US20130153596A1

US20130153596A1 - Protective Cover

Info

Publication number: US20130153596A1
Application number: US13/328,372
Authority: US
Inventors: Lisa Taylor
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-12-16
Filing date: 2011-12-16
Publication date: 2013-06-20

Abstract

In an embodiment, a protective cover is disclosed. The protective cover may include or comprise a material creased along first and second axes such that a central portion of said material is capable of being suspended a height above a ground plane when said material is unfolded and engages said ground plane. Additionally, said first and second axes may cross one another at a point of intersection positioned along said material when said material is unfolded and flattened.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to the field of protective covers.

BACKGROUND

Various appliances have made a significant contribution to the overall convenience offered by modern society. For example, microwave ovens are able to heat food extremely quickly so that the amount of time allocated to food preparation may be minimized. However, it should be noted that the use of such ovens can be relatively unhealthy when harmful chemicals are introduced into the heated food. Moreover, portions of the heated food may “splatter” against the inside walls of the microwave oven, which can be extremely unsanitary.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
In an embodiment, a protective cover is disclosed. The protective cover may include or comprise a material creased along first and second axes such that a central portion of said material is capable of being suspended a height above a ground plane when said material is unfolded and engages said ground plane. Additionally, said first and second axes may cross one another at a point of intersection positioned along said material when said material is unfolded and flattened.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present technology, and, together with the Detailed Description, serve to explain principles discussed below.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary protective cover in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an exemplary geometry for a protective cover in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 3A is a plan view of a first exemplary folded arrangement of a protective cover in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 3B is a plan view of a second exemplary folded arrangement of a protective cover in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary dispenser in accordance with an embodiment.

The drawings referred to in this description are not to be understood as being drawn to scale except if specifically noted, and such drawings are only exemplary in nature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present technology, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the present technology will be described in conjunction with various embodiments, these embodiments are not intended to limit the present technology. Rather, the present technology is to be understood as encompassing various alternatives, modifications and equivalents.
Moreover, in the following Detailed Description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present technology. However, the present technology may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, devices and systems have not been described in detail so as to not unnecessarily obscure aspects of the exemplary embodiments presented herein.

Overview

Bisphenol A (“BPA”) is a chemical that can pose substantial dangers to an individual's health. In particular, BPA is relatively unsafe when frozen or heated, especially for extremely young individuals and weak, older adults. Consequently, placing a plastic food container into a microwave oven can be incredibly unsafe, as the BPA that is present in the plastic container will begin to leach into the food once the microwave oven begins to heat the food. Similarly, it can also be unsafe to put a sheet of flexible plastic wrap over a plate, bowl or plastic container that is placed into a microwave.
To further illustrate, consider the exemplary scenario where an individual places a cover over food that is to be heated in a microwave oven. This cuts down on the amount of food that “splatters” against the inside walls of the microwave oven, which can make a mess. It also protects the food placed into the microwave oven so that any old food that might still be in the microwave oven will not drop onto the new food, which can be rather unsanitary and unhealthy. However, certain individuals may cover their food with plastic wrap, which can be extremely toxic when heated, or with a napkin or paper towel, which absorbs moisture such that the heated food is left relatively dry and unappetizing.
Alternatively, one exemplary scenario provides that an individual might use wax paper to cover the heated food, wherein the wax paper is a relatively non-toxic and hydrophobic material. However, when preparing the wax paper for use in the microwave oven, the individual would first cut it to a certain size that will fit within the microwave oven and then shape it as appropriate depending upon the size of the food container and the amount of food to be heated. It is noted that the routine practice of these steps is a relatively inefficient and wasteful use of time.
Various embodiments of the present technology pertain to protective covers or shields, such as non-toxic wax paper covers, sized to prevent food particles from being propelled against the inside walls of a microwave oven when the oven is being used to heat food. For example, in order to be safe and sanitary when heating food in a microwave oven, wax paper “pop-ups” may be implemented by placing these pop-ups over a plate of food before the plate is placed into the microwave oven. Moreover, a pre-cut sheet of wax paper may be placed into a convenient dispenser, which may include, for example, a magnetic box that can stick to the side of the microwave oven. In this manner, the protective covers will be located immediately adjacent to a microwave oven and will already be shaped for their intended purpose, which ultimately contributes to the overall speed, efficiency, health and sanitation associated with the use of a microwave oven.
It is noted that various shapes for a protective cover may be implemented pursuant to the present technology. For purposes of illustration, one embodiment provides a protective cover made of wax paper that is cut into a hexagon shape having, for example, a 10 inch diameter. Folding the hexagon in half a first time, and then a second time, such that the protective cover is folded into four portions, causes the protective cover to become relatively compact in its folded state, as well as automatically rise in the middle when it is unfolded (such that a rising or “tent-like” contour is achieved). Once in this compact state, the protective cover may be small and thin enough to be enclosed within a relatively compact dispenser. One or more thin magnetic strips may be attached or glued to the back of the dispenser such that the dispenser may be attached to the side of a microwave oven for easy and convenient access to the dispenser when an individual is heating food. Indeed, having these food covers conveniently at hand would be much more healthy, sanitary and practical than other alternatives.
In view of the foregoing, it is noted that various embodiments of the present technology involve protective covers that may be utilized for food heating applications. It is further noted, however, that the present technology is not limited to protective covers solely for food heating applications. Indeed, various protective covers of the present technology may be customized and/or implemented for other purposes.
Furthermore, in accordance with various embodiments of the present technology, a protective cover is provided that is made of or includes non-toxic wax paper. It is noted, however, that the present technology is not limited to the use of wax paper, and that other materials may be implemented. Indeed, one embodiment provides that the protective cover is made of or includes a material other than wax paper that is free, or substantially free, of BPA.
Various exemplary embodiments of the present technology will now be discussed. It is noted, however, that the present technology is not limited to these exemplary embodiments, and that the present technology also includes obvious variations of the exemplary embodiments and implementations described herein. It is further noted that various well-known components are generally not illustrated in the drawings so as to not unnecessarily obscure various principles discussed herein, but that such well-known components may be implemented by those skilled in the art to practice various embodiments of the present technology.

