CA2184398A1 - Releasably mounted cover - Google Patents
Releasably mounted coverInfo
- Publication number
- CA2184398A1 CA2184398A1 CA 2184398 CA2184398A CA2184398A1 CA 2184398 A1 CA2184398 A1 CA 2184398A1 CA 2184398 CA2184398 CA 2184398 CA 2184398 A CA2184398 A CA 2184398A CA 2184398 A1 CA2184398 A1 CA 2184398A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- edge flange
- cover
- edge
- walls
- wall
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Landscapes
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
Abstract
A releasable cover for protecting protuberances from water, dust, dirt, biologicals, and other contaminants and a method for using the cover are provided.
The cover has a container member which is cup-like or bag-like, an edge flange having a width of at least 0.25 inches, and preferably, a hanger. A hanger such as tape or adhesive is supplied to all or a portion of the edge flange. Especially in a dry environment or when the cover is used as a supplemental object holder (i.e. a soap holder), the adhesive is adhered to the cover and to a surface. In a wetted environment such as a shower, when the edge flange is held close to a substantially planar, non-porous surface, a water seal is formed between the edge flange and the surface by capillary action at the juncture of the edge flange and surface. The hanger may form a hinge with the edge flange, thereby allowing the container member to be elevated from the protuberance.
The cover has a container member which is cup-like or bag-like, an edge flange having a width of at least 0.25 inches, and preferably, a hanger. A hanger such as tape or adhesive is supplied to all or a portion of the edge flange. Especially in a dry environment or when the cover is used as a supplemental object holder (i.e. a soap holder), the adhesive is adhered to the cover and to a surface. In a wetted environment such as a shower, when the edge flange is held close to a substantially planar, non-porous surface, a water seal is formed between the edge flange and the surface by capillary action at the juncture of the edge flange and surface. The hanger may form a hinge with the edge flange, thereby allowing the container member to be elevated from the protuberance.
Description
218 ~ 3 9 8 Docket No. 1018sd A Releasably Mounted Cover I. Background of the Invention The present invention relates to a protective cover for preventing exposure of the enclosed 5 item to water, biologicals and/or cont~min~nt~.
Many bathrooms have a combination bath tub and shower arrangement. Frequently in such arrange.l.~llt~, two soap dishes may be mounted in the tiled wall, one at a height that can be reached by a bather and one at a height convenient to a person using the shower. When soap is in both soap dishes and the shower is activated, the soap in the lower dish becomes wetted by 10 water from the shower. The soap dissolves leading to waste and increased conti1..,in~ in the rinse water, specifically ph~~ ;3t~s While the soap can be moved out of the reach of the shower water, replacing the soap to a location convenient for the bather is frequently folg~n necessitating st~nlling up by the bather in a slippery tub.
When a shower liner such as shown in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,435,021 (Williams) and 5,003,647 (Williams), each of which is incorporated herein by reference, is used to protect the tiles from dirt and soap scum or from water when the tiles are newly installed and the grouting is setting, the liner must be fitted around such protuberances as a soap dish, a towel bar, grab bar, corner tray and the like. Either a hole must be made to accommodate the prolu~l~lce or fitting of the lining becomes irregular either at the top or at the base. In both cases, water can reach areas which are meant to be protected by the liner.
On the exterior of b~ lings, there are often protuberances such as air conditioners, telephone equipment, window boxes, and the like, which are either continuously or seasonally exposed to water, salt, dirt, biologicals and the like and which deteriorate due to exposure or which require moving to prevent ~1~m:lge For example, when homes having window mounted air-conditioners are winterized to prevent drafts of cold air from entering the house through the air-conditioning unit, frequently the air-conditioner is removed from the window. This is a strenuous task which can lead to injury of the worker removing the air-conditioner and/ or damage to the unit itself. What is needed is a means of sealing and protecting such protuberances.
It is an objective of this invention to provide a protective cover which can be mounted over a protuberance to prevent damage from water, dirt, salt, biologicals and the like to the prolul~l~lce or an item seated within the cover.
It is a further objective of this invention to provide a cover which sllbst~nti~lly directs water away from the protuberance and the vertical surface upon which the cover is mounted.
It is a still further objective of this invention to provide a cover which prevents water, air, biologicals, or con~min~3nts from crossing a barrier established by the cover.
