WO2015016876A1

WO2015016876A1 - Water bladder retention system and method of use

Info

Publication number: WO2015016876A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/052915
Authority: WO
Inventors: Donald J. GAUDET, Jr.; Aaron GUMMER
Original assignee: Gaudet Donald J Jr; Gummer Aaron
Priority date: 2013-07-31
Filing date: 2013-07-31
Publication date: 2015-02-05

Abstract

The present invention relates to reliable, efficient and relatively safe method and system for securing and maintaining storage covers, particularly for storage covers used in covering grain piles.

Description

WATER BLADDER RETENTION SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

I. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a novel system for securing and maintaining storage covers and its method of use.

II. General Background

[0002] Various types of storage covers, configured in various arrangements, have been developed for covering piles or mounds of material, such as silage (animal feed), salt, sand, calcium carbonate, grain, and the like from the effects of weather, sun, air intrusion, water intrusion and/or insect or rodent infestations while said material is in outside storage. In a first arrangement of storage covers, these storage covers consist of a fabric tarp wherein the perimeter of the fabric tarp is secured to a retaining wall extending around the perimeter of the fabric tarp. At the center of the fabric tarp, and connected to the fabric tarp, exists a lifting ring. After the storage cover is deployed and attached to the lifting ring, the lifting ring is raised and the particulate material is deposited through the lifting ring and under the storage cover.

[0003] In another type of arrangement of storage covers, the storage covers consist of a fabric tarp covering a pile of particulate material wherein the perimeter of the fabric tarp lays approximately parallel to the ground. In contrast to the above described arrangement, the fabric tarp is deployed over the particulate material after the particulate material is piled, and thus does not utilize a lifting ring to deposit particulate material beneath the storage cover. The water bladder retention system of the present invention can be used for either of these arrangements of storage covers, as well as other, alternative arrangements.

[0004] It is advantageous to secure and maintain storage covers over the piles of particulate material to prevent wind from exerting aerodynamic lift on the storage covers, and thus tearing, or peeling away, the storage covers. It is also advantageous to secure the storage covers over the piles of particulate material so that the storage covers prevent fumigants (that are applied to the covered particulate pile) from escaping to the outside atmosphere. The present invention provides a reliable, efficient, low cost and relatively safe method and system for securing and maintaining storage covers. SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0005] An aspect of the present invention includes a storage cover comprising a tarp body, a pocket wherein said pocket is attached to said tarp body, a bladder wherein the majority of said bladder is located inside of said pocket and a hose connection wherein said hose connection is attached to said bladder.

[0006] An additional aspect of the present invention includes a storage cover comprising a tarp body, a pocket wherein said pocket is attached to said tarp body, a bladder wherein the majority of said bladder is located inside of said pocket, a bladder connection wherein said bladder connection is attached to said bladder, and an edge bladder and a hose connection wherein said edge bladder and said hose connection are also connected to said bladder connection.

[0007] A further aspect of the present invention is a water bladder skirt comprising a first piece wherein said first piece comprises a first attachment edge; and a second piece wherein said second piece comprises a second attachment edge and wherein said second attachment edge attaches to said first attachment edge, a skirt pocket wherein said skirt pocket is opposite and parallel to said second attachment edge, and a skirt bladder, wherein the majority of said skirt bladder is located inside said skirt pocket.

[0008] Yet another aspect of the present invention is a water bladder skirt comprising a first piece wherein said first piece comprises a first attachment edge and a supplemental first attachment edge; and a second piece wherein said second piece comprises a second attachment edge and wherein said second attachment edge attaches to said first attachment edge, an attachment flap wherein said attachment flap attaches to said second attachment edge, a skirt pocket wherein said skirt pocket is opposite and parallel to said second attachment edge, and a skirt bladder, wherein the majority of said skirt bladder is located inside said skirt pocket.

[0009] Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method for covering and protecting an area which comprises the steps of providing a storage cover wherein said storage cover comprises a tarp body, a pocket wherein said pocket is attached to said tarp body, a bladder wherein the majority of said bladder is located inside of said pocket and a hose connection wherein said hose connection is attached to said bladder; deploying said storage cover over said area; connecting said hose connection of said bladder to a liquid source having liquid; and filing said bladder with a portion of said liquid by said hose connection.

[0010] Yet a further aspect of the present invention is a method of covering and protecting an area which comprises the steps of: providing a retaining wall surrounding said area; deploying a storage cover over said area wherein said storage cover comprises a tarp body, a center opening in said tarp body, a lifting ring wherein said lifting ring circumscribes said center opening, a pocket wherein said pocket is attached to said tarp body, a bladder wherein the majority of said bladder is located inside of said pocket, and a hose connection wherein said hose connection is attached to said bladder; lifting said lifting ring; depositing material through said center opening and underneath said storage cover; securing said storage cover to said retaining wall; connecting said hose connection of said primary bladder to a liquid source having liquid; and filing said primary bladder with a portion of said liquid by said hose connection.

[0011] Yet an additional aspect of the present invention is a method for covering and protecting an area which comprises the steps of: providing a storage cover wherein said storage cover comprises a tarp body; a pocket wherein said pocket is attached to said tarp body, a primary bladder wherein the majority of said primary bladder is located inside of said pocket; a bladder connection wherein said bladder connection is attached to said primary bladder; and an edge bladder and a hose connection wherein said edge bladder and said hose connection are also connected to said bladder connection; deploying said storage cover over said area; connecting said hose connection of said bladder connection to a liquid source having liquid; and filing said primary bladder and said edge bladder with a portion of said liquid by said hose connection.

[0012] Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method of covering and protecting an area which comprises the steps of: providing a retaining wall surrounding an area; deploying a storage cover over said area wherein said storage cover comprises a tarp body, a center opening in said tarp body, a lifting ring wherein said lifting ring circumscribes said center opening, a pocket wherein said pocket is attached to said tarp body, a primary bladder wherein the majority of said primary bladder is located inside of said pocket; a bladder connection wherein said bladder connection is attached to said primary bladder; and an edge bladder and a hose connection wherein said edge bladder and said hose connection are also connected to said bladder connection; lifting said lifting ring; depositing material through said center opening and underneath said storage cover; securing said storage cover to said retaining wall; connecting said hose connection of said bladder connection to a liquid source having liquid; and filing said primary bladder and said edge bladder with a portion of said liquid by said hose connection.

[0013] Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method of covering and protecting an area which comprises the steps of: providing a retaining wall surrounding said area; deploying a storage cover having a perimeter over said area wherein said storage cover comprises a tarp body, a center opening in said tarp body, and a lifting ring wherein said lifting ring circumscribes said center opening; lifting said lifting ring; depositing material through said center opening and underneath said storage cover; providing a bladder skirt comprising a first piece and a second piece wherein said first piece comprises a first attachment edge, and said second piece comprises a second attachment edge, a skirt pocket wherein said skirt pocket is opposite and parallel to said second attachment edge, and a skirt bladder, wherein the majority of said skirt bladder is located inside said skirt pocket and said skirt bladder further attaches to a hose connection; securing said perimeter of said storage cover and said first piece to said retaining wall; attaching said second attachment edge to said first attachment edge; and connecting said hose connection of said bladder connection to a liquid source having liquid; and filing said skirt bladder with a portion of said liquid by said hose connection.

[0014] Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method of covering and protecting an area which comprises the steps of: providing a retaining wall surrounding said area; deploying a storage cover having a perimeter over said area wherein said storage cover comprises a tarp body, a center opening in said tarp body, and a lifting ring wherein said lifting ring circumscribes said center opening; lifting said lifting ring; depositing material through said center opening and underneath said storage cover; providing a bladder skirt comprising a first piece and a second piece wherein said first piece comprises a first attachment edge and a supplemental first attachment edge, and said second piece comprises a second attachment edge, an attachment flap, a skirt pocket wherein said skirt pocket is opposite and parallel to said second attachment edge, and a skirt bladder, wherein the majority of said skirt bladder is located inside said skirt pocket; securing said perimeter of said storage cover and said first piece to said retaining wall; attaching said second attachment edge to said first attachment edge; attaching said attachment flap to said supplemental first attachment edge; connecting said hose connection of said bladder connection to a liquid source having liquid; and filing said skirt bladder with a portion of said liquid by said hose connection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] For a further understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be had to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like parts are given like reference numerals.

[0016] Figure 1 shows a front view of a particulate pile surrounded by a retaining wall and covered by a storage cover having pockets. [0017] Figure 2 shows a plan view of a particulate pile covered by a storage cover having pockets, and also having a center opening for depositing particulate material underneath the storage cover.

[0018] Figure 3 shows a side view of a particulate pile covered by an oval shaped storage cover having pockets wherein the perimeter of the storage cover lays on the ground.

[0019] Figure 4 shows a plan view of a particulate pile covered by an oval shaped storage cover having pockets wherein the perimeter of the storage cover lays on the ground.

[0020] Figure 4A shows a cross-section of a pocket of one embodiment of the present invention wherein inside said pocket is a bladder.

[0021] Figure 4B shows an alternative embodiment of a cross-section of a pocket of the present invention wherein inside said pocket is a bladder.

[0022] Figure 5 shows a plan view of a rectangular shaped storage cover having pockets and further illustrating the bladders and bladder connections.

[0023] Figure 5 A shows a detailed view of a portion of a primary bladder, an edge bladder, a bladder connection, a shut-off valve and an inlet hose.

[0024] Figure 5B shows a detailed view of a primary bladder, an edge bladder, and a bladder connection.

[0025] Figure 6 shows a plan view of an oval shaped storage cover further comprising perimeter bladders.

[0026] Figure 7 shows a first piece and a second piece of a water bladder skirt.

[0027] Figure 8 shows a storage cover, retaining wall, angle iron braces, and a first piece of a water bladder skirt prior to the installation of the second piece of the water bladder skirt.

[0028] Figure 9 shows a storage cover, retaining wall, angle iron braces, and a first piece of a water bladder skirt after the installation of the second piece of the water bladder skirt.

[0029] Figure 9A shows an alternative embodiment of the installation of the second piece of the water bladder skirt.

[0030] Figure 10 shows a plan view of a rectangular storage cover with primary bladders.

[0031] Figure 1 1 shows an alternative embodiment of a plan view of a rectangular storage cover with extended length primary bladders.

[0032] Figure 12 shows an alternative embodiment of a plan view of a rectangular fabric storage cover with extended length primary bladders further comprising a bended region. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Storage covers 10 can come in a variety of sizes and shapes, are made from a variety of materials, and often are designed to specific customer specifications. Figure 1 shows a side view of a particulate pile surrounded by a retaining wall 12, secured by angle iron braces 14, and covered by a storage cover 10 having a tarp body 1 1 of the present invention. The tarp body 11 may be made of a variety of materials— for example, vinyl, polyvinylchloride or polyethylene. In this embodiment, the storage cover 10 is circular in shape, but in alternative embodiments the storage cover 10 may be oval, square or of a different shape. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, at the center of the storage cover 10, is a center opening 16.

[0034] In order to deposit particulate material under the storage cover 10 of Figure 1, a lifting ring 18, which circumscribes the center opening 16, must be attached to the storage cover 10 so that the lifting ring 18 may be used to lift the storage cover 10 off of the ground thereby allowing particulate material to be deposited through the center opening 16 and underneath the storage cover 10.

[0035] As can also be seen in Figure 1, this embodiment of the present invention includes pockets 20 attached to the tarp body 1 1 of the storage cover 10. The pockets 20 can be made of the same or different material than the tarp body 11 , and may be made of, for example, vinyl, polyvinylchloride or polyethylene. Inside of each of the pockets 20 is a bladder 26 (see, e.g., Figures 4A and 4B). After deployment of the storage cover 10, all or some of the bladders 26 can be filled, partially or completely, with a liquid (e.g., water). By filling the bladders 26 with a liquid, they weigh down the storage cover 10, efficiently securing it over the pile of particulate material. We speculate that it will be desirable to only partially fill the bladders 26 as this will make the bladders 26 more flexible and will also accommodate volume changes of the liquid inside the bladders 26 due to a temperature drop. Additionally, where the liquid used to fill the bladders 26 is water or some other liquid with a relatively high freezing point, we speculate it may be desirable to add anti-freeze (and specifically, pet-safe or low toxicity anti-freeze) to said liquid of the bladders 26 to prevent freezing of said liquid inside of the bladders 26. Figure 2 shows a plan view of the circular storage cover 10 of Figure 1.

[0036] The storage covers 10 of the present invention may also be used without retaining walls 12, such that the perimeter of the storage cover 10 lies on the ground. The storage covers 10 of the present invention used without retaining walls 12 may also be of various shapes, such as oval in shape. Figures 3 and 4 depict an oval-shaped storage cover 10 with pockets 20 attached to the tarp body 11, and deployed without retaining walls 12. [0037] As shown in cross-section in Figures 4A and 4B, each pocket 20 is comprised of a pocket body 22 having two outer edges 24. Each of said outer edges 24 attaches to the exterior of the tarp body 11. Said outer edges 24 can be attached to the exterior of the tarp body 1 1 by heat sealing, sewing, hook-and-loop fasteners, or any other method known in the art. In Figure 4A, the interior side of the outer edges 24 are attached to the exterior of the tarp body 1 1. In an alternative embodiment, and as shown in Figure 4B, each of said outer edges 24 are tucked under the bladder so that the exterior side of the outer edges 24 are attached to the exterior of the tarp body 1 1.

