METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING COVER OVER AN OBJECT OR AREA

Abstract

Method and apparatus for covering an area is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of bases located near a first side of the area and positioned substantially normal to ground, a plurality of flexible rods connected to the bases, and covering material secured to the flexible rods. The covering material crumples into a compact form when not spread out. A stabilizer may be used to provide stability and strength to the bases. The flexible rods are bent toward a second side of the area and attached to attachment mechanisms at the second side. The covering material is spread over the area along the now bent the flexible rods, thereby covering the area. The covering material may be fastened to one of the bases, to one of the attachment mechanisms, or other structures. Guy lines may connect the flexible rods to stable articles to provide additional stability.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a non-provisional patent application of a previously filed U.S. provisional patent application 62/978,924 having a U.S. filing date of Feb. 20, 2020. The aforesaid U.S. provisional patent application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The applicant claims the benefit of and claims priory to the aforesaid U.S. provisional patent application and its filing date and priority date.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to area covers and shelters, and more particularly, to pontoon covers for docks, boats, vehicles, or other objects, areas, or both.

Related Art

Area covers such as pontoon covers are difficult to install and to remove. For example, to install a pontoon cover, first, a large, bulky, and heavy cover must be carried from storage to the area where the pontoon is located. The bulky, heavy cover is then unrolled and/or unfurled over an uneven structure (the pontoon). Each corner and side of the cover must be pulled to tightly draw the cover over the pontoon. Then the cover must be snapped onto the pontoon at regular intervals at its corners and sides. Additionally, multiple poles must be installed under the covers to create a tenting effect to prevent formation of water puddles over the cover. This process is often difficult and requires significant amount of time and effort. Moreover, to remove an installed pontoon cover from the pontoon, the above described difficult and time-consuming steps must be repeated—but in a reverse order.

Other area cover systems present similar difficulties and challenges. In fact, canopies or other shading systems not only present the similar difficulties and challenges, but potentially even more steps and difficulties. For example, tenting for garage sales or graduation parties may present additional steps of assembly of tent or canopy poles, engagement of pole interconnections and tie downs, and staking/anchoring of multiple corners or edges of the tenting or canopy system. Each of these steps is difficult, time-consuming, tedious, and may increase the risk of mal-assembly and even injury.

Accordingly, there remains a need for covering apparatus that overcomes these shortcomings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The need is met by the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for covering an area is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of bases located near to a first side of the area and positioned substantially normal to ground. A plurality of flexible rods, each flexible rod having a first end and a second end opposite the first end is provided, the first end of each flexible rod connected to one of the plurality of bases, extending from the base at a predefined angle. Covering material is secured to the plurality of flexible rods. The covering material gathers near the plurality of bases. The covering material may be fastened to at least one of the plurality of bases.

The apparatus may also include a plurality of attachment mechanisms located near to a second side of the area. The plurality of flexible rods is bent over the area forming arch-shaped overhangs over the area. Then, the plurality of flexible rods is detachably attached to the plurality of attachment mechanisms. Then, the covering material is spread along the plurality of flexible rods covering the area. The spread covering material is then attached to at least one of the plurality of attachment mechanisms. The area being covered may be a boating dock adapted to receive a boat.

The apparatus may also include at least one guy line attached to the cover material or to at least one bent flexible rod, and also attached to a stable article. The flexible rods of the apparatus may have different configuration compared to each other. That is, a first flexible rod may have a first configuration and a second flexible rod may have a second configuration that is different than the first configuration. The apparatus may also include a stabilizer attached to the plurality of bases.

In another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for covering an area includes a plurality of bases located near a first side of the area and is positioned substantially normal to ground. A plurality of extension rods are connected to the plurality of bases, each extension rod connected to one of the bases at a predefined extension angle. A plurality of flexible rods are connected to the plurality of extension rods, each flexible rod connected to one of the plurality of extension rods. Covering material is secured to the plurality of flexible rods. The covering material gathers near the plurality of bases. The covering material may be fastened to at least one of the plurality of bases.

