High Wind Structure Protection Device

Abstract

The present invention provides a device that in high wind conditions covers objects to deflect the wind around the object, holds down the object and protects the object from windblown debris. This invention provides in one embodiment, a wind protection device for securing over a structure to anchor points in the ground. The device includes a cover having a plurality of vents and non-vent portions, as well as a plurality of attachment portions disposed on the cover and being operably configured to be attachable to the anchor points. When the device is secured over the structure, the cover forms an angle relative to the structure defining a more aerodynamic profile for the device than the structure alone, and the non-vent portions of the cover block windblown debris from impacting the structure.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This nonprovisional application claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 60/841,670, filed on Sep. 1, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and to which priority is claimed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a device which provides protection to an object or structure from the damages caused by high winds.

2. Description of Related Art

Each year, devastating wind storms cause individual property owners, local and state governments, and the federal government billions of dollars in damage. These same entities further spend millions of dollars trying to mitigate the effects and damage caused by these wind storms.

The high winds and flying debris from these storms cause extreme amount of damages to standing structures. To protect their buildings, owners have used various existing devices. Owners will board up windows and sometimes doors with wood or other solid sheet material to protect against the flying debris. These conventional devices do provide some protection from flying debris, but not from the effects of high wind.

An extremely hazardous effect of high winds blowing against a building is the creation of high pressure under the roof and low pressure on the top of the roof, just like an airfoil. This situation creates a lifting force on the roof. If strong enough, the roof separates from the building and the building often collapses. Some conventional devices, such as brackets mounted to the roof and then to the frame of the building provide some protection. But these conventional devices will fail in extremely high wind storms and provide no protection against flying debris.

Still another hazard of high winds is the effect of winds on one sides of the building. As with the roof, the sides of a building also can act like an airfoil. The high winds hit one side of a building creating an area of high pressure, while on the opposing side a low pressure area is created. This pressure differential can become great enough to cause structure damage to the building. Walls are constructed to withstand compression loading. This pressure differential causes side loading and tension loading on the walls. In this scenario the walls will often collapse. Conventional devices and methods do not protect against these effects.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to overcome the drawbacks and shortcomings of conventional devices and methods. The present invention provides maximum protection for structural property from the effects of a high wind storm.

The present invention further provides an embodiment wherein protection is provided from flying debris.

The present invention is a device that reduces direct wind pressure surrounding a structure, while maintaining positive pressure on the roof or top of the structure.

The present invention provides a device that in high wind conditions covers objects to deflect the wind around the object, holds down the object and protects the object from windblown debris. This invention provides in one embodiment, a wind protection device for securing over a structure to anchor points in the ground. The device includes a cover having a plurality of vents and non-vent portions, as well as a plurality of attachment portions disposed on the cover and being operably configured to be attachable to the anchor points. When the device is secured over the structure, the cover forms an angle relative to the structure defining a more aerodynamic profile for the device than the structure alone, and the non-vent portions of the cover block windblown debris from impacting the structure.

Still further, this invention provides a protection device for an object during high winds, having a cover being substantially flexible and having a perimeter, a plurality of anchors, and a plurality of securing members, wherein each of the securing members has a first end removably attached to the cover along the perimeter and a second end removably attached to one of the anchors. When the device is in use, an angle is formed between the cover and the object and the angle is a value to define a more aerodynamic profile for the secured device than the object alone.

This invention also provides a method for protecting a structure during a high wind storm. The method includes obtaining a device having a cover with a plurality of vents and non-vent portions, and operably configured to substantially fit over the structure, positioning the cover over a roof of the structure, and securing the cover to a plurality of anchors, wherein when the cover is secured to the anchors, at least 80 pounds of test is applied to the cover. When the device is secured over the structure, the cover forms an angle relative to the structure defining a more aerodynamic profile for the device than the structure alone, and the non-vent portions of the cover block windblown debris from impacting the structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Various exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view a device made according to this invention shown in use;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a cover shown in the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a detail view of the cover of FIG. 2 and a securing portion and a ground anchor of the device in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a view from above showing the structure of FIG. 1 and the positioning of the ground anchors;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a device made in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 6 is a detail view of the cover of FIG. 5 and a securing portion and a ground anchor of the device in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of still another alternative embodiment of a device made in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment of a device made in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a device made in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 10 is a detail view of another alternative embodiment of a device made in accordance with this invention; and,

FIG. 11 is a top view of the device shown in FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

The present invention provides a device 10, wherein the device 10 is placed over a structure 5, as shown in FIG. 1. The device 10 is secured to the earth or ground and covers the structure 5. The device 10 also provides a method of securing the structure 5 in the event of high winds.

