(19) &   

(11) EP 1 827 976 B1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45) Date of publication and mention (51) Int Cl.: of the grant of the patent: B64D 9/00 (2006.01) 09.07.2008 Bulletin 2008/28 (86) International application number: (21) Application number: 05824184.5 PCT/EP2005/014168

(22) Date of filing: 22.12.2005 (87) International publication number: WO 2006/066970 (29.06.2006 Gazette 2006/26)

(54) AIR NET LUFTFRACHTNETZ FILET A FRET AERIEN

(84) Designated Contracting States: (72) Inventors: AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR • DIRKS, Christiaan, Henri, Peter HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI B-3650 Dilsen (BE) SK TR • WIENKE, Dietrich NL-6181 KV Elsloo (NL) (30) Priority: 23.12.2004 EP 04078491 06.07.2005 EP 05076542 (74) Representative: Dorrestijn, Antoon DSM Intellectual Property (43) Date of publication of application: P.O. 9 05.09.2007 Bulletin 2007/36 6160 MA Geleen (NL)

(73) Proprietor: DSM IP Assets B.V. (56) References cited: 6411 TH Heerlen (NL) WO-A-02/062619 US-A- 4 000 344 US-A1- 2004 076 488

Note: Within nine months of the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent in the European Patent Bulletin, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to that patent, in accordance with the Implementing Regulations. Notice of opposition shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention). EP 1 827 976 B1

Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR) 1 EP 1 827 976 B1 2

Description WO 2004/082995 A1. This publication discloses an air cargo net comprising a plurality of ropes made from pol- [0001] The invention relates to an air cargo net; that is ymer fibres, which ropes are joined at intervals to form to a net that is applied to restrain cargo that has been meshes, the net having a rectangular central part and placed on a and to prevent shifting of the cargo in 5 four rectangular lobes projecting there from, the periph- an aircraft during transport. More specifically, the inven- eral meshes of each lobe being formed by a border rope, tion relates to a cargo net comprising a plurality of ropes each border rope having a plurality of attachment fittings, made from polymer fibres, which ropes are joined at in- and four corner ropes extending from the central panel tervals to form meshes, the net having a central part and between the lobes. The net and border ropes are pref- a plurality of lobes projecting there from, the peripheral 10 erably braided from ultra-high molar mass meshes of each lobe being formed by a border rope, fibres, whereas the corner ropes preferably are braids each border rope having a plurality of attachment fittings. from , polyamide or fibres. At- [0002] The invention also relates to a method of con- tachment fittings and adjusting hooks are fixed to the net necting an attachment fitting to a rope of an air cargo net. by the respective border and net ropes passing through [0003] A typical air cargo net, also called pallet net or 15 aneye of the fitting or hook. This way of connecting fittings air freight net, is cruciform in shape, and has a generally is representative for state-of-the art cargo nets. rectangular central part of about the same size as the [0007] A drawback of the known air cargo nets is that pallet, and four generally rectangular lobes or wings ex- the operation of releasing the net from the cargo for un- tending there from, having a length about equal to the loading is frequently troublesome, due to one or more of maximum load height of the pallet. To secure cargo on 20 the attachment fittings not readily unlocking; for example a pallet, the net is placed over the cargo and the net lobes caused by corrosion or pallet edge damage. It appears are brought down. The ends of the lobes are attached to quite common for cargo handlers in such to cut the the sides of a pallet with