Weather proof dome to envelop outdoor objects, use of such a dome and a method for protecting outdoor objects

Abstract

The self-supporting weather proof dome envelops outdoor objects. The dome is made of a material and structure that maintains the shape of the dome and clearance between the dome and the objects whereby the dome has an inner structure that withstands external pressure forces and an outer structure that through pulling forces on the outer structure holds the inner structure together. The outer and inner structures are not bonded to each other and at least the outer structure is attachable to a base mount. The dome consists of an inner structure made of form rigid cellular plastic. The enveloped outer structure consists of an UV-resistant plastic fabric wind-stopper.

1 . A self-supporting weather proof dome to envelop outdoor equipment, the dome being of a material and structure that maintains the shape of the dome and the clearance between the dome and the enclosed objects characterized in that the dome comprises and inner structure ( 11 ) that withstands external pressure forces and an outer structure ( 12 ) that through pulling forces on the outer structure holds the inner structure together, which outer ( 12 ) and inner ( 11 ) structures are not bonded to each other and at least the outer structure is attachable to a base mount ( 16 , 70 ).  
   
   
       2 . A dome according to  claim 1  characterized in that also said inner structure is attachable to said base mount ( 16 , 70 ).  
   
   
       3 . A dome according to  claim 1  characterized in that the inner structure ( 11 ) includes form rigid cellular plastic.  
   
   
       4 . A dome according to  claim 1  characterized in that the outer structure ( 12 ) includes a UV-resistant fabric ( 12 ).  
   
   
       5 . A dome according to  claim 4  characterized in that said fabric ( 12 ) is a wind-stopper fabric.  
   
   
       6 . A dome according to  claim 1  characterized in that a number of straps ( 13 , 15 , 85 - 88 ) are mounted on the outer structure ( 12 ), which straps ( 13 , 15 ,  85 - 88 ) are attachable to said base ( 1 ) mount ( 16 , 70 ) to ensure a solid mount of the dome to, the base mount ( 16 , 70 ).  
   
   
       7 . A dome according to  claim 4  characterized in that said fabric ( 12 ) in its lower part is provided with a number of vertically directed expansion chambers ( 101 - 103 ) integrated into the fabric ( 12 ) and being equally spread around the dome, the expansion chambers ( 101 - 103 ) having a draw function to ensure the fabric ( 12 ) to be tighten, enveloping the inner structure ( 11 ).  
   
   
       8 . A dome according to  claim 4  characterized in that said fabric ( 12 ) includes a number of zips ( 91 - 93 ), each zip ( 91 - 93 ) extending from a lower edge of the fabric ( 12 ) and being directed upwards, preferably up to half of the height of the dome.  
   
   
       9 . A dome according to  claim 3  characterized in that said cellular plastic has a thickness such that water condensation inside the dome is substantially reduced.  
   
   
       10 . A dome according to  claim 1  characterized in that the dome is provided with means for maintaining a pressure within the dome that slightly exceeds the surrounding pressure.  
   
   
       11 . A dome according to  claim 1  characterized in that the dome is adapted to envelop electronic radio communication equipment in that the material of the inner and outer structures are such that radio waves are able to penetrate the dome.  
   
   
       12 . Use of a dome according to  claim 1  for protecting outdoor equipment.  
   
   
       13 . A method for protecting outdoor equipment characterized in that the objects are enveloped in a dome according to  claim 1 .  
   
   
       14 . A method according to  claim 13  characterized in that the pressure within the dome is maintained at a slightly higher pressure than the surrounding pressure.