Inflatable field tarp roller

Abstract

A tarp roller system having a roller, adapted to be configured to have a generally cylindrically shaped body; and a lip extending from the roller and adapted for attachment to a tarp, is disclosed. The roller may be inflatable and includes air intake / exhaust valves formed thereon at one or both ends. Upon configuring the roller through the air intake valves into the cylindrical shaped body and disposing the lip under to the tarp, the cylindrically shaped body is operable to engage and roll up the tarp around a longitudinal axis of the cylindrically shaped body.

Description

INFLATABLE FIELD TARP ROLLERTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention is directed to protective surface covers or tarps, generally, and in particular, to improvements to the protection of outdoor or indoor surfaces, including sports arenas and pitches and gymnasium floors, and roller systems for the same.BACKGROUND

[0002] Covers of various composition for the protection of surfaces are known. Such covers are commonly used to protect sports arenas or grass including ice surfaces in a hockey arena, artificial or real turf surfaces in indoor or outdoor stadiums, or to provide safer surfaces for sporting activities rather than concrete, asphalt, cobble stone or the like in many environments.

[0003] Prior art protective covering mechanisms include simple sheets of suitable material such as plywood or hard plastics which are placed atop a surface to be protected, or thick tarps. Among the drawbacks of known mechanisms are ease of use, weight, the inability to quickly roll or unroll and the ability to fold and store the tarps or systems.

[0004] In addition, grass fields may require special care so as not to damage but rather protect the underlying health of the soil and vegetation in a sustainable manner. The complexity of the machinery or mechanism needed to install solid surfaces or to roll and unroll heavy protective covers is another drawback.

[0005] For example, US Patent Number 11,827,489 entitled "Interchangeable tarp deployment system" describes a tarp deployment system that includes a spool gear extending radially from at least one end of the spool, wherein the spool gear is a spur gear; and a cylindrical cage having a series of parallel shafts parallel to and spaced from an axis shaft of the cage.

[0006] The protective covering or tarps are to be collected after use, transported to be stored, and reused in order to reduce ongoing operational expenses associated with their use.

[0007] The use of sturdy materials such as plywood for field covering suffers from drawbacks. The plywood may suffer from damage as it can bend, crack or otherwise warp and have defects. Its weight also leads to reduced ease of installation and removal of these covers under a wide range of applicable conditions near the surfaces to be protected. Further, plywood may damage the surfaces that are being covered.

[0008] Although the basic elements for providing protective surface cover or tarp are known, improvements in systems that increase ease of use and protection provided are desired.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0009] In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a roller including: (a) an inflatable material comprising one or more air intake / exhaust valves, the inflatable material adapted to be inflated from a deflated state to an inflated tubular state having a generally cylindrical body and two ends, the one or more air intake / exhaust valves disposed proximate at least one of the two ends; (b) a lip extending from the cylindrical body of the inflatable material and adapted for engagement with a tarp, wherein the tarp initially covers a field and wherein upon engaging the lip to the tarp, the cylindrical body is operable to roll up the tarp around a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body to uncover the field.

[0010] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of operating an inflatable roller, the inflatable roller comprising: (a) an inflatable material comprising one or more air intake / exhaust valves, the inflatable material adapted to be inflated from a deflated state to an inflated tubular state having a generally cylindrical body and two ends, the one or more air intake / exhaust valves disposed proximate at least one of the two ends; (b) a lip extending from the cylindrical body of said inflatable material and adapted for engagement with a tarp, the method comprising: (i) inflating the inflatable material on the field, proximate a portion of atarp covering a field; (ii) engaging the lip to the tarp so that the lip attaches to the portion of the tarp; and (iii) rolling the cylindrical body around a longitudinal axis of the generally cylindrical body such that said rolling of the cylindrical body rolls up the tarp around the cylindrical body, thereby uncovering the field.

