Patent ID: 6102059
Filing Date: 2000-08-15
Classification: E04H

Abstract:
A device for covering a vehicle, the device comprising:a protective cover;a structural member having first and second ends, the first end having an elongated hollow extending at least partially from the first end to the second end and ending at a termination point, the hollow having an inlet for receiving a pressurized fluid and an imperforate, internal wall at least proximate the inlet;an elongated lift member having first and second ends, the first end of the lift member being coupled with the protective cover, the second end of the lift member having an external shape complementary to the internal wall of the hollow and being closely received by the hollow to define a chamber between the second end of the lift member and the termination point of the hollow, the chamber being at least substantially separated from an external environment by the cooperation of the second end of the lift member, the terminal end of the hollow, and the imperforate, internal wall, the lift member being reciprocally movable with the protective cover between a first position in which the protective cover is proximate at least a portion of the vehicle and a second position in which the protective cover is spaced apart from the vehicle; anda control device in fluid communication with the inlet and the chamber, the control device being controllable to direct the pressurized fluid into the chamber to move the lift member from the first position to the second position, and controllable to direct the pressurized fluid out of the chamber to move the lift member from the second position to the first position.