# US 5,699,818 A · Personal safety system

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- Number: US 5,699,818 A
- Document ID: US5699818A
- Status: Granted
- Kind: A
- Application number: 08/590,706
- Filed: 1995-11-16
- Granted: 1997-12-23
- Earliest claimed: 1995-11-16
- Assignees: Lightning Eliminators & Consultants, Inc.
- Inventors: Roy B. Carpenter, Jr.
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US5699818A

## CPC

- E04H 15/20: inflatable, e.g. shaped, strengthened or supported by fluid pressure
- A45B 3/00: Sticks combined with other objects
- A45B 11/02: attached to the body of the user
- A45B 23/00: Other umbrellas
- A45B 2023/0006: {Portable, self supported sunshades or weather protections}
- A45B 2023/0093: {Sunshades or weather protections of other than umbrella type}
- E04H 2015/201: {with inflatable tubular framework, with or without tent cover}
- E04H 2015/206: {Details of inflation devices, e.g. valves, connections to fluid pressure source}
- E04H: BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL (foundations E02D)
- A45B: WALKING STICKS (walking aids, e.g. sticks, for blind persons A61H3/06); UMBRELLAS; LADIES' OR LIKE FANS (cane or umbrella stands or holders A47G25/12)

## Abstract

A lightning shield reduces the chance for a direct hit on a person by placing an inverted hemispherical dome over the person's head and shoulders. The dome has a conductive covering, preferably a wire mesh. The dome thwarts ground leaders from completing a circuit to a descending lightning streamer from a cloud. Embodiments include umbrellas, backpack models, balloons, and mini-shelters.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A lightning shield comprising:
a hemispherical dome having a smooth outer surface approximating a perfect hemisphere having a diameter large enough to cover a user's shoulders and head;
said outer surface further comprising a conductive material;
a support means functioning to support the hemispherical dome over a person's head and shoulders; and
a lightning ground streamer prevention means comprising a smooth, domed metallic surface on said hemispherical dome.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The shield of claim 1, wherein the support means further comprises a hand held non-conductive handle, shaft, and curved ribs.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The shield of claim 1, wherein the support means further comprises a support rod assembly affixed to a backpack and an air rib frame.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The shield of claim 1, wherein the support means further comprises a waistband having non-conductive support rods and an air rib frame.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The shield of claim 1, wherein said conductive material further comprises a metallic mesh.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The shield of claim 1, wherein said outer surface further comprises a rain-proof layer.