arms 25L, 25R locate in the respective drainage channels formed on each side of the tailgate aperture A. The locating arms 25L, 25R abut the vehicle body structure 37 to prevent forward movement of the upper extendible member 17 (thereby inhibiting rotation of the support frame 5). Similarly, the locating feet 29 engage the floor of the load bay to limit movement of the lower extendible member 19 and to limit longitudinal movement of the base 9 of each seat 7L, 7R. The foot support 13 is then attached to the base element 9 by locating the adjustable straps 15 on the corresponding hooks 16.

Optionally, an electronic control unit (not shown) provided in the vehicle 3 could be manually or automatically configuring to identify that the apparatus 1 is mounted to the vehicle 3. The electronic control unit could be configured to inhibit one or more vehicle functions when the apparatus 1 is installed.

As illustrated in Figure 5, when the apparatus us mounted to the vehicle 3, a user U can sit in the seat 7. The apparatus 1 is intended to provide a social seat for use when the vehicle 3 is stationary. The weight of the user is at least partially supported by the lower tailgate 35 and the support cables 39. A centre console 45 can optionally be provided between the left and right seats 7L, 7R, as shown in Figure 4. The centre console 45 can be mounted directly to the support frame 5 and can provide one or more storage compartments.

Furthermore, the apparatus 1 can have only one seat, as shown in Figure 5.

In order to remove the apparatus 1, the release button 43 is depressed to release the left and right latching mechanisms 41L, 41R. The frame striker pins 21L, 21R can thereby be removed from the latching mechanisms 41L, 41R and the support frame 5 pivoted into its folded position for storage.

It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the apparatus 1 described herein without departing from the scope of the present application.

For example, it will be appreciated that the apparatus described herein can be used for functions other than providing a social or temporary seat 7. A further aspect of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 7. In this embodiment, a storage unit a storage unit 47 is mounted to the support frame 5. The storage unit 47 comprises one or more drawers 49 and a cupboard 51. The storage unit 47 can be used for storing sporting equipment, such as firearms, fishing rods, golf clubs or polo equipment. Alternatively or in addition, the storage unit 47 could provide a cooler unit for storing beverages, such as champagne.

In a further alternative, the support flame 5 could provide a removable support for mounting filming or photographic equipment to the vehicle 3.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a dual-function protective cover 101 for use in conjunction with the apparatus 1 described herein.

The protective cover 101 can operatively be arranged in a first operative configuration for protecting the apparatus 1; and in a second operative configuration for protecting the lower tailgate 35 and at least a portion of the floor of the vehicle load bay. The protective cover 101 will now be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9A-E.

As shown in Figure 8, the protective cover 101 comprises a centre panel 103, first and second lateral flaps 105, 107 disposed at each end of the centre panel 103, and first and second longitudinal flaps 109, 111 extending along respective sides of the centre panel 103. In the first operative configuration, the lateral flaps 105, 107 and the longitudinal flaps 109, 111 are folded inwardly over the centre panel 103 to form a protective cover around the apparatus 1. In the second operative configuration, the lateral flaps 105, 107 and the longitudinal flaps 109, 111 are folded outwardly to form a protective cover for the lower tailgate 3 of the vehicle 3. In the second operative configuration, the apparatus 1 can be mounted to the vehicle 3 for use, as described herein.

The protective cover 101 has a flexible layered structure formed by an inner layer 113 and an outer layer 115. The inner layer 113 defines a first major surface for positioning adjacent to the vehicle accessory when the protective cover is in said first operative configuration. The outer layer 115 defines a second major surface for positioning adjacent to the floor of the vehicle load bay when the protective cover is in said second operative configuration. The inner layer 113 can comprise a woven material, such as wool or cotton, having a relatively soft finish. The outer layel 115 can comprise a material having a hard-wearing finish to facilitate cleaning, such as leather or waxed cotton.

