Sectional Tarp

Abstract

A sectional tarp comprising, generally flat flexible tarp sections having a centerline therein extending from its outer periphery inward to accommodate placement of a center gap about a landscape, the tarp sections are capable of being removably attached to each other, wherein the centerline is capable of opening and closing; and a center cap centrally located on the sectional tarp, wherein the center cap is capable of being removable attached from the tarp sections.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application of Ryan Ferris, application No. 61/654,314, filed 1 Jun. 2012, having the title for SECTIONAL TARP, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This present disclosure relates generally to landscaping, particularly to collecting trimming shrubs, and removing debris. More specifically, it is a multi-layered and multi-sectional tarp that can be used not only for debris collection but also as a cover to protect materials or structures from water and wind damage.

2. Background

In the past it has been a problem and an undesirable job to have to pick up the trimmings from trees, bushes, evergreens and the like that are set in decorative bedding material such as rocks, stone, or wood chips, after trimming them. The rocks, stones or wood chips in the bed may be of different sizes, shapes and colors in the nature of a rock garden.

The bed causes problems when the landscape is pruned. Leaves, branches and small twigs fall onto and into the rocks, stones or wood chips. Raking the leaves and small twigs out of the rocks, stones or wood chips is difficult because a light pressure on the rake draws out only a few of the leaves and twigs. While, a heavy pressure on the rake draws out rocks, stones or wood chips with the leaves and twigs. Picking the leaves and small twigs out of the rocks, stones or wood chips by hand is time consuming. Leaving the leaves and small twigs where they fall detracts from the aesthetic quality of the landscaping while also causing functional problems of decomposition of the leaves and small twigs into compost and the growth of weeds in the compost above the layer of plastic which often underlies the landscaped area.

Tarps have commonly been used as a collection unit or as a covering to protect the landscape from the elements. However, they tend to have limited functionality and are typically not waterproof. There have also been other tools invented to help with this problem, but they tend to be cumbersome, bulky and sometimes difficult to use. Thus, there is no convenient method for removing the clippings from the bed quickly and easily.

Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a sectional tarp, which can adjust to varying widths and securely fit over the desired landscape, to collect debris from shrubs, trees and other vegetation during the pruning process, while also protecting the landscape from the elements.

Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure and the manner in which it may be practiced is further illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an overhead view of a sectional tarp with a center cap removed.

FIG. 2 illustrates a close up view of a center gap and a center cap.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a section tarp with a center cap attached.

FIG. 4 illustrates an overhead view of a sectional tarp positioned around landscape with a centerline open.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a sectional tarp in use.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a sectional tarp pulled away from landscape.

FIG. 7 illustrates a close up view of a longitudinal edge showing a string threaded through grommets.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a section tarp with a center cap attached.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a sectional tarp taken generally along line 3A of FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 illustrates a string pulled until a sectional tarp forms into a bag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reference is now made in detail to the description of the embodiments as illustrated in the drawings. While several embodiments are described in the connection with these drawings, there is no intent to limit the disclosure to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

It should be clearly understood that like reference numerals are intended to identify the same structural elements, portions, or surfaces consistently throughout the several drawing figures, as may be further described or explained by the entire written specification of which this detailed description is an integral part. The drawings are intended to be read together with the specification and are to be construed as a portion of the entire “written description” of this invention as required by 35 U.S.C. §112.

Currently it is known in that it is an undesirable job to have to pick up the trimmings from trees, bushes, evergreens and the like that are set in decorative bedding material such as rocks, stone, or wood chips, after trimming them. Tarps have commonly been used as a collection unit or as a covering to protect the landscape from the elements. However, they tend to have limited functionality and are typically not waterproof. There have also been other tools invented to help with this problem, but they tend to be cumbersome, bulky and sometimes difficult to use. Thus, there is no convenient method for removing the clippings from the bed quickly and easily.

