U.S. patent application number 09/318541 was filed with the patent office on 2001-06-07 for protective cover system.
This patent application is currently assigned to YEE, DUKE W.. Invention is credited to GARZA, RICARDO R., LACROSS, REGINALD MICHAEL.
Application Number | 20010002615 09/318541 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23238617 |
Filed Date | 2001-06-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010002615 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LACROSS, REGINALD MICHAEL ;
et al. |
June 7, 2001 |
PROTECTIVE COVER SYSTEM
Abstract
A covering system in which a cover constructed of a flexible
sheet material may be placed on the surface of a floor between a
door frame to a room. A door frame cover having an edge that is
configured to conform with the shape of the door frame proximate to
the floor. The door frame cover also includes a fastener or other
securing mechanism to attach the door frame cover to the cover such
that the edge that is configured to conform to the shape of the
door frame contacts the door frame and covers the surface of the
floor left uncovered by the cover by the door frame. This cover may
be used in conjunction with another cover placed within the room to
provide a continuous cover for the surface within the room and
within the door frame.
Inventors: |
LACROSS, REGINALD MICHAEL;
(DALLAS, TX) ; GARZA, RICARDO R.; (PLANO,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DUKE W YEE
CARSTENS YEE & CAHOON LLP
P O BOX 802334
DALLAS
TX
75380
|
Assignee: |
YEE, DUKE W.
|
Family ID: |
23238617 |
Appl. No.: |
09/318541 |
Filed: |
May 25, 1999 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
160/351 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B05B 12/20 20180201 |
Class at
Publication: |
160/351 |
International
Class: |
A47G 005/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An cover system comprising: a cover constructed of a flexible
sheet material; a door frame cover; and a fastening mechanism,
wherein the fastening mechanism allows the door frame cover to be
secured to the cover.
2. The cover system of claim 1, wherein the cover has a width sized
to fit between a door frame.
3. The cover system of claim 1, wherein the cover has a plurality
of widths to allow the cover to fit between door frames having
different widths.
4. The cover system of claim 1, wherein the cover includes opposite
edges and a flexible weight means arranged continuously along the
opposite edges.
5. The cover system of claim 1, wherein the cover includes opposite
edges and wherein continuous channels are located at the opposite
edges and configured to hold a material to provide weight to the
opposite edges.
6. The cover system of claim 5, wherein the material is water.
7. The cover system of claim 5, wherein the material is a loose
particulate material.
8. The cover system of claim 7, wherein the material is sand.
9. The cover system of claim 4 further comprising: securing means
for securing the weight means to the cover.
10. The cover system of claim 2, wherein the cover is a first cover
and further comprising: a second cover configured for covering a
surface of a room associated with the door frame, wherein the first
cover, the second cover, and the door frame cover may be placed to
provide a continuous cover for the surface of the room and a
surface within the door frame.
11. The cover system claim 1, wherein the cover is a drop
cloth.
12. The cover system of claim 1, wherein the door frame cover is
constructed from plastic.
13. The cover system of claim 1, wherein the door frame cover is
constructed from rubber.
14. An apparatus comprising: an elongate member having a first
surface, a second surface, and an edge, wherein the edge is
configured to conform to a door frame; and a fastening mechanism
located on the second surface of the elongate member, wherein the
fastening mechanism is configured to secure the apparatus to a
cover.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the edge includes a flexible
material in which the flexible material provides a secure fit to
the door frame.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the elongate member is
formed from a plastic.
17. A method for covering a room having a door frame, the method
comprising: placing a first cover within the room; placing a second
cover within the door frame, wherein the second cover has opposing
edges, a first edge and a second edge, adjacent to sides of the
door frame; and placing a first door frame cover over the first
edge and a second door frame cover on the second edge of the second
cover, wherein the first cover, the second cover, first door frame
cover, and the second door frame cover for a continuous cover.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a protective
cover and in particular to a protective cover system used for
protecting surfaces from chemical products. Still more
particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus for
protecting surfaces during application of chemicals, such as
paint.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Cover cloths, including tarpaulins, drop cloths, blankets,
sheets, wrapping, bubble wrap, and the like, have many uses both
inside and outside of various types of structures. Some of these
cover cloths are used for covering objects during painting or to
protect various items from adverse weather conditions. In
particular, cover cloths used for painting take time to arrange and
set up to appropriately protect the surface of the floor. In
particular, this surface may take the form of carpet, wood, tile,
or other floor covering, which is to be protected during painting
of the walls and trim and ceiling of a room. One difficulty in
prepping a room for painting is ensuring that the surface of the
floor around the doorways or doorjambs is sufficiently protected.
For the exterior, is also difficult to protect shingles, bushes,
trees, shrubs, plants, flowers, cars, and boats. Due to the
irregular shape of doorjambs, properly covering the surfaces at the
doorjambs increases the amount of time needed to prepare the room
for painting.
