DOOR PROTECTION APPARATUS

Abstract

A door protection apparatus for protecting an installed door with at least one existing hinge includes at least one bracket and a hinge-side protective surface. The at least one bracket is configured to attach to the at least one existing hinge. The hinge-side protective surface is secured to the at least one bracket and attached to one of the existing hinges. The hinge-side protective surface is sized to cover a hinge side of the installed door. Wherein, the hinge-side protective surface is configured to maintain position on the hinge side of the installed door during opening and closing of the installed door for protecting the installed door.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is directed to a door protection apparatus. More specifically, the present disclosure is directed toward a door protection apparatus configured to provide protection to the entry door from damage and traffic during the construction phase of the home. More particularly, it is developed to be attached using the existing door hinges.

BACKGROUND

Generally speaking, a door is a hinged or otherwise movable barrier that allows ingress and egress into an “enclosure”. The opening in the wall can be referred to as a “portal”. A door's essential and primary purpose is to provide security by controlling the portal (doorway). Conventionally, it is a panel that fits into the portal of a building, room, or vehicle. Doors are commonly made of a material suited to the task of which it is to perform. Doors are commonly attached by hinges within the portal but can be moved by other means such as slides or counterbalancing. The door may be moved in various ways (at angles away from the portal, by sliding on a plane parallel to the frame, by folding in angles on a parallel plane, or by spinning along an axis at the center of the frame) to allow or prevent ingress or egress. In most cases, a door's interior matches its exterior side. Doors often incorporate locking mechanisms to ensure that only some people can open them. Doors can have devices such as knockers or doorbells by which people outside can announce their presence and summon someone either to open the door for them or give permission to open and enter. Apart from providing access into and out of a space, doors can have the secondary functions of ensuring privacy by preventing unwanted attention from outsiders, of separating areas with different functions, of allowing light to pass into and out of a space, of controlling ventilation or air drafts so that interiors may be more effectively heated or cooled, of dampening noise, and of blocking the spread of fire.

The instant disclosure relates to a door protection apparatus for such doors. In construction of residential and commercial properties, doors are a requirement for closing off one are to the next or for sealing the inside of the structure to the outside environment. During construction and/or re-modeling of the structure a door is typically installed prior to the completion of the construction or re-model process. As such, the installed door is often times damaged during the completion of the construction or re-model process. For example, in residential construction, doors are typically required to be installed when the windows are installed in order to pass certain inspections to move on in continuing the construction process. This requires the door to be installed prior to any of the inside of the home being finished, like drywall, flooring, appliances, tiling, lighting, painting, etc. As a result, the installed door is subject to a lot of construction traffic and is often times damaged during such construction processes of finishing the home. As examples, doors can have scratched glass and/or damage to the doors themselves, especially wood doors that are susceptible to dents and dings due to the soft nature of wood doors. This damage to the doors can lead to customer complaints and thus require costly and time consuming replacements, which may be especially problematic for residential new construction with expensive front doors.

Therefore, a need exists for an apparatus, means and/or method for protecting doors, like during a construction or remodeling process.

The instant disclosure may be designed to address at least certain aspects of the needs and/or problems discussed above by providing of a door protection apparatus.

SUMMARY

In accordance with at least select embodiments, the instant disclosure may address at least certain aspects of the above-mentioned needs, issues and/or problems and may provide a door protection apparatus. In general, the disclosed door protection apparatus for protecting an installed door with at least one bracket and a hinge-side protective surface. The at least one bracket may be configured to attach to the at least one existing hinge. The hinge-side protective surface may be secured to the at least one bracket and attached to one of the existing hinges. The hinge-side protective surface may be sized to cover a hinge side of the installed door. Wherein, the hinge-side protective surface may be configured to maintain position on the hinge side of the installed door during opening and closing of the installed door for protecting the installed door.

One feature of the disclosed door protection apparatus may be that the at least one bracket may include a top hole, a bottom protrusion, and a mounting surface. The top hole may be configured to receive a hinge pin of the at least one existing hinge. The bottom protrusion may be configured to be inserted into a bottom hinge hole of the at least one existing hinge. The mounting surface may be between the top hole and the bottom protrusion. The mounting surface may be configured for securing the bracket to the hinge-side protective surface.

In select embodiments of the disclosed door protection apparatus, the at least one bracket may be a 2-piece bracket. The 2-piece bracket may generally include a top bracket portion and a bottom bracket portion. The top bracket portion may have the top hole configured to receive the hinge pin of the at least one existing hinge and a top mounting surface connected thereto for securing the top bracket portion to the hinge-side protective surface. The bottom bracket portion may have the bottom protrusion configured to be inserted into the bottom hinge hole of the at least one existing hinge and a bottom mounting surface configured for securing the bottom bracket portion to the hinge-side protective surface.

One feature of the disclosed door protection apparatus may be that utilizing the 2-piece bracket may allow it to be configured to allow adjustability between the top hole and the bottom protrusion for allowing the bracket to be installed on various sizes of the at least one existing hinge.

In select embodiments of the disclosed door protection apparatus, the top bracket portion may have three top mounting holes through the top mounting surface for securing the top bracket portion to the hinge-side protective surface, like via three short top screws or top bolts. Likewise, the bottom bracket portion may have three bottom mounting holes through the bottom mounting surface for securing the bottom bracket portion to the hinge-side protective surface, like via three short bottom screws or bottom bolts.

