Protective structure blanket covering a structure and anchored to the ground

Abstract

A device for protecting a structure, vehicles, persons and any other important items, against damage from high winds and rain associated with hurricanes. A wind impermeable/rain resistant sectional blanket made of Kevlar or similar material with the same attributes. The blanket is assembled to make one continuous shelter that lays over the structure and is anchored to the ground at multiple locations. This blanket utilizes wind/rain deflection and with the tailored blanket to achieve the protection needed. The strength of the material will help deflect against windward objects. As wind strikes the blanket, the wind is deflected up or to the side of the protected area regardless of direction. The structure or protected item only supports the blanket and does not come in contact with the wind or rain. Rain is repelled and deposited on the ground a distance away from the protected item.

Description

CROSS-REFERANCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

I claim the benefit and priority to Provisional Patent Filed Oct. 18, 2004,

Application No. 60/522586

Confirmation Number 2586

Titled “Protective Structure Blanket Covering a Structure and Anchored to the Ground”.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERANCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This apparatus relates to the protection of a structure, vehicle, livestock, persons or any other items against the forces of wind and rain and does so by the use of the existing structure or the temporary erection of a designed structure for deployment of the apparatus. This invention while at fist appears similar to that of U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,090 (Gitlin, Harris M.)—has significant differences in the concept to achieve the goal. This invention works on the premises of deflecting wind and rain, not allowing any air to pass through the protective material and resisting rain from doing the same. This deflection of wind is the primary goal that is needed to keep a structure from being influenced by the strong winds of a hurricane. While U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,090 claims that tension on the roof structure is needed and allows air to pass through it. This invention will utilize modern materials to achieve a custom fit blanket that takes into account the size and shape of the structure and the topography around the structure. This flexibility along with a reinforced ridged ground edge will provide an angle of deflection for the wind to follow and go around a structure on all sides. This angle will also be utilized to drain rain away from the structure helping to preserve the foundation. U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,090 utilizes a series of folds on the end of a structure which allows the wind to put force in this area and allows water to penetrate by the nature of the material used.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is designed to give home-owners in routinely hurricane struck areas reasonable protection for their home, vehicles, etc . . . at a reasonable cost. This invention focuses on wind deflection as it pertains to structures. It does this buy covering a structure with a protective blanket utilizing a material that will not allow air to pass through it, and anchoring it to the ground. Buy denying the wind the opportunity to get a hold of the structure, the structure will make it through the storm with little or no damage. Weaker structures such as home trailers are especially vulnerable to these high winds, due to their lack of weight and their flat surfaces. Placing this protective blanket system over the trailer or several at once will keep them in place. This invention can be utilized in protecting vehicles, livestock, persons or any item needed protection from the wind.

This invention over time will keep the economy stronger by reducing the money spent due to storm damages. Insurance companies will not suffer huge losses after hurricanes strike driving insurance premiums up.

BRIEF DESCRIPTOIN OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a rendering of a house covered with the protective blanket (shield). This view shows the reinforcing straps and anchor system along with the ridged edge at ground level. The blanket is custom made/shaped to the structure to accomplish the wind deflection desired. The rendering allows the structure to be seen, but the actual blanket wouldn't allow this.

FIG. 2 is a partial view of the blanket (shield) with a window and doorway engineered into it. It also shows an anchoring system utilizing a concrete footing. A vent is incorporated into the system to allow release of internal pressure. The blanket is sectioned for the ease of deployment and held together by the use of Velcro, industrial zippers or other suitable device.

FIG. 3. is a depiction of an anchoring system, utilizing concrete footings. This rendering also show a wind baffle inner skirt to deflect any winds they manage to get buy outer part of the apparatus.

FIG. 4. is a rendering of the protective blanket (shield) being utilized to cover a camper.

FIG. 5. is a rendering of the protective blanket (shield) being utilized to protect horses which includes a temporary erection of a tubular structure to support the apparatus.

