U.S. patent application number 14/019600 was filed with the patent office on 2015-03-12 for inflatable cover and control system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Benjamin G. Burris. Invention is credited to Benjamin G. Burris.
Application Number | 20150068652 14/019600 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52624343 |
Filed Date | 2015-03-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150068652 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Burris; Benjamin G. |
March 12, 2015 |
INFLATABLE COVER AND CONTROL SYSTEM
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.
Inventors: |
Burris; Benjamin G.;
(Jonesboro, AR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Burris; Benjamin G. |
Jonesboro |
AR |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52624343 |
Appl. No.: |
14/019600 |
Filed: |
September 6, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
150/154 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 4/103 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
150/154 |
International
Class: |
A45C 11/00 20060101
A45C011/00 |
Claims
1. An inflatable cover assembly comprising: a tarp body having a
first surface and a second surface; a bladder coupled to the second
surface of the tarp body, the bladder having an air chamber; a tube
having a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the
bladder, the tube in fluid communication with the air chamber; an
air pump coupled to the second end of the tube, the air pump
operable to inflate and deflate the bladder via air pumped through
the tube; a water sensor coupled to the tarp body, the water sensor
operable to detect the presence of water on the tarp body and
generate a first electrical signal indicating the presence of water
on the tarp body; and a controller communicatively coupled to the
water sensor and the air pump, the controller configured to receive
the first signal from the water sensor and in response to receiving
the first signal, cause the air pump to inflate the bladder.
2. The inflatable cover assembly of claim 1, wherein the water
sensor is mounted to the first surface of the tarp body.
3. The inflatable cover assembly of claim 1, further comprising an
inflation sensor coupled to the bladder for detecting inflation of
the bladder, the inflation sensor adapted to generate a second
electrical signal indicating that the bladder has been inflated and
to transmit the second electrical signal to the controller.
4. The inflatable cover assembly of claim 1, further comprising the
controller communicatively coupled to the inflation sensor and
configured to receive the second signal.
5. The inflatable cover assembly of claim 4, further comprising a
display communicatively coupled to the controller, in response to
receiving the second signal, the controller indicating on the
display that the bladder has been inflated.
6. The inflatable cover assembly of claim 1, further comprising a
transceiver communicatively coupled to the controller, in response
to receiving the first signal, the controller signaling a remote
device that the water sensor has detected the presence of water on
the tarp body.
7. The inflatable cover assembly of claim 1, further comprising a
control panel communicatively coupled to the controller.
8. The inflatable cover assembly of claim 1, further comprising tie
down means coupled to a peripheral edge of the tarp body.
9. An inflatable cover assembly comprising: a tarp body having a
first surface, a second surface and a peripheral edge; a bladder
disposed adjacent to the second surface of the tarp body, the
bladder having an air chamber; a tube having a first end and a
second end, the first end coupled to the bladder, the tube in fluid
communication with the air chamber; an air pump coupled to the
second end of the tube, the air pump operable to inflate and
deflate the bladder via air pumped through the tube; a controller
communicatively coupled to the air pump, the controller operable to
turn the air pump on an off; and a water sensor communicatively
coupled to the controller, the water sensor operable to detect the
presence of water on the tarp body and generate a first electrical
signal indicating the presence of water on the tarp body and in
response to receiving the first signal, the controller turns on the
air pump causing the bladder to inflate.
10. The inflatable cover assembly of claim 9, wherein the water
sensor is mounted to the first surface of the tarp body.
11. The inflatable cover assembly of claim 9, further comprising an
inflation sensor coupled to the bladder for detecting inflation of
the bladder, the inflation sensor adapted to generate a second
electrical signal indicating that the bladder has been inflated and
to transmit the second electrical signal to the controller.
12. The inflatable cover assembly of claim 9, further comprising
the controller communicatively coupled to the inflation sensor and
configured to receive the second signal.
13. The inflatable cover assembly of claim 12, further comprising a
display communicatively coupled to the controller, in response to
receiving the second signal, the controller indicating on the
display that the bladder has been inflated.
14. The inflatable cover assembly of claim 9, further comprising a
transceiver communicatively coupled to the controller, in response
to receiving the first signal, the controller signaling a remote
device that the water sensor has detected the presence of water on
the tarp body.
15. The inflatable cover assembly of claim 9, further comprising a
control panel communicatively coupled to the controller.
16. The inflatable cover assembly of claim 9, further comprising a
tie down means coupled to a peripheral edge of the tarp body.
