Cover for Toy Cars and Methods of Making the Same

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/633,802, filed Apr. 14, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The invention disclosed herein resides within the field of protective covers and accessories for toy cars.

Toy cars are beloved among children and collectors alike, with a vast array of models available in various scale sizes and designs. However, protecting these cherished possessions from dust, scratches, and other damage while maintaining their aesthetic appeal presents a significant challenge to enthusiasts and collectors. Traditional covers often fall short in accommodating the diverse shapes and sizes of toy cars available in the market, leading to poor fitting and inadequate protection. The market offers toy cars in a wide range of shapes and sizes, from small miniature cars to larger collectible models. Finding a cover that fits snugly on each unique shape and size can be daunting, as traditional covers may not provide the necessary flexibility. Standard covers may not provide sufficient protection against dust, scratches, and other potential damages. Ill-fitting covers leave gaps that allow dust and debris to accumulate, potentially damaging the toy car's exterior. While protection is paramount, enthusiasts also seek to enhance the visual appeal of their toy cars. Traditional covers often lack decorative elements, leaving the toy car's appearance unchanged or uninspired.

An elasticized cover for toy cars in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention addresses the aforementioned challenges by offering a versatile and visually appealing solution. By incorporating elastic along the boundary of the cover, it can stretch and conform to the shape of toy cars of varying sizes and shapes. This ensures a snug and secure fit, providing optimal protection against dust, scratches, and other damages. The cover is available in multiple sizes, catering to different scale sizes of toy cars available in the market. This versatility allows enthusiasts to find the perfect fit for their specific model car, regardless of its dimensions. In addition to its functional benefits, the cover integrates decorative elements such as patterns, colors, or graphics. These decorative features add a personalized touch to the toy car, enhancing its visual appeal and reflecting the owner's individual style and preferences.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the cover features elastic integrated along its perimeter. This elastic band enables the cover to stretch and conform to the shape of the toy car, ensuring a snug and secure fit. Regardless of the toy car's size or shape, the elasticized boundary allows the cover to adapt accordingly, providing optimal protection. The cover comes in multiple sizes to accommodate toy cars of different scale sizes available in the market. This includes models ranging from small 1:64 scale replicas to larger 1:18 scale collectible cars. By offering a range of sizes, the cover ensures that enthusiasts can find the perfect fit for their specific model car, regardless of its dimensions.

In addition to its functional benefits, the cover incorporates decorative elements to enhance the visual appeal of the toy car. These decorative features can include patterns, colors, graphics, or themed designs. These elements can be directly integrated into the fabric of the cover or applied using printing or embroidery techniques. This customization allows enthusiasts to personalize their toy cars, reflecting their individual style and preferences.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the elasticized boundary ensures that the cover tightly fits toy cars of any shape and size, providing optimal protection against dust, scratches, and other damages. With various sizes available, the cover caters to a wide range of model cars, from miniature replicas to larger collectible models. This versatility ensures that enthusiasts can find the perfect fit for their specific toy car. The incorporation of decorative elements adds visual appeal to the toy car, making it more attractive and personalized. Whether through intricate patterns, vibrant colors, or themed designs, the cover allows enthusiasts to customize their toy cars to suit their individual tastes.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are particularly focuses on covers designed to snugly fit toy cars of various shapes and sizes. The field encompasses protective measures to shield toy cars from dust, scratches, and other damages while also enhancing their visual appeal through decorative elements. This invention specifically addresses the challenges associated with providing a universal cover solution for toy cars, accommodating different scale sizes and shapes available in the market. By incorporating elastic along the boundary of the cover, along with various sizing options and decorative features, the invention caters to the diverse needs of toy car enthusiasts and collectors, ensuring both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

The present invention pertains to an elasticized cover specifically designed for toy cars, addressing the challenges of accommodating various shapes and sizes while enhancing the visual appeal of the covered toy car. This cover is a versatile solution catering to the needs of toy car enthusiasts and collectors.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention. These and other features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

With reference now to the drawings, and in particular totothereof, an elasticized cover for toy cars embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention is described.

