Device for fixing a covering with magnetic connection means

Abstract

Cover (1)

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system for the simple fixing and fastening of a thin, flat material such as fabric, cloth, film, fiber, mesh, tarpaulin, or the like to a supporting structure such as a frame, rack, rods, or the like, by means of magnetic force applied by magnetic fasteners. The flat material is thereby tensioned and stressed evenly in order to resist material-related sagging and vibrations caused by air and wind influences, and to prevent fluttering and rattling noises. The flat material can itself be magnetic or magnetizable.

[0002] Thin, flat materials are widely used. They are relatively lightweight and require less raw materials and energy for production and transport than solid constructions. They are versatile, flexible, easy to assemble, and comparatively inexpensive. Well-known examples of flat materials include tents, tablecloths, curtains, awnings, insect screens, and rainproof clothes hangers, such as those described in CN 1 10 438 766 A. It is also known to tension or fasten such flat materials using magnets.

[0003] A variety of magnets are commercially available that are attached to tablecloths on both sides, allowing the tablecloths to hang down the sides of the table. When such magnets are attached to the sides or corners of the tablecloth, their weight ensures that the tablecloth stays in place even when there are no heavy objects on the table. EP 1550 390 B1 discloses a device for holding tablecloths or similar items to tabletops. The device comprises a holding element and a counter-holding element that attract each other magnetically, and between which a tablecloth is held. The holding element is attached to the table or the overhanging part of the tabletop. However, it is not intended to stretch the tablecloth, nor is this necessary if it can otherwise lie flat on the tabletop without sagging or flapping.The holding elements can also be standard tablecloth clips that are held in place by spring action. However, it is not intended to attach the magnets to the table legs or the tabletop, although this is of course possible if the table legs or tabletop are made of a magnetizable material.

[0004] A special type of tablecloth with magnets is shown in US Patent 20210 / 0275419 A1, in which the tablecloth covers not only the table surface but also the space underneath, similar to a slipcover. Magnets are attached to a strip along the edge of the table, which can hold the tablecloth in place if it is fitted with a suitable magnetic strip. This magnetic strip can apparently also be used as a separate piece of tape to clamp the tablecloth or slipcover to the magnets on the table edge, which is advantageous when cleaning the tablecloth or slipcover.

[0005] Magnets are also used on curtains to ensure they hang smoothly, replacing the lead weights used previously. Again, no attachment to supporting structures is required.

[0006] Another application is the magnetic attachment of sun sails and tarps to a camper van, utilizing the magnetic properties of the metal roof. Magnets are also used to attach privacy curtains inside the camper van. In insect screens, magnets are used to connect two screen panels of a door opening, allowing the panels to be quickly opened and closed. This is very practical when carrying something in one hand, as the opening and closing can be done quickly with the other hand, preventing insects from getting in. Again, the magnets are not intended to be fixed to a support frame. These applications are not part of the invention but are known prior art.

[0007] Further application examples include awnings as a replacement for canopies on patios and in camping areas, as well as insect protection outdoors, especially against infectious biting insects. Curtains, drapes, nets, tarpaulins, fibers, etc., are then used as a roof or walkway replacement. Such awnings are described, for example, in DE 20 2020 101 119 U1 and DE 20 2019 104 622 U1, as well as in EP 3 933 139 A1, where the fabric roller is held in the rolled-up state by a magnet, and in EP 2 458 107 B1, where a magnetic connection is provided for a folding-arm awning on an extension profile supported by folding arms or on a support in the extended state. The improvement of such and other awnings or awning-like covered surfaces is the subject of the invention. In principle, the flat material is clamped between a magnetic support structure and magnets.

[0008] CA 2 969 085 also describes a corresponding device for a conservatory, in which a shading effect is to be created to optimize private cannabis cultivation. It shows a fixing device that is also suitable for windy conditions. The only magnetic means are point magnets 26, which, in the case of higher wind speeds, allow the elastic tarpaulin surface 3 to be stretched slightly, causing the excess material to fold and then magnetically attaching this fold to the lateral steel support. Other options such as clamps, snaps, and Velcro can also be used. The surface of the tarpaulin remains freely swinging and unaffected.

