Shroud and method for fixedly covering a pipe with a camouflage scheme using thermoplastic shrink wrap, hydro dipping, and a multi-layered panel

Abstract

A shroud and method for fixedly covering a pipe with a camouflage scheme using thermoplastic shrink wrap, hydro dipping, or multi-layered panels. The shroud serves to securely and permanently encapsulate a substantial portion of a pipe with a camouflage scheme to make the pipe less conspicuous by blending in with the environment. Fastening mechanisms, including hook and loop fasteners, magnets, adhesives, and frictional fittings are used to fasten an inner fastening film of the shroud to an external surface of the pipe. The shroud further includes an outer film having a camouflage scheme, such as mottled camouflage. The color and pattern display on the camouflage scheme creates a visual effect that integrates the pipe with external or interior environment. In this manner, the pipe is less visible. The camouflaging effect is effective for enhancing the aesthetics of a garden, or hiding the pipe for strategic purposes.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for hydro dipping a shroud to fixedly cover a pipe with a printed design of a camouflage scheme, the method comprising:
 pretreating a pipe with a base coat material;   gravure-printing a polyvinyl alcohol film with a camouflage scheme on the pipe;   immersing the pipe in hot water;   spraying an activator film on the polyvinyl alcohol film, wherein the activator film is configured to activate a bonding agent on the polyvinyl alcohol film; and   wrapping the polyvinyl alcohol film around the pipe, wherein the camouflage scheme is visible.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the camouflage scheme is applied on the polyvinyl alcohol film with a hydro dipping method. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the activator film enables heat activated adherence to the pipe. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the material composition of the pipe includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of: polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ductile iron, steel, cast iron, polypropylene, polyethylene, copper, and lead. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the camouflage scheme is defined by a color and a pattern configured to create a visual effect. 
     
     
         6 . The shroud of  claim 5 , wherein the camouflage scheme is a mottled, camouflage pattern. 
     
     
         7 . A method for fixedly covering a pipe with camouflage scheme, the method comprising:
 obtaining a shroud having an outer film defined by a camouflage scheme, and an inner fastening film defined by a fastening mechanism;   substantially covering an external surface of a pipe with the fastening mechanism;   rotatably and longitudinally orienting the camouflage scheme on the pipe to optimize the camouflaging effect;   fixedly attaching the shroud to the pipe;   positioning the pipe in an environment; and   at least partially concealing the pipe from view.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the shroud includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of: vinyl, polyvinyl chloride, rubber, flexible polymers, and a cloth tape coated with a poly-ethylene resin. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the shroud is resilient. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the fastening mechanism includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of: hook and loop fasteners, magnets, adhesives, screws, and frictional fittings. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the camouflage scheme is defined by a color and a pattern configured to create a visual effect. 
     
     
         12 . The shroud of  claim 11 , wherein the camouflage scheme is a mottled, camouflage pattern. 
     
     
         13 . The shroud of  claim 12 , wherein the camouflage scheme substantially corresponds to an environment. 
     
     
         14 . A method for hydro dipping a shroud to fixedly cover a pipe with a printed design of a camouflage scheme and fixedly covering the pipe with the camouflage scheme, the method comprising:
 pretreating a pipe with a base coat material;   gravure-printing a polyvinyl alcohol film with a camouflage scheme on the pipe;   immersing the pipe in hot water;   spraying an activator film on the polyvinyl alcohol film, wherein the activator film is configured to activate a bonding agent on the polyvinyl alcohol film;   wrapping the activator film around the pipe, wherein the camouflage scheme is visible;   rotatably and longitudinally orienting the camouflage scheme on the pipe to optimize the camouflaging effect;   positioning the pipe in an environment; and   at least partially concealing the pipe from view.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the camouflage scheme is applied on the polyvinyl alcohol film with a hydro dipping method. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the polyvinyl alcohol film is resilient. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the fastening mechanism includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of: hook and loop fasteners, magnets, adhesives, screws, and frictional fittings. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the material composition of the pipe includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of: polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ductile iron, steel, cast iron, polypropylene, polyethylene, copper, and lead. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the camouflage scheme is defined by a color and a pattern configured to create a visual effect. 
     
     
         20 . The shroud of  claim 19 , wherein the camouflage scheme is a mottled, camouflage pattern.