FR2626046A1 - Device for joining panels or for producing conduits and its applications - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for joining panels or for producing conduits, made from a flexible polymeric composition, characterised in that it is composed of at least two interlockable elements I and J obtained from a single shaped strip 1 which includes, above a base 2, a succession of longitudinal projections 3 separated by recesses 4, the number of the said projections being at least equal to two, the symmetrical assembly of the elements I and J taking place by mutual interlocking of the projections 3 of each element in the corresponding recesses 4 of the other element.

Description

 The invention relates to the dondaine of public works, food and industries in which it is important to achieve waterproof assemblies of lapwings or elements and pls especially of rings flexible or simply to realize ducts sealed removable.

This is how. for example. that the invention will make it possible to produce large structures. such as patio roofing coatings or tank seals. to spread from individual elements that their mass and their size allow to manipulate with the current movens or to constitute, from components, assemblies that one sounaite able to assemble and dismount with facility.

To assemble elements ensuring the tightness of the connection, we know orooosed movens for roofing coatings, such as tar sticking through a special adhesive tape. described in US Patent 4,601,935 of GENCORP and US 4,588,637 to ROCKCOR or such as welding of hot melt polymers. described in DE 3,226,477. HESSMANN, means that have the avantaae to be waterproof but are not removable.

There are also mechanical systems, also intended for the assembly of roofing coatings. such as that described in US Pat. No. 4,543,758 to LANE which includes a rail engaging in a channel or those which are the subject of US Patent 4,519,175 to CARLISLE, US 4,455,804 to SINGLE-PLY and EP 104,810 UNIROYAL, of the tyte using a disaue or patent DE 3.029.465 BACKMANN.

These systems, which may possibly be dismountable, do not have continuity in the connection between the elements and require them. turn a good seal. a significant overlap of the edges of each element. this represents a loss of useful area.

Closure devices of the closure type are also known, but they have the disadvantage of poorly withstanding the constraints of dry use or pollution by sand channels or tarticles.

There is a widespread Ires system. developed by the company VELCRO and protected by various patents patents WO 86.03.164 WO 85.03.625 and US 4,271,566. of the tvpe comprising an arana number of loops and hooks. this device has its major disadvantages its low resistance to moisture and its rapid disarray under the effect of mechanical stresses. compression in particular. buckles and hooks tend to crash and detach from each other.

Other techniaues. using the method of snapping a male part into a female housing. are used. for example to hang a film in a support, as in the patent application FR 2.565.301 MICHEAU. or as a means of closing a flexible conveyor belt as in the application FR 2,562,520 of AMCO or as a key profile incorporated in the test described in the French Patent 2,431,644 Hutchinson-Mapa.

These devices are all composed of a male element having a profile different from that of the female element and. consequently. require. for their production, separate manufacturing tools turn each of the elements - male and female - of the device.

The invention has the objective of proposing a circuit latching device for panels or for creating ducts.

allowing. possibly, the disassembly, replacement or reuse of the elements to which it connects or that it contains, ensuring a perfect seal and it is economical to manufacture, since the analysis of the prior art shows such a device is not known heap.

The invention therefore relates to a device for joining panels or ducting. produced in a polymeric composition flexible formulation adapted to the constraints of use.

The invention is characterized in that the device for joining panels or ducting consists of at least two nestable elements. obtained from a band uniaue profiled aui comprises, above a base. a succession of longitudinal projections and recesses, also longitudinal, the ravon of curvature of the projections being equal to the radius of curvature of the recesses.

the assse, in svmetry. elements becoming tar reciprocal interference of the projections of one of the elements in the corresponding recesses of another element.

The choice of a flexible polymeric composition as constituent material of the uniae profiled strip is dictated by two imperatives. The first. economic. is the ease of implementation of polymers and their transformation into a finished product tar simple techniques such as moulaae or extrusion. commonly used in the polymer processing industry.