[0009] The following section explains the application of the invention to awnings, although the invention is not limited to this application. Awnings are made of thin, flat fabric or cloth and are equipped with features for sun protection, wind protection, privacy, and rain protection. The fabric is usually rolled up and unrolled as needed; less frequently, but also possible, a pleated folding mechanism is used. In some cases, the fabric is folded like a blanket and unfolded when needed. The technology proposed below is suitable for all these applications.

[0010] For all these applications, a supporting structure is required to tension the fabric on all sides. Typical supporting structures are rollers for rolling up the fabric, where one end is enclosed by the roller and the opposite end by a tensioning bar, and both sides are held by articulated arms. Umbrella structures with spokes, to which the fabric may or may not be attached, are also common. For pleated structures, ropes are often used for tensioning, with the ropes threaded through the fabric to facilitate folding. If folded tarpaulins are used, they are usually attached to the supporting structure with clamps or screws. Tent walls or curtains are also good examples.

[0011] Both the fabric coverings and the scaffolding structures are inherently elastic. In calm conditions, the coverings sag according to their elasticity. To prevent this or reduce the sagging, the tensioning on the scaffolding must be increased. However, such tensioning reduces the structural strength when additional loads such as wind and rain are applied. While the primary goal in storms, hail, and rain is usually to quickly secure the fabric and retract the supporting structure, wind, especially wind blowing towards or around the structure, poses a particular problem, as the covering is often intended to provide protection from wind and sun.

[0012] Two flow patterns are particularly problematic. An airflow parallel to the mounting surface creates a suction effect, lifting the covering and resulting in a kind of airfoil shape. The lift can be considerable, exerting significant forces on the covering and its attachments to the supporting structure. The airflow around the supporting structure triggers vortices that cause fluttering. This effect is known as a Kármán vortex street, and the flutter frequency can be accurately calculated using the Strouhal number, provided the diameters of the structural elements exposed to the airflow are known. The flutter frequency and the elasticity of the covering also reveal potential resonances, the locations of vibration nodes within the covering, and the points of maximum amplitude. Furthermore, flat coverings tend to sag slightly due to their own weight and dimensions.

[0013] The object of the invention is therefore to prevent these negative properties by means of a fixing and fastening system that is easy and quick to assemble and disassemble, cost-effective, durable and long-lasting, tensions the material evenly and effectively dampens resonances of vibrations.

[0014] The invention solves the problem of fastening by means of a fixing device for a covering, the fixing device comprising a flat covering made of a thin, flat covering material with a textile, awning or tarpaulin-like character, at least one frame and / or a supporting structure which are suitable to absorb the weight forces of the fixing device and the covering, and the surface of the flat covering has an outside and an inside, and whereby Magnetic or magnetizable connecting elements and components are provided on the surface of the planar covering as connecting means for holding, vibration-damping and stabilizing purposes; the holding, vibration-damping and stabilizing magnetic or magnetizable means and components of the connecting means have an elongated, oblong and / or wide shape; the holding, vibration-damping and stabilizing magnetic connecting means and components of the connecting means have magnets and magnetic or magnetizable counterparts; these magnets are each magnetically connected to magnetic or magnetizable counterparts on the outside and inside of the planar covering, with the planar covering being fixed in between.

[0015] The fixing device thus comprises all parts, including the covering and everything necessary for fastening and support. Fasteners that hold the individual components together include the conventional structure and the magnetic or magnetizable fasteners and elements used to attach the covering, thereby generating the holding, vibration-damping, and stabilizing effects. The covering, by definition, comprises the fabric or mesh made of a thin, flat covering material with a textile, awning, or tarpaulin-like character. When stretched, it essentially hangs freely between the fasteners; that is, it does not rest on a fixed surface such as a tabletop, but is stretched and held by the fixing device.Textile-like materials include all fabrics that are made from natural fibers, chemical fibers and non-textile raw materials such as metal threads, glass fibers, carbon fibers, which are processed or fused into planar structures using various methods.

[0016] The included fasteners are elongated, oblong, and / or wide, consisting of strips or magnetic pads with a large, above-average effective area. These fasteners provide a magnetic connection to reliably prevent point loads that could overload the fabric due to wind and vibrations, potentially causing tearing. They can also be designed to act as a safety coupling, releasing before the fabric's material limits are exceeded, and can be round or square in any desired shape. Standard magnetic hooks for hanging towels or similar items are not included.

[0017] For camping awnings, typical dimensions are lengths of up to 2.3 meters and widths of up to 50 millimeters. Round or square pads can also have diameters or edge lengths of up to 150 millimeters. Typically, rectangular magnets are used, each 70 millimeters long, 25 millimeters wide, and 14 millimeters high. A strip of aluminum or plastic is usually placed between the magnets and the fabric to protect the fabric. Flat strips, angle profiles, C-profiles, and U-profiles can be used as these strips, into which the magnets are inserted, for example, by gluing. Flat, magnetizable steel strips or profiles can also be used. The individual magnets typically exert a holding force of 20 kg.It is also possible to weave magnetic threads or nets into the covering material to increase the bonding effect and tear resistance, possibly in sections at highly stressed areas.

[0018] The terms "load-bearing structure" and "supporting construction" are used differently here and partially overlap. A load-bearing structure refers to the overall static system of load-bearing elements that are crucial for stability and result from the force relationships. The supporting construction consists of columns, beams, and associated stabilizing elements, and tangibly realizes what the load-bearing structure abstractly requires due to the forces acting upon it, based on the laws of physics.

[0019] The edge fixing point refers to strips or rollers commonly used for rolling up the flat material or for support as lifting arms. Magnets are either used on the inside and outside and magnetically connected to each other, or a magnetic material is placed on the top of the covering and magnetically attached from below or from the opposite side, or vice versa. The supporting structure can be positioned above or below the covering. If the covering is positioned above the supporting structure, the magnetic material is placed on top of the covering so that it is magnetically attached from below by means of the supporting structure. If the covering is positioned below the supporting structure, the magnetic material is fed in from below so that a magnetic connection is established with the supporting structure above.

[0020] The supporting structure itself can also act as a counterpart if it is made of magnetic material; alternatively, magnetic strips on the structure can fulfill this function. For example, the supporting structure could be constructed using lightweight materials and only have magnets in certain sections. It is also possible to use a profile for the supporting structure into which a narrow strip of magnetic material is embedded.

[0021] In this system, the magnets are not directly connected as in tablecloth applications. Instead, one part is a rod-shaped, magnetizable material, such as a support arm acting as a longer edge clamping point, and the counterpart can be a multitude of individual magnets connected by a strip, or also a rod-shaped material, for example, in the form of a bar magnet. The flat material is magnetically clamped between these.

[0022] If vibrations occur during use, the magnetic fasteners are selected, manually positioned, and moved so that they lie in the antinodes of the fabric. This dampens or completely eliminates the fluttering.

[0023] The coverings and the fixing device can be horizontal, inclined or vertical or in the direction of the material plane; the terms outside and inside can accordingly be understood as top and bottom.

[0024] Therefore, certain designs stipulate that the magnetic counterparts are designed in the form of strips and are magnetized in sections or permanently connected to magnets; the magnetic counterparts are made of non-magnetizable, lightweight material, in which magnets are attached to the lightweight material on the side facing away from the covering; the connecting means are connected to the edges of the flat covering and / or are placed between the edges of the flat covering without contact with the edges; the connecting means are designed in the form of strips which have joints and / or are pluggable or telescopic; the magnets and / or magnetic counterparts have differently shaped or plate-shaped recesses at the points intended for attachment with a fit that each fits into one another; several magnets and / or magnetic counterparts are connected together to form strips or belts.the magnets and / or the magnetic counterparts are equipped on the outside or inside with a protective coating and on the other side with a fabric coating or a plastic edging, the magnets (6) or the magnetic counterparts are embedded, sewn in, laminated or welded into the covering.

[0025] Thus, strips with magnets can be attached to the top of an awning. These strips are connected from below using magnetic materials or magnets and then fastened to the frame and supporting structure. The magnetizable strips can also have joints, for example, like a folding ruler, or be pluggable or telescopic, or two or more can be positioned one behind the other. They can also have various shaped recesses at the attachment points, such as plate-shaped recesses, designed to fit around tubular supports, for example, half-tube supports into which the magnets on the underside fit. The strips can also be made of profiles, rods, or tubes.

[0026] Instead of several individual magnets, these can also form a composite. One embodiment provides that... the flat magnets are connected to these enclosing strips to form flat magnetic strips or belts, the magnetic strips can be loosely placed or attached on the top or bottom or in the direction of the material plane of the coverings, and the magnetic strips with flat magnets can be attached to the opposite side of the covering.

[0027] Depending on the application, it is understood that the covering, fixing device, supporting structure, connecting elements and magnetic strips should be weather-resistant, age-resistant, and easily assembled and disassembled by hand or with simple aids such as a rod with hooks.

[0028] Design features include the magnet housings. On the side facing the covering, the magnets are either corrosion-resistant due to the material properties or provided with a protective coating or lacquer. On the opposite side, they can be encased in plastic, preferably by welding or laminating into a weather- and UV-protected plastic housing or fabric. This also applies to magnetizable strips and magnetic tapes, provided that several magnets are combined in these.

[0029] Sheet-metal, flat magnets with material thicknesses of 1 to 15 millimeters can be used, with the magnetic strips preferably being approximately 1 to 10 centimeters wide. The magnetic strips do not need to be equipped with magnets along their entire length; for reasons of weight or cost, it may suffice to manufacture the magnetic strips from individual magnetic plates in lengths of 1 to 20 centimeters, leaving spaces between the individual plates within the magnetic strip. This facilitates assembly and disassembly and ensures a uniform tension and load.

[0030] To prevent chafing, abrasions, and cracks, edges and corner contours are flattened and rounded or coated with elastic materials. Profiles, rails, rods, strips, and fasteners are designed with lightweight construction to save unnecessary weight. All necessary components, such as profiles, tubes, rods, fasteners, magnets, materials, etc., conform to the state of the art and are resistant to aging and corrosion. All components should be easy to assemble and universally applicable. New products should also allow for the direct integration of fixing and fastening devices, such as automatic folding, sewing, laminating, or welding. The number, design, and holding force of the magnets must be adapted to the specific application.

[0031] Examples of applications are All types of awnings, porches and tents, window privacy and sun and wind protection, wall and ceiling coverings, curtains, sun sails, pleated blinds, nets, especially for insect protection, tarpaulins, films of all kinds, fiber fastening and fixing. The flat materials used for this purpose are generally referred to as coverings. The magnetic strips and magnetic strips should be lightweight and torsionally rigid, yet flexible with respect to bending forces, which can be achieved, for example, through suitable material edgings. In application, the magnets, magnetic strips, or magnetic tapes are first loosely placed on top of the covering and then magnetically fixed from the opposite side so that they magnetically connect to the existing magnetic materials of the frame or supporting structure. This is further reinforced by additional plug-in or connecting elements in the center. Removal for disassembly is achieved by pulling them off from the side.

[0032] Further details concern the supporting structure. Typical supporting structures are similar to those of commercially available awnings or parasols, meaning they are either rolled up on rollers, foldable, or have spokes. Additional tension rods, profiles, and connectors, especially in the middle, serve to stabilize and magnetically fix and secure the fabric.

[0033] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to working sketches, although the invention is not limited to these illustrations. The figures show: Fig. 1 Front view of a bag / pocket awning, Fig. 2 Side view of a bag / pocket awning, Fig. 3 Top view of a bag / pocket awning, Fig. 4 Front view of a roof cassette awning, Fig. 5 Side view of a roof cassette awning, Fig. 6 Top view of a roof cassette awning, Fig. 7 Front view of another roof cassette awning, Fig. 8 Side view of another roof cassette awning, Fig. 9 , Top view of another roof cassette awning, Fig.10 Front view of a retractable side awning.

[0034] The examples using awnings show how the fabric rests on the supporting structure; however, it is equally possible, and encompassed by the invention, for the supporting structure to be arranged on top of the fabric. Combinations of top and bottom supporting structures are also possible, for example, alternating between them. This is implied in the following examples, even though it is not explicitly stated each time.

[0035] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a front view of a pocket awning with the awning fabric 1, the fabric roll 2, and the support legs 3 that support the fabric roll 2. Tension arms 4 are located on the sides; these are used to tension the awning fabric 1 after it has been unrolled. The connecting element 5 and the magnets 6 secure the awning fabric 1 to prevent sagging and to at least dampen, or ideally eliminate, any fluttering.

[0036] Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows the side view of the pocket awning. The awning fabric 1 rests on the tension arms 4, which are attached to the wall 8 on the left side (this could be, for example, the wall of a caravan) and supported on the right side by the support legs 3. The connecting element 5 lies on top of the awning fabric 1 and is held in place on the supporting structure by the magnets 6 and the magnetic counterpart 7.

[0037] Fig. 3 The figure shows a top view of a pocket awning with 3 connecting elements 5, each with 3 magnets 6. While the two outer connecting elements 5 are supported on the tension arms 4 (not visible here), the middle connecting element 5 rests on the awning fabric 1, which is firmly connected to the supporting structure with an additional tension rod, and is held on the underside by the magnetic counterparts 7 (not visible here).

[0038] Fig. 4 Figure 1 shows a front view of a roof cassette awning with the awning fabric 1, the drop profile 10, and the support legs 3 that support the drop profile 10. The articulated arms 11 are located on the sides; these are used to tension the awning fabric 1 after it has been unrolled from the roof cassette 9. The roof cassette 9 is attached to the wall 8. The awning fabric 1 is secured with the fasteners 5 and the magnets 6 to prevent sagging and to at least dampen, or ideally eliminate, any fluttering.

[0039] Fig. 5 Figure 1 shows a side view of a roof cassette awning. The awning fabric 1 is stretched above the articulated arms 11, which are attached to the roof cassette 9 on the left side, and the cassette is attached to the wall 8, which could be, for example, the wall of a caravan. On the right side, the awning fabric 1 is stretched by the drop profile 10, which is supported by the support legs 3. The connecting element 5 lies on top of the awning fabric 1 and is held in place by the magnets 6 and the magnetic counterpart 7. The connecting element 5, with the magnets 6 and the magnetic counterparts 7 on the underside of the awning fabric, is connected to the articulated arm 11 by the fasteners 12 and the hook-and-loop fastener 13. The articulated arm 11 is not extended, but remains in an angled position, the angle being adjustable depending on how far the awning fabric 1 is to be extended through the drop profile 10.

[0040] Fig. 6 Figure 1 shows a top view of a cassette awning. The two outer connecting elements 5 are each equipped with 4 magnets 6, which hold the articulated connecting elements on the respective articulated arms 11 (not visible here due to the awning fabric 1). The middle connecting element 5 has no joint and is held by 3 magnets 6. It is not connected to articulated arms but rests on the awning fabric 1 and is held on the underside of the awning fabric 1 by magnetic counterparts 7. The awning fabric 1 is firmly connected to the cassette and the front profile 10 by an additional tension rod.

[0041] Fig. 7 Figure 1 shows a front view of another roof cassette awning with the awning fabric 1, the drop profile 10, and the support legs 3 that support the drop profile 10. The connecting elements 5 and the 6 magnets 6 fix the awning fabric 1 lengthwise in the middle to prevent sagging and to at least dampen, or ideally completely eliminate, any fluttering.

[0042] Fig. 8 Figure 1 shows a side view of another roof cassette awning. The awning fabric 1 is stretched above the articulated arms 11, which are attached to the roof cassette 9 on the left side, and the cassette is attached to the wall 8, which could be, for example, the wall of a caravan. On the right side, the awning fabric 1 is stretched by the front profile 10, which is supported by the support legs 3. The connecting element 5 lies on top of the awning fabric 1 and is held in place by the magnets 6 and the magnetic counterpart 7. The connecting element 5, with the magnets 6 and the magnetic counterparts 7 on the underside of the awning fabric, is connected to the articulated arm 11 by the fasteners 12 and the hook-and-loop fastener 13. The articulated arm 11 is not extended but remains in an angled position, the angle of which is adjustable depending on how far the awning fabric 1 is to be extended through the front profile 10.

[0043] Fig. 9 The figure shows a top view of another roof cassette awning. The two connecting elements 5 are each equipped with 3 magnets 6, which hold the connecting elements 5 on the respective articulated arms 11 (not visible here due to the awning fabric 1). They are held on the underside of the awning fabric 1 by the magnetic counterparts 7 (not shown) on the articulated arms 11 together with the hook and loop fastener 13.

[0044] Fig 10Figure 1 shows a front view of a retractable side awning used as a privacy and windbreak. It is mounted between two walls 8 and extends to the ground 14. The side cassette 15 and the extension profile 16 are attached to the walls. The awning is 2.50 m high and 6 m wide. Due to its width, the fabric would sag and swing in the middle due to its own weight and air / wind currents without fasteners. To prevent this and to hold, stabilize, and tension the fabric evenly, as well as dampen vibrations, the fabric is fixed by two vertical fasteners 5 in the form of L-profiles, each with three attached magnets 6. These fasteners are magnetically clamped or tensioned to rigid square posts 17 or profiles made of galvanized steel or sheet steel (visible height 2.50 m, width 50 mm).In this example, the L-profiles are made of aluminum and have cutouts to reduce weight; their dimensions are height 2300 mm, width 30 mm, depth 20 mm. Reference sign

[0045] 1 Awning fabric 2 Fabric roll 3 Support legs 4 Tension arms 5 Connecting element 6 Magnet 7 Magnetic counterpart 8 Wall 9 Roof cassette 10 Drop profile 11 Articulated arm 12 Fastening element 13 Hook and loop fastener 14 Bottom 15 Side cassette 16 Extension profile 17 Square plug-in post

Claims

1. Fixing device for fixing a covering (1) the fixing device comprising: • a flat covering (1) made of a thin, flat covering material with a textile, awning or tarpaulin-like character, • at least one frame formed from articulated arms (11) and / or a supporting structure with tension arms (4) which are suitable to absorb the weight forces of the fixing device and the covering, • wherein the at least one lateral fastening, the at least one edge fixing point with the connecting means (5) and the covering (1) can be connected by connecting means (5), • and the surface of the flat covering (1) has an outside and an inside, characterized by the fact that• magnetic or magnetizable connecting means (5) and elements are provided on the surface of the planar covering (1) as connecting means (5), • the holding, vibration-damping and stabilizing magnetic or magnetizable connecting means (5) and elements of the connecting means (5) have an elongated, oblong and / or wide shape, • the holding, vibration-damping and stabilizing magnetic connecting means (5) and elements of the connecting means have magnets (6) and magnetic or magnetizable counterparts (7), • these magnets (6) are each magnetically connected to magnetic or magnetizable counterparts (7) on the outside and inside of the planar covering (1), with the planar covering (1) being fixed in between.

2. Fixing device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatthe magnetic counterparts (7) are formed in the shape of strips and are magnetized section by section or are firmly connected to magnets (6).

3. Fixing device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the magnetic counterparts (7) are made of non-magnetizable, lightweight material, in which magnets (6) are attached to the lightweight material on the side facing away from the covering (1).

4. Fixing device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the connecting means (5) are connected to the edges of the planar covering (1) and / or are placed between the edges of the planar covering (1) without contact to the edges but with contact to the supporting structure.

5. Fixing device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that the connecting means (5) shall be in the form of strips which shall have joints and / or be pluggable or telescopic.

6. Fixing device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the fact that the magnets (6) and / or magnetic counterparts (7) have differently shaped or plate-shaped recesses at the points intended for attachment, with a fit that each fits into one another.

7. Fixing device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the fact that Several magnets (6) and / or magnetic counterparts (7) are connected together to form strips or belts.

8. Fixing device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by the fact that the magnets (6) and / or the magnetic counterparts (7) are equipped with a protective coating on the outside or inside and with a cloth coating or a plastic edging on the other side.

9. Fixing device (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by the fact thatthe magnets (6) or the magnetic counterparts (7) are embedded, sewn, laminated or welded into the covering (1).

10. Use of a fixing device (5) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 9 for: • all types of awnings, • awnings and tents, • window privacy and sun protection, • wall and ceiling coverings, • curtains, • pleated blinds, • nets, especially for insect protection, • tarpaulins, • films of all kinds, • fiber fastening and fixing

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