U.S. patent application number 10/683780 was filed with the patent office on 2005-04-14 for apparatus for connecting and anchoring tarpaulins.
This patent application is currently assigned to LAYFIELD GEOSYNTHETICS & INDUSTRIAL FABRICS LTD.. Invention is credited to Fraser, Brian, Martin, David J., Mills, Andrew.
Application Number | 20050076589 10/683780 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34422829 |
Filed Date | 2005-04-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050076589 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mills, Andrew ; et
al. |
April 14, 2005 |
Apparatus for connecting and anchoring tarpaulins
Abstract
An apparatus for connecting and anchoring tarpaulins, includes a
polymer plastic elongate body having a first side, a second side,
and a longitudinal axis. An integrally formed first connector and
second connector extend parallel to the longitudinal axis for the
entire length of the elongate body. The first connector has an
opening facing the first side. The second connector has an opening
facing the second side. Integrally formed anchoring wings underlie
the elongate body, with a first side of each anchoring wing
protruding past the sides of the elongate body. The second side of
each of the anchoring wings merge into a vertical plane positioned
along the longitudinal axis of the elongate body.
Inventors: |
Mills, Andrew; (Edmonton,
CA) ; Fraser, Brian; (St. Albert, CA) ;
Martin, David J.; (Edmonton, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHRISTENSEN, O'CONNOR, JOHNSON, KINDNESS, PLLC
1420 FIFTH AVENUE
SUITE 2800
SEATTLE
WA
98101-2347
US
|
Assignee: |
LAYFIELD GEOSYNTHETICS &
INDUSTRIAL FABRICS LTD.
|
Family ID: |
34422829 |
Appl. No.: |
10/683780 |
Filed: |
October 10, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/222 ; 135/119;
52/63 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 15/644 20130101;
E04G 21/24 20130101; E04G 2021/248 20130101; E04G 5/12
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/222 ;
052/063; 135/119 |
International
Class: |
E04B 001/12 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for connecting and anchoring tarpaulins,
comprising: a polymer plastic elongate body having a first end, a
second end, a first side, a second side, and a longitudinal axis;
an integrally formed first connector extending parallel to the
longitudinal axis for the entire length of the elongate body from
the first end to the second end, the first connector having an
opening facing the first side, the first connector being adapted to
receive and retain a first bulbous edge of a first tarpaulin; an
integrally formed second connector extending parallel to the
longitudinal axis for the entire length of the elongate body from
the first end to the second end, the second connector having an
opening facing the second side, the second connector being adapted
to receive and retain a second bulbous edge of a second tarpaulin;
an integrally formed first anchoring wing underlying the elongate
body and extending from the first end to the second end, the first
anchoring wing have a first side and a second side, the first side
of the first anchoring wing protruding past the first side of the
elongate body, the second side of the first anchoring wing merging
into a vertical plane positioned along the longitudinal axis of the
elongate body; and an integrally formed second anchoring wing
underlying the elongate body and extending from the first end to
the second end, the second anchoring wing have a first side and a
second side, the first side of the second anchoring wing protruding
past the second side of the elongate body, the second side of the
second anchoring wing merging into the vertical plane.
2. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the first anchoring
wing and the second anchoring wing are angled outwardly and
downwardly from the elongate body to define a concave underlying
engagement surface.
3. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the first anchoring
wing and the second anchoring wing are made of a thicker polymer
plastic than the first connector and the second connector.
4. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the first connector
is in the form of a "C" channel and the second connector is in the
form of a "C" channel.
5. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein a reinforcing ridge
is positioned along a longitudinal edge of both the first anchoring
wing and the second anchoring wing.
6. The apparatus as defined in claim 5, wherein the "C" channel of
the first connector and the second connector both have a chamfer at
their remote ends.
7. An apparatus for connecting and anchoring tarpaulins,
comprising: a polymer plastic elongate body having a first end, a
second end, a first side, a second side, and a longitudinal axis;
an integrally formed first "C" channel connector extending parallel
to the longitudinal axis for the entire length of the elongate body
from the first end to the second end, the first "C" channel
connector having a slotted opening facing the first side, the first
"C" channel being adapted to receive and retain a first bulbous
edge of a first tarpaulin; an integrally formed second "C" channel
connector extending parallel to the longitudinal axis for the
entire length of the elongate body from the first end to the second
end, the second "C" channel connector having a slotted opening
facing the second side, the second "C" channel being adapted to
receive and retain a second bulbous edge of a second tarpaulin; an
integrally formed first anchoring wing underlying the elongate body
and extending from the first end to the second end, the first
anchoring wing have a first side and a second side, the first side
of the first anchoring wing protruding past the first side of the
elongate body, the second side of the first anchoring wing merging
into a vertical plane positioned along the longitudinal axis of the
elongate body; an integrally formed second anchoring wing
underlying the elongate body and extending from the first end to
the second end, the second anchoring wing have a first side and a
second side, the first side of the second anchoring wing protruding
past the second side of the elongate body, the second side of the
second anchoring wing merging into the vertical plane; the first
anchoring wing and the second anchoring wing being angled outwardly
and downwardly from the elongate body to define a concave
engagement surface; a reinforcing ridge along a longitudinal edge
of both the first anchoring wing and the second anchoring wing.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for connecting
and anchoring tarpaulins, with particular applicability to securing
tarpaulins to scaffolding.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Canadian Patent 2,359,515 (Layfield 2001), owned by the
Layfield Group, describes an apparatus for connecting and anchoring
tarpaulins which has an elongate body with a first side, a second
side, and a longitudinal axis. The elongate body has a first
connector and a second connector. The first connector extends
parallel to the longitudinal axis facing the first side. The second
connector extends parallel to the longitudinal axis facing the
second side. Anchoring wings protrude past the first side and the
second side. Openings are placed in the anchoring wings to receive
fasteners. As described in the Layfield '515 patent, the use of the
term "tarpaulin" is intended in the broadest sense.
[0003] The Layfield '515 patent has been produced commercially as
an inexpensive polymer plastic extrusion and has attained a measure
of commercial success. However, products made in accordance with
the teachings of the Layfield '515 patent experienced some
unanticipated failures when exposed to high winds. In this context,
the term "high winds" refers to winds in excess of 50 kilometers
per hour (30 miles per hour) . The tarpaulin secured to scaffolding
acts like a sail and captures the wind. The high winds exerted such
force that it caused ties, used to secure the body to scaffolding,
to pull through and destroy the anchoring wings. If there was any
slack in the ties, the high winds caused the body to slap violently
against the scaffolding; resulting in cracks and eventual failure
where the first wing and the second wing join the body.
[0004] The problem was taken to the extrusion company doing the
polymer plastic extruding for The Layfield Group. The extrusion
company indicated that the problem could not be solved merely by
thickening the low cost polymer plastic extrusion. Their
recommendation was to use alternative materials, such as aluminum
or undertake a redesign of the apparatus. The use of aluminum would
make the apparatus too expensive for the intended market. The
Layfield Group, therefore, had no alternative but to undertake a
redesign of the apparatus for connecting and anchoring tarpaulins.
The inability to use the design described in the Layfield '515
patent, in applications which might become exposed to high winds,
eliminated too large a segment of the market.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] What is required is an apparatus for connecting and
anchoring tarpaulins which can function without failure in high
winds.
[0006] According to the present invention there is provided an
apparatus for connecting and anchoring tarpaulins, which includes a
polymer plastic elongate body having a first end, a second end, a
first side, a second side, and a longitudinal axis. An integrally
formed first connector extends parallel to the longitudinal axis
for the entire length of the elongate body from the first end to
the second end. The first connector has an opening facing the first
side. The first connector is adapted to receive and retain a first
bulbous edge of a first tarpaulin. An integrally formed second
connector extends parallel to the longitudinal axis for the entire
length of the elongate body from the first end to the second end.
The second connector has an opening facing the second side. The
second connector is adapted to receive and retain a second bulbous
edge of a second tarpaulin. An integrally formed first anchoring
wing underlies the elongate body and extends from the first end to
the second end. The first anchoring wing has a first side and a
second side. The first side of the first anchoring wing protrudes
past the first side of the elongate body. The second side of the
first anchoring wing merges into a vertical plane positioned along
the longitudinal axis of the elongate body. An integrally formed
second anchoring wing underlies the elongate body and extends from
the first end to the second end. The second anchoring wing has a
first side and a second side. The first side of the second
anchoring wing protrudes past the second side of the elongate body.
The second side of the second anchoring wing merges into the
vertical plane.
[0007] The problem with failures of the wings was resolved by
having the wings underlie the main part of the body and merge into
a vertical plane positioned on the longitudinal axis of the body.
In this way the wings were better integrated with the main body and
less prone to cracks that there were with a single point of
attachment.
[0008] As will hereinafter be further described, the first
anchoring wing and the second anchoring wing were also made of a
thicker polymer plastic than the first connector and the second
connector.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] These and other features of the invention will become more
apparent from the following description in which reference is made
to the appended drawings, the drawings are for the purpose of
illustration only and are not intended to in any way limit the
scope of the invention to the particular embodiment or embodiments
shown, wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for connecting
and anchoring tarpaulins constructed in accordance with the
teachings of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is an end elevation view in section of the apparatus
illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the apparatus illustrated in
FIG. 1 in use securing tarpaulins to scaffolding rosettes.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the apparatus illustrated in
FIG. 1 in use securing tarpaulins to scaffolding tubing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0014] The preferred embodiment, an apparatus for connecting and
anchoring tarpaulins, generally identified by reference numeral 10,
will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 4.
[0015] Structure and Relationship of Parts:
[0016] Referring to FIG. 1, apparatus 10 has a polymer plastic
elongate body 12 having a first end 14, a second end 16, a first
side 18, a second side 20, and a longitudinal axis 22. An
integrally formed first "C" channel connector 24 extends parallel
to longitudinal axis 22 for the entire length of elongate body 12
from first end 14 to second end 16. Referring to FIG. 2, first "C"
channel connector 24 has a slotted opening 26 facing first side 18.
Referring to FIG. 3, first "C" channel connector 24 is further
adapted to receive and retain a first bulbous edge 28 of a first
tarpaulin 30. Referring to FIG. 1, an integrally formed second "C"
channel connector 32 extends parallel to longitudinal axis 22 for
the entire length of elongate body 12 from first end 14 to second
end 16. Referring to FIG. 2, second "C" channel connector 32 has a
slotted opening 34 facing second side 20. Referring to FIG. 3,
second "C" channel connector 32 is further adapted to receive and
retain a second bulbous edge 36 of a second tarpaulin 38. Referring
to FIG. 1, an integrally formed first anchoring wing 40 underlies
elongate body 12 and extends from first end 14 to second end 16.
Referring to FIG. 2, first anchoring wing 40 has a first side 42
and a second side 44. First side 42 of first anchoring wing 40
protrudes past first side 18 of elongate body 12. Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2, second side 44 of the first anchoring wing 40 merges
into a vertical plane 46 positioned along longitudinal axis 22 of
elongate body 12. Referring to FIG. 1, an integrally formed second
15 anchoring wing 48 underlies elongate body 12 and extends from
first end 14 to second end 16. Referring to FIG. 2, second
anchoring wing 48 has a first side 50 and a second side 52. First
side 50 of second anchoring wing 48 protrudes past second side 20
of elongate body 12. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, second side 52 of
second anchoring wing 48 merges into a vertical plane 46 positioned
along longitudinal axis 22 of elongate body 12. Referring to FIG. 2
first anchoring wing 40 and second anchoring wing 48 are angled
outwardly and downwardly from elongate body 12 to define a concave
engagement surface 54. Further, body 12 has a second underlying
curvature 56 that is more acutely angled than concave engagement
surface 54. First anchoring wing 40 and second anchoring wing 48
are further adapted with a reinforcing ridge 58 made of thicker
polymer plastic and which runs along longitudinal edges, 60 and 62,
respectively. Referring to FIG. 1, each of "C" channel connectors
24 and 32 at first end 14 and second end 16 has a chamfer 64 to
facilitate insertion of each of bulbous ends 28 and 36 of each of
tarpaulins 30 and 38 into each of "C" channel connectors 24 and 32,
as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0017] Operation:
[0018] The use and operation of apparatus for connecting and
anchoring tarpaulins 10 will now be described with reference to
FIGS. 1 through 4. Referring to FIG. 1, based upon the nature and
dimensions of the application, an appropriate number of apparatus
10 in appropriate lengths are provided. Referring to FIG. 3, in the
illustrated embodiment, where attachment to scaffolding or similar
framework is required, apparatus 10 may be positioned adjacent a
scaffolding rosette 66. Referring to FIG. 1, based upon the
determination of attachment points, appropriate holes 68 may be
drilled or selected from predrilled holes 68 into first anchoring
wing 40 and second anchoring wing 48. Referring to FIG. 3, a strap
70 may then be fashioned to secure body 12 to rosette 66. Referring
to FIG. 4, in the illustrated embodiment, where attachment to
scaffolding or similar framework is required, apparatus 10 may be
positioned adjacent a tubing 72. Referring to FIG. 1, based upon
the determination of attachment points, appropriate holes 68 may be
drilled or selected from predrilled holes 68 into first anchoring
wing 40 and second anchoring wing 48. Referring to FIG. 4, a wire
74 may then be fashioned to secure body 12 to tubing 72. It will be
appreciated that various configurations of scaffolding or framework
are adaptable and that other means of attachment may be used.
Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, apparatus 10 receives bulbous end 28 of
first tarpaulin 30 and bulbous end 36 of second tarpaulin 38 at
first end 14 or 30 second end 16 as illustrated in FIG. 1. Chamfer
64 assists the entry of bulbous ends 28 and 36 into first "C"
channel connector 24 and second "C" channel connector 32. Referring
to FIGS. 3 and 4, once positioned, each apparatus is interlocked
with each tarpaulin, creating an expanded covering to protect or
define a work space.
[0019] Referring to FIG. 2, it is to be noted that concave
engagement surface 54 of first anchoring wing 40 and second
anchoring wing 48 matches that of a 5 inch diameter scaffolding
rosette 66, as illustrated in FIG. 3. Referring to FIG. 2, it is
also to be noted that underlying curvature 56 of body 12 matches
that of tubing 72 having an outer diameter of 27/8, as illustrated
in FIG. 4. Referring to FIG. 3, plastic tie straps 70 may be used.
However, referring to FIG. 4, due to failure of plastic tie straps
70 in more stressed situations, wire 74 may be used for attachment
in demanding applications. Referring to FIG. 2, reinforcing ridges
58 fortify each of peripheral edges 60 and 62 to permit attachment
by wire 74, as illustrated in FIG. 4, resisting breakage.
[0020] In this patent document, the word "comprising" is used in
its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are
included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A
reference to an element by the indefinite article "a" does not
exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is
present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and
only one of the elements.
[0021] It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that
modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter
defined in the Claims.
* * * * *