U.S. patent application number 11/173209 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-04 for systems and methods for protective seating.
Invention is credited to Steven R. Brown.
Application Number | 20070000486 11/173209 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37588032 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070000486 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brown; Steven R. |
January 4, 2007 |
Systems and methods for protective seating
Abstract
A method for covering a fireplace hearth includes: lifting a
hearth guard, said hearth guard comprising a frame having at least
four inner surfaces including a first inner surface, a second inner
surface, a third inner surface, and a fourth inner surface; and
placing the hearth guard on a fireplace hearth having at least four
outer surfaces; wherein the first inner surface faces an opposing
direction as the second inner surface; wherein the third and the
fourth inner surfaces are orthogonal to each other and to the first
and the second inner surfaces; and wherein when hearth guard is
configured to be placed on the fireplace hearth such that each of
the four surfaces of the frame faces an opposing direction of a
respective outer surface of the fireplace hearth.
Inventors: |
Brown; Steven R.;
(Lawrenceville, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Sami O. Malas
294 Village Parkway
Marietta
GA
30067
US
|
Family ID: |
37588032 |
Appl. No.: |
11/173209 |
Filed: |
July 1, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
126/547 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24B 1/198 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/547 |
International
Class: |
F24B 1/192 20060101
F24B001/192 |
Claims
1. A method for covering a fireplace hearth, said method
comprising: lifting a hearth guard, said hearth guard comprising a
frame having at least four inner surfaces including a first inner
surface, a second inner surface, a third inner surface, and a
fourth inner surface; and placing the hearth guard on a fireplace
hearth having at least four outer surfaces; wherein the first inner
surface faces an opposing direction as the second inner surface;
wherein the third and the fourth inner surfaces are orthogonal to
each other and to the first and the second inner surfaces; and
wherein the hearth guard is configured to be placed on the
fireplace hearth such that each of the four surfaces of the frame
faces an opposing direction of a respective outer surface of the
fireplace hearth.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the heart guard also comprises a
padding layer and a protective later, said padding layer being
located between the frame and the protective layer; and wherein the
protective layer covers at least a portion of the hearth guard
exterior.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the padding layer comprises at
least one of polyester fiber, sponge, and cotton fiber.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein the protective layer comprises at
least one of leather, cotton, vinyl, and polyester.
5. The method of claim 2, wherein the protective layer is thinner
than the padding layer.
6. The method of claim 2, wherein the protective layer is less
flammable than the padding layer.
7. The method of claim 2, wherein the protective layer is less
flammable than the frame.
8. A method for providing a hearth guard comprising: measuring a
length of a fireplace hearth; and providing a hearth guard having
dimensions that are responsive to dimensions of the fireplace
hearth, said hearth guard comprising a frame having at least four
inner surfaces including a first inner surface, a second inner
surface, a third inner surface, and a fourth inner surface; wherein
the heart guard also comprises a padding layer and a protective
later, said padding layer being located between the frame and the
protective layer; and wherein the protective layer covers at least
a portion of the hearth guard exterior; wherein the first inner
surface faces an opposing direction as the second inner surface;
wherein the third and the fourth inner surfaces are orthogonal to
each other and to the first and the second inner surfaces; wherein
a distance between the first and the second inner surfaces is
greater than or equal to the length of the fireplace hearth; and
wherein the hearth guard is configured to be placed on the
fireplace hearth such that each of the four surfaces of the frame
faces an opposing direction of a respective outer surface of the
fireplace hearth.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the distance between the first
and the second inner surfaces of said hearth guard is at least 1/4
inch greater than the length of the fireplace hearth.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the padding layer comprises at
least one of polyester fiber, sponge filling, and cotton fiber.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein the protective layer comprises
at least one of leather, cotton, vinyl, and polyester.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein the protective layer is thinner
than the padding layer.
13. The method of claim 9, wherein the protective layer is less
flammable than the padding layer.
14. The method of claim 9, wherein the protective layer is less
flammable than the frame.