[0038] Further, inside each pocket 20 is a bladder 26. Each pocket body 22 is approximately eleven (1 1) inches in width, but may range from five (5) to twenty (20) inches (or longer) in width depending on the size of the bladder or customer specifications. The pockets 20 are spaced approximately three (3) to twelve (12) feet from each other along the storage cover 10, but may also be spaced closer or further from each other. The exact spacing is dependent on customer specification and the environment in which the storage cover will be deployed. The length of each pocket 20 will depend on the size of the storage cover, and will often equal the width or diameter of the storage cover 10, but may be shorter.

[0039] Each bladder 26 is comprised of a lay-flat hose. Alternatively, each bladder 26 may comprise a round hose or any element known in the art capable of retaining water. Each bladder 26 may be seven (7) inches in diameter and made often mil polyvinylchloride (PVC), however the bladder 26 may alternatively be smaller or larger in diameter, made of different material (such as vinyl) and be of a different thickness depending on customer specifications and the intended use of the storage cover 10. Such lay-flat hoses are commercially available from, for example, Delta Plastics of Little Rock, Arkansas. The bladders 26 of the present invention may be movable within the pocket 20 or, alternatively, the bladders may be attached to the pockets 20 or the exterior of the tarp body 1 1 via thermal bonding (or any other similar method known in the art). The bladders 26, if movable within the pocket 20, may be able to be replaced or interchanged without having to replace the entire storage cover 10.

[0040] Figure 5 shows a plan view of a rectangular shaped storage cover 10 having pockets 20 (the outer edges 24 of the pockets 20 shown by the dotted lines) attached to the tarp body 11 and further illustrating the bladders 26 and bladder connections 30 of the storage cover 10. As can be seen in Figure 5, a plurality of bladders 26 run in parallel across the width of the storage cover 10 - these parallel running bladders 26 are referred to as primary bladders 32. Each of said primary bladders 32 is connected at each end to what is referred to as an edge bladder 34 using bladder connections 30. The edge bladders 34 are not enclosed by pockets 20. By connecting all of the bladders 26 (primary bladders 32 and edge bladders 34), the bladders 26 can be filled simply and efficiently from a minimum number of hose connections 38.

[0041] The bladder connections 30 shown in Figure 5 comprise t-shaped bladder connections 30 that can be made from plastic, metal or any other suitable material. Figure 5B shows a close up of a primary bladder 32 and a first edge bladder 34 and a second edge bladder 34 all of which are connected by a t-shaped bladder connection 30. The bladders 26 (primary bladder 32 and edge bladders 34) may be attached to the bladder connection 30 via a clamp 74, glue or other connection known in the art. As an optional feature, the bladder connection 30 may incorporate a shut-off valve (such as a ball valve, gate valve, butterfly valve or other type of valve known in the art) capable of stopping water flow from one edge bladder 34 to another edge bladder 34. By incorporating a shut-off valve into the bladder connection 30, the user is able to direct water (or drain water from) a single portion of the storage cover 10. This may be desirable when particulate matter is only located beneath a portion of the storage cover 10 or when more weight (and thus more water) is needed at a particular area of the storage cover 10 as compared to the remainder of the storage cover 10.

[0042] Figure 5A depicts a hose connection 38 and a shut-off valve 36 attached to the bladder connection 30. The hose connection 38 allows the user to connect a selected bladder 26 (which may comprise an edge bladder 34 or a primary bladder 32) to the liquid source (such as a water hose drawing water from a municipal water source, water storage tank, water well or any other water source). The hose connection 38 will also be used to drain the bladders 26 of the water when it is desired to remove the storage cover 10. Each hose connection 38 may also include a shut-off valve 36 (or a plurality of shut-off valves 36) to aid the user in filling and draining the storage cover 10. Figure 5 depicts four hose connections 38, one at each corner of the storage cover 10, but the storage cover 10 of the present invention may include as few as one hose connection 38, and said hose connections 38 may be attached to any edge bladder 34 or any primary bladder 32.

[0043] The benefit of the storage cover 10 of the present invention depicted, for example, in Figure 5 is that the storage cover 10, prior to filling, is relatively lightweight and may be pulled over a particulate pile with minimal effort. When initially deployed, the storage cover 10 comprises the primary bladders 32 enclosed in pockets 20. After deploying the storage cover 10, the user can then attach the bladder connections 30 to the primary bladders 32 and the edge bladders 24 to the bladder connections 30, and then fill the bladders 26 with liquid via a hose connection 38 (which may be included in a bladder connection 30). The addition of liquid to the already deployed storage cover 10 secures the storage cover 10 over the particulate pile without requiring multiple personnel to climb on the particulate pile and expend time and energy in placing weighted ballasts, straps or other securing devices.

