Patent Publication Number: US-2022225804-A1

Title: Portable and modular cover

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/139,765 filed on Jan. 20, 2021, and entitled “Portable and Modular Cover,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a cover, and more particularly, to a portable modular cover that may be assembled outdoors to keep insects and/or the elements from contacting food or other items spread out across small or large areas, and that may also be disassembled for ease of storage and transport. 
     2. Background 
     Eating outdoors is a common pastime, be it a picnic lunch, backyard barbeque, camping, or special outdoor event. But regardless of the occasion, to protect food and gear from the elements such as insects and pests, sand, dust, pollen, the sun, rain, or an ill-timed sneeze or cough, many rely on makeshift food covers that may be flimsy, difficult to keep in place under certain conditions, are too small, or are visually unattractive. 
     The present invention provides solutions through multiple embodiments for a portable and modular cover that are lightweight, durable, easy to assemble, and easy to travel with for virtually any outdoor occasion. 
     When disassembled, the modular covers of embodiments of the present invention can easily fit within any suitable carrying case for ease of transport. And assembling the components together can be done on the fly at any outdoor event without requiring extraneous tools such as wrenches or screwdrivers. As a result, the present invention provides on-the-go and portable covers for food or other items that not only protects such items from outdoor pests or weather, but may also provide a visually attractive covering that can be customized for a variety of personal tastes and occasions. 
     The present invention opens and closes with ease to minimize exposure of food or other contents when accessing. Other optional accessories such as internal light fixtures can accommodate its use at evening outdoor events. 
     OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This summary is not intended to identify or point to essential features or limit the scope of the subject matter now or later claimed based on the disclosure herein. The present invention relates to a portable modular cover and methods to protect, store, cover, and display food or other items, with certain embodiments achieving one or more of the following objectives: 
     To facilitate ease of assembly and disassembly of the cover without use of any extraneous tools such as wrenches or screwdrivers; 
     To enable size adjustments to accommodate food or other items of various sizes, shapes, and quantities; 
     To minimize storage space and facilitate portability of the disassembled cover in a carrying case; 
     To protect food or other items in a closed configuration of the cover from insects, rain, sun, wind, morning dew, pollen, dust, pollutants, and/or other debris; 
     To enable quick switching of the cover between open and closed configurations in which food or other items spread out over small or large surface areas may be intermittently and swiftly accessed and covered in an outdoor environment; 
     To provide a cover configurable to an open configuration which allows access to food or other items spread out over a small or large surface area, and a closed configuration which both protects and displays the food or other items through a transparent or perforated protective covering over the small or large surface area; and 
     To prevent or minimize movement or disruption of the cover or items stored therein by wind or other elements in an outdoor setting. 
     In accordance with one aspect of certain embodiments of the invention, a cover apparatus includes a top assembly pivotally and detachably coupled to a bottom assembly, and a protective covering detachably coupled to the top assembly. The bottom assembly includes a bottom frame with a plurality of detachable members and at least one bracket and hinge portion coupled to the bottom frame. The bottom frame is configured for placement on a substantially horizontal surface, and defines an interior space for receiving food and other items. 
     The top assembly in certain embodiments may include a top-peripheral frame with a plurality of detachable members, a plurality of brackets, and a top-center frame. The top-center frame includes a center member and a plurality of transverse members extending between and detachably coupled to the plurality of brackets of the top-peripheral frame and the center member. The protective covering detachably couples to the top-peripheral frame, and is supported and shaped by the top-center frame. During operation, the top assembly and attached protective covering are pivotable together about the bottom assembly to move the cover between open and closed configurations. 
     In certain embodiments, the plurality of transverse members of the top-center frame are each spring biased toward a straight elongated orientation in a relaxed unloaded state. During assembly, the plurality of transverse members of the top-center frame are each bendable into an arcuate shape when connected to the center member and one of the plurality of brackets of the top-peripheral frame, and thus are in compression when operatively disposed between the center member and the top-peripheral frame. Once assembled, the transverse members can define convex outer surfaces which support the protective covering, thereby providing additional clearance between the protective covering and food or other items placed within the cover. In certain embodiments, the transverse members may converge at the center member and diverge toward corner brackets of the top-peripheral frame, and may be used to adjust the height of the protective covering relative to the base frame depending on the spacing or footprint utilized for the base frame. 
     In certain embodiments, a cover apparatus or assembly comprises a bottom frame and a top frame, each comprising a plurality of members that are advantageously and rotatably coupled together to facilitate ease of compact transport when disassembled. Transverse members or rods in a loaded state may define a domed convex area upon which a protective covering can extend over. The protective covering may wrap around both the bottom frame and top frame to form a surface underneath the bottom frame that facilitates the placement of food or other items thereon. 
