Atmospheric protection device

Abstract

An atmospheric protection device includes a frame comprising a base, at least two mounting devices mounted to the base, and a plurality of support members releasably attached to each of the mounting devices; and a cover releasably attached to the frame.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/609,074, filed on Sep. 10, 2004.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates to portable enclosures, and more particularly to atmospheric protection devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As the health concerns such as West Nile virus and skin cancer become more prevalent, more people are searching for protection from ultraviolet radiation, mosquitoes, bees and other insects when enjoying the outdoors. It is commonly known that mosquitoes breed in still water such as tide pools, marshes, bogs, lakes, ponds, storm drains, and swimming pools, and are drawn to water for this reason. Homeowners having or living near a still water source, as well as beach goers and picnic goers, typically contend with not only mosquitoes but other insects as well. In order to enjoy the outdoors and amenities of one's home, the public must turn to cost effective means for allowing one to enjoy outdoor activities both at and away from home.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,272,695 to Brandner describes a lightweight, arch-supported collapsible dome designed for covering circular shaped pools. The collapsible dome can be shifted on one side or on both sides along the round shaped pool's edge before being collapsed, thereby making possible the use of the lower arches, resulting in a lower height of the structure. The arches comprising the dome are mounted to base supports attached to either side of the exterior of a pool's structure. Although the arches may slide within the base supports, the base supports are specifically designed to be fastened to the exterior of a structure. In order to employ the collapsible dome elsewhere, one must remove the base supports and reattach the supports to another exterior able to accommodate the base support's hardware. Moreover, the size of each arch cannot be adjusted to increase the size of the arc. As a result, the collapsible dome may not properly enclose another structure besides the intended circular shaped pool even if a user successfully reinstalls the base supports to another structure. Furthermore, the average motor vehicle may not be able to transport the collapsible dome of the Brandner due to its awkward size, and/or due to the number of components necessary for assembly. Thus, the collapsible dome of Brandner requires hardware adjustments, and potentially additional hardware, in order to become truly portable.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,089,247 to Price provides a collapsible frame for use in erecting tents, insect screen rooms, shade awnings, canopies and the like in the out-of-doors such as camp sights, back yard patios and other outdoor venues. The collapsible frame comprises a plurality of telescopic legs for providing vertical structural support and a plurality of corner pin joints with one of the point joints fixedly mounted upon a corresponding one of each of the telescopic legs. A plurality of horizontal support arms is included with one of the arms positioned between adjacent pairs of telescopic legs and attached to the corresponding corner pin joints. A mid-span hinge which includes a sliding sleeve is centrally positioned along each of the horizontal support arms. The mid-span hinge is flexibly collapsible when the sleeve is disengaged and is rigidly inflexible when the sleeve is engaged. A bottom slider is adjustably mounted upon each of the telescopic legs and is attached to the horizontal support arms which are connected to the corresponding corner pin joint. Finally, a plurality of top support members is included where each is anchored in a corresponding corner pin joint for stabilizing the frame. The telescopic legs, mid-span hinges and bottom sliders each cooperated to collapse the frame. As described, the collapsible frame requires approximately fifteen steps and no fewer than two people to completely assemble. Moreover, the screens and roof canopy must first be removed in order to collapse the frame. Consequently, the collapsible frame is large and unwieldy, and is truly not portable such that a single person may assemble, disassemble and transport the frame.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,640,811 to Boyle et al. describes an outdoor dome is a dome having a circumferential rafter assembly comprising a circumferential row of rafter-braces, interspersed with biased rafter-braces connected by four-way connectors and interconnected, by said four-way connectors, with the dome framework. The dome can be configured to fit circular, oval or other shaped pools, and adjusted to increase frame and/or covering material tension. While the outdoor dome of Boyle et al. can adjust to fit a pool, the dome is impractical for use in various outdoor settings such as picnic areas, beach, campsites, athletic fields, porches, playpens and possibly even hot tubs when considering the structures in question. In addition, the braces and connectors seem to consume so much space within the dome that one or more persons may have difficulty sitting beneath the dome. Furthermore, the dome components are not adjustable or retractable, thus the dome must be disassembled for transport which requires considerable time, effort and manpower.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a portable atmospheric protection device constructed in a manner that lends itself to multiple outdoor applications, ease of assembly and disassembly, ease of portability, protection from precipitation, ultraviolet radiation and insects, and ensuring one's privacy from others.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present disclosure, an atmospheric protection device broadly comprises a frame comprising a base, at least two mounting devices mounted to the base, and a plurality of support members releasably attached to each of the mounting devices; and a cover releasably attached to the frame.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a representation of a side view of an atmospheric protection device having an outline of a cover;