[0005] Therefore, it would be advantageous to have and improved
method and apparatus for covering the surface around a doorway,
hall, room, closet, etc.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention provides a covering system in which a
cover constructed of a flexible sheet material may be placed on the
surface of a floor or any surface or object between a door frame to
a room. A door frame cover having an edge that is configured to
conform with the shape of the door frame proximate to the floor.
The door frame cover also includes a fastener or other securing
mechanism to attach the door frame cover to the cover such that the
edge that is configured to conform to the shape of the door frame
contacts the door frame and covers the surface of the floor left
uncovered by the cover by the door frame. This cover may be used in
conjunction with another cover placed within the room to provide a
continuous cover for the surface within the room and within the
door frame.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The novel features believed characteristic of the invention
are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself however,
as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and
advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the
following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when
read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0008] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a protective cover system
depicted in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a door frame cover depicted
in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a cross section view of a door frame cover
depicted in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0011] FIGS. 4A-4D are illustrations of covers depicted in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a partial cross section of a cover depicted in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0013] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a cover depicted in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] With reference now to the figures, and in particular with
reference to FIG. 1, an illustration of a protective cover system
is depicted in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention. In this example, a room 100 is illustrated with
walls 102, 104, and 106. Additionally, room 100 includes a doorjamb
108 also referred to as a "door frame". Surface 110 in room 100 is
covered with a cover 112. Cover 112 in this example is a protective
cover that may be formed of any size and any desired material for
use in covering a surface, such as surface 110 in room 100. For
example, cover 112 may be made from cloth of woven natural or
synthetic fibers. Cover 112 may also be made of a continuous sheet
material, such as a synthetic plastic film or the like. Further,
cover 112 may be made of a metal covered sheet material, such as
aluminum foil on canvas or the like. In other words, cover 112 may
be made of any desired flexible cloth-like material used for
covering any object. This sheet like material for cover 112 may be
made in any size and generally is made rectangular in the case of
manufacture and use. These shapes are particular useful in covering
rooms that are to be painted or chemically treated when the surface
of the floor is to be protected from the chemicals, debris, or
particles.
[0015] In this illustration, another cover 114 is present to cover
surface 110 of floor in room 100 on the other side of doorjamb 108.
A gap 116 is present between cover 112 and cover 114. Another cover
118 is employed to cover gap 116. These covers are placed on
surface 110 to provide a continuous covering over surface 110
within room 100 and for surface 110 within door jam 108. Further,
cover 118 also includes a door frame cover 120. This apparatus is
configured to fit around the contour of door frame 108. Door frame
cover 120 would be attached to cover 118 on opposing sides to cover
surface 110 in the doorway in which door frame 108 is located. In
this example cover 118 includes a weighted edge 122 in which a
portion of cover 118 has been folded over to create a channel or
cavity. A more detailed illustration of this feature is found in
FIG. 5 below.
[0016] With reference now to FIG. 2, an isometric view of a door
frame cover is depicted in accordance with a preferred embodiment
of the present invention. Door frame cover 200 is a more detailed
illustration of door frame cover 120 in FIG. 1. As can be seen in
FIG. 2, door frame cover 200 includes a contoured edge 202, which
is configured to fit to or mate with a door frame, such as door
frame 108. Door frame cover 120 is in the form of a drooping I
structure when viewed in cross section. As can be seen in FIG. 3, a
cross section view of door frame cover 200 taken along lines 3-3 in
FIG. 2 is shown. The drooping I structure of door frame cover 200
is made up of a planer member 204 with a perpendicular member 206
extending from planer member 204. Further, at one end of planer
member 206, an angled member 208 is formed such that channel 210
and channel 212 are created. In these examples, the various members
forming the drooping I structure of door frame cover 200 are made
from plastic. Of course, other materials may be used in forming
door frame cover 200. The materials may range from rigid materials
to flexible materials. Angled member 208 is also called an
"adjustable elbow" and may be adjusted to different angles in the
depicted examples. Angled member 208 aids in reducing over spray.
Channels 210 and 212 function to capture paint spray or other
chemicals. These channels aid in keeping the passage way between
rooms cleaner. In the depicted examples, these members are formed
in a single piece. These members are flexible in the depicted
examples. Alternatively, the members may be made such that they are
rigid or inflexible.
[0017] Further, door frame cover 200 also includes an attachment
mechanism 214 that is used to attach door frame cover 200 to cover.
In the depicted example, this attachment mechanism is a fastener,
such as Velcro brand fastener. Velcro is a registered trademark of
Velcro Industries B.V. In addition, a flexible material 216 is
attached to the bottom side of member 204 of door frame cover 200.
This flexible material is foam in the depicted examples, but could
be made of other flexible materials, such as, for example rubber.
