U.S. patent application number 11/036633 was filed with the patent office on 2006-07-13 for tarp hold down device.
Invention is credited to John A. Baum, Richard D. Scott.
Application Number | 20060150537 11/036633 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36651793 |
Filed Date | 2006-07-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060150537 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Baum; John A. ; et
al. |
July 13, 2006 |
Tarp hold down device
Abstract
A hold down device used to hold down a tarp placed over an
object or placed over a sloped surface. The device comprises a
flexible elongated body capable of being rolled into a compact roll
during storage and then unrolled for use. The body includes a
bladder designed to be filled with fluid material, such as water or
sand. Formed on the bladder is at least one port opening and a
removable cap that allows the user to selectively fill the bladder
with fluid material to provide weight used to hold-down the edge of
the tarp. Located along the top edge of the body is a plurality of
grommets. Extending through the grommets are adjustable clips that
enable the body to be selectively attached to the lower edge of a
tarp or stakes that allow the device to hold down a tarp placed
over a sloped surface.
Inventors: |
Baum; John A.; (Roy, WA)
; Scott; Richard D.; (Tacoma, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DEAN A. CRAINE
SUITE 140
400 - 112TH AVE. NE
BELLEVUE
WA
98004
US
|
Family ID: |
36651793 |
Appl. No.: |
11/036633 |
Filed: |
January 13, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/90.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01F 25/13 20130101;
E04G 2021/248 20130101; E04G 21/28 20130101; B60J 7/104
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/090.1 |
International
Class: |
E04B 7/02 20060101
E04B007/02 |
Claims
1. A tarp hold down device, comprising: a. a flexible elongated
body, said body including two parallel upper and lower edges and
two parallel side edges, said elongated body being made of material
sufficiently flexible to allow said body to be folded over to
reduce the overall length of said body; b. a large, longitudinally
aligned bladder formed inside said body, said bladder capable of
being filled with fluid material having a sufficient weight to
apply weight to with an opening and a removable valve used to fill
heavy fluid material or sand; c. a port opening formed on said
bladder enabling said bladder to be filled with a fluid material;
d. a closure means attached to said port opening enabling said port
opening to be selectively opened or closed; e. a plurality of
grommets formed along said upper edge or said lower edge; f. a
means for engaging said grommets and attaching said body to a tarp;
and, g. a fluid material located inside said bladder.
2. The tarp hold down device as recited in claim 1, wherein said
means for engaging said grommets is an adjustable clip.
3. The tarp hold down device as recited in claim 1, wherein said
means for engaging said grommets is a stake.
4. The tarp hold down device as recited in claim 1, wherein said
fluid material is water.
5. The tarp hold down device as recited in claim 2, wherein said
fluid material is sand.
6. The tarp hold down device as recited in claim 1, wherein said
fluid material is water.
7. The tarp hold down device as recited in claim 2, wherein said
fluid material is sand.
8. The tarp hold down device as recited in claim 1, wherein said
bladder is cylindrical in cross-section and has a sufficient
diameter to hold approximately 1 gallon of fluid material per 24
inches of length.
9. The tarp hold down device as recited in claim 1, wherein said
bladder includes a second port opening formed on said body opposite
said first port opening enabling said fluid material to be filled
or drained from said bladder.
10. A method for holding down a tarp, comprising the following
steps: a. unfolding a tarp over an object or surface; b. selecting
a tarp hold down device comprising a flexible elongated body, said
body including two parallel upper and lower edges and two parallel
side edges, said elongated body being made of material sufficiently
flexible to allow said body to be folded over to reduce the overall
length of said body, a large, longitudinally aligned bladder formed
inside said body, said bladder capable of being filled with fluid
material having a sufficient weight to apply weight, a port opening
formed on said bladder enabling said bladder to be filled with a
fluid material, a closure means attached to said port opening
enabling said port opening to be selectively opened or closed, a
plurality of grommets formed on along said upper edge or said lower
edge, means for engaging said grommets and attaching said body to a
tarp; and, a fluid material located inside said bladder; and, c. a
using said means for engaging said grommets and attaching said body
to a tarp to attach said device to the loose edge of tarp to hold
said tarp in place.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to tarp hold down devices, and more
particularly, to such devices that are portable, adjustable in
length and weight, and can be attached to the lower edge of the
tarp when draped over another object or placed on top of the tarp
to temporarily hold the tarp over a sloped surface.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] It is common practice to cover an object stored outdoors
with a tarp to protect the object from inclement weather or to hide
the object from view. Unfortunately, tarps are manufactured in a
few standard sizes and are often too large or too small to
adequately cover a particular object. If the tarp is too large, the
edges of the tarp are rolled back or folded over on the ground next
to the object. Ropes or cords are then wrapped around the tarp and
the object to hold the tarp in place. The ends of the ropes or
cords must be tied to a stake located on the ground or tied to a
lower structure or surface on the object.
