Cover with weighted base for protecting objects

Abstract

The invention relates to a cover for protecting objects from outside interference, such as wind, rain or animals. The cover is self standing, completely enclosing any shape or size of object to be protected and is generally stackable one on top of another. The shape and size of the cover may depend on the shapes and sizes of the objects to be protected. The cover comprises generally a flexible body made of tarpaulin like material or a rigid body made of sheet metal or plastic connected to a weighted base. The base may be formed with a hollow annular bead extending from the lower part of the peripheral edge of the body and filled by weighting materials such as chain or any other flexible ballast means. The cover is also provided with handles for ease of deployment and movement.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A cover for covering an object or an area, comprising: 
 a hollow body made of a flexible sheet material and having a peripheral lower edge;    weight means arranged along at least some portions of the peripheral lower edge of the body;    means for securing said weight means to the peripheral edge of said body,    the securing means being formed by an annular bead formed from part of the peripheral edge of the body and arranged to contain the weight means, said bead and the weight means contained therein forming a weighted peripheral base of the cover; wherein    the weighted base of the cover holds the cover securely over an object or area on a ground, floor or other surface on which the cover is placed to limit movement of the cover due to external forces.    
     
     
         2 . A cover for covering an object or an area, as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the body is formed of tarpaulin or heavy gauge plastic material.  
     
     
         3 . A cover for covering an object or an area, as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the body is shaped to minimize wind resistance, whereby to mitigate possible sliding or tipping movement of the cover during high wind conditions.  
     
     
         4 . A cover for covering an object or an area, as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the body is substantially conical or pyramidal in shape.  
     
     
         5 . A cover for covering an object or an area, as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein at least one portion of the body is made of transparent or translucent material, so that the presence or otherwise of the object within the cover may be noted.  
     
     
         6 . A cover for covering an object or an area, as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the bead is generally circular in cross-section.  
     
     
         7 . A cover for covering an object or an area, as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the weight means is flexible and facilitates unbroken contact between the weighted base and the profile of the ground, floor or other surface on which the cover is placed.  
     
     
         8 . A cover for covering an object or an area, as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the weight means is arranged continuously around the entire peripheral lower edge of the body.  
     
     
         9 . A cover for covering an object or an area, as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the flexible weight means comprises a continuous metal chain.  
     
     
         10 . A cover for covering an object or an area, as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the body is provided with at least one handle attached to the body for easy transportation of the cover.  
     
     
         11 . A cover for covering an object or an area, comprising: 
 a hollow body made of a rigid sheet material and having a peripheral lower edge;    weight means arranged along at least some portions of the peripheral lower edge of the body;    means for securing said weight means to the peripheral edge of said body,    the securing means being formed by an annular bead formed from part of the peripheral edge of the body and arranged to contain the weight means, said bead and the weight means contained therein forming a weighted peripheral base of the cover; wherein    the weighted base of the cover holds the cover securely over an object or area on a ground, floor or other surface on which the cover is placed to limit movement of the cover due to external forces.    
     
     
         12 . A cover for covering an object or an area, as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein the body is made of metal.  
     
     
         13 . A cover for covering an object or an area, as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein at least one portion of the body is made of transparent or translucent material, so that the presence or otherwise of the object within the cover may be noted.  
     
     
         14 . A cover for covering an object or an area, as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein the body is shaped to minimize wind resistance, whereby to mitigate possible sliding or tipping movement of the cover during high wind conditions.  
     
     
         15 . A cover for covering an object or an area, as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein the body is substantially conical or pyramidal in shape.  
     
     
         16 . A cover for covering an object or an area, as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein the bead is generally circular in cross-section.  
     
     
         17 . A cover for covering an object or an area, as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein the weight means is arranged continuously around the entire peripheral lower edge of the body.  
     
     
         18 . A cover for covering an object or an area, as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein the weight means is flexible and facilitates unbroken contact between the weighted base and the profile of the ground, floor or other surface on which the cover is placed.  
     
     
         19 . A cover for covering an object or an area, as claimed in  claim 18 , wherein the flexible weight means comprises a continuous metal chain.  
     
     
         20 . A cover for covering an object or an area, as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein said body is provided with at least one handle attached to the body for easy transportation of the cover.