Abstract:
What is provided is a new and innovative multiple attachment point tarpaulin and method that enables the tarpaulin to be flexibly connected at multiple attachment points, and more securely fastening of the tarpaulin. The present invention achieves the above advantages and benefits by having multiple attachment points at strategic locations.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     Priority is claimed to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/687,492, filed Jun. 3, 2005.  
         [0002]     U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/687,492, filed Jun. 3, 2005 is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
       [0003]     Not applicable  
       REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX” 
       [0004]     Not applicable  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0005]     This invention relates to a new and innovative tarpaulin with multiple attachment points that enables the tarpaulin to be flexible regarding its various points of attachment allowing more secured fastening of the tarpaulin with respect to different load configurations, sizes, and shapes. The present invention may be made of fabric, plastic-coated woven fabric, fleece or of unreinforced or reinforced edges and sides.  
         [0006]     Tarpaulins are used as covers for protecting all types of materials against the influences of weather, cold, heat, dust and other harsh environments. In the prior art tarpaulins are used mainly for covering purposes. They are often made in a shaped form after being cut to a pattern. They may be provided with reinforcements, eyelets (or tie points) and other holding devices, for use as covers on trucks, cars, boats, protective covers on construction jobs, on railroads and for mail traffic, as well as for many other purposes. Tarpaulins which are provided with eyelets, supporting strips or other fastening means, have become very important in the construction industry where they serve to protect against weather, particularly during rainy, cold, and/or dusty days.  
         [0007]     There are two drawbacks to conventional tarpaulins. The first is that conventional tarpaulins come in fixed sizes, so that even though a given tarpaulin might be ideal to be used for covering a certain item, the same tarpaulin would be either too large or too small to cover another item which is considerably larger or smaller. The second problem occurs when conventional tarpaulins are used in very windy areas, they were often tearing because these tarpaulins did not provide sufficient pull strength. Basically, too much stress was put on each fastening point, because the tarpaulins were pulled only from one angle.  
         [0008]     In connection with the first problem, users of conventional tarpaulins were required to purchase several different sizes to accommodate different sized items. In connection with the second problem, the tarpaulins were damaged easily, mainly due to large rips starting from a small cut around reinforcements, due to too much stress around the reinforcements.  
         [0009]     For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a new and innovative flexible tarpaulin that enables the tarpaulin to be connected at multiple points to accommodate different sizes of items to be protected or covered and a tarpaulin which can distribute the load to multiple points at strategic locations so that stress will be controllable at the tie down points. Multiple points of attachment provide the flexibility of allowing the tarpaulin to be effectively “shortened” or “enlarged” as needed based on the particular load size by choosing particular attachment points which “fit” the load size.  
         [0010]     While certain novel features of this invention shown and described below are pointed out in the annexed claims, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details specified, since a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. No feature of the invention is critical or essential unless it is expressly stated as being “critical” or “essential.” 
       BRIEF SUMMARY  
       [0011]     The apparatus of the present invention solves the problems confronted in the art in a simple and straightforward manner. What is provided is a new and innovative multiple attachment point tarpaulin that enables the tarpaulin to be flexibly connected at multiple attachment points, and more securely fastening of the tarpaulin. The present invention achieves the above advantages and benefits by having multiple attachment points at strategic locations.  
         [0012]     In one embodiment the attachment points can be located along a plurality of intersecting non-parallel lines.  
         [0013]     In another embodiment the attachment points can be located along non-intersecting parallel lines.  
         [0014]     In another embodiment the attachment points can be located along concentric figures, such as circles or ellipses.  
         [0015]     In another embodiment the attachment points can be symmetrically or irregularly positioned on the tarpaulin.  
         [0016]     The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0017]     For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein:  
         [0018]      FIG. 1 a  perspective of a tarpaulin with multiple attachment points in a vehicle.  
         [0019]      FIG. 1A  is a close-up of one of the connectors for the tarpaulin in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0020]      FIG. 2  is a top view of the tarp of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0021]      FIG. 3  is a top view of an alternative tarp.  
         [0022]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  are a top views alternative tarps.  
         [0023]      FIG. 5  is a partial perspective view of one embodiment of multiple attachment points.  
         [0024]      FIG. 6  is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of multiple attachment points.  
         [0025]      FIG. 7  is a is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of multiple attachment points.  
         [0026]      FIG. 8  is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of multiple attachment points.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0027]     Detailed descriptions of one or more preferred embodiments are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in any appropriate system, structure or manner.  
