Flexible and adjustable shock- and pressure load-distributing device

Abstract

The invention relates to a flexible and adjustable shock- and pressure load-distributing device (10) which is to be installed in a loading zone or on a ramp or the like for protection, braking, or fixation purposes. The flexible and adjustable shock- and pressure load-distributing device (10) comprises at least one web (20) made of an elastic polymer, said web forming at least one loop or wave, but preferably a plurality of windings (22) or waves (22'), and being held in said shape by at least one elongated hole (66), but generally by a plurality of hook-shaped or meandering mountings (30). The loops (22) or waves are formed by alternatingly concave web sections (24), each of which is held by a respective mounting, and free convex web sections (26), wherein the loop or wave formed in such a manner is secured to a mounting and / or to a separating wall and / or to a driving surface and / or in a self-supporting manner or in general to any area or object which is to be protected against shocks, friction, and vibrations and, additionally, in general uses the kinetic energy of the load which is to be absorbed.

Description

[0001] Flexible, adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device

[0002] The invention relates to a flexible, in particular adjustable or adjustable, impact and pressure load distribution device. The flexible impact and pressure load distribution device can be a simple stop or part of a protection system, in particular an adjustable or adjustable stop system, which can be attached, for example, to a wall, a pillar, a ramp, or a loading zone, or can be self-supporting or fixed to the ground, to separate or delimit an area and which serves, for example, to absorb the impact of a vehicle approaching a wall, a ramp, or a loading zone, or to decelerate, secure, or protect objects or vehicles in places where an impact, collision, or scrape is possible, in particular to protect fragile objects or objects with sensitive surfaces, or to mark a danger zone or an area to be demarcated in another way.

[0003] Protective devices are known, for example, from EP 3 738 911, DE 10 2013 000 075 A1, WO 2007 / 076507 A2, EP 3 466 850 A1, or US 4,307,876. However, the known protective devices are not adjustable.

[0004] Furthermore, known protective devices are either almost or completely incompressible (e.g., solid elastomer stops) or have a recess (e.g., A-profiles) that allows compression, but usually only in one direction. Their service life is limited. They are at risk of showing contact marks or even being bent, particularly in the event of friction, repeated impacts, impacts from an unforeseen direction, or in the open air. The latter applies, for example, to many foam materials used for protection, as well as to guards made of wood or hard plastic. Furthermore, no known protective device utilizes the kinetic energy generated by the flexible design of the stop or stop system to decelerate the contact and / or report this contact and / or its strength.In general, known guards that do not utilize pneumatic, hydraulic, or other forces can be divided into three main categories: those made of predominantly incompressible materials (e.g., solid elastomer stops); those that allow compression, but usually only in one direction, and that either have a limited lifespan and are at risk of becoming marked or dented themselves; or, conversely, provide inadequate protection, particularly in the event of friction, repeated impacts, impacts from an unintended direction, or due to outdoor use. This is the case, for example, with guards made of wood or hard plastic.

[0005] Although protective devices made of cellular materials are compressible, they are limited in terms of load-bearing capacity and, above all, in their service life, as they are usually sensitive to hydrolysis.

[0006] A combination of some of these three categories does not bring any qualitative improvements: In particular, stops that have a recess (e.g. Profile A), with or without cellular materials, are not flexible and are neither adjustable nor adaptable.

[0007] The invention is based on the object of providing an alternative, adjustable or adaptable shock and pressure load distribution device suitable for protecting walls, stationary or moving objects, or vehicles, or for increasing safety, particularly in loading areas, heavy traffic, and / or poorly marked areas. It is suitable or adaptable for as many different applications and situations as possible where an impact or simple, unwanted contact may occur, vibrations need to be dampened, or objects need to be protected. "Adjustable" refers to both the case where the shock and pressure load distribution device is adjusted and adapted to the intended use before or during final assembly, as well as the case where adjustments or adjustments are made later during use or when usage requires regular adjustments.This may include automatic adjustability, as described later herein.

[0008] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a flexible and adaptable, in particular adjustable, shock and pressure load distribution device according to claim 1, which comprises a wave- or loop-shaped, flexible band. In particular, the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device comprises at least one web made of an elastomer, which is shaped such that the flexible web forms at least one loop or wave, preferably a plurality of loops or waves.

[0009] The waves or loops are formed by alternating convex loops that open inward—for example, toward a wall—and curve outward, and concave loops that open outward. The term "loop" is used in the knot-tying sense, and a loop is thus a U-shaped section of the web. The loops formed by the web can be open or closed in the knot-tying sense, meaning that adjacent loops can be spaced apart or touching.

[0010] The looped or corrugated ridges cause the shock and pressure distribution device to define cavities that allow for deformation and energy absorption in the transverse and longitudinal directions relative to the buffer provided by the shock and pressure distribution device. Due to the looped or corrugated web, the resulting length of the shock and pressure distribution device is shorter than the stretched length of the shock and pressure distribution device's web. The "stretched length" of the web is the length of the web in its uncorrugated, fully stretched state.

[0011] The longitudinal ends of the web of the shock and pressure load distribution device are free and thus movable relative to each other, allowing the shape of the buffer formed by the shock and pressure load distribution device to be adjusted, for example, by stretching or corrugating it to a greater or lesser extent. For this purpose, for example, a first longitudinal end of the web can be fixed, and the other longitudinal end can be movable to adjust the shape of all or some of the loops or corrugations formed by the web.

[0012] The flexible and adaptable, in particular adjustable, shock and pressure load distribution device thus comprises a web formed into a single or a plurality of loops or waves made of a flexible elastomer that recovers after deformation, wherein the loop or wave shape of the web causes the shock and pressure load distribution device to define cavities that allow deformation in the transverse and longitudinal directions with respect to the web of the shock and pressure load distribution device, wherein the web formed into loops or waves has an effective length that is shorter than the stretched length of the web of the shock and pressure load distribution device, and wherein the longitudinal ends of the web of the shock and pressure load distribution device are free ends and are thus movable relative to one another, so that the shape of the buffer formed by the shock and pressure load distribution device can be adjusted, for example by stretching the web more or less.

[0013] The waves or loops preferably run transversely to the longitudinal direction of the stretched web, ie the web is compressed in the longitudinal direction as a result of the waves or loops.

[0014] The sheet, made of a flexible, permanently elastic material, especially a thermoset elastomer, is self-recovering in the event of temporary deformation as soon as external, deforming forces are removed. A particularly suitable material for the sheet is polyurethane rubber, i.e., an elastomer made of thermoset polyurethane. The sheet is a flat or corrugated band made of this flexible, permanently elastic material.

[0015] In design variants in which the track is held by the holders in such a way that the track can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the track with respect to the holders, it is particularly possible to distribute the kinetic energy upon contact with the track over several loops or waves of the track because the track can move and thus offer a larger contact surface for braking or stopping.