An example of an embodiment of the claimed disclosure is a sectional tarp, which comprises generally flat flexible tarp sections having a centerline therein extending from its outer periphery inward to accommodate placement of a center gap about a landscape, the tarp sections are capable of being removably attached to each other, wherein the centerline is capable of opening and closing; and a center cap centrally located on the sectional tarp, wherein the center cap is capable of being removable attached from the tarp sections.

Averting to the drawings, with reference to FIG. 1 illustrates an overhead view of a sectional tarp with a center cap removed. Sectional tarp 100 comprises a tarp sectional 110A & 110B with center cap 112, a centerline 114, and a sealing mechanism 116. Center cap 112 is removed creating a center gap 118, which is capable of accommodating a variety of landscape types of various sizes and shapes. Sectional tarp 100 is generally an elongated rectangular shape made up of multiple tarp sections 110A & 110B, where each tarp section 110A & 110B has a longitudinal edge 120A & 120B. Tarp section 110A & 110B is capable of attaching to other tarp sections 110A & 110B by sealing mechanism 116 (as shown in FIG. 8), which will become more apparent later in the disclosure. Centerline 114 runs from an inner edge 122 to a longitudinal edge 120A or 120B. Sectional tarp 100 also, features grommets 128 around longitudinal edge 120B. A string 130 is threaded through grommets 128 allowing sectional tarp 100 to secure itself an object such as landscape or be pulled to form a bag (as shown in FIG. 10) allowing sectional tarp 100 to be easily moved.

FIG. 2 illustrates a close up view of the center gap and the center cap. Center gap 118 is created by detaching center cap 112, which provides an opening for a variety of different landscaping trunk types. Sealing mechanism 116 is fixedly attached to an underside side of center cap 112. Sealing mechanism 116 is also fixedly attached to a top-side of tarp section 110 along inner edge 122. Sealing mechanism 116 is fastened to one another from touching their surfaces together along the outer edges of center cap 112 wherein the underside of center cap 112 includes a hook fastener strip and the opposing side of tarp section 110 includes a mating loop fastener strip which in turn forms a tight and complete closure of center cap 112 to tarp section 110.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the section tarp with the center cap attached. Centerline 114 is secured to itself by the sealing mechanism, which allows tarp section 110A to be connected to itself 110A and allows tarp section 110B to be connected to itself 110B. Center cap 112 is secured over the center gap through the use of the sealing mechanism. Once centerline 114 and center cap 112 are secured, sectional tarp 100 becomes a solid rectangular tarp. Sectional tarp 100 as a solid rectangular tarp may be used either as a means to dispose of the debris collected during the pruning process or as a covering to protect objects such as landscape from the elements. Sectional tarp 100 also, features grommets 128 around longitudinal edge 120B. String 130 is threaded through grommets 128 allowing sectional tarp 100 to secure itself to an object such as landscape or be pulled to form a bag (as shown in FIG. 10) allowing sectional tarp 100 to be easily moved.

FIG. 4 illustrates an overhead view of the sectional tarp positioned around landscape with the centerline open. Sectional tarp 100 is positioned around landscape 124 so that, the base of landscape 124 is within center gap 118. Centerline 114 currently opened can be secured by sealing mechanism 116. Centerline 114 runs from inner edge 122 to longitudinal edge 120. The current embodiment shows tarp section 110A connected to tarp section 110B by using sealing mechanism 116 (as shown in FIG. 8). This provides ample ground coverage to catch debris when pruning landscape 124 as well as protecting the ground. The primary means of securing sectional tarp 100 around landscape 124 is centerline 114 and sealing mechanism 116. Sectional tarp 100 also, features grommets 128 around longitudinal edge 120B. String 130 is threaded through grommets 128 allowing sectional tarp 100 to secure itself to an object such as landscape or be pulled to form a bag (as shown in FIG. 10) allowing sectional tarp 100 to be easily moved.