The second. The variety of properties which can be obtained from the choice of the base polymer and the adaptation of the formulation of the polymer composition to the constraints of use are of a technical nature.

To achieve a flexible polymeric composition. adapted to the manufacture of the uniaue profiled strip. the formulator will be able to choose the base polymer from the wide range of natural and synthetic rubbers and elastomers, or from the range of thermoplastic polymers.

The formulator will give the flexible polymeric composition, the modulus and density suitable for the application by adding to the base polymer the necessary chars. mineral or organic. pulverulent or fibrous. and it will add the flexibility - indispensable element to the snaps of the projections in the corresponding recesses. and disassembling the elements of the profiled single strip by disengaging the projections - by the use of suitable plasticizers.

For special applications and. in particular. for uses in the building. the formulator will choose. among the basic polymers and / or mineral or organic fillers and plasticisers. those which are likely to confer on the polymer composition (s) a good resistance to fire. for example products containing haloenes
It may also use dyes to make a uniaue band profiled. adapted to aesthetic continaences. when the application will require it.

The uniae strip profiled longitudinally could be avantaeusement achieved. for example by extrusion of the polymeric composition. optionally followed by vulcanization if the base polymer is an elastomer,
Features and variants of the device for joining or ducting. object of the invention. will be better understood by reading the description accompanying the drawings. in which - Figure 1 is a cross-section of the single profiled strip showing the profile aonn to the projections and recesses - the fi lure 2 illustrates auelaues variants forms that can be given to the constituent elements of the band uniaue profiled. to increase efficiency or flexibility.

according to the applications - Figure 3 schematizes the assembly technique in symmetry of the elements of the band uniaue profiled turn realize. by interlocking. different sealing junctions - Figure 4 describes the use of the device to the realization of cavities between two elements to assemble - the fi lure 5 illustrates the possibility of making sealed ducts and. possibly dismountable - sheet 6 highlights the disassembly technique of the device - figure 7 describes the application of the device to the closure of a tubular conveyor belt - figure 8 illustrates the use of the device for setting ice a flexible glazing on a solar collector - Figure 9 schematizes the joining of two modules of an anti-pollution dam. using the device.

Fiiaure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the single profiled strip (1) consisting of a base (2). protrusions (3) and recesses (4). The projections (3) and the recesses (4) have a symmetrical profile, the radius of curvature (R) of the rounded part taking the same value in the projection (3) and in the recess (4, and the distance (D separating the centers (If rounded portions of two successive projections (3), being twice the distance (d), separating the center (S) from the rounded portion of a projection (3i from the center (E) the rounded portion of the recess (4 joined.

The base (2) has a planar outer face for fixing, for example by gluing, on the edges or edges of the panels to be assembled.

The single profiled strip (1) is made, most often, in a single flexible polyuric composition that can. according to the hardness desired for the application1 to be homogeneous or reinforced with short fibers
In uses where mechanical stresses are severe. and in order to create, between the projections and the element to be assembled a gradient of modules. it may be advantageous to produce, as shown, the single profiled strip (1) from two flexible polymeric compositions of different formulations, one constituting the projections (3), the other the base (2i, the modern techniques of extrusion allowing the manufacture of such bi-material profiles in a single operation.

The height (h) of the base (2) is generally between 10 and 20% of the total height (H) of the single profiled strip (1), and the height (A) between the centers (S) of the rounded portion of the projection i3) and (E) of the rounded portion of the recess (4) is equal to the half distance (B) between the top of the projection (3) and the bottom of the recess (4j ,
The formulation of the flexible polyuric composition will be adapted to the constraints of use by the choice of the base elastomer, fillers and plasticizers, so as to offer resistance to fire, hydrocarbons or oils and greases, for example as well as atmospheric aging while having the desirable hardness.

Figure 2 illustrates in cross-section, by way of non-limiting examples, some variants of the shapes that can be given to the constituent elements of the single profiled strip. depending on the application, to increase efficiency1 flexibility or ease of assembly.

