FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY
The following relates to a protective covering system and more specifically to embodiments of a protective covering system for use during natural disasters or emergencies.
BACKGROUND
During the event of a tornado, hurricane, storm, or other natural disaster, flying debris can cause great injury and potentially threaten life. Due to the piping in the walls and the number of fixtures present, a bathroom can be an excellent room to protect oneself from a natural disaster. When property is destroyed by natural disasters, oftentimes the bathroom is the one room still standing. Despite the added safety a bathroom can bring during a natural disaster, there are still risks such as flying debris, breaking windows, or being sucked out of the fixture by the wind. Debris can be thrown with such force that it can penetrate both walls and other objects. The high winds of a tornado or hurricane can be strong enough to lift and throw people, oftentimes causing serious injuries or death to the individuals involved. Fixtures that are attached to a floor or wall have been known to help keep people on the ground during these natural disasters. However, a number of factors can cause someone to lose their grip on a fixture, causing them to fall into serious harm's way.
Thus, a need exists for an apparatus and method for providing a protective covering system that will provide a protected a space where people can be more safely protected from flying debris and falling objects during a natural disaster, while also reducing the risk of being lifted and thrown by natural disaster winds.
SUMMARY
A first general aspect relates to a protective covering system comprising: a fixture having an inner volume, the inner volume defined by at least one fixture wall having a height, a plurality of anchoring means located at least one of on the fixture and external to the fixture, and a covering device having a flexible cover section and a plurality of fastening means, the plurality of fastening means configured to cooperate with the plurality of anchoring means to removably secure the covering device over the inner volume of the fixture to provide a flexible ceiling across an opening of the inner volume.
A second general aspect relates to a protective covering system comprising: a fixture having a frame and a volume, the volume defined by a space locate proximate the fixture, a first plurality of anchoring means located on the fixture, a second plurality of anchoring means located external to the fixture, a covering device having a flexible cover section and a plurality of fastening means, the plurality of fastening means configured to cooperate with the first and second plurality of anchoring means to removably secure the covering device over the volume of the fixture to provide a flexible ceiling across a n opening of the volume of the fixture, a cushioning device, the cushioning device of a size able to cover at least a portion of a top surface of the fixture, wherein the cushioning device interacts with the covering device, and at least one shielding device positioned proximate the fixture, the shielding device hingedly moveable from a first position to a second position, wherein the at least one shielding device covers at least one fixture side when in an upright position.
A third general aspect relates to a method of protection during a high velocity wind scenario comprising: providing a fixture having an inner volume, the inner volume defined by at least one fixture wall having a height, disposing a first plurality of anchoring means on the fixture, and providing a covering device having a flexible cover and a plurality of fastening means, the plurality of fastening means configured to cooperate with the first plurality of anchoring means located on the fixture and a second plurality of anchoring means located at least one of on the fixture and external to the fixture to removably secure the covering device over the inner volume of the fixture to provide a flexible ceiling across an opening of the inner volume.
The foregoing and other features of construction and operation will be more readily understood and fully appreciated from the following detailed disclosure, taken in conjunction with accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Some of the embodiments will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like designations denote like members, wherein:
FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a first embodiment of a fixture of a first embodiment of a protective covering system;
FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a first embodiment of a covering device;
FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the first embodiment of the fixture and the first embodiment of the covering device of the protective covering system, wherein the covering device is in a first position;
FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of the first embodiment of the fixture and the first embodiment of the covering device of the protective covering system, wherein the covering device is in a second position;
FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of a second embodiment of a fixture and a first embodiment of a shielding device, the shielding device in a first position, of a second embodiment of a protective covering system;
FIG. 6 depicts a side view of the second embodiment of the fixture and the first embodiment of a shielding device in the first position;
FIG. 7 depicts a side view of the second embodiment of the fixture and the first embodiment of a shielding device in a second position;
FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of the second embodiment of the fixture and the first embodiment of a shielding device in a second position;
FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of a third embodiment of a protective covering system, wherein the first embodiment of the shielding device and the second embodiment of the covering device are in the second position;
FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a protective covering system having a third embodiment of a fixture and a second embodiment of the shielding device;
FIG. 11 depicts a third embodiment of a protective covering system having an embodiment of a cushioning device laying across a top surface of a fourth embodiment of the fixture and a third embodiment of the shielding device in the second position;
FIG. 12 depicts the third embodiment of a protective covering system having an embodiment of the cushioning device laying across the top surface of the fourth embodiment of the fixture and a fourth embodiment of the covering device in its second position; and
FIG. 13 depicts a fifth embodiment of a protective covering system having an alternative embodiment of a fixture and a shielding device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A detailed description of the hereinafter described embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures. Although certain embodiments are shown and described in detail, it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The scope of the present disclosure will in no way be limited to the number of constituting components, the materials thereof, the shapes thereof, the relative arrangement thereof, etc., and are disclosed simply as an example of embodiments of the present disclosure.