_ Docket No. 1018sd II. Summary of the Invention The cover comprises a base and a plurality of walls, which form a container member having an upper mouth edge formed by the upper edge of each of the walls, and an edge flange projecting oulw~rdly from the upper mouth edge. The edge flange has an inner surface and an S outer most edge. In a first embo.1im~nt where the cover is provided with a hanger, the edge flange in conjunction with the surface on which the cover is mounted forms a water seal through capillary action. In a second emb~im~n' an adhesive seal is provided between the edge flange and the surface on which the cover is mounted. Water then acts to complete the seal in a wet environment.
Preferably, the container member of the cover when mounted on a vertical surface has at least one wall which slopes away from the vertical surface. The sloped wall may have a lip at its outer most edge where the wall abuts the base for holding an object such as soap or a bottle.
III. Brief Description of the Drawings Flgure 1 is a side elevation view of a first embodiment of a cover mounted by a hanger according to this invention.
Flgure 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a cover according to this invention such as is shown in figure 1.
Flgure 3a is a perspective view of a variation on the embodiment of figure 1 wh~ the hanger is a hinged ~tt~chment sheet and wh~ the cover is in the open position.
Figure 3b is a cross-sectional view of the invention shown in figure 3a, wherein the cover is in the closed position.
Flgure 4 is a side elevation view of a second embodiment of the invention wherein the edge flange is provided with an adhesive seal and mounted over an exterior protuberance, an air-conditioner.
Flgure S is a side elevation view of the second embodiment of the invention wherein a wall of the container member has a wall lip.
IV. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment of the Invention Figure 1 shows a bath room having a bath tub-shower combination. The walls of the bath tub-shower are tile covered. A soap dish 3 having a protruding bar is located in one wall. A
shower head 30 protrudes from another wall. Below the shower head is a mechanism 40 for a~j u~ g the force and temperature of the shower water. This mechanism also protrudes from the wall. A shower liner 100 such as shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,435,021 (Williams) incorporated herein by reference, made from a polyolefin polymer covers the tiles above the splash line and extends to a conformable strip at its lower edge. Holes to accommodate the protuberances have been made in the shower liner. Tape holds the shower liner edges securely to the wall where holes have been made. A cover, generally referenced as 1, is attached by a 21 8 ~ 3 9 8 Docket No. 1018sd . , ~
hanger at its edge Qange 6 to the shower liner. The cover is seated over a protuberance which is a bar extending from a soap dish 3 which is recessed in the wall of the bath tub-shower. The cover is made from a vacuum molded, thermoplastic material such as polyethylene terephthalate or vinyl, which is at least 6 mils thick. The hanger, generally referenced as 60, as shown here S is a tape having a rubber based adhesive on one side. However, the hanger may be comprised of a layer of adhesive on the edge flange and the edge flange itself or a tape having adhesive on both sides and the edge flange to which it is applied and the like. The CO~ u'r member S is cup-like and of a shape and depth to ~commodate the pl~ul~ ce. The upper most wall 18a of the c~lltail~l mPmb~r forms an obtuse angle with the outer surface of the edge flange and slopes d~wllw~rd towards the tub, so that when the shower is activated, water is directed away from the vertical surface on which the cover is mounted.
Figure 2 illustrates the invention as shown in figure 1 in greater detail. The cover 1 has a base 12 ~.ulloullded by a plurality of walls which extend from the base to a mouth. Collectively, the walls and base form the container member S. F.xt~n(1ing ~ulw~lly from the mouth edge 8 is an edge flange 6 which has an inner and an outer surface. The edge flange is uniformly flat and smooth. The upper most wall 18a preferably forms an obtuse angle with the outer surface of the edge flange. When h~nging the cover, the hanger is applied to the edge flange portion that is closest to the upper most wall 18a. As an alternative to the tape hanger shown in figure 1, a portion of the inner surface of the edge flange closest to the upper most wall may be coated with an adhesive in a quantity sufficient to hold the cover in close contact with the vertical surface.
