Framed cover

Abstract

A framed cover is disclosed. A rigid tubular frame that is built into the cover's opening makes it possible to find the opening, lift the cover evenly, place the cover over the item, rotate the cover to the proper position and drop the cover in an even manner and without snagging. In addition, the tubular frame can be made to fold so that the cover can be stowed away for storage in a controlled manner, and by folding the tubular frame on a larger size cover it makes it easier for the user to control the covers weight because its center of gravity is held closer to the user's body until it is properly positioned and opened on top of the item to be covered.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A framed cover comprising:
 a flexible cover having a continuous interior surface, a continuous exterior surface, and at least one opening, orthogonal to the continuous exterior surface, with a planar shape and perimeter that will allow it to fit over an item to be covered;   a tubular frame having a plurality of members, a centerline, and a planar shape defined at the centerline;   wherein the planar shaped defined at the centerline of the tubular frame is the same planar shape as the opening of the flexible cover; and   wherein the flexible cover terminates at the tubular frame.   
     
     
         2 . The framed cover of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of members of the tubular frame have a cross-section. 
     
     
         3 . The framed cover of  claim 2 , wherein the member cross-section is a circle. 
     
     
         4 . The framed cover of  claim 2 , wherein the member cross-section is a square. 
     
     
         5 . The framed cover of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of members of the tubular frame are hollow. 
     
     
         6 . The framed cover of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of members of the tubular frame are solid. The framed cover of  claim 1 , wherein the tubular frame further comprises at least one connector, wherein the at least one connector connects at least two members of the tubular frame. 
     
     
         8 . The framed cover of claim  7 , wherein the tubular frame further comprises at least one hinge, wherein the at least one hinge connects at least two members of the tubular frame. 
     
     
         9 . The framed cover of  claim 8 , wherein the sum of connectors and hinges equals the number of members of the tubular frame. 
     
     
         10 . The framed cover of  claim 8 , wherein each hinge has a locked state and a hinged state. 
     
     
         11 . The framed cover of  claim 10 , wherein the framed cover may be collapsed by putting each hinge into its hinged state and drawing the plurality of members together. 
     
     
         12 . The framed cover of  claim 10 , wherein the flexible cover may be separated from the tubular frame and wherein the tubular frame may be collapsed by putting each hinge into its hinged state and drawing the plurality of members together. 
     
     
         13 . The framed cover of  claim 12 , wherein the collapsed tubular frame may act as a core upon which to roll the flexible cover to place the framed cover in a storable state. 
     
     
         14 . The framed cover of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible cover is water-resistant. 
     
     
         15 . The framed cover of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible cover is water-proof. 
     
     
         16 . The framed cover of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible cover is dust-proof. 
     
     
         17 . The framed cover of  claim 1 , wherein the termination of the flexible cover is achieved by durably stitching the flexible cover to itself, substantially encompassing the tubular frame. 
     
     
         18 . The framed cover of  claim 1 , wherein the termination of the flexible cover is achieved by durably gluing the flexible cover to itself, substantially encompassing the tubular frame. 
     
     
         19 . The framed cover of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of caster wheels, wherein the caster wheels are attached to the tubular frame. 
     
     
         20 . The framed cover of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible cover has two openings, with one oriented so that it terminates at the tubular frame and the other opening oriented distal to the tubular frame. 
     
     
         21 . The framed cover of  claim 20 , wherein the opening distal to the tubular frame is constructed in a fashion so that it may be closed. 
     
     
         22 . A method of covering an item with a framed cover comprising the steps of
 identifying an item to be covered;   determining the maximum planar dimensions of the item to be covered, wherein the maximum planar dimensions of the item to be covered are parallel to the surface upon with the item rests;   selecting a framed cover comprised of
 a flexible cover having a continuous interior surface, a continuous exterior surface, and at least one opening, orthogonal to the continuous exterior surface, with a planar shape and perimeter that will allow it to fit over the item to be covered; 
 a tubular frame having a plurality of members, a centerline, and a planar shape defined at the centerline; 
 wherein the planar shaped defined at the centerline of the tubular frame is the same planar shape as the opening of the flexible cover; and 
 wherein the flexible cover terminates at the tubular frame 
   orienting the planar shaped opening of the flexible cover and tubular frame allow the maximum planar dimensions of the item to be covered to pass through.   
     
     
         23 . The method of covering an item with a framed cover of  claim 22  comprising the additional steps of lowering the framed cover over the item to be covered. 
     
     
         24 . The method of covering an item with a framed cover of  claim 22  wherein the flexible cover has two openings, one terminating at the tubular frame and the other oriented distal to the tubular frame; and the method comprises the additional steps of raising the framed cover in order to cover the item to be covered. 
     
     
         25 . The method of covering an item with a framed cover of  claim 24 , comprising the additional step of closing the second opening. 
     
     
         26 . A method of assembling a framed cover suitable for cover an item comprising the steps of
 identifying an item to be cover;   measuring the maximum planar dimensions of the item to be covered, wherein the maximum planar dimensions of the item to be covered are parallel to the surface upon with the item rests;   selecting a plurality of members, at least one connector, and at least one hinge, wherein, when configured to enclose a planar area, the plurality of members, at least one connector, and at least one hinge have a perimeter and planar area that allow the maximum planar dimensions of the item to be covered to pass through;   assembling a tubular frame from the plurality of members, at least one connector, and at least one hinge, by connecting at least two members with each connector and by connecting at least two members with each hinge, wherein, when assembled, the tubular frame has a perimeter enclosing a planar area that will allow the maximum planar dimensions of the item to be covered to pass through;   connecting a flexible cover to the tubular frame, wherein the flexible cover has a continuous exterior surface and an opening that is at least as large as the perimeter of the tubular frame.