The device 10 includes a first member or cover 20, a plurality of second members or securing portions/members 60 and a plurality of third members or anchors 40.

When the device 10 is installed over the structure 5, the device 10, as shown in FIG. 1, redirects wind from hitting the structure 5 head on, provides hold down pressure on a roof of the structure 5 thus maintaining structural integrity of the structure 5, and is a barrier to keeping flying debris from hitting the structure 5.

The first member or cover 20 is a flexible material operably configured to cover the structure 5. In this exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the cover 20 includes five major portions 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25. The five portions 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25 are connected together. In the present embodiment the five portions 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25 are cut generally to match the profile of the structure 5 and are heat sewn together. It should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments, the first member consists of one unity portion instead of the five portions shown. Further, it should also be appreciated the first member could be shaped to match whatever the shape of the structure 5.

The cover 20 includes a plurality of vents 31, as shown in FIG. 3. The vents 31 allow the passage of some of the wind that will impact the cover 20 through the cover 20. In the present embodiment, the vents 31 are formed by straps of material in a webbed pattern. The vents 31 are the voids in the webbed pattern. It is preferred that the webbed pattern have a diamond pattern. In this exemplary embodiment the webbed straps form diamond patterns generally four inches by four inches. The straps in the present embodiment are one and a half inches wide. The cover in other various exemplary embodiments is other patterns such as oval, circular and triangular for example, and the straps have other varying widths. Further, it should be appreciated that the cover could be of a solid material with screened air vents vice being webbed. In the present embodiment, the cover 20 is constructed of a woven heavyweight polypropylene strap material.

The cover 20 preferably has a high tensile strength. It is preferred that the cover 20 have a tensile strength of at least 1200 pounds test per square inch. In other various exemplary embodiments other tensile strength material may be used depending on the expected winds and structure securing requirements.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the present embodiment is operably configured to cover about a fifteen feet wide by about a thirty feet long by twelve feet high structure, such as a mobile home or the like. The first portion 21 has a length and a width. In the present embodiment, the first portion 21 has dimensions of about seventeen feet wide by about thirty feet in length. The second and third portions 22 and 23 have a length and a height. In the present embodiment, the second and third portions have dimensions of about twelve feet high by about thirty-two feet in length. The fourth and fifth portions 24 and 25 have a plurality of sides operably configured to mate with the first, second and third portions, 21, 22 and 23. In the present embodiment, the fourth and fifth portions 24 and 25 have a width of about seventeen feet.

The five portions 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 are heat sewn together along respective common sides 26 as shown in FIG. 2. It should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments, the portions can be connected together by other methods commonly known in the art, for example sewing. Further, it should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments, the cover and the plurality of portions can be arranged to match the shape of other shapes so as to generally match the shape of a structure that the cover is going to go over.

The cover 20 further includes a perimeter 27 and a plurality of attachment portions 28. In this embodiment, the attachment portions 28 are orifices with eyelets disposed along the perimeter 27 of the cover 20, as shown in FIG. 3. The pluralities of eyelets 28 have a spacing 29 between each of the eyelets 28. The eyelets fit within the orifices and are preferably pressed with a vice and welded into the material. In the present embodiment, the spacing 29 is five feet. However, it should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments, spacing may be of other dimensions. A distance between the each of the eyelets 28 that is greater than six feet will reduce the effectiveness of the device 10. It should be appreciated that the approximate distance between the orifices, and hence the anchoring locations, preferably is between 4 and 6 feet, depending on the height of the structure and/or surrounding trees or other non-movable structures.

FIG. 3 shows a detail of the plurality of third members or ground anchors 40. The anchors 40 include have a height 41, a diameter 42 and a top surface or edge 43. The anchors 40 are preferably disposed in the earth such that the surface 43 is substantially flush with the earth. Each of the anchors 40 further includes a concave portion 44 disposed at the center of the diameter 42. In the present embodiment, the anchors 40 are constructed of concrete. In the present embodiment, the height 41 is about two feet and the diameter is about one foot. Each of the anchors 40 with these dimensions is about 220 lbs. of cement, (plus or minus 25 lbs.). It should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments, the plurality of anchors could be of other various dimension and materials depending on the desire amount of retention force required.

The anchors 40 further include and attachment member or eyebolt 50. The attachment member 50 in the present embodiment is one half inch rebar having an eye 51 and a T-portion 52. The T-portion 52 is disposed within the concrete of the anchor 40. The eye 51 is positioned in the anchor 40 such that the eye 51 is in the concave portion 44 and flush with the surface 43. It should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments, the eyebolt could be of other materials, such as stainless steal for example, and include other shapes as is common in the art of making tie-down devices. The eye 51 is positioned flush with the surface 43 as a safety feature, when the anchor 40 is in the earth, the eye 51 will not present a tripping hazard. It should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments, the eye could be positioned such that it is not flush with the top surface.

While the plurality of third members or anchors 40 in the present embodiment are cylindrical in shape, it should be appreciated the in other various exemplary embodiments, the anchors could be of other shapes and sizes as require for retention of the anchor in the type of earth it is place in.

The plurality of third members 40 are disposed within the earth at a spacing 46 between each of the third members 40, as shown in FIG. 4. In the present embodiment, the spacing 46 is about five feet, which corresponds to the spacing 29 between the plurality of orifices 28 on the cover 20. Additionally, the plurality of anchors 40 includes a distance 47 from the structure 5. The distance 47 is optimally configured so as to create an angle 35 between the structure 5 and the device 10. It is preferred that the angle 35 be between 25 and 60 degrees. Further, it is preferred that the angle 35 be at least 30 degrees. Still further, it is preferred that the angle be approximately 30 degrees. In the present embodiment, the distance 47 is about four to five feet in order to achieve the preferred angle. It should be appreciated that in other various embodiments, the distance between the anchors and the structure will vary depending on the height of the structure and the angle between the structure and the device may vary.

The first member or cover 20 is releasably connected to the plurality of third members or anchors 40 by the plurality of second members or securing portions 60. Each of the securing portions 60 includes a connection member 61 and an adjustment member 62. In the present embodiment, the connection member 61 is a carabiner and the adjustment member is a come-a-long tensioning device common in the art. The use of a carabiner and come-a-long permits a user to quickly assemble the device 10 over the structure 5 when a high wind storm warning is issued. It should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments, the securing portions could be other devices common in the art such as, but not limited to, turnbuckles for example.

The connection member 61 is releasably connected to the orifice 28 of the cover 20. The adjustment member 62 is releasably connected to the eye 51 of the anchor 40. The adjustment member 62 is tightened to hold the cover 20 taut to the anchor 40. In the present embodiment, the securing portion 60 is tightened to about 80 pounds of pressure at all locations of third member 60. It should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments, the tension on the tie-downs could vary depending on the amount of tension required to provide a level of protection desired.

The device 10 is used to protect the structure 5. In the event of a high wind storm warning the user obtains the cover 20 and places the cover 20 over the roof of the structure 5. Next the user attaches one of plurality of securing portions 60 to one of the plurality of third members or anchors 40. The user then adjusts the tension on each of the securing portions 60 to a desired tension. It is preferred that the tension be at least 80 pounds or greater. It is further preferred that the tension be 80 to 100 pounds. In this embodiment, the tension is recommended to be about eighty pounds. After this step, the device 10 is considered installed.