[0016] The wave or loop shape can be originally imprinted on the sheet, so that the sheet already has a wave shape when not in tension, for example. However, the sheet can also originally be completely flat, so that it only acquires its wave or loop shape when the shock and pressure load distribution device is installed. Depending on the length of the sheet stretched between two brackets in relation to the distance between the brackets, the sheet forms a wave shape or a loop shape. In this way, the shock absorption capacity of the flexible, adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device can also be adjusted: Loops in the sheet are suitable for folding to the side when touching and then, if necessary, lying on top of each other.Therefore, loops initially resist lower forces in the event of an impact, but then, when pressed together by the impact, result in the effective, shock-absorbing thickness of the elastic material of the web being greater than the thickness of the web itself. A wave-shaped web results in the waves being indented in the event of an impact, so that the contact area is ultimately increased.

[0017] In the latter case, the flexible, adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device preferably has holders or receptacles as fixing means, into which the track can be inserted or pushed, such that the extended length of the inserted or pushed-through track between two holders is greater than the distance between the holders. In this way, for example, the outwardly open bays of the track are held by fixing means, and the held bays are fixed by fixing means, while free bays protrude from the wall or support. Held bays have a U-shape open to the outside, while free bays have a U-shape open to the inside—that is, toward the wall or support. The supporting structure can be vertical, horizontal, or inclined, flat or non-flat, solid or non-solid.

[0018] A major advantage of the flexible, elastic, adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device according to the invention is that it is composed of simple components yet offers a wide range of adaptability. The sheet can be a flat, rubber-elastic sheet with two parallel side edges and a rectangular cross-section, which can be adapted to a wide variety of requirements thanks to its adjustable wave or loop shape.

[0019] The fixing means can be staples, seams, adhesives, rectangular rings, loops, or brackets. Easily removable fixing means are preferred because they not only allow for easy adjustment during installation, but also for subsequent adjustment. In particular, the sheet can be held by brackets or holders that are attached to a support or can be fastened to a wall, support, or the like. Alternatively, the free ends of the sheet can be connected to one another, so that the sheet laid in a looped or waved shape forms a self-contained and self-supporting protective collar, for example, to protect a post without being attached to the post. In this case, the loops can be fixed to one another by staples, seams, or the like, or they can be formed directly into the final wave shape, and brackets to a support or the like are not required.

[0020] The track can have elongated openings, which, thanks to their elongated shape, allow for adjustment and adjustment. The edges of the openings can be reinforced with eyelets. Fixing devices can extend through the openings, thus keeping the track adjustable. The disadvantage of such a solution, however, is that the adjustability or adjustability is limited by the length of the openings. Therefore, it is preferred if holders for the track are provided that have openings through which the track can be inserted or inserted (also laterally). The relative position between a respective holder and the track can then be freely selected, and the adjustability or adjustability is not restricted.

[0021] The path of the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device forms at least one loop or wave, but in most applications, several loops or waves arranged sequentially. An adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device with a single loop can, for example, be intended to protect a delicate object that can be damaged by a vehicle, a post, or a narrow access point, e.g., a parking lot or similar, and can absorb and dampen forces in both the transverse and longitudinal directions with respect to the shock and pressure load distribution device. Even in the case of an adjustable or adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device with only one loop or wave, the cavity enclosed by the loop or wave is a crucial component of the shock and pressure load distribution device, the size of which can be adjusted or adjusted.

[0022] The fixing means, for example the holders or receptacles, preferably have insertion or through-openings, each of which holds a held section of the sheet in such a way that the sheet is held at least in a direction away from the support or a wall and a direction acting in the direction of gravity. The insertion or through-openings of the holders are designed such that the sheet is displaceable with respect to the respective insertion or through-openings, so that the size of the loops can be adapted to local requirements by moving the sheet within the respective holder during and, if necessary, after installation of the adaptable and adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device. In this way, protective devices can also be easily manufactured in which the apices of the free bays do not run in a plane, but rather, for example, in a convex or concave arc.

[0023] A complete loop of the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device is formed by one outward-facing bay and two inward-facing half-bays, i.e., toward the beam or wall. The inward-facing bays, which are concave when viewed from the outside, are the retained bays, each held by a bracket, while the outward-facing bays, which are convex when viewed from the outside, are freely projecting.

[0024] The loops or waves can move when an external force is applied to distribute the force. Once the force is removed, the loops or waves can return to their original position and shape.

[0025] A preferred application for the adjustable and adaptable impact and pressure load distribution device is ramps, especially loading ramps. In general, however, the adjustable and adaptable impact and pressure load distribution device is suitable for protecting various objects or walls. For example, in most industrial buildings or hospitals, walls, columns, fixed glass surfaces, or even stationary machinery need to be protected against the risk of impact, particularly from rolling transport vehicles of all kinds. Inside a loading area, an adjustable impact and pressure load distribution device can also be used to secure the load. The adjustable and adaptable impact and pressure load distribution device offers the advantage of providing good protection against both vertical impacts and grazing contact, for example.

[0026] To protect walls, loading ramps, pillars, or quays from impact or grazing, horizontal wooden or metal beams are generally used as impact protection. These beams are coated with an elastomer or polymer, or uncoated, and firmly anchored to the ground, ramp, or quay. Compared to such impact protection measures, the adjustable impact and pressure load distribution device according to the invention offers several advantages. For example, an impact leaves fewer contact marks, and the adjustable impact and pressure load distribution device can yield within limits in the case of grazing contact, dissipate a relatively large amount of energy non-destructively in the case of more severe impacts, and—as already mentioned—can also be easily adapted to changing situations, e.g., when parameters such as distances or the energy to be absorbed change.Vibrations and both airborne and structure-borne noise caused by impacts or friction are dampened. Furthermore, the flexible elastomer or polymer sheet can be replaced relatively easily and can be dyed in a variety of colors. This latter aspect helps ensure that the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device retains its original color—and thus its signaling effect—even after repeated impacts or grazing. The sheet can also be luminescent, particularly dyed throughout. Furthermore, the flexible, adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device, and in particular the material of its sheet, is preferably designed to withstand atmospheric aging and splash water, including pressurized water, and to withstand cleaning with solvents after disassembly or on-site, which is important in laboratories and hospital complexes, among other places.The adjustable or adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device also makes it possible to harness the kinetic energy of shocks or friction to generate audible or visual warning signals locally and / or remotely, whose meaning corresponds to the function of the device. However, such signals can also be an integral part of the tape by incorporating luminescent, phosphorescent, or equivalent inks or dyes.

[0027] The protective function of the impact and pressure load distribution device can be to prevent or reduce mechanical damage to an object. This can be achieved through the mechanical properties of the impact and pressure load distribution device, in particular its flexibility due to its wave or loop shape. However, the protective function can also be achieved through the marking function of the impact and pressure load distribution device. The shape and color of the impact and pressure load distribution device, or the noise generated during its deformation, can be used, for example, to mark and demarcate areas, e.g., roadways, so that accidents and hazardous areas can be avoided.

[0028] According to preferred embodiments, the sheet may contain antimicrobial fillers or be antimicrobially treated. Approved grades are also available for food contact. If friction is desired to slow contact between the moving object and the wall exposed to the movement, flexible forms with low Shore hardness are preferred, and vice versa, if fast sliding is desired. In the latter case, fillers such as graphite or M0S2 are helpful.

[0029] Another application for the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution devices is, for example, in cable cars, where two adjustable shock and pressure load distribution devices can guide and / or brake a gondola laterally at the mountain or valley station. To brake a gondola (or another vehicle entering a layby), shock and pressure load distribution devices can be arranged on both sides of the layby. These extend in the direction of travel and whose waves or loops are shaped in such a way that they touch the side of the vehicle as it enters the layby, thus braking it. For this type of application, the loops or waves of the track of the shock and pressure load distribution device can be of varying strengths, for examplehave different shapes, resulting, for example, in a progressive braking effect. Shock and pressure load distribution devices can also be used effectively on the masts of a cable car. In this case, the shock and pressure load distribution devices would replace or supplement the otherwise conventional wooden guides.

[0030] Adjustable shock and pressure load distribution devices are advantageous when mooring ship berths or aircraft docks: Shock and pressure load distribution devices deform upon contact, reducing the risk of damage to the contact surfaces on the ship or aircraft from moving docks or even simply bearing traces of contact. Contact typically occurs with surfaces that are neither horizontal, vertical, nor flat. The adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device allows the device to adapt to the entire desired contact area through deformation.

[0031] The shock and pressure load distribution device according to the invention can, moreover, be attached not only to the sides of a fixed structure that is typically subject to shocks or friction, but also, for example, below or above a structure, e.g. to support the keel of a watercraft or another sensitive surface. In some cases, this may be the primary purpose and not the absorption of shocks or protection against rubbing or grazing contact. One area of ​​application is, for example, passenger bridges for aircraft that are moved up to an aircraft fuselage for boarding or disembarking. The adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device can also be used to demarcate an area, in particular to mark lanes during road construction or other work. The adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device can thus replace, for example, concrete blocks.

[0032] In all these applications, the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device according to the invention offers a double protective function and flexibility (deformability) in the longitudinal and transverse directions - i.e. in the case of grazing and impact contacts - which fixed protective devices only guarantee to a limited extent, if at all.

[0033] The track of the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device, preferably formed from an elastomer, preferably has a thickness that is at least approximately the same throughout and a width that is also at least approximately the same throughout. These two preferred properties simplify the application for a single track: With two tracks arranged side by side and running parallel to each other, it may be advantageous to arrange tracks of different thicknesses and / or widths next to each other.

[0034] The insertion or through-holes of the brackets have an opening dimension that, in a direction transverse to the support or a wall, at least approximately corresponds to the thickness of the sheet. If the brackets have through-holes, these through-holes can have a length that approximately corresponds to the width of the sheet and thus also approximately to the height of the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device. Alternatively, the length of the through-holes can be significantly larger than the width of the sheet, thus allowing for larger deviations in the installation of the brackets and their alignment to one another, without making it too difficult to insert the sheet through the individual through-holes.

[0035] The adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device is preferably formed by a plurality of loops which, when the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device is mounted on a substantially vertical surface, are connected to one another in a - typically horizontal - direction.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, at least the free bays of adjacent loops of the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device touch each other; in other words: the adjacent loops preferably touch each other. The loops of the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device follow one another in the longitudinal direction of the web. The transverse direction of the web—i.e., the direction of the width of the web—typically extends vertically when the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device is installed, so that the loops form a kind of wave pattern whose wave peaks and troughs also extend vertically. Depending on how closely the loops follow one another, the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device, viewed from above, has a structure formed by webs and openings in between (see, for example, Figure 2c).The webs of this structure are the upward-facing longitudinal edges of the looped track of the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device.

[0037] The density of the loops, i.e., the spacing between consecutive retained bays and consecutive free bays, is determined by the distance between the brackets. If the brackets are spaced closer together, the loops are placed more densely and, as a result, have a higher load-bearing capacity than if the brackets are spaced further apart.

[0038] In addition to the advantage that the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device according to the invention can absorb shocks and, if necessary, also bear pressure loads on its upper side, the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device also offers the advantage of simple installation because the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device can be installed as follows:

[0039] First, brackets or holders are attached to a support or wall at the desired distance from one another (and at the desired height or location). The sheet can then be inserted into the holders' insertion openings from above in the case of hook-shaped brackets, or guided laterally through the insertion openings of the brackets or holders in the case of closed brackets or holders and pushed forward so that loops form between the brackets or holders. The width of the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device can also be determined during assembly by pushing the sheet into the insertion or insertion openings of the brackets accordingly, depending on the distance between the apices of the held and free bays. In particular, the width of the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device can also vary along its effective length.This is also an advantage of the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device according to the invention. The effective length of the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device is the length over which the loops of the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device extend.

[0040] The properties of the flexible, adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device can be defined not only by its geometry—which, as just mentioned, can also be determined during assembly—but also by the properties of the sheet. This consists of an elastomer, preferably polyurethane rubber. Polyurethane rubber has the advantage that it can be produced with different degrees of hardness and, in the case of the shock and pressure load distribution device, preferably has Shore hardnesses between 20 and 98 Shore A, in particular between 25 and 95 Shore A. Shore hardnesses between 60 and 90 Shore A have proven advantageous. Another influencing factor is the thickness of the sheet. This is preferably between 3 and 36 mm, in particular between 6 and 36 mm. Finally, the stiffness properties, the elastic modulus, and the Poisson's ratio determine the choice of material.

[0041] Polyurethane rubber is an elastomer, preferably obtained as a thermoset by the polyaddition of polyisocyanates with, more frequently, polyester polyols and / or polyether polyols. This material is characterized by excellent resistance to abrasion, permanent deformation, and creep. It is resistant to most chemicals, especially oils. Other rubbers, especially TPU, cannot be ruled out for less durable applications where the price per linear meter is a significant factor.

[0042] The tapes produced from this material can be made from pre-cut flat sheets, continuously formed, cast into the desired corrugated shape, or pressed into shape before post-curing. In the case of thermoplastics, the sheets are advantageously extruded.

[0043] In the case of the invention, the perfect adhesion to metal and other substrates as well as the combinability with a variety of additives and fillers, such as thermoplastic polyurethanes, are to be emphasized.

[0044] According to the invention, an adjustable and adaptable shock and pressure load distribution device is thus provided for installation in the area of ​​quays, loading or platform edges or the like or also on walls of buildings or loading holds, or as a horizontal application on areas that are to be demarcated and / or protected, which comprises a sheet of flexible plastic formed into a plurality of loops, which is held by a plurality of holders, wherein the loops are formed by alternating concave bays held by a respective holder and free convex bays projecting from a wall or a support between the held bays, which are flexible and yielding.

[0045] Other uses include placement beneath moving objects, for example, on the bottom underwater or in a dry dock to protect the keel of a vessel, or on many walls of a fixed space to absorb structure-borne noise, or conversely, to signal the crossing of the boundary of a danger zone.

[0046] The holders preferably each define a through-opening or an insertion opening, the dimensions of which are adapted to a thickness and a width of the sheet such that one dimension of a respective insertion or through-opening corresponds to the thickness of the sheet or is a maximum of 10% greater than this thickness. This means that the dimensions of the through-opening or insertion openings at least approximately match the cross-section of the sheet. According to alternative embodiments, the sheet is then held in the holders in a slightly movable or slightly clamped manner. To allow easy pushing through during assembly or later moving the sheet between individual loops for better distribution of an impact load, the holders can also be provided with rollers.

