Modular hook with reduced CO2 emissions

Abstract

Modular hook (1) whose CO2 emissions are reduced and which is suitable for attaching or removing a covering element of a loading trough or container or other spaces or areas to be covered, wherein the hook (1) comprises a rod (3) and a boom (7), characterized in that the hook (1) further comprises a connecting piece (10) for joining one of the ends (6) of the rod (3) with the proximal end (8) of the boom (7), wherein the rod (3) and the boom (7) are made of a composite material.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present disclosure falls within the scope of hooks for covering with tarpaulins loading troughs or containers or other spaces or surfaces to be covered. State of the art

[0002] Covering loading troughs, especially those used for waste collection or transporting materials, is of utmost importance to prevent materials from falling onto traffic routes and the surrounding area. Spreading a tarpaulin over a loading trough can be accomplished by climbing onto the trough and unfolding the tarpaulin, but this method is laborious and time-consuming for an operator, or even dangerous.

[0003] Solutions exist. For example, EP 2 341 014 discloses an aluminum hook consisting of a rod with an angled end for attaching a tubular extension. This hook allows for the correct handling of a net positioned on a loading trough by inserting the tubular extension into an eyelet of the net, thus enabling the safe covering of loading troughs transporting material from the ground.

[0004] Given the acceleration of climate change, it is desirable to reduce the CO2 emissions of such a hook, the production of which in aluminum is harmful to the environment. Summary

[0005] The present disclosure improves the situation.

[0006] A modular hook is proposed which has a reduced CO2 load and which is suitable for attaching or removing a covering element of a loading trough or a container or other spaces or surfaces to be covered, wherein the hook comprises a rod and a boom, wherein the hook further comprises a connector for joining one of the ends of the rod to the proximal end of the boom, wherein the rod and the boom are made of a composite material.

[0007] The modular hook according to the invention achieves the same technical results as the prior art hook while having a lower environmental impact, as the rod and boom are each made of a composite material, maintaining the mechanical strength properties of the hook. Furthermore, the connector for joining the rod and boom enables modularity of the hook and ease of production of the rod and boom.

[0008] The properties set out in the following paragraphs can optionally be implemented independently or in combination with each other: - the connector is removable and fixed to the rod and the boom; - the connector is formed from two complementary half-pieces designed to form respectively a first sleeve surrounding the end of the rod and a second sleeve surrounding the proximal end of the boom; - the hook further comprises a support which is different from the connector, the support being attached to the end of the rod near the connector; - the support comprises a sleeve which receives the rod, a radial extension which extends radially from the sleeve with respect to the rod, and two tabs which extend on either side of the radial extension; - the boom is provided with a fixing component near its proximal end, which is joined to the rod by means of the connector; - the rod is telescopic and includes a movable locking ring between an open position in which the length of the rod is adjustable and a closed position in which the length of the rod is fixed; - the rod and boom are made of long-fiber reinforced composite material; - the connector is made at least partly of thermoplastic polymer; - the bar is provided with a component for moving the bar along a loading area wall. Short description of the drawings

[0009] Further features, details and advantages will become apparent from reading the following detailed description and from analyzing the attached drawings, in which: Fig. 1 [ Fig. 1] shows a modular hook according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 [ Fig. 2] the modular hook of the Fig. 1 shows where the boom is joined to the rod by means of the connecting piece. Description of the embodiments

[0010] It will now Fig. 1.

[0011] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a modular hook 1 according to the invention. The modular hook 1 comprises a rod 3 made of a composite material.

[0012] The use of composite materials instead of metal makes it possible to limit the modular hook's impact on climate change through more energy-efficient manufacturing processes and the release of less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Indeed, the metal must be heated to a very high temperature to be molded. Examples of hook production processes are discussed below. A hook according to the invention is also lighter than the prior art hook made of metal, due to the use of composite materials.

[0013] Composite materials include, for example, glass fibers, carbon fibers and / or natural fibers such as linen fibers or cotton fibers or hemp fibers.

[0014] The selected fibers are preferably embedded in a matrix of polymer, in particular resin, for example vinyl ester resin.

[0015] In particular, rod 3 is made of a long-fiber-reinforced composite material. Long fibers are fibers that are several meters long. Long fibers include, for example, unidirectional fibers, crossed fibers, and nonwoven fibers.

[0016] Preferably, the rod 3 does not contain any metal.

[0017] The rod 3 is the part of the hook 1 that is held by an operator when using the hook 1.

[0018] In particular, the rod 3 has a straight, hollow, tubular shape. This design makes it even lighter.

[0019] The rod 3 manufactured in this way has very good bending strength, just like the metal rod according to the state of the art.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the rod 3 is telescopic. This allows an operator to reach a high object, reducing the risk and labor for the operator, who does not have to climb onto the loading trough and can adjust the length of the rod 3 according to their needs.

