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.

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...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[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.

[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.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, tarps are manufactured in a few standard sizes and are often too large or too small to adequately cover a particular object.

Because the ropes and cords are stronger than the tarp, strong winds may cause the grommets to be torn away from the tarp.

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.

Recently, wind and water erosion control have become important issues in the construction industry.

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.

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