Dual Function Base Support Cover

Abstract

A base cover provides a body portion that fits over a base support to protect an object from a base support, and detachably joined support member that protects a ground surface from the base support, such as a furniture leg. The body portion is substantially cylindrical shaped. The body portion includes an inner surface engages the base support, and an outer surface that helps protect the object from engagement with the base support. The body portion further includes a receiving end for receiving the base support, and an opposite support end having a peripheral depression. The support member detachably joins the body portion through a protrusion configured to mate with the peripheral depression. The base support creates a weight that transfers to a ground surface end of the support member. The pressure from the weight configures the ground surface end into a slip resistant surface.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The Previously filed Provisional Application No. 61/753,271 on Jan. 16, 2013 (01/16/2013).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to covering a base support. More so, the present invention provides a base support protective cover that fits over a furniture base support to protect a ground surface and an external object from engagement with the furniture base support.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

It is well known that furniture leg floor protectors help avoid damage to the floor when a piece of furniture is moved. Real hardwood, engineered hardwood, tile, carpet, laminate and other types of flooring can be very expensive to replace. They also reduce noise, such as when desks and chairs are moved, thereby inhibiting irritating noises. In many instances, children bump their heads and adults can stub their toes on hard or sharp furniture legs.

Often, the base, or legs of most furniture usually have some sort of padding or plastic disk from the manufacturer at the point where contact is made between the furniture and the floor. Some known floor protectors for furniture legs comprise a disk of synthetic plastics material, or metal, which can be fixed to the end of the leg by adhesive or a screw. Many times the plastic disks will dry rot or simply crack and fall off of the furniture over time exposing the nail or tack that was once used to drive it into the base of the furniture. Many times the missing disk goes unnoticed until it's too late for the flooring.

Attached to the underside of the disk is a pad of felt or other suitable protective material which contacts the floor. While felt padding works fine on the bottom of lamps and other items that do not see much weight or movement—it is not a solution to preserving floors in the long term from the daily use and movement of furniture. The felt pads will eventually wear off leaving floors exposed to either wood on wood contact, or even worse—metal on wood.

Even though the above furniture leg protectors address some of the needs of the market, a protective cover that fits over a base support to protect a ground surface and an external object from engagement with the base support is still needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment of the present invention, a base cover provides a protective cover that fits over a base support to protect a ground surface and an external object from engagement with the base support. The base cover is adapted to detachably fit over an existing base support, such as a furniture leg. The base cover separates into two components: a body portion protects an object from injurious contact with the base support, while a support member protects a ground surface from damaging a ground surface. The components are detachably joined, and can work together, or independently.

The base cover includes a substantially cylindrical shaped body portion for at least partially covering the base support. An inner surface engages the base support. An outer surface helps protect an object from engagement with the base support. The body portion comprises a semi-rigid, malleable material. In this manner, exposure to a sharp edged or hard base support may be restricted. The body portion further includes a receiving end for receiving the base support, and an opposite support end having a peripheral depression.

In some embodiments, the base cover detachably joins with a support member for engaging the ground surface. The support member includes a body end having a protrusion. The protrusion is configured to mate with the peripheral depression such that the support member detachably joins with the body portion. The support member further comprises a ground surface end that engages the ground surface. The weight from an object supported by the base support transfers to the ground surface end. The pressure from the weight at least partially compresses the ground surface end into a smaller area on the ground surface, thereby creating a greater slip resistance capacity. In some embodiments, the body portion and the support member may function together or independently for protecting the object and the ground surface. For example, the body portion may cover the base support, without including the support member. Similarly, the support member may support the base support without including the body portion.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a base cover for at least partially covering a base support, comprising:

• • a body portion configured to at least partially cover a base support, the body portion comprising an inner surface for engaging the base support, the body portion further comprising an outer surface for inhibiting contact between an object and the base support, the body portion further comprising a receiving end for receiving the base support, the body portion further comprising a support end, the support end comprising a peripheral depression,
  • wherein the body portion comprises a substantially semi-rigid material composition for helping to protect the object from a hard or sharp surface on the base support; and
  • a support member, the support member comprising a body end for detachably joining the support end, the body end comprising a protrusion configured to mate with the peripheral depression, the support member further comprising a ground surface end for engaging a ground surface,
  • wherein a weight from the base support transfers to the ground surface end,
  • wherein the weight compresses the ground surface end to create a substantially slip resistant surface.

In another aspect, the base support comprises a furniture leg.

In another aspect, the base cover comprises a semi-malleable material composition.

In another aspect, the base cover comprises ethylene vinyl acetate material composition having about a shore hardness of about 38 degrees.

In yet another aspect, the base cover comprises a substantially cylindrical shape.

In yet another aspect, the receiving end comprises an aperture, the aperture sized and dimensioned to receive the base support.

In yet another aspect, the body portion comprises a diameter greater than the base support.

In yet another aspect, the support member comprises a substantially disk shape.

In yet another aspect, the support member forms a substantially flush attachment with the body portion.

In yet another aspect, the ground surface end forms a substantially slip resistant surface when the weight from the base support is applied.

In yet another aspect, the ground surface comprises real hardwood, engineered hardwood, tile, carpet, laminate, and artificial turf.

In yet another aspect, the object comprises an appendage.

One objective of the present invention is to protect objects, such as appendages, babies, curtains, floors, and carpets from a hard or sharp surface on the base support.

Another objective is to inhibit slipping and movement from the base support.

Another objective is to manufacture the base cover from inexpensive materials.

Another objective is to enable the base cover to fit over the base support with minimal effort or tools.

Another objective is to enable the support member and the body portion to function as a unitary cover, or as independent covers.

Another objective is to configure the base cover for efficient packaging and shipping in bulk.

These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary base cover having a body portion and a detached support member positioned adjacently to an exemplary base support, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate detailed perspective views of an exemplary base cover at least partially covering an exemplary base support, where FIG. 2A illustrates an elevated side view, and FIG. 2B illustrates a bottom angle view, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate detailed perspective views of an exemplary body portion and an exemplary support member detached from each other, where FIG. 3A illustrates a bottom angle view, and FIG. 3B illustrates a top view, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

FIG. 1 illustrates a frontal view of an exemplary base cover 100 adjacent to an exemplary base support 122. In one embodiment of the present invention, the base cover 100 provides a protective cover that fits over the base support 122. The base cover 100 forms a protective sleeve that at least partially protects a ground surface 124 and an external object (Not Shown) from engagement with the base support 122. The base cover 100 is adapted to detachably fit over an existing base support 122. The base cover 100 separates into two components: a body portion 102 helps protect the object from injurious contact with the base support 122, while a support member 114 helps protect the ground surface 124 from damage by the base support 122. The components are detachably joined, and can work together, or independently.

In some embodiments, the base support 122 may include a base or leg extension configured to bear the weight of various items, including, without limitation, furniture, electronics, storage units, vehicles, and tools. In one embodiment, the base support 122 may include a furniture leg. The base cover 100 provides protection for the object, the ground surface 124, and the base support 122. Suitable materials for the base cover 100 may include, without limitation, ethylene vinyl acetate material composition having about a shore hardness of about thirty-eight degrees, polyvinyl chloride, plasticized thermo-plastic elastomers, a semi-malleable polymer, foam, wood, and silicone.

Turning now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the base cover 100 may include a substantially cylindrical shaped body portion 102 that at least partially covers the base support 122. However in other embodiments, the base cover 100 may be sized and dimensioned to cover a specifically sized base support 122. The body portion 102, in essence, forms a protective sleeve around the base support 122 that protects the object from sharp or hard surfaces on the base support 122. The object may include, without limitation, an appendage, skin, a head, a fabric, and a curtain. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that exposed metal bed frame bases and sharp-cornered wood furniture legs may cut or damage an appendage from a person or animal. Sharp metal tabs used for locking a bed's castors in place can be a particularly dangerous object for a small child's head and appendages. The barrier provided by the body portion 102 helps inhibit these injuries. The body portion 102 may also help protects the ground surface 124 from the abrasive nature and friction caused by the weight of the base support 122.

As referenced in FIG. 2A, an inner surface 110 engages the base support 122. An outer surface 112 helps protect an object from engagement with the base support 122. The body portion 102 comprises a semi-rigid, malleable material. In this manner, exposure to a sharp edged or hard base support 122 may be restricted. The body portion 102 further includes a receiving end 108 for receiving the base support 122. The receiving end 108 comprises an aperture that is sized and dimensioned to enable at least partial passage through the base support 122. The body portion 102 further includes an opposite support end 104 having a peripheral depression 106.

In some embodiments, the base cover 100 detachably joins with a support member 114 for engaging the ground surface 124, as referenced in FIG. 3A. The support member 114 may include a disk that generally has the same diameter as the body portion 102. The support member 114 includes a body end 116 having a protrusion 116. The protrusion 116 is configured to mate with the peripheral depression 106, such that the support member 114 detachably joins with the body portion 102. However in other embodiments, the protrusion 116 is not necessary for joining the support member 114 with the body portion 102, as the body end 116 attaches to the support end 104 of the body portion 102 through other mechanisms, including, without limitation, adhesives, fasteners, magnets, wires, hook and loop fasteners, and frictional force.

As referenced in FIG. 3B, the support member 114 further comprises a ground surface end 120 that engages the ground surface 124. The ground surface end 120 forms a slip resistant contact surface with the ground surface 124. In this manner, slippage, which may cause damage to the ground surface 124, is at least partially inhibited. The ground surface 124 may include, without limitation, real hardwood, engineered hardwood, tile, carpet, laminate, and artificial turf.

In some embodiments, the weight from an item supported by the base support 122 transfers to the ground surface end 120. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, often the weight may exceed a hundred pounds. The pressure from the weight may at least partially compresses the ground surface end 120 into a smaller area on the ground surface 124, thereby reducing the area of contact and creating a greater slip resistance capacity.

In some embodiments, the body portion 102 and the support member 114 may function together or independently for protecting the object and the ground surface 124 (FIG. 3A). For example, the body portion 102 may cover the base support 122, without including the support member 114. Similarly, the support member 114 may support the base support 122 without including the body portion 102. In this manner, the body portion 102 and the support member 114 each cover a section of the base support 122. The body portion 102 chiefly protects the object from injury or damage. The support member 114 chiefly protects the ground surface 124 from damage. In one alternative embodiment, the body portion 102 and the support member 114 form a unitary cover over the base support 122.

Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings will recognize that the base cover 100 may be efficacious for users having various needs of protection, including, without limitation: homeowners with sensitive flooring; landlords who wish to protect flooring from the furniture of tenants; property managers who wish to protect a client's flooring; blind or handicap users who are injury prone; elderly who wish to keep furniture from sliding; parents and grandparents of small children; collegiate fans who desire a team centric furniture leg cover with team colors and/or team logos and/or mascot characteristics; and parents who have children. In some embodiments, the base cover 100 may be decorated as desired with room themes such as race cars, underwater themes, astronauts, musical instruments, and the alphabet.

In one alternative embodiment, base cover 100 fits over a baby's feet or an animal's legs to protect the baby feet from contact with sharp ground surfaces, and protect the ground surface 124 from the animal's claws. In yet another alternative embodiment, the body portion 102 comprises a material conducive to heat shrinkage, whereby the base cover 100 can be heated to form a snug fit around the base support 122. In yet another alternative embodiment, the support member 114 utilizes rollers on the ground surface end 120 to enable portability of the base support 122. In yet another alternative embodiment, the outer surface 112 includes text, graphics, and decorative indicia.

Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.

Claims

1. A base cover for at least partially covering a base support for protection of an object and a ground surface, the base cover comprising:

a body portion configured to at least partially cover a base support, the body portion comprising an inner surface for engaging the base support, the body portion further comprising an outer surface for inhibiting contact between an object and the base support, the body portion further comprising a receiving end for receiving the base support, the body portion further comprising a support end, the support end comprising a peripheral depression,

wherein the body portion comprises a substantially semi-rigid material composition for helping to protect the object from a hard or sharp surface on the base support; and

a support member, the support member comprising a body end for detachably joining the support end, the body end comprising a protrusion configured to mate with the peripheral depression, the support member further comprising a ground surface end for engaging a ground surface,

wherein a weight from the base support transfers to the ground surface end,

wherein the weight compresses the ground surface end to create a substantially slip resistant surface.

2. The base cover of claim 1, in which the base support comprises a furniture leg.

3. The base cover of claim 1, in which the base cover comprises a semi-malleable material composition.

4. The base cover of claim 1, in which the base cover comprises ethylene vinyl acetate material composition having about a shore hardness of about 38 degrees.

5. The base cover of claim 1, in which the body portion comprises a substantially cylindrical shape.

6. The base cover of claim 1, in which the receiving end comprises an aperture, the aperture sized and dimensioned to receive the base support.

7. The base cover of claim 1, in which the body portion comprises a diameter greater than the base support.

8. The base cover of claim 1, in which the support member comprises a substantially disk shape.

9. The base cover of claim 1, in which the support member forms a substantially flush attachment with the body portion.

10. The base cover of claim 1, in which the ground surface end forms a substantially slip resistant surface when the weight from the base support is applied.

11. The base cover of claim 1, in which the object comprises an appendage.

12. The base cover of claim 1, in which the ground surface comprises real hardwood, or engineered hardwood, or tile, or carpet, or laminate, or artificial turf

13. A base cover for at least partially covering a base support for protection of an object, the base cover comprising:

a body portion configured to at least partially cover a base support, the body portion comprising an inner surface for engaging the base support, the body portion further comprising an outer surface for inhibiting contact between an object and the base support, the body portion further comprising a receiving end for receiving the base support, the body portion further comprising a support end, the support end comprising a peripheral depression,

wherein the body portion comprises a substantially semi-rigid material composition for helping to protect the object from a hard or sharp surface on the base support.

14. The base cover of claim 13, in which the body portion comprises a substantially cylindrical shape.

15. The base cover of claim 13, in which the body portion comprises a diameter greater than the base support.

16. The base cover of claim 13, in which the receiving end comprises an aperture, the aperture sized and dimensioned to receive the base support.

17. A base cover for at least partially covering a base support for protection of an object and a ground surface, the base cover comprising:

a support member, the support member comprising a body end for detachably joining a base support, the body end comprising a protrusion configured to mate with the base support, the support member further comprising a ground surface end for engaging a ground surface,

wherein a weight from the base support transfers to the ground surface end,

wherein the weight compresses the ground surface end to create a substantially slip resistant surface.

18. The base cover of claim 17, in which the support member comprises a substantially disk shape.

19. The base cover of claim 17, in which the support member forms a substantially flush attachment with the body portion.

20. The base cover of claim 17, in which the ground surface end forms a substantially slip resistant surface when the weight from the base support is applied.