[0047] Preferably, at least half of the supports, and in particular all supports, are spaced the same distance apart. Then, all loops can be designed at least approximately identically, and the flexible, adjustable shock and pressure distribution device has at least approximately identical support and absorption properties over its entire effective length.

[0048] Preferably, the insertion or push-through openings of all brackets are aligned with one another. This is particularly advantageous in an adjustable impact and pressure load distribution device for a straight landing edge on a loading ramp with a flat end wall or a straight quay. Since the sheet can be pushed through the push-through openings of the brackets to different distances, the adjustable impact and pressure load distribution device according to the invention also makes it easy to compensate for unevenness in an end wall by resulting in loops of different sizes. According to one embodiment, the brackets each define a completely closed push-through opening. In this case, the sheet can be pushed through the push-through openings of the brackets in its longitudinal direction.If the length of the through-holes is, for example, 5% to 25% larger than the width of the track, it is not so important to install the brackets vertically and the installation of the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device is made easier.

[0049] Alternatively, the brackets can also be hook-shaped, each defining an upwardly open insertion opening into which the track can be inserted from above. This facilitates installation or replacement of the track.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the flexible, adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device, all of its brackets are attached to a support, which in turn can be attached to a vertical wall. Alternatively, the brackets can also be attached directly to a vertical wall, thus eliminating the need for an additional support. However, a support allows the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device to be fully pre-assembled before it is attached to a wall. This can be particularly advantageous for inserting or pushing in the track to form its loops.

[0051] For floor attachment, clamps that pass through the belt are preferred, or, better yet, open clamps that cover the belt widthwise to facilitate the mobility of the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device. Other fastening devices are advantageously firmly bonded to the polymer—i.e., the membrane—during the curing phase, such as strong double-sided adhesive strips.

[0052] The sheet is preferably made of polyurethane rubber. Furthermore, the sheet preferably has a Shore hardness between 25 and 98 Shore A, e.g., between 60 and 95 Shore A.

[0053] The sheet preferably has a thickness between 3 mm and 40 mm, e.g. between 6 mm and 36 mm.

[0054] According to preferred embodiments, the stretched length of the track can be 3 to 8 times the effective length of the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device. According to preferred embodiments, the track of the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device can form a plurality of loops, preferably at least five loops, which are held by at least six brackets.

[0055] Preferably, all loops of the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device are designed to be at least approximately identical. Thus, the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device has at least approximately identical absorption and / or damping properties over its entire effective length and can safely bridge gaps between a loading edge and a vehicle approaching the shock and pressure load distribution device.

[0056] Further areas of application for a shock and pressure load distribution device with a polyurethane rubber band laid in at least one loop or corrugation are vehicles, in particular side surfaces or corners of vehicles. Vehicle corners can be provided with a shock and pressure load distribution device in a similar way to that described below with regard to building corners (see Figure 20). Corners of a vehicle that can be provided with a shock and pressure load distribution device can also be corners of a non-powered, hand-guided vehicle such as a sack barrow. Lateral or rear metal supports of vehicles, e.g., of a truck's underrun protection, can also be usefully provided with a shock and pressure load distribution device of the type described here.

[0057] Further applications of the impact and pressure load distribution device include conveyor systems in which a conveyed product collides with a deflector to change direction. Such conveyor systems include baggage handling systems, such as those used at airports. The deflectors in such conveyor systems can be equipped with an impact and pressure load distribution device.

[0058] A further aspect of the invention is a method for assembling an adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device with the following method steps:

[0059] Mounting a plurality of brackets along a designated effective length of the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device,

[0060] Inserting a flexible plastic sheet into the through-holes or insertion openings of the brackets such that the sheet forms loops between the individual brackets. Preferably, the free ends of the sheet are fixed at or immediately adjacent to a first bracket and a last bracket.

[0061] According to a preferred design variant, the brackets are equipped with rollers that allow the track to slide through easily. This is helpful during installation, but also allows for a more even distribution of kinetic energy across many loops in the event of an impact. The loop that is touched first can be slightly pushed back, while the neighboring loops are pushed toward the impacting vehicle and can thus help absorb the impact. This is not possible with fixed loops or conventional elastic profiles, such as A-profiles.

[0062] The adaptability of the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device according to the invention can also be utilized after its assembly. Because the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device remains adjustable, it can be adapted to functions that may differ from its original functions. In particular, the width of the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device or the length of the individual loops can be easily changed by moving the web relative to the holders. A web reservoir can also be provided for this purpose, e.g., a winding spool onto which a certain length of the web can be wound or from which the web can be unwound. The reservoir can thus accommodate an initially unused length of the web and, if necessary, release it later—e.g., to increase the width of the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device.With such a reservoir, the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device can be easily adapted and used, for example, to secure ships or cargo in a container or cargo hold. In the former case, it can be planned to equip a watercraft berth bordered by two quays or jetties with adjustable shock and pressure load distribution devices attached to the quays or jetties. To enter or exit the berth, the track is stretched as far as possible by pulling as much of the track length as possible into the reservoir. If the watercraft is to be held in its berth, the track can be pushed or pulled through the holders, preferably by motor, until the apices of the loops formed rest against the hull of the watercraft.Such a device allows the force exerted by the shafts or loops to be adjusted to stabilize the vessel more or less, but also to adapt to the shape and width of a vessel docked between two quays. Cargo can also be secured within a container or cargo hold using the same principle. For this purpose, the corresponding adjustable shock and pressure load distribution devices are mounted on the interior walls of the cargo hold or container.

[0063] According to preferred embodiments, force sensors can also be provided on or near the brackets, allowing the measurement of the force acting on the track. This is particularly advantageous in the case of adjustable shock and pressure load distribution devices, because then a defined contact force can be applied to a vehicle to be secured, e.g., a ship, or another object to be held—e.g., in a cargo hold—if necessary, automatically.

[0064] Another aspect of the invention is a kit comprising a track for an adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device and a plurality of mounts for the track. Providing the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device in the form of a standard kit is advantageous because the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device can be easily adapted to different conditions during assembly.

[0065] The invention will now be explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures. The figures show:

[0066] Fig.1 : a perspective view of an adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device according to the invention mounted on a wall;

[0067] Fig. 2a - c: a front view (Figure 2a), a side view (Figure 2b) and a top view (Figure 2c) of the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device from Figure 1;

[0068] Fig. 3a, b: each a top view of alternative embodiments of an adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device;

[0069] Fig. 4: an illustration to explain a method for manufacturing an adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device according to Figure 3a or 3b;

[0070] Fig. 5: a variant of the flexible, adjustable shock and

[0071] Pressure load distribution device in which the flexible elastomer web is held in a U-shaped profile as a retaining rail; Fig. 6a - c: Shock and pressure load distribution devices, each of whose webs is shaped into waves;

[0072] Fig. 7a, b: Variants of the shock and pressure load distribution device with waves of different strengths;

[0073] Fig. 7c: an illustration of the deformation of the shock and pressure load distribution device in case of impact with an object, e.g. a vehicle;

[0074] Fig. 8a - d: Shock and pressure load distribution devices formed by two interconnected webs enclosing cavities between them so that the deformation capacity is doubled;

[0075] Fig. 9a, b: Shock and pressure load distribution devices according to Figures 6 or 8, which can be installed, for example, at the roadside; each device has a wave-shaped track.