The installed device 10 with the angle 35 relative to the structure 5, protects the structure 5 in high wind storms by deflecting the direction of the wind from straight on the structure 5 to an angle. By redirecting the wind, the device 10 reduces the wind speeds hitting the structure 5 and hence the pressures exerted by the wind on the sides of the structure 5. The redirecting of the wind by the device 10 also prevents high pressure area from building up on one side of the structure 5 and a low pressure area on the other side. Wind will also be able to flow through the vents in the cover so as to prevent the cover from negatively acting as a wind sail.

The device 10 also holds the roof of the structure 5 down, which one of the largest causes of structural damage in a wind storm. The eighty pounds of pressure exerted by the device 10 on the roof, keeps the side walls and roof connections intact. Once a roof separates from a structure, that structure will have lost its integrity and will generally collapse.

Additionally, the device 10 is a barrier to keep windblown debris larger than the web pattern from impacting the sides of the structure 5.

The device 10 as described above is for use on a structure such as a mobile home. It is contemplated and will be readily recognized that a device made in accordance with the present invention may be used to cover other objects such as cars, containers, trucks, boats, planes and the like. Still further, it should be appreciated that the device 10 may be constructed of various sizes to match the structure or object to be protected.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a device 200, which is an alternative embodiment of a protection device made in accordance with the present invention. The device 200 includes all the features of the device 10. The device 200 includes a first member or cover 220, a plurality of third members or anchors 240 and a plurality of securing portions 260. The cover 220 includes a plurality of orifices 228.

The device 200 is different from the device 10 in that the cover 220 of the device 200 is a solid material with a plurality of openings 231 in the cover 220. The openings 231 are operably configured to provide venting from one side of the cover to the other. In this exemplary embodiment the openings are semi-circular slits in the cover. This feature provides for additional protection of the structure 5 from flying debris. In this embodiment the structure 5 is a camper. It should be appreciated that other shapes for the openings can be utilized in other embodiments. The cover 220 is preferably made from an air permeable material.

Further, the device 200 is different from the device 10 in that the plurality of third members or anchors 240 is does not equal the number of plurality of orifices 228 in the cover 220. The plurality of anchors 240 is one half the number of the plurality of orifices 228.

The plurality of securing portions 260 is also different from the securing portions 60 of the device 10. The plurality of securing portions 260 include a connection member 261, wherein the connection member 261 includes two first ends 265a and 265b and a second end 266. The first end 265a connects one of the plurality of orifices 228 on the cover 220. The other first end 265b connects to the next consecutive orifice of the plurality of orifices 228. In the present embodiment the first ends 265a and 265b include J-hook type of ends. The second end 266 connects the connection member 261 to the adjustment member 262. The first ends 265a and 265b and the second end 266, in the present embodiment are connected by a nylon webbing material. It should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments, other material common in the art may be used. The adjustment member 242 is a come-a-long tensioning device as described above for device 10.

With this arrangement of plurality of securing portions 260 and the plurality of orifices 228, only half the number of plurality of securing portions 260 are required and less ground space is required. To maintain the same hold down force of the plurality of securing portions 260, the plurality of third members or anchors 240 of the device 200 are larger than the plurality of anchors 40 in the device 10.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a device 300, which is an alternative embodiment of a protection device made in accordance with the present invention. The device 300 includes all the features of the device 10. The device 300 includes a first member or cover 320, a plurality of third members or anchors 340 and a plurality of second members or securing portions 360. The cover 320 includes a plurality of orifices 328. Further, each of the plurality of securing portions 360 includes a connection member 361. The cover 320 includes a first, second, third, fourth and fifth portions, 321, 322, 323, 324, and 325.

The device 300 is different from the device 10 in that not all the plurality of securing portions 360 includes an adjustment member 362 as in device 10. In the device 300, the plurality of securing portions 360 along the fourth portion 324 of the cover 320 as in the device 10 do include the adjustment member 362. However, the plurality of securing portions 360 disposed along the second, third and fifth portions 322, 323, and 325 of the cover 320 do not include an adjustment member 362.

The connection members 361 of the plurality of securing portions 360 along the second, third and fifth portions 322, 323, and 325 of the cover 320 connect the cover 320 directly to the anchors 340.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a device 400, which is an alternative embodiment of a protection device made in accordance with the present invention. The device 400 includes all the features of the device 10. The device 400 includes a first member or cover 420, a plurality of third members or anchors 440 and a plurality of second members or securing portions 460. The plurality of third members or anchors 440 includes an eyebolt 450 and an eye 451. Further, each of the plurality of securing portions 460 includes a connection member 461 and an adjustment member 462.

The device 400 is different from the device 10 in that the plurality of third members 440 is incorporated into an existing surrounding surface 406. In this exemplary embodiment the existing surrounding surface 406 is a sidewalk. As shown in FIG. 8, the third members 440 are incorporated into the sidewalk 406. A Centerline 407 of the sidewalk 406 is disposed at a distance 447 from the structure. The distance is similar to the distance 47 of the device 10 above with regard to the preferred distance lengths. The third members 440 are disposed within the sidewalk 406, preferably along the centerline 407.

The device 400 also includes an eyebolt 450, and eye 451 and a T-portion 452. The eyebolt 450 is disposed within the sidewalk 406 such that the eye 451 is does not protrude above the sidewalk 406. The T-portion 452 is disposed beneath the sidewalk 406. The device 400 is provides a more aesthetic look to the plurality of third members 440.

FIG. 9 is a detailed perspective view of a device 500, which is an alternative embodiment of a protection device made in accordance with the present invention. The device 500 includes all the features of the device 10. The device 500 includes a first member or cover 520, a plurality of third members or anchors 540 and a plurality of second members or securing portions 560. The plurality of third members or anchors 540 includes an eyebolt 550 and an eye 551. Further, each of the plurality of securing portions 560 includes a connection member 561 and an adjustment member 562.

The device 500 is different from the device 10 in that the plurality of third members 540 are disposed above the ground. As shown in FIG. 9, the plurality of third members 540 is above the ground and not in the earth. Another difference in device 500 is that the anchor 540 is operably configured to be placed above-ground. The anchor 540 has a height 541, a width 542 and a depth 543. The volume of the anchor 540 is about twice the volume of the anchor 40 in device 10. While the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the anchor 540 is of a cuboid shape, it should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments, other shapes and designs for the anchor may be used, for example, but not limited to, are Jersey barriers or K-rails, as used for traffic barriers. The anchors 540 are preferred to be made of concrete or other heavy material. Any heavy items could be employed as the anchor in other exemplary embodiments, including for example, an engine block, so long as the user can adequately attach the securing portion to the item.

An advantage of the device 500 is that it can be used on a structure 5 that has not been preset up. In other words, if an owner of the structure 5 has not prepared the ground surrounding the structure 5 with proper anchor points prior to the warning of a high wind storm or hurricane, the owner can utilize the device 500 with the above-ground anchors. The anchors 540 are temporarily disposed about the structure, preferably at similar distances to the anchors described above for the other exemplary embodiments. The device 500 works well for structures 5 that are not stationary, such as, but not limited to, automobiles, trucks, campers, boats on trailer, etc.

FIG. 10 is a detailed perspective view of a device 600, which is an alternative embodiment of a protection device made in accordance with the present invention. The device 600 includes all the features of the device 10. The device 600 includes a first member or cover 620 with vents 631, a perimeter 627, a plurality of third members or anchors 640 and a plurality of second members or securing portions 660. The plurality of third members or anchors 640 includes an eyebolt 650 and an eye 651. Further, each of the plurality of securing portions 660 includes a connection member 661 and an adjustment member 662.

The device 600 is different from the device 10 in that the cover 620 is made out of rope netting. Further, it is preferred that the perimeter 627 of the cover 620 be made of a material that is different than the netting of the cover. The rope netting is preferably made out of round nylon. It is further preferred that the rope netting have a diameter of about one half inch. The netting cover 620 includes knots 619. The use of knots is a benefit over conventional nylon netting that uses heat sewing because the heat sewing of conventional netting reduces the tensile strength of the nylon. Additionally, the nylon cover 620 also has a diamond shaped pattern. It is preferred that the cover 620 have a tensile strength of at least about 2000 pounds. The nylon cover 620 is softer than the polypropylene material used in the device 10. The nylon cover 20 will not be as abrasive as the polypropylene against a softer surface such as aluminum.

