Cover Device

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation under 35 U.S.C. 111 of International Patent Application No. PCT/DK2024/050176, filed Jul. 10, 2024, which claims the benefit of and priority to Danish Application No. PA 2023 30132, filed Jul. 26, 2023, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a cover device for being detachably attached to and covering a framed opening.

BACKGROUND

Shelving units are widely used for storing various items. Framed openings of shelving units are often exposed to airborne dust and vapor. Accordingly, several cover devices have been developed to cover such framed openings.

The prior art cover devices are, however, difficult to use. Accordingly, there is a need for a cover device that is easier to use than the prior art cover devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A cover device disclosed herein is a cover device for being detachably attached to and covering a framed opening, wherein a frame surrounds the opening and has an inside section, wherein the cover device comprises:

• • a) a frame portion adapted to bear against the frame;
  • b) an inner frame portion adapted to extend through the opening; and
  • c) at least one moveably arranged push structure protruding from an end portion of the inner frame portion and arranged to press towards the inside section and hereby maintain the cover device in a fixed position relative to the framed opening, wherein the frame portion has a surrounding edge portion protruding radially from the inner frame portion.

Hereby, it is possible to provide a cover device that is easier to use than the prior art cover devices.

In an embodiment, the cover device comprises two parallel push structures arranged at two corner portions of the cover device. Hereby, it is possible to ensure that the cover device can be firmly attached to the framed opening.

The frame portion has a surrounding edge portion protruding radially from the inner frame portion. Hereby, the edge portion can seal against the structure defining the framed opening.

In an embodiment, the cover device is rectangular, and a mounting is provided in each corner of the inner frame portion.

The cover device may have a geometry other than rectangular.

In an embodiment, the mounting comprises a rod member and a spring, wherein the rod member constitutes part of the push structure. The rod member may be a bolt, a threaded rod or a rod without threads by way of example. In an embodiment, the rod member and a spring extend parallel to each other.

In an embodiment, the mounting comprises a spring surrounding a portion of a bolt constituting part of the push structure.

In an embodiment, the spring is arranged in a track arranged and configured to allow the spring to be compressed while being placed in the track.

In an embodiment, the frame portion is framing a transparent central portion.

In an embodiment, the frame portion is framing a colored central portion.

The cover device is configured for being detachably attached to and covering a framed opening of various items including shelving units, picture frames and boxes.

In an embodiment, the transparent central portion is least partly covered by an ultraviolet (UV) resistant coating which protects the underlying transparent central portion from ultraviolet radiation's harmful effects. Hereby, the cover device can protect e.g. items arranged in a shelving unit from ultraviolet radiation's harmful effects if a cover device is attached to and covers the framed opening of the shelving unit.

In an embodiment, a single side of the transparent central portion is completely covered by an ultraviolet resistant coating.

In an embodiment, the outer surface of the transparent central portion is completely covered by an ultraviolet resistant coating.

In an embodiment, the frame portion comprises a resilient material arranged to bear against the frame. In an embodiment, the resilient material is rubber or another high friction/anti-slippage material.

In an embodiment, the resilient material extends parallel to an edge portion of the cover device. In an embodiment, the resilient material extends parallel to each edge portion of the cover device.

In an embodiment, the resilient material is attached to the push structure.

In an embodiment, the resilient material is attached to the inner frame portion.

A shelving unit according to the present disclosure comprises at least one framed opening, wherein a frame surrounds the opening, wherein a cover device according to the present disclosure is attached to and covers the framed opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The cover devices will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below. The accompanying drawings are given by way of illustration only, and thus, they are not limitative of the present devices. In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1A shows a perspective side view of a cover device, according to an embodiment, arranged in front of a shelving unit with framed openings;

FIG. 1B shows the cover device shown in FIG. 1A in a configuration in which the cover device has been detachably attached to a framed opening of the shelving unit;

FIG. 2A shows a rear view of a cover device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional view of the cover device shown in FIG. 2A, in which the push structure is extended;

FIG. 2C shows a cross-sectional view of the cover device shown in FIG. 2A, in which the push structure is compressed;

FIG. 2D shows a close-up cross-sectional view of the push structure of the cover device shown in FIG. 2B;

FIG. 3A shows a cross-sectional view of a framed opening and a cover device according to an embodiment arranged in front of the framed opening;