Reference is made now to, illustrating an exemplary embodimentof the toy car coverpresenting a crucial aspect of its design, highlighting key features that contribute to its functionality and effectiveness in providing protection and aesthetic enhancement to toy cars. Along the perimeter of the cover, visible from the bottom view, is the elasticized boundary, which may be in the form of an elastic band. This elastic bandis seamlessly integrated into the fabric of the cover, ensuring a snug and secure fit around the base of the toy car. The elasticity of this boundary allows the cover to stretch and conform to the shape of the toy car, accommodating various sizes and shapes with ease. In exemplary embodiments, in addition to or as an alternative to the use of an elastic band, the covermay be provided with form fitting components, such as, for example, drawstrings, magnets, zippers, hook and loop attachments and snap buttons, to name a few. In exemplary embodiments, the cover may be formed using form-fitting, non-stretch molds that contour precisely to the object.

The bottom view reveals the durable and flexible fabric materialused in constructing the cover. This fabricis selected for its ability to provide both protection and flexibility, ensuring that the toy car is shielded from dust, scratches, and other damages while allowing for easy manipulation and fitting. Close examination of the bottom view showcases the precision stitching employed in securing the elasticized boundary and other components of the cover. The stitching is reinforced to withstand repeated use and stretching, ensuring the longevity and durability of the cover. In some embodiments, size labels or indicators may be included on the bottom view of the cover. These labels help enthusiasts easily identify the appropriate size of the cover for their specific model car, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal protection.

Reference is made now to, illustrating an embodimentof the present invention illustrating how the elasticized coverfor toy cars is used to protect and enhance the aesthetic appeal of toy cars, along with the provision of separate covers available for different scale sizes of model car replicas. Before applying the cover, the enthusiast selects the appropriate size based on the scale size of their toy car model. The coveris available in multiple sizes, ranging from 1:64 to 1:18 scale replicas, ensuring a perfect fit for various model car dimensions. The toy car is placed on a flat, clean surface in preparation for covering. Any loose dirt or debris is gently removed from the surface of the toy car to prevent it from being trapped under the cover. With the appropriate size selected, the enthusiast stretches the elasticized boundary of the cover and carefully positions it over the toy car. Starting from the front or rear of the toy car, the cover is gradually pulled over the body of the car, ensuring a snug and secure fit. The elasticized boundaryallows the cover to stretch and conform to the unique shape of the toy car. As the cover is pulled over the body of the car, it adapts to the contours and curves, providing a tight and seamless fit. For toy cars with specific details such as spoilers, mirrors, or antennas, the cover is adjusted to accommodate these features. The elasticized boundary ensures that the cover fits snugly around these details without compromising the overall fit. Depending on the enthusiast's preference, decorative elements such as patterns, colors, or graphics may be integrated into the fabric of the cover. These elements add a personalized touch to the toy car, enhancing its visual appeal while providing protection.

Reference is made now to, illustrating an embodimentof the present invention illustrating a detailed perspective of the bottom view of the toy car cover. Visible from the bottom perspective view is the elasticized boundaryof the cover, seamlessly integrated into the fabric. This elastic bandensures a snug and secure fit around the base of the toy car, preventing the cover from slipping or shifting once applied. The bottom perspective view reveals the durable and flexible fabric material used in constructing the cover. This fabric is carefully selected for its ability to withstand regular use while providing protection against dust, scratches, and other damages.

Reference is made now to, illustrating an embodimentof the toy car cover crafted from a specialized fabric material selected for its durability, flexibility, and protective properties. This fabricis typically a blend of polyester and elastane (or spandex), offering strength, stretchability, and resistance to wear and tear. In exemplary embodiments, the fabricmay be made of materials, such as, for example, nylon-elastane blends, silicone-coated fabric, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) coated textiles, neoprene, spandex (e.g., Lycra) composites, and non-stretch molded polymer, to name a few.