It should be noted that when using sectional tarp 100, the first thing to determine is the size of the trunk of landscape 124. The attachability and detachability of tarp sections 110A & 110B allow sectional tarp 100 to compensate a wide range of trunk sizes and shapes, so that the area between the innermost section and the trunk is minimal. In scenarios where the trunk is large, removal of tarp section 110A may be necessary along with center cup 112 to permit sectional tarp 100 to be able to accommodate landscape 124. In this scenario, center gap 118 becomes larger.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the sectional tarp in use. Center gap 118 of sectional tarp 100 is positioned around landscape 124 with centerline 114 secured. During the pruning process debris 126 is caught by tarp sections 110A & 110B, making the process of collecting debris easier, more streamlined, while protecting the ground and landscaping beds. If necessary, additional tarp sections 110A & 110B may be attached to each other by using sealing mechanism 116 (as shown in FIG. 8) to create a larger coverage area to catch additional debris 126. Sectional tarp 100 also, features grommets 128 around longitudinal edge 120B. String 130 is threaded through grommets 128 allowing sectional tarp 100 to secure itself to an object such as landscape or be pulled to form a bag (as shown in FIG. 10) allowing sectional tarp 100 to be easily moved.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the sectional tarp pulled away from the landscape. Sectional tarp 100 is pulled away from landscape 124. Center cap 112 is attached to sectional tarp 100, covering the center gap. Center cap 112 is attached by means of the sealing mechanism. With centerline 114 and center cap 112 secured, debris 126 on sectional tarp 100 can be gathered by bringing each corner of sectional tarp 100 together. Sectional tarp 100 may then be moved to a refuse bin or compost pile, opened depositing debris 126 into the refuse bin or compost pile. Sectional tarp 100 also, features grommets 128 around longitudinal edge 120B. String 130 is threaded through grommets 128 allowing sectional tarp 100 to secure itself to an object such as landscape or be pulled to form a bag (as shown in FIG. 10) allowing sectional tarp 100 to be easily moved.

FIG. 7 illustrates a close up view of the longitudinal edges showing a string threaded through grommets. Sectional tarp 100 features grommets 128 around longitudinal edge 120. String 130 is threaded through grommets 128 allowing sectional tarp 100 to secure itself to an object such as landscape. Sectional tarp 100 is secured to the object or landscape by placing the sectional tarp either over or around the object or landscape. String 130 is then tightened until a taut seal is created around the base of the landscape. This allows sectional tarp 100 to function as a protective cover from the elements, such as rain, wind, hail or even the sun. Grommets 128 also provide added weight to sectional tarp 100 preventing sectional tarp 100 from blowing away due to the elements. Grommets 128 are also capable of receiving steaks or sticks. This would allow the user to pin down the sides of the sectional tarp by placing the steaks or sticks through grommets 128 and into the ground.

Grommets 128 are located on longitudinal edge 120. Longitudinal edge 120 may be folded over, overlapped and hemmed with mildew-resistant threading to add extra strength to longitudinal edge 120. This embodiment also assists with the movement of sectional tarp 100 and disposal of the debris that is caught on top of sectional tarp 100 and to protect the stitching and hem from the elements. It should be appreciated that handles could also be threaded through grommets 128 for providing assistance in moving sectional tarp 100 once the debris is collected in sectional tarp 100.

Grommets 128 are preferably constructed of a metal material such as brass, zinc, aluminum, stainless steel and the like. Grommets 128 may also be constructed of molded plastic, rubber, a man made polymer material or any material that is rigid to maintain shape and flexibility without departing from the present disclosure.