[0044] Alternatively, when the storage cover 10 is initially deployed, the storage cover 10 comprises the primary bladders 32 enclosed in pockets 20, the bladder connections 30 connected to the primary bladders 32, and the edge bladders 24 to the bladder connections 30. Thus, after deployment, all the user needs to do is fill the bladders 26 with liquid via a hose connection 38. Again, in this embodiment addition of liquid to the already deployed storage cover 10 secures the storage cover 10 over the particulate pile without requiring multiple personnel to climb on the particulate pile and expend time and energy in placing weighted ballasts, straps or other securing devices.

[0045] In an alternative embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, the storage cover 10 of the present invention comprises only primary bladders 32 and no edge bladders 34. In this embodiment, each primary bladder 32 also comprises one or more hose connections 38 so each primary bladder 32 can be filled with and drained of liquid independently.

[0046] In yet another embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 1 and 12, the primary bladders 32 (each comprising at least one hose connection 38) extend past the edge of the storage cover 10. In this embodiment, the storage cover 10 is deployed and the primary bladders 32 are filled with liquid. After filling with liquid, each end of the primary bladders 32 is positioned by the user to create a bend 78 in the primary bladder 32. By creating the bend 78 in the primary bladder 32, we speculate that the primary bladder 32 will prevent air from entering underneath the storage cover 10 through the sides. We also speculate that it may be desirable to secure each end of the primary bladder 32 to the bend 78 of a neighboring primary bladder 32. The end of a first primary bladder 32 may be secured to a bend 78 of a second, neighboring primary bladder 78 by placing the end of the first primary bladder 32 underneath the bend of the second, neighboring primary bladder 78. Alternatively, an end of a first primary bladder 32 may be secured to a bend 78 of a second, neighboring primary bladder 32 by tying together with rope, zip-ties or other attachment options known in the art.

[0047] Another optional feature of the present invention is the inclusion of one or more perimeter bladders 40, as shown in Figure 6. Perimeter bladders 40 are installed after the deployment of the storage cover 10, and rest or lie on the exterior side of the tarp body 11 of the storage cover 10. After the storage cover 10 is deployed so that the particulate material is covered (either by depositing particulate material underneath a storage cover 10 or pulling the storage cover 10 over an already formed particulate pile), additional perimeter bladders 40 are placed by personnel on top of the tarp body 1 1 of the storage cover 10. The perimeter bladder 40 may comprise one continuous bladder that completely circumscribes the particulate pile, may be a single bladder that circumscribes only a portion of the particulate pile or may be multiple bladders that together circumscribe a portion of, or the entirety of, the particulate pile. Also, the perimeter bladder 40 may connect to either a primary bladder 32 or an edge bladder 34 (for example, via a four- way bladder connection 30) so that the perimeter bladder 40 fills in conjunction with the primary bladders 32 and/or edge bladders 34. It is our belief that these perimeter bladders 40 will serve to further prevent wind from entering underneath the storage cover 10 at its perimeter, and thus will improve the effectiveness of the storage cover 10.

[0048] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, and as shown in Figures 7, 8 and 9, a water bladder skirt 50 is used in conjunction with a particular general arrangement of a storage cover 10. In this general arrangement, which is known in the art, the storage cover 10 is deployed in conjunction with, and secured to, a retaining wall 12 that extends around the perimeter of the storage cover 10. The perimeter of the storage cover 10 is then attached to the retaining wall 12, for example, by sandwiching the storage cover 10 between two wooden beams, one of which is mounted and secured to the top of the retaining wall 12 and below the storage cover 10, and the second wood beam being above the storage cover 10, and attached to the first with a tightening mechanism.

[0049] As shown in Figure 7, the water bladder skirt 50 is comprised of a first piece 52 and a second piece 54. The first piece 52 may be generally rectangular in shape, and has a first attachment edge 56. The second piece 54 may also be generally rectangular in shape, and has a second attachment edge 58. The first attachment edge 56 and the second attachment edge 58 may comprise hook & loop closures, a keder track, grommets, or another other closure mechanism that is capable of attaching said first attachment edge 56 to said second attachment edge 58.

[0050] The second piece 54 also comprises a skirt pocket 60 at the edge of second piece 54 which is opposite from the second attachment edge 58 of second piece 54. The skirt pocket 60 is of a similar width, and is created in a similar fashion, to the aforementioned pockets 20. Inside of said skirt pocket 60 is a skirt bladder 62. The skirt bladder 62 comprises lay flat PVC hose (or analogous alternatives) similar to the aforementioned bladders 26. Also, similar to the aforementioned bladders 26, the skirt bladder 62 may comprise or attach to a hose connection 38 or may attach to a bladder connection 30.