FIG. 3B shows the framed opening shown in FIG. 3A and the cover device being inserted into the framed opening;

FIG. 3C shows a further view of the framed opening shown in FIG. 3B and

the cover device being inserted into the framed opening;

FIG. 3D shows the framed opening shown in FIG. 3C and the cover device that has been inserted into the framed opening;

FIG. 4A shows a front view of a cover device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4B shows a side view the cover device shown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C shows a perspective view of a shelving unit comprising framed openings to which the cover device, according to an embodiment, is configured to be detachably attached;

FIG. 4D shows a perspective view of another shelving unit;

FIG. 4E shows a perspective view of a picture frame comprising a framed opening;

FIG. 4F shows a perspective view of a box comprising framed opening and an inside section of the frame;

FIG. 4G shows a perspective view of the box shown in FIG. 4F in a configuration in which the cover device has been detachably attached to the framed opening of the box;

FIG. 5A shows a perspective side view of a cover device, according to an embodiment, arranged in front of an open framed shelving unit with framed openings;

FIG. 5B shows the open framed shelving unit shown in FIG. 5A in a configuration in which the cover device has been detachably attached to a framed opening of the open framed shelving unit and an additional cover device, according to an embodiment, arranged in front of the open framed shelving unit;

FIG. 5C shows the open framed shelving unit shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B in a configuration in which the additional cover device has been detachably attached to a framed opening of the open framed shelving unit;

FIG. 6A shows a close-up cross-sectional view of the push structure of the cover device shown in FIG. 2B;

FIG. 6B shows an alternative push structure of a cover device, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6C shows a cross-sectional view of a framed opening and a cover device, according to an embodiment, arranged in front of the framed opening; and

FIG. 6D shows the framed opening shown in FIG. 6C and the cover device that has been inserted into the framed opening.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now in detail to the drawings for the purpose of illustrating embodiments of the present devices and methods, a cover device 2 is illustrated in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective side view of a cover device 2 according to an embodiment arranged in front of a shelving unit 20 with framed openings 12. Each framed opening 12 comprises an inside section 18. The inside section 18 defines the framed opening 12.

The cover device 2 comprises a frame portion 4 framing a central portion 16, which is optionally made from a transparent material.

FIG. 1B illustrates the cover device shown in FIG. 1A in a configuration in which the cover device 2 has been detachably attached to a framed opening 12 of the shelving unit 20.

FIG. 2A illustrates a rear view of a cover device 2 according to an embodiment. The cover device 2 comprises a rectangular frame portion 4 framing a transparent central portion 16.

The cover device 2 comprises a rectangular inner frame portion 6 configured to be received by the framed opening to which the cover device 2 is detachably attached (as shown in FIG. 1B). A mounting 22 is provided in each corner of the inner frame portion 6. Each of the two lowermost mountings 22 comprises a slidably arranged push structure 8. Each push structure 8 is arranged and configured to push against an inside section of a framed opening (see FIG. 1A).

It can be seen that the frame portion 4 constitutes a larger rectangle than the inner frame portion 6. Accordingly, the outermost part of the frame portion 4 is configured to bear against the framed opening, when the cover device 2 has been detachably attached to a framed opening (see FIG. 3D). The mountings 22 are attached to the underlaying structures by bolts and corresponding nuts 32.

FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cover device 2 shown in FIG. 2A in which the push structure 8 is extended. Since the left lowermost mounting 22 has been cut, the inside structures of this mounting 22 are visible. It can be seen that said mounting 22 comprises a spring 10 surrounding a portion of a bolt constituting part of the push structure 8. The spring is arranged in a track 24 designed to allow the spring 10 to be compressed as shown in FIG. 2C.

FIG. 2C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cover device 2 shown in FIG. 2A, in which the push structure 8 is compressed.

FIG. 2D illustrates a close-up cross-sectional view of the push structure 8 of the cover device shown in FIG. 2B. The mounting 22 has been cut to illustrate that it contains a bolt 26 slidably arranged in a track 24, a groove 30 and a channel extending therebetween. A nut 28 is attached to the end of the bolt 26. This nut 28 is placed in the groove 30. Accordingly, the nut 28 and the bolt can be displaced further into the groove than shown in FIG. 2D. Since the channel is narrower than the nut 28, the channel ensures that the bolt 26 cannot protrude more from the end portion 36 of the mounting 22 than shown in FIG. 2D.

