US2014352599A1PendingUtilityA1

Cover System

23
Individually held — no corporate assignee on recordPriority: May 31, 2013Filed: May 31, 2013Published: Dec 4, 2014
Est. expiryMay 31, 2033(~6.9 yrs left)· nominal 20-yr term from priority
Inventors:Gregory S. Reden
B63B 17/02
23
PatentIndex Score
0
Cited by
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References
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Claims

Abstract

A cover system for protecting boats, vessels, and other various shaped vehicles and objects is disclosed. A plurality of separate and distinct inflatable bladders supports a cover whereby a dome-like shape is produced. The resulting shape of the cover resists pooling of water and snow thereby reducing or even eliminating water damage to the underlying structure. Furthermore, since each bladder is separate and distinct, the plurality of bladders creates a support structure that conforms to objects of various shapes and sizes.

Claims

exact text as granted — not AI-modified
That which is claimed: 
     
         1 . A cover system for a vessel comprising
 a cover and a plurality of inflatable bladders,   where the plurality of inflatable bladders provides support to the cover.   
     
     
         2 . The cover system of  claim 1 , where the plurality of inflatable bladders comprises bladders of at least two sizes, where each size of bladder inflates to a different diameter. 
     
     
         3 . The cover system of  claim 1 , where the plurality of inflatable bladders consists of bladders with variable diameters, where the diameter of a bladder varies with the pressure within the bladder. 
     
     
         4 . The cover system of  claim 1 , wherein each bladder of the plurality of inflatable bladders comprises an elastic material. 
     
     
         5 . The cover system of  claim 1 , further comprising a pump, where the pump provides air to inflate the plurality of inflatable bladders. 
     
     
         6 . The cover system of  claim 1 , further comprising a carrying case. 
     
     
         7 . A method of covering a vessel comprising the steps of
 inflating a plurality of inflatable bladders;   placing the plurality of inflatable bladders within a volumetric space of the vessel; and   covering the vessel with a cover, wherein the cover is supported by at least one of the plurality of inflatable bladders.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising the steps of
 removing the cover;   inflating one or more additional inflatable bladders; and   placing the one or more additional inflatable bladders within the volumetric space of the vessel; and   covering the vessel with the cover.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising the steps of
 removing the cover;   removing one or more inflatable bladders from within the volumetric space of the vessel; and   covering the vessel with the cover.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , where the plurality of inflatable bladders comprises bladders of at least two sizes, where each size inflates to a different diameter. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 7 , where the plurality of inflatable bladders consists of bladders with variable diameters, where the diameter of a bladder varies with the pressure within the bladder. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein each bladder of the plurality of inflatable bladders comprises an elastic material. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the step of inflating a plurality of inflatable bladders comprises using a pump to inflate each bladder. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the pump is a manually operated pump. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the pump comprises an electric motor driven air compressor. 
     
     
         16 . A method of storing a vessel comprising the steps of
 inflating a plurality of inflatable bladders;   placing the plurality of inflatable bladders within a volumetric space of the vessel;   covering the vessel with a cover, wherein the cover is supported by at least one of the plurality of inflatable bladders; and   storing the vessel for a period of time.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising the steps of
 removing the cover from the vessel;   removing the plurality of inflatable bladders from within the volumetric space of the vessel; and   deflating the plurality of inflatable bladders.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising the step of
 placing the cover and plurality of inflatable bladders within a carrying case.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16 , where the plurality of inflatable bladders comprises bladders of at least two sizes, where each size inflates to a different diameter. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 16 , where the plurality of inflatable bladders consists of bladders with variable diameters, where the diameter of a bladder varies with the pressure within the bladder.

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