Storm Net Device

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/659,363, which was filed on Jun. 13, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of storm net devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a net material placed over roof structures to prevent full building collapse and destruction due to high winds. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

By way of background, this invention relates to improvements in protection for homes during storms. Generally, strong winds crossing a pitched roof act like the wind over the wing of an airplane, creating a low pressure zone above the surface which can tear the roof off. Once the roof is gone, the perimeter walls lose most of their integrity and can collapse. Accordingly, when homes are destroyed by wind, personal property is scattered and rebuilding costs are expensive. Further, this can occur to several different structures such as homes, businesses, garages, gazebos, sheds, trailers, etc.

Accordingly, a net constructed in accordance with the invention can be easily placed over a structure to protect the roof of the structure from the effects of the wind. Further, it is often necessary for people to protect their buildings from wind in the case of their personal property and their finances. Insurance might not fully cover the repairs necessary to fix a structure damaged or destroyed due to wind. Accordingly, a net is required to protect the roof of the structure from being ripped from the building and thus causing the building to collapse.

Accordingly, there is a demand for a net that provides additional security to a roof structure and helps prevent full building destruction. More particularly, there is a demand for a net that contains gaps to fit over the roof vents and pipe jacks with a strong, durable perimeter hem.

Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for a storm net device that provides users with a net material placed over roof structures to prevent building damage or full collapse and destruction due to high winds. There is also a long felt need in the art for a storm net device that installs over the eaves and gables of different structures and is secured to ground anchors with ratchet-style straps to maximize security. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a storm net device that allows users to deploy the net over their homes and other structures to secure property and prevent it from being completely devastated by high winds. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a device that improves security for any type of roof to greatly expand the roof's capacity to resist low pressure lift caused by high winds and avoiding building destruction. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a storm net device that provides an attachment to the ground with a ratchet strapping to anchor corkscrews. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a storm net device that can be used for any building shape or size.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a storm net device. The device is a net that provides additional security to a roof structure and helps prevent full building destruction. The storm net device comprises a net component that is rectangular with gaps in the grid to help fit the net component over the roof vents and pipe jacks. The net component contains a strong, durable perimeter hem with metal eye rings. Further, the net component may be laid across each end of a home or roof structure. Thus, the four corners of the net component are attached with a ratchet strapping to the anchor corkscrews in the ground at certain angles and are tightened to pull down the roof structure appropriately. The net component is engineered to withstand typical expected forces and prevent low pressure lift. Further, the net component provides for additional resistance to low pressure suction above the roof, keeping it intact.

In this manner, the storm net device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a net material placed over roof structures to prevent full building collapse and destruction due to high winds. The device is a net that is laid across each end of a home or roof structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a storm net device. The device is a net material placed over roof structures to prevent full building collapse and destruction due to high winds. The storm net device comprises a net component that contains gaps that fit over or can be cut to accommodate roof vents and pipe jacks. Further, the net component contains a strong, durable perimeter hem with eye rings. Thus, the net may be laid across each end of the home or roof structure and attached to the ground. Further, the netting is engineered to withstand typical expected wind forces and to prevent low pressure lift from occurring.

In one embodiment, the storm net device allows users to deploy the net over their homes and other buildings to secure property and keep it from being completely devastated by high winds. Further, the device reduces or eliminates the flutter of the roofing membrane and provides additional resistance to low pressure suction above the roof. Accordingly, users can attach the storm net device to the ground anchors with ratchet-style straps to maximize security.

In one embodiment, the storm net device comprises a net component. The net component generally measures 6 to 15 feet wide and 40 to 60 feet long but can be any measurement necessary to encompass the ends and pertinent sections of the roof structure of any building. The net component is comprised of a nylon, polyester, and/or polypropylene material that is strong and durable to provide security to roof structures during high winds.

In one embodiment, the net component comprises gaps within the material that measure 4 to 12 inches in the grid or any suitable size to ensure that there is space for roof vents and pipe jacks, to reduce weight, and disrupt the laminar flow of wind across the roof surface.

In one embodiment, each of the four corners of the net component are attached to ratchet strapping which connect to anchor corkscrews that are embedded in the ground at certain specific angles. Once attached to the anchor corkscrews the ratchet strapping can be tightened to whichever tension is desirable to the user based on the structure of the roof.

In one embodiment, the net component is engineered to withstand typical wind force and to prevent low pressure lift from occurring on the roof. This device is designed to reduce or eliminate the flutter of the roofing membrane and provides resistance to low pressure suctioning from above the roof.

In one embodiment, the net component comprises a strong, durable perimeter hem which consists of multiple eye rings around the perimeter hem. This perimeter hem may be made of sturdy material to allow for a more durable and thicker material to be a part of the perimeter hem. The eye rings are metal and embedded into the perimeter hem.

In one embodiment, the net component is completely collapsible for storage. Specifically, the net component can be folded down, depending on the configuration at use. With the ratchet strappings taken off the net component and the anchor corkscrews out of the ground, folding of the net component is designed to be easy for use. The net component, ratchet strappings, and anchor corkscrews can be placed in a bag as well for easy storage. Further, a storage hook or loop secured to the net component can be utilized to hang the device to a hook or nail on a wall or other suitable area for storage.

In one embodiment, the storm net device can comprise a storage bag that is attached to the perimeter hem of the net component. The storage bag can contain the ratchet strappings and the anchor corkscrews for easy storage and accessibility. The bag should be large enough to contain the items but small enough to not be a hindrance to the device as a whole. The storage bag is embedded within the perimeter hem.

In yet another embodiment, the storm net device comprises a plurality of indicia.

In yet another embodiment, a method of protecting a roof from high winds is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a storm net device comprising a net component with ratchet strappings and anchor corkscrews. The method also comprises deploying the net component over the roof of the structure so that the net component encompasses the pertinent ends and/or sections of the roof. Further, the method comprises securing the ratchet strappings to eye rings on the perimeter hem of the net component. The method also comprises embedding the anchor corkscrews into the ground at certain angles to allow for maximum tension and security within the net component. Finally, the method comprises securing the ratchet strappings to the anchor corkscrews in the ground and tightening the ratchet strappings to the desired tension.

Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are not intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the storm net device of the present invention showing the ratchet strappings attached to the anchor corkscrews at various angles in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the storm net device of the present invention showing the different widths of the perimeter hem in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a top perspective view of one embodiment of the storm net device of the present invention showing the device in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the storm net device of the present invention showing the device in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the storm net device of the present invention showing the device in use on different roof structures in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of protecting a roof from high winds in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for a storm net device that provides users with a net material placed over roof structures to prevent full building collapse and destruction due to high winds. There is also a long felt need in the art for a storm net device that installs over the eaves and gables of different structures and is secured to ground anchors with ratchet-style straps to maximize security. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a storm net device that allows users to deploy the net over their homes and other buildings to secure property and prevent it from being completely devastated by high winds. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a device that improves security for any type of roof to greatly expand the roof's capacity to resist low pressure lift caused by high winds and avoiding building destruction. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a storm net device that provides an attachment to the ground with a ratchet strapping to anchor corkscrews. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a storm net device that can be used for any building shape or size.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel storm net device. The storm net device comprises a net component that is configured exactly like a normal net with a grid-like pattern. The net component also comprises ratchet strappings and anchor corkscrews to allow the net component to be secured and connected to the ground. The net component, ratchet strappings, and anchor corkscrews can be collapsed and compacted for storage. Further, the net component comprises a strong perimeter hem with embedded metal eye rings for attachment to the ratchet strappings. The present invention also includes a novel method of protecting a roof from high winds. The method includes the steps of providing a storm net device comprising a net component with ratchet strappings and anchor corkscrews. The method also comprises deploying the net component over the roof of the structure so that the net component encompasses the ends of the roof. Further, the method comprises securing the ratchet strappings to eye rings on the perimeter hem of the net component. The method also comprises embedding the anchor corkscrews into the ground at certain angles to allow for maximum tension and security within the net component. Finally, the method comprises securing the ratchet strappings to the anchor corkscrews in the ground and tightening the ratchet strappings to the desired tension.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the storm net device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the storm net device 100 is an improved storm net device 100 that provides a net component 102 to be placed over a roof 108 to prevent destruction of the roof 108 during high winds or storms. Specifically, the storm net device 100 comprises a net component 102, ratchet strappings 104, and anchor corkscrews 106. Thus, the net component 102 can be tightened to whatever desirable tension through a tightening of the ratchet strappings 104. Further, the net component 102, ratchet strappings 104, and anchor corkscrews 106 can be collapsed and compacted for storage.

Generally, the storm net device 100 allows a roof 108 to be protected from low pressure lift occurring between the roof 108 and the storm air above it. Further, the net component 102 provides a barrier to the roof 108 to keep the roof 108 from fluttering and collapsing. Accordingly, the net component 102 can be tightened to whatever desirable tension to accommodate for the size and shape of each unique roof 108.