As a preface to the detailed description, it should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 depict an embodiment of a protective covering system 100. The protective covering system 100 may be used to create a safe environment within a dwelling or other structure. For example, the protective covering system 100 may be utilized during a natural disaster or storm, such as a tornado, hurricane, or other high velocity wind scenario. Embodiments of the protective covering system 100 may include a fixture 120, covering device 150, and a plurality of anchoring means 130. FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of the protective covering device 150 for operable use with a fixture 120. Embodiments of the protective covering system 100 may include a fixture 120 having an inner volume 126, the inner volume 126 defined by at least one fixture wall having a height, a plurality of anchoring means 130 located at least one of on the fixture 120 and external to the fixture 120, and a covering device 150 having a flexible cover section 160 and a plurality of fastening means 170, the plurality of fastening means 170 configured to cooperate with the plurality of anchoring means 130 to removably secure the covering device 150 over the inner volume 126 of the fixture 120 to provide a flexible ceiling 163 across an opening 127 of the inner volume 126. Embodiments of the flexible ceiling 163 may be breathable, wherein the flexible ceiling 163 may be a part of the covering device 150 or cover section 160 that is located above occupant(s) in the inner volume 126 of the fixture 120. The flexible ceiling 163 may be a continuous sheet of cover or may include a plurality of openings, or may be a bottom surface of the cover section 160 of the covering device 150.
Referring back to FIG. 1, embodiments of the protective covering system 100 may include a fixture 120. Embodiments of a fixture 120 may be any object that is operably connected to a foundation or infrastructure of a structure. Embodiments of the foundation or infrastructure may include piping, framing, concrete foundation, footings, and the like. Embodiments of fixtures 120 may also be bolted, fastened, attached, or affixed by an attachment means to the ground, wall, or foundation of a location, such as a house. Moreover, embodiments of the fixture 120 may have an inner volume 126, defined by at least one fixture wall having a height, sufficient to contain, accommodate, receive, store, or partially receive one or more person, animal, and/or other valued object. By being operably affixed to a structure of the building, the fixture 120 may be able to withstand high winds during a tornado. For example, the fixture 120 may remain intact and grounded in the same location during the natural disaster and after the disaster has passed. Embodiments of a fixture 120 may include a bathtub, shower, trough, trunk, water basin, pit, sump, or stand-alone fixture designed exclusively for use as a protective covering device in accordance with the present disclosure. Embodiments of the fixture 120 may have any variety of other uses at its location, but it also may be a stand-alone device solely designed for use during or in preparation of a natural disaster or emergency.
Referring still to FIG. 1, embodiments of the protective covering system 100 may include an anchoring means 130. Embodiments of the anchoring means 130 may include a variety of types of anchors designed to cooperate with different types of attachments to removably secure a covering device 150. For example, the covering device 150 may be removably secured through cooperation between the anchoring means 130 and one or more fastening means 170 of the covering device 150. Embodiments of the anchoring means 130 may be compatible with a fastening means 170 of the covering device 150 such as snap hooks, carabineers, Velcro, straps, and the like. Moreover, embodiments of the anchoring means 130 may be attached or embedded to the wall, floor, or fixture 120, or may be a physical part of the object itself such as a slot or indentation. Some embodiments of the anchoring means 130 may be able to be partially removed when there is no need to use the protective covering system. Alternatively, the anchoring means 130 may be embedded into the fixture 120 or a floor or wall covering proximate to the fixture 120 on a permanent basis. The placement of the anchoring means 130 may consist of a plurality of anchoring means 130 attached to either the fixture 120, or to a wall, floor, or other anchored object in proximity to the fixture 120. The plurality of anchoring means 130 may be placed so as to coincide with the spacing of the fastening means 170 of an embodiment of the covering device 150. In some embodiments, there may be a first plurality of anchoring means 130 located on the fixture and a second plurality of anchoring means 130 located at least one of on or external to the fixture 120. In other embodiments, the first and second pluralities of anchoring means 130 may be embedded or otherwise locked into the floor.
FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of a covering device 150. Embodiments of the covering device 150 may be configured to cover or surround the inner volume 126 of the fixture 120, or anything occupying the inner volume 126, to prevent or hinder unwanted exits from the inner volume 126 of the fixture 120 through an opening 127 of the fixture 120. Moreover, embodiments of the covering device 150 may be flexible or resilient to accommodate one or more persons, animals, or valued objects that may exceed the inner volume 126 or otherwise extend beyond a height of the fixture 120. For instance, embodiments of the covering device 150 may consist of a flexible layer of material comprising a cover section 160. The covering device 150 may be comprised of a variety of different materials such as, but not limited to nylon, leather, mesh, metal cables, rope, plastic, or any workable combination thereof. Embodiments of the cover section 160 of the covering device 150 may also be a sheet of material, a mesh, or a net. Exemplary embodiments of different types of covering devices 150 might include a cargo net or hammock net. The material composition of the covering device 150 may be breathable. A breathable material composition of a covering device 150 may prevent inhibiting the oxygen supply of the user which may increase the comfort of the inner volume 126 of the fixture 120. Embodiments of the covering device 150 may include a plurality of fastening means 170 that may coincide with or achieve purchase with the plurality of anchoring means 130. Each fastening means 170 may be connected to the cover material 160 of the covering device 150 directly, or may be attached to a fastening strip 165 by any useful means known to those skilled in the art. Embodiments of a fastening strip 165 may be adjustable in length to better accommodate different sized fixtures 120 and expansion of the cover section 160 of the covering device 150 if the people or objects within the inner volume 126 extend above the height or an opening 127 of the fixture 120. Embodiments of the fastening means 170 may include a variety of types of fastening devices such as, but not limited to snap hooks, carabineers, Velcro, or other comparable fastening straps.
The placement of the fastening means 170 may consist of a plurality of fastening means 170 located at or past the outside edges of the covering device 150. The distances of the placement of each fastening means 170 should coincide with the placement of each anchoring means 130. In other words, a user should be able to operably connect the fastening means 170 of the covering device 150 with the anchoring means 130 located on or proximate the fixture 120. When in use (e.g. when the covering device 150 is anchored and covering the inner volume 126 of the fixture 120), the covering device 150 may assist in providing protection from flying debris as well as provide a flexible ceiling 163 along an opening to the inner volume 126 whereby people, animals, or objects located within the inner volume 126 may be less likely to be thrown from, drawn out, sucked out, etc., and possibly injured. Further, embodiments of the covering device 150 can be removed and stored elsewhere to increase the utility and aesthetics of a fixture 120 that may have other independent uses. For example, because embodiments of the covering device 150 may be flexible or otherwise resilient, it can be rolled, folded, etc., and stored in a smaller space. When required, the covering device 150 can be reattached and sufficiently anchored to the anchoring means 130 to provide a safe area, as depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4.
With further reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the manner in which a user may utilize the protective covering system 100 will now be described. One or more occupants of a structure, such as a building or house, may enter the inner volume 126 of the fixture 120, and then attach each, or at least one, corresponding fastening means 170 of the covering device 150 to its appropriate and corresponding anchoring means 130 located on or proximate to the fixture 120. Once the fastening means 170 have been attached to their corresponding anchoring means 130, the inner volume 126 can be sufficiently or substantially covered, surrounded, shielded, enclosed, etc. by the covering device 150 as to eliminate or help prevent against an unwanted exit or removal from the inner volume 126 of the fixture 120. Thus, the fixture 120 may provide a cover or shelter from flying debris as well as provide a structural footing so as to reduce the chance of being displaced during a high velocity wind scenario, wherein the covering device 150 operably attached to the anchoring means 130 may reduce the chance of being drawn out of the inner volume 126 of the fixture; the flexible nature of the covering device 150 may allow occupants to exceed a height of the inner volume 126 while the covering device 150 is sufficiently anchored to either the fixture 120, one or more surrounding walls, a nearby floor, or a combination thereof (it can depend where the plurality of anchoring means 130 are located).