[0005] If the tarp is too small, some or all of the edges of the
tarp may be elevated off the ground. When this occurs, the portion
of the object is exposed and an opening is created under the object
and between the object and the tarp that wind, rain or snow may
enter. If the tarp includes grommets located at its corners or
along its edges, ropes and cords may be tied to the grommets to
pull the edges downward and hold the tarp in place over the object.
Because the ropes and cords are stronger than the tarp, strong
winds may cause the grommets to be torn away from the tarp.
[0006] Most tarps are square or rectangular in shape. Because there
are a myriad of different size and shape objects capable of being
covered with a tarp, when a standard square or rectangular-shaped
tarp is placed over a round or irregular-shaped object, excessive
fold lines, pockets, and openings may be created in the tarp. As a
result, the tarp may not be aligned over the object so that the
grommets are evenly distributed or optimally positioned for
connecting to a rope or cord. As a result, additional ropes and
cords may be needed to hold the tarp in place over the object
[0007] Recently, wind and water erosion control have become
important issues in the construction industry. Many municipalities
have promulgated regulations or ordinances that require
construction companies to cover excavated dirt with a tarp or cover
when placed in a pile for more than 72 hours. While such
regulations and ordinance may seem minor, construction companies
spend considerable amount of time placing and securing tarps or
covers over the piles of back fill material.
[0008] What is needed is a simple device for holding the lower edge
of a tarp draped over an object. What is also needed is such a
device that can be folded into a compact configuration when not in
use and then unfolded and aligned in a parallel position with the
lower edge of a tarp. What is also needed is such a device that can
be adjusted in length and weight that selectively attaches to the
lower edge of the tarp without attaching to the grommets, and can
be used to hold down a tarp on a sloped surface.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The above stated objects and other objects that may become
apparent are met by a tarp hold down device disclosed herein that
comprises a flexible elongated body capable of being rolled into a
compact configuration for storage and then unrolled into an
extended configuration when used. The body includes a large bladder
designed to be filled with heavy fluid material, such as water or
sand. Formed on the bladder is at least one port opening with a
removable cap attached thereto that allows the user to selectively
fill the bladder with fluid material to create sufficient weight
necessary to hold down the edge of the tarp or cover draped over
the object or positioned over a sloped surface. When the bladder is
filled with fluid material, the body automatically unfurls,
straightens and resists bending.
[0010] Formed along at least one edge of the body is a plurality of
grommets. When the device is used to hold down the edge of a tarp,
a clip is inserted into some or all of the grommets. Each clip
extends laterally from the edge of the body and designed to
selectively engage the edge of the tarp located adjacent
thereto.
[0011] The body is made of flexible, lightweight material, which
enables it to be selectively folded into a desirable length. When
the body is folded back, it is secured in a folded position by one
or more clips. If the bladder is filled with fluid material after
being folded over, the fluid material can be retained in one
section of the bladder thereby allowing the user to adjust the
device's weight.
[0012] When the device is used to temporarily hold down a tarp over
a sloped surface, the clips may be replaced with ground piercing
stakes that extend through the grommets and the tarp and into the
sloped surface.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tarp placed over the apex
of a building roof with two tarp hold down devices filled with
fluid material attached to the tarp's opposite lower edges.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a trailer with a tarp
draped over one end and with one device attached to a section of a
lower edge of the tarp.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a pile of hay covered with a
tarp with two devices attached to the tarp's opposite lower
edges.