FIG. 2 is a top view of one half of a base of the frame of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the base of FIG. 2 in a folded for transportation;

FIG. 2B is a side view of a straight frame rod of the base of FIG. 2;

FIG. 2C is a side view of a receiving portion;

FIG. 2D is a cut away view of the receiving portion of FIG. 2C depicting the interior threaded receiving area;

FIG. 2E is an end view of the receiving portion of FIG. 2C depicting the receiving area;

FIG. 2F is a side view of a bent frame rod of the base of FIG. 2;

FIG. 2G is a side view of a first half and a second half of a hinge of FIG. 2;

FIG. 2H is a side view of the first half and second half combined to form the hinge of FIG. 2;

FIG. 2I is a side view of the assembled hinge of FIG. 24

FIG. 2J is a side view of the hinge of FIG. 21 bent at a ninety degree angle;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a mounting device assembly of the atmospheric protection device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a side view of the mounting device of FIG. 3;

FIG. 3B is a side view of a threaded eyebolt used to secure the support member to the mounting device of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 is a representation of the atmospheric protection device having another mounting device assembly;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the mounting device assembly of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the mounting device assembly of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 7 is a side view of another mounting device to facilitate the releasable attachment of the portable, atmospheric protection device to a stationary object.

Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

The portable atmospheric protection device may be useful in the general context of outdoor venues as protection against the elements and insects as well as maintaining one's privacy. For example, the portable atmospheric protection device may be utilized as an enclosure for a permanent or temporary outdoor structure such as a swimming pool, hot tub, exposed porch, child's playpen, picnic table and the like. The portable atmospheric protection device may also be employed as an enclosure for an open space such as a beach, campsite, picnic area, athletic field, park and the like. The portable atmospheric protection device may be sized accordingly, that is, adjusted in size or sized to a predetermined dimension, to fit the intended structure or outdoor area. In addition, the portable atmospheric device may also be sized to fit and protect a much smaller area, for example, a picnic table, picnic basket and the like, in order to shield foodstuffs from insects and scavengers.

The portable atmospheric protection device generally comprises a cover releasably mounted on a frame comprising a base and a one or more supporting arms attached to the base. Unlike prior enclosures, the portable atmospheric protection device may be utilized in various outdoor settings such as a swimming pool, hot tub, exposed porch, child's playpen, picnic table and the like, or a beach, campsite, picnic area, athletic field, park and the like. For example, the portable atmospheric protection device may be mounted on several different types of hot tubs, swimming pools, tables, playpens, and the like, due to its design. The portable atmospheric protection device may be transported with ease as the device's retractable frame lends to its compact design. Moreover, the cover may be removed and replaced in order to accommodate the device's intended use. For example, the cover may act as an insect net, a sun blocker, a privacy screen and the like.

