Patent ID: 7913457

Claim:
A method of protecting an asset with an asset protection apparatus during a hailstorm followed by precipitation of an accumulating substance, said method comprising: a. positioning said asset protection apparatus securely around the exterior of said asset, wherein an interior layer of said asset protection apparatus is adjacent said asset; b. inflating a first inflatable layer with a fluid, wherein said first inflatable layer is affixed to said interior layer; c. protecting said asset from the impact of a plurality of hailstones by allowing said fluid in said first inflatable layer to absorb the energy of the impact of said plurality of hailstones; d. waiting for said hailstorm to dissipate; e. allowing said accumulating substance to accumulate on said exterior layer; f. allowing said accumulating substance to become at least semi-rigid; g. inflating a second inflatable layer with a fluid, wherein said second inflatable layer is affixed to said first inflatable layer and said exterior layer, and wherein said second inflatable layer is sandwiched between said first inflatable layer and said exterior layer; h. fragmenting said accumulating substance due to the change in shape of said second inflatable layer and said exterior layer during the inflation of said second inflatable layer; and i. allowing gravity to act upon said accumulating substance so that said substance falls from said exterior layer.