The apparatus may also include a plurality of attachment mechanisms located near a second side of the area. A plurality of second side extension rods are connected to the plurality of attachment mechanisms, each extension rod connected to one of the plurality of attachment mechanisms. The plurality of flexible rods is detachably attachable to the plurality of second side extension rods. The covering material is detachably attachable to at least one of the second side flexible rods or at least one of the attachment mechanisms.

The plurality of flexible rods is bent over the area forming arch-shaped overhangs over the area and the plurality of flexible rods is detachably attached to the plurality of second side extension rods. The covering material is spread along the plurality of flexible rods covering the area. The covering material may also be fastened to at least one of the plurality of attachment mechanisms or at least one of the plurality of second side extension rods.

At least one guy line may be attached to the cover material or to at least one bent flexible rod, and also attached to a stable article. The flexible rods of the apparatus may have different configuration compared to each other. That is, a first flexible rod may have a first configuration and a second flexible rod may have a second configuration that is different than the first configuration. The apparatus may also include a stabilizer attached to the plurality of bases.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method of covering an area is disclosed. A plurality of bases is provided, the bases located proximal to a first side of the area and positioned substantially normal to ground. A plurality of flexible rods is provided, each flexible rod having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end of each flexible rod is connected to one of the plurality of bases and extends from the base at a predefined angle. Covering material is secured to the plurality of flexible rods. A plurality of attachment mechanisms are provided, the plurality of attachment mechanisms located proximal to a second side of the area. The plurality of flexible rods is bent over the area toward a second side of the area, the plurality flexible rods forming arch-shaped overhangs. The second ends of the plurality of flexible rods are connected to the attachment mechanisms. The covering material is spread over the area along the plurality of flexible rods to provide cover over the area.

The covering material may be fastened to a second side structure, the second side structure including attachment mechanisms, extension rods, and ground. A guy line is attached to the cover material or to at least one bent flexible rod, and the guy line is also attached to a stable article.

The flexible rods of the apparatus may have different configuration compared to each other. That is, a first flexible rod may have a first configuration and a second flexible rod may have a second configuration that is different than the first configuration. The apparatus may also include a stabilizer attached to the plurality of bases.

Accordingly, the area cover of the present invention presents a solution to the shortcomings of the existing covering systems and devices. These and other advantages of the present invention are apparent to those skilled in the art from the drawings and the detailed description presented herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective schematic view of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is another perspective schematic view of the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 1 in a different position;

FIG. 2A is a side schematic view of a portion of the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2B is a side schematic view of an alternative embodiment of the portion illustrated in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 is a perspective schematic view of the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 1 but also showing a different configuration and another element;

FIG. 4 is a perspective schematic view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side schematic view of a portion of the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 4 in a different position;

FIG. 6 is a top schematic view of a portion of yet another embodiment of the present invention illustrating another aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a front schematic view of a yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a portion of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7; and

FIG. 9 is a front schematic view of a yet another embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIG. 1A, one example embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention is illustrated as an area cover 100 for covering an area 103 (generally occupied by a boat 110 in the illustrated embodiment). The area cover 100 includes a plurality of bases 122, 124, 126, and 128 located proximal to a first side 105 of the area 103. In the illustrated example, the first side 105 is proximal to the port side of the illustrated boat 110.

The plurality of bases 122, 124, 126, and 128 is positioned substantially normal to the ground. In FIG. 1, the ground is not shown because the bases 122, 124, 126, and 128 may be mounted on ground under water. Here, term “ground” may include, for example, and without limitations, earth, concrete, sub-surface structures, under water, floor, boardwalk, dock, or such appropriate object or surface in or on which the bases 122, 124, 126, and 128 may be positioned, mounted, installed, nailed, or otherwise affixed. For the illustrated area cover 100, each of the plurality of bases 122, 124, 126, and 128 is positioned substantially normal to the ground surface, or mostly perpendicular, to the ground. That is, the plurality bases 122, 124, 126, and 128 stick up from the ground, that is, at or near 90 degree angle relative to the ground surface. However, depending on the implementation this angle may vary. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the plurality bases 122, 124, 126, and 128 is positioned in a straight line relative to each other as indicated by directional indicator 151. Other applications may vary relative position and angular position of the plurality bases 122, 124, 126, and 128 with respect to each other.

