Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a connection.

The invention has been devised particularly, although not necessarily solely, as a connection for progressively connecting adjacent edges of sheets together. The connection may be configured to facilitate the progressive joining of the adjacent edges together in a manner similar to that of a zipper.

The connection is particularly applicable for connecting adjacent edges of sheets (such as, for example, tarpaulins) for covering stockpiles, including in particular grain stockpiles.

Background Art

The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

Grain is typically placed in stockpiles for temporary bulk storage. Once the stockpile has been established, it is covered in order to afford protection from the elements (such as the sun, wind and rain) and also from vermin. The protective covering is typically provided by a series of tarpaulin covers configured as sheets which are positioned on the stockpile in an overlapping relation arid secured together at adjacent edges, usually by sewing the edges together.

While such an arrangement is effective in providing a protective covering for the stockpile, it does present some difficulties.

A major difficulty concerns the safety of workers installing the tarpaulin covers in position on the stockpile. The installation of the tarpaulin covers requires workers to operate above ground, which in itself can present a danger. Additionally, the tarpaulin covers can be difficult to manage, particularly when exposed to even light winds. This can present a significant danger, as there is the possibility that 1

- 2 - the tarpaulin covers can be upset in the wind and consequently workers can be thrown, blown or otherwise fall from the stockpile during the installation process.

In some situations, it is customary to sew adjacent edges of the tarpaulin covers together for the purpose of joining the sheets. This is done in-situ above the stockpile.

This process requires a team of workers (typically about four or five workers) to hold the tarpaulin covers in position while one operator uses a portable sewing machine to sew the edges together. The sewing process usually involves two passes to complete the joint. In certain circumstances, a sealer is applied to the joint after sewing.

When the tarpaulin cover are to be used again at some later stage (typically in the subsequent season), it is necessary to trim the edges of the sheets to remove remnants of the previous joint and provide a new edge for sewing to establish the next joint. Not only is this time consuming but it leads to a reduction in the size of the tarpaulin covers.

It is against this background, and the problems and difficulties associated therewith, that the present invention has been developed.

Disclosure of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a connection system comprising a male locking strip and a female locking strip to which the male locking strip is adapted to be releasably engaged, the female locking strip being configured as a flexible elongate element defining a longitudinal jaw for receiving the male locking strip and a locking channel adapted to receive a flexible elongate locking key for laterally expanding the locking channel and thereby causing the longitudinal jaw to close about the male locking strip and captively retain it in position.

The connection system according to the first aspect of the invention may further comprise apparatus for movement along the female locking strip to progressively 1

- 3 - insert the male locking strip into the longitudinal jaw and to progressively insert the locking key into the locking channel.

Preferably, the male locking strip comprises a flange portion and a head portion integral with each other. Preferably, the head portion is configured to be progressively received and captively retained in the jaw

The head portion may be configured as a wedge incorporating a locking edge. Other configurations of the head portion are also possible; for example, the head portion may be configured as a keder strip. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a connection system comprising a central female locking strip and two male locking strips for releasably engaging the female locking strip on opposed sides thereof, the female locking strip being configured as a flexible elongate element defining two opposed longitudinal jaws for receiving the male locking strips and a locking channel between the two opposed longitudinal jaws, the locking channel being adapted to receive a flexible elongate locking key adapted to laterally expand the locking channel and thereby cause the two opposed longitudinal jaws to close about the male locking strips and captively retain them in position

The connection system according to the second aspect of the invention may further comprise apparatus for movement along the female locking strip to progressively insert the male locking strips into the respective longitudinal jaws and to progressively insert the locking key into the locking channel.

Preferably, a connection system according to the first or second aspect of the invention is provided for releasably connecting adjacent edges of sheets together. The connection system may be configured to facilitate progressive connection of the adjacent edges together in a manner similar to that of a zipper.

