Protecting magnetically compatible surfaces

Abstract

Apparatuses for, and a method of, protecting a magnetically compatible surface such as a cladding panel of a building. A flexible protective cover comprises a magnetic layer suitable for retaining the cover on the surface, with an inner face of the cover then being in contact with the surface and at least one accessory mounted on or mountable to an outer face of the cover, or at least one accessory mount provided on the outer face of the cover. The method involves applying a magnetic flexible protective cover to the surface, holding the cover on the surface by magnetic attraction, using the cover to protect the surface from damage for a period of protection, and after the period of protection, peeling the cover away from the surface.

Description

[0001] Protecting magnetically compatible surfaces

[0002] This invention relates to protecting magnetically compatible surfaces. In particular, the invention relates to magnetic attachment of protection to ferritic panels such as steelfaced cladding.

[0003] Modern commercial buildings, such as factories, data centres or scientific facilities, are often constructed using prefabricated composite panels, known in the art as cladding. Cladding panels allow for the construction of such buildings to be completed quickly and efficiently. The panels can be manufactured in a factory in advance of a construction phase of the building and delivered onsite when they are needed as construction progresses, to be followed by fit-out.

[0004] Typically, cladding panels comprise a relatively thick insulation layer sandwiched between two relatively thin layers or sheets of metal, one on each side of the insulation layer. The insulation layer may be manufactured from a foam or a mineral wool and the metal layers may be of steel sheeting, for example. By way of example, a cladding panel may be a standard nominal size of four feet (1 ,2m) wide and eight feet (2.4m) long although other sizes are common.

[0005] Desirably, the metal layers of a cladding panel are kept thin to minimise the weight of the panel. However, their thinness makes them susceptible to damage after the cladding panels have been installed, especially during the remainder of the construction phase. Even just leaning construction materials up against a wall of cladding panels can dent, cut or scrape the thin metal layers. This contributes significantly to construction companies spending an average of 8% to 10% of their construction budget on repairs before handing over a building to its eventual owners.

[0006] Current solutions to protect cladding panels from damage include temporarily erecting protective sheets of oriented strand board (OSB), plywood board, or twinwall or corrugated plastics over the exposed metal layers. However, erecting protective sheets is labour-intensive; also, such sheets are not readily reusable and so are typically discarded after a single use, which wastes resources, increases cost and creates waste that may be challenging to recycle. Furthermore, the protective sheets may need to be fastened to the cladding panels, potentially creating undesirable holes in the cladding panels and so defeating the object of protecting those panels. It is against this background that the present invention has been devised. From one aspect, the invention resides in a flexible protective cover for a magnetically compatible surface. The cover is apt to be removable from and re-attachable to the magnetically compatible surface.

[0007] The cover comprises: a magnetic layer suitable for retaining the cover on the surface, with an inner face of the cover then being in contact with the surface, and at least one accessory mounted on or mountable to an outer face of the cover, or at least one accessory mount provided on the outer face of the cover. The inner face of the cover, which may be defined by the magnetic layer, may be substantially smooth.

[0008] The magnetic layer may extend across at least a majority of a width, or substantially the entire width of the cover. Additionally, or alternatively, the magnetic layer may extend across at least a majority of a length, or substantially the entire length of the cover.

[0009] The cover may comprise at least two layers, at least one of which may be a preferably resilient substrate layer supporting the magnetic layer and disposed on an outer side of the magnetic layer. The at least one accessory or the accessory mount may be disposed on an outer side of the substrate layer.

[0010] An outer face of the substrate layer may comprise or support graphics applied to the cover. The graphics may be disposed on an additional layer applied to the outer face of the substrate layer.

[0011] When attached to the magnetically compatible surface, the cover is preferably capable of supporting a load of at least 10kg via the at least one accessory or the at least one accessory mount. The cover may be combined with the at least one accessory being a cable support, a notice board, a shelf, a document holder and / or a cabinet which may contain a first-aid kit.

[0012] Where provided, a cable support can extend widthwise across the cover. Where two or more such covers are used in combination, the covers may be disposed side-by-side with their cable supports mutually aligned in a horizontal plane.

[0013] The inventive concept encompasses a structure such as a building that comprises at least one cladding panel, wall, door, ceiling or floor defining the magnetically compatible surface, with two or more of the abovementioned covers applied to that surface. The covers may be in mutually-adjoining, edge-to-edge relation.

