Framed Cover

Abstract

A flexible cover with a framed opening is disclosed. A rigid frame that is built into the cover's opening makes it possible to find the opening, lift the cover evenly, place the cover over the item, rotate the cover to the proper position and drop the cover in an even manner and without snagging. In addition, the frame can be made to fold so that the cover can be stowed away for storage in a controlled manner, and by folding the frame on a larger size cover it makes it easier for the user to control the covers weight because its center of gravity is held closer to the user's body until it is properly positioned and opened on top of the item to be covered.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/372,639, filed on Aug. 9, 2016, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a cover for enclosing items or objects, in particular, to collapsible framed covers for the same.

BACKGROUND

Placing and removing flexible covers from large items is difficult and time-consuming. Typically, cloth or plastic covers will have an opening and must be dropped or lowered onto an item such that the cover's opening properly accepts the item to be covered. In addition, if the cover is fitted to a particular shape, such as an outdoor grill, table or chair, it becomes more difficult because the cover must be lowered onto the item and rotated such that the fitted spaces under the cover are matched to the intended parts of the item.

It is difficult to find the opening and proper position for a fully collapsed, flexible cover. Further, as a flexible material is pulled down from one side it may become too tight or out of position on the other side, so a back and forth, iterative process is required to fully pull down a cover. Other covers are completely flexible and must be opened partially, then pulled down over the item, then re-positioned and pulled down again and so on until all parts are under the cover as intended. The user also risks damaging the cover when force is applied to the cover during installation.

The covers in the prior art also problematic because they are not capable of being secured after installation. For example, excessive wind could displace the cover partially or completely.

The reason these devices do not work well is because there is no way to support the material manually. It is by nature flexible and will always fall where it is dropped.

Prior art cover also pose problems when being removed. During removal the cover can get caught on any of the parts of the covered item that protrude or are in a fitted section of the cover. Thus, the cover is susceptible to damage and unwanted wear and tear.

Also, covers in the prior art cannot be folded into a compact configuration and are often difficult to neatly store for the same reason. Often times, the prior art covers are simply removed and placed near the item or object while in use, taking up much needed space and creating an eye sore.

Therefore, a need exists for a flexible cover that can be easily installed on items and objects, while being capable of being conveniently removed and stored.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The present invention solves the problems of the prior art while providing additional advantages. The present invention is an improvement on what currently exists.

In general, the present invention provides a cover with a framed opening, which allows a user to easily identify the opening (because it never closes, except partially, if folded) and drop the cover in proper rotational position to match fitted sections with their intended parts on the item. A rigid frame that is built into the cover's opening makes it possible to find the opening, lift the cover evenly, place the cover over the item, rotate the cover to the proper position and drop the cover in an even manner and without snagging. The frame enables an even control and positioning of the cover above and around the item as it is being lowered thereon. Further, the weight of the frame will help in holding the cover down and in proper position.

During removal, the frame embedded in the cover allows a user to lift all sides of the cover simultaneously thereby preventing snagging. Then the folding joint, if included, allows user to concentrate the mass of the cover in a central position in front of their body to make it easier to support.

In addition, the frame is foldable so that the cover can be stowed away for storage in a controlled manner. By folding the frame on a larger size cover, it makes it easier for the user to control the weight of the because its center of gravity is held closer to the user's body until it is properly positioned and opened on top of the item to be covered. If the frame folds it may also be more easily stored when not in use.

The cover is made of a suitable material for the item to be used. For example, a waterproof canvas for outdoor applications may be appropriate. The material is cut into the right shape, or shapes, and stitched together into a cover in typical fashion. However, at or near the opening, a frame would be inserted around the full perimeter of the opening. This may be made of metal tubing or plastic, and should be matched with the use and conditions it will be exposed to. For example, waterproof materials could be used for outdoor use. Lighter material could be used for a smaller cover, and stronger material could be used for larger, heavier covers.

As it assists a human in manipulating a flexible and unpredictable object, likewise it could be used to help a machine or robot manipulate and control a flexible cover.