15. A system for covering a fireplace hearth, said system
comprising: a frame having at least four inner surfaces including a
first inner surface, a second inner surface, a third inner surface,
and a fourth inner surface, said system configured to at least
partially cover the fireplace hearth; a padding layer; and a
protective layer; wherein said padding layer is located between the
frame and the protective layer; wherein the protective layer covers
at least a portion of the system's exterior; wherein said fireplace
hearth has at least four outer surfaces; wherein each of said four
outer surfaces is orthogonal to two surfaces of said four outer
surface; wherein the first inner surface faces an opposing
direction as the second inner surface; wherein the third and the
fourth inner surfaces are orthogonal to each other and to the first
and the second inner surfaces; wherein said system is configured to
be placed on the fireplace hearth such that each of the four inner
surfaces of the frame faces an opposing direction of a respective
outer surface of the fireplace hearth.
16. The system of claim 16, wherein the padding layer comprises at
least one of polyester fiber, sponge, and cotton fiber.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the protective layer comprises
at least one of leather, cotton, vinyl, and polyester.
18. The system of claim 16, wherein the protective layer is thinner
than the padding layer.
19. The system of claim 16, wherein the protective layer is less
flammable than the padding layer; and the protective layer is less
flammable than the frame.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Fireplace hearths are typically made of concrete and/or
bricks and are therefore uncomfortable to sit on and pose a hazard
to children that might fall and hit their heads on such hearths.
Therefore there exists a need for systems and methods that address
these and/or other problems related to fireplace hearths.
SUMMARY
[0002] Systems and methods for protective seating are provided. An
embodiment of a method for covering a fireplace hearth includes:
lifting a hearth guard, said hearth guard comprising a frame having
at least four inner surfaces including a first inner surface, a
second inner surface, a third inner surface, and a fourth inner
surface; and placing the hearth guard on a fireplace hearth having
at least four outer surfaces; wherein the first inner surface faces
an opposing direction as the second inner surface; wherein the
third and the fourth inner surfaces are orthogonal to each other
and to the first and the second inner surfaces; and wherein when
hearth guard is configured to be placed on the fireplace hearth
such that each of the four surfaces of the frame faces an opposing
direction of a respective outer surface of the fireplace
hearth.
[0003] An embodiment of a method for providing a hearth guard
includes: measuring a length of a fireplace hearth; and providing a
hearth guard having dimensions that are responsive to dimensions of
the fireplace hearth, said hearth guard comprising a frame having
at least four inner surfaces including a first inner surface, a
second inner surface, a third inner surface, and a fourth inner
surface; wherein the heart guard also comprises a padding layer and
a protective later, said padding layer being located between the
frame and the protective layer; and wherein the protective layer
covers at least a portion of the hearth guard exterior; wherein the
first inner surface faces an opposing direction as the second inner
surface; wherein the third and the fourth inner surfaces are
orthogonal to each other and to the first and the second inner
surfaces; wherein a distance between the first and the second inner
surfaces is greater than or equal to the length of the fireplace
hearth; and wherein when hearth guard is configured to be placed on
the fireplace hearth such that each of the four surfaces of the
frame faces an opposing direction of a respective outer surface of
the fireplace hearth.
[0004] A system for covering a fireplace hearth includes: a frame
having at least four inner surfaces including a first inner
surface, a second inner surface, a third inner surface, and a
fourth inner surface, said system configured to at least partially
cover the fireplace hearth; a padding layer; and a protective
layer; wherein said padding layer is located between the frame and
the protective layer; wherein the protective layer covers at least
a portion of the system's exterior; wherein said fireplace hearth
has at least four outer surfaces; wherein each of said four outer
surfaces is orthogonal to two surfaces of said four outer surface;
wherein the first inner surface faces an opposing direction as the
second inner surface; wherein the third and the fourth inner
surfaces are orthogonal to each other and to the first and the
second inner surfaces; wherein said system is configured to be
placed on the fireplace hearth such that each of the four inner
surfaces of the frame faces an opposing direction of a respective
outer surface of the fireplace hearth.
[0005] Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the
invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the
art upon examination of the following figures and detailed
description. It is intended that all such additional systems,
methods, features and advantages be included within this
description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected
by the claims (currently or subsequently presented).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with
reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings
are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon
clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention.
Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate
corresponding parts throughout the several views.
[0007] FIG. 1A depicts a conceptual block diagram of a protective
seating system prior to placement on a fireplace hearth.