For the illustrated area cover 100, four bases 122, 124, 126, and 128 are shown. However, in other applications, as few as two bases may be used. Yet in other applications, many more than four bases may be used. For the present invention, term “plurality” means any number greater than one. In the area cover 100, each of the plurality of bases 122, 124, 126, and 128 has similar configurations compared to each other. In other applications, the configuration of each of the plurality of bases 122, 124, 126, and 128 may be different compared to others in the same plurality. For example, even in this example, some bases may be longer, thicker, or both depending on the depth of the water in which it is placed.

FIG. 2A illustrates the base 122 and the flexible rod 142 in more detail. Referring to FIGS. 1A and 2A, the area cover 100 includes a plurality of flexible rods 142, 144, 146, and 148. Each flexible rod is connected to one of the bases 122, 124, 126, 128. In the illustrated example embodiment, the flexible rod 142 is connected to the base 122; the flexible rod 144 is connected to the base 124; and so forth. For the example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, connections of the plurality of flexible rods 142, 144, 146, and 148 to the plurality of bases 122, 124, 126, 128 are implemented as direct attachment using nuts 121, bolts 123, or other means 125 such as, for example, u-bolts or u-clamps. However, in other applications, the plurality of flexible rods 142, 144, 146, and 148 may be connected via additional elements or intervening devices such as, for example only, extension rods. In the illustrated area cover 100, each of the plurality flexible rods 142, 144, 146, and 148 have similar configuration compared to each other. In other applications, the configuration of each of the plurality flexible rods 142, 144, 146, and 148 may be different compared to others in the same plurality. Different configuration may mean differences in length, thickness, material, or any combination of these or other attributes of the flexible rods 142, 144, 146, and 148 compared to each other.

FIG. 1B is another perspective schematic view of the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 1 with a different position. In FIG. 1B, the plurality of flexible rods 142, 144, 146, and 148 is shown as having been bent over the area 103 forming arch-shaped overhang over the area 103. FIG. 1B has many portions that are identical to corresponding portions of the area cover 100 of FIG. 1A. Reference numerals for many of the corresponding portions are not repeated in FIG. 1B to minimize clutter and to increase clarity.

Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2A, the flexible rod 142 has a first end 141 and a second end 143 opposite the first end 141. The first end 141 of the flexible rod 142 is attached to the base 122, and extends from the base 122 at a predefined angle. In the illustrated example, the base 122 and the flexible rod 142 are coaxial. That is, the base 122 and the flexible rod 142 have the same major axis and the predefined angle is zero. Accordingly, the flexible rod 142 extends from the base 122 in the same direction and is substantially normal to the ground on which the base 122 is positioned. The base 122 can be implemented using a variety of different apparatus and mechanisms such as, for example only, metal tubing, nail, peg, rebar, concrete, spike, stake, deadweight, weight plate, anchor, screw, log, plank, or any combination of these or other means.

In other applications, the flexible rod 142 may be attached to the base 122 at an angle (predefined angle) that is other than zero. This is illustrated in FIG. 2B. FIG. 2B is a side schematic view of an alternative embodiment of the portion illustrated in FIG. 2A. In this alternative embodiment, a flexible rod 642 is connected to a base 622 at a predefined angle 631. In this case, the predefined angle 631 is approximately ten degrees from the major axis of the base 122. The angle may vary depending on the application.

Referring again to FIGS. 1A, 2A, and more particularly to FIG. 1B, the plurality of flexible rods 142, 144, 146, and 148 is detachably attached to a plurality of attachment mechanisms 162, 164, 166, and 168. The plurality of attachment mechanisms 162, 164, 166, and 168 is affixed to a boardwalk 109 proximal to a second side 107 of the area 103. In the illustrated example, the second side 107 is proximal the starboard side of the boat 110. Accordingly, and in particular, the second end 143 of each of the plurality of flexible rods 142, 144, 146, and 148 is, when bent toward the second side 107 of the area 103, detachably attached to one of the plurality of attachment mechanisms 162, 164, 166, and 168. Each of the attachment mechanisms 162, 164, 166, and 168 may include a hook, a loop, or other mechanisms to which the plurality of flexible rods 142, 144, 146, and 148 may be connected or attached. Alternatively, the plurality of attachment mechanisms 162, 164, 166, and 168 includes more robust configuration (than a simple loop or a hook) and may be implemented similar to (but not necessarily identical with) configuration or structure of the plurality of base 122, 124, 126, and 128.

