INFLATABLE AND COLLAPSIBLE WEATHER PROTECTION OUTDOOR COVER

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multi-use cover. More particularly, the present invention relates to a covering system that is easy to deploy and does not require tie downs. The covering system uses an expandable hose attached to a covering material. To deploy the cover over an object to be protected, the expandable hose is filled with a filling material such as air or water, and once the cover is over the entire object to be protected, the filling material is removed from the hose, causing the cover to contract snugly over the object to be protected. To remove the cover, the hose is once again filled with filling material until it can be removed from the object. For efficient storage of the cover, the filling material can be completely removed from the hose.

Claims

1. A cover system for an outdoor object to be protected from weather or outdoor elements, comprising: a) an expandable tubing frame comprised of sections of hollow tubing and having a hollow bore; b) a sheet of cover material that fits over the frame; c) at least one inlet fitting that enables fluid flow to the hollow bore of the tubing frame; d) wherein the expandable tubing frame has an expanded position and a deflated position; e) wherein the expandable tubing frame is arranged in a closed shape and the cover material is attached to the expandable tubing frame such that when the expandable tubing frame is in the expanded position, the cover material is stretched across the entirety of the closed shape; and f) wherein the expandable tubing frame can be moved between the expanded and deflated positions via the at least one inlet fitting.

2. The cover system of claim 1 wherein the expandable tubing frame is moved from the deflated position to the expanded position by filling it with water via the at least one inlet fitting.

3. The cover system of claim 1 wherein the expandable tubing frame is moved from the deflated position to the expanded position by filling it with air via the at least one inlet fitting.

4. The cover system of claim 1 wherein the expandable tubing frame is arranged in a plurality of concentric closed shapes, and wherein the cover material is attached to the expandable tubing frame such that when the expandable tubing frame is in the expanded position, the cover material is stretched across the entirety of the outermost closed shape of the concentric closed shapes.

5. The cover system of claim 4 wherein the closed shape is an oval.

6. The cover system of claim 4 wherein the closed shape is a rectangle.

7. The cover system of claim 4 further comprising connectors, wherein the connectors attach the concentric shapes of expandable tubing to one another.

8. The cover system of claim 1 wherein there are at least two inlet fittings, and at least one of the at least two inlet fittings is for inflating the expandable tubing frame, and at least one of the at least two inlet fittings is for deflating the expandable tubing frame.

9. The cover system of claim 8 further comprising a yoke, wherein the yoke is attached to the innermost concentric shape and the at least one inlet fitting for inflating is attached to the yoke, and the at least one inlet fitting for deflating is attached to the outermost concentric shape.

10. The cover system of claim 9 further comprising at least one hose attachment, wherein the hose attachment is connected to the at least one inlet fitting for inflating, and wherein the hose attachment is able to be connected to a standard garden hose.

11. A cover system comprising: a) an expandable frame having sections of hollow tubing arranged in one or more closed shapes and fluidly connected via a hollow bore; b) a cover material that attaches in between the sections of hollow tubing; c) one or more valves on the frame that enable fluid flow to the hollow bore, wherein the expandable frame can be moved between a deployed position and a collapsed position via the one or more valve; and d) wherein when the expandable frame is in the deployed position, the cover material is stretched across the sections of hollow tubing and the closed shapes.

12. The cover system of claim 11 wherein the closed shapes include an inner ring and an outer ring and the inner ring sits concentrically inside the outer ring.

13-15. (canceled)

16. The cover system of claim 11 wherein one of the one or more valves is connected to a pneumatic system that causes the expandable frame in the collapsed position to fill with air and change to the deployed position.

17. The cover system of claim 11 wherein one of the one or more valves is connected to a hydro system and causes the expandable frame in the collapsed position to fill with water and change to the deployed position.

18. (canceled)

19. The cover system of claim 11 wherein one of the one or more valves has a release mechanism that causes the expandable frame in a deployed position to release the fluid and return the frame to the collapsed position.

20. (canceled)

21. A method of covering an object to be protected from rain, sun, snow or other outdoor element, comprising the steps of: a) placing a covering system on top of the object, the covering system comprising: an expandable tubing frame; a cover material that fits over said tubing frame; and at least one inlet fitting b) wherein the expandable tubing frame of step a has an expanded position and a deflated position; c) wherein the expandable tubing frame of step a is arranged in a closed shape and the cover material is attached to the expandable tubing frame such that when the expandable tubing frame is in the expanded position, the cover material is stretched across the entirety of the closed shape; d) wherein the expandable tubing frame of step a can be moved between its expanded and deflated positions via the at least one inlet fitting; e) inflating the expandable tubing frame of the covering system via the inlet fitting until the cover material covers the entire object; f) fitting the covering system over the object; and g) deflating the expandable tubing frame of the covering system via the inlet fitting so that it contracts over the object.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein in step (b) the expandable tubing frame is inflated with air.

23. The method of claim 21 wherein in step (b) the expandable tubing frame is inflated with water.

24. The method of claim 21 further comprising a step for removing the cover from the object: (e) inflating the expandable tubing frame of the covering system via the inlet fitting until the covering system can be easily lifted off the object.

25. The method of claim 24 further comprising a step for preparing the covering system for storage: (f) deflating the expandable tubing frame of the covering system via the inlet fitting until it is completed deflated and can be folded for storage.

26. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein:

[0053] FIG. 1 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention in a collapsed position;

[0054] FIG. 2 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention in an expanded position;

[0055] FIG. 3 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

[0056] FIG. 4 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention in an expanded position;

[0057] FIG. 5 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention in the collapsing process;

[0058] FIG. 6 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention in a collapsed position;

[0059] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention in an expanded view;

[0060] FIG. 8 is a top view of another preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention in a collapsed view;

[0061] FIG. 9 is an exploded fragmentary view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing the connectors of the present invention;

[0062] FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing the connectors of the present invention;

[0063] FIGS. 11-15 show steps in a preferred embodiment of a method of the present invention, applied to a table; and

[0064] FIGS. 16-18 show steps in another preferred embodiment for a method of the present invention, applied to a boat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0065] FIGS. 1-18 show a preferred embodiment of the apparatus and method of the present invention designated generally by the number 10. The present invention is a cover system 10 including an expandable hose or tubing 28, cover material 31, and at least one valve 16 (e.g., ball valve, plug valve, other valve suitable to valve the flow of gas (air or liquid). Hose or tubing 28 can create a web or frame 50.

[0066] Preferably, the hose 28 can be made of an expandable, flexible material, similar to that of U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,549,448; 8,479,776, or a similar type of hose. Hose or tubing 28 preferably has an expanded position 14 and a collapsed, contracted or deflated position 12. The hose or tubing 28 can be made of a stretchable material in which a filling material, such as air or water, can flow. The hose or tubing 28 can be a commercially available hose or tubing as disclosed herein or can be made of an alternative material. The stretchable hose or tubing 28 can be made of an elastic material such as rubber, latex, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and/or of a combination of one or more of the aforementioned materials. The hose or tubing 28 can include an outer material or covering that surrounds the stretchable hose 28. The outer material of the hose or tubing 28 can be made of fabric such as nylon, cord, fabric, or rubber, and/or of a combination of one or more of the aforementioned materials.

[0067] Preferably, the expandable hose frame or tubing frame 50 is arranged in a closed shape 13, such as a circle, oval, square, rectangle, or any other suitable shape depending on the object 11 to be covered. Tubing or expandable hose 28 can be of a material able to withstand pressures of about 50-150 psi (345-1035 kPa). The cover material 31 can be attached to the expandable hose 28 such that when the expandable hose 28 is in an expanded position 14, the cover material 31 is preferably stretched across the entirety of the closed shape 13. Preferably, the expandable hose frame 50 expands to approximately three times its collapsed size. Hose frame 50 can expand to more than three times its collapsed size.