Exemplary Devices, Arrangements and Implementations

Various exemplary devices, arrangements and implementations for implementing various embodiments of the present technology will now be described. However, the present technology is not limited to these exemplary devices, arrangements and implementations. Indeed, other devices, arrangements and implementations may also be practiced.
With reference now to FIG. 1, an exemplary protective cover 100 in accordance with an embodiment is shown. Protective cover 100 includes a material 110 capable of preventing a particle or object from traveling from a certain point of origin to a specific destination. To illustrate, when a certain substance is heated to its boiling point, material 110 may be implemented to prevent portions of the substance from being displaced in a specific direction of travel by positioning material 110 along this direction of travel. In this manner, these portions, once propelled from the original substance, will collide with material 110, which functions as a shield.
Consider the example where protective cover 100 is placed over a plate 120 of food in a microwave oven. As the oven warms the food on plate 120, small portions of the food will begin to travel toward the upper and side walls of the inside of the oven. However, these portions will then collide with material 110 of protective cover 100 such that these portions of food will be prevented from contacting the inside walls of the oven. Consequently, the inside of the oven will remain clean, which promotes the overall cleanliness of the oven as well as the overall healthiness associated with the use of the oven.
It is noted that different shapes for material 110 may be implemented. Indeed, the present technology is not limited to any particular shape for material 110. To illustrate, and in accordance with an embodiment, a general shape of material 110, when material 110 is unfolded and flattened, is a shape selected from a group of shapes consisting essentially of a pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, and decagon. However, other shapes may be implemented.
The foregoing notwithstanding, in one embodiment, material 110 is sized such that a central portion 111 of material 110 is capable of being suspended a height 130 above a ground plane 140 when material 110 engages ground plane 140. To illustrate, and with reference still to FIG. 1, a number of outer edges 112 of material 110 are physically in contact with ground plane 140, wherein these outer edges 112 are respectively located at generally opposite ends of material 110. A physical contour of material 110 causes central portion 111 of material 110 to be suspended height 130 above ground plane 140 due to the physical support provided by outer edges 112.
Thus, it is noted that material 110 may be contoured so as to be suspended above, for example, an amount of food located upon plate 120. It is further noted that various contoured geometries may be implemented, and that the present technology is not limited to any particular contoured shape. For example, pursuant to an embodiment, the contoured material may have a “tent-like” appearance, such as where material 110 has been folded one or more times such that the creases create a natural contour when outer edges 112 are physically in contact with ground plane 140. In one embodiment, however, material 110 may have the shape and appearance, for example, of a box or hollow cylinder, or of a full or truncated cone.
Moreover, in an embodiment, material 110 is non-porous, or substantially non-porous, such that steam is prevented from escaping through material 110 when a substance is warmed upon plate 120. This enables, for example, food heated upon plate 120 to remain moist during the warming process by trapping steam, and consequently moisture, adjacent to the heated food. Indeed, in one embodiment, material 110 is substantially hydrophobic, such as where material 110 includes or is made of wax paper.
The foregoing notwithstanding, in one embodiment, material 110 optionally includes one or more holes or pores, such as exemplary pores 113. These pores are sized to allow a preselected amount of steam to pass through the pores, so as to prevent certain foods from becoming soggy during the heating process. Indeed, in an embodiment, this preselected amount of steam is based on a target degree of moisture associated with one or more substances during a preselected heating process.
With reference now to FIG. 2, an exemplary geometry 200 for a protective cover in accordance with an embodiment is shown. In particular, material 110 is shown as having a hexagon shape when it is in an unfolded and flattened state. It is noted, however, that the present technology is not limited to a hexagon shape, and that other shapes for material 110 may be implemented. For example, it is noted that an outer boundary of material 110 may be substantially rounded, such as where material 110 is cut into a circle or oval shape. In one embodiment, however, at least five corners are defined along an outer boundary of material 110 when material 110 is unfolded and flattened within a geometric plane 240.
In an embodiment, material 110 is creased along first and second axes 210, 220, wherein first and second axes 210, 220 cross one another at a point of intersection 230 positioned along material 110 when material 110 is unfolded and flattened. This enables material 110 to have a “tent-like” structure (see, e.g., FIG. 1) when a number of outer edges 112 of material 110 are physically in contact with ground plane 140, wherein these outer edges 112 are located at generally opposite ends of material 110. Indeed, and with reference still to FIGS. 1 and 2, one embodiment provides that material 110 is creased along first and second axes 210, 220 such that a central portion 111 of material 110 is capable of being suspended a height 130 above ground plane 140 when material 110 is unfolded and engages ground plane 140.
