Variable tension fastening system for vehicle covers

Abstract

According to the present invention, there is provided a variable tension fastener for attaching, and tensioning, a cover over a vehicle. The two piece fastening system includes a first member for attachment to a peripheral portion of a vehicle and a second member for attachment to a cover, one of the members comprising a loop, and the other of the members comprising a hinged lever pivotal about a pivot and including a male member for extending through the loop and having a series of transverse recesses spaced sequentially from a pivot for selective engagement with the loop, where pivoting of the lever about the pivot, to a closed position, tensions the cover and attaches the cover to the vehicle.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to fasteners, and more specifically to a variable tension fastener system for vehicle covers. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] It has become apparent that the current methods of attaching canvas tops to vehicles, (for example, boats, trucks, jeeps and other recreational or commercial vehicles), are insufficient when the canvas or other cover material loses its elasticity, such as due to age or cold weather. For example, canvas or other similar covering materials tend to lose their ability to tension or lose its “stretch” as it ages, and a cover or top might not fit the vehicle that it was designed for in only a matter of years after being exposed to the elements. This presents a problem in that it requires great strength and finesse to attach, for example, a boat top when one needs it most, either at night when it is colder or in rainy and cold conditions. Often, it is not the entire top that does not fit, but rather only...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stand-alone fastening system installed in place of existing fasteners in hard to close areas of the cover. It would be attached to the fabric in much the same way as a conventional dome fastener. The vehicle-mounted side of the fastener would simply be attached through suitable means, ie a screw or the like, to the vehicle. This would allow for simple and easy installation at the assembly stage from a manufacturers point of view.

[0006] Alternatively, either of the above embodiments could be used in any combination to achieve the desired result. Both male and female sides of the fastener could be either used on the fabric or canvas or the hull itself depending on the required installation. Both embodiments are adapted to alleviate the lack of stretch in a given area and could be attached to the hull and fabric as required.

Problems solved by technology

It has become apparent that the current methods of attaching canvas tops to vehicles, (for example, boats, trucks, jeeps and other recreational or commercial vehicles), are insufficient when the canvas or other cover material loses its elasticity, such as due to age or cold weather.

For example, canvas or other similar covering materials tend to lose their ability to tension or lose its “stretch” as it ages, and a cover or top might not fit the vehicle that it was designed for in only a matter of years after being exposed to the elements.

This presents a problem in that it requires great strength and finesse to attach, for example, a boat top when one needs it most, either at night when it is colder or in rainy and cold conditions.

Often, it is not the entire top that does not fit, but rather only a portion located in the highest stretch areas, that also unfortunately, give the top structure its strength.

These two sides are supposed to easily attach to each other but with age and repeated use, this is not always so easy a task.

Images