Method of covering a structure having defining walls and an open top

Abstract

A method of covering a structure having walls defining an interior, the walls having an upper peripheral edge defining an open top. A first step involves positioning a base unit within the interior of the structure, the base unit defining a drainage opening. A second step involves extending supporting cables from the base unit to the upper peripheral edge of the walls. A third step involves supporting a funnel shaped tarp on the supporting cables. The funnel shaped tarp has an upper cone and a lower chute. A top peripheral edge of the upper cone is secured to the upper peripheral edge of the walls. The lower chute extends down to the drainage opening in the base unit. The open top of the structure is covered by the funnel shaped tarp and precipitation is directed by the upper cone and the lower chute to the drainage opening.

1 . A method of covering a structure having walls defining an interior, the walls having an upper peripheral edge defining an open top, comprising the steps of:
 positioning a base unit within the interior of the structure, the base unit defining a drainage opening;   extending supporting cables from the base unit to the upper peripheral edge of the walls;   supporting a funnel shaped tarp on the supporting cables, the funnel shaped tarp having an upper cone and a lower chute, a top peripheral edge of the upper cone being secured to the upper peripheral edge of the walls, the lower chute extending down to the drainage opening in the support, such that the open top of the structure is covered by the funnel shaped tarp and precipitation is directed by the upper cone and the lower chute to the drainage opening.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , including a step of positioning one or more chemical injectors along the top peripheral edge of the funnel shaped tarp to dispense de-icing chemicals into the upper cone, as required. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , including a step of using a cart as the base unit. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , including a step of incorporating a rotating spool into the base unit and extending and retracting the funnel shaped tarp by rotating the spool. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , including a step of incorporating a cable attachment bar into the base unit and attaching the supporting cables to the cable attachment bar. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 5 , the cable attachment bar being in the form of a ring. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , including the step of incorporating tie downs into the base unit and anchoring the base unit.