Each of the plurality of flexible rods 142, 144, 146, and 148 may include, at its second end 143, an attachment terminal 145 to allow the flexible rod to detachably attach to the plurality of attachment mechanisms 162, 164, 166, and 168. If the plurality of flexible rods 142, 144, 146, and 148 is implemented using fiberglass or other material, the attachment terminal 145 may include, for example, a metal tube housing the flexible rod, the metal tube having a loop, a hook, or other attachable flange. Alternatively, the flexible rod 142 may be molded or manufactured to include the attachment terminal 145 as a part of its structure

The area cover 100 includes covering material 160 secured to the plurality of flexible rods 142, 144, 146, and 148. FIG. 1A shows the covering material 160 in its rest state and FIG. 1B shows the covering material 160 beginning to be spread out to provide cover over the area 103. The cover material may define sleeves through which the plurality of flexible rods 142, 144, 146, and 148 are fed through, resulting in a secure engagement of the covering material 160 with the plurality of flexible rods 142, 144, 146, and 148. In other applications, various other methods may be used to secure the covering material 160 with the plurality of flexible rods 142, 144, 146, and 148 such as, for example, use of hook and loop (Velcro) straps, loops sewn on the covering material 160, or other methods.

The covering material 160 may be fastened to at least one of the plurality of bases 122, 124, 126, and 128, or fastened to the first end 141 of the plurality of flexible rods 142, 144, 146, and 148, or other structures such as, for example, a stabilizer 130 (discussed in more detail below). When not spread to cover the area 103, the covering material 160 gathers at one side of the area 103 proximal to, or near, the bases 122, 124, 126, and 128. This is illustrated in FIG. 1A. After bending the plurality of flexible rods 142, 144, 146, and 148 and attaching them to the attachment mechanisms 162, 164, 166, and 168, the covering material 160 may be spread along the plurality of flexible rods 142, 144, 146, and 148 to cover the area 103. FIG. 1B illustrates the covering material 160 partially spread along the plurality of flexible rods 142, 144, 146, and 148. FIG. 3 illustrates the covering material 160 spread over the area 103. Once the covering material 160 is spread over the area 103, it may be attached to at least one of the attachment mechanisms 162, 164, 166, and 168. This prevents the covering material 160 from shifting from winds or from failing to cover portions of the area 103.

The covering material 160 is typically made of tarpaulin, canvas, heavy cloth, cotton, hemp, linen, nylon, other sheet-like material, or any combination of these, often but not necessarily waterproof. When the plurality of flexible rods 142, 144, 146, and 148 are at rest, the covering material 160 collapses or crumples in regular or irregular form, gathering proximal to the plurality of bases 122, 124, 126, and 128 while still secured to the plurality of flexible rods 142, 144, 146, and 148. Because it crumples into a more compact mass, the covering material 160 is easier to manage and is less susceptible to winds compared to such characteristics when it is spread out, or otherwise remains in fully or partially expanded state.

FIG. 3 illustrates the area cover 100 of FIG. 1A but shows a different configuration and another aspect of the area cover 100. The area cover 100 of FIG. 3 has many portions that are similar to corresponding portions of the area cover 100 of FIG. 1A. Reference numerals for these corresponding portions are not repeated in FIG. 3 to minimize clutter and to increase clarity. Referring to FIG. 3, for the area cover 100, the covering material 160 is over the area 103, providing cover for the entire area 103. After the covering material 160 is spread over the area 103 along the plurality of flexible rods 142, 144, 146, and 148, the covering material 160 may be fastened to at least one of second side structures. The second side structures include the plurality of attachment mechanisms, 162, 164, 166, and 168, any second side extension rods, or just the ground.

Referring to FIGS. 1A through 3, the area cover 100 also includes guy lines 172 and 174. The guy lines 172 and 174 are tension cables utilized to add stability to the area cover 100 by preventing bent external flexible rods 142 and 148 from leaning toward internal flexible rods 144 and 146, respectively. The first guy line 172 may be attached to the covering material 160 and attached to a stable article such as a ground or an object. In the illustrated embodiment, the first guy line 172 attaches to the covering material 160 via a grommet 161 of the covering material 160 and also attaches to the stern of the boat 110. In an alternative embodiment, the guy line 172 may attach to the flexible rod 142 and to the boat 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the second guy line 174 is attached to another portion of the covering material 160 and to the bow of the boat 110. The guy lines 172 and 174 may be implemented using any device, rod, rope, or cable. For example, bungee cords may be used for the guy lines 172 and 174.

Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 3, a stabilizer 130 is attached to the plurality of bases 122, 124, 126, and 128. The stabilizer 130 provides increased strength and stability to the area cover 100 in general and, in particular, to the plurality of bases 122, 124, 126, and 128. This is especially useful if the plurality of bases 122, 124, 126, and 128 are mounted in ground that may shift such as, for example, sand, lake bottoms, or under water ground. In some applications, objects such as the boat 110 may drift into one or more of the plurality of bases 122, 124, 126, and 128 due to wind, waves, or undesired operations of the boat 110. For such cases, the stabilizer 130 provides increased strength and stability to the area cover 100 in general and, in particular, to the plurality of bases 122, 124, 126, and 128. Moreover, the stabilizer 130 may act as the supporting structure for the covering material 160 as illustrated in FIG. 1A. In the illustrated embodiment, the stabilizer 130 is implemented as a wooden board. In other applications, the stabilizer 130 may be implemented as a cylinder, bar, or other configurations using metal, plastic, wood, or other suitable material.

The covering material 160 is typically fastened to at least one of first side structures. The first side structures include the plurality of bases 122, 124, 146, and 128, the plurality of flexible rods 142, 144, 146, and 148, the stabilizer 130, or any extension rods that may have been used.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 1A through 3, the bases 122, 124, 126, and 128 may have identical configurations compared to each other; and of flexible rods 142, 144, 146, and 148 may have identical configuration compared to each other. However, for other applications, configurations of their plurality of bases may be different compared to each other, configurations of their plurality of flexible rods may be different compared to each other, or both. For example, depending on the depths of water in the illustrated example embodiment, the bases 122, 124, 126, and 128 may have different configuration compared to each other for each of the bases 122, 124, 126, and 128 to reach the ground under varying depths of water. Different configuration may include, for example only without limitation, different length, different thickness, different material, or any combination of these.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate different configurations of flexible rods of a sample embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective schematic view of another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a side schematic view of a portion of and area cover 200 illustrated in FIG. 4. For convenience, in FIG. 5, covering material 160 of FIG. 4 is not shown, and flexible rods (represented by two flexible rods with reference numbers 242 and 248) are in a state before they are bent toward its second side 107 of the area 103. Accordingly, in FIG. 5, flexible rods 242 and 248 extend straight up from the bases 222 and 228, respectively

Referring to FIG. 4, an area cover 200 includes a plurality (six is shown) of bases located proximal to a first side 105 of the area 103 and positioned substantially normal to ground. Of six bases, two bases are assigned reference numbers 222 and 228 for discussion herein. The area cover 200 also includes a plurality (six is shown) of flexible rods. Of six flexible rods, two flexible rods are assigned reference numbers 242 and 248. As illustrated, a first flexible rod 242 has a first length, and a second flexible rod 248 has a second length that is less than the first length. When the flexible rods 242 and 248 are bent and attached at the second side 107 of the area 103, they form arch-shaped overhangs as illustrated in FIG. 4. Because the first flexible rod 242 is longer than the second flexible rod 248, the arch-shaped overhang formed by the first flexible rod 242 has a greater diameter, a greater chord, or both compared to the arch-shaped overhang formed by the second flexible rod 248.

Referring again to FIG. 1A, for the area cover 100, as discussed above, the plurality of bases 122, 124, 126, and 128 are positioned linearly. That is, the bases 122, 124, 126, and 128 are positioned in a straight line relative to each other as indicated by the directional indicator 151. The present invention is not limited to such implementation. In other applications, bases may have different positional configuration. FIG. 6 is a top schematic view of a portion of yet another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 6, yet another embodiment of the area cover 300 is illustrated. Similar to FIG. 1, FIG. 6 illustrates a plurality of bases 322, 324, 326, and 328 located proximal to a first side 105 of the area 103. The bases 322, 324, 326, and 328 are positioned substantially normal to ground. A plurality of flexible rods 342, 344, 346, and 348 are attached the bases 322, 324, 326, and 328. To minimize clutter and increase clarity, sleeve material for the area cover 300 is not shown in FIG. 6.

For the area cover 300, the flexible rods 342, 344, 346, and 348 are not yet bent toward the second side 107. Since this is a top schematic view, the bases 322, 324, 326, and 328 and the flexible rods 342, 344, 346, and 348 are illustrated in FIG. 6 as concentric circles. Here, as is readily apparent, the bases 322, 324, 326, and 328 are not positioned in a straight line relative to each other (see FIG. 1 for example of linear positioning). Rather, the bases 322, 324, 326, and 328 are positioned in a zigzag (non-linear) pattern. The zigzag pattern is indicted by arrows 153, 155, and 157.

FIG. 7 is a front schematic view of yet another embodiment of the present invention illustrating another aspect of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 7, the present invention is illustrated as an area cover 400 for covering an area 403 (generally occupied by a table 410, benches 412, and a person 414 in the illustrated embodiment). In this example, the area 403 may be a picnic area.

The area cover 400 includes a plurality of bases. Because FIG. 7 illustrates a front view, only the first base 422 is visible in FIG. 7. Other bases are hidden behind the first base 422. For this reason, single reference number 422 is used herein to generically refer to the plurality of bases or refer to the single first base depending on the context. The plurality of bases 422 is located proximal to a first side 405 of the area 403. Again, “plurality” means any number greater than one. The plurality of bases 422 is positioned substantially normal to the ground. In this application, as an example only, the plurality of bases 422 are implemented as a spike driven into the ground 409.

A plurality of extension rods are connected to the plurality of bases 422. Because FIG. 7 illustrates a front view, only the first extension rod 432 is visible in FIG. 7. Other extension rods are hidden behind the first extension rod 432. For this reason, single reference number 432 is used herein to generically refer to the plurality of extension rods or refer to the single first extension rod depending on the context. FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a portion of the area cover 400.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, for the area cover 400, the plurality of extension rods 432 is not coaxial to the plurality of the bases 422. Rather, each extension rod 432 is connected to one of the plurality of bases 422 at a predefined extension angle indicated in FIG. 8 by dimensioning marker 431. Depending on the application, the value of this angle may vary widely and may even be zero. In the illustrated example, the predefined extension angle 431 is approximately five degrees relative to the major axis of the base 422.

A plurality of flexible rods 442 are connected to the plurality of extension rods 432. Because FIG. 7 illustrates a front view, only the first flexible rod 442 is visible in FIG. 7. Other flexible rods are hidden behind the first flexible rods 442. For this reason, single reference number 442 is used herein to generically refer to the plurality of flexible rods or refer to the single first flexible rod depending on the context. Each flexible rod 442 is connected to one of the plurality of extension rods 432 at a predefined extension angle. A covering material 460 is secured to the plurality of flexible rods 442 and is fasten to at least one of the plurality of extension rods 432.

In FIG. 7, the flexible rods 442 are shown as having been bent over the area 403 forming arch-shaped overhang over the area 403. Further, the covering material 460 is shown as having been spread over the area 403. However, before the covering material 460 was spread over the area 403, it would have gathered either on the flexible rods 442 near the extension rods 432 or on the extension rods 432 near the bases 422.