Since the spring 10 is wider than the channel, the end wall 38 of the track 24 prevents the spring from being displaced into the channel. Moreover, when compressed, the spring 10 pushes against the end wall 38 whereby a reaction force presses the push structure 8 outwards. Hereby, the spring 10 provides a force needed to detachably attach the cover device 2 in a framed opening. Two holes 34 are provided in the mounting 22. Each hole 34 is arranged and configured to receive a bolt or threaded rod.

FIG. 3A illustrates cross-sectional view of a framed opening 12 and a cover device 2, according to an embodiment, arranged in front of the framed opening 12.

It can be seen that the mountings 22 protrude from the inner frame portion 6. A push structure 8 protrudes from the end portion of the mounting 22 (like shown in FIG. 2D).

FIG. 3B illustrates the framed opening 12 shown in FIG. 3A and the cover device 2 being inserted into the framed opening 12. The push structure 8 is brought into engagement with the inside section 18 of the frame constituting the framed opening 12. The edge portion 40 of the frame portion 4 of the cover device 2, on the other hand, is maintained outside the framed opening 12.

FIG. 3C illustrates a further view of the framed opening 12 shown in FIG. 3B and the cover device 2 being inserted into the framed opening 12. The push structure 8 is pressed into the track of the mounting 22 (as shown in and explained with reference to FIG. 2D). The push structure 8 is in engagement with the inside section 18 of the frame constituting the framed opening 12. The edge portion 40 of the frame portion 4 of the cover device 2, is in contact with the front surface of the structure defining the framed opening 12.

FIG. 3D illustrates the framed opening 12 shown in FIG. 3C and the cover device 2 that has been inserted into the framed opening 12. It can be seen that the push structure 8 is in engagement with the inside section 18 and that the edge portion 40 is in contact with the front surface of the structure defining the framed opening 12. In this position, the cover device 2 is detachably attached to the framed opening 12. Since the edge portion 40 bears against with the front surface of the structure defining the framed opening 12, the cover device 2 seals the framed opening 12 against dust and vapor.

The cover device 2 can easily be removed by rotating the upper end of the cover device 2 (like shown in FIG. 3C) and displacing the cover device 2.

FIG. 4A illustrates a front view of a cover device 2 according to an embodiment. The cover device 2 comprises a frame portion 4 surrounding a central portion 16. The frame portion 4 is made by four segments attached to an underlying structure by attachment members 32 (e.g. bolts having a bolt head that may be formed as a slotted head, a quadrex head or a torx head by way of example). In an embodiment, the central portion 16 is transparent. In an embodiment, the central portion 16 is a colored plate.

FIG. 4B illustrates a side view the cover device 2 shown in FIG. 4A. It can be seen that the cover device 2 comprises a frame portion 4 having a surrounding edge portion 40 protruding radially from the inner frame portion 6.

The mountings 22 protrude axially from the inner frame portion 6. A push structure 8 protrudes from the end portion of the mounting 22. The push structure 8 comprises a slidable bolt having a portion that is surrounded by a spring 10. Each mounting 22 is attached to the inner frame portion 6 and the frame portion 4 by a nut 42 and a corresponding bolt 26 having a bolt head 32.

FIG. 4C illustrates a perspective view of a shelving unit 20 comprising framed openings 12 to which the cover device, according to an embodiment, is configured to be detachably attached. The inside section 18 of the frame is indicated.

FIG. 4D illustrates a perspective view of another shelving unit 20 comprising framed openings 12, to which the cover device, according to an embodiment, is configured to be detachably attached. The shelving unit 20 comprises a single large, framed opening 12 and two smaller framed openings. The inside section 18 of the frame is indicated.

FIG. 4E illustrates a perspective view of a picture frame 21 comprising framed opening 12 to which the cover device, according to an embodiment, is configured to be detachably attached. The shelving unit 20 comprises a single large, framed opening 12 and two smaller framed openings. The inside section 18 of the picture frame is indicated.

FIG. 4F illustrates a perspective view of a box 23 comprising framed opening 12 and an inside section 18 of the frame. A cover device 2, according to an embodiment, is arranged in front of the box 23. The cover device 2 is configured to be detachably attached to and hereby cover the framed opening 12 of the box 23. The cover device 2 is used as a lid for the box 23.

