Integrated Structure Protection Systems

Abstract

An integrated structure protection system is provided. The system includes a subterranean anchor assembly. The subterranean anchor assembly includes an anchoring mechanism. The anchoring mechanism configured to secure the subterranean anchor assembly to below grade media. The anchoring mechanism also includes an attachment mechanism. The system also includes a cover positionable on top of and configured to provide protection to the subterranean anchor assembly when the system is in stored mode. Further, the system includes a strapping device configured to connect an end of the device to the attachment mechanism. Additionally, the integrated system also includes a structure attachment system configured to connect an other end of the strapping device to a structure. Further still, the system also includes a structure protection system tensioning apparatus configured to provide tension in the strapping device when the strapping device is connected to the structure and the subterranean anchor assembly.

Claims

1. An integrated structure protection system, comprising: a subterranean anchor assembly, the assembly further comprising: an anchoring mechanism, the mechanism configured to secure the subterranean anchor assembly to below grade media; and an attachment mechanism; a cover positionable on top of and configured to provide protection to the subterranean anchor assembly when the integrated structure protection system is in stored mode; a strapping device, the device configured to connect an end of the device to the attachment mechanism of the subterranean anchor assembly; a structure attachment system configured to connect an other end of the strapping device to a structure; a structure protection system tensioning apparatus configured to provide tension in the strapping device when the strapping device is connected to the structure and the subterranean anchor assembly, wherein the tensioning apparatus provides additional structural support to the structure when the integrated structure protection system is in deployed mode.

2. An integrated structure protection system of claim 1, wherein the tension apparatus further comprises automatic tensioning devices.

3. An integrated structure protection system of claim 1 further comprising shock absorbers.

4. An integrated structure protection system of claim 1 wherein the cover includes a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism configured to secure the subterranean anchor assembly when in stored mode and prevent unauthorized access to the subterranean anchor assembly.

5. An integrated structure protection system of claim 1, wherein the subterranean anchor assembly further includes stainless steel anchors.

6. An integrated structure protection system of claim 1, further comprising an automatic deployment actuation device configured to deploy the integrated structure protection system from stored mode to deployed mode automatically upon receiving an actuation signal.

7. An integrated structure protection system of claim 1, further comprising rigid support elements configured to attach to the structure and to the subterranean anchor assembly.

8. An integrated structure protection system of claim 1, wherein the subterranean anchor assembly houses and provides protection for the integrated structure protection system.

9. An integrated structure protection system of claim 1, wherein the strapping device includes a plurality of straps, nets, cables, rods, ratcheting devices, ropes, and/or pulleys.

10. An integrated structure protection system of claim 1, further comprising: rigid structural elements; and a plurality of pressure distribution plates, the plates interposed between the rigid structural elements and the structure configured to provide for a distribution of stress on a cross section of the structure.

11. An integrated structure protection apparatus, comprising: a subterranean anchor assembly, the assembly further comprising: an anchoring mechanism, the mechanism configured to secure the subterranean anchor assembly to below grade media; and an attachment mechanism; a cover positionable on top of and configured to provide protection to the subterranean anchor assembly when the integrated structure protection apparatus is in stored mode; a strapping device configured to connect an end of the strapping device to the subterranean anchor assembly a structure attachment system configured to connect an other end of the strapping device to a structure; and a structure protection apparatus tensioning apparatus configured to provide tension in the strapping device when the strapping device is connected to the structure and the subterranean anchor assembly, wherein the tensioning apparatus provides additional structural support to the structure when the integrated structure protection apparatus is in deployed mode.

12. An integrated structure protection apparatus of claim 11, wherein the tension apparatus further comprises automatic tensioning devices.

13. An integrated structure protection apparatus of claim 11 further comprising shock absorbers.

14. An integrated structure protection apparatus of claim 11 wherein the cover includes a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism configured to secure the subterranean anchor assembly when in stored mode and prevent unauthorized access to the subterranean anchor assembly.

15. An integrated structure protection apparatus of claim 11, wherein the subterranean anchor assembly further includes stainless steel anchors.

16. An integrated structure protection apparatus of claim 11, further comprising an automatic deployment actuation device configured to deploy the integrated structure protection apparatus from stored mode to deployed mode automatically upon receiving an actuation signal.

