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Patent Searching and Data


Title:
FIRE HYDRANT COVER
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2019/046122
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A fire hydrant cover configured as a hydrant body cover configured to enclose or wrap an existing fire hydrant, wherein a material of the hydrant body cover is subject to shrinkage when heated so as to shrink-fit to conform to a shape of the fire hydrant.

Inventors:
CHENEY DALE S (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2018/047933
Publication Date:
March 07, 2019
Filing Date:
August 24, 2018
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
CHENEY DALE S (US)
International Classes:
E03B9/06
Foreign References:
RU137206U12014-02-10
US4532168A1985-07-30
US20110217493A12011-09-08
KR200272425Y12002-04-15
CN204475427U2015-07-15
CN202899222U2013-04-24
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
NICHOLS, Steven L. (US)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A fire hydrant cover comprising:

a hydrant body cover configured to enclose or wrap an existing fire hydrant,

wherein a material of the hydrant body cover is subject to shrinkage when heated so as to shrink-fit to conform to a shape of the fire hydrant.

2. The fire hydrant cover of claim 1 , further comprising:

at least one valve cap cover configured to enclose a valve cap of the existing fire hydrant; and

at least one screw cap configured to cover a bolt protruding from the valve cap,

wherein the fasteners and screw caps are included with the fire hydrant cover as part of a fire hydrant cover assembly kit.

3. The fire hydrant of claim 2, further comprising:

at least one fastener; and

wherein the valve cap cover includes a patterned outer circumferential edge through which the fastener can be threaded to secure the valve cap cover onto the valve cap of the existing fire hydrant.

4. The fire hydrant cover of claim 2, wherein the valve cover includes at least one pre-cut hole to accommodate a protruding bolt attached to the fire hydrant valve cap.

5. The fire hydrant cover of claim 1 , further comprising at least one pre-cut hole configured to accommodate a fire hydrant valve protruding from a fire hydrant barrel. 6. The fire hydrant cover of claim 5, further comprising at least one ring, made of stiffer material than the cover, attached along the circumferential edge of the pre-cut valve hole.

7. The fire hydrant cover of claim 1 , further comprising:

at least one fastener; and

a patterned bottom edge of the fire hydrant body cover, through which the fastener can be threaded to secure the fire hydrant body cover to the existing fire hydrant.

8. The fire hydrant cover of claim 1 , wherein the fire hydrant cover is a single flat sheet of material comprising:

a first and second opposite vertical edges;

a first and second horizontal opposite edges, wherein the first edge is to be attached near a base part of the fire hydrant and the second edge is to be attached near a top part of the hydrant;

an adhesive strip placed along the first vertical edge;

wherein the two vertical edges may be secured by placing the first of the vertical edges with the adhesive strip under the second of the vertical edges.

9. The fire hydrant cover of claim 1 , wherein the fire hydrant body cover comprises a hollow body shape encompassing a vacant inside cavity, allowing for the fire hydrant cover to be placed over the fire hydrant.

10. The fire hydrant cover of claim 1 , further comprising reflective material.

11. The fire hydrant cover of claim 1 , further comprising a customizable pattern, coloring or other printed design.

12. The fire hydrant cover of claim 1 , wherein the material from which the cover has at least one or a combination of the following characteristics:

Ultra-violet resistant; salt resistant;

chemical resistant;

strengthened against surface damage;

waterproof; and

temperature independent.

13. A method for manufacturing a fire hydrant cover comprising:

manufacturing a fire hydrant body cover from a material that is subject to shrinkage when heated;

cutting at least one circular valve hole into the cover to accommodate a valve nozzle of a fire hydrant;

attaching a pliable securing ring to the circumferential edge of the valve hole; and

patterning the bottom edge of the fire hydrant cover,

wherein the cover can be secured onto the fire hydrant by

shrinking the cover onto the fire hydrant, through a heating process, until all of the material from the cover is flush with the fire hydrant surface.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

manufacturing at least one valve cap cover using the same or similar material as the fire hydrant body coven

wherein the valve cap cover can be secured onto a corresponding fire hydrant valve cap by shrinking the valve cap cover, through a heating process, until all of the material from the valve cap cover is flush with the fire hydrant valve cap surface.

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising manufacturing the fire hydrant cover with reflective material to increase night-time visibility. 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the fire hydrant cover is manufactured with a customized printed pattern or specific color according to a standard water pressure color-coding system.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein the manufacturing of the fire hydrant cover further comprises pre-shrinking the cover to be molded in the shape of a fire hydrant.