17. An inflatable cover assembly comprising: a tarp body having a
first surface and a second surface; a bladder coupled to the second
surface of the tarp body, the bladder having an air chamber; a tube
having a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the
bladder, the tube in fluid communication with the air chamber; an
air pump coupled to the second end of the tube, the air pump
operable to inflate and deflate the bladder via air pumped through
the tube; a water sensor coupled to the tarp body, the water sensor
operable to detect the presence of water on the tarp body and
generate a first electrical signal indicating the presence of water
on the tarp body; an inflation sensor coupled to the bladder for
detecting inflation of the bladder, the inflation sensor adapted to
generate a second electrical signal indicating that the bladder has
been inflated; and a controller communicatively coupled to the
water sensor, the air pump and the inflation sensor, the controller
configured to receive the first signal from the water sensor and in
response to receiving the first signal, turn on the air pump to
inflate the bladder, the controller further configured to receive
the second signal from the inflation sensor and in response to
receiving the second signal, turn off the air pump.
18. The inflatable cover assembly of claim 17, further comprising a
display communicatively coupled to the controller, in response to
receiving the second signal, the controller indicating on the
display that the bladder has been inflated.
19. The inflatable cover assembly of claim 17, further comprising a
transceiver communicatively coupled to the controller, in response
to receiving the first signal, the controller signaling a remote
device that the water sensor has detected the presence of water on
the tarp body.
20. The inflatable cover assembly of claim 17, further comprising a
control panel communicatively coupled to the controller.
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 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.
[0004] 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. Often an
additional pump is required to remove the accumulated standing
water off the cover. In some cases, the weight of the accumulated
water on the cover causes the cover to rip and tear resulting in a
ruined cover.
III. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Example embodiments provide an inflatable cover that can
automatically inflated when water is detected on the surface of the
cover. The inflation of the cover is terminated by an inflation
sensor such that the inflatable cover is not overly inflated.
[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, 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.
IV. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of an inflatable cover
assembly, according to example embodiments.
[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom view of an inflatable cover
assembly, according to example embodiments.
[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the inflatable
cover assembly mounted over a swimming pool with the bladder in a
deflated state, according to example embodiments.
[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the inflatable
cover assembly mounted over a swimming pool with the bladder in an
inflated state, according to example embodiments.
[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another
embodiment of the inflatable cover assembly, according to example
embodiments.
[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates a diagrammatic view of the control system
for controlling and operating the inflatable cover assembly,
according to example embodiments.
V. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[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 embodiments", "in some embodiments", "in other
embodiments", or other similar language, throughout this
specification do not necessarily all refer to the same group of
embodiments, and the described features, structures, or
characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or
more embodiments.
[0015] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an inflatable cover assembly 10,
according to example embodiments. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2,
inflatable cover assembly 10 comprises a central tarpaulin or tarp
body 12. Central tarp body 12 is a flexible sheet that is generally
planar. While the tarp body 12 is shown as round in shape, in other
embodiments, tarp body 12 can be square, rectangular or other
suitable shapes that are sized and shaped to cover the object
desired to be covered. Tarp body 12 has an upper side or surface
14, a central region 15, a lower side or surface 16 and an outer
circumferential or peripheral edge 18. Tarp body 12 can be formed
from suitable materials such as polypropylene, nylon, plastics,
vinyl, rubber or other sheet materials that are coated with a
waterproof coating.
[0016] Several tie-down panels 20 are attached around outer
circumferential edge 18. Tie-down panels 20 extend away from outer
circumferential edge 18. Each tie-down panel has an attached
grommet 22 that includes a central aperture 24. During attachment
of the cover to an object, a rope or bungee cord can be connected
through apertures 24 in order to retain the inflatable cover
assembly 10 to the object desired to be covered.
[0017] With additional reference to FIG. 3, inflatable cover
assembly 10, further includes a flexible inflatable bladder 30.
Bladder 30 is generally disc shaped and includes an upper panel 32
with an outer surface 33 and a lower panel 34 with an outer surface
35. An air chamber 36 is defined within bladder 30 between upper
panel 32 and lower panel 34. Inflatable bladder 30 is capable of
being inflated and deflated by a fluid such as air. Inflatable
bladder 30 is formed from a flexible material that is impervious to
gases such as rubber or vinyl.
[0018] In one embodiment, inflatable bladder 30 is attached to the
bottom surface 16 of tarp body 12 along a circular seam 38. Bladder
30 can be attached to bottom surface 16 by means of a connecting
device or material 40 such as fasteners, adhesives or by an
ultrasonic weld.
