Method and apparatus for three dimensional object covers

Abstract

A three dimensional (3D) coving method and apparatus is provided for use in protectively or esthetically covering objects, which teaches the creation of desired 3D structural shapes by way of appropriately sizing and joining relatively thin structural material segments. The formed 3D structural shapes are joined to a substantially two-dimensional (2D), sufficiently flexible cover material. In some embodiments, at least part the 3D structural shape's exterior is covered with largely nonstructural, ornamental exterior materials and/or elements. In yet other alternative embodiments, at least part the 3D structural shape's interior is filled with a filling material.

1 . A three dimensional (3D) apparatus for use in covering objects, comprising: 
 a. an appropriately sized first relatively thin structural material;    b. a first continuous structural surface having a 3D structural shape and encompassing a cross-sectional area, the first continuous structural surface being comprised of a first end portion of the first structural material joined with either with a second end portion of the first structural material or an end portion of an appropriately sized second relatively thin structural material; and    c. the first continuous structural surface joined to a substantially two-dimensional (2D), sufficiently flexible cover material.    
   
   
       2 . The 3D cover of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a filling material filling the volume formed by the first continuous structural surface.    
   
   
       3 . The 3D cover of  claim 1 , further comprising embroidery stitched into the first continuous structural surface.  
   
   
       4 . The 3D cover of  claim 1 , wherein the first and/or second structural materials are sized and joined such that the resulting first continuous structural surface has a desired 3D structural shape.  
   
   
       5 . The 3D cover of  claim 4 , wherein the desired 3D structural shape is configured to have a recognizably similar appearance to an object selected from the group consisting of a cow's head, chicken's head, rocket, dog's head, cat's head, pig's head, hamburger, fish, bottle, nose, glasses, car, bear's head, house, human head, elephant's head, rhinoceros's head, and an alligator's head.  
   
   
       6 . The 3D cover of  claim 1 , wherein the 2D cover material is configured to cover an outdoor object.  
   
   
       7 . The 3D cover of  claim 6 , wherein the 2D cover material and the first and second structural materials comprise a sufficiently flexible, weather resistant material configured to substantially protect the object being covered from environmental damage.  
   
   
       8 . The 3D cover of  claim 1 , wherein the first continuous structural surface is at least in part covered on its exterior by a relatively more flexible material.  
   
   
       9 . The 3D cover of  claim 1 , wherein the first continuous structural surface is at least in part covered on its interior by a relatively more flexible material.  
   
   
       10 . The 3D cover of  claim 1 , wherein the first or second structural material comprises flexible foam or plastic sheeting.  
   
   
       11 . The 3D cover of  claim 1 , wherein the 2D cover material comprises a fabric.  
   
   
       12 . The 3D cover of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second structural materials are joined by sewing or gluing.  
   
   
       13 . The 3D cover of  claim 1 , wherein the first continuous structural surface and the 2D cover material are joined by sewing or gluing.  
   
   
       14 . A method for creating three dimensional (3D) structures for use in covering objects comprising the steps of: 
 a. appropriately sizing a first relatively thin structural material;    b. joining a first end portion of the first structural material either with a second end portion of the first structural material or an end portion of an appropriately sized second relatively thin structural material, thereby forming a continuous structural surface, which continuous structural surface encompasses a cross-sectional area; and    c. joining the continuous structural surface to a substantially two-dimensional (2D), relatively flexible cover material.    
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising the step filling the volume formed by the continuous structural surface with a filling material.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising the step of stitching embroidery into the continuous structural surface.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the first and/or second structural materials are sized and joined such that the resulting first continuous structural surface has a desired 3D structural shape.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the first structural material comprises flexible foam or plastic sheeting.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the step of joining is done by sewing or gluing.  
   
   
       20 . A three dimensional (3D) apparatus for use in covering objects, comprising: 
 a. a first relatively thin structural material;    b. a first continuous structural surface having a 3D structural shape and encompassing a cross-sectional area, the continuous structural surface being comprised of a first end portion of the first structural material joined with either a second end portion of the first structural material or an end portion of a second relatively thin structural material, whereby the first and second structural materials are sized and joined such that the resulting first continuous structural surface has a desired 3D structural shape; and    c. the first continuous structural surface joined to a substantially two-dimensional (2D), sufficiently flexible cover material, which cover material is sufficiently weather resistant and configured to adequately protect an object.