[0011] Other technical advantages may become readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after review of the following figures and description.BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] For a better understanding of the embodiments described herein and to show more clearly how the embodiments may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective diagram representation of an inflatable roller with lip, exemplary of an embodiment of the present invention, depicted in its inflated state, with the lip attached to a tarp cover;

[0014] FIG. 2 a side cross-sectional view of the inflatable roller of FIG. 1;

[0015] FIG. 3 a plan view of the roller with lip of FIG. 2;

[0016] FIG. 4 is another plan view of the roller of FIG. 3 showing the placement of the with lip relative to the tarp;

[0017] FIG. 5 is a flowchart that summarizes steps of an exemplary method for using the inflatable roller of FIG. 1;

[0018] FIG. 6 is a flowchart that summarizes steps of another exemplary method for using the inflatable roller of FIG. 1 using an attachment means;

[0019] FIG. 7 is a flowchart that summarizes steps of another exemplary method for using a roller after securing the lip to the body of the roller;

[0020] FIG. 8 is an illustration of a valve system from the outside for use with the inflatable roller of FIG. 1; and

[0021] FIG. 9 is an illustration of the valve system of FIG. 8 from the inside.

[0022] Unless otherwise specifically noted, articles depicted in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] A system that includes a roller having a generally cylindrical body and a lip extending from the roller is disclosed. The lip is adapted for engagement with a tarp covering a field such that upon engaging the lip to the tarp, the cylindrical body of the roller is operable to roll up the tarp around a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body to uncover the field.

[0024] Directional terms such as "top," "bottom," "upwards," "downwards," "vertically," and "laterally" are used in the following description for the purpose of providing relative reference only, and are not intended to suggest any limitations on how any article is to be positioned during use, or to be mounted in an assembly or relative to an environment. The use of the word "a" or "an" when used herein in conjunction with the term "comprising" may mean "one," but it is also consistent with the meaning of "one or more," "at least one" and "one or more than one." Any element expressed in the singular form also encompasses its plural form. Any element expressed in the plural form also encompasses its singular form. The term "plurality" as used herein means more than one, for example, two or more, three or more, four or more, and the like.

[0025] In this disclosure, the terms "comprising", "having", "including", and "containing", and grammatical variations thereof, are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, un-recited elements and / or method steps. The term "consisting essentially of" when used herein in connection with a composition, use or method, denotes that additional elements, method steps or both additional elements and method steps may be present, but that these additions do not materially affect the manner in which the recited composition, method, or use functions. The term "consisting of" when used herein in connection with a composition, use, or method, excludes the presence of additional elements and / or method steps.

[0026] For clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the Figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiment or embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. It should be understood at the outset that, although embodiments are illustrated in the figures and described below, the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the implementations and techniques illustrated in the drawings and described in this disclosure.

[0027] Various terms used throughout the present description may be read and understood as follows, unless the context indicates otherwise: "or" as used throughout is inclusive, as though written "and / or"; singular articles and pronouns as used throughout include their plural forms, and vice versa; similarly, gendered pronouns include their counterpart pronouns so that pronouns should not be understood as limiting anything described herein to use, implementation, performance, etc. by a single gender; "exemplary" should be understood as "illustrative" or as a non-limiting example, and not necessarily as "preferred" over other embodiments. Further definitions for terms may be set out herein; these may apply to prior and subsequent instances of those terms, as will be understood from a reading of the present description. It will also be noted that the use of the term "a" or "an" will be understood to denote "at least one" in all instances unless explicitly stated otherwise or unless it would be understood to be obvious that it must mean "one".

[0028] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatusesdisclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other components and the methods described may include more, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order. As used in this document, "each" refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set.

[0029] FIG. 1 depicts a schematic perspective diagram representation of a tarp roller system 100 that includes an inflatable roller 102a, exemplary of an embodiment of the present invention. Roller 102a includes a lip (not specifically illustrated in FIG. 1) for placement underneath a tarp 106 that covers a pitch or a field 108.

[0030] In FIG. 1, roller 102a is depicted in its fully inflated tubular state. An air intake is provided on the inflatable roller 102a for receiving air. The air may be supplied by an inflator device 112 in fluid communication with the roller 102a via a tube 116. The inflator device 112 may be an air compressor having one or more stages or, a leaf blower, or another forced air supply system.

[0031] Tarp 106 may be made of any suitable material, including but not limited to, plastic material, polyethylene, polypropylene, recycled plastic, carpeting, vinyl, wood veneers, or any suitable material having the strength and flexibility properties necessary for rolling and unrolling.

[0032] Roller 102a is made of an inflatable material such as vinyl, plastic, rubber or other suitable materials.