[0019] A linear air hose or air tube 42 has ends 44 and 46. In
another embodiment, inflatable bladder 30 is not attached to the
bottom surface 16 of tarp body 12 and is a separate independent
unit that is placed under tarp body 12. Air tube end 44 is
connected to the bladder 30 and provides a fluid communication path
for air flow between air tube 42 and bladder 30 when inflating or
deflating bladder 30. Air tube end 46 is connected to an air pump
50. Air pump 50 operates to supply and remove pressurized air from
air chamber 36 such that bladder 30 can be inflated and deflated by
the operation of air pump 50.
[0020] With continued reference to FIG. 3, inflatable cover
assembly 10 is shown in a deflated state mounted to and covering a
swimming pool 60. Swimming pool 60 has sides 62 and an interior
space that is filled with water 64. The water 64 has a surface 66
upon which the bladder 30 can float or rest. Tarp body 12 is placed
over swimming pool 60 with bottom surface 16 facing water surface
66 and bladder bottom surface 35 resting on water surface 66.
Tie-down panels 20 are attached to mounting points 68 affixed to
swimming pool sides 62 by a connector means 70 such as rope or
bungee cords. The tension in tarp body 12 can be adjusted by the
adjustment of connector means 70.
[0021] Turning to FIG. 4, inflatable cover assembly 10 is shown in
an inflated state mounted to and covering swimming pool 60. In FIG.
4, air pump 50 has inflated bladder 30 with air such that center
region 15 is raised to an elevation that is higher than the sides
62 of swimming pool 60. Any water that has accumulated in the
center region 15 will flow over sides 62 and off of tarp body 12.
Significantly, because the tarp body 12 is prevented from
accumulating water thereatop, the inflatable cover assembly 10
provides a safety device which aids in the prevention of
unintentional drownings for children, as well as pets.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 5, another embodiment of an inflatable
cover assembly 100 is shown. Inflatable cover assembly 100 has an
integrally formed bladder 130. Inflatable cover assembly 100 has a
central tarpaulin or tarp body 102. Central tarp body 102 is a
flexible sheet. Tarp body 102 has an upper side or surface 104, a
central region 105, a lower side or surface 106 and an outer
circumferential or peripheral edge 108. Tarp body 102 can be formed
from suitable materials such as polypropylene, nylon, plastics,
vinyl, rubber or other sheet materials that are coated with a
waterproof coating.
[0023] A flexible integral inflatable bladder 130 is formed by a
single sheet or panel 132 of material that is attached to the
bottom surface 106 of tarp body 102. Bladder 130 is generally disc
shaped. An air chamber 136 is defined within bladder 130 between
the bottom surface 106 of tarp body 102 and panel 132. Air tube end
44 is connected to the bladder panel 132 and provides a fluid
communication path for air flow between air tube 42 and bladder 130
when inflating or deflating bladder 130. Inflatable bladder 130 is
capable of being inflated and deflated by a fluid such as air
supplied by air pump 50. The material forming inflatable bladder 30
(tarp body 12 and panel 132) are formed by from a flexible material
that is impervious to gases such as rubber or vinyl.
[0024] FIG. 6 illustrates components of a control system 200 for
controlling and operating the inflatable cover assembly 10. With
reference to FIG. 6, control system 200 includes a controller 210
that can control the operation of control system 200. Controller
210 can be any suitable micro-controller, or micro-processor that
can be selectively programmed using firmware and/or software to
perform the various functions described within the present
disclosure.
[0025] Controller 210 is in communication with a power source 215
via an electrical cable 212. Power source 215 can supply power to
controller 210 and to other component of control system 200.
Controller 210 is in communication with a control panel 220 via an
electrical cable 217. Control panel 220 can include user input and
output devices such as a keypad or display that allows a user to
control the operation of control system 200. In one embodiment,
controller 210 is mounted within control panel 220.
[0026] Controller 210 is in communication with a display 225 via an
electrical cable 222. Display 222 can be a video display screen
that shows the user information regarding the operation of control
system 200. Controller 210 is further in communication with a
transceiver 230 via an electrical cable 232. Transceiver 230 is a
radio that can send and receive wireless signals 235. In one
embodiment, transceiver 230 is in communication with a remote
device 240 via wireless signals 235. In one embodiment, transceiver
230 is in a mobile communication device that can connect to a
wireless network and remote device 240 is a mobile phone. In an
embodiment, transceiver 230 can send an e-mail or text alert to
remote device 240 that bladder 30 has been inflated or
deflated.