The adhesive surface may be protected by a peelable release liner G 2 until use.When the invention is to be used in a wet envh~ lllel~t such as shown in figure 1, preferably the edge flange ~ullounding the mouth is at least about 0.5 inches wide. The edg flange may be uniformly of the same thickness as the walls and the base of the container member or may be of a uniform thickness less than that of the container member or the edge flange may become progressively thinner as it extends away from the wall which it abuts. Unexpectedly when the hanger holds the inner surface of the edge flange in close ~Ahllity to the vertical surface, capillary action draws surrounding water into the space between the edge flange and the vertical surface thus providing a seal due to water tension belw~en the edge flange and the vertical surface. This seal prevents additional water from reaching the area enclosed by the cover and remains intact for seve~al days even when the shower liner surrounding the edge flange h~
dried. When an adhesive is used on a portion of the edge flange, water may still be drawn under the edge flange in the area covered by the adhesive, thus providing a tighter seal by filling those spaces left uncovered by the adhesive.
As shown in figure 3a, the hanger may be an attachment sheet 6 3. The cover I, shown in the open position, is operably connected at a clam shell type hinge 7 4 to the attachment sheet Docket No. 1018sd 63, which has an inner and an outer surface. The cover may have a mouth 8, an edge flange 6 at the mouth, and a container member 5 as is described in figure 2. It is also contemplated that the container member may be bag-like. The att~chment sheet may have an edge strip 6 6 which surrounds a hole 6 2 such as shown, or may be one solid sheet. ~n either case, adhesive may be S applied to one surface of the ~tt~rhm~nt sheet. If the ~tt~chm~nt sheet is to be used to hang the cover in a manner similar to that of the tape of figure 1, adhesive is applied to the inner surface of the ~tt~rhm~nt sheet. When the cover is to be folded as is illu~t~l in figure 3b, the adhesive is to be applied to the outer surface of the ~tt~rhm~nt sheet. It is preferred that the hole in the ~tt~chment sheet, when present, be of a size comp~ble to the size of the mouth of the container 10 member.
Figure 3b shows the invention of figure 3a in cross section. Herein the walls of the t ~ilU'I member S extend upward from the base 12 at an angle. At the top of the walls, is the edge flange 6 which is c~nn~rt~ to the attachment sheet 6 3 by a clam shell type hinge 7 4, On the outer surface of the <qtt~chm~nt sheet at the edge strip 6 6 is an adhesive layer 8 0 which is 15 covered by a release liner 90. The edge strip of the ~t~chment member may have a protuberance 64 at an edge for mating with an indentation 4 in the inner surface of the edge flange of the cover. Mating of the ~rolul~l~lce and the in-lent~lion forces the inner surfaces of the cover and the ~tt~hment sheet into close proximity.
Figure 4 illu~tla~ the use of the invention for exterior use. In figure 4, the cover is seated 20 over the exterior portion of an air-conditioner 200 which is window mounted. The container member has an edge flange 6 of at least 0.25 inches in width. Preferably, the container member is made of a thermoplastic material that is at about 10 mils to 100 mils in thickness. Adhesive is uniformly applied to the inner surface of the edge flange. When the cover is to be mounted on a relatively smooth, non-porous surface, a thin layer of a tacky adhesive is preferred. However, 25 where the surface is rough or uneven, a thick layer of adhesive may be supplied to col"~el~le for the rol1~hn~ss. Supplemental hangers such as nails or screws may be used as needed.
Flgure S illustrates the invention wherein at least the upper most wall 18a of the c. ..~;.;n~l member has a wall lip 19 at its outer most edge. As before, the container member 5 has a base, walls which extend at an angle away from the base to a mouth with a mouth edge. An edge 30 flange 6 having an inner and an outer surface extends from the mouth edge. The upper most wall 18a forms an obtuse angle at a first wall edge of preferably between about 135~ to about 15()~ with the outer surface of the edge flange that it abuts. At a second wall edge which parallels the first wall edge is a wall lip 19 . The wall lip provides a stop for holding an object such as a bar of soap or a bottle of shampoo. While not wishing to be bound by theory, when an 35 object is seated at the wall lip, both a vertical and a horizontal force component formed due to the 21~ 4 3 9 8 Docket No. 1018sd weight of the object act to facilitate sealing of the edge flange to the vertical surface. An adhesive layer is present on the entire inner edge flange surface where it adheres to dhe shower liner.