[0051] Additionally, the second piece 54 comprises a first side attachment edge 66 and a second side attachment edge 68, which are parallel and opposing, and are further perpendicular to said second attachment edge 58 and said skirt pocket 60. The two side attachment edges 66 and 68 comprise hook & loop closures, a keder track, grommets, or another closure mechanism that is capable of attaching the side attachment edge 66 and 68 together. The second piece 54 may be a single continuous piece traversing the perimeter of the storage cover 10 or may be made up of multiple, smaller, generally rectangular second pieces 54 which, when connected, traverse the perimeter of the storage cover 10. When multiple second pieces 54 are used, the first side attachment edge 66 of one second piece 54 will attach to the second side attachment edge 68 of another second piece 54. Additionally, when multiple second pieces 54 are utilized, each end of the skirt bladder 62 may be outfitted with bladder connections 30 to connect each skirt bladder 62 to the next. The second piece 54 may also comprise a protective flap 70 that serves to removably cover each bladder connection 30.

[0052] Optionally, the second piece 54 may also comprise an attachment band 64. Said attachment band 64 comprises a reinforced section of the second piece 54 (for example, reinforced by sewing a strip of vinyl or webbing (wherein webbing may be made of polyester, nylon, polypropylene or other suitable material) along the length of said second piece 54) outfitted with grommets 72 so that said second piece 54 may be additionally secured to the iron angle braces 14 that support the retaining wall 12.

[0053] As shown in Figure 8, in an embodiment of the present invention, the first piece 52 of said water bladder skirt 50 is attached to the retaining wall 12 during deployment, for example, by sandwiching it (along with the perimeter of the storage cover 10) between a first and second wood beam. Prior to whenever fumigation of the covered particulate pile is to occur (or any other time in which the interior of the storage cover 10 needs to be sealed from the atmosphere), the user will attached said second piece 54 to said first piece 52 by connecting said first attachment edge 56 and said second attachment edge 58— as shown in Figure 9. During deployment of the second piece 54, it may also be secured to the angle iron braces 14 via the attachment band 64 using the grommets and zip-ties, straps, or other attachments means known in the art (not shown).

[0054] In an alternative embodiment, an as shown in Figure 9A, the first piece 52 may comprise a supplemental first attachment edge 57 in addition to a first attachment edge 56, wherein said supplement first attachment edge 57 is on the opposite side of the first piece 52 from the first attachment edge 56. Further, the second piece 54 additionally comprises an attachment flap 76 wherein said attachment flap 76 comprises hook & loop closures, a keder track, grommets, or another closure mechanism. Thus, when the second piece 54 is attached to the first piece 52, the second attachment edge 58 attaches to one of said first attachment edge 56, and the attachment flap 76 attaches to said supplemental first attachment edge 57. We speculate that this embodiment will allow the storage cover 10 to better contain fumigant.

[0055] After installation of the second piece 54, the skirt bladder 62 is filled with liquid, either partially or completely, so to secure the second piece 54 to the ground, and trap any fumigant under the storage cover 10 and the water bladder skirt 50. When fumigation is complete, the skirt bladders 62 may be drained and the second piece 54 removed and stored for future use. The bladder skirt 62 may be used in conjunction with or independently from the pockets 20 and bladders 26 along the storage cover 10, as described previously.

Claims

1. A storage cover comprising:

a tarp body;

a pocket wherein said pocket is attached to said tarp body;

a bladder wherein the majority of said bladder is located inside of said pocket; and a hose connection wherein said hose connection is attached to said bladder.

2. The storage cover of Claim 1 wherein said pocket further comprises a first outer edge and a second outer edge wherein said first outer edge and said second outer edge are opposite and generally parallel to one another; and wherein said first outer edge and said second outer edge are attached to said tarp body.

3. The storage cover of Claim 2 wherein said first outer edge and said second outer edge are attached to said tarp body by thermal bonding.

4. The storage cover of Claim 2 wherein said bladder comprises a lay-flat hose.

5. The storage cover of Claim 4 wherein said hose connection further comprises a shut- off valve.

6. The storage cover of Claim 2 wherein said storage cover further comprises a second pocket attached to said tarp body, a second bladder wherein the majority of said second bladder is located inside of said second pocket, and a second hose connection wherein said second hose connection is attached to said second bladder.

7. The storage cover of Claim 6 wherein said pocket is approximately between three feet and twelve feet from said second pocket.

8. The storage cover of Claim 7 wherein said tarp body further comprises a perimeter and wherein said bladder and said second bladder each have a length wherein said lengths of said bladder and said second bladder extend past said perimeter of said tarp body, and wherein said lengths of said bladder and said second bladder each further comprise a bend.

