Article Or Material Supported Cover Patents (Class 52/3)
  • Patent number: 6158175
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a substantially box-shaped cover for enclosing an outdoor air conditioning unit. The cover includes four vertical side walls and a top horizontal wall each constructed with a mesh type, solar screen material which allows air to flow therethrough while refracting sunlight. The box-shaped container is formed of two detachable, foldable components allowing the device to be disassembled and compactly folded for storage. Adjacent one or more bottom peripheral edges of the cover is a latch means for securing the device to the concrete foundation on which the outdoor air conditioner is typically supported. Furthermore, a decorative design element may be embossed or imprinted on the top wall or one or more sidewalls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: Loretta L. Carter
  • Patent number: 6151835
    Abstract: A cover for an elongated and relatively narrow tank or channel is formed from a series of panels arranged in parallel, edge-to-edge fashion, each panel spanning across the channel and resting on rims of the channel. Each panel is formed of a large plurality of side-by-side, preferably edge-connected deck slats having lengths extending in the longitudinal direction of the channel. At junctions between adjacent panels, structural transverse members have deck slat receiving channels for engaging with and supporting ends of the deck slats. In preferred embodiments the transverse structural members are generally L-shaped, with the L-shaped structural member of one channel nesting into the L-shaped structural channel of an adjacent panel, providing for removal of alternate panels by lifting. Deck slats include special handle slats for inclusion near the two transverse ends of the removable panels to enable lifting of the panels for access to the tank or channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Hallsten Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Hallsten
  • Patent number: 6151839
    Abstract: A cover for a vehicle has a base at ground level and a rigid cover member having a downwardly facing mouth and movable between a lowered position and a raised position. A support is connected to and extend upwardly from the base and are arranged to support the cover member in its raised position. A resilient device is provided for urging the cover member to its raised position. In the lowered position, the mouth of the cover lies at ground level and defines with the base an enclosed storage area. In the raised position, both ends of the cover are raised above the base and access is permitted to the storage area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Stanley Millward
  • Patent number: 6102059
    Abstract: A movable device for alternatingly covering and uncovering a vehicle is shown and described. The device includes a protective cover, a structural member, a lift member, and an inlet for receiving a pressurized fluid and controlling the fluid to raise and lower the cover. The protective cover is constructed to receive at least a portion of the vehicle, such as a boat or a car. The structural member has an elongated hollow extending at least partially from a first end to a bottom end and ending at a termination point. A first end of the lift member is coupled to the protective cover and a second end of the lift member is reciprocally engaged with the hollow. The lift member can move with the protective cover between a first position in which the protective cover receives at least a portion of the vehicle and a second position in which the protective cover is separated from the vehicle. The space between the second end of the lift member and the termination point of the hollow defines a chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Steven M. Miller
  • Patent number: 6098362
    Abstract: Plastic tiles are combined with troughs to cover a wooden deck. The U-shaped troughs are laid across the deck in parallel and are slightly spaced apart to form gaps between them. Each tile comprises a rectangular upper block having downwardly depending legs. The block stands on two adjacent troughs and bridges the gap. Rainwater moves through the cracks between the tiles and is received in the troughs, which form sluice-ways for conveying it to the edge of the deck for release. The block has a forwardly projecting, narrow protrusion positioned to register with the gap. The protrusion forms a laterally extending channel, for conveying water across the gap to the troughs, and a hole through which a screw may be driven to affix the tile to the wood of the deck at the gap. The protrusion fits beneath the rear end of the next tile so that the screw is isolated from the water. The assembly of tiles and troughs prevents water reaching the wood of the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventors: Cameron Frank Marriott, Kent Gray Jensen
  • Patent number: 6088975
    Abstract: One system of mobile home (or other structure) wind protection includes a channel below ground level around the structure, the channel including a lid around its perimeter adapted to open and close. Tie-down anchor bolts are spaced along the channel around the structure. Tie-down cables extend from the roof of the structure into the channel, each cable being removably connected to one of the anchor bolts. A storm shield secured to the tie-down cables likewise extends from the roof of the structure and into the channel below ground level. Another system includes a storage channel below ground level on one side of the structure, with ground anchors spaced along it supporting a ratcheted cable windup mechanism below ground level, all covered by a housing, and an anchor channel below ground level along the opposite side of the structure, with ground anchors spaced along it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: J. Parr Wiegel
  • Patent number: 6082055
    Abstract: An ice rink covering system utilizes a plurality of support mechanisms for sets of non-flexible insulated panels which are interconnected by a hinge mechanism between each pair of adjacent panels. The support mechanisms are connected to the panels by lifting units for selectively moving the panels in an accordion fashion for either edge to edge contact when the panels cover a rink or side to side contact when the panels are in their stored condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Irum Ice, Inc.
    Inventor: L. Patrick Kelly
  • Patent number: 6058658
    Abstract: The outdoor barbecue cooking grill cover of the present invention includes a free standing cover which is designed to fit over the grill with an air space between the grill and the cover. The cover is designed to rest on the ground or a platform sitting on the ground; and is intended to cover the entire grill including the legs of the grill, and prevent the effects of whether from attacking the grill. A presently preferred outdoor barbecue cooking grill cover is made of heat resistant molded rigid plastic, has integral handles, is weighted at the bottom, includes at least one horizontal surface which can be used as a counter, and is vented in a manner to allow air to circulate between the cover and the grill but will still keep out rain and snow. According to another embodiment of the invention, tie down loops are provided on the cover so that it may be tied down to a deck, retaining rings or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: Michael Wallace Dunn
  • Patent number: 6038820
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fabric, consisting of multiple cables and multiple panels, for roofing applications. The cables are arranged in sets of three over the area to be covered, and the panels are suspended between the cable sets to complete the fabric. Specifically, each panel has four attachment points and is suspended between two adjacent cable sets such that it attaches to two of the three cables in each set on either side of it. More specifically, each panel attaches to the middle cable of the two sets on either side, and to the top cable in one set and the bottom cable in the other set. This particular arrangement creates overlapping rows of overlapping panels that viewed from one perspective resembles overlapping shingles on a conventional roof, however, when viewed from another perspective reveals that the individual panels are held apart by the cable sets to allow air and light to diffuse through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: John Rainbolt
    Inventor: John Rainbolt
  • Patent number: 6029409
    Abstract: Embodiments of a door and doorway shield system are shown and described, each including at least one hook for hanging or gripping onto a portion of the door or the doorway. The shield preferably hangs on the door by a J-shaped hook portion that extends substantially along the entire top edge of the shield. The shield includes a protective portion which extends across the space between a door and a doorway and across the trim molding of the doorway to substantially cover, or hook on, the front trim molding of the doorway. In embodiments which hook on the trim molding, the trim hook holds the shield in place to provide resistance to impacts pushing the shield off of the door. A J-shaped hook portion may also be provided on the bottom of the shield, to allow for connection to the bottom of the door or for turning the shield up-side-down for use both left-hinged and right-hinged doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventor: Roger D. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6012259
    Abstract: A cover for an elongated and relatively narrow tank or channel is formed from a series of panels arranged in parallel, edge-to-edge fashion, each panel spanning across the channel and resting on rims of the channel. Each panel is formed of a large plurality of side-by-side, preferably edge-connected deck slats having lengths extending in the longitudinal direction of the channel. At junctions between adjacent panels, structural transverse members have deck slat receiving channels for engaging with and supporting ends of the deck slats. In preferred embodiments the transverse structural members are generally L-shaped, with the L-shaped structural member of one channel nesting into the L-shaped structural channel of an adjacent panel, providing for removal of alternate panels by lifting. Deck slats include special handle slats for inclusion near the two transverse ends of the removable panels to enable lifting of the panels for access to the tank or channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Hallsten Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Hallsten
  • Patent number: 6009891
    Abstract: An umbrella screen enclosure system for use with an outdoor umbrella providing a tether system that is attachable to the umbrella and is configured to form an exoskeleton over the umbrella. The exoskeleton is formed by affixing a plurality of individual tethers to the umbrella and over the spines of the umbrella. Also provided is a screening system that is attached to the exoskeleton by the use of coacting fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: North Shore Easy Living, Inc.
