TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a connector.

In particular, the present invention relates to a connector or connector system for fastening sheet material.

BACKGROUND ART

Flexible sheeting material is often joined or fastened together to cover a greater surface area than can be covered by a single sheet.

It is usually preferable that the joining method allows a sheeting to be easily joined and dismantled, is reusable and can maintain the connection under considerable tension.

Sheeting can be taped, glued, stitched, tied or held together by any similar means. However, there are disadvantages that exist with many of these systems as discussed below.

Tape, such as duct tape, can provide a simple method of essentially sealing two adjacent sheets together.

However, it is possible that the tape can retract overtime due to environmental stress (for example, rain or UV rays) providing a weakened connection means.

Furthermore, tape can usually only be used once, so if the two adjacent sheets must be detached and later re-joined, a new piece of tape would normally be necessary to reform this connection. Plus, often the sheets can be damaged upon removal of the duct tape.

Glue can also be used to adhere two sheeting materials together. Glue can provide a more permanent solution than tape and is less likely to retract due to environment stress, such as UV radiation or precipitation.

However it is particularly difficult to apply glue to sheeting materials, especially when large areas are to be joined together.

Furthermore, separating the adjoining sheeting materials when necessary can be a time consuming process and require considerable force which may damage the sheeting material. Similar to taping, the gluing must be reapplied to the sheeting material if rejoining is required.

Adjacent sheeting materials can also be joined by stitching. Stitching is considered to be effective for permanent attachment means.

However, it can take considerable effort to remove the stitching if the sheeting is to be dismantled. Also in most types of stitching, this join does not provide a waterproof seal.

Similarly, if there is considerable outwards tension between the two sheeting materials, the stitching may not be sufficient to provide the necessary strength to avoid tearing.

Also, stitching can take considerable time and effort and often requires expensive and bulky machinery for its application.

Many types of fastening devices are available which are used to temporarily or permanently join two or more flexible sheeting materials together. Such fasteners can include batons, bolts, screws, buttons, clasps, clamps, clips and so forth. The use of bolts, screws, nails and pins could be used for joining two or more adjacent flexible sheeting materials together. However these often require the flexible sheeting material to be punctured by the device, which may be undesirable as it decreases its ability to keep out water or other materials.

Also, the limited points of connection (when using such fastening devices) may increase the likelihood of ripping, as the tension is not dispersed over the entire length of the adjacent sheets.

Many alternative types of clips, clasps or clamps have been devised to temporarily adjoin two adjacent sheeting materials together. Most of these devices rely on the ability to alter their structure to allow at least one component to hold under tension a desired object or objects. However, one considerable disadvantage in devices which utilise structural alterations to hold an object is that they are more likely to fail under certain mechanical forces. For example, a clip may utilise a force fit mechanism to hold two sheets together. If sufficient tension is applied to the sheeting material, the clip may simply open and release the adjoining sheeting.

Also, many such devices require specialised mechanical contraptions, such as springs, levers and so forth. These components add to the cost of the connector's price and are subject to breakage, which would render any device ineffective for its use.

The farming industry provides one example of when sheeting material may be required to be adjoined. Hay and other plant material which is harvested can be used to make silage for animal feed. The process of making silage requires particular conditions, such as low levels of oxygen. This is achieved by tightly wrapping the hay together and covering it with a suitable material. Typically in New Zealand and elsewhere throughout the world, silage is covered with large plastic sheets and then held in place with tyres. This method allows quick access to the silage (when required for feed) by removing a tyre and sheeting, often by ripping the sheeting which is subsequently discarded.

Objects such as silage are often not a flat surface yet can exist as a rounded pile or have sides which are substantially perpendicular to the ground. Therefore the use of tyres is particularly inadequate for providing a method of adjoining sheeting material to cover silage.

Therefore, there is a long felt need for an easy and effective fastening device to connect adjacent flexible sheeting materials together for covering objects such as silage in the farming industry. As silage must be closely wrapped and held under tension, the alternative methods described above are not appropriate. Similarly, many of the above methods are substantially permanent (for example, stitching or gluing), such that it would be difficult to access the silage at different time points for feed, unless the flexible material is ripped or otherwise cut away. Similarly, to maintain an effective seal across the entire silage, fasteners such as nails, screws, pins and the like may be disadvantageous as they require puncturing of the sheeting material which can lead to oxygen and moisture exposure.

