EP0294301B1 - 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.

• des systèmes mettant en oeuvre des oeillets, crochets et élastiques qui présentent comme inconvénients de ne pas assurer une grande étanchéité et surtout d'avoir une résistance médiocre dans le cas de charges latérales, étant donné que la tension n'est pas répartie uniformément le long de la fixation; par ailleurs, de tels systèmes sont peu pratiques à dérouler et ne peuvent pas être automatisés;
• des fixations utilisant un profilé en forme de gouttière sur laquelle on engage un bourrelet souple lié à l'extrémité de la structure souple à fixer. Un tel type de fixation utilisé notamment dans le domaine du camping, par exemple dans le cas des auvents de caravanes, démontage de chapiteaux, présente l'avantage d'avoir une bonne résistance en traction et une bonne étanchéité mais lorsque l'élément souple (ou couverture) a une grande longueur, la manoeuvre est délicate à réaliser compte-tenu des frottements très importants. De plus, l'extrémité opposée à l'élément souple (couverture) doit être démontée simultanément, ce qui interdit certaines applications comme par exemple le bâchage d'un camion;
• la fixation du type "tringle à rideaux" (rail relié à la couverture) qui, s'il est d'usage pratique et peut être automatisé, présente comme inconvénient de ne pas permettre de laisser en place la partie opposée de la couverture, ce qui élimine certaines applications et, par ailleurs, comme la tension n'est pas uniformément répartie le long de la couverture, il se produit des concentrations de contraintes au niveau de l'attache du galet. De plus, ce type de fixation ne peut être utilisé lorsqu'il s'impose d'enlever totalement la couverture (celle-ci ne peut être rejetée qu'à l'extrémité du rail).

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 great seal and especially of having a poor resistance in the case of lateral loads, since the tension is not distributed uniformly along fixation; 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 end opposite the flexible element (cover) must be dismantled simultaneously, which prohibits certain applications such as the tarpaulin of a truck;
• 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, since 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 reunite. 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.

However, 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.

It has also been proposed, as is apparent from GB-A-1 518 095, 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 introduced inside a gutter provided along the second structure, said gutter being in the form of an open profile, inside which are arranged, over its entire length, two tongues, preferably symmetrical , between which there remains a day of dimension smaller than the thickness of the bead, said tabs having a certain flexibility making it possible to separate their ends from one another under the action of a pressure.

• des butées d'arrêt (appuis) sont prévues à l'intérieur de la gouttière pour, au contraire, éviter tout écartement lors d'une traction;
• l'introduction du bourrelet à l'intérieur du profilé et son enlèvement lors de la désolidarisation est obtenue au moyen d'un curseur déplaçable le long de la gouttière et qui comporte une enveloppe cintrée enveloppant au moins partiellement le bourrelet et laissant passer la structure souple et permettant, lors de son déplacement, dans un sens d'écarter les languettes l'une de l'autre pour introduire ledit bourrelet en-dessous des languettes à l'intérieur de la gouttière lors de la liaison et dans l'autre sens pour l'extraire lors de la désolidarisation.

The invention relates to an improvement to such a solution which is characterized in that:

• stops (supports) are provided inside the gutter to, on the contrary, 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 enveloping envelope at least partially 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.

• une résistance en traction qui, suite au dimensionnement correct d'un des composants du dispositif, peut égaler la résistance en traction de la couverture souple utilisée;
• un maniement simple et aisé qui, de surcroît, peut être automatisé étant donné que l'outil curseur coulisse le long d'un profilé;
• qu'il n'est pas nécessaire de démonter simultanément les deux côtés opposés de la couverture, le mouvement de l'outil curseur provoquant seul le passage de l'état "libre" à l'état "fixé";
• la possibilité de désolidariser l'élément souple de l'autre structure, notamment lorsqu'elle est rigide, en prévoyant une gorge à l'extrémité du profilé de telle sorte, qu'en fin d'ouverture, ledit curseur puisse être enlevé du profilé. Dans un tel cas, ledit curseur est de préférence lié à un bourrelet souple fixé en bordure de la couverture, peut soit rester lié au bourrelet, donc à la couverture, soit être enlevé à des fins d'utilisation pour d'autres portions de fixation en fonction de la configuration choisie;
• la couverture est soumise à une tension uniforme étant donné que les surfaces d'appui sont réparties de façon continue le long du profilé et qu'il n'y a donc pas de concentration de contraintes sur la couverture, ce qui augmente la longévité d'un tel ensemble.

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;
• 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 profile . 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.

