KIT TO PROTECT FIXTURES FROM PAINT AND DUST

Abstract

A method for protecting a fixture mounted to a wall or ceiling of a building to protect the fixture from dust. The method includes the step of applying a double side adhesive tape over a peripheral side of the fixture. A cover having a narrow elastic peripheral opening is donned over the fixture and the periphery of the cover can adhere to the exposed side of the tape.

Claims

1. A method for protecting a fixture mounted to a surface, the fixture having a side that is upstanding relative to the surface, the method comprising the steps of: providing a kit comprising: a tape has an inner side and an outer side, both the inner side and the outer side having an adhesive, the outer side protected by a release liner, and a cover has a cap body and a continuous elastic peripheral opening, the cover configured to be donned over the fixture; applying the inner side of the tape over the side of the fixture; donning the cover over the fixture through the continuous elastic peripheral opening; and releasing the continuous elastic peripheral opening of the cover over the side of the fixture, such as the continuous elastic peripheral opening adheres to the outer side of the tape.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive on the outer side of the tape permits releasing the continuous elastic peripheral opening of the cover such as the cover can be reused.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cover comprises an elastic band running along with the continuous elastic peripheral opening, wherein a width of the elastic band is commensurate with a width of the tape.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cover is transparent.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein an outer surface of the cover has a texture for grip.

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein an outer surface of the cover has a slip-resistant layer for grasp.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cap body is a round sheet that has a continuous elastic lining along a periphery forming the continuous elastic peripheral opening.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the outer side of the tape has a continuous circumferential groove.

9. The method according to claim 8, where an inner surface of the continuous elastic peripheral opening has a continuous circumferential rib.

10. A method for protecting a fixture mounted to a surface, the fixture having a side that is upstanding relative to the surface, the method comprising the steps of: providing a cover, the cover has a cap body and a continuous elastic peripheral opening, the cover configured to be donned over the fixture, a tape coupled to an inner surface of the continuous elastic peripheral opening, an exposed surface of the tape has a layer of adhesive, the layer of adhesive protected by a release liner; donning the cover over the fixture through the continuous elastic peripheral opening; upon donning the cover, removing the release liner; and upon releasing the release liner, adhering the continuous elastic peripheral opening to the side of the fixture forming an air tight seal.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The accompanying figures, which are incorporated herein, form part of the specification and illustrate embodiments of the present invention. Together with the description, the figures further explain the principles of the present invention and to enable a person skilled in the relevant arts to make and use the invention.

[0032] FIG. 1a is a perspective view of a cover of the disclosed kit, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 1b is a side view of the cover shown in FIG. 1a, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 1c shows a tape of the kit, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 2 is another exemplary embodiment of the cover, according to the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 3a is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the cover, according to the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 3b is a side view of the cover shown in FIG. 3a, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 4a is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the cover, according to the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 4b is a side view of the cover shown in FIG. 4a, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 5a shows a tape having a groove, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 5b shows a side view of the tape shown in FIG. 5a, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of square shape cover, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments. Subject matter may, however, be embodied in a variety of different forms and, therefore, covered or claimed subject matter is intended to be construed as not being limited to any exemplary embodiments set forth herein; exemplary embodiments are provided merely to be illustrative. Likewise, a reasonably broad scope for claimed or covered subject matter is intended. Among other things, for example, the subject matter may be embodied as methods, devices, components, or systems. The following detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0044] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Likewise, the term “embodiments of the present invention” does not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.

[0045] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of embodiments of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising,”, “includes” and/or “including”, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0046] The following detailed description includes the best currently contemplated mode or modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention will be best defined by the allowed claims of any resulting patent.

[0047] Disclosed is a kit for covering fixtures mounted to walls and ceilings for temporary protection against dirt and specks, such as during repair and paintwork. The kit has a flexible cover that can accommodate the fixtures of a range of shapes and sizes. Moreover, kits of different sizes can be provided to encompass all shapes and size fixtures common in buildings, such as residential, commercial, warehouse, offices, and like. Moreover, the disclosed kit does not hinder the functionality of the fixture and can be reused in the same building or other building resulting in decreased cost and less wastage. Additionally, both time and cost of labor are saved by providing a quick and easy solution to protectively cover the fixtures.

