EP0294301A1 - Device for temporarily connecting two elements, of which at least one is flexible, together - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for temporarily connecting together the ends of two structures, at least one (13) of which is flexible and comprises over its length a bead (5) intended to be inserted inside a channel provided along the second structure. <??>The channel consists of an open profile (1) inside which are arranged, over its entire length, two tongues (3) between which there remains a clearance of a size smaller than the thickness of the bead (5) and which has a certain flexibility, permitting their ends (10) to be separated from each other under the action of pressure, limit stops (4) being provided inside the channel (1) in order, on the other hand, to prevent any separation during a pulling action. Insertion of the bead (5) and its removal are obtained by means of a slide which can be displaced along the channel (1). <IMAGE>

Description

The present invention relates to an improved device for temporarily securing the ends of two structures, at least one of which is flexible, the connection between said ends being carried out over their entire length and their separation from one another being able to be carried out gradually, quickly and effortlessly by the user.

To date, when it is desired to link the ends of two structures, one of which is flexible, for example the end of a tarpaulin covering a truck at the edge of the drop side that the transport plate comprises, the end of a movable blind, the cover of greenhouses, the lower edges of capitals or emergency habitats, wall fabrics, two parts of a garment ..., various types of connecting elements have been proposed.

For example, in the case of fixing a flexible cover to a rigid structure, the following means are conventionally used:
- Systems using eyelets, hooks and elastic bands which have the drawbacks of not ensuring a high tightness and above all of having a poor resistance in the case of lateral loads, since the tension is not distributed uniformly over the along the binding; moreover, such systems are impractical to roll out and cannot be automated;
- Fasteners using a gutter-shaped profile on which a flexible bead is engaged linked to the end of the flexible structure to be fixed. Such type of attachment used in particular in the field of camping, for example in the case of caravan awnings, dismantling of marquees, has the advantage of having good tensile strength and good sealing but when the flexible element (or cover ) has a great length, the maneuver is difficult to perform given the very high friction. In addition, the opposite end to the flexible element (cover) must be dismantled simultaneously, which prohibits certain applications such as the tarpaulin of a truck;
- the fixing of the "curtain rod" type (rail connected to the cover) which, if it is practical and can be automated, has the drawback of not allowing the opposite part of the cover to be left in place, which eliminates certain applications and, moreover, as the tension is not uniformly distributed along the cover, stress concentrations occur at the level of the roller attachment. In addition, this type of attachment cannot be used when it is necessary to completely remove the cover (it can only be rejected at the end of the rail).

In the case where it is desired to connect two flexible structures to one another, the most widespread device to date is that known under the expression "zipper", the two elements of which are worn along each of the edges of the structures to grooves. Such zippers which have metal teeth which interlock with one another under the action of a slider are complex and expensive to manufacture. Their aesthetics are also questionable and when one of the teeth is bent, the reliability of such an assembly is called into question. To overcome this drawback, it has been proposed to produce slide fasteners operating by fitting two flexible sections into one another. This type of closure is used in particular for hermetically sealing plastic packaging. However, this solution has the major drawback of offering only poor tensile strength, which makes it unsuitable for many uses.

Now we have found, and this is what is the subject of the present invention, a simple device, economical to manufacture and easy to implement which overcomes all of these drawbacks.

In general, the invention therefore relates to a device making it possible to temporarily secure the ends of two structures, at least one of which is flexible and includes, over its entire length, a bead intended to be inserted inside. of a gutter provided along the second structure and it is characterized in that:
- Said gutter is in the form of an open profile, inside which are arranged, over its entire length, two tongues, preferably symmetrical, between which remains a day of dimension less than the thickness of the bead, said tongues having a certain flexibility making it possible to separate their ends from each other under the action of a pressure, stops (supports) being provided inside the gutter to, on the contrary, to avoid any spacing during traction;
- the introduction of the bead inside the profile and its removal during the separation is obtained by means of a cursor movable along the gutter and which comprises a curved envelope envelop at least partially pant the bead and allowing the flexible structure to pass and allowing, during its movement, in a direction to separate the tabs from one another to introduce said bead below the tabs inside the gutter during the connection and in the other direction to extract it during the separation.

