Waterproof House Wrap

Abstract

An inflatable structure to surround a dwelling comprising: a sand base; a plurality of inflatable tubes stacked vertically on the sand base; a lip extending from the sand base; and a plurality of securing pins extending through the lip, where the plurality of pins secures the inflatable structure to the ground. The each inflatable tube may include an air nozzle, where the air nozzle enables the inflatable of each respective tube. A zipper may be provided at each end of the plurality of inflatable tubes. The inflatable structure may also include a ribbed bottom surface to provide further support.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO OTHER APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/603,211 filed on Jul. 11, 2011.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a waterproof house wrap to protect a home from water damage.

2. Description of Related Art

Presently many homes suffer substantial damage from flooding due to the extreme weather conditions occurring throughout the world. The numerous hurricanes, flash floods, storms, tsunamis and other weather events that have caused substantial damage to numerous homes and dwellings. Presently most individuals attempt to either sandbag their homes in order to prevent water damage. However this traditional method of sandbagging and the use of possibly plywood is not effective for substantial floods that may linger over periods of days. Consequently, it would be advantageous to have a device that could enclose the exterior of the home to protect it from rising flood waters that may surround it.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an inflatable structure to surround a dwelling comprising: a sand base; a plurality of inflatable tubes stacked vertically on the sand base; a lip extending from the sand base; and a plurality of securing pins extending through the lip, where the plurality of pins secures the inflatable structure to the ground. The each inflatable tube may include an air nozzle, where the air nozzle enables the inflatable of each respective tube. A zipper may be provided at each end of the plurality of inflatable tubes. The inflatable structure may also include a ribbed bottom surface to provide further support.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a top view of a section of a waterproof house wrap according to the present invention.

FIG. 1B illustrates a front view of a waterproof house wrap in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1C illustrates a sectional view of the waterproof house wrap in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a waterproof house wrap that includes an inflatable structure to create a wall. The inflatable structure may be mounted upon a sand base and secured to the ground through the use of grounding pins. The height of the waterproof wrap can vary based upon the number of inflatable tubes that are placed above the sand base. Each section of the house wrap according to the present invention also includes zippers on each end of the assembly in order to connect that house wrap section to a joining section in order to provide peripheral coverage of the home.

In reference to FIG. 1A a top view of the house wrap assembly 100 is depicted. The house wrap assembly 100 includes a plurality of air tubes 115 and zippers 110 placed at each end of the air tube assembly. Extending from the bottom of the air tube assembly is a lip 152 along the lip 152 is a plurality of ground securing pins 150 used to secure the wrap assembly is a vertical position. Also extending from the base of the wrap assembly 100 is a sand base 142. As shown in FIG. 1A, a corner 160 connects two adjoining sections of the air tube assemblies. Each assembly has a lip 152 extending from the sand base 142 with securing pins 156, 150 extending through each respective lip to secure the wrap assemblies.

In reference to FIG. 1B, a front view of a single house wrap assembly section 100 is shown. This house wrap assembly as stated includes air tubes 122 stacked vertically on a sand base 120. The zippers 110 extend from each end of the air tubes and the top of the securing pins 150 are shown.

In reference to FIG. 1C, a sectional view of the house wrap assembly is shown depicting each air tube 122 with an air valve 130. The air valves 130 are used to inflate each individual air tube stacked vertically on the sand base 120. Below on the lower surface of the house wrap assembly is ribbing 140. The ribbing 140 secures into the ground to further stabilize the house wrap assembly. Also the ground securing pins 150 is also shown that extend and that are inserted into the lip 150 that extends from the sand base 142.

The house wrap assembly 100 in a preferred embodiment may include waterproof plastic and an inflatable structure that can surround a dwelling or a home. Thus the sections are connected by the use of zippers and create a complete barrier between the dwelling and any flood waters that may arise. The house wrap assembly is versatile in that the height and width may be varied by adding additional air tubing to the vertical assembly and connection of the sectional pieces through the zippers at the end of the series of air tubes. Further the series of air tubes enable flexible use where one tube may be punctured and the remaining sections will remain inflated allowing for a repair to be conducted on the single section for future use. Further the house wrap assembly may be easily stored when the tubings are placed in a deflated position and easily inflated to protect their dwelling when the risk of flood is imminent. The instant invention has been shown and described in what it considers to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made there from within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An inflatable structure to surround a dwelling comprising:

a. a sand base;

b. a plurality of inflatable tubes stacked vertically on the sand base, where the sand base extends beyond the width of the inflatable tubes;

c. a lip extending from the sand base; and

d. a plurality of securing pins extending through the lip, where the plurality of pins secures the inflatable structure to the ground.

2. The inflatable structure according to claim 1, where the each inflatable tube includes an air nozzle, where the air nozzle enables the inflation of each of the respective inflatable tubes.

3. The inflatable structure according to claim 1, further including a zipper provided at each of the plurality of inflatable tubes.

4. The inflatable structure according to claim 1, further including a ribbed bottom surface.