US20140014151A1

US20140014151A1 - Weather dome

Info

Publication number: US20140014151A1
Application number: US13/422,103
Authority: US
Inventors: Timothy Dane Wolfe
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-06-04
Filing date: 2012-06-04
Publication date: 2014-01-16

Abstract

(FIG. 11) (ART-8) This sketched drawing show the Weather Dome in one form of its intended use. This drawing shows one three sided dome. Wind tunnel attached, vents closed, and tether ropes fastened on the wind side. Curtains and screens attached with screens closed, vents on the downwind side are open and tether rope fastened. The Weather Dome and a tent secured under the dome are assembled upon a raised ground cover. The windsock is provided to indicate wind direction.

(FIG. 9, 10A, 10B) The (ART-7, 8) these drawings present the embodiment of possible usage an achievable assembled form.

Description

BACKGROUND OR PROBLEM

Camping gear and equipment used for outdoor activities generally comes with only one layer, or type, of protection. Tarps and canopies used for additional protection from sun and rain may not effectively withstand strong wind, or cold temperatures. Full protection from adverse weather conditions may not be achievable with the long established, add-on, equipment options. The consumer may be required to independently design and erect added protection for their activities and equipment, which is problematic and highly inconvenient.
Matching the appearance of currently owned sets of camping gear and equipment used for outdoor activities may not be achievable with the long established, add-on, equipment options.
Camping gear previously purchased should be adaptable with new products designed to provide additional adverse weather protection, including stability against strong wind. This added protection should be obtainable in coordinated styles, sizes, and appearances, to equipment currently and previously available.

SOLUTION

The Weather Dome is designed to provide protection from direct sun, intense rain, strong wind, cold temperatures, ground water, insects, as well as provide added privacy for the user. The innovative product features a portable and flexible dome that can be easily assembled without the use of additional tools. Once assembled, the invention may provide protection for users, as well as equipment, picnic tables, and other items used for camping and outdoor activities. An additional outer fabric, of preferred appearance, is attached to the assembled dome and provides a vented shade layer that may provide additional protection from sun, rain, and if closed protection from wind, and cold temperatures. The dome may also be attached to another dome with a short tunnel allowing the combined domes to function as one unit. After use the invention may be easily disassembled and transported in a provided bag or container for optimal convenience.

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

The dome will contain a plurality of arches joined with an inner dome ceiling and an outer over cover designed to maintain the dome structures in a plurality of shapes.
The designed shape of the dome may be triangular, square, rectangular, or a multi-sided circle. Each dome is without a floor and stands in place with multiple ground pads. Each ground pad is the point of ground contact for the dome and may be held in place with ground stakes and tether ropes. Each ground pad with its arch assemblies may be brought into form, and placement, with an adjustable cinching device. This adjustment will help set the dome level on uneven ground. The dome is fitted with an inner dome-ceiling attached to the strapping of the dome arches and an over-cover that is attached to the rods on the exterior of the dome. This assembly creates an essential air chamber of several inches between the dome-ceiling and the over-cover of the dome. This air chamber when open becomes a vented shade layer that can significantly reduce the heating effects of the sun, causing the protected tent or activity to be several degrees cooler. If the air chamber is closed it becomes a dead air space and retains the heat of the inner dome aria.
The dome may be fitted with curtains and screens in each of the outer arches to offer privacy and protection from sun, rain, wind, and insects. The dome may be fitted with one or more wind tunnels to give added anchorage and protection from wind. The dome may be fitted with an arch to arch tunnel, allowing one dome to be connected to another dome. The dome may be fitted with a raised ground cover to give protection from running or standing groundwater. This raised ground cover will accept ground stakes that secure the dome and or tent that is secured within the protection of the dome. This raised ground cover offers a stable walking platform and a possible dry deck area for a table or other equipment. The dome, curtains, and tunnels, may be assembled and disassembled without tools. Securing the dome ground pads to the earth with ground stakes will require a hammer like tool for installation. The dome and attachments along with the raised ground cover may be rolled up and transported with shoulder sling bags or containers. A wheeled cart or wagon may be available for the larger dome structures.
The structural explanation of a dome:
The three sided dome will be used as an example of all the multiple sided dome configurations as there is little difference save the number of ground pads, the cut of the fabric, and the deployment of various arches.
A simple three sided dome stands upon and is held in place with three ground pads which may be secured to the earth (ART-1) (FIG. 1A, 1B, 1C, 8B). Additional anchorage is obtained with the use of tether rope and wind tunnel attachments (ART-6, 7, 8) (FIG. 11).
The three ground pads are connected with three arches (FIG. 1C, 4, 8B). Each of these three arches will be separately referred to as a side-arch. Each side-arch will be comprised of two arches joined at the apex bracket and assembled as one single-span arch (ART-2) (FIG. 2A, 2B). There will be an additional arch attached to the center of each ground pad and that arch will extend across the center of the dome to the highest point or apex bracket (ART-2, 3, 4) apex bracket of the opposite side-arch (FIG. 2, 3, 4, 8B). These three arches will be separately referred to as a center-arch (ART-3, 4) (FIG. 3, 4).
Each arch is made with flexible rod and fabric type strapping. The strapping is fitted with fabric hoops and end pockets to hold the rod (FIG. 2A, 2B, 3, 5, 6). The strapping will be shortened with a cinching device to bend the rod into the desired arch (FIG. 5).
A three sided dome will contain one center-arch for each side-arch, requiring three arch attachments to each ground pad (FIG. 4, 5, 8B). Each of the three ground pads will be attached to two side-arches and one center-arch (FIG. 5, 8B). Each of the center-arches will be attached to there respective side-arch at the apex bracket (FIG. 2A, 2B, 3, 4).
The center-arches will hold the side-arches away from the center of the dome giving the dome its shape and integrity (ART-3, 4) (FIG. 2A, 3, 4). The arches are held in position with an inner or underside fabric headliner, with a permanent bond to each of the underside strap elements of the arches three side-arches and three center-arches. Zippers for the attachment of the Side-arch vent cover, curtains, screens and tunnel attachments will be provided at that seam This underside fabric headliner will be referred to as the dome-ceiling (ART-1, 2, 3, 5, 6 FIG-AA) (FIG. 1C, 2A, 3, 5, 6). The dome-ceiling and zipper tracks # 1 #2 #3 and #4 will be attached to the underside strap elements of the side-arch, assembled with a permanent bond (FIG. 2A, 5, 6).
Zipper tracks for the attachment of curtains, screens, over-cover, and Tunnel attachments will be provided at the side-arch location (FIG. 6, 7A, 8A).
The dome will be covered with a fabric over cover that will give the structure its appearance and venting ability. This dome cover will be referred to as the over-cover (ART-1, 6 FIG-AA) (FIG. 1B, 1C, 2A, 3, 5, 6).
The vented openings of the side-arch will be screened and assembled as an integral part of the over-cover (ART-1, 6 FIG-AA).
Each arch is made with flexible rod and fabric type strapping. The strapping is fitted with fabric hoops and end pockets to hold the rod (ART-2, 3, 5, 6 FIG-AA). The strapping will be shortened with a cinching device to bend the rod into the desired arch (ART-5).
A three sided dome will contain one center-arch for each side-arch, requiring three arch attachments to each ground pad. Each of the three ground pads will be attached to two side-arches and one center-arch (ART-1, 2, 3, 4, 5).
The over-cover will be attached to the side-Arch vent cover with a permanent bond, and a zipper for a tunnel attachment will be provided at that seam (ART-6 FIG-AA). The Side-arch vent cover will be constructed with screens and flaps to cover the openings of the side-arch (ART-6 FIG-AA). The vent cover will be an extension of the over-cover and will attach to the dome-ceiling at the zipper provided on the inside outer edge of the side-arch (ART-6 FIG-AA). The curtains and screens will be zippered to the underside of the side-arch with the zippers provided (ART-6 FIG-AA). The half cone wind tunnel may be attached to the zippers provided on the over-cover or the zippers provided on the dome-ceiling optionally (ART-6 FIG-AA, 6, center, 7, 8). The dome tunnel connection will be attached to two side arch openings with the over-cover zipper outer and the dome-ceiling zipper inner, this will maintain the air chamber air flow characteristics (ART-6 FIG-AA, 7). The tether ropes are to be attached to the anchor points provided (ART-6 center, 7,8).
The over-cover will be attached to the side-Arch vent cover and zipper track # 5 with a permanent bond (FIG. 6). The Side-arch vent cover will be constructed with screen material to face the air vent openings of the side-arch, and zipper track # 4 will be fitted along the outer edge of the vent cover (FIG. 6). The vent cover will be an extension of the over-cover and will attach to the dome-ceiling at zipper track #4 (FIG. 6).
Please note that zippers come as two parts, and when assembled, attach one to the other. All references to a zipper track (number) will infer that any similar reference to that same (number) will attach one to the other as shone with zipper track # 4 (FIG. 6).
The curtains and screens that will be fitted to, and fill, the outer-arch openings of the dome will be fitted with zipper track # 1 and #2 respectively as they are interchangeable one track to the other (FIG. 6).
The half cone wind tunnel may be attached to the zipper track # 5 provided on the over-cover, or the zipper track # 3 provided on the dome-ceiling, optionally, to control the air flow threw the side-arch vent openings (FIG. 1B, 1C, 6, 7A, 11). An additional wind cover will attach to zipper tracks # 5 and #3 to close the side-arch vents in colder weather (FIG. 7C).
The dome tunnel connection will be attached to side arch openings with the over-cover zipper track # 5 and the dome-ceiling zipper track # 3, this attachment connects two dome units and maintains the air flow characteristics from one unit to the other (FIG. 1B, 1C, 6, 8A, 9, 10A, 10B).
The tether ropes are to be attached to the anchor points provided (FIG. 11).
The raised ground cover is an unattached, independent accessory that is used to cover ground condition problems. , and a stake may be driven threw to the ground below (ART-6bottom, 8). The raised ground cover composition is of soft, rubber quality, foam and nylon mesh cloth allowing a ground stake to be driven threw the material to the ground below (FIG. 7B, 11).

