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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         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.