Tent – canopy – umbrella – or cane – Portable shelter – Tent supported by vehicle
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-29
2001-08-14
Cuomo, Peter M. (Department: 3636)
Tent, canopy, umbrella, or cane
Portable shelter
Tent supported by vehicle
C052S004000, C052S023000, C052SDIG001
Reexamination Certificate
active
06273113
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a flood protection system, and more particularly relates to a system for anchoring and enclosing a vehicle against elevated water conditions.
2. Description of Related Art
The use of vehicle flood protection containers is known in the art. Such containers typically include a cover to protect an automobile from water damage.
An example of this is U.S. Pat. No. 4,315,535 to Battle which discloses a flood protecting apparatus for vehicles. The apparatus includes an upper orifice and cord housed within a continuous channel for constricting the orifice.
Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,773,456 to Rodgers discloses a motor vehicle flood protecting apparatus. The apparatus includes an elongated vent tube.
Other vehicle enclosures are known in the art. These include U.S. Pat. No. 3,474,803 to Davis and U.S. Pat. No. 1,691,379 to Christ, Jr.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,190,089 to Jackson discloses a protective collapsible bag assembly for appliance items.
Lastly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,930,832 to Shelton discloses a puncture and tear resistant armored convertible top for an automobile.
None of these covers, however, is specifically adapted to enclose a vehicle as it is completely submersed in flooding waters. Consequently, none of the covers described hereinabove includes anchoring means for preventing an enclosed vehicle from floating.
Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a continuing need for new and improved vehicle housings which can be used for anchoring an enclosed vehicle to the ground. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The general purpose of the present invention is to provide a vehicle enclosure system which anchors a vehicle to the ground, thereby preventing it from floating away.
To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises a vehicle flood protection system comprising a vehicle housing having a lower surface and side walls integral thereto. The housing defines forward and rearward portions as well as a central portion. Each of the side walls has an upper peripheral edge with a locking element formed thereon. A housing cover is included with a rearward edge integral with one of the side walls of the housing and a peripheral edge with a locking element integral thereto. A spring biased vent is centrally formed within the housing cover. The vent has a first orientation forming a fluid tight seal with the cover and a second orientation wherein air is permitted egress from an interior of the housing.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a fluid tight vehicle enclosure which is formed from a lightweight puncture proof material.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a vehicle enclosure which allows for the egress of air while at the same time preventing the inflow of water.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a vehicle enclosure which is specifically designed to be anchored to the ground.
An even further object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle enclosure whereby a vehicle can be retained and protected underwater.
Even still another object of the present invention is to create a method for protecting a vehicle in underwater conditions.
Lastly it is an object of the present invention to provide an emergency flood protection and anchoring system. The system includes a vehicle housing defining a lower surface and side walls integral thereto. The housing further defines lower forward and rearward portions as well as a raised central portion. Each of the side walls have an upper peripheral edge with a resilient male zip lock element formed thereon. The housing is completely formed from a lightweight and flexible Kevlar™ material. A housing cover is further included and has a rearward edge integral with one of the side walls of the housing and a peripheral edge with a female zip-lock element integral thereto. A spring biased vent is centrally formed within the housing cover. The vent has a first orientation forming a fluid tight seal with the cover and a second orientation wherein air is permitted egress from an interior of the housing. A vehicle to be protected, having a forward portion, a rearward portion and an intermediate portion therebetween, is positioned within the housing. Thereafter, the cover is secured to the peripheral edge of the housing by way of the male and female zip lock elements. Forward and rearward anchoring straps are included with each of the straps having an intermediate non elastic extent and outer elastic extents. A levered adjustment mechanism is secured along the intermediate extent for use in adjusting the length of each anchoring strap. A pair of cork-screw anchors are releasably secured to outer ends of each anchoring strap for securing the strap to the ground. The forward anchoring strap is positioned over the forward portion of the vehicle. The rearward anchoring strap is positioned over the rearward portion of the vehicle.
REFERENCES:
patent: 982046 (1911-01-01), Flemming
patent: 1691379 (1928-11-01), Christ, Jr.
patent: 3474803 (1969-10-01), Davis
patent: 3772838 (1973-11-01), Virnig
patent: 3783766 (1974-01-01), Boucher
patent: 3927494 (1975-12-01), Struben
patent: 4261401 (1981-04-01), Hickey
patent: 4315535 (1982-02-01), Battle
patent: 4773456 (1988-09-01), Rodgers
patent: 4783177 (1988-11-01), Reed
patent: 4930832 (1990-06-01), Shelton
patent: 5190089 (1993-03-01), Jackson
patent: 5445200 (1995-08-01), Clestino et al.
patent: 5921389 (1999-07-01), Zoffer
patent: 6059105 (2000-05-01), Allain et al.
Aqua Vault, Inc.
Cuomo Peter M.
LaPointe Dennis G.
Mason & Associates, PA
Tran Hanh V.
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