[0008] FIG. 1B depicts a conceptual block diagram of a protective
seating system on a fireplace hearth.
[0009] FIG. 2A depicts an exterior perspective view of an example
embodiment of a protective seating system.
[0010] FIG. 2B depicts an interior perspective view of an example
embodiment of a protective seating system.
[0011] FIG. 3A depicts an embodiment of a protective seating system
and a fireplace hearth.
[0012] FIG. 3B depicts an example embodiment of a protective
seating system on a fireplace hearth.
[0013] FIG. 4A depicts an example embodiment of a protective
seating system prior to placement on a fireplace hearth.
[0014] FIG. 4B depicts an example embodiment of a protective
seating system on a fireplace hearth.
[0015] FIG. 4C depicts an example embodiment of a protective
seating system prior to placement on a fireplace hearth.
[0016] FIG. 4D depicts an example embodiment of a protective
seating system on a fireplace hearth.
[0017] FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of the layers of a protective
seating system.
[0018] FIG. 6 depicts a method for manufacturing a protective
seating system.
[0019] FIG. 7 depicts a method for implementing a protective
seating system.
[0020] FIG. 8 depicts a method for utilizing a protective seating
system.
[0021] FIG. 9 depicts a method for lifting a protective seating
system off of a fireplace hearth.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] As will be described in greater detail herein, an embodiment
of the present invention comprises systems and methods for a
protective seating system on a fireplace hearth. The protective
seating system protects against fire via a fire resistant
protective layer, protects against the hard surface of the
fireplace hearth via a padding layer, and provides a seat on top of
the fireplace hearth. The protective seating system is placed on
top of the fireplace hearth. The protective seating system uses the
fireplace hearth for support for seating while providing a
protective cover against fire and the hard surface. The protective
system may be manufactured to be substantially equal to the
fireplace hearth and is placed on top of the hearth.
[0023] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 A depicts a conceptual
block diagram of a protective seating system 10 prior to placement
on a fireplace hearth 11. The fireplace hearth 11 is the part of a
fireplace that extends out on the ground. The fireplace hearth 11
may, for example, comprise bricks, rocks, concrete, or any other
suitable material.
[0024] FIG. 1B depicts a conceptual block diagram of a protective
seating system 10 on a fireplace hearth 11. The protective seating
system 10 is configured to fit on the fireplace hearth 11 opposite
the surfaces of the fireplace hearth 11.
[0025] FIG. 2A depicts an exterior perspective view of an example
embodiment of a protective seating system 10. The protective
seating system 10 comprises a top 27, a front 26, a side 25, and an
opposite side 24 (FIG. 2B). The top 27 may, for example, be shaped
as a `U` to expose a portion of the top surface of a fireplace
hearth, or it may, for example, substantially cover the top surface
of a fireplace hearth.
[0026] FIG. 2B depicts an interior perspective view of an example
embodiment of a protective seating system 10. The protective
seating system 10 comprises a top 27, a front 26, a side 24, and a
side 25. The protective seating system 10 comprises an interior
length 22, a height 23 and a depth 21. The interior length 22 of
the protective seating system 10 may be substantially greater than
the depth 21 or the height 23. The length 22, the height 23, and
the depth 21 of the protective seating system 10 may be measured
and set responsive to the dimensions of a fireplace hearth.
[0027] FIG. 3A depicts an embodiment of a protective seating system
10 and a fireplace hearth 11. The fireplace hearth comprises a top
31, a front 32, and a side 33. The fireplace hearth 11 has
dimensions of a length 34, a height 35, and a depth 36. The
protective seating system 10 comprises a top 27, a front 26, and a
side 25. The depth 21 (FIG. 2B) of the protective seating system 10
may be set substantially equal to the depth 36 of the fireplace
hearth 11. The height 23 (FIG. 2B) of the protective seating system
10 may be set substantially equal to or less than the height 35 of
the fireplace hearth 11. The interior length 22 (FIG. 2B) of the
protective seating system 10 may be set substantially equal to the
length 34 of the fireplace hearth 11.