Further, the storm net device 100 comprises a net component 102 which is shaped as a normal net. The net component comprises gaps 110 within the net component 102 which are evenly spaced and large enough to accommodate for roof vents 112 and pipe jacks 114 within the roof 108. The net component 102 is typically a rectangular shape to fit over the ends of the roof 108, but can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art.

Additionally, the net component 102 can be adjusted based on how much tension it provides to the roof 108. This tension can be adjusted with ratchet strappings 104 that are attached to each of the four corners 116 of the net component 102. The ratchet strappings 104 are attached to the net component 102 through metal eye rings 118. The ratchet strappings 104 also connect with the ground 120 to hold the net component 102 in place. Anchor corkscrews 106 are embedded in the ground 120 at various angles to accommodate for the maximum tension and security of each individual roof 108. The ratchet strappings 104 attach to the anchor corkscrews 106 to provide the necessary tension and security for the net component 102.

Generally, the net component 102 is comprised of a nylon, polyester, and/or polypropylene material 122. The net component 102 can measure approximately 6 to 15 feet wide and 40 to 60 feet long with gaps 110 of approximately 4 to 12 inches, but can be any suitable size as is known in the art.

As is shown in FIG. 2, the net component 102 comprises a perimeter hem 200 which is comprised of sturdy material 122 as the net component 102. The material 122 for the perimeter hem 200 is layered, however, to cause more strength and durability around the perimeter hem 200. The perimeter hem 200 encompasses the metal eye rings 118 within its center 202 which allow for the ratchet strappings 104 to connect to the net component 102. Further, along the short end 204 of the net component 102, there comprises a layering 206 of the original net material 122. This layering 206 is situated between the perimeter hem 200 and the main net component 102 and provides for more security to the device 100. The layering 206 can be any width as is known in the art and which is desirable to the specific roof 108 that is being protected.

As shown in FIG. 3, the layering 206 overlays the main net component 102 some and allows for a stronger and more durable material 122. Further, the net component 102 can be collapsed down for easy storage of the device 100. Once folded in on itself, the net component 102 can be easily stored. In one specific embodiment, the device 100 comprises a storage bag 300 which is embedded within the perimeter hem 200 of the net component 102. The storage bag 300 is large enough to fit the ratchet strappings 104 and the anchor corkscrews 106 within it. The storage bag 300 is designed to hang down from the bottom 302 of the perimeter hem 200 and still allows for the device 100 to be easily folded in on itself. In one embodiment, the perimeter hem 200 comprises a looped strap 304 which can allow the device 100 to be hung on a hook 306 when folded.

As shown in FIG. 4, the net component 102 can be tightened to any particular tension to provide the most security for the roof 108. This tightening is done by adjustment of the ratchet strappings 104 which connect the net component 102 and the ground 120. The ratchet strappings 104 can be tightened or loosened by threading the ratchet strappings 104 through the mandrel 400 of the ratchet 402 and then cranking the ratchet 402 to tighten it. Once the ratchet strappings 104 are tightened, the different angles that the anchor corkscrews 106 are placed at, allow for the specific shape of the device 100 to counteract low pressure lift and thus destruction of the roof 108.

As shown in FIG. 5, the storm net device 100 can be suitable with any suitable size or shape of a roof 108 as is known on the art.

In one embodiment, the storm net device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 500. The net component 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the net component 102, or any other indicia 500 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 500 as is known in the art can be included, such as but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be net, storm, or brand related.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of the method protecting a roof from high winds. The method includes the steps of at 600, providing a storm net device comprising a net component with ratchet strappings and anchor corkscrews. In one embodiment, the ground anchors can be pre-staged and left in the ground so that rapid deployment of the net device can happen when storms are predicted. The method also comprises at 602, deploying the net component over the roof of the structure so that the net component encompasses the entire roof. Further, the method comprises at 604, securing the ratchet strappings to eye rings on the perimeter hem of the net component. The method also comprises at 606, embedding the anchor corkscrews into the ground at certain angles to allow for maximum tension and security within the net component. Finally, the method comprises at 608, securing the ratchet strappings to the anchor corkscrews in the ground and tightening the ratchet strappings to the desired tension.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “storm net device”, “storm device”, “net device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the storm net device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the storm net device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the storm net device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the storm net device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the storm net device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the storm net device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.