The perimeter 627 of the device 600 is different than the perimeter 27 of device 10 in that the perimeter 627 includes attachment portions 617 in the form of a length of material wherein there are a multitude of attachment locations for the connection member. The portions 617 in the present embodiment are preferred to be made of a different material than the rest of the cover 620. The cover 620 is primarily made of a first material, nylon in this embodiment, and the portions 617 of the perimeter 627 is made of a second material. It is preferred that the first material be more flexible than the second material. Further it is preferred that the first material be more elastic than the second material. In this embodiment, the second material is a heavyweight polypropylene material having a diameter of one half inch. However, it should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments, other materials, such as, but not limited to, heavy duty nylon rope may be used. The portions 617 are interwoven between the diamonds along a perimeter 627 of the nylon cover 620. The device 600 does not include eyelets. The securing portion 660 is directly attached to the portion 617 along the perimeter 627. It is preferred that the securing be attached at intervals 629. The interval 629 is preferred to be about five feet. The advantage of not having eyelets, but being able to attach the connection member 661 at any point along the perimeter of the cover 620 is that if the cover 620 is not aligned correctly with the preset anchors, the device 600 can still quickly be installed without much effort spent trying to properly align the device.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of the device 600 showing the cover 620 installed over a structure 5. The device 600 is further different from the device 10 in that it includes multiple sections that are draped over the structure 5 and then fastened together. FIG. 11 depicts how the cover 620 includes five sections, assembled or fastened together. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the cover 620 includes five sections or portions 621, 622, 623, 624 and 626. The five sections 621, 622, 623, 624 and 626 are removable connected together. Each of the sections has a perimeter and an edge of each of the five sections 621, 622, 623, 624 and 626 forms a part of the perimeter 627 of the overall device 600. The portions 617 are interwoven along the perimeter of each the respective sections 621, 622, 623, 624 and 626. It should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments, the cover includes less than five sections, and yet in other embodiments it includes more than five sections.

The individual sections are draped over the structure 5 in a series arrangement, edge to edge, so as to cover as much as the structure as possible. The edges of the adjoining sections are then joined together by a plurality of fasteners 618. The fasteners 618 secure the portion 617 of adjoining sections. In this embodiment, the fasteners are plastic clamps held together with heavy duty cable ties. In other embodiments, heavy duty cable ties are employed. In the present embodiment the heavy duty cable ties have a tensile strength of about 75 lbs. While the present embodiment uses cable ties 618 to removably secure each section together, it should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments, other apparatuses may be used to hold the sections together.

In the present embodiment the sections 621, 622, and 623 have a preferred width (distance along the longitudinal axis of the structure) of about twenty feet and are cut to a length to ensure that the cover sections extend close to the ground/surface, while maintaining the angle recommendations for the cover relative to the structure as mentioned above. It is preferred that the orientation of the diamond patterns of each of the respective sections is substantially aligned in the direction that each respective section will likely be placed under tension. By aligning the diamond patterns with the likely direction of expected applied tension, the knots 619 will actually tighten when the tension is applied and hence make the overall device stronger. The portions 621, 622, and 623 are connected together such that the long length of the diamond patterns are oriented along the length of each section 621, 622, and 623, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. This orientation of the diamond pattern provides a stretching of the nylon material along the length of each section 621, 622, and 623. The section 626 is removably connected with fasteners 618 along the length of the section 623. The diamond pattern of the section 626 is oriented in a direction generally perpendicular to the length of the section 623. The section 625 is removably connected with cable ties 618 along the length of the section 622. The diamond pattern of the section 625 is oriented in a direction generally perpendicular to the length of the section 622. The sections 625 and 626 form the ends of the cover 620. It should also be appreciated that although the FIG. 11 depicts the edges of the respective sections being abutted against one another, in other exemplary embodiments the edges are disposed at a distance from one another and longer fasteners are utilized to attach the portions 617 of the respective sections. Further, it should be appreciated that other alternative exemplary embodiments, an additional portion 617 may be interwoven at various locations in the cover to provide additional attachment locations for the securing portions.

