BACKGROUND - FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to both a new use and improvements of an indoor canopy. The new use is utilizing a canopy to safeguard lives from destructive effects of building failures and falling objects. The improvements as described hereinafter are to make the canopy substantially rigid and capable of resisting the load of falling objects and the impact thereof. A further improvement is to provide lateral stability to resist the load and impact of walls caving in. Another improvement is to provide a vertical side to protect against flying objects such as broken peices of glass.

Causes of building failures are numerous and mostly unpredictable. One of the major causes for building failure is earthquake. Governmental authorities say that preparations are woefully inadequate to cope with the damage and casualties from a catastrophic earthquake. Due to the nature of earthquakes, building failure is usually fast and without warning. Earthquake forces could be much greater than the code forces buildings are designed for. There are many buildings which are not even designed or constructed for the minimum requirements of building codes. Many people are vulnerable in case of a severe earthquake. People spend over one third of their lives in bed. There is a body of thought that earthquakes are most likely to occur in the evening or early morning hours. These two factors greatly increase the chance of fatalities and injuries while people are asleep. This invention provides effortless protection for those already under it and a solid shelter for people to run to if not already there. It is the object of this invention to increase protection against:

(1 ) falling objects due to shaking, and

(2) falling construction materials due to building failure.

Due to the number of injured people, confusion, collapse of means of transportation and damage to hospitals and other emergency facilities during a

disaster such as an earthquake, the necessary attention cannot be given to all of the injured. Therefore, another object of this invention is to mitigate the disasterous effects of an earthquake by reducing the number of fatalities and injuries which indirectly helps hospitals and emergency personnel to function better during a disaster such as an earthquake. A further object of this invention is to give peace of mind to people who have experienced an earthquake and are afraid of sleeping indoors.

BACKGROUND - DISCUSSION OF PRIOR ART

Heretofore, canopies were used for aestheticai reasons only. They substantially lacked the cover to protect against falling objects and construction material. The connection of the elements was intended only for supporting the weight of its own elements. The connection of the elements lacked resistance to lateral loads. In fact, in case of shaking the connection of the elements often could even cause collapse of the canopy on the people under it. This latter disadvantage could cause injuries or fatalities during a disaster such as an earthquake even if there was no damage to the building containing the* canopy. Another disadvantage was the lack of a base to spread the load wherein the legs of the canopy could puncture 'the supporting floor causing more damage and danger. The improved canopy as described hereinafter has both the capacity and the rigidity to withstand both the vertical and lateral forces of falling objects and construction material in case of a build¬ ing failure due to causes such as earthquake. The cover as described hereinafter can resist loads and can transfer the load to the supports such as legs. The load transferred from the supports to the base can spread over a larger area than the old art could spread, reducing the chance of puncturing the floor which also causes damage and danger. Added side protectors have the advantage of reducing the danger of objects such as broken window glass being thrown toward people sitting or sleeping. Another advantage is the disassemblabl connections which makes it practical to add safety to living quarters. A further advantage of the new use of the improved canopy is that it provides a solution to the ever-existing disastrous problems related to building failures. In conclusion, the improved canopy has the added elements and integrity lacked by prior art.

OBJECTIVES AND ADVANTAGES Accordingly, several objects and advantages of this invention are:

To provide a highly reliable and always available source of protection against the hazard of falling objects and building material due to shaking

and building failure. Its base provides integrity and stability to prevent overturning or collapse. The substantially rigid connections provide resistance to lateral forces. This invention provides security for people protected by it. Especially while asleep, this effortless protection is essential. The improved canopy highly reduces the hazards associated with the prior art. The prior art was not intended, nor was capable of resisting the load and impact of falling construction material associated with building failure. The side could be added for more protection where required. It is easy to assemble and dissasemble, providing quick protection wherever needed. The cost and time involved to strengthen the existing buildings or design new buildings for higher earthquake forces to assure safety, compared to this invention, shows that this structure provides quick protection for a fraction of the cost of the above mentioned alternative. Even if the costly and time consuming measures as mentioned above are taken, it is possible for a stronger earthquake than the buildings are designed for, to occur.