    Inventors: Andria Surface, Faith Decker, Kenneth Fanti
  • Patent number: 6008452
    Abstract: A closure for use on a hollow, upright, open top and open bottom pedestal for receiving underground wiring having a circumferential collar portion surrounding the open top that receives a nut member, the closure being hollow with a closed top and an open bottom and a circumferential collar portion surrounding the open bottom, the open bottom being dimensioned to telescopically receive the pedestal open top and having a radially oriented opening in the cover collar portion that is in alignment with the nut member when the cover is in closed position on the pedestal, including a radially extending tubular barrel welded to the cover collar portion in alignment with the opening therein and extending radially and exteriorly of said cover collar portion and a bolt received within the tubular barrel and threadably engageable with the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Armin Thermodynamics
    Inventor: Robert J. Lux, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6003929
    Abstract: A load conformable tarp includes a plurality of strap adjustment assemblies for adjusting the effective length of associated adjusting straps. Each adjustment strap assembly includes an adjustment assembly for adjusting the length of an associated adjustment strap, as well as a locking mechanism for securing a free end of the adjusting strap, the other end being fixed with respect to the tarp base material. Each adjustment assembly preferably includes a pulley throughwhich one end of the adjustable strap is looped, one end of the adjustment strap preferably being fixed to the base material, the other end being free and configured to be engaged in various positions by the locking mechanism, thus forming an adjustable strap loop of variable size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Douglas Birdsell
  • Patent number: 5983572
    Abstract: A roof tie-down arrangement for preventing damage to a roof during high wind conditions of the type in which force is applied to hold down the roof via at least one cable and at least one support member. The support member has a pair of support legs for resting upon a roof surface which are connected by a channel-forming portion having a channel which runs lengthwise along the support member. This channel has a diameter that is appreciably greater than the diameter of the cable, has at least a portion which is open from above and is constructed for preventing the cable from lifting out of said the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignees: Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Bernabe'Laboy
    Inventor: Bernabe Laboy
  • Patent number: 5984172
    Abstract: An ornamental and protective cover for a freestanding mailbox is provided which includes a sheet presenting a pair of opposed sides, a front panel presenting a passage for mail to be inserted into the mailbox, and a rear panel, the front and rear panels being connected to and interconnecting the sides. The sides and front and rear panels preferably extend downwardly a common length to their respective bottom margins to enclose a region therein. The cover may be provided with decorative and informative indicia. Moreover, the cover, which is preferably of flexible synthetic resin material, may be opaque, transparent or translucent, with cut out openings and windows of transparent material provided over the openings. A light fixture or audio source may be provided within the enclosed region. The cover may be retained in position over the freestanding mailbox by weights attached adjacent the bottom margin or the use of a drawstring to pull the bottom margin of the sides of the cover together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: Rodney T. Easterwood
  • Patent number: 5974740
    Abstract: An adjustable tarpaulin (11) that can be adjusted to various predetermined lengths, and more securely fastened. The adjustability of the adjustable tarpaulin (11) is provided by having one or more sets of valances of the top layer (23, 41) and the valances of the bottom layer (27, 43). Because the valances are free on one end, the length of each of the valance side edges may be adjusted as desired and the valances provide two different pull angles to share the load of the tarpaulin. By doing so, the adjustable tarpaulin (11) enables the tarpaulin to be adjusted between two or more prefixed sizes. Moreover the adjustable tarpaulin (11) can provide the distribution of the load from more than one angle so stress and the load will be distributed over two different sets of tie points (33).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Peter C. Park
  • Patent number: 5970661
    Abstract: An air supported play structure that may be configured into a large variety of forms and shapes. An expanse of air-permeable fabric is weighted around its edges, and the fabric is supported above a surface by a stream of air supplied by a fan. A plurality of connectors are attached to the fabric, and those connectors are arranged to allow any one connector to be secured to another connector. The geometric configuration of the play structure is altered by changing the position of the edge weights, and by selecting the connectors to be secured one to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventors: John F. Bishop, Elizabeth F. Bishop
  • Patent number: 5966877
    Abstract: A rapidly deployable protective and structural cover system comprising a frame structure and at least one multilayered flexible cover which is comprised of a flexible cover sheeting and a structural netting. The flexible cover sheeting has a plurality of eyelets arranged over the surface area of the flexible cover sheeting. The cover sheeting is attached at a selected plurality of eyelets to the structural netting at the intersections of horizontal and vertical members or strands of the structural netting. The frame structure is preferably comprised of steel cables attachable at the ends thereof to a rigid support structure; turnbuckles to tension the cables. The multilayered flexible cover is removably attachable along edges of the structural netting to the frame and to the cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: Ray Hawes
  • Patent number: 5946869
    Abstract: A garage door decorative cover assembly for use on an exterior surface of a garage door made of a plurality of door panels permitted to rotate relative to each other when the garage door moves from a closed position to an open position includes at least one flexible panel and, for each flexible panel, a first fixing means and at least one resilient second fixing means. Each flexible panel has a first end, a second end, a front surface and a back surface. With respect to each flexible panel, the first fixing means attaches the first end of the flexible panel to the exterior surface of the garage door, and the resilient second fixing means couples the second end of the flexible panel to the exterior surface of the garage door such that the flexible panel is held taut when the garage door is in both open and closed positions. The flexible panels are provided with fanciful holiday, seasonal, or other celebratory indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Sun Hill Industries
    Inventor: Benson Zinbarg
  • Patent number: 5937587
    Abstract: A garage door decorative cover assembly for use on an exterior surface of a garage door made of a plurality of door panels permitted to rotate relative to each other when the garage door moves from a closed position to an open position includes at least one flexible cover panel, a fixing component, and a weighted holding mechanism. The flexible cover panel has a first end, a second end, a front surface and a back surface. The fixing component fixedly attaches the first end of the cover panel to the surface of the garage door, and the weighted holding mechanism couples the second end of the cover panel to the surface of the garage door such that the cover panel is coupled to the garage door is in both open and closed positions. The weight of the holding mechanism maintains the cover panel in a taut state whether the garage door is open or closed. The cover panel is provided with fanciful holiday, seasonal, or other celebratory indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Sun Hill Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Benson Zinbarg
  • Patent number: 5930956
    Abstract: An easily and quickly deployable device for protecting against soiling of non-workpiece items during painting of a workpiece is provided by a device having at least one rigid section and at least one flexible section. The rigid section also acts as a central area for the flexible section. The device is folded open to protect non-workpiece items during the painting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Stephen Trosper
    Inventors: Stephen Trosper, Frederick Taylor
  • Patent number: 5921030
    Abstract: A plurality of self-supporting first and second panels are disposed in alternating arrangement along the length of an open tank. A seal is provided around the perimeter of the cover and along the joint between each of the first and second panels. Each of the first and second panels is provided with a handle at the end of each of the panels that, when in a stored position, lies flush with a walking surface provided on the top of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Conservatek, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Ducotey, Michael L. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 5911662
    Abstract: A cover for tank is formed from a plurality of panels attached together by cross members. The panels are sealed to the cross members, and the panels and the cross members are sealed to the tank. The panels are constructed from a multiplicity of edge-to-edge planks. The planks may be connected together without welds, and the panels may be connected to the cross members without welds. The cover may be in the shape of an arch, or the shape of a dome. In another embodiment a dome-shaped cover may be formed from a plurality of panels each having the shape of a section of a circle. Each panel is connected between an adjacent pair of a plurality of radial members arranged in a radial pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Hallsten Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Hallsten
  • Patent number: 5906074
    Abstract: A new gutter covering system for keeping debris from accumulating in a gutter. The inventive device includes a length of net dimensioned for covering a gutter. The length of net is positioned over an open upper end of the gutter. The length of net has a long inboard edge, a long outboard edge, and opposing side edges. The inboard edge has a plurality of loops secured thereto and extending outwardly therefrom in a spaced relationship therealong. A plurality of side hooks are provided each having an elastic cord extending outwardly therefrom. Free ends of the elastic cords are secured to the outboard edge of the length of net in a spaced relationship therealong. The side hooks are extendable under a long outer side wall and a closed bottom end of the gutter and securing to a long inner side wall of the gutter. A pair of end hooks are provided with each having an elastic cord extending outwardly therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Inventor: Cedric Bell
  • Patent number: 5904003