In select embodiments of the disclosed door protection apparatus, the top mounting surface of the 2-piece bracket may include a top corner flange with a holed tab. The top corner flange may be oriented flat with the hinge-side protective surface. The top corner flange may have a top horizontal portion extending from a first top end away from the existing hinge along the hinge-side protective surface and a top vertical portion extending downwards from a second top end of the top horizontal portion toward the bottom mounting surface. The holed tab may extend from the first top end of the top horizontal portion of the top corner flange. The holed tab may extend perpendicular from the hinge-side protective surface and may include the top hole configured to receive the hinge pin. In select embodiments, the three top mounting holes through the top mounting surface for securing the top bracket portion to the hinge-side protective surface may be located near the first top end of the top horizontal portion, near a bottom end of the top vertical portion, and near a top intersection of the top horizontal portion and the top vertical portion.

In select embodiments of the disclosed door protection apparatus, the bottom mounting surface of the 2-piece bracket may include a bottom corner flange with a protrusion tab. The bottom corner flange may be oriented flat with the hinge-side protective surface. The bottom corner flange may have a bottom horizontal portion extending from a first bottom end away from the existing hinge along the hinge-side protective surface and a bottom vertical portion extending upwards from a second bottom end of the bottom horizontal portion toward the top mounting surface. The protrusion tab may extend from the first bottom end of the bottom horizontal portion of the bottom corner flange. The protrusion tab may extend perpendicular from the hinge-side protective surface and may include the bottom protrusion configured to be inserted into the bottom hinge hole of the at least one existing hinge. In select embodiments, the three bottom mounting holes through the bottom mounting surface for securing the bottom bracket portion to the hinge-side protective surface may be located near the first bottom end of the bottom horizontal portion, near a top end of the bottom vertical portion, and near a bottom intersection of the bottom horizontal portion and the bottom vertical portion.

In select embodiments of the disclosed door protection apparatus, the at least one bracket may be a 1-piece bracket. The 1-piece bracket may generally include the top hole configured to receive the hinge pin of the at least one existing hinge, the bottom protrusion configured to be inserted into the bottom hinge hole of the at least one existing hinge, and the mounting surface integrally connected between the top hole and the bottom protrusion configured for securing the bracket to the hinge-side protective surface.

One feature of the disclosed door protection apparatus may be that utilizing the 1-piece bracket may allow it to be sized between the top hole and the bottom protrusion for allowing the bracket to be installed on various sizes of the at least one existing hinge.

One feature of the disclosed door protection apparatus may be that the mounting surface of the 1-piece bracket may include five mounting holes through the mounting surface for securing the 1-piece bracket to the hinge-side protective surface, like via five short screws or bolts.

In select embodiments of the disclosed door protection apparatus, the mounting surface of the 1-piece bracket may include a c-shaped flange with a holed tab and a protrusion tab. The c-shaped flange may be oriented flat with the hinge-side protective surface. The c-shaped flange may have a top horizontal c-portion extending from a first top c-end away from the existing hinge along the hinge-side protective surface, a vertical c-portion extending downwards from a second top c-end of the top horizontal c-portion, and a bottom horizontal c-portion extending from a bottom c-end of the vertical c-portion toward the existing hinge. The holed tab may extend from the first top c-end of the top horizontal c-portion. The holed tab may extend perpendicular from the hinge-side protective surface and may include the top hole configured to receive the hinge pin. The protrusion tab may extend from a first bottom c-end of the bottom horizontal c-portion. The protrusion tab may extend perpendicular from the hinge-side protective surface and may include the bottom protrusion configured to be inserted into the bottom hinge hole of the at least one existing hinge.

In select embodiments of the disclosed door protection apparatus, a back-side protective surface may be included. The back-side protective surface may be sized to cover a back side of the installed door. A plurality of straps may be configured to secure the back-side protective surface on the back side of the installed door by connecting between the hinge-side protective surface, around the edges of the installed door, to the back-side protective surface in a plurality of locations around the installed door. In select embodiments, six straps may be included with the door protection apparatus for securing the back-side protective surface. The six straps may include 2 top straps, 2 bottom straps, and 2 lock-side straps. The two top straps may extend from a top portion of the hinge-side protective surface over a top edge of the installed door to a top portion of the back-side protective surface. In select embodiments, the two top straps may be equally spaced along the top edge of the installed door. The two bottom straps may extend from a bottom portion of the hinge-side protective surface over a bottom edge of the installed door to a bottom portion of the back-side protective surface. In select embodiments, the two bottom straps may be equally spaced along the bottom edge of the installed door. The two lock side straps may extend from a lock side portion of the hinge-side protective surface around a lock side edge of the installed door to a lock side portion of the back-side protective surface. In select embodiments, the two lock side straps may be equally spaced along the lock side edge of the installed door.

In select embodiments of the disclosed door protection apparatus, each of the plurality of straps may be made from a nylon or a strong cloth.

In other select embodiments of the disclosed door protection apparatus, each of the plurality of straps may include hook and loop type fasteners. The hook and loop type fasteners on each of the straps may allow for adjustably securing the straps around the door from the hinge-side protective surface to the back-side protective surface; or

In other select embodiments of the disclosed door protection apparatus, each of the plurality of straps may include buckle type fasteners. The buckle type fasteners on each of the straps may allow for adjustably securing the straps around the door from the hinge-side protective surface to the back-side protective surface.

In select embodiments of the disclosed door protection apparatus, the hinge-side protective surface and/or the back-side protective surface may be made from wood or hard plastic. In select embodiments, the hinge-side protective surface and/or the back-side protective surface may include a soft backing material to protect the door.