In an embodiment, first and second axes 210, 220 are positioned within geometric plane 240 such that an angle of 90 degrees, or substantially 90 degrees, is defined between first and second axes 210, 220 within geometric plane 240. This configuration may be implemented, for example, such that folding material 110 along both of first and second axes 210, 220 causes four portions of material 110 to be defined between the resulting creases, wherein the portions located generally opposite one another are substantially equal or similar in shape and appearance (see, e.g., FIG. 2). It is noted, however, that the present technology is not limited to this exemplary configuration, and that other configurations may be implemented.
Thus, and with reference still to FIGS. 1 and 2, it is noted that material 110 may be folded or creased along first and second axes 210, 220 such that material 110 automatically adopts a contoured or “tent-like” configuration when it is unfolded. In this manner, central portion 111 of material 110 is able to hover or be suspended above, for example, an amount of food located between material 110 and plate 120. Moreover, in so much as the diameter of plate 120 may oftentimes be longer than height 130, an embodiment provides that a base width of protective cover 100 is longer than height 130. Consider the example where first and second surface lengths 211, 221 of material 110 are defined along first and second axes 210, 220, respectively. In an embodiment, each of first and second surface lengths 211, 221 are longer than height 130.
The foregoing notwithstanding, in one embodiment, material 110 is creased along third and fourth axes 250, 260 such that height 130 is increased (see FIGS. 1 and 2), and/or such that at least a portion of the outer boundary of material 110 further drapes toward ground plane 140. Indeed, by minimizing the distance between the outer boundary of material 110 and ground plane 140 at various points around this outer boundary, protective cover 100 will be contoured so as to better cover the heated substances such that the ability of protective cover 100 to capture projected material and/or steam will be consequently increased.
Moreover, in an embodiment, third and fourth axes 250, 260 cross one another at an intersection point positioned along material 110 when material 110 is flattened. It is noted that this intersection point may be the same point as point of intersection 230 shown in FIG. 2. Pursuant to one embodiment, however, this intersection point is a point other than point of intersection 230.
Furthermore, in an embodiment, third and fourth axes 250, 260 are positioned within geometric plane 240 such that an angle of 90 degrees, or substantially 90 degrees, is defined between third and fourth axes 250, 260 within geometric plane 240. This configuration may be implemented, for example, such that folding material 110 along both of third and fourth axes 250, 260 causes four portions of material 110 to be defined between these two axes, wherein the portions located generally opposite one another are substantially equal or similar in shape and appearance (see, e.g., FIG. 2). It is noted, however, that the present technology is not limited to this exemplary configuration, and that other configurations may be implemented.
Thus, an embodiment provides that material 110 is folded along four different axes (e.g., along first, second, third and fourth axes 210, 220, 250, 260). In accordance with one embodiment, however, material 110 is merely folded along three different axes. Consider the example where material 110 is first folded in half along a first axis such that material 110 is arranged in a first folded configuration. Material 110, when in this first folded configuration, is then folded in half again along a second axis such that material 110 is arranged in a second folded configuration. Finally, material 110, when in this second folded configuration, is then folded again along a third axis such that material 110 is arranged in a third folded configuration. At this point, material 110 is sufficiently compact such that it may be contained in a relatively small container, and the creases generated along the aforementioned three axes are sufficient to cause material 110 to automatically adopt a “tent-like” contour when material 110 is unfolded. For thoroughness of illustration, this exemplary implementation will now be explored with respect to FIGS. 3A and 3B.
With reference now to FIG. 3A, a first exemplary folded arrangement 300 of a protective cover in accordance with an embodiment is shown. In particular, material 110 is folded along both of first and second axes 210, 220, which were described above with respect to FIG. 2, such that the second folded configuration discussed in the example of the last paragraph has been achieved. In particular, material 110 is folded along both of first and second axes 210, 220 such that material 110 is folded into fourths and is substantially flattened within geometric plane 240.
Additionally, in an embodiment, first and second axes 210, 220 are positioned within geometric plane 240 such that an angle 310 of 90 degrees, or substantially 90 degrees, is defined between first and second axes 210, 220 within geometric plane 240. Moreover, it is noted that a tertiary axis 320 is defined along material 110 and within geometric plane 240, and that tertiary axis 320 may cross point of intersection 230 described above with respect to FIG. 2. In one embodiment, however, tertiary axis 320 does not cross point of intersection 230 such that a distance 321 is defined along a folded edge of material 110 between tertiary axis 320 and point of intersection 230, and such that another point of intersection 322 is defined where tertiary axis 320 meets, cross or intersects this folded edge of material 110 (e.g., along first axis 210 as shown in FIG. 3A).
Furthermore, in an embodiment, material 110 optionally includes one or more holes or pores, such as exemplary pores 113 shown in FIG. 1. In one example, one or more of these holes or pores are positioned along one or more of the various points of intersection defined along material 110, such as along the exemplary points of intersection (e.g., points of intersection 230, 322) discussed herein. In a second example, however, one or more of these holes or pores are positioned away from these various points of intersection, such as along or between the creases in material 110. Indeed, the present technology is not limited to any particular location for these optional holes or pores.
With reference now to FIG. 3B, a second exemplary folded arrangement 301 of a protective cover in accordance with an embodiment is shown. In particular, after material 110 is folded along both of first and second axes 210, 220 such that material 110 is folded into fourths and is substantially flattened within geometric plane 240, material 110 is then further folded along tertiary axis 320. In this manner, material 110 is folded into a compact state such that it may be contained within a smaller container than would be implemented if material 110 is folded merely once or twice (or not at all). This contributes to the overall compactness of the design, and it also enables height 130 as well as the overall draping of the outer edges of material 110 (see FIG. 1) to be increased due to the increased number of creases within the surface of material 110.
With reference now to FIG. 4, an exemplary dispenser 400 in accordance with an embodiment is shown. Dispenser 400, which is configured to support protective cover 100, includes a support element 410 sized to receive and support at least a portion of material 110 when material 110 is folded along one or more axes, such as along one or more of the various exemplary axes described herein. For example, and as shown in FIG. 4, one embodiment provides that support element 410 is sized to contain material 110 once material 110 is folded along each of first, second and tertiary axes 210, 220, 320 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B). This enables dispenser 400 to achieve a relatively compact geometry due to the compact nature of material 110 once material 110 is folded along these three axes.
In addition to the foregoing, an in accordance with an embodiment, dispenser 400 also includes one or more coupling elements, such as exemplary coupling element 420, coupled with support element 410, such as with the outer surface of a rear wall of support element 410. These coupling elements are sized to engage an object 430 (e.g., a microwave oven) to thereby couple support element 410 with object 430 and hold support element 410 a distance 440 above a horizontal plane 450. To illustrate, consider the example where coupling element 420 includes a hook configured to latch onto a receptacle formed in object 430. In a second example, coupling element 420 includes a magnet configured to attach to a surface of object 430. Furthermore, in one embodiment, a thin cover is placed over coupling element 420. Pulling this thin cover off of coupling element 420 reveals an adhesive layer associated with coupling element 420. This adhesive layer may then be used to stick dispenser 400 directly to object 430. It is noted, however, that the present technology is not limited to any particular coupling device, and that other types of coupling elements may be implemented.
The foregoing notwithstanding, in an embodiment, support element 410 is a box (e.g., a cardboard box) sized to contain material 110, wherein a curved perforated path 411 is defined within a surface of the box such that applying a preselected degree of pressure substantially along or adjacent to curved perforated path 411 creates a dispenser flap 412 configured to rotate relative to a remainder of the box. As such, an individual may raise dispenser flap 412 to thereby create an opening into the box and grab the material 110 contained therein. Furthermore, one embodiment provides that a top portion 413 of support element 410, which is coupled with or attached to dispenser flap 412, also rotates, along with dispenser flap 412, relative to the remainder of support element 410. Alternatively, however, top portion 413 may remain stationary relative to the remainder of support element 410 when dispenser flap 412 is opened.
The foregoing notwithstanding, and in accordance with an embodiment, support element 410 is sized to support a container (e.g., a cardboard box) filled with protective covers. This container, once emptied, may then be discarded and replaced with a new container. In particular, top portion 413 of support element 410 will be open (or absent) so that a replaceable container of protective covers may be inserted into support element 410. Next, a number of rigid sides, and in particular the bottom end, of support element 410 will then hold the container in place.
Finally, and with reference still to FIG. 4, it is noted that material 110 is shown as being contained within dispenser 400 such that the narrow end of the folded material is located near the top of support element 410, such as near dispenser flap 412. In this manner, this narrow end may be easily grasped by an individual, such as a young child, such that material 110 may be removed from support element 410 with a relatively high degree of ease and convenience. Alternatively, however, the opposite end of the folded material may be located toward the top of support element 410. Indeed, it is noted that the present technology is not limited to any specific packaging method or arrangement.

Summary Concepts

It is noted that the foregoing discussion has presented at least the following concepts:

Concept 1. A protective cover including or comprising:

a material creased along first and second axes such that a central portion of the material is capable of being suspended a height above a ground plane when the material is unfolded and engages the ground plane, the first and second axes crossing one another at a point of intersection positioned along the material when the material is unfolded and flattened.

Concept 2. The protective cover of Concept 1, wherein the material is non-porous and substantially hydrophobic, the material including or comprising wax paper.
Concept 3. The protective cover of Concept 1, wherein the first and second axes are positioned within a geometric plane such that an angle of substantially 90 degrees is defined between the first and second axes within the geometric plane, at least five corners being defined along an outer boundary of the material when the material is unfolded and flattened within the geometric plane.
Concept 4. The protective cover of Concept 1, wherein a general shape of the material, when the material is unfolded and flattened, is a shape selected from a group of shapes consisting essentially of a pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, and decagon.
Concept 5. The protective cover of Concept 1, wherein first and second surface lengths of the material are defined along the first and second axes, respectively, each of the first and second surface lengths being longer than the height.
Concept 6. The protective cover of Concept 1, wherein the material is creased along third and fourth axes such that the height is increased, the third and fourth axes crossing one another at an intersection point positioned along the material when the material is flattened.
Concept 7. The protective cover of Concept 1, wherein the first and second axes are positioned within a geometric plane such that an angle of substantially 90 degrees is defined between the first and second axes within the geometric plane, the material being folded along the first and second axes such that the folded material is substantially flattened within the geometric plane, and such that a third axis is defined along the material and within the geometric plane, the material being further folded along the third axis.
Concept 8. The protective cover of Concept 7, wherein the third axis does not cross the point of intersection.
Concept 9. A dispenser configured to support the protective cover of Concept 1, the dispenser including or comprising:

a support element sized to receive and support at least a portion of the material when the material is folded along the first and second axes; and
a coupling element coupled with the support element, the coupling element sized to engage an object to thereby couple the support element with the object and hold the support element a distance above a horizontal plane.

Concept 10. The dispenser of Concept 9, wherein the support element includes or comprises a cardboard box containing the material, a curved perforated path being defined within a surface of the cardboard box such that applying a preselected degree of pressure substantially along or adjacent to the curved perforated path creates a dispenser flap configured to rotate relative to a remainder of the cardboard box, and the coupling element including or comprising a hook, magnet or adhesive layer.
Concept 11. A protective cover including or comprising:

a material sized such that a central portion of the material is capable of being suspended a height above a ground plane when generally opposite ends of the material engage the ground plane.
It should be noted that reference throughout this specification to exemplary features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of these exemplary features and advantages should be or are associated any single embodiment. Rather, language referring to the exemplary features and advantages discussed herein may be understood to mean that a specific feature or advantage described in connection with an embodiment is associated with at least one embodiment of the present technology. Thus, discussions of features and advantages, as well as similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.
Various embodiments of the present disclosure, as discussed above, may be practiced with steps and/or operations in a different order, and/or with structural elements in configurations which are different than those which are disclosed herein. Therefore, although the present technology has been described based upon these exemplary embodiments, it is noted that certain modifications, variations, and alternative configurations may be well within the spirit and scope of the present technology.
Although various exemplary embodiments of the present technology are described herein in a language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A protective cover comprising:

a material creased along first and second axes such that a central portion of said material is capable of being suspended a height above a ground plane when said material is unfolded and engages said ground plane, said first and second axes crossing one another at a point of intersection positioned along said material when said material is unfolded and flattened.

2. The protective cover of claim 1, wherein said material is non-porous and substantially hydrophobic, said material comprising wax paper.

3. The protective cover of claim 1, wherein said first and second axes are positioned within a geometric plane such that an angle of substantially 90 degrees is defined between said first and second axes within said geometric plane, at least five corners being defined along an outer boundary of said material when said material is unfolded and flattened within said geometric plane.

4. The protective cover of claim 1, wherein a general shape of said material, when said material is unfolded and flattened, is a shape selected from a group of shapes consisting essentially of a pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, and decagon.

5. The protective cover of claim 1, wherein first and second surface lengths of said material are defined along said first and second axes, respectively, each of said first and second surface lengths being longer than said height.

6. The protective cover of claim 1, wherein said material is creased along third and fourth axes such that said height is increased, said third and fourth axes crossing one another at an intersection point positioned along said material when said material is flattened.

7. The protective cover of claim 1, wherein said first and second axes are positioned within a geometric plane such that an angle of substantially 90 degrees is defined between said first and second axes within said geometric plane, said material being folded along said first and second axes such that said folded material is substantially flattened within said geometric plane, and such that a third axis is defined along said material and within said geometric plane, said material being further folded along said third axis.

8. The protective cover of claim 7, wherein said third axis does not cross said point of intersection.

9. A dispenser configured to support the protective cover of claim 1, said dispenser comprising:

a support element sized to receive and support at least a portion of said material when said material is folded along said first and second axes; and

a coupling element coupled with said support element, said coupling element sized to engage an object to thereby couple said support element with said object and hold said support element a distance above a horizontal plane.

10. The dispenser of claim 9, wherein said support element comprises a cardboard box containing said material, a curved perforated path being defined within a surface of said cardboard box such that applying a preselected degree of pressure substantially along or adjacent to said curved perforated path creates a dispenser flap configured to rotate relative to a remainder of said cardboard box, and said coupling element comprising a hook, magnet or adhesive layer.