The view 2a shows an end of the profiled uniaue strip
(1) is equipped. ars the last protrusion (3) of a heel
(5), prolonating the base (2) and here represented by me height (h) and of rectangular cross section.

The loneur (L) of the heel (5i is obviously rie according to the needs of the application.

The view 2b shows another confection that can take the end heel (5) of the single profiled strip (1) -which prolonates the base (2i) in order to reduce the extra thicknesses in the assembly area, for example. heel (5) may in fact have a tri-axial cross section (as shown), its thickness decreasing along its length (L) from the height (h) of the base (2) at the level of the last projection (3). ).

In another conficuration. the heel (5) may have a trapezoidal cross section.

The views 2c to Sa illustrate different shapes aue can take the projections (3) of the band uniaue profiled (1) to adapt their flexibility and facilitate their interlocking in the recesses (4).

In view 2c, the top of the projection v3 has a cylindrical-concave notch (6).

In the view 28. the top of the projection (3i comprises a notch (6i curvilicne form.

In the view Le. the notch (6) of the projection (3) has the shape of a slot in which may possibly. come to loosen a corner (not shown).

The conficuration of the 2f view combines. at the top of the projection (3) a trismatic opening and a slot to form the indentation i6i, while that of the view 2g is the association of a dish at the top of the protrusion (3) and a slot ( 6).

The single profiled strip consists of a series of at least two protrusions (3) of identical or different shapes.

Figure 3 schematizes the symmetrical assembly of two elements of the uniaue profiled strip to achieve, by interlocking projections (3) in the recesses (4i) the sealed connection between two juxtaposed elements.

The single profiled strip is divided into two parts (I) and
(@) will be mounted, depending on the applications. with i5i heels on the side or in opposition.

In the illustrated assembly on view 3a. where the heels t5i are mounted in opposition, the projections (3d), (3c) and (3b) of the element (I) come. respectively. fit into the recesses (4a), (4b) and (4c) of the element (J), the projection (3a) of the element (I) coming into place-in contact with the end (7) of the element (J), said end (7) being devoid of heel in this representation.

Because of this, symmetrically. the projections (3e). (3f) and (3a) of the element (J) are respectively fit into the recesses (4f). (4e) and lvd, the element (i) the projection (3h) of the element (J) coming into place in contact with the end (7) of the element (I), said end 7i being deprived heel in this representation.

The view 3b illustrates another type of mounting, intended not to unnecessarily weigh the or the panels (X) and z to assemble. by limiting the useful width of the single profiled strip disposed on one side of the bank to two projections to assemble said panels (X) and (Y).

The uniaue profiled strip with two projections can be obtained directly by extrusion of a profile of flexible polymeric composition before the desired shape or by cutting lonaitudinal, along the axis of a recess bottom. a single band profiled with 4 protrusions. to create two parts (I) and (J) each having two protrusions (3x1) and (3x2) on the part (I) and (3yl) and (3y2) on the part (J).

The base (2i of the part (I) is then fixed by any mechanical means, such as an example collaae, on the bank of the panel or the panel (X), the base (2) of the part (I) being fixed on the corresponding edge of the panel or panel (Yi, preferably by the same mechanical means.

The strips or panels (X) and (Y) are then brought together until contact with the two half-recesses (4x) and (4yi.

The assembly is operated using an element (K) of the single profiled strip comprising. preferentially in the illustrated representation. five protrusions. in order to
the four projections (3x1), (3x2), (3vl) and (3y2) of the two
parts (I) and (J), come to embellish, respectively. in
the recesses (4ai, (4b). (4c) and (4d) of the element () and
than. symétrîouement. the projections (3) of the element (K)
fit into the corresponding recesses (4) of the elements (I) and (J), of the mayor such that the protrusions
(3i) and (3j) come into contact with the ends (7). here devoid of heel, elements (I) and (J).

Element (K) may not have heels as in
illustrated variant on the view 3b. but it can also be
with at least one heel with longitudinal section
rectanaular if the extra thickness at the end of the connection does not matter or at least one section heel
triangular or trapezoidal longitudinal
thickening at the end of connection.

The view 3c schematizes the mania to make the junction
from view 3b from a uniaue profiled strip (1)
having nine projections (3). so eight recesses (4) a
end without heel (7s and one end with a heel of
triangular cross section (5).

In the uniaue profiled band (i) are made two cuttings lonaitudînales along the axes in longitudinal tapered funds along the axes recess bottoms recesses
following the lianas (U) and (V) which makes it possible to constitute two identical elements (I) and (J) each comprising two
projections. respectively on the one hand (3x1) and (3x2) and.

on the other hand, (3yl) and (3yó), and to constitute also a
element (K). having the heel (5) of cross-section
triangular and five projections (3).

Such a device is advantageously used for the
junctioning of flexible panels intended for the roofing of terraced roofs or the production of liners of basins or reservoirs of water.

It has the advantage of being removable to allow the replacement of a le, in case of tear, for example.

However, the use of the device made from a single profiled strip is not limited to the tight junction of the panel edges. An interesting application.

illustrated in Figure 4. consists in creating cavities between two parts to be assembled.

 This configuration is obtained by fixing the uniaue band profiled (i) on the pieces (X) and (Y) of such air.

only after assembly. said single profiled strip (i) is placed inside the set of parts (X) and (Y). The walls of the parts to be assembled (X) and (Y) are then spaced from each other by the height corresponding to that of two nested elements of the assembly device the heels (5) of two successive elements of the single profiled strip (1) delimiting a cavity (8). whose volume is a function of the height (B) of the protrusions (3) of the uniaue profiled strip (1), on the one hand. and either loners (L) and
(L ') of two successive heels (5). if the elements of the single profiled band are contiguous as illustrated in the zone (M), or of the lonquer (G) equal to the sum of the loners (Li and (L ') of two successive heels (5) increased by the spacing (F) between said beads if the elements of the profiled single strip (li are not contiguous, as shown in (N).

The longitudinal seal being ensured by the interlocking projections (3) in the corresponding recesses. the cavities (8) can be closed at the ends. either by a simple plug. either by a connection system aui. connected to a source of fluid. allows to create a circuit of liquid or qaz.

 The illustrative example allows. by using six profiled single strip elements (li, to bond two sheets of flexible materials (X) and (Y)), to create two cavities (8) of approximately rectangular cross-section whose walls are formed by the flanks of the protrusions (3i) of one or other of the elements of the single profiled strip, on the one hand, and / or by the heels (5) of two sets of successive elements, as illustrated in the zone ( M) where the successive elements are contiguous, either by a part of the flexible material sheets (X) and (Y) between the heels (5) of two sets of successive elements, as illustrated in the zone (N> where the elements successives are not joined.

Thereby. the cavities (8) have for laraeur the height (B) of the projections i3i and for the operator, or - in the zone (M) the sum of the lengths (L) and (L '), iaentiaues or different. heels (5). or - in the zone (N) - the distance (). previously defined.

In a similar way, it is possible to use the single profiled strip (1), no longer to create cavities within parts to be joined. but to realize, from two elements of said profiled single band (1), having the same profile and mounted in symmetry, a duct having a uniaue channel or multiple channels of approximately rectancular cross-section, as illustrated on fi gure 5.

The view 5a shows the realization of a duct with uniaue channel (8). from two identical elements (I) and (J) of a profiled strip (1) has a particular profile in the water a planar area here median. is located between two lateral troops of at least two projections (3) each.

whose edges of the innermost projections delimit the flat area (9).

The channel (8) in the duct is determined by the space left empty between the planar zones (9) after interlocking the projections (3) of each of the elements (I) and (J) in the corresponding recesses of the other element.

The planar zone (9) being delimited by the innermost of the lateral projections (3), it is obvious that it has at its ends a radius of curvature (Ri equal to that of the projections (3) or recesses.

Each end of each of the elements (I) and (J) of the single profiled strip (1) can end. as shown.

by a heel (5) whose thickness will be spread at the height of the base half of the height (B) of a protrusion (3).

The cross section of the channel (8) is therefore defined by the height (B> of the projections (3) and the lonaueur (Pi of the flat area (9i of the uniaue profiled strip (1).

The view D illustrates the embodiment of a channel with two channels (8a and 8b), here represented with identical transverse sections but which could be of different transverse sections, made from two identical elements tIi and (J). , cut into a uniaue profiled band (li having a particular profile.

Said uniaue profiled strip (1) is in this application.

consisting of two planar zones (3ai and (9b), arranged between two lateral troops, comprising at least two projections (3), located at each end and of a central troupe, also comprising at least two projections (3i - and here represented with five protrusions (3) -, each of the channels (8a) and (sb) being determined by the space left empty between the plane faces
(9a) or (sb) after interlocking the projections (;) of one of the elements (Ii or (J) in the corresponding recesses of the other element.

It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the number of channels made in the same conduit is not limited to two.

as illustrated. but can between extended to a more arand number by giving to the band uniaue profiled (1) the adéguat profile.

Àvantaaeusement. so that the planar zones (9) have good mechanical strength, the base (2) of the single band
profiled (1) will be reinforced with an armature (10), consisting of son. cables, or textile or metal fabrics.

The views 5c to 5f illustrate two other ways of making multi-channel conduits from two identical elements of a single profiled strip (1).

In view 5c, the single profiled strip 11i consists of groups of at least two successive protrusions (3a) and (3b) and a recess (4), said groups being separated by planar zones (9).
As illustrated on the view sa. after engagement of the projection (3b) of the element (I) in the corresponding recess of the element (J), the projection (3a) of the element (I) comes to take place at one end of the flat zone (9). The partition between two successive channels (8i is then composed of four projections, belonging alternately to each element (I) and (J), ie, for example (3a) of the element (J), (3b) of the element (I), (3b) of the element (J), and (3a) of the element (li.

The cross section of each of the channels (8) is defined in this arrangement. by the space between two successive projections (3a), one belonging to the element (the other to the element (Ji.

In the 5th view. which illustrates a variant. the single profiled band (1) is constituted by the repetition of a pattern consisting of a plane zone (9a) situated between a single projection (3c) and a group of two projections (3a) and (3b). itself followed by another flat area (9b>. '
After assembly of two identical elements (1) and (1), the partitions of the channels (8) are constituted, as shown in the view 5f of three projections, (3a) belonging to the element (I) (3c) belonging to the element (J) and (3b) belonging to element (I) on the one hand and (3a) belonging to element tJ), (3ci belonging to element (I) and (3b) belonging to element (J), on the other hand.

It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the single profiled strips (li, described in views 5a and 5c, may, when the application requires it, comprise in their base an internal frame of the type described on view 5b.

The cavities or channels (8i of FIGS. 4 and 5) can be filled with air or another gas if a pneumatic effect is to be sought, as for example for the production of pneumatic mattresses. in a sealed manner, a liquid and thus serve as single or multi-channel sealed conduits.

Cavities or channels (s) allow, too. the passage of pipes (11), for example for the connection of fluid circuits between two successive vehicles rail or road, or for the creation of a machine fluidic logic control circuit. It is also possible to insert electrical cables (12), which allows use in hazardous atmosphere, corrosive or explosive.

since they are protected by the sheath thus formed.

The ducts or junctions of panels thus made by combining two identical elements of a single profiled strip have the advantage of being removable. which allows the separation or replacement of a part of the assembly or a component contained therein.

Figure 6 highlights the disassembly technique of the device.

Due to the flexibility of the polymeric composition which constitutes the single profiled strip (1), it was possible to achieve the assembly of the two elements. to nest the projections (3) of one of the elements in the corresponding recesses (4) of the other element.To disassemble this assembly. just exercise. directly on the base (2) of the single profiled strip (i) or on one of the edges of the assembled panels (X), a tensile force (T), transversely to the single profiled strip (1), the flexibility of said single profiled strip (1) then allows the progressive disengagement of the projections (3i) of one of the elements out of the corresponding recesses (4) of the other element.

The same procedure would be used for the opening of a cavity or channel of a duct made from two elements of a single profiled strip.

If, in many cases. it is advantageous to be able to dismantle the device for assembling or producing ducts. object of the invention, some applications can. on the contrary. require an intimate connection between the two assembled elements of the single strip profilée.Le device is then made unmountable by interposition of an adhesive - consisting of a layer of glue, a dissolution of the polyuric composition in a suitable solvent or a plastic film fuse compatible with the polyuric composition constituting the single profiled strip - between the projections of one of the elements and the corresponding recesses of the other element -. which has, in addition to advantages to strengthen the seal and limit the number of protrusions necessary for the strength of the assembly at the ends.

In addition to the jobs already mentioned. such as the assembly of flexible panels to form liners of basins or roofing roofs terraces or the realization of single-channel or multichannel conduits for fluid circuits, for the protection of electrical cables or for the creation of Pneumatic systems , the device of nestable elements made from a single strip profiled finds multiple applications in industries as varied as handling and transport. the building, the clothes. the éneraie. or the protection of the sites.

As non-limiting examples. we can cite. in the field of handling. the laying of cleats or edges that may or may not be removable - on the conveyor belts, the realization of double-band elevators by association of profiles arranged on the edges of two parallel strips. or closure of flexible conveyor belts, as shown in Figure 7.

Figure 7 shows. indeed, two possibilities of closing a conveyor belt for handling under Tubular Standard.

The view 7a illustrates the montaae of the two elements (Ij and (J) of the single profiled strip, one fixed longitudinally on one of the edges of the upper face of the plane conveyor belt (13), the other fixed on the edge opposite of the underside of said conveyor belt (13).

The view 7b illustrates, schematically. the shaping of the conveyor belt (13i whose closure is ensured by the interlocking of the projections (3) each of the elements (I) or (J) in the corresponding recesses (4) of the other element.

The view 7c shows another possibility of mounting the elements (I) and (J) on the flat conveyor belt (13) for the same tubular handling application.

In this arrangement, each of the elements (I) and (J) is mounted on an opposite edge of the same face of the conveyor belt (13).

The view 7d schematically illustrates the shaping of the conveyor belt (13), the closure of which is ensured by a third profiled single strip element (E), the protrusions (3) of which fit into the corresponding recesses (4). ) elements (I) and (J).

Tubular closure of conveyor belts
according to one or other of the provisions described on the views
7b and 7d avoids the use of the holds and
complex mechanical devices that usually ensure
this function of closure.

Other applications in the field of handling. it is advantageous to use the device for
the establishment of anti-abrasion sheets on walls of
trucks or any other material. or for the coating of
chutes, the tightness of the assembly by the two elements
preventing the penetration of dust and the ease of disassembly allowing the easy replacement of said sheets
when they are worn.

To ensure good protection of the equipment. he is
advantage of arranging the elements of the single profiled strip in the anti-abrasion sheets or the trunking coatings, such that the profile is embedded in
the thickness of the sheet or coating.

In the field of clothing, the device allows the
closure of sneakers, shin guards or
leggings for horses, for example, preventing. thanks to his
waterproofing, penetration of pebbles, water or snow. It can also be used for the closure of underwater diving clothing for which it offers, in addition to waterproofing, insensitivity to water unknown in previous solutions.