Another difference in the device 600 compared to the device 10 is that the plurality of third members or ground anchors 640 use a different design of eyebolt 650. As shown in FIG. 10, the eyebolt 650 used in the present embodiment is a Sladek stainless steel tie down anchor (model number AN50000). The anchors 640 include have a height 641, a diameter 642 and a surface 643 and are disposed in the ground/surface such that the surface 643 is flush with the ground/surface upon which the structure is resting.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Further, various feature discussed in the respective embodiments may be combined with one another for form yet additional embodiments of a protection device in accordance with this invention. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A wind protection device for securing over a structure to anchor points in the ground comprising:

a cover having a plurality of vents and non-vent portions; and,

a plurality of attachment portions disposed on the cover and being operably configured to be attachable to the anchor points;

wherein when the device is secured over the structure, the cover forms an angle relative to the structure defining a more aerodynamic profile for the device than the structure alone, and the non-vent portions of the cover block windblown debris from impacting the structure.

2. The protection device, as recited in claim 1, wherein the cover is substantially flexible and includes a perimeter and the plurality of attachment portions are spaced every five feet along the perimeter.

3. The protection device, as recited in claim 1, wherein the cover is polypropylene straps formed in a four inch by four inch webbed pattern, and wherein the vents are defined by voids in the webbed pattern.

4. The protection device, as recited in claim 1, wherein the cover includes lengths of material attached together to form a diamond web pattern, and the vents are defined by voids in the diamond web pattern.

5. The protection device, as recited in claim 4, wherein each of the diamonds of the diamond web pattern has a first diagonal dimension longer than a second diagonal dimension, and wherein the first diagonal dimension of diamonds of the diamond web are aligned with a direction of a tension force applied to the cover when the cover secured over the structure.

6. The protection device, as recited in claim 1, wherein the vents are forms by slits in the cover.

7. The protection device, as recited in claim 1, wherein the cover is made from a first material and the plurality of attachment portions are made from a second material, and the first and second materials are different.

8. The protection device, as recited in claim 7, wherein the first material is more flexible than the second material.

9. The protection device, as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of attachment portions are orifices.

10. The protection device, as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of attachment portions are defined by a rope.

11. The protection device, as recited in claim 1, wherein the angle is about 25 to 60 degrees.

12. The protection device, as recited in claim 1, wherein the angle is about 30 degrees.

13. The protection device, as recited in claim 1, wherein the first member further includes five portions, wherein the first portion is a top portion, the second and third portions are side portions and the fourth and fifth portions are end portions, and further wherein the five portions are attached together the resemble the shape of the structure.

14. A protection device for an object during high winds, comprising:

a cover being substantially flexible and having a perimeter;

a plurality of anchors; and,

a plurality of securing members, wherein each of the securing members has a first end removably attached to the cover along the perimeter and a second end removably attached to one of the anchors,

wherein when the device is in use, an angle is formed between the cover and the object and the angle is a value to define a more aerodynamic profile for the secured device than the object alone.

15. The protection device, as recited in claim 14, wherein the cover is gas permeable.

16. The protection device, as recited in claim 14, wherein a wherein the anchors are secured in the ground.

17. The protection device, as recited in claim 14, wherein the cover is rope netting.

18. The protection device, as recited in claim 17, further comprising an attachment portion interwoven around the perimeter of the rope netting.

19. The protection device, as recited in claim 18, wherein the attachment portion is polypropylene rope.

20. The protection device, as recited in claim 14, wherein at least one of the securing members includes a tensioning device and when the device is in use, the tensioning device supplies about 80 pounds of tension.

21. A method for protecting a structure during a high wind storm, comprising:

obtaining a device having a cover with a plurality of vents and non-vent portions, and operably configured to substantially fit over the structure;

positioning the cover over a roof of the structure;

securing the cover to a plurality of anchors, wherein when the cover is secured to the anchors, at least 80 pounds of test is applied to the cover,

wherein when the device is secured over the structure, the cover forms an angle relative to the structure defining a more aerodynamic profile for the device than the structure alone, and the non-vent portions of the cover block windblown debris from impacting the structure.