The male locking strips may each be configured as a wedge incorporating a locking edge and the two opposed longitudinal jaws may be correspondingly profiled to present locking edges to interact with the locking edges when the jaws are closed about the male locking strips.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provide a connection system for releasably connecting adjacent edges of sheets for covering a stockpile, the connection system comprising a male locking strip provided on each adjacent edge and a central female locking strip to which each male locking strip is adapted to be releasably engaged.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a connection system comprising a male locking strip and a female locking strip to which the male locking strip is adapted to be releasably engaged, the female locking strip being configured as a flexible elongate element defining a longitudinal jaw for receiving the male locking strip and a locking channel adapted to receive a flexible elongate locking key for laterally expanding the locking channel and thereby causing the longitudinal jaw to close about the male locking strip and captively retain it in position, and apparatus for movement along the female locking strip to progressively insert the male locking strip into the longitudinal jaw and to progressively insert the locking key into the locking channel.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a connection system comprising a central female locking strip and two male locking strips for releasably engaging the female locking strip on opposed sides thereof, the female locking strip being configured as a flexible elongate element defining two opposed longitudinal jaws for receiving the male locking strips and a locking channel between the two opposed longitudinal jaws, the locking channel being adapted to receive a flexible elongate locking key adapted to laterally expand the locking channel and thereby cause the two opposed longitudinal jaws to close about the male locking strips and captively retain them in position, and apparatus for movement along the female locking strip to progressively insert the male locking strips into the respective longitudinal jaws and to progressively insert the locking key into the locking channel. According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for assembling an elongate connector which comprises a female locking strip and a ]

- 5 - male locking strip for releasably engaging the female locking, the female locking strip being configured as a flexible elongate element defining a longitudinal jaw for receiving the male locking strip and a locking channel adjacent the longitudinal jaw, the locking channel being adapted to receive a flexible elongate locking key adapted to laterally expand the locking channel and thereby cause the longitudinal jaw to close about the male locking strips and captively retain them in position, the apparatus comprising a body for movement longitudinally with respect to the central female locking strip, the body comprising means for progressively inserting the male locking strip into longitudinal jaw for engagement therewith as the body moves longitudinally with respect to the female locking strip, and means for progressively inserting the elongate locking key into the locking channel as the body moves longitudinally with respect to the central female locking strip.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for assembling an elongate connector which comprises a central female locking strip and two male locking strips for releasably engaging the female locking strip on opposed sides thereof, the female locking strip being configured as a flexible elongate element defining two opposed longitudinal jaws for receiving the male locking strips and a locking channel between the two opposed longitudinal jaws, the locking channel being adapted to receive a flexible elongate locking key adapted to laterally expand the locking channel and thereby cause the two opposed longitudinal jaws to close about the male locking strips and captively retain them in position, the apparatus comprising a body for movement longitudinally with respect to the central female locking strip, the body comprising means for progressively inserting the male locking strips into the opposed longitudinal jaws for engagement therewith as the body moves longitudinally with respect to the central female locking strip, and means for progressively inserting the elongate locking key into the locking channel as the body moves longitudinally with respect to the central female locking strip.

Preferably, the body is adapted to align the central female locking strip, the two male locking strips, and the locking key to facilitate for assembly of the connector. ]

- 6 -

Preferably, the means for progressively inserting the elongate locking key into the locking channel includes a guide means for positioning the elongate locking key for entry into the locking channel and a press means for pressing the elongate locking key into the locking channel thereby to cause the two opposed longitudinal jaws to close about the male locking strips.

Preferably, the press means comprises a press roller for rolling movement along the elongate locking key during insertion thereof in the locking channel.

Preferably, the press roller is adapted to provide traction for movement of the body longitudinally with respect to the central female locking strip. For this purpose, the press roller may be adapted to be driven and also adapted to frictionally engage the elongate locking key and/or the central female locking strip.

Preferably, the press roller is configured for guided movement along the central female locking strip. Preferably, the press roller is adapted to frictionally engage both the elongate locking key and the central female locking strip to provide traction for movement of the body longitudinally with respect to the central female locking strip. For this purpose, the press roller may have an outer periphery incorporating a circumferential recess configured for fricttonal engagement with the elongate locking key and the central female locking strip and also guided movement along the central female locking strip.

The circumferential recess in the press roller is configured for frictional engagement with the elongate locking key and the central female locking strip through the provision of a plurality of lateral cleats. The cleats may be defined by radial vanes, the radial outer ends of which are configured to define the circumferential recess.

The press roller may receive rotational torque from a drive source. In one arrangement, the press roller may be coupled to a drive motor to receive rotational torque therefrom. In another arrangement, the press roller may be mounted on a drum motor. In this latter arrangement, the press roller may be mounted on, or formed integrally with, the drum shell of the drum motor. 1

- 7 -

The drive motor or the drum motor may comprise an electric motor, although other appropriate forms of motor may also be used, including a hydraulic motor.

Preferably, a press means for pressing the elongate locking key into the locking channel further includes a base for supporting the locking strip on the opposed side thereof to the locking channel.

Typically, the base is disposed in opposed relation to the press roller.

Preferably, the base is configured to align the locking strip with respect to the press means.

Preferably, the means for progressively inserting the elongate locking key into the locking channel includes means for progressively expanding the locking channel to receive the locking strip.

Preferably, the means for progressively inserting the male locking strips into the opposed longitudinal jaws includes means for progressively expanding the longitudinal jaws to receive the male locking strips. Preferably, the means for progressively inserting the male locking strips into the opposed longitudinal jaws includes a guide wheel for guiding and pressing each male locking strips into the respective longitudinal jaws

According to an eight aspect of the invention there is provided a method of connecting parts together using a connector which comprises a female locking strip and a male locking strip for releasably engaging the female locking, the female locking strip being configured as a flexible elongate element defining a longitudinal jaw for receiving the male locking strip and a locking channel adjacent the longitudinal jaws, the locking channel being adapted to receive a flexible elongate locking key adapted to laterally expand the locking channel and thereby cause the longitudinal jaw to close about the male locking strip and captively retain it in position, the method comprising progressively inserting the male locking strip into the longitudinal jaw for engagement therewith along the female locking strip, and progressively inserting the elongate locking key into the locking channel along the central female locking strip. ]

- 8 -

Preferably, the method according to the eight aspect of the invention further comprises use of apparatus for progressively inserting the male locking strip into the longitudinal jaw and progressively inserting the elongate locking key into the locking channel along the central female locking strip. According to a ninth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of connecting parts together using a connector which comprises a central female locking strip and two male locking strips for releasably engaging the female locking strip on opposed sides thereof, the female locking strip being configured as a flexible elongate element defining two opposed longitudinal jaws for receiving the male locking strips and a locking channel between the two opposed longitudinal jaws, the locking channel being adapted to receive a flexible elongate locking key adapted to laterally expand the locking channel and thereby cause the two opposed longitudinal jaws to close about the male locking strips and captively retain them in position, the method comprising progressively inserting the male locking strips into the opposed longitudinal jaws for engagement therewith along the central female locking strip, and progressively inserting the elongate locking key into the locking channel along the central female locking strip.

Preferably, the method according to the ninth aspect of the invention further comprises use of apparatus for progressively inserting the male locking strips into the opposed longitudinal jaws and progressively inserting the elongate locking key into the locking channel along the central female locking strip.

Preferably, the method according to the eighth or ninth aspect of the invention further comprises moving the apparatus longitudinally with respect to the central female locking strip. Preferably, the apparatus is moved longitudinally with respect to the central female locking strip from adjacent one end thereof to adjacent the other end thereof.

Preferably, the apparatus used in the method according to the invention comprises apparatus according to the sixth or seventh aspect of the invention. Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of several specific embodiments thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic fragmentary end view of various components adapted to be assembled together to provide a connection between two sheets, the connection being part of a first embodiment of a connection system according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 but with the connection partly assembled;

Figure 3 is also a view similar to Figure 1 but with the connection in the assembled condition;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of the arrangement shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of the arrangement shown in

Figure 2;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of the arrangement shown in Figure 3;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the connection system according to the embodiment comprising the connection between two sheets being assembled by apparatus advancing therealong;

Figure 8 is a perspective side view of the arrangement shown in Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a perspective side view of the apparatus;

Figure 0 is a perspective end view of the apparatus from the leading end thereof;

Figure 11 is a perspective end view of the apparatus from the trailing end thereof; Figure 12 is a schematic view of part of the apparatus for performing a first stage of an operation for assembling the connection;

Figure 13 is a schematic view of part of the apparatus for performing a second stage of the operation for assembling the connection; Figure 14 is a schematic view of part of the apparatus performing third and fourth stages of the operation for assembling the connection;

Figure 15 is a perspective side view of a press wheel used in the fourth stage of the operation for assembling the connection;

Figure 16 is a perspective end view of the press wheel; and Figure 17 is a fragmentary schematic view illustrating a male locking element forming part of a second embodiment of the connection system according to the invention.