With continued reference to the drawings, FIGS. 5-9, depict a second embodiment of a protective covering system 200. Embodiments of the protective covering system 200 may be used to create a safe environment within a dwelling or other structure in a manner similar to an embodiment of the protective covering system 100, while adding to the strength of the walls or sides surrounding or forming the fixture 220 to protect against fixture 220 failure and loss of protection to the people, animals, or objects that reside within the inner volume 226. In other words, the walls or sides of the fixture 220 may fail or be damaged by flying debris or projectiles, falling objects, collapsing walls of the surrounding structure, or the like. Embodiments of a protective covering system 200 may include a fixture 220, covering device 250, shielding device 240, and a plurality of anchoring means 230. Referring to FIG. 9, the fixture 220, covering device 250, and plurality of anchoring means 230 may have the same or substantially the same structure and function as the fixture 120, covering device 150, and the plurality of anchoring means 130 described in association with embodiments of a protective covering system 100.
Referring to FIG. 5, embodiments of the protective covering system 200 may include a shielding device 240 for operable use with the fixture 220. Embodiments of the shielding device 240 may be comprised of a variety of different materials such as, but not limited to wood, metal, fiberglass, Kevlar, composite materials, or bulletproof glass. Embodiments of the shielding device 240 may be positioned so as to substantially cover or reinforce all or part of an existing exposed wall or walls of the fixture 220 so that the interior volume 226 of the fixture 220 is better protected from debris or other flying or falling objects. Embodiments of the shielding device 240 may be permanently and operably attached in permanent place or may be portable and able to be removably secured. Embodiments of a permanently secured shielding device 240 may be hingedly 242 or otherwise operably affixed to the fixture 220, floor, wall, or other anchored object or body proximate or otherwise near the fixture 220. By being operably affixed to an anchored object, the shielding device 240, when in an upright or protective first position, may be able to reinforce at least one exposed side or wall of the fixture 220 and withstand high winds during an event such as a tornado, as well as be able to absorb or withstand the force of flying debris hitting the shielding device 240. The upright or protective position of the shielding device 240 may be at a 90° angle to the floor, or it may be inclined at a different angle. As an example, a shielding device 240 may be inclined at a 60° angle with the upper portion of the shielding device 240 resting against the fixture 220. This incline may better deflect flying debris away from the inner volume 226 of the fixture 220. In another example, the shielding device 240, when in the upright position may be flush with or parallel with a side wall of the fixture 220. Embodiments of a hingedly movable shielding device 240 may be able to fold to a second position which is out of sight or down to the floor for aesthetic, convenience, and/or storage purposes when using the fixture 220 for an alternate use through operation of a hinge 242; those skilled in the art should appreciate that the movement of the shielding device 240 may be accomplished using other mechanical techniques, other than a hinge. Embodiments of a portable shielding device 240 may be removably secured on or proximate to the fixture 220 by the utilization of insertion slots, fastening means, or other known methods. Furthermore, embodiments of a shielding device 240 may be equipped with one or more gripping means 244. Embodiments of a gripping means 244 may be a handle, indentation, knob or other means by which to more easily facilitate the carrying, lifting, or otherwise grabbing hold of an object.
With reference to FIGS. 5-9, the manner in which a user may utilize the protective covering system 200 will now be described. One or more occupants of a structure, such as a building or house, may lift or otherwise place the shielding device 240 in place using the gripping means 244 to cover or shield an exposed wall or side of the fixture 220. The occupant(s) may then enter the inner volume 226 of the fixture 220, and then attach each, or at least one, corresponding fastening means 270 of the covering device 250 to its appropriate and corresponding anchor means 230 located on or proximate the fixture 220. It should be noted that a user may first enter the inner volume 226 of the fixture 220, and then lift the shielding device 240 to the upright or protective position previously described, and then attach the covering device 250 to the anchoring means 230 to create a flexible ceiling 263 along an opening to the inner volume 226 of the fixture 220. Embodiments of the flexible ceiling 263 may be breathable, wherein the flexible ceiling 263 may be a part of the covering device 250 or cover section 260 that is located above occupant(s) in the inner volume 226 of the fixture 220. The flexible ceiling 263 may be a continuous sheet of cover or may include a plurality of openings, or may be a bottom surface of the cover section 260 of the covering device 250. Once the fastening means 270 have been attached to their corresponding anchoring means 230, the inner volume 226 should be sufficiently or substantially covered, surrounded, shielded, enclosed, etc. by the covering device 250 to eliminate or help prevent against unwanted exit or removal from the inner volume 226 of the fixture caused by high winds. The shielding device 240, when placed into an upright or otherwise protective position (e.g. not flat on a floor) may sufficiently or substantially shield any exposed wall, side, sides, or walls of the fixture 220, reducing the risk of penetration through the fixture 220 wall by flying debris or projectiles.