The area cover 400 may include a plurality of attachment mechanisms represented by the first attachment mechanism 462. Other attachment mechanisms are hidden behind the first attachment mechanism 462 in the illustration. The reference number 462 is used herein to generically refer to the plurality of attachment mechanisms or refer to the single first attachment mechanism depending on the context. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of second side extension rods 472 are attached to the attachment mechanisms 462. And, finally, when the flexible rods 442 are bent over the area 403, they are attached to the second side extension rods 472 rather than directly to the attachment mechanisms 462.

FIG. 9 is a front schematic view of a yet another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 9, the present invention is illustrated as an area cover 500 for covering an area 503 (generally occupied by a vehicle 510 in the illustrated embodiment). In this example, the area 503 may be a car port or other storage area.

The area cover 500 includes a plurality of bases represented by the first base 522. Other bases are hidden behind the first bases 522 in the illustration. The reference number 522 is used herein to generically refer to the plurality of bases or refer to the single first base depending on the context. The plurality of bases 522 is positioned substantially normal to the ground 509 and proximal to a first side 505 of the area 503.

A plurality of flexible rods, represented by the first flexible rod 542 is connected to the plurality of bases 522. Other flexible rods are hidden behind the first flexible rod 542 in the illustration. The reference number 542 is used herein to generically refer to the plurality of flexible rods or refer to the single first flexible rods depending on the context. As illustrated, first end 541 of each of the flexible rods 542 attaches to one of the plurality of bases 522. In the illustration, the plurality of flexible rods 542 is not yet bent toward the second side 507 of the area 503. Accordingly, the plurality of flexible rods 542 extends from the bases 522, straight up from the ground 509. In this position, covering material collapses and gathers proximal to the plurality of bases 522.

The area cover 500 may also include a plurality of attachment mechanisms represented by the first attachment mechanism 562. Other attachment mechanisms are hidden behind the first attachment mechanisms 562 in the illustration. The reference number 562 is used herein to generically refer to the plurality of attachment mechanisms or refer to the single first attachment mechanisms depending on the context.

Portions 529 and 539 of FIG. 9 include exploded schematic illustrations. In portion 529, details of one exemplary implementation of the connection of the first base 522 and the first flexible rod 542 using nuts, washers, bolts or other means such as, for example only, u-bolts or u-clamps. In portion 539, one exemplary implementation of the implementation of the attachment mechanism 562 using a bolt, a nut, and a Carabiner clip 547.

To cover the area 503 using the present invention, the above illustrated, described, and discussed items must be provided in the illustrated, described, and discussed configuration. Then, the plurality of flexible rods 542 are bent toward the second side 507 of the area 503. Next, second ends 543 of the plurality of flexible rods 542 are connected to the plurality of attachment mechanisms 562. In the illustrated example, an attachment terminal 545 (a loop in the present example) installed on the second end 543 of each of the plurality of flexible rods 542 are connected to the Carabiner clip 547. Such connection would form the plurality of flexible rods 542 into an arch-shaped overhang over the area 503. Finally, the covering material 560 is spread over the area along the plurality of flexible rods 542. Once the covering material 560 is spread over the area 503, it may be attached to at least one of the attachment mechanisms 562.

The description and drawings presented herein and herewith serve to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The description and drawings presented herein and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. As for the methods disclosed, the steps presented are exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the steps is not necessary or critical. The example embodiments depicted in the Figures and discussed herein are not necessarily drawn to scale. Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the apparatuses illustrated and described herein without departing from the spirit of and scope of the invention.

Moreover, apparatuses illustrated and disclosed herein may be performed by fewer components, additional components, or alternative components. The applicant does not intend any of the claims or claim elements to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the words “means for” or “step for” are explicitly used in the claim.

Claims

1. An apparatus for covering an area comprising:

a plurality of bases located proximal to a first side of the area and positioned substantially normal to ground;

a plurality of flexible rods, each flexible rod having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the first end of each flexible rod is connected to one of said plurality of bases and extends from the base at a predefined angle;

covering material secured to said plurality of flexible rods; and

wherein said covering material gathers proximal to said plurality of bases.

2. The apparatus recited in claim 1 further comprising a plurality of attachment mechanisms located proximal to a second side of the area.