An intermediate layer of foam (not shown) is disposed between the inner and outer layers 113, 115 to provide padding. The inner and outer layers 113, 115 (and the intermediate layer, if present) can be stitched together. In the illustrated arrangement the stitching defines a diamond-shaped pattern. A region of the protective cover 101 can remain un-padded (for example by forming an aperture in the intermediate layer) to identify a location of the button 43 on the lower tailgate 35 for releasing the latching mechanisms 41 L, 41R. Alternative techniques can be used to indicate the location of the button 43. For example, the stitching can form a marker, such as a frame, a window or other device, to identify the location of the button 43. Alternatively, an aperture can be formed in the protective cover 101 for alignment with the button 43 when the protective cover 101 is in an operative position with the centre panel 103 located at least partially to overlie the lower tailgate 35.

The centre panel 103 is rectangular and extends along a central longitudinal axis AA. The centre panel 103 is dimensioned at least substantially to match the plan form of the apparatus 1. The first and second lateral flaps 105, 107 extend along the transverse sides of the centre panel 103 (i.e. those sides extending generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis AA). The first and second longitudinal flaps 109, 111 extend along the longitudinal sides of the centre panel 103 (i.e. those sides extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis AA). The second longitudinal flap 111 is dimensioned at least substantially to match the plan form of the floor of the load bay of the vehicle 3 proximal to the tailgate aperture A. The breadth of the first longitudinal flap 109 is less than that of the second longitudinal flap 111.

An elongate aperture 117 is formed in each of the lateral flaps 105, 107 to receive the support cable 39 provided on the vehicle to support the lower tailgate 35. The elongate apertures 117 in the present embodiment are slits extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis AA of the centre panel 103.

An access aperture 119 is formed in the first longitudinal flap 109 to provide user access to the apparatus 1 when the protective cover 101 is in said second operative configuration. In particular, the access aperture 119 aligns with the upper and/or lower extendible members 17, 19. A user can thereby grip the upper extendible member 17 through said access aperture 119 to facilitate handling of the apparatus 1 and the protective cover 1.

The protective cover 101 is shown in said second operative configuration in Figure 9. The apparatus 1 is mounted to the vehicle 3 as described herein and the protective cover 101 serves to protect the lower tailgate 35. The centre panel 103 is positioned on the lower tailgate 35 and the lateral flaps 105, 107 are folded outwardly. In this arrangement, the lateral flaps 105, 107 extend over the respective lateral edges of the lower tailgate 35. The lateral sides of the lower tailgate 35 are thereby protected by the lateral flaps 105, 107. The support cables 39 on each side of the vehicle 3 locate in the elongate apertures 117.

Furthermore, the first longitudinal flap 109 is folded outwardly to extend over a longitudinal edge of the lower tailgate 35. The distal (outer) side of the lower tailgate 35 (i.e. the side of the lower tailgate which, when the tailgate is open, depends downwardly from the longitudinal edge and which is) are thereby protected by said first longitudinal flap 109. The second longitudinal flap 11 extends into the load bay of the vehicle 3 and extends over a portion of the floor of the load bay. In this position, the second longitudinal flap 11 protects the region of the load bay adjacent to the tailgate aperture A. To re-configure the protective cover 101 from said second operative configuration to said first operative configuration, the apparatus 1 is first released from the vehicle 3 as described herein. The upper and lower extendible members 117, 119 are contracted to reduce the total length of the apparatus 1. The base 9L, 9R and the back elements ilL, 11 R of the seats 7 are then folded to a face-to-face arrangement for storage.

The folded apparatus 1 is then positioned over the centre panel 103 of the protective covel 101, as shown in Figure 9A. The lateral flaps 105, 107 are then folded over the lateral ends of the apparatus 1, as shown in Figure 9B. The second longitudinal flap ill is then folded inwardly over the centre panel 103 to extend over the top of the apparatus 101, as shown in Figure 9C. As shown in Figure 9D, the first longitudinal flap 109 is then folded inwardly over the centre panel 103 such that the access aperture 119 aligns with a centre section of the upper extendible member 17 to allow a user to grip the apparatus 1 for handling. The protective cover 101 encloses the apparatus 1 and the combined assembly can be stowed within the load bay of the vehicle 3. The first and second longitudinal flaps 109, 111 can be secured in position by a suitable fastener extending therebetween, for example a pair of clips 121 as shown in Figure 9E.

