Abstract:
Protective shrouds for temporarily protecting window assemblies, bathroom fixtures, and diverse prefabricated modules used in construction. The shrouds are fabricated from translucent plastic sheet material of polypropylene or polyethylene. A lower open port is selectively blocked by a foldable ventilation panel held in a deployed state by magnets. Rear mounted adhesive strips affix the shroud to the window. Top and side strips are bifurcated to enable rapid adjustments in height and length. When the tear away strips are removed, the exposed adhesive surface is pressed upon the target structure. Slight dimensional adjustments are made by pinching the sheet together, forming creases aligned with strip bifurcations, to gather material and shorten the shroud length or width. During subsequent dry-walling, shroud edges are captivated by wall board segments. Afterwards, the exposed junction between covered shroud and adjacent sheet rock portions is cut, and the shroud is torn away and discarded.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to protective covers or masking shrouds that prevent paint, debris and the like from marring or defacing fixtures. More particularly, my invention relates to masking shrouds that can be actively deployed to at least temporarily protect window assemblies, bathroom fixtures, or other prefabricated modules installed during construction or remodeling. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   The modern building boom has been stimulated by a variety of factors, the most important one of which appears to be reduced interest rates. Residential and commercial construction rates have steadily increased over the last several years. During the last decade, sales of new residential units have approached or exceeded record levels almost every year. While the increased demand for housing has stimulated the residential construction industry, increasing jobs, profits and general activity in the area, time constraints placed upon the typical contractor have become burdensome. There is a constant rush to finish the job, as buyers are anxious to occupy new dwellings as soon as practicable. The construction boom has also created a skilled labor shortage, and in some areas, shortages of raw materials. As a result, construction costs have increased. At the same time, profit margins are constantly under threat. Successful contactors must work quickly and efficiently under constant pressure, while at the same time maintaining above-average quality control. 
   Partially as a result of the foregoing considerations, the use of various forms of prefabricated modules has become the norm in modern construction. For example, numerous bathroom and kitchen fixtures or modules exist. The trend is for units to be prefabricated as much as possible by the manufacturer, and to avoid the necessity of finishing or painting or coating these fixtures once installed. Modern bath and shower modules, for example, comprise upright, fiberglass units that need merely be placed upon subframes and then plumbed adequately for use. Windows of varying sizes and configurations are sold as separate, largely aluminum “fin frame” units that are quickly fitted to pre-configured, wooden sub-frames crafted by the carpenter at the job site and nailed into place. A variety of single-hung and double-hung sash windows are available in numerous sizes, styles and configurations. The use of fixtures and increased modularization in general enhance the contractors&#39; speed and efficiency. At the same time, certain quality control problems have been aggravated. 
   Windows, bathroom fixtures and other modular items are installed midway through the construction process. Fin frame windows are nailed into place, and afterwards they are secured in place within the subframe by dry walling. During dry wall installation, numerous separate steps are completed. The trimming and fitting steps generate dust and debris. The finishing step involves the application of drywall “mud” to smooth border and transition areas. Wet mud can spill onto adjacent, unprotected fixtures or windows. Mudding is followed by subsequent taping and sanding, and the dust generated through the process can quickly accumulate on exposed surfaces and structures. Hand tools required for the process may be inadvertently dropped onto exposed items, and surface marring or structural damage is not uncommon. Numerous other construction processes that follow add to the mess. For example, spackled ceiling finishing can result in the widespread broadcasting of spackling compound. Unprotected fixtures and windows will require vigorous cleaning before the house can be sold. 
   Compounding the foregoing problems is that workers often stand or lean upon fixtures during construction. Unshielded contact with hand tools, such as those held in worker&#39;s belts; or the application of force and weight prior to the completion of installation can cause damage. Dirty footprints can accumulate and add to the mess. Anything left unprotected is further subject to attack during the painting process, occurring during one of the last stages of construction. 