In select embodiments of the disclosed door protection apparatus, where the installed door includes at least two existing hinges, the door protection apparatus include at least two brackets configured to attach to the at least two existing hinges.

In other select embodiments of the disclosed door protection apparatus, where the installed door includes three existing hinges, the door protection apparatus may include three brackets configured to attach to the three existing hinges.

One feature of the disclosed door protection apparatus may be that each of the at least one brackets may be made of a metal, a plastic, the like, or combinations thereof

In another aspect, the instant disclosure embraces the door protection apparatus in any of the various embodiments or combinations of embodiments shown and/or described herein.

In another aspect, the instant disclosure embraces a method of protecting an installed door with at least one existing hinge. The disclosed method of protecting an installed door with at least one existing hinge may include utilizing the door protection apparatus in any of the various embodiments or combinations of embodiments shown and/or described herein. As such, the disclosed method of protecting an installed door with at least one existing hinge may generally include providing door protection apparatus in any of the various embodiments or combination of embodiments shown and/or described herein. Accordingly, the provided door protection apparatus of the disclosed method may generally include at least one bracket and a hinge-side protective surface. The at least one bracket may be configured to attach to the at least one existing hinge. The hinge-side protective surface may be secured to the at least one bracket and attached to one of the existing hinges. The hinge-side protective surface may be sized to cover a hinge side of the installed door. Wherein, the hinge-side protective surface may be configured to maintain position on the hinge side of the installed door during opening and closing of the installed door for protecting the installed door. With the provided door protection apparatus, the method of protecting the installed door may also include the step of installing the door protection apparatus on the installed door. In select embodiments, the step of installing the door protection apparatus on the installed door may include the steps of: attaching the at least one bracket to the at least one existing hinge, and securing the hinge-side protective surface to the at least one bracket attached to the at lease one existing hinge.

In select embodiments of the disclosed a method of protecting an installed door with at least one existing hinge, when the door protection apparatus includes the back-side protective surface, the step of installing the door protection apparatus on the installed door may also include securing the back-side protective surface by connecting the plurality of straps between the hinge-side protective surface around the edges of the installed door to the back-side protective surface.

The foregoing illustrative summary, as well as other exemplary objectives and/or advantages of the disclosure, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, are further explained within the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective environmental view of the door protection apparatus according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure installed on a door inside a door frame;

FIG. 2 is a perspective environmental view of the door protection apparatus from FIG. 1 showing the installation of the door protection apparatus on the door via the hinges with a zoomed-in view of one hinge installation;

FIG. 3 is a perspective environmental view of the door protection apparatus from FIG. 1 showing the removal of the door protection apparatus from the door via the hinges with a zoomed-in view of one hinge removal;

FIG. 4 is a perspective broken away environmental view of the door protection apparatus from FIG. 1 showing the components of door protection apparatus broken away from the door and door frame;

FIG. 5 is a perspective environmental view of the door protection apparatus from FIG. 1 showing door protection apparatus installed on the door as the door is hinged open from the door frame;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the 2-piece bracket from the door protection apparatus of FIG. 1 showing the connection of the top bracket via the hinge pin and the bottom bracket via the hole in the bottom of the hinge;

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the 2-piece bracket of FIG. 6A from the door protection apparatus of FIG. 1 showing the 2-piece bracket connected to the hinge;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a 1-piece bracket of the door protection apparatus according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure showing the connection of the top of the 1-piece bracket via the hinge pin and the bottom of the 1-piece bracket via the hole in the bottom of the hinge;

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the 1-piece bracket of FIG. 7A of the door protection apparatus of FIG. 7A showing the 1-piece bracket connected to the hinge; and

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of the method of protecting a door during construction and/or remodeling according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure.

It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended solely for the purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neither desired nor intended to limit the disclosure to any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except insofar as they may be deemed essential to the claimed disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1-8, in describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The present disclosure, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed to be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples and are merely examples among other possible examples.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-7, in a possibly preferred embodiment, the present disclosure overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such an apparatus or method by providing of door protection apparatus 10. Door protection apparatus 10 may be for protecting installed door 12 with existing hinges 14. Door protection apparatus 10 may provide a device, means and method for protecting the hinge side 20 of installed door 12 and/or back side 106 of installed door 12. Door protection apparatus 10 may provide such a device, means and method for protecting the hinge side 20 and/or back side 106 of installed door 12 during operation of installed door 12, like during the opening and/or closing of installed door 12. Door protection apparatus 10 may be particularly useful, but not limited to, protecting installed door 12 with existing hinges 14 during construction and/or remodeling of a structure. For example, door protection apparatus 10 may be used during the construction of a new home for protecting an expensive front door of the new home, which is required to be installed with the windows to pass an inspection and continue the construction of the new residence, including, but not limited to during the finishing of the inside of the home, like drywall, flooring, appliances, tiling, lighting, painting, etc., which may require a lot of labor and traffic in, around, and through installed door 12, thereby leading to potential damage to installed door 12.

