Patent Publication Number: US-10773578-B1

Title: Tarp securing apparatus

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to tie down mechanisms, more specifically but not by way of limitation, tie down and securing apparatus for covers such as but not limited to tarp and similar material covers wherein the present invention provides securing thereof while inhibiting damage to the tarp or similar material and further provides alternate securing locations and benefits. 
     BACKGROUND 
     As is known in the art, tarps and similar materials are commonly used to cover various objects. These objects can include but are not limited to various types of recreational equipment, tools or numerous other objects. Tarps are commonly used to cover the aforementioned objects when the objects are either stored or in transport on trailer. Conventional tarps are manufactured from plastic or canvas and are commercially available in various sizes. These tarps are provided with integral grommets that are placed along the perimeter edge of the tarps. As is known in the art, conventional grommets are typically metal rings that have been secured within the tarp and provide a location for securing the tarp to a desired anchor utilizing rope or other suitable element. 
     One issue with securing conventional tarps is the stress placed on the area of the tarp adjacent the grommet. Often when a tarp has been used to cover an object on a trailer, the forces of the wind will cause premature failure of the tarp grommet. Once the grommet area of the tarp is damaged, this can result in various undesirable effects such as damage to the object being covered. Additionally, as tarps are provided in generic sizes, they typically can not be secured around an object so as to reduce the air volume and/or space between the object and the tarp. This results in the inability to tightly secure a tarp around an object and when subjected to wind or other forces grommet failure will typically occur. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a tarp securing apparatus that provides securing of a tarp to or around an object wherein the tarp securing apparatus does not utilize the grommets of a tarp but provides variable securing location without penetration of the tarp material. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is the object of the present invention to provide a tarp securing apparatus that is configured to secure a tarp without penetrating the tarp material wherein the present invention includes a first embodiment that includes a first portion and a second portion configured to bias a portion of the tarp therebetween. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a tarp tie down configured to provide securing of a tarp to an object without the use of grommets wherein the first portion of the first embodiment of the present invention is located adjacent to the inner surface of the present invention. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a tarp securing apparatus that is configured to secure a tarp without penetrating the tarp material wherein the second portion of the first embodiment is located adjacent to the exterior surface of the tarp. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a tarp tie down configured to provide securing of a tarp to an object without the use of grommets wherein the first portion and second portion include apertures configured to receive fasteners and or other securing elements therein. 
     An additional object of the present invention is to provide a tarp securing apparatus that is configured to secure a tarp without penetrating the tarp material wherein the first portion and second portion of the first embodiment include sections that are formed to be mateably coupled. 
     Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a tarp tie down configured to provide securing of a tarp to an object without the use of grommets that includes a second embodiment wherein the second embodiment is configurable to facilitate a tarp to tarp coupling or the securement of a tarp to an object. 
     Another object of the present invention is to a provide a tarp securing apparatus that is configured to secure a tarp without penetrating the tarp material wherein the second embodiment includes a base member that can be placed in either a fixed or temporary location. 
     An alternate object of the present invention is to provide a tarp tie down configured to provide securing of a tarp to an object without the use of grommets wherein the second embodiment includes a sealing tube member configured to operably couple with the base member. 
     Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a tarp securing apparatus that is configured to secure a tarp without penetrating the tarp material wherein the second embodiment includes a locking tube that is configured to be journaled into the sealing tube member. 
     An additional object of the present invention is to provide a tarp tie down configured to provide securing of a tarp to an object without the use of grommets wherein the locking tube member of the second embodiment of the present invention is configured to receive an article therethrough such as but not limited to a cable lock. 
     To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the first embodiment; and 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a portion of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 4  is a side perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 5  is an assembled view of the alternative embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 6  is a detailed view of the components of the alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated a tarp securing apparatus  100  constructed according to the principles of the present invention. 
     An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein with reference to the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed description herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternative embodiments are plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation, those having skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the present invention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitable approaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond that of the particular implementation choices in the embodiment described herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention. 
     It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, uses and applications described herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “exemplary embodiments”, and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure or characteristic. 
     Now referring in particular to the  FIGS. 1 and 2  submitted herewith, the first embodiment of the tarp securing apparatus  100  is illustrated therein. The tarp securing apparatus  100  includes a first portion  5  and a second portion  15  that are configured to bias a portion of an exemplary tarp  99  therebetween so as to facilitate the securing of the tarp to an object inside/underneath the tarp and/or secure the tarp to a fixed anchor point. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the exemplary tarp  99  is utilized for discussion purposes and that the embodiments of the tarp securing apparatus  100  discussed herein could be utilized to secure any flat flexible material in the manner illustrated and discussed herein for the exemplary tarp  99 . 
     The first portion  5  includes a first section  6 , second section  7  and third section  8 . The first section  6 , second section  7  and third section  8  are contiguously formed utilizing suitable techniques and are manufactured from a durable rigid material such as but not limited to plastic. The first section  6  is planar in manner having a first end  3  and second end  4 . Contiguous with the second end  4  of the first section  6  is the second section  7 , which is perpendicular with respect to the first section  6 . The second section  7  extends away from the first section  6  and is contiguous with the third section  8  distal to the first section  6 . The third section  8  is perpendicular to the second section  7  and extends away therefrom. The third section  8  is parallel with the first section  6  so as to create a void  10  therebetween. The void  10  as will be further discussed herein is operable to receive the third section  18  of the second portion  15 . Additionally, as illustrated herein in  FIG. 2 , the void  10  further has disposed therein a portion of the exemplary tarp  99 . 
     The first section  6  of the first portion  5  further includes apertures  11  formed therein. The apertures  11  are configured to be operably coupled with exemplary fasteners  98  or other securing elements such as but not limited to rope. While the first section  6  of the first portion  5  has illustrated herein two apertures  11 , it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the first section  6  could be configured with as few as one aperture  11  or more than two apertures  11 . Furthermore, it should be understood within the scope of the present invention that both the first portion  5  and second portion  15  could be manufactured in alternate widths in order to provide various load distributions. 
     The second portion  15  is identically formed as the first portion  5 . The second portion  15  includes a first section  16 , second section  17  and third section  18 . The first section  16  is planar in manner having a first end  13  and second end  14 . Contiguous with the second end  14  of the first section  16  is the second section  17 , which is perpendicular with respect to the first section  16 . The second section  17  extends away from the first section  16  and is contiguous with the third section  8  distal to the first section  16 . The third section  18  is perpendicular to the second section  17  and extends away therefrom. The third section  18  is parallel with the first section  16  so as to create a void  20  therebetween. The void  10  of the first portion and the void  20  of the second portion  15  are sized so as to accommodate therein the third section  18  and third section  8  respectively. The third sections  8 , 18  are manufactured having a length that is less than that of the first sections  6 ,  16  respectively. The longer length of the first sections  6 ,  16  and the voids  10 , 20  facilitate the mateable engagement of the first portion  5  and second portion  15  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2  herein. Prior to being operably coupled, the first portion  5  and second portion  15  are positioned on adjacent sides of the exemplary tarp  99  and a portion thereof is placed therebetween. Fasteners  98  or other suitable elements are secured to the apertures  11  and  21  whereupon an opposing directional force is applied thereto. The portion of the exemplary tarp  99  is biased intermediate the first portion  5  and second portion  15  ensuing the opposing directional force. The advantage of the present invention is demonstrated here as no grommet or penetration of the exemplary tarp  99  occurs. The width of the first portion  5  and second portion  15  combined with no compromise of the exemplary tarp  99  allows for greater force to be applied to improve the securing of the exemplary tarp  99  to an object and/or anchor point. Furthermore, the tarp securing apparatus  100  can be placed in numerous locations on the exemplary tarp  99  which provides the ability to more securely fasten the exemplary tarp  99  reducing interior volume and potential to be disrupted by wind and the like. 
     While the tarp securing apparatus  100  is illustrated herein having a first portion  5  and second portion  15  with a particular shape, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the tarp securing apparatus  100  could be formed in alternate shapes having mateable portions as described herein wherein the mateable portions provide the desired functionality of operably coupling and biasing a portion of a tarp therebetween. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 3  through  FIG. 6  submitted herewith, an alternative embodiment of the tarp securing apparatus  200  is illustrated therein. The tarp securing apparatus  200  includes a base member  210  wherein the base member is manufactured from a material such as but not limited to plastic. The base member  210  includes a bottom portion  215  having a flat lower surface  216 . The bottom portion  215  has extending upward therefrom a receiving member  220 . The receiving member  220  is semicircular in shape and includes a first section  222  and a second section  224  wherein the first section  222  and second section  224  are arcuate in form and have a void  225  therebetween. The base member  210  includes a first end  208  and second end  209  and it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the length therebetween could vary in order to manufacture a base member  210  of alternate sizes. The bottom portion  215  includes tab member  213  wherein tab member  213  extends outward beyond first section  222 . Tab member  213  has a plurality of apertures  230  formed therein wherein the apertures  230  are operable to receive a fastener or securing element therein. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the tab member  213  could have as few as one aperture  230  or more than three. 
     The tarp securing apparatus  200  further includes a sealing tube member  240 . The sealing tube member  240  is configured to be operably coupled with the base member  210 . In particular the sealing tube member  240  is mateably shaped so as to be inserted into the void  225  and bias against the first section  222  and second section  224 . The sealing tube member  240  is shaped in a semicircular form and manufactured from a resilient material. The slot  242  at the top of the sealing tube member  240  allows for compression of the sealing tube member  240  so as to be inserted into the void  225  and bias against the first section  222  and second section  224  of the base member  210 .  FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrated the positioning of an exemplary tarp  99  wherein the exemplary tarp  99  is positioned intermediate the base member  210  and sealing tube member  240  prior to insertion of the sealing tube member  240 . The exemplary tarp  99  is biased against the first section  222  and second section  224  by the sealing tube member  240 . Ensuing release of the compression on the sealing tube member  240  subsequent insertion into the void  225 , the exemplary tarp  99  is locked into position therein. It should be understood that the tarp securing apparatus  200  could be utilized to secure two adjacent tarps together (as illustrated herein in  FIGS. 3-5 ) or be utilized to secure a tarp  99  to an object and/or anchor point. 
     The tarp securing apparatus  200  further includes a locking tube member  250 . The locking tube member  250  is manufactured from a durable material such as but not limited to plastic and is configured to be inserted into the hollow passage  246  of the sealing tube member  240  ensuing engagement of the sealing tube member  240  with the base member  210 . The locking tube member  250  is tubular in shape having a diameter suitable to facilitate the insertion thereof into hollow passage  246 . The locking tube member  250  prevents the sealing tube member  240  from dislodging from the base member  210  as the locking tube member  250  inhibits the ability for the sealing tube member  240  to be compressed. The locking tube member  250  includes a hollow passage  255  therethrough but it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the locking tube member  250  could be solid construction. 
     The tarp securing apparatus  200  can further include accessory element  260 . The accessory element  260  is sized so as to be journaled through the passage  255  of the locking tube member  250 . The accessory element  260  is optional and it is contemplated to be a variety of elements within the scope of the present invention. By way of example but not limitation, the accessory element  260  could be a cable having lockable ends, a power cord, control wiring or a supply tube. The locking tube member  250  is designed with the passage  255  in order to accommodate various applications wherein it may be desirable to employ an accessory element  260  as described herein. 
     In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the invention.