   Normally the tedious clean-up procedures executed during the end stages of interior construction mitigates the prior accumulation of dust, debris and grime. However, it can be very difficult to remove paint stains from some devices, and it is virtually impossible to remove substantial surface blemishes caused by abrasion or impact with falling tools or equipment. Sometimes expensive shower or bathroom modules are inadvertently damaged by inappropriate worker short-cuts, exemplified for example, by the common practice of temporality placing hand tools and/or paint cans within shower stalls or upon window ledges. Sometimes even rigorous cleaning efforts cannot adequately cure surface blemishes or damage, and fixture replacement is necessitated. 
   The prior art has recognized the general problem outlined above. Diverse paint and masking devices that temporality cover various interior surfaces are known. Protective drop cloths are commonly deployed to prevent damage to objects in work areas. Large drop cloths deployed from rolls may be used on walkways, patios, decks, and carpeted areas. Standard drop cloths afford reasonable protection but they have certain disadvantages. For example, cotton drop cloths are not impermeable to certain fluids, so oil-based paint can pass through and deface the covered surface. 
   Window fixtures can be masked by paper or plastic sheeting secured to the frame periphery by adhesive tape. However, such conventional masking methods are inefficient. Substantial labor must be invested during both installation and subsequent removal. In the past, individual sashes have been covered by temporary plastic panels, which must be installed and then removed in separate time-consuming steps. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 2,922,392 shows an early, well-known window masking method. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,230,738 issued Jul. 27, 1993 discloses a pliable masking device for covering a targeted area during construction activities. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,441,769 issued Aug. 15, 1995 discloses a paint mask for shielding windows while painting the mullions disposed between adjacent panes. Each mask is made of flexible, plastic sheet, and is sized to cover an individual pane of glass. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,058,340 issued Oct. 22, 1991 discloses a plastic film sheet and mounting method for shrouding large planar areas like ceilings. A plastic edge connector ultrasonically welded about the periphery of the region being protected grasps edges of the shroud. Heat is applied to tightly stretch the shroud into the desired position. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,266,390 issued Nov. 30, 1993 discloses a plastic dropcloth comprising a layer of polypropylene film bonded to an intermediate layer comprising either polyethylene or polypropylene film. The polypropylene film absorbs and resists hydrocarbon liquids such as paint, wood stains, paint thinners, solvents and the like. In manufacture, the layers are fusion bonded together via heating units and pressure rollers. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,658,632 issued Aug. 19, 1997 discloses a masking strip equipped with adhesive for affixation to various structures. The mask is first placed over an area to be protected, and a desired portion of the adhesive strip is peeled back to enable custom affixation. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,263,355 issued Apr. 21, 1981 sets forth a paint shield for masking a carpet or floor edges. The paint shield is formed from sections of a flat strip of resilient material packaged in a roll. The strip is rolled flat and springs back to shape when unwound from the roll. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,143,392 issued Nov. 7, 2000 discloses a drop cloth especially configured for railings and banisters. An elongated, protective cover is fabricated from a strip of plastic or treated canvas. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,165,269 issued Dec. 26, 2000 presents a kit for masking door and room hardware during painting. A variety of masks are configured for specific pieces of hardware, such as door hinges, door knobs, dead bolts, wall outlets and electric switches. A tapered cross section portion of each mask creates a fine edge which closely fits into the joint between the hardware and the door or wall. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,468,538 issued Nov. 21, 1995 discloses a paint masking kit for windows and a method for masking windows. The masking kit comprises a plurality of reusable window balance covers for covering a header and balance portions of a window and a predetermined amount of plastic sheet material for covering each sash. Reusable plastic sheet material is applied over glass portions of the window. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,816,305 issued Oct. 6, 1998 discloses a method for protecting an object during application of a fluid onto a surface, and a drop cloth having a first layer made of non-woven fabric material and a second layer of plastic. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,330,814 issued Jul. 19, 1994 describes a protective cover pad having a backing sheet with a layer of adhesive and a removable strip of a flexible foam material, which is peelable from the adhesive surface. The strip of foam-like material has a greater thickness than the backing sheet and a greater width than either of the side portions of the backing sheet. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,103,593 issued Apr. 14, 1992 discloses a door shield for temporarily covering a door during construction. A polymeric rear layer mounts an accordion-pleated forward surface formed of parallel ribs to provide impact resistance. Magnetic and adhesive members are coextensively formed at a rear perimeter of the door for adherence of the structure to the door. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,921,028 issued May 1, 1990 discloses a door hardware cover that can protect knobs and locks. A plastic sheet is adhesively attached to the base of the door hardware. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,398,495 issued Aug. 16, 1983 discloses a thin, sheet-like paint shield comprising intersecting longitudinal and transverse creases. The crease arrangement enables the shield to be conformed about irregular volumes such as corner moldings or the like. By flexing the shield about its longitudinal crease, the bent portion automatically snaps back into a coplanar relationship with the remaining portion of the sheet so that its maximum longitudinal length is again available for shielding while painting. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,042,656 issued Aug. 27, 1991 provides a door-shield in the form of a disposable envelope that functions as a protective sheath. The door to be protected is sandwiched between sheath sides. The envelopes are formed as large plastic and paper sheaths are pulled onto the edge of a door opposite the door edge hinged to the frame. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,921,282 issued Jul. 13, 1999 discloses a disposable protective cover for exposed plumbing fixtures. 
   In view of the foregoing, it is apparent that a low-maintenance, temporary protective shroud for the various fixtures or modules discussed, that may be easily deployed and then removed by the contractor when interior construction is completed, would be desirable. An adequate shroud must be light-weight, protective, durable, tear-resistant, and liquid-proof. It must not interfere with the ability of the contractor or subcontractors to efficiently carry out their missions. Preferably, a single size must fit a variety of applications, and quick adjustments to shroud size must be possible at the job site without time-consuming measuring and cutting. Once interior construction or remodeling is complete, the shroud must be removable as fast as possible. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention provides a shroud system for protecting window fixture, bathroom fixtures, shower modules, and other prefabricated items during construction. 
   My new protective shrouds are quickly fitted to conventional window assemblies, bathroom fixtures, prefabricated modules or the like. During the many facets of construction, any object upon which one of my shrouds has been deployed is isolated and protected from dust, debris, and inadvertent injury. Not only is cleanliness maintained, but damages from contact with humans or tools or spilled liquids like paint, dry wall mud, or the like is avoided. After interior construction is substantially completed, the shroud is easily and quickly removed simply by cutting, and after tearing away and discarding the shroud body, no trace is left of the shroud. 
   The preferred window shroud is generally rectangular, and is made from resilient plastic sheets of polypropylene or polyethylene. Preferably the shroud is translucent, so the window framework is clearly visible after installation. The preferred arrangement has a lower open port that is selectively blocked by a foldable panel. This panel may be temporarily disposed in an open configuration, exposing the port, by a set of magnets that hold it in a deployed position. The flexible ventilation panel is also translucent. 
   The shroud comprises a number of back-mounted, adhesive tear-away strips that affix it to the window. When the tear away strips are removed, the exposed adhesive surface is pressed upon the window structure. However, to properly fit the window fixture to be protected, slight adjustments to shroud height and width may quickly be made, without time-consuming measuring or cutting steps. Importantly, the adhesive strip on the top rear of the shroud and at least one side strip are bifurcated. In other words, the composite strip along these regions is divided into two segments, with a seam or crease disposed therebetween. One piece of the strip comprises a corner segment, mounted at the rear of one upper corner. The adjoining strip segments start proximate the corner segment and extend substantially the entire length of the top or that side. The two “bifurcated” adhesive strip segments enable the gathering of sheet material by manually pinching the sheet together, to shrink it in width or length to fit the desired target window. Once installed, dry-walling may commence, and edge pieces of the shroud are thereby captivated and sandwiched permanently against portions of the window frame by various dry wall segments. After dry-walling, the exposed junction between covered shroud and adjacent sheet rock portions may be cut. This junction is smoothed over and treated with dry-wall mud for cosmetic effects. The shroud may then be torn away, removed, and discarded. A clean, undamaged and unmarred window fixture remains. 