Such a device has numerous advantages, among which we can cite:
- a tensile strength which, following the correct dimensioning of one of the components of the device, can equal the tensile strength of the flexible cover used;
- a simple and easy handling which, moreover, can be automated since the cursor tool slides along a profile;
- that it is not necessary to dismantle the two opposite sides of the cover simultaneously, the movement of the cursor tool alone causing the passage from the "free" state to the "fixed"state;
- The possibility of separating the flexible element from the other structure, in particular when it is rigid, by providing a groove at the end of the profile so that, at the end of opening, said slider can be removed from the streamlined. In such a case, said slider is preferably linked to a flexible bead fixed at the edge of the cover, can either remain linked to the bead, therefore to the cover, or be removed for use for other fixing portions. depending on the configuration chosen;
- the cover is subjected to a uniform tension since the bearing surfaces are distributed continuously along the profile and there is therefore no concentration of stresses on the cover, which increases the longevity of such an assembly.

Advantageously and in practice, in accordance with the invention:
- The profile provides among other things the guiding function of the cursor tool and can be either attached to the second structure, for example by bolting or riveting, or constitute the structure itself;
- the bead fixed at the edge of the flexible cover preferably has a cylindrical shape; other forms can of course be envisaged;
- As said previously, inside the profile, are arranged two tabs, advantageously symmetrical which reveal over the entire length a day of smaller dimension of the bead; these two tabs can be arranged so as to make an angle of approximately 45 ° with the horizontal, which makes it possible to reject the fixing point inside the profile as well as to reduce the overall dimensions in width of the fixing; the flexibility characteristics of the tongues will depend on the applications envisaged but in general, they will have a sufficiently large length relative to their thickness so as to obtain a sufficient deflection, while remaining in the elastic range, when they are removed to introduce the bead and not to break when, on the contrary, the said bead is released while ensuring a very high tensile strength, the separation being only possible, thanks to the slider tool which makes it possible to release the bead below the level of the two tabs by bending them in the direction where the supports (stops) do not act;
- the cursor tool which has the function of spreading the two tabs by making them bend downwards, also serves to guide the bead so as to bring it into below the level of the two tabs. In order to prevent the tongues from taking a sufficient deflection allowing a release of the bead in the case of significant forces exerted on the cover, two supports are preferably provided inside the external profile. These supports are advantageously made with a rounded at their ends, which reduces the risk of breakage in fatigue tabs. The spacing between the supports (stops) is generally much greater than the thickness of the bead to allow its introduction between the tongues.
- The cursor tool consists of one or more guide portions linked to a tube whose internal shape envelops the bead used; this tube bent in two places makes it possible to guide the bead below the level of the two tabs; the tube is split over its entire length, which allows the passage of the flexible cover; the two ends of the tube are flared so as to facilitate the sliding of the cursor tool on the bead; the cursor tool preferably includes a knob enabling it to be handled.

Various variants can be produced in accordance with the invention, for example:
- The profile can be made so as to have a fixing on these two faces; in such a case, the external profile therefore produces four bearing surfaces and has two guide portions for the two slider tools; this profile envelops two open profiles each having two tabs;
- The tongues, instead of being part of an open profile, can be made in two parts each linked to the profile thanks to a groove in which the foot of the tongue engages;
- The device can be made by a single profile, the tabs being part of it; the material of the tongues can be adapted to the necessary bending, possibly by means of an addition or an implant;
- The cursor tool can, in its lower portion present a ring which allows to hang a cable back and forth; this cable passing inside the profile makes it possible to handle the tool, this maneuver being able to be carried out either manually or to be automated if necessary;
- In the case where it is desired to connect two flexible structures together, use will be made of a single flexible profile, the bead having, in this case advantageously a rectangular section. In order to maintain the rigidity necessary for the supports and the tongues, it can be envisaged to have implants perpendicular to the length of the profile, without affecting its flexibility;
- Optionally, the bead can be linked by an advantageously flexible portion to a second bead of dimension greater than the first. This set of two beads is linked to the flexible cover. The cursor tool slides on the first bead, the second bead obstructing the opening of the profile when the fixing is in the locked position. This variant has the advantage of ensuring a perfect seal which avoids contaminating the interior of the profile. In addition, if the second bead is armed with an incompressible core, the fixing in the locked position will not be accessible to opening attempts (for example bending down one of the tongues by a screwdriver or the like). The sealed lead tool in the locked position guarantees the inviolability of the fastener. This security can allow the use of the device according to the invention according to standards required during international road transport for example.