A mounting means in the form of a mechanical latch or fastener (not shown) can be provided on the outside of the protective cover 101 for releasably mounting the protective cover 101 and the apparatus 1 to the back of the rearmost row of seats 123 in the vehicle, as shown in Figure 9E.

To mount the apparatus 1 to the vehicle 3, the combined protective cover 101 and the apparatus 1 are positioned such that the centre panel 103 at least substantially aligns with the lower tailgate 35. The steps illustrated in Figures 9A-9E are then performed in reverse to reconfigure the protective cover 101 to said second operative configuration. The apparatus 1 can then be mounted to the vehicle 3 with the protective 101 in its final intended position.

It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the protective cover 101 described herein. For example, fixing means can be provided on an inside of the protective cover to secure accessories to the protective cover 101. For example, a console, storage compartment or the like can be secured by said fixing means.

The fixing means can, for example, take the form of one or more of the following: a hook and loop type fastener, a buckle, a series of studs or buttons, a zip fastener etc. Further aspects of the present invention are set out in the following set of numbered paragraphs.

1. A protective cover for a vehicle accessory to be mounted in an aperture of a vehicle, the protective cover comprising: a centre panel; first and second longitudinal flaps; and first and second lateral flaps; wherein the protective cover can be arranged in a first operative configuration and a second operative configuration; and in the first operative configuration, the first and second lateral flaps are folded inwardly over the centre panel such that, in use, the lateral flaps are folded over lateral ends of the vehicle accessory to form a protective cover; and in the second operative configuration, the first and second lateral flaps are folded outwardly, such that, in use, when the centre panel is positioned at least partially to overlie a tailgate of a vehicle, the lateral flaps extend over the lateral edges of the tailgate to cover the sides of the tailgate.

2. A protective cover as described in paragraph 1, wherein, in said first operative configuration, the first and second longitudinal flaps are folded inwardly over the centre panel such that, in use, the longitudinal flaps are folded over the longitudinal edges of a vehicle accessory.

3. A protective cover as described in paragraph 1, wherein, in said second operative configuration, the first longitudinal flap is folded outwardly such that, in use, when the centre panel is positioned at least partially to overlie a tailgate of a vehicle, the first longitudinal flap extends over a longitudinal edge of the tailgate to cover a distal edge of the tailgate.

4. A protective cover as described in paragraph 3, wherein, in said second operative configuration, the second longitudinal flap is folded outwardly such that, in use, when the centre panel is positioned at least partially to overlie a tailgate of a vehicle, the second longitudinal flap extends into a load bay of the vehicle.

5. A protective cover as described in paragraph 4, wherein the second longitudinal flap is larger than the first longitudinal flap.

6. A protective cover as described in paragraph 1, wherein the first and second lateral flaps each comprise an aperture for receiving a tailgate support cable.

7. A protective cover as described in paragraph 1, wherein the protective cover is formed from one or more layers of flexible or pliable material.

8. A protective cover as described in paragraph 7, wherein the protective cover is padded.

9. A protective cover as described in paragraph 8, wherein a section of the protective cover is un-padded to identify, in use, when the centre panel is positioned on a tailgate of a vehicle, a location of a button disposed on the tailgate when the protective cover is in said second operative configuration.

10. A protective cover as described in paragraph 1, comprising an aperture to enable a user to grip the vehicle accessory when the protective cover is in said first operative configuration.

11. A protective cover as described in paragraph 1, comprising an attachment device for attaching the protective cover to the vehicle when in said first operative configuration.

12. A protective cover as described in paragraph 1, comprising a first major surface for positioning adjacent to the vehicle accessory when the protective cover is in said first operative configuration.

13. A protective cover as described in paragraph 12, comprising one or more storage compartments disposed on said first major surface, the one or more storage compartments being accessible when the protective cover is in said second operative configuration.

14. A protective cover as described in paragraph 12, comprising a fastening device for releasably mounting a storage unit to the protective cover, said fastening device being provided on said first major surface.