   Thus a basic object of my invention is to provide a low cost shroud for shielding, windows, fixtures, modules and the like from dust, debris and overspray during construction. 
   A related object is to isolate windows, modules, fixtures and the like from damages that might result from contact with workers, or miscellaneous construction tools used during construction. 
   It is also an object of the present invention to provide a new and useful method for protecting windows, various surfaces and fixtures from fluids including paint and other compounds or mixtures comprising hydrocarbon solvents. 
   Moreover, it is an important object of my invention to protect otherwise-exposed surfaces of windows from debris and damages that might occur during construction activities. 
   It is still another object of the present invention to provide a protective shroud for windows and bathroom fixtures that may be easily adjusted during installation to snugly fit a variety of sizes, shapes and configurations. 
   A related object of this invention to provide a protective shroud of the character described that may be quickly and easily removed once construction is substantially finished. 
   Another important object of my invention is to provide a protective shroud for windows of the character described that readily facilitates the temporary opening of sash windows, so that the workers may be provided with adequate ventilation, even though the shroud is properly in place protecting the fixture. 
   Yet another object it to provide a highly durable shroud of the character described that is light-weight, puncture-resistant, and rapidly deployable. 
   A related object of my invention is to provide a shroud that is highly drapable. 
   Another important object is to enable the installer to adjust shroud height and width quickly without time-consuming measuring or cutting steps. 
   It is also an object of my invention to provide new and useful methods for protecting construction items such as fixtures, modules, windows and the like through the shroud techniques described. 
   These and other objects and advantages of the present invention, along with features of novelty appurtenant thereto, will appear or become apparent in the course of the following descriptive sections. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In the following drawings, which form a part of the specification and which are to be construed in conjunction therewith, and in which like reference numerals have been employed throughout wherever possible to indicate like parts in the various views: 
       FIG. 1  is an exploded, fragmentary isometric view showing a double sash, fin-frame window partially installed within a sub-frame, with a window shroud constructed in accordance with the best mode of the invention situated proximate the window and ready for installation; 
       FIG. 2  is a fragmentary, isometric view showing the double sash window of  FIG. 1  partially installed; 
       FIG. 3  is a fragmentary, isometric view showing the double sash window of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
       FIG. 4  is an enlarged fragmentary, isometric view of the corner region of the window and its frame, with portions thereof broken away for clarity; 
       FIG. 5  is a fragmentary isometric view similar to  FIG. 4 , but showing the exposed top of the window and the top of the shroud; 
       FIG. 6  is a greatly enlarged, fragmentary isometric view of the front left corner region of the window as seen in  FIG. 5 , showing width and height adjustments, and with certain portions greatly exaggerated in size for clarity; 
       FIG. 7  is a frontal isometric view of the preferred window shroud, with the lower panel closed, as it appears with preliminary width and height adjustments; 
       FIG. 8  is a rear view of the preferred window shroud, showing the adhesive strips and tape used for affixation and fitting adjustments; 
       FIG. 9  is an isometric view similar to  FIG. 8  showing the window shroud, with the lower panel deflected to an “open” position; 
       FIG. 10  is an isometric view showing the window shroud properly fitted to a window, with the lower shroud panel folded upwardly to expose the lower window sash; 
       FIG. 11  is an enlarged, longitudinal sectional view taken generally along line  11 — 11  of  FIG. 9 , with portions thereof broken away for clarity or omitted for brevity; 
       FIG. 12  is an enlarged sectional view taken generally along line  12 — 12  of  FIG. 9 , with portions thereof broken away for clarity or omitted for brevity; 