The fabric may also feature a smooth finish to prevent friction and potential damage to the toy car's surface. Integrated into the perimeter of the cover is the elasticized boundary, composed of high-quality elastic material. This elastic band is seamlessly sewn or integrated into the fabric, providing a secure and snug fit around the base of the toy car. The elasticity of the boundary allows the cover to stretch and conform to the contours of the toy car, ensuring optimal coverage and protection. The structural integrity of the cover is reinforced by precision stitching along the seams and edges. This stitching is carefully applied using strong and durable thread, ensuring longevity and resistance to tearing or fraying. Reinforced stitching is particularly crucial at stress points and corners to withstand the tension exerted during stretching and manipulation. The interior lining of the cover features a smooth surface, ensuring that it glides effortlessly over the surface of the toy car during application. This smooth lining minimizes friction and potential damage to the toy car's paint or finish, providing added protection. The fabric material of the coveris typically machine washable, allowing for easy cleaning and maintenance. This ensures that the cover can be kept clean and free from dust or debris, preserving its appearance and protective properties over time.

Reference is made now to, illustrating an embodimentof the elasticized coverbeing fitted onto a toy car, ensuring a snug and secure fit while enhancing the visual appeal of the covered toy car. The enthusiast begins by selecting the appropriate size of the cover based on the scale size of their toy car model. The cover is available in various sizes, ranging from 1:64 to 1:18 scale replicas, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of model car dimensions. Before applying the cover, the toy car is placed on a flat and clean surface. Any loose dirt or debris on the surface of the toy car is gently removed using a soft cloth or brush to ensure a smooth application. The coveris positioned in the correct orientation, with the elasticized boundary facing downwards. This ensures that the elastic band is readily accessible and can be stretched over the base of the toy car during application. Starting from either the front or rear end of the toy car, the enthusiast begins to pull the cover over the body of the car. The elasticized boundary is gently stretched to accommodate the contours and curves of the toy car's shape. As the coveris pulled over the toy car, it is gradually stretched and smoothed over the surface to ensure a tight and secure fit. Care is taken to avoid pulling too forcefully, as this may cause damage to the cover or the toy car. For toy cars with specific features such as spoilers, mirrors, or antennas, the cover is adjusted to accommodate these details. The elasticized boundary allows the cover to fit snugly around these features without compromising the overall fit or appearance. The cover conforms to the unique shape of the toy car, ensuring that it encapsulates the entire body without leaving any gaps or loose areas. The elasticized boundary allows the cover to stretch and adapt to the contours of the toy car, providing optimal coverage and protection. Once the coveris fully applied, any wrinkles or creases are smoothed out to ensure a neat and tidy appearance. Gentle manipulation of the fabric helps to eliminate any imperfections and ensure a seamless fit over the toy car's surface. With the cover securely fitted onto the toy car, final adjustments are made to ensure that it is properly aligned and centered. Any excess fabric is tucked or smoothed out to achieve a polished and refined look. Depending on the design chosen by the enthusiast, decorative elements such as patterns, colors, or graphics may be integrated into the fabric of the cover. These elements add a personalized touch to the toy car, enhancing its visual appeal while providing protection.

In accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the toy car coveris produced using a high precision sublimation printing process, ensuring perfect alignment with the car's contours and structural features.is a flow chart showing the sublimation printing processaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In step Sof the process, the exact shape and dimensions of the mini car cover are captured by utilizing our method of measurement to craft a pattern that will fit the car. The exact shape and dimensions of the mini car are captured using a precise measurement method. This allows for creation of a custom pattern that fits the unique contours of the car. Every curve, wheel arch, and body feature is carefully accounted for, ensuring the pattern aligns perfectly with the car's structure. In exemplary embodiments, the following techniques may be used to measure the car and design the cover based on the measurements: 3D scanning of the car (a 3D scan is performed to capture the exact shape and dimensions of the mini car, including all curves, wheel arches, and structural features); CAD modeling (data from the 3D scan is imported into Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to create a custom pattern that aligns precisely with the car's contours); graphic design tool, such as, for example, CorelDRAW® for design (CorelDRAW is used for the vector-based design of the car cover, allowing for detailed and scalable patterns to be created based on the 3D model and measurements); a graphics editor tool, such as, for example, Adobe® Photoshop®, is used for final adjustments (Photoshop® is utilized for making any final visual adjustments, such as color corrections, graphics, and texture details, to ensure the cover design is perfect before printing); material stretch measurement (the stretch properties of the material used for the car cover are measured to ensure that it will conform to the car's shape when applied, allowing for a perfect fit).