The framed cover of the present invention comprises a flexible cover and a frame, the frame being rigid and operably coupled to a bottom portion of the flexible cover. In one embodiment of the present invention, the frame comprises a first longitudinal section opposite a second longitudinal section, and a first transverse section opposite a second transverse section, the first and second longitudinal sections coupled together at respective opposing ends with the first and second transverse sections. Each longitudinal section comprises at least two longitudinal portions pivotably coupled to each other with a pivoting member. The longitudinal portions of each longitudinal section are pivotable upward relative to the pivoting member. The pivoting member includes a locking member such that the longitudinal portions are locked in an engaged state and unlocked in a non-engaged state. In another embodiment of the present invention, the longitudinal portions of each longitudinal section are pivotable downward relative to the pivoting member. The pivoting member includes a locking member such that the longitudinal portions are locked in an engaged state and unlocked in a non-engaged state. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, each of the longitudinal sections and transverse sections comprises detachable portions.

In another aspect of the present invention, the framed cover of the present invention comprises a flexible cover and a frame, the frame having a plurality of sections coupled together. In one embodiment, the plurality of sections are pivotably coupled together wherein the plurality of sections are substantially overlapped in a folded state. In another embodiment, the plurality of sections are pivotably coupled together with a first pivoting member and a second pivoting member, the first and second pivoting members pivotable in different directions. In another embodiment, at least one of the plurality of sections includes a plurality of portions pivotably coupled to each other. In one aspect, he frame is coupled to a bottom portion of the cover. In another aspect, the frame is coupled to a top portion of the cover.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, the framed cover comprises a cover and a frame operably coupled to the cover. The frame includes a plurality of sections coupled together, wherein the plurality of sections are pivotably coupled together. The plurality of sections are pivotable from an engaged state wherein the plurality of sections are not overlapped, and a disengaged state wherein the plurality of sections are overlapped. The frame is further coupled to a bottom portion of the cover.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a framed cover of the present invention in an installed state; an embodiment of a frame of the present invention; and a example of an item or object for which the framed cover is installed thereon;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the framed cover of FIG. 1 in a partially folded state with an example of an item or object with exemplary dimensions;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the framed cover of FIG. 1 in a fully folded state with an example of an item or object for which the framed cover is installed thereon;

FIG. 4 is side perspective view of an embodiment of a frame joint of the frame shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a framed cover of the present invention in an installed state; and a partially exploded view of an embodiment of a frame of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the framed cover of FIG. 5 in an embodiment of a partially folded state; a partially exploded view of the frame of FIG. 5; and a top view of the framed cover of FIG. 5 in an installed state;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a framed cover of the present invention in a partially installed state and accompanying accessories;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the framed cover of FIG. 7 in a fully installed state and a storage means for the same and accompanying accessories;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a frame for the framed cover of FIG. 7 in a folded state;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cover of the framed cover of FIG. 7 in a partially folded state and fully folded state;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a framed cover of the present invention in an installed state;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hinge portion of the framed cover of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another other embodiment of another hinge portion of the framed cover of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is an illustration of the framed cover of FIG. 11 showing a folding method thereof;

FIG. 15 is an illustration showing a method of installing another embodiment of a framed cover of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an engagement member of the framed cover of FIG. 15 with the framed cover in a retracted position;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the engagement member of FIG. 16 with the framed cover of FIG. 15 in a partially extended position;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the frame cover of FIG. 15 in an engaged state;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a framed cover of the present invention in an installed state;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a framed cover of the present invention in an installed state;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a framed cover of the present invention in an installed state;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of wheels and joint portion of the framed cover of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a frame member of the present invention with internal parts superimposed with external parts; and

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a frame member of the present invention with internal parts of the frame superimposed with external parts.

To facilitate an understanding of the invention, identical reference numerals have been used, when appropriate, to designate the same or similar elements that are common to the figures. Further, unless stated otherwise, the features shown in the figures are not drawn to scale, but are shown for illustrative purposes only.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although this invention will be described in its exemplary forms with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of example and numerous changes in the details of the construction and arrangement of parts may be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The article “a” is intended to include one or more items, and where only one item is intended the term “one” or similar language is used. Additionally, to assist in the description of the present invention, words such as top, bottom, side, upper, lower, front, rear, inner, outer, right and left are used to describe the accompanying figures. The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

Referring to the figures, the present invention provides an easy to use framed cover for convenient installation, removal and storage. The framed cover protects an item or object from dust, rain, snow, etc. and can also be used to conceal the item or object. Several embodiments of a framed cover of the present invention are described in detail below.

In general, the framed cover of the present invention includes a cover operably coupled to a frame. The cover is comprised of a flexible material, such as canvas, plastic or cloth, which is cut and assembled into the shape of the item or object to be covered. The cover can be also be constructed of materials that are lightweight, mildew-resistant, UV-resistant and durable. The cover may have fitted areas that are intended to account for and help secure it around various parts of the item to be covered.