FIG. 6. is an alternate means of attaching the protective blanket to the ground by utilizing a auger type anchor, similar to that used to anchor guide wires.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Initially looking a FIG. 1, a house 28, is covered by a protective shield 12, or blanket. The blanket constructed of Kevlar or other suitable material is reinforced with tow straps 22, type materials that are embedded into the protective blanket (shield). Kevlar or similar strong material is suggested to deflect the wind and resist impact from reasonably sized flying debris. This material will not allow air to pass through and will repel rain. The purpose of deflecting wind from the structure is to deny it access to the eves of the roof, roof shingles, windows, weaker parts of the structure and any area that the forces of the wind can push or lift, causing structural failure, such as the lifting of the roof. To help achieve the desired deflection, the protective blanket will be custom built to the structure it is protecting. This will take into account the topography around the structure. These considerations will provide a smooth surface without any folds in the blanket, giving the wind a flat surface or a channel in which to apply force too. The straps will run from one side of the structure up over the peak and down to a location on the ground opposite from the other end of the strap. At each location the strap meets the ground it will utilize an anchor bolt 20, and bolt itself into a receiver 18 (18a) which is embedded into a concrete footing 16, or an integral part of an augur type screw FIG. 6, secured into the ground. These locations will be set a distance from the structure on all side to achieve the angle of deflection desired. Between each anchoring location is a connector rod 14, made of metal tubing that runs through a channel in the ground edge of the protective blanket. This rod will give the ground edge of the protective blanket a ridged edge to keep it from moving when struck with wind, strengthening the ground edge of the protective blanket and keeps it closer to the ground. At each junction of the connecting rods they will be incorporated into the anchoring system. Along the roof peak, peaks along the gable end the structure and anywhere reinforcement is needed 24, additional layers of the blanket will be sewn together to give it added strength. Access to the structure will be provided by having a door 26, cut into the blanket and secured back to the blanket by the use of Velcro and zipper or appropriate fastening device. Plastic windows 30, will be added to the blanket, to allow natural light to the structure. Looking at FIG. 3, on the protected side of the blanket, a few feet up from the ground an inner skirt 36, will be sewn into the blanket and secured to the ground by a similar anchoring system 18 or 18a. This inner skirt will deflect any wind that manages to get under the primary ground edge of the blanket. Looking at FIG. 2, at several location along the inner skirt and the main protective blanket their will be vents 33, to allow any increase air pressure within the protected area to vent out.

FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 depict alternate uses of the protective blanket (shield). FIG. 4 will be utilizing a scaled down version of the system to protect vehicles such as the motor home in the depiction. FIG. 5 uses the system but allows the flexibility of the user to protect anything in any location buy erecting a temporary frame made medal tubing. This frame will serve as the structure to support the protective blanket. Inside this temporary structure can be livestock, persons or any other items in need of protection. In both of these systems the use of wind deflection is the intent.

Referring to FIG. 2, the size of the structure being protected will dictate how many sections there will be to a deployed protection blanket (shield) system. The blanket being made sectional will allow for ease of assembly when needed. The seams will be held together by a zipper or other suitable fastener 32, with a Velcro cover.

Claims

1. A protective sectional blanket (shield) for structures comprising of roof and walls or a temporary tubular structure erected to support the protective blanket (shield). Said protective blanket (shield) apparatus is comprised of:

a. A blanket constructed of Kevlar or other suitable material that is cut and tailored to the topography and shape of the structure being protected. Said material will not allow air to flow through it or allow rain to penetrate it.

b. Comprised within the blanket will be strategically placed straps, similar to tow straps, which will secure the blanket to the ground. These straps will run from the ground on one side of the structure over the roof and to the ground on the opposite side of the structure. Straps running from the ground and coming in contact with a end of a roof or peak will be bound together and further secured to other straps running continuously from one side of the structure to the opposite side.

c. At every point a strap meets the ground edge of the blanket it will anchor to the ground by a screw bolt into a receiver either implanted in a concrete footing or an auger anchor. These anchors will be set at a distance from the structure on all sides as to provide an angle of deflection for the wind and allow water to drain away.

d. The blanket will be created out of section for the ease of installation. These sections will be held together by Velcro and a zipper or other suitable fastener.

e. The ground edge of the blanket will strengthened by a connector rod to give the ground edge of the blanket a ridged edge. These connector rods, will be part of the anchoring system were ever they junction with the embedded straps.

f. An inner skirt, integrated into the blanket will hang from the blanket on the structure side and anchor to the ground by similar means as the protective blanket. This inner skirt will stop any winds that penetrate beneath the ground edge of the outer protective blanket.

g. A door will be engineered into the protective blanket as to allow access to and from the structure. This door will comprised of the blankets material and secured by the use of Velcro and zipper or other suitable fastening device.

h. Plastic windows will be engineered into the protective blanket as to allow natural lighting within the protected area.

2. A structure made of aircraft aluminum tubing or similar material will be erected to support the protective blanket when protection to live stock or other items is desired.