     Various other objects, advantages, features, and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of related structural elements, and the combination of parts and economies of development and manufacture, will become readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon consideration of the detailed description below with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A further understanding of the present invention can be obtained by reference to preferred embodiments set forth in the illustrations of the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of this invention, but merely to clarify and exemplify the invention. Accordingly, a more complete appreciation of the present invention and many of the attendant aspects thereof may be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an assembled cover in an open configuration in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side perspective view of the cover of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the cover of  FIG. 1  in a closed configuration; 
         FIG. 4A  is a top perspective view of a bottom assembly of the cover of  FIG. 1 , showing detachable components thereof; 
         FIG. 4B  is an illustration showing several top views of different embodiments of a bottom frame of the bottom assembly, which may include one or more detachably coupled intermediary pieces; 
         FIG. 4C  is an illustration showing a top view of a rear corner bracket of the top-peripheral assembly, and a gas spring coupled to the rear corner bracket and mounted to the bottom frame, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 4D  is a top perspective view of a gas spring mount and a rear corner hinge affixed to a rear corner member of the bottom frame of the bottom assembly; 
         FIG. 4E  is a perspective view of a mounting bracket attached to the bottom frame, with a first end of the gas spring coupled thereto, and a second end of the gas spring attached to a corner bracket of the top-peripheral assembly, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 4F  is an illustration showing a cut side view and a cut side perspective view of a clip attachment mounting the base frame of the cover to a table; 
         FIG. 5A  is a front perspective exploded view of the top-peripheral frame of the top assembly, including front and rear corner brackets and peripheral front, rear, and side rods which detachably couple to the front and rear corner brackets; 
         FIG. 5B  is an illustration showing several top views of different embodiments of the top-peripheral frame of the top assembly, including one or more detachably coupled intermediary pieces; 
         FIG. 5C  is an enlarged perspective view of a rear corner bracket of the top-peripheral assembly of the cover; 
         FIG. 5D  is an enlarged perspective view of a rear corner bracket of the top-peripheral frame, with peripheral and transverse rods attached thereto; 
         FIG. 5E  is a cut side view of a portion of the top and bottom assemblies connected to one another via a rear corner bracket of the top assembly and a rear corner hinge and bracket of the bottom assembly affixed to a rear corner member of the base frame, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 6A  is a front perspective exploded view of the top-center frame and front and rear corner brackets of the top-peripheral frame, showing the transversely extending rods in a relaxed unassembled state; 
         FIG. 6B  is an illustration showing several top views of various embodiments of the top-center frame, including one or more detachably coupled intermediary pieces, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 6C  is an illustration showing top and side views of a center member (cap), with the center member defining tapered conical recesses into which respective ends of the transverse rods of the top-center frame extend; 
         FIG. 7  is an alternative embodiment of a cover assembly and an exemplary carrying case that may be used to transport the cover assembly; 
         FIGS. 8A-B  illustrate an alternative embodiment to the cover assembly of  FIG. 7  in open and closed configurations; 
         FIG. 8C  illustrates a perspective view of a gas spring that may be coupled to the embodiments illustrated in  FIG. 7  or  FIGS. 8A-B . 
         FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a cover assembly in an open configuration; 
         FIG. 10  is a front perspective view of the cover assembly of  FIG. 9  in a closed configuration; 
         FIG. 11  is a front perspective view of the cover assembly of  FIG. 9  in a closed configuration with the top portion of its protective covering removed; 
         FIG. 12  shows components of the top frame and bottom frame of the cover assembly of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 13  shows components of the top frame and bottom frame of the cover assembly of  FIG. 9  after being partially rotated about their respective hinges; 
         FIG. 14  shows components of the top frame, bottom frame, transverse detachable rods, and protective cover of the cover assembly of  FIG. 9  in a disassembled state; 
         FIG. 15  shows a protective covering for use with the cover assembly of  FIG. 9 ; 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner. Specific embodiments that may be practiced are shown by way of illustration and explanation. The embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, and it is to be understood that logical, mechanical, and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense. In describing exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology is employed for sake of clarity. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , a cover or cover assembly  100  includes a bottom assembly  101  configured for placement on top of and supported by a horizontal flat surface  120  (e.g., a picnic table, a folding table, a dining table, or a work station), a top assembly  102  pivotally coupled to bottom assembly  101 , and a protective covering  122  for protecting food or other items placed within cover assembly  100  from insects, rain, sun, wind, morning dew, pollen, dust, pollutants, and/or other debris. Cover assembly  100  may be used, for example, for backyard parties, picnics, camping, sporting events, tailgating, gardening, and other functions, either inside or outside. 
