Visually Distinctive Tarpaulins And Kits Thereof

Abstract

A tarpaulin kit is provided and includes a receptacle and a plurality of sheets of material, each sheet of a sufficient size to cover a standard-sized area, each sheet of material within the kit comprising a flexible material marked with a distinctive marking and color combination identifying a particular standard-sized area. A display element displays the plurality of sheets of material enabling a purchaser or user to customize a particular set of sheets of material.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/735,279, filed Sep. 24, 2018.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A system, kit, and method for customizing kits of variously sized tarpaulins for protective us during painting, construction, or other processes.

BACKGROUND

[0003] A painter or construction worker seeking to protect a floor, stairway, or other surface area from damage or paint is best served by choosing a tarpaulin ("tarp") or drop cloth of dimensions most closely matching the surface area to be protected.

[0004] Currently available tarpaulins are available in a variety of sizes. For instance, a selection of the most common sizes is 12'.times.15', 9'.times.12', 4'.times.12', 4'.times.15', 6'.times.9', 4'.times.5', and 6'.times.8'. However, there remains a problem in conveniently and accurately selecting and identifying properly sized tarps to use in a particular work project, especially those involving multiple areas of various sizes.

[0005] An improved system for providing and selecting a suitably sized or an assortment of suitably sized tarpaulin(s) is needed.

SUMMARY

[0006] Certain deficiencies of the prior art may be overcome by the provision of one or more embodiments of a customizable kit of multi-sized tarpaulins and a point of sale or use display system.

[0007] These and other advantages, aspects, and novel features of the claimed invention, as well as details of illustrative aspects thereof, will be more fully understood from the following description and figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative figures. In the figures, like reference numbers refer to like elements or acts throughout the figures.

[0009] FIG. 1 depicts a table illustrating how distinctive markings and colors may be assigned to distinguish particular sized tarps.

[0010] FIG. 2 depicts truncated top views of sheets of material marked with distinctive graphical designs.

[0011] FIG. 3 depicts a front perspective view of one embodiment of a display of the members of a set of variously-sized tarps.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S)

[0012] Aspects and applications of the invention presented here are described below in the drawings and detailed description of the invention. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting of the inventive concepts. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims have their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. The inventor expressly elects, as the lexicographer choosing language to describe the invention described and claimed herein, to use only the plain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specification and claims unless the specification clearly states otherwise and then further, expressly sets forth the "special" definition of that term and explains how it differs from the plain and ordinary meaning Absent such clear statements of intent to apply a "special" definition, it is the inventor's intent and desire that the simple, plain and ordinary meaning to the terms be applied to the interpretation of the specification and claims.

[0013] The inventor is also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar. Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be further characterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term, or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptive terms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts of English grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms, or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases be given their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in the applicable arts as set forth above.

[0014] Further, the inventor is fully informed of the standards and application of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112, 6. Thus, the use of the words "function," "means" or "step" in the Detailed Description or Description of the Drawings or claims is not intended to somehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112, 6, to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112, 6 are sought to be invoked to define the inventions, the claims will specifically and expressly state the exact phrases "means for" or "step for, and will also recite the word "function" (i.e., will state "means for performing the function of [insert function]"), without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material or act in support of the function. Thus, even when the claims recite a "means for performing the function of . . . " or "step for performing the function of . . . ," if the claims also recite any structure, material or acts in support of that means or step, or that perform the recited function, then it is the clear intention of the inventor not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112, 6. Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112, 6 are invoked to define the claimed inventions, it is intended that the inventions not be limited only to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the preferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function as described in alternative embodiments or forms of the invention, or that are well known present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material or acts for performing the claimed function.

[0015] Referring now to the drawings, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding features throughout the several views. Embodiments of a customizable, tarpaulin kit may include at least two of a tarpaulin element. The tarpaulin kit may contain a multiplicity of the same sized tarp or a plurality of variously sized tarps. The set of tarps in any particular kit is either predetermined by the vendor or is customizable by the purchaser at a point of sale or use from a display element 202.

[0016] A tarpaulin kit includes a receptacle (not illustrated); and a plurality of sheets of material, each sheet of a sufficient size to cover a standard-sized area, each sheet of material within the kit comprising a flexible material marked with a distinctive marking and color combination 102(a-e) identifying a particular standard-sized area. A kit of tarps is customizable with regard to the particular sizes of tarps contained therein. Each sheet of material is of a sufficient size to cover a standard-sized area. One embodiment of a set of tarp sizes has tarp dimensions selected from the group consisting of approximately 12'.times.15', 9'.times.12', 4'.times.12', 4'.times.15', 6'.times.9', 4'.times.5', and 6'.times.8'. The tarpaulin kit contains tarps which are preferably polygonal, or may be circular and/or elliptical in shape. The flexible material includes paper, cotton, canvas, synthetic polymer, tarpaulin, or some combination thereof.

[0017] Each sheet of material includes a graphic design and a color on at least one of a first surface or a second surface, the combination of graphic design and color 102(a-e) distinctively identifying a particular standard-sized area.

[0018] Each sheet of material is secured within a packaging element of substantial transparency through which the graphic design and color combination is viewable by a human eye or a machine sensor from a position outward of the packaging element.

[0019] The receptacle includes a container for storing the plurality of sheets of material. The receptacle includes a resealable container.

[0020] The packaging element containing an individual sheet of material is suitable for display in a retail environment or in a work environment from a display element 202.

