Cover for a Concrete Parking Block

Abstract

A cover for a concrete parking block has a first lateral end, second lateral end and a longitudinal enclosure. The first lateral end and the second lateral end can be either open or closed. The longitudinal enclosure is the same length as the concrete parking block. The protective cover can be made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), Acrylonitrile Butadiene styrene (ABS) or foam and resin. The protective cover can also be used to as a bicycle stand. In doing so, the bicycle wheels are inserted into V-shaped slots of the longitudinal enclosure. A water bladder is attached to the protective cover when used as a bicycle stand. A reflective coating is applied on the exterior of the protective cover in order to provide more visibility during low light conditions.

Description

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 61/843,178 filed on Jul. 5, 2013.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of protective covers that can be used on a concrete parking block. The present invention protects the concrete parking block from vehicle-related damage and from weather-related damage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The large number of automobiles has increased the demand for parking lots and parking garages. Parking garages and parking lots generally include a large number of parking spaces with these parking spaces marked with lines to define the boundaries. However, due to space restrictions a large number of parking spaces are located in close proximity. Therefore, an additional means to notify the drivers of the parking space boundary is necessary. Concrete parking blocks have proven to be the most effective method of notifying a driver. These concrete parking blocks make constant contact with automobiles. Drivers also have the tendency to run into the concrete parking blocks especially in low light conditions such as night time. As a result, the concrete parking blocks are damaged after a certain time period. In addition, concrete parking blocks are exposed to different weather conditions. The exposure results in weather related chips and cracks on the surface of the concrete parking blocks. Maintaining and repairing a large number of parking blocks is not a practical solution. The lack of maintenance can result in causing damage to automobiles and also individuals. Furthermore, replacing a large number of concrete blocks may require a considerable financial investment.

The objective of the present invention is to address the aforementioned issues. In particular, the present invention introduces a convenient, effective, and practical solution to protect a concrete parking block. The present invention is a cover that can be used on a concrete parking block. The cover is produced of material that is not biodegradable and also durable. The present invention ensures that the concrete parking blocks are protected against vehicle-related damage and weather related damages. Traditional concrete parking blocks are not clearly visible during low light conditions. The present invention allows a concrete parking block to be more visible in such low light conditions. More specifically, the outer surface of the present invention is coated with phosphorescent material for visibility at night. Additionally, the present invention can be coated with fluorescent material to provide better visibility during the day. The effective design also allows the concrete parking block cover to serve as a bicycle rack. The durability of the present invention eliminates the need of repairing, which is financially advantageous.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric exploded view of the first embodiment of the present invention and a parking block.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the first embodiment of the present invention attached to a parking block.

FIG. 3 is an isometric exploded view of the second embodiment of the present invention and a parking block.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the second embodiment of the present invention attached to a parking block.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the present invention attached to a parking block.

FIG. 6 is a side view of another embodiment of the present invention attached to a water bladder.

FIG. 7 is an isometric wire frame view of the other embodiment of the present invention attached to a water bladder.

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the other embodiment of the present invention attached to a water bladder.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the other embodiment illustrating a bicycle wheel being placed into one of the V-shaped slots.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The present invention is a protective cover that can be used on a concrete parking block 100. By utilizing the present invention, a concrete parking block 100 can be protected from vehicle related damages, weather related damages, and damages caused by continuous use. Due to the effective design of the present invention, the protective cover can also be used on a concrete parking block 100 with a different cross-sectional shape.

As seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5, the present invention comprises a first lateral end 1, a second lateral end 2, a longitudinal enclosure 3, and a parking block adhesive 10. The first lateral end 1 and the second lateral end 2 are positioned opposite to each other along the longitudinal enclosure 3. The first lateral end 1 and the second lateral end 2 are used to protect the sides of the concrete parking block 100. The longitudinal enclosure 3 comprises an inner surface 4, an outer surface 5, a first contact edge 8, and a second contact edge 9. When utilized on a concrete parking block 100, the first lateral end 1 and the second lateral end 2 correspond to the lengthwise boundaries of the concrete parking block 100. The longitudinal enclosure 3 is the same length as the concrete parking block 100. The longitudinal enclosure 3 is perimetrically connected around the first lateral end 1. As a result, the longitudinal enclosure 3 and the first lateral end 1 are able to brace against an end of the concrete parking block 100. Similarly, the longitudinal enclosure 3 is perimetrically connected around the second lateral end 2. As a result, the longitudinal enclosure 3 and the second lateral end 2 are able to brace against the opposite end of the concrete parking block 100. Furthermore, the longitudinal enclosure 3 is perimetrically connected around the first lateral end 1 and the second lateral end 2 from the first contact edge 8 to the second contact edge 9. Therefore, when the present invention is used on a concrete parking block 100, the first contact edge 8 and the second contact edge 9 make contact with the surface that the concrete parking block 100 is installed on. The present invention is attached to the concrete parking block 100 utilizing a parking block adhesive 10. The parking block adhesive 10 is applied on the inner surface 4 of the longitudinal enclosure 3. The utilized parking block adhesive 10 can be, but is not limited to, caulking or liquid nails.

As seen in FIG. 1, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the first lateral end 1 and the second lateral end 2 are open. When the present invention is utilized on the concrete parking block 100, the lengthwise ends of the concrete parking block 100 are not covered. More specifically, only the longitudinal enclosure 3 makes contact with the concrete parking block 100. The length of the longitudinal enclosure 3 is such that the entire length of the concrete parking block 100 is covered.

As seen in FIG. 3, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the first lateral end 1 and the second lateral end 2 are closed ends. As a result, when the present invention is utilized on a concrete parking block 100, the inner surface 4 of the longitudinal enclosure 3, the first lateral end 1, and the second lateral end 2 each make contact with the concrete parking block 100. In the second embodiment, the parking block adhesive 10 is internally applied to the first lateral end 1 and the second lateral end 2 in addition to the inner surface 4 of the longitudinal enclosure 3.

The longitudinal enclosure 3 can be made of, but is not limited to, the following materials. One such material is high-density polyethylene (HDPE), Thermoplastic PolyOlefin (TPO) or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). HDPE, TPO or ABS allows the longitudinal enclosure 3 to be lightweight, durable and able withstand weathering processes. Additionally, the longitudinal enclosure 3 can also be made of foam and resin. The foam and resin eliminates the chance of the concrete parking block 100 being damaged when run over by a vehicle. The foam and resin is lighter than HDPE, TPO and ABS. Due to the properties of foam and resin, a concrete parking block 100 can be completely replaced by a block made of foam and resin. The protective cover can also be made of cast stone. In accordance to the standard size of a concrete parking block 100, when the present invention is made of cast stone, it weighs less than 100 pounds.

A reflective coating 11 is applied on the present invention to increase visibility. Increased visibility is especially beneficial during low light conditions such as at night time. In order to so, the present invention can be covered in phosphorescent material such as a luminous paint. To increase visibility during the day, the present invention can be alternatively coated in fluorescent material. In the first embodiment, the reflective coating 11 is applied on the outer surface 5 of the longitudinal enclosure 3. In the second embodiment, the reflective coating 11 is also externally applied on the first lateral end 1 and the second lateral end 2.

In another embodiment, the protective cover can be used on a concrete parking block 100 that has a different cross-sectional shape than the concrete parking block 100 illustrated in the figures. The cross-sectional shape of the concrete parking block 100 can be, but is not limited to, rectangular, triangular, and semi-circular.

In another embodiment, the present invention can be utilized as a bicycle stand as illustrated in FIG. 6. In order to do so, the longitudinal enclosure 3 comprises a plurality of V-shaped slots 7. The plurality of V-shaped slots 7 is perpendicularly integrated into the longitudinal enclosure 3. A user can place a bicycle wheel into any of the plurality of V-shaped slots 7. Furthermore, the plurality of V-shaped slots 7 is distributed along the longitudinal enclosure 3 allowing multiple bicycle wheels to be placed within a limited space. In contrast to enclosing a concrete parking block 100, this embodiment encloses a water bladder 6 as seen in FIG. 7. The water bladder 6 is conformedly adjoined to the inner surface 4 of the longitudinal enclosure 3 utilizing parking block adhesive 10. In this instance, the water bladder 6 is utilized to provide additional weight such that the present invention remains stationary. This embodiment is especially beneficial to be used in residential garages.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. A cover for a concrete parking block comprises:

a first lateral end;

a second lateral end;

a longitudinal enclosure;

a parking block adhesive;

the longitudinal enclosure comprises an inner surface, an outer surface, a first contact edge, and a second contact edge;

the first lateral end and the second lateral end being positioned opposite of each other along the longitudinal enclosure;

the longitudinal enclosure being perimetrically connected around the first lateral end from the first contact edge to the second contact edge;

the longitudinal enclosure being perimetrically connected around the second lateral end from the first contact edge to the second contact edge; and

the parking block adhesive being applied across the inner surface.

2. The cover for a concrete parking block as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the first lateral end being a closed end; and

the parking block adhesive being internally applied to the first lateral end.

3. The cover for a concrete parking block as claimed in claim 2 comprises:

a reflective coating being externally layered onto the first lateral end.

4. The cover for a concrete parking block as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the second lateral end being a closed end; and

the parking block adhesive being internally applied to the second lateral end.

5. The cover for a concrete parking block as claimed in claim 4 comprises:

a reflective coating being externally layered onto the second lateral end.

6. The cover for a concrete parking block as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the first lateral end being an open end.

7. The cover for a concrete parking block as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the second lateral end being an open end.

8. The cover for a concrete parking block as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the longitudinal enclosure being made of a material selected from the group consisting of high-density polyethylene, thermoplastic polyolefin, and Acrylonitrile Butadiene styrene.

9. The cover for a concrete parking block as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the longitudinal enclosure being made of a foam and resin material.

10. The cover for a concrete parking block as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a reflective coating; and

the reflective coating being layered onto the outer surface.

11. The cover for a concrete parking block as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the longitudinal enclosure comprises a plurality of V-shaped slots;

the plurality of V-shaped slots being perpendicularly integrated into the longitudinal enclosure; and

the plurality of V-shaped slots being distributed along the longitudinal enclosure.

12. The cover for a concrete parking block as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a parking block being conformedly adjoined to the inner surface by the packing block adhesive.

13. The cover for a concrete parking block as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a water bladder; and

the water bladder being conformedly adjoined to the inner surface by the parking block adhesive.

14. A cover for a concrete parking block comprises:

a first lateral end;

a second lateral end;

a longitudinal enclosure;

a parking block adhesive;

a reflective coating being externally layered onto the second lateral end;

the longitudinal enclosure comprises an inner surface, an outer surface, a first contact edge, and a second contact edge;

the first lateral end and the second lateral end being positioned opposite of each other along the longitudinal enclosure;

the longitudinal enclosure being perimetrically connected around the first lateral end from the first contact edge to the second contact edge;

the longitudinal enclosure being perimetrically connected around the second lateral end from the first contact edge to the second contact edge;

the parking block adhesive being applied across the inner surface;

the first lateral end being a closed end;

the parking block adhesive being internally applied to the first lateral end;

a reflective coating being externally layered onto the first lateral end;

the second lateral end being a closed end; and

the parking block adhesive being internally applied to the second lateral end.

15. The cover for a concrete parking block as claimed in claim 14 comprises:

a reflective coating;

the first lateral end being an open end;

the second lateral end being an open end;

the longitudinal enclosure being made of a material selected from the group consisting of high-density polyethylene, thermoplastic polyolefin, and Acrylonitrile Butadiene styrene;

the longitudinal enclosure being made of a foam and resin material; and

the reflective coating being layered onto the outer surface.

16. The cover for a concrete parking block as claimed in claim 14 comprises:

a parking block being conformedly adjoined to the inner surface by the packing block adhesive;

a water bladder;

the longitudinal enclosure comprises a plurality of V-shaped slots;

the plurality of V-shaped slots being perpendicularly integrated into the longitudinal enclosure;

the plurality of V-shaped slots being distributed along the longitudinal enclosure; and

the water bladder being conformedly adjoined to the inner surface by the parking block adhesive.