[0014] The inventive concept also embraces a method of temporarily protecting a magnetically compatible surface such as that defined by a cladding panel, the method comprising: applying a magnetic flexible protective cover to the surface; holding the cover on the surface by magnetic attraction; using the cover to protect the surface from damage for a period of protection, during which construction activities may take place in a space defined or bounded by the surface; and after the period of protection, peeling the cover away from the surface. The method may further comprise reattaching the cover to either the same magnetically compatible surface or a different magnetically compatible surface

[0015] An accessory may be supported on the cover during the period of protection. The accessory may be applied to the magnetically compatible surface with the cover or after applying the cover to that surface.

[0016] The method may also comprise applying the cover over an aperture in the magnetically compatible surface; at least partially removing the cover from the magnetically compatible surface to provide access to the aperture; and reattaching the cover to the magnetically compatible surface over the aperture. While the cover is at least partially removed from the magnetically compatible surface, installation or maintenance operations may be performed on equipment behind that surface, via the aperture.

[0017] Performance of the method may be followed by applying a different magnetic flexible cover to the magnetically compatible surface after removing a first cover from that surface.

[0018] The method may further comprise applying an intermediate protective film between the magnetically compatible surface and the magnetic flexible cover. The method may involve temporarily holding the intermediate protective film against the magnetically compatible surface prior to applying the magnetic flexible cover to the surface.

[0019] The method may further comprise placing a kerb on a floor surface that adjoins the magnetically compatible surface, the kerb being in contact with the magnetic flexible cover. Optionally, the method may involve holding the kerb against the magnetic flexible cover by magnetic attraction. Additionally, or alternatively, the method may involve mechanically attaching the kerb to the magnetic flexible cover.

[0020] The method may comprise preliminarily deploying the kerb from a compact state into an extended state. The method may include unfurling the kerb from the compact state into the extended state.

[0021] The inventive concept also contemplates a deployable kerb. The deployable kerb comprises an elongate longitudinal array of vertebral elements, each element of the array being linked to at least one adjoining element of array such that the kerb can be straightened from a compact state in which the kerb is bent along its length, the straightened kerb then defining at least one substantially straight, longitudinally- extending interface edge upstanding from a base, wherein at least one element of the array has a magnet disposed on the interface edge.

[0022] The kerb, when straightened, may comprise two substantially straight, longitudinally- extending interface edges, those edges being substantially parallel to each other. The kerb may have a transverse cross-section that is substantially symmetrical about an upright longitudinal central plane.

[0023] Each element of the array may have a faceted upper profile. At least one element may have at least one reflector disposed on a facet of the upper profile, that facet being inclined upwardly and outwardly relative to the base.

[0024] The kerb may further comprise a longitudinally extending channel inset into the base.

[0025] At least one of the elements may further comprise a mechanical interface for mechanically engaging with the abovementioned magnetic flexible cover.

[0026] The kerb may further comprise a plate extending from an at least one end of the array, that plate lying in a plane aligned with the base. The plate may include a handle opening.

[0027] The inventive concept also contemplates, in combination, a plurality of the abovementioned kerbs disposed in end-to-end relation. In this manner, the plate of one kerb may underlie an adjoining kerb of the plurality. The inventive concept also embraces, in combination, an abovementioned kerb in use with the abovementioned magnetic flexible cover.

[0028] In order that the invention may be more readily understood, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a protective cover of the invention being installed onto a cladding panel;

[0030] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the protective cover shown in Figure 1 ;

[0031] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the protective cover Figures 1 and 2 being peeled off the cladding panel;

[0032] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view showing a further embodiment of the invention in which a protective cover comprises an additional layer;

[0033] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the protective cover shown in Figure 4;

[0034] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view showing two protective covers of the invention being installed adjacently onto a wall of cladding panels;

[0035] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view showing the two covers of Figure 6 when installed in mutually-abutting, edge-to-edge relation on the wall;

[0036] Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view showing how an accessory can be mounted on a protective cover of the invention;

[0037] Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view showing two protective covers of the invention being installed onto a wall of cladding panels, those covers supporting accessories being cable supports in the form of cable conduits; Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view showing the two covers of Figure 9 when installed on the wall with their cable conduits in mutual alignment and supporting a cable;

[0038] Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view showing two protective covers of the invention installed on a wall of cladding panels, those covers supporting accessories in the form of cable retention hooks;

[0039] Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view showing two protective covers of the invention installed on a wall of cladding panels, those covers supporting accessories in the form of a shelf and a cabinet;

