Cover device

Abstract

A cover device (2) for being detachably attached to and covering a framed opening (12), wherein a frame (14) surrounds the opening (12) and having an inside section (18) is disclosed. The covering device (2) comprises: a) a frame portion (4) adapted to bear against the frame (14); b) an inner frame portion (6) adapted to extend through the opening (12) and c) at least one moveably arranged push structure (8) protruding from an end portion (36) of the inner frame portion (6) and is arranged to press towards the inside section (18) and hereby maintain the cover device (2) in a fixed position relative to the framed opening (12).

Description

[0001] Cover Device

[0002] Field of invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a cover device for being detachably attached to and covering a framed opening.

[0004] Prior art

[0005] Shelving units are widely used for storing various items. Framed openings of shelving units are often exposed to airborne dust and vapour. Accordingly, several cover devices have been developed to cover such framed openings.

[0006] 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.

[0007] Summary of the invention

[0008] The object of the present invention can be achieved by a cover device as defined in claim 1. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent subclaims, explained in the following description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0009] The cover device according to the invention is a cover device for being detachably attached to and covering a framed opening, wherein a frame surrounds the opening and having 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 is arranged to press towards the inside section and hereby maintain the cover device in a fixed position relative to the framed opening. Hereby, it is possible to provide a cover device that is easier to use than the prior art cover devices.

[0010] 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.

[0011] In an embodiment, 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.

[0012] In an embodiment, the cover device is rectangular, and a mounting is provided in each corner of the inner frame portion.

[0013] The cover device may have another geometry.

[0014] 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.

[0015] In an embodiment, the mounting comprises a spring surrounding a portion of a bolt constitution part of the push structure.

[0016] 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.

[0017] In an embodiment, the frame portion is framing a transparent central portion. In an embodiment, the frame portion is framing a coloured central portion.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] In an embodiment, a single side of the transparent central portion is completely covered by an ultraviolet resistant coating.

[0021] In an embodiment, the outer surface of the transparent central portion is completely covered by an ultraviolet resistant coating.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] The shelving unit according to the invention comprises at least one framed opening, wherein a frame surrounds the opening, wherein a cover device according to the invention is attached to and covers the framed opening.

[0026] Description of the Drawings

[0027] The invention 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 invention. In the accompanying drawings:

[0028] Fig. 1A shows a perspective side view of a cover device according to the invention arranged in front of a shelving unit with framed openings;

[0029] Fig. IB 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;

[0030] Fig. 2A shows a rear view of a cover device according to the invention;

[0031] Fig. 2B shows a cross-sectional view of the cover device shown in Fig. 2A, in which the push structure is extended;

[0032] Fig. 2C shows a cross-sectional view of the cover device shown in Fig. 2A, in which the push structure is compressed;

[0033] Fig. 2D shows a close-up cross-sectional view of the push structure of the cover device shown in Fig. 2B;

[0034] Fig. 3A shows a cross-sectional view of a framed opening and a cover device according to the invention arranged in front of the framed opening;

[0035] Fig. 3B shows the framed opening shown in Fig. 3A and the cover device being inserted into the framed opening;

[0036] Fig. 3C shows a further view of the framed opening shown in Fig. 3B and the cover device being inserted into the framed opening;

[0037] Fig. 3D shows the framed opening shown in Fig. 3C and the cover device that has been inserted into the framed opening;

[0038] Fig. 4A shows a front view of a cover device according to the invention;

[0039] Fig. 4B shows a side view the cover device shown in Fig. 4A;

[0040] Fig. 4C shows a perspective view of a shelving unit comprising framed openings, to which the cover device according to the invention is configured to be detachably attached;

[0041] Fig. 5A shows a perspective side view of a cover device according to the invention arranged in front of an open framed shelving unit with framed openings;

[0042] 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 the invention arranged in front of the open framed shelving unit;

[0043] 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;

[0044] Fig. 6A shows a close-up cross-sectional view of the push structure of the cover device shown in Fig. 2B;

[0045] Fig. 6B shows an alternative push structure of a cover device according to the invention;

[0046] Fig. 6C shows a cross-sectional view of a framed opening and a cover device according to the invention 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.

[0047] Detailed description of the invention

[0048] Referring now in detail to the drawings for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention, a cover device 2 of the present invention is illustrated in Fig. 1A.

[0049] Fig. 1A illustrates a perspective side view of a cover device 2 according to the invention 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.

[0050] The cover device 2 comprises a frame portion 4 framing a central portion 16 made from a transparent material.

[0051] Fig. IB 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.

[0052] Fig. 2A illustrates a rear view of a cover device 2 according to the invention. The cover device 2 comprises a rectangular frame portion 4 framing a transparent central portion 16.

[0053] 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. IB). A mounting 22 is provide 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 rectangular 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 using bolts and corresponding nuts 32.

