Patent ID: 7032616

Claim:
A dome shell protective cover for engaging the edge of a U-shaped opening in said dome shell and securing said U-shaped opening and the storage tank service line extending through said U-shaped opening to prevent creatures big and small from entering into said shell dome and building nests comprising: a) a shield; b) said shield being of resilient rubber-like material; c) said shield having a U-shaped peripheral edge member including a curved portion and a pair of legs connected to said curved portion and a base peripheral edge member; d) said U-shaped peripheral edge member having a slot for receiving the edge of said U-shaped opening; e) said slot having a width corresponding to the thickness of said edge of said U-shaped opening; f) said shield having a service line engaging opening; g) said shield having a slit extending upwardly from said base peripheral edge to said service line engaging opening; h) said service line engaging opening having a central point and having a 360° series of radial slits each extending outwardly from said central point a distance equal to the radius of said service line and forming a circular series similar pointed flaps; i) said pointed flaps being flexible and each having a base which fits snuggly against said service line whereby said pointed flaps at their base provide a circular seal for said service line from creatures big and small after said service line has been positioned first in said slot extending upwardly from said base peripheral edge and thence into said service line engaging opening; and j) said upwardly extending slit having abutting edge portions which form a seal when said service line has been positioned in said service line engaging opening.