US20230383487A1 - Curb guard - Google Patents

Curb guard Download PDF

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Publication number
US20230383487A1
US20230383487A1 US18/204,075 US202318204075A US2023383487A1 US 20230383487 A1 US20230383487 A1 US 20230383487A1 US 202318204075 A US202318204075 A US 202318204075A US 2023383487 A1 US2023383487 A1 US 2023383487A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
curb
sheet
guard
lengthwise
spaced
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.)
Pending
Application number
US18/204,075
Inventor
Frank Venegas
Dylan Porter
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Ideal Shield Inc
Original Assignee
Ideal Shield Inc
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ideal Shield Inc filed Critical Ideal Shield Inc
Priority to US18/204,075 priority Critical patent/US20230383487A1/en
Publication of US20230383487A1 publication Critical patent/US20230383487A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01F—ADDITIONAL WORK, SUCH AS EQUIPPING ROADS OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLATFORMS, HELICOPTER LANDING STAGES, SIGNS, SNOW FENCES, OR THE LIKE
    • E01F9/00—Arrangement of road signs or traffic signals; Arrangements for enforcing caution
    • E01F9/50—Road surface markings; Kerbs or road edgings, specially adapted for alerting road users
    • E01F9/535—Kerbs or road edgings specially adapted for alerting road users
    • E01F9/541—Kerbs

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to protective shields and, in particular, to a plastic curb cover to protect against “curb rash.”
  • curb rash When a car wheel scrapes against a rough concrete or cement curb the damage to the tire is somethings referred to as “curb rash.” Particularly for those who care about their vehicles, this scuffing is not only unsightly, it can also lead to damage to vehicle tires.
  • This invention protects against curb rash by providing a guard that fits over and conforms to the curb.
  • the product protects wheels and rims from scuffing, while helping to prevent tires from rolling over the curb.
  • the guard comprises a sheet of plastic material having an inner surface, and outer surface, a thickness “T,” a length “L,” and a width “W”.
  • the guard is dimension to fit over at least a portion of a curb having an upper surface that transitions to a side surface at an angle to the upper surface.
  • the sheet has a first lengthwise portion that overlaps with at least part of the upper surface of the curb and a second lengthwise portion that overlaps with at least part of the side surface of the curb. At least the first portion of the sheet is fastened to the upper surface of the curb.
  • the material bends to conform to the curb so as to form a curved section between first and second portions.
  • the first portion of the sheet may include a plurality of spaced-apart lengthwise ribs on the outer surface of the sheet.
  • the second portion of the sheet may also include a plurality of spaced-apart lengthwise ribs on the outer surface of the sheet.
  • the second portion of the sheet may further include a plurality of spaced-apart lengthwise ribs on the inner surface of the sheet.
  • T may be in the range of 0.25 to 0.75 inches
  • W may be in the range of 8 to 20 inches
  • L may be 4 feet or more.
  • the material may be extruded, and the material may be fastened with a plurality of anchors that penetrate the material and the curb.
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is an oblique view of the invention installed on a curb.
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 2 is an oblique view of the invention installed on a curb 104 .
  • the article/product 102 is extruded from a durable plastic material such as HDPE (high-density polyethylene).
  • An impact resistant additive and/or uv inhibitor may be added.
  • Various other durable plastic/polymeric materials may alternatively be used, including low-density polyethylene, polypropylenes, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyamide-imide (PAI), high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), and so forth.
  • the article may be provided in any practical length “L” from 3 to 12 feet, more or less, and may be made in any color including, without limitation, black, blue, red, yellow, orange etc., including fluorescent colors.
  • the product may also be striped in different colors.
  • the article has a preferred thickness “T” of less than an inch, more preferably less than 0.5′′, and most preferably 0.4′′ when made from HDPE.
  • the product has a first section with a width “A” and a second section with a width “C.”
  • Sections A, C transition through a curved section “B.”
  • the curved portion preferably forms an angle over 90 degrees, such as 100 degrees or more, to better conform with existing curb structures when the article is installed.
  • the transition of B may be less gradual than the one shown, and may be at a sharper angle without a curve, and a wide range of angles may be used.
  • the material used should be sufficiently flexible or pliable to bend lengthwise over most curb structures when installed.
  • the width “A” may be on the order of 2 to 6 inches, and the width “C” may be on the order of 4 to 10 inches.
  • “B” may be 2 to 4 inches, such that the overall width “W” of the product may be 8 to 20 inches, more or less.
  • At least the outer surface of the article may include a plurality of lengthwise ribs with top and side dimensions of 0.5′′ or less.
  • the outer surface of the upper portion may include a plurality of spaced-apart ribs 108 to provide aural feedback if a driver drives over the top of the curb 104 .
  • the side portion may include spaced-apart ribs 110 , 112 , on the inner and outer surfaces, respectively, to better cushion tire engagement and conform to curb surfaces.
  • the disclosed dimensions are exemplary only and may be varied, including smooth surfaces throughout.
  • the upper portion 102 is secured to the curb with spaced-apart fasteners 114 , A gap 106 may be provided between ribs on the upper portion to accommodate these anchors.
  • a gap 106 may be provided between ribs on the upper portion to accommodate these anchors.
  • 0.25′′ wedge anchors that sit at or below the ribs may be used, Other types of fasteners may alternatively be used, including concrete screws, epoxied bolts, and so forth.
  • the side portion may or may not be fastened to the outer side surface of the curb. It is also possible to bond the article to the curb with a construction adhesive, with or without anchors.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Road Paving Structures (AREA)