[0076] Fig. 10a -c: Shock and pressure load distribution devices formed by a corrugated sheet whose longitudinal ends are connected to each other;

[0077] Fig. 11 : an illustration of an adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device with a reservoir that can receive or release a section of the web;

[0078] Fig. 12a, b: Illustrations of an adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device, similar to that shown in Figure 9, in which the supports are provided with rollers;

[0079] Fig. 13: in combination with Figure 11, how an object can be fixed and released using two adjustable shock and pressure load distribution devices according to Figure 8 or Figure 9;

[0080] Fig. 14: in combination with Fig. 11, how an object can be secured and released using two adjustable shock and pressure load distribution devices according to Fig. 8 or Fig. 9; Fig. 15a, b: each a sectional view along section AA of Fig. 3a or 3b, particularly illustrating a holder and the insertion or through-opening formed thereby;

[0081] Fig. 16a, b: sectional views similar to Figure 15 but for brackets mounted on a carrier;

[0082] Fig. 17: an adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device with brackets having motor-driven rollers for targeted adjustment of the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device; and

[0083] Fig. 18a: a variant in which the loops of the track are fixed relative to each other so that they retain their shape even when the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device is not mounted on a wall;

[0084] Fig. 18 b: a through eyelet for fixing the loops;

[0085] Fig. 18c: a clamp for fixing the loops;

[0086] Fig. 19a, b: Shock and pressure load distribution devices in the form of a protective sleeve or protective collar, in which the web takes the form of a disc with more or less tight loops or waves;

[0087] Fig. 20a: a shock and pressure load distribution device in a sectional view from above, in which a single loop is attached to a corner as protection;

[0088] Fig. 20b: a track for a shock and pressure load distribution device according to Fig. 20a, which has elongated openings for adjusting the shape;

[0089] Fig. 21 a: a shock and pressure load distribution device with a single loop folded back on itself in a cross-sectional view;

[0090] Fig. 21 b: a track for a shock and pressure load distribution device according to Fig. 21 a, which has elongated openings for adjusting the shape;

[0091] Fig. 21 c, d: Variants of how impact and pressure load distribution devices according to Figure 23a can be combined; Fig. 22a, b: Impact and pressure load distribution devices with two adjacent tracks;

[0092] Fig. 23 a, b: Variants for the shape of the track for a shock and pressure load distribution device, where Figure 23a shows a track with a rectangular basic shape in the flat state and Figure 23b shows a track with an arcuate basic shape in plan view - i.e. with curved side edges - in the flat state;

[0093] Fig. 24: an example of a container with a shock and pressure load distribution device attached to the bottom, on which an object rests, which is protected from shocks and vibrations by the shock and pressure load distribution device;

[0094] Fig. 25: an example of how the impact and pressure load distribution device can be used for marking or demarcation;

[0095] Fig. 26 a - c: illustrate, in addition to Figure 25, various variants of the arrangement of one or more tracks of the impact and pressure load distribution device for marking or demarcating lanes on a roadway; and

[0096] FIG 27: illustrates the application of the shock and pressure load distribution device in conveyor systems such as baggage handling systems at airports.

[0097] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device 10 for attachment, for example, to a vertical end wall 12 of a loading ramp 14 or the like. Figure 2a shows the front view of the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device 10 from Figure 1, Figure 2b shows its side view, and Figure 2c shows the top view of the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device 10 from Figure 1.

[0098] The flexible, adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device 10 is formed by a sheet 20 made of a flexible plastic, preferably polyurethane rubber, arranged in loops 22. The loops 22 are formed by alternating retained indentations 24 and free indentations 26 that protrude from the wall. To ensure that the sheet 20 retains its shape laid in loops 22 after installation, the retained indentations 24 of each loop 22 are held by brackets 30 that have a through-hole 32 through which the sheet 20 is inserted. The sections of the sheet 20 held there can be fastened, e.g., clamped, or movable in the insertion direction in the through-holes 32 of the brackets.

[0099] The elastic plastic of the track 20, preferably polyurethane rubber, is solidly colored. The color of the track 20 is preferably a signal color, such as yellow, orange, or red, to make the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device easily recognizable.

[0100] In the assembled state of the flexible, adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device 10, the loops 22 follow one another horizontally, so that both the externally concave, held bays 24 and the externally convex, free bays formed by the web 20 are mirror images but identical in shape. The openings 32 of the holders 30 for the loops extend vertically when the flexible, adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device 10 is in the assembled state.

[0101] In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the brackets 30 are arranged at equal distances from one another, i.e., the brackets 30 are all the same distance apart. In the examples shown in the figures, the brackets 30 of an adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device are arranged such that their through-openings extend parallel to one another and in the transverse direction of the web 20. In many design variants, all through-openings are aligned with one another. To adapt the loop or wave shape - and thus the damping effect - the distances between the brackets 30 can also be varied, for example, increasing or decreasing towards the longitudinal ends of the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device 10. Furthermore, not all brackets have to be arranged in one plane. Rather, the brackets can also be arranged on a curved wall or around the corner of a wall.

[0102] The brackets 30 can be attached directly to a wall 12 or mounted on a support 40, which can then be attached, for example, to a preferably vertical wall 12.

[0103] To install the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device, all—or at least a majority—of the brackets 30 are first firmly attached to a wall 12 or a support 40, in such a way that the elongated through-holes 32 extend at least approximately parallel to one another. The web 20 can then be inserted into the through-holes 32 of the brackets 30 in such a way that the desired loops 22 are formed (see also Figure 4).

[0104] Accordingly, an assembly process includes the following steps:

[0105] First, a plurality of brackets 30 are mounted on a wall 12 or a support 40 along a predetermined effective length Lp of the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device 10. The effective length Lp of the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device 10 is the length over which the loops 22 extend, for example, the length between the first and last bracket 30.

[0106] The support 40' for the track 20 can also be in the form of a rail formed by a U-profile; see Figure 5. In this case, the brackets 30 can consist of simple rods. Alternatively, the track 20 can also be bonded to the U-profile forming the support 40'. In the case of bonding, the flexible impact and pressure load distribution device formed primarily by the track 20 is adjustable before bonding and can only be adjusted after bonding by loosening the bond.

[0107] The web 20 is then inserted or pushed into the through-holes or insertion openings 32, 32' of the holders 30, 30' in such a way that the web 20 forms the desired loops 22 between the individual holders 30, 30'.

[0108] Finally, the free ends of the web 20 are fixed at least at or immediately adjacent to a first bracket 30, 30' and a last bracket 30, 30' of the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device 10. This can be done with a fastening means 34, such as a screw.

[0109] The web 20 can be inserted into the through-openings 32 of the holders 30 in such a way that adjacent loops 22 touch each other - see Figure 3a - or are spaced apart from each other - see Figure 3b.

[0110] Figures 1 and 2 show, by way of example, an adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device whose shape is largely determined during assembly, but which can still be changed after assembly by moving the track or by shortening or lengthening the track. Figure 4 already shows that the size of the loops or corrugations—and thus also the size of the cavity enclosed by them—depends on how stretched the track 20 is—or, to put it another way: how long the stretched track length is between two brackets 30. Accordingly, the track 20 can form loops 22, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, or corrugations 22', as shown in Figures 7a to 7c.