[0068] Preferably, the cover material 31 is sewn directly to the expandable hose 28 covering and expands and contracts with the hose 28. The cover material 31 can also be attached to the hose 28 by a securing device 44, such as eyelets, rings, ties, Velcro or other suitable attachment means. The securing device 44 can be used to fasten cover material 31 to hose 28 at intervals along the hose frame 50. Cover or covering material 31 can be any suitable waterproof, sun proof or water-resistant material such as Sunbrella, acrylic, canvas, polyester, olefin, Outdura, solar power generating material or fabric, and/or of a combination of one or more of the aforementioned materials. In some embodiments, the cover material 31 may incorporate elastic to allow the cover material 31 to expand and contract for a formed fit over the object to be covered 11. Cover material 31 could also be made of fabric, stretchable fabric, plastic, the expandable hose material, or another suitable material. Cover material 31 can be made of material that can generate solar power or provide solar power. The cover material 31 can preferably be exchanged to accommodate the operator's desired protection (i.e. ultraviolet (UV) rays or leaves and debris).

[0069] Preferably, the expandable hose 28 can be moved between its expanded 14 and deflated 12 positions via the at least one valve 16 at inlet fitting 26. Inlet fitting 26 can be any fitting that enables connection to an air compressor, air pump or other source of pressurized air. Fitting 26 could be a fitting connectable to a water or liquid source such as a garden hose or water pump.

[0070] Preferably, the expandable hose 28 is moved from a deflated position 12 to an expanded position 14 by filling it with a filling material such as air or water via the at least one valve 16. The filling material is preferably introduced via a pressurized source 42, such as pressurized water or air. The hose or tubing 28 can be deflated or contracts by removing the filling material, for example using a vacuum 43 to remove the air or allowing the water or air to flow out via a valve 16. The hose or tubing 28 can be self-draining. Once the filling material is removed, hose or tubing 28 preferably deflates and contracts to its original length.

[0071] In some embodiments, the expandable hose frame 50 can be arranged in one or more closed shapes 13, preferably concentric closed shapes 13. Cover system 10 can include one closed shape/ring 13, as seen in FIG. 11. Cover system 10 can include two closed shapes/rings 13, as seen in FIGS. 1, 2. Cover system 10 can include three or four closed shapes/rings 13, as seen in FIGS. 7, 8. Cover system 10 can have a plurality of closed shapes 13. In these embodiments, the cover material 31 can be attached to the expandable hose 28 such that when the expandable hose 28 is in an expanded position 14, the cover material 31 is stretched across the entirety of the outermost closed shape of the concentric closed shapes 13, or the outer ring 20, as shown in FIGS. 2-5. Thus, an expandable shape 13 would enable placement over an object 11 to be covered such as a boat hull (FIGS. 3-6), automobile, agriculture, or item of furniture (e.g., table of FIGS. 11-15).

[0072] In various embodiments, the hose frame 50 can include an inner ring 18 and an outer ring 20. In this example, when viewing the cover 10 from the top, the inner ring 18 sits concentrically inside the outer ring 20, however, other suitable arrangements of the hose frame 50 could be used. Preferably, the inner and outer rings 18, 20 are connected to each other with piping or tubing 36 and connectors 22 as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 7, 8. Preferably, the piping or tubing 36 is positioned in between the inner ring 18 to the outer ring 20, and the connectors 22 attach the piping 36 to the inner and outer rings 18, 20. Piping or tubing 36 can be attached at intervals in between inner and outer rings 18, 20 as seen in the figures.

[0073] Piping 36 can preferably fluidly connect the inner ring 18 and the outer ring 20, so that the filling material can preferably flow throughout the hose frame 50 and expand both inner and outer rings 18, 20. In some embodiments, the inner ring 18 can be made of non-expandable material and the outer ring 20 can be made of expandable material. In some embodiments, the outer ring 20 can be made of non-expandable material and the inner ring 18 can be made of expandable material. In some embodiments, both the inner and outer rings 18, 20 can be made of expandable materials.