Abstract

A curb guard fits over and conforms to a street curb to protect wheels and rims from scuffing. A sheet of plastic material has a first lengthwise portion that overlaps with at least part of the upper surface of the curb and a second lengthwise portion that overlaps with at least part of the side surface of the curb. At least the first portion of the sheet is fastened to the upper surface of the curb. The first and second portions of the sheet may include a plurality of spaced-apart lengthwise ribs on the inner and/or outer surfaces of the sheet. The material may be extruded, and the material may be fastened with a plurality of anchors that penetrate the material and the curb.

Description

    REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/347,417, filed May 31, 2022, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
    • FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • This invention relates generally to protective shields and, in particular, to a plastic curb cover to protect against “curb rash.”
    • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • When a car wheel scrapes against a rough concrete or cement curb the damage to the tire is somethings referred to as “curb rash.” Particularly for those who care about their vehicles, this scuffing is not only unsightly, it can also lead to damage to vehicle tires.
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • This invention protects against curb rash by providing a guard that fits over and conforms to the curb. The product protects wheels and rims from scuffing, while helping to prevent tires from rolling over the curb.
  • The guard comprises a sheet of plastic material having an inner surface, and outer surface, a thickness “T,” a length “L,” and a width “W”. The guard is dimension to fit over at least a portion of a curb having an upper surface that transitions to a side surface at an angle to the upper surface. As such, the sheet has a first lengthwise portion that overlaps with at least part of the upper surface of the curb and a second lengthwise portion that overlaps with at least part of the side surface of the curb. At least the first portion of the sheet is fastened to the upper surface of the curb. In preferred embodiments, the material bends to conform to the curb so as to form a curved section between first and second portions.
  • The first portion of the sheet may include a plurality of spaced-apart lengthwise ribs on the outer surface of the sheet. The second portion of the sheet may also include a plurality of spaced-apart lengthwise ribs on the outer surface of the sheet. The second portion of the sheet may further include a plurality of spaced-apart lengthwise ribs on the inner surface of the sheet.
  • The dimension “T” may be in the range of 0.25 to 0.75 inches; “W” may be in the range of 8 to 20 inches; and “L” may be 4 feet or more. The material may be extruded, and the material may be fastened with a plurality of anchors that penetrate the material and the curb.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the invention; and
  • FIG. 2 is an oblique view of the invention installed on a curb.
    •  DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 2 is an oblique view of the invention installed on a curb 104. In the preferred embodiment, the article/product 102 is extruded from a durable plastic material such as HDPE (high-density polyethylene). An impact resistant additive and/or uv inhibitor may be added. Various other durable plastic/polymeric materials may alternatively be used, including low-density polyethylene, polypropylenes, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyamide-imide (PAI), high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), and so forth.
  • The article may be provided in any practical length “L” from 3 to 12 feet, more or less, and may be made in any color including, without limitation, black, blue, red, yellow, orange etc., including fluorescent colors. The product may also be striped in different colors.
  • The article has a preferred thickness “T” of less than an inch, more preferably less than 0.5″, and most preferably 0.4″ when made from HDPE. As seen in the cross section of FIG. 1 , the product has a first section with a width “A” and a second section with a width “C.” Sections A, C transition through a curved section “B.” The curved portion preferably forms an angle over 90 degrees, such as 100 degrees or more, to better conform with existing curb structures when the article is installed. The transition of B may be less gradual than the one shown, and may be at a sharper angle without a curve, and a wide range of angles may be used. In any case, the material used should be sufficiently flexible or pliable to bend lengthwise over most curb structures when installed.
  • The width “A” may be on the order of 2 to 6 inches, and the width “C” may be on the order of 4 to 10 inches. “B” may be 2 to 4 inches, such that the overall width “W” of the product may be 8 to 20 inches, more or less.
  • In the preferred embodiment, at least the outer surface of the article may include a plurality of lengthwise ribs with top and side dimensions of 0.5″ or less. In particular, the outer surface of the upper portion may include a plurality of spaced-apart ribs 108 to provide aural feedback if a driver drives over the top of the curb 104. The side portion may include spaced- apart ribs 110, 112, on the inner and outer surfaces, respectively, to better cushion tire engagement and conform to curb surfaces. The disclosed dimensions are exemplary only and may be varied, including smooth surfaces throughout.
  • The upper portion 102 is secured to the curb with spaced-apart fasteners 114, A gap 106 may be provided between ribs on the upper portion to accommodate these anchors. For example, 0.25″ wedge anchors that sit at or below the ribs may be used, Other types of fasteners may alternatively be used, including concrete screws, epoxied bolts, and so forth. The side portion may or may not be fastened to the outer side surface of the curb. It is also possible to bond the article to the curb with a construction adhesive, with or without anchors.

Claims (17)

1. A guard for a curb having an upper surface that transitions to a side surface at an angle to the upper surface, the guard comprising:
a sheet of plastic material having an inner surface, and outer surface, a thickness “T,” a length “L,” and a width “W”;
wherein the sheet has a first lengthwise portion that overlaps with at least part of the upper surface of the curb and a second lengthwise portion that overlaps with at least part of the side surface of the curb; and
wherein at least the first portion of the sheet is fastened to the upper surface of the curb.
2. The guard of claim 1, wherein the material bends to conform to the curb so as to form a curved section between first and second portions.
3. The guard of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the sheet includes a plurality of spaced-apart lengthwise ribs on the outer surface of the sheet.
4. The guard of claim 1, wherein the second portion of the sheet includes a plurality of spaced-apart lengthwise ribs on the outer surface of the sheet.
5. The guard of claim 1, wherein the second portion of the sheet includes a plurality of spaced-apart lengthwise ribs on the inner and outer surface of the sheet.
6. The guard of claim 1, wherein “T” is in the range of 0.25 to 0.75 inches.
7. The guard of claim 1, wherein “W” is in the range of 8 to 20 inches.
8. The guard of claim 1, wherein “L” is 4 feet or more.
9. The guard of claim 1, wherein the material is extruded.
10. The guard of claim 1, wherein the material is fastened with a plurality of anchors that penetrate the material and the curb.
11. A guard for a curb having an upper surface that transitions to a side surface at an angle to the upper surface, the guard comprising:
a sheet of plastic material having an inner surface, and outer surface, a thickness “T,” a length “L,” and a width “W”;
wherein the sheet has a first lengthwise portion that overlaps with the upper surface of the curb, a second lengthwise portion that overlaps with the side surface of the curb, and a curved section between the first and second lengthwise portions;
wherein the first and second portions of the sheet include a plurality of spaced-apart lengthwise ribs on the outer surface of the sheet; and
wherein at least the first portion of the sheet is fastened to the upper surface of the curb.
12. The guard of claim 11, wherein the second portion of the sheet includes a plurality of spaced-apart lengthwise ribs on the inner surface of the sheet.
13. The guard of claim 11, wherein “T” is in the range of 0.25 to 0.75 inches.
14. The guard of claim 11, wherein “W” is in the range of 8 to 20 inches.
15. The guard of claim 11, wherein “L” is 4 feet or more.
16. The guard of claim 11, wherein the material is extruded.
17. The guard of claim 11, wherein the material is fastened with a plurality of anchors that penetrate the material and the curb.
US18/204,075 2022-05-31 2023-05-31 Curb guard Pending US20230383487A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US18/204,075 US20230383487A1 (en) 2022-05-31 2023-05-31 Curb guard

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US202263347417P 2022-05-31 2022-05-31
US18/204,075 US20230383487A1 (en) 2022-05-31 2023-05-31 Curb guard

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20230383487A1 true US20230383487A1 (en) 2023-11-30

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ID=88876861

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US18/204,075 Pending US20230383487A1 (en) 2022-05-31 2023-05-31 Curb guard

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US (1) US20230383487A1 (en)

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