       FIG. 13  is an enlarged sectional view taken generally along line  13 — 13  of  FIG. 9 , with portions thereof broken away for clarity or omitted for brevity; 
       FIG. 14  is an enlarged plan view taken generally along line  14 — 14  of  FIG. 9 , with portions thereof broken away for clarity or omitted for brevity; 
       FIG. 15  is an enlarged, fragmentary sectional view taken generally along line  15 — 15  of  FIG. 4 , with portions thereof broken away for clarity or omitted for brevity; 
       FIG. 16  is an isometric view of a fiberglass tub and shower fixture that is to be installed according to the invention; 
       FIG. 17  is a fragmentary isometric view of a protective shroud that is to be attached to the fixture of  FIG. 16 ; 
       FIG. 18  is a fragmentary isometric view of a fiberglass tub and shower fixture that has my protective shroud installed; 
       FIG. 19  is a fragmentary, enlarged and exploded isometric view showing the installed shroud; and, 
       FIG. 20  is a fragmentary isometric view showing the shroud-equipped fixture being framed during installation. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Turning initially to  FIGS. 1-6  of the appended drawings, my new protective window shroud has been generally designated by the reference numeral  30 . It is adapted to be fitted to a conventional window assembly  32  during construction. Once fitted properly, as hereinafter described, frame construction around the window, including dry-wall construction and the like, proceeds non-destructively, and the window is protected from unwanted contact with dirt and debris. After interior construction is substantially completed, the shroud  30  may be quickly removed, revealing a clean and undamaged window fixture. 
   For informational purposes, the window assembly  32  comprises a conventional dual sash, fin frame window  34 . A generally rectangular window frame  36  is formed from extruded aluminum pieces in a desired configuration, with a conventional size and aspect ratio. The upper horizontal span has been designated by the reference numeral  37 , and that spans&#39; upper surface has been designated by the reference numeral  37 A (FIGS.  4  and  6 ). The flat, inwardly facing vertical surface of the upper horizontal span has been designated by the reference numeral  37 B ( FIGS. 2 ,  4 ). 
   The leftmost vertical span has been designated by the reference numeral  39 , and its outer surface has been designated by the reference numeral  39 A (FIG.  6 ). Those familiar with the art will note that a thin, peripheral “fin”  40  is disposed at the exterior side of the window, comprising a vertical portion  40 A ( FIGS. 4 ,  6 ) that borders span surface  37 A, and contiguous and integral vertical portions  40 B that adjoin surface  39 A. This step-like, notched profile enables mounting within a receptive region of a wooden subframe to be described hereinafter. Fin  40  has a plurality spaced apart orifices  41  through which conventional nails  43  ( FIG. 4 ) may be driven to mount the assembly within the wooden subframe. 
   The window frame  36  houses a fixed upper sash  45 , and a vertically displaceable lower sash  47 . In some configurations, both the upper and lower sashes are displaceable. Each sash has a plurality of individual glass panes  50  disposed between alternate vertical mullions  52  and horizontal mullions  54  (FIGS.  1  and  2 ). Of course it should be recognized that single pane sashes exist as well. Moreover, single sash units are common, and the invention has equal utility when used with various window units of multiple configurations and sizes. 
   The fin frame window  34  is seated within an appropriate subframe  60 , framed with conventional wooden pieces recognized by those skilled in the art. An upper, horizontal header  62  forms the top of the subassembly. It comprises a pair of transversely extending, spaced apart and parallel two by ten pieces  63 ,  64  ( FIGS. 2 ,  4 ). A transverse two by four piece  66  ( FIGS. 2 ,  4 ) extends across the bottom of the header  62 , beneath pieces  63  and  64 . When the window is nested into the subframe, the windows top surface  37 A ( FIG. 6 ) will snugly contact the underside of header piece  66 . The bottom of the subframe  60  is formed by a lower two by four piece  68  ( FIG. 2 ) which is spaced apart from and parallel with upper header pieces  63 ,  64  and  66 . 