COMMENTS

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many obvious modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The exemplary embodiments are chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application. By this means enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention, and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited, to the particular use contemplated.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS ATTACHED

ART

1; shows a three sided dome in three views.

(FIG. 1A) shows a three sided dome in top view.

(FIG. 1B) shows a three sided dome in side view.

(FIG. 1C) shows a three sided dome in front view.

ART

2; shows the assembly of a side arch.

(FIG. 2A) shows a side-arch assembly in exploded view.

(FIG. 2B) shows the apex bracket front and side view.

ART

3; Shows the assembly of a center arch.

(FIG. 3) shows a center-arch assembly in exploded view.

ART

4; Shows a simple description of the assembled arch forms.

(FIG. 4) shows a three sided dome in top view arrangement of the assembled arch forms.

ART

5; Shows the brake down of the cinching device to set the arches.

(FIG. 5) shows the ground-pad, arch base, and the cinching device used for setting the arch tension.

ART 6; Shows a cutaway of the side-arch and the assembly of the dome-ceiling, over-cover, and vent cover; with the attachment points for attachments. The wind tunnel and the raised ground pad.

(FIG. 6) shows a cutaway of the side-arch and dome-ceiling assembly with all zipper track locations and over-cover attachment in place, the vented air flow threw the assembly is also shown.

ART 7˜8; Base camp assembly-abstract. Show some of the various variations described above in art form in the possible context of their respective uses.

(FIG. 7A) shows the wind tunnel attachment.

(FIG. 7B) shows the raised ground cover.

(FIG. 7C) Shows the Wind cover.

(FIG. 8A) shows the tunnel connection.

(FIG. 8B) shows the ground pad and arch base brackets.