[0027] Controller 210 is also in communication with an air pump 50
via an electrical cable 242. Controller 210 can trigger air pump 50
to turn on or off. Controller 210 can further control the direction
of rotation of air pump 50. Controller 210 can cause air pump 50 to
rotate in a direction that inflates bladder 30 or can cause air
pump 50 to rotate in a reverse direction that deflates bladder
30.
[0028] Controller 210 is in communication with a water sensor 250
via an electrical cable 252. In other embodiments, water sensor 250
can be communicatively coupled to controller 210 by wireless means.
Water sensor 250 is a commercially available device that generates
a water detected electrical signal when water sensor 250 senses the
presence of water. Water sensor 250 can transmit the water detected
electrical signal to controller 210. Water sensor 250 can be
mounted to the upper surface 14 of tarp body 12 (FIG. 3).
[0029] Controller 210 is additionally in communication with an
inflation or pressure sensor 260 via an electrical cable 262. In
other embodiments, inflation sensor 260 can be communicatively
coupled to controller 210 by wireless means. Inflation sensor 260
is a commercially available device that generates an inflated
electrical signal after bladder 30 has been inflated. Inflation
sensor 260 can transmit the inflated bladder electrical signal to
controller 210. In one embodiment, inflation sensor 260 is a
pressure sensor and inflation sensor 260 supplies controller 210
with a continuous reading of the pressure within bladder 30.
Inflation sensor 260 can be mounted in the interior of bladder 30
(FIG. 3).
[0030] Referring to FIG. 3, inflatable cover assembly is shown in a
deflated state. When water sensor 250 detects the presence of
water, such as rain, on the upper surface 14 of tarp body 12, water
sensor 250 generates the water detected electrical signal
indicating the presence of water on the tarp body and transmits the
water detected electrical signal to controller 210. Controller 210
receives the water detected electrical signal and in response to
receiving the water detected electrical signal from the water
sensor 250, controller 210 causes the air pump 50 to turn on
causing bladder 30 to inflate.
[0031] Turning to FIG. 4, inflatable cover assembly is shown in an
inflated state where bladder 30 is filled with air. In the inflated
state, any water that has accumulated in center region 15 will flow
off of tarp body 12. After a period of operation of air pump 50,
the air pressure within bladder 50 will increase to a desired or
pre-determined level. Inflation sensor 260 can sense the pressure
level within bladder 30 and transmit the inflated bladder
electrical signal to controller 210. Controller 210 receives the
inflated bladder electrical signal and in response to receiving the
inflated bladder electrical signal from the inflation sensor 260,
controller 210 causes the air pump 50 to turn off. Controller 210
thereby inflates bladder 30 to the desired level and prevents over
inflation of bladder 30.
[0032] As previously disclosed, the tarp body 12 is prevented from
accumulating water thereatop, particularly about the upper side of
center region 15 thereof. Thus, the inflatable cover assembly 10
provides a safety device which aids in the prevention of
unintentional drownings of children, as well as pets. According to
the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ("CPSC"),
drownings are the leading cause of injury death for children
between the ages of one to four. The CPSC further reports that an
annual average of 390 pool or spa-related drownings for children
younger than 15 occurred from 2007 to 2009, and about 75% (293) of
the reported fatalities involved children younger than five. The
use of the present invention may substantially reduce the number of
annual drowning fatalities each year concerning young children, as
well as pets.
[0033] It is envisioned that the various embodiments, as separately
disclosed, are interchangeable in various aspects, so that elements
of one embodiment may be incorporated into one or more of the other
embodiments, and that specific positioning of individual elements
may necessitate other arrangements not specifically disclosed to
accommodate performance requirements or spatial considerations.
[0034] It is to be understood that the embodiments and claims are
not limited in its application to the details of construction and
arrangement of the components set forth in the description and
illustrated in the drawings. Rather, the description and the
drawings provide examples of the embodiments envisioned, but the
claims are limited to the specific embodiments. The embodiments and
claims disclosed herein are further capable of other embodiments
and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is
to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed
herein are for the purposes of description and should not be
regarded as limiting the claims.
[0035] Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that
the conception upon which the application and claims are based may
be readily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures,
methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the
embodiments and claims presented in this application. It is
important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such
equivalent constructions.
[0036] Furthermore, the purpose of the foregoing Abstract is to
enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public
generally, and especially including the practitioners in the art
who are not familiar with patent and legal terms or phraseology, to
determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence
of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is
neither intended to define the claims of the application, nor is it
intended to be limiting to the scope of the claims in any way. It
is intended that the application is defined by the claims appended
hereto.
* * * * *