The present disclosure relates generally to non-bedding covers. In particular, covers with structure to secure around items more effectively arc described.
Covers are ubiquitous in modern society and have a variety of practical uses. Covers may be used to conceal items, to secure items in place, and to protect items from the elements, among many other uses. Covers used to conceal, secure, and protect items, especially waterproof covers, are often called tarps even though the covers may not be formed from tarpaulin. This document will refer to covers and tarps interchangeably.
Known covers are not entirely satisfactory for the range of applications in which they are employed. For example, existing covers do not maintain a configuration closely conforming to the shape of the items they are covering. Instead, conventional covers tend to only partially conform to the shape of the items they are covering or require accessory cords or fasteners to maintain them in a closely conforming configuration. Accessory cords and fasteners can be awkward to use or not readily available, which makes them inconvenient.
In addition, conventional covers do not secure to mounting points easily or effectively. Often, one will desire to secure a cover over an item in a desired position on the ground, on a structure, or on a vehicle. Existing covers generally require one to use accessory cords or fasteners to secure them in place. However, accessory cords arc fasteners arc not always available, may not lie compatible to secure the cover to a desired mounting point, and/or may be inconvenient to use.
Another limitation of existing covers is that they do not facilitate distributing tension and compression forces of accessory fasteners over a wider area of the cover. Too often, a relatively small number of accessory cords or fasteners will exert tension and compression forces at a few localized points on the cover, such as along the outer edges, on one or more comers, or across rite cover in a concentrated line. The tension and/or compression forces needed to secure the cover in position can be significant, such as in windy environments. Exerting the requisite tension and/or compressive forces necessary to secure the cover in position in a few localized places can cause the cover to rear or otherwise fail at those localized positions. The forces can also damage the item covered by the cover.
Thus, there exists a need for covers that improve upon and advance the design of known covers. Examples of new and useful covers relevant to the needs existing in the field are discussed below.
The present disclosure is directed to structured covers including an expanse, a structure member, and a hook. The hook is coupled to a first end of the structure member. The hook is configured to selectively couple to a coupling member to bound the expanse in a defined configuration defined at least in part by the structure member. In some examples, the structured cover includes a plurality of structure members, a plurality of mounting points, a channel layer, a crimp, and/or a reinforcing layer.
The disclosed structured covers will become better understood through review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of the inventions described herein. Many variations arc contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity, each and every contemplated variation is not individually described in the following detailed description.
Throughout the following derailed description, examples of various structured covers are provided. Related features in the examples may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity, related features will not be redundantly explained in each example. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the reader that the feature with a related feature name may be similar to the related feature in an example explained previously. Features specific to a given example will be described in that particular example. The reader should understand that a given feature need not be the same or similar to die specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure or example.
Definitions
The following definitions apply herein, unless otherwise indicated.
“Substantially” means to be more-or-less conforming to the particular dimension, range, shape, concept, or other aspect modified by the term, such that a feature or component need not conform exactly. For example, a “substantially cylindrical” object means that the object resembles a cylinder, bur may have one or more deviations from a true cylinder.
“Comprising,” “including,” and “having” (and conjugations thereof) are used interchangeably to mean including but not necessarily limited to, and are open-ended terms not intended to exclude additional elements or method steps not expressly recited.
Terms such as “first”, “second”, and “third” are used to distinguish or identify various members of a group, or the like, and are not intended to denote a serial, chronological, or numerical limitation.
“Coupled” means connected, either permanently or releasably, whether directly or indirectly through intervening components.
“Communicatively coupled” means that an electronic device exchanges information with another electronic device, either wirelessly or with a wire-based connector, whether directly or indirectly through a communication network.
“Controllably coupled” means that an electronic device controls operation of another electronic device.
Structured Covers
With reference to the figures, structured covers will now be described. The structured covers discussed herein function to cover items to selectively conceal them or to selectively isolate them from external environments, such as rain, wind, or sunlight. Another function of the structured covers is to closely conform to the shape of the items being covered. In addition, the structured covers described in this document function to conveniently secure to external mounting points.
The reader will appreciate from the figures and description below that the presently disclosed covers address many of the shortcomings of conventional covers. For example, unlike existing covers, the covers described herein maintain a configuration closely conforming to the shape of the items they arc covering. The presently disclosed covers closely conform to the shape of items without requiring accessory cords or fasteners, which can be awkward to use or not readily available.
In addition, the covers described herein secure to external mounting points easily and effectively in contrast to conventional covers. Conveniently, the present covets do not require one to use accessory cords or fasteners to secure them in place, which may not be convenient to use, available, or compatible to secure the cover to a desired mounting point.
