Patent ID: 7189024

Claim:
A connector assembly for use with a tarp, said connector assembly comprising: male and female connector members, each said connector member comprising: a base portion having a broad, generally flat bearing face for engaging material of a tarp; and a flange portion that extends from said base portion opposite and generally normal to said bearing face for being gripped between and rotated by the fingers of a hand, said flange portion having an opening for attachment of a load thereto; said male connector member further comprising: a threaded screw portion extending normal to said bearing face thereof, said screw portion having a tapered, sharply pointed tip for piercing material of a tarp; and said female connector member further comprising: a threaded socket portion extending normal to said bearing face thereof for receiving said screw portion of said male connector member in threaded engagement therewith, said socket portion being recessed into said bearing face of said female connector member so that said bearing faces of said male and female connector members are able to meet in substantially face-to-face contact when said connector members are tightened together; wherein said opening for attachment of a load comprises: a bore formed through said flange portion around an axis that extends generally perpendicular to an axis of said screw and socket portions.