Covering element for a container

The covering element with a central portion, pull tube, and elastic links addresses the inefficiency of existing systems by enabling easy and secure folding and attachment, ensuring the covering remains closed.

FR3159959A1Active Publication Date: 2025-09-12H2DX
View PDF 3 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
FR2024002417
Authority / Receiving Office
FR · FR
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-03-11
Publication Date
2025-09-12
Estimated Expiration
2044-03-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing covering systems for containers, such as tarpaulins and protective nets, require firm knotting to prevent accidental unfolding, which is cumbersome and inefficient.

Method used

A covering element with a central covering portion, pull tube, and elastic links, featuring specific angles and eyelets, allowing for easy deployment and secure folding by passing an elastic tie through eyelets and knotting it, ensuring a robust attachment.

Benefits of technology

The solution provides a secure and efficient method for folding and securing the covering element, reducing the risk of accidental opening and simplifying the process.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
    Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The covering element (10) comprises: - a central covering portion (20) extending between longitudinal edges (22, 24) and between transverse edges (26, 28), each longitudinal edge (22, 24) having at least one eyelet (32) in the region of the corner (C) between said longitudinal edge (22, 24) and one of said transverse edges (26, 28), - a traction tube (32) extending along a transverse axis (A) and between two transverse ends (34, 36), - at least one elastic link (42), in which the angle (α) between the straight line (D1) perpendicular to the transverse axis (A) of the traction tube (32) passing through the transverse end (34, 36) of the traction tube (32), and the straight line (D2), passing through the intersection (I1) between the first straight line (D1) and the second straight line (D2) is equal to the angle (α) between the first straight line (D1) and the second straight line (D2) and the third straight line (D2) and the third straight line (D2) and the third straight line (D2) and the third straight line (D2) and the third straight line (D2) and the third straight line (D2) and the third straight line (D2) and the fourth ... (D1) and the transverse edge (26, 28), and the center of the second eyelet (30), is between 90° and 105°. Abstract figure: Figure 1
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Title of the invention: Covering element for a container

[0001] The present invention relates to a covering element for a container, and an associated folding method. Technical field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of covering elements for containers, in particular for covering skips. Prior art

[0003] It is known to cover containers such as skips with tarpaulins or protective nets so as to keep the contents of the container inside it during transport for example. Such tarpaulins or protective nets generally have tensioners to hold the tarpaulin or net on the container. When the tarpaulin or net is removed from the container, it is folded and then rolled on itself. It is possible to wrap one of the tensioners around the tarpaulin or net and knot it on itself to hold the tarpaulin or net in the closed position. Such a method requires the tensioner to be knotted very firmly to prevent accidental unfolding of the tarpaulin or net.

[0004] There is a need for a more robust attachment system. Abstract

[0005] The present disclosure improves the situation.

[0006] There is provided a covering element for a container of parallelepipedal shape at its upper end, the covering element comprising:

[0007] - a central covering portion extending between longitudinal edges intended to extend along the length of the container, and between transverse edges intended to extend across the width of the container, each longitudinal edge having at least one eyelet, called the second eyelet, located in the corner region between said longitudinal edge and one of said transverse edges of the central covering portion,

[0008] - a pull tube into which a tool is intended to be inserted to deploy the element covering along the container, the draw tube extending at least partially along a transverse edge along a transverse axis and between two transverse ends,

[0009] - at least one elastic link,

[0010] in which the angle between the straight line, called the first straight line, perpendicular to the transverse axis of the traction tube passing through the transverse end of the traction tube, and the straight line, called the second straight line, passing through the intersection between the first straight line and the transverse edge of the central covering portion located in the vicinity of said transverse end on the one hand, and the center of the second eyelet on the other hand is between 90° and 105°, preferably between 91° and 100°, more preferably between 92.5° and 95°.