Referring now to FIG. 10, embodiments of a protective covering system 300 may include any or all elements of the previously described embodiments 100, 200, as well as a shielding device 340. Embodiments of a shielding device 340 may perform a similar function to an embodiment of a shielding device 240. However, embodiments of a shielding device 340 may be permanently affixed to all or at least more than one physical sides of the fixture 320. Embodiments of a shielding device 340 may be attached to the outside of the fixture or may be constructed within the inner frame of the fixture 320 itself. Utilization of the protective covering system 300 may be identical or substantially similar to how a user utilizes the protective covering system 100, 200, while adding increased protection from the walls that surround the inner volume 326. In one exemplary embodiment, the shielding device 340 may be a frame that receives a fixture 320. In another embodiment, the shielding device 340 may actually comprise the fixture 320, wherein the fixture 320 is constructed out of the materials used to form the shielding device 340.
FIGS. 11 and 12 depict an embodiment of a protective covering system 400. Embodiments of the protective covering system 400 may have the same or similar functionality and structure to any of the previously described embodiments of protective covering systems 100, 200, 300 and may include additional features. Embodiments of a protective covering system 400 may include a cushioning device 467. Embodiments of a cushioning device 467 may include a pillow, mattress, couch cushion, folded blanket, pad, any combination thereof, or any other similar set of objects or object that can deform while absorbing an impact. Embodiments of a cushioning device 467 may be placed so as to cover all or at least a portion of the opening 427 to the inner volume of the fixture 420. Embodiments of a cushioning device 467 may provide greater protection from flying debris and falling objects during a natural disaster, such as a tornado, hurricane, or other high velocity wind scenario.
Moreover, embodiments of a protective covering system 400 may include a covering device 450 configured to interact with the cushioning device 467. Embodiments of a covering device 450 may be the same or similar to embodiments previously described, such as covering device 150, 250, 350. However, embodiments of a covering device 450 may include a sleeve or other type of insertion or holding mechanism to interact with or receive the cushioning device 467. For example, an insertion or holding mechanism may allow for a cushioning device 467 to be inserted into a sleeve or other retaining structure formed in the cover section 460 the covering device 450 to increase protection for the people, animals, and/or objects located within the inner volume 426 from flying debris and/or falling objects. Exemplary embodiments of a covering device 450 may include a cushioning device 467 that is permanently attached or affixed to or within the cover section 460 or covering device 450. Alternatively, embodiments of the covering device 450 may simply be wrapped around the cushioning device 467. Even further embodiments may include the positioning of the cushioning device 467 over an opening 427 to the inner volume 426 of the fixture 420 such that the cushioning device 467 may rest on the edges or the sides of the fixture 420. Then, the covering device 450 may be attached to the anchoring means 430, thereby covering the cushioning device 467.
Accordingly, embodiments of system 400 may include a fixture 420 having a frame and a volume 426, the volume 426, defined by a space located proximate the fixture 426, a first plurality of anchoring means 430 located on the fixture 420, a second plurality of anchoring means 430 located external to the fixture 420, a covering device 450 having a flexible cover section 460 and a plurality of fastening means 470, the plurality of fastening means 470 configured to cooperate with the first and second plurality of anchoring means 430 to removably secure the covering device 450 over the inner volume 426 of the fixture 420 to provide a flexible ceiling 463 across an opening 427 of the fixture 400, a cushioning device 467, the cushioning device 467 of a size able to cover at least a portion of a top surface of the fixture 420, wherein the cushioning device 450 interacts with the covering device 450, and at least one shielding device 440 positioned proximate the fixture 420, the shielding device 440 hingedly moveable from a first position to a second position, wherein, when at least one shielding device 440 is in the first position, at least one shielding device 440 is in an upright position and covers at least one fixture side. Embodiments of the flexible ceiling 463 may be breathable, wherein the flexible ceiling 463 may be a part of the covering device 450 or cover section 460 that is located above occupant(s) in the inner volume 426 of the fixture 420. The flexible ceiling 463 may be a continuous sheet of cover or may include a plurality of openings, or may be a bottom (or top) surface of the cushioning device 467.