FIG. 4G illustrates a perspective view of the box 23 shown in FIG. 4F in a configuration in which the cover device 2 has been detachably attached to the framed opening of the box 23. The cover device 2 covers the framed opening of the box 23.

FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective side view of a cover device 2, according to an embodiment, arranged in front of an open framed shelving unit 44 with framed openings 12. Each framed opening 12 comprises several straight inside sections 18. The inside sections 18 define the framed opening 12. The cover device 2 comprises a frame portion 4 framing a central portion 16 made from an optionally transparent material.

FIG. 5B illustrates the open framed shelving unit 44 shown in FIG. 5A in a configuration in which the cover device 2 has been detachably attached to a framed opening of the open framed shelving unit 44. An additional cover device 2, according to an embodiment, is arranged in front of the open framed shelving unit 44.

FIG. 5C illustrates the open framed shelving unit 44 shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B in a configuration in which the additional cover device 2 has been detachably attached to a framed opening of the open framed shelving unit 44.

By attaching cover devices 2 to framed openings of the open framed shelving unit 44 it is possible to cover any of the framed openings of the open framed shelving unit 44.

FIG. 6A illustrates a close-up cross-sectional view of the push structure of the cover device shown in FIG. 2B. The mounting 22 has been cut to illustrate that a bolt 26 is slidably arranged in a track 24, a groove 30 and a channel extending there between. A nut 28 is attached to the end of the bolt 26, and is placed in the groove 30 and can be displaced further into the groove than shown in FIG. 6A. Since the channel is narrower than the nut 28, the channel ensures that the bolt 26 cannot protrude more from the end portion 36 of the mounting 22 than shown in FIG. 6A.

Since the spring 10 is wider than the channel, the end wall 38 of the track 24 prevents the spring from being displaced into the channel. Moreover, when compressed, the spring 10 pushes against the end wall 38 whereby a reaction force presses the push structure 8 outwards. Hereby, the spring 10 provides a force needed to detachably attach the cover device 2 in a framed opening. Two holes 34 are provided in the mounting 22. Each hole 34 is arranged and configured to receive a bolt or threaded rod.

FIG. 6B illustrates an alternative push structure of a cover device according to an embodiment. The mounting 22 has been cut to illustrate that a bolt 26 is slidably arranged in a track. In extension of the track, a groove 30 is provided. The width of the groove is larger than the width of the track. A nut 28 is attached to the end of the bolt 26. The nut 28 is placed in the groove 30 and can be displaced further into the groove than shown in FIG. 6B. Since the track is narrower than the groove 30, the bolt 26 can only be moved within the length of the groove 30.

A spring 10 is arranged in the groove 30 and presses against the end wall of the groove 30 and the nut 28 that bears against the proximal portion of the spring 10. Accordingly, the spring 10 presses the nut 28 and thus the bolt 26 in a direction out of the groove 30 when the spring 10 is compressed. Hereby a reaction force presses the push structure 8 outwards. The spring 10 is arranged and configured to provide a force large enough to detachably attach the cover device 2 in a framed opening. Two holes 34 are provided in the mounting 22. Each hole 34 is arranged and configured to receive a bolt or threaded rod.

FIG. 6C illustrates a cross-sectional view of a framed opening and a cover device 2, according to an embodiment, arranged in front of the framed opening 12. The cover device 2 basically corresponds to the one shown in and explained with reference to FIG. 3A. The cover device 2, however, comprises a rubber or another high friction/anti-slippage material 46. The rubber or another high friction/anti-slippage material 46 is attached on the top of the mounting 22 and on the push structure 8 at the bottom.

FIG. 6D illustrates the framed opening shown in FIG. 6C and the cover device 2 that has been inserted into the framed opening 12. The rubber or another high friction/anti-slippage material 46 attached on the top of the mounting 22 and on the push structure 8 at the bottom ensures that the cover device 2 fits the framed opening 12 even if there is play (i.e. the framed opening 12 does not have the exact desired opening dimensions). Moreover, the rubber or another high friction/anti-slippage material 46 may seal against the inside section of the frame 18 and hereby reduce entrance of dust and insects into the framed opening 12.

The rubber or another high friction/anti-slippage material 46 may be attached by glue or by using mechanical fastening structures by way of example.