A wide variety of adhesives and adhesive application methods known in the industry are useful. Preferably, the adhesive is rubber based, acrylic or silicone. The adhesive may be S applied direcdy to the desired area of the edge flange such as by hot melt, brush, spray, or may be applied by means of a tape and ~,~s~,u,~. Preferably, a release liner covers the adhesive surface until use (such as Product No. 443 or No. 444 available from 3M, Minneapolis, MN).
In the first embo-~im~nt illustrated in figure 1, a low density polyalkylene tape with a rubber based a&esive on one side, known as product 309R (Flormel Adhesive Products, Inc.; West 10 Haven, CT), was lltili7~ In the embodiment for a wetted envi,~ "enl utili7in,~ an adhesive layer, uniformity of the adhesive layer is rendered unnecessary by this invention, because water drawn under the edge flange will complete the seal. Adhesive need only be present in an amount l~x~.~r to prevent the cover from totally releasing from the vertical surface when the water seal between the surface and the edge flange dries. When the cover is used in a ~ tS..~ lly dry envh~ sufficient adhesive must be present to seal the cover to the surface. F.~ lly on rough exterior surfaces, it is c.~i-tei--~ d that a foam-like adhesive layer (such as Product Nos.
4004, 4(~42, 4046, or 4408 availaUe from 3M, Milln~olis, MN) may be utili_ed to ~llpel~sate for the unevenness of the exterior surface. The adhesive layer preferably has a low solubility in water to avoid discoloration when water mixes therewith.
The cover and, when present, the ~thchment sheet, are made from any light-weightthermo-formable or vacuum-fullllable material which resists tearing, such ~ a thermopl~tic polymeric resin, examples of which include polyethylene tercpllth~l~te (P_T), polybutylene terephth~ , polysulfone, polyether sulfone, polyphenylenesulfide, polyetherketone, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyl"o~lene, polyacetal, poly~lylt;lR, polyester, an acrylic resin, vinyl and copolymers, ~cet~t~, butyrates, impact ~ly~ es and other similar polymers. Com-binations of materials may be used in order to obtain the desired degree of wall rigidity. For example, P~T may be used to form the ~tt~chm~nt sheet and the edge flange of the cover while the bag-like container member is formed from a more compliant material such as polyethylene.
For indoor applications, preferably the material is about 6 to 16 mils thick. For out-of-door uses, greater thicknesses may be desired. The material may be clear or pigmented. When protection of the prolul~l~1ce from light is also desired, the material may be opaque or reflective.
The foregoing is considered only illustrative of the ~;ull~lly preferred embodiments of the invention presented herein. Since numerous modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction used to illustrate the various means comprising this invention.
What is claimed is:
Many bathrooms have a combination bath tub and shower arrangement. Frequently in such arrange.l.~llt~, two soap dishes may be mounted in the tiled wall, one at a height that can be reached by a bather and one at a height convenient to a person using the shower. When soap is in both soap dishes and the shower is activated, the soap in the lower dish becomes wetted by 10 water from the shower. The soap dissolves leading to waste and increased conti1..,in~ in the rinse water, specifically ph~~ ;3t~s While the soap can be moved out of the reach of the shower water, replacing the soap to a location convenient for the bather is frequently folg~n necessitating st~nlling up by the bather in a slippery tub.
When a shower liner such as shown in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,435,021 (Williams) and 5,003,647 (Williams), each of which is incorporated herein by reference, is used to protect the tiles from dirt and soap scum or from water when the tiles are newly installed and the grouting is setting, the liner must be fitted around such protuberances as a soap dish, a towel bar, grab bar, corner tray and the like. Either a hole must be made to accommodate the prolu~l~lce or fitting of the lining becomes irregular either at the top or at the base. In both cases, water can reach areas which are meant to be protected by the liner.
On the exterior of b~ lings, there are often protuberances such as air conditioners, telephone equipment, window boxes, and the like, which are either continuously or seasonally exposed to water, salt, dirt, biologicals and the like and which deteriorate due to exposure or which require moving to prevent ~1~m:lge For example, when homes having window mounted air-conditioners are winterized to prevent drafts of cold air from entering the house through the air-conditioning unit, frequently the air-conditioner is removed from the window. This is a strenuous task which can lead to injury of the worker removing the air-conditioner and/ or damage to the unit itself. What is needed is a means of sealing and protecting such protuberances.