the pallet attachment fittings, border rope with a knife or scissors at the mesh with the e.g. so-called double studs, fixed to a border rope forming connected malfunctioning fitting. Such a borderline cut the peripheral end meshes of a lobe, which fittings are 25 necessitates net repair, which is costly for at least two adapted to engage with complementary devices on the reasons. Firstly, a repair event withdraws the net from pallet. Adjacent sides of the lobes meeting at the corner use in air cargo transport until repair is finished; requiring are releasable secured together, for example with a cor- the airlines to keep additional net stock to bridge repair ner rope or lashing line, which extends from the central times. Secondly, net repair itself may only be performed panel between the lobes, or with connecting elements 30 by certified companies, and is laborious. attached to the sides of the lobes. The air cargo net can [0008] The object of the invention is therefore to pro- further comprise a plurality of adjusting hooks, for exam- vide an air cargo net that is less prone to cutting of the ple reefing or spring-closed hooks, fixed to a rope of a border rope, and that has longer effective service time. mesh, which can be used to further tension the net over [0009] This object is achieved according to the inven- the cargo by pulling and connecting to other mesh ropes. 35 tion with an air cargo net wherein the attachment fittings To release the net for unloading, above actions are re- are connected to the border rope by replaceable con- versed. necting ropes. [0004] Air cargo nets should fulfil different require- [0010] The connecting rope is an auxiliary rope that is ments in order to safely and securely restrain cargo loads replaceably attached to the net rope and fitting, for ex- from shifting on a pallet during loading and unloading, 40 ample by knotting. Replaceable is understood to mean and during flight; also under more extreme circumstanc- that the connecting rope can be removed from the net es like during atmospheric turbulence. An air cargo net without damaging other net ropes, for example by untying should thus be strong, and resistant to abrasive condi- the knot that attaches the connecting rope to the net, by tions, but at the same time be as lightweight as possible, simply cutting the connecting rope, and a replacement in order not to unduly increase the payload of an aircraft. 45 connecting rope with fitting can be subsequently at- During use, cargo nets are subjected to substantial wear tached. The connecting rope has such strength that after and tear conditions leading to extensive abrasion on the being attached to the border rope and fitting the net still net, or damage from repeated attachment and removal fulfils all relevant requirements. from the cargo pallet, or from dragging across floors. [0011] A cargo net wherein the attachment fittings are [0005] Air cargo nets should fulfil various design and 50 connected to the border rope by a replaceable connect- performance criteria, as described in various standards, ing rope needs less frequent repair off-site. The cargo like NAS 3610. Checking the condition of a net before handler, for example, can cut or remove the connecting each use is also prescribed, and a pallet net shall be rope to release the net from the pallet, instead of cutting deemed inoperative if it exhibits a defect like more than the net or border rope. A further advantage of the re- one strand of frayed or otherwise damaged rope, or miss- 55 placeable connecting rope is that any person, but pref- ing or inoperative attachment fittings (see e.g. SAE erably a qualified technician, can locally and quickly re- ARP5486). place a missing or damaged connecting rope and fitting, [0006] Such an air cargo net is for example known from such that the cargo net is directly operational again for a