   The parallel, left and right sides  70 ,  71  respectively of the subframe  60  are made of twin, two by four cripples. For example, the left side  70  comprises an outer, vertical cripple  73  that extends vertically between and beyond the upper and lower header pieces  66  and  68 . However the inner cripple  74  is flushly parallel with outer cripple  73 . Cripple  74  extends from lower, transverse header piece  68  to the underside of upper header piece  66  (FIG.  2 ). The fin frame  40  (i.e.,  FIGS. 2 ,  6 ) will flushly abut sides  70 ,  71  in assembly; further, it will abut the vertical outer edge  39 A ( FIG. 6 ) of the window frame after assembly. Nails  43  (i.e.,  FIG. 2 ) will be driven through fin frame orifices  41  when the window unit is mated to the subframe  60 . 
   As best seen in  FIG. 4 , after the window unit is seated within and fastened to the subframe  60 , dry walling will commence. Portions of typical drywall are illustrated, for purposes to become clear later. There is a transverse piece of drywall  82  extending horizontally across the window, beneath the header  66 . The inner edge of drywall header piece  82  abuts the exposed vertical surface  37 B of the window previously discussed. It extends across the top of the window to complete the framing. A span of sheet rock  84  oriented in the vertical plane extends across the side. Similarly, flat trim pieces  86  and  87  complete the sheet rocking. Similarly, the remainder of the framing is bordered by the larger adjacent wall board segment  84 . 
   The details relating to sheet rock construction techniques and dry-wall installation configurations will be appreciated by those with skill in the art; however, the point is that the shroud  30  unobtrusively fits in with the sheet rock process as hereinafter explained. As will also be appreciated, the sheet rock work and other constructions steps performed interiorly of the structure being erected generates considerable dust and waste products, and it is desirable to protect the aluminum window fixture to keep it as clean as possible. Shroud  30  has thus been configured to “interfit” within the framing and drywall structure just discussed. Stated another way, the shroud  30  mates with the window assembly  32  and, without hindering the normal construction routine, protects the window from damage and keeps it clean. Importantly the shroud  30  does not interfere with operation of the lower sash—i.e., when protected by the shroud during construction, the window may yet be opened if desired. When the necessary construction steps are substantially completed, the shroud is quickly removed as explained hereinafter. 
   With joint reference now directed to FIGS.  1  and  6 - 8 , the preferred window shroud  30  is generally rectangular, and is preferably made from resilient plastic, ideally polypropylene or polyethylene sheet. In the best mode the shroud is translucent, but in some circumstances darkly colored or opaque variations may be desirable. The top  100  is parallel and spaced apart from bottom  102 , with the right and left sides  104 ,  106  respectively extending vertically therebetween. In the preferred embodiment the shroud  30  has a deflectable, lower ventilation panel  108  attached to it along crease  109  that covers an open port  110 . This rectangular port  110  provides an opening for ventilation, needed when the window being covered is opened during construction. Optional ventilation panel  108  is also made of resilient and translucent plastic sheet. A pair of spaced apart magnets  112  and  113  are attached near the bottom of panel  108 . A second pair of magnets  114 , and  115  are disposed near the top of shroud  30 , in similar spaced apart relation. Magnets  114 ,  115  are mounted with their magnetic polarity reversed, so they will attract and releasably hold magnets  112 ,  113  when the ventilation flap is opened. When flap  108  is gently lifted up to expose the port.  110 , the panel magnets  112 ,  113  can be pushed into temporary binding contact with magnets  114 ,  115  that will hold the panel open, as in FIG.  9 . On the other hand, when the ventilation panel is “down” (i.e., the port  110  is blocked by panel  108 ), magnets  112 ,  113  are strongly attracted to magnets  117 ,  119  (FIG.  9 ). This third pair of magnets is spaced similarly to the others for alignment purposes, and is located near the bottom  102  of the shroud. 
   The shroud is preferably pressed upon and adhesively mounted to the window structure. A plurality of peel-away adhesive strips are formed at the back of the shroud along the top  100 , bottom  102 , and along sides  104 ,  106 . To properly fit the window fixture to be shrouded, the installer must be able to make slight adjustments to shroud height and width, preferably without time-consuming measuring or cutting steps. Therefore an important height and width adjustment means is incorporated into the preferred design. 