Therefore there is a need to provide an alternative or more appropriate fastening means for connecting flexible sheeting material under tension that can be accessed easily, provide an essentially seal proof connection between two adjacent members, and can allow the reuse of, not only of the connector, but of the sheeting material to which it adjoins.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

It is acknowledged that the term 'comprise' may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term 'comprise' shall have an inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term 'comprised' or 'comprising' is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided

a connector system for use with a sheet material, wherein the connector system includes

a connector with an elongate main body;

at least one cavity extending the length of the elongate main body configured to retain a portion of the sheet material; an entrance to each cavity wherein said entrance extends along the length of the elongate main body;

an elongate wedge which is configured to extend at least partially along the length of the cavity;

wherein the width of the entrance is substantially rigid, and wherein the length of the elongate length of the main body is pliable, and;

wherein said entrance is configured to have a width narrower that the wedge to be inserted into the cavity;

such that in use, the elongate wedge is able to frictionally engage with a surface of the cavity and a portion of the sheet material to substantially prevent movement of the sheet material relative to the connector.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of connecting flexible sheeting materials into a connector system as substantially described above

including the steps of:

a) inserting at least one portion of a sheet material into the cavity of the connector and;

b) inserting the wedge into the cavity of the connector to fasten a portion of the sheet material to the connector.

The term elongate main body should be taken as meaning any apparatus which has a substantially longer length in relation to its width and height.

For example, it is envisaged that the cross-section of a typical connector used for a silage cover would be 15mm x 20mm whereas the length could be in the order of 6.3 metres.

The term connector should be taken as meaning any fastening device that can be used to join or attach at least two objects together.

Preferably, the connector is an object or material produced by extruding or a process of extrusion.

The applicant envisions that a connector in accordance with the current invention could be manufactured with an extrusion as in preferred embodiments the connector has a constant cross-section.

Preferably, the method of the present invention utilises a separate component in the form of a substantially elongate member having a similar length to that of the connector to act as a wedge.

The wedge may be a device such as a rope that is able to be inserted into the cavity from either end of the connector.

The wedge preferably is not able to be removed through a cavity entrance that runs along the elongated length of the connector. Instead, the wedge is preferably capable of wedging material inside the cavity/from within the cavity, and in doing so, holding in place any sheeting material which is inserted through the cavity entrance.

In a preferred embodiment, the wedge (such as a rope) may be within a hem in the sheeting which is to be held in place by the connector. In this way, the sheeting material's edge (or hem) harbouring the wedge may be slid down the cavity from one end of the connector, such that the wedge may then be wedged against the internal cavity up against the cavity entrance, effectively holding the sheeting material's wedge to the connector.

In an alternative embodiment, the wedge may be a plastic extrusion either sewn or welded to the sheeting which is to be held in place by the connector. For example, the wedge may be in the form of a bead which runs the length of the sheeting along its longitudinal edge.

Further alternate forms of the wedge are envisioned by the applicant. For example the wedge may be a malleable pipe or plastic rod which can be shaped according to the desired object to be covered.

Alternatively, the wedge may also be a fibre glass rod that is configured to extend down a cavity of the connector.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the wedge (e.g. fibre glass rod) is inserted down a central cavity in a connector having three cavities, wherein two outer cavities are used to retaining flexible sheeting material with a wedge in each. Inserting a wedge (e.g. fibre glass rod) down one or more of the cavities not only may be used to retain sheeting material, but may also independently or concurrently be used to help to provide support to the connector when in use (for example in a tent set up).

Such alternative embodiments are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

The term flexible should be taken as meaning any pliable material capable of being bent or flexed in a given direction without substantial injury or damage to the material. Preferably, the connector is made of a lightweight material. This would be advantageous to allow the user to easily carry and utilise the connector.

Preferably, the connector is made of a substantially solid material.

The applicant envisions that there may have considerable flexibility down the length of the elongated connector, however the sides of the connector at the cavity entry is most preferably restricted to very little or no flexibility.

The applicant has found that a material known as polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) may have desirable qualities for this substantial flexibility along its elongated length, however it retains the solidity and rigidity in the cross-section of the connector. However, the applicant submits that it is not beyond the scope of the invention to utilise other materials which provide similar characteristics required for the invention.

Preferably, some or all of the material(s) utilised for making the connector have UV filters. This may help lengthen the lifespan of the connector, which may often be used outside where it is exposed to the sun, for example when used as a silage cover.

This lengthwise flexibility may allow the connector to better fit an object such as a silage pile for farming which may often not be a flat surface. For example, silage may be shaped into stacks having a curved profile. Therefore, the connector may adapt to the curvature of the silage bale along its elongated length. Similarly, the connector may be able to substantially fit against edges due to this length-wise flexibility. If the object which it covers has a right angle edge, it may be advantageous for the connector to closely fit such objects.

The applicant submits the connector in the current application may be used for a wide variety of purposes beyond covering silage piles. For example, the connector may be used for preparing tents, ground cover, greenhouses, emergency shelters, army shelters and so forth. Alternative uses beyond those exemplified above should not be considered beyond the scope of the invention.

The applicant wishes to emphasise that the connector has substantially no flexibility along its width or height. This lack of substantial flexibility in the width or height of the connector distinguishes it from a standard clip where the former allows something to be force-fitted into a cavity due to the walls of the clip adjusting to the slightly larger size of the object being inserted. The lack of flexibility in the connector of the current invention prevents an object to be force-fitted into the cavity through a deformable entrance. Similarly, it prevents an object from being pulled out of the cavity through the entrance due to this cross-sectional rigidity.

The connector may have at least one air pocket that extends down the length of the connector. This may help to reduce the materials needed for its manufacture and the weight of the connector. Also, the applicant has found air pocket(s) to aid lengthwise flexibility of the connector.

The cross-section of the connector may have any outer shape. For example, the cross-section's outer shape may be square, circular, rectangular, triangular, and so forth. Preferably, the applicant envisions that a square external cross-sectional shape may allow efficient handling and manipulation of the connector during its use. However, it is not outside the scope of the invention to utilise a connector with other cross-sectional shapes.

Preferably, the connector has substantially rounded edges. This may help prevent the user from injuring themselves on sharp edges. Furthermore, it may also help avoid puncturing, ripping or tearing of the sheeting material to which the connector contacts.

The connector may be of any elongated length. The connector may be of varying lengths to substantially match the length of the sheeting being used.

Preferably, the applicant envisions that the connector is approximately 3.66 metres in length. This connector length may be advantageous to match sheeting material which has a standard width of 3.66 metres, such as PVC Max-lite®. However, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the width of the sheeting material being used may determine the length of the connector to be used with the sheeting material.

It is not outside the realm of this invention to provide a connector of any length, as long as there is a practical use for this length. For example, the connector may be used to connect multiple sheets over a paddock or field which may be many hundreds of metres in length or width.

The dimensions of the connector (according to its cross-section) may vary considerably. For example, in one embodiment the connector's cross-section may be approximately 15mm in width by approximately 20mm in height. Alternative dimensions may be beneficial in circumstances which require greater cavity area (or width), greater entrance width, or greater strength and rigidity to accommodate greater tension applied to the connector.

The inventor acknowledges that the connector may include a means for attaching multiple connectors together in a length-wise fashion. Such means may include any type of fastener known in the art, such as bolts, snap locks, clamps, slidable engagement devices, magnetic strips etc. Such fasteners may be located at either ends of a connector to allow easy connection between two adjacent connectors. Although a connector of any length may be prepared using one connector, it may be advantageous to provide shorter lengths of connectors (for example 3-4 meters in length) which may then be attached to one another when required as discussed above. This would allow shorter connectors to be more easily transported or stored, but still allow preparation of longer connectors for certain applications.

The term cavity should be taken as meaning any hollow space or pit within the connector.

The connector may include more than one cavity. In one embodiment, a single cavity may be included in the connector. In such a case, the single (elongate) cavity may be utilised for the insertion of either one or multiple sheets. In alternative embodiments the connector may include more than one cavity. For example, two cavities may be arranged side-by-side (in some embodiments their entrances are on the same side of the connector's length).

Alternatively, the cavities entrances may be positioned such that they are on opposing sides of the connectors, either in line with each other or in an off-set arrangement.

In another alternative, three cavities may be present on the connector. For example, all three entrances may be present on one side of the connector. Alternatively, two entrances may be on one side, and the third entrance may exist on the opposing side of the connector.

As discussed, a considerable number of cavities may be included in this connector invention. The number and/or positioning of the cavities within the connector should not be considered outside the scope of the invention. Each arrangement may have numerous advantages and applications, depending on the circumstance of its use.

The cavity of the connector may be of any shape.

Preferably, the cavity of the connector is substantially cylindrical (circular in its cross-section). This would be beneficial for providing a cavity with no sharp edges and no regions where material may get caught or cut. This may also be beneficial a situation where the wedge is a cylindrical shape (which may be applied down the length of the cavity from either end).

The applicant wishes to emphasise that alternative cavity shapes may be utilised. A square or triangular shaped interior of the cavity may be used. For example, if the exterior shape of the connector is triangular, it may be advantageous to also have a triangular internal cavity shape.

Preferably, the cavity has a sufficient size to accommodate a number of sheet portions and a wedge. For example, if the cross-section of the connector has external dimensions of 15mm in width by 20mm in height, the cavity may have approximate internal dimensions of 9mm in width by 12mm in height. This may accommodate a wedge with maximum dimensions of less than 9mm by 12mm. Depending on the intended application and the cross-sectional dimensions of the connector, the cavity's width may also vary. Alternative cavity dimensions are not beyond the scope of this invention.

Preferably, the walls of the connector are of sufficient width to avoid snapping when moderate tension is applied. Preferably, the walls are at least 3mm in width (cross-section).

The applicant has found that cavity walls with a width of approximately 3mm - 10mm are usually sufficient to avoid snapping of the connector under moderate tension.

The connector wall opposite the entrance may be of a slightly wider thickness to the cavity side walls. For example, the applicant has found that a width of 5mm is usually a sufficient width to avoid snapping of the connector at this region under moderate tension. However, depending on the connector's particular application, it may be necessary to have substantially wider supporting walls to avoid snapping under high tension.

Preferably, the cavity extends the entire length of the elongated connector such that may be accessible from both ends of the connector. This would be advantageous as a wedge may be inserted from one end of the connector and pushed down the entire length to secure the sheets to the connector.

In alternative embodiments, either one or both ends may be temporarily or permanently closed to the cavity. For example, a removable lid at one end of the connector may be utilised to prevent the wedge from sliding in either direction once it is applied to the connector. Similarly, one or both ends of the connector may be permanently closed to prevent the wedge from sliding in that direction.

The term entrance should be taken as meaning a channel or opening providing a passage into the cavity along the elongated length of the connector.

Preferably, the entrance to the cavity has rounded edges. This may be advantageous to prevent tearing, ripping or puncturing of the sheeting material when it is in contact and under significant tension against the connector. This may also help to avoid any injury to the users who are handling the connector.

The term width should be taken as meaning the maximum distance between two given surfaces. The maximum width of the entrance is less than the maximum width of the cavity.

Preferably, the maximum width of the entrance is approximately 20 - 80% the maximum width of the cavity. Most preferably, the entrance width is approximately 35-40% of the maximum width of the cavity. These preferred dimensions may allow the connector to effectively fasten sheeting in place and not release it out of the cavities entrance when the sheeting is held in place with a wedge that is wider than the entrance width. If the width of the connector's entrance is equal or wider than the maximum width of the cavity, it will not permit the material to be retained.

Preferably, the entrance side of the connector has no edges which protrude outwards than the plane side of the connector. This arrangement may be advantageous to prevent tearing or damaging the sheeting material which is contacting it. Furthermore, this arrangement may help provide a close fit to the sheeting material and the object(s) which the connector covers. Therefore, a substantially flat surface at the entrance side of the connector will allow a closer fit to the sheeting material, and the object which it may cover, when in use.

The term connecting should be taken as meaning joining or associating two objects substantially together.

The term sheet should be taken as meaning any substantially thin expanse of material.

The applicant envisions that numerous types of sheets may be utilised with the connector, depending on the requirements of the application. For example, the material may be canvas, tarpaulin, PVC, nylon and so forth. The applicant notes that a sheeting material called PVC Max-lite ® may be particularly useful in covering objects such as silage, and would work well with the connector. This material is strong, yet flexible and has UV protectant properties to protect it from the sun's rays.

Any portion of at least one sheet of flexible material may be inserted into the connector. Preferably, the straight edge of at least one flexible material sheeting is placed along the length of the connector inside the cavity. In one embodiment, only one edge of a sheeting material may be inserted into a cavity of the connector. This may be utilised in a situation where the connector has multiple cavities and it is required that only one sheet is inserted into each cavity. This may be advantageous if one sheeting material is required to be often opened and closed. This would avoid the requirement of separating multiple sheeting from one cavity and disrupting the entire structure for the connections. Alternatively, more than one sheet edge may be inserted into a single cavity of a connector such that each sheeting edge is held in place from this cavity position.