2 3 EP 1 827 976 B1 4 next flight. Since the net and border ropes forming mesh- ably between 7 and 30 dl/g. Preferably, the UHMWPE is es are not damaged the net itself needs not be repaired a linear polyethylene with less than one branch per 100 at specialised companies. This way the number of repair carbon atoms, and preferably less than one branch per events and the number of spare nets of an airline are 300 carbon atoms, a branch or side chain usually con- significantly reduced, the use efficiency of the net is in- 5 taining at least 10 carbon atoms. The linear polyethylene creased; and overall system costs are markedly reduced. may further contain up to 5 mol% of one or more comon- [0012] The cargo net comprises a plurality of ropes omers, such as alkenes like propylene, butene, pentene, that can be made from natural, synthetic or mixed fibres. 4-methylpentene or octene. The (net and border) ropes in the net can be of various [0015] The UHMWPE fibres applied in the net accord- constructions, like a laid, braided, or woven construction 10 ing to the invention may further contain small amounts, (such latter rope construction is also referred to as a web- generally less than 5 mass%, preferably less than 3 bing). Within the context of the present application, rope mass% of customary additives, such as anti-oxidants, is understood to include any construction suitable for thermal stabilizers, colorants, flow promoters, etc. The making a cargo net. Preferably the ropes have been UHMWPE can be a single polymer grade, but also a mix- made from synthetic polymer fibres, like polyester, polya- 15 ture of two or more different polyethylene grades, e.g. mide, polyethylene or polypropylene fibres. The fibres differing in IV or molar mass distribution, and/or type and can be used in the form of, optionally twisted, multi-fila- number of comonomers or side chains. ment yarns, but also as pre-formed ropes or cords. The [0016] The UHMWPE fibres applied in the net accord- net can also be made from slit film polymer lines as dis- ing to the invention preferably have a strength of at least closed in GB2338472 A. 20 2.0 N/tex, more preferably at least 2.5, 2.8 or even 3.0 [0013] In a preferred embodiment the polymer fibres N/tex, because such high- strength fibres of relatively low are high-strength fibres having a tenacity of at least 1.5 density enable a light-weight yet very strong cargo net. N/tex; like aromatic polyamide fibres (aramids, like yarns Tensile strength, also simply strength, or tenacity are de- available under the Twaron® or Kevlar® trademarks) or termined by known methods, as based on ASTM fibres made from ultra- high molar mass, also called ultra- 25 D885-85 or D2256-97. high molecular weight, polyethylene (UHMWPE), such [0017] The ropes of the net may be of various con- as yarns marketed with trademarks Dyneema® or Spec- structions, like braided or laid ropes, woven webbings or tra®. A net made of these high-performance fibres has tapes. The net ropes, border ropes, corner ropes, and a significantly lower weight than a net made from con- connecting ropes may all be of the same or similar con- ventional fibres, but a higher initial cost price. The ad- 30 struction and type of fibres, but also different; as for ex- vantages provided by the present invention, lower costs ample indicated by WO 2004/028908 A2 or US 6637991 of repair and longer effective service time, make such B2. nets economic in use. Most preferably, the net is made [0018] The net and border ropes are joined at intervals from ropes made of UHMWPE, since these fibres provide to form meshes; the joints can be made by known tech- better abrasion resistance and further weight reduction. 35 niques, like knotting, splicing or by forming interpenetrat- [0014] Ultra-high molar mass polyethylene has an in- ing joints such as described in US 4000344. Mesh di- trinsic viscosity (IV) of more than 4 dl/g. The IV is deter- mensions are prescribed by international aviation regu- mined according to method PTC- 179 (Hercules Inc. Rev. lations, and are generally not greater than 25 cm along Apr. 29, 1982) at 135°C in decalin, the dissolution time each side. The mesh shape may be any conventional being 16 hours, with DBPC as anti- oxidant in an amount 40 shape, e.g. diamond or square. of 2 g/I solution, and the viscosity at different concentra- [0019] Pallet attachment fittings, such as double studs, tions is extrapolated to zero concentration. Intrinsic vis- are connected to the end of the net lobes, e.g. to the cosity is a measure for molar mass (also called molecular border rope, at regular intervals, the minimum distance weight) that can more easily be determined than actual between fittings being prescribed by international avia- 45 molar mass parameters like Mn and Mw. There are sev- tion regulations. Fittings, and hooks, are generally made eral empirical relations between IV and M w, for example from metal, although engineering plastics could be used 4 1.37 Mw = 5.37 x 10 [IV] (see EP 0504954 A1), but such alternatively. In a preferred embodiment, fittings and relation is dependent on molar mass distribution. UH- hooks are made of magnesium; these light-weight yet MWPE fibres,e.g. filament yarn, can be preparedby spin- strong fittings further contribute to weight reduction of the ning of a solution of UHMWPE in a suitable solvent into 50 system. a gel fibre and drawing the fibre before, during and/or [0020] Selected meshes of the net generally have an after partial or complete removal of the solvent; that is adjusting hook connected to it, which hook can be used via a so-called gel-spinning process as for example de- to shorten or tension the net, for example if a pallet is not scribed in EP 0205960 A, in WO 01/73173 A1, in Ad- loaded to its maximum height. Conventionally, these vanced fiber spinning technology, Ed. T. Nakajima,55 hooks are connected to the net by the rope forming the Woodhead Publ. Ltd (1994), ISBN 185573 182 7, and in mesh passing through an eye of the hook. These hooks references cited therein. The UHMWPE fibres preferably may also be fixed to the net by an auxiliary connecting have an IV of between about 5 and 40 dl/g, more prefer- rope according to the invention. Therefore, within the

