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Title:
DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MOISTURE-TIGHT CONNECTION OF TWO SHEET-LIKE MATERIALS, FOR INSTANCE FILMS, ARRANGED OR TO BE ARRANGED ADJACENTLY OF EACH OTHER ON AN OBJECT
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2014/080333
Kind Code:
A2
Abstract:
The invention relates to a device for moisture-tight connection of two sheet-like materials, comprising: - a first element which is configured to be arranged with a first side on the object and to receive end zones of the materials with a second side, wherein the first element comprises first connecting means, - a second element, which is configured to be arranged with a first side on the second side of the first element with the end zones of the materials arranged thereon and to be connected thereto, wherein the second element comprises second connecting means co-acting with the first connecting means, wherein after mutual connection of the elements the end zones of the materials extending therebetween are connected in order to effect the connection between the two materials. The invention also relates to a method for moisture-tight connection of two sheet¬ like materials.

Inventors:
VAN MERKSTEIJN JACOBUS LAMBERTUS (CH)
Application Number:
PCT/IB2013/060228
Publication Date:
May 30, 2014
Filing Date:
November 19, 2013
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
CLIMATE INVEST B V (MT)
International Classes:
B29C65/56; B29C65/78
Foreign References:
DE4021472A11992-01-16
US20100088864A12010-04-15
US4055136A1977-10-25
GB979829A1965-01-06
Other References:
None
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
SLIKKER, Wilhelmina, Johanna et al. (GK Den Haag, NL)
Download PDF:
Claims:
Claims

1 . Device for moisture-tight connection of two sheet-like materials, for instance films, arranged or to be arranged adjacently of each other on an object, comprising:

- a first element which is configured to be arranged with a first side on the object and to receive with a second side, opposite the first side, end zones of the materials for connecting, wherein the first element comprises first connecting means for connecting the first element to a second element,

- the second element, which is configured to be arranged with a first side on the second side of the first element with the end zones of the materials arranged thereon and to be connected thereto, wherein the second element comprises second connecting means co- acting with the first connecting means for the purpose of connecting the second element to the first element,

wherein after mutual connection of the first element and the second element the end zones of the materials extending between the first element and the second element are connected in order to effect the connection between the two materials.

2. Device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first element comprises an adhesive layer arranged on the first side for adhering the first element to the object.

3. Device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the second element comprises a sealing layer arranged on the first side for providing a moisture-tight seal between the first element and the second element and the end zones of the materials disposed therebetween. 4. Device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the sealing layer comprises an adhesive substance, and wherein the second element comprises a releasable protective layer arranged on the adhesive substance and configured for removal before the second element is arranged on the first element.

5. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the first connectinj means comprise a protruding element or a receiving element, and wherein the second connecting means comprise a receiving element or a protruding element, wherein the protruding element of the first or second connecting means is configured to be received the receiving element of the second or first connecting means.

6. Device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the protruding element is a toadstool-like protruding element and wherein the receiving element has a shape adapted to the toadstoollike protruding element such that the protruding element can be received with clamping fit in the receiving element.

7. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the second element has on a second side opposite the first side a surface layer corresponding to the materials.

8. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the second side of the first element has two releasable cutting wires extending in longitudinal direction and disposed on either side of the first connecting means, these cutting wires being configured to cut the materials arranged on the second side by pulling on the cutting wires and the cutting wires herein cutting through the end zones of the materials. 9. Device as claimed in any of the claims 1-7, wherein the second side of the first element has two cavities extending in longitudinal direction and disposed on either side of the first connecting means, these cavities being configured to receive a cutting device during cutting of the end zones of the materials arranged on the second side. 1 0. Method for moisture-tight connection of two sheet-like materials, for instance films, arranged or to be arranged adjacently of each other on an object, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a device as claimed in any of the claims 1 -9 for moisture-tight connection of two sheet-like materials, for instance films, arranged or to be arranged adjacently of each other on an object, the device comprising:

- a first element which is configured to be arranged with a first side on the object and to receive with a second side, opposite the first side, end zones of the materials for connecting, wherein the first element comprises first connecting means for connecting the first element to a second element,

- the second element which is configured to be arranged with a first side on the second side of the first element with the end zones of the materials arranged thereon and to be connected thereto, wherein the second element comprises second connecting means co-acting with the first connecting means for connecting the second element to the first element,

wherein after a mutual connection of the first element and the second element the end zones of the materials extending between the first element and the second element are connected for the purpose of effecting the connection between the two materials;

(b) arranging the first element with its first side on the object;

(c) arranging the end zones of the materials for connecting on the second side of the first element;

(d) arranging the second element with its first side on the second side of the first element with the end zones of the materials arranged thereon; and

(e) mutually connecting the first element and the second element such that the end zones of the materials extending between the first element and the second element are connected and the connection between the two materials is effected.