• - la figure 1 représente, en coupe vue de face, les deux profilés ainsi que le bourrelet et la couverture en position verrouillée ;
• - la figure 2 représente le dispositif selon l'in­vention : vue de dessus, l'outil curseur étant représen­té sur cette vue ;
• - la figure 3 représente le dispositif selon l'in­vention vue en coupe longitudinale AA, l'outil curseur étant représenté sur cette vue ;
• - la figure 4 représente l'outil curseur, en vue de côté ;
• - la figure 5 représente, en vue de dessus, l'outil curseur ;
• - la figure 6 représente, en coupe vue de face, une variante de ce dispositif. Les deux languettes ne font plus partie d'un deuxième profilé ouvert mais sont en­castrées dans le profilé métallique grâce à deux rainures appropriées ;
• - la figure 7 représente, en coupe vue de face, une variante de ce dispositif : le profilé est réalisé d'une seule pièce, les languettes faisant partie de celui-ci. La rigidité optimale des languettes peut être obtenue grâce à des implants ;
• - la figure 8 représente, en coupe vue de face, une variante de ce dispositif réalisé par un profilé unique souple ;
• - la figure 9 représente en coupe vue de face une variante de ce dispositif réalisé par un profilé unique présentant une fixation sur deux de ses faces ;
• - la figure 10 représente en coupe vue de face une variante de ce dispositif utilisant un double bourrelet;
• - les figures 11a,11b,11c, 12 et 13 illustrent différents types d'application d'un dispositif conforme à l'invention à savoir :
        . pour les figures 11a à 11c, l'utilisation
  d'un tel dispositif dans le cas du bâchage d'un camion ;
        . pour la figure 12, la réalisation d'un revê­tement mural en textile et ;
        . pour la figure 13, la réalisation d'un store.

The invention and the advantages which it provides will however be better understood thanks to the exemplary embodiments given below by way of non-limiting illustration and which are illustrated by the appended diagrams in which:

• - Figure 1 shows, in section front view, the two sections as well as the bead and the cover in the locked position;
• - Figure 2 shows the device according to the invention: top view, the cursor tool being shown in this view;
• - Figure 3 shows the device according to the invention viewed in longitudinal section AA, the cursor tool being shown in this view;
• - Figure 4 shows the cursor tool, in side view;
• - Figure 5 shows, in top view, the cursor tool;
• - Figure 6 shows, in section front view, a variant of this device. The two tabs are no longer part of a second open profile but are embedded in the metal profile thanks to two appropriate grooves;
• - Figure 7 shows, in section front view, a variant of this device: the profile is made in one piece, the tongues being part thereof. The optimal rigidity of the tongues can be obtained by means of implants;
• - Figure 8 shows, in section front view, a variant of this device produced by a single flexible profile;
• - Figure 9 shows in section front view a variant of this device produced by a single profile having a fixing on two of its faces;
• - Figure 10 shows a sectional front view of a variant of this device using a double bead;
• FIGS. 11a, 11b, 11c, 12 and 13 illustrate different types of application of a device according to the invention, namely:
  . for Figures 11a to 11c, the use
  such a device in the case of a truck tarpaulin;
  . for FIG. 12, the production of a textile wall covering and;
  . for figure 13, the realization of a blind.

The device represented in FIG. 1 comprises a profile (1), the latter is an open profile of section which can advantageously be square. This profile envelops another profile (2) which has two optionally symmetrical tongues (3), which come to bear on the portions (4) of the profile (1). The tabs (3) reveal between their ends a day of width less than the diameter of the bead (5). In the case of a vertical downward action on the tongues (3), these bend over their entire length. The bend (14) of the profile (2) can be likened in practice to a recess. The possible deflection for the tongues (3) must be sufficient to allow the passage of the bead (5) between the two tongues (3). In the case of an ascending vertical action resulting from an action exerted on the flexible cover (13), the tongues (3) bear on the portions (4). This additional support positioned near the end of the tabs (3) prevents these from taking a significant deflection. As a result, the bead (5) is kept locked by the tabs (3).

Figure 2 according to the invention shows the cursor tool engaged in the profile (1). The cursor tool consists of the following elements: a tube (6) bent in the portions (11) thereof, the flared ends (10) of the tube, the guide surfaces (7) and the knob.