[0040] Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view showing two protective covers of the invention installed on a wall of cladding panels, those covers supporting accessories in the form of a notice board and a document holder;

[0041] Figure 14 is a schematic perspective view showing the use of an intermediate protective film between the protective cover and the cladding panel of Figure 1;

[0042] Figure 15 is a schematic perspective view of a deployable kerb of the invention;

[0043] Figure 16 is a schematic side view of the deployable kerb of Figure 15 in a rolled or furled state;

[0044] Figure 17 is a schematic perspective view of the deployable kerb of Figures 15 and 16 shown in context with the protective cover and the cladding panel of Figure 1 ;

[0045] Figure 18 is a schematic perspective view of a vertebral element of the deployable kerb of Figures 15 and 16 shown in isolation; and

[0046] Figure 19 is an alternative schematic perspective view of the vertebral element of Figure 18. Figure 1 shows a flexible protective cover 100 being applied to a corresponding magnetically compatible outer surface 16 of a cladding panel 10. The cladding panel 10 is a layered composite construction comprising two magnetically compatible metal sheets 12 that sandwich a layer of an insulation material 14 between them. The metal sheets 12 are much thinner than the layer of insulation material 14. For example, each metal sheet 12 may be 0.7mm thick whereas the insulation material 14 may be between 25mm and 300mm thick.

[0047] A cladding panel 10 for a wall is just one example of a structure defining a magnetically compatible outer surface 16. Other examples of such structures include metal-skinned doors and ceiling or floor panels of metal.

[0048] In the example shown in Figure 1 , the cover 100 is a rectangular panel, sheet or pad made up of two layers, namely a magnetic backing layer 102 and a substrate layer 104. The magnetic layer 102 may, for example, be made of a flexible composite material of elastomeric polymer resin impregnated with magnetised ferrous particles. Conversely, the substrate layer 104 may be made of a flexible polymer sheet material such as PVC.

[0049] The cover 100 is arranged such that an inner face 106 of the cover 100 defined by the magnetic layer 102 is brought into contact with the outer surface 16 of the cladding panel 10. The magnetic layer 102 is attracted to the metal sheet 12 of the cladding panel 10 to retain and support at least the weight of the cover 100 on the surface 16. The cover 100 may be installed either internally or externally on the cladding panel 10 with respect to a building.

[0050] The magnetic layer 102 extends over at least a majority of the width and the length of the cover 100, preferably over the full width and length of the cover 100 as shown. The thickness of the magnetic layer 102 is substantially uniform across the cover 100, for example 0.7mm thickness. The magnetic layer 102 therefore presents a smooth, uniform surface on its rear or inner side that faces and bears against the outer surface 16 of the cladding panel 10. This is advantageous compared with the alternative of discrete magnetic pads or strips to secure the cover 100, which could otherwise dent the cladding panel 10 if the exposed substrate layer 104 of the flexible cover 100 is ever pressed against or impacted. The magnetic attraction force of the magnetic layer 102 is also substantially uniform across the cover 100. The magnetic force is applied per unit area of the magnetic layer 102, for example. Thus, the load bearing capability of the installed cover 100 is dependent on the area of the magnetic layer 102 of the cover. The installed cover 100 is capable of supporting not only its own weight but also, for example, an additional weight load of at least 10kg arising from optional accessories which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0051] The substrate layer 104 and the magnetic layer 102 are bonded to one another in face- to-face relation to form the cover 100. The function of the substrate layer 104 is to provide a robust structure to support the magnetic layer 102. The substrate layer 104 is suitably waterproof and abrasion resistant and may be of a neutral colour such as white, grey or black.

[0052] The substrate layer 104 has a uniform thickness across the cover 100 and may be thicker than the magnetic layer 102; for example, the substrate layer 104 may be 2mm thick. The thickness and resilience of the substrate layer 104 provides a cushioning effect to absorb the energy of minor bumps and knocks. This, and the thickness and resilience of the magnetic layer, resists the creation of small dents or creases in the surface 16 of the cladding panel 100. Such damage is commonplace when workers are moving construction materials about a construction site or within a building.

[0053] The cover 100 may be prefabricated at a factory and can be delivered onsite on a roll or as a flat sheet to be cut and trimmed to shape as required. Alternatively, the cover 100 can be pre-cut at a factory to a standard or bespoke size and shape, for example using a CNC cutting machine, to be ready for installation when the cover 100 arrives onsite. Apertures may be cut into the cover 100, for example, for windows, doors, sockets or switches. Such apertures may also feature on or in the cladding panel 10 to which the cover 100 will be attached.