1 1. Method as claimed in claim 10, comprising the step, to be performed prior to step (d), of:

(f) removing a releasable protective layer arranged on an adhesive substance which has been applied to the first side of the second element.

12. Method as claimed in claim 10 or 1 1 , comprising the step, to be performed after step (c) and prior to step (d), of:

(g) pulling on two cutting wires extending in longitudinal direction on the second side of the first element and disposed on either side of the first connecting means for the purpose of cutting through the end zones of the materials with the cutting wires.

13. Method as claimed in claim 10 or 1 1 , comprising the step, to be performed after step (c) and prior to step (d), of:

(h) cutting the end zones of the materials using a cutting device, wherein the cutting device is received in two cavities extending in longitudinal direction on the second side of the first element.

14. Method as claimed in any of the claims 10- 13, wherein step (e) is performed by fixedly clamping a toadstool-like protruding element of the first connecting means or of the second connecting means in a receiving element with a shape of the second connecting means or the first connecting means adapted to the toadstool-like protruding element.

Description:
DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MOISTURE-TIGHT CONNECTION OF TWO

SHEET-LIKE MATERIALS, FOR INSTANCE FILMS, ARRANGED OR TO BE ARRANGED ADJACENTLY OF EACH OTHER ON AN OBJECT The invention relates to a device for moisture-tight connection of two sheet-like materials, for instance films, arranged or to be arranged adjacently of each other on an object.

Such materials or films are for instance arranged on an object for the purpose of reducing the resistance of the object during displacement in (sea) water or reducing growth of organisms such as algae, mussels and so on (anti-fouling) on the object in the (sea) water. They are for instance flexible plastic films with a surface structure suitable for reducing the resistance or growth. The object is for instance a boat or ship, wherein the films are arranged particularly on the surfaces exposed to the water, for instance on the undersides thereof. The materials or films have a finite length and two adjacent materials or films will have to be connected moisture-tightly at their end zones so that no moisture can penetrate under the materials or films. The end zone of the one material is usually arranged here over the end zone of the other material so that the two end zones overlap each other. This is however not always possible.

It is an object of the invention to at least partially obviate the above stated drawback. It is a particular object of the invention to provide a device of the type stated in the preamble with which two sheet-like materials, for instance films, arranged or to be arranged adjacently of each other on an object can be connected in efficient and/or rapid and/or moisture-tight manner.

This object is achieved with a device of the type stated in the preamble, comprising according to the invention:

- a first element which is configured to be arranged with a first side on the object and to receive with a second side, opposite the first side, end zones of the materials for connecting, wherein the first element comprises first connecting means for connecting the first element to a second element,

- the second element which is configured to be arranged with a first side on the second side of the first element with the end zones of the materials arranged thereon and to be connected thereto, wherein the second element comprises second connecting means co- acting with the first connecting means for the purpose of connecting the second element to the first element, wherein after mutual connection of the first element and the second element the end zones of the materials extending between the first element and the second element are connected in order to effect the connection between the two materials.

Using the mutually connectable first and second elements the end zones of the two materials can be connected to each other in efficient and/or rapid and/or moisture-tight manner. The end zones of the materials extend here between the first element and the second element. The device provides here a moisture-tight transition between the two end zones of the materials.

The materials can already be arranged on the object while leaving clear the end zones for connecting arranged over the first element. It can alternatively be the case that the first element is first arranged on the object and that the materials are then arranged on the object, wherein the end zones are arranged over the first element.

The materials or films can for instance have a (super)hydrophobic surface on their sides remote from the object. This (super)hydrophobic surface can be (super)hydrophobic as a result of a suitable choice of material and/or as a result of a suitable surface structure. A so-called lotus leaf structure, which provides a contact angle with water greater than 170°, is for instance superhydrophobic. The (super)hydrophobic surface can form an integral part of the material or the film, or can be arranged thereon as a layer.

In practical manner the first element comprises an adhesive layer arranged o the first side for adhering the first element to the object.

The adhesive layer can be covered using a releasable protective layer arranged thereon until the first element is arranged on the object.

In an embodiment of the device according to the invention the second element comprises a sealing layer arranged on the first side for providing a moisture-tight seal between the first element and the second element and the end zones of the materials disposed therebetween.

Using the sealing layer a moisture-tight seal is provided in simple manner between the first element and the second element, and thereby between the two adjacent materials. The sealing layer comprises for instance a flexible plastic layer. The sealing layer can have an interruption in the area of the second connecting means.

In another embodiment of the device according to the invention the sealing layer comprises an adhesive substance, wherein the second element comprises a releasable protective layer arranged on the adhesive substance and configured for removal before the second element is arranged on the first element.