[0074] Preferably, the cover 10 tubing frame 50 further comprises connectors 22, wherein the connectors 22 attach the closed shapes 13 of expandable hose 28 to one another. A preferred embodiment of the connectors 22 of the present invention can be seen in FIGS. 9-10. Connectors 22 can be a Tee fitting, Y-type connector, elbow fitting, 4-way connector, threaded connector, tubing connector, or any other suitable connector. Connectors 22 can be made of nylon, brass, aluminum, some other type of metal, plastic or another suitable material. In this embodiment, the expandable hose 28 can be attached to connector 22 with a connection means or banding 24, such as a clamp, push-to-connect tube fittings/connectors, crimped connectors, or other suitable means.

[0075] In another preferred embodiment, there can be at least two valves 16, wherein at least one of the at least two valves 16 can be for inflating the expandable hose 28, and at least one of the at least two valves 16 can be for deflating the expandable hose 28, for example, as shown in FIGS. 7-8. When the hose 28 is being filled with the filling material via one of the at least two valves 16, the other of the at least two valves 16 is closed so that the hose 28 can be filled with the filling material and expand to the preferred size.

[0076] In some embodiments, the cover 10 further comprises a yoke 30, wherein the yoke 30 is preferably attached to an innermost concentric shape 13, or inner ring 18 of tubing and the at least one valve 16 for inflating or deflating can be attached to the yoke 30. At least one valve 16 for inflating or deflating can be attached to the outermost concentric ring shape 20 (or outer tubing section), as seen in FIGS. 7, 8. Preferably, the cover system 10 further comprises at least one hose attachment 26, wherein the hose attachment 26 is preferably connected to the at least one valve 16 for inflating, and wherein the hose attachment 26 is able to be connected to a standard garden hose 42, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 5-6, 11, and 12. The hose attachment 26 can also be attached directly to a connector 22, as shown in FIGS. 9-10.

[0077] The present invention also includes a method of covering an object 11, the method comprising the steps of:

[0078] a) placing the covering system 10 of the present invention on top of an object 11;

[0079] b) inflating the expandable hose 28 or tubing/hose frame 50 of the covering system 10 via inlet 26 and a valve 16 until the cover material 31 covers the entire object 11 (e.g., see FIGS. 4 and 14);

[0080] c) fitting the covering system 10 over the object 11 on all sides;

[0081] d) deflating the expandable hose 28 of the covering system 10 via the inlet 26 and valve 16 until the cover material 31 fits snuggly over the object 11. Deflating can employ a vacuum device 43 (e.g., vacuum cleaner, shop vacuum, or simply releasing pressure from valve 16).

[0082] An example of this method can be seen in FIGS. 3-6, wherein the object 11 is a boat. FIGS. 3-4 show steps (a) and (b) above. FIG. 5 shows steps (c) and (d) above. FIG. 6 shows the boat 11 as covered by the cover 10 in its collapsed position 12. In this example, the outer ring 20 of the cover 10 is preferably longer than the object by about a 1 to 3 feet (30-92 cm), and about 1 to 3 feet (30-92 cm) wider than the object. These sizes can be increased or decreased depending on the size and shape of the object 11 being covered.

[0083] Another example of this method can be seen in FIGS. 11-15, wherein the object 11 is a table. FIG. 11 shows step (a). FIGS. 12-13 show step (b). FIG. 14 shows step (c). FIG. 15 shows step (d).

[0084] Other suitable sizes can be used as required depending on the item to be covered 11.

[0085] In some embodiments the expandable hose 28 is inflated with air. In other embodiments the expandable hose 28 is inflated with water. Other suitable inflating materials may also be used as appropriate.

[0086] The method may further comprise a step for removing the cover 10 from the object 11 by inflating the expandable hose 28 of the covering system 10 via the valve 16 until the covering system 10 can be easily lifted off the object 11. For example, in the Figures, from FIG. 15, the hose 28 would be expanded 14 to return to FIG. 14, and then the cover 10 could be easily removed from the object 11. Preferably, the covering system 10 can be prepared for storage by then deflating the expandable hose 28 of the covering system via the valve 16 until it is completed deflated 12, as shown in FIG. 10, and can be folded for storage.