[0048] The fixtures can include, but not limited to, door handles, deadbolts, switches, outlets, bathroom accessories, such as toilet paper holders/hooks/towel holders, light fixtures, thermostats, smoke detectors, fire sprinkler heads, supply/return air grills, furniture, artwork, house decorations, etc.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 1a-1c which shows an exemplary embodiment of the cover and tape of the disclosed kit. The kit can include a cover to protectively cover a fixture and a tape to couple the cover to the fixture. The tape can be separate or coupled to the cover and both embodiments are within the scope of the present invention. Cover 100 can have a cap body 110 with a narrow opening 130 having a continuous peripheral lining of elastic 120. The cap body can be in the form of a sack with an elastic peripheral opening. The cap body can be made from materials like latex, and plastic. Preferably, the cap body can be transparent that may allow viewing the fixture covered by the disclosed cover. However, translucent, and opaque covers are within the scope of the present invention. The continuous elastic peripheral opening can be formed by a continuous lining of an elastic band along the periphery of the cap body, such as the peripheral narrow opening can be stretched to put on the cover over the fixture and upon being donned, the elastic opening can stretch fit around a peripheral side edge of the fixture.

[0050] FIG. 1c shows an exemplary embodiment of the tape 140 having an outer side and an inner side. For example, the tape can be a double side adhesive tape. Disclosed is a method for protectively covering the fixtures mounted to walls and ceilings. The tape can adhere around the peripheral side of the fixture. This is the side of the fixture of which the edge can be in contact with the surface on which the fixture is mounted. For example, the side of the fixture can be adjacent and upstanding from the wall or ceiling. The double tape can be wrapped around the side of the fixture. The cover can then be donned over the fixture. The exposed surface/outer side of the tape can be protected by a release liner. In case the tape is having a release liner the same can be removed. Thereafter, the peripheral opening can stretch fit over the peripheral side of the fixture and forms an airtight seal by bonding to the adhesive. In case the tape is coupled to the periphery of the cover, the elastic peripheral opening of the cover can stretch fit over the side of the fixture. The adhesive helps to both retain the cover over the fixture and forms an airtight seal. The airtight seal can prevent the ingress of dust into the cover during repair, remodeling, and like maintenance activity of a building.

[0051] FIG. 2 shows an alternate embodiment of the cover 200 having an elongated cap body 210 with a broader continuous elastic band 220 along the periphery. A layer of adhesive can be applied over the exposed surface of the elastic band 220, wherein the adhesive layer can be temporarily protected by a release liner. However, the elastic band 220 can also be made from a slip-resistant material that can couple to the side of the fixture without any adhesive. Still, alternatively, the elastic band can adhere to the exposed adhesive side of the double-sided adhesive tape.

[0052] FIGS. 3a and 3b still show an alternate embodiment of the disclosed cover 300 of the kit. The cover 300 can be made from a round sheet of non-porous material, preferably transparent or translucent, forming a cap body 310 having a continuous elastic strap 330 along the periphery of the round sheet forming a narrow stretchable opening 320. The periphery can be wider to provide more area to bond with an adhesive layer of the tape. A circumferential groove or ridge 340 can also be provided that may enhance the retention of the cover at the peripheral side of the fixture. Similar ridge or groove can also be provided on the tape, such as to provide ridge to groove, groove to ridge, or ridge to ridge interlocking between the cover and the tape.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 4a and 4b showing an exemplary embodiment of the cover of the kit. The cover having the cover body 410 of a round sack resembling a balloon. A narrow peripheral opening 420 is formed by a drawstring 430 running through the sleeve 440. The sleeve 440 can be provided along a periphery of a round sheet. The sleeve can be folded by tightening the drawstring resulting in the formation of the cap body 410 of the round sheet. The sleeve can have a hole through which an end of the drawstring can be inserted and extends through the length of the sleeve and can come out through the same hole or a second hole. The drawstring can be loosened to expand the opening 420 and can be tightened to narrow the opening. Such a cover can be donned over the fixture while the opening is expanded by loosening the drawstring. Once donned, the drawstring can be tightened such as the periphery of the cover tightens over the peripheral side of the fixture. The double side adhesive tape can be applied to the peripheral side of the fixture over which the peripheral opening of the cover can bond for an airtight seal.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 5a which shows an exemplary embodiment of the tape 500 having an inner side 510 and an outer side 520. The outer side 520 can have grove 530 running along the length of the tape. FIG. 5b is an enlarged view showing the groove 530. The groove may provide enhanced coupling of the peripheral of the cover to the tape. The peripheral opening of the cover can have a circumferential rib that can be interlocked in the groove 530.

[0055] The double side adhesive tape can have an adhesive that may not leave any residue adhesive or mark on the surface of the fixture. Moreover, the cover can be easily removed from the adhesive tape and can be reused. The adhesive can be such that the adhesive tape can be reused. In case, the adhesive tape can be provided on the inner side of the peripheral opening of the cover, the adhesive can be preferably reusable, such as pressure-sensitive adhesive are known that can be reused again.

[0056] FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the cover 600 that has a square shape cap body 610 with adhesive liner 620 and 630 along a periphery of the cap body.

[0057] While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above-described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed.