NL1043245B1 - Cover element for curved surfaces - Google Patents

Abstract

A plate-like cover element arranged for being connected to another cover element, thereby forming a modular cover for covering an area. The cover element comprises a connection means arranged for being connected to a connection means of the other cover element. The cover element preferably comprises a hexagonal element arranged for hexagonal tiling in connection with other cover elements. The cover element optionally comprises legs which provide for a space between the element and the surface to be covered by the element. 1043245

Description

COVER ELEMENT FOR CURVED SURFACES

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates generally to the field of covering surfaces with plate- like cover elements. It relates more particularly to cover elements for smoothening, ballasting and/or protecting an irregular, curved or vulnerable surface.

BACKGROUND There are many situations wherein a surface needs to be covered. For example, a lawn of a camp site may be used intensively for placing tents and caravans and for walking and recreation. The grass may be damaged or die because of this stress. Another example comprises sandy or muddy ground in festival areas, which are walked upon or which is used for building constructions and tents. In this case prevention of sinking of the construction into the ground and keeping the visitors’ feet dry may be desired. A particular situation which requires a cover, comprises silage. Silage is a method of conserving wet fodder using the phenomena of anaerobic lactic fermentation. Forage is compacted using suitable machines and covered by a weighed tarpaulin and/or multiple layers of plastic sheeting. Often a fine meshed net is used to cover the cover sheet for protection against birds and vermin. The plastic sheeting is usually ballasted by means of a plurality of used tires which are distributed and juxtaposed on its upper surface. Laying the tires in an even distribution is difficult and the tires present a danger to the environment and health, particularly in the event of a fire, or when they are disposed. Moreover, they degrade the (visual) quality of the landscapes and the living environment.

Consequently, there is a need for a durable, sustainable cover which provides ballast, protection and/or smoothening of the underlying surface, in a modular manner and which is adaptable to the particular wishes and needs in various situations.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a cover which makes covering of an area of different sizes, shapes and types possible. It is a further object of the invention to provide a modular solution which can be scaled according to the size and shape of the area and the underlying surface to be covered. It is yet a further object of the invention to provide a cover which replaces used tires as ballast elements in a silage. It is yet a further object of the invention to provide a cover which can be made of recycled material, such as plastic or rubber granulate. It is yet a further object of the invention to provide a modular cover which can be used for (temporarily) covering in particular floors of (temporary) festivals or markets, lawns, camping sites, building terrains, stables etc.

These objects and further objects are realized by the following clauses.

1. A cover element arranged for being connected to another cover element, thereby forming a modular cover for covering an area, characterized in that the cover element comprises a plate-like cover element comprising at least four edges, whereby a first edge of the four edges forms an angle greater than ninety degrees with an adjacent second edge of the four edges at one end of the first edge, and the first edge forms an angle greater than ninety degrees with an adjacent third edge of the four edges at the other end of the first edge, whereby the cover element comprises a connection means arranged for being pivotably connected to a connection means of the other cover element, thereby allowing tilting in the horizontal plane of the cover element with respect to the other cover element.

2. The cover element according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the connection means is positioned near an edge of the at least four edges.

3. The cover element according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the modular cover is arranged for covering an area with a curved surface which is curved in one or more directions, said curved surface comprising any one of the group of: - a top layer of fodder in a silage; - alawn; - afloor of a festival area; - a ski slope; - afloor in a party tent - a floor of an industrial area

- a floor of a building area - a floor of stable, such as for dairy cows.

4. The cover element according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the top side and/or the bottom side of the cover element is provided with an at least partly skid-proof top layer.

5. The cover element according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the cover element is provided with one or more through holes running from the top side to the bottom side.

6. The cover element according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the cover element comprises variations in thickness within the cover element.

7. The cover element according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the cover element comprises one or more protrusions configured at the bottom side and/or at the top side.

8. The cover element according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the one or more protrusions at the bottom side are configured for creating space between the bottom side of the cover element and the area.

9. The cover element according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the one or more protrusions at the top side are configured for any one of the purposes of the group comprising: - creating a skid proof top side; - retaining snow; - retaining soil; - creating an artificial ski slope surface, whereby the protrusions are configured as resilient elements such as bristles.

10.The cover element according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the connection means is configured in a protrusion of the one or more protrusions, whereby a first protrusion of a first cover element is arranged for being hooked to a second protrusion of a second cover element.

11.The cover element according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized that one or more of the at least four edges is thicker than the part surrounded by said edges.

12. The cover element according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the cover element comprises a hexagonal element arranged for hexagonal tiling in connection with other cover elements, whereby the first edge forms a hundred and twenty degree angle with the second edge and/or the first edge forms a hundred and twenty degree angle with the third edge.

13. The cover element according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the cover element comprises a peripheral cover element arranged for being positioned at an outer edge of the formed modular cover, whereby said peripheral cover element comprises a pentagonal cover element formed by five edges, four of which comprising adjacent edges of substantially the same length and making substantially the same angle as the edges and angles of the cover element respectively to which they are connectable, said pentagonal cover element further comprising a fifth, peripheral edge, which is arranged for being positioned towards the outside of the modular cover.

14. The cover element according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the cover element comprises an attachment means, such as a slot near the 16 edge arranged for a strap to pass through, said attachment means arranged for attaching the cover element to an object such as the ground under or around the area.

15. The cover element according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the cover element is comprised of a material of the group comprising: - rubber or rubber composites, such as recycled rubber of tires; - synthetic rubber, such as ethylene propylene diene monomer, EPDM; - biodegradable synthetic material, such as biodegradable polymer; - compressed biodegradable natural fiber; - recycled plastic, such as polyethylene.

16. The cover element according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the cover element comprises a seal arranged along at least one of the edges of the cover element.

17.The cover element according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the upper side of the cover element comprises a photovoltaic module, whereby the connection means of the cover element is arranged for making an electrical connection to the other cover element.

18. The cover element according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the cover element is provided with a solar fluid heating module arranged for heating a fluid by using heat of solar radiation, whereby the connection means of the cover element is arranged for ducting the fluid to the other cover element.

19. The cover element according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the connection means is arranged for connecting to an energy system. 5 20.An arrangement of cover elements according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the cover elements are connected to each other at an edge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The figures show views of embodiments in accordance with the present invention.

FIGURE1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment wherein multiple cover elements are arranged in a modular cover.

FIGURE 2 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a single cover element.

FIGURE 3 embodiments fig. 3a,b,c,d,e,f show sectional side views of embodiments of connection means.

FIGURE4 shows a top view, wherein multiple cover elements are arranged in a modular cover with peripheral cover elements at a periphery of the modular cover.

FIGURES shows a side view of an example application of the invention, wherein a modular cover comprised of multiple cover elements covers a silage.

FIGURE 6 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a cover element with protrusions.

FIGURE 7 shows a bottom side view of multiple cover elements.

FIGURE 8a,b,c,d,e show example patterns of cover elements and created patterns by combining these cover elements.

FIGURE 9 shows an embodiment of a cover element with an incorporated solar panel, such as a photovoltaic module.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The invention is now described by the following aspects and embodiments, with reference to the figures.

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment wherein multiple cover elements 100a,b,c,n are arranged in a modular cover 100. Cover elements 100a,b,n are connected at adjacent sides. In the figure cover elements 100a,b,c,n are hexagonal elements. The hexagonal shape allows for hexagonal tiling, which is the best way to divide a surface into regions of equal area with the least total perimeter. Therefore, a limited variation of cover elements is possible which allows for standardization and efficient (mass) production. This manner of tiling also allows for a strong connection between the cover elements. The connection means are preferably configured such that they allow tilting of a cover element relative to a second cover element.

In this way, a modular cover formed from these cover elements is arranged to follow an irregular surface with bumps and dents and even may be applied to a curved surface such a silage (see also figure 5), while maintaining contact with the upper surface as much as possible.

Figure 2 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a single cover element 100a. The given example shows a hexagonal cover element 100a with six sides/edges 101a,b,c,d,e,f, which are provided with connection means, of which 112a,b are referenced. For reference purpose, connection means 112b is referred to as a male connection and connection means 112a,e as female connection. For the purpose of clarification, a sectional side view is shown in Figure 3a,b,c,d,e,f, which are representations of a cross section of cover element referred to as 100a and 100aa respectively.

The rough indication of the position of the cross-section is indicated by dotted line

102. In the sectional side view of figure 3, male connection 112b of cover element 100a is designed to fit into a female connection of a second cover element, such as cover element 100c. Said second cover element 100c has a female connection similar to connection 112e of cover element 100a. The edges of connection 112b,e are rounded as e.g. in figure 3a or relatively hooked as e.g. in Figure 3b, and recess grooves such as groove 111 are rounded (e.g. figure 3a) or hooked (figure 3b) to fit the rounded, respectively hooked shape of a female connection similar to 112b,e. Figure 3b shows an example of a relatively more inward protruding hook part 112e and 112b. This may be preferable in cases where a heavy load is put on the edges, such as in a modular cover for a silage. The outside of the peripheral edges 101b,e may be rounded to allow easier tilting, but the choice of a flexible material such as rubber, may by itself already provide sufficient flexibility to follow the (single or multi curved) contours of a curved surface such as a pile of fodder such as a silage.