    Abstract: The stadium with retractable cover includes a peripheral wall defining an open top and a top peripheral edge. At least one floatation device is included which is adapted to rise in air. Next provided is at least one canopy mounted to the floatation device. At least one retraction assembly is adapted for selectively transferring the canopy between a closed orientation for closing the open top of the peripheral wall and an open orientation for exposing the open top of the peripheral wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Inventor: John W. Stephen
  • Patent number: 5904243
    Abstract: In combination, a self-supporting module of fibrous material and a cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Porter
  • Patent number: 5901503
    Abstract: A pool dome for covering an outdoor swimming pool during the fall and winter seasons comprising vertical structural walls and a plurality of inflatable sections formed between the walls. The vertical structural walls provide sufficient structural support for the inflatable sections capable of holding its dome shape even during heavy wind, rain, and snow conditions. The swimming pool dome is sized and shaped to cover the entire water surface of the swimming pool and lies between the pool water and the cover for raising the cover in a dome shape to prevent rain water, snow, ice, and other unwanted debris from collecting on top of the pool cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventors: Steven J. Dalene, Rick Dalene
  • Patent number: 5874150
    Abstract: A heat insulating blanket with insulating media fastened at top and bottom of the blanket. The method for making the heat reflecting blanket comprises the steps of providing a first moisture-impervious outer layer having top and bottom edges, providing a second moisture-impervious outer layer having top and bottom edges, arranging at least one layer of insulating material between the first and second outer layers and in a confronting relationship therewith, folding the first and second outer layers with the insulating material therebetween into hems at the top and bottom edges, and securing the hems to form a heat insulating blanket with insulating media fastened at top and bottom. In another aspect of the invention, a heat insulating blanket with insulating media fastened at top and bottom is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Inventor: Gary Handwerker
  • Patent number: 5862633
    Abstract: An auxiliary roof for a building is provided including a building having a perimeter and a roof. A plurality of stanchions includes a pair of rear stanchions and a pair of front stanchions. Top ends of the rear stanchions have an equal height which is greater than that of the top ends of the front stanchions. A frame includes a pair of side members extending downwardly from top ends of the rear stanchions to top ends of the front stanchions. Also included is plurality of slats each defined by a pair of long edges and a pair of short edges, wherein one of the long edges of each slat is coupled between the side members of the frame in spaced parallel relationship. The slats have a raised orientation wherein the same reside at an acute angle for directing air toward the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventor: Lynn A. Van Ells
  • Patent number: 5839237
    Abstract: A decorative cover for a movable garage door and method of attachment thereof are provided that allow festive ornamentation of ordinary garage doors while maintaining full use of such garage doors. The decorative cover can be made of weather resistant material and printed with various festive designs on its surface. The decorative cover is installed by draping it onto the front of the garage door. The cover is then joined together by any of several tethering and attaching methods to secure the cover to the garage door to allow full opening and closing without the cover riding up or down relative to the door. The attachment methods also take up slack in the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Ray E. Davidson
    Inventor: Ray E. Davidson
  • Patent number: 5832673
    Abstract: A seal and extender assembly which prevents surface water and other environmental liquids from inadvertently entering a sump, such as one used in a gasoline service station. The seal assembly includes an extender and a cover. The extender defines a channel and has a first end and a second end, the first end has a larger diameter than the diameter of the second end, the first end is secured to the sump adjacent the access port. The cover has a top surface and a perimeter surface, the top surface covers the access port and the perimeter surface secures to the second end of the extender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company
    Inventor: David S. Cho
  • Patent number: 5829200
    Abstract: The apparatus includes fire retardant blankets normally stowed within housings in place on a building roof structure or below a roof eave. Cables extract the blankets for deployment over a roof. Fire retardant wall blankets stowed in housings adjacent roof eaves are deployed by gravity. For protection of a building end wall having a gable,a blanket support is carried subjacent the end of a roof structure and , upon release , of the support the same pivots to the horizontal whereat a fire retardant blanket is deployed. Associated with the blanket support is a triangularly shaped gable blanket which deploys adjacent the gable. A modification of the apparatus includes a deck mounted blanket housing in which is stowed a fire retardant blanket drawn over the deck and downwardly by a winch and cables. A further modification includes a blanket housing atop a roof ridge with roof mounted cable and blanket supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventors: Don N. Jones, Mary Carol Smith
  • Patent number: 5791361