[0011] The features set out in the following paragraphs may, optionally, be implemented, independently of one another or in combination with one another:

[0012] - the distance between the center of said second eyelet and the intersection projected on the edge longitudinal between said first straight line and the transverse edge of the central covering portion located in the vicinity of the same longitudinal edge is between 0 mm and 150 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 120 mm, more preferably between 15 mm and 70 mm, more preferably between 20 mm and 50 mm;

[0013] - the covering element comprises at least one extension of at least one long edge longitudinal of the central covering portion, at least one eyelet distinct from the second eyelet, called the first eyelet, being located on said extension of the longitudinal edge;

[0014] - the distance between the center of each first eyelet located on the same longitudinal side that the draw tube and the intersection between the transverse axis of the draw tube and the longitudinal edge is greater than or equal to 5 mm;

[0015] - the distance between the center of each first eyelet and the intersection of the axis transverse distance of the draw tube with the longitudinal edge is between 5 mm and 200 mm, preferably between 50 mm and 180 mm, more preferably between 120 mm and 180 mm;

[0016] - the elastic link extends along the traction tube, and beyond said traction tube.

[0017] According to another aspect, there is provided a method of folding a covering element such as described above, including the steps:

[0018] -fold the covering element at least in half lengthwise,

[0019] - roll the covering element on itself in the width direction,

[0020] - passing the at least one elastic link through the at least one second eyelet,

[0021] - tie the elastic tie on itself.

[0022] According to a variant of the method, each longitudinal edge of the covering element is first folded towards the inside of the covering element, then the covering element is folded between two and ten times in succession in two lengthwise before being rolled up on itself. Brief description of the drawings

[0023] Other characteristics, details and advantages will appear on reading the detailed description below, and on analyzing the attached drawings, in which: Fig.l

[0024] [Fig.l] shows a schematic view of a covering element for a container in the state unfolded according to one embodiment.

[0025] [Fig.l] shows a covering element 10 for a container according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0026] The container (not shown) is parallelepiped in shape at its upper end with an opening delimited by edges. The container is for example a skip. The opening is designed to receive in particular goods, or waste of any type.

[0027] The covering element 10, during its use, is configured to cover the opening of the container so as to maintain its contents inside the container.

[0028] The covering element 10 is preferably a protective net, but could be a tarpaulin or any other suitable element.

[0029] In the remainder of the description, the dimensions of the covering element 10 are considered when the covering element 10 is deployed flat, under tension.

[0030] The covering element 10 comprises a central covering portion 20 extending in a longitudinal direction L between longitudinal edges 22, 24 intended to extend over the length of the container, and in a transverse direction T perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L between transverse edges 26, 28 intended to extend over the width of the container. The length is understood to be greater than the width.

[0031] The central covering portion 20 has an overall rectangular shape with truncated corners.

[0032] Preferably, the longitudinal edges 22, 24 are rectilinear.

[0033] The transverse edges 26, 28 may be rectilinear or not. In particular, each transverse edge may be configured so that the length of the central covering portion 20 from one transverse edge 26, 28 to the other transverse edge 26, 28 is greater from a middle M of one transverse edge 26 to the middle M of the other transverse edge 28 than the length between one end 260 of one transverse edge 26 to the end 262 of the other transverse edge 28 opening into the same longitudinal edge 22, 24.

[0034] For example, the length of the central portion 20 taken from one transverse edge 26 to the other transverse edge 28 is between 3 meters and 13 meters.

[0035] For example, the width of the central portion 20 taken from one longitudinal edge 22 to the other longitudinal edge 24 is between 2 meters and 4 meters.

[0036] The central portion 20 is for example made of polyethylene.

[0037] The longitudinal edges 22, 24 and the transverse edges 26, 28 are in particular reinforced to improve the tensile strength and thus the tear resistance of the central portion 20.

[0038] Each longitudinal edge 22, 24 has at least one eyelet 30, called the second eyelet, located in the region of the corner C between said longitudinal edge 22, 24 and one of said transverse edges 26, 28 of the central covering portion 20.

[0039] The second eyelet 30 allows the covering element to be gripped by a tool, in particular by a boat hook comprising a pole provided with a hook, by inserting the hook into the second eyelet 30.

[0040] Said second eyelet 30 is thus positioned to allow an elastic link to be inserted therein when the covering element 10 is folded, as will be described later.

[0041] The covering element 10 comprises a pull tube 32 into which a tool is intended to be inserted to deploy the covering element along the container. For example, using a boat hook provided with a pole and a jib, the jib can be inserted inside the pull tube 32 to grasp the covering element 10.

[0042] The traction tube 32 extends at least partially along a transverse edge 26 along a transverse axis A and between two transverse ends 34, 36. For example, the traction tube 32 extends over at least, in order of preference, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60% of the length of the transverse edge 26, 28.

[0043] The transverse edge 28 opposite the traction tube 32 advantageously has a rectilinear central section 280 extending at least partially along said transverse edge 28.

[0044] The central section 280 extends at least partially along a transverse edge 28 between two transverse ends 35, 37. For example, the central section 280 extends over at least, in order of preference, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60% of the length of the transverse edge 26, 28.

[0045] The covering element 10 comprises at least one elastic link. The at least one elastic link makes it possible to hold the covering element 10 in place on the container provided with hooks provided for this purpose.

[0046] In particular, the covering element 10 comprises a first elastic link 40 extending along each longitudinal edge 22, 24 and along the transverse edge 26 on the side of the traction tube 32. The first elastic link 40 preferably has a loop 400 at each end on the side of the transverse edge 28 opposite the traction tube 32. For example, the first elastic link 40 extends through a plurality of eyelets 41 arranged along each longitudinal edge 22, 24 and the transverse edge 26 on the side of the traction tube 32. In particular, each first elastic link 40 extends through between ten and fifty eyelets 41, in particular between fifteen and thirty eyelets 4L. Said eyelets 41 may be distributed regularly or not.

[0047] In particular, the covering element 10 comprises a second elastic link 42 extending transversely along the pull tube 32 and beyond said pull tube 32. For example, the second elastic link 42 extends through a plurality of eyelets 43 arranged along said pull tube 32. The second elastic link 42 preferably has a loop 420 at each end. In particular, each second elastic link 42 extends through between five and fifteen eyelets 43. Said eyelets 43 may be distributed regularly or not.

[0048] Preferably, the covering element 10 comprises two third elastic links 44 each extending from the transverse edge 28 opposite the draw tube 32. For example, each third elastic link 44 extends through an eyelet 45 disposed on the central section 280, for example at each end of the central section 280.

[0049] In particular, the distance dl between the center of the second eyelet 30 in the region of the corner C between one of the longitudinal edges 22, 24 and the transverse edge 28 opposite the draw tube 32, and the projection of the center of the eyelet 45 or of each eyelet 45 of the central section 280 on said longitudinal edge 22, 24 is between 0 mm and 150 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 120 mm, more preferably between 15 mm and 90 mm, more preferably between 30 mm and 70 mm.

[0050] The angle α between the straight line D1, called the first straight line, perpendicular to the transverse axis A of the traction tube 32 passing through the transverse end 36 of the traction tube 32, and the straight line D2, called the second straight line, passing through the intersection II between the first straight line D1 and the transverse edge 26 of the central covering portion 20 located in the vicinity of said transverse end 36 on the one hand, and the center of the second eyelet 30 on the other hand is between 90° and 105°, preferably between 91° and 100°, more preferably between 92.5° and 95°. This relationship also applies to the other transverse side of the traction tube 32.

[0051] Thanks to this configuration, the elastic tie, in particular the second elastic tie 42, can be passed through the second eyelet 30 when the covering element 10 is folded and wound on itself. Once passed through the eyelet 30, the elastic tie 42 can be knotted on itself. This is not possible with an angle α that is too large. Thus, the covering element 10 is kept firmly closed and presents less risk of accidental opening.

[0052] In particular, the distance d2 between the center of said second eyelet 30 and the intersection 13 projected onto the longitudinal edge 26 between said first straight line D1 and the transverse edge 26 of the central covering portion 20 located in the vicinity of the same longitudinal edge is between 1 mm and 150 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 120 mm, more preferably between 15 mm and 70 mm, more preferably between 20 mm and 50 mm. This relationship also applies to the other transverse side of the traction tube 32.

[0053] In the same way as above, such a distance d2 makes it possible to pass the elastic link, in particular the second elastic link 42, through the second eyelet 30 when folding the covering element. This is not possible with too great a distance.

[0054] The covering element 10 comprises at least one extension 46, 48, 50, 52 of at least a longitudinal edge 22, 24 of the central covering portion 20.

[0055] Preferably, each longitudinal edge 22, 24 is provided with an extension 46, 48, 50, 52 at each longitudinal end.

[0056] At least one eyelet 54, 56 distinct from the second eyelet, called first eyelet 54, 56, is located on said extension 46, 48, 50, 52 of the longitudinal edge 22, 24 in the vicinity of its free end.

[0057] The first eyelet 54, 56 allows the covering element to be gripped by a tool, in particular by a boat hook comprising a pole provided with a hook, by inserting the hook into the first eyelet 54.

[0058] In particular, the at least one first eyelet 54, 56 is located on the same longitudinal side as the draw tube 32 beyond the draw tube 32 in the longitudinal direction L.

[0059] This means that the first eyelet 54, 56 is located beyond the axis A of the pull tube 32. Thus, when a tool is used to grip the covering element 10 by means of the first eyelet 54, said first eyelet 54 protrudes from the container and does not fall inside it. The work of an operator is therefore greatly facilitated.

[0060] In particular, the distance d3 between the center of each first eyelet 54 and the intersection 14 of the transverse axis A of the traction tube 32 with the longitudinal edge 22, 24 is between 5 mm and 200 mm, preferably between 50 mm and 180 mm, more preferably between 120 mm and 180 mm.

[0061] Preferably, a first eyelet 54, 56 is located on each extension 46, 48 of the longitudinal edges 22, 24 on the same longitudinal side as the traction tube 32.

[0062] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one first eyelet 54, 56 is located on the longitudinal side opposite the traction tube 32. Preferably, a first eyelet 56 is located on each extension 50, 52 of the longitudinal edges 22, 24 on the longitudinal side opposite the traction tube 32.

[0063] This means that the first eyelet is located beyond the transverse edge 28 opposite the pull tube 32. Thus, when a tool is used to grip the covering element 10 by means of the first eyelet 56, said first eyelet 56 protrudes from the container and does not fall inside it. The work of an operator is therefore greatly facilitated.

[0064] In particular, the distance d4 between the center of each first eyelet 56 and the intersection 15 of a third straight line D3 passing through the most distal point of the transverse edge 28 opposite the traction tube 32 in the longitudinal direction L and perpendicular to the longitudinal edge 22, 24 with said longitudinal edge 22, 24 is between 5 mm and 300 mm, preferably between 50 mm and 180 mm, more preferably between 120 mm and 180 mm.

[0065] The covering element 10 may further comprise at least one extension transverse 60 of at least one or each longitudinal edge 22, 24, said transverse extension 60 carrying a handling eyelet 62. In particular, each longitudinal edge 22, 24 has between one and ten transverse extensions 60, for example three. These may or may not be regularly distributed along said longitudinal edge 22, 24. The handling eyelets 60 allow the covering element to be gripped by a tool, in particular by a boat hook comprising a pole provided with a hook, by inserting the hook into the handling eyelet 60.

[0066] According to variants, at least one of the handling eyelets may be located on a longitudinal edge.

[0067] A method of folding a covering element 10 as described above will now be described.

[0068] The method comprises the steps: - fold the covering element 10 at least in half lengthwise, - roll the covering element 10 on itself widthwise, - pass the at least one elastic tie through the at least one second eyelet 30, - tie the elastic tie on itself.

[0069] The method according to the invention is therefore very simple and allows the covering element 10 to be held firmly once it is folded.

[0070] In particular, when the covering element 10 is folded and rolled up on itself, one of the loops 420 of the second elastic tie 42 can be passed through the second eyelet 30 located in the region of the corner C between one of the longitudinal edges 22, 24 and the transverse edge 26 on the side of the traction tube 32. Once passed through the second eyelet 30, the second elastic tie 42 can be knotted on itself.

[0071] Preferably, each longitudinal edge 22, 24 of the covering element is first folded towards the inside of the covering element 10. Then, the covering element 10 is folded between two and ten times, for example four times in a row in two lengthwise before being rolled up on itself.

Claims

Claims

1. Covering element (10) for a container of parallelepipedal shape at its upper end, the covering element (10) comprising: - a central covering portion (20) extending between longitudinal edges (22, 24) intended to extend over the length of the container, and between transverse edges (26, 28) intended to extend over the width of the container, each longitudinal edge (22, 24) having at least one eyelet, called second eyelet (30), located in the region of the corner (C) between said longitudinal edge (22, 24) and one of said transverse edges (26, 28) of the central covering portion (20), - a pull tube (32) into which a tool is intended to be inserted to deploy the covering element (10) along the container, the pull tube (32) extending at least partially along one edge transverse (26, 28) along a transverse axis (A) and between two transverse ends (34, 36), - at least one elastic link (42),in which the angle (a) between the straight line, called the first straight line (D1), perpendicular to the transverse axis (A) of the traction tube (32) passing through the transverse end (34, 36) of the traction tube (32), and the straight line, called the second straight line (D2), passing through the intersection (II) between the first straight line (D1) and the transverse edge (26, 28) of the central covering portion (20) located in the vicinity of said transverse end (34, 36) on the one hand, and the center of the second eyelet (30) on the other hand is between 90° and 105°, preferably between 91° and 100°, more preferably between 92.5° and 95°.,

2. Covering element (10) according to claim 1, wherein the distance (d2) between the center of said second eyelet (30) and the intersection (13) projected on the longitudinal edge (22, 24) between said first straight line (D1) and the transverse edge (26, 28) of the central covering portion (20) located in the vicinity of the same longitudinal edge (22, 24) is between 0 mm and 150 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 120 mm, more preferably between 15 mm and 70 mm, more preferably between 20 mm and 50 mm.

3. Covering element (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the covering element (10) comprises at least one extension (46, 48, 50, 52) of at least one longitudinal edge (22, 24) of the central covering portion (20), at least one eyelet distinct from the second eyelet (30), called first eyelet (54, 56), being located on said extension of the longitudinal edge (22, 24).

4. Covering element (10) according to claim 3, wherein the distance (d3) between the center of each first eyelet (54) located on the same longitudinal side as the traction tube (32) and the intersection between the transverse axis (A) of the traction tube (32) and longitudinal edge (22, 24) is greater than or equal to 5 mm.

5. Covering element (10) according to claim 4, wherein the distance (d3) between the center of each first eyelet (54) and the intersection of the transverse axis (A) of the traction tube (32) with the longitudinal edge (22, 24) is between 5 mm and 200 mm, preferably between 50 mm and 180 mm, more preferably between 120 mm and 180 mm.

6. A covering element (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the elastic link (42) extends along the pull tube (32), and beyond said pull tube (32).

7. Method for folding a covering element (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising the steps: - folding the covering element (10) at least in half lengthwise, - rolling the covering element (10) on itself widthwise, - passing the at least one elastic tie (42) through the at least one second eyelet (30), - tying the elastic tie (42) on itself.

8. A method according to claim 7, wherein each longitudinal edge (22, 24) of the covering element (10) is first folded towards the inside of the covering element (10), then the covering element (10) is folded between two and ten times in succession in half lengthwise before being rolled up on itself.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Retractable cover for load carrying vehicle

    GB2222118A

  • Retractable Fabric Cover for Rectangular Containers

    US20190225417A1

  • Apparatus for covering open-bodied vehicles

    US3977719A