   Noting  FIG. 8 , there is an elongated peel-away adhesive strip portion  120  extending substantially along the length of the top  100 . A similar, linearly aligned corner portion  122  ( FIG. 8 ) substantially completes the extent across the top back of the shroud, bordering portion  120  and forming a small crease or gap  125  therebetween. The combined total strip at the shroud top  100  comprising axially aligned portions  120  and  122  is thus “bifurcated” into two segments. Similarly there is a vertically oriented peel-away adhesive strip portion  128  aligned with left side  106  (FIG.  8 ), which borders corner portion  127  along adjacent horizontal crease or gap  129  (FIG.  8 ). As before, the combined total strip at the shroud side  106  comprising portions  127  and  128  is thus “bifurcated” into two segments. The crease or gap between the axially aligned strip portions  127  and  128  makes folding or gathering easier during dimensional adjustments. However, the unitary adhesive strips  130 ,  132  ( FIG. 8 ) at the bottom rear and right rear side of the shroud need not be bifurcated. Horizontal crease  129  ( FIG. 8 ) at the shroud rear is aligned with and parallel to elongated, horizontal gathered portion  129 B ( FIG. 6 ) at the front of the shroud, that results from pinching during dimensional adjustment. Similarly, vertical crease  125  (FIG.  8 ), that separates strip portions  122 ,  120 , the formation of the elongated, vertical gathered portion  125 B at the front of the shroud in FIG.  8 . The pinched, or gathered portions  125 B and/or  129 B ( FIG. 6 ) result from width or length adjustments, and their formation is aided by the fact that the strips are bifurcated i.e., the corner portion  122  may be deployed first while dimensional approximations are made mentally during prefitting. Then, when the approximately correct size is gauged, by manually pinching together and gathering the sheet material (i.e., changing the size of gathered regions  125 B,  129 B) strip portions  120  and  128  may be deployed, first by removing their outer tape coverings, and then by pressing the exposed adhesive against the aligned window surface previously discussed. 
   In other words, when the shroud  30  is installed, the adhesive strips are used for mounting. The peel away covering  133  ( FIG. 8 ) is removed as desired. Preferably the corner piece is activated first, and the shroud  30  is pressed up against the horizontal window span  37  ( FIG. 1 ) against the flat, exposed, vertically span surface  37 B ( FIG. 4 ) of the window. When merely the corner of the shroud is thus attached, portions of the sheet material may be grasped and pinched together, forming the gathered ridges  125 B,  129 B ( FIG. 6 ) that “take in” material to contract the width or length as desired for the job site. By suitably pinching the sheet together to form these gathered regions  125 B,  129 B of varying dimensions, the shroud will thus be customized into an exact “fit.” Then the backing sheet on the longer adjacent adhesive strip portions  120 ,  128  ( FIG. 8 ) may be removed for installing the shroud. Of course, adhesive strips  130 ,  133  may then be deployed in a like manner, so that the shroud  30  its up against the window. 
   Noting  FIGS. 3-5 , the shroud is installed after the window fixture (and after the window&#39;s subframe is made) but before the sheet-rock is placed. It will be noted from  FIG. 4  particularly that edges of the shroud  30  are captivated or sandwiched against the window structure by various sheet-rock pieces. For example, in  FIG. 4  edge portions of the shroud  30  are covered by the edges of sheet rock pieces  82  and  87 . Once internal construction is completed, the seam formed between the junction regions of the shroud and drywall pieces (such as pieces  82 ,  84  in  FIG. 4 ) is cut manually by a suitable bladed tool, like a box-cutter. The exposed junction that has just been cut may be smoothed over by drywall mud. Then the remainder of the shroud is torn out of the fixture and discarded, yielding a clean, undamaged window. Afterwards, even a careful inspection of the window reveals no visible evidence that the shroud was used. In other words, the peripheral shroud segments left behind after cutting do not mar the appearance of the window assembly  32 . 
   With reference to  FIGS. 16-20 , an alternative embodiment of my shroud system is to be described. The protective shroud  200  (i.e.,  FIGS. 17-19 ) is adapted to be fitted to a conventional bathtub and shower fixture during its installation and subsequent construction work to prevent its surface from being marred or scratched by falling debris, paint cans, or by equipment including miscellaneous tools and supplies or the like placed upon it during construction. For example, a conventional prefabricated bath and shower assembly  202  ( FIG. 16 ) is to be protected by the shroud  200  which is protectively placed upon it prior to framing as hereinafter described. Once properly installed, fixture  202  is protected. And, as before, upon completion of the dwelling or room construction, shroud  200  is quickly removed and disposed of, revealing a clean and unblemished bathroom fixture  202 . 
   The conventional bathroom fixture  202  ( FIG. 16 ) comprises a conventional tub  204  of generally parallelepiped dimensions. Tub  204  has a bottom floor  206  surrounded by internal ends  208 , and internal walls  210 , the tops of which are surmounted by a circumferential ledge  212 . Outer, lower, rectangular tub surface  213  faces the viewer. The attached and adjacent shower casing  214  comprises spaced apart, upright walls  216 ,  218 , and  221  that surround the lower tub  204 . These walls rise upwardly to a circumferential upper ledge  225  that is adjacent to a surrounding, peripheral mounting flange  228 . When the framing elements are thereafter deployed during fixture installation, they will abut ledge  225  and flange  228 , as is well recognized in the art. Thus, as illustrated generally in  FIG. 20 , fixture  202  will be flushly surrounded by conventional framing  222  and drywall construction  230  (FIG.  20 ). Substantially contemporaneously with framing, the fixture  202  will be plumbed. All of the latter constructions operations generate appreciable dust and debris, and numerous finishing tools are used during the process. Without installing my shroud  200 , the fixture can become marred or damaged. 
   The preferred shroud  200  is made of translucent plastic sheeting and shipped in packages of multiple disposable shrouds. A seen best in  FIG. 17 , a typical shroud  200  comprises adjoining, integral panels  233 ,  234  and  235 . Panels  233  and  234  have top edges  233 A and  234 A respectively, with outer terminal lateral edges  233 B and  234 B respectively. Inner panel  235  has an upper edge  235 A (i.e., FIG.  17 ). These edges have first runs of removable, bifurcated adhesive tape strips  240 ,  241  (i.e.,  FIG. 19 ) that meet in a junction comprising a separation region  243 . When peeled off from the broken connecting point at the junction region  243 , the strips  240 ,  241  are peeled back and discarded, revealing an adhesively coated region  247  ( FIG. 19 ) of the edges that is adapted to be affixed to the exposed fixture flange region  228 . Concurrently with the removal of the bifurcated adhesive strips  240 ,  241 , an intermediate area may be gathered to produce gathered flaps  250 , that enable the user to quickly approximately adjust the length and width of the deployed shroud, so as to properly cover the fixture  202  for subsequent construction work. The outer lateral edges have a second set of tape runs, having a split junction forming a separation region  247  between adjacent tape segments  248 ,  249 . This enables quick access to the strip ends, so that the tape strips can be pealed away to expose an adhesive surface along both lateral vertical ends of the panels  233 ,  234  (FIG.  17 ). This enables gathered flaps  250 A,  250 B (i.e.,  FIG. 18 ) to be manipulated for adjusting the approximate vertical dimension of the shroud panels. 
   With construction substantially finished, immediately prior to dry wall caulking exposed edges, the shroud  200  may be cut along boundary  256  (i.e.,  FIG. 20 ) with an appropriate knife or box-cutter. Once ripped away and disposed of, the shroud yields a clean and unmarred fixture. 
   From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to obtain all the ends and objects herein set forth, together with other advantages which are inherent to the structure. 
   It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. 
   As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.