In accordance with at least select embodiments, the instant disclosure may address at least certain aspects of the above-mentioned needs, issues and/or problems and may provide door protection apparatus 10. In general, door protection apparatus 10 for protecting installed door 12 man include at least one bracket 16 and hinge-side protective surface 18. The number of brackets 16 may match the number of existing hinges 14 on installed door 12 in possibly preferred embodiments. However, the disclosure is not so limited and only one bracket 16 may be required for door protection apparatus 10 or a number less than the existing hinges 14 on installed door 12 may be used or required for door protection apparatus 10. Each of the brackets 16 may be configured to attach to the existing hinges 14. The hinge-side protective surface 18 may be secured to each of the brackets 16 used in door protection apparatus 10 and attached to one of the existing hinges 14. Hinge-side protective surface 18 may be sized to cover hinge side 20 of installed door 12. Wherein, as best shown in FIG. 5, hinge-side protective surface 18 may be configured to maintain position on hinge side 20 of installed door 12 during opening and closing of installed door 12 for protecting installed door 12.

Referring now to the zoomed in view of FIGS. 1-3 and 6-7, one feature of door protection apparatus 10 may be that each bracket 16 may include top hole 22, bottom protrusion 26, and mounting surface 30. As shown best in FIGS. 6-7, top hole 22 may be configured to receive hinge pin 24 of the existing hinge 14. Bottom protrusion 26 may be configured to be inserted into bottom hinge hole 28 of the same existing hinge 14. Mounting surface 30 may be between top hole 22 and bottom protrusion 26. Mounting surface 30 may be configured for securing bracket 16 to hinge-side protective surface 18.

Referring specifically to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-6, each bracket 16 may be 2-piece bracket 32. 2-piece bracket 32 may generally include top bracket portion 34 and bottom bracket portion 38. Top bracket portion 34 may have top hole 22 configured to receive hinge pin 24 of the existing hinge 14 and top mounting surface 36 may be connected thereto for securing top bracket portion 34 to hinge-side protective surface 18. Bottom bracket portion 38 may have bottom protrusion 26 configured to be inserted into bottom hinge hole 28 of the existing hinge 14 and bottom mounting surface 40 configured for securing bottom bracket portion 38 to hinge-side protective surface 18. By utilizing 2-piece bracket 32 in door protection apparatus 10, 2-piece bracket 32 may allow adjustability, or varying distances or sizes, between top hole 22 and bottom protrusion 26 for allowing bracket 16 to be installed on various sizes of the existing hinge 14.

As shown in FIGS. 1-6, in select embodiments of door protection apparatus 10, top bracket portion 34 may have three top mounting holes 42 through top mounting surface 36 for securing top bracket portion 34 to hinge-side protective surface 18, including, but not limited to via three short top screws 44 or top bolts 44, or the like. However, the disclosure is not so limited and any number of holes, screws, adhesives, other attachment means, or the like, may be used for securing top bracket portion 34 to hinge-side protective surface 18. Likewise, bottom bracket portion 38 may have three bottom mounting holes 46 through bottom mounting surface 40 for securing bottom bracket portion 38 to hinge-side protective surface 18, including, but not limited to, like via three short bottom screws 48 or bottom bolts 48, or the like. However, the disclosure is not so limited and any number of holes, screws, adhesives, other attachment means, or the like, may be used for securing bottom bracket portion 38 to hinge-side protective surface 18.

Still referring to FIGS. 1-6, in select embodiments of door protection apparatus 10, top mounting surface 36 of 2-piece bracket 32 may include top corner flange 50 with holed tab 60. Top corner flange 50 may be oriented flat with hinge-side protective surface 18. Top corner flange 50 may have top horizontal portion 52 extending from first top end 54 away from existing hinge 14 along hinge-side protective surface 18, and top vertical portion 56 extending downwards from second top end 58 of top horizontal portion 52 toward bottom mounting surface 40. Holed tab 60 may extend from first top end 54 of top horizontal portion 52 of top corner flange 50. Holed tab 60 may extend perpendicular from hinge-side protective surface 18 and may include top hole 22 configured to receive hinge pin 24 of existing hinge 14. In select embodiments, but clearly not limited thereto, as shown in the Figures, three top mounting holes 42 through top mounting surface 36 for securing top bracket portion 34 to hinge-side protective surface 18 may be located near first top end 54 of top horizontal portion 52, near bottom end 62 of top vertical portion 56, and near top intersection 64 of top horizontal portion 52 and top vertical portion 56, where the three top mounting holes 42 may be equally spaced apart on top mounting surface 36 of top bracket portion 34.