Step Sinvolves digital template creation, in which the scanned data is used to generate a custom digital template that matches the car cover's unique geometry. This template serves as a reference for aligning the design during the printing process. This template mirrors the car's geometry and serves as the reference for aligning the cover's design during the printing and production process. The digital template ensures that the pattern is consistently followed, resulting in a perfect match every time. The final pattern is used to guide the precise cutting and fabrication of the cover. The pattern's exact dimensions are transferred into the manufacturing process, ensuring each cover is consistently made with the same high level of accuracy. This results in a snug, functional fit that not only protects the car but also preserves its design. The cover may be cut from the pattern using, for example, laser-guided or precision CNC fabric cutters.

Then, in step S, the design is printed onto a transfer paper using sublimation inks. The transfer paper is then precisely aligned with the custom template of the car cover to ensure the print follows the exact shape and contours. In step S, a heat press is used to transfer the ink from the transfer paper onto the fabric. The ink vaporizes and bonds with the fibers of the fabric, ensuring a permanent, high-quality print that conforms exactly to the cover's shape and structural features without any damage to the car or material.

By utilizing custom sublimation settings (e.g., temperature, pressure, and ink composition), vibrant, long-lasting colors can be achieved that remain intact even when the cover is stretched or compressed. In this regard, the heat press is preferably set between 190° C. to 210° C. (375° F. to 410° F.), which is the optimal range for sublimation. This temperature ensures that the sublimation ink vaporizes and bonds with the fabric fibers without causing distortion or degradation of the fabric. The precise temperature control is important for ensuring the print's color vibrancy and durability.

The pressure applied during the sublimation process is set between 40 to 60 psi, depending on the fabric and the thickness of the car cover. This consistent pressure ensures even ink transfer across the entire surface of the cover, eliminating any variations in print quality and guaranteeing that the design stays aligned and intact during stretching or compression.

The sublimation ink used is a high-quality, dye-based ink specifically formulated for textile applications. The ink composition is made up of a blend of water-based solvents, colorant dyes, and stabilizing agents to ensure superior vibrancy and resistance to fading. The ink is designed to bond chemically with polyester-based fabrics at the molecular level during the heat transfer process. The ink composition is optimized to resist color degradation even under stress or physical deformation of the fabric. The bonding process ensures that the colorant molecules are deeply embedded within the fibers, so they retain their vibrancy even when the material is stretched, compressed, or exposed to wear and tear.

In exemplary embodiments, the sublimation printing process is optimized to prevent image distortion during application, ensuring the design stays accurate and visually appealing. For example, during the application of heat, the fabric is carefully tensioned and monitored to prevent stretching or warping. The pressure applied by the heat press is calibrated to ensure it does not distort the fabric or cause the design to lose its alignment. By carefully managing the tension during the transfer process, the design is prevented from becoming stretched, compressed, or misaligned, which could compromise the image's quality. After the sublimation process, each mini car cover undergoes a thorough quality control inspection to ensure that the design has been applied properly and that there is no visible distortion. Any discrepancies in alignment, image quality, or color consistency are addressed before the product is finalized.

It should be appreciated that the process of making the covers in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention is not limited to sublimation printing. For example, other techniques may be used, such as, for example, laser printing, UV printing, heat transfer vinyl (HTV), screen printing, and resin-based 3D printing, to name a few.

In exemplary embodiments, manufacturing and finishing processes used to make the cover may include injection molding with embedded design, hydrographic printing (e.g., water transfer printing) and embossing/debossing, to name a few.

The coveris made from a durable, proprietary material designed for flexibility and long-lasting performance. The material is engineered to withstand stretching without losing its integrity, ensuring it maintains its shape and functionality over time. It offers UV resistance, water resistance, and breathability, preserving the cover's condition while maintaining vibrant graphics. The lightweight nature of the material makes it easy to put on and remove from die-cast cars, providing a secure, snug fit every time. In exemplary embodiments, the coveris made of 80-100 wt % polyester fabric base, which provides durability, strength, and color retention, with 5-10 wt % elastomer stretch fibers (e.g., Spandex/Lycra), which adds stretchability and flexibility for a snug fit.

In exemplary embodiments, the fabric is treated with a UV-resistant coating that includes UV inhibitors. This layer helps protect the material from degradation caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can weaken fibers and cause colors to fade. It ensures that the cover maintains its vibrant appearance and provides long-lasting protection against sun exposure.

In exemplary embodiments, the fabric is treated with a water-repellent finish, which may be made from fluoropolymer-based coatings. This finish repels water, preventing moisture from penetrating the fabric, which helps in protecting the die-cast cars from rain or humidity. This treatment also helps the cover dry quickly after exposure to water or moisture, reducing the chances of mold or mildew buildup.

In exemplary embodiments, the fabric includes a breathable microfiber layer that allows air circulation beneath the cover. This is important for preventing condensation and maintaining a moisture-free environment. The breathability of the fabric ensures that the cover does not trap heat or humidity, which could damage the car's finish or promote mold growth.

The combination of lightweight fibers and the specialized treatments keeps the material light and easy to handle, ensuring that the cover can be easily put on or removed without hassle. Despite being lightweight, the fabric is strong enough to withstand wear and tear over time.

In exemplary embodiments, the cover is designed to allow the car to roll while the cover is still on, offering both protection and functionality. Other materials may be used as needed to accommodate specific use cases or customer preferences, ensuring optimal performance. The cover allows the car to roll without interference by providing a slight gap around the wheels and base of the car when placed on it. This intentional gap ensures that the cover doesn't press directly against the wheels or hinder their movement. The cover fits snugly but allows just enough space for the wheels to rotate freely, making it possible to roll the car with the cover still in place.

By creating a loose fit in the areas where the wheels are located, the cover doesn't restrict the car's functionality during play. The material is flexible enough to adapt to the car's movement without creating friction or tension that would stop the wheels from turning. This design ensures that the cover can protect the car while still allowing it to be played with, providing both protection and functionality.

The cover pattern is specifically designed to fit snugly on the toy car, ensuring a perfect alignment with the body and wheels. The cover is tailored to cover the upper body and wheels of the car, but it does not extend underneath the car. This design allows the toy car to roll freely while the cover is still in place, providing protection without interfering with the movement of the wheels.

The cover is intended to showcase the toy car underneath, preserving the visibility of the car's original design. Whether the cover features the same design as the car or a custom pattern, it enhances the appearance while maintaining the car's functionality. By not covering the underside, the design ensures the cover doesn't hinder playability, allowing users to roll the car or move it around without any restriction, all while keeping the car protected and visually appealing.

In exemplary embodiments, the cover pattern is a one-size-fits-all design for die-cast cars, meaning it works across a range of models. However, based on the scale of the car, the overall size of the pattern may be adjusted to accommodate different dimensions, while keeping the core pattern unchanged. Key areas of focus included wheel arch dimensions, and tailoring the fit around the body contours for a snug, non-restrictive fit. The cover's top, sides, and edges may be fine-tuned to follow the car's shape without sagging or interfering with any raised features. The material's stretchability ensures a secure fit, flexibility, and easy removal, all while providing full protection and allowing the toy car to roll freely without obstruction.

In exemplary embodiments, the design of the cover is meticulously engineered to align seamlessly with the contours and structural features of the car. Each cover is precisely tailored to match the unique shape, dimensions, and design elements of the vehicle, ensuring a perfect fit that enhances the overall appearance. The pattern used in the cover's construction is carefully crafted to complement the car's design without obstructing or overlapping any key features, such as curves or accents. This precise alignment not only ensures a secure and snug fit but also preserves the visual integrity of both the cover and the car, providing an aesthetically pleasing and functional solution.

show covers according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. As shown, the covers have varying patterns printed on them, depending on the preferences of the customer and/or the model of car for which the covers are produced. The covers are configured to not extend completely over the wheels so that the wheels are free to rotate.

In exemplary embodiments, the cover meets ASTM F963 safety standards.

It should be appreciated that in exemplary embodiments the cover and corresponding manufacturing processes may be modified as appropriate to accommodate full size cars and other types of vehicles (e.g., trucks, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), mopeds, etc.).

While the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described and illustrated herein, it will be appreciated that they are merely illustrative. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications in form and detail may be made therein without departing from or offending the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Additionally, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein—and in particular embodiment specifically contemplated, is intended to be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.