Abstract: Edge finished and edge binding for tarpaulins and the method and apparatus for finishing edges of tarpaulins in which the tarpaulin or separate edge binding material is made from a heavy duty fabric of the type woven of high density yarn and in which, at desired intervals along a center line, a series of holes is provided. The apparatus includes a rotating punch die and a slack bar for slackening the material to be punch/cut in advance of the punching/cutting operation. The mechanisms for advancing punch/cutting, slackening and taking up the processed material are timed.

Abstract: A tarpaulin or other similar protective cover of flexible sheet material is adapted to be tied down securely with the aid of a single tie-down line extending around its periphery. The periphery is edge-finished with a continuous hollow conduit laterally fluted at equally spaced intervals with identical semi-circular cut-outs deep into the hollow conduit. Each cut-out defines a hole in the conduit wall which, in use of the tarpaulin with a tie-down line loosely contained in, and longer than, the conduit, permits a length portion of the line to be pulled outwardly from the conduit in a looped configuration for anchoring attachment to a respective tie-down device. Tearing of the tarpaulin by anchoring forces exerted thereon by way of the single tie-down line is effectively resisted, notwithstanding the absence of grommets or other relatively expensive reinforcement measures.