Figure 3c shows a rectangle connection, which is especially suitable to withstand lateral (horizontal) forces which tear the cover elements apart sideways.

Figure 3d shows a circular connection means 112b which form fits female connection means 112e, whereby the rounded shape allows tilting of the cover elements.

Figure 3e shows a hooked connection, which provides a stable connection in vertical and horizontal direction.

Figure 3f shows a spiral -like connection, which may be press-fitted and will then provide a connection which is both flexible and stable.

Figure 4 shows a top view, wherein multiple cover elements 100,a,b,c,d,e are arranged in a modular cover with peripheral cover elements 100a,b at a periphery of the modular cover. A peripheral cover element 110a is for example based on a hexagonal cover element 100a, but cut in half, thus creating a relatively long peripheral edge 101g,h.

Peripheral edges 101g,h are preferably provided with an attachment means 113a,b respectively. Attachment means 113a,b is preferably a slot in the vicinity of edge 101g. A strap (such as a clamping strap, elastic or non-elastic) can be attached easily by inserting it through said slot 113a. The other side of the strap can be attached to a fixed object such as the ground around a silage.

Figure 5 shows a side view of an example application of the invention, wherein a modular cover 100 comprised of multiple cover elements covers a silage 300. Modular cover 100 is attached by straps 200a,b to the ground 400. Especially for covering of silage 300 the invention is advantageous, because, especially a freshly deposited silage usually has an irregular surface and a lot of curvature, usually mound shaped, whereby the upper part raises above ground level (indicated by dotted line 401). After depositing of the silage fodder, and covering the silage by the invented modular cover, the silage tend to shrink, and become more compact. One reason for this is settling of the material under gravitational force of the fodder itself. The other mechanism is a result of the application of the invention, whereby the weight of the cover elements, optionally together with attachment of straps 200a,b under tension, causes additional downward force on the silage fodder. In order to have sufficient weight of the cover elements, they are preferably made of material with a relatively high density, such as rubber or rubber-like material having a density of around 1500 KG/m3, leads to an area density of the cover element exceeding 10 Kg/m2. Using rubber with a substantial thickness, such as 5 centimeters and a cover element of 1000 cm2 will typically result in a weight per cover element of 7.5 Kilogram, which is comparable to the weight of a medium sized car tire. On the one hand, this results in a cover element which is relatively easy to handle and on the other hand has sufficient weight to exert gravitational force of the pile of silage fodder, and not easily being blown away by wind.

When the silage volume shrinks, the top curvature may flatten. This is easily compensated by de the deformable modular structure of the modular cover. The silage may even shrink to a point wherein the mound-like shape transforms into a hollow, wherein the upper surface is beneath ground level 401. This again causes no problem for the invented modular cover, as the cover follows the form of the surface even when the curvature is negative.

Reduction of the volume of the silage, especially when the top of the mound flattens, leads a to less surface area. For this purpose, one or more cover elements of the modular cover can be removed. Then the straps may be tightened to add to the downward force of the modular cover. Peripheral cover elements may be used to replace the removed cover elements near the periphery of the modular cover.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a cover element 100a which is provided with protrusions 401a,b...f (of which only 401a,b,c,d are visible in the figure) at the underside. Theses protrusions or legs are configured to provide space between the underside of the element 100a, or to provide grip, e.g. by (partially) pushing the legs into the ground. In case of covering a lawn, in this way the grass may be protected better, for example by allowing air to flow below the element 100a, and/or by preventing flattening of the grass. In addition, through holes may be provided in the latter case, to allow extra ventilation. The upper side of element 100a is in this example optionally provided with one, or preferably many, protrusions 420 which provide extra grip, or function as anti-skid surface.

Figure 7 shows a bottom side view of multiple cover elements 100a,b,c which are juxtaposed. The legs 401a, 402a and 403a are touching each other, and in the given configuration form hexagons. The elements may be connected in the above described manners or may be connected at the legs 401a,403a,403a. These legs may for this purpose be provided with connection means such as a dovetail construction. In addition, central protrusions 411,412,413 may be provided to add extra stability to the outer legs. The legs may comprise any other shape as well, such as round columns.

Element 100a may also be provided with thinner parts at particular locations, such as the centre, in order to save material or to provide space between the underside of the element and the surface on which the element rests. Element 100a may also be provided with hollow sections, in order to save material, or to make the element lighter in weight whilst maintaining stability. The hollow sections and section walls may be designed such that element 100a has flexibility at desired points, for example to allow better flexing of the element itself on curved surfaces.