[0111] A shock and pressure load distribution device 10 with a wave-shaped web 20, as shown in Figures 7a to 7c, can be created from an originally flat web by pushing it through the holders 30 to varying lengths, as illustrated in Figure 4. However, it is also possible to pre-form the web 20 in a wave-like manner, so that it already has a wave shape in its relaxed state. As Figure 6c shows, such a web 20 can also be attached directly, for example, to a wall 12, without the need for a plurality of holders 30, as shown in Figure 6b. For example, the web 20 can be attached to the wall 12 using double-sided adhesive tape, a "Velcro®" method, or otherwise.

[0112] In all cases, the longitudinal ends 56 of the web 20 are free ends and movable relative to one another. This allows the respective shock and pressure load distribution device to remain adaptable and adjustable. This is illustrated, for example, by Figures 7a and 7b. A wave-shaped preformed web 20, which in the relaxed state has the shape shown in Figure 7a, can be stretched and thus adapted to a different application, so that it has the shape shown in Figure 7b.

[0113] Figure 7c illustrates how the track 20 deforms elastically in the event of an impact with an object 50 and effectively distributes the forces acting upon impact,

[0114] Another common feature of the shock and pressure load distribution devices presented here is that the web 20, due to its looped or wave-like shape, defines voids or cavities 62 between the web 20 and a wall 12 to be protected or an object to be protected or the like.

[0115] Two originally - i.e. in the relaxed state - already undulating webs 20 can also be connected to one another as shown in Figure 8a. Where the two connected webs 20.1 and 20.2 touch, they can be welded or glued, sewn or stapled, for example. This then results in an impact and pressure load distribution device which can be suspended, for example, between two holders 30, as shown in Figure 8b. This impact and pressure load distribution device is also adjustable because the two connected webs 20.1 and 20.2 can be stretched to different extents, as indicated in Figures 8c and 8d. In the impact and pressure load distribution device shown in Figure 8, the two webs 20.1 and 20.2 enclose corresponding empty orCavities 62 between them and, if they are mounted in front of a wall, for example, can also define further empty spaces between the web closest to the wall and the wall. If a vertical support 31 (see Figure 9a) is sufficiently stable due to attachment to the ground or due to its own weight and that of the belt, such a device can also serve to vertically demarcate areas, e.g., traffic areas. A shock and pressure load distribution device 10 formed by two interconnected webs 20.1 and 20.2, which encloses corresponding cavities 62, can also be installed entirely without supports 31, e.g., at the roadside or elsewhere, see Figure 9b.

[0116] Instead of two, for example, originally corrugated webs, a shock and pressure load distribution device similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 8 can also be formed from a single corrugated web 20 if this is folded over in such a way that its originally free ends 56 can be connected to one another, as shown in Figure 10a. The free ends 56 can be connected to one another in an overlapping manner, as shown in Figure 10a, or they can be butt-welded to one another, resulting in a structure as shown by way of example in Figure 10b. In both cases, the web 20 encloses four empty spaces 62. It is understood that significantly more empty spaces can also be provided by using a web that has significantly more corrugations than the web 20 shown by way of example in Figures 10a and 10b.

[0117] In addition to the advantage already shown in Figure 8b, namely that a corresponding impact and pressure load distribution device can be easily mounted by suspending only its ends from corresponding brackets, there is a further advantage that impact and pressure load distribution devices according to Figures 10a or 10b can also be easily connected, for example by means of U-shaped clamps 52 (see also Figure 18c), to form an extended impact and pressure load distribution device 10', as shown by way of example in Figure 10c.

[0118] In order to be able to dynamically change the shape of the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device more quickly, a reservoir 42 can be provided which can hold or release a certain length of the web 20 of the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device 10. For this purpose, the reservoir 42 can, for example, have a winding spool 44. In this way, the stretched length of the web 20 forming the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device, and thus also the width of the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device 10 and the individual loops 22, can be easily varied. The effective length Lp of the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device is the length over which the loops 22 extend. The reservoir 42 therefore does not contribute to the effective length. This is shown schematically in Figure 11.

[0119] Figures 12a and 12b illustrate how the web 20 can be unwound from the spool 44, for example, from the reservoir 42 and pushed through the holder 30 to form the loops 22; see Figure 6a. Conversely, the web 20 can also be pulled into the reservoir 42 to reduce the size of the loops 22. In this context, it is advantageous if the holders 30 are provided with rollers 36 and 38, which allow the web 20 to be easily pushed through the openings 32 formed by the holders 30.

[0120] Figures 13 and 14 show how easily adjustable shock and pressure load distribution devices 10, as depicted in Figures 11 and 12, can be used, for example, to secure objects 50 in a cargo hold or, for example, ships between two quays. For this purpose, the length of the track inserted into the holders 30 of the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device 10 is deliberately varied such that the width of the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device is either small enough to release an object 50 (see Figure 13) or the width is adjusted such that the loops 20 touch and secure the object 50 (see Figure 14). Preferably, two adjustable shock and pressure load distribution devices arranged opposite one another are provided for securing an object 50 or a vehicle, such as a watercraft, as schematically illustrated in Figures 13 and 14.

[0121] In all cases, the holders 30 can define closed through-openings 32, as shown in Figure 15b, or they can be hook-shaped and thus have open insertion openings 32', as shown in Figure 15a. The track 20 can also be inserted into the hook-shaped insertion openings 32' from above during assembly. This can simplify assembly. As Figure 15a shows, it is advantageous if the upwardly open holders 30' have an inwardly curved, free section. This facilitates the insertion of the track 20 because the insertion opening 32' widens towards the free end. The curvature also makes it easy to achieve a clamping effect, which means that the track 20 can only be moved with respect to the holder 30' with a corresponding force.

[0122] The brackets 30 and 30' may be attached directly to a wall, as shown in Figure 15, or they may be attached to a support 40, as shown in Figure 16.

[0123] After the web 20 has been inserted into or passed through the through-holes 32 or the insertion openings 32' of the holders 30, the individual loops 22 between the adjacent holders 30 can be individually shaped by moving the web 20 relative to the holders 30 and thus adapted to local requirements. It is also possible to move the web 20 and thus adjust the size of the loops 22 in the event of a collision, so that the forces to be absorbed are distributed over as many loops as possible. For vehicles that, for example, are reversing up a ramp, it is advantageous if the vehicle ultimately touches as many loops as possible and compresses them slightly. The invention allows the size of the loops or waves—and thus the size of the enclosed cavity 62—to be manually adjusted, provided that initial contact with only one or a few turns is preferred.

[0124] The specific shape of the loops 22 or waves 22' depends, among other things, on how much web 20 is pushed, inserted, or suspended into the holders. The ratio of the extended web length between two holders to the distance between the holders is, for example, 3 to 6.

[0125] Since the through-holes 32 or the insertion openings 32' of the brackets 30 are designed such that the track 20 is displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the track 20 with respect to the respective bracket 30, not only the shape of the individual loops but also the shape of the entire adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device can be adapted to the respective local requirements during assembly of the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device and also thereafter.