[0033] In some embodiments, the roller may have a 40-inch (40") diameter and a length of 100 feet (100' long). Of course, in other embodiments, rollers may have different diameters varying from about 30"-50", and their lengths of may be different custom lengths from about 10' to 200', as needed. Excessive length would make the roller more difficult to maneuver, as would a small diameter below about 30" or a large diameter above 50".

[0034] FIG. 2 depicts a side cross sectional view of the inflatable roller 102a of FIG. 1 with lip 104a. Roller 102a is made of an inflatable material and includes an air intake 110. The inflatable material is adapted to be inflated from a deflated state to an inflatedtubular state. In the inflated tubular state, the roller 102a has a generally cylindrical body.

[0035] Lip 104a extending from the inflatable material is adapted for engagement with tarp 106. As will be discussed later, the tarp 106 initially covers a ground or a field such as field 108. Upon engaging the lip 104a to the tarp 106, the cylindrical body is operable to roll up tarp 106 around a longitudinal axis 114 of the cylindrical body to uncover the field 108.

[0036] Advantageously, inflatable roller 102a eliminates the need to fold and unfold a tarp or cover such as tarp 106 prior to installation and removal respectively. As a result of the light weight of the material used, only two people can comfortably roll and unroll a 100ft (30m) wide field tarp cover.

[0037] Lip 104a does not become inflated when roller 102a is inflated but rather remains substantially flat so as to easily fit underneath a tarp. Lip 104a, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, is integrally formed with the inflatable material. In other embodiments, the lip may be secured by a securing means to the inflatable material as will be discussed later.

[0038] The inflator device 112 may be a standard leaf blower or other air blowing device. The inflatable material is inflated from the deflated state to the inflated tubular state by placing an inflator device in fluid communication with the air intake 110.

[0039] The inflator device 112 may be one of an air compressor and a standard leaf blower. The lip 104a may include an attachment means comprises at least one of: heat sealing, welding, taping, gluing, Velcro™, zippers, buttons, locks, rivets or any other permanent or non-permanent affixing means.

[0040] Engaging the lip 104a to the tarp 106 may include inserting the lip underneath the tarp 106 and rolling a portion of one revolution, to allow for the roller 102a to grip the tarp. The gripping is to be enabled by frictional force created by the weight of the roller pinching the tarp between the roller and the lip.

[0041] In some embodiments, roller 102a, when in its inflated tubular state having a cylindrical body, may have dimensions of about 40 inches (40") in diameter and 10'-200', with a length of 20'-100' being fairly optimal for rolling and unrolling with a small crew.

[0042] Roller 102b may form part of a tarp roller system that includes the roller body having a generally cylindrical shape and the lip 104b extending therefrom as shown. Lip 104b is adapted for engagement with tarp 106.

[0043] Like lip 104a, the lip 104b may also include an attachment means such as heat seal, Velcro™, zippers, buttons, and locks. Engaging the lip 104b to the tarp 106 may include inserting the lip underneath the tarp and rolling a portion of one revolution, to allow for the roller to grip the tarp. The gripping is enabled by frictional forces which may increase with the weight of the roller 102b.

[0044] FIG. 3 depicts a plan view of roller 102 with its lip 104 shown extending from the roller's cylindrical body having a longitudinal axis 114. The lip 104 may be integral with the roller or may be secured to the roller by way of a removable or non-removable securing means. FIG. 4 depicts a plan view of the roller 102 of FIG. 3 showing the placement of the lip 104 relative to the tarp 106.

[0045] Lips 104 may be made of a fabric or flexible resilient material. Some embodiments may be made of vinyl or polypropylene. Some embodiments may be made of lightweight material. Some embodiments may be made of plastic or other material that will not rust or corrode in wet conditions.

[0046] Lip 104 may contain one or more attachment means such as Velcro™, zippers, locks, and the like that can be used secure a tarp to the roller 102. In other embodiments, the attachment means may not be required if roller 102 and lip 104 provide a sufficient grip (e.g., by frictional engagement) to roll up the tarp after about a partial to one revolution, pinching the tarp between the lip 104 and the roller 102.

[0047] In operation, inflatable roller 102a is inflated in place and the lip 104a is placed underneath the tarp 106 with or without the use of the attachment means.