The safety features of the improved canopy can be compared to the safety feature of helmets or seat belts in cars. Further -objects and advantages of my invention will become apparent after consideration of the drawings and ensuing description of it.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention could easily be assembled or disassembled, which makes it practical to be used in any location in a short time, to provide safeguards from building failures. This invention could be used in a bedroom or living room as a protecting canopy. This invention resides in the improved utilization of a canopy comprised of a an impact resistant cover substantially rigidly connected to vertical supports. The vertical supports are connected to a base to spread the load where required. The cover may conmprise a frame and a sheet of puncture- resisting material secured to the frame. The frame is characterized by its load resisting capabilities as described hereinafter. The puncture-resistant material is secured to the frame. An alternate cover may comprise rod members connected to beams. The members and the beams are characterized by their loa resisting capacity as described hereinafter to spread and transfer the load and impact of falling objects to the vertical supports. The beams are substantially rigidly connected to the vertical supports to transfer the load and impact of falling objects. The vertical supports are characterized by their load resisting capacity as described hereinafter capable of transferring the load and impact

applied on the cover to a base. The base is characterized by its load bearing capacity as described hereinafter and is capable of transfeiring the loads to the ground or floor .

This structure has the advantages of providing stability by using substan- tially rigid connections and the base. The base adds to the integrity and reduces chance of overturning and puncturing through the floor so that the danger of getting crushed under debris or failing objects is minimized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating applicant's novel apparatus for preventing injuries and saving lives in case of a disaster such as earthquake.

Figure 2 is a side view illustrating the connection of the beams of the frame to the vertical means for supporting the top.

Figure 3 is a side view illustrating the connection of the beams to each other and to the rod members. Figure 4 is a side view illustrating the connection of the top end of the the rail of the side to the vertical means for supporting the top.

Figure 5 is a side view illustrating the connection of the bottom end of the rail of the side to the vertical means for supporting the top.

Figure 6 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6, illustrating the fastening structure for connecting the bottom end of the of the rail of the side to the vertical means for supporting the top.

Figure 7 is a top view illustrating the flexible sheet of impact resisting material of the cover.

Figure 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating the connection of the impact resistant cover to the top.

Figure 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating the connection of the rod member to the beam.

Figure 10 is a perspective view illustrating a first alternative version of applicant's novel apparatus for preventing injuries and saving lives in case of a disaster such as an earthquake.

Figure 1 1 is a side view illustrating the connection of the beams of the cover of the apparatus seen in figure 10, to the vertical means for supporting the top.

Figure 12 is a plan view illustrating the sleeve band for connecting the vertical means for supporting the top together. Figure 13 is a top view illustrating the rigid sheet of impact resisting material o the apparatus seen in figure 10.

Figure 14 is a top view illustrating the rigid sheet of impact resisting material,

α first alternative cover of the apparatus seen in figure 1.

Figure 15 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line 15-15, illustrating the fastening structure for connecting the sheet of impact resisting material to the frame of the ^* apparatus seen in figure 10. 5 Figure l ό is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line lό-l ό, illustrating the fastening structure for connecting the the sheet of impact resisting material to the frame of the apparatus seen in figure 1.

Figure 17 is a perspective view illustrating a second alternative version of applicant's novel apparatus for preventing injuries and saving lives, in case a 10 disaster such as an earthquake.

Figure 18 is a perspective view illustrating how the beams of the cover of the apparatus seen in figure 17, are connected to vertical means for supporting the top.

Figure 19 is a perspective view illustrating a first alternative of how the 5 beams of the cover of the apparatus seen in figure 17 are connected to vertical means for supporting the top.

Figure 20 is a perspective view illustrating a second alternative of how the beams of the cover of the apparatus seen in figure 17, are connected to the vertical means for supporting the top. 0 Figure 21 is a top view illustrating the beams and the bar members of the cover of the apparatus seen in figure 17.

Figure 22 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line 22-22, illustrating the fastening structure for connecting the bar members to the beams of the cover of the apparatus, seen in figure 17. 5 Figure 23 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line 23-23, illustrating the fastening structure for connecting the bar members of the cover of the apparatus, seen in figure 17.

Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view of the impelling fastener.

Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view of the self impeller fastener. 0 Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view of the flush fastener.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

50 beam (Examples I & II)

51 top (Examples I & II)

52 beam (Example I)

35 53 frame (Examples I & II)

54 rod member (Example I)

55 cover (Examoles I & II)

56 flexible sheet of impact resisting material (Example I)

58 vertical means for supporting the top (Example I)

59 base (Examples I & II)

60 base beam (Example I)

5 62 base beam (Examples I & II)

64 support arm (Examples I & II)

66 fastener (Examples I, II & II)

61 side (Example I) 68 rail (Example I)

10 70 rail support arm (Example I)

72 rail sliding support arm (Example I)

74 stitch (Example I)

76 elongated finger member (Example I)

90 . rigid sheet of impact resisting material (Alternate Example I & II)

15 92 sleeve band (Example II)

94 vertical means for supporting the top (Example II)

96 base beam (Example II)

98 wedge (Example II)

100 beam (Example III)

20 101 top (Example III)

102 vertical means for supporting the top (Example III)

103 frame (Example III)

104 cover (Example III)

105 base (Example III)

25 106 base beam (Example III)

108 base beam (Example III)

1 10 support arm (Example III)

1 12 multifingered joint (Example III)

1 14 coupling member (Example III)

30 1 16 bar member (Example III)

1 18 bar member (Example III)

120 weld (Example III)

130 impelling fastener

132 headed pin having threaded bore

35 134 headed pin

136 cylinder

138 headless bolt grooved at one end

140 male connected member

142 female connected member 144 self impeller fastener 146 headed pin 148 cylinder 150 spring

152 flush fastener

154 headed bolt

156 headed pin having female thread

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Overall dimension of this invention is about 2 feet to about 20 feet high, about 2 feet to about 20 feet wide, and about 3 feet to about 20 feet long. Load bearing properties of members are as follows: Beam - about 0.3 kips to about 200 kips, Top - about 0.3 kips to about 800 kips, Frame - about 0.3 kips to about 800 kips.

Rod member - about 0.02 kips/sf to about 1 .0 kips/sf times tributary area, Cover - about 0.3 kips to about 800 kips,

Vertical means for supporting the top - about 0.3 kips to about 400 kips, Base - about 0.3 kips to about 800 kips, Base beams - about 0.3 kips to about 200 kips,

Side - about 0.01 kips/sf to about 0.5 kips/sf times tributary area,

Sheet of impact resisting material - about 0.02 kips/sf to about 1.0 kips/sf.

Description of the preferred embodiments is as follows:

Example I Referring to figure 1, numerals 50 & 52 designate beam members connected substantially rigidly to reference numeral 58 which designates vertical means for supporting the top. The number of vertical means for supporting the top could be more or less than what is shown. Rod member 54 is connected to the beams by elongated finger member 76 as illustrated in figure 9. Elongated finger 76 is rigidly attached to the beam and telescopically received by the rod member. The rod member is secured between the beams on the opposite side The rod members and the beams form frame 53, which is capable of transferring the load and impact of falling objects to the vertical means for supporting the top. Flexible impact resisting material 56 of cover 58, is secured to the rod members by stitches 74 that form a sleeve as illustrated in figure 8, so that the rod members can pass through before assembling the rod members. The impa resistant cover transfers the load of falling objects and debris to the frame.

Another method for connecting the impact resistant cover to the rod members is by using ties. The impact resistant cover and the frame form top 51, and they may be integral or monolithic. Again, referring to figure 1, numerals 60 & 62 designate base beams connected rigidly to each other to form base 59. The base is substantially rigidly connected to the aforementioned vertical means for supporting the top to spread the load and impact of falling objects to the supporting ground or floor and to provide integrity. The base may be an integral or a monolithic piece. When the supporting ground or floor has enough resistance against puncture and can tolerate the load and impact transferred from the vertical means for supporting the top, and the integrity provided by the base is not essential, the base may be eliminated. Side 67 comprising rails 68 is connected to the vertical means for supporting the top and the base to safeguard against flying objects such as glass. The shape and number of rails is not restricted to what shown. The side could be similar to the cover described hereinbefore and hereinafter. The side may be connected to the vertical means for supporting the top, to the base or to the top.

Referring to figure 2, numeral 64 designates a support arm rigidly connected to the the vertical means for supporting the top and telescopically received by the beam. Fastener 66 secures the connection. Referring to figure 3, numeral 64 designates a support arm rigidly connected to beam 50 and telescopingly received by beam 52. Fastener 66 secure the connection.

Referring to figure 4, numeral 70 designates a rail support arm rigidly connected to the the vertical means for supporting the top and telescopically received by the rail. Fastener 66 secures the connection.

Referring to figures 5 & 6, numeral 72 designates a rail sliding support arm rigidly connected to the the vertical means for supporting the top and received by the rail. Fastener 66 secures the connection.

Referring to figure 7, a portion of the cover is cut away to show how the rod member is connected to the beam.

Figure 14 shows rigid sheet of impact resisting material 90 as an alternate structure of cover 55'.

Figure 16 shows how rigid sheet of impact resisting material 90 is connecte to rod member 54 of the frame of the apparatus seen in figure 1. It also illus- trates support arm 64 and fastener 66 which connect the structure of cover 55' together.

Example II Referring to figure 10, numeral 50 designates beam members connected

substantially rigidly to reference numeral 94 which designates the vertical means for supporting the top. The curved portions are not of essential to the performances of the invention and could be different. The number of vertical means for supporting the top could be more or less than what is shown. The beams form frame 53, which is capable of transferring the load and impact of failing objects to the vertical means for supporting the top. Rigid sheet of impa resisting material 90 of cover 55' , is secured to the. beam of the frame as illustrated in figure 15 by means of fastener 66 and wedge 98. The rigid sheet of impact resisting material transfers the load of falling objects and debris to the frame. The rigid sheet of impact resisting material and the frame form top 51 ', and they may be integral or monolithic. Again, referring to figure 10, numerals 62 & 96 designate base beams connected to the vertical means for supporting the top to form base 59 to spread the load and impact of falling objects to the supporting ground or floor. When the base is substantially rigidly connected to the vertical means for supporting the top, integrity is attained. The base may be an integral or a monolithic peice. When the support ing ground or floor has enough resistance against puncture and can tolerate the load and impact transferred from the vertical means for supporting the top, and the integrity provided by the base is not essential, the base may be eliminated.

Referring to figure 1 1, numeral 64 designates a support arm rigidly connected to the beam and telescopically received by the vertical means for supporting the top. Sleeve band 92 connects the vertical means for supporting the top. Fastener 66 secures the connection. Figure 12 shows the plan view of sleeve band 92.

Referring to figure 13, it is illustrated how the sheet of impact resisting material 90 of 'cover 55' is connected to the frame of the apparatus seen in figure 10. Side or sides such as the one described in example I and seen in figure 1 or similar to the cover described hereinbefore and hereinafter may be used to safeguard against flying objects such as glass. The side may be connect to the vertical means for supporting the top, to the base or to the top.

Example III Referring to figure 17, numeral 100 designate beam members connected substantially rigidly to reference numeral 102 which designates vertical means for supporting the top. The number of vertical means for supporting the top co be more or less than what is shown. The beams form frame 103, which is capa of transferring the load and impact of falling objects to the vertical means for supporting the top. Impact resistant cover 104, is secured to the frame.

The impact resistant cover transfers the load of falling objects and debris to the frame. The impact resistant cover and the frame form top 101, and they m be an integral or a monolithic peice. Numerals 106 & 108 designate base beams connected rigidly to each other to form base 105. The base is substantially rigidly connected to the aforementioned vertical means for supporting the top to spread the load and impact of falling objects to the supporting ground or floor and provide integrity. The base may be an integral or a monolithic piece. When the supporting ground or floor has enough resistance against puncture and can tolerate the load and impact transferred from the vertical means for supporting the top, and the integrity provided by the base is not essential, the base may be eliminated. The side or sides such as the one describe in example I and seen in figure 1 or similar to the cover described hereinbefore and hereinafter may be used to safeguard against flying objects such as glass. Side may be connected to the vertical means for supporting the top, to the base or to the top.

Referring to figure 18, numeral 1 10 designates a support arm rigidly connected to the the vertical means for supporting the top and telescopically received by a bore in the beam. Fastener 66 secures the connection.

Referring to figure 19, numeral 1 12 designates multifinger joint each finger telescopically fits in the bore of the members to be connected substantially rigidly. Fasteners 66 secure the connection.

Referring to figure 20, numeral 1 14 designates a coupling member, each end having a bore to telescopically receive the members to be connected substantially rigidly. Fasteneres 66 secure the connection. Alternative types of connections illustrated in figures 18, 19 or 20 could be used interchangeably, alternatively or in combination as desired.

Figure 21 shows crossing bar members 1 1 6 & 1 18 of cover 104. The crossing bars are welded together to form a mesh for providing more integrity as designated by numeral 120 in figure 23. Figure 23 shows how bar 1 18 is connected to the beam of the frame of the apparatus seen in figure 17.

Referring to figure 24, reference numeral 130 designates an impelling fastener comprising cylinder 136, having varying inside diameter, accomodating the pins 132 & 134 hereinafter described. Reference numeral 1 34 designates a headed pin. Reference numeral 132 designates the headed pin having a threaded bore. The heads of the pins are preferably round and should fit in the widened portion of the cylinder. Reference numeral 138 designates a headless bolt grooved at one end, which impels the pins outwardly to secure the connection.

n

Referring to figure 25, numeral 144 designates a self impeller fastener comprising cylinder 148, having varying inside diameter, accomodating the pin 146 hereinafter described. The heads of the pins are round and should fit in the widened portion of the cylinder. Reference numeral 150 designates a spring, which impels the pins outwardly to secure the connection and thereby facilitating the assembly of the connections. Combining the fasteners as seen in figures 24 & 25 can further facilitate the assembly of the connections.

Referring to figure 26, numeral 152 designates a flush fastener comprising a headed bolt 154 and a headed pin having female thread, having their heads flush with the exterior side of the female connected member.

The holes in the connected members .140 & 142 should be aligned and the same size as shanks of the pins used to fasten them together. The holes in female connected member 142' should be aligned and the same shape and size as the heads of fastener 152. The number of the fasteners is not limited to what is shown and could be less or more depending on the strength required. Alternative types of fasteners

66, 130, 144, or 152 could be used interchangeably, alternatively or in combination as desired.

OPERATION OF INVENTION The impact resistant cover comprising the impact resisting material and frame or beams and rod members capable of resisting the load and impact, form sturdy top. When the rigid sheet of impact resisting material is used, it adds to the lateral stability of the top or side.

The cover transfers the load and impact of the hazardous falling objects and construction material to the vertical means for supporting the top. The base transfers and spreads the load and impact from the vertical means for supporting the top to the ground or floor. The base also adds to the integrity of the structure, thus increasing the load bearing capacity both vertically and horizontally. The substantially rigid connections provide the capacity required to withstand the lateral loads caused by falling objects and construction material, falling unevenly or by the walls caving in. The side safeguards against flying objects such as glass or walls caving in.

The impelling fastener provides ease of assembly and security. The self impeller makes the assembly even easier. The combination of these two fasteners optimizes both features. The flush fastener aesthetically and economically provides the security needed. These fasteners perform in shear mode, caused by the members trying to pull apart. The telescoping connections

perform in compression-tension mode to provide bending capacity.

The sleeve band provides lateral stability during both assembly and operation.

The rail sliding support arm makes the attachment of the side easier while 5 maintaining the aesthetic value. The mesh formed by the bar members of examp III seen in figure 17, provides both protection and openness. Conclusively, this structure effectively transfers the load of the hazardous falling objects and construction material to the ground or floor to help prevent those protected by it from getting crushed under the debris caused by building failure. ^• j O M engineering analysis has shown that the operation of the above invention can tremendously reduce the life threatening hazard associated with building failure during disasters such as earthquakes.

Since scientists and geologists predict a greater chance of the expected earthquake occuring in the evening or early morning hours, there is a greater 15 chance of being in bed and more vulnerable. Operation of this structure provides effortless protection w ιen under it and maintains ever-ready protection when not under it.

CONCLUSION AND SCOPE OF INVENTION

Thus the reader will see that the improved canopy provides highly reliable 0 protection, is easy and fast to use, responsive to an unsolved and ever-existing problem, yet economical and can be used by persons of any age.

While my above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of preferred embodiments thereof. Many other variations are 5 possible.

Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Although I have shown and described specific emodiments of this invention, it will be apparent that many minor changes of structure and connections could 0 be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined by the scope of the claim. Although the invention is described with respect to specific structure, the details thereof are not to be construed as limitations. It is understood that the above description is merely illustrative of preferred embodiments of this invention of which many variations may be made within the 5 scope of the following claims without departing from the spirit thereof.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows: