U.S. patent application number 10/403883 was filed with the patent office on 2004-10-07 for water weighted tarp.
Invention is credited to Horman, George A..
Application Number | 20040194393 10/403883 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33096871 |
Filed Date | 2004-10-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040194393 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Horman, George A. |
October 7, 2004 |
Water weighted tarp
Abstract
A tarpaulin cover with a water-weighted tube around its
perimeter is provided. A three-inch diameter tube is located around
the perimeter of the invention just inside of a series of grommets.
A fill nozzle that accepts a standard garden hose connection is
provided on the perimeter. At the opposite side of the tarpaulin, a
release nozzle is provided to aid in the rapid emptying of the
invention. When filled with water, the invention is almost
impossible to blow away in high winds. It is intended to eliminate
the usage of rocks, logs and other materials that are commonly used
to hold tarpaulins down.
Inventors: |
Horman, George A.; (Shelton,
WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Law Offices Of John D. Gugliotta, PE, Esq.
202 Delaware Building
137 South Main Street
Akron
OH
44308
US
|
Family ID: |
33096871 |
Appl. No.: |
10/403883 |
Filed: |
April 1, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/3 ; 135/115;
135/119 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04G 21/28 20130101;
E04B 1/66 20130101; E04G 2021/248 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/003 ;
135/119; 135/115 |
International
Class: |
E04B 001/34 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. In a tarpaulin cover having a sheet like surface forming a
peripheral boundary, wherein the improvement comprises: a fluid
containing bladder formed integrally within said peripheral
boundary; and a fill nozzle that accepts a standard garden hose
connection and is in fluid communication with said fluid containing
bladder.
2. A weighted tarp apparatus comprising: a generally flat tarp
planar surface bounded by a peripheral hem; a perimeter tube
circumscribing an outer perimeter of said tarp planar surface, said
peripheral tube having a seamless upper tube sidewall terminated at
each side in an attachment flange and a lower sidewall affixed to
said attachment flanges in a water-tight, sealed manner.
3. The weighted tarp apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a
conduit formed within said upper tube sidewall and lower sidewall
assembly, said conduit designed for holding and retaining a
ballasting liquid; and a closure valve in fluid communication with
an inner conduit volume for filling or draining the perimeter
tube.
4. The weighted tarp apparatus of claim 2, wherein said flat tarp
planar surface is rectangular in shape.
5. The weighted tarp apparatus of claim 3, wherein said peripheral
hem forms a plurality of tie-down holes, each said tie-down hole
lined with conventional metal grommets for added strength and
resistance to tearing.
6. The weighted tarp apparatus of claim 3, wherein said closure
valve comprises: a nozzle that penetrates the upper tube sidewall
and forms a threaded inner surface for receiving a fill cap; a fill
cap having an extended threaded outer cylinder for providing the
treated insertion connection into the nozzle, said fill cap further
having a filling penetration that can be blocked via insertion of a
plug protruding from a plug cap head.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present invention was first described in Disclosure
Document Registration 516,204 filed on Jul. 31, 2002 under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.122 and 37 C.F.R. .sctn.1.14. There are no previously
filed, nor currently any co-pending applications, anywhere in the
world.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to self-weighted
tarps and, more particularly, to a tarp incorporating an integral
water retaining conduit formed along a perimeter thereof which
includes a one-way water influx valve and a water release
valve.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] As is well known in the art, Tarpaulins or tarps, are
commonly used to cover items and material located outdoors thus
affording such objects protection from the environment. The list of
objects covered by tarpaulins includes topsoil, mulch, firewood,
building materials, outdoor furniture and the like. Should the
tarpaulin be used in even light winds, it must be secured to
prevent it from blowing away. The tarpaulin may be staked down
using the integral grommets usually supplied on tarps, or it can be
weighted down with nearby objects such as stones, bricks, logs and
the like. However, such objects are not always handy, and if they
are, they are prone to tearing the tarpaulin. Additionally, such
weighting is not continuous or uniform around the perimeter and may
allow a section of the tarpaulin to be picked up by the wind, thus
jeopardizing the entire tarpaulin.
[0006] A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that
read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the
following references were considered related.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,691,056, describing a hook for securing a
tarp to a bale of hay.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,232 describing a tarpaulin holddown
device or retainer.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,580,372 describing a tarpaulin incorporating
a novel grommet and weighting structure.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,111,554 describing a hold-down strap for
holding a tarp.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,335,685 describing a hold down channel
assembly for tents.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 6,334,455 describing a tent tie-down
device.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. D426,147 describing a beach blanket stake.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,299,331 describing a beach blanket assembly
with raised border.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,232 describing a tarpaulin holddown
device or retainer.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 4,712,672 describing a reusable waterproof
cover.
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 5,189,866 describing am element protection
cover applicator for round hay bales.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 5,098,754 describing a poly-tarpaulin bag
constructed to hold a bale of hay.
[0019] And, U.S. Pat. No. 4,891,930 describing an apparatus and
process for applying a cover to a bale of hay.
[0020] Consequently, there is a need for a means by which
tarpaulins can be secured in a manner without the disadvantages as
described above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0021] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide an improved weighted tarpaulin.
[0022] It is a feature of the present invention to provide an
improved tarp incorporating an integral water retaining conduit
formed along a perimeter thereof which includes a one-way water
influx valve and a water release valve.
[0023] Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present
invention, a tarpaulin cover with a water-weighted tube around its
perimeter is provided. Upon initial observation, the invention
looks like an ordinary tarpaulin with a series of bronze grommets
around its perimeter. However, after closer inspection, it can be
seen that a three-inch diameter tube is located around the
perimeter of the invention just inside of the bronze grommets. A
fill nozzle that accepts a standard garden hose connection is
provided on the perimeter. At the opposite side of the tarpaulin, a
release nozzle is provided to aid in the rapid emptying of the
invention. When filled with water, the invention is almost
impossible to blow away in high winds. It is intended to eliminate
the usage of rocks, logs and other materials that are commonly used
to hold tarpaulins down.
[0024] The use of the water weighted tarp provides a means to
weight down a tarp that is quick, easy and effective.
[0025] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the present
invention uses a ring of water to hold tarpaulin down and provides
portable shield against the elements.
[0026] An advantage of the present invention is that the water ring
located around perimeter of tarp is sewn into place and provides
continuous and uniform weighting of water that is almost impossible
to blow away.
[0027] Further, fill and release valves are also provided.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] The advantages and features of the present invention will
become better understood with reference to the following more
detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with
like symbols, and in which:
[0029] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a weighted water tarp according
to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view thereof;
[0031] FIG. 3 partial elevational cross section taken along line
III-III of FIG. 2; and; and
[0032] FIG. 4 is a detailed cross section of a closure value XX for
use with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in
terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within the
Figures.
[0034] 1. Detailed Description of the Figures
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 1-2, a weighted water tarp apparatus
10 is shown, according to the present invention, having a generally
flat tarp planar surface 12 anticipated as being of an otherwise
conventional material and construction as tarps currently
available. Shown here as rectangular in shape, it is envisioned
that any geometry could also incorporate the teachings of the
present invention. The tarp planar surface 12 is bounded by a
peripheral hem 14, and is circumscribed out its outer perimeter by
a perimeter tube 16. The peripheral hem 14 is shown forming a
plurality of tie-down holes 20, each aligned with conventional
metal grommets 22 for added strength and resistance to tearing. The
peripheral tube 16 is shown in greater detail in conjunction with
FIG. 3, and has a seamless upper tube sidewall 30 terminated at
each side in an attachment flange 32. A lower sidewall 34 is
affixed to the attachment flanges 32 in a water-tight, sealed
manner. Similarly, the lower sidewall 34 is attached or affixed to
the tarp planar surface 12 itself in a firm mechanical contact. The
conduit 40 formed within the upper tube sidewall 30 and lower
sidewall 34 assembly is designed for holding and retaining a
ballasting liquid, such as water. A closure valve 42 provides
access to the inner conduit volume 40 for filling or draining the
perimeter tube 16.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 4, the closure valve 42 is shown in
greater detail. While it is envisioned that a separate closure
valve can be utilized for each of the filling or draining
functions, according to the best mode of the preferred embodiment
as shown a combination valve is used for accomplishing both
functions from a common perimeter point on the tarp 10. A nozzle 44
penetrates the upper tube sidewall 30 and forms a threaded inner
surface 44a for receiving a fill cap 46. The fill cap 46 has an
extended threaded outer cylinder 44a for providing the treated
insertion connection into the nozzle 44. The fill cap 46 has a
filling penetration, optionally impeded by a restriction flap 50,
that can be blocked via insertion of a plug 52 protruding from a
plug cap head 54.
[0037] 2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment
[0038] In operation, the present invention is uses similar to a
conventional tarp in that it is removed from its package and
unfolded. However, before covering the area to be protected the
user must insure that access can be gained to the closure valve 42.
With the fill cap 46 inserted into the nozzle 44, the perimeter
tube 16 is filled with water. It is anticipated that the tube 16
will not be completely filled such as to create pressure that could
cause the tarp to lift, but rather would be filled sufficient to
provide a securing weight about the perimeter of the tarp. Upon
completion of use, the fill cap 46 is removed and the tube 16
drained.
[0039] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the
present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration
and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many
modifications and variations are possible in light of the above
teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to
best explain the principles of the invention and its practical
application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best
utilize the invention and various embodiments with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It
is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the
Claims appended hereto and their equivalents. Therefore, the scope
of the invention is to be limited only by the following claims.
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