18. A fire hydrant comprising:

a barrel;

at least one valve nozzle protruding from the barrel;

a base protruding from the bottom of the barrel;

a bonnet cap attached to the top of the barrel; and

a cover that is heat-shrunk to fit over the fire hydrant and individual components of the fire hydrant, including the barrel, the valve nozzle, the base, and the bonnet cap.

19. The fire hydrant of claim 18, further comprising:

at least one valve cap that is attached via screw threading onto the valve nozzle; and

at least one valve cap cover that is heat-shrunk to fit over the fire hydrant valve cap.

20. The fire hydrant of claim 18, wherein the cover further comprises a patterned bottom edge, through which a zip tie or other fastener is threaded and tightened to secure the cover to the base of the fire hydrant.

Description:
Fire Hydrant Cover

BACKGROUND

[0001] Fire hydrants are a necessary part of city and municipal infrastructure. A fire hydrant offers fire fighters, construction workers and other personnel an on-site water source. A fire hydrant as a source of water helps to fight fires and mitigate fire hazards. Ease of identification and access to properly working fire hydrants is key in maintaining a safe and protected environment.

[0002] Fire hydrants are typically installed by the street or sidewalk and are connected into a private or municipal water system. Hydrants are typically painted to protect the hydrant and increase the aesthetic appeal. Hydrants are usually painted a bold color, such as red, to aid in identification. However, this type of paint coating has low visibility at night which makes it harder for firefighters to locate the nearest hydrant at the scene of an emergency.

[0003] Additionally, although cast-iron hydrants are meant to last many decades, the paint coating on fire hydrants only lasts a few years. Paint wears even faster in climates with extreme heat or cold, humidity, or high salt and acid content in the air and rain. Corrosion, caused by paint coating reacting with rain or other moisture, can also cause operating nuts, bolts and valve caps to become locked into place. When a nut or cap becomes corroded and locks, it is difficult to detach these items and can significantly delay the process of connecting hoses to the fire hydrant. Additional wear from landscaping such as weed whackers, shoveling, and impacts from bike wheels and other objects can also lead to damage of the paint coating. [0004] When the paint wears, the fire hydrant will need to undergo a repainting process. The current process for repainting a fire hydrant includes removing the existing paint through sand-blasting and then applying a new coat of paint. Sand-blasting is a time consuming process and negatively effects the environment. For example, the toxic dust from the old paint that is released during sandblasting is hard to contain and can leak into drains in the water system. Additionally, the fire hydrant may be shut off during the sandblasting and repainting process which is a liability if the hydrant needs to be accessed.

[0005] Fire hydrants in environments that wear heavily on the paint coating need to be repainted every 3-4 years. 1-3 fire hydrants are installed per block as part of the above-ground water infrastructure. As such, in some areas, hundreds of fire hydrants need to be repainted every few years. This is both time intensive, and the labor and materials are expensive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The accompanying drawings illustrate various

implementations of the principles described herein and are a part of the specification. The illustrated implementations are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims.

[0007] Fig. 1 illustrates an example of a shrinkable fire hydrant cover as disclosed herein.

[0008] Fig. 2 illustrates an example of a shrinkable cover for a fire hydrant valve cap, including an example of a suitable fastener.

[0009] Fig 3. illustrates an example of the manner in which a shrinkable fire hydrant cover may be placed onto the fire hydrant body.

[0010] Fig 4. illustrates an example of a method that may be used for installation of a shrinkable fire hydrant valve cap cover.

[0011] Fig. 5 is a flow-diagram illustrating the steps of an example implementation for installing the fire hydrant cover consistent with this specification. [0012] Fig. 6 is a flow-diagram illustrating the steps of art example implementation for making a fire hydrant cover consistent with this specification.

[0013] Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and the size of some parts may be exaggerated to more clearly illustrate the example shown. Moreover, the drawings provide examples and/or implementations consistent with the description; however, the description is not limited to the examples and/or implementations provided in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Aspects of the current painting process do not yield ideal results for protecting the fire hydrant from the elements and other damage or providing lasting curb-appeal. Paint is easily chipped, fades in the sun, and can erode from exposure to salt used for snow melting, among other issues. Additionally, the sand-blasting process used to prepare the fire hydrant for repainting presents environmental concerns.