It is an objective of this invention to provide a protective cover which can be mounted over a protuberance to prevent damage from water, dirt, salt, biologicals and the like to the prolul~l~lce or an item seated within the cover.
It is a further objective of this invention to provide a cover which sllbst~nti~lly directs water away from the protuberance and the vertical surface upon which the cover is mounted.
It is a still further objective of this invention to provide a cover which prevents water, air, biologicals, or con~min~3nts from crossing a barrier established by the cover.
_ Docket No. 1018sd II. Summary of the Invention The cover comprises a base and a plurality of walls, which form a container member having an upper mouth edge formed by the upper edge of each of the walls, and an edge flange projecting oulw~rdly from the upper mouth edge. The edge flange has an inner surface and an S outer most edge. In a first embo.1im~nt where the cover is provided with a hanger, the edge flange in conjunction with the surface on which the cover is mounted forms a water seal through capillary action. In a second emb~im~n' an adhesive seal is provided between the edge flange and the surface on which the cover is mounted. Water then acts to complete the seal in a wet environment.
Preferably, the container member of the cover when mounted on a vertical surface has at least one wall which slopes away from the vertical surface. The sloped wall may have a lip at its outer most edge where the wall abuts the base for holding an object such as soap or a bottle.
III. Brief Description of the Drawings Flgure 1 is a side elevation view of a first embodiment of a cover mounted by a hanger according to this invention.
Flgure 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a cover according to this invention such as is shown in figure 1.
Flgure 3a is a perspective view of a variation on the embodiment of figure 1 wh~ the hanger is a hinged ~tt~chment sheet and wh~ the cover is in the open position.
Figure 3b is a cross-sectional view of the invention shown in figure 3a, wherein the cover is in the closed position.
Flgure 4 is a side elevation view of a second embodiment of the invention wherein the edge flange is provided with an adhesive seal and mounted over an exterior protuberance, an air-conditioner.
Flgure S is a side elevation view of the second embodiment of the invention wherein a wall of the container member has a wall lip.
IV. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment of the Invention Figure 1 shows a bath room having a bath tub-shower combination. The walls of the bath tub-shower are tile covered. A soap dish 3 having a protruding bar is located in one wall. A
shower head 30 protrudes from another wall. Below the shower head is a mechanism 40 for a~j u~ g the force and temperature of the shower water. This mechanism also protrudes from the wall. A shower liner 100 such as shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,435,021 (Williams) incorporated herein by reference, made from a polyolefin polymer covers the tiles above the splash line and extends to a conformable strip at its lower edge. Holes to accommodate the protuberances have been made in the shower liner. Tape holds the shower liner edges securely to the wall where holes have been made. A cover, generally referenced as 1, is attached by a 21 8 ~ 3 9 8 Docket No. 1018sd . , ~
hanger at its edge Qange 6 to the shower liner. The cover is seated over a protuberance which is a bar extending from a soap dish 3 which is recessed in the wall of the bath tub-shower. The cover is made from a vacuum molded, thermoplastic material such as polyethylene terephthalate or vinyl, which is at least 6 mils thick. The hanger, generally referenced as 60, as shown here S is a tape having a rubber based adhesive on one side. However, the hanger may be comprised of a layer of adhesive on the edge flange and the edge flange itself or a tape having adhesive on both sides and the edge flange to which it is applied and the like. The CO~ u'r member S is cup-like and of a shape and depth to ~commodate the pl~ul~ ce. The upper most wall 18a of the c~lltail~l mPmb~r forms an obtuse angle with the outer surface of the edge flange and slopes d~wllw~rd towards the tub, so that when the shower is activated, water is directed away from the vertical surface on which the cover is mounted.
Figure 2 illustrates the invention as shown in figure 1 in greater detail. The cover 1 has a base 12 ~.ulloullded by a plurality of walls which extend from the base to a mouth. Collectively, the walls and base form the container member S. F.xt~n(1ing ~ulw~lly from the mouth edge 8 is an edge flange 6 which has an inner and an outer surface. The edge flange is uniformly flat and smooth. The upper most wall 18a preferably forms an obtuse angle with the outer surface of the edge flange. When h~nging the cover, the hanger is applied to the edge flange portion that is closest to the upper most wall 18a. As an alternative to the tape hanger shown in figure 1, a portion of the inner surface of the edge flange closest to the upper most wall may be coated with an adhesive in a quantity sufficient to hold the cover in close contact with the vertical surface.