The sheet(s) may be fastened within a cavity with respect to the connector utilising at least one wedge that can be inserted into the cavity from one or both ends of the connector. In a preferred embodiment, the wedge may be inserted from one end of the connector which is open to the external environment (not through the elongated entrance to the cavity). The wedge may be pushed or slid down the length of the connector to fall in line with the connector's length. The wedge may then force the sheeting material into a position which substantially disallows the sheeting from altering its position in relation to the connector or slipping out of the connector. Therefore, the close interaction between the wedge, the sheeting material and the connector may provide an effective fastening method between at least two flexible sheeting materials.

In a preferred embodiment, the wedge has substantially no flexibility around its cross-section and cannot be readily expanded or contracted. However, the wedge may have substantial lengthwise flexibility to match the preferred flexibility of the elongated length of the connector.

In an alternative embodiment, the solid elongated member may be wedged or inserted into the cavity of the connector through the elongated, narrow entrance to the cavity. This may be advantageous if the connector cavity is not accessible from either peripheral ends. In order to achieve this feat, the wedge may be able to alter its cross-sectional width to allow is to pass through the narrower width of the entrance. Alternatively, the wedge may be angled appropriately to allow it to slide through the elongated, narrow entrance.

If the edge of at least one sheeting material is being applied to more than one cavity of a connector, more than one wedge may be used to fasten the sheeting material to the connector by inserting a wedge into each cavity being utilised in the connector.

It should now be appreciated that the present invention has a number of advantages over the prior art, including the following:

• It allows a simple mechanism to join the flexible sheeting material together.

• Various arrangements of cavities within the connector can be utilised depending on the job and the application.

• The connector is reusable and prevents any unnecessary waste or financial loss.

• The connector is easy to use and easy to dismantle.

• The connector has substantially complete rigidity in its cross-section which helps to prevent any components such as the sheeting with a wedge from being pulled out through the entrance due to external stress.

• Unlike many alternative clasps, clips, or clamps, this connector requires no mechanical additions for maintaining the joining apparatus.

• The connector's lengthwise flexibility allows the connector to conform easily to a range of different objects.

• The connector allows individual sheetings to be easily removed and later replaced.

• The connector provides a tight seal between at least two adjacent sheeting materials.

• The connector would work very well with a Max-lite PVC.

• It does not require permanent or temporary fixation to a surface other than the sheeting material.

• Its preferred rounded edges prevent injury to farmers and/or damage to the sheeting material.

• There is less wastage of sheet material.

• The connector can be attached end-to-end with adjacent connectors to adjust the overall length of the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Two examples of a connector (in line drawings) are provided in figure 1 and figure 2, generally indicated by arrows 1. Figures 3 and 4 (photos) exemplify a further embodiment of the present invention.

In figure 1 , the connector (1) has an elongate main body (2) with a length of 6.3m. The cross-section (3) of the connector (1) has a width of 15mm and height of 20mm. The connector (1) has substantial flexibility in its length, but substantially no flexibility in its cross-sectional height or width.

One cavity (4) extends the length of the connector (1) and is accessible from both peripheral ends of the connection (1). The cavity (4) is circular in its cross-section. The cavity (4) has a width of 9mm in relation to the cross-section (3) of the connector (1).

The cavity (4) in the connector (1) has a sheet entrance (5) which extends down one side of the connector (1).

The sheet entrance (5) has an opening with a width of 3.5mm. The entrance (5) to the cavity (4) has rounded corners.

The walls of the entrance (6) have a fixed position in relation to each other, and cannot be flexed or bent. The minimal thickness of the walls to the entrance (6) are 1.5mm in width in relation to the cross section of the connector (1). The side walls (7) and base wall (8) of the connector (1) have a cross-sectional thickness of 3mm and 5mm respectively.

In Figure 2, the connector (1a) is very similar to that in Figure 1 but it has two cavities (4a) which extend the length of the connector (1a) and are accessible from both peripheral ends of the connection (1a).

An air pocket (10) extends down the length of the connector (1a) which confers some flexibility as well as ensures less plastics material is required to manufacture the connector (1a).

Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention. Here, the connector (1b) includes three elongate cavities. The central cavity, in use, is filled with a wedge such as a fibre glass rod (11). The two peripheral cavities are filled with a wedge, each connected to a flexible sheeting material (9). Figure shows the underside of the connector (1 b) in use, showing the entrance (5) to each cavity extending the length of the connector.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.