U.S. patent application number 13/833935 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-15 for covering system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Randy Kent. Invention is credited to Randy Kent.
Application Number | 20130206051 13/833935 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44061180 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130206051 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kent; Randy |
August 15, 2013 |
Covering System
Abstract
The present invention concerns apparatus and methods for
covering and uncovering a desired object. Particular embodiments
include a covering system comprising: a cover operably connected to
a plurality of translational members translationally positioned
along a track; two or more hangers having a vertically extending
portion and an outwardly extending portion, the track being
operably attached to the outwardly extending portion; means for
mounting hangers in a rotatable arrangement to a structure about a
vertical axis. A further embodiment of the present invention
includes a method for covering and uncovering a desired object, the
steps including: mounting each of two or more hangers to a
structure in a rotatable arrangement, the two or more hangers
having a vertically extending portion and an outwardly extending
portion; suspending a track from the outwardly extending portion of
the two or more hangers; suspending a cover from the track, the
cover being translatable along the track; rotating the two or more
hangers between a covering position and a stored position, the
covering position being arranged to position the track above an
object to be covered, and the stored position being arranged to
position the track to a side of the object to be covered.
Inventors: |
Kent; Randy; (Osage Beach,
MO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kent; Randy |
Osage Beach |
MO |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
44061180 |
Appl. No.: |
13/833935 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12954559 |
Nov 24, 2010 |
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13833935 |
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61264118 |
Nov 24, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
114/361 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 17/02 20130101;
B63B 23/64 20130101; E04H 15/04 20130101; E04H 15/54 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
114/361 |
International
Class: |
B63B 17/02 20060101
B63B017/02 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. (canceled)
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20. (canceled)
21. A boat covering system for covering and uncovering a boat
adjacent a dock comprising: a plurality of spaced apart hangers
extending upwardly from the dock with each hanger comprised of a
generally vertically extending base and an outward extension
extending from the base at an angle relative to the base; a
plurality of spaced apart mounting arrangements that each receives
and rotatively supports a corresponding one of the hangers, each
mounting arrangement holding the vertically extending base in a
fixed relationship relative to the dock allowing rotation of the
hanger relative to the dock; and wherein the hangers rotate
relative to the dock between a boat covering position where a boat
cover carried by the outward extension of each hanger overlies a
boat next to the dock and a boat uncovering position where the boat
cover carried by the outward extension of each hanger does not
overlie the boat.
22. The boat covering system of claim 21 wherein each mounting
arrangement comprises an immovably fixed first bracket that
rotatively supports a corresponding one of the hangers.
23. The boat covering system of claim 22 wherein a bottom end of
each hanger is rotatively supported by the first bracket of a
corresponding mounting arrangement.
24. The boat covering system of claim 23 wherein the first bracket
of each mounting arrangement is immovably fixed to part of the
dock.
25. The boat covering system of claim 24 wherein the first bracket
of each mounting arrangement is immovably fixed to a pylon of the
dock.
26. The boat covering system of claim 23 wherein each mounting
arrangement further comprises a second bracket spaced above the
first bracket that encircles and rotatively supports the base of a
corresponding hanger.
27. The boat covering system of claim 26 wherein the first bracket
and second bracket of each mounting arrangement comprises a
bearing.
28. The boat covering system of claim 21 further comprising an
elongate generally horizontally extending track carrying a boat
cover.
29. The boat covering system of claim 28 wherein the track further
comprises a plurality of wheels movable relative to the track
carrying the boat cover enabling the boat cover to translate
relative to the track.
30. The boat covering system of claim 29 wherein the boat cover is
suspended from the wheels of the track by a plurality of downwardly
extending cover lines.
31. A boat covering system for covering and uncovering a boat
adjacent a dock comprising: a plurality of spaced apart hangers
extending upwardly alongside the dock with each hanger comprised of
a generally vertically extending base and an outward extension
extending generally horizontally outwardly from the base at an
angle relative to the base; an elongate generally horizontally
extending track pivotally connected to the hangers; a boat cover
suspended from the track; and a plurality of spaced apart hanger
mounting bracket arrangements rotatively supporting the generally
vertically extending base of a corresponding hanger permitting
rotation of the hanger relative to the dock; and wherein rotation
of the hangers relative to the dock moves the boat cover between a
boat covering position removably covering the boat adjacent the
dock and a boat uncovering position where the cover is removed from
the boat and disposed adjacent the dock.
32. The boat covering system of claim 31 wherein each mounting
bracket arrangement comprises an immovably fixed first bracket that
rotatively supports a corresponding one of the hangers.
33. The boat covering system of claim 32 wherein a bottom end of
each hanger is rotatively supported by the first bracket of a
corresponding mounting arrangement.
34. The boat covering system of claim 33 wherein each mounting
arrangement further comprises a second bracket spaced above the
first bracket that encircles and rotatively supports the base of a
corresponding hanger.
35. The boat covering system of claim 34 wherein the first bracket
and second bracket of each mounting arrangement comprises a
bearing.
36. The boat covering system of claim 34 wherein the first and
second brackets of each mounting bracket arrangement is immovably
fixed to part of the dock.
37. The boat covering system of claim 36 wherein the first and
second brackets of each mounting bracket arrangement is immovably
fixed to a pylon of the dock.
38. A boat covering system for covering and uncovering a boat
adjacent a dock comprising: a plurality of spaced apart hangers
extending upwardly alongside the dock with each hanger comprised of
a generally vertically extending base and an outward extension
extending generally horizontally outwardly from the base at an
angle relative to the base; an elongate generally horizontally
extending track pivotally connected to the hangers, the track
comprised of a plurality of wheels movable relative to the track
and having a plurality of downwardly extending cover lines; a boat
cover suspended from the track by the cover lines; and a plurality
of spaced apart hanger mounting bracket arrangements immovably
fixed to part of the dock with each hanger mounting bracket
arrangement comprising a lower bracket rotatively supporting a
bottom end of the generally vertically extending base of a
corresponding hanger and an upper bracket spaced from the lower
bracket rotatively support part of the vertically extending base
above the bottom end rotatively permitting rotation of each hanger
relative to the dock; and wherein rotation of the hangers relative
to the dock moves the boat cover between a boat covering position
removably covering the boat adjacent the dock and a boat uncovering
position where the cover is removed from the boat and disposed
adjacent the dock.
39. The boat covering system of claim 38 wherein the first and
second brackets of each mounting bracket arrangement is immovably
fixed to a pylon of the dock.
40. The boat covering system of claim 38 wherein the first and
second brackets of each mounting bracket arrangement comprises a
bearing.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to, and the benefit of,
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/264,118, filed Nov. 24,
2009, which is herein incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to the administration of
covers, and more particularly, to an erected structure facilitating
retention, application, and removal of a cover to an object to be
covered, such as a boat, a recreational vehicle, or a plane, for
example.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] It may be desirous to cover any of a variety of objects. For
example, covering systems may be used to cover boats. Boat covers
are used in the boating industry for many reasons. Boat covers
shield the boat from the environment such as rain, dirt and other
debris, the sun, etc. Boat covers may also provide an aesthetic
improvement to the boat itself.
[0006] There is a present need for an improved covering system, for
example, a system that is movable and/or more efficiently
facilitates the manipulation of a cover between an installed and
uninstalled position about an object, such as a boat, for example,
with which there is no preexisting overhead structure, such as, but
not limited to, a roof.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for
covering and uncovering a desired object. In a particular
embodiment the invention includes a covering system comprising: a
cover operably connected to a plurality of translational members
translationally positioned along a track suspended above the cover;
two or more hangers having a vertically extending portion and an
outwardly extending portion, the track being operably attached to
the outwardly extending portion, the track suspending below the
outwardly extending portion of the hanger; and means for mounting
hangers in a rotatable arrangement, the means mounting each of the
two or more hangers to a structure, each hanger being rotatable
about a vertical axis of rotation within the rotational mount.
[0008] A further embodiment of the present invention include a
method for covering and uncovering a desired object, the steps
including: mounting each of two or more hangers to a structure in a
rotatable arrangement, the two or more hangers having a vertically
extending portion and an outwardly extending portion, whereby the
vertically extending portion is the portion of each hanger
rotatably mounted to the structure; suspending a track from the
outwardly extending portion of the two or more hangers; suspending
a cover from the track, the cover being translatable along the
track; and, rotating the two or more hangers between a covering
position and a stored position, the covering position being
arranged to position the track above an object to be covered, and
the stored position being arranged to position the track to a side
of the object to be covered.
[0009] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of
the invention will be apparent from the following more detailed
descriptions of particular embodiments of the invention, as
illustrated in the accompanying drawing wherein like reference
numbers represent like parts of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of a covering system,
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is an end view of the a covering system, according to
another embodiment of the invention, whereby the hangers of the
covering system are mounted to structure positioned near or
adjacent a body of water.
[0012] FIG. 3 is top view of an embodiment of the invention shown
in a covering position.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3,
after having been rotated to a non-covering or stored position.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3,
shown in another non-covering or stored position.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3,
shown in another non-covering or stored position.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an additional exemplary
embodiment of a cover system, the embodiment including a front
support for the track.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a hanger of FIG. 7 showing a
suspension member with a track and translation member.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a upward perspective view of a hanger of FIG.
8.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of a bracket for mounting a
hanger to a pylon, according to a particular embodiment of the
present invention, wherein the bottom of the hanger is shown
partially cutaway along an end portion to show the bearings upon
which the hanger rests.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a bracket and pylon of
FIG. 10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The present invention generally concerns a temporary (i.e.,
removable) or permanent covering system comprising structure for
covering a desired object. More specifically, the covering system
includes structure comprising a track being suspended from
rotatable hangers, the cover being translatable along the track
between covering and uncovered arrangements. The hangers are also
able to rotate between a covering position and a stored position.
The structure may also be disassembled and stored in a disassembled
position.
[0022] Referring now to a first embodiment, FIG. 1 shows a
perspective side view of a covering system according to particular
embodiment of the invention. In such embodiment, cover system 10 is
a boat cover system comprising at least one erected hanger
structure (or hanger) 12, a track system 14 including cable support
15 and a cable 18, a boat cover 20, and cover suspension lines 22.
Cable 18 forms a track for guided translation of the boat cover 20
in the present embodiment. In the system 10 shown, a pair of
hangers 12 extend vertically (to form a vertical base 12.sub.base)
and then outwardly (to form an outward extension 12.sub.ext) from
the vertical base (and its vertical axis A) to create a structure
from which a cable support 15 and/or cable 18 can be mounted for
the administration of boat cover 20 positioned under the outward
extension of hangers 12. With reference to FIGS. 2-6, hangers 12
are generally rotatable about a vertical axis A so to rotate the
hanger's outward extension with the track system 14 and cover 20
relative to the boat and the area where the cover is administered
(the covering and uncovering area). A vertical axis of rotation
includes any axis generally extending in a vertical direction,
meaning that a vertical axis of rotation may extend 90 degree
relative a ground plane or at another angle less than 90 degrees so
long as the axis of rotation is generally extending in a primarily
vertical direction.
[0023] With reference to FIGS. 1-2, the hangers 12 are mounted to a
structure 40, such as a pylon as shown, which may neighbor a dock
50, although it is understood that hangers 12 can be mounted to any
other structure capable of receiving them. For example, hangers 12
may mount to any portion of a dock 50, a pillar, a beam, a rail, or
any other independent structure extending above or below the water.
This includes erecting a new structure for the specific purpose of
supporting and attaching a hanger, which includes forming a
structure underwater or a structure, such as a sleeve or bracket,
within the ground. Hangers 12 may even be designed to attach to a
boat lift, an aircraft hanger, or any other desired building or
structure. It is understood that hangers may be adapted to attach
to any surface of any structure, including any vertical or
horizontal surface. As shown by example in the figures, each hanger
is attached to a vertical surface of structure 40. When attaching
to an existing structure, extensions, additions, or other
modifications can be made to the existing structure to adapt and
facilitate the attachment of any hanger to the existing structure.
For example, a structural extension may be placed atop pylon 40 to
provide a taller pylon to facilitate the mounting of a bracket 30
sufficiently spaced from lower bracket 32 for installation of
hanger 12. Such an extension may be formed independent of, or as
part of, bracket 30. Finally, hangers 12 may be made of steel,
iron, aluminum, anodized aluminum pipe, or any other material known
to a person of ordinary skill in the art, and may comprise any
desired size, shape, form, or configuration.
[0024] In particular embodiments, hangers 12 are rotatably mounted
to any such structure by a means for mounting in a rotatable
arrangement, which may comprise any means known to one of ordinary
skill in the art. For example, with reference to the embodiments
shown in FIGS. 2-6, brackets 30, 32 are a means for mounting
hangers 12 in a rotatable arrangement to structure 40. Bracket 30
may include a bearing means comprising any known means of
facilitating improved rotation. For example, bearing means may
comprise one or more bearings or bushings to facilitate rotation of
hanger 12. Bearings may comprise any type of bearing, including
ball or roller bearings. A bearing means may also comprise grease
or other lubrication, which may be injected between the bracket and
a hanger through a grease fitting. A grease fitting may also be
used to facilitate the injection of grease or other lubrication
into any bearing or bushing. A pin, bolt, screw, or the like, or
any other means of preventing rotation may be used to secure
hangers 12 in any desired rotational position.
[0025] The lower end 12a of hanger 12 may be free, such as where
the brackets 30 maintain hanger bottom 12a above any underlying
structure or ground plane. In other embodiments, such as is shown
by example in FIG. 2, hanger bottom end 12a contacts a bottom end
support member 32. In such variation, end 12a is configured to
rotate relative to end support 32. To facilitate relative rotation,
a bearing means, such as a roller, ball, bearing, or bushing, may
be positioned between the end 12a and end support 32. End 12a
and/or end support 32 may also be tapered or otherwise shaped to
reduce contact area or rotation surface of the end 12a, which
further facilitates relative rotation between the hanger 12 and the
end support 32.
[0026] With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a track is
suspended from hangers 12. Cover 20 operably engages the track,
generally comprising cable 18, which is suspended from cable
support 15. Cover 20 is adapted to travel along the longitudinal
length of cable 18 as desired to facilitate the covering and
uncovering of an underlying object. Cover 20 may be shaped to
generally adapt to the outer shape of the object being covered, and
may include an opening 26 for enclosing and unwrapping the cover 20
about the object. Opening closures 28, such as button, snaps,
Velcro, ties, cordage, etc., may be used to maintain opening 26 in
a closed position.
[0027] In the embodiment shown, suspending members 16 extend
downwardly from support 15 to engage cable 18. Cable 18 is
tensioned to allow smooth travel of cover 20. Cover suspension
members or lines 22 attach to cover 20 at one end, and to cover
translation members 24, which engage cable 18 in a manner to allow
translation of members 24 along cable 18. Translation members 24
may comprise any known member suitable to achieve its purpose of
relative translation, such as, for example, rings, sleeves, or
rollers. Cover suspension members 22 may be made of rope, nylon,
chain, cable, or any other material that may be known to a person
of ordinary skill in the art. It can be said that cable 18 forms a
track for the translation members 24 to travel. In other
embodiments, in lieu of cable 18, a non-cable (i.e., structural or
rigid) track may be used to translationally suspend cover 20.
Translation members 24 would then travel along the non-cable track.
The track may extend from cable support 15, or the support 15 may
instead form the track. The track may comprise a C-channel or
I-beam, for example, which translation members 24 operably engage
to translate along, such as sliding or rolling, for example. An
exemplary embodiment utilizing a non-cable track is shown in FIGS.
7-11, which is discussed more fully below.
[0028] FIGS. 3-6 show a top view of the boat cover system. In
embodiments when hangers 12 are rotatable, it is now possible to
rotate the track system 14 and hangers 12 away from the boat
covering area, such as is shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. In FIG. 3, the
boat cover system is shown in a boat cover covering or uncovering
position, whereby the hangers are arranged to allow a boat cover to
be translated between covered and uncovered positions. In FIG. 4,
the hangers 12 each rotate in the same direction about
corresponding pylons 40, while track system 14 translates with the
rotating hangers 12. Hangers 12 rotate relative to track system 14
about mounting points P. Accordingly, track system 14 is mounted to
hangers 12 by any means known to one of ordinary skill in the art
to allow relative rotation there between. While hangers 12 and
track system 14 may be sufficiently positioned away from the boat
covering area in a stored position as generally shown in FIG. 4,
whereby the cover remains on the same covering side of pylons 40,
the hangers 12 and track 14 may be further positioned on the
opposite side of the pylons 40 as shown by example in FIG. 6. To
achieve this position, the hangers 12 are rotated as shown in FIG.
5 until both hangers have sufficiently moved track 14 to the other
side of pylons 40. To return the boat cover system to its original,
boat covering position, the previous steps are reversed.
[0029] With reference now to FIGS. 7-11, an additional embodiment
of a cover system is shown. The cover system 110 is used to cover a
boat, but may be used to cover other objects. In this embodiment,
cover system 110 includes two hangers 112 extending from pylons 40
to which the pylons are rotatably attached. Suspended from the
outward extension of each hanger 112 by way of suspension members
116 is a track 114. Track 114 includes a plurality of translation
members 124 capable of translating along the track. A line 120
extends from each translation member 124 to operably connect each
translation member 124 with the cover 20. Also included in this
embodiment is a non-rotational (i.e., rotationally fixed) track
support 122. Track support 122 provides additional support to track
114, such as when the track spans a longer object, such a boat
arranged in an A-shaped dock as shown in this embodiment, although
additional hangers 112 (i.e., more than two) could be employed for
the same purpose. Track support 122 may be positioned anywhere
along the length of the track. For example, with reference to FIG.
7, track support 122 may be arranged near any end of the track
(which is referred to as a track end support). Track support 122
may include a releasable means for securing track 114. In the
embodiment shown, a top end of support 122 is a U-shaped top end
(i.e., notched) for receiving track 114. This way, an operator may
simply raise and lower end support in of an installed position
within cover assembly 110. Support 122 may form tubing or any other
structure capable of supporting track 114, which may be formed from
any known material such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or
plastic. Support 122 may be installed onto any structure or surface
as discussed above with reference to hanger 12, and according to
any known mounting means, such as a using one or more brackets,
including any structure or mounting means contemplated for any
hanger 112, and may extend in any vertical direction to track
114.
[0030] Cover assembly may also include a means for translating the
cover between covered and uncovered arrangements. In the embodiment
shown in FIG. 7, the means for translating the cover comprises a
cover translation line 142 in operable communication with a pulley
144 to pull the cover from a covered arrangement to an uncover
arrangement. As shown, one end of the transmission line 142 is
located in a convenient location at a first end of the cover
assembly 110 for access by an operator, while the other end of the
line 142 is operably attached to a translation member 124 or the
cover line 120 located at an opposite end of the cover assembly
110. Of course, one or more additional pulleys may be employed to
redirect the line as necessary to allow the operator to access the
operator end of the line 142 at any desired location along the
cover assembly, including the end of the cover assembly where the
transmission line 142 is attached to one of the translation member
124 or the cover line 120. It is contemplated that any other means
for translating the cover between covered and uncovered
arrangements known to one of ordinary skill may be employed as
desired.
[0031] With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, a more detailed view of the
hanger 112 and track 114 is shown according to a particular
embodiment. As shown, suspension member 116 extends downwardly from
a top of the outwardly extending portion of hanger 112 from a first
aperture and through a bottom of the hanger 112 through a second
aperture 113. A flexible washer or sealing member may be positioned
between the suspension member 116 and the first aperture to assist
in sealing the aperture and to allow the suspension member 116 to
pivot as necessary to self-level the track 114. To facilitate
self-leveling capabilities, the second aperture 113 has an opening
having a width W, which is sufficiently larger than the local
thickness of the suspension member 116 to allow the suspension
member 116 to pivot about the first aperture and thereby self-level
the track 114 relative to the ground if the hanger is not perfectly
aligned. This provides a suspension member that is pivotable
relative to the corresponding hanger, and a track that is also
pivotable relative to a corresponding hanger. Second aperture 113
may form any shaped aperture of sufficient size. For example,
second aperture 113 may form an oversized circle or an elongated
aperture.
[0032] With continued reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, suspension member
116 includes a track holder 118. Suspension member 116 and track
holder 118 may be formed by any known means. For example,
suspension member 116 and track holder 118 may be formed
monolithically, such as by molding or extrusion, or formed
separately and attached by any known means, such as by threaded
attachment or welding. Each may be formed of any material
sufficient to withstand the loads for the particular application.
For example, each may be formed by aluminum, steel, or stainless
steel.
[0033] Track holder 118 may comprise any member capable of
suspending track in any desired arrangement. For example, in the
embodiment of FIG. 8, track holder forms a C-channel having flanges
extending inwardly along an open bottom side to retain track 114
therein. Track holder 118 may form any other shape. It is also
understood that in lieu of using a track holder 118, suspension
member 116 may be operably attached directly to track 114 by any
known means, such as by fastener or weld, for example.
[0034] Track 114 may comprise any known form that is capable of
allowing a translation member 124 of any known form to translate
longitudinally along track 114. For example, in the embodiment of
FIG. 8, track 114 forms a C-channel having flanges extending inward
along its open bottom side. Within track 114, translation member
124 is arranged to translate longitudinally along the track 114.
Translation member 124 may take any form capable of translating
along track 114. In the embodiment shown, translation member 124
includes a pair of wheels 126. Extending from translation member
124 is cover line 120, which may attach to any portion of
translation member 124, including an extension 128.
[0035] As mentioned above, hangers may be attached to any support
structure by any known means. With reference to the embodiment of
FIGS. 10 and 11, hangers 112 are affixed to pylon 40 using one or
more brackets. In the specific embodiment, top and bottom brackets
130A, 130B each forming a C-channel are employed. The C-channel
allows the bracket to better adapt to a pylon having a rounded
cross-section as shown by example in FIG. 11. It is understood that
the shape of any bracket may be selected and altered as desired to
better adapt to the structure to which the bracket will be mounted.
Shims (not shown) may be used to adjust the mounting of bracket 130
to any structure as necessary to properly align hangers 112. Any
known means of affixing any bracket to a structure may be employed,
such as fasteners 131, for example.
[0036] To facilitate rotation of each hanger, brackets include
hanger rotation members. In the embodiments of FIGS. 10 and 11,
hanger rotation members 132A and 132B form tubes each having an
inside diameter greater than the outer diameter of any hanger 112.
Any known rotational bearing means may be arranged between any
rotation member 132A, 132B and a corresponding hanger 112. The
bearing means may comprise one or more bearings, or a bearing
lubricant, such as grease or the like. In the embodiment shown,
grease fittings 136 are employed to facilitate injection of a
lubricating bearing means between the hanger 112 and rotation
member 132A, 132B. Each rotation member 132A, 132B may be formed
with bracket 130A, 130B, such as through extrustion or molding, or
may be attached to bracket 130A, 130B by any known means, such as
by welds 134. A pin 138 or other known member may be used to fix
the rotational position of each hanger.
[0037] To constrain the vertical position of each hanger, a
vertical constraint is employed. With reference to FIG. 10, bottom
rotation member 132B includes a stop 140 that may include a bearing
means. Any known stop or bearing means may be employed as desired.
For example, in the embodiment shown, stop 140 includes a rod
comprising a shoulder bolt 142 having a smooth outer diameter
secured by a nut 144. Shoulder bolt 142 may include one or more
bearings or bushings upon which hanger 112 rotates. In the
embodiment shown, a pair of bearings 146, 148 are provided to allow
hanger 12 to rotate along the shoulder bolt 142. The pair of
bearings are rotatable in opposing directions arranged along its
length of the rod in series. By having a pair of bearings, each
bearing 146, 148 is able to rotate in opposite directions as hanger
112 rotates about axis A. In operation, hangers 112 of covering
system 110 may rotate as discussed in association with the
embodiment of FIGS. 4-6.
[0038] The cover systems described above are only exemplary
embodiments used to describe the generally invention. Accordingly,
such systems may be used in addition to other embodiments of the
cover assembly to practice methods of covering and uncovering a
desired object. Particular methods may include mounting each of two
or more hangers to a structure in a rotatable arrangement, the two
or more hangers having a vertically extending portion and an
outwardly extending portion, whereby the vertically extending
portion is the portion of each hanger rotatably mounted to the
structure; suspending a track from the outwardly extending portion
of the two or more hangers; suspending a cover from the track, the
cover being translatable along the track; and, rotating the two or
more hangers between a covering position and a stored position, the
covering position being arranged to position the track above an
object to be covered, and the stored position being arranged to
position the track to a side of the object to be covered. As
discussed above with reference to FIGS. 3-6, the hangers may rotate
the same direction between the covering and stored positions, or
any other direction or manner as discussed in association with any
system 10, 110 above. The step of mounting may further include
mounting a track end support along a structure to extend vertically
and engage a portion of the track, wherein the track end support is
removed before performing the step of rotating the two or more
hangers.
[0039] While this invention has been described with reference to
particular embodiments thereof, it shall be understood that such
description is by way of illustration and not by way of limitation.
Accordingly, the scope and content of the invention are to be
defined only by the terms of the appended claims.
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