9. The storage cover of Claim 8 wherein said bend of said bladder is secured to said second bladder.

10. A storage cover comprising: a tarp body;

a pocket wherein said pocket is attached to said tarp body;

a bladder wherein the majority of said bladder is located inside of said pocket;

a bladder connection wherein said bladder connection is attached to said bladder; and an edge bladder and a hose connection wherein said edge bladder and said hose connection are also connected to said bladder connection.

1 1. The storage cover of Claim 10 wherein said pocket further comprises a first outer edge and a second outer edge wherein said first outer edge and said second outer edge are opposite and generally parallel to one another; and wherein said first outer edge and said second outer edge are attached to said tarp body.

12. The storage cover of Claim 11 wherein said first outer edge and said second outer edge are attached to said tarp body by thermal bonding.

13. The storage cover of Claim 11 wherein said bladder comprises a lay- flat hose.

14. The storage cover of Claim 13 wherein said hose connection further comprises a shut- off valve.

15. The storage cover of Claim 11 wherein said storage cover further comprises a second pocket attached to said tarp body and a second bladder wherein the majority of said second bladder is located inside of said second pocket.

16. The storage cover of Claim 15 wherein said pocket is approximately between three and twelve feet from said second pocket.

17. A water bladder skirt comprising:

a first piece wherein said first piece comprises a first attachment edge;

a second piece wherein said second piece comprises a second attachment edge, and wherein said second attachment edge attaches to said first attachment edge; a skirt pocket, wherein said skirt pocket is opposite and generally parallel to said second attachment edge; and a skirt bladder, wherein the majority of said skirt bladder is located inside said skirt pocket.

18. The water bladder skirt of Claim 17 wherein said skirt bladder comprises a lay-flat hose.

19. The water bladder skirt of Claim 18 wherein said first attachment edge and said

second attachment edge attach using keder track.

20. The water bladder skirt of Claim 17 wherein said second piece further comprises a first side attachment edge and a second side attachment edge wherein said first side attachment edge and said second side attachment edge are opposite and parallel to each other; and wherein said first side attachment edge and said second side attachment edge are perpendicular to said skirt pocket.

21. The water bladder skirt of Claim 20 wherein said bladder connection is covered by a protective flap.

22. A water bladder skirt comprising:

a first piece comprising a first attachment edge and a supplemental first attachment edge; and

a second piece comprising a second attachment edge, wherein said second attachment edge attaches to said first attachment edge; an attachment flap, wherein said attachment flap attaches to said second attachment edge; a skirt pocket, wherein said skirt pocket is opposite and generally parallel to said second attachment edge; and a skirt bladder, wherein the majority of said skirt bladder is located inside said skirt pocket.

23. The water bladder skirt of Claim 22 wherein said skirt bladder comprises a lay-flat hose.

24. The water bladder skirt of Claim 23 wherein said second piece further comprises a first side attachment edge and a second side attachment edge wherein said first side attachment edge and said second side attachment edge are opposite and parallel to each other; and wherein said first side attachment edge and said second side attachment edge are perpendicular to said skirt pocket.

25. The water bladder skirt of Claim 24 wherein said bladder connection is covered by a protective flap.

26. A method for covering and protecting an area which comprises the steps of:

providing a storage cover wherein said storage cover comprises a tarp body, a pocket wherein said pocket is attached to said tarp body, a bladder wherein the majority of said bladder is located inside of said pocket, and a hose connection wherein said hose connection is attached to said bladder;

deploying said storage cover over said area; connecting said hose connection of said bladder to a liquid source having liquid; and

filing said bladder with a portion of said liquid via said hose connection.

27. The method of Claim 26 wherein said bladder comprises a lay- flat hose.

28. The method of Claim 27 wherein said liquid comprises anti-freeze.

29. The method of Claim 26 further comprising placing a perimeter bladder on said tarp body wherein said perimeter bladder further comprises a second hose connection; connecting said second hose connection to said liquid source; and

filling said perimeter bladder with a portion of said liquid via said second hose connection.

30. A method of covering and protecting an area which comprises the steps of:

providing a retaining wall surrounding said area;

deploying a storage cover over said area wherein said storage cover comprises a tarp body, a center opening in said tarp body, a lifting ring wherein said lifting ring circumscribes said center opening, a pocket wherein said pocket is attached to said tarp body, a bladder wherein the majority of said bladder is located inside of said pocket, and a hose connection wherein said hose connection is attached to said bladder;

lifting said lifting ring;

depositing material through said center opening and underneath said storage cover;

securing said storage cover to said retaining wall;

connecting said hose connection of said primary bladder to a liquid source having liquid; and

filing said primary bladder with a portion of said liquid via said hose connection.