String 130 is preferably constructed of a fibrous material such as yarn, wire, nylon and the like.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the section tarp with the center cap attached. Centerline 114 is secured to itself by sealing mechanism 116 (not shown), which closes sectional tarp 100. Center cap 112 is secured over the center gap through the use of sealing mechanism 116 (not shown). Once centerline 114 and center cap 112 are secured sectional tarp 100 becomes a solid rectangular tarp. Sectional tarp 100 as a solid rectangular tarp may be used either as a means to dispose of the debris collected during the pruning process or as a covering to protect objects such as landscape from the elements. Tarp sections 110A is capable of being attached and detached to tarp section 110B by use of sealing mechanism 116. Sealing mechanism 116 is comprised of a hook-and-loop fastener or touch fastener. One such brand of hook and loop fasteners are the VELCRO® brand of fasteners. Sealing mechanism 116 is fixedly attached to a topside of tarp sections 110A & 110B along its entire inner edge. Sealing mechanism 116 is also fixedly attached to an underside of tarp sections 110A & 110B along its entire outer edge. Sealing mechanism 116 is fastened to one another from touching their surfaces together along the outer edges of tarp section 110A and the inner edges of tarp section 110B wherein the outer edges of tarp section 110A includes a hook fastener strip and the inner edges of tarp section 110B includes a mating loop fastener strip or vice versa, which in turn forms a tight and complete closure of the tarp edges to form sectional tarp 100. The operation of closing sealing mechanism 116 with hook and loop fastener strips is well known in the art from the use of VELCRO® hook and loop fasteners on all types of materials by the general public. Sectional tarp 100 also, features grommets 128 around longitudinal edge 120B. String 130 is threaded through grommets 128 allowing sectional tarp 100 to secure itself to an object such as landscape or be pulled to form a bag (as shown in FIG. 10) allowing sectional tarp 100 to be easily moved.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the sectional tarp taken generally along line 3A of FIG. 3. Center cap 112 is attached to tarp sectional 110A by sealing mechanism 116. Sealing mechanism 116 is comprised of a hook-and-loop fastener or touch fastener. One such brand of hook and loop fasteners are the VELCRO® brand of fasteners. Sealing mechanism 116 is fixedly attached to the underside of center cap 112. Sealing mechanism 116 is fixedly attached the top side of tarp section 110A along its entire inner edge. Sealing mechanism 116 is fastened to one another from touching their surfaces together along the outer edges of center cap 112 wherein underside of center cap 112 includes a hook fastener strip and the top side of tarp section 110A includes a mating loop fastener strip, or vice versa, which in turn forms a tight and complete closure of a center cap 112 to tarp section 110A. Tarp section 110A is capable of being attached and detached to tarp section 110B by use of sealing mechanism 116. Sealing mechanism 116 is fixedly attached to the underside of tarp section 110A along its entire outer edge. Sealing mechanism 116 is also fixedly attached to the topside of tarp section 110B along its entire inner edge. Sealing mechanism 116 is fastened to one another from touching their surfaces together along the outer edges of tarp section 110A wherein underside of tarp section 110A includes a hook fastener strip and the top side of tarp section 110B includes a mating loop fastener strip, or vice versa, which in turn forms a tight and complete closure of tarp section 110A to tarp section 110B. The operation of closing sealing mechanism 116 with hook and loop fastener strips is well known in the art from the use of VELCRO® hook and loop fasteners on all types of materials by the general public. Sealing mechanism 116 is also fixedly attached to the underside of tarp section 110B along its entire outer edge. This allows for additional tarp sections to be added, which allows for the sectional tarp to be capable of covering up and protected any size of landscape to be pruned or protected.

It should be noted that such a configuration prevents the elements from penetrating the sectional tarp and ruining the objects being covered. For illustrative purposes only, if it starts to rain the sectional tarp will take on water, but due to the specific material of the sectional tarp, a woven scrim placed between two polyethylene layers, the rain will bead down along the sectional tarp to the longitudinal edges and the grommets. The specific layering of the tarp sections act like shingles to water droplets or any other liquids, causing the liquid to bead off the sectional tarp and not penetrates through the tarp sections protecting the objects or landscape underneath.

FIG. 10 illustrates the string pulled until the sectional tarp forms into a bag. With the centerline, center cap 112 and tarp sections 110A & 100B secured, the debris on sectional tarp 100 can be gathered. The debris is gathered by pulling string 130, which is threaded through grommets 128 until section tarp 100 takes the form of a bag. Sectional tarp 100 may then be moved to a refuse bin or compost pile, opened depositing the debris into the refuse bin or compost pile.