Still referring to FIGS. 1-6, in select embodiments of door protection apparatus 10, bottom mounting surface 40 of 2-piece bracket 32 may include bottom corner flange 66 with protrusion tab 76. Bottom corner flange 66 may be oriented flat with hinge-side protective surface 18. Bottom corner flange 66 may have bottom horizontal portion 68 extending from first bottom end 70 away from existing hinge 14 along hinge-side protective surface 18 and bottom vertical portion 72 extending upwards from second bottom end 74 of bottom horizontal portion 68 toward top mounting surface 36. Protrusion tab 76 may extend from first bottom end 70 of bottom horizontal portion 68 of bottom corner flange 66. Protrusion tab 76 may extend perpendicular from hinge-side protective surface 18 and may include bottom protrusion 26 configured to be inserted into bottom hinge hole 28 of existing hinge 14. As examples, and clearly not limited thereto, in select embodiments, the three bottom mounting holes 46 through bottom mounting surface 40 for securing bottom bracket portion 38 to hinge-side protective surface 18 may be located near first bottom end 70 of bottom horizontal portion 68, near top end 78 of bottom vertical portion 72, and near bottom intersection 80 of bottom horizontal portion 68 and bottom vertical portion 72, where the three bottom mounting holes 46 may be equally spaced apart on bottom mounting surface 40 of bottom bracket portion 38.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, in select other embodiments of door protection apparatus 10, each bracket 16 may be 1-piece bracket 82. 1-piece bracket 18 may generally include top hole 22 configured to receive hinge pin 24 of the existing hinge 14, bottom protrusion 26 configured to be inserted into bottom hinge hole 28 of the existing hinge 14, and mounting surface 84 integrally connected between top hole 22 and bottom protrusion 26. Mounting surface 84 may be configured for securing bracket 16 to hinge-side protective surface 18. As shown in FIG. 7A, utilizing 1-piece bracket 82 in door protection apparatus 10 may allow it to be provided in various sizes between top hole 22 and bottom protrusion 26 for allowing bracket 16 to be installed on various sizes of the existing hinge 14 of installed door 12. In select embodiments of 1-piece bracket 82, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, 1-piece bracket 82 may include five mounting holes 86 through mounting surface 84 for securing 1-piece bracket 82 to hinge-side protective surface 18, like via five short screws 44/48 or bolts 44/48 (as shown with 2-piece bracket 32 in FIG. 1). However, the disclosure is not so limited and any number of holes, screws, adhesives, other attachment means, or the like, may be used for securing mounting surface 84 to hinge-side protective surface 18.

Still referring to the 1-piece bracket 82 embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, in select embodiments of door protection apparatus 10, mounting surface 84 of 1-piece bracket 82 may include c-shaped flange 90. C-shaped flange 90 may include holed tab 60 and protrusion tab 76. C-shaped flange 90 may be oriented flat with hinge-side protective surface 18. C-shaped flange 90 may have top horizontal c-portion 92 extending from first top c-end 94 away from existing hinge 14 along hinge-side protective surface 18, vertical c-portion 96 extending downwards from second top c-end 98 of top horizontal c-portion 92, and bottom horizontal c-portion 100 extending from bottom c-end 102 of vertical c-portion 96 toward existing hinge 14. Holed tab 60 may extend from first top c-end 94 of top horizontal c-portion 92. Holed tab 60 may extend perpendicular from hinge-side protective surface 18 and may include top hole 22 configured to receive hinge pin 24. Protrusion tab 76 may extend from first bottom c-end 101 of bottom horizontal c-portion 100. Protrusion tab 76 may extend perpendicular from hinge-side protective surface 18 and may include bottom protrusion 26 configured to be inserted into bottom hinge hole 28 of the existing hinge 14.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, in select embodiments of door protection apparatus 10, back-side protective surface 104 may be included. Back-side protective surface 104 may be for protecting the back side 106 of installed door 12. Back-side protective surface 104 may thus be sized and configured to cover back side 106 of installed door 12. Plurality of straps 108 may be included with these embodiments of door protection apparatus 10 for securing back-side protective surface 104 on back side 106 of installed door 12. Straps 108 may thus be configured to secure back-side protective surface 104 on back side 106 of installed door 12 by connecting between hinge-side protective surface 18, around the edge of installed door 12 to back-side protective surface 104 in plurality of locations 110 around installed door 12. In select possibly preferred embodiments, as shown in the Figures, six straps 108 may be included with door protection apparatus 10 for securing back-side protective surface 104. However, the disclosure is not so limited, and any number of straps 108 may be utilized. The six straps 108 may include 2 top straps 112, 2 bottom straps 120, and 2 lock-side straps 128. The two top straps 112 may extend from top portion 114 of hinge-side protective surface 18 over top edge 116 of installed door 12 to top portion 118 of back-side protective surface 104. In select embodiments, as shown in the Figures, the two top straps 112 may be equally spaced along top edge 116 of installed door 12. The two bottom straps 120 may extend from bottom portion 122 of hinge-side protective surface 18 over bottom edge 124 of installed door 12 to bottom portion 126 of back-side protective surface 104. In select embodiments, the two bottom straps 120 may be equally spaced along bottom edge 124 of installed door 12. The two lock side straps 128 may extend from lock side portion 130 of hinge-side protective surface 18 around lock side edge 132 of installed door 12 to lock side portion 134 of back-side protective surface 104. In select embodiments, the two lock side straps 128 may be equally spaced along lock side edge 132 of installed door 12.

The plurality of straps 108 may be any desired type or size of strapping for securing back-side protective surface 104 on back side 106 of installed door 12. In addition, the plurality of straps 108 may be secured to hinge-side protective surface 18 and back-side protective surface 104 by any means, including any mechanical fasteners like any screws, nails, tacks, bolts, clasps, grips, the like, etcs., or any adhesives, the like, or any combinations thereof. As shown in the Figures, in select possibly preferred embodiments, the plurality of straps 108 may be secured to hinge-side protective surface 18 and back-side protective surface 104 by short nails or tacks that allow for easy installation and removal of door protection apparatus 10. In select embodiments of door protection apparatus 10, each of the plurality of straps 108 may be made from nylon 136, strong cloth 138, the like, or combinations thereof. Each of the plurality of straps 108 may be fixed length or they may be adjustable in length. In select embodiments of door protection apparatus 10, each of the plurality of straps 108 may include hook and loop type fasteners 140. The hook and loop type fasteners 140 on each of the straps 108 may allow for adjustably securing the straps around the installed door 12 from hinge-side protective surface 18 to back-side protective surface 104. In other select embodiments of door protection apparatus 10, each of the plurality of straps 108 may include buckle type fasteners 142. The buckle type fasteners 142 on each of the straps 108 may allow for adjustably in the length of straps 108 for adjustably securing the straps 108 around the installed door from hinge-side protective surface 18 to back-side protective surface 104.