3 5 EP 1 827 976 B1 6 context of the present invention, an attachment fitting, or Such a knot is for example the cow hitch, also called bale simply fitting is also understood to comprise an adjusting sling hitch, ring hitch, or tag knot; which can be made by hook. passing one loop end of the sling through an eye, or a [0021] The connecting rope is preferably flexible, and mesh, and then passing this loop through the opening has such thickness that it can be easily pulled through 5 formed by the other end of the sling (also called tail), and the eye of a pallet attachment fitting, and connected to subsequently pulling the first end to tighten the knot. The the border mesh. The length of the connecting rope is skilled person can easily select other suitable knots, for preferably such that it allows easy handling, but is not example the so-called double ring hitch, the Kellig hitch, that long that it would unnecessary extend the size of the or Prusik and Klemheist knots. These and other knots, net. The connecting rope has such strength that after 10 and methods to make them can be found in for example being fixed to the border rope and fitting, for example by ’Handbook of knots’, (Dorling Kindersley Book, London knotting, the net still fulfils all requirements. Since in gen- 1998; ISBN 0751305367), and in "The Ashley book of eral the strength of a knotted rope is significantly lower knots’ (Faber and Faber Ltd, London 1990; ISBN than the strength before applying a knot, the tensile 057109659x). strength of the connecting rope as such is preferably15 [0028] It is true that in WO 02/062619 A1 an air cargo higher than the strength of the net (that is of net ropes net is described that also comprises looped ropes or and border ropes in the net construction). slings, which are used as securing devices for the corner [0022] Preferably, the connecting rope is made from parts of the net lobes. These ropes are indicated to form synthetic polymer fibres such as polyester, polyamide, an integral part of the net such that they cannot be re- polyethylene, polypropylene fibres, or mixtures thereof. 20 moved without damaging the net. The publication, how- [0023] In a special embodiment of the invention the ever, does not contain any indication or suggestion that net and border ropes are predominantly made from ultra- fittings should be replaceably connected via a rope or high molar mass polyethylene fibres, and the connecting sling to the net. ropes are made from polyester or polyamide fibres. The [0029] A rope or tape sling can be made by known advantage of this embodiment is that the connecting25 methods, for example by connecting a certain length of ropes show higher elongation at break than the other rope or webbing end- to-end by sewing, knotting, splicing ropes, such that sudden local net loadings can be better or welding. Preferably, the end-to-end connection does absorbed. not increase the thickness of the rope more than about [0024] In another preferred embodiment the connect- a factor 2, because this would hamper flexibility and ease ing rope comprises high-strength fibres as described 30 of connecting to a fitting. In one embodiment, the sling above, more preferably high tenacity fibres made from is made by sewing both ends of a woven strap together. ultra-high molar mass polyethylene. In order to lower the In another embodiment a braided or laid rope is connect- price and to achieve a desired combination of properties ed with a splice. such as weight, strength, elongation and elasticity, a [0030] A sling is within the present application under- combination of for example polyester with UHMWPE fi- 35 stood to include a double loop, or double eye, or a triple bres, or aliphatic polyamide and aramid fibres can be eye. Such constructions are known to the skilled man, chosen. A connecting rope made from high tenacity fibres and can for example be made by splicing a loop on each has the advantage that it can be relatively thin, and still end of a rope, or by making one or more connections, have the desired strength level; which limits weight and e.g. by sewing, in the middle part of a sling. makes connecting to fitting and rope easier. Ropes made 40 [0031] Optionally, the sling may have been coated, or from UHMWPE fibres in addition show better resistance covered with tape or with a fabric to protect the fibres to abrasion caused by sliding fittings. and/or to increase its abrasion resistance. [0025] The connecting rope can have the same or a [0032] In special embodiment, the connecting rope is different textile construction as the other textile parts of a sling, comprising a core formed by a plurality of wind- the air cargo net, and can for example be a braided, laid, 45 ings of fibres, preferably essentially parallel multi-fila- woven, wrapped, knitted construction or a combination ment yarns, and a covering sheath, e.g. a woven or braid- thereof. ed tubular fabric. [0026] Preferably, the connecting rope has a colour [0033] Preferably, such a sling comprises a core of par- contrasting with the ropes forming meshes, to enable allel high-strength yarns, preferably UHMWPE yarns, easy identification by the handler. In addition, or alterna- 50 and has a sheath made from polyester, polyamide, ara- tively, the connecting rope has a different surface texture mid, or UHMWPE fibres, or from a mixture thereof. to distinguish it from the other net ropes. [0034] The net according to the invention contains a [0027] In a preferred embodiment of the invention the connecting rope that can have been attached to the bor- connecting rope is an endless rope or tape, generally der rope by knotting. An advantage hereof includes that called a sling. The advantage of a sling is that connec- 55 the connecting rope can be removed when needed by tions to a fitting having an eye, as well as to a net mesh, untying, without causing damage. A disadvantage is that can be made with simple known knots, hitches or bends, the connecting rope with fitting may also be easily re- which also show relatively high knot strength retention. moved by someone with less honest intentions. There-