[0028] FIG. 3B depicts an example embodiment of a protective
seating system 10 on a fireplace hearth 11. In this example, the
protective seating system 10 covers at least a portion of the front
and the sides of the fireplace hearth 11 with an opening on the top
of the protective seating system 10 to expose a portion of the top
surface of the fireplace hearth 11.
[0029] FIG. 4A depicts an example embodiment of a protective
seating system 10-1 prior to placement on a fireplace hearth 11.
The fireplace hearth 11 extends out from a fireplace 41 and may,
for example, comprise brick, rock, concrete, and/or any other
suitable material. The protective seating system 10-1 may have a
length, a depth, and a height customized based on the dimensions of
the fireplace hearth 11.
[0030] FIG. 4B depicts an example embodiment of a protective
seating system 10-1 on a fireplace hearth 11. The protective
seating system 10-1 has surfaces that respectively oppose the top,
the front, and the sides of the fireplace hearth 11. The fireplace
hearth 11 provides support for the protective seating system 10.
The interior length, depth, and height of the protective seating
system 10-1 may be set such that the protective seating system 10-1
fits tightly on the fireplace hearth 11. A top view of the
protective seating system 10-1 may depict a U shape that exposes a
portion of the top surface of the fireplace hearth 11.
[0031] FIG. 4C depicts an example embodiment of a protective
seating system 10-2 prior to placement on a fireplace hearth 11.
The fireplace hearth 11 extends out from a fireplace 41 and may,
for example, comprise bricks, rock, concrete, and/or any other
suitable material. The protective seating system 10-2 may have a
length, a depth, and a height customized based on dimensions the
fireplace hearth 11.
[0032] FIG. 4D depicts an example embodiment of a protective
seating system 10-2 on a fireplace hearth 11. The protective
seating system 10-2 has surfaces that respectively oppose the top,
the front, and the sides of the fireplace hearth 11. The fireplace
hearth 11 provides support for the protective seating system 10-2.
The interior length, depth, and height of the protective seating
system 10-2 may be set such that the protective seating system 10-2
fits tightly on the fireplace hearth 11. The top surface of the
protective seating system 10-2 covers substantially the entire top
surface of the fireplace hearth 11.
[0033] FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of the layers of a protective
seating system 10. The protective seating system 10 comprises a
protective layer 51, a padding layer 52, and a support layer 53.
The protective layer 51 may comprise flexible material such as, for
example, leather, cloth, or vinyl. In one embodiment the protective
layer 51 may comprise a fire resistant material. The padding layer
52 may comprise compressible material such as, for example, foam,
sponge, or any other suitable material. The support layer 53 may
comprise relatively inflexible material such as, for example, wood.
The padding layer 52 is located between the support layer 53 and
the protective layer 51. The protective layer 51 may be attached to
the support layer 53 (e.g., stapled) to enclose the padding layer
51.
[0034] FIG. 6 depicts a method 60 for manufacturing a protective
seating system. The method 60 comprises providing a support layer
(e.g., wood) (step 61); placing a padding layer (e.g., foam or
sponge) on top of the support layer (step 62); placing a protective
layer (e.g., leather, cloth, vinyl) on top of the padding layer
(step 63); and attaching a protective layer to the support layer
(step 64).
[0035] FIG. 7 depicts a method 70 for implementing a protective
seating system. The method 70 comprises measuring a length of a
fireplace hearth (step 71) and manufacturing a protective seating
system such that the interior length of the protective seating
system is substantially equal to a length of the fireplace hearth
(step 72).
[0036] FIG. 8 depicts a method 80 for utilizing a protective
seating system. The method 80 comprises placing the protective
seating system on a fireplace hearth (step 81), and sitting on the
protective seating system (step 82).
[0037] FIG. 9 depicts a method 90 for lifting a protective seating
system off of a fireplace hearth. The method 90 comprises placing
the protective seating system on a fireplace hearth (step 91), and
lifting the protective seating system off the fireplace hearth
(i.e., when desired or when no longer utilized) (step 92).
[0038] It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments
of the present invention are merely possible examples, among
others, of the implementations, setting forth a clear understanding
of the principles of the invention. Many variations and
modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments of the
invention without departing substantially from the principles of
the invention. All such modifications and variations are intended
to be included herein within the scope of the disclosure and
present invention.
* * * * *