The sectional tarp is also easy to store as it can be rolled up and placed within a container as a small garbage can or folded up and placed on a shelf. The compact nature of the sectional tarp allows for easy storage in almost any shelving unit, shed or workbench. The compact nature also makes it easy to transport the sectional tarp from location to location or jobsite to jobsite.

The sectional tarp may also comprise of a polyethylene resin, a clear plastic material, a mesh-like material, a waterproof nylon or a plastic material or any other suitable material having similar properties.

Although the invention has been described with reference to certain preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications and variations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It should be understood that applicant does not intend to be limited to the particular details described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In this regard, the term “means for” as used in the claims is intended to include not only the designs illustrated in the drawings of this application and the equivalent designs discussed in the text, but it is also intended to cover other equivalents now known to those skilled in the art, or those equivalents which may become known to those skilled in the art in the future.

Claims

1. A sectional tarp comprising:

generally flat flexible tarp sections having a centerline therein extending from its outer periphery inward to accommodate placement of a center gap about a landscape, the tarp sections are capable of being removably attached to each other, wherein the centerline is capable of opening and closing; and

a center cap centrally located on the sectional tarp, wherein the center cap is capable of being removable attached from the tarp sections.

2. The sectional tarp of claim 1, wherein the center cap is capable of being removably attached from the tarp sections by a sealing mechanism.

3. The sectional tarp of claim 2, wherein the sealing mechanism is fixedly attached to an underside of the center cap.

4. The sectional tarp of claim 1, wherein the tarp sections are capable of being removably attached to each other by a sealing mechanism.

5. The sectional tarp of claim 4, wherein the tarp sections have the sealing mechanism fixedly attached to the tarp section along an inner edge and an outer edge.

6. The sectional tarp of claim 1, wherein the centerline is capable of opening and closing by a sealing mechanism.

7. The sectional tarp of claim 1, wherein the tarp sections have grommets spaced a predetermined distance apart along the entire outer edge of the tarp sections and extending through the tarp sections and a sealing mechanism to permanently affix the sealing mechanism on the outer edge of the tarp sections.

8. The sectional tarp of claim 7, wherein a string is threaded through the grommets allowing the sectional tarp to secure itself to an object by tightening the string.

9. The sectional tarp of claim 7, wherein a string is threaded through the grommets so that the sectional tarp forms into a bag when the string is pulled.

10. The sectional tarp of claim 1, wherein the tarp sections are made from a generally waterproof material.

11. The sectional tarp of claim 1, wherein the tarp sections are made from plastic material.

12. The sectional tarp of claim 1, wherein the centerline and the center cap are secured, debris' on the sectional tarp can be gathered by bringing each corner of the sectional tarp together.

13. A sectional tarp comprising:

a generally lightweight, waterproof and abrasion resistant tarp for placing the tarp around a landscape to catch the debris as the landscape is trimmed or cut;

a center cap centrally located on the tarp, wherein the center cap is removably attached to the tarp; and

a centerline running from an inner edge to an outer edge, wherein the centerline is capable of opening and closing.

14. The sectional tarp of claim 13, wherein the center cap is capable of being removably attached from the tarp sections by a sealing mechanism.

15. The sectional tarp of claim 14, wherein the sealing mechanism comprises hook and loop fasteners.

16. The sectional tarp of claim 13, wherein the tarp has grommets spaced a predetermined distance apart along the entire outer edge of the tarp and extending through the tarp and a sealing mechanism to permanently affix the sealing mechanism to the tarp.

17. The sectional tarp of claim 16, wherein a string is threaded through the grommets allowing the sectional tarp to secure itself to an object by tightening the string.

18. The sectional tarp of claim 16, wherein a string is threaded through the grommets so that the sectional tarp forms into a bag when the string is pulled

19. The sectional tarp of claim 13, wherein the centerline and the center cap are secured, debris' on the sectional tarp can be gathered by bringing each corner of the sectional tarp together.