4 7 EP 1 827 976 B1 8 fore, the connecting rope attached to the border rope, for ing the connecting rope without damaging the remainder example knotted thereto, or the applied knot is preferably of the net becomes impossible. fixated or immobilised; for example by stitches or by ap- [0040] The method according to the invention can con- plied . Such a fixated connecting rope can when veniently be applied to replace a damaged connection needed by removed by cutting the connection rope. 5 rope or fitting in short time, by almost any person. [0035] The invention further relates to a method of con- necting an attachment fitting having an eye to an air cargo net with a connecting rope, e.g. a sling, The skilled person Claims will recognize that there are several suitable ways for making this connection, including knotting. In a preferred 10 1. Cargo net comprising a plurality of ropes made from embodiment, the method comprises the steps of polymer fibres, which ropes are joined at intervals to form meshes, the net having a central part and a a) attaching an endless sling to the fitting element plurality of lobes projecting there from, the peripheral by passing one end loop of the sling at least once meshes of each lobe being formed by a border rope, through the eye (opening) of the fitting (or hook),15 each border rope having a plurality of attachment then passing this end through the opening formed fittings, characterised in that the attachment fit- by the other end of the sling, and subsequently pull- tings are connected to the border rope by replacea- ing the first end to tighten the knot; ble connecting ropes. b) passing the sling end at least once over a rope of a mesh of the cargo net, then passing the other end 20 2. Cargo net according to claim 1, wherein the polymer with the attached fitting through the loop, and sub- fibres are high-strength fibres having a tenacity of at sequently pulling this end with the fitting to tighten least 1.5 N/tex. the knot around the mesh rope. 3. Cargo net according to claim 2, wherein the fibres [0036] In a preferred embodiment of the invention the 25 are made from ultra-high molar mass polyethylene. sling end is passed only once through the eye and mesh in steps a) and b), respectively. 4. Cargo net according to any one of claims 1-3, where- [0037] In another preferred embodiment of the method in the connecting rope comprises high-strength fi- according to the invention, step b) comprises passing the bres. sling end through the opening of the fitting and the mesh 30 twice, resulting in a shorter connection between fitting 5. Cargo net according to claim 4, wherein the fibres and net, and in 4 bridging rope strands. This embodiment are made from ultra-high molar mass polyethylene. can advantageously be applied for relatively thin and long connecting slings, which have high flexibility and are eas- 6. Cargo net according to any one of claims 1-5, where- ier to handle and connect. A further advantage is that 35 in the connecting rope has a colour contrasting with load is distributed over 4 strands, exerting less force on the ropes forming meshes. applied knots (knot strength is generally significantly low- er than linear strength of a rope). 7. Cargo net according to any one of claims 1-6, where- [0038] The method according to the invention can fur- in the connecting rope is a sling. ther comprise a step of fixating the attached connecting 40 rope, e.g. a sling knotted to fitting and net, by applying 8. Cargo net according to claim 7, wherein the sling fixation means. Suitable fixation means include stitches, comprises a core formed by a plurality of windings , or heat; and are preferably applied to the knot of fibres and a covering sheath. or knots, or applied to interconnect at least two parts of the connecting rope, e.g. a sling, between border rope 45 9. Cargo net according to claim 8, wherein the fibres in and fitting. Preferably, the fixation means are stitches, the core are essentially parallel high-strength yarns because they can be easily and well-controlled applied and the sheath is made from polyester, polyamide, at the desired location. Preferably, stitching is done with aramid, or UHMWPE fibres, or from a mixture there- a yarn containing high-strength fibres. of. [0039] In a further embodiment the fixation means are 50 adhesives, preferably liquid adhesives that can be cured 10. Cargo net according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the fi- after application. The liquid adhesive is preferably inject- bres in the core are UHMWPE yarns. ed into the applied knot, and then cured to fixate the knot. The connecting rope can also be fixated by locally ap- 11. Method of connecting an attachment fitting having plying heat such that the rope fibres partly melt and fuse 55 an eye to an air cargo net, comprising the steps of together. Care should be taken that the fixation means are not applied in such way that the connecting rope and a) attaching an endless sling to the fitting ele- border rope are fixated together in such way that remov- ment by passing one end loop of the sling at