31. The method of Claim 30 wherein said primary bladder comprises a lay-flat hose.

32. The method of Claim 31 wherein said liquid comprises anti-freeze.

33. The method of Claim 30 further comprising placing a perimeter bladder on said tarp body wherein said perimeter bladder further comprises a second hose connection; connecting said second hose connection to said liquid source; and filling said perimeter bladder with a portion of said liquid by said second hose connection.

34. A method for covering and protecting an area which comprises the steps of:

providing a storage cover wherein said storage cover comprises a tarp body, a pocket wherein said pocket is attached to said tarp body, a primary bladder wherein the majority of said primary bladder is located inside of said pocket, a bladder connection wherein said bladder connection is attached to said primary bladder, and an edge bladder and a hose connection wherein said edge bladder and said hose connection are also connected to said bladder connection;

deploying said storage cover over said area;

connecting said hose connection of said bladder connection to a liquid source having liquid; and

filing said primary bladder and said edge bladder with a portion of said liquid via said hose connection.

35. The method of Claim 34 wherein said primary bladder comprises a lay-flat hose.

36. The method of Claim 35 wherein said liquid comprises anti-freeze.

37. The method of Claim 34 further comprising placing a perimeter bladder on said tarp body wherein said perimeter bladder further comprises a second hose connection; connecting said second hose connection to said liquid source; and filling said perimeter bladder with a portion of said liquid via said second hose connection.

38. A method of covering and protecting an area which comprises the steps of:

providing a retaining wall surrounding an area;

deploying a storage cover over said area wherein said storage cover comprises a tarp body, a center opening in said tarp body, a lifting ring wherein said lifting ring circumscribes said center opening, a pocket wherein said pocket is attached to said tarp body, a primary bladder wherein the majority of said primary bladder is located inside of said pocket; a bladder connection wherein said bladder connection is attached to said primary bladder; and an edge bladder and a hose connection wherein said edge bladder and said hose connection are also connected to said bladder connection; lifting said lifting ring;

securing said storage cover to said retaining wall;

39. The method of Claim 38 wherein said primary bladder comprises a lay-flat hose.

40. The method of Claim 39 wherein said liquid comprises anti-freeze.

41. The method of Claim 38 further comprising placing a perimeter bladder on said tarp body wherein said perimeter bladder further comprises a second hose connection; connecting said second hose connection to said liquid source; and filling said perimeter bladder with a portion of said liquid via said second hose connection.

42. A method of covering and protecting an area which comprises the steps of:

providing a retaining wall surrounding said area;

deploying a storage cover having a perimeter over said area wherein said storage cover comprises a tarp body, a center opening in said tarp body, and a lifting ring wherein said lifting ring circumscribes said center opening;

lifting said lifting ring;

providing a bladder skirt comprising a first piece and a second piece wherein said first piece comprises a first attachment edge, and said second piece comprises a second attachment edge, a skirt pocket wherein said skirt pocket is opposite and parallel to said second attachment edge, and a skirt bladder, wherein the majority of said skirt bladder is located inside said skirt pocket and said skirt bladder further attaches to a hose connection;

securing said perimeter of said storage cover and said first piece to said retaining wall;

attaching said second attachment edge to said first attachment edge; and connecting said hose connection of said bladder connection to a liquid source having liquid; and

filing said skirt bladder with a portion of said liquid via said hose connection.

43. The method of Claim 43 wherein each of said primary bladder, said edge bladder and said skirt bladder comprise a lay-flat hose.

44. The method of Claim 44 wherein said liquid comprises anti-freeze.

45. A method of covering and protecting an area which comprises the steps of:

providing a retaining wall surrounding said area;

lifting said lifting ring;

providing a bladder skirt comprising a first piece and a second piece wherein said first piece comprises a first attachment edge and a supplemental first attachment edge, and said second piece comprises a second attachment edge, an attachment flap, a skirt pocket wherein said skirt pocket is opposite and parallel to said second attachment edge, and a skirt bladder, wherein the majority of said skirt bladder is located inside said skirt pocket;

attaching said second attachment edge to said first attachment edge; attaching said attachment flap to said supplemental first attachment edge; connecting said hose connection of said bladder connection to a liquid source having liquid; and

filing said skirt bladder with a portion of said liquid by said hose connection.

46. The method of Claim 45 wherein each of said primary bladder, said edge bladder and said skirt bladder comprise a lay-flat hose.

47. The method of Claim 46 wherein said liquid comprises anti-freeze.