         [0028]      FIG. 1 a  perspective of a tarpaulin  10  with multiple attachment points in a vehicle  1000 . Tarp  10  is attached to truck  1000  through a plurality of connectors  1050 , 1060 , 1070 , 1080 , 1090 , etc. These connectors can be any conventionally available connectors such as bungie type connectors.  FIG. 1A  is a close up of tarp  10  showing connector  1090  attached to truck  1000  through attachment point  1018  and grommet  530 B. Attachment point  1018  can be located at any point on side wall  1012 , even next to floor  1016 . Additionally, attachment point  1018  can be located above side wall  1012  or even on floor  1016 .  
         [0029]     Truck  1000  can include bed  1010 . Bed  1010  can include floor  1011 , plurality of sidewalls  1012 , and tailgate  1020 . Each sidewall can include a bottom  1016  and top  1014 .  
         [0030]     In  FIG. 1  tarp  10  is shown covering and protecting a load  1005 . Load  1005  can be any load such as mud, equipment, devices, etc. which is to be covered or protected from the weather. As shown in  FIG. 1 , tarp  10  can be provided with a drawstring  200  at its perimeter, which drawstring can be used to secure tarp  10  around load  1005 .  
         [0031]     Also in  FIG. 1 , at least a portion of tarp  10  (e.g., center  85 ) is shown as being in a position above the top  1014  of sidewalls  1012  and another portion of tarp  10  (e.g., perimeter  40  is shown being located below the top  1014  of sidewalls  1012 . Preferably, greater than fifty percent of perimeter  40  is located below the top  1014  of sidewalls  1012 . More preferably, perimeter  40  is located next to bed  1010 . Bed  1010  is preferably attached to the bottom  1016  of sidewalls  1012 . Also preferably, drawstring  200  is used to tighten tarp  10  around load  1005 . Preferably, drawstring  200  is located next to bed  1010 . In an alternative embodiment, multiple connectors (e.g.,  1050 A,  1050 B,etc.) can be used on multiple attachment points which attachment points are organized in a particular line.  
         [0032]      FIG. 2  is a top view of tarp  10  shown  FIG. 1 . Tarp  10  can have a top  20  and bottom  30 . Tarp  10  is shown being of a rectangular shape having sides  50 , 60 , 70 , 80 , which sides form perimeter  40 . Tarp  10  is also shown having drawstring  200  located around its perimeter  40 . Draw string  200  is shown exposed at the four corners  110 , 120 , 130 , 140 . At corner  140  drawstring  200  includes ends  210 , 220  which are tied together. Other fastening means besides tying can be used such as frictional or slide connectors. On top  20  is shown a plurality of attachments points organized in lines ( 300 , 310 , 320 ). Various different forms of attachment points can be used such as those shown in  FIGS. 5 through 8 . The embodiment disclosed in  FIG. 5  is shown as the preferred embodiment for attachment points. In any of the embodiments an attachment point can be located at the geometric center of tarp  10 .  
         [0033]     Drawstring  200  can be any conventionally available drawstring. It can be a cord, chain, string, rope, wire, thread, tape, and strap. Drawing string  200  can include tightening devices such as frictional connector, velcro connectors, strap and buckle.  
         [0034]     Lines  300 , 310 , 320  are shown as straight lines which intersect at center  85  of tarp  10 , which is preferred. However, additional lines (beyond  300 , 310 , 320 ) can be used. Furthermore, one or more of the lines are not required to intersect. One objective is to provide multiple attachment points to accommodate a plurality of loads. Different shapes of lines can be used, such as “H” shape, triangular, elliptical, circular, trapezoidal, polygonal, etc.  
         [0035]     Although tarp  10  is shown as being rectangular. Alternative shapes can be used such as square, circular, triangular, trapezoidal, and polygonal.  
         [0036]      FIG. 3  is a top view of an alternative tarp  10 ′. This tarp includes a plurality of parallel and non-intersecting lines  330 , 340 , 350 , 360 , and  370  along which attachment points are organized. Although the lines are shown being parallel, non-parallel lines can be used which may not intersect, or which may intersect. More or less lines can be used than as shown in  FIG. 3 . Also in tarp  10 ′ drawstring  200  is shown as being “threaded” through perimeter  50  via a plurality of openings  201 , 202 , 203 , 204 ,etc. Although threading of draw string  200  is shown, threading is not preferred as it allows drawstring  200  to catch or snag on items.  
         [0037]      FIG. 4A  is a top view of another alternative tarp  10 ″. In tarp  10 ″ a plurality of concentric rings ( 400 , 410 , 420 ) are shown around center  85 . More rings can be used to increase the flexibility of having multiple attachment points.  