[0016] FIGS. 4A-C are side elevational views of the device
partially disassembled being aligned with the lower edge of a tarp
partially held in place with optional ropes that extend through the
tarp's grommets.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view showing the device's body
being folded rearward and held in a folded position with four
clips.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a clip attached to a
grommet in the body with the clamping surfaces spaced apart to
receive the adjacent edge of a tarp.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a clip shown attached
to a grommet on the device with the clamping surfaces closed and
attached to the edge of a tarp.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of three devices being
used to hold a tarp over a sloped surface.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a sectional, side elevational view of a stake
being used to hold the device on the sloped surface.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0022] Referring to the Figs, there is shown a tarp hold down
device 10 herein that comprises a flexible elongated body 12
capable of being rolled into a compact roll during storage and then
unrolled into an extended configuration for use. The device 10 is
designed to be used as a weight and straightedge device for tarps
85 temporarily draped over an object 90 or placed on a sloped
surface 95. The device 10 is also designed to be adjustable in
length and weight for different projects.
[0023] The body 12 is made of durable, flexible material capable of
being used outdoors. In the preferred embodiment the body 12 is
rectangular, approximately 72 to 120 inches in length, and 6 to 12
inches in diameter. Formed on the body 12 is a large,
longitudinally aligned bladder 20. The bladder 20 is slightly
offset from the body's center axis 13 thereby creating a wide seam
14 on one side and a narrow seam 15 on the opposite side. Formed on
the opposite ends for the body 12 are two end seams 16, 17. Formed
on the bladder 20 is at least one port opening 22 and a removable
cap 24 that allows the user to selectively fill the bladder 20 with
a suitable fluid material 85 to provide a weight. Formed along the
wide seam 14 is a plurality of grommets 30. In the preferred
embodiment, the grommets 30 are approximately 1 inch in diameter
and formed at the two opposite corners 16, 17 and evenly spaced
apart approximately 24 inches along the wide seam 14. The body 12
is made of two, lightweight, flexible vinyl panels 18, 19,
adhesively or heat sealed along its edges.
[0024] As shown in FIGS. 1-6, the device 10 is designed to attach
to the lower edge 86 of a tarp 85 draped over an object 90. A clip
40 is attached to each grommet 30 that can be selectively attached
to the edge 86 of the tarp 85.
[0025] Each clip 40 includes two diverging clamping arms 41, 43
integrally joined together at one end. Formed on the opposite ends
of the clamping arms 41, 43 are two parallel clamping surfaces 42,
44, respectively. The clamping arms 41, 43 are biased outward so
that the clamping surfaces 42, 44 are sufficiently spaced apart
when relaxed to receive the edge 86 of a tarp 85. Located centrally
inside one of the clamping arms 41, 43 is a longitudinally aligned
tongue opening. Located inside the tongue opening is a tongue 46.
One end of the tongue 46 is integrally attached to one adjacent
clamping arm 41. The opposite end of the tongue 46 is unattached
thereby allowing it to move inward and outward from the tongue
opening (not shown). Formed near the attached end of the tongue 46
is an upward extending stop surface 47. Formed on the opposite
unattached end of the tongue 46 is an upward extending press tab
48. Located transversely over the top surface of the tongue 46
between the stop surface 47 and press tab 48 is a first set of
teeth 49.
[0026] Disposed transversely over the two clamping arms is a
sliding collar 50. Formed in the collar 50 is a central passageway
51 designed to slidingly receive the two clamping arms 41, 43.
Formed on the inside surface of the top surface of the collar 50 is
a second set of teeth 55 that engages the first set of teeth 49
located on the tongue 46 when the collar 50 is pushed forward over
the clamping arms 41, 43 as shown in FIG. 7. The width of the
central passageway 51 is sufficient so that two clamping arms 41,
43 are forced together to press the two clamping surfaces 42, 44,
respectively, against a tarp 85 inserted between the two clamping
surfaces 42, 44 when the collar 50 is pushed forward. The first and
second set of teeth 49, 55 automatically engage to hold the collar
50 in place over the two clamping arms 41, 43. The press tab 48 is
pressed downward to disengage the collar 50 from the tongue 46
thereby allowing the collar 50 to slide backward and release the
two clamping surfaces 42, 44.
[0027] As mentioned above, the two ends of the two clamping arms
41, 43 are integrally formed together to form a semi-circular, thin
body section 57. Formed transversely in the body section 57 is a
bore 58 that receives the threaded shaft 61of a bolt 60. During
assembly, the clip 40 is held so that the bore 58 is aligned and
registered with a grommet 30 on the body 12. A bolt 60 is selected
and the shaft 61 is then extended through the bore 58. The opposite
end of the shaft 61 is extended through the grommet 30 and a large
lock washer 62 and nut 63 are attached to the end of the shaft 61
to connect the clip 40 to the body 12. In the preferred embodiment,
the nut 63 is loosely tightened on shaft 61 thereby allowing the
clip 40 to rotate around the central axis of the grommet 30.
