Abstract:
A system for securing a tarp includes a kit having a tarp; a plurality of tarp fasteners; and a carrying case configured to contain the tarp and the plurality of tarp fasteners. A method of securing a tarp includes providing a plurality of tarp fasteners that secure to a tarp with an interference fit between mating components; providing a tarp; and providing a carrying case specifically configured to contain, store and transport the tarp fasteners and the tarp.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    A tarpaulin or tarp is a sheet of strong, usually waterproof material that is most often used as a protective cover. Tarps are often used to cover goods or property during transport or storage, or as shelters or groundsheets for protection from the elements. 
         [0002]    Traditionally, tarps were made of canvas and sometimes coated with a water-repellant substance, such as tar. Modern tarps may be made from woven polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or cloth coated with a plastic or other water-repellant substance. Modern tarps also often have grommets in the corners and along the sides of the tarp which provide a place for them to be tied down or suspended with rope or string. 
         [0003]    If a sheet or tarp does not have grommets, it may be difficult or impossible to secure the tarp in a desired position, i.e., protectively covering something. However, when grommets are provided, the user is restricted by the location and placement of the grommets as the available attachment points to the tarp. Grommets tend, with time, to rip or tear away from the tarp. 
         [0004]    A user that needs to use a tarp that has no grommets or from which the grommets have been lost may be forced to cut a hole in the tarp in an attempt to secure the tarp in place. Holes cut in the material or ropes tied to the tarp itself lack the security and strength of the original attachment points. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]    The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of the principles described herein and are a part of the specification. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. 
           [0006]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary system according to principles described herein for providing access to a tarp and tarp anchors. 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary system according to principles described herein for providing access to a tarp and tarp anchors. 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  is a diagram of an exemplary tarp anchor or attachment point, according to principles described herein. 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  is a diagram of an exemplary tarp anchor or attachment point, according to principles described herein. 
       
    
    
       [0010]    Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0011]    In some situations it may be desirable to organize a resilient flexible material, such as a tarp, and a plurality of fasteners for that tarp in such a way so as to maximize ease of transportation and deployment. The present specification describes a system for organizing a tarp or other resilient flexible material and a plurality of fastening elements within a carrying apparatus. The present specification further provides an exemplary organization of the tarp or other resilient flexible material and a plurality of fasteners in a specialized carrying case that together comprise a system for transporting and deploying the resilient flexible material and fasteners. 
         [0012]    In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present systems and methods. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present apparatus, systems and methods may be practiced without these specific details. Reference in the specification to “an embodiment,” “an example” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least that one embodiment, but not necessarily in other embodiments. The various instances of the phrase “in one embodiment” or similar phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a diagram of the outside of an exemplary carrying apparatus or case ( 100 ) including front and rear views. In the illustrated example, the case ( 100 ) is preferably made of a durable material such as nylon, corduroy, canvas or denim fabric or the like. The case ( 100 ) may be a soft case that is flexible and expandable or may, alternatively, have stiffening members that maintain the shape of the case ( 100 ) with some rigidity. 
         [0014]    As will be explained in more detail below, the case ( 100 ) may be configured such that, when closed, the case ( 100 ) is folded over on itself and secured around the edges. When open, the case ( 100 ) is unfolded and can lay flat to provide easy access for the contents of the case ( 100 ). 
         [0015]    Each end of the case ( 100 ) may include a handle ( 102 ). Thus, when the case ( 100 ) is folded into a closed position, the handles ( 102 ) at each end are brought together and can be used together to carry the case ( 100 ). The handles ( 102 ) may be made, for example, from a web or strap that is sewn to the body of the case ( 100 ). 
         [0016]    In some examples, the exterior of the closed case ( 100 ) may include a pocket or pockets ( 103 ), for example, a large pouch-type pocket. The pocket ( 103 ) may lay flat against the case ( 100 ) or may be gusseted to expand for additional storage space. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the pocket ( 103 ) my also include a closure or flap that can be used to seal the pocket ( 103 ) using, for example, a hook and loop fastener (such as Velcro), a button, snap or other fastener. The interior may also include one or more pockets, including a pouch-type pocket. 
         [0017]      FIG. 2  illustrates the case ( 100 ) in an open, unfolded configuration. As seen in  FIG. 2 , the handles ( 102 ) are now disposed at opposite ends of the open case ( 100 ) and the interior of the case is readily accessible. 
         [0018]    A zipper ( 104 ) can be arranged around the edge of the case ( 100 ). Consequently, when the case ( 100 ) is folded in to a closed configuration, the zipper ( 104 ) can be closed to secure the side and top edges of the closed case together. Two or more zipper tabs may be provided on the zipper ( 104 ), as shown in  FIG. 2 , so that the zipper ( 104 ) can be opened and closed in different configurations. As shown in  FIG. 2 , when the zipper ( 104 ) is entirely open or unzipped, the case is opened completely and can lay flat, exposing the case contents, e.g., a tarp ( 120 ) and fasteners ( 130 ). 