Another improvement over conventional covers is the currently described covers' ability to distribute tension and compression forces of structural members over a wider area of the cover. By not relying on a relatively small number of accessory cords or fasteners, the present covers avoid exerting tension and compression forces at a few localized points on the cover, such as along the outer edges, on one or more comers, or across the cover in a concentrated line. As a result, the structural members described in this document are able to exert requisite tension and/or compression forces necessary to secure the cover in position, such as in windy environments, over a relatively wide area to avoid tearing or otherwise damaging the cover or the item being covered.
Contextual Details
Ancillary features relevant to the structured covers described herein will first be described to provide context and to aid the discussion of the structured covers.
Items
Various items may be covered by the covers or tarps described herein. Suitable items include household goods, tools, building materials, furniture, and storage containers. The item may be anything that benefits from being covered. For example, something that benefits from being selectively concealed and/or selectively isolated them from external conditions, such as rain, wind, or sunlight. The items may be a variety of different shapes and sizes. In
Structured Cover Embodiment One
With reference to
In other examples, the structured cover includes fewer components than depicted in the figures. For example, some cover examples do not include reinforcing layers or hooks. In some cover examples, fewer channel layers, structure members, mounting points, hooks, and/or reinforcing layers are included than are depicted in
In certain examples, the structured cover includes additional or alternative components than depicted in the figures. For example, the cover may include a pouch or container tor storage or padding to cushion the item covered. In some examples, the cover includes a lock mechanism to secure the cover.
Expanse
Expanse 102 functions to cover items and to support other components of cover 100. Expanse 102 is pliable, tear resistant, and water resistant. However, the expanse need not be tear resistant and/or water resistant in all examples.
In the present example, expanse 102 is an expanse of a fabric material. In particular, expanse 102 is comprised of tarpaulin. Many other materials are suitable as well, such as canvas, polyester, polyethylene, or other polymers. In some examples, the expanse material includes a coating of polyurethane or other polymer. The expanse may be comprised of any currently known or later developed material suitable for cover applications.
As can be seen in
Structure Members
The structure members (denoted generally with reference number 106) function to support, shape, and secure expanse 102. In particular, structure members 108 function to bend expanse 102 into shapes conforming to the item being covered. In the present example, structure members 108 conform the shape of expanse 102 to item 101 when tension is applied to structure members 106 around item 101.
In addition to helping expanse 102 conform to the shape of item 101, structure members 106 support expanse 102 and give it structure to resist crumpling or deforming when acted on by external forces, such as wind, impacts, or the item tilting or shifting within the cover. Structure members 106 cooperate with hooks 108 to secure expanse 102 to an external structure or mounting point, such as edge 190 shown in
Structure members 106 include a first structure member 106A and a second structure member 106B. The reader can see in
The structure members may be any currently known or later developed type of structure member. The reader will appreciate that a variety of structure member types exist and could be used in place of the structure members shown in the figures. In addition to the types of structure members existing currently, it is contemplated that the structured covers described herein could incorporate new types of structure members developed in the future.
The number of structure members in the structured cover may be selected to meet the needs of a given application. The reader should appreciate that the number of structure members may be different in other examples than is shown in the figures. For instance, some structured cover examples include additional or fewer structure members than described in the present example.
The size and shape of the structure members may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the structure members are larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the structure members are smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the structure members and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions.
The structure members may be composed of any currently known or later developed material suitable tor their intended applications. Suitable materials include metals, polymers, ceramics, wood, and composite materials.
Structure Member Details
With reference to
In more detail, with reference to
With reference to
First end 151 may be disposed proximate a boundary of expanse 102 or within the boundaries of expanse 102. As shown in
With reference to
Loop 120 functions to engage mounting point 110. As depicted in
The crimp may be any currently known or later developed type of crimp. The reader will appreciate that a variety of crimp types exist and could be used in place of the crimp shown in the figures. In addition to the types of crimps existing currently, it is contemplated that the structured covers described herein could incorporate new types of crimps developed in the future.
The size of the crimp may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the crimp is larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the crimp is smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the crimp and the other components may all he larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions.
Hooks
Hooks 108 function to selectively couple structure members 106 to external mounting points of an external structure or to mounting points 110 overlying expanse 102 in various positions. When the hooks selectively couple structure members 106 to external mounting points, cover 100 becomes secured to the external structure, such as a building, a vehicle, a trailer, or a fence. The reader can see in
With reference to
As shown in
Hooks 108 removably attach to loops 120. As shown in
The hooks may be any currently known or later developed type of hook. The reader will appreciate that a variety of hook types exist and could be used in place of the hooks shown in the figures. In addition to the types of hooks existing currently, it is contemplated that the structured covers described herein could incorporate new types of hooks developed in the future.
The number of hooks in the structured cover may be selected to meet the needs of a given application. The reader should appreciate that die number of hooks may be different in other examples than is shown in the figures. For instance, some structured cover examples include additional or fewer hooks than described in the present example.