[0028] As shown in FIGS. 7-8, the device 10 may also be used to
hold down a tarp 85 on a sloped surface 95. In order to be used for
this purpose the above described clips 40 are removed from the body
12. The body 12 is positioned at a desire location over the top
edge of the tarp 85 placed on a sloped surface 95
[0029] In the preferred embodiment, a stake 70 is then selected and
driven through a grommet 30, the tarp 85, and into the surface 95.
The stake 70 includes a spike element 72 with a perpendicular head
74 sufficient in size to press against the outside surface of the
grommet 30 as shown in FIG. 8. As mentioned above, the body 12 is
designed to be stored in a compact rolled, configuration when not
in use. The body 12 is then unrolled and longitudinally aligned on
a flat surface. Normally, the fluid material 80 is added to the
bladder 20 after the body 12 is longitudinally aligned on the flat
surface. When used to hold down a tarp 85 over a sloped surface 95,
the fluid material 80 may be added while the body 12 is partially
disposed in a rolled configuration thereby allowing the user to
align the device 10 over the tarp 85 without physically standing on
the tarp 85. In order to do so, the body 12 is aligned so that the
port opening 22 is located uphill. When fluid material 80 is added
to the port opening 22, it flows downhill and fills the lower area
in the bladder 20. As fluid material is added, the body 12
automatically straightens itself over the tarp 85. As shown in FIG.
4 an optional second port opening, designated as 26, may be formed
on the end of the bladder 20 opposite the first port opening 22
which allows the user to easily drain the fluid material 80 from
the bladder 20 when used on a sloped surface 95. A second cap 28 is
provided to close the second port opening 26.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 5, when used to hold down the edge 86 of a
tarp 85 draped over an object, the desired length of the body 12 is
first determined. If the length of the tarp 85 is less than the
length of the body 12, the end of the body 12 opposite the port
opening 22 may be folded rearward over the back surface of the body
12. The number of clips 40 attached to the body 12 and the
orientations of the attached clips 40 may be adjusted to adjust the
location of the desired downward force exerted by the device on the
tarp 85. The cap 24 on the port opening 22 is then removed and
fluid material 80 is then added to the bladder 20. Once the bladder
20 is filled, the cap 24 is then re-attached to the port opening
22. The body 12 is then lifted into a position parallel to the
lower edge 86 of the tarp 85. The clips 40 are then used to attach
the body 12 to the lower edge 86 of the tarp 85. Additional ropes
88 may be attached to the tarp's grommets 87 to tightly wrap the
tarp 85 around the object 90. To remove the device 12 from the
object 90, the above steps are reversed.
[0031] In the preferred embodiment, the bladder 20 is approximately
6 inches in length and approximately 4 inches shorter in length
than the body. The bladder 20 is cylindrical in cross-section and
designed to hold approximately 1 gallon of fluid material 80 per 24
inches of length. When water is used as a fluid material 80, the
device weights approximately 8 lbs per 24 inches in length which is
an optimum amount of tensile force applied to a tarp and an optimal
amount of weight for holding a tarp over a sloped surface.
[0032] When the device 12 is used to hold down a tarp 85 on a
sloped surface 95, the tarp 85 is first placed over the sloped
surface 95. The device 12 is then placed on a desired position over
the tarp 85 so that one end is at a high elevation than the other.
The stakes 70 are then inserted through the grommets 30 and forced
through the tarp 85 and into the surface 95. The cap 24 on the
first port opening 22 is then removed and fluid material 90 is then
added to the bladder. If the device 10 includes a second port
opening 26, the cap 28 is securely attached to the port opening 26
before fluid material 90 is added to the port opening 22. Once the
bladder 20 is filled, the cap 24 is then re-attached to the port
opening 22. The device 12 can then be used to hold down the tarp
85. To remove the device 12 from the tarp 85, the above steps are
reversed.
[0033] In compliance with the statute, the invention described
herein has been described in language more or less specific as to
structural features. It should be understood, however, that the
invention is not limited to the specific features shown, since the
means and construction shown is comprised only of the preferred
embodiments for putting the invention into effect. The invention is
therefore claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the
legitimate and valid scope of the amended claims, appropriately
interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.
* * * * *