Hinge-side protective surface 18 and/or back-side protective surface 104 may be made from any desired materials for protecting the hinge side 20 and back side 106 of installed door 12, respectively. In select embodiments, as shown in the Figures, hinge-side protective surface 18 and/or back-side protective surface 104 may be made from wood 144, hard plastic 146, the like, and/or combinations thereof In select embodiments, hinge-side protective surface 18 and/or the back-side protective surface 104 may include soft backing material 148. Soft backing material 148 may be placed against hinge side 20 and/or back side 106 of installed door 12 for aiding in the protection of installed door 12, like for preventing any scratching, denting, breaking, the like, etc. of installed door 12. Soft backing material 148 may be, but is not limited to, a styrofoam, type material used to protect the door.

Brackets 16, whether they are 1-piece bracket 82 and/or 2-piece bracket 32 may be made from any desired materials for installing door protection apparatus 10 onto installed door 12. In select possibly preferred embodiments, as shown in the Figures, brackets 16 may be made out of metal 150, plastic 152, the like, or combinations thereof

Referring now to FIG. 8, in another aspect, the instant disclosure embraces method 200 of protecting installed door 12 with at least one existing hinge 14. Method 200 of protecting installed door 12 with at least one existing hinge 14 may include utilizing door protection apparatus 10 in any of the various embodiments or combinations of embodiments shown and/or described herein. As such, method 200 of protecting installed door 12 with at least one existing hinge 14 may generally include step 202 of providing door protection apparatus 10 in any of the various embodiments or combination of embodiments shown and/or described herein. Accordingly, the provided door protection apparatus 10 of method 200 may generally include at least one bracket 16 and hinge-side protective surface 18. The at least one bracket 16 may be configured to attach to the at least one existing hinge 14. The hinge-side protective surface 18 may be secured to the at least one bracket 16 and attached to one of the existing hinges 14. The hinge-side protective surface 18 may be sized to cover hinge side 20 of the installed door 12. Wherein, the hinge-side protective surface 18 may be configured to maintain position on the hinge side 20 of the installed door 12 during opening and closing of the installed door 12 for protecting the installed door 12. With the provided door protection apparatus 10, method 200 of protecting the installed door 12 may also include step 204 of installing door protection apparatus 10 on installed door 12. In select embodiments, step 204 of installing door protection apparatus 10 on installed door 12 may include the steps of: step 206 of attaching the at least one bracket 16 to the at least one existing hinge 14, and securing the hinge-side protective surface 18 to the at least one bracket 16 attached to the at lease one existing hinge 14.

In select embodiments of method 200, as shown in FIG. 8, when door protection apparatus includes back-side protective surface 104, step 204 of installing door protection apparatus 10 on installed door 12 may also include step 210 of securing back-side protective surface 104 by connecting plurality of straps 108 between hinge-side protective surface 18 around the edges of installed door 12 to back-side protective surface 104.

In sum, door protection apparatus 10 functions as a secure interior and exterior shield to installed door 12, like an entry door, to maintain the beauty and integrity of the installed door 12. Thus, allowing the installed door 12 to be in use without fear of damage during construction or remodeling. The door protection apparatus 10 is generally comprised of interior and exterior panels, or hinge-side protective surface 18 and back-side protective surface 104, brackets 16 and Velcro® straps 108. The door protection apparatus 10 can ideally contain a bracket 16 for each existing hinge 14 that allows the shields, panels, or protective surfaces 18/104 to be connected to the existing door hinges 14. Once the shields, panels, or protective surfaces 18/104 are attached to the existing door hinges 14, the Velcro® straps 108 can be used to secure and hold the door protection apparatus in place. When attached to the existing door hinges 14, the door protection apparatus provides protection to the installed door 12 from damage that occurs during the construction and/or remodeling processes.

A feature of door protection apparatus 10 that may make it unique is that door protection apparatus 10 may be attached to the existing door hinge 14 by way of brackets 16. This installation of brackets 16 allows the installed door 12 to remain fully operational while also being protected during the construction process. Brackets 16 may be designed to allow the hinge-side protective surface 18 and/or back-side protective surface 104 to be removed with little to no effort. Brackets 16 may also allow for the hinge-side protective surface 18 and/or back-side protective surface 104 to be fixed and provides stability that no other product provides. Brackets 16 may also be the key to allowing door protection apparatus 10 to work with any interior or exterior door. It does this by operating with the existing hinges 14 of the door unit 12.

Another advantage of door protection apparatus 10 may be its ability to provide superior protection. Hinge-side protective surface 18 and/or back-side protective surface 104 may be made using thicker material than previous similar door protection devices.