[0048] After the lip 104a is inserted underneath the tarp 106 the roller 102 is rolled a partial to about one revolution, to allow for the roller 102 to grip the tarp and facilitateeasier commencement of rolling up the tarp 106 along the longitudinal axis 114 of the inflated roller 102a which attains the shape of a cylinder.

[0049] FIG. 5 depicts a flowchart 600 that summarizes steps of a method exemplary of an embodiment of the present invention, for using the inflatable roller 102a with lip 104a of FIG. 1.

[0050] At step 602, the roller 102a is taken to the field in a deflated state.

[0051] At step 604, the deflated roller is inflated in place to form a cylindrical shaped inflated roller 102a.

[0052] At step 606, the lip 104a extending from the now inflated roller 102a, is placed underneath the tarp 106.

[0053] At step 608, a use rolls the roller at least one revolution to grip tarp 106 between lip 104a and roller 102a in its inflated tubular state.

[0054] At step 610, a user continues to roll tarp 106 until it is full rolled up.

[0055] The method then terminates.

[0056] FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart 700 that summarizes steps of another method exemplary of an embodiment of the present invention, for using the inflatable roller 102a with lip of FIG. 1.

[0057] At step 702, the roller 102a is taken to the field in a deflated state.

[0058] At step 704, the deflated roller is inflated in place to form a cylindrical shaped inflated roller 102a.

[0059] At step 706, the lip 104a extending from the now inflated roller 102a, is attached or secured to the tarp 106.

[0060] As noted above, lips 104 may contain one or more attachment means such as Velcro™, zippers, locks, and the like that secure a tarp to the roller 102. Other attachments may include any separable-fasteners, buttons, or locks with mating members and the like.

[0061] At step 708, a user rolls the roller and continues to roll tarp until it is full rolled up.

[0062] FIG. 8 depicts a flowchart 800 that summarizes steps of a method exemplary of an embodiment of the present invention, for using a roller with an attachable lip.

[0063] At step 802, a user attaches a lip 104 to the roller 102 using any suitable securing means such as a zipper, stitches, glue, heat sealing, welding or other removable or non-removable means. This allows for retrofitting of a lip to roller lacking a lip (e.g., inflatable roller without lip) so that the roller can be used in exemplary embodiments of the methods described herein.

[0064] At step 803, a roller such as roller 102 is taken to the field and engaged with the at least a portion of the tarp. The portion of the tarp may be one edge of the tarp.

[0065] At step 804, a user rolls the roller 102 at least a partial to one revolution to grip tarp 106 between lip 104 and roller in its inflated tubular state.

[0066] At step 808, a user rolls the roller and continues to roll tarp until it is full rolled up.

[0067] The inflatable roller has one or more input / output valves. Such valves may be at either end of the inflated roller, or at both. FIG. 8 depicts a preferred four-valve system, in which valve 132 is a large 5.5" exhaust valve that is sealable while the roller is inflated and can be unsealed to achieve the deflated state.

[0068] The four-valve embodiment includes a 2" input valve 131, a 2" top-up oneway valve 133 and a pressure relief valve 134. The input valve 131 allows for the rapid inflation of the roller. However, when the inflator device is decoupled from the input valve 131, significant air loss occurs, resulting in a less that optimal inflation pressure within the roller. Top-up one-way valve 133 allows the same inflator device to be connected to the roller to top-up the inflation pressure to the optimal level.

[0069] Sub-optimal inflation makes the roller harder to maneuver and makes the gripping action between the lip 104 and the roller body pinching a tarp to be rolled up less effective. On the inside of the top-up one way valve 133, depicted in FIG. 9, is the one-way functionality of the top-up valve 133, namely a flap of air resistant or impermeable material, also indicated as 133, that acts as a one-way valve preventingthe air from leaving the roller during decoupling from the inflator device. The flap is heat sealed to the roller interior surface for at least a portion of its perimeter to create a seal when the internal pressure of the roller is greater than the external pressure. Alternative types of one-way valves could be utilized for the top up valve 133.

[0070] The top-up valve is not ideal to act as the input valve 131 due to the restriction it places on the rate of inflation.

[0071] A fourth valve, a pressure relief valve 134 is also disposed on one or more ends of the roller. The pressure relief valve releases pressure to prevent damage to the roller due to overinflation such as by heating from the sun or ambient temperatures or by the inflator device, or as a consequence of the weight of the tarp on the roller or any other pressure increasing event.