When the second element is arranged on the first element the adhesive substance, for instance an adhesive paste, readily shapes itself to the two elements arranged one on the other and subsequently dries in the air so that a good seal is provided between the two elements, and thereby between the two adjacent materials. The adhesive paste can optionally comprise an acryl-based drying accelerator.

In yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention the first connecting means comprise a protruding element or a receiving element, wherein the second connecting means comprise a receiving element or a protruding element, wherein the protruding element of the first or second connecting means is configured to be received in the receiving element of the second or first connecting means.

The connection between the first element and the second element can be effected in simple manner by placing the protruding element of one of the first and second element into the receiving element of the other of the first and second element.

In practical manner the protruding element is a toadstool-like protruding element and the receiving element has a shape adapted to the toadstool-like protruding element such that the protruding element can be received with clamping fit in the receiving element.

Such a toadstool-like protruding element has a thickened portion at its outer end.

The receiving element has a corresponding widened portion, which widened portion is disposed behind a narrower opening. The thickened portion of the protruding element is pressed through the narrower opening of the receiving element and then extends in the widened portion of the receiving element. The protruding element is accommodated with clamping fit in the receiving element by means of the narrow opening.

In yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention the second element has on a second side opposite the first side a surface layer corresponding to the materials.

The surface layer can for instance comprise a piece of the material or the film, wherein the piece is arranged on the second side of the second element. As described above, the surface layer can have a (super)hydrophobic surface. This (super)hydrophobic surface can be (super)hydrophobic as a result of a suitable choice of material and/or as a result of a suitable surface structure. A lotus leaf structure, which provides a contact angle with water greater than 170°, is for instance superhydrophobic.

In yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention the second side of the first element has two releasable cutting wires extending in longitudinal direction and disposed on either side of the first connecting means, these cutting wires being configured to cut the materials arranged on the second side by pulling on the cutting wires and the cutting wires herein cutting through the end zones of the materials. Using such cutting wires the end zones of the materials can be cut at a determined location so that the materials overlap the second side of the first element by a determined length. The cutting wires are for instance made of nylon or Kevlar®.

Alternatively, the second side of the first element has two cavities extending in longitudinal direction and disposed on either side of the first connecting means, these cavities being configured to receive a cutting device during cutting of the end zones of the materials arranged on the second side.

The cavities can serve as guide means for the cutting device so that the materials are cut at a determined location and overlap the second side of the first element by a determined length.

The invention further relates to a method for moisture-tight connection of two sheetlike materials, for instance films, arranged or to be arranged adjacently of each other on an object, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a device according to the invention as described above for moisture- tight connection of two sheet-like materials, for instance films, arranged or to be arranged adjacently of each other on an object, the device comprising:

- a first element which is configured to be arranged with a first side on the object and to receive with a second side, opposite the first side, end zones of the materials for connecting, wherein the first element comprises first connecting means for connecting the first element to a second element,

- the second element which is configured to be arranged with a first side on the second side of the first element with the end zones of the materials arranged thereon and to be connected thereto, wherein the second element comprises second connecting means co-acting with the first connecting means for connecting the second element to the first element,

wherein after a mutual connection of the first element and the second element the end zones of the materials extending between the first element and the second element are connected for the purpose of effecting the connection between the two materials;

(b) arranging the first element with its first side on the object;

(c) arranging the end zones of the materials for connecting on the second side of the first element;

(d) arranging the second element with its first side on the second side of the first element with the end zones of the materials arranged thereon; and (e) mutually connecting the first element and the second element such that the end zones of the materials extending between the first element and the second element are connected and the connection between the two materials is effected.

Using the method according to the invention the two materials can be connected to each other in efficient and/or rapid and/or moisture-tight manner. The steps (d) and (e) can for instance be performed simultaneously, wherein the mutual connection between the first element and the second element is brought about when the second element is arranged on the first element.

In an embodiment of the method according to the invention the method comprises the step, to be performed prior to step (d), of:

(f) removing a releasable protective layer arranged on an adhesive substance which has been applied to the first side of the second element.

By removing the releasable protective layer an adhesive substance applied to the first side of the second element is exposed so that, when the second element is arranged on the first element, the adhesive substance can shape itself to the two elements and can form a good moisture-tight seal therebetween.

In an embodiment of the method according to the invention the method comprises the step, to be performed after step (c) and prior to step (d), of:

(g) pul ling on two cutting wires extending in longitudinal direction on the second side of the first element and disposed on either side of the first connecting means for the purpose of cutting through the end zones of the materials with the cutting wires.

The method alternatively comprises the step, to be performed after step (c) and prior to step (d), of:

(h) cutting the end zones of the materials using a cutting device, wherein the cutting device is received in two cavities extending in longitudinal direction on the second side of the first element.

Using the steps (g) or (h) the materials can be cut in simple manner at a desired location so that the materials overlap the first element by a desired length.