In use, brackets 16 of door protection apparatus 10 may be attached to the existing hinges 14 on any exterior or interior door unit to secure the protective panels 18/104 to the unit. This allows for the door 12 to be protected during construction of the structure being built. By using brackets 16 in door protection apparatus 10, the hinge-side protective surface or panel 18 may be secured in an innovative way that provides more stability and allows for the door to be used during construction. The hinge-side protective surface or panel 18 of door protection apparatus 10 could be made out of wood 144 or hard plastic 146 with a soft backing material 148, like Styrofoam, to protect both sides of the installed door 12. The back-side protective surface or panel 104 may then be then held into place using the straps 108 shown in FIGS. 1-5. Straps 108 could be made of nylon 136 or strong cloth 138 and attached with buckle type fasteners 142 or hook and loop type fasteners 140. Straps 108 may secure the back-side protective surface or panel 104 into place allowing the door to be functional until construction is complete. For example, for high end entry doors, door protection apparatus 10 may allow for an unveiling of the entry door at the completion of construction. Door protection apparatus 10 may reduce damage, as created by traffic through the door unit, damage such as scratched glass and damage to the doors (especially wood doors) that are susceptible to dents and dings due to the soft nature of wood doors. As examples, and clearly not limited thereto, the ideal application may be for new construction residential since an expensive front door needs to be installed with the windows and an inspection is required before continuing the construction or remodeling process. Panels or protective surfaces 18/104 may also allow for the potential for advertising on the door protection apparatus 10, like advertising the contractor or builder during the construction or remodeling process.

In the specification and/or figures, typical embodiments of the disclosure have been disclosed. The present disclosure is not limited to such exemplary embodiments. The use of the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The figures are schematic representations and so are not necessarily drawn to scale. Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have been used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.

The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments. Having thus described exemplary embodiments, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein but is limited only by the following claims.

Claims

1. A door protection apparatus for protecting an installed door with at least one existing hinge comprises: at least one bracket configured to attach to the at least one existing hinge;a hinge-side protective surface secured to the at least one bracket attached to one of the at least one existing hinge, said hinge-side protective surface is sized to cover a hinge side of the installed door;wherein, the hinge-side protective surface is configured to maintain position on the hinge side of the installed door during opening and closing of the installed door for protecting the installed door.

2. The door protection apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of the at least one bracket includes: a top hole configured to receive a hinge pin of the at least one existing hinge;a bottom protrusion configured to be inserted into a bottom hinge hole of the at least one existing hinge; anda mounting surface between the top hole and the bottom protrusion, the mounting surface is configured for securing each of the at least one bracket to the hinge-side protective surface.

3. The door protection apparatus of claim 2, wherein the at least one bracket is a 2-piece bracket comprising: a top bracket portion having the top hole configured to receive the hinge pin of the at least one existing hinge and a top mounting surface connected thereto for securing the top bracket portion to the hinge-side protective surface; anda bottom bracket portion having the bottom protrusion configured to be inserted into the bottom hinge hole of the at least one existing hinge and a bottom mounting surface configured for securing the bottom bracket portion to the hinge-side protective surface.

4. The door protection apparatus of claim 3, wherein the 2-piece bracket is configured to allow adjustability between the top hole and the bottom protrusion for allowing the 2-piece bracket to be installed on various sizes of the at least one existing hinge.

5. The door protection apparatus of claim 3, wherein: the top bracket portion having three top mounting holes through the top mounting surface for securing the top bracket portion to the hinge-side protective surface via three short top screws or top bolts; andthe bottom bracket portion having three bottom mounting holes through the bottom mounting surface for securing the bottom bracket portion to the hinge-side protective surface via three short bottom screws or bottom bolts.

6. The door protection apparatus of claim 5, wherein: the top mounting surface including: a top corner flange oriented flat with the hinge-side protective surface, where the top corner flange has a top horizontal portion extending from a first top end away from the at least one existing hinge along the hinge-side protective surface and a top vertical portion extending downwards from a second top end of the top horizontal portion toward the bottom mounting surface;a holed tab extending from the first top end of the top horizontal portion of the top corner flange, the holed tab extending perpendicular from the hinge-side protective surface and including the top hole configured to receive the hinge pin; andthe three top mounting holes through the top mounting surface for securing the top bracket portion to the hinge-side protective surface are located near the first top end of the top horizontal portion, near a bottom end of the top vertical portion, and near a top intersection of the top horizontal portion and the top vertical portion; andthe bottom mounting surface including: a bottom corner flange oriented flat with the hinge-side protective surface, where the bottom corner flange has a bottom horizontal portion extending from a first bottom end away from the at least one existing hinge along the hinge-side protective surface and a bottom vertical portion extending upwards from a second bottom end of the bottom horizontal portion toward the top mounting surface;a protrusion tab extending from the first bottom end of the bottom horizontal portion of the bottom corner flange, the protrusion tab extending perpendicular from the hinge-side protective surface and including the bottom protrusion configured to be inserted into the bottom hinge hole of the at least one existing hinge; andthe three bottom mounting holes through the bottom mounting surface for securing the bottom bracket portion to the hinge-side protective surface are located near the first bottom end of the bottom horizontal portion, near a top end of the bottom vertical portion, and near a bottom intersection of the bottom horizontal portion and the bottom vertical portion.

7. The door protection apparatus of claim 2, wherein each of the at least one bracket is a 1-piece bracket having: the top hole configured to receive the hinge pin of the at least one existing hinge the bottom protrusion configured to be inserted into the bottom hinge hole of the at least one existing hinge; andthe mounting surface integrally connected between the top hole and the bottom protrusion configured for securing the 1-piece bracket to the hinge-side protective surface.

8. The door protection apparatus of claim 7, wherein the 1-piece bracket is configured to be sized between the top hole and the bottom protrusion for allowing the 1-piece bracket to be installed on various sizes of the at least one existing hinge.

9. The door protection apparatus of claim 7, wherein: the mounting surface having five mounting holes through the mounting surface for securing the 1-piece bracket to the hinge-side protective surface via five short screws or bolts.