In the building. the device, used in its duct production function, allows, in a simple manner, the creation of ducts for electrical wires. for example. that can be laid as skirting boards at the bottom of the walls to be fitted.

In the field of equipment for energy, such as solar collectors, the device, object of the invention, allows the installation of a flexible glazing on the base exchanger.

as shown in Figure 8.

The view Sa schematizes the constitution of a solar collector
(14) composed of a thermal insulation (15). placed under a base (16). a thermally conductive layer (17), coolant circulation channels (24) and a flexible glazing unit
(18) which delimits with the thermally conductive layer (17) and the walls containing the channels (24) a closed chamber (1Si causing a greenhouse effect.

The view 8b represents a possibility of mounting the flexible glazing (18) on the wall of the solar heat exchanger using the device object of the invention.

An element (I) of the single profiled strip, comprising two projections (3), is fixed by any mechanical means on one end of the solar collector (14). Flexible glazing
(18). here consisting of a thin polymer film. is placed above.It suffices to nest. applying a force (W), a second element (J), here represented with three projections (3), so that the projections of the element (J) penetrate, causing the flexible glazing (18) in the recesses corresponding (4) of the element (I), the projections (3) of the element (I) penetrating. reciprocally. by driving the flexible glazing (16) into the corresponding recesses (4) of the element (J).

This device for fixing the flexible glazing. to constitute the greenhouse closed chamber of the solar collector. has the advantage of being removable and allow the easy replacement of the flexible glazing when it is soiled, scratched or torn.

The device that is the subject of the invention also allows the parallel association of a plurality of modular sensors, according to the technique described in view 3b.

The device which is the subject of the invention can also be used for mounting anti-shock profiles, provided at their base with a single profiled strip element, on partitions or structures to be protected. equipped with another profiled single band element.

In the field of recreation, the device of the invention is used to removably mount billiard bands, provided at their lower part with a single profiled strip element, on the gaming table whose walls will be equipped with a identical element.

For the protection of sites, the device object of the invention will allow the junction of anti pollution dams. modular, as illustrated in Figure 9.

Two modules (2usas and (20b) of flexible anti-pollution barrier.

comprising a cylindrical portion or coil (21), a flexible skirt (22) and a chain (23) are associated, by means of the joining device, each of the two elements of the single profiled strip (li is attached to an extract of the modules (2osa) and (20bd.

The junction of the two modules (20ai and (20b) takes, in this application, the form of a question mark, said form being enabled by the flexibility of the single profiled strip (1) made of polymer composition.

The panel splicing or ducting device object of the invention is, more generally.

realized in a simple way by extrusion. in an extruder having a die of the proper profile. of a polymeric composition of appropriate formulation. If the base polymer is an elastomer, the extrusion is followed by vulcanization, optionally carried out continuously. which combines the effect of temperature and pressure to give the single band shaped its definitive shape.

The vulcanization operation is not necessary if the base polymer is a flexible thermoplastic material. the extruder output cooling sufficient to give the profiled single band its final shape.

Another embodiment consists in a pressurized molding of the polymer composition in a closed mold having the adequate impression. This technique has the disadvantage of limiting the dimensions of the single band profiled to the dimensions of the mold, at most a few meters, unlike the extrusion technique that allows fabrications of great length, but offers the advantage of better surface quality.

The panel splicing or ducting device, which is the subject of the invention, has the following advantages: it is economical since it is manufactured in a single profiled strip, without requiring any particular investment other than a mold or a die extruder, on equipment commonly used in the polymer processing industry, - it reduces inventories, which represents another factor of economy, since it comes from a single band profile and does not require therefore not the stock of men's elements and female leaves, it does not require, for. its use, no particular qualification of the workforce, - it ensures perfect sealing in the assembly area by its self-tightening shape under the effect of pressure.

it allows, by nature, the disassembly of the panels or conduits thus produced, which allows the replacement of the damaged components. by unwinding in the transverse direction, - but it can be rendered indémontable by adhesive bonding of its constituent elements, or the incorporation of a stiffener preventing transverse bending.