Step (e) is performed in practical manner by fixedly clamping a toadstool-like protruding element of the first connecting means or of the second connecting means in a receiving element with a shape of the second connecting means or the first connecting means adapted to the toadstool-like protruding element.

By performing step (e) in this way a clamping-fit connection can be brought about in simple manner between the two elements.

The invention will be further elucidated on the basis of figures shown in a drawing, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-section of the device according to the invention in unconnected position;

Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-section of the device of figure 1 in connected position; and

Figure 3 shows a first element according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Figures 1 and 2 show a device 1 for moisture-tight connection of two films 3 arranged or to be arranged adjacently of each other on an object 2. Object 2 is for instance a boat or ship. Device 1 comprises a first element 4 arranged with a first side on object 2. The first side has for this purpose an adhesive layer 5, using which the first element 4 is adhered to object 2. Until first element 4 is arranged on object 2, adhesive layer 5 is covered by a protective layer (not shown) arranged on adhesive layer 5, which protective layer is removed just before first element 4 is arranged on object 2 so that the adhesive layer is exposed and can adhere first element 4 to object 2.

Once first element 4 has been arranged on object 2, end zones 6 of films 3 are arranged over a second side of first element 4 opposite the first side. Arranged on the second side are two releasable cutting wires 7 which extend in the longitudinal direction of first element 4 and with which the end zones 6 of films 3 can be cut to size. End zones 6 are in this way cut through at a chosen location 8 so that end zones 6 overlap first element 4 by a chosen length. Cutting of end zones 6 of film 3 takes place by pulling on cutting wires 7, which then cut through end zones 6 arranged thereover. In figure 1 the film 6 on the left has already been cut by the pulled cutting wire 7, wherein an end part 6' of the film is severed and removed. First element 4 further comprises a receiving element 9 with a relatively narrow opening and a widening receiving space connecting to the opening, which receiving element 9 can be connected to a protruding element 10 of a second element 1 1 , as will be further elucidated below. Receiving element 9 is disposed centrally in first element 4 and extends in the longitudinal direction of first element 4 over at least part of the length of first element 4. Cutting wires 7 are disposed on either side of receiving element 9.

Once the end zones 6 of films 3 have been cut to size by pulling on the cutting wires 7, a second element 1 1 can be arranged on first element 4. Second element 1 1 has an adhesive paste 12 applied to a first side. Until second element 1 1 is arranged on first element 4 the adhesive paste 12 is covered by a protective layer (not shown) arranged on adhesive paste 12. The protective layer is removed just before second element 1 1 is arranged on first element 4 so that the adhesive paste becomes exposed and second element 1 1 can be arranged on first element 4. The arranging of second element 1 1 on first element 4 takes place such that the toadstool-like protruding- element 10 of second element 1 1 is pressed into receiving element 9 of first element 4. The widened part of the toadstool-like protruding element 10 is pressed here with some force through the relatively narrow opening of receiving element 9 so that protruding element 10 is received with clamping fit therein. Some plastic deformation of the widened part of protruding element 10 and/or the narrow opening of receiving element 9 takes place during the pressing. When second element 1 1 is arranged on first element 4 the somewhat fluid adhesive paste 12 shapes itself to the space between the two elements 4, 1 1 and the end zones 6 of films 3 extending therebetween. Adhesive paste 12 then dries so as to form a moisture-tight sealing layer between first element 4 and second element 1 1, and so between the two films 3. Protruding element 10 is disposed centrally in second element 1 1 and extends in the longitudinal direction of second element 1 1 over at least part of the length of second element 1 1. The length of protruding element 10 substantially corresponds to the length of receiving element 10.

Figures 1 and 2 further show that a layer 13 is arranged on a second side of second element 1 1 opposite the first side. Layer 13 has a surface structure substantially

corresponding to the surface structure of films 3. Filrris 3 and layer 13 have for instance a lotus leaf microstructure, which structure is superhydrophobic. Layer 13 can for instance be formed by a piece of the film 3, this piece being arranged on the second side of second element 1 1. A substantially continuous transition is hereby formed between the two films 3.

Figure 3 shows a first element 104 according to a second embodiment of the invention. This first element 104 has cavities 107 extending in longitudinal direction on either side of a receiving element 109. Cavities 107 serve to receive a knife or other type of cutting device for the purpose of cutting through end zones 6 of films 3. Cavities 107 guide the knife here so that end zones 6 can be cut at a desired location corresponding to the location of cavities 107.

It is noted that the invention is not limited to the shown embodiments but also extends to variants with in the scope of the appended claims.

It will thus be apparent to the skilled person that, instead of elongate receiving elements and protruding elements extending in longitudinal direction of the first element and the second element, there can also be a number of receiving elements and a number of protruding elements in distributed arrangement over the length of respectively the first element and the second element.