The cover is operably coupled to a frame, which can be stitched into or otherwise attached to or near the perimeter of the cover's opening. In most cases, the frame extends around all sides of the opening, with the exception of the three-sided embodiment, which allows two members of the frame to fold inward and onto the third member when folded. The frame could be constructed of a rigid but lightweight material capable of withstanding outdoor elements. For example, the frame could be high density, Schedule 80 PVC piping. Other durable plastics could be used as well. The frame could also be constructed with lightweight, rust-resistant metals such as aluminum.

First Embodiment (FIGS. 1-4, 19, 20-22)

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, an embodiment of a framed cover 100 of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the framed cover 100 is shaped and sized to cover an outdoor grill 1. The framed cover 100 includes a cover 102 extending downwardly to a free end 104, forming an opening (not shown) within a lower perimeter. In this example, the cover 102 is fitted for an outdoor grill 1 with protruding shelves on both sides. Thus, a fitted area is provided where less material is required in the upper portion of the grill 1 and more fabric is required to fit around the protruding shelves.

Still referring to FIGS. 1-4, the framed cover 100 includes a frame 106 having a pair of opposing longitudinal members 108 coupled with a pair of transverse members 110 at respective ends of the longitudinal members 108, thus forming a substantially rectangular configuration. The frame 106 could take on other shapes depending on the item or object the framed cover 100 is intended to cover. In this embodiment, free ends 104 the cover 102 are double-stitched along the longitudinal members 108 of the frame 106 to form a water-tight seam. Optionally, the cover 102 and/or the frame 106 could be provided with fasteners, such as a hook-and-loop fastener (or Velcro) so that the framed cover 100 could be secured in a folded state, as shown in FIG. 3. The fasteners could also be configured to be secured to the item or object.

Referring to FIG. 4, each longitudinal member 108 of the frame 106 includes a joint member 112 at a mid-portion thereof. Each longitudinal member 108 includes a first member 108a and a second member 108b pivotally coupled together. In this embodiment, the joint member 112 includes a pair of caps 112a, 112b which are fixedly coupled to opposing ends of the first and second members 108a, 108b, respectively. The caps 112a, 112b and hinge 114 are preferably constructed of stainless steel to prevent corrosion but other materials could be used. The fixed engagement is accomplished with adhesive but could also fitted by form fit, threaded engagement or welding. Alternatively, the caps could be replaced with plugs for fixedly engaging with openings of the first and second members 108a, 108b. A hinge 114 is coupled with each opposing cap 112a, 112b to form a pivotal engagement such that the first and second members 108a, 108b are pivotable downward with respect to the hinge 114 when collapsing the framed cover 100. With this configuration, the frame 106 will not collapse during installation and removal when a user applies an upward force to the frame 106 to lift the same. In addition, a protrusion that is equal in width as the hinge pivot point 114 can be added to either face of the opposing caps 112a, 112b so that both members 108a, 108b remain aligned in an exact 180-degree angle relative to each other.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, in operation, the framed cover 100 is installed on an item or object 1 such that the entire item or object is covered from top to bottom as shown in FIG. 1. Here, the user(s) could lift the entire framed cover 100 over the item or object and accurately align the center of the framed cover 100 with the hinge 114 with the center of the grill 1, as shown for example in FIG. 2. The user could open the frame 106 and evenly lower all four sides without having to change his standing location or hand grip location. The frame further provides for a ballast which naturally pull the cover 102 down and eliminates the need for tie downs.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, to remove the framed cover 100, a user or users engages the frame 106 and lifts the framed cover 100 upward from the item or object 1 as shown in FIG. 2. The frame 106 is folded about the hinge 114 such that corresponding first and second members 108a, 108b of each longitudinal member 108 are pivoted downward with respect to the hinge 114 to a position where the first and second members 108a, 108b are against each other in a fully folded state as shown in FIG. 3. Thus, the framed cover 100 is folded into a substantially flat configuration. In this configuration, an outer surface of the cover 102 is exposed even in the folded state while an inner surface of the cover 102 is continues unexposed and kept clean. Removal is equally controllable as installation of the framed cover 100 as the framed cover 100 allows for a user to lift the entire cover 102 simultaneously. After removal, the user can fold the frame 106 and cover 102 in one movement, and then the framed cover 100 could be placed neatly in any location. The optional fasteners described above could be used to hold the framed cover 100 closed to allow for easy carrying and storage.

