Covering element for a container
The covering element with a central covering portion, traction tube, and elastic links addresses the inefficiency of existing fastening systems by ensuring secure and easy closure of container covers.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2024002417
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-03-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-20
- Estimated Expiration
- 2044-03-11
AI Technical Summary
Existing fastening systems for container covers, such as tarpaulins or protective netting, require tight tying to prevent accidental unfolding, which is cumbersome and inefficient.
A covering element for containers with a central covering portion, traction tube, and elastic links, featuring specific angles and distances for secure deployment and folding, allowing for easy and firm closure using elastic bands.
The solution provides a robust and secure fastening system that maintains the cover in a closed position without the need for tight tying, reducing the risk of accidental opening.
Smart Images
Figure 00000010_0000
Abstract
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 falls within the field of container cover elements, in particular for covering skips. Previous technique
[0003] It is known to cover containers such as skips with tarpaulins or protective netting to keep the container's contents inside during transport, for example. Such tarpaulins or protective netting generally have tensioners to secure the tarpaulin or netting to the container. When the tarpaulin or netting is removed from the container, it is folded and then rolled up. It is possible to wrap one of the tensioners around the tarpaulin or netting and tie it to itself to hold the tarpaulin or netting in the closed position. This method requires tying the tensioner very tightly to prevent the tarpaulin or netting from unfolding unexpectedly.
[0004] There is a need for a more robust fastening system. Summary
[0005] This disclosure improves the situation.
[0006] A covering element is proposed for a container with a parallelepiped shape at its upper end, the covering element comprising:
[0007] - a central covering portion extending between longitudinal edges intended to extending 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 traction tube into which a tool is intended to be inserted to deploy the covering element along the container, the traction 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 line, referred to as the first line, perpendicular to the transverse axis of the traction tube passing through the transverse end of the traction tube, and the line, referred to as the second line, passing through the intersection between the first line and the transverse edge of the central covering portion located in the vicinity of said the transverse end on 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 described in the following paragraphs may optionally be implemented independently of each other or in combination with each other:
[0012] - the distance between the center of said second eyelet and the intersection projected onto the edge longitudinal between said first 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 gitudinal of the central covering portion, at least one eyelet distinct from the second eyelet, called the first eyelet, being situated 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 traction tube and the intersection between the transverse axis of the traction 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 of the traction 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, a method for folding a covering element such as is proposed as described above, including the steps:
[0018] -fold the covering element at least in half lengthwise,
[0019] - roll the covering element onto itself in the width direction,
[0020] - pass at least one elastic band through at least one second eyelet,
[0021] - tie the elastic band around itself.
[0022] According to a variant of the method, each longitudinal edge of the covering element is first folded inwards towards the covering element, then the covering element is folded between two and ten times in succession in half lengthwise before being rolled up on itself. Brief description of the drawings
[0023] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent from reading the detailed description below and from analyzing the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1
[0024] [Fig. 1] shows a schematic view of a covering element for a container in the state unfolded according to a method of implementation.
[0025] Figure [1] shows an element covering 10 for a container according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0026] The container (not shown) is parallelepiped-shaped 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 kind.
[0027] The covering element 10, during its use, is configured to cover the opening of the container so as to keep 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 following 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 along 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 across 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 straight.
[0033] The transverse edges 26, 28 may be straight or not. In particular, each transverse edge may be configured so that the length of the central portion 20 covering from one transverse edge 26, 28 to the other transverse edge 26, 28 is greater from a midpoint M of one transverse edge 26 to the midpoint M of the other transverse edge 28 than the length between an end 260 of one transverse edge 26 and 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 grasped by a tool, in particular by a gaff comprising a pole equipped with a hook, by inserting the hook into the second eyelet 30.
[0040] Said second eyelet 30 is thus positioned to allow an elastic band to be inserted when the covering element 10 is folded, as will be described later.
[0041] The covering element 10 includes a traction 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 equipped with a pole and a boom, the boom can be inserted inside the traction 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 includes at least one elastic band. This at least one elastic band allows the covering element 10 to be held in place on the container, which is equipped 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 41. Said eyelets 41 may be regularly or irregularly distributed.
[0047] In particular, the covering element 10 comprises a second elastic band 42 extending transversely along the traction tube 32 and beyond said traction tube 32. For example, the second elastic band 42 extends through a plurality of eyelets 43 arranged along said traction tube 32. The second elastic band 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 regularly distributed or not.
[0048] Preferably, the covering element 10 comprises two third elastic links 44 each extending from the transverse edge 28 opposite the traction 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 traction tube 32, and the projection of the center of the eyelet 45 or of each eyelet 45 of the central section 280 onto 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 line D1, referred to as the first line, perpendicular to the transverse axis A of the traction tube 32 and passing through the transverse end 36 of the traction tube 32, and the line D2, referred to as the second line, passing through the intersection II between the first 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 on the other transverse side of the traction tube 32.
[0051] Thanks to this configuration, the elastic band, in particular the second elastic band 42, can be passed through the second eyelet 30 when the covering element 10 is folded and rolled up. Once passed through the eyelet 30, the elastic band 42 can be tied around itself. This is not possible with too large an angle. 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 allows the elastic band, in particular the second elastic band 42, to pass through the second eyelet 30 when folding the covering element. This is not possible with too large 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 grasped by a tool, in particular by a gaff comprising a pole equipped with a hook, by inserting the hook into the first eyelet 54.
[0058] In particular, at least one first eyelet 54, 56 is located on the same longitudinal side as the traction tube 32 beyond the traction tube 32 in the longitudinal direction L.
[0059] This means that the first eyelet 54, 56 is located beyond the axis A of the traction tube 32. Thus, when a tool is used to grasp 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 operator's work 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 in addition, 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 traction tube 32. Thus, when a tool is used to grasp 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 operator's work 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 of the longitudinal edges 22, 24, said transverse extension 60 having a handling eyelet 62. In particular, each longitudinal edge 22, 24 has between one and ten transverse extensions 60, for example three. These may be regularly or irregularly distributed along said longitudinal edge 22, 24. The handling eyelets 60 allow the covering element to be grasped by a tool, in particular by a boat hook comprising a pole equipped with a hook, by inserting the hook into the handling eyelet 60.
[0066] According to variants, at least one of the manipulation eyelets may be located on a longitudinal edge.
[0067] A method for folding an element covering 10 as described above will now be described.
[0068] The process comprises the following steps: -fold the element covering at least 10 in half lengthwise, - roll the element covering 10 onto itself widthwise, - pass at least one elastic band through at least one second eyelet 30, - tie the elastic band onto itself.
[0069] The method according to the invention is therefore very simple and allows for firm retention of the covering element 10 once it has been 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 link 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 link 42 can be tied on itself.
[0071] Preferably, each longitudinal edge 22, 24 of the covering element is first folded inwards towards the covering element 10. Then, the covering element 10 is folded between two and ten times, for example four times in a row in half lengthwise before being rolled up on itself.
Claims
Demands
1. A covering element (10) for a container with a parallelepiped shape at its upper end, the covering element (10) comprising: - a central covering portion (20) extending between longitudinal edges (22, 24) intended to extend along the length of the container, and between transverse edges (26, 28) intended to extend along the width of the container, each longitudinal edge (22, 24) having at least one eyelet, referred to as the 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 traction tube (32) into which a tool is intended to be inserted to deploy the covering element (10) along the container, the traction tube (32) extending at least partially along a transverse edge (26, 28) along a transverse axis (A) and between two transverse extremities (34, 36), - at least one elastic link (42),in which the angle (a) between the line, called the first 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 line, called the second line (D2), passing through the intersection (II) between the first 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 onto the longitudinal edge (22, 24) between said first straight line (Dl) 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), said 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. Covering element (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the elastic link (42) extends along the traction tube (32), and beyond said traction tube (32).
7. A 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) onto itself widthwise, - passing at least one elastic band (42) through at least one second eyelet (30), - tying the elastic band (42) onto itself.
8. A method according to claim 7, wherein each longitudinal edge (22, 24) of the covering element (10) is first folded inwards towards 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.