[0021] To make this possible, the rod 3 is composed of at least two concentric tubes that slide into each other. For example, the rod 3 has a length of between 2.5 m and 3.5 m when the rod 3 is retracted, preferably between 2.7 m and 3.1 m. For example, the rod 3 has a length of between 3.0 m and 4.0 m when the rod 3 is extended, preferably between 3.3 m and 3.7 m. Fig. 1, the rod 3 is shown in the collapsed position.

[0022] In particular, the rod 3 comprises a locking ring 5 movable between an open position, in which the length of the rod 3 is adjustable, and a closed position, in which the length of the rod 3 is fixed. It is sufficient to tighten or loosen the locking ring 5 to move it between the open position and the closed position, thus selecting the length of the rod 3.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the rod 3 comprises a component 9 for moving the rod 3 along a loading area wall, for example, a loading area wall of a loading trough. This reduces the effort required by the operator when covering the loading trough. The component 9 for moving the rod 3 along a loading area wall is, for example, a removable wheel 91.

[0024] The removable wheel 91 is preferably attached to a female tube of the rod 3 if the rod 3 is telescopic. This eliminates the need to move the removable wheel 91 when extending the rod 3. The removable wheel 91 is attached to the rod 3, for example, by means of a clip, for example made of metal, which is screwed onto itself.

[0025] As in Fig. 2, the hook 1 further comprises an extension arm 7 and a connecting piece 10 for joining one of the ends 6 of the rod 3 to the proximal end 8 of the extension arm 7.

[0026] Boom 7 is made of a composite material. The properties described for the rod, which refer to the composite materials, also apply to boom 7.

[0027] The boom 7 has in particular the shape of a straight, hollow tube.

[0028] Advantageously, the cantilever 7 is provided with a fastening component 12 near its proximal end 8, which is joined to the rod 3 by means of the connecting piece 10. The fastening component 12 comprises, in particular, a tubular sleeve 14 for receiving the cantilever 7 and two cams 16, 18, in particular a first cam 16 substantially perpendicular to the axis of the cantilever 7 and extending in the extension of the tubular sleeve 14, and a second cam 18 forming an acute angle to the cantilever 7. The two cams 16, 18 extend on either side of the cantilever 7. The two cams 16, 18 allow the cantilever 7 to be hooked onto a hooking part of the covering element, for example, a ring or an elastic member.

[0029] The fastening component 12 is fixed to the boom 7, for example by riveting or screwing.

[0030] The fastening component 12 is, for example, made at least partially of a thermoplastic polymer. This makes it possible to produce complex patterns and obtain a part that has sufficient resistance to mechanical stress and good resistance to moisture and corrosive environments. Preferably, the fastening component 12 is made of polyamide. Even more preferred is if the fastening component 12 is made of polyamide 6.

[0031] When the boom 7 is installed on the hook 1, the boom 7 forms an angle α with respect to the rod 3, allowing its insertion into a net eyelet, for example, to spread a net on a loading trough from the ground. In particular, the angle α is between 90° and 130°.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the rod 3 and the boom 7 are manufactured by a continuous manufacturing process.

[0033] Unidirectional and oriented fibers are supplied on spools and then passed through a heated nozzle. A resin is injected into the nozzle simultaneously with the fibers' passage to impregnate the fibers. A drawing device allows for continuous drawing of the impregnated fibers. A cutting device, such as a circular saw, then cuts the impregnated fibers to the desired length to obtain a profile and form the rod 3 or cantilever 7.

[0034] This process results in mechanical homogeneity of the parts obtained and has the advantage of being a continuous process.

[0035] According to one variant, the rod 3 and the cantilever 7 are manufactured by filament winding around a mandrel. Continuous fibers are supplied on spools and guided through separating combs, then dipped into a resin bath and passed between two clamping rollers. A conductor then guides the fibers around a rotating mandrel. The rotation of the mandrel ensures the fibers are pulled from the spools.

[0036] According to another variant, the rod 3 and the boom 7 are manufactured by pultrusion.

[0037] According to yet another variant, the rod 3 and the boom 7 are manufactured by manually winding a fabric of pre-impregnated fibers around a mandrel to form a tube. A heat-shrinkable plastic film is then wrapped around the tube to ensure compaction of the pre-impregnated fibers. The unit is then baked in the drying system and then demolded.

[0038] The connecting piece 10 for joining the rod 3 to the boom 7 is designed so that the boom 7 can be plugged onto the rod 3 when necessary.