    Abstract: Herein is disclosed a car cover for placement over a roof, front and rear windows and two front and rear side window portions of a car. The cover is of such a makeup that it facilitates the entrance of drivers and the ventilation of the car. The cover can also be used as a simple tent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventor: Chan Yong Chong
  • Patent number: 5775031
    Abstract: A temporary cover for excavations comprising a platform having a lowermost surface for contact with the ground surrounding the excavation and an uppermost surface and means attached to the platform for securing the platform to a below ground anchor point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: British Gas plc
    Inventor: Raymonde Maxwell Levy
  • Patent number: 5768821
    Abstract: A protected platform isolates its user from crawling insects. The platform has a central tarp area sized to comfortably accommodate the user. Around the periphery of the tarp is a raised boundary. A tape is attached to this boundary so that it presents an adhesive surface to any crawling insect attempting to traverse the boundary. The adhesive surface is downwardly disposed to protect it from debris or grass. The boundary can inflatable and can also contain foam to add rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: James D. Currey
  • Patent number: 5761853
    Abstract: An easily and quickly deployable device for protecting against soiling of non-workpiece items during painting of a workpiece is provided by a device having at least one rigid section and at least one flexible section. The rigid section also acts as a housing for the flexible section. The device is folded open to protect non-workpiece items during the painting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Stephen Trosper
    Inventors: Stephen Trosper, Frederick Taylor
  • Patent number: 5748072
    Abstract: An apparatus for protecting house or building from fire in neighborhood or area close by is described. When fire detecting system 16 detects a fire at a position close to house 14, computer 20 will send instruction to motor 18 and motor 18 will unfold foldable fire protecting cover 10, 12 to isolate house 14 from outside. At the same time, computer 20 will automatically send a fire alarm to the fire station and a specific phone such as work phone of householder through modem 22. Since fire protecting cover 10, 12 isolates the house from the fire outside, therefore house 14 can be effectively protected. Fire protecting cover 12 also can be remotely controlled by the householder through a telephone 24.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventor: Hui Wang
  • Patent number: 5720382
    Abstract: In combination, a self-supporting module of fibrous material and a cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Porter
  • Patent number: 5720312
    Abstract: A collapsible and portable fishing shelter or survival unit for use in conjunction with a snowmobile. The snowmobile acts as the base for the unit, and adds stability to it. Structural members are releasably secured to the snowmobile, and a tarp covering is placed over the structural members to form the collapsible shelter. The seat or seats of the snowmobile form the seats of the collapsible shelter. The shelter may be erected at one location, and moved by the snowmobile to a new location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Chris Scheuermann
    Inventor: Chris Scheuermann
  • Patent number: 5709064
    Abstract: A method and device for attaching a covering sheet material on top of a row of crop bales positioned in end to end relationship on a raised earthen mound. An elongated needle is used to insert strands of tie material under the bales and then the tie material is pulled up over the top surface of a cover sheet on the top of the bales. The strands of tie material are then tied in position to encircle the bales and the cover sheet to hold it is position on at least the top half of the bale with the lower portion of the bale being left uncovered for air circulation. The cover sheet is also tied to extend over the top portion of the ends of the bale row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Inventor: Denny M. Swartz
  • Patent number: 5706618
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a roof ridge ventilator cover that is adapted to be removably secured to a conventional roof ridge ventilator. The roof ridge ventilator cover of the present invention, when installed on a conventional roof ridge ventilator, will cover and block the air vents of the ventilator. The roof ridge ventilator cover generally includes two panels serving to cover and block the two panels of air louvers or vents of the roof ridge ventilator. The roof ridge ventilator cover may be made from sheet aluminum or other sheet material, including sheet made of plastic, having sufficient resilience to return unaided to a formed shape after some deflection. The roof ridge ventilator cover is installed by deflecting the cover sufficiently so the cover may be placed over the top portion of the roof ridge ventilator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Inventor: Charles F. Pratt
  • Patent number: 5678358
    Abstract: A portable soldier fighting cover having a pair of adjacent relatively rigid frames attached to an underlying waterproof flexible anchorage sheet, and defining a structure resistant to bending for spanning a military trench or foxhole, and further having a load bearing sheet attached to and overlying each frame for transmitting loads to the frame resulting from the weight of protective material such as sandbags or timber placed on the cover, and also from ballistic fragments and blast overpressure from near misses, and further having a pair of elongated straps attached to each frame and extending beyond the ends of the frames for securement to the ground for transmitting loads from the frame to the ground and for supporting the cover in the event of collapse of the foxhole side walls. Curtain sheets can be attached to the straps for service as revetments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Michael J. Koledin