Figure 8a,b,c,d,e show example patterns of cover elements 100a,b,...n and created patterns by combining these cover elements. The cover elements may have printed lines on the surface creating the pattern, or indented or embossed lines. The lines end at the edges and are configured to fit to a line or any line at the edge of another cover element. In this way typical patterns are formed. In the case of indented lines, the lines may function as water disposing channels. In the case of embossed lines, the lines may function as anti-skid protrusions.

Figure 9 shows an embodiment of a cover element 100s with an incorporated solar panel 500, such as a photovoltaic module. The photovoltaic module 500 may comprise one or more photovoltaic cells, whereby the connection means of the cover element 100s are arranged for making an electrical connection to another cover element. For this purpose, electric guides or wires 501a,b,c (e.g. positive poles) and 502a,b,c respectively (negative poles).

Alternatively, the cover elements may comprise toy elements, for building constructions, or for educational purposes.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that a person skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "to comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

The article "the" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

In the device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware.

The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims (1)

Li CONCLUSIONS 1. A cover element adapted to be connected to another cover element, thereby forming a modulsite cover for covering an area, characterized in that, the cover element comprises a plate-shaped cover element comprising at least four edges, a first edge of which is the four edges sen angle greater than ninetiy degrees shape! measured an adjacent edge of the four edges at one end of the edge, and the first edge forms an angle greater than ninety degrees with an adjacent third edge of the four edges at the other end of the edge, with the cover element having an angle greater than ninety degrees. connection imidide! which is arranged to be pivotally connected to a connecting means of the other cover element, thereby allowing tilting in the horizontal well of the cover element relative to the other cover element. 2. The cover element according to any one of the preceding claims, with the feature that the connecting means is located near an edge of the at least four edges. 3. The cover element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the modular cover is adapted to cover an area with a curved surface that is hemmed in one or more directions, the curved surface comprising one of the groups of : no top layer of feed in a feed kuij; - DEN ZAZON, - a floor of esn festival site; - pen ski slope; - zen viosy in a foasttant ~ gen floor from sen industries! area - a feed from zen builders through a barn, such as for dairy cows. The cover element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the top side and / or the bottom side of the cover element is provided with an at least partially slip-resistant top layer. 5. The cover element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover element is provided with one or more through holes running from the top to the bottom. The cover element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cut-off element comprises variations in thickness within the cover element. The field moment according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the covering moment comprises one or more owls formed on the underside and / or asn the top side. 8. The aldeck element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the one or more other ulide shafts are arranged on the underside to create spacious loops on the underside of the aldeck element and the area. The cover element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the one or more protrusions on the top side are arranged for each of the doses of the group, comprising: - a slip-fixed top! sreèren; - snow retention, - soil retention; to create an artificial surface of a ski slope, the protrusions being configured as resilient elements such as bristles. 10. The cover element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting means! one or more onion protrusions are formed in one lid of the first lid, wherein the first lid of the sensor cover element is arranged to be hooked to one second lid of a second lid. The cover skirt according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more of the at least four edges is thicker than the part surrounded by these edges. The covering element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the covering element is a hexagonal element which is adapted for hexagonal lay-on laying connected to other covering elements, the first edge forming an angle of one hundred and twenty degrees with the weeds edge and / or the first edge forms an angle of one hundred and twenty degrees with the third edge. 13. The cover element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover elements! bullenand cover element walled for placement on an outer edge of the molded modular cover, whereby genoenw! curved edge cover element comprising a pentagonal cover element formed by five edges, four of which fall over adjacent edges of substantially the same length and which form substantially the same angle as the edges and corners of the respective cover element to which they connect, was further a fifth with the pentagonal cover element. The cover element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover element surrounds a fastening means, such as a slot arranged near the edge for a peripheral edge, which is arranged to be positioned in the direction of the bolting side of the madular cover. passage of a strap, which fastening means is adapted for fastening the akleksleman! to an object such as the ground beneath or perimeter of the area. The cover element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover element consists of a material of the group comprising: - rubber or rubber composites, such as recycled rubber from tires; synihelic rubber, such as ethylene propylene diene monomer, EPDM; biodegradable synthetic material, such as biodegradable polymer; »Sanimpressed biological abrasive bars and natural fibers; - recycled plastic, such as polyethylene, 16. The cover element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover alemen! comprises a seal disposed along at least one of the edges of the cover element. 17. The cover element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the top side of the cover glazing comprises a photovoltaic module, the connecting means of the cover element being adapted to make an electrical connection with the other cover element. 1B. The roof element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover element is provided with a solar thermal heating module adapted to heat a fluid by making use of solar radiant heat, where the connecting means of the cover element are arranged for discharging the heating element. liquid to the other cover element. 18. The cover element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting means is adapted for connection to an energy system. Device of cover elements according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover elements are connected to each other around the edge,