[0015] To address these issues, a product and method are described below to readily protect and maintain the appearance of fire hydrants without the having to undergo extensive repair or repainting processes. The aim is to help solve the issues with the current paint coating and subsequent repainting process on a fire hydrant. The solution includes a shrinkable cover that can be installed onto an existing fire hydrant to replace the current paint coating. In different examples, the cover may be slipped over or wrapped around a hydrant. The cover, when placed over the fire hydrant, is then subjected to heat and shrinks until it fits tightly onto the fire hydrant.

[0016] Replacing the traditional paint coating and repainting process with a shrinkable fire hydrant cover offers several advantages. The cover lasts significantly longer than traditional paint coatings, and the process for covering the fire hydrant is less-intensive than current processes. The fire hydrant cover is designed to be easily removed and replaced decreasing both time and cost, as compared to traditional sandblasting and repainting. When the cover needs to be replaced, it is easily and quickly removed without damage to the hydrant or negatively affecting the environment. The cover can be cut and peeled from the hydrant where it is installed in a short time with no negative environmental impact. Then, a new cover is also easily and quickly installed on the exposed fire hydrant. The savings in time and money is even more significant when this re-covering process is scaled to an entire batch of fire hydrants connected to the water infrastructure system of a neighborhood or city.

[0017] The shrink-to-fit fire hydrant cover described herein may be more durable than traditional paint coatings. It may also retain color vibrancy several years longer than paint. Thus, the fire hydrants will be more distinguishable during the day over longer periods of time. Oftentimes, cities use a specific color coding system to help identify a fire hydrant in terms of its water flow. The proposed fire hydrant cover would be an effective way to implement a color-coding system because it is easily manufactured in many bold, bright colors that maintain their vibrancy after many years.

[0018] In addition to increased daytime visibility, the shrinkable fire hydrant cover also offers greater visibility during the night. The cover may, in some examples, include integrated reflective material that will also increase visibility at night, making the fire hydrant easier to locate and allowing firefighters to respond more efficiently in a fire emergency. This reflective material will be described in greater detail below.

[0019] Thus, the shrinkable fire hydrant cover is a tool to help mitigate and solve issues associated with the painting, maintenance, and function of fire hydrants. Elements that add value to the fire hydrant are the design, manufacturing and installation of shrink-to-fit slip covers onto the individual fire hydrant. The durable nature of the cover helps protect against weather wear and other damage by impact. [0020] The semi-permanent slip cover would replace the painting and repainting process by providing a sleek finish that looks like paint but may last almost twice as long as a standard paint coating. It would protect the fire hydrant structurally and also increase and maintain the aesthetic appeal. The cover allows for easy installation and minimal prep work on the fire hydrant itself. This saves the environment from harmful effects of sand blasting. The material of the slip cover can also offer Ultra-Violet (UV) ray protection, be salt and chemical resistant, and stay pliable in freezing and hot temperatures.

[0021] In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present systems and methods. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present apparatus, systems, and methods may be practiced without these specific details.

[0022] The cover is to be manufactured to enclose or wrap an existing fire hydrant. The material of the hydrant body cover is subject to shrinkage when heated, so as to shrink-fit to conform to a shape of the fire hydrant. This method of covering a fire hydrant allows for the cover to fit a variety of fire hydrants in that it can accommodate for several different designs of fire hydrants with different details in the body and valves of the structure. Additionally, the cover can be manufactured to a customized design shape in case of a more irregular fire hydrant. It can be retrofit onto existing fire hydrants that have already been installed at the street level.

[0023] Fig. 1 is a depiction of the fire hydrant cover 101 that can be placed over a fire hydrant as described above. The cover may have specific design features including pre-cut valve holes 102 to accommodate valve nozzles (Fig. 4, 402) protruding from the barrel (Fig. 4, 401) of the fire hydrant. These valve holes are to be measured and cut during the process of manufacturing before being commercially sold. Each pre-cut valve hole 102 may also be strengthened structurally by attaching non- pliable rings 103, made of a stiffer material than used for the cover, around the circumferential edge of the valve hole. These rings may be used to provide support and strength so that the cover does not rip when strained during the installation process and also may help to secure the cover onto the fire hydrant properly. The pre-cut valve holes 102 may act as guiding tools to help the user place the cover onto the fire hydrant in the proper manner by matching the valve holes 102 to the corresponding valve nozzles 402. (See Fig. 3) The non- pliable securing rings 103 also could aid during the installation process to help the cover remain in place during any subsequent heating processes in which the material is shrunk to fit tightly onto the fire hydrant.

[0024] A patterned edge 105 is included along the bottom of the sheet for securing by zip tie 106 or other suitable fastener after installation. In one way, the patterned edge may be created by folding up the bottom edge of the cover a certain width, securing the folded edge, without sealing all of the folded material to each other. A zip tie, or other suitable fastener could be thread through the opening that was created by folding up the bottom edge a certain width. Once the cover has been placed onto the fire hydrant, the zip tie could then be pulled and tightened to secure the bottom edge of the cover around the base of the fire hydrant. This helps the cover to remain in place during the subsequent installation steps. An additional step could be taken to pattern the folded edge. Once the folded edge is secured, small triangular pieces of the cover material could be cut out from the bottom edge. This would help to remove excess material that might bunch up around the base of the fire hydrant when the fastener is tightened.

[0025] Another way to pattern the bottom edge would be to cut several slits along the bottom edge of the cover. The slits could be cut a certain width from the bottom edge, without cutting past the bottom edge. A further step could include reinforcing the newly cut slits. The zip tie could then be threaded through the cover material using the slits. One way could be to thread the zip tie through each slit, alternating between approaching the slits from the backside and frontside of the fire hydrant cover. Once the cover has been placed onto the fire hydrant, the zip tie could then be pulled and tightened to secure the bottom edge of the cover around the base of the fire hydrant. [0026] The fire hydrant cover could also be manufactured with two outer side edges that are opposite to one another. The two outer side edges could wrap around the fire hydrant and meet at a single vertical axis, perpendicular to the ground. One of the outer edges may be manufactured with a certain width of adhesive material 104 to be able to secure the wrap before the shrinking process. The adhesive material also may have a strip of covering so as to not to adhere to any other material before installation. The cover strip is easily removable at the time of installation by separating the cover strip from the adhesive coating strip on the fire hydrant cover at one of the corners and pulling down gently on the covering strip until it is completely detached. Once the adhesive is exposed, the cover can be wrapped around the fire hydrant, and the edge without adhesive is pressed onto the edge that has the adhesive strip so as to seal the cover onto the fire hydrant.

[0027] The fire hydrant cover could also be manufactured as a hollow body shape encompassing a vacant inside cavity, allowing for the fire hydrant cover to be placed over the fire hydrant. This could be achieved through an additional step of manufacturing, in that the two opposing side edges, one with the adhesive strip, could be pre-sealed before use or being placed over the fire hydrant. Additionally, the fire hydrant cover could be manufactured without seams to achieve the hollow body shape. The cover could then be placed directly over the fire hydrant by the user, fastened to the base using a fastener threaded through the patterned bottom edge, and would be ready for subsequent installation steps.

[0028] The fire hydrant cover could also be manufactured as a fire hydrant cover assembly kit which comprises a fire hydrant cover and valve cap covers. The main fire hydrant cover would cover the following

components of the fire hydrant: the barrel, valve nozzles protruding radially from the barrel, a bonnet cap attached to the top of the barrel, and a base attached to the bottom of the barrel. The valve cap covers would individually cover each of the valve caps that are attached to the valve nozzles and can be screwed on and off so as to allow authorized personnel to connect hoses to the fire hydrant valve nozzles. [0029] Additionally, screw caps could be included that would cover corresponding screws and bolts that protrude from the valve caps or the bonnet cap of the fire hydrant barrel. These plastic caps may also be included with the fire hydrant covering as separate pieces for each of the nuts protruding from the fire hydrant as added protection against corrosion or other damage. The caps would have mechanism that would snap into place, such as a narrowed end or threading onto the nut. The caps would be manufactured from a plastic or other material with similar properties to the cover material.

[0030] Fig. 2 is a depiction of the material design for the covering of each valve cap. Both the slip cover and wrap designs also may include covers 201 separately manufactured for each of the caps for the valves. Each cap covering is manufactured pre-cut to the designated standard size of the valve caps. The circumference edge of the cap covering material would be patterned 202 to allow securing of a non-pliable snap ring, zip tie 106, or other circular fastener after placement onto the fire hydrant cap. This edge patterning 202 is similar to the patterning of the bottom edge of the fire hydrant cover 105, as previously described.

[0031] The fire hydrant cover and valve cap covers should consist of a material conducive to heat shrinking, wherein when the material is subjected to heat, it shrinks from its original dimension, molding itself around the structure onto which it is being installed. The material should offer a shrinkage ratio of at least 3:1 , but could offer shrinkage ratio more or less than that to accommodate different hydrant styles. The smaller the details of the fire hydrant structure, the larger the shrinking ratio is needed to achieve the tight-fitting shape of a cover. However, a shrinkage ratio of 2:1 would require less material initially and may be sufficient for some fire hydrants.

[0032] The material is able to be pre-molded, and then fully molded in a two-step heating process, without degradation of the material. The first step occurs after the fire hydrant cover has been cut and patterned. The cover is then placed onto a model of a fire hydrant and subjected to heat for a short period of time. During this process, the material is shrunk to a certain percentage of the total shrinking necessary to be flush and tight against an actual street-installed fire hydrant. The cover is then packaged and shipped for commercial sale. Upon purchase, the customer then places the pre-molded fire hydrant cover onto the fire hydrant needing to be covered or marked and finishes the process by subjecting the material to further heating until the full amount of shrinking to the hydrant has been achieved. Advantages of this embodiment include decreases the time needed for installation by the customer and pre-molded covers are more intuitive to install when matching similar sections of the cover to the corresponding parts of the fire hydrant.

[0033] In another embodiment, the fire hydrant cover is not pre- molded, but is available for commercial and personal use after the cover has been cut and patterned. The customer is then required to complete the entirety of the heating process at installation. Advantages to this process include decreasing the cost of manufacturing and allowing for ease of shipping in that the flat shape of the cover is easier to package than a pre- molded cover.

[0034] In a third embodiment, the fire hydrant cover could be manufactured onto the fire hydrant, whereby companies could offer a pre- covered fire hydrant for commercial sale.

[0035] The material should offer UV protection, be salt and chemical resistant, and retain its chemical and structural integrity in freezing temperatures. This is important especially in areas with heavy snow fall, where roads are heavily salted to melt the ice. The snow and ice often cause paint to chip and peel off pre-maturely on the fire hydrant. The salt and snow may also corrode the valve caps and make it difficult for fire-fighters and other authorized personnel to disconnect valve caps and connect hoses to the barrel valves. A cover as described by the inventor would offer greater protection than traditional painting. UV resistance can be obtained by incorporating different additives or using combinations of plastics that include structures like or similar to PTFE. The covers should be of sufficient thickness and hardness to protect against physical surface or structural damage. Damage on the surface may be incurred by impact with lawn- mowers, weed-wackers or if hit at low speeds by cars or bicycles.

Additionally, animal urine may deteriorate classically painted fire hydrants, whereas the invented fire hydrant cover would protect against such degradation.

[0036] The material may incorporate polymer structures, including PTFE, or similar heat shrinkable Teflon materials which offer good shrinkage ratios and add strength to the fire hydrant cover. The material used for the fire hydrant covers is also able to be infused with reflective or fluorescent materials, allowing the entirety of the cover to be reflective for easier detection during dusk or night hours. In another example, the reflective materials can be adhered onto the cover material topically, in the form of tape, placed onto the cover during manufacturing, allowing for only certain parts of the cover to be reflective, also increasing night visibility.

[0037] In either the flat sheet or pre-molded versions of the hydrant body cover, the installation process is similar. Fig. 5 shows a 2-step process for covering a fire hydrant. First, a shrinkable fire hydrant cover is placed onto the fire hydrant so as to enclose it. 501 Second, heat is applied to the fire hydrant cover so that the material of the cover shrinks until it fits tightly onto the fire hydrant. 502 The fire hydrant may be covered with a shrinkable fire hydrant cover using these steps only or using additional steps as described below.

[0038] Each valve cap is unscrewed from the fire hydrant valve nozzle. A first edge 301 of the cover is held, as shown in Fig 3, near the rounded side of the fire hydrant barrel that does not house any valves. The wrap is then pulled around the fire hydrant base, holding the second outer edge 302, until that outer edge meets the original edge held in place. The adhesive strip cover is removed, exposing the adhesive coating strip. The second edge that was pulled around the fire hydrant is placed over the adhesive strip and pressed against the edge with the adhesive coating until the cover is secured in place. The user then secures each of the cut-out valve holes 102 and attached rings 103 on the face of the valve arms. A zip tie or other fastener 106 is placed through the patterned bottom edge nearest the ground and tightened to prevent the cover material from moving upwards during the shrinking process.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 1 , the various circular valve hole cut outs 102 may be located on the cover according to the model of the designated fire hydrant cover. During installation, each valve cut-out in the cover is placed around each of the corresponding valve nozzle openings on the fire hydrant barrel (see Fig. 3), with the attached circular pliable rings 103 situated on the outer circumferential face of the valve nozzle opening. These valves may follow standard sizing of fire hydrant valves, with varying sizes according to the exact specifications of the individual fire hydrant. Most fire hydrants have a barrel to which several valves (usually three) protrude radially from the barrel. Each valve nozzle is opened via a valve cap that is can be screwed on and off.

[0040] Installation of each valve cap cover follows a similar process to that of the installation of the body cover. (See Fig. 4) The nut 404 is unscrewed from the valve cap 403. The valve cap cover 201 is then placed onto the cap by lining up the attached ring diameter 204 with the diameter of the hole wherein the nut is screwed back into place. The patterned bottom edge 202 of the cap cover is pulled around the flat bottom edges of the cap. A fastener is placed through the patterned edge of the cover and tightened. The cap is then screwed back onto its respective valve threading, and the valve cap covers and body covers undergo the shrinking process

simultaneously. During a shrinking process, like applying heat, the slip cover can now form itself around of the fire hydrant features until all of the material of the main fire hydrant cover and the valve cap covers is flush with the surface of the fire hydrant and its components. The material, when shrunk sufficiently, could look like as if it was painted onto the fire hydrant.

[0041] The cap coverings could also be installed using a mating nipple or other similar tool that would secure both the material to the cap and the material around the valve to prevent slippage during the shrinking process. The cylindrical tool would have two ends, one to screw onto the existing fire hydrant valve opening threading and a second end that would offer a second set of threading for the cap to the screw onto, thus separating the cap from the valve. This would allow the cap cover and barrel cover to be shrunk simultaneously without the material from the cap cover and the barrel cover coming into contact and sealing together. Any material between the fire hydrant cover and the valve cap cover sealing together is undesirable because the cap and valve must be able to be disconnected for functional use of the fire hydrant. After the shrinking process, the connection tool would be removed and the fire hydrant valve cap placed directly back onto the fire hydrant.

[0042] A sturdy plastic zip tie or other suitable fastener 106 may be provided to the consumer with the wrap materials to assist in securing the barrel cover to the base of the fire hydrant and to secure the cap covers onto the valve caps as part of the fire hydrant cover assembly kit.

[0043] It is estimated that the shrinkable fire hydrant cover may provide 3 to 4 times the life expectancy of a paint job using the current painting process. When the cover needs to be replaced, it is easily and quickly removed without the time-consuming process of sand-blasting. The zip tie is easily cut off with the appropriate tool, and the cover is easily cut off starting from the patterned base edge and then peeled from the fire hydrant. Valve cap covers are removed in a similar process. Thus, within a short period of time and minimal labor, the fire hydrant cover can be removed and a new cover installed.

[0044] A method of forming the hydrant cover, in an example shown in Fig. 6, includes warming a sheet of the shrinkable material (601) to an elevated temperature that does not cause shrinkage, but increases the ability to stretch the material. Shrinkable material, as described herein, will not shrink to fit an enclosed object at below a threshold temperature. Prior to reaching that temperature, the material, if heated, become more malleable and can be more easily stretched, without shrinking occurring.

[0045] At this elevated temperature, the material is pressed, stretched and/or shaped (602) to the desired form corresponding to the fire hydrant or a portion of the fire hydrant. When in the desired shape, the material is allowed to cool (603), retaining the desired shape. The cover or piece of a cover is then ready to be applied to a particular fire hydrant and heated to the threshold temperature for shrinking to be fixed to and protect the hydrant.

[0046] In conclusion, this fire hydrant cover is a tool to help mitigate and solve issues associated with the painting, maintenance, and function of fire hydrants. Elements that add value to the fire hydrant are the design, manufacturing and installation of slip covers or wraps onto the individual fire hydrant. The durable nature of the cover or wrap helps protect against weather wear and other damage by impact. The semi-permanent slip cover would replace the painting and repainting process by providing a sleek finish that looks like paint but would last almost twice as long (7-10 years) as a standard paint coating.

[0047] It would protect the fire hydrant structurally and also increase and maintain the aesthetic appeal. By maintaining vibrant colors, the fire hydrants will be more distinguishable during the day, especially in regards to any city-ordinanced color coding for water flow ratings. The integrated reflective material in the slip cover will also increase visibility at night, making access to the fire hydrant quicker to see and allow the firefighters to respond more efficiently in a fire emergency. Pre- cut and/or pre- molded slip covers allow for easy installation and minimal prep work on the fire hydrant itself. This saves the environment from harmful effects of sand blasting. The material of the slip cover offers UV protection, is salt and chemical resistant, stays pliable in freezing and heat temperatures.

[0048] The preceding description has been presented only to illustrate and describe examples of the principles described. This description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit these principles to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.