         [0019]      FIG. 2  also diagrams one exemplary organization of the tarp ( 120 ) and a plurality of tarp fasteners ( 130 ) within the case ( 100 ). As shown in  FIG. 2 , one side of the case ( 100 ) may contain a tarp ( 120 ). The tarp ( 120 ) may or may not include one or more grommets. It should be noted that, as will be explained in more detail below, the tarp ( 120 ) in the described embodiment need not, and does not, include any grommets. Consequently, the tarp ( 120 ) is not prone to the damage that can occur when a grommet becomes worn and tears from the tarp sheet. 
         [0020]    Also, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the case ( 100 ) includes a number of fasteners ( 130 ) that can be fastened to the tarp ( 120 ) as will be described in more detail below. This combination of a tarp ( 120 ), fasteners ( 130 ) and case ( 100 ) may be described as a kit. In the exemplary kit of  FIG. 2 , each fastener ( 130 ) is attached to a strap ( 123 ), such as a webbed strap of nylon or other material. In other embodiments, the straps ( 123 ) may be made from an elasticized rubber cord or rope. 
         [0021]    The strap ( 123 ) is fed through a buckle ( 124 ) or clasp that can be used to adjust the length of the strap ( 123 ) in the manner of, for example, a traditional tie-down strap. By looping the strap ( 123 ) through the buckle ( 124 ) and adjusting the length of the loop, the effective length of the strap ( 123 ) can be adjusted as desired. 
         [0022]    In some examples, the buckle ( 124 ) may include a strap winding spool with a ratchet mechanism and lever so that a length of the strap ( 123 ) can be wound on the spool using the lever to rotate the spool against the ratchet. In this way, the strap ( 123 ) can be shortened mechanically to a desired length that very tightly secures the tarp ( 120 ) in place. 
         [0023]    At the opposite end from the tarp fasteners ( 130 ), the straps ( 123 ) are secured to a hook ( 122 ). The hook ( 122 ) may be metal, plastic or a metal with a plastic or rubber coating. As described above, the tarp fastener ( 130 ) is used to connect each strap ( 123 ) to the tarp ( 120 ). The hook ( 122 ) is then used to attach the strap ( 123 ) to an anchor that will hold the tarp ( 120 ) in place. The anchor to which the hook ( 122 ) is attached will vary widely depending on the circumstances in which the tarp ( 120 ) is used. For example the anchor may be an eyelet, hook or bracket on a vehicle or trailer. 
         [0024]    Within the case ( 100 ), a number of fabric or elastic loops ( 121 ) may be secured to the interior of the case ( 100 ) for receiving the hooks ( 122 ). For example, each tarp fastener ( 130 ), strap ( 123 ) and hook ( 122 ) unit may be secured in the case ( 100 ) by threading the hook ( 122 ) through one of the loops ( 121 ) on the inside of the carrying case ( 100 ). The case may also include a pocket or pockets for securing each tarp fastener, strap and/or hook. 
         [0025]    Consequently, the case ( 100 ) and its contents form a kit that includes the tarp ( 120 ) and tarp fasteners ( 130 , 123 , 121 ). Given the unique organization of this kit, the tarp ( 120 ) can be safely stored and readily available for rapid and easy deployment as needed. 
         [0026]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the tarp or other resilient flexible material sheet ( 120 ) may be folded up for storage in the carrying case ( 100 ). The hooks ( 122 ) of the fasteners ( 130 ) are then secured in the corresponding loops ( 121 ) and the case ( 100 ) is ready to be closed and easily carried through the use of the two handles ( 102 ). Alternatively, the elements of the kit may be stored in internal pockets within the case ( 120 ). 
         [0027]    This method of organization allows the tarp ( 120 ) and fasteners ( 130 ) to be conveniently stored together in a compact case ( 100 ) that can easily be store behind the seat of a truck, in a garage or any other appropriate place. In the example of  FIG. 2 , six tarp fasteners ( 130 ), straps ( 123 ) and hooks ( 122 ) are shown. However, it will be appreciated that a kit according to the principles disclosed herein may include any number of tarp fasteners, straps and hooks as best suits a particular application. Moreover, there may be extra tarp fasteners, straps, buckles or hooks included in the kit as replacement parts. 
         [0028]    The function and operation of the tarp fasteners ( 130 ) will now be described in detail with respect to  FIG. 3 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the fasteners ( 130 ) are composed of two parts. Each fastener ( 130 ) includes a bracket ( 135 ) and a tab ( 131 ) that is received in the bracket ( 135 ). 
         [0029]    In some embodiments, these two pieces of the fastener ( 130 ) are made from plastic. However, in other embodiments, other suitable structure materials may be used that are resistant to physical damage and to the elements. The elements ( 135 ) and ( 131 ) of the fastener ( 130 ) may be formed by either a molding process or a machining process or a combination thereof. 