Best Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention

Referring to Figures 1 to 16, there is shown a first embodiment of a connection system 10 for joining sheets 11 together along adjacent edges 13 thereof. In the arrangement shown, the sheets 11 comprise tarpaulins 12 used as a protective covering 15 for a stockpile, such as a grain stockpile. The tarpaulins 12 may be made of any appropriate material such as, for example, PVC or polypropylene.

The protective covering 15 comprises a plurality of the tarpaulins 12 adapted to be disposed one adjacent another and releasabiy connected together at adjacent edges by a connection 20 which provides a fluid seal between the interconnected edges 13. The fluid seal serves to inhibit ingress of moisture and vermin and also serves to inhibit egress of fumigation gases that may be delivered into the stockpile. The connection 20 is configured to facilitate progressive interconnection of the adjacent edges 13 in a manner similar to that of a zipper.

The connection 20 comprises two male locking strips 21, and a central female locking strip 23. The central female locking strip 23 comprises a body 24 typically formed as an extrusion. The body 24 is configured as an elongate central locking element 25 incorporating a locking channel 27 adapted to receive an elongate locking key 29. The channel 27 has an open longitudinal side 28 through which the elongate locking key 29 is progressively inserted to assume a locking condition. The elongate locking key 29 is depicted in the locking condition within the locking channel 27 in Figure 3.

The male locking strips 21, the central female locking element 25, and the locking key 29 are each of flexible construction and are formed from any appropriate material(s). Conveniently, the male locking strips 21, the central female locking element 25, and the locking key 29 are each formed by way of an extrusion process. In this embodiment, the central female locking element 25 and the locking key 29 are formed of rubber, and the male locking strips 21 are formed of a material compatible with the sheets 11 to facilitate attachment by way of plastic welding. By way of example only, where the sheets comprise a PVC material, the male locking strips 21 may also be of a PVC material for compatibility.

The male locking strips 21 are provided on the respective edges 13 of the sheets 1 and are adapted to be releasably engaged with the central locking element 25. In this way, the central locking element 25 interconnects the two male locking strips 21. To facilitate this interconnection, the central female locking element 25 defines two opposed longitudinal jaws 31 for receiving the male locking strips 21. The central female locking element 25 also defines the locking channel 27 between the two opposed longitudinal jaws 31. The locking channel 27, upon progressively receiving the locking key 29, is caused to expand laterally and thereby cause the two opposed longitudinal jaws 31 to close about the male locking strips 21 and captively retain them in position.

In the arrangement illustrated, the male locking strips 21 each comprise a flange portion 41 and a head portion 43 integral with each other.

The flange portion 41 is adapted to be attached to the respective sheet 11 along the respective edge 13 thereof in any appropriate way. In this embodiment, the flange portion 41 is attached to the adjacent edge 13 by plastic welding, but any other form of attachment, including sewing, adhesive bonding and mechanical fixing can be employed.

In the arrangement illustrated, the head portion 43 is configured as a wedge 45 incorporating a locking edge 47. Each male locking strip 21 comprises a body 22 configured to define the wedge 45 and the locking edge 47. Typically, the body 22 is formed as an extrusion.

Each longitudinal jaw 31 is correspondingly profiled to receive and retain the respective wedge 45. In the arrangement illustrated, each longitudinal jaw 31 present an internal locking edge 33 adapted to interact with the respective locking edge 47 when the jaw 31 is closed about the respective male locking strip 21. More particularly, each jaw 31 is defined between two opposed jaw faces 35 defined within the body 24. A lug 37 is provided on jaw face 35a adjacent the outer end thereof to define the internal locking edge 33.

The male locking strips 21, the female locking element 25 and the locking key 29 are each longitudinally flexible; that is, they can each flex along the length thereof.

The longitudinally flexible nature of the various components allows the connection 20, along with the interconnected edges 13 of the sheets 11, to conform to the surface profile of the stockpile.

Further, the female locking element 25 is formed of resiliently flexible material to facilitate progressive insertion of the male locking strips 21 into the open jaws 31 , and subsequent progressive closing of the jaws 31 about the inserted portions of the male locking strips 21 as the locking key 29 is progressively installed into the locking channel 27.

The connection system 20 further comprises apparatus 50 for assembling the connection 20. The apparatus 50 is. adapted for movement along the female locking element 25 to progressively insert the male locking strips 21 into the respective longitudinal jaws 31 and to progressively insert the locking key 29 into the locking channel 27. Typically, the apparatus 50 is self-propelled and operable remotely under the control of a user. The apparatus 50 may be operable remotely in any appropriate way, such as wirelessly or by way of an umbilical control arrangement. In this way, operation of the apparatus 50 can be controlled by a user without the user having to climb onto a stockpile being coverered by the tarpaulins 12.

To interconnect the two sheets 11 , the sheets are positioned side-by-side with the male locking strips 21 on adjacent edges 13 alongside each other. The female locking element 25 and the locking key 29 are positioned so as to extend along the male locking strips 21. The apparatus 50 is then used to assemble the connection 20. In particular, the apparatus 50 is adapted to progressively align the central female locking element 25, the two male locking strips 21 , and the locking key 29 to facilitate assembly of the connection 20, and to move along the female locking element 25 to progressively insert the male locking strips 21 into the respective longitudinal jaws 31 and to progressively insert the locking key 29 into the locking channel 27.

The assembly operation comprises four stages.

The first stage involves: (a) aligning the central female locking element 25, the two male locking strips 21, and the locking key 29 to facilitate assembly of the connection 20; (b) positioning male locking strips 21 for insertion into the respective longitudinal jaws 31on the central female locking element 25; and (c) opening the jaws 31 in preparation to receive the respective male locking strips 21.

The second stage involves insertion of the male locking strips 21 into the respective longitudinal jaws 31 on the central female locking element 25. The third stage involves opening of the locking channel 27 and insertion of the locking key 29 the locking key 29 into the locking channel 27.

The fourth stage involves pressing of the locking key 29 into the locking channel 27. The fourth stage also provides traction to move the apparatus 50 along the central female locking element 25 to assemble the connection 20. The apparatus 50 comprises a mobile body 51 movable longitudinally with respect to the central female locking element 25.

Sheets 1 to be joined together are positioned in side-by-side relation with the male locking strips 21of adjacent edges 13 alongside each other. The central female locking element 25 located between the two male locking strips 21 and the locking key 29 is laid along the length of the female locking element 25. In other words, the various components of the connection are set out in an unassembled condition between the two sheets 11 to be joined together, as can be seen in Figure 7. The apparatus 50 is then moved along the various components to perform the four stages of the assembly operation and thereby assemble the various components into the connection 20.

In this embodiment, the mobile body 51 comprises a frame structure 52 defining a chassis 53 mounted on wheels 55. In the arrangement illustrated, there are two front wheels 57 and two rear wheels 59 configured to track on opposed sides of the connection 20.

The body 51 comprising first assembly means 61 for progressively inserting the male locking strips 21 into the opposed longitudinal jaws 31 for engagement therewith as the body 51 moves longitudinally with respect to the central female locking element 25, and second assembly means 62 for progressively inserting the elongate locking key 29 into the locking channel 27 as the body 51 moves longitudinally with respect to the central female locking element 25.

The frame structure 52 has a leading end 71 and a trailing end 73 between which various stages of the assembly operations are performed.

The first assembly means 61 comprises a first portion 63 at which the first stage of the assembly operation is performed and a second portion 65 at which the second stage of the assembly operation is performed.

The first portion 63 is located at the leading end 71 and comprises frame elements 73 comprising spaced vertical elements 77 interconnected by transverse webs 79. The transverse webs 79 comprise an upper web 81, and intermediate web 83 and a lower web 85. The upper web 81 and the intermediate web 83 are interconnected by two vertical webs 87 which cooperate with the upper web 81 and the intermediate web 83 to define a path 91 for receiving and guiding the elongate locking key 29 as the apparatus 50 moves relative thereto. The intermediate web 83 and the lower web 85 which cooperate with the spaced vertical elements 77 to define a path 93 for receiving and guiding the central female locking element 25 as the apparatus 50 moves relative thereto.

The path 93 includes opening means 95 for opening the longitudinal jaws 31on the central female locking element 23. In the arrangement shown, the opening means 95 comprises two fingers 97 disposed in opposed relation within the path 93, the fingers being mounted on the spaced vertical elements 77. With this arrangement, the fingers 97 are received in the longitudinal jaws 31 and cause them to open, as depicted Figure 12.

The first portion 63 further includes guides 99 for the male locking strips 21 and the adjacent edges 13 of the sheets 11. Each guide 99 comprises an upper guide section 101 and a lower guide section 103 between which there is defined a guide space 105 having an open outer end 107. The guide space 105 is adapted to receive the respective male locking strip 21 and the adjacent edge 3 of the sheet 13 to which the locking strip is attached. The guide space 105 has an inner section 109 and an outer section 11. The inner section 109 is configured to receive the head portion 43 of the respective male locking element 21 and the outer section 111 is configured to receive flange portion 41 and the adjacent edges 13 of the sheets 11. The inner section 109 defines a shoulder 113 at the junction with the outer section 111 to confront the locking edge 47 on the head portion 43 as the latter moves through the guide space 105.

The second portion 65 is located rearwardly of the first portion 63 and comprises a track 121 to guidingly receive and support the central female locking element 25 as the apparatus 50 moves relative thereto and two guide wheels 123 for guiding and pressing the male locking strips 21 into the open longitudinal jaws 31, as shown in Figure 13. The track 121 comprises a central trough 125 and two lateral webs 127 on opposed sides of the trough 125. In this embodiment, the track 121 extends rearwardly along the frame structure 52 to the trailing end 73 thereof.

The two guide wheels 123 are disposed on opposed sides of the track 121. Each guide wheel 123 is rotatably supported on an axle 124 mounted on the frame structure 52 for rotation about a substantially upright axis 126. With this arrangement, each guide wheel 123 is freely rotatably about its respective axis 127. Each guide wheel 123 is adjustably mounted on the frame structure 52 to facilitate selective positioning of the guide wheels 123 in relation to the central locking element 25 to ensure correct operation.

Each guide wheel 123 includes a rim portion 139 configured as a flange having an outer edge 141 adapted to bear against the locking edge 47 of the respective head portion 43. and urge the locking strip 21 into the open locking jaw 31.

The guide wheels 123 are spaced from the two lateral webs 127 on opposed sides of the trough 125 to define gaps 143 through which the flange portions 41 of the locking strips 21 can pass.

The central trough 125 is configured so that the central female locking element 25 is supported in a stable condition for insertion of the male locking strips 21 into the open locking jaws 31. The second assembly means 63 comprises a third portion 151 at which the third stage of the assembly operation is performed and a fourth portion 153 at which the fourth stage of the assembly operation is performed. The third stage involves opening of the locking channel 27 and insertion of the locking key 29 the locking key 29 into the locking channel 27. The fourth stage involves pressing of the locking key 29 into the locking channel 27. The fourth stage also provides traction to move the apparatus 50 along the central female locking element 23 to assemble the connection 20.

The third portion 151 is located intermediate the leading end 71 and the trailing end 73 of the frame structure 52 and comprises a boot 161 mounted on the lower end of a leg 163 depending from the frame structure 52. The boot 161 is configured to provide a sleeve 165 through which the elongate locking key 29 guidingly passes as apparatus 50 moves relative thereto. The boot 161 is also configured to provide a leading portion 176 which is adapted to be received in, and to spread, the locking channel 27 to receive an elongate locking key 29. In other words, the boot 161 positions the elongate locking key 29 for entry into the locking channel 27, progressively opens the locking channel 27, and guides the locking key 29 into the open locking channel as the apparatus 50 advances.

The track 121 supports the central female locking element in a stable condition for insertion during opening of the locking channel 27 and insertion of the locking key 29 into the open locking channel.

The fourth portion 153 is located at the trailing end 73 of the frame structure 52 and comprises a press means 181 for pressing the elongate locking key 29 into the locking channel 27 thereby to cause the two opposed longitudinal jaws 31 to close about the male locking strips 21. In the arrangement shown, the press means 181 comprises a press roller 183 for rolling movement along the elongate locking key 27 during insertion thereof in the locking channel 27.

In addition to pressing the pressing the elongate locking key 29 into the locking channel 27, the press roller 183 is adapted to provide traction for movement of the body 51 longitudinally with respect to the central female locking strip 23. For this purpose, the press roller 183 is adapted to be driven and is also adapted to frictionally engage the elongate locking key 29 and also the central female locking strip 23.

The press roller 183 has an outer periphery 185 incorporating a circumferential recess 187 configured for frictional engagement with the elongate locking key 29 and the central female locking element 25, and also guided movement along the central female locking strip. In the arrangement shown, the press roller 183 is provided with lateral cleats 189 which provide the necessary traction through frictional engagement with the elongate locking key 29 and the central female locking strip 23. The cleats 189 are defined by radial vanes 191, the radial outer ends of which are configured to define the circumferential recess 187. The press roller 183 receives rotational torque from a drive source 193 aboard the mobile body 51. With this arrangement, the mobile body 51 is self-propelled, although its operation is typically controlled remotely by a user. In this embodiment, the drive source 193 comprises an electric motor, although other appropriate forms of drive may also be used, including a hydraulic motor. In the arrangement shown, the press roller 183 is coupled to the electric motor 193 through a drive transmission which includes a gearbox arrangement. In another arrangement, the press roller 183 may be mounted on a drum motor. In this latter arrangement, the press roller may be mounted on, or formed integrally with, the drum shell of the drum motor.

The fourth portion 153 further includes a base 195 for supporting the locking element 25 on the opposed side thereof to the locking channel 27. In the arrangement shown, the base 195 is disposed in opposed relation to the press roller 183 and comprises a support roller 197 mounted on the end of the track 121.

In operation, the apparatus 50 advances along the various components to perform the four stages of the assembly operation and thereby assemble the various components into the connection 20. The apparatus travel along, and is guided by, the central female locking element 25. To commence the assembly operation, the various components are laid out in position as previously described and the apparatus 50 positioned at one end thereof with the components inserted into position within the apparatus 50 as necessary. The apparatus 50 can then be propelled along the central female locking strip 23 under power from the electric motor 193 to progressively assemble the connection 20 in the manner of a zipper. The apparatus 50 may also be able to be used in a reverse operation to disassemble the connection 20, if desired.

In the first embodiment, the head portion 43 of each male locking strip 21 is configured as a wedge 45 incorporating a locking edge 47. Other configurations of the head portion are also possible, one example of which is provided by the second embodiment. 1

- 19 -

Referring now to Figure 17 there is shown a male locking element forming part of a second embodiment of the connection system 10 according to the invention.

The second embodiment of the connection system 10 is similar in many respects to the first embodiment and so corresponding reference numerals are used to identify corresponding parts.

In this second embodiment, the male locking element 21 is constructed integrally with the respective sheet 1 as a keder strip 200 at the edge 13 thereof. In particular, a longitudinal marginal edge portion 201 of the sheet 11 is folded about a longitudinal core 203 and then attached at 205 to an adjacent portion of the sheet, thereby to provide the keder strip 200. The longitudinal core 203 may be of any suitable form, such as a cord or rope.

With this arrangement, the keder strip 200 forms the flange portion 41 and the integral head portion 43.

This arrangement is advantageous as there is no need for a separate male locking element to be formed and then attached to the sheet 11. This avoids any requirement for material compatibility between the male locking strip 21 and the sheet 11.

In the first embodiment, the locking channel 27 is so configured that the locking strip 29, when received in the locking channel 27 and in the locking condition, is located in close proximity to the open longitudinal side 28 of the locking channel, as best seen in Figure 3.

In another arrangement, the locking channel 27 may be configured such that the counterpart the locking strip 29 is accommodated more deeply within the locking channel, and away from the open longitudinal side 28 of the locking channel, when in the locking condition. With such an arrangement, there may be a need to configure the press roller 183 to facilitate insertion of the locking strip 29 fully into the locking channel 27 while undergoing guided movement along the central female locking element 25. For this propose, the press roller 183 have may an extension portion such as a peripheral rib configured to extend through the open longitudinal side 28 and press the locking strip 29 fully into the locking channel 27. From the foregoing, it is evident that the present embodiments each provide a system for connection sheets 11 together while avoiding, or at least reducing, the need for personnel to be working along the length of the connection and to be exposed to unsafe working conditions. It should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments described. In particular, the invention need not be limited to connection of tarpaulin sheets together to establish a protective cover for a stockpile. The invention may have application in any appropriate situation where there is a need to establish an elongate connection. . Throughout the specification and claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.