[0072] The above embodiments may be combined with one another to confer advantages that each embodiment introduces.

[0073] Although specific advantages have been enumerated above, various embodiments may include some, none, or all of the enumerated advantages.

[0074] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that there are yet more alternative implementations and modifications possible, and that the above examples are only illustrations of one or more implementations. The scope, therefore, is only to be limited by the claims appended hereto and any amendments made thereto.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 14 July 2025 (14.07.2025)What is claimed is:

1. A roller comprising:(i) an inflatable material comprising one or more air intake / exhaust valves, the inflatable material adapted to be inflated from a deflated state to an inflated tubular state having a cylindrical body and two ends, the one or more air intake / exhaust valves disposed proximate at least one of the two ends;(ii) a lip extending from the cylindrical body of said inflatable material and adapted for engagement with a tarp, wherein the tarp initially covers a field and wherein upon engaging the lip to the tarp, the cylindrical body is operable to roll up said tarp around a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body to uncover the field; and wherein said engaging the lip to the tarp comprises frictional attachment of the lip to the tarp.

2. The roller of claim 1, wherein the inflatable material comprises vinyl.

3. The roller of one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the inflatable material is inflated from the deflated state to the inflated tubular state by placing an inflator device in fluid communication with the one or more air intake / exhaust valves.

4. The roller of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said one or more intake / exhaust valves comprises a sealable exhaust valve and a sealable intake valve.

5. The roller of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said one or more intake / exhaust valves comprises a sealable exhaust valve, a sealable intake valve, a one-way intake valve and a pressure relief valve.

6. The roller of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein said one or more air intake / exhaust are disposed on both of the two ends.

7. The roller of claim 3, wherein the inflator device is one of: an air compressor and a standard leaf blower.

8. The roller of claim 1, wherein said engaging the lip to the tarp further comprises inserting the lip underneath the tarp and rolling a portion of one revolution, to allow for the roller to frictionally grip the tarp.

9. The roller of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical body in said inflated tubular state is 30-50 inches (30-50") in diameter and 10-200 feet (10-200') in length.

10. The roller of claim 1, wherein the lip is integrally formed with the inflatable material.

11. The roller of claim 1, wherein the lip is secured to the inflatable material by a securing means.

12. The roller of claim 11, wherein the securing means is one or more of: heat seal, Velcro™, zipper, stitches, and glue, securing the lip to the cylindrical body.

13. A method of operating an inflatable roller, the inflatable roller comprising:(a) an inflatable material comprising one or more air intake / exhaust valves, the inflatable material adapted to be inflated from a deflated state to an inflated tubular state having a cylindrical body and two ends, the one or more air intake / exhaust valves disposed proximate at least one of the two ends; (b) a lip extending from the cylindrical body of said inflatable material and adapted for engagement with a tarp, the method comprising:(i) inflating the inflatable material on the field, proximate a portion of a tarp covering a field;(ii) engaging the lip to the tarp so that the lip attaches to the portion of the tarp wherein said engaging the lip to the tarp comprises frictional attachment of the lip to the tarp; and(iii) rolling the cylindrical body around a longitudinal axis of the generally cylindrical body such that said rolling of the cylindrical body rolls up the tarp around the cylindrical body, thereby uncovering the field.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the inflatable material comprises vinyl.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the portion is an edge of the tarp.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein said inflating comprises connecting an inflator device in fluid communication with the one or more air intake / exhaust valves.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein said one or more intake / exhaust valves comprises a sealable exhaust valve and a sealable intake valve.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein said one or more intake / exhaust valves comprises a sealable exhaust valve, a sealable intake valve, a one-way intake valve and a pressure relief valve; and wherein said one or mmoorree air intake / exhaust are disposed on both of the two ends.

19. The method of claim 13, wherein said engaging the lip to the tarp comprises inserting the lip underneath the tarp and rolling a portion of one revolution.

20. The method of claim 13, wherein the lip is secured to the inflatable material by a securing means.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the securing means is one or more of: heat seal, Velcro™, zipper, stitches, and glue, securing the lip to the cylindrical body.

22. The method of claim 16, wherein the inflator device is one of: an air compressor and a standard backpack blower.