• le profilé assure entre autre la fonction de guidage de l'outil curseur et peut être soit rapporté à la deuxième structure, par exemple par boulonnage ou rivetage, soit constituer la structure elle-même;
• le bourrelet fixé en bordure de la couverture souple a de préférence une forme cylindrique; bien entendu, d'autres formes peuvent être envisagées;
• comme dit précédemment, à l'intérieur du profilé, sont disposées deux languettes, avantageusement symétriques qui laissent apparaître sur toute la longueur un jour de dimension inférieure du bourrelet; ces deux languettes peuvent être disposées de sorte à faire un angle d'environ 45° avec l'horizontale, ce qui permet de rejeter le point de fixation à l'intérieur du profilé ainsi que de diminuer l'encombrement en largeur de la fixation; les caractéristiques de flexibilité des languettes seront fonction des applications envisagées mais en général, elles présenteront une longueur suffisamment importante par rapport à leur épaisseur de façon à obtenir une flèche suffisante, tout en restant dans le domaine élastique, lorsqu'on les écarte pour introduire le bourrelet et ne pas se rompre lorsque au contraire, on libère ledit bourrelet tout en assurant une résistance en traction très élevée, la désolidarisation n'étant possible, que grâce à l'outil curseur qui permet de dégager le bourrelet en-dessous du niveau des deux languettes en faisant fléchir celles-ci dans le sens où les appuis (butées) n'agissent pas;
• l'outil curseur qui a pour fonction d'écarter les deux languettes en les faisant fléchir vers le bas, sert également à guider le bourrelet de manière à l'amener en dessous du niveau des deux languettes. Afin d'empêcher que les languettes ne prennent une flèche suffisante permettant une libération du bourrelet dans le cas d'efforts importants exercés sur la couverture, deux appuis sont de préférence prévus à l'intérieur du profilé extérieur. Ces appuis sont avantageusement réalisés avec un arrondi à leurs extrémités, ce qui permet de réduire les risques de rupture en fatigue des languettes. L'espacement entre les appuis (butées) est en général nettement supérieur à l'épaisseur du bourrelet pour permettre son introduction entre les languettes;
• l'outil curseur dont le concept général peut être considéré comme connu par ailleurs (cf. BE-A-406 789 qui décrit un curseur comportant une enveloppe cintrée), est constitué d'une ou plusieurs portions de guidage liées à un tube dont la forme intérieure enveloppe le bourrelet utilisé; ce tube cintré en deux endroits permet de guider le bourrelet en dessous du niveau des deux languettes; le tube est fendu sur toute sa longueur, ce qui permet le passage de la couverture souple; les deux extrémités du tube sont évasées de sorte à faciliter le glissement de l'outil curseur sur le bourrelet; l'outil curseur comporte de préférence un pommeau permettant d'en assurer le maniement.

Advantageously and in practice, in accordance with the invention:

• the profile provides inter alia the guiding function of the cursor tool and can either be 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 tongues, 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 event 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 fatigue breakage of the tongues. 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, the general concept of which can be considered to be known elsewhere (cf. BE-A-406,789 which describes a cursor comprising a curved envelope), consists of one or more guide portions linked to a tube whose inner 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.

• le profilé peut être réalisé de sorte à présenter une fixation sur ces deux faces; dans un tel cas, le profilé extérieur réalise donc quatre surfaces d'appui et présente deux portions de guidage pour les deux outils curseurs; ce profil enveloppe deux profilés ouverts présentant chacun deux languettes;
• les languettes, au lieu de faire partie d'un profilé ouvert, peuvent être réalisées en deux parties liées chacune au profilé grâce à une rainure dans laquelle s'engage le pied de la languette;
• le dispositif peut être réalisé par un profilé unique, les languettes faisant partie de celui-ci; le matériau des languettes peut être adapté à la flexion nécessaire, éventuellement grâce à un ajout ou à un implant;
• l'outil curseur peut, dans sa portion inférieure présenter un anneau qui permet d'accrocher un câble va et vient; ce câble passant à l'intérieur du profilé permet de manier l'outil, cette manoeuvre pouvant être réalisée soit manuellement ou être automatisée le cas échéant;
• dans le cas où l'on souhaite relier entre elles deux structures souples, on utilisera, un profilé souple unique, le bourrelet ayant, dans ce cas avantageusement une section rectangulaire. Afin de conserver la rigidité nécessaire aux appuis et aux languettes, il peut être envisagé de disposer des implants perpendiculairement à la longueur du profilé et ce, sans affecter sa souplesse;
• éventuellement, le bourrelet peut être lié par une portion avantageusement souple à un deuxième bourrelet de dimension supérieure au premier. Cet ensemble de deux bourrelets est lié à la couverture souple. L'outil curseur coulisse sur le premier bourrelet, le deuxième bourrelet venant obstruer l'ouverture du profilé lorsque la fixation est en position verrouillée. Cette variante présente comme avantage d'assurer une étanchéité parfaite ce qui évite de souiller l'intérieur du profilé. De plus, si le deuxième bourrelet est armé d'une âme incompressible, la fixation en position verrouillée ne sera pas accessible à des tentatives d'ouverture (par exemple flexion vers le bas d'une des languettes par un tournevis ou autre). L'outil curseur plombé en position verrouillée garantit l'inviolabilité de la fixation. Cette sécurité peut permettre l'usage du dispositif conforme à l'invention selon des normes exigées lors d'un transport routier international par exemple.