The adhesive surface may be protected by a peelable release liner G 2 until use.When the invention is to be used in a wet envh~ lllel~t such as shown in figure 1, preferably the edge flange ~ullounding the mouth is at least about 0.5 inches wide. The edg flange may be uniformly of the same thickness as the walls and the base of the container member or may be of a uniform thickness less than that of the container member or the edge flange may become progressively thinner as it extends away from the wall which it abuts. Unexpectedly when the hanger holds the inner surface of the edge flange in close ~Ahllity to the vertical surface, capillary action draws surrounding water into the space between the edge flange and the vertical surface thus providing a seal due to water tension belw~en the edge flange and the vertical surface. This seal prevents additional water from reaching the area enclosed by the cover and remains intact for seve~al days even when the shower liner surrounding the edge flange h~
dried. When an adhesive is used on a portion of the edge flange, water may still be drawn under the edge flange in the area covered by the adhesive, thus providing a tighter seal by filling those spaces left uncovered by the adhesive.
As shown in figure 3a, the hanger may be an attachment sheet 6 3. The cover I, shown in the open position, is operably connected at a clam shell type hinge 7 4 to the attachment sheet Docket No. 1018sd 63, which has an inner and an outer surface. The cover may have a mouth 8, an edge flange 6 at the mouth, and a container member 5 as is described in figure 2. It is also contemplated that the container member may be bag-like. The att~chment sheet may have an edge strip 6 6 which surrounds a hole 6 2 such as shown, or may be one solid sheet. ~n either case, adhesive may be S applied to one surface of the ~tt~rhm~nt sheet. If the ~tt~chm~nt sheet is to be used to hang the cover in a manner similar to that of the tape of figure 1, adhesive is applied to the inner surface of the ~tt~rhm~nt sheet. When the cover is to be folded as is illu~t~l in figure 3b, the adhesive is to be applied to the outer surface of the ~tt~rhm~nt sheet. It is preferred that the hole in the ~tt~chment sheet, when present, be of a size comp~ble to the size of the mouth of the container 10 member.
Figure 3b shows the invention of figure 3a in cross section. Herein the walls of the t ~ilU'I member S extend upward from the base 12 at an angle. At the top of the walls, is the edge flange 6 which is c~nn~rt~ to the attachment sheet 6 3 by a clam shell type hinge 7 4, On the outer surface of the <qtt~chm~nt sheet at the edge strip 6 6 is an adhesive layer 8 0 which is 15 covered by a release liner 90. The edge strip of the ~t~chment member may have a protuberance 64 at an edge for mating with an indentation 4 in the inner surface of the edge flange of the cover. Mating of the ~rolul~l~lce and the in-lent~lion forces the inner surfaces of the cover and the ~tt~hment sheet into close proximity.
Figure 4 illu~tla~ the use of the invention for exterior use. In figure 4, the cover is seated 20 over the exterior portion of an air-conditioner 200 which is window mounted. The container member has an edge flange 6 of at least 0.25 inches in width. Preferably, the container member is made of a thermoplastic material that is at about 10 mils to 100 mils in thickness. Adhesive is uniformly applied to the inner surface of the edge flange. When the cover is to be mounted on a relatively smooth, non-porous surface, a thin layer of a tacky adhesive is preferred. However, 25 where the surface is rough or uneven, a thick layer of adhesive may be supplied to col"~el~le for the rol1~hn~ss. Supplemental hangers such as nails or screws may be used as needed.
Flgure S illustrates the invention wherein at least the upper most wall 18a of the c. ..~;.;n~l member has a wall lip 19 at its outer most edge. As before, the container member 5 has a base, walls which extend at an angle away from the base to a mouth with a mouth edge. An edge 30 flange 6 having an inner and an outer surface extends from the mouth edge. The upper most wall 18a forms an obtuse angle at a first wall edge of preferably between about 135~ to about 15()~ with the outer surface of the edge flange that it abuts. At a second wall edge which parallels the first wall edge is a wall lip 19 . The wall lip provides a stop for holding an object such as a bar of soap or a bottle of shampoo. While not wishing to be bound by theory, when an 35 object is seated at the wall lip, both a vertical and a horizontal force component formed due to the 21~ 4 3 9 8 Docket No. 1018sd weight of the object act to facilitate sealing of the edge flange to the vertical surface. An adhesive layer is present on the entire inner edge flange surface where it adheres to dhe shower liner.
A wide variety of adhesives and adhesive application methods known in the industry are useful. Preferably, the adhesive is rubber based, acrylic or silicone. The adhesive may be S applied direcdy to the desired area of the edge flange such as by hot melt, brush, spray, or may be applied by means of a tape and ~,~s~,u,~. Preferably, a release liner covers the adhesive surface until use (such as Product No. 443 or No. 444 available from 3M, Minneapolis, MN).
In the first embo-~im~nt illustrated in figure 1, a low density polyalkylene tape with a rubber based a&esive on one side, known as product 309R (Flormel Adhesive Products, Inc.; West 10 Haven, CT), was lltili7~ In the embodiment for a wetted envi,~ "enl utili7in,~ an adhesive layer, uniformity of the adhesive layer is rendered unnecessary by this invention, because water drawn under the edge flange will complete the seal. Adhesive need only be present in an amount l~x~.~r to prevent the cover from totally releasing from the vertical surface when the water seal between the surface and the edge flange dries. When the cover is used in a ~ tS..~ lly dry envh~ sufficient adhesive must be present to seal the cover to the surface. F.~ lly on rough exterior surfaces, it is c.~i-tei--~ d that a foam-like adhesive layer (such as Product Nos.
4004, 4(~42, 4046, or 4408 availaUe from 3M, Milln~olis, MN) may be utili_ed to ~llpel~sate for the unevenness of the exterior surface. The adhesive layer preferably has a low solubility in water to avoid discoloration when water mixes therewith.
The cover and, when present, the ~thchment sheet, are made from any light-weightthermo-formable or vacuum-fullllable material which resists tearing, such ~ a thermopl~tic polymeric resin, examples of which include polyethylene tercpllth~l~te (P_T), polybutylene terephth~ , polysulfone, polyether sulfone, polyphenylenesulfide, polyetherketone, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyl"o~lene, polyacetal, poly~lylt;lR, polyester, an acrylic resin, vinyl and copolymers, ~cet~t~, butyrates, impact ~ly~ es and other similar polymers. Com-binations of materials may be used in order to obtain the desired degree of wall rigidity. For example, P~T may be used to form the ~tt~chm~nt sheet and the edge flange of the cover while the bag-like container member is formed from a more compliant material such as polyethylene.
For indoor applications, preferably the material is about 6 to 16 mils thick. For out-of-door uses, greater thicknesses may be desired. The material may be clear or pigmented. When protection of the prolul~l~1ce from light is also desired, the material may be opaque or reflective.
The foregoing is considered only illustrative of the ~;ull~lly preferred embodiments of the invention presented herein. Since numerous modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction used to illustrate the various means comprising this invention.
What is claimed is:
Claims (19)
1. A releasable cover for a protuberance extending from a planar surface, said cover comprising:
a container member having a mouth edge and a depth measurable from said mouth edge;
an edge flange extending outwardly at an angle from said mouth edge, said edge flange having an inner surface and an outer surface; and a hanger for holding said inner surface of said edge flange in close proximity to said planar surface.
a container member having a mouth edge and a depth measurable from said mouth edge;
an edge flange extending outwardly at an angle from said mouth edge, said edge flange having an inner surface and an outer surface; and a hanger for holding said inner surface of said edge flange in close proximity to said planar surface.
2. The releasable cover of claim 1 wherein the mounting hanger is selected from the group consisting of an adhesive tape, a double-sided adhesive tape, and an adhesive layer covered with a releasable liner.
3. The releasable cover of claim 2 wherein the container member has a flat base and a plurality of walls extending from said base to said mouth edge, each of said walls forming an obtuse angle with said base.
4. The releasable cover of claim 3 wherein at least one of said plurality of walls has a wall lip proximal to said base.
5. The releasable cover of claim 4 wherein at least one of said plurality of walls is seated at an angle of between about 135° to 150° with respect to said outer surface of said edge flange.