[0087] FIG. 1 is a top view showing a preferred embodiment of the present invention in a collapsed position 12. The cover 10 shown in FIG. 1 could be used to cover, for example a boat; however, it is also adaptable for other appropriate covering uses such as jet skis, cars, trailers, furniture, construction equipment, household items, outdoor items, and any other suitable items 11 that a user wants to protect. Cover 10 can also be used for agricultural covering, such as covering of plants, vegetables, fruits, crop fields, grains, or other agriculture.

[0088] In some preferred embodiments, the cover 10 of the present invention is comprised of an expandable hose or tubing 28, connectors 22, banding 24, yoke 30, cover material 31, one or more valves 16, and piping 36. Preferably, for the boat cover example, the expandable hose 28 is arranged in rings, and has an inner ring 18 and an outer ring 20. In this example, when viewing the cover 10 from the top, the inner ring 18 sits concentrically inside the outer ring 20, however, other suitable arrangements of the hose 28 could be used. Preferably, the inner and outer rings 18, 20 are connected to each other with piping 36 and connectors 22 as shown in FIG. 2, wherein the piping 36 is between the inner ring 18 to the outer ring 20, and the connectors 22 attach the piping 36 to the inner and outer rings 18, 20. Preferably, the connectors 22 are T shaped or other suitable types of connectors, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 9, and 10. Preferably, the cover 10 has a cover material 31 that fills the spaces between the inner and outer rings 18 20, and the piping 36. Preferably, the expandable hose 28 has a collapsed/contracted position 12 (shown for example in FIG. 11), and a deployed/expanded position 14 (shown for example in FIG. 14), wherein the hose or tubing 28 can be changed from the collapsed/contracted position 12 to the deployed/expanded position 14 via a valve 16.

[0089] The hose 28 can be in positions of varying percentages of inflation, for example as shown in FIGS. 12-13 wherein the hose 28 is partially inflated. In some embodiments, the valve 16 is connected to a pneumatic system and causes the expandable hose 28 in the collapsed position 12 to fill with air and change to the deployed position 14. In some embodiments, the valve 16 is connected to a hydro system and causes the expandable hose 28 in the collapsed position 12 to fill with water and change to the deployed position 14. Preferably, the valve 16 also has a release mechanism that causes the expandable hose 28 in a deployed position 14 to release the air or water and return the hose to its collapsed position 12.

[0090] In some embodiments, the expandable hose 28 or tubing can be that of U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,549,448; 8,479,776; however, it could also be any other suitable expandable hose or tubing.

[0091] In some embodiments, the connectors 22 can be made of nylon; however, the connectors 22 could also be made of plastic, the tubing material itself, brass, aluminum or some other type of metal, or another suitable material. Because the item to be covered 11 may be of an endless array of shapes and sizes, the connectors 22 used will also vary according to the necessary dimensions.

[0092] In some embodiments, the cover 10 further comprises tie downs, such as snaps, hooks, clips, grommets, handles, or other suitable attachments 32 for additional security of the cover.

[0093] In some embodiments, the piping 36 can be made of poly vinyl chloride (PVC), but it could also be made of chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), flexible hose, standard hose, expandable hose, or any other suitable material. The piping 36 can be made of the same material as the hose or tubing 28, preferably being an expandable tubing that can expand and collapse or contract similar to the hose or tubing 28, with use of the filling material such as air or water via the at least one valve 16.

[0094] The present invention also includes a method of using the cover 10 of the present invention to cover items 11. Preferably, the cover 10 is placed on top of the item 11 to be covered in its collapsed position 12, as shown in FIG. 11. Preferably, a user may then use a typical water pressure or garden hose 42 to fill the expandable hose 28 of the cover 10 of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 12-14. Preferably, the garden hose 42 attaches to one of the one or more valves 16 of the cover 10 of the present invention. Preferably, the expandable hose 28 is filled and expands to about three times its collapsed size. In an alternate embodiment, a compressed air source is attached to one of the one or more valves 16 of the cover 10 of the present invention, and the expandable hose 28 of the cover is filled with air to its deployed position 14. Preferably, once the hose 28 is expanded with either air or water or another suitable filling material, the cover 10 is then fitted around the object to be covered, preferably 360 degrees as shown in FIG. 14. Preferably, once the cover in its deployed position 14 is fitted on the object to be covered, it is then deflated to secure it around the item as shown in FIG. 15.

[0095] Preferably, to return the cover 10 of the present invention from the expanded state 14 to the collapsed state 12, the filling agent (for example, water or air) is slowly released via one or more of the one or more valves 16. The valve 16 may be located in different locations on the cover 10 depending on the item 11 to be covered. The elastic properties of the expandable hose 28 allow for the hose 28 to begin to collapse. For example, where the object covered is a boat, the cover 10 collapses to the bow, gunnel, and back of the engine as the filling agent is released, as shown in FIGS. 5-6.

[0096] Preferably, when the filling agent has been fully exhausted and the expandable hose 28 is in its collapsed position 12, the properties of the hose 28 and cover material 30 seal around the boat or object being covered 11 as shown in FIGS. 5-6 and 15. The cover 10 may need to be refilled to an expanded state 14 in order to lift the cover 10 free off of item 11 and allow cover 10 to draw itself back to the collapsed position 12. Depending on the application, the cover 10 can either be inflated to remove it, or the cover 10 may be able to be disconnected and allowed to collapse on its own. It may also be lifted over the edge of the object 11 it is covering before letting the hose 28 continue to collapse. In the collapsed position 12, the cover 10 of the present invention may be attached several ways.

[0097] In some embodiments, cover 10 may be attached to a mat or yoke 30. Depending on the application, the mat shape and size varies to fit object 11 being covered. Mat 30 can have an inner ring 18 that can be sized and shaped to fit a boat T-top. An example of a cover 10 used with a boat T-top is seen in FIGS. 2, 17-18. Preferably, the mat 30 can be used as a carry case or in certain applications, placed in a semi-permanent mounted position (i.e. stored to itself on top of a boat with a T-Top boat). The mat or yoke 30 may be made of rubber, plastic, fabric, rope, or other suitable material. For the boat example, the mat or yoke 30 is preferable made of fabric or like material.

[0098] In some embodiments, the cover can be a curtain-type configuration 45 seen in FIG. 16. The cover can be one continuous piece 45 preferably having quick disconnects 38, 40 on the side ends 46, 47, as seen in FIG. 16, to secure the piece 45 around an object 11. Cover 45 can be connected to another one or more covers 45 to create a longer sized piece/cover 45. The disconnects 38, 40 can be joined together so that the cover 10 preferably covers the entire object 11. In some embodiments, for larger objects, one or more covers 45 can be joined together with the disconnects 38, 40 to each other to create a larger overall cover. In one embodiment, the inner ring 18 can be connected to the male quick disconnect 38 at the front of the object to be covered 11, and to the female quick disconnect 40 at the back of the object to be covered 11.

[0099] In FIGS. 17-18, the cover 45 can hang over the entire boat 11 in an expanded position 14. In this embodiment, cover 45 can be draped over boat in a variety of suitable ways and attached with devices, such as Velcro, ties, clamps, or snaps, or other suitable means if necessary.

PARTS LIST

[0100] The following is a list of parts and materials suitable for use in the present invention:

TABLE-US-00002 Parts Number Description 10 cover of a preferred embodiment of the present invention 11 object to be covered (e.g. boat, automobile, outdoor furniture article) 12 collapsed position 13 closed shape 14 expanded position 16 fill/release valve 18 inner ring 20 outer ring 22 connectors 24 banding 26 hose attachment/inlet fitting 28 expandable hose/hose frame/tubing frame 30 yoke/mat 31 cover material 32 additional fasteners 34 four-way cross connector 36 piping hose 38 male quick disconnect 40 female quick disconnect 42 filling means (e.g. water or air hose)/garden hose/air pump/blower 43 vacuum source 44 securing device 45 curtain-type configuration/cover 46 side end 47 side end 50 hose web/frame

[0101] All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature and pressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. All materials used or intended to be used in a human being are biocompatible, unless indicated otherwise.

[0102] The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.