[0054] 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 22 left lowermost mounting 22 has been cut, the inside structures of this mounting 22 is visible. It can be seen that said mounting 22 comprises a spring 10 surrounding a portion of a bolt constitution 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.

[0055] Fig. 2C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cover device 2 shown in Fig. 2A, in which the push structure 8 is compressed.

[0056] 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 there between. 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 not 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] Fig. 3A illustrates cross-sectional view of a framed opening 12 and a cover device 2 according to the invention arranged in front of the framed opening 12.

[0059] It can be seen that the mountings 22 protrudes from the inner frame portion 6. A push structure 8 protrudes from the end portion of the mounting 22 (like shown in Fig. 2D).

[0060] Fig. 3B illustrates the framed opening shown 12 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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 vapour.

[0063] 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.

[0064] Fig. 4A illustrates a front view of a cover device 2 according to the invention. 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 means of 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 coloured plate.

[0065] 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.

[0066] The mountings 22 protrudes 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 slidably 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 using 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 the invention is configured to be detachably attached. The inside section 18 of the frame is indicated.

[0067] Fig. 4D illustrates a perspective view of another shelving unit 20 comprising framed openings 12, to which the cover device according to the invention 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.

[0068] Fig. 4E illustrates a perspective view of a picture frame 21 comprising framed opening 12, to which the cover device according to the invention 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.

[0069] 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 the invention 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 is used as a lid for the box 23.

[0070] 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.

[0071] Fig. 5A illustrates a perspective side view of a cover device 2 according to the invention 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 a transparent material.

[0072] 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 the invention is arranged in front of the open framed shelving unit 44.

[0073] 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.

[0074] By attaching cover devices 2 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.

[0075] 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, which 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 not 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] Fig. 6B illustrates an alternative push structure of a cover device according to the invention. 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] Fig. 6C illustrates a cross-sectional view of a framed opening and a cover device 2 according to the invention 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 a play (the framed opening 12 does not have 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.

[0080] The rubber or another high friction / anti-slippage material 46 may be attached by glue, by using mechanical fastening structures by way of example.

[0081] List of reference numerals

[0082] 2 Cover device

[0083] 4 Frame portion

[0084] 6 Inner frame portion

[0085] 8 Push structure

[0086] 10 Resilient member

[0087] 12 Framed opening

[0088] 14 Frame

[0089] 16 Central portion (typical transparent)

[0090] 18 Inside section of the frame

[0091] 20 Shelving unit

[0092] 21 Picture frame

[0093] 22 Mounting

[0094] 23 Box

[0095] 24 Track

[0096] 26 Bolt

[0097] 28 Nut

[0098] 30 Groove

[0099] 32 Attachment member

[0100] 34 Hole

[0101] 36 End portion

[0102] 38 End wall

[0103] 40 Edge portion

[0104] 42 Attachment member

[0105] 44 Open framed shelving unit

[0106] 46 Rubber or another high friction / anti-slippage material

Claims

Claims1. Cover device (2) for being detachably attached to and covering a framed opening (12), wherein a frame (14) surrounds the opening (12) and having at east one straight inside section (18), characterised in that the cover device (2) comprises: a) a frame portion (4) adapted to bear against the frame (14); b) an inner frame portion (6) adapted to extend through the opening (12) and c) at least one moveably arranged push structure (8) protruding from an end portion (36) of the inner frame portion (6) and is arranged to press towards the inside section (18) and hereby maintain the cover device (2) in a fixed position relative to the framed opening (12).

2. Cover device (2) according to claim 1, wherein the cover device (2) comprises two parallel push structures (8) arranged at two corner portions of the cover device (2).

3. Cover device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the frame portion (4) has a surrounding edge portion (40) protruding radially from the inner frame portion (6).

4. Cover device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover device (2) is rectangular and a mounting (22) is provide in each corner of the inner frame portion (6).

5. Cover device (2) according to claim 4, wherein the mounting (22) comprises a rod member (26) and a spring (10), wherein the rod member (26) constitutes part of the push structure (8).

6. Cover device (2) according to claim 5, wherein the spring (10) is arranged in a track (24) arranged and configured to allow the spring (10) to be compressed while being placed in the track (24).

7. Cover device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame portion (4) is framing a transparent central portion (16).

8. Cover device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transparent central portion (16) is least partly covered by an ultraviolet (UV) resistant coating which protects the underlying transparent central portion (16) from ultraviolet radiation's harmful effects.

9. Cover device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame portion (4) comprises a resilient material (46) arranged to bear against the frame (14).

10. Cover device (2) according to claim 9, wherein the resilient material (46) extends parallel to an edge portion of the cover device (2) and / or is attached to the push structure (8).

11. Shelving unit (20, 44) comprising at least one framed opening (12), wherein a frame (14) surrounds the opening (12), wherein a cover device (2) according to one of the previous claims is attached to and covers the framed opening (12).

Images