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 is a continuation-in-part (CIP) application of a U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 14/919,785 filed on Oct. 22, 2015. The U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 14/919,785 is a CIP application of a U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 14/302,619 filed on Jun. 12, 2014. The U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 14/302,619 a claims a priority to a U.S. provisional 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 frequent 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 become damaged over time. 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. 5A is a cross sectional view of the present invention attached to a parking block with parking-block adhesive.

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

FIG. 6 is an exploded side view of the present invention and the concrete parking block.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the present invention, wherein the present invention encloses a water bladder.

FIG. 8 is an isometric wire frame view of the present invention, wherein the present invention encloses the water bladder.

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional wire frame view of the present invention, wherein the present invention encloses the water bladder.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the present invention, wherein a bicycle wheel is inserted into one of the V-shaped slots.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the present invention, wherein the present invention is removably attached to the concrete parking block.

FIG. 11B is a bottom perspective view of the present invention, wherein the present invention is removably attached to the concrete parking block.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the present invention, wherein the present invention is removably attached to the concrete parking block.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the first hook and the first angle.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the second hook and the second angle.

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. By utilizing the present invention, a concrete parking block 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 with a different cross-sectional shape.

As seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5A, and FIG. 5B, the present invention comprises a first lateral end 1, a second lateral end 2, a longitudinal enclosure 3, a precipitation-diverting cap 300, and a parking-block attachment mechanism 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 the 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 as illustrated in FIG. 2. 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 the 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 attachment mechanism 10. The utilized parking-block attachment mechanism 10 can be, but is not limited to, a parking block adhesive, a plurality of concrete screws, caulking or liquid nails. In order to secure the present invention against the concrete parking block 100 the present invention utilizes a plurality of protrusions 200 as the parking-block attachment mechanism 10 as seen in FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, and FIG. 6. The plurality of protrusions 200 is positioned along the longitudinal enclosure 3 such that the present invention has a uniform connection throughout the length of the longitudinal enclosure 3. As seen in FIG. 6, the plurality of protrusions 200 is connected adjacent and across the inner surface 4. Moreover, the inner surface 4 is adapted to be confirmedly adjoined with concrete parking block 100 with the parking-block attachment mechanism 10. To do so, the parking-block attachment mechanism 10 is integrated across the longitudinal enclosure 3. Resultantly, the present invention establishes a secure connection with the concrete parking block 100. The precipitation-diverting cap 300 is used to divert water away from the outer surface 5. To do so, the precipitation-diverting cap 300 is connected along the longitudinal enclosure 3 across the outer surface 5. Moreover, the precipitation-diverting cap 300 is equidistant from the first contact edge 8 and the second contact edge 9. Thus, the precipitation-diverting cap 300 is centrally positioned along the longitudinal enclosure 3. The shape of the precipitation-diverting cap 300 can vary from one embodiment to another. More specifically, the precipitation-diverting cap 300 can have a triangular profile, dome shape, a curved profile or any other comparable shape that diverts water away from the longitudinal enclosure 3.

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 as shown in FIG. 4. In the second embodiment, the parking-block attachment mechanism 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.

As seen in FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, and FIG. 6, the overall shape of the outer surface 5 can vary from one embodiment to another. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outer surface 5 further comprises a first lateral portion 51, a first angular portion 52, an uppermost portion 53, a second angular portion 54, and a second lateral portion 55. The first angular portion 52 is terminally connected along the first lateral portion 51 at a first lower interior angle 56. The uppermost portion 53 is terminally connected along the first angular portion 52 at a first upper interior angle 57. The second angular portion 54 is terminally connected along the uppermost section 53 at a second upper interior angle 59. The second lateral portion 55 is terminally connected along the second angular portion 54 at a second lower interior angle 58. To divert water away from the outer surface 5, the precipitation-diverting cap 300 is connected along the uppermost portion 53 in between the first angular portion 52 and the second angular portion 54.

