High Wind Structure Protection Device

Abstract

The present invention provides a device that in high wind conditions covers objects to deflect the wind around the object, holds down the object and protects the object from windblown debris. This invention provides in one embodiment, a wind protection device for securing over a structure to anchor points in the ground. The device includes a cover having a plurality of vents and non-vent portions, as well as a plurality of attachment portions disposed on the cover and being operably configured to be attachable to the anchor points. When the device is secured over the structure, the cover forms an angle relative to the structure defining a more aerodynamic profile for the device than the structure alone, and the non-vent portions of the cover block windblown debris from impacting the structure.

1 . A wind protection device for securing over a structure to anchor points in the ground comprising:
 a cover having a plurality of vents and non-vent portions; and,   a plurality of attachment portions disposed on the cover and being operably configured to be attachable to the anchor points;   wherein when the device is secured over the structure, the cover forms an angle relative to the structure defining a more aerodynamic profile for the device than the structure alone, and the non-vent portions of the cover block windblown debris from impacting the structure.   
   
   
       2 . The protection device, as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the cover is substantially flexible and includes a perimeter and the plurality of attachment portions are spaced every five feet along the perimeter. 
   
   
       3 . The protection device, as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the cover is polypropylene straps formed in a four inch by four inch webbed pattern, and wherein the vents are defined by voids in the webbed pattern. 
   
   
       4 . The protection device, as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the cover includes lengths of material attached together to form a diamond web pattern, and the vents are defined by voids in the diamond web pattern. 
   
   
       5 . The protection device, as recited in  claim 4 , wherein each of the diamonds of the diamond web pattern has a first diagonal dimension longer than a second diagonal dimension, and wherein the first diagonal dimension of diamonds of the diamond web are aligned with a direction of a tension force applied to the cover when the cover secured over the structure. 
   
   
       6 . The protection device, as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the vents are forms by slits in the cover. 
   
   
       7 . The protection device, as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the cover is made from a first material and the plurality of attachment portions are made from a second material, and the first and second materials are different. 
   
   
       8 . The protection device, as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the first material is more flexible than the second material. 
   
   
       9 . The protection device, as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of attachment portions are orifices. 
   
   
       10 . The protection device, as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of attachment portions are defined by a rope. 
   
   
       11 . The protection device, as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the angle is about 25 to 60 degrees. 
   
   
       12 . The protection device, as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the angle is about 30 degrees. 
   
   
       13 . The protection device, as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the first member further includes five portions, wherein the first portion is a top portion, the second and third portions are side portions and the fourth and fifth portions are end portions, and further wherein the five portions are attached together the resemble the shape of the structure. 
   
   
       14 . A protection device for an object during high winds, comprising:
 a cover being substantially flexible and having a perimeter;   a plurality of anchors; and,   a plurality of securing members, wherein each of the securing members has a first end removably attached to the cover along the perimeter and a second end removably attached to one of the anchors,   wherein when the device is in use, an angle is formed between the cover and the object and the angle is a value to define a more aerodynamic profile for the secured device than the object alone.   
   
   
       15 . The protection device, as recited in  claim 14 , wherein the cover is gas permeable. 
   
   
       16 . The protection device, as recited in  claim 14 , wherein a wherein the anchors are secured in the ground. 
   
   
       17 . The protection device, as recited in  claim 14 , wherein the cover is rope netting. 
   
   
       18 . The protection device, as recited in  claim 17 , further comprising an attachment portion interwoven around the perimeter of the rope netting. 
   
   
       19 . The protection device, as recited in  claim 18 , wherein the attachment portion is polypropylene rope. 
   
   
       20 . The protection device, as recited in  claim 14 , wherein at least one of the securing members includes a tensioning device and when the device is in use, the tensioning device supplies about 80 pounds of tension. 
   
   
       21 . A method for protecting a structure during a high wind storm, comprising:
 obtaining a device having a cover with a plurality of vents and non-vent portions, and operably configured to substantially fit over the structure;   positioning the cover over a roof of the structure;   securing the cover to a plurality of anchors, wherein when the cover is secured to the anchors, at least 80 pounds of test is applied to the cover,   wherein when the device is secured over the structure, the cover forms an angle relative to the structure defining a more aerodynamic profile for the device than the structure alone, and the non-vent portions of the cover block windblown debris from impacting the structure.