[0021] Each tarpaulin kit pre-assembled by a vendor contains a plurality of different colored-coded and/or marked tarpaulins of various sizes. Preferred kits include several sheets of pre-packaged tarpaulins of various sizes, e.g., 12'.times.15', 9'.times.12', 4'.times.12', 4'.times.15', 6'.times.9', 4'.times.5', and 6'.times.8'. These dimensions are for purposes of example only and any individual tarp may range from approximately 2-12 feet in width and from approximately 6-20 feet in length. The various sizes of tarps are selected to correspond to standard-sized rooms or to other areas such as foyers, corridors, and staircases as are known to those of skill in the art. The tarps are generally polygonal to correspond to the shape of a room floor or other surface area which a painter or other user wishes to protect from damage or disfigurement. Tarps may also be generally circular or elliptical for use for draping over a table, appliance, or other raised surface.

[0022] Alternatively, in another embodiment, the kits can be customizable by purchasers at a point of purchase or at a work preparation site by selecting a set of variously-sized tarps that is specific to the particular painting or construction project. The selection of a particular set may be determined by the total number and areas of an entire job regardless of the length of time the job will require, or the selection may be determined by the number and areas expected to be worked on in a particular unit of time (i.e., a day).

[0023] The color-coded sections, for example, may be organized as shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is one embodiment of markings and colors that are assigned to the members of a set of variously sized tarps. The digits 1-8 refer to markings and the letters A-H refer to colors. The markings are chosen to be recognizably distinct from one another. The markings may be alpha numeric, graphical, other symbols, and combinations thereof. The colors are chosen to be recognizably distinct from one another. Additionally, the markings are sized and applied so as to be visible at a convenient distance both as packaged before selection and when deployed in use.

[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates embodiments of a series of tarps (shown truncated), each displaying a distinctive marking. Each marking is understood to be printed or stitched in a distinctive color. For instance, 1/A may be blue "XXXs", 2/B may be green ".tangle-solidup..tangle-solidup..tangle-solidup.s", 3/C may be red "OOOs".

[0025] The markings and colors are consistently assigned to a particular sized tarp, i.e., the color "blue" and a tarp marking of "XXX . . . " is consistently associated with a 12'.times.15' tarp; the color "green" and a tarp marking of ".tangle-solidup..tangle-solidup..tangle-solidup. . . . " is consistently associated with a 4'.times.12' tarp, and a tarp marking of red "OOOs" is consistently associated with a 15'.times.20' tarp. The association of a particular marking and color combination with a particular sized tarp is made by the vendor/manufacturer and is consistently maintained.

[0026] The tarpaulins are constructed of materials familiar to those of skill in the art. The tarps are included of a flexible material. Typical materials are paper, cotton, canvas of various weights and surface treatments (e.g., surface grip texture, spill block), of synthetic polymer (butyl, polypropylene, etc.), tarpaulin, or some combination thereof. The tarp may be composed of a single layer or of multiple layers. A tarpaulin is traditionally understood to refer to a canvas or other material with a protective or waterproofed covering of tar, paint, or wax. However, it is understood that the claimed invention further includes tarps made of any flexible material that can be configured with selected markings and coloring as described herein.

[0027] A system for displaying kits of multi-sized tarps within a retail or work environment may include a plurality of variously sized tarps, a multiplicity of each sized tarp, and a display element 202. The display element 202 presents the plurality of standard sized sheets, the display element presenting a designated space for a multiplicity of each standard size. The display element 202 has a view point extending outwardly toward an access point 206 adjacent to the display element. The display element 202 includes a signage portion 204 to indicate the identity of each designated space for a multiplicity of each standard size sheet of material. The signage portion 204 may advantageously display the marking and color combination as well as the dimensions of the sheet of material displayed in a particular designated space.

[0028] The foregoing illustrates some of the possibilities for practicing the invention. Many other embodiments are possible within the scope and spirit of the invention. It is, therefore, intended that the foregoing description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and that the scope of the invention is given by the appended claims together with their full range of equivalents.

Claims

1. A tarpaulin kit comprising: a receptacle; and a plurality of sheets of material, each sheet of a sufficient size to cover a standard-sized area, each sheet of material within the kit comprising a flexible material marked with a distinctive marking and color combination identifying a particular standard-sized area.

2. The tarpaulin kit according to claim 1, wherein each sheet of material is of a sufficient size to cover a standard-sized area and having dimensions selected from the group consisting of approximately 12'.times.15', 9'.times.12', 4'.times.12', 4'.times.15', 6'.times.9', 4'.times.5', and 6'.times.8'.

3. The tarpaulin kit according to claim 1 wherein the area of each sheet of material is polygonal, circular, or elliptical in shape.

4. The tarpaulin kit according to claim 1, wherein the flexible material comprises paper, cotton, canvas, synthetic polymer, tarpaulin, or some combination thereof.

5. The tarpaulin kit according to claim 1, wherein each sheet of material includes a graphic design and a color on at least one of a first surface or a second surface, the graphic design and color distinctively identifying a particular standard-sized area.

6. The tarpaulin kit according to claim 5 wherein each sheet of material is secured within a packaging element of substantial transparency through which the graphic design and color is viewable by a human eye or a machine sensor from a position outward of the packaging element.

7. The tarpaulin kit according to claim 1 wherein the receptacle comprises a container for storing the plurality of sheets of material.

8. The tarpaulin kit according to claim 7 wherein the receptacle comprises a resealable container.

9. The tarpaulin kit according to claim 6 wherein the packaging element is suitable for display in a retail environment or work environment.

10. A system for displaying tarpaulin kits in a retail environment or in a work environment, the system comprising: a. A plurality of sheets of material in various standard sizes; b. A multiplicity of each sheet of material of each standard size; and c. A display element presenting the plurality of standard size sheets, the display element presenting a designated space for a multiplicity of each standard size; the display element having a view point extending outwardly toward an access point adjacent to said display element.

11. The system for displaying tarpaulin kits according to claim 10, wherein the display element includes a signage portion to indicate the identity of each designated space for a multiplicity of each standard size sheet of material.