[0054] Although the cover 100 is held on the cladding panel 10 with more than enough magnetic force to prevent unintentional separation, the cover 100 can be removed from the panel 10 easily by hand, without the need for tools. In this respect, Figure 3 shows how the flexible cover 100 can be peeled from the panel 10, for example by lifting a corner 108 or an edge and folding the cover 100 over on itself to start pulling the cover 100 from the panel 10. Lifting the corner 108 or edge to initiate progressive removal by peeling requires a much lower force than the aggregate magnetic force holding the cover 100 to the panel 10 as a whole.

[0055] If the cover instead had a stiff construction, removal of the cover from the panel 10 would be difficult, if not impossible, because workers would need to overcome a much higher magnetic force. Such a force could be so great as to break a rigid cover or to delaminate the cladding panel 10, separating the metal sheet 12 from the insulation material 14 instead of removing the cover from the panel 10.

[0056] Figures 4 and 5 show another embodiment in which a cover 200 has an additional third layer 210 bonded to an outer side 212 of the substrate layer 204 opposed to the magnetic layer 202. The third layer comprises either or both of decorative colour and graphics and so is henceforth known as a graphic layer 210. The graphics applied to the graphic layer 210 may comprise graphics for promotion or branding or more functional graphics such as site notices or locations of emergency exits, for example. The graphic layer 210 may also be of PVC or any other flexible polymer that is receptive to printing.

[0057] As an example, a neutral-colour two-layer cover 100 could be used during a construction phase of a building where the walls of the building are exposed to bumps, knocks, scratches and dirt. Once this construction phase is completed, the two-layer cover 100 can be removed and replaced with an aesthetic three-layer cover 200 for when the building becomes operational.

[0058] Figures 6 and 7 show how two covers 200 may be installed contiguously across two or more cladding panels 10. In these drawings, the covers 200 are shown as being installed on discrete cladding panels 10 with their edges coincident with the edges of the panels 10, but this is not necessary. Each cover 200 may instead extend over two or more panels 10, the cover 200 traversing the joints between those panels 10.

[0059] The inner face 206 of the magnetic layer is offered up to the outer surface 16 of the panel 10. Magnetic attraction will pull the cover 200 onto the surface 16 of the panel 10 once the cover 200 is brought in close proximity to the surface 16. If the cover 200 is incorrectly positioned, a worker can simply peel the cover 200 off the panel 10 and reattach the cover 200 in the correct position. It may also be possible to slide the cover 200 across the outer surface 16 of the panel 10, especially if the cover 200 is only partially attached to the panel 10. By way of example, the leftmost panel 10 shown in Figures 6 and 7 further comprises an aperture 18. Such an aperture 18 may, for instance, provide access to services within or behind the panel 10, such as ducting, valves for plumbing, or a switchboard for electrical installation. Such services may require occasional but not routine access. Beneficially, the cover 200 closes and seals around the aperture 18 to protect the services within from detritus, such as dust, routinely associated with construction sites. The aperture 18 can also be closed by a door or hatch behind the cover 200.

[0060] When installed on a panel 10, a protective cover 100, 200 of the invention can do more than support its own weight: the cover 100, 200 can also support the weight of an accessory or an additional load supported by the accessory. In this respect, Figure 8 shows an example of an accessory mount 214 provided on the outer face of the cover 200. The accessory mount 214 could be preinstalled on the outer face 212 of the cover 200. Alternatively, the accessory mount could be installed onsite either by bonding or piercing or both.

[0061] The accessory mount 214 shown in Figure 8 is exemplified by a pin-and-keyhole arrangement but this is not intended to be limiting. Other types of accessory mount 214 can be considered, such as a hook-and-loop or push-stud attachment.

[0062] In another embodiment, accessories may be bonded directly to or integrated with the outer face 212 of the cover 200. Accessories can also be preinstalled on the cover 200 before arriving onsite, or, alternatively, the accessories may be installed after the cover 200 has been attached to the surface being protected.

[0063] Figures 9 and 10 show covers 200 being assembled which include accessories in the form of cable trunking or conduits 218. In this example, an outer face 212 of each cover 200 has a portion of conduit 218 that extends between parallel side edges of the cover 200. The conduit 218 on each cover 200 is positioned such that when the covers 200 adjoin side-by-side as shown in Figure 10, the portions of conduit 218 align in a colinear manner to form a continuous conduit extending across two or more covers, for example, along a wall of a facility being constructed. This allows a cable 220 to be placed in the conduit and to extend uninterrupted along the full length of the conduit, supported by the successive covers 200. Moving on, Figure 11 shows an alternative accessory in the form of a series of hooks 222. In this example, the hooks 222 are arranged colinearly, extending across a lower portion of the covers 200 for the purpose of tidying cables 224, such as power cables used for construction equipment. Of course, the hooks 222 can be placed anywhere on the outer surface 212 of the cover 200 and in any orientation. For example, the hooks 222 could be placed higher on the cover 200 for hanging garments, lights, etc.

[0064] Figures 12 and 13 show further accessory options for use with the covers 100, 200 of the invention. Figure 12 shows an example of a shelf 226 and a cabinet 228 that may be mounted on the cover 100. 200. The cabinet 228 could hold a first-aid kit, for example. Figure 13 shows accessories in the form a noticeboard 230 and a document holder 232.

[0065] Although reference has been made to the three-layer cover 200 in Figures 6 to 13, it should be noted that the two-layer cover 100 can have similar features and functionality.

[0066] The inventive concept also embraces a method of temporarily protecting a magnetically compatible surface of a building or a facility as it is being constructed. The method comprises applying a flexible and magnetic protective cover to the magnetically compatible surface requiring protection. The cover can be used to protect the surface from damage during the construction phase of the building. After the construction phase has been completed, the protective cover can be removed from the surface. The protective cover can then be reused at another location, for example, at another construction site. Alternatively, if the building has more than one floor, the protective cover can be used and reused as each floor is added to the building.

[0067] A protective cover of the invention is not limited to use during construction. For example, an aesthetic protective cover such as a three-layer protective cover could be used when the building is in operation. In the case of a tenancy, the protective cover could feature the branding of the tenant occupying the relevant space. At the end of the tenancy, it is straightforward to remove the covers bearing the branding of the outgoing tenant and to replace them with new covers bearing the branding of an incoming occupier.

[0068] Product testing has revealed that protective covers 100, 200 used on cladding panels 10 can be subjected to a large range in temperature, particularly if the cladding panel 10 is external to a building and is exposed to direct sunlight. Furthermore, moisture and / or construction detritus, such as dust, dirt, and metallic, mineral or plastic swarf, can get beneath a protective cover 100, 200 through gaps between adjacent protective covers 100, 200. This can cause undesirable staining of the cladding panel 10.

[0069] To combat the above issue, the inventive concept also embraces the use of an intermediate protective film 300 between the protective cover 100, 200 and the cladding panel 10 as shown in Figure 14. The protective film 300 may be substantially comprised of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), although other polymer films are possible.

[0070] For convenience, the protective film 300 may be supplied pre-cut on a roll or may be cut after unrolling. The dimensions of a precut sheet of the protective film 300 may be oversized relative to the protective cover 100, 200 that the sheet corresponds to. For example, the precut sheet of protective film 300 may be 100mm larger in both length and width when compared to the corresponding protective cover 100, 200. Therefore, when the protective film 300 and the protective cover 100, 200 are centrally aligned, there is a 50mm overlap A of the protective film 300 about a perimeter of the protective cover 100, 200 as shown in Figure 14.

[0071] The protective film 300 is initially applied to the cladding panel 10 before application of the protective cover 100, 200. As a sheet of protective film 300 is oversized with respect to, and is centrally aligned with, the corresponding protective cover 100, 200, the protective film 300 crosses or overlaps any gap that may be present between adjoining protective covers 100, 200. Moreover, when neighbouring protective films 300 are placed on the cladding panel 10 with respect to corresponding protective covers 100, 200, an overlapping region 302 between the neighbouring films 300 is created. Beneficially, this overlapping region 302 of two protective films 300 bridging the gap between neighbouring protective covers 100, 200 provides a double layer of protection moisture and / or detritus from penetrating through to the surface of the cladding panel 10.

[0072] As the protective film 300 is intended to be used in a building construction site, fire safety is a consideration. Therefore, the film 300 may comprise fire retardant additives.

[0073] The inventive concept also embraces a method of installation that allows for one person to install an intermediate protective film 300 followed by a protective cover 100, 200 that sandwiches the film 300 between the cover 100, 200 and the cladding panel 10. The method involves applying the film 300 between the magnetically compatible surface of the cladding panel 10 and the magnetic flexible protective cover 100, 200. For example, the film 300 may be held to the cladding panel 10 using adhesive such as double sided adhesive tape. Alternatively, localised magnets 304 may be positioned to hold the film 300 in place while the cover 100, 200 is manipulated into position over the film 300.

[0074] The film 300 is thin enough not to materially affect magnetic attraction between the cover 100, 200 and the cladding panel 10. As mentioned above, the film 300 is oversized to provide overlap between neighbouring films 300 and to allow fastening to the cover panel 10 at the perimeter of the film 300 without obscuring of the area of the cladding panel 10 to which the cover 100, 200 will be applied.

[0075] It will be noted from Figure 14 that the film 300 can potentially overlap the bottom edge of the cladding panel 10, thus extending into a horizontal border portion 306 overlying the floor in front of the cladding panel 10. This prevents moisture and / or detritus from getting behind the cover 100, 200 via the bottom edge of the cover 100, 200.

[0076] The inventive concept also contemplates a deployable elongate kerb 400, base protector or kicker suitable for protecting cladding panels 10. The kerb 400 is intended to provide a mechanical barrier at floor level to prevent objects moving across the ground from colliding with the panel 10, for example, wheeled objects such as Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs), forklifts or trolleys.

[0077] An exemplary embodiment of a kerb 400 of the invention is shown in Figures 15 and 16. In Figure 15, the kerb 400 is shown in an unfurled, straightened, deployed or extended state. Correspondingly, Figure 16 shows the kerb 400 in a furled, undeployed or compact state. In this respect, the kerb 400 is configured to be bent along its length such that it can be rolled up for convenient storage as shown in Figure 16. The length of the kerb 400 is indeterminate; however, examples may be three to five metres in length.

[0078] The kerb 400 comprises an elongate array 402 of vertebral elements 404, each element 404 of the array 402 being linked to at least one longitudinally-adjoining element 404 of the array 402. In this example, the elements 404 are linked by articulating connections 412 such as hinges as shown, or alternatively, elastomeric links. In this way, the kerb 400 can be straightened out from a compact state in which the kerb 400 is furled or bent along its length. The straightened kerb 400 then defines at least one substantially straight, longitudinally-extending interface edge 406 upstanding orthogonally from a base 408. At least one element 404 of the array 402 has a magnet 410 disposed on the interface edge 406.

[0079] Optionally, a longitudinally-extending channel can be inset into the base 408, providing a continuous longitudinally-extending conduit for protection of power cables or other elongate elements.

[0080] A substantially flat plate 414 extends longitudinally from at least one end of the array 402. The plate 414 is aligned with the base 408 and is penetrated by a handle opening 416 that helps an operator to lift and / or drag the kerb 400, for example to adjust or change the position of the kerb 400. In this respect, an operator may wish to lift, pull or drag the kerb 400 away from a cladding panel 10 after use for packing or transporting to another location.

[0081] In the example shown in Figure 15, the kerb 400 has two longitudinal interface edges 406 that are, substantially, mutually parallel. In addition, the kerb 400 has a transverse cross-section that is substantially symmetrical about an upright longitudinal central plane orthogonal to the base 408. Consequently, the kerb 400 can be positioned reversibly, with either of the interface edges 406 abutting an abovementioned magnetic flexible panel applied to a cladding panel 10 as will be explained below.

[0082] Deployment of the kerb 400 is straightforward, requiring only one operator to unfurl the kerb 400 to the straight extended state shown in Figure 15 from the curved compact state shown in Figure 16. The operator can then position the kerb 400 as required. Beneficially, after the kerb 400 is placed on a floor when furled in the compact state, an operator can apply a force to begin unfurling the kerb 400. If that applied force is sufficient, the kerb 400 can continue unfurling until the full length of the kerb 400 straightens into the extended state.

[0083] Figure 17 shows the kerb 400 used in combination with the cladding panel 10 in conjunction with the abovementioned protective covers 100. In this image, the kerb 400 is provided on a floor surface that adjoins the cladding panel 10 and that laterally abuts the protective covers 100 as shown. Two or more kerbs 400 could be used in end-to-end longitudinal succession or series to span distances greater than the length of any one kerb 400. If present, the plate 414 of one kerb 400 is designed to underlie an adjoining kerb 400 of the series without upwardly displacing the adjoining kerb 400 to any significant extent.

[0084] The laterally-facing magnets 410 on the interface edge 406 are attracted to the magnetic flexible cover 100 and / or to the cladding panel 10 and thereby provide a retaining force that acts on the kerb 400 when the kerb 400 abuts the cover 10. Additionally, or alternatively, the kerb 400 can be retained mechanically against the cover 100, for example via a mount like the abovementioned accessory mount 214 on the cover 100 and a corresponding mechanical interface provided on at least one vertebral element 404 of the kerb 400.

[0085] Figures 17 and 18 show one of the vertebral elements 402 of the kerb 400 in isolation. The element 404 has an elongate body 418 that is rectangular in plan view, defining side faces 420 and end faces 422. The body 418 is made of a stiff or resilient material such as an elastomer or a hard polymer to resist impacts, bumps and knocks. The side and end faces 420, 422 of the body 418 are orthogonal to one another and are each mutually parallel to their opposite counterparts. In combination, the end faces 422 of the elements 404 in the array 402 define the longitudinally-extending interface edges 406. Thus, each end face 422 can be provided with at least one magnet 410 and / or a mechanical interface 216 shown in Figure 8 as an example.

[0086] In the example shown in Figures 18 and 19, the side faces 420 have hinge formations 412A, 412B, that together define the articulating connections 412 shown in Figure 16. The hinge formations 412A, 412B comprise hinge projections 424 that interdigitate with corresponding projections 424 on an adjoining element 404.

[0087] The body 418 of each vertebral element 404 has a substantially flat base 408. A face 410 of the base 408 lies on the floor surface beside a cladding panel 10 when the kerb 400 is deployed. Optionally, at least part of the face 410 has a textured or coarse surface to increase friction between the element 404 and the floor. The textured surface can be moulded or cut into the material of the body 418 or provided in at least one separate elastomer pad provided on some or all of the face 410. The abovementioned plate 414 could be a longitudinal extension of such an elastomer pad.

[0088] The body 418 has a faceted upper profile. In the example shown, the upper profile comprises four facets, namely two inner facets 426 and two outer facets 428. Each of the facets 426, 428 may be parallel to or angled upwardly and outwardly with respect to the base 408. In this example, the outer facets 428 carry reflectors 430 to enhance visibility of the kerb 400 in dark areas or at night. However, this is not intended to be limiting as the inner facets 426 could also carry reflectors. In any case, providing the reflector 430 at an upwardly-facing acute angle to the base 408 serves to reflect more overhead light horizontally, thereby improving visibility of the kerb 400 when viewed from the side.

[0089] Many other variations are possible within the inventive concept. For example, a singlelayer construction for the cover would be possible, with the magnetic layer serving also as a self-supporting structural layer.

Claims

Claims1. A flexible protective cover for a magnetically compatible surface, the cover comprising: a magnetic layer suitable for retaining the cover on the surface, with an inner face of the cover then being in contact with the surface; and at least one accessory mounted on or mountable to an outer face of the cover, or at least one accessory mount provided on the outer face of the cover.

2. The cover of Claim 1 , comprising at least two layers, at least one of which is a substrate layer supporting the magnetic layer and disposed on an outer side of the magnetic layer.

3. The cover of Claim 2, wherein the at least one accessory or the accessory mount is disposed on an outer side of the substrate layer.

4. The cover of Claim 2 or Claim 3, wherein an outer face of the substrate layer comprises or supports graphics applied to the cover.

5. The cover of Claim 4, wherein the graphics are disposed on an additional layer applied to the outer face of the substrate layer.

6. The cover of any preceding claim, wherein the inner face is substantially smooth.

7. The cover of any preceding claim, wherein the magnetic layer extends across at least a majority of a width of the cover.

8. The cover of Claim 7, wherein the magnetic layer extends across substantially the entire width of the cover.

9. The cover of any preceding claim, wherein the magnetic layer extends across at least a majority of a length of the cover.

10. The cover of Claim 9, wherein the magnetic layer extends along substantially the entire length of the cover.

11. The cover of any preceding claim, being removable from and re-attachable to the magnetically compatible surface.

12. The cover of any preceding claim, being capable of supporting a load of at least 10kg via the at least one accessory or the at least one accessory mount when the cover is attached to the magnetically compatible surface.

13. The cover of any preceding claim, when in combination with the at least one accessory being a cable support, a notice board, a shelf, a document holder and / or a cabinet.

14. The cover of Claim 13, wherein the at least one accessory is a cabinet containing a first-aid kit.

15. The cover of Claim 13, wherein the at least one accessory is a cable support extending widthwise across the cover.

16. In combination, two or more covers of Claim 15 disposed side-by-side, whose cable supports are substantially aligned in a horizontal plane.

17. A building comprising at least one wall, door, ceiling or floor defining the magnetically compatible surface, and two or more covers of any preceding claim applied to that surface, those covers being in mutually adjoining relation.

18. A method of temporarily protecting a magnetically compatible surface, the method comprising: applying a magnetic flexible protective cover to the surface; holding the cover on the surface by magnetic attraction; using the cover, protecting the surface from damage for a period of protection; andafter the period of protection, peeling the cover away from the surface.

19. The method of Claim 18, further comprising reattaching the cover to the same magnetically compatible surface.

20. The method of Claim 18, further comprising attaching the cover to a different magnetically compatible surface.

21. The method of any of Claims 18 to 20, wherein construction activities take place in a space defined by the magnetically compatible surface during the period of protection.

22. The method of any of Claims 18 to 21 , comprising supporting an accessory on the cover during the period of protection.

23. The method of Claim 22, comprising applying the accessory with the cover to the magnetically compatible surface.

24. The method of Claim 22, comprising attaching the accessory to the cover after applying the cover to the magnetically compatible surface.

25. The method of any of Claims 18 to 24, comprising: applying the cover over an aperture in the magnetically compatible surface; at least partially removing the cover from the magnetically compatible surface to provide access to the aperture; and reattaching the cover to the magnetically compatible surface over the aperture.

26. The method of Claim 25, comprising performing installation or maintenance operations on equipment behind the magnetically compatible surface, via the aperture.

27. The method of any of Claims 18 to 26, followed by applying a different magnetic flexible cover to the magnetically compatible surface.

28. The method of any of Claims 18 to 27, further comprising applying an intermediate protective film between the magnetically compatible surface and the magnetic flexible cover.

29. The method of Claim 28, further comprising temporarily holding the intermediate protective film against the magnetically compatible surface prior to applying the magnetic flexible cover to the surface.

30. The method of any of Claims 18 to 29, comprising placing a kerb on a floor surface that adjoins the magnetically compatible surface, the kerb being in contact with the magnetic flexible cover.

31. The method of Claim 30, comprising holding the kerb against the magnetic flexible cover by magnetic attraction.

32. The method of Claim 30 or Claim 31 , comprising mechanically attaching the kerb to the magnetic flexible cover.

33. The method of any of Claims 30 to 32, comprising preliminarily deploying the kerb from a compact state into an extended state.

34. The method of Claim 33, comprising unfurling the kerb from the compact state into the extended state.

35. A deployable kerb comprising an elongate longitudinal array of vertebral elements, each element of the array being linked to at least one adjoining element of array such that the kerb can be straightened from a compact state in which the kerb is bent along its length, the straightened kerb then defining at least one substantially straight, longitudinally-extending interface edge upstanding from a base, wherein at least one element of the array has a magnet disposed on the interface edge.

36. The kerb of Claim 35, wherein, when straightened, the kerb comprises two substantially straight, longitudinally-extending interface edges, those edges being substantially parallel to each other.

37. The kerb of Claim 36, having a transverse cross-section that is substantially symmetrical about an upright longitudinal central plane.

38. The kerb of any of Claims 35 to 37, wherein each element has a faceted upper profile.

39. The kerb of Claim 38, wherein at least one element has at least one reflector disposed on a facet of the upper profile, that facet being inclined upwardly and outwardly relative to the base.

40. The kerb of any of Claims 35 to 39, further comprising a longitudinally extending channel inset into the base.

41. The kerb of any of Claims 35 to 34, wherein at least one of the elements further comprises a mechanical interface for mechanically engaging with the magnetic flexible cover of any of Claims 1 to 15.

42. The kerb of any of Claims 35 to 41 , further comprising a plate extending from an at least one end of the array, that plate lying in a plane aligned with the base.

43. The kerb of Claim 42, wherein the plate includes a handle opening.

44. In combination, a plurality of kerbs of any of Claims 35 to 43, disposed in end-to- end relation.

45. The combination of Claim 44, when dependent on Claim 42 or Claim 43, wherein the plate of one kerb underlies an adjoining kerb of the plurality.

46. In combination, a kerb of any of Claims 35 to 43 in use with the magnetic flexible cover of any of Claims 1 to 15.

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