[0126] In addition to a preferably motor-driven reservoir 42, the holders 30 can also be provided with drives 46, which, for example, drive rollers 36 or 38 on the holders 30 and can thus serve to specifically adjust the size of the loops between the holders. In this context, it is advantageous if force sensors 48 are also provided on the holders 30, which can detect the forces acting on the section of a web 20 forming a respective loop 22. Accordingly, motor-driven holders 30 equipped with a force sensor 48 are shown schematically in Figure 17.

[0127] Track 20 preferably has the following properties:

[0128] Length LB: as required, 3 to 6 times the buffer length Lp of the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device 10

[0129] Width BB: as required, according to the height Hp of the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device 10

[0130] Thickness DB: preferably between 6 and 36 mm

[0131] Hardness: between 25 Shore A and 60 Shore D

[0132] Material: thermosetting polyurethane rubber

[0133] Particularly preferred are sheets with a thickness between 10 and 25 mm and a hardness between 35 and 92 Shore A.

[0134] Figure 18a illustrates an embodiment in which the loops 22 of the web 20 of the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device 10 are held relative to one another by clamps 52 or elongated eyelets 54, resulting in an adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device that retains its loops and is movable and self-supporting as a whole and can, for example, be placed around a column. The free ends 56 of the web 20 can be connected to one another to form a closed protective sleeve or collar 60, as schematically depicted in Figures 19a and 19b. For this purpose, the shock and pressure load distribution device has significantly more loops 22 than shown in Figures 18 or 19. The closed protective sleeve or protective collar 60 can, for example, be placed around a column 58 and does not require any brackets that attach the closed protective sleeve or protective collar 60 to the column 58.The schematic representation in Figure 19b does not show how the successive loops 22 are connected to one another by clips 52, seams, or the like. The mutually contacting loops 22 of the closed protective sleeve or protective collar 60 can be fixed relative to one another with clips 52, just as shown in Figure 18. A protective sleeve 60 formed from a wave-shaped web 20, as shown in Figure 19a, can be formed from a web 20 that is already wave-shaped in the relaxed state—that is, originally—or from an originally flat, smooth web 60 that is attached in sections to, for example, the column 58.

[0135] It should be noted that the web 20 forming the protective collar 60, before being placed, for example, around a column 58, has free ends that are ultimately connected to form the illustrated closed protective collar or collar 60. For this purpose, the free ends of the web can be overlapped or butt-connected to one another, as shown, for example, in Figures 10a and 10b.

[0136] Figure 20a shows a shock and pressure load distribution device 10' with a single loop 22, which serves to protect a building corner. The sheet 20 of the shock and pressure load distribution device 10' is fixed to the wall at its free ends. Here, too, the attachment to the wall can be adjustable in order to adjust the size of the individual loop 22 formed by the sheet 20. The device can, for example, be supplied flat and have various slots or openings for attachments, with or without metal reinforcements, to facilitate installation. It is particularly advantageous if the shock and pressure load distribution device 10' - as shown in Figure 20b - has elongated holes 66 for attachment. The elongated holes 66 can have two effects: they can serve to adjust or adjust the size of the curvature of the sheet 20 - and thus the enclosed cavity 62.Alternatively, the track 20 can also be loosely attached to a wall, for example, using the elongated holes, so that the track 20 is held movably by the elongated holes 66 and can deform even more flexibly when force is applied. Fastening elements 68 hold the track 20 to the wall.

[0137] Figure 21 shows a variant of the shock and pressure load distribution device in which the sheet 20 is folded over to form, for example, a transport cushion. In this case, too, the sheet 20 is looped 22 and encloses a hollow space 62. Fasteners 68 hold the sheet 20 in its looped shape. When the shock and pressure load distribution device is used as a protective cushion for transport, particularly in large structures, it is more appropriate to refer to the "sheet" as a (flexibly bent) plate rather than a sheet. Furthermore, such shock and pressure load distribution devices are typically used in pairs arranged opposite one another to provide better protection and support for massive objects that might move, as exemplified in Figures 21a, c, and d.

[0138] An adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device can also comprise a plurality of panels 20 arranged side by side with respect to their longitudinal direction and having, for example, different and / or mutually offset loops 22 or corrugations 22', as indicated in Figures 22a and 22b. A shock and pressure load distribution device comprising a plurality of panels whose corrugations or loops have different configurations can, for example, for the protection of boats, have a lower panel with loops or corrugations that are wider than the loops or corrugations of an upper panel so that they can better adapt to the shape of the hull to be protected. It should be noted that both the geometries of the strips can be different (complementary), and the physical properties of the panels can vary depending on the force to be dampened and the shape to be conformed to.

[0139] Figure 23 illustrates that the respective web 20 of the shock and pressure load distribution device 10 can be straight (Figure 23a) or curved (Figure 23b). Figure 23a shows the simplest and therefore particularly preferred case in which the web 20 is flat in its relaxed state and has two straight, parallel longitudinal edges. The web 20 from Figure 23a has a stretched length LB, a width BB and a thickness DB. The preferred thickness DB varies between 6 mm and 36 mm with a preferred hardness of the thermosetting polyurethane of the web 20 between 35 and 92 Shore A. The stretched length LB and the width DB of the web 20 depend on the application.

[0140] Figure 23b illustrates that the longitudinal edges of the web 20 do not necessarily have to be straight, although straight longitudinal edges are preferred.

[0141] The surface of the web can be smooth or textured. For example, a web 20 can have honeycomb structures made of the same material or applied structures on the outer side, which is exposed to the friction of profiles, and foams, felt, natural or synthetic rubber on the inner side. The polyurethane elastomers forming the web 20 can contain additives and fillers to make the web heavier or lighter and to increase or decrease its sliding properties, or can contain recycled materials to reduce costs. Furthermore, the respective web 20 can also be fiber-reinforced, i.e., have fibers—particularly textile or synthetic fibers—particularly in the longitudinal direction that reduce the extensibility of the web in the longitudinal direction.A shock and pressure load distribution device 10 can be arranged not only on the walls, but also, for example, on the floor of a cargo hold, bin, or container 64, so that items or objects 50 are supported and protected by the shock and pressure load distribution device 10. This can serve to dampen shocks and vibrations and / or facilitate sliding or, conversely, slow down sliding—both are possible by selecting and / or adjusting the geometry and the physico-chemical properties of the material of the track 20, for example, according to the load and the desired effect (e.g., preventing or facilitating sliding). An example of this is shown in Figure 24.

[0142] In addition, the impact and pressure load distribution device can also be used for marking or demarcation. For example, a shock and pressure load distribution device formed by a corrugated sheet 20 can be used as a pavement marking and deployed, for example, on roads 68, as shown in Figure 25. The shock and pressure load distribution device offers several advantages—especially when the sheet 20 is made of a polyurethane elastomer—: It is highly visible, wear-resistant, reusable, soft enough not to cause damage, yet still provides noticeable feedback when driven over, and, due to its corrugated shape and elasticity, it can also be easily installed in curves.

[0143] Figures 26a to 26c illustrate different variants of the arrangement of one or more tracks 20 of the impact and pressure load distribution device for marking or demarcating lanes on a roadway 68.

[0144] Another example of an application of the impact and pressure load distribution device 10 is conveyor systems 70, for example baggage conveyor systems, as are known from airports. Such conveyor systems 70 often have an infeed conveyor section 72 and a cross conveyor section 74. The infeed conveyor section 72 can, for example, have an infeed conveyor belt, e.g., a baggage transport belt, as shown schematically in Figure 27. At the transition from the infeed conveyor section 72 to the cross conveyor section 74, a conveyed item, e.g., a piece of luggage, must change its conveying direction. Therefore, an impact device with an impact surface 76 is often arranged in an extension of the infeed conveyor section 72 on a side of the cross conveyor section 74 facing away from the infeed conveyor section 72. Here, it is advantageous if the impact surface 76 is equipped with an impact and pressure load distribution device 10, which dampens the impact of conveyed items, e.g., the impact of luggage.Since the shock and pressure load distribution device 10, in its preferred embodiment, has a track 20 made of thermosetting polyurethane rubber, the shock and pressure load distribution device 10 is abrasion-resistant and leaves no marks on the conveyed baggage. Such a shock and pressure load distribution device 10 on a conveyor device 70 of the type described thus has the advantage, particularly in the case of baggage conveying devices, that the impacts on the baggage are greatly dampened when the conveyor device changes gear, and visible abrasion on the baggage is also avoided.

[0145] In this way, the shock and pressure load distribution device on a conveyor protects the conveyed material in two ways.

[0146] List of reference symbols:

[0147] 10 Shock and pressure load distribution device

[0148] 12 Wall

[0149] 20 lanes

[0150] 22 loops of the track

[0151] 24 held bay, held U-shaped track section

[0152] 26 free bays

[0153] 30, 30' bracket for the track

[0154] 31 support

[0155] 32 through opening

[0156] 32' insertion opening

[0157] 34 Fasteners for the track

[0158] 36, 38 rollers on the brackets

[0159] 40 carriers

[0160] 42 Reservoir

[0161] 44 winding spool

[0162] 46 Drive

[0163] 48 force sensor

[0164] 50 objects

[0165] 52 bracket

[0166] 54 elongated through-hole

[0167] 56 free end of the track

[0168] 60 protective cuff or collar

[0169] 62 cavity

[0170] 64 containers, cargo space

[0171] 66 slot

[0172] 68 Street, roadway

[0173] 70 conveyor system

[0174] 72 feed line

[0175] 74 Cross conveyor line

[0176] 76 impact surface

[0177] LB stretched length of the track

[0178] BB Width of the web DB Thickness (material thickness) of the web

[0179] Lp effective length of the shock and pressure load distribution device

[0180] Bp Width of the shock and pressure load distribution device

[0181] Hp Height of the shock and pressure load distribution device

Claims

Claims:

1. A flexible, adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device (10) for protecting walls, columns, supports, or the like in the event of an impact or grazing, particularly for installation in the area of warehouse or factory walls and all buildings intended to accommodate moving objects, or for protecting quays, loading or platform edges, or the like, or for protecting or securing objects or vehicles and moving objects themselves from impacts and grazing contact and / or for dampening vibrations and / or structure-borne noise, wherein the flexible, adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device (10) comprises at least one sheet (20) made of flexible elastomer material that returns to its original position after deformation, wherein the sheet (20) forms a single or multiple loops (22') or corrugations (20), wherein cavities (62) formed by these loops or these corrugations causethat the band (20) absorbs a pressure or shock by deformation of the band, wherein this deformation can be transverse and / or longitudinal to the orientation of the band of the flexible, adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device (10), and the band, which is formed in loops or waves, has an effective length that is smaller than the extended length of the band of the flexible, adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device (10), and the flexible, adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device (10) has free longitudinal ends that are movable relative to one another, so that the damping effect of the flexible, adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device (10) can be adjusted by the band (20) being more or less corrugated or stretched.

2. Adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one web (20) is held by one or a plurality of fixing means such as holders (30) or clamps (52), wherein the loops (22) or waves (22') are formed by alternating bays (24) each held by a holder and free bays (26) projecting from a wall or a support between the held bays, and wherein the fixing means (30, 30'; 52) each define a through-opening (32) or an insertion opening (32') for receiving the web (20), the respective dimensions of which are adapted to a thickness (DB) and a width (BB) of the web (20) such that the web is displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the web with respect to the respective insertion or through-opening.

3. Adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device (10) according to claim 2, wherein a dimension of a respective insertion or through-opening corresponds to the thickness (DB) of the web (20) or is at most 10% more than this thickness (DB).

4. Adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device (10) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein at least half of the supports or preferably all supports are at the same distance from one another.

5. Adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device (10) according to at least one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the insertion or through-openings (32, 32') of all the holders (30, 30') are aligned with one another.

6. Adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device (10) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the holders (30) each define a fully circumferentially closed through opening (32).

7. Adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device (10) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the holders (30') are hook-shaped and each define an upwardly open insertion opening (32').

8. Adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device (10) according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the holders (30, 30') are all attached to a support (40) which in turn can be attached to a wall (12).

9. Adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device (10) according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the brackets (30, 30') are attached directly to a wall (12).

10. Adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the web (20) consists of thermosetting polyurethane rubber.

11. Adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the web (20) has a Shore hardness between 25 Shore A and 60 Shore D.

12. Adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the web (20) has a thickness between 3 mm and 36 mm.

13. Adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the stretched length (LB) of the web (20) is 3 to 6 times the effective length (LB) of the adjustable shock and pressure load distributor (10).

14. Adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the web (20) forms at least five loops (22) and is held by at least six holders (30, 30').

15. Adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that all loops (22) or shafts (22') are at least approximately identical.

16. Adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device (10) according to one of the claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the elastic plastic forming the web (20) is dyed at least in one color and preferably has a signal color, in particular a luminescent signal color.

17. Adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device (10) according to one of the claims 2 to 16, characterized in that the holders (30) are provided with rollers (36, 38).

18. Adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device (10) according to claim 17, characterized in that at least some of the rollers (36, 38) are provided with a drive (46) for motor-driven driving of the respective rollers (36, 38).

19. Adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device (10) according to one of claims 2 to 18, characterized in that at least some of the holders (30) are provided with a force sensor (48) for detecting a force acting on the web (20).

20. Adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device has a reservoir (42) for receiving or releasing a longitudinal section of the web (20).

21. Adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device (10) has a plurality of tracks (20) which differ from one another with regard to the material and / or the shape or size of the loops or corrugations.

22. Kit for an adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device according to one of claims 1 to 21, comprising a track (20) made of flexible plastic and a plurality of holders (30) with insertion or through openings matching the track (20).

23. A method for assembling an adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterized by the method steps Mounting a plurality of brackets (30, 30') along an intended effective length of the adjustable shock and pressure load distribution device (10), Inserting a sheet (20) made of flexible plastic into push-through or insertion openings (32, 32') of the holders (30, 30') in such a way that the sheet (20) forms loops (22) between the individual holders (30, 30').

24. Method according to claim 23, characterized in that the free ends of the web (20) are fixed on or immediately adjacent to a first holder (30, 30') and a last holder (30, 30').

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