15. The combination of a protective cover as described in paragraph 1 and a vehicle accessory.

16. The combination described in paragraph 15, wherein said vehicle accessory is a temporary seating assembly comprising one or more seats mounted to a support frame.

17. A protective cover for a vehicle accessory to be mounted in an aperture of a vehicle, the protective cover comprising: a centre panel; first and second longitudinal flaps; and first and second lateral flaps; wherein the protective cover can be arranged in a first operative configuration and a second operative configuration; and in the first operative configuration, the first and second lateral flaps are folded inwardly over the centre panel for protecting the lateral ends of the vehicle accessory; and in the second operative configuration, the first and second lateral flaps are folded outwardly for protecting the lateral edges of the tailgate.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A protective cover for a vehicle accessory to be mounted in an aperture of a vehicle, the protective cover comprising: a centre panel; first and second longitudinal flaps; and first and second lateral flaps; wherein the protective cover can be arranged in a first operative configuration and a second operative configuration; and in the first operative configuration, the first and second lateral flaps are folded inwardly over the centre panel such that, in use, the lateral flaps are folded over lateral ends of the vehicle accessory to form a protective cover; and in the second operative configuration, the first and second lateral flaps are folded outwardly, such that, in use, when the centre panel is positioned at least partially to overlie a tailgate of a vehicle, the lateral flaps extend over the lateral edges of the tailgate to at least partially cover the lateral sides of the tailgate.
2. A protective cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in said first operative configuration, the first and second longitudinal flaps are folded inwardly over the centre panel such that, in use, the longitudinal flaps are folded over the longitudinal edges of a vehicle accessory.
3. A protective cover as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, in said second operative configuration, the first longitudinal flap is folded outwardly such that, in use, when the centre panel is positioned at least partially to overlie a tailgate of a vehicle, the first longitudinal flap extends over a longitudinal edge of the tailgate to at least partially cover a distal side of the tailgate.
4. A protective cover as claimed in claim 3, wherein, in said second operative configuration, the second longitudinal flap is folded outwardly such that, in use, when the centre panel is positioned at least partially to overlie a tailgate of a vehicle, the second longitudinal flap extends into a load bay of the vehicle.
5. A protective cover as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second longitudinal flap is larger than the first longitudinal flap.
6. A protective cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second lateral flaps each comprise an aperture for receiving a tailgate support cable.
7. A protective cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective cover is formed from one or more layers of flexible or pliable material.
8. A protective cover as claimed in claim 7, wherein the protective cover is padded.
9. A protective cover as claimed in claim 8, wherein a section of the protective cover is un-padded to identify, in use, when the centre panel is positioned on a tailgate of a vehicle, a location of a button disposed on the tailgate when the protective cover is in said second operative configuration.
10. A protective cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising an aperture to enable a user to grip the vehicle accessory when the protective cover is in said first operative configuration.
11. A protective cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising attachment means for attaching the protective cover to the vehicle when in said first operative configuration.
12. A protective cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising a first major surface for positioning adjacent to the vehicle accessory when the protective cover is in said first operative configuration.
13. A protective cover as claimed in claim 12, comprising one or more storage compartments disposed on said first major surface, the one or more storage compartments being accessible when the protective cover is in said second operative configuration.
14. A protective cover as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, comprising fastening means for releasably mounting a storage unit to the protective cover, said fastening means being provided on said first major surface.
15. The combination of a protective cover as claimed in any preceding claim and a vehicle accessory.
16. The combination of claim 15, wherein said vehicle accessory is a temporary seating assembly comprising one or more seats mounted to a support frame.
17. A protective cover for a vehicle accessory to be mounted in an aperture of a vehicle, the protective cover comprising: a centre panel; first and second longitudinal flaps; and first and second lateral flaps; wherein the protective cover can be arranged in a first operative configuration and a second operative configuration; and in the first operative configuration, the first and second lateral flaps are folded inwardly over the centre panel for protecting the lateral ends of the vehicle accessory; and in the second operative configuration, the first and second lateral flaps are folded outwardly for protecting the lateral sides of the tailgate.
18. A protective cover substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying Figures.