To appropriately position the present invention around the concrete parking block 100, the first lower interior angle 56 and the first upper interior angle 57 are configured to orient the first lateral portion 51 and the uppermost portion 53. Likewise, the second lower interior angle 58 and the second upper interior angle 59 are configured to orient the second lateral portion 55 and the uppermost portion 53. To be symmetric around the concrete parking block 100, the first lower interior angle 56 is equal to the second lower interior angle 58. Moreover, the first upper interior angle 57 is equal to the second upper interior angle 59.

As mentioned earlier, the parking-block attachment mechanism 10 is used to attach the longitudinal enclosure 3 to the concrete parking block 100. As seen in FIG. 5A, in one embodiment of the present invention, the parking-block attachment mechanism 10 is a parking-block adhesive 500 which is layered across the inner surface 4 and amongst the plurality of protrusions 200. As seen in FIG. 5B, in another embodiment of the present invention, the parking-block attachment mechanism 10 is a plurality of concrete screws 600. Each of the plurality of concrete screws 600 traverse through the longitudinal enclosure 3 so that the longitudinal enclosure 3 can be secured against the concrete parking block 100.

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, the 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 the concrete parking block 100, when the present invention is made of cast stone, it weighs less than 100 pounds. Regardless of the material used to construct the present invention, the outer surface 5 of the longitudinal enclosure 3 is designed to have a rough texture. The rough texture is important in terms of safety and also in terms of convenience if an advertisement is applied to the outer surface 5. As an example, the rough texture minimizes the risk of slipping when the outer surface 5 is wet. On the other hand, if the advertisement is applied onto the outer surface 5 with an adhesive, the adhesive can create a better bond with the rough texture. As a result, the advertisement is bonded to the outer surface securely.

As further illustrated in FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, and FIG. 6, to keep the outer surface 5 dry, the present invention further comprises a hydrophobic coating 400 which is externally layered onto the precipitation-diverting cap 300. However, in other embodiments of the present invention, the hydrophobic coating 400 can be layered onto the first lateral portion 51, the first angular portion 52, the second angular portion 54, and the second lateral portion 55 too. Moreover, the hydrophobic coating 400 can vary from one embodiment to another. Even though the hydrophobic coating 400 is used in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a superhydrophobic coating can be used in another embodiment of the present invention.

In some embodiments, 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 FIGS. 7-10. 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. As seen in FIG. 10, the 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. 8 and FIG. 9. The water bladder 6 is conformedly adjoined to the inner surface 4 of the longitudinal enclosure 3 utilizing parking-block attachment mechanism 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.

The present invention can be temporarily mounted on the concrete parking block 100 in another embodiment of the present invention. In order to be temporarily attached, the present invention comprises a first hook 12, a first angle 13, and a first hook receiving slot 16. The first angle 13 comprises a first insert leg 14 and a first extension leg 15. As seen in FIG. 13, the first insert leg 14 is connected perpendicular and adjacent to the first extension leg 15 creating an L-shape that conforms to the first lateral end 1 of the present invention. The first hook receiving slot 16 traverses through the first lateral end 1 when the first lateral end 1 is a closed end. The first hook 12, which is connected adjacent to the first extension leg 15 and opposite to the first insert leg 14, is engaged into the first hook receiving slot 16. When engaged, the first extension leg 15 is pressed against the first lateral end 1 such that the first insert leg 14 is positioned adjacent to the longitudinal enclosure 3. In order to press the first extension leg 15 against the first lateral end 1, the first insert leg 14 is forced into a base of the concrete parking block 100. Hammering or other comparable methods can be utilized to force the first insert leg 14 into the base of the concrete parking block 100. Similar to securing the first lateral end 1 with the first hook 12, the first angle 13, and the first hook receiving slot 16, the present invention utilizes a second hook 17, a second angle 18, and a second hook receiving slot 21 to secure the longitudinal enclosure 3 at the second lateral end 2. Moreover, similar to the first angle 13, the second angle 18 comprises a second insert leg 19 and a second extension leg 20 which creates an L-shape when connected together as seen in FIG. 14. More specifically, the second insert leg 19 is connected perpendicular and adjacent to the second extension leg 20. The second hook 17 is connected adjacent to the second extension leg 20 and opposite to the second insert leg 19 so that the user can conveniently engage the second hook 17 in the second hook receiving slot 21. Similar to the first hook receiving slot 16 traversing through the first lateral end 1, the second hook receiving slot 21 traverses through the second lateral end 2. Therefore, when the second hook 17 is engaged in the second hook receiving slot 21, a secure connection is established between the present invention and the concrete parking block 100. When engaged, the second extension leg 20 is pressed against the second lateral end 2. Moreover, the second insert leg 19 is positioned adjacent the longitudinal enclosure 3. Similar to forcing the first insert leg 14 into the bottom surface of the concrete parking block 100, the second insert leg 19 is also forced towards the bottom surface of the concrete parking block 100. FIG. 11A, FIG. 11B, and FIG. 12 illustrate the longitudinal enclosure 3 being secured with the use of the first hook 12, the first angle 13, the second hook 17, and the second angle 18.