5 9 EP 1 827 976 B1 10

least once through the eye of the fitting, then von Fasern und einer Abdeckhülle gebildet ist. passing this end through the opening formed by the other end of the sling, and subsequently pull- 9. Luftfrachtnetz nach Anspruch 8, wobei die Fasern ing the first end to tighten the knot; im Kern im Wesentlichen parallele hochfeste Garne b) passing the sling end at least once over a 5 sind und die Hülle aus Polyester, Polyamid, Aramid rope of a mesh of the cargo net, then passing oder UHMWPE-Fasern oder einer Mischung davon the other end with the attached fitting through hergestellt ist. the loop, and subsequently pulling this end with the fitting to tighten the knot around the mesh 10. Luftfrachtnetz nach Anspruch 8 oder 9, wobei die rope. 10 Fasern im Kern UHMWPE-Garne sind.

12. Method according to claim 11, further comprising a 11. Verfahren zum Verbinden einer eine Öse aufweisen- step of fixating the sling after attaching to the mesh den Befestigungshalterung mit einem Luftfracht- rope by applying fixation means. netz, das die folgenden Schritte aufweist 15 13. Method according to claim 12, wherein the fixation a) Befestigen einer endlosen Schlinge an dem means are stitches. Halterungselement, indem eine Endschlaufe der Schlinge mindestens einmal durch die Öse der Halterung geführt wird, dieses Ende dann Patentansprüche 20 durch die durch das andere Ende der Schlinge gebildete Öffnung geführt wird und anschlie- 1. Luftfrachtnetz, das mehrere aus Polymerfasern her- ßend das erste Ende gezogen wird, um den gestellte Seile aufweist, wobei die Seile in Abstän- Knoten festzuziehen; den miteinander verbunden sind, um Maschen zu b) Führen des Schlingenendes mindestens ein- bilden, wobei das Netzein Mittelteil und mehrere dar- 25 mal über ein Seil einer Masche des Luftfracht- aus hervorstehende Lappen aufweist, wobei die Au- netzes, dann Führen des anderen Endes mit der ßenmaschen von jedem Lappen durch ein Randseil befestigten Halterung durch die Schlaufe und gebildet sind, wobei jedes Randseil mehrere Befe- anschließend Ziehen dieses Endes mit der Hal- stigungselemente aufweist, dadurch gekenn- terung, um den Knoten um das Maschenseil zeichnet, dass die Befestigungselemente mit dem 30 festzuziehen. Randseil durch austauschbare Verbindungsseile verbunden sind. 12. Verfahren nach Anspruch 11, das ferner einen Schritt des Fixierens der Schlinge nach dem Befe- 2. Luftfrachtnetz nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Polymer- stigen an dem Maschenseil durch Anwenden von fasern hochfeste Fasern mit einer Festigkeit von35 Fixiermitteln aufweist. mindestens 1,5 N/tex sind. 13. Verfahren nach Anspruch 12, wobei die Fixierungs- 3. Luftfrachtnetz nach Anspruch 2, wobei die Fasern mittel Nähstiche sind. aus Polyethylen mit ultrahoher Molmasse hergestellt sind. 40 Revendications 4. Luftfrachtnetz nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, wobei das Verbindungsseil hochfeste Fasern auf- 1. Filet à fret aérien comprenant plusieurs cordes cons- weist. tituées de fibres polymères, ces cordes étant jointes 45 à intervalles pour former des mailles, le filet présen- 5. Luftfrachtnetz nach Anspruch 4, wobei die Fasern tant une partie centrale et plusieurs lobes qui en dé- aus Polyethylen mit ultrahoher Molmasse hergestellt bordent, les mailles périphériques de chaque lobe sind. étant formées par une corde de bord, chaque corde de bord présentant plusieurs raccords de fixation, 6. Luftfrachtnetz nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, 50 caractérisé en ce que les raccords de fixation sont wobei das Verbindungsseil einen Farbkontrast zu reliés à la corde de bord par des cordes de liaison den die Maschen bildenden Seilen aufweist. remplaçables.

