Tarpaulin tensioners

Abstract

Tensioners useful for supporting and tensioning tarps and the like from below are described, as are systems and kits that include such tensioners. Such articles are useful in variety of contexts, including boating, camping, and storage of various items.

1 . A tarpaulin tensioner, comprising a tarpaulin support element connected to a shaft receptacle, wherein the tarpaulin support element is non-planar and configured to support and tension a tarpaulin when positioned below and in supportive association with the tarpaulin. 
   
   
       2 . A tarpaulin tensioner according to  claim 1 , wherein the tarpaulin support element, in plan view, comprises a geometric shape. 
   
   
       3 . A tarpaulin tensioner according to  claim 2 , wherein the geometric shape is selected from the group consisting of a circle and a polygon. 
   
   
       4 . A tarpaulin tensioner according to  claim 3 , wherein the geometric shape is selected from the group consisting of a polygon wherein each side is of substantially equal length and a polygon wherein at least one side is of a length that substantially differs from the length of at least one of the other sides of the polygon. 
   
   
       5 . A tarpaulin tensioner according to  claim 3 , wherein the geometric shape is selected from the group consisting of a triangle, a rectangle (optionally a square), a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, and an octagon. 
   
   
       6 . A tarpaulin tensioner according to  claim 1 , wherein the tarpaulin support element, in side cross-section view, comprises a geometric shape that appears as a continuous curve. 
   
   
       7 . A tarpaulin tensioner according to  claim 1 , wherein the tarpaulin support element, in side cross-section view, comprises a plurality of connected geometric shapes. 
   
   
       8 . A tarpaulin tensioner according to  claim 7 , wherein a central portion of the tarpaulin support element, in side cross-section view, comprises a continuous curve. 
   
   
       9 . A tarpaulin tensioner according to  claim 8 , wherein at least a perimeter part of the central portion is attached to a substantially flat element, wherein the substantially planar element is configured, along with the central portion, to contact an underside of a tarpaulin when supportively associated therewith. 
   
   
       10 . A tarpaulin tensioner according to  claim 1 , wherein the shaft receptacle is configured to detachably receive a connector portion of a shaft. 
   
   
       11 . A tarpaulin tensioner according to  claim 10 , wherein the shaft receptacle is a receiver that comprises a bore configured to detachably receive a distal end of a shaft. 
   
   
       12 . A tarpaulin tensioner according to  claim 11 , wherein the bore is threaded. 
   
   
       13 . A system, comprising a tarpaulin tensioner according to  claim 1  and a shaft mated to the shaft receptacle. 
   
   
       14 . A kit comprising a comprising a tarpaulin tensioner according to  claim 1  and a shaft configured to mate to the shaft receptacle. 
   
   
       15 . A kit according to  claim 14  further comprising a tarpaulin. 
   
   
       16 . A kit according to  claim 14 , wherein the shaft is a telescoping shaft.