Referring specifically now to FIG. 1, a portable atmospheric protection device 10 may comprise a cover 12 releasably attached to a frame 14 comprising a base 16 and one or more, or a plurality of, support arms 18. Cover 12 may comprise a woven material, fibrous material, mesh like material or a material selected from a group of materials consisting of nylon, cotton, acetate and blends comprising at least one of the foregoing materials, or any permeable material capable of permitting air flow sufficient to allow the user to breathe. In addition, cover 12 may also comprise weather resistant materials capable of withstanding snowfall. Such durable materials can maintain the shape of the dome like cover without caving. Durable, weather resistant materials may include but are not limited to metal, plastic, fiberglass, canvas, rubber and the like. The material may also have a cross-section sized to prevent insects from penetrating cover 12 and entering the atmospheric protection device 10. The material of cover 12 may also be capable of substantially blocking ultraviolet radiation from an ultraviolet light source such as the sun. Cover 12 may also comprise one or more releasable attachment mechanisms in order to attach to and be removed from frame 14. Various methods and apparatus permitting releasable attachment of cover 12 from frame 14 are known in the art. For example, some releasable attachments may include but are not limited to snaps, buttons, inserts, fasteners, zippers and velcro®. The releasable attachment mechanisms of cover 12 may releasably attach to one or more reciprocating releasable attachment mechanisms of frame 14.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, frame 14 may comprise base 16 and one or more, or a plurality of, support arms 18. Frame 14 may comprise a material selected from the group consisting of metal, alloy, polymers, plastics, composites, wood, fiberglass, combinations of materials comprising at least one of the foregoing materials, and the like. In addition, frame 14 may instead comprise a material selected from the group consisting of metal, alloy, polymers, plastics, composites, wood, and fiberglass. Suitable polymers materials may include but are not limited to vinyls, nylons, polyvinyl chlorides and the like.

Referring generally to FIGS. 2A through 2F, base 16 may comprise a plurality of rods sequentially connected to one another to form a closed shape as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Base 16 may comprise a closed shape that is geometrical, and more specifically substantially circular, substantially rectangular or substantially square. Base 16 may also comprise a polygonal shape or a non-polygonal shape. Or, base 16 may comprise a shape selected from the group consisting of circular, oval, oblong, square and rectangular.

Now referring specifically to FIGS. 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E and 2F which depict the parts of frame 14, a straight frame rod 20 possesses a first end 22 and a second end 24. Second end 24 of straight frame rod 20 is sized to fixedly receive either a tapered end 104 or 106 of a hinge 72. A bent frame rod 26 possesses a first end 28 and a second end 30 that is sized to fixedly receive either a tapered end 104 or 106 of hinge 72. Likewise, a second straight frame rod 34 possesses a first end 36 and a second end 38. Second end 38 of straight frame rod 34 is sized to fixedly receive either a tapered end 104 or 106 of hinge 72. A second bent frame rod 40 having a first end 42 and a second end 44 that is sized to fixedly receive either a tapered end 104 or 106 of hinge 72. Each straight frame rod 20, 34 is fixedly attached at their second ends 22, 38 to bent frame rods 26, 40 by hinge 72. First ends 28, 42 of bent frame rods 26, 40 are also designed to receive tapered ends 104, 106 of hinge 72, such that bent frame rods 26 and 40 are fixedly joined by hinge 72 to form one half of base 16 as shown in FIG. 2.

The combination of straight frame rods 20, 34 and bent frame rods 26, 40 may also form support members 18. Unlike straight frame rods 20, 34 and bent frame rods 26, 40, support member 18 may comprise a threaded receiving portion 58 sized to engage the threaded eyebolt 54 or other attachment mechanism for securement to mounting device 50. Threaded receiving portion 58 may comprise an end cap 60 having an interior threaded receiving area 62 as shown in FIGS. 2C through 2E, wherein the end cap is mechanically affixed to an end of straight frame rods 20, 34 or, alternatively, is integrally combined with straight frame rods 20, 34.