7. Luftfrachtnetz nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, 2. Filet à fret aérien selon la revendication 1, dans le- wobei das Verbindungsseil eine Schlinge ist. 55 quel les fibres polymères sont des fibres à haute résistance dont la ténacité est d’au moins 1,5 N/tex. 8. Luftfrachtnetz nach Anspruch 7, wobei die Schlinge einen Kern aufweist, der durch mehrere Wicklungen 3. Filet à fret aérien selon la revendication 2, dans le-

6 11 EP 1 827 976 B1 12

quel les fibres sont fabriquées en polyéthylène à 13. Procédé selon la revendication 12, dans lequel les masse moléculaire ultra haute (UMWPE). moyens de fixation sont des agrafes.

4. Filet à fret aérien selon l’une quelconque des reven- dications 1 à 3, dans lequel les cordes de liaison 5 comprennent des fibres à haute résistance.

5. Filet à fret aérien selon la revendication 4, dans le- quel les fibres sont constituées de polyéthylène à masse moléculaire ultra haute. 10

6. Filet à fret aérien selon l’une quelconque des reven- dications 1 à 5, dans lequel la couleur de la corde de liaison contraste avec la couleur les cordes qui forment les mailles. 15

7. Filet à fret aérien selon l’une quelconque des reven- dications 1 à 6, dans lequel la corde de liaison est une élingue. 20 8. Filet à fret aérien selon la revendication 7, dans le- quel l’élingue comprend une âme formée de plu- sieurs enroulements de fibres et d’une gaine de re- couvrement. 25 9. Filet à fret aérien selon la revendication 8, dans le- quel les fibres de l’âme sont essentiellement des fils parallèles à haute résistance et la gaine est consti- tuée de fibres de polyester, de fibres de polyamide, de fibres d’aramide, de fibres d’UHMWPE ou d’un 30 mélange de ces fibres.

10. Filet à fret aérien selon la revendication 8 ou 9, dans lequel les fibres de l’âme sont des fils d’UHMWPE. 35 11. Procédé pour relier un raccord de fixation qui pré- sente un oeillet à un filet à fret aérien, le procédé comprenant les étapes qui consistent à :

a) attacher une élingue sans fin à l’élément de 40 raccord en passant une boucle d’extrémité de l’élingue au moins une fois dans l’oeillet du rac- cord, faire ensuite passer cette extrémité dans l’ouverture formée par l’autre extrémité de l’élin- gue et ensuite tirer la première extrémité pour 45 serrer le noeud, b) faire passer l’extrémité de l’élingue au moins une fois au-dessus d’une corde d’une maille du filet à fret aérien, faire ensuite passer dans la boucle l’autre extrémité à laquelle le raccord est 50 attaché et tirer ensuite cette extrémité à laquelle le raccord est attaché pour serrer le noeud autour de la corde de la maille.

12. Procédé selon la revendication 11, comprenant de 55 plus une étape de fixation de l’élingue après avoir attaché la corde de la maille par application des moyens de fixation.

7 EP 1 827 976 B1

REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader’s convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description

• WO 2004082995 A1 [0006] • WO 2004028908 A2 [0017] • GB 2338472 A [0012] • US 6637991 B2 [0017] • EP 0504954 A1 [0014] • US 4000344 A [0018] • EP 0205960 A [0014] • WO 02062619 A1 [0028] • WO 0173173 A1 [0014]

Non-patent literature cited in the description

• Hercules Inc. Rev., 29 April 1982 [0014] • Handbook of knots. Dorling Kindersley Book, 1998 • Advanced fiber spinning technology. Woodhead [0027] Publ. Ltd, 1994 [0014] • The Ashley book of knots. Faber and Faber Ltd, 1990 [0027]

8