17. An integrated structure protection apparatus of claim 11, further comprising rigid support elements configured to attach to the structure and to the subterranean anchor assembly.

18. An integrated structure protection apparatus of claim 11, wherein the subterranean anchor assembly houses and provides protection for the integrated structure protection apparatus.

19. An integrated structure protection apparatus of claim 11, wherein the strapping device includes a plurality of straps, nets, cables, rods, ratcheting devices, ropes, and/or pulleys.

20. An integrated structure protection apparatus of claim 11, further comprising: rigid structural elements; and a plurality of pressure distribution plates, the plates interposed between the rigid structural elements and the structure configured to provide for a distribution of stress on a cross section of the structure.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, where like designations denote like elements, and in which:

[0061] FIG. 1 presents a top view of an integrated structure protection system in deployed mode, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] FIG. 2 presents a side view of the integrated structure protection system in deployed mode; and

[0063] FIG. 3 presents a cross sectional view of a subterranean anchor assembly in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] The following detailed description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word exemplary or illustrative means serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any implementation described herein as exemplary or illustrative is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms upper, lower, left, rear, right, front, vertical, horizontal, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0066] Shown throughout the figures, embodiments of the present invention are directed towards methods and systems of integrated structure protection systems wherein the system is configured to be hidden while not deployed and to be able to deploy the system automatically and/or manually within the time afforded after a warning is issued.

[0067] FIG. 1 presents a top view of an embodiment of an integrated structure protection system 100 when in deployed mode. The system 100 can include a plurality of subterranean anchor assemblies 102. The subterranean anchor assemblies 102 can be positionable around a perimeter of a structure 104. The subterranean anchor assemblies 102 can connect to a strapping device 106, and as shown, the strapping devices 106 can be connected to two or more subterranean anchor assemblies 102. The strapping devices 106 can be configured to be positionable on top of the structure 104 to provide protection to a roof of the structure.

[0068] Turning to FIG. 2, a side view of an embodiment of an integrated structure protection system 100 is illustrated. The system 100 can include subterranean anchor assemblies 102. The anchor assemblies 102 can be connected to an end of the strapping device 106 and another end of the strapping device 106 can be connected to a structure attachment system 108. The structure attachment system 108 configured to connect the strapping device 106 to the structure 104. As shown, the subterranean anchor assemblies 102 can be positionable below ground level 110. The subterranean anchor assemblies 102 configured to be located below grade provides that the assemblies 102 are hidden from plain sight when the system 100 is in stored mode. Further, because the assemblies 102 are below ground level 110, the system 100 does not interfere with above ground pedestrian or vehicular traffic when the system 100 is in stored mode. And as displayed, the system 100 can include a structure protection system tensioning apparatus 112, the apparatus 112 configured to provide tension in the strapping device 106 when the device 106 is connected to the structure 104, by the structure attachment system 108, and to the subterranean anchor assembly 102, wherein the tensioning apparatus 112 provides additional structural support to the structure 104 when the system 100 is in deployed mode.

[0069] As best seen in FIG. 3, a side view of the subterranean anchor assembly 102 in stored mode is displayed. As shown, the assembly 102 can be positionable below ground level 110 configured to be hidden from plain sight when the system 100 is in stored mode. The assembly 102 can include an attachment mechanism 114 configured for connecting the strapping device 106, not shown, to the assembly 102 when the system 100 is in deployed mode. The system 100 can include a cover 116, the cover 116 positionable on top of and configured to provide protection to the assembly 102 when the system 100 is in stored mode. The cover 116 can be configured to include locking mechanisms, not shown, in order to prevent unauthorized access to the assembly 102. In some embodiments, a top of the cover 116 can be flush with the ground level 110. In some embodiments the cover can include but not limited to tile, concrete, plastic, stainless steel, ceramics, and/or fiberglass. On top of the cover 116 material 118 can be placed over the cover 116 arranged to render the subterranean anchor assembly 102 not visible to plain sight. Further, the material 118 can include but not limited to dirt, earth, sod, tile, concrete, plastic, stainless steel, ceramics, and/or fiberglass. The material can be chosen to coordinate with the surrounding surface area at ground level 110. The material 118 further acts to comply with local ordinances, zoning laws, and local home owner association rules. The assembly 102 can also include an anchoring mechanism 120 configured to secure the assembly 102 to below grade media 122. In some embodiments, the assembly can also include a shock absorber or dashpot 124 configured to act as a damper to impact forces. In some embodiments the dashpot 122 can include hydraulic cylinders. In embodiments the assembly 102 can include a housing 124.