In another embodiment, a framed cover 600 of the present invention is constructed without a collapsible frame as shown in FIG. 19. Such a framed cover 600 could be utilized for smaller footprint items.

In a further embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, a framed cover 700 of the present invention is constructed with a hinge with ratchet and release button 702 known in the prior art, which allows a user to partially open or close before repositioning and completing installment. The framed cover 700 could also be provided with a padded frame 704 to prevent scratching and could be rounded to fit different shapes.

In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, a framed cover 800 of the present invention is constructed for use on an automobile. Here, the framed cover 800 includes the same frame 106 and a similar joint member 812 as the joint member 112 described above. Specifically, in this embodiment, the frame 106 is foldable upward relative to the joint member 812 instead of downward. Wheels 802 are included on the frame 106 at or near the joint member 812. This allows for the framed cover 800 to be rolled out while still folded in half so that a user can position one side of the framed cover 800 on one half of the car, and then extend the other side of the framed cover 800 onto the other half of the car by pivoting the frame 106 over the car. This configuration also assists the user in snow removal as the user only needs to pivot one side of the frame 106 onto the other to remove snow from the framed cover 800.

Second Embodiment (FIGS. 5-6)

Referring to FIGS. 5-6, another embodiment of a framed cover 200 of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the framed cover 200 generally comprises a cover 210 coupled to a frame 230 for covering an item or object, for example a grill 1.

Still referring to FIGS. 5-6, the general characteristics of the cover 210 are substantially similar to the cover 102 described above. In this embodiment, the cover 210 includes side portions 212, 214 coupled to a front and rear portion 216, 218. The front and rear portions 216, 218 each include an engagement point 217 at a mid-point along a bottom edge thereof. The side, front and rear portions 212, 214, 216, 218 are further coupled to a top portion 220. Each side portion 212, 214 includes a reinforced portion 222 which comprises reinforced material constructed of nylon, polyester, plastics or a combination thereof and attached to the side portions 212, 214 by means such as adhesives or stitching. The reinforced portions 222 also include handles 224 extending upwardly therefrom.

Referring again to FIGS. 5-6, one side of the front portion 216 includes a pair of fastener members 216a, 216b, one positioned vertically along a side edge and another positioned horizontally along a bottom edge. An opposite side of the front portion 216 also includes a pair of fastener members 217a, 217b, one positioned vertically along a side edge and another positioned horizontally along a bottom edge. The rear portion 218 also includes fastener members 218a, 218b, 219a, 219b in similar fashion. As well, the top portion 220 includes a pair of fastener members 220a, 220b, one positioned along a side edge and another positioned along an opposing side edge. In this embodiment, each pair of fastener members are a male and female portion of a hook-and-loop fastener (Velcro) but other fasteners could be used, for example, male and female portions of a snap button.

As shown in FIGS. 5-6, the frame 230 includes a plurality of elongated frame members 232 coupled together with a plurality of connecting members 234. Alternatively, each elongated frame member 232 could be constructed with a pushbutton mechanism 240 at or near the engagement point 217 such as that shown in FIG. 23, which is known in the prior art. As such, the frame 230 is capable of being at least partially disassembled if desired. In an alternative embodiment, the frame 230 could be constructed like the frame 106 described above.

Referring to FIG. 5, in operation, the framed cover 200 is installed on an item or object by first assembling the frame 230 and then applying the framed cover 200 to the item or object as shown for example in FIG. 2. The framed cover 200 is removed from the item or object by engaging the handles 224 and/or the frame 230 upward from the item or object. The framed cover 200 is folded by first disassembling the elongated frame members 232 at or near the engagement points 217. Disassembly is not required if the frame 106 of the first embodiment is used. The user(s) engages the engagement point 217 of the front and rear portions 216, 218 upward while bringing each side portion 212, 214 together and the handles 224 are side-by-side, as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 5. Simultaneously, the top portion 220 is folded downward between the front and rear portions 216, 218 and the side portions 212, 214, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 5. Each pair of fastener members 216a and 216b; 217a and 217b; 218a and 218b; 219a and 219b; and 220a and 220b are engaged and the framed cover 200 is secured into a fully folded state. In this state, the user is capable of transporting the folded framed cover 200 by using the handles 224.