With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the manner in which a user may utilize the protective covering system 400 will now be described. One or more occupants of a structure, such as a building or house, may place or lift any existing shielding device(s) 440 in place, possibly by using a gripping means. One or more occupants may then enter the inner volume of the fixture 420, place the cushioning device 467 upon any opening to the inner volume of the fixture 420 or operably attach the cushioning device 467 to the covering device 450 (possibly by inserting the cushioning device 467 into a sleeve of the covering device 450), and then attach each, or at least one, corresponding fastening means 470 of the covering device 450 to its appropriate and corresponding anchoring means 430 located on or proximate to the fixture 420. It should be noted that a user may first enter the inner volume 426 of the fixture 420, and then lift the shielding device 440 from a first position (e.g. flat on floor) to a second, upright or protective position. Once the fastening means 470 have been attached to their corresponding anchoring means 430, the inner volume 426 can be sufficiently or substantially covered, surrounded, shielded, enclosed, etc. by the cushioning device 467 and the covering device 450 as to eliminate or help prevent against an unwanted exit or removal from the inner volume 426 of the fixture 420 caused by high winds. The cushioning device 467 can provide a cushion or cover to help prevent against any debris or falling objects from damaging the occupants or objects within the inner volume 426.
In addition to the method described above, it should be noted that one may utilize the protective covering device 400 and the cushioning device 467 by other methods. For example, one may affix the fastening straps 465 of the covering device 450 to a door handle, faucet, table, cabinet, or any other object that may help reduce the risk of being carried away by high winds. Covering oneself with the cushioning device 467 may protect someone who is utilizing the covering device by providing cushioning from flying debris or projectiles.
FIG. 13 depicts an embodiment of a protective covering system 500. A protective covering system 500 may include a fixture 520, a plurality of anchoring means 530, a cushioning device 567, a covering device 550 having a plurality of fastening means 570, and at least one shielding device 540. Embodiments of fixture 520 may have a frame that defines a volume or space underneath, around, below, or proximate the frame. An exemplary embodiment of a fixture 520 is a bed frame that may have been bolted or by some other means attached to the ground or wall of the surrounding structure. A cushioning device 567 may be substantially similar to a cushioning device 467. An exemplary embodiment of a cushioning device 567 may be a mattress that may cover a substantial portion of a top surface of the fixture 520. A covering device 550 may be substantially similar to a covering device 450; however, a covering device 550 need not substantially enclose the volume 526 of the fixture 520. A covering device 550 may be removably secured through cooperation between the anchoring means 530 and one or more fastening means 570 of the covering device 550. Embodiments of the anchoring means 530 may be compatible with a fastening means 570 of the covering device 550 as described in embodiments 100, 200, 300, and 400. Embodiments of the anchoring means 530 may be attached or embedded to the wall, floor, or fixture 520, or may be a physical part of the object itself such as a slot or indentation.