6. The releasable cover of claim 3 further including an attachment sheet having a hole surrounded by an edge strip, said attachment sheet abutting said mouth edge at a clam shell hinge, said mounting means seated on said attachment sheet.
7. The releasable cover of claim 6 further including a protuberance on said edge flange and an indentation on said attachment sheet for receiving said protuberance.
8. The releasable cover of claim 2 wherein the container member is bag-like.
9. A releasable cover for mounting on a shower liner over a protuberance by a layer of water between said shower liner and said cover, said cover comprising:
a base;
a plurality of walls, each of said walls attached at an angle to said base, each of said walls having a first wall end at said base, a second wall end opposite said base end, and an outer wall surface;
a mouth having a mouth edge formed by said second wall end of each of said plurality of walls;
an edge flange having an outer edge flange surface, said edge flange extending from said mouth edge by at least 0.5 inches, wherein at least one of said plurality of walls at said outer wall surface forms a second obtuse angle with said outer edge flange surface.
a base;
a plurality of walls, each of said walls attached at an angle to said base, each of said walls having a first wall end at said base, a second wall end opposite said base end, and an outer wall surface;
a mouth having a mouth edge formed by said second wall end of each of said plurality of walls;
an edge flange having an outer edge flange surface, said edge flange extending from said mouth edge by at least 0.5 inches, wherein at least one of said plurality of walls at said outer wall surface forms a second obtuse angle with said outer edge flange surface.
10. The releasable cover of claim 9 further including a water insoluble adhesive for holding said cover proximal to said shower liner, said adhesive seated on an outer edge of said edge flange.
11. The releasable cover of claim 10 wherein the adhesive is seated on a tape and wherein said adhesive on said tape is applied to said shower liner.
12. The releasable cover of claim 10 further including a release liner, said release liner seated over said adhesive.
13. The releasable cover of claim 10 wherein at least one of said plurality of walls forms an obtuse angle with said base and with said edge flange at said mouth edge, thereby forming an obtuse angled wall.
14. The releasable cover of claim 13 further including a wall lip on said obtuse angled wall.
15. A method of protection a protuberance from water comprising the steps of:
providing a cover comprised of a base;
a plurality of walls, each of said walls attached at an angle to said base, eachof said walls having a first wall end at said base, a second wall end opposite said base end, and an outer wall surface;
a mouth having a mouth edge formed by said second wall end of each of said plurality of walls;
an edge flange having an outer edge flange surface, said edge flange extending from said mouth edge, wherein at least one of said plurality of walls at said outer wall surface forms a second obtuse angle with said outer edge flange surface;
applying a hanger to said edge flange;
positioning said hanger and said edge flange proximal to a surface;
applying pressure to said hanger; and sealing said edge flange to said surface.
providing a cover comprised of a base;
a plurality of walls, each of said walls attached at an angle to said base, eachof said walls having a first wall end at said base, a second wall end opposite said base end, and an outer wall surface;
a mouth having a mouth edge formed by said second wall end of each of said plurality of walls;
an edge flange having an outer edge flange surface, said edge flange extending from said mouth edge, wherein at least one of said plurality of walls at said outer wall surface forms a second obtuse angle with said outer edge flange surface;
applying a hanger to said edge flange;
positioning said hanger and said edge flange proximal to a surface;
applying pressure to said hanger; and sealing said edge flange to said surface.
16. The method of claim 15 further including the step of wetting said surface proximal to said edge flange after applying pressure.
17. The method of claim 16 further including peeling a release liner off an adhesive surface prior to positioning said hanger.
18. The method of claim 15 further including the step of providing a wall lip on said outer wall surface proximal to said first wall end at said base.
19. The method of claim 15 wherein said surface is a polyolefin shower liner.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US70351796A | 1996-08-27 | 1996-08-27 | |
| US08/703,517 | 1996-08-27 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2184398A1 true CA2184398A1 (en) | 1998-02-28 |
Family
ID=24825692
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2184398 Abandoned CA2184398A1 (en) | 1996-08-27 | 1996-08-28 | Releasably mounted cover |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2184398A1 (en) |
-
1996
- 1996-08-28 CA CA 2184398 patent/CA2184398A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |