Sectioning apparatus for a protective form-fitting cover of an object

Abstract

A sectioning apparatus ( 10 ) for a form-fitting cover ( 14 ) of an object includes multiple material coupling members ( 16 ) that are coupled to at least one portion ( 20 ) of the form-fitting cover ( 14 ). A separating assembly ( 18 ) is coupled to the material coupling members ( 16 ) and is separable into multiple separation mating members ( 22 ). The separating assembly ( 18 ) separates the form-fitting cover ( 14 ) into multiple sections ( 24 ).

1 - 22 . (canceled) 
   
   
       23 . An apparatus comprising:
 a coupling member adapted to be coupled onto at least a portion of a form-fitting cover so as to create a substantially air tight seal over said cover, wherein said form-fitting cover is adapted to cover at least a portion of an object to create a substantially air tight seal over at least a portion of said object; and   a separating assembly located on said coupling member comprising at least first and second mating members that are adapted to be removably sealed over said portion of said cover in a substantially air tight manner, and wherein said mating members are adapted to be opened to allow access to said portion of said cover.   
   
   
       24 . The apparatus of  claim 23  wherein said separating assembly is adapted to be opened to allow access to said object beneath said cover where an access hole is cut through said portion of said cover, and wherein said separating assembly is adapted to be closed to form a substantially air tight seal over said object. 
   
   
       25 . The apparatus of  claim 23  wherein said separating assembly seals said first and second coupling members with at least a zip-lock element. 
   
   
       26 . The apparatus of  claim 23  wherein said first and second mating members at least partially overlap. 
   
   
       27 . The apparatus of  claim 23  further comprising at least one protection member adapted to be coupled to said coupling member so as to prevent said coupling member from coupling onto said cover unless said protection member is removed. 
   
   
       28 . The apparatus of  claim 23  wherein said apparatus forms an environmental barrier covering a doorway or window. 
   
   
       29 . The apparatus of  claim 23  wherein said coupling member further comprises an adhesive side adapted for coupling said coupling member to said cover and a non-adhesive side adapted to allow said coupling member to be rolled up without adhering to itself. 
   
   
       30 . The apparatus of  claim 23  wherein said coupling member further comprises first and second coupling members and wherein said separating assembly to couple said first and second coupling members together if closed. 
   
   
       31 . The apparatus of  claim 23  wherein said form-fitting cover comprises shrink-wrap material. 
   
   
       32 . The apparatus of  claim 23  wherein said first and second coupling members and said separating assembly are adapted to form a substantially water tight seal over said cover. 
   
   
       33 . The apparatus of  claim 23  wherein said coupling member comprises a tape. 
   
   
       34 . An apparatus comprising:
 a coupling member adapted to be coupled onto at least one portion of a substantially air tight cover such that said coupling member forms a substantially air-tight seal over at least a portion of said cover; and   a separating assembly on said coupling member, wherein said separating assembly has at least two overlapping portions adapted to be opened to allow access to said cover, and wherein said overlapping portions are adapted to be closed to seal said coupling member over said cover so as to create a substantially air-tight seal over said cover.   
   
   
       35 . The apparatus of  claim 34  wherein said overlapping portions in an open position are adapted to allow access to an object stored beneath said cover, and wherein said overlapping portions in a closed position are adapted to create a substantially air-tight seal over said object. 
   
   
       36 . The apparatus of  claim 34  wherein said cover is adapted to create a barrier in a decontamination unit. 
   
   
       37 . The apparatus of  claim 34  wherein said cover is adapted to create a barrier over a doorway or window of a structure. 
   
   
       38 . The apparatus of  claim 34  wherein said overlapping portions are adapted to be closed by at least a zip-lock element. 
   
   
       39 . The apparatus of  claim 34  wherein said overlapping portions are adapted to be closed by at least a zip-lock element, a hook element and a loop element. 
   
   
       40 . The apparatus of  claim 34  further comprising a sealing flap coupled to said coupling member and adapted to cover said separating assembly. 
   
   
       41 . The apparatus of  claim 34  wherein said coupling member further comprises at least a first coupling member and a second coupling member, and wherein said first and second coupling members are adapted to be coupled together by said separating assembly.