Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Shaped or strengthened by fluid pressure
Utility Patent
1999-09-28
2001-01-02
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Shaped or strengthened by fluid pressure
C052S002170, C052S002250, C114S361000
Utility Patent
active
06167658
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to protective weather covers and ventilation systems in general, and more particularly to keeping boats free of mildew, rust, and other corrosion that can be caused when a cover would otherwise trap moist air inside.
2. Description of Related Art
Circulating clean, dry air is the best way to keep any structure or vehicle free from the harmful effects of rust and mildew. Moist air trapped inside will corrode metal parts over time, and fabrics and other organic materials will grow mildew. Boats are especially susceptible to such problems because they operate on the water and are often left moored on water under a cover. Such water bodies are a nearby source of water that can evaporate and then condense as liquid water inside. Sometimes boats are also stored on trailers under a cover.
Rain and sun can also quickly deteriorate a boat, so many small pleasure boats are routinely covered to keep out the weather. But such covers can trap water vapor inside and cause the other damage mentioned.
An air-supported enclosure for a car that protects the car from weather and the effects of trapped water vapor is described by Reis Randmae in U.S. Pat. No. 4,991,363, issued Feb. 12, 1991. An electric fan is used to draw in outside air through a filter housing and inflate the enclosure. The filter housing covers a filter material and has an open intake end that points down. Rain and snow cannot enter.
A vent for a flexible boat cover is described by Frank R. Jarnot, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,759,098, issued Jun. 2, 1998. A rigid triangular patch is sewn or welded to a flexible cover with an open end that points down. Holes in the flexible cover are opened up underneath the triangular patch to allow air to move in and out. Louvers at the bottom opening of the triangular patch provide a breathable screen barrier.
An inflatable storage chamber for vintage cars and antiques is described by George Page in U.S. Pat. No. 5,566,512, issued Oct. 22, 1996. An electric fan draws in outside air and pressurizes the inside of the chamber. An adjustable air vent is used to control the flow of air through the chamber to provides a dry, non-humid condition so the protected items will not deteriorate.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a cover that will keep out the weather and yet still circulate clean dry air through the interior to help prevent mildew and rust.
Briefly, a weather cover embodiment of the present invention for a boat comprises a fabric cover that completely covers the boat whenever it is stored. The cover is gathered tight above the waterline. A fan inside the cover draws in clean dry air from outside through a filtered vent. Such fan runs on electricity provided by municipal power, the boats electrical system, or solar panels. The exhaust air is directed through another vent through the cover. The intake cover vent is filled with a replaceable filter foam material. In both vents, a louver opening is directed downward to prevent rain or water spray from entering. The fan need only keep the air inside the boat dry over the long term. The fan therefore may run continuously, or as power is available, e.g., during daylight when the sun is shining. In alternative embodiments, the pressurized air from the fan is valved through to inflate internal support chambers that will keep the cover away from the top surfaces of the boat even after the fan has stopped.
An advantage of the present invention is that a cover is provided that will help prevent rust and mildew inside a protective weather cover.
The above and still further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of specific embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2390986 (1945-12-01), Burns
patent: 4712501 (1987-12-01), Whitley
patent: 4991363 (1991-02-01), Randmae
patent: 5566512 (1996-10-01), Page
patent: 5759098 (1998-06-01), Jarnot
patent: 5918972 (1999-07-01), Van Belle
Friedman Carl D.
Hill Robert Charles
McDermott Kevin
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