[0039] Advantageously, the connecting piece 10 is removably attached to the rod 3 and the boom 7. This makes it possible to remove the connecting piece 10 from the rod 3 and / or the boom 7 as desired.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the connecting piece 10 is formed from two complementary half-pieces 20, 21 (only one of the half-pieces 20 is shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the other half-piece 21 is located on the back of the half-piece 20), which are designed to form a first sleeve 22 surrounding the end 6 of the rod 3 and a second sleeve 24 surrounding the proximal end 8 of the boom 7.

[0041] For example, each half-piece 20, 21 comprises a first hollow half-tube 25 that receives the rod, and a second hollow half-tube 26 that is intended to receive the boom 7. The second half-tube 26 of a half-piece 20, 21 is advantageously intersecting with the first half-tube 25 of the half-piece 20, 21. Each half-piece 20, 21 further comprises surfaces 30 for fixing the first half-piece 20 to the second half-piece 21. The fixing surfaces 30 are connected to the half-tubes 25, 26. The fixing surfaces 30 of each of the two half-pieces 20, 21 are preferably substantially flat so as to be arranged opposite one another when the connecting piece 10 is joined at least to the rod 3.

[0042] The two halves 20, 21 are secured together, for example, by screwing. In the example shown in the figures, the two halves 20, 21 are secured together by four screws 32.

[0043] The connector 10 is fixed to the rod 3, for example, by means of rivets 34. Such fixation by rivets makes it possible to keep the connector 10 in position around the rod 3 and to prevent unwanted rotation of the connector 10 around the rod 3 when using the hook 1.

[0044] Depending on the variant, the two halves 20, 21 of the connecting piece 10 can be joined to the rod 3 by fitting, clipping, gluing or screwing.

[0045] The boom 7 is advantageously mounted on the hook 1 by coupling it to the connecting piece 10.

[0046] According to the example shown, the modular hook 1 further comprises a support 40 separate from the connector 10, the support 40 being attached to the end 6 of the rod 3 near the connector 10.

[0047] The bracket 40 comprises, for example, a sleeve 42 that receives the rod 3, a radial extension 44 that extends radially from the sleeve 42 relative to the rod 3, and two tabs 46, 48 that extend on either side of the radial extension 44. The two tabs 46, 48 extend, for example, in extension to each other. They can be straight or curved.

[0048] Advantageously, the bracket 40 is removably attached to the rod 3. This makes it possible to remove the bracket 40 from the rod 3 at will.

[0049] The bracket 40 is fixed to the rod 3, for example, by means of rivets 34. Such fixation by rivets makes it possible to keep the bracket 40 in position around the rod 3 and to prevent unwanted rotation of the bracket 40 around the rod 3 when using the hook 1.

[0050] Depending on the variant, the bracket 40 can be joined to the rod 3 by gluing or screwing.

[0051] The bracket 40 is, for example, made at least partially of a thermoplastic polymer. This makes it possible to produce complex patterns and obtain a part that has sufficient resistance to mechanical stress and good resistance to moisture and corrosive environments. Preferably, the connector 10 is made of polyamide. Even more preferred is if the connector 10 is made of polyamide 6. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 2 341 014

[0003]

Claims

[1] Modular hook (1) with a reduced CO2 load and suitable for attaching or removing a covering element of a loading trough or a container or other spaces or surfaces to be covered, the hook (1) comprising a rod (3) and a boom (7), characterized by that the hook (1) further comprises a connecting piece (10) for joining one of the ends (6) of the rod (3) to the proximal end (8) of the boom (7), wherein the rod (3) and the boom (7) are made of a composite material. [2] Modular hook (1) according to claim 1, wherein the connector (10) is removably fixed to the rod (3) and the boom (7). [3] Modular hook (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connector (10) is formed from two complementary half-pieces (20, 21) designed to form respectively a first sleeve (22) surrounding the end of the rod (3) and a second sleeve (24) surrounding the proximal end of the boom (7). [4] Modular hook (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a support (40) different from the connector (10), the support (40) being attached to the end (6) of the rod (3) in the vicinity of the connector (10). [5] Modular hook (1) according to claim 4, wherein the support (40) comprises a sleeve (42) receiving the rod (3), a radial extension (44) extending radially from the sleeve (42) with respect to the rod (3), and two tabs (46, 48) extending on either side of the radial extension (44). [6] Modular hook (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the boom (7) is provided with a fastening component (12) near its proximal end (8) which is joined to the rod (3) by means of the connecting piece (10). [7] Modular hook (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the rod (3) is telescopic and comprises a locking ring (5) movable between an open position in which the length of the rod (3) is adjustable and a closed position in which the length of the rod (3) is fixed. [8] Modular hook (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the rod (3) and the boom (7) are made of a long fiber reinforced composite material. [9] Modular hook (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the connecting piece (10) is made at least partially of thermoplastic polymer. [10] Modular hook (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the rod (3) is provided with a component (9) for displacing the rod (3) along a loading area wall.

Images