10. The door protection apparatus of claim 9, wherein: the mounting surface including: a c-shaped flange oriented flat with the hinge-side protective surface, where the c-shaped flange has a top horizontal c-portion extending from a first top c-end away from the at least one existing hinge along the hinge-side protective surface, a vertical c-portion extending downwards from a second top c-end of the top horizontal c-portion, and a bottom horizontal c-portion extending from a bottom c-end of the vertical c-portion toward the at least one existing hinge;a holed tab extending from the first top c-end of the top horizontal c-portion, the holed tab extending perpendicular from the hinge-side protective surface and including the top hole configured to receive the hinge pin; anda protrusion tab extending from a first bottom c-end of the bottom horizontal c-portion, the protrusion tab extending perpendicular from the hinge-side protective surface and including the bottom protrusion configured to be inserted into the bottom hinge hole of the at least one existing hinge.

11. The door protection apparatus of claim 1 further including: a back-side protective surface sized to cover a back side of the installed door; anda plurality of straps configured to secure the back-side protective surface on the back side of the installed door by connecting between the hinge-side protective surface around edges of the installed door to the back-side protective surface in a plurality of locations around the installed door.

12. The door protection apparatus of claim 11 including six straps, the six straps including: two top straps extending from a top portion of the hinge-side protective surface over a top edge of the installed door to a top portion of the back-side protective surface, where the two top straps are equally spaced along the top edge of the installed door;two bottom straps extending from a bottom portion of the hinge-side protective surface over a bottom edge of the installed door to a bottom portion of the back-side protective surface, where the two bottom straps are equally spaced along the bottom edge of the installed door; andtwo lock side straps extending from a lock side portion of the hinge-side protective surface around a lock side edge of the installed door to a lock side portion of the back-side protective surface, where the two lock side straps are equally spaced along the lock side edge of the installed door.

13. The door protection apparatus of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of the straps is made from a nylon or a strong cloth and include: hook and loop type fasteners for adjustably securing each of the plurality of the straps around the door from the hinge-side protective surface to the back-side protective surface; orbuckle type fasteners for adjustably securing each of the plurality of the straps around the door from the hinge-side protective surface to the back-side protective surface.

14. The door protection apparatus of claim 11, wherein the hinge-side protective surface and the back-side protective surface are made from wood or hard plastic with a soft backing material to protect the door.

15. The door protection apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the installed door including at least two existing hinges; andthe door protection apparatus including at least two brackets configured to attach to the at least two existing hinges.

16. The door protection apparatus of claim 15, wherein: the installed door including three existing hinges; andthe door protection apparatus including three brackets configured to attach to the three existing hinges.

17. The door protection apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the at least one brackets being made of a metal or a plastic.

18. A door protection apparatus for protecting an installed door with at least three existing hinges comprises: at least three brackets configured to attach to the at least three existing hinges, each of the at least three brackets includes: a top hole configured to receive a hinge pin from one of the at least three existing hinges;a bottom protrusion configured to be inserted into a bottom hinge hole of one of the the at least three existing hinges; anda mounting surface connected between the top hole and the bottom protrusion of the bracket, the mounting surface of the bracket is configured for securing the bracket to the hinge-side protective surface;a hinge-side protective surface secured to the at least three brackets attached to the at least three existing hinges, said hinge-side protective surface is sized to cover a hinge side of the installed door;a back-side protective surface sized to cover a back side of the installed door; anda plurality of straps configured to secure the back-side protective surface on the back side of the installed door by connecting between the hinge-side protective surface around edges of the installed door to the back-side protective surface in a plurality of locations around the installed door, wherein each of the plurality of straps are made from a nylon or a strong cloth and include: hook and loop type fasteners for adjustably securing the straps around the door from the hinge-side protective surface to the back-side protective surface; orbuckle type fasteners for adjustably securing the straps around the door from the hinge-side protective surface to the back-side protective surface;wherein the hinge-side protective surface and the back-side protective surface are made from wood or hard plastic with a soft backing material to protect the door;wherein, the hinge-side protective surface is configured to maintain position on the hinge side of the installed door during opening and closing of the installed door for protecting the installed door; andwherein, the back-side protective surface is configured to maintain position on the back side of the installed door during opening and closing of the installed door for protecting the installed door.

19. A method of protecting an installed door with at least one existing hinge comprising: providing a door protection apparatus for protecting the installed door with the at least one existing hinge comprising: at least one bracket configured to attach to the at least one existing hinge;a hinge-side protective surface secured to the at least one bracket attached to one of the at least one existing hinges, said hinge-side protective surface is sized to cover a hinge side of the installed door;wherein, the hinge-side protective surface is configured to maintain position on the hinge side of the installed door during opening and closing of the installed door for protecting the installed door;installing the door protection apparatus on the installed door including: attaching the at least one bracket to the at least one existing hinge; andsecuring the hinge-side protective surface to the at least one bracket attached to the at lease one existing hinge.

20. The method of protecting an installed door of claim 19, wherein, the provided door protection apparatus includes: a back-side protective surface sized to cover a back side of the installed door; anda plurality of straps configured to secure the back-side protective surface on the back side of the installed door by connecting between the hinge-side protective surface around the edge of the installed door to the back-side protective surface in a plurality of locations around the installed door;installing the door protection apparatus on the installed door further includes: securing the back-side protective surface on the back side of the installed door by connecting the plurality of straps between the hinge-side protective surface around edges of the installed door to the back-side protective surface.