         [0030]    In the present embodiment, the bracket ( 135 ) of the fastener ( 130 ) includes a planar base ( 136 ) having a substantially trapezoidal geometry. The two non-parallel sides of the trapezoidal shaped base ( 136 ) are of equal length. Two hooked flanges ( 134 ) run along the two non-parallel sides of the base ( 136 ). Because the flanges ( 134 ) run along the non-parallel sides of a trapezoid, they form a channel that narrows along the length of the base ( 135 ) with a larger opening at one end and a smaller opening at the other end of the base ( 135 ). 
         [0031]    In the present embodiment, the ratio of the length of the larger of the parallel sides to the length of the smaller of the parallel sides is between 8:7 and 2:1. Also in the present embodiment, the ratio of the length of the larger of the parallel sides to the length of a non-parallel side is between 4:3 and 3:4. These ratios cause the angle formed by the larger of the parallel sides and a non-parallel side to be between 70 degrees and 88 degrees. However, this is merely an example and these ratios and angles may be changed to reflect the needs or a particular application or presented by differing types of flexible resilient materials ( 120 ). 
         [0032]    The tab ( 131 ) is geometrically shaped and consists of a substantially flat tongue ( 133 ) that is oblong in shape with a small end and a large end. The tongue ( 133 ) tapers gradually from the large end down to the smaller end before widening slightly at the smaller end. At its widest point, the smaller end must be narrow enough to pass through the smaller opening of the channel formed by the flanges ( 134 ) of the bracket ( 135 ). The large end of the tongue ( 133 ) may be narrow enough to pass through the larger opening of channel formed by the flanges ( 134 ) of the bracket ( 135 ), but not narrow enough to pass through the smaller end of the channel. The tapering sides of the tongue ( 133 ) taper at approximately the same angle as the flanges ( 134 ) on the base ( 135 ). 
         [0033]    As will be described and illustrated in more detail below, the fastener ( 130 ) is operated by placing the bracket ( 135 ) and the tab ( 131 ) on opposite sides of a tarp at a point where attachment to the tarp is desired. The small end of the tab ( 131 ) with the eyelet ( 132 ) is then pulled through the channel defined by the flanges ( 134 ) on the bracket ( 135 ). As the tab ( 131 ) is pulled through the channel, the width of the tab ( 131 ) in the channel increases due to the tapering of the tongue ( 133 ). Eventually, the sides ( 137 ) of the tongue ( 133 ) come into contact with the flanges ( 134 ) of the bracket ( 135 ), except that the tarp is caught between the sides ( 137 ) of the tab ( 131 ) and the inside surfaces of the flanges ( 134 ). In this way, the fastener ( 130 ) provides an interference fit between the bracket ( 135 ) and the tab ( 131 ) that attaches the fastener ( 130 ) to the tarp and holds the tarp in the fastener ( 130 ) without needing a grommet and at any desired point on the tarp. 
         [0034]    As also shown in  FIG. 3 , the smaller end of the tongue ( 131 ) includes an eyelet or hole ( 132 ) to allow a rope, bungee cord or the like to be attached to the fastener ( 130 ). In the present embodiment, and in  FIGS. 3-4 , this eyelet ( 132 ) is triangularly shaped, but many other shapes and sizes would also be suitable and may be utilized in future embodiments. In the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , this eyelet ( 132 ) is used to connect a strap ( 123 ,  FIG. 2 ) to the fastener ( 130 ). Consequently, the triangular shape of the eyelet ( 132 ) in  FIG. 3  may especially accommodate the use of a flat strap, with the width of the end of the eyelet ( 139 ) accommodating the width of the strap ( 123 ,  FIG. 2 ). 
         [0035]      FIG. 4  is a diagram showing how the bracket ( 135 ) and the tab ( 131 ) fit together. The flanges ( 134 ) of the bracket ( 135 ) form a narrowing channel into which the smaller end of the tab ( 131 ) may be inserted or slid. 
         [0036]    As described above, to secure the fastener to a tarp or other flexible material ( 120 ,  FIG. 2 ), a portion of the tarp can be placed on the bracket ( 135 ) of the fastener ( 130 ), between the flanges ( 134 ) of the bracket ( 135 ). The tab ( 131 ) is then placed over the tarp with the narrow end of the tongue ( 133 ) pointing towards the smaller opening of the channel in the bracket ( 135 ). The narrow end of the tongue ( 133 ) is then slid through the narrow opening in the channel of the bracket ( 135 ), which causes the tongue ( 133 ) to tighten on the tarp ( 120 ). The further or harder the tongue ( 133 ) is pulled down through the channel, the tighter the tarp ( 120 ,  FIG. 2 ) is squeezed between the tab ( 131 ) and the bracket ( 135 ). Then, either the attached strap ( 123 ,  FIG. 2 ) or some other securing line is attached to the eyelet ( 132 ) in the tongue ( 133 ) and can be used to secure the tarp ( 120 ,  FIG. 2 ). 
         [0037]    The preceding description has been presented only to illustrate and describe embodiments and examples of the principles described. This description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit these principles to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.