Third Embodiment (FIGS. 7-10)

Referring to FIGS. 7-10, another embodiment of a framed cover 300 of the present invention is shown. The frame cover 300 in this embodiment is adapted for use with hand trucks 3. Thus, the hand truck 3 is equipped with a pouch or carrying case 5 and a ramp 6. In this embodiment, the framed cover 300 includes a cover 302 having four sides 304 and a top 306. The cover 302 could be constructed of reusable polypropylene for water-resistance but other materials could be used, such as those described above.

A frame 320 is coupled to a bottom end 308 of the cover 302 in similar fashion as described above with respect to the first embodiment. Here, the frame 320 includes three frame members 322, 324, 326 which are pivotally coupled together with fasteners 328 such as screws. In this embodiment, the frame members 322, 324, 326 are ⅜″ steel rods having a total weight of about 1.5 pounds to provide structure and to assist during the installation process.

As such, the framed cover 300 is installed on an item or object 7 by covering the item or object 7 with the cover 302 and securing the frame 320 to a lower portion of the item or object 7, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The frame 320 provides control over the cover 302 as the framed cover 300 is installed. The framed cover 300 is removed from the item or object 7 and placed on a surface, with an intermediate frame member 324 on the surface. The framed cover 300 is folded by first pivoting a first outer frame member 322 onto the intermediate frame member 324 and then pivoting a second outer member 326 onto the first outer member 322 into a substantially flat configuration, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The partially folded framed cover 300 is then rolled into a compact fully folded state, as shown in FIG. 10. The fully folded framed cover 300 could be stored in the pouch 5.

Fourth Embodiment (FIGS. 11-14)

A fourth embodiment of a framed cover 400 of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 11-14. The framed cover 400 could be used to cover a variety of items or objects, which could be transported by a hand truck 3, for example. The framed cover 400 includes a cover 410 having four side portions 412, 414, 416, 418 coupled to a top portion 420 and a bottom portion 422. Optionally, the framed cover 400 could be manufactured without the bottom portion 422. The cover 410 is constructed of a foldable material such as vinyl, polyester, cotton or a combination thereof, or other materials specified above. In this embodiment, one of the side portions 412 includes a means for opening the same, for example, a zipper 412a.

Perimeters of the top and bottom portions 420, 422 include a frame 430, 432, respectively. Each frame 430, 432 includes frame members 430a, 430b, 430c, 430d; and 432a, 432b, 432c, 432d, extending the length of the respective perimeters. Each frame member 430a, 430b, 430c, 430d; and 432a, 432b, 432c, 432d, is pivotably coupled to each other. Frame members 430a and 430b, and 430c and 430d; and frame members 432a and 432b, and 432c and 432d are pivotably coupled to each other via a first pivoting member 434 such that the respective frame members are folded inward with respect to the first pivoting member 434 toward each other. Frame members 430b and 430c, and 430d and 430a; and frame members 432b and 432c, and 432d and are pivotably coupled to each other via a second pivoting member 436 such that the respective frame members are folded upward with respect to the second pivoting member 436 toward each other. Thus, each pivoting member 434, 436 is held in place when the framed cover 400 is in an engaged state, as shown in FIG. 11. The pivoting members 434, 436 could be a hinge, as shown in FIG. 12, or a screw as shown in FIG. 13.

Referring to FIG. 14, in operation, the framed cover 400 is folded by pivoting frame members 430c, 430d and frame members 432c, 432d toward frame members 430b, 430a and frame members 432b, 432a, respectively, about the second pivoting members 436. In this configuration, frame members 430c, 430d and frame members 430b, 430a are overlapped while frame members 432c, 432d and frame members 432b, 432a are overlapped. The overlapped frame members are then pivoted inward about the first pivoting members 434 to form a substantially flat configuration, which can then be easily folded further.

Fifth Embodiment (FIGS. 15-18)

Referring to FIGS. 15-18, another embodiment of a framed cover 500 of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the framed cover 500 includes a flexible cover 510 having four side portions 512, 514, 516, 518 and two top portions 520, 522 extending from side portions 512 and 516. Thus, side portions 514 and 518 are shorter in length by the length of the top portions 520, 522. The cover 510 is configured such that each portion is independently operably coupled to a separate spring-loaded roller (not shown) fixed to respective sides of a base 524. That is, each portion of the cover 510 is extendable upward into an engaged state and retractable downward into a disengaged state, as shown in FIG. 15.

Still referring to FIGS. 15-18, the framed cover 500 includes a locking mechanism comprising a first locking member 530 coupled to the first top portion 520 and a second locking member 532 coupled to the second top portion 522. Each locking member 530, 532 extends transversely along free ends of the top portions 520, 522 and is slidably coupled to frame members 520a, 522a which extend along top edges of the side portions 514, 518, as shown in FIGS. 16-18. Each locking member 530, 532 includes an engagement member 530a, 532a integrally formed with a handle 530b, 532b. Thus, the side portions 512, 514, 516, 518 are movable simultaneously.

In operation, the framed cover 500 is retracted when not in use, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. The framed cover 500 is applied to an item or object by engaging the handles 530a, 532b upward. Side portions 512, 514, 516, 518 are extended to a top edge of the item or object where side portions 514, 516 are no longer extendable, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 17. The top portions 520, 522 are further extended toward each other and the engagement members 530a, 532a are engaged into an engaged state, as shown in FIG. 18.

Each of the embodiments described above could have the frame system 240 described above and shown in FIG. 23. Alternatively, each embodiment could include the frame system 900 shown in FIG. 24. In this embodiment, an outer tube 902 is coupled to an inner tube 904. A distal end of the inner tube 904 includes a hook screw 906 extending therefrom and within the outer tube 902. A pin 908 extends within the outer tube 902 and is coupled to the hook screw 906 by a biasing member 910, such as a spring. As such, the outer tube 902 could be pulled away from the inner tube 904 to assist the user in installing and removing the framed covers of the present invention.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention will be, therefore, indicated by claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Insofar as the description above and the accompanying drawings disclose any additional subject matter that is not within the scope of the claims below, the inventions are not dedicated to the public and the right to file one or more applications to claim such additional inventions is reserved.

Claims

1. A framed cover comprising:

a flexible cover; and

a substantially planar frame, when in use, constructed from a plurality of members which enclose an area, the frame being rigid and operably coupled to a bottom portion of the flexible cover.

2. The framed cover of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a first longitudinal section, having at least one member, opposite a second longitudinal section, having at least one member, and a first transverse section, having at least one member, opposite a second transverse section, having at least one member, the first and second longitudinal sections coupled together at respective opposing ends with the first and second transverse sections.

3. The framed cover of claim 2, wherein each longitudinal section has at least two longitudinal members pivotably coupled to each.

4. The framed cover of claim 3, wherein the longitudinal portions of each longitudinal section are pivotable upward relative to the pivoting member.

5. The framed cover of claim 4, wherein the pivoting member includes a locking member such that the longitudinal portions are locked in an engaged state and unlocked in a non-engaged state.

6. The framed cover of claim 3, wherein the longitudinal members of each longitudinal section are pivotable.

7. The framed cover of claim 6, wherein the pivoting member includes a locking member such that the longitudinal portions are locked in an engaged state and unlocked in a non-engaged state.

8. The framed cover of claim 2, wherein each of the longitudinal sections and transverse sections comprises detachable portions.

9. A framed cover comprising:

a flexible cover; and

a substantially planar frame, the frame having a plurality of sections coupled together, enclosing an area.

10. The framed cover of claim 9, wherein the plurality of sections are pivotably coupled together.

11. The framed cover of claim 10, wherein the plurality of sections are substantially overlapped in a folded state.

12. The framed cover of claim 10, wherein the plurality of sections are pivotably coupled together with a first pivoting member and a second pivoting member, the first and second pivoting members pivotable in different directions.

13. There framed cover of claim 9, wherein at least one of the plurality of sections includes a plurality of portions pivotably coupled to each other.

14. The framed cover of claim 9, wherein the frame is coupled to a bottom portion of the cover.

15. The framed cover of claim 9, wherein the frame is coupled to a top portion of the cover.

16. A framed cover comprising:

a cover; and

a substantially planar frame, enclosing an area and operably coupled to the cover.

17. The framed cover of claim 16, wherein the frame includes a plurality of sections coupled together.

18. The framed cover of claim 17, wherein the plurality of sections are pivotably coupled together.

19. The framed cover of claim 18, wherein the plurality of sections are pivotable from an engaged state wherein the plurality of sections are not overlapped, and a disengaged state wherein the plurality of sections are overlapped.

20. The framed cover of claim 19, wherein the frame is coupled to a bottom portion of the cover.