Figure 3 according to the invention illustrates the operation of the device the cursor tool is guided by two flats (7) sliding in the grooves (12) of the profile (1). The outside diameter of the tube (6) of the slider tool is adjusted so as to pass through the opening of the profile (1) formed by the two outer walls of the supports (4). The cursor tool, bent in the two portions (11) guides the bead (5) below the level of the tongues (3). The cursor tool due to its outside diameter causes the tongues (3) to bend downwards. The bent portion of the tongues (3) is of the order of a few centimeters around the position of the tool. This bent portion will have a displacement induced by the displacement of the cursor tool. The curator tool has in its upper part a groove (9) which allows the passage of the flexible cover (13). The cursor tool is linked to the knob (8) which allows the handling of said tool. A translation in direction A of the cursor tool will cause the locking of an additional portion of the flexible cover (13). A translation in direction B of the cursor tool will cause the flexible cover (13) to be unlocked.

The ends (10) of the bent tube (6) are flared so as to facilitate the sliding of the cursor tool on the bead (5).

The cursor tool, in its embodiment according to FIG. 4, can be produced in two parts, obtained for example by molding. These two parts, made up of two halves located on either side of the axis of symmetry of the curved tube (6), are welded to each other thanks to the flat surfaces (21).

In the embodiment according to Figure 7, the device is made by a single profile (1), the tongues (3) are an integral part of this profile. The necessary flexibility of the tongues (3) can be optimized by means of an addition or an implant.

In the embodiment according to Figure 8, the single profile (1) characterized in that it is made of a flexible material can be linked to a second flexible cover by means of the strip (22).

The first flexible cover (13) is linked to the bead (5), advantageously of rectangular section in order to gain compactness.

In order to optimize the rigidity of the tongues (3), it is advantageously possible to add an insert (23). In order not to compromise the flexibility of the profile (1), this insert (23) consists of a series of tongues, not connected to each other except by a central frame (12) which can also constitute the surfaces of cursor tool guidance. The tabs of the insert (23) therefore allow a space (24) to appear between them, which effectively makes it possible to maintain the characteristic of flexibility of the profile (1). This arrangement therefore allows the attachment of two flexible covers between them.

In the embodiment according to Figure 9, the device consists of a single profile (1), comprising the elements necessary for any angular reference mounting of the two flexible covers. It consists of two openings made by the walls (4). The walls (4) also provide the supports which prevent the four tabs (3) from bending in the event of a pull on the two flexible covers (13). This arrangement makes it possible to obtain good compactness. This embodiment of the device is particularly intended for use targeting capitals, camping and temporary shelters.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 10, the bead (5) is located in the extension of a bead (18) of diameter greater than the first bead cited, and this by means of an advantageously flexible portion (17) . This bead (18), the fixing being in the locked position, obstructs the groove of the profile (1), this groove being produced by the two concave walls (20) of the profile (1). This arrangement ensures that no object can be used to bend the tabs (3) downwards, so as to unlock the fixing. Indeed, the bead (18) has an incompressible core (19) which prevents the insertion of any object between the bead (18) and the wall (20). This arrangement also makes it possible to prevent the interior of the profile (1) from being soiled. The advantageously flexible portion (17), connecting the two beads (5) and (18), has a certain characteristic of elasticity, which allows the tool cursor, during an unlocking maneuver, to release the bead (5) downwards in order to allow the bending of the tongues (3).

This embodiment of the device is particularly intended for a use for which the inviolability of the binding is required. This inviolability will then be guaranteed by the sealing of the cursor tool, rejected at one end of the profile. Covering in international road transport constitutes one of the fields of application of this variant, as is apparent from FIGS. 11a to 11c. In the case of such an application, the flexible structure (13) is constituted by the cover, lateral for example and has at its ends beads (5) (not visible). The profile-shaped gutter (1) is arranged along the side of the truck as well as along the vertical uprights. The covering and uncovering is also obtained by means of a cursor which can be moved in gutters. When it comes to unclogging a vertical portion (Figure 11b), in order to handle the cursor tool, the latter is preferably connected to a cable that moves the reciprocating knob (25), which allows to clear while remaining on the ground. FIG. 11c is a detail view showing the position of the horizontal gutter and the vertical gutter, both referenced by the same general reference (1) and in which the bead provided at the periphery of the sheet is fitted ( 13). In this FIG. 11c, the two slider tools (8) and (25) are shown in the locked position, a seal (26) can be provided to connect these tools, thus guaranteeing inviolability, for example in the case of the device described in Figure 10.

