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Inflatable cover and control system

a control system and inflatable cover technology, applied in the field of objects covers, can solve the problems of difficult removal, difficult accumulation of water and debris in the recess, and large amount of standing water on the top of the cover,

Inactive Publication Date: 2015-03-12
BURRIS BENJAMIN G
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes an inflatable cover that automatically inflates when water is detected on its surface. The cover is inflated until it reaches a certain level, and then a sensor stops it from inflating any further. This helps to prevent the cover from being overinflated.

Problems solved by technology

Over time, a large amount of standing water can build up on the top of the cover.
This standing water collects leaves and allows algae to grow and frequently results in permanent staining of the cover.
When it is time to remove the cover, the accumulated water and debris trapped in the recess are difficult, messy and time consuming to remove prior to taking the cover off.
In some cases, the weight of the accumulated water on the cover causes the cover to rip and tear resulting in a ruined cover.

Method used

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Embodiment Construction

[0013]It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following detailed description of the embodiments as represented in the attached figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed, but is merely representative of selected embodiments of the invention.

[0014]The features, structures, or characteristics of the invention described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. For example, the usage of the phrases “example embodiments”, “some embodiments”, or other similar language, throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “example ...

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PUM

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Abstract

An inflatable cover assembly includes a tarp body having an integral bladder with an air chamber. A tube is coupled to the bladder. An air pump is coupled to the tube. The air pump inflates and deflates the bladder via air pumped through the tube. A water sensor is coupled to the tarp body. The water sensor detects the presence of water on the tarp body and generates an electrical signal indicating the presence of water on the tarp body. A controller is in communication with the water sensor and the air pump. In response to receiving the electrical signal from the water sensor, the controller causes the air pump to inflate the bladder.

Description

I. TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to covers for objects and in particular to a control system for use with an inflatable cover.II. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Outdoor equipment is frequently protected during periods of storage and non-use. For example, during the off season, such as winter, when boats are not in use, they are frequently covered with a type of cover. During the winter months of the year, when swimming pools are not in use, they are frequently covered with a cover to prevent leaves and dirt from entering the standing water in the pool. The cover keeps debris out of the pool.[0003]Current boat and swimming pool covers are typically a flexible plastic or vinyl sheet placed over the boat or swimming pool. Because the cover is flexible and spans across a large area, any water that falls on the upper surface of the cover, tends to depress the cover downwardly trapping the water in a recess. Over time, a large amount of standing water can ...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): A45C11/00
CPCA45C11/00E04H4/103
Inventor BURRIS, BENJAMIN G.
Owner BURRIS BENJAMIN G