The size and shape of the hooks may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the hooks are larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the hooks are smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the hooks and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions.
In the present example, the hooks are composed of metal. However, the hooks may be composed of any currently known or later developed material suitable for the applications described herein for which it is used. Suitable materials include metals, polymers, ceramics, wood, and composite materials.
Mounting Points
Plurality of mounting points 110 function to provide places for hooks 108 to selectively couple. Couplings hook to a mounting point serves to define the shape of structured cover 100.
Plurality of mounting points 110 includes a first mounting point 110A and a second mounting point 110B. With reference to
As depicted in
As shown in
As shown in
The mounting points may be any currently known or later developed type of mounting point. The reader will appreciate that a variety of mounting point types exist and could he used in place of the mounting points shown in the figures. In addition to the types of mounting points existing currently, it is contemplated that the structured covers described herein could incorporate new types of mounting points developed in the future.
The number of mounting points in the structured cover may be selected to meet the needs of a given application. The reader should appreciate that the number of mounting points may be different in other examples than is shown in the figures. For instance, some structured cover examples include additional or fewer mounting points than described in the present example.
The shape of the mounting points may be adapted to be different than rite specific examples shown in the figures to suit a given application. For example, one or more of the mounting points may include a face having the shape of a regular or irregular polygon, such as a circle, oval, triangle, square, rectangle pentagon, and the like. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the mounting points may include a face having an irregular shape. In three dimensions, the shape of the mounting points may be a sphere, a pyramid, a cone, a cube, and variations thereof, such as a hemisphere or a frustoconical shape.
The size of the mounting points may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the mounting points are larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the mounting points are smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the mounting points and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions.
In the present example, the mounting points are composed of metal. However, the mounting points may he composed of any currently known or later developed material suitable for the applications described herein for which they arc used. Suitable materials include metals, polymers, ceramics, wood, and composite materials.
Channel Layer
The role of channel layer 104 is to support and orient structure members 106 on expanse 102. In the example shown in
As shown in
With reference to
The number of channel layers in the structured cover may be selected to meet the needs of a given application. The reader should appreciate that the number of channel layers may be different in other examples than is shown in the figures. For instance, some structured cover examples include additional or fewer channel layers than described in the present example.
The size of the channel layer may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the channel layer is larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the channel layer is smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the channel layer and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions.
In the present example, the channel layer is composed of a strong canvas material often used for duffle bags and is resistant to wear and tearing. However, the channel layer may be composed of any currently known or later developed material suitable for the applications described herein for which it is used. Suitable materials include metals, polymers, ceramics, wood, and composite materials.
Reinforcing Layer
Reinforcing layer 112 functions to reinforce channel layers 104 sewn to expanse 102. As shown in
When reinforcing layers 112 are positioned to correspond with the positions of channel layers 104 on opposite faces of expanse 102, channel layers 104 may be sewn to both expanse 102 and to reinforcing layers 112. Sewing channel layers 104 to reinforcing layers 112 more durably secures channel layers 104 to expanse 102.
The reinforcing layers may be formed from any currently known or later developed material suitable for reinforcing the channel layers and the expanse. In the present example, reinforcing layers 130 are a canvas material. In particular, reinforcing layers 130 are formed from the same material as channel layers 128. In other examples, the reinforcing layers are formed from different materials than the channel layers.
The reinforcing layers may extend different lengths to suit different applications. In some examples, the reinforcing layers extend over substantially the same length as the channel layers In other examples, the reinforcing layers extend over a portion of the length of the channel layers. In certain examples, such its shown in
Additional Embodiments
The discussion will now focus on an additional cover embodiment. The additional embodiment includes many similar or identical features to cover 100. Thus, for the sake of brevity, each feature of the additional embodiment below will not be redundantly explained. Rather, key distinctions between the additional embodiment and cover 100 will be described in detail and the reader should reference the discussion above for features substantially similar between the different cover examples.
Turning attention to
A distinction between cover 200 and cover 100 is that cover 200 includes four channel layers 204 rather than a plurality of channel layers 104. Channel layers 204 are longer than channel layers 104, but are constructed in substantially the same manner. In addition, cover 200 includes two structure members 206 and a single mounting point 210 rather than a plurality of support members 106 and a plurality of mounting points 110.
Another distinction between the covers is that channel layers 204 and structure members 206 are oriented in an X-configuration rather than lattice configuration 127. In the X-configuration, mounting point 210 functions to guide structure members 206 where they cross each other. Mounting point 210 also functions to provide an anchor for the hooks to engage when conforming expanse 201 to the shape of a given item.
The reader can see in
The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above and inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “a first” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims should he understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.
Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same invention or a different invention and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventions described herein.
This application claims priority to copending U.S. Application Ser. No. 65/043,599, filed on Jun. 24, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63043599 | Jun 2020 | US |