  • Patent number: 5669183
    Abstract: A circular disk approximately 6 feet in diameter and approximately 0.50 inches thick, having a small hole through the center of the disk for engagement with a screw or a spike, and method of using the same. The user places the disk atop one or more bales of hay standing on end, and secures the cover to the topmost bale by engaging a screw or spike through the center of the cover and into the bale of hay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Inventor: Kurt B. Frentress
  • Patent number: 5655382
    Abstract: A weather, dust, and impact protective shielding device which includes a flexible shielding plate made of flat, rectangular shape having a plurality of mounting holes for fastening to respective screw holes on the top or bottom side of an air conditioner by screws, four corner notches in the four corners thereof, and four tracks at four sides between each two corner notches, the tracks being bendable so that they can be bent inwards and covered over a part of the periphery of the air conditioner when the flexible shielding plate is fixed; and four sealing blocks for fastening to the shield plate to seal up the corner notches respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventor: Tze Li Chen
  • Patent number: 5649390
    Abstract: A decorative cover for a movable garage door and method of attachment thereof are provided that allow festive ornamentation of ordinary garage doors while maintaining full use of such garage doors. The decorative cover can be made of weather resistant material and printed with various festive designs on its surface. The decorative cover is installed by draping it onto the front of the garage door while the garage door is in its open position. The cover is then wrapped around the garage door and top and bottom ends of the cover are joined together on a back side of the garage door by any of several tethering methods to secure the cover to the garage door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Inventor: Ray E. Davidson
  • Patent number: 5638642
    Abstract: A rod-supported insulated freight cover for thermally protecting temperature-sensitive goods during transport. The freight cover has a front cover, a rear cover, and a series of at least three consecutively adjoined, substantially rectangular panels of insulated material. The series has a front panel, a rear panel and intermediate panels between the front and rear panels. The intermediate panels are relatively coupled along crossbound seams on two opposite edges to other panels. Some or all of the crossbound seams have rods longitudinally sewn therein. The rods provide transverse support for the freight cover, facilitating its application and removal. The rods also discourage the freight cover from receding from the side of the container after application by providing beam-like support which prevents the freight cover from falling into center voids or concavities resulting from specific load patterns and uneven load heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Alliance Shippers, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin G. Nemec
  • Patent number: 5630296
    Abstract: Temporary emergency structures comprising inflatable frameworks formed of ultra-high temperature resistant fabric tubing which may insulate the protected person or equipment from the ground and which serves to support a cover formed of ultra-high temperature resistant fabric cloth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Inventor: Robert T. Kendall, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5623788
    Abstract: A roof anchoring apparatus includes roof-pressing assemblies for placement on a roof of a building structure. The roof-pressing assemblies are arrayed on the roof from one edge of the roof to another edge of the roof. Each roof-pressing assembly includes a roof-pressing portion which has a top side and a bottom side. One or more cable locking assemblies project upward from the top side of the roof-pressing portion. First cables are connected between neighboring roof-pressing assemblies. Second cable assemblies are provided, and each second cable assembly has a first end and a second end. The first end of each second cable assembly is connected to one of the roof-pressing assemblies located at an edge of the roof. Ground-engaging assemblies are provided, and each ground-engaging assembly is connected to a second end of a second cable assembly. The roof-pressing portions may be in the form of plates or L-shaped brackets. Crosspiece members may be placed between the L-shaped brackets and the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Inventors: Uwe H. Bimberg, Oliver U. Bimberg
  • Patent number: 5617677
    Abstract: A cover for tank is formed from a plurality of panels attached together by cross members. The cover includes means for sealing the panels to the cross members, and means for sealing the panels and the cross members to the tank. The panels are constructed from a multiplicity of edge-to-edge planks. The planks may be connected together without welds, and the panels may be connected to the cross members without welds. The cover may be in the shape of an arch, or the shape of a dome. In another embodiment a dome-shaped cover may be formed from a plurality of panels each having the shape of a section of a circle. Each panel is connected between an adjacent pair of a plurality of radial members arranged in a radial pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: Hallsten Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Hallsten