Figure 12 illustrates an application form of the device according to the invention for a wall covering also designated by the reference (13). In this case, at each end of the covering (13), a bead (5) is provided. The profiles (1) are laid beforehand at the top and bottom of the surface to be covered. For the fitting of the covering (13), the operator firstly inserts the upper part of the hanging, the cursor tool allowing the introduction of the bead being of course removed after fitting, and being used for the two servings.

FIG. 13 illustrates the use of the device according to the invention in the case of a blind (13). In such a case, the two ends of the blind (13) will be equipped with a bead according to the invention capable of being inserted inside a gutter fixed, for its part, on the one hand in the system upper winding and, on the other hand, the lower part of the blinds. Such an embodiment makes it possible to be able to easily remove and replace the blind, for example in order to clean it.

Compared to previous solutions, the device according to the invention has many advantages and can be used in many fields, among which there may be mentioned:
- tarpaulin in general and in particular road and rail vehicles fitted with flexible cover elements;
- removable equipment used in many fields including market gardening and horticulture;
- the rapid fixing of the awnings and fabrics added in camping, caravanning and outdoor leisure equipment;
- rapid erection of structures such as temporary housing capitals;
- fixing the fabrics used for blinds and storefronts;
- fixing the wall hangings in order to create removable decorations;
- clothing applications in the case of the variant consisting of a flexible profile;
- the hermetic closure of various packages, in the case of the version consisting of a single flexible profile.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments given above. Thus, it could be envisaged to realize with the device according to the invention the joining of the ends of structures which are not planar but which are curved or form complex curves.

Furthermore, if in the embodiment described above, two stop tabs of the bead are provided inside the gutter, it could be envisaged, in particular in the case where it is desired to increase the tensile strength , to provide an assembly comprising a superposition of such tabs, the end of the flexible structure comprising an equal number of parallel beads.

Claims (9)

1 / Device for temporarily securing the ends of two structures, at least one of which is flexible and includes, over its entire length, a bead (5) intended to be introduced inside a gutter (1) provided along the second structure and it is characterized in that:
- Said gutter is in the form of an open profile (1), inside which are arranged, over its entire length, two tongues (3), preferably symmetrical, between which remains a day of dimension less than l 'thickness of the bead (5), said tabs (3) having a certain flexibility making it possible to separate their ends (10) from one another under the action of a pressure, stops (4) (supports) being provided inside the gutter (1) to, on the contrary, avoid any separation during traction;
- The introduction of the bead (5) inside the profile and its removal during the separation is obtained by means of a cursor (8) movable along the gutter (1) and which comprises a curved envelope (6 ) at least partially enveloping the bead (5) and letting the flexible structure pass and allowing, during its movement, in a direction to separate the tongues (3) from one another to introduce said bead (5) in - below the tabs (3) inside the gutter (1) during the connection and in the other direction to extract it during the separation. 2 / Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the bead (5) fixed on the edge of the flexible cover (13) is of cylindrical shape. 3 / Device according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the two tabs (3) arranged inside the profile (1) are symmetrical and reveal over the entire length a day of dimension smaller than the bead ( 5), these two tabs (3) forming an angle of approximately 45 ° with the horizontal. 4 / Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the stops (4) of the tongues (3) have a spacing between them greater than the thickness of the bead (5). 5 / Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the cursor tool which has the function of spreading the two tabs (3) by making them bend downward consists of one or more portions of guidance linked to a tube whose inner shape envelops their bead (5), this tube being bent in order to allow the bead to be guided below the level of the two tongues (3). 6 / Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the bent tube has flared ends in order to facilitate the sliding of the cursor tool on the bead (5). 7 / Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a second bead (18) of dimension greater than the first bead (5), disposed above the latter and coming to obstruct the opening of the profile (1) when the fixing is in the locked position, thus ensuring perfect sealing. 8 / Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, when the two structures to be assembled are flexible, the profile (1) fixed along the second structure is also flexible. 9 / Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the perpendicular implants or inserts (23) are arranged along the profile in order to maintain the rigidity to the supports (4) and to the tongues (3), the bead (5) being in this case preferably of rectangular section.

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