         [0038]      FIG. 4B  is a top view of another alternative tarp  10 ′″. In tarp  10 ′″ a plurality of attachment point configurations ( 1200 , 1210 , 1220 , 1230 ) are shown symmetrically spaced about center  85 . Each attachment point configuration (e.g.,  1200 ) can include a plurality of attachment points (e.g.,  1200 A,  1200 C,  1200 G, etc.). Additional attachment point configurations can be used to increase the flexibility of having multiple attachment points. Furthermore, one or more attachment point configurations (e.g.,  1210 ) can be irregularly shaped and/or non-symmetrically spaced about center  85 . Additionally, one or more attachment point configurations (e.g.,  1220 ) can intersect one or more other attachment point configurations.  
         [0039]      FIG. 5  is a partial perspective view of a ridge  500  having multiple attachment points  530 A, 530 B, 530 C, etc. Reinforcing grommets can be included at the multiple attachment points. Ridge  50  can include upper  502  and lower  504  sides. Ridge  500  can be attached to tarp  10  by stitching or adhesive or heat bonding. Alternatively ridge  500  can be integral with tarp  10 . On lower  504  side stitching  508  is shown. On upper  502  side heat bonding  503  is used. Stitching  506  and  501  is shown as reinforcement regardless of the means of attachment. Also shown is reinforcing strips  510 , 520 . Additionally, both stitching and heat bonding can be used.  
         [0040]      FIG. 6  is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of multiple attachment loops  600 , 630 . Only two attachment loops are shown for clarity, however, numerous attachment points can be used. Attachment loop  600  can comprise base  610  and base  630 . Stitching  612  can be used to attach base  610  to tarp  10 . Stitching  622  can be used to attach base  620  to tarp. Stitching  602  can be used to reinforce loop  600 . Attachment loop  630  is shown as being heat bonded to tarp  10  through base  640  and  650  (as indicated by heat arrows  642 , 652 ). Alternative methods of attachment for attachment loops can be used. Additionally, both stitching and heat bonding can be used.  
         [0041]      FIG. 7  is a is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of multiple attachment points  700 A, 700 B located along strip  710 . Each attachment point can include a ring  702  and attachment strip  704 . Only two attachment points are shown for clarity, however, numerous attachment points can be used. Stitching  712 , 714  can be used to attach strip  710  to tarp  10 . Reinforcing stitching  705 , 706  can also be used to reinforce each attachment point. Although not shown strip  710  can be heat bonded to tarp  10 . Alternative methods of attachment for attachment points can be used. Additionally, both stitching and heat bonding can be used.  
         [0042]      FIG. 8  is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of multiple attachment points  800 A, 800 B located along strip  810 . Each attachment point can include a loop  802 . Only two attachment points are shown for clarity, however, numerous attachment points can be used. Stitching  812 , 814  can be used to attach strip  810  to tarp  10 . Reinforcing stitching  805 , 806  can also be used to reinforce each attachment point. Although not shown strip  810  can be heat bonded to tarp  10 . Alternative methods of attachment for attachment points can be used. Additionally, both stitching and heat bonding can be used.  
         [0043]     The following is a list of reference numerals:  
                                                   LIST FOR REFERENCE NUMERALS            (Reference No.)   (Description)                    10   tarp       20   top       30   bottom       40   perimeter       50   side       60   side       70   side       80   side       85   center       110   corner       120   corner       130   corner       140   corner       200   drawstring       210   end of drawstring       220   end of drawstring       300   line       310   line       320   line       330   line       340   line       350   line       360   line       370   line       380   line       400   circle       410   circle       420   circle       500   ridge       501   stitching       502   side       503   plurality of heat arrows       504   side       506   stitching       508   stitching       510   reinforcing strip       520   reinforcing strip       530   grommet       550   stitching       560   stitching       570   adhesive       600   attachment loop       602   stitching       610   base       612   stitching       620   base       622   stitching       630   attachment loop       640   base       642   plurality of heat arrows       650   base       652   plurality of heat arrows       700   attachment ring       705   stitching       706   stitching       710   reinforcement       712   stitching       714   stitching       800   attachment loop       802   loop       805   stitching       806   stitching       810   reinforcement       812   stitching       814   stitching       1000   vehicle       1005   load       1010   bed       1011   floor       1012   sidewalls       1014   top of sidewall       1016   bottom of sidewall       1018   connection point       1020   tailgate       1050   connector       1060   connector       1070   connector       1080   connector       1090   connector       1100   connector       1200   attachment point configuration       1210   attachment point configuration       1220   attachment point configuration       1230   attachment point configuration                  
 
         [0044]     All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature and pressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. All materials used or intended to be used in a human being are biocompatible, unless indicated otherwise.  
         [0045]     It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing from the type described above. Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention set forth in the appended claims. The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.