Embodiments of the protective covering system 500 may further include a shielding device 540 for operable use with the fixture 520. Embodiments of the shielding device 540 may be composed of and perform substantially similar functions as previously described embodiments of a shielding device 240, 340, 440. However, instead of reinforcing fixture 520 walls, an embodiment of a shielding device 540 may create a wall around the volume 526 where no fixture 526 wall may exist. Embodiments of a shielding device 540 may be positioned so as to substantially cover each exposed and/or open side of the fixture 520 so that the volume 526 of the fixture 520 is better protected from debris or other flying or falling objects. Embodiments of the shielding device 540 may be permanently and operably attached in place or may be portable and able to be removably secured. Embodiments of a permanently secured shielding device 540 may be hingedly movable through operation of a hinge 542 or otherwise operably affixed to the fixture 520, floor, wall, or other anchored object or body proximate or otherwise near the fixture 520. By being operably affixed to an anchored object, the shielding device 540, when in an upright or protective position, may be able to cover at least one exposed or open side of the fixture 520 or volume 526 and protect against high winds during an event such as a tornado, as well as be able to absorb or withstand the force of flying debris hitting the shielding device 540. The upright or protective position of the shielding device 540 may be at a 90° angle to the floor, or it may be inclined at a different angle. As an example, a shielding device 540 may be inclined at a 60° angle with the upper portion of the shielding device 540 resting against the fixture 520. This incline may better deflect flying debris away from the volume 526 of the fixture 520. In another example, the shielding device 540, when in the upright position may be parallel with a side wall of the fixture 520. Embodiments of a hingedly connected shielding device 540 may be able to fold to a second position which is out of sight or down to the floor for aesthetic and/or storage purposes when using the fixture 520 for an alternate use. Exemplary embodiments of a shielding device 540 may fold under the fixture 520 so as to be stored within the volume 526 of the fixture 520, such as when the fixture 520 is a bed. Embodiments of a portable shielding device 540 may be removably secured on or proximate to the fixture 520 by the utilization of insertion slots, fastening means, or other methods. Embodiments of a shielding device 540 may be equipped with one or more gripping means 544. Embodiments of a gripping means 544 may be a handle, indentation, knob or other means by which to more easily facilitate the carrying, lifting, or otherwise grabbing hold of an object.
With reference to FIGS. 5-9, the manner in which a user may utilize the protective covering system 500 will now be described. One or more occupants of a structure, such as a building or house, may place the cushioning device 567 on the top surface of the fixture 520. The occupant(s) may then attach each, or at least one, corresponding fastening means 570 of the covering device 550 to its appropriate and corresponding anchor means 530 located on or proximate the fixture 520. Once the fastening means 570 have been attached to their corresponding anchoring means 530, the top surface of the fixture 520 should be sufficiently or substantially covered, by the covering device 550 to eliminate or help prevent against unwanted exit or removal from the inner volume 526 through the top surface of the fixture as a result of high winds. The occupant(s) may then lift or otherwise place all but the last of the shielding device(s) 540 in place using the gripping means 544 to cover an exposed side of the fixture 520. The occupant(s) may then enter the inner volume 526 of the fixture 520 and place the last shielding device in place from within the inner volume 526 of the fixture 520. Alternatively, the occupant may lift all of the sides of the shielding device 540 before entering space 526. It should be noted that a user may first enter the inner volume 526 of the fixture 520, and then lift the shielding device(s) 540 to the upright or protective position previously described. The shielding device 540, when placed into an upright or otherwise protective position (e.g. not flat on a floor) may sufficiently or substantially cover any open or exposed side of the fixture 520, reducing the risk of unwanted exit from the inner volume 526 and penetration into the inner volume 526 by flying debris or projectiles.
With reference to FIGS. 1-13, a method of protection during a high velocity wind scenario may include the steps of providing a fixture 120, 220, 320, 420, 520 having an inner volume 126, 226, 326, 426, the inner volume 126, 226, 326, 426 defined by at least one fixture wall having a height, disposing a first plurality of anchoring means 130, 230, 330, 430, 530 on the fixture 120, 220, 320, 420, 520; and providing a covering device 150, 250, 350, 450, 550 having a flexible cover section 160, 260, 360, 460, 560 and a plurality of fastening means 170, 270, 370, 470, 570, the plurality of fastening means 170, 270, 370, configured to cooperate with the first plurality of anchoring means 130, 230, 330, 430, 530 located on the fixture 120, 220, 320, 320, 420, 520 and a second plurality of anchoring means 130, 230, 330, 430, 530 located at least one of on the fixture 120, 220, 320, 420, 520 and external to the fixture 120, 220, 320, 420, 520 to removably secure the covering device 150, 250, 350, 450, 550 over the inner volume 126, 226, 326, 426 of the fixture 120, 220, 320, 420, 520 to provide a flexible ceiling 163, 263, 363, 463, 563 across an opening 127, 227, 327, 427, of the inner volume 126, 226, 326, 426.
While this disclosure has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure as set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as required by the following claims. The claims provide the scope of the coverage of the invention and should not be limited to the specific examples provided herein.
Patent Application
20140150174