[0070] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an integrated structure protection system can include a system to provide protection from hurricanes. These systems include hidden anchors and hidden structural augmentation elements that can be deployed within the time frame afforded by a warning of an imminent hurricane. In some exemplary embodiments, the system may be put in place providing for full protection from category 5 hurricanes. In some embodiments, the system can be configured to provide greater protection if deemed necessary.

[0071] In an embodiment of the present invention the system can include rigid structural augmentation elements to protect structures from an earthquake. The system can be configured to help protect structures from an earthquake.

[0072] In an embodiment of the present invention, the systems anchors are hidden below grade, preventing trip hazards and allowing pedestrian traffic and vehicular traffic to occur without impediment and without noticing that anchors and associate elements are hidden below grade. The hidden anchors are then covered with a cover to allow them to be hidden from plain sight.

[0073] In an embodiment of the present invention, the system elements are all hidden from plain sight allowing owners of structures to install the system without violating a city ordinance and/or zoning ordinance and/or home owner association covenants.

[0074] In an embodiment of the invention, the system is deployed by connecting straps from a plurality of anchor attachment points to other anchor attachment points with the straps going over the top of the roof of a structure and connecting to another anchor attachment point. The straps are then tensioned to provide additional support.

[0075] In an embodiment of the invention, the system is deployed by connecting rigid structural elements to the attachment points of the anchors and attaching the rigid structural elements to the structure.

[0076] In another embodiment of the invention, the system can be configured to mitigate damage to a structure with combination of embodiments of the present invention.

[0077] In an embodiment of the invention, the system includes a plurality of straps. The system also includes a plurality of subterranean anchor devices. The anchor devices include a plurality of fastening devices for attaching the straps to the anchor device. The anchor devices are secured to the surround underground media with, but not limited to, concrete and/or augers and/or pilings and/or underground footers. The fastening devices can include a plurality of mechanisms designed for quick connect and disconnect. An end of the strap can be attached to the anchor device. Another end of the strap can be secured to a position on the structure and/or can be secured to another anchor device. The straps are then tensioned to provide the additional structural support for the structure. The straps can be attached to the anchor devices and the straps can then be placed on and/or within and/or about a structure. The straps can be wrapped around the structure to provide additional support. Further, an end of rods and/or beams can be attached to the anchor devices and another end of the rods and/or beams can be attached to structure to provide augmented structural support. The system can also include pressure distribution plates interposed between the rods and/or beams and the structure to provide for a distribution of stress on a cross section of the structure.

[0078] The system components can be stored underground and/or within the structure and/or within a storage area. The underground components of the system can be covered with a cover. The cover can include a securing mechanism to ensure only authorized access to the underground components of the system. The cover can also be covered with dirt and/or sod.

[0079] The anchor devices can include additional elements to provide structural support to a structure. The additional elements can include shock absorbers and/or tensioning devices and/or additional structural support elements such as, but not limited to, rods, beams, cables, nets, webs, roped, winches, ratcheting devices and/or pulleys. The additional elements can be stored underground and/or within the structure and/or in a separate storage area. The straps are positionable on and/or within and/or about the structure to provide augmented structural support in tensile and/or compressive reactive and active force. The augmented structural support prevents structure damage from external or internal forces caused by, but not limited to hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, high winds, microbursts, noreasters, and other environmental events which can damage structures, if not for the deployment of an embodiment of an integrated structure protection system.

[0080] While the foregoing written description of the exemplary embodiments enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The exemplary embodiments should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method and examples, but all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiments as claimed.

[0081] Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Furthermore, it is understood that any of the features presented in the embodiments may be integrated into any of the other embodiments unless explicitly stated otherwise. The scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

[0082] Insofar as the description above and the accompanying drawings disclose any additional subject matter that is not within the scope of the claims below, the inventions are not dedicated to the public and the right to file one or more applications to claim such additional inventions is reserved.