Abstract:
Container wall preferably made of concrete, in particular for containers for the storage and the fermentation of fermenting agents, which in the vicinity of the upper edge has an outwardly open clamping channel with an undercut for clampingly receiving an edge of at least one film made of plastics material covering the container on the upper face, the clamping channel having a narrow, outwardly open entry slot, the height thereof being smaller than the height of an elongate insertion profile insertable into the clamping channel, around which the film may be wound, the cross-sectional dimensions of the clamping channel, the entry slot and the insertion profile being such that the insertion profile in position relative to the entry slot is insertable via said entry slot into the clamping channel and is retained against being moved out of the clamping channel when the film wound around the insertion profile is under tension, characterised in that the narrow entry slot is only defined by an upper projection, whilst the approximately planar lower wall of the clamping channel merges without projections with the entry slot.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This is a national stage application of PCT/EP2011/006375, Filed on Dec. 16, 2011, which claims priority to DE 10 2010 055 527, filed on Dec. 22, 2010, the entire content of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The invention relates to a container wall according to claim  1 . 
         [0004]    Containers for the storage and the fermentation of fermenting agents, for example in so-called biogas plants, have sizeable dimensions. Generally they are configured in the manner of a silo and, accordingly, generally have a circular base. The wall is cast, for example, from concrete and the seal at the top is often implemented by means of a roof-shaped film which is retained in a tensioned and raised state by the production of gas or by the introduction of compressed air. In order to secure the film on the edge in an effective manner to the container wall, it is also known to attach a clamping profile in the upper outer region of the wall, into which the film edge is inserted and secured by means of a clamping tube. 
         [0005]    It has been disclosed in DE 10 64 869 A to introduce the edge region of a film sealing a container at the top into a peripheral slot which is open at the top and U-shaped in cross section and then to introduce an inflatable tube in order to secure the film edge. It has been disclosed in DE 10 2006 035 227 B3 to secure both a gas storage cover and a cover made of film material in a C-shaped rail attached to the outside of the container, a clamping tube being inserted into the rail to fix the film inside the rail. 
         [0006]    Corresponding tensile forces are introduced via the films into the rail depending on the gas pressure prevailing in the container, the supporting air pressure or external influences. Thus, as a result of the deformation of the clamping profile or the lack of clamping force in the clamping tube, there is the risk that the film slips out of the rail. 
         [0007]    In practice, this is also able to be counteracted by securely flanging the film(s) to the container. The film is able to be subjected to load until it tears. A disadvantage is the increased effort when opening the cover, for example for maintenance purposes. Moreover, the cover may lose its function when the film is torn, which has to be avoided. 
         [0008]    A container wall for a container covered by a film has been disclosed in WO 2010/075981 A2, in which a clamping channel for a plastics film which covers the container on the upper face is provided with a narrow, outwardly open entry slot which is defined by an upper and a lower projection. An insertion profile is inserted into the entry slot, said insertion profile being able to be introduced into the clamping channel in the oblique position, and in a position approximately parallel to the projections is prevented by the projections from moving out of the clamping channel. The clamping channel may be integrally formed in the material of the container wall or may be a separate profiled rail, which is either positioned on the container wall or integrally formed therein. Two undercuts are formed by the projections, which are relatively costly to produce irrespective of whether a separate clamping profile is used or the clamping channel is moulded into the material of the container wall. Additionally, by means of the two projections, the introduction of the insertion profile into the clamping channel is made more difficult and/or only permitted by specific shaping of the clamping channel. 
         [0009]    It is also known to form the lower limb of a clamping profile separately and to attach it pivotably or displaceably to the remaining profile. Thus the possibility is provided of enlarging the entry slot for the clamping channel in order to simplify assembly. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The object of the invention is to provide a container wall for a container having a device for securing a film made of plastic sealing the container on the upper face in a roof-shaped manner, which can be produced and assembled even more simply. 
         [0011]    This object is achieved by the features of claim  1 . 
         [0012]    In the container wall according to the invention, the narrow entry slot is only defined by an upper projection, whilst the approximately planar lower wall of the clamping channel merges without projections with the entry slot. 
         [0013]    In the invention, it has been recognised that for securing the insertion profile in the clamping channel, it is sufficient if, when tension is applied to the film, the insertion profile bears from the inside against the upper projection and the insertion profile is supported on the lower wall of the clamping channel. There is no risk of the insertion profile slipping out at the lower edge. It may be necessary during assembly, after inserting the insertion profile with the film positioned around said insertion profile, simply to ensure that the lower edge of the insertion profile does not slip out beyond the entry slot, as long as no tension has been applied to the film. However, simple means are available for this. 
         [0014]    The production of a clamping channel with only one upper projection is significantly simpler in terms of production technology than that of a clamping channel in which the entry slot is formed by an upper and a lower projection. Moreover, the insertion of the insertion profile with the film placed around said insertion profile into the clamping channel according to the invention is decidedly simpler to implement than with the known clamping profile. Moreover, the shape of the clamping channel may be considerably simplified. The lower wall of the clamping channel does not need to be continuous but may consist of wall portions spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the clamping channel. 
         [0015]    The container wall according to the invention is preferably produced from concrete and in the upper region the upwardly open clamping channel is provided with the preferably lateral entry slot, the height thereof being smaller than the height of an elongate insertion profile which is insertable into the clamping channel, around which the film is able to be placed. The insertion profile with the film wound around said insertion profile is tilted relative to the entry slot, introduced via said slot in the clamping channel and then, for example, moved into a vertical position, so that when a tensile force is exerted on the film, it is pressed from inside against the upper projection which defines the entry slot. The lower edge of the insertion profile is located on the approximately planar lower wall of the clamping channel. By means of such a construction, high tensile forces may be absorbed without the risk of the film sliding out of the clamping channel. 
         [0016]    In order to protect the film from tearing in the event of forces which are too great, according to an embodiment of the invention the insertion profile may have a predetermined breaking point, said insertion profile bending substantially about a horizontal axis when a predetermined maximum force acts on the film. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the insertion profile may be produced from a material which, when a maximum permitted force is reached on the film, loosens or releases the non-positive connection of the film by its own deformation. The insertion profile is preferably produced from continuous casting or planar material which, for example, consists of metal, rubber or plastics. It may be moulded as a flat strip or bent or folded, or be a more or less flat profile strip. The flat strip may have a rectangular, trapezoidal or angled cross section. 
         [0017]    Depending on the pressure conditions in the container and the wind force acting on the roof film, considerable tensile forces are exerted on the film edge. Thus, there is the risk that the film edge is pulled out when the tensile forces exceed a specific value. This risk is increased when the angle of the film edge relative to the associated limb of a rail-shaped clamping profile adopts a greater value, so that the limb is subjected to deformation and is bent upwards and the non-positive connection between the film edge and the clamping profile is reduced. 
         [0018]    In an embodiment of the invention, it is ensured that, in particular when a greater tensile load is applied to the film, the tensile force acting on the upper limb which faces said film is introduced into the limb substantially as compressive force, and only acts on the limb as a smaller bending moment. