U.S. patent application number 15/377347 was filed with the patent office on 2017-06-29 for fiberboard surface protection system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Garland Industries, Inc.. Invention is credited to Melissa Rus.
Application Number | 20170183883 15/377347 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59088278 |
Filed Date | 2017-06-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170183883 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rus; Melissa |
June 29, 2017 |
Fiberboard Surface Protection System
Abstract
A paperboard or fiberboard sheet is provided with at least one
preapplied adhesive strip used to connect together and an
adjacently positioned surface protector to form a dust-proof and/or
liquid-proof seal between the two surface protectors.
Inventors: |
Rus; Melissa; (Cleveland,
OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Garland Industries, Inc. |
Cleveland |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
59088278 |
Appl. No.: |
15/377347 |
Filed: |
December 13, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62271752 |
Dec 28, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04G 21/30 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04G 21/30 20060101
E04G021/30; C09J 5/02 20060101 C09J005/02 |
Claims
1. A surface protector configured to protect selected portions of
floor surfaces, the protector comprising: a sheet of bendable
material having a perimeter, a top surface and a bottom surface; a
first adhesive strip positioned at or adjacent to said perimeter of
said sheet, said first adhesive strip is a preapplied adhesive
strip having a top adhesive surface; and, wherein said top adhesive
surface forms an adhesive bond capable of connecting together an
adjacently positioned surface protector.
2. The surface protector as defined in claim 1, wherein said first
adhesive strip includes a removable top protective release liner
that, when removed, exposes said top adhesive surface of said first
adhesive strip.
3. The surface protector as defined in claim 1, wherein said sheet
is selected from the group consisting of fiberboard, paperboard,
composite fabric and plastic.
4. The surface protector as defined in claim 3, wherein said sheet
is fiberboard.
5. The surface protector as defined in claim 1, further comprising:
a first crease that is offset a distance inward from said perimeter
of said sheet; wherein said sheet is capable of being folded along
said first crease without damaging said crease or said sheet
thereby creating a first portion and a second portion; and, wherein
said first portion of said sheet is capable of protecting a first
surface and said second portion of said sheet is capable of
protecting a second surface when said sheet is folded along said
first crease.
6. The surface protector as defined in claim 5, wherein said first
crease is water-resistant both prior to and after said sheet is
fold along said first crease.
7. The surface protector as defined in claim 5, wherein said first
crease is spaced a greater distance from said perimeter than said
first adhesive strip.
8. The surface protector as defined in in claim 1, wherein said
sheet has a longitudinal length of at least 10 feet and a width of
at least 2 feet, and wherein said sheet is in a roll and is absent
creases running between a width of said sheet when said sheet is
rolled into said roll.
9. The surface protector as defined in claim 1, wherein said first
adhesive strip runs parallel to a side edge of said sheet and along
the longitudinal length of said sheet.
10. A surface protection system for protecting selected portions of
floor surfaces, the system comprising: a first surface protector,
said first surface protector is formed of a sheet of bendable
material having a perimeter, a top surface and a bottom surface; a
first adhesive strip positioned at or adjacent to said perimeter of
said sheet, said first adhesive strip is a preapplied adhesive
strip having a top adhesive surface; and said top adhesive surface
forms an adhesive bond capable of connecting together an adjacently
positioned surface protector; and, a second surface protector
having a top surface and a bottom surface; wherein a portion of
said second surface protector overlies a portion of said first
surface protector and a bottom surface of said second surface
protector is adhesively connected to said top adhesive surface of
said first adhesive strip on said first surface protector to form a
permanent connection between said first and second surface
protector and to form a dust-proof connection between said first
and second surface protector.
11. The surface protection system as defined in claim 10, wherein
said second surface protector is formed of a sheet of bendable
material having a perimeter, a top surface and a bottom surface; a
first adhesive strip positioned at or adjacent to said perimeter of
said sheet, said first adhesive strip is a preapplied adhesive
strip having a top adhesive surface; and said top adhesive surface
forms an adhesive bond capable of connecting together an adjacently
positioned surface protector.
12. The surface protection system as defined in claim 10, wherein
said adhesive connection between said first and second surface
protectors is a liquid-proof.
13. The surface protection system as defined in claim 10, wherein
said second surface protector is different from said first surface
protector, said second surface protector selected from the group
comprising a plastic sheet, a cardboard sheet, a paperboard sheet,
a fiberboard sheet, and a cloth sheet.
14. The surface protection system as defined in claim 10, wherein
said first adhesive strip on said first surface protector includes
a removable top protective release liner that, when removed,
exposes said top adhesive surface of said first adhesive strip.
15. The surface protection system as defined in claim 10, wherein
said sheet material of said first surface protector is selected
from the group consisting of fiberboard, paperboard, composite
fabric and plastic.
16. The surface protection system as defined in claim 10, wherein
said first surface protector includes a first crease that is offset
a distance inward from said perimeter of said sheet, said sheet is
capable of being folded along said first crease without damaging
said crease or said sheet thereby creating a first portion and a
second portion, said first portion of said sheet is capable of
protecting a first surface and said second portion of said sheet is
capable of protecting a second surface when said sheet is folded
along said first crease.
17. The surface protection system as defined in claim 16, wherein
said first crease is water-resistant both prior to and after said
sheet is fold along said first crease.
18. The surface protection system as defined in claim 16, wherein
said first crease is spaced a greater distance from said perimeter
than said first adhesive strip.
19. The surface protection system as defined in claim 10, wherein
said first surface protector has a longitudinal length of at least
10 feet and a width of at least 2 feet, and wherein said first
surface protector is in a roll prior to being connected to said
second surface protector, said first surface protector when in said
roll is absent creases running between a width of said sheet when
said sheet is rolled in said roll.
20. The surface protection system as defined in claim 10, wherein
said first adhesive strip on said first surface protector runs
parallel to a side edge of said sheet and along the longitudinal
length of said sheet.
21. A method for protecting selected portions of a floor surface,
the method including: providing a first surface protector, said
first surface protector is formed of a sheet of bendable material
having a perimeter, a top surface and a bottom surface; a first
adhesive strip positioned at or adjacent to said perimeter of said
sheet, said first adhesive strip is a preapplied adhesive strip
having a top adhesive surface; and said top adhesive surface forms
an adhesive bond capable of connecting together an adjacently
positioned surface protector; providing a second surface protector
having a top surface and a bottom surface; positioning said first
surface protector on said floor surface; positioning said second
surface protector on said floor surface such that a portion of said
bottom surface of said second surface protector overlies a portion
of said first surface protector; and, causing said first and second
surface protectors to engage one another to cause said bottom
surface of said second surface protector to adhesively connect to
said top adhesive surface of said first adhesive strip on said
first surface protector to form a permanent connection between said
first and second surface protector and to form a dust-proof
connection between said first and second surface protector.
22. The method as defined in claim 21, wherein said first adhesive
strip on said first surface protector includes a removable top
protective release liner that when removed exposes said top
adhesive surface of said first adhesive strip, and further includes
the step of removing said removable top protective release liner
from a portion of said first adhesive strip prior to said bottom
surface of said second surface protector to engage said portion of
said first adhesive strip.
23. The method as defined in claim 21, wherein said step of causing
said first and second surface protectors to engage one another
includes applying pressure to said top surface of said second
surface protector.
24. The method as defined in claim 23, wherein said step of
applying pressure includes one or more processes selected from the
group consisting of a) a person walking on said top surface of said
second surface protector, b) rolling a roller over said top surface
of said second surface protector, and c) moving a heavy device over
said top surface of said second surface protector.
25. The method as defined in claim 21, wherein said second surface
protector is formed of a sheet of bendable material having a
perimeter, a top surface and a bottom surface; a first adhesive
strip positioned at or adjacent to said perimeter of said sheet,
said first adhesive strip is a preapplied adhesive strip having a
top adhesive surface; and said top adhesive surface forms an
adhesive bond capable of connecting together an adjacently
positioned surface protector.
26. The method as defined in claim 21, wherein said adhesive
connection between said first and second surface protectors is a
liquid-proof.
27. The method as defined in claim 21, wherein said second surface
protector is different from said first surface protector, said
second surface protector selected from the group comprising a
plastic sheet, a cardboard sheet, a paperboard sheet, a fiberboard
sheet, and a cloth sheet.
28. The method as defined in claim 21, wherein said first and
second surface protectors are the same, said sheet material of said
first and second surface protectors is selected from the group
consisting of fiberboard, paperboard, composite fabric and
plastic.
29. The method as defined in claim 21, wherein said first surface
protector includes a first crease that is offset a distance inward
from said perimeter of said sheet, said sheet is capable of being
folded along said first crease without damaging said crease or said
sheet thereby creating a first portion and a second portion, said
first portion of said sheet is capable of protecting a first
surface and said second portion of said sheet is capable of
protecting a second surface when said sheet is folded along said
first crease.
30. The method as defined in claim 29, further including the step
of folding said first surface protector along said first crease
such that said first floor protector protects both a portion of
said floor surface and a portion of a wall positioned adjacent to
said floor surface.
31. The method as defined in claim 30, wherein said first crease is
water-resistant both prior to and after said sheet is folded along
said first crease.
32. The method as defined in claim 29, wherein said first crease is
spaced a greater distance from said perimeter than said first
adhesive strip.
33. The method as defined in claim 21, wherein said first surface
protector has a longitudinal length of at least 10 feet and a width
of at least 2 feet, and wherein said first surface protector is in
a roll prior to being connected to said second surface protector,
said first surface protector when in said roll is absent creases
running between a width of said sheet when said sheet is rolled in
said roll, and further includes the step of unrolling said first
surface protector on said floor surface.
34. The method as defined in claim 21, wherein said first adhesive
strip on said first surface protector runs parallel to a side edge
of said sheet and along the longitudinal length of said sheet.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority on U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 62/271,752, filed Dec. 28, 2015, the
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to protective
coverings, and more particularly to a protective covering for
protecting finished work and other surfaces during construction,
moving, painting, or other activities, and a method of
manufacturing the protective covering.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The process of building out an area or constructing a
building occurs in many phases. During this process, a number of
different types of workers are required and it may be necessary to
complete the construction in steps. As a result, frequently
contractors damage floors, stairs, countertops, and other finished
work in the process of completing other tasks and moving in and out
heavy equipment.
[0004] During the last stages of house or building construction,
and after floor and countertop materials already have been
installed, finish work such as painting, caulking, finish
carpentry, and appliance and lighting fixture installation is
typically done. This finish work can often cause significant damage
to plastic laminates, linoleum, hardwood, ceramic tiles, and
carpets before the building is finished, sold, or moved into. Heavy
tools, caulking and paint buckets, and appliance edges are
particularly damaging.
[0005] Traditionally, the only protection, if any, given to floors
and countertops during the final stages of construction has been a
thin fabric drop cloth or a thin plastic sheet such as the 0.002
inch thick self-adhesive plastic sheet. These sheets help protect
against paint or caulking splatters and soil on workers' feet, but
do not protect against gouges, scrapes, abrasion, or other damage
and breakage due to impact of objects or moving of
equipment/tools.
[0006] Fabric throw rugs or moving van style blankets can be used
but these absorb liquids, snag and catch on appliances, and do not
protect against sharp and forceful impact. Also, these covers are
bulky and heavy to transport and store.
[0007] Other products are designed to protect floors or walls
independently, but not both at the same time, with one product.
These products leave the base of walls and the perimeter of the
floor exposed to damage. It is to be appreciated that where
separate products are used to protect the floor and the wall, the
lower section of walls, including the baseboards, can be easily
damaged on job sites. Additionally, present products do not protect
from liquid spills occurring at or near the junction between the
wall and floor.
[0008] In view of the current state of the art, an improved
fiberboard sheet was developed as disclosed in U.S. Patent
Publication No. U.S. 2014/0224391 and U.S. Design Application Ser.
No. 29/497,796 (filed Jul. 29, 2014), which are both incorporated
herein by reference. Although this fiberboard sheet provides
protection to a floor surface when multiple fiberboard sheets are
used, the fiberboard sheets can separate from one another and
expose the floor between the separated sheets. In order to address
this issue, the end edges of adjacent fiberboard sheets are
overlapped. However, during use of the fiberboard sheets, the
sheets can move relative to one another and allow a space to form
between the fiberboard sheets. Also, sawdust, screws, nails, clips,
etc. that fall on the top surface of a fiberboard sheet can work
its way between the overlapped sheet and onto a floor surface
during the use of the fiberboard sheets. Such materials can cause
damage to the floor surface once such materials are in contact with
the floor surface and workers walk on the fiberboard sheets and
cause such materials to be pressed into the floor surface.
Furthermore, liquid spills on the fiberboard sheets can seep
between the overlapped fiberboard sheets and onto a floor surface
and thereby potentially damage the floor surface. Generally, a user
must overlap the fiberboard sheets and then get on his/her knees
and cut and paste adhesive tape over the overlapped seam of the
fiberboard sheets. For many workers, getting up and down on ones
knees to tape over overlapped fiberboard sheets is time consuming,
can be difficult for some workers, and requires additional
materials (such a tape) at the jobsite to complete the installation
of the fiberboard sheet over a surface to be protected.
[0009] In view of the current state of floor coverings, there is a
need for a floor covering that is easy to use, protects a floor
surface against sharp and forceful impact, protects the lower
section of walls (including the baseboards), and which can be
easily connected together.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention is directed to a paperboard or
fiberboard sheet having an adhesive strip positioned on or closely
adjacent to one or more edges of the paperboard or fiberboard
sheet. The adhesive is a preapplied adhesive strip that includes a
removable top protective release liner that, when removed, exposes
a top adhesive surface of the adhesive strip. The exposed top
adhesive surface of the adhesive strip is designed to bond with a
portion of another paperboard or fiberboard sheet that is
positioned on the exposed top adhesive surface. The adhesive bond
between the two exposed top adhesive surfaces that is formed by the
adhesive strip is a dust-proof bond, and can optionally also be a
liquid-proof bond. During installation of multiple sheets of
paperboard or fiberboard sheet of the present invention, a first
paperboard or fiberboard sheet is positioned on a floor surface to
be covered. After the first paperboard or fiberboard sheet is
positioned on a floor surface, the removable release liner is
simply removed from the top adhesive surface of the adhesive strip.
An edge of a second paperboard or fiberboard sheet is positioned
over and then on the exposed top adhesive surface of the adhesive
strip on the first paperboard or fiberboard sheet. Thereafter, the
user can simply walk on the top surface of the second paperboard or
fiberboard sheet in the area of the top adhesive surface of the
adhesive strip on the first paperboard or fiberboard sheet to
complete the adhesive bonding of the first and second paperboard or
fiberboard sheets. The adhesive bond forms a dust-proof bond
between the two paperboard or fiberboard sheets. This process can
then be repeated to secure additional paperboard or fiberboard
sheets together. For example, when a third paperboard or fiberboard
sheet is to be connected to the second paperboard or fiberboard
sheet, the removable release liner on the second paperboard or
fiber board sheet is simply removed from the top adhesive surface
of the adhesive strip. An edge of a third paperboard or fiberboard
sheet is positioned over and then on the exposed top adhesive
surface of the adhesive strip on the second paperboard or
fiberboard sheet. Thereafter, the user can simply walk on the top
surface of the third paperboard or fiberboard sheet in the area of
the top adhesive surface of the adhesive strip on the second
paperboard or fiberboard sheet to complete the adhesive bonding of
the second and third paperboard or fiberboard sheets. As can be
appreciated, fourth, fifth, etc. paperboard or fiberboard sheets
can be connected together if so required. This arrangement
eliminates the need for a user to get down on their knees to apply
tape over the overlapping edges of two paperboard or fiberboard
sheets. The removable release liner can be removed from the
adhesive strip prior to, during, or after the paperboard or
fiberboard being placed on the floor surface; however, this is not
required. The removable liner can also be removed from one
paperboard or fiberboard sheet as the other paperboard or
fiberboard sheet is being laid over the paperboard or fiberboard
sheet. In such an installation method, the user need not bend
completely over or get on his/her knees to adhesively connect
together two paperboard or fiberboard sheets. The use of the
preapplied adhesive strip on the paperboard or fiberboard sheet
eliminates the need to apply a separate piece of tape over the
overlapping edges of two paperboard or fiberboard sheets and also
makes installation of the paperboard or fiberboard sheets faster
and easier. The width and thickness of the adhesive strip is
non-limiting. Generally, the width of the preapplied adhesive strip
is 0.25-5 inches and all values and ranges there between (e.g., 1
inch, 2 inches, 2.5 inches, etc.). The thickness of the adhesive
strip is generally less than 0.25 inches. The adhesive strip is
generally positioned on one edge or two opposite edges of the
paperboard or fiberboard sheet; however, this is not required. As
can be appreciated, the adhesive strip can be positioned on two
adjacent edges of the paperboard or fiberboard sheet. When two
adhesive strips are on a paperboard or fiberboard sheet, the two
adhesive strips are positioned on the same surface of the
paperboard or fiberboard sheet; however this is not required. The
adhesive strip is generally positioned at or within 1-2 inches of
the edge of the paperboard or fiberboard sheet.
[0011] In another non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the
paperboard or fiberboard sheet can optionally include one or more
embedded creases, wherein each of the creases can be folded in
order to position a portion of the fiberboard sheet horizontally
and another portion of the paperboard or fiberboard sheet
vertically. The term crease used herein includes scoring or
perforating the surface. The paperboard or fiberboard surface
protector can provide a quick and easy folding of the paperboard or
fiberboard sheet, along a multitude of crease lines, to allow for
simultaneous horizontal and vertical protection within a single
product. The paperboard or fiberboard surface protector can
eliminate the need for two or more separate products and extra
steps in the protection process. The paperboard or fiberboard
surface protector can create a seamless barrier between a
horizontal and a vertical junction of orthogonally adjacent
surfaces such as, for example, a floor and a wall extending
upwardly therefrom.
[0012] The material used to form a majority or the complete
composition of the protective surface protector of the present
invention is paperboard or fiberboard. As defined herein,
fiberboard is a type of engineered wood product that is made out of
wood fibers. The general types of fiberboard (in order of
increasing density) include particle board, medium-density
fiberboard, and hardboard. Plywood is not a type of fiberboard, as
it is made of thin sheets of wood, not wood fibers or particles.
Cardboard is also not paperboard or fiberboard since it includes a
corrugated layer. The one or more creases formed in the paperboard
or fiberboard are designed to enable the paperboard or fiberboard
to be folded along the crease without causing the paperboard or
fiberboard to tear or separate along the crease. This invention is
a significant improvement in that paperboard or fiberboard, a very
durable material, can be used. In the past, the folding of
paperboard or fiberboard resulted in the breakage of the paperboard
or fiberboard, thus making it undesirable for a floor protection
system. Cardboard has been used in the past since it can be easily
folded; however, cardboard is not as dense and durable as
fiberboard of the similar thicknesses, thus did not provide for the
desired floor protection in many applications. The paperboard or
fiberboard is generally a water resistant paperboard or fiberboard;
however, this is not required.
[0013] In summary, the present invention is directed to a surface
protector to protect selected portions of surfaces. The surface
protector can be a non-reusable (i.e., one-time-use) surface
protector; however, this is not required. The surface protector
includes a sheet of foldable or bendable paperboard or fiberboard
material having a perimeter, a top surface and a bottom surface,
and at least one adhesive strip. The surface protector can be in
the form of a roll of surface protector or be formed in individual
sheets. When the surface protector is in a roll, the roll is
generally 10-200 ft. in length (and all values and ranges
therebetween); however, longer lengths can be used. When the
surface protector is in a roll, the material and thickness of the
surface protector is selected so that the surface protector can be
rolled into a roll and unrolled from the roll without damage or
creasing the surface protector. When the surface protector is in
the form of individual sheets, the surface protector is generally
about 2-20 ft. in length (and all values and ranges therebetween);
however, longer lengths can be used. The width of the surface
protector when in a roll form or in individual sheet form is
generally about 1-10 ft. (and all values and ranges therebetween);
however, greater widths can be used. The surface protector is
generally formed of a material that is water resistant or water
impermeable. In one non-limiting configuration, the surface
protector is formed of a material that prevents full penetration of
water through the thickness of the surface protector for at least
about 5 minutes, typically at least about 10 minutes, more
typically at least about 30 minutes, even more typically at least
about one hour, and still even more typically at least about 12
hours. The one or more adhesive strips on the surface protector can
be located only on one side of the surface protector or on both
sides of the surface protector. One side of the surface protector
can include one adhesive strip or a plurality of adhesive strips.
The type of adhesive is non-limiting. The thickness of the adhesive
is non-limiting. Generally, each of the adhesive strips includes a
releasable release liner; however, this is not required. The
releasable release liner (when used) is designed to cover the top
surface of the adhesive strip until the adhesive strip is to be
used to connect to another surface protector or other object, and
then be easily removed from the top surface of the adhesive strip
without damage to the adhesive strip. The material and thickness of
the releasable release liner is non-limiting. Generally, the
releasable release liner is formed of a material that is different
from the adhesive strip and the paperboard or fiberboard.
Generally, at least one adhesive strip is positioned at or within 2
inches of the side edge of the surface protector; however, this is
not required. The width of the adhesive strip is generally about
0.25-8 inches (and all values and ranges therebetween); however,
larger widths can be used. Generally, the width of each of the
adhesive strip is about 0.5%-10% the width of the surface protector
(and all values and ranges therebetween), and more typically about
2-8% the width of the surface protector. The width of the
releasable release liner is generally the same or slightly greater
than the width of the adhesive strip. Generally, the width of the
adhesive strip and releasable release liner are constant along the
longitudinal length of the surface protector and generally run
parallel to an edge of the surface protector; however, this is not
required. The adhesive is selected and formulated such that, when
the adhesive is connected to the surface of another surface
protector, a water-resistant or waterproof seal is formed between
the two surface protectors at the location of the adhesive strip;
however, this is not required. The adhesive is selected and
formulated such that when the adhesive is connected to the surface
of another surface protector, the connection is a permanent
connection. Such permanent connection is defined such that when two
surface connectors that are connected together by the adhesive
strip are forcibly separated from one another, one or more surfaces
of the surface protectors are torn or damaged due to the separation
of the surface protectors. A non-permanent connection would result
in the surface protectors not being torn or damaged due to the
separation of the surface protectors. The surface protector can
optionally include one or more creases (e.g., 1-20 creases, 2-10
creases, 2-5 creases, 3 creases, etc.) along the length of the
surface protector. The number of creases may vary due to the custom
needs of users. The one or more creases (when used) are offset a
distance inward from the perimeter of the surface protector.
Generally, each of the creases are spaced a greater distance from
an edge of the surface protector than the adhesive strip; however,
this is not required. In one non-limiting configuration, one side
of the surface protector includes one or more creases. In another
non-limiting configuration, two opposing sides of the surface
protector each include one or more creases. The surface protector,
when it includes one or more creases, is designed to be folded
along the one or more creases, thereby creating a first portion and
a second portion. The first portion of the surface protector
protects a first surface and the second portion of the surface
protector protects a second surface. The first surface is generally
orthogonal to the second surface; however, this is not required
(e.g., 5-150.degree. and all values and ranges therebetween). When
two or more creases are included on the sheet, each crease includes
a respective offset from a side of the sheet that is different from
another crease; however, this is not required. In one non-limiting
arrangement, the sheet includes at least two of the creases that
are proximal to one side of the perimeter of the sheet and offset
at different positions relative to one side. One or more of the
creases (when used) can be perforated and/or water resistant;
however, this is not required. The number of adhesive strips may
vary slightly due to the custom needs of users.
[0014] The invention is also directed to a method of forming the
surface protector. The method can include the steps of a) providing
a paperboard or fiberboard sheet having a perimeter, and b)
applying an adhesive strip at or near at least one edge of the
paperboard or fiberboard sheet. The method can also include the
steps of a) providing a paperboard or fiberboard sheet having a
perimeter, b) applying an adhesive strip at or near at least one
edge of the paperboard or fiberboard sheet, c) optionally scoring
or pressing the paperboard or fiberboard sheet to include one or
more creases aligned generally parallel to at least one side of the
sheet, and d) positioning the crease to be offset from the
perimeter. When two or more creases are formed, the two creases can
be positioned to be offset from the perimeter of the sheet at a
different location; however, this is not required. In use, the
creased sheet can be folded along at least a first crease thereby
creating a first portion and a second portion of the sheet on
either side of the first crease; wherein the first portion of the
sheet protects a first surface and the second portion of the sheet
protects a second surface. A creasing wheel can optionally be used
to form the one or more creases in the paperboard or fiberboard.
The one or more creases in the paperboard or fiberboard can have a
depth from about 5% to about 30% of a depth of the paperboard or
fiberboard sheet, typically about 10% to 20% of a depth of the
paperboard or fiberboard sheet. In one non-limiting arrangement,
the one or more creases in the paperboard or fiberboard includes a
depth from about 14.5% of a depth of the paperboard or fiberboard
sheet. Generally, the depth of the crease is constant along the
length of the crease; however, this is not required. The width of
the one or more creases is generally about 0.05-0.5 inches (and all
values and ranges therebetween). The one or more creases (when
used) are generally positioned about 1 to 18 inches (and all values
and ranges therebetween) from the perimeter of the paperboard or
fiberboard; however other distances can be used. The one or more
creases can be colored to facilitate in the visual location of the
crease; however, this is not required.
[0015] In one non-limiting object of the present invention, there
is provided a paperboard or fiberboard sheet that provides
protection to floor and/or wall surfaces.
[0016] In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the
present invention, there is provided a paperboard or fiberboard
sheet that includes at least one adhesive strip used to connect
together an adjacently positioned paperboard or fiberboard
sheet.
[0017] In still another and/or alternative non-limiting object of
the present invention, there is provided a paperboard or fiberboard
sheet that includes at least one adhesive strip that includes a
releasable release liner.
[0018] In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the
present invention, there is provided a paperboard or fiberboard
sheet that includes at least one adhesive strip used to connect
together an adjacently positioned paperboard or fiberboard sheet to
form a dust-proof or dust-resistant seal between the two adhesively
connected paperboard or fiberboard sheets and, optionally, a
liquid-proof or liquid-resistant barrier between the two adhesively
connected paperboard or fiberboard sheets.
[0019] In still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting object
of the present invention, there is provided a paperboard or
fiberboard sheet that includes at least one adhesive strip that is
a preapplied adhesive strip.
[0020] In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the
present invention, there is provided a paperboard or fiberboard
sheet that includes at least one crease.
[0021] In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the
present invention, there is provided a method for forming a
paperboard or fiberboard sheet that includes at least one
preapplied adhesive strip.
[0022] In still another and/or alternative non-limiting object of
the present invention, there is provided a paperboard or fiberboard
sheet that includes one or more creases that resists tearing or
breaking along the crease when folded along the crease.
[0023] In still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting object
of the present invention, there is provided a method for forming a
creased paperboard or fiberboard sheet that provides protection to
floor and/or wall surfaces.
[0024] In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the
present invention, there is provided a paperboard or fiberboard
sheet that includes at least one preapplied adhesive strip that can
be easily connected to another a paperboard or fiberboard sheet so
as to form a dust-proof or dust-resistant seal between the two
adhesively connected paperboard or fiberboard sheets and,
optionally, a liquid-proof or liquid-resistant barrier between the
two adhesively connected paperboard or fiberboard sheets.
[0025] In still another and/or alternative non-limiting object of
the present invention, there is provided a paperboard or fiberboard
sheet that includes at least one preapplied adhesive strip and at
least one crease, and which said paperboard or fiberboard sheet can
be easily connected to another a paperboard or fiberboard sheet so
as to form a dust-proof or dust-resistant seal between the two
adhesively connected paperboard or fiberboard sheets, and
optionally a liquid-proof or liquid-resistant barrier between the
two adhesively connected paperboard or fiberboard sheets, and which
paperboard or fiberboard sheet can be bent along the crease while
not damaging the crease to provide protection to floor and/or wall
surfaces.
[0026] These and other objects and advantages will become apparent
to those skilled in the art upon reading and following the
description taken together with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] Reference may now be made to the drawings which illustrate
various non-limiting embodiments that the invention may take in
physical form and in certain parts and arrangement of parts
wherein:
[0028] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a surface protector in
accordance with one non-limiting aspect of the present
invention;
[0029] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along 2-2 of FIG.
1;
[0030] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the surface protector of
FIG. 1 showing the removal of a removable top protective release
liner;
[0031] FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of a surface protector
similar to FIG. 3 showing a surface protector with a plurality of
creases;
[0032] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a plurality of surface
protectors in the use position;
[0033] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a plurality of surface
protectors in the use position similar to FIG. 4 wherein the one or
both surface protectors are laid from a roll of surface protector;
and,
[0034] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a surface protector in
accordance with another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENTS
[0035] Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for
the purpose of illustrating various non-limiting embodiments of the
invention only and not for the purpose of limiting the same, the
present disclosure provides a system and method for surface
protection comprising a paperboard or fiberboard surface protector
having an adhesive strip which allows for a plurality of surface
protectors and/or floor coverings to be connected together. This
system thus eliminates the need for additional materials (e.g.,
tape, glue, etc.) at the jobsite to complete the installation of
the surface protector.
[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, there is illustrated a surface
protector 10 configured to protect selected portions of surfaces
such as, for example, a floor 34 and/or a wall 32. Generally, the
surface protector 10 is a sheet of bendable material such as, for
example, paperboard or fiberboard material having a perimeter
comprising edges 12, 14, 16, 18, a top surface 24 and a bottom
surface 26. Additionally, the surface protector 10 includes at
least one adhesive strip 20. The adhesive strip 20 is illustrated
as being positioned adjacent to an edge 16 along the perimeter of
surface protector 10. The preapplied adhesive strip is illustrated
as being spaced from edge 16; however, it can be appreciated that
the adhesive strip can be positioned such that one side of the
adhesive strip extends to edge 16. Generally, the adhesive strip 20
is a preapplied adhesive strip having a top adhesive surface
32.
[0037] As best illustrated in FIGS. 2-3, the adhesive strip 20
includes a removable top protective release liner 30 that fully
covers the top surface of the adhesive strip. When the top
protective release liner is removed from the top surface of the
adhesive strip, as indicated by arrow A, the top adhesive surface
32 of the adhesive strip 20 is exposed and the adhesive strip is
not damaged. The composition of the top adhesive surface 32 is
non-limiting; however, it is typically selected to form a permanent
connection or bond with another surface protector and/or floor
covering. The thickness of the adhesive strip is non-limiting.
Generally, the thickness is about 1 mill to 0.1 inch (and all
values and ranges therebetween). The adhesive is generally formed
of a flexiable material such that when the surface protector is
rolled into a roll and subsequently unrolled, the adhesive strip is
not damaged. The top protective release liner generally has a
thickness of about 5 mills to 0.1 inch (and all values and ranges
therebetween). Generally, the thickness of the top protective
release liner is greater than the thickness of the adhesive strip;
however, this is not required. The top protective release liner is
also generally formed of a flexiable material such that when the
surface protector is rolled into a roll and subsequently unrolled,
the top protective release liner is not damaged and does not
prematurely release from the top surface of the adhesive strip.
Generally, the adhesive strip has a generally constant thickness
and width along the length of the surface protector. The width of
the adhesive strip is generally about 0.25-8 inches and typically
about 0.5-3 inches.
[0038] It is to be appreciated that a section of a floor can become
exposed between separated sheets of traditional floor coverings at
job sites, thereby allowing dirt, debris, etc. to fall onto the
floor and work their way underneath the floor coverings. The
adhesive strip 20 applied to the surface protector 10 of the
present invention is designed to prevent this separation of
overlapped surface protectors, thereby preventing any relative
movement between said surface protectors and preventing any dirt,
debris, etc. from falling thereunder. The adhesive strip can also
be designed to form a liquid-resistant or waterproof seal between
the two connected surface protectors.
[0039] As best illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 4A, the top adhesive
surface 32 of the adhesive strip 20 is capable of forming an
adhesive bond with a portion of a second surface protector 70
positioned on or over the exposed top adhesive surface 32 of the
adhesive strip 20. The bond formed between the surface protector 10
and the surface protector 70 can be a dust-proof bond. Furthermore,
the bond formed between the surface protector 10 and the surface
protector 70 can be a liquid-proof bond. In combination with the
water-resistant nature of the paperboard or fiberboard material of
the surface protector 10, there is provided a substantially
dust-proof and liquid-proof surface protection system. Generally,
the adhesive bond formed between two surface protectors is designed
to be a permanent bond. As such, breaking of the adhesive bond
(i.e., separating the two connected surface protectors) will lead
to damage to one or both of the surface protectors connected by the
adhesive bond. Typically, when the two surface protectors are
separated, a layer of fiberboard material is left behind on the top
adhesive surface of the adhesive strip; however, this is not
required. Additionally, breaking of the adhesive bond can
compromise the liquid-proof and/or dust-proof seal created by the
adhesive bond.
[0040] In current floor protection systems, a user must get on
his/her knees and cut and paste adhesive tape over the seams
between adjacent floor coverings. Such a process is time consuming,
can be difficult and painful for individuals that have arthritis or
bad knees and joints, and a proper connection or seal may not be
formed between the adjacent floor coverings. The present invention
provides a surface protector floor covering that is easy to use,
which is capable of protecting a surface (e.g., floor 34) against
sharp and forceful impact, and which can be easily connected
together.
[0041] Any number of adhesive strips 20 can be positioned along the
surface protector 10 such that the adhesive strips generally are
aligned with, and offset from, a side 12, 14, 16, 18 of the surface
protector. The different spacing and positioning arrangements of
the adhesive strips 20 relative to a side of the surface protector
allows for custom connecting to ensure adequate protection for a
selected portion of a surface to be protected by the surface
protector. It can be appreciated that any number of surface
protectors can be utilized in conjunction with one another wherein
adjacent surface protectors are overlapped, and an adhesive bond is
formed between top and bottom surfaces of said adjacent surface
protectors. The surface protectors can optionally be used to
completely cover a floor surface. As such, during job site
operations, relative movement between adjacent surface protectors
is minimized or eliminated by the adhesive bond formed between said
adjacent surface protectors.
[0042] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the surface protector 10 can
optionally include at least one crease 22 offset a distance inward
from an edge such as, for example, edge 12 of the surface protector
10. As such, the surface protector 10 can be folded along the at
least one crease 22 thereby creating a first portion 36 and a
second portion 38. The first portion 36 of the surface protector 10
is capable of protecting a first surface (e.g., wall 32) while the
second portion 38 of surface protector 10 is capable of protecting
a second surface (e.g., floor 34) as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 4A.
Generally, the at least one crease 22 is designed to be water
resistant when in the bent and non-bent state. As illustrated in
FIG. 3A, the surface protector can include a plurality of creases.
As illustrated in FIG. 3A, two creases are spaced apart from one
another and run generally parallel to one another along the
longitudinal length of the surface protector. As can be
appreciated, one or more creases can be located on opposite sides
of the surface protector such that one crease is located closer to
edge 12 than edge 16 and another crease is located closer to edge
16 and to edge 12; however, this is not required. When one crease
is located closer to edge 16 and to edge 12, and the adhesive strip
is also located closer to edge 16 and to edge 12, such crease is
generally located a greater distance from edge 16 than the adhesive
strip.
[0043] It is to be appreciated that the lower section of walls 32
as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 4A, including the baseboard (not
shown), can be easily damaged at job sites. The creases 22 of the
surface protector 10 are designed to enable the surface protector
to protect both the floor 34 and the lower section of the wall 32
at the same time, with a single piece of material. More
specifically, the surface protector 10 is designed to prevent
damage at or near the junction 33 between the floor 34 and the wall
32.
[0044] The surface protector 10 of the present invention can be
manufactured as a roll of material; however, this is not required.
As such, the end user can create sheets of foldable material of
desired length to cover a selected surface. Generally, during
manufacturing, the adhesive strip 20 is applied along and/or
parallel to the lengthwise edges of the roll of material; however,
this is not required.
[0045] The surface protector can include any number of adhesive
strips. With reference now to FIG. 5, there is provided a
perspective illustration of a surface protector 40 comprising side
edges 42, 44, 46, 48. Adhesive strips 50, 54 are illustrated as
being located on the same (i.e., top) surface of the surface
protector. When the removable protective release liner 52 is
removed from the adhesive strip 50, as indicated by arrow B, the
top adhesive surface 51 of adhesive strip 50 is exposed. Similarly,
when the removable protective release liner 56 is removed from the
adhesive strip 54, as indicated by the arrow C, the top adhesive
surface 55 of adhesive strip 54 is exposed. As can be appreciated,
one, two or more edges of the surface protector can include
adhesive strips. In such an arrangement, a liquid-proof and/or
dust-proof adhesive bond can be formed at or near any edge along
the perimeter of the surface protector of the present invention.
This would be particularly useful in applications where a large
surface is to be covered, such as, for example, the floor of a
warehouse.
[0046] In use, the surface protector 10 can be unrolled as
illustrated in FIG. 4A and positioned on a surface (e.g., floor 34,
wall 32) to be covered and/or protected. The surface protector 10
can optionally be folded along crease 22 thereby forming a first
portion 36 for covering a portion of the wall 32 and a second
portion 38 for covering a portion of the floor 34. When the surface
is to be used to protect both a wall and a floor surface, the
surface protector 10 is positioned such that crease 22 is
positioned at or near the junction 33 between the floor 34 and wall
32. The removable top protective release liner 30 can be removed
from the top adhesive surface 32 of the adhesive strip 20, thereby
exposing the top adhesive surface 32 of the adhesive strip 20 on
the surface protector 10. A second surface protector 70 (see FIGS.
4 and 4A) can then be provided, unrolled and subsequently
positioned such that the second surface protector 70 at least
partially covers the exposed top adhesive surface 32 of the
adhesive strip 20 of the surface protector 10. Generally, the
second surface protector 70 is overlapped such that the overlapping
portion of the second surface protector 70 at least partially
covers the adhesive surface 20. A pressure such as, for example,
the weight of a person walking on the surface protector, moving or
rolling a roller on the surface protector, moving a heavy device
(e.g., a device weighing 10 lbs. or more) on the surface protector,
etc., can then be applied to the top surface of the surface
protector 70 in the area of the adhesive strip 20 on the top
surface 24 of the surface protector 10, thereby completing the
adhesive bonding between the surface protector 10 and surface
protector 70. This process can then be repeated to secure
additional surface protectors together.
[0047] As illustrated in FIG. 4, a plurality of surface protectors
10, 60, 70 can be used to protect selections of surfaces (e.g.,
floor 34 and wall 32) to be protected. As illustrated in FIG. 4,
surface protectors 10, 60 can be folded along creases 22, 62,
respectively, and positioned such that creases 22, 62 are
positioned at or near the junction 33 between the floor 34 and the
wall 32. As such, a first portion 36 of surface protector 10 can
cover a portion of the wall 32 and a second portion 38 of surface
protector 10 can cover a portion of the floor 34. Similarly, a
first portion 66 of surface protector 60 can cover a portion of the
wall 32 and a second portion 68 of surface protector 60 can cover a
portion of the floor 34. Surface protector 10 overlaps surface
protector 60. The removable protective release liners (not shown)
can be removed from adhesive strips 20, 64, thereby exposing the
top adhesive surfaces 32, 65, respectively. Another surface
protector 70 can then be positioned over the exposed top adhesive
surfaces 32, 65 of surface protectors 10, 60, respectively. As
illustrated in FIG. 4, if surface protector 70 is the last surface
protector to be added for protection of the selected surface, the
removable protective release liner 74 is typically left in place
over adhesive strip 72, thereby preventing exposure of the covered
top adhesive material (not shown) of adhesive strip 72. At any
point during installation, a pressure such as, for example, the
weight of a person walking on the surface protector, can then be
applied to the top surface of the surface protectors 10, 60, 70 in
the area of the adhesive strips 20, 64, thereby completing the
adhesive bonding between the surface protectors 10, 60, 70. This
process can then be repeated to secure additional surface
protectors together.
[0048] Alternatively, the surface protector 70 can be provided,
unrolled and positioned at least partially over the surface
protector 10 prior to the removal of the removable top protective
release liner 30 from the top adhesive surface 32 of the adhesive
strip 20 of the surface protector 10. In such a method of
operation, the amount of dust, debris, etc. at the jobsite which
sticks to the top adhesive surface 32 of the adhesive strip 20
before the second surface protector is applied can be minimized
and/or prevented. As can be appreciated, this method of operation
can be particularly useful in job operations having high dust,
dirt, and/or debris production.
[0049] The adhesive bond formed between the surface protector 70
and the surface protector 10 can be a dust-proof bond.
Additionally, the adhesive bond formed between the surface
protector 70 and the surface protector 10 can be a liquid-proof
bond.
[0050] It is to be appreciated that the surface protector 10 of the
present invention can be used in conjunction with existing types of
surface protectors and/or floor coverings (e.g., plastic sheets,
cardboard, fiberboard, cloth, etc.) for the purpose of protecting
selected portions of surfaces.
[0051] It is also to be appreciated that a plurality of surface
protectors 10 can be used to completely cover the floor and at
least a lower portion of one or more walls at a job site.
[0052] It will be appreciated that variants of the above-disclosed
and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be
combined into many other different systems or applications. Various
presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications,
variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by
those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed
by the following claims.
* * * * *