(FIG. 9) shows a top view of five domes of different shapes connected with tunnel connectors.

(FIG. 10A) shows (FIG. 9) at 30%.

(FIG. 10B) shows (FIG. 9,10A) in front view.

(FIG. 11) shows a three sided dome in abstract form.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Name/Weather Dome:
The designed shape of the dome may be triangular, square, rectangular, or a multi-sided circle. Each dome is without a floor and stands in place with multiple ground pads. Each ground pad is the point of ground contact for the dome and may be held in place with ground stakes and tether ropes. Each ground pad with its arch assemblies may be brought into form, and placement, with an adjustable cinching device. This adjustment will help set the dome level on uneven ground. The dome is fitted with an inner dome-ceiling attached to the strapping of the dome arches and an over-cover that is attached to the rods on the exterior of the dome. This assembly creates an essential air chamber of several inches between the dome-ceiling and the over-cover of the dome. This air chamber when open becomes a vented shade layer that can significantly reduce the heating effects of the sun, causing the protected tent or activity to be several degrees cooler. If the air chamber is closed it becomes a dead air space and retains the heat of the inner dome aria.
The dome may be fitted with curtains and screens in each of the outer arches to offer privacy and protection from sun, rain, wind, and insects. The dome may be fitted with one or more wind tunnels to give added anchorage and protection from wind. The dome may be fitted with an arch to arch tunnel, allowing one dome to be connected to another dome. The dome may be fitted with a raised ground cover to give protection from running or standing groundwater. This raised ground cover will accept ground stakes that secure the dome and or tent that is secured within the protection of the dome. This raised ground cover offers a stable walking platform and a possible dry deck area for a table or other equipment. The dome, curtains, and tunnels, may be assembled and disassembled without tools. Securing the dome ground pads to the earth with ground stakes will require a hammer like tool for installation. The dome and attachments along with the raised ground cover may be rolled up and transported with shoulder sling bags or containers. A wheeled cart or wagon may be available for the larger dome structures.
The Weather Dome product is an open sided multiple legged self standing over cover, or canopy.
This self standing canopy is intended to encompass tents, tables, activities and other venues, to provide protection for the consumer.
This product will accommodate small terrain variations, windy conditions, direct sun exposure, bugs, and intense continuous rain.
This product will be designed and personalized in size, configuration, and appearance to accommodate the requirements of the consumer.

Claims

1. The Weather Dome is an independent and self-supporting canopy that will encompass and give superior protection to activities and other pieces of equipment from severe harsh and sustained unpleasant weather.

The Weather Dome's, ground pad to apex bracket, arch combinations give greater flexibility and integrity to the dome on uneven ground, and when properly rigged and secured, will tolerate a straight-line wind exceeding 45 mile per hour.

The Weather Dome's raised ground cover will provide a, cleanable, and stable platform for equipment and activities.

The Weather Dome allows the user to change the over-cover; allowing numerous color and pattern variations.

The weather Dome will significantly reduce the heating effect of direct sun light and the cooling effect of a cold wind. The Weather Dome will readily vent heated air and provide a cooler environment under its canopy, or provide dead air space protection to preserve the heat that is within the canopy enclosure.

The weather Dome will readily vent heated air and provide a cooler environment under its canopy significantly reduce the heating effect of direct sun light.

The Weather Dome will provide dead air space protection to preserve the heat that is within the canopy enclosure and reduce the cooling effect of a cold wind.

The Weather Dome offers a permanent base camp configuration for multiple tents and expanded activities with superior control over weather conditions.

The Weather Dome is able to provide, bug screen, curtain, half-cone wind tunnel, and arch to arch tunnel capabilities. This will allow the Weather Dome unit to be attachable to other Weather Dome units creating a single, fully enclosed, base camp configuration, multi dome structure, with superior control over weather conditions for multiple tents and expanded activities (ART-7).

The available combinations make this product a suitable “Habitat for Humanity” in areas where quick, and weather stabilizing, protection is required.