3. The apparatus recited in claim 2 wherein said plurality of flexible rods is bent over the area forming arch-shaped overhangs over the area and wherein said plurality of flexible rods is detachably attached to said plurality of attachment mechanisms.

4. The apparatus recited in claim 3 wherein said covering material is spread along said plurality of flexible rods covering the area and wherein said covering material is attached to at least one of said plurality of attachment mechanisms.

5. The apparatus recited in claim 4 further comprising a guy line attached to the cover material or to at least one bent flexible rod wherein the guy line is attached to a stable article.

6. The apparatus recited in claim 1 wherein a first flexible rod of said plurality of flexible rods has a first configuration and a second flexible rod of said plurality of flexible rods has a second configuration.

7. The apparatus recited in claim 1 wherein the area is a boating dock adapted to receive a boat.

8. The apparatus recited in claim 1 wherein said apparatus further comprising a stabilizer attached to said plurality of bases.

9. The apparatus recited in claim 1 wherein said covering material is fasten to at least one of said plurality of bases.

10. The apparatus recited in claim 1 further comprising a plurality of extension rods connecting said plurality of bases to said plurality of flexible rods.

11. An apparatus for covering an area comprising:

a plurality of bases located proximal to a first side of the area and positioned substantially normal to ground;

a plurality of extension rods, each extension rod connected to one of said plurality of bases at a predefined extension angle;

a plurality of flexible rods, each flexible rod connected to one of said plurality of extension rods;

covering material secured to said plurality of flexible rods; and

wherein said covering material gathers proximal to said plurality of bases.

12. The apparatus recited in claim 11 further comprising:

a plurality of attachment mechanisms located proximal to a second side of the area and positioned substantially normal to ground;

a plurality of second side extension rods, each extension rod connected to one of said plurality of attachment mechanisms; and

wherein said plurality of flexible rods are detachably attachable to said plurality of second side extension rods.

13. The apparatus recited in claim 12

wherein said covering material is detachably attachable to a structure selected from a group consisting of at least one of the plurality of attachment mechanisms and at least one of the plurality of second side extension rods.

14. The apparatus recited in claim 12 wherein said plurality of flexible rods is bent over the area forming arch-shaped overhang over the area and wherein said plurality of flexible rods is detachably attached to said plurality of second side extension rods.

15. The apparatus recited in claim 14 wherein said covering material is spread along said plurality of flexible rods covering the area and wherein said covering material is attached to at least one of second side structures, the second side structures including said plurality of attachment mechanisms and plurality of second side extension rods.

16. The apparatus recited in claim 15 further comprising a guy line attached to the cover material or to at least one bent flexible rod and wherein the guy line is attached to a stable article.

17. The apparatus recited in claim 11 wherein a first flexible rod of said plurality of flexible rods has a first configuration and a second flexible rod of said plurality of flexible rods has a second configuration.

18. The apparatus recited in claim 11 wherein said apparatus further comprising a stabilizer attached to said plurality of bases.

19. The apparatus recited in claim 11 wherein said covering material is fasten to at least one of said plurality of bases.

20. A method of covering an area comprising:

providing a plurality of bases located proximal to a first side of the area and positioned substantially normal to ground;

providing a plurality of flexible rods, each flexible rod having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the first end of each flexible rod is connected to one of said plurality of bases and extends from the base at a predefined angle;

providing covering material secured to said plurality of flexible rods;

providing a plurality of attachment mechanisms located proximal to a second side of the area; and

bending said plurality of flexible rods over the area toward a second side of the area, the plurality flexible rods forming arch-shaped overhangs;

connecting the second ends of the plurality of flexible rods to the attachment mechanisms; and

spreading the covering material over the area along the plurality of flexible rods to provide cover over the area.

21. The method recited in claim 20 further comprising a step of fastening the covering material to a second side structure, the second side structure including attachment mechanisms, extension rods, and ground.

22. The method recited in claim 20 further comprising steps of

attaching a guy line to the cover material or to at least one bent flexible rod; and

attaching the guy line to a stable article.

23. The method recited in claim 20 wherein a first flexible rod of said plurality of flexible rods has a first configuration and a second flexible rod of said plurality of flexible rods has a second configuration.