Various variants can be produced in accordance with the invention, for example:

• the profile can be produced 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 produced in two parts each linked to the profile by means of a groove in which the foot of the tongue engages;
• the device can be produced by a single profile, the tongues 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 to one another, a single flexible profile will be used, 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 attachment. 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 brings 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;
• FIG. 2 represents the device according to the invention: top view, the cursor tool being represented in this view;
• FIG. 3 represents the device according to the invention seen in longitudinal section AA, the cursor tool being represented in this view;
• FIG. 4 represents the cursor tool, in side view;
• FIG. 5 represents, in top view, the cursor tool;
• 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;
• 7 shows, in section front view, a variant of this device: the profile is made in one piece, the tabs being part of it. 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 section;
• FIG. 9 is a sectional front view of a variant of this device produced by a single section having a fixing on two of its faces;
• Figure 10 shows in section front view 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 of such a device in the case of the tarpaulin of a truck;
  • · For figure 12, the realization 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 the 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 FIG. 7, the device is produced 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 section (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 mounting any angular reference 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 traction 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 soiling the interior of the profile (1). 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.

• le bâchage en général et notamment des véhicules routiers et ferroviaires équipés d'éléments souples de couverture;
• les équipements amovibles utilisés dans de nombreux domaines dont le maraîchage et l'horticulture;
• la fixation rapide des auvents et toiles rapportés dans les matériels de camping, caravaning et loisirs de plein air;
• le montage rapide de structures telles que les chapiteaux habitats provisoires;
• la fixation des toiles utilisées pour les stores et devantures;
• la fixation des tentures murales afin de créer des décors amovibles;
• des applications vestimentaires dans le cas de la variante constituée d'un profilé souple;
• la fermeture hermétique d'emballages divers, dans le cas de la version constituée d'un profilé souple unique.

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 tarpaulins used in camping, caravanning and outdoor leisure equipment;
• the 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. A device for temporarily connecting the ends of two structures, of which at least one is flexible and comprises, over the whole of its length, a bead (5) adapted to be introduced inside a gutter (1) provided along the second structure, said gutter being in the form of an open section (1) inside which are disposed, over the whole of its length, two preferably symmetrical tongues (3), between which is a gap smaller than the thickness of the bead (5), said tongues (3) presenting a certain flexibility making it possible to move their ends away from each other under the action of a pressure, characterized in that:

- stops (4) (supports) are provided inside the gutter (1) in order, on the contrary, to avoid any spacing apart during a traction;

- the introduction of the bead (5) inside the section and its removal thereform for disconnection is obtained by means of a slide element (8) movable along the gutter (1) and which comprises a curved envelope (6) at least partially enveloping the bead (5) and allowing the flexible structure to pass and, during its displacement, making it possible, in one direction, to move the tongues (3) apart from each other in order to introduce said bead (5) below the tongues (3) inside the gutter (1) during connection and, in the other direction, to remove it during disconnection.

2. Device according to the claim 1, characterized in that the bead (5) fixed to the border of the flexible cover (13) is cylindrical in form.

3. Device according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the two tongues (3) disposed inside the section (1) are symmetrical and leave over the whole of their length a gap smaller than the bead (5), these two tongues (3) forming therebetween an angle of about 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 space therebetween greater than the thickness of the bead (5).

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the slide tool whose function is to move the two tongues (3) apart by bending them downwardly is constituted by one or more guiding portions connected to a tube whose interior shape envelopes their bead (5), this tube being bent in order to allow guiding of the bead below the level of the two tongues (3).

6. Device according to the claim 5, characterized in that the bent tube has flared ends in order to facilitate slide of the slide tool on the bead (5).

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a second bead (18) larger than the first bead (5), disposed above the latter and obstructing the opening of the section (1) when the fixation is in locked position, thus ensuring perfect tightness.

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that when the two structures to be assembled are flexible, the section (1) fixed along the second structure is also flexible.

9. Device according to the claim 8, characterized in that perpendicular implants or inserts (23), are disposed along the section in order to conserve rigidity of the stops (4) and tongues (3), the bead (5) in that case preferably being rectangular in cross-section.

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