In forming either frame 14 or support members 18, hinges 72 permit the rods to connect and move in unison to ensure frame 14 properly fits a structure and support members 18 support cover 12. Hinges 72 may comprise any moveable joint known in the art. In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 4, second end 24 of straight frame rod 20 may be hingedly connected to second end 30 of bent frame rod 26 using hinge 72 that permits the movement of each frame rod relative to one another in a 180 degree range of motion. Referring specifically now to FIGS. 2G through 2J, hinge 72 may comprise a first half 74 and a second half 76, each half being identical in both shape and size. Each half 74, 76 may comprise a disk 78, 80 having an aperture 82, 84 in the center, a mating surface 86, 88, a stop gap piece 90, 92 and a tapered ends 94, 96 respectively. Each tapered end 94, 96 possesses an aperture 98, 100 respectively designed to accept a mechanical fastening means. Halves 74 and 76 may be combined such that a first mating surface 86 of first half 74 and a second mating surface 88 of second half 76 make contact and a rivet or other means of securement is inserted through apertures 82, 84 of halves 74, 76 respectively. Stop gap pieces 90, 92 allow hinge 72 to only move 180 degrees and prevents movement of the hinge 72 beyond 180 degrees. Tapered ends 94, 96 are designed to be accepted by and inserted within the rods to form support arms 18 and base 16 of frame 14. Tapered ends 94, 96 may also be fixedly secured to the rods by mechanical means such as a screw, rivet, bolt, weld, fastener and the like.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the frame 14 of device 10 may also comprise a plurality of mounting device 50 capable of securing support arms 18 to base 16 while allowing their movement to retract and close cover 12. Plurality of mounting devices 50 may allow movement of support members 18 in the general direction from one side of base 16 to the opposite side of base 16. Such movement of support members 18 may allow frame 14 to retract such that a person may move cover 12 via support member 18 and open the portable atmospheric device 10 to gain entry or permit egress. Plurality of mounting devices 50 may be fixedly attached to base 16 and mounted opposite each other on either side of base 16. In another embodiment, mounting devices 50 may be disposed opposite each other at the corners of base 16. Such disposition of mounting devices 50 would allow the use of a triangular shaped support member 18.

In yet another embodiment, a plurality of mounting devices 50 may be employed and placed parallel to one another such that two or three mounting devices 50 are mounted opposite each other on each side of frame 14. Rather than securing four or more support arms 18 within a single mounting devices 50, two or three mounting devices 50 may each accommodate one or two support arms 18. When completely retracted, a few support arms 18 will rest parallel to each other rather than on top of one another, thereby decreasing the height of device 10. In addition, by employing two or three mounting devices 50, the size and height of each mounting devices 50 may also be decreased, which also contributes to decreasing the overall height of device 10 when support arms 18 are completely retracted. By decreasing the overall height of device 10, a user may then properly fit a pool cover or hot tub cover over both the pool or hot tub and device 10. This advantage permits the user to leave device 10 installed year round rather than requiring the user to remove device 10 each time the structure must be covered. Plurality of mounting devices 50 may permit the releasable attachment of support arms 18 to frame 14. In the alternative, support arms 18 may be permanently attached to mounting devices 50 so that support arms 18 may still retract and close cover 12 but not be detached from frame 14.

Referring specifically now to FIGS. 3, 3A and 3B, plurality of mounting devices 50 may comprise any mechanism known in the art capable of being supported by frame 14 and may be capable of permitting the releasable attachment of support arms 18 or capable of permanently securing support arms 18 to frame 14. In one exemplary embodiment, plurality of mounting devices 50 may comprise a loop member 52. Loop member 52 may comprise a semi-circular member fixedly attached to base 16. Each support member 18 may be fixedly or releasably attached to mounting devices 50 via a threaded eyebolt 54 having an aperture 56 as shown in Figure. Loop member 52 is disposed through aperture 56 to secure ring member 54 to mounting devices 50. Although a threaded eyebolt having an aperture is shown, any means of attachment sized to accept loop member 52 at one end and attach to support member 18 at the opposing end may be employed. Such means for attachment may comprise at one end any type of attachment mechanism, releasable or fastened, and having an aperture capable of accepting loop member 52 as is known in the art, and at an opposing end any type of attachment mechanism capable of receiving or inserting into the threaded receiving portion 58 of support member 18, or other reciprocal attachment mechanism capable of being fixedly attached to support member 18 as is known in the art.