This flexible material in this example provides a surface 218 that
may touch the surface of the door frame such as door frame 108 in
FIG. 1. Specifically, flexible material 216 provides door frame
cover 200 a snug fit with a door frame. Although the depicted
example uses a drooping I frame configuration, other configurations
may be used depending on the implementation. With reference now to
FIGS. 4A-4D, illustrations of covers are depicted in accordance
with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As can be
seen, covers 400-406 in FIGS. 4A-4D have different widths. In
particular, cover 400 has a width W1, cover 402 has a width W2,
cover 404 has a width W3, and cover 406 has a width W4. In these
examples, the covers all have the same height H. The varying widths
are used to adjust for different door frame widths. As a result, a
different cover may be selected from covers 400-406 depending on
the width of the door frame. Cover 400 contains an attachment
mechanism 408 and an attachment mechanism 410. Cover 402 includes
an attachment mechanism 412 and an attachment mechanism 414. Cover
404 includes an attachment mechanism 416 and an attachment
mechanism 418. Similarly, cover 406 contains an attachment
mechanism 420 and an attachment mechanism 422. The attachment
mechanism in these covers is used to provide a mechanism to attach
and secure a door frame cover. In the depicted example, these
attachment mechanisms are made of Velcro brand fasteners.
Attachment mechanism 214 in door frame cover 200 would be attached
to a cover, such as cover 400 by placing attachment mechanism 214
in contact with attachment mechanism 410 or 408 for cover 400. Of
course, other types of attachment mechanisms may be used to secure
a door frame cover to a cover. With reference now to FIG. 5, a
partial cross section of a cover is depicted in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention. Cover 500 in this
example, includes a material 502 in which edge 504 is folded back
upon material 502 to form a channel 506 within cover 500. Stitching
508 may be used in forming channel 506. The ends may be closed off
or channel 506 may be configured such that the channel runs along
the entire perimeter of a cover, such as cover 400 in FIG. 4A . In
other implementations, channel 506 may be located only on some
edges of a protective cover, such as opposing edges. After the
channel has been created, various weighting materials 510 may be
placed within channel 506. For example, these materials may
include, free sand, shot, or other particular material.
Alternatively, weighting material 510 may be encompassed in a bag
or other enclosure for placement into channel 510. These bags may
be slid into the channel if the channels are not closed off at the
ends or do not run the entire perimeter of the cover.
Alternatively, stitching 508 may be a temporary securing mechanism
in which edge 504 may be pulled away from to allow insertion of a
bag into the channel. In such a case, the securing mechanism may
be, for example, Velcro brand fastener, a zipper, zip lock, or
buttoning mechanism. Furthermore, depending on the composition of
the cover and the construction of the channels, water may also be
placed within the channels to provide a weighting material. As can
be seen in this example, cover 500 also includes an attachment
mechanism 512.
[0018] With reference now to FIG. 6, a diagram illustrating a cover
is depicted in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention. In this example, cover 600 includes a number of
different widths, which may conform to widths W1-W4 in FIGS. 4A-4D.
Of course, other widths also may be used depending on the
particular implementation. In this case, a single cover 600 may be
used with a number of different door frame widths. Cover 600 in
this example includes attachment mechanisms 602-618. Cover 600 is
configured such that one pair of these attachment mechanisms, such
as attachment mechanism 602 and 604 would be located approximate to
the doorjamb such that a door frame cover, such as door frame cover
200, may be attached or fastened to cover 600 to provide a cover
for the surface near the doorjamb.
[0019] Thus, the mechanism of the present invention provides a
method and apparatus for covering the surface of an object, such as
a floor in the manner such that the floor is protected from
chemicals being applied to the ceiling or walls of a structure such
as a room.
[0020] The description of the present invention has been presented
for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended
to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed.
Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art. For example, although the fasteners used
to attach the door frame cover to a cover in the depicted examples
was a Velcro brand fastener, other types of fastening mechanism may
be used to attach the door frame cover to the cover. The only
requirement is that the door frame cover can be attached to the
cover securely for actual use when protecting a surface. Although
the covers depicted in the examples are generally rectangular or
have rectangular edges, covers of any shape desired, such as, for
example, a circle, a trapezoid, or some other irregular shape may
be used. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best
explain the principles of the invention the practical application
and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the
invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are
suited to the particular use contemplated. For example, the door
frame cover has been illustrated with different members forming
channels. Other configurations of door frame covers may be used.
For example, the angled member may be optional or some other
structure may be used to capture chemical spray. Also, the door
frame cover may be constructed from various materials, rigid or
flexible, such as, for example, plastic, rubber, or steel. The door
frame cover functions to conform to a door frame to protect the
surface during chemical treatment, such as, for example, painting.
While the invention has been particularly shown and described with
reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be
made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention.
* * * * *