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 comprising:

a longitudinal enclosure;

a plurality of protrusions;

a precipitation-diverting cap;

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

the plurality of protrusions being positioned along the longitudinal enclosure;

the plurality of protrusions being connected adjacent and across the inner surface;

the precipitation-diverting cap being connected along the longitudinal enclosure across the outer surface; and

the precipitation-diverting cap being positioned equidistant from the first contact edge and the second contact edge.

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

the outer surface further comprises a first lateral portion, a first angular portion, an uppermost portion, a second angular portion, and a second lateral portion;

the first angular portion being terminally connected along the first lateral portion at a first lower interior angle;

the uppermost portion being terminally connected to the first angular portion at a first upper interior angle;

the second angular portion being terminally connected along the uppermost portion at a second upper interior angle;

the second lateral portion being terminally connected along the second angular portion at a second lower interior angle; and

the precipitation-diverting cap being connected along the uppermost portion in between the first angular portion and the second angular portion.

3. The cover for a concrete parking block as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first lower interior angle and the first upper interior angle are configured to orient the first lateral portion and the uppermost portion.

4. The cover for a concrete parking block as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second lower interior angle and the second upper interior angle are configured to orient the second lateral portion and the uppermost portion.

5. The cover for a concrete parking block as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first lower interior angle is equal to the second lower interior angle.

6. The cover for a concrete parking block as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first upper interior angle is equal to the second upper interior angle.

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

a parking-block attachment mechanism; and

the parking-block attachment mechanism being integrated across the longitudinal enclosure.

8. The cover for a concrete parking block as claimed in claim 7 further comprising:

the parking-block attachment mechanism being a parking block adhesive; and

the parking block adhesive being layered across the inner surface and amongst the plurality of protrusions.

9. The cover for a concrete parking block as claimed in claim 7 further comprising:

the parking-block attachment mechanism being a plurality of concrete screws; and

the plurality of concrete screws traversing through the longitudinal enclosure.

10. The cover for a concrete parking block as claimed in claim 1, wherein the precipitation-diverting cap is a triangular profile.

11. The cover for a concrete parking block as claimed in claim 1, wherein the precipitation-diverting cap is a dome shape.

12. The cover for a concrete parking block as claimed in claim 1, wherein the precipitation-diverting cap is a curved profile.

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

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

14. The cover for a concrete parking block as claimed in claim 1, wherein the longitudinal enclosure being made of a foam and resin material.

15. The cover for a concrete parking block as claimed in claim 1 further comprising:

a reflective coating; and

the reflective coating being layered onto the outer surface.

16. The cover for a concrete parking block as claimed in claim 1 further comprising:

the inner surface being adapted to be confirmedly adjoined with a parking block by the parking-block attachment mechanism.

17. The cover for a concrete parking block as claimed in claim 1 further comprising:

a hydrophobic coating; and

the hydrophobic coating being externally layered onto the precipitation-diverting cap.