Without departing from the scope of the invention, those skilled in the art may make various modifications to asser.blage device or embodiment of conduits, object of the invention. as well as its applications whose list can not be exhaustive and which are mentioned only as non-limiting examples.

Claims (9)

CLAIMS 10i device for joining panels or conduits, manufactured from a flexible polyuric composition, characterized in that it consists of at least two elements (I) and (J), nestable, obtained from a single band profiled (1) which comprises, above a base (2). a succession of projections (3), longitudinal. separated by recesses (4), the number of said projections being at least two, and the radius of curvature (R) of the projections (3) being equal to the radius of curvature of the recesses (4), the assembly in symmetry of the elements (I) and (J) being made by reciprocal engagement of the projections (3) of each element in the corresponding recesses (4) of the other element. 20) Apparatus for joining panels or ducting according to claim 1; characterized in that the projections (3) of the single profiled strip (1) have at their apex a notch (6). 30i junction device panels or ducts according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the single profiled strip (1) comprises at least one bead (5). 40) Junction device for panels or. conduit construction according to claim 3, characterized in that the bead (5) of the single profiled strip (1) has a rectangular cross-section. 50) A panel splicing or ducting device according to claim 3, characterized in that the heel (5) of the single profile strip (1) has a triangular cross section. 60) A panel splicing or ducting device according to claim 3, characterized in that the heel (5) of the single profiled strip (1) has a trapezoidal cross section.  7) Apparatus for joining panels or ducting according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the base (2) of the single strip profiled  (1) is produced in a polymeric composition of different formulation from that constituting the projections (3). 80i panel splicing or ducting device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the base (2) of the single profile strip tli comprises a reinforcement consisting of son. cables or textile or metal fabrics.  90) Roof terrace waterproof cover consisting of at least two flexible panels whose junction is provided by a device according to one of claims 1 to 8.  10t) Pond liner consisting of at least two flexible elements whose joining is provided by a device according to one of claims 1 to 8.  ilU) Flexible conveyor belt capable of taking a tubular form. characterized in that its closure is provided by a device according to one of claims 1 & 8. 120) Antipollution barrier constitutes modular elements, characterized in that the junction of two successive modules (20a) and (20bi is provided by a device according to one of claims 1 to 8.  13O) Single channel duct (8) characterized in that it is produced by the symmetrical assembly of two elements (I) and (J) of a single strip of profiles (1) according to one of claims 1 at 8. 140) Multi-channel duct (8) characterized in that it is produced by the symmetrical assembly of two elements (I) and (J) of a single profiled strip (1) comprising at least two plane zones (9). ) separating projections (3) according to one of claims 1 to 8.  156) protective sheath electrical cables characterized in that said electrical cables (12) are disposed within conduits (8) single channel or multiple channels according to one of claims 13 or 14. 160) System for connecting pneumatic or fluidic circuits characterized in that the pipes (11) of said circuits are arranged inside ducts (8) single-channel or multi-channel according to one of claims 13 or 14. 170) Protective elements such as shoes, shin guards, leggings for horses or sports suits, characterized in that their sealing is ensured by a device-according to one of claims 1 to 8. 180) Modular solar energy sensor (14), characterized in that the parallel junction of two modules is provided by a device according to one of claims 1 to 8. 190) solar energy sensor (14), characterized in that the fixing of a flexible glazing (18) on the base to form a closed chamber (19) greenhouse is ensured by the imprisonment of said flexible glazing between two elements (I) and (J) of the single profiled strip according to one of claims 1 to 8.  200). Abrasion protection sheet or coating for trunking material or lining, characterized in that its edges comprise, embedded in their thickness, two elements made from a single profiled strip according to one of Claims 1 to 8. , to ensure their mounting on the material to which are attached identical profiles.