In another exemplary embodiment, mounting devices 50 may comprise a single piece of hardware such that loop member 52 is an integral part of base 16. Loop member 16 may be integrated with base 16 by one or more of the following methods such as welding, pinning, riveting, punching, stamping, screwing, nailing, bolted, molded, heat sinked and the like. In the alternative, loop member 52 of mounting device 50 may be mechanically fastened to a mounting device 110 of device 10 as depicted in FIG. 3A. Mounting device 110 may be employed to attach device 10 to a swimming pool, hot tub, porch, patio or other structure, or for securing device 10 within packed earth. Suitable mounting devices for structures may include but are not limited to mounts having lock and release mechanisms, male and female fasteners and the like, as well as to low impact mounts such as suction cups, clips, brackets, and the like. In addition, suitable mounting devices for securing and stabilizing device 10 to the earth may include but are not limited to stakes and the like. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3B, loop member 52 may be mechanically fastened to a bracket 112 using, for example, a pair of screws 114. In turn, bracket 112 may be mechanically fastened to the structure using a pair of bolts 116 as shown in FIG. 3B.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-6, another embodiment of the mounting device for use with the atmospheric protection device 10 is shown. Referring specifically now to FIGS. 5 and 6, a mounting device 200 may comprise a base 202 pair of side walls 208, 210 may be disposed opposite each other on either side of the base 202. Each side wall 208, 210 may include a plurality of apertures 212 that may be substantially aligned across from one another. A plurality of means for receiving 214 may be disposed within the mounting device 200 and between side walls 208, 210. Each means for receiving 214 may include a cavity 216 designed to receive a support member 18 and a pair of apertures 218, 220 substantially aligned with one another. The cavity 216 may include threads or other features designed to accept an end of a support member 18 such that the support member 18 may be attached and fixed in place or able to be released. Apertures 218, 220 may also be substantially aligned with apertures 212 of each side wall 208, 210 in order to receive a securement member 220 within each set of substantially aligned apertures. Each securement member 220 secures each means for receiving 214 within the mounting device 200 and permits each means for receiving 214 to move in the directions indicated by arrows 222 and 224. The securement member may include, but is not limited to, a screw, pin, rivet, combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing securement members as well as other securement members known to one of ordinary skill in the art, and the like.

In the alternative, the base 202 of mounting bracket 200 may also include a first flange 204 and a second flange 206 as shown in FIG. 6, The first flange 204 and second flange 206 may each include a means for mounting 226 integrally formed therein. Suitable means for mounting may include, but are not limited to, mounts having lock and release mechanisms, male and female fasteners and the like, as well as low impact mounts such as suction cups, clips, brackets, and the like.

The mounting device 200 permits the portable, atmospheric protection device 10 to be assembled and placed on a variety of surfaces at various venues. For example, the portable atmospheric protection device may be utilized as an enclosure for a permanent or temporary outdoor structure such as a swimming pool, hot tub, exposed porch, child's playpen, picnic table and the like. The portable atmospheric protection device may also be employed as an enclosure for an open space such as a beach, campsite, picnic area, athletic field, park and the like. The portable, atmospheric protection device 10 equipped with the mounting devices 200 may be secured and stabilized to the earth, e.g., sand, packed dirt, and the like, using any number of means known to one of ordinary skill in the art including, but not limited to, stakes and the like.

The mounting device 200, along with mounting devices 50, 110 and other potential mounting device embodiments contemplated herein, or one or more support arms 18 or the base 16 may also be received by another mounting device 300 shown in FIG. 7. The mounting device 300 may comprise a structure 310 having a channel 320 capable of and designed to receive the mounting device 200, support arm 18 or base 16 of the portable, atmospheric protection device 10. For purposes of illustration, and not to be taken in a limiting sense, the channel 320 may comprise a shape designed to receive a support arm 18 or base 16. The mounting device 300 may also include a means for mounting to a stationary object such as, but not limited to, a swimming pool, hot tub, porch, patio or other structure. The means for mounting may include, but is not limited to, mounts having lock and release mechanisms, male and female fasteners and the like, as well as to low impact mounts such as suction cups, clips, brackets, and the like. In addition, it is contemplated that the mounting device 300 may include one or more flanges or apertures disposed to facilitate securing the mounting device 300 to a stationary object.

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An atmospheric protection device, comprising:

a frame comprising a base, at least two mounting devices integral to said base, and a plurality of support members releasably attached to each of said mounting devices; and

a cover releasably attached to said frame.

2. The atmospheric protection device of claim 1, wherein said base comprises a plurality of rods sequentially connected to one another and a plurality of hinges attached to said rods, wherein each pair of said hinges is mounted opposite each other on each end of said rods.

3. The atmospheric protection device of claim 2, wherein said hinge allows 180 degrees of movement.

4. The atmospheric protection device of claim 1, wherein said plurality of rods comprise a first rod having a first end sized to receive a first end of a second rod to form said base.

5. The atmospheric protection device of claim 4, wherein said plurality of hinges releasably receive said plurality of support members and allow said support members to move from a first side of said base to a second side of said base.

6. The atmospheric protection device of claim 5, wherein said movement from a first side of said base to a second side of said base permits said frame to retract and collapse.

7. The atmospheric protection device of claim 1, wherein said support member comprises a plurality of rods comprising a straight frame rod, having a first end and a second end, disposed in connection to a bent frame rod having a first end a second end, and said bent frame rod is disposed in connection with a second bent frame rod, having a first end and a second end, and said second bent frame rod is disposed in connection with a second straight frame rod, having a first end and a second end, wherein said second end of said straight frame rod is disposed in connection with said first end of said bent frame rod, and said second end of said bent frame rod is disposed in connection with said second end of said second bent frame rod, and said first end of said second bent frame rod is disposed in connection with said second end of said second straight frame rod.

8. The atmospheric protection device of claim 1, wherein said support member comprises a plurality of rods comprising a straight frame rod, having a first end and a second end, disposed in connection to a bent frame rod having a first end a second end, and said bent frame rod is disposed in connection with a second bent frame rod, having a first end and a second end, and said second bent frame rod is disposed in connection with a second straight frame rod, having a first end and a second end, wherein said second end of said straight frame rod is disposed in connection with said first end of said bent frame rod, and said second end of said bent frame rod is disposed in connection with said second end of said second bent frame rod, and said first end of said second bent frame rod is disposed in connection with said second end of said second straight frame rod.

9. The atmospheric protection device of claim 1, wherein said base comprises a polygonal shape or a non-polygonal shape.

10. The atmospheric protection device of claim 1, wherein said frame comprises a material selected from the group consisting of metal, alloy, polymeric, plastic, composite, wood, fiberglass and vinyl.

11. The atmospheric protection device of claim 1, wherein said support members are releasably connected to said base.

12. The atmospheric protection device of claim 1, wherein said support arms are permanently connected to said base.

13. The atmospheric protection device of claim 1, wherein each of said mounting devices comprises a loop member, wherein said loop member comprises a semi-circular member fixedly attached to said base of said frame.

14. The atmospheric protection device of claim 1, wherein each of said mounting devices comprises:

a base;

a pair of side walls mounted to said base and disposed opposite each other, each side wall includes a plurality of apertures substantially aligned to one another;

a plurality of means for receiving disposed between said pair of side walls, each means for receiving includes a cavity capable of receiving said support members and a pair of apertures disposed opposite each other and substantially aligned with said plurality of apertures of said side walls; and

a securement member, each securement member is disposed through each of said plurality of apertures of said side walls and said plurality of means for receiving.

15. The atmospheric protection device of claim 14, wherein said securement member permits movement of each of said plurality of means for receiving within said pair of side walls.

16. The atmospheric protection device of claim 14, wherein said base further comprises a first flange and a second flange disposed opposite each other, each flange comprising a means for mounting.

17. The atmospheric protection device of claim 1, wherein said cover comprises a material selected from the group consisting of nylon, cotton and acetate.

18. The atmospheric protection device of claim 1, wherein said cover comprises a material selected from the group consisting of fibrous material, woven material and mesh material.

19. The atmospheric protection device of claim 1, wherein said cover comprises a material capable of substantially blocking ultraviolet radiation.

20. The atmospheric protection device of claim 1, wherein said cover comprises one or more releasable attachment mechanisms selected from the group consisting of snaps, buttons, inserts, fasteners and zippers.