     As further explained herein, cover assembly  100  is modular and easily buildable, expandable, and contractible to accommodate varying sizes of tables and/or food or other items. Structural aspects of various brackets and connection mechanisms described herein facilitate this modularity, assembly, and disassembly of cover assembly  100  without the use of wrenches, screwdrivers, or other extraneous tools. The structural aspects described herein also allow for changes in dimensions of the cover assembly&#39;s length, width, and height, and provide stability when assembled. Use of lightweight, durable materials facilitate storage and portability of the cover assembly&#39;s components in a relatively small carrying case. During operation, cover assembly  100  can be used to quickly access and then cover various types of food before flies or other insects gain access thereto, while maintaining visibility of the food or other items in both open and closed configurations for presentation purposes. In other embodiments, protective covering  122  may be opaque and/or decorative. 
     Cover assembly  100  is configurable to an open configuration ( FIGS. 1-2 ) in which food or other items may be placed on flat surface  120  with an internal area  124  defined by bottom assembly  101 . Cover assembly  100  is also configurable to a closed configuration (FIG.  3 ) in which protective covering  122  covers any items placed within internal area  124 . One or more gas springs  103   a,    103   b  enable cover assembly  100  to stay in its open configuration without user engagement, and facilitate a smooth opening and closing of cover assembly  100 . Bottom and top assemblies  101 ,  102  are preferably pivotally coupled by one or more hinges  109 A ( FIGS. 4D, 5E ). As best shown in  FIG. 3 , in the closed configuration, top assembly  102  overlaps bottom assembly  101  along its rectangular outer periphery to ensure that food or other objects placed within cover assembly  100  are sufficiently protected from external elements. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4A  with continued reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , bottom assembly  101  includes a bottom frame  126  having elongate detachable side members  104  and elongate detachable front and rear members  105 . Elongate detachable side members  104  preferably have receiving ends  128  configured to receive narrower ends  105   a  of elongate detachable members  105  via press or interference fit. By way of example, front and rear members  105  may be configured with a tapered first end  105   a  and a second end  105   b  of the same width as an attaching secondary front or rear member  130 . Secondary detachable members  130  may be connected to opposite ends of other elongate detachable front and rear members  105 . The friction between attached elongate detachable members  104 ,  105  and secondary members  130  securely affixes them together without the need for any additional tools or hardware. Other suitable attachment mechanisms may be utilized. 
     In this manner, bottom frame  126  is expandable or reducible to increase or decrease the overall footprint or internal area  124  defined by bottom frame  126 . It will be appreciated that in certain embodiments, bottom frame  126  may be assembled using only a single pair of front and rear members  105  and a single pair of side members  104 . In certain embodiments, bottom assembly  101  includes one or more mounting brackets  108  and a hinge portion  109 A (as highlighted, for example, in  FIGS. 4D, 5E ) of plastic hardware or bracket  109  which are preferably mounted to side members  104  of bottom frame  126 . Bottom frame  126  may be made of a series of lightweight tubular PVC or similar plastic, tubular aluminum, or tubular stainless-steel members that can be connected to form a rectangular frame. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4B , bottom frame  126  may be also constructed using configurations  126   a,    126   b,    126   c.  Intermediary members  106  are utilized to increase the modularity of bottom frame  126  and enable resizing of the overall footprint of cover  100 . As shown, bottom frame  126   a  does not have any intermediary members  106  attached thereto, bottom frame  126   b  has two intermediary members  106  attached thereto, and bottom frame  126   c  has four intermediary members  106  attached thereto. In this manner, optional intermediate detachable members  106  may be utilized to increase or decrease the width of bottom frame  126 , and by extension, the overall interior area  124   a,    124   b,    124   c  for receiving food items. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4C , bottom assembly  101  further includes a rear corner bracket  107  attached to gas spring  103 . Rear corner bracket  107  may be made of plastic and manufactured via injection molding,  3 D printing, or resin casting. Alternatively, bracket  107  may be made of metal which is preferably lightweight so as not to significantly increase the weight of cover  100  when carried in an unassembled state. Gas spring  103  attaches at a first end  103   c  to rear corner bracket  107 , and at a second end  103   d  to mounting bracket  108 , which is mounted by one or more screws  132  to side member  104  of bottom frame  126 . Preferably, corner bracket  107  and mounting bracket  108  remain affixed to side member  104  even when cover assembly  100  is disassembled in order to simplify assembly and disassembly and avoid the need for extraneous tools or hardware. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4D-4E , as discussed above, mounting bracket  108  may be formed from plastic or other suitable material, and may be more permanently (yet still detachably) affixed to side member  104  via screws  132 . Mounting bracket  108  and rear corner bracket  107  (further discussed below—see also,  FIG. 2 ) of top assembly  102  are used to secure gas spring  103  and rear corner bracket  107  into place. For example, first end  103   d  of gas spring  103  fits over and preferably snaps onto a knob portion  134  of plastic hardware  108 . Gas spring  103  preferably snap fits to mounting bracket  108  and rear corner bracket  107  (by way of knob portion  107 C as shown in  FIG. 5C ). A side portion of rear corner bracket  107  can fit over a rotating hinge portion  109 A of plastic hardware  109 , whereby top assembly  102  can pivot relative to bottom assembly  101  to move cover  100  from the open configuration to the closed configuration, with gas spring  103  providing a dampening force during closing, and a retaining force once cover  100  is open until manually pulled closed. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4F , in certain embodiments, a hold down clip  110  is provided which may hook around a portion of, for example, front member (or other elongate member)  105  of bottom frame  126  of bottom assembly  101 . Hold down clip  110  may include a spring biased bottom retaining portion  136  having a top flange  137  compressible underneath an underside surface  138  of, for example, a tabletop edge or other edge having thickness sufficient to compress top flange  137  relative to a bottom flange  139  thereof. Retaining portion  136  is thus spring biased toward a more open configuration, and grips underside surface  138  with grips  139 A when hold down clip  110  is hooked to the table. Hold down clip  110  also includes an L-shaped top portion  140  configured to hook onto elongate member  105  by press or interference fit, and a straight portion  142  connecting L-shaped top portion  140  and retaining portion  136 . Straight portion  142  extends generally flush with a side edge defined by a side of elongate member  105  and the table as shown. It will be appreciated that hold down clip  110  functions to help secure cover assembly  100  in place on the table or working surface on which it is placed. Multiple hold down clips  110  may be utilized. In other embodiments, straps, Velcro, or other suitable hold down mechanisms may be utilized. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5A , top assembly  102  includes a top-peripheral assembly (also described herein as a top-peripheral frame)  144  having rear corner brackets  107 , front corner brackets  111 , and a plurality of detachable members or rods  102 A. Detachable rods  102 A may be configured as elongate tubular members which threadably engage with tubular receiving sections defined by corner brackets  107  and front corner brackets  111  to form a rectangular peripheral edge to which protective covering  122  ( FIGS. 1-3 ) is attached. Detachable rods  102 A may be resilient or spring biased and bendable, but preferably maintain their substantially straight configuration in both assembled and disassembled configurations of the cover assembly  100 . In certain embodiments, rods  102 A may be lightweight fiberglass rods. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5B , top-peripheral frame  144  may be constructed using configurations  144   a,    144   b,    144   c.  Front and rear corner brackets  111 ,  107  are shown schematically. Intermediary members  146  are utilized to increase the modularity of top peripheral frame  144  and enable resizing thereof in harmony with the overall footprint of bottom frame  126  ( FIG. 4B ). As shown, top-peripheral frame  144   a  does not have any intermediary members  146  attached thereto, top-peripheral frame  144   b  has two intermediary members  146  attached thereto, and top-peripheral frame  144   c  has four intermediary members attached thereto. In this manner, optional intermediary members  146  may be utilized to increase or decrease the width of top-peripheral frame  144 . In certain embodiments, detachable rods  102   a  and intermediary members  146  are threadably engaged with one another as shown. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5C , rear corner bracket  107  of top-peripheral frame  144  includes hollow tubular sections  107 A defining channels  107 A( 1 ),  107 A( 2 ) configured to receive corresponding end portions of detachable rods  102 A of top-peripheral frame  144 , hollow tubular section  107 B defining channel  107 B( 1 ) configured to receive a transverse member of top-center frame  160  (further discussed below with respect to  FIG. 6A ), and knob portion  107 C over which an upper portion of gas spring  103  snap fits. Rear corner bracket  107  additionally includes a flange portion  148  which connects and maintains a rigid relative orientation of tubular sections  107 A,  107 B. 
     In certain embodiments, channel  107 B( 1 ) and/or tubular section  107 B of rear corner bracket  107  may be conically shaped and configured to receive an end of transverse member  102 B of the top-center frame  160  ( FIG. 6A ) of top assembly  102 . Such conical shape of channel  107 B( 1 ) allows for movement of an end of a transverse member  102 B lodged or wedged therein, and/or expansion or contraction thereof. 
     Cam locks (not shown) may be provided which interface to rear corner bracket  107  and front corner bracket  111  to lock them to transverse detachable rods  102 B of top-center frame  160  ( FIG. 6A ). As further described below with respect to  FIGS. 6A-6C , because of compression in rods  102 B as they bow convexly toward the center of top assembly  102 , rods  102 B have a tendency to outwardly bias brackets  107 ,  111 . In certain embodiments, detachable rods  102 A may be threadably engaged or press fit into channels  107 A( 1 ),  107 A( 2 ) of brackets  107 ,  111 , and thus provide a counter-force against the outward bias of transverse rods  102 B. In other embodiments, detachable rods  102 A may simply be more loosely inserted into brackets  107 ,  111 , and standard cam locks may be used to help hold top assembly  102  together by compressing tubular section  107 B to reduce the volume of  107 B( 1 ). 
     It will be appreciated that connection of bracket  107  to hinge portion  109 A of bracket  109  (which is fixed to side member  104  of bottom assembly  101  as shown in  FIGS. 4D and 5D-5E ) will also provide a counter force to the outward bias of transverse rods  102 B and help hold top assembly  102  together. It will also be appreciated that conically shaped channel  107 B( 1 ) allows for play in the end of rods  102 B while providing counterforces thereto, thus maintaining top assembly  102  together without use of additional extraneous parts. As an alternative to cam locks, a carter pin or other straight pin that passes through rods  102 B may similarly be utilized to help prevent rods  102 B from potentially snapping out of place. A lift handle may also be provided to raise and lower top assembly  102 . As shown in  FIG. 5E , rear corner bracket  107  connects to rotating hinge portion  109 A of bracket (e.g., plastic hardware)  109 . Bracket  109  can be preinstalled into elongate detachable member  104  as illustrated, for example, in  FIG. 4D . 
     In certain embodiments, one or both front corner brackets  111  may be equipped with an optional lift handle manually operable to transition cover assembly  100  from a closed configuration to an opened configuration and vice versa. Reinforcement material (e.g., plastic) may be incorporated to support the optional lift handle and can better prevent the lift handle from breaking from overuse. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6A , top-center frame  160  of top assembly  102  includes a top center member (e.g., cap)  114  and a plurality of transverse members (e.g., rods)  102 B extending between and configured to detachably couple to corner brackets  107 ,  111  as described above. As shown, transverse rods  102 B are straight in a relaxed, unloaded state, but bendable into an arcuate shape when connected to center member  114  and one of brackets  107 ,  111  as best shown in  FIG. 3 . When assembled, rods  102 B bow convexly towards top center cap  114  of cover  100  to create a domed convex curvature of protective covering  122 . In certain embodiments, transverse rods  102 B can be configured as elongate tubular members which thread together and are received by brackets  107 ,  111  (as described above) and by top center cap  114 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6B  top-center frame  160  may be constructed using configurations  160   a,    160   b,    160   c.  Similar to  FIG. 5B , front and rear brackets  111 ,  117  are shown schematically. Intermediary members  102 C are utilized to increase the modularity of top-center frame  160  and enable resizing thereof in harmony with top-peripheral frame  144  ( FIG. 5A ). As shown, top-center frame  160   a  does not have any intermediary members  102 C, top-center frame  160   b  has two intermediary members  102 C attached thereto, and top-center frame  160   c  has four intermediary members  102 C attached thereto. In this manner, intermediary members  102 C may be used to increase or decrease the length, width, and/or height of top-center frame  160 . 
     It will be appreciated that for a given set of top-center frame  160  components, if the overall footprint of cover  100  is decreased and brackets  111 ,  117  are moved closer together, transverse rods  102 B will be forced into an increasingly curved configuration, thus raising the height of protective covering  122  in the closed configuration of  FIG. 3 . Alternatively, if the overall footprint of cover  100  is increased (e.g., brackets  111 ,  117  are moved further apart), then transverse rods  102 B will be straighter when assembled and lower the height of protective covering  122 . Intermediary members  102 C may thus be utilized to raise or lower the height of the protective covering  122 , or to simply allow for an increased length or width of top-center frame  160  for a given height of protective covering  122 . Rods  102 B and  102 C may be threaded together or coupled in any other suitable manner. Alternatively, the length of intermediate detachable rods  102 C of  FIG. 6B  may be varied relative to corresponding rods  102 C used to expand the rectangular portion of top assembly  102 . Various configurations and length ratios may be utilized to alter the width and height of cover assembly  100 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6C , center cap  114  defines receiving holes  114 A that are elongated and funnel shaped to receive rods  102 B or  102 C, and accommodate top assembly  102  with one or more intermediate detachable rods  102 C such that their ends meet center cap  114  at varying angles. The resulting compression in rods  102 B and/or  102 C keeps top assembly  102  stable. No additional parts are required for assembly. Center cap  114  may include a light source  115  which may, for example, operate on batteries and include a motion sensor and a light sensor. Light source  115  may also include a magnetic strip for attaching to the underside of top center cap  114 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-3 , protective covering  122  may also be modular and utilize or not utilize one or more intermediary pieces. Protective covering may be configured as a non-resilient screen, netting, or flexible plastic material without holes in it, and may be used for keeping insects, rain, sun, wind, morning dew, pollen, dust, pollutants, and other debris from contacting food or other items placed within cover assembly  100 . 
     In certain embodiments, a clear vinyl cover can be added to protective covering  122  to transform protective covering  122  into a temporary tabletop green house. One or more screens can be attached to one another and top assembly  102  by a variety of means including hook and loop strips, straps, wrap around, and the like. Protective covering  122  is preferably stretchable and pulled over top assembly to provide coverage as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . 
     While  FIG. 3  shows protective covering  122  assembled over top assembly  102  and resting on top of bottom assembly  101 , it will be appreciated that in this closed configuration, protective covering  122  may alternatively be tucked under bottom frame  126  of bottom assembly  101  and sandwiched between bottom frame  126  and flat surface  120 . It will also be appreciated that in the open configuration of  FIGS. 1-2 , protective covering  122  such as netting which has holes in it will allow wind to pass through it, and thus not apply as much overturning force to cover  100 . 
     As described herein, once disassembled, the individual components of cover assembly  100  can be compactly stored with minimal space, packaged, and/or easily transported manually, such as within a carrying case. The lightweight and compact materials of the components of cover assembly  100  enable cover assembly  100  to be disassembled and stored with ease, and transported wherever needed. 
     Various individual components of cover assembly  100  may be formed from a variety of materials, including without limitation, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), vinyl, acrylic, or similar plastics, tubular aluminum, tubular stainless steel, nylon, polyester, etc. Threaded engagements described herein may utilize male and female threaded ends on connecting components for easy screw on/off attachment and detachment. Hinge pins and brackets described herein may be made from zinc coated steel or aluminum. Corner brackets and center members described herein may be made from molded, machined, printed nylon, PVC, ABS or similar plastic. Gas springs described herein may be configured with, for example, a 3-4″ stroke with 3-5 lbs. of power. Protective coverings described herein may be made from nylon or polyester insect screens, rip stop nylon, water resistant polyester, clear or opaque vinyl, acrylic, or quarter inch braided elastic. 
     As described herein, various assemblies of cover  100  may utilize a modular design. Such modular assemblies may be assembled, disassembled, or reassembled using color coded, dry fit, internal straight and ninety-degree connectors. The fully assembled cover assembly  100  maintains its shape through compressive and frictional forces without the need for any additional hardware assembly. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , in an alternative embodiment, cover assembly  200  discloses a dome-shaped configuration for a portable and modular cover. Cover assembly  200  includes a base frame  204  that may be configured the same as or similar to bottom frame  126  of cover assembly  100 , and gas springs  201  which may be the same or similar to gas springs  103  of cover assembly  100  for maintaining an open configuration after lifting top frame  205 .  FIGS. 8A-8B  show an alternative embodiment of cover assembly  200  in closed and open configurations, respectively. As shown, top frame  205  separates from base frame  204  and is held in the open configuration by gas springs  201 .  FIG. 8C  is a closeup view of a gas spring  201  and one manner in which it may be coupled to base frame  204  and top frame  205 . 
     Continuing with  FIG. 7 , cover assembly  200  includes a plurality of ribs  202  that may be constructed, for example, from molded PVC. Each rib  202  is arcuate or U-shaped to support a domed shape for a protective covering that may be placed over top frame  205 , similar to protective covering  122  described above with respect to cover assembly  100 . Although  FIG. 7  depicts a set of five ribs  202 , cover assembly  200  can be constructed with as few as two ribs  202  or more than five. The U-shape or arched shape of ribs  202  enhances cover assembly  200 &#39;s overall structural stability and adds to the relative simplicity of its construction. Ribs  202  are connected in the front and back by two or more linear pieces of PVC strips  206 . 
     As shown, ribs  202  may be configured thinner at bottom and wider toward the top thereof to give the frame rigidity, and to support insect screening, for example. Such added material in the middle also allows for notching to receive the longitudinal PVC Strips  206 . For example, strips  206  may couple to the ribs  202  via cutout portions on each rib  202  that can snap onto the edge surfaces of strips  206  via press-fit or interference fit. For example, by slightly undersizing the cutout portions on strips  206  as compared to the edge surfaces of ribs  202 , ribs  202  will stay in place due to friction caused by compressing the elastic rib  202  material into the cutout portions. Although not shown in  FIG. 7 , rear strip  206  is preferably hinged to the rear elongate portion of base frame  204  at locations adjacent to both gas springs  201 . Any hinge mechanism known in the art may be utilized. 
     Gas spring  201  can be manually removed and attached on both ends of base frame  204 . In one embodiment, gas spring  201  may snap onto each rib  202  located at opposite ends of top frame  205  and base frame  204  by coupling to knobs similar to those disclosed in rear corner brackets  107  of cover assembly  100 . 
     Cover assembly  200  also comprises rods  205  that may be the same or similar to rods  102 A or  102 B disclosed in cover assembly  100 , or alternatively constructed from the same material as base frame  204 . Rods  205  couple to the top center edge of each rib  202  by snapping into place in a manner similar to how strips  206  couple to ribs  202 . Optionally and as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , strips  206  and rods  205  may each comprise two detachable members, which meet at and are both coupled to middle rib  202 . This reduces the overall size of the individual components of cover assembly  200  to provide for easier storage and transportation when disassembled. 
     Any protective covering such as a screen or cover depicted in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 7  or  FIGS. 8A and 8B , or disclosed in cover assembly  100 , can be attached to top frame  205 . It is purposeful for the ends of ribs  202  to extend beyond the bottom edge of strips  206 . This enables an elastic portion of the screen or cover to be tucked under each rib  202  protrusion in both the front and back. The screen or cover may be sized appropriately to ensure that when stretched over the ends of ribs  202 , it remains fairly taunt at its bottom. Alternatively, the ends of the screen or cover may be sized to accommodate being tucked further under the bottom frame  204 . 
     A carrying case  209  may be any suitable case to transport cover assembly  200 , cover assembly  100 , or any other embodiment such as cover assembly  300  (described below) when fully disassembled. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , in yet another alternative embodiment, cover assembly  300  discloses a configuration to facilitate further ease of assembly and disassembly without the use of wrenches, screwdrivers, or other extraneous tools. As shown in  FIG. 9 , cover assembly  300  is configurable to an open configuration, and includes a bottom frame  301  and top frame  302 . By way of example as depicted in  FIG. 9 , the bottom frame  301  and top frame  302  may be made of the same material and have the same or similar dimensions. For example, bottom frame  301  and top frame  302  may be made of a series of lightweight tubular PVC or similar plastic, tubular aluminum, or tubular stainless-steel members. One or more gas springs  303   a,    303   b  enable cover assembly  300  to stay in its open configuration without user engagement, and to facilitate a smooth opening and closing of cover assembly  300 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 9 , a protective covering  322  that consists of a top portion  322   a  and a bottom portion  322   b  wraps around top frame  302  and bottom frame  301 , respectively. In this embodiment, the bottom portion  322   b  of protective covering  322  provides a bottom surface for placing food or other objects within cover assembly  300 . Therefore, cover assembly  300  does not rely on a separate flat surface  120  for placement of food or other items like cover assembly  100 . It will be appreciated, however, that all embodiments disclosed herein may alternatively utilize a wrap-around protective covering such as or similar to protective covering  322 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , cover assembly  300  is configurable to a closed configuration. The protective covering  322  may be secured to top frame  302  and bottom frame  301  by any suitable means including Velcro or other self-mating reclosable fasteners. In one embodiment of protective covering  322 , the top portion  322   a  has a window portion  323  to enable a user to view the inside of cover assembly  300  without having to fully or partially open it. The window portion  323  may be opened and closed by any suitable means including a zipper means as depicted in  FIG. 10 . Alternatively, and like other embodiments disclosed herein, protective covering  322  may be partially transparent obviating the need for a window portion  323 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , top portion  322   a  of protective covering  322  has been removed from top frame  302  to reveal transverse rods  304 . The ends of each transverse rod  304  fits within tubular receiving sections in hardware  305 . There are four separate hardware  305  that are secured to the four corners of an assembled top frame  302  by any suitable means, and hardware  305  may preferably be secured to enable at least slight rotation to better accommodate receipt of the ends of each transverse rod  304 . In some embodiments, transverse rods  304  and hardware  305  threadably engage. Like other embodiments described herein, the transverse rods  304  are straight in a relaxed, unloaded state, but bendable into an arcuate shape when connected transversely into opposite and complementary hardware  305 . When assembled, the length of the transverse rods  304  create a domed convex curvature when top portion  322   a  of protective covering  322  is attached to top frame  302 . In certain embodiments, transverse rods  304  may comprise multiple rod components which thread or otherwise connect to each other at one or more sections  304   a  as depicted in  FIG. 11 . This may facilitate inclusion within a compact carrying case. In certain embodiments, transverse rods  304  may be lightweight fiberglass rods. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 12 , top frame  302  and bottom frame  301  comprise front portions  302   b  and  301   b,  respectively, and rear and side portions  302   a  and  301   a,  respectively. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 12 , both front portions  302   b  and  301   b  have ends that can slidably and removably couple with and receive the ends of corresponding rear and side portions  302   a  and  301   a  to form complete rectangular top frame  302  and bottom frame  301 . Front portions  302   b  and  301   b  and corresponding rear and side portions  302   a  and  301   a  may slidably couple together by, for example, friction or other snap fit components or joints as are commonly known in the art. Further, front portions  302   b  and  301   b  may each comprise two separate front portion members that are affixed together by any suitable means, including a hinge (not visible in  FIG. 14 , but may be the same or similar to hinge  306 ). Similarly, rear and side portions  302   a  and  301   a  may each comprise one or more rear portion members and two or more side portion members that are affixed together by any suitable means, including hinges such as or similar to hinge  306 . By way of example, the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 12-14  consists of rear and side portions  302   a  and  301   a  that are each constructed from four separate lightweight tubular members: two rear members coupled by a hinge at their respective medial ends, and two side members coupled to the rear members at the rear members&#39; respective distal ends. And the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 12-14  further consists of front portions  302   b  and  301   b  that are each constructed from two separate “L-shaped” lightweight tubular members that are coupled by a hinge at their respective medial ends. The distal ends of the coupled “L-shaped” lightweight tubular members  302   b  and  301   b  are slidably and removably coupled to corresponding distal ends of the side members of  302   a  and  301   a,  respectively, to complete rectangular top frame  302  and rectangular bottom frame  301 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12-13 , examples of hinge placements that facilitate the collapsibility of top frame  302  and bottom frame  301  are shown. Where indicated, a hinge  306  enables top frame  302  and bottom frame  301  to separate and rotate about its respective front, rear, and side portion members accordingly. In one embodiment, the rear and side portions  302   a  and  301   a  are affixed together by elongated hinges  307  (which would be located on the outside rear of an assembled cover assembly  300 ) such as a continuous hinge or piano hinge. Elongated hinges  307  in conjunction with gas springs  303   a,    303   b,  which are coupled on one end to bottom frame  301  and coupled on the opposite end to top frame  302 , enable cover assembly  300  to be opened and closed. Gas springs  303   a,    303   b  may be preinstalled or removably coupled (for example, by snap fitting like gas spring  103  as described in other embodiments). 
     The various hinges described herein may be implemented with locking hinges as are commonly known in the art or, by way of further example, hinges that are biased towards an open configuration or biased towards both an open or closed configuration depending on whether the hinge is rotated closer to an extended or collapsed position. Such hinges as known in the art may be utilized to facilitate greater stability of the cover assembly embodiments when fully assembled for outdoor use. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 14 , top frame  302  and bottom frame  301  are shown in a collapsed state as a result of rotating their respective front, rear, and side portion members about all available hinges  306 . The transverse rods  304  in this embodiment have their respective rod components unthreaded at one or more sections  304   a  to further facilitate compact storage. A protective covering  322  is removed from top frame  302  and bottom frame  301  and in this illustration folded for storage/transport. 
     The components of cover assembly  300  are easily stored in a suitable carrying case. Because of the hinge  306  construction for top frame  302  and bottom frame  301 , and the unthreaded transverse rods  304 , the cover assembly  300  can be easily transported and set up with minimal effort and without the use of wrenches, screwdrivers, or other extraneous tools. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 15 , protective covering  322  is shown. Both the top portion  322   a  and bottom portion  322   b  are lined with either the loop or hook side of a Velcro, although other self-mating reclosable fasteners may be used. The opposite sides of a Velcro for fastening protective covering  322  to top frame  302  and bottom frame  301  are visible in  FIGS. 13 and 15  as elongate black strips which are affixed to appropriate sides of front portions  302   b  and  301   b  and rear and side portions  302   a  and  301   a.  When cover assembly  300  is closed, its protective covering  322  may include a zipper or other fastening mechanism between its top portion  322   a  and bottom portion  322   b  to further secure the contents within cover assembly  300  while in a closed configuration. 
     To the extent any one of the disclosed embodiments and its respective components have been described as preferably and/or optionally being manufactured with specific or general materials or types of hardware, it is understood that all of the other disclosed embodiments and their respective components may preferably and/or optionally be manufactured with the same specific or general materials or types of hardware. For example, all embodiments of the invention may include a light source such as or similar to that depicted in  FIG. 6C . 
     It will be appreciated that the cover assemblies described herein may be utilized for a wide variety of activities and assembled in many different structural layouts. The cover assembly components are easily transported to a location and assembled into an operational, modular, stable device whose size is adaptable as needed, all without use of extraneous tools. 
     The present invention has been described in the context of a number of embodiments, and multiple variations and examples thereof. It is to be understood, however, that other expedients known to those skilled in the art or disclosed herein may be employed without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is also to be understood that aspects of certain disclosed embodiments may be incorporated into other embodiments. 
     Any references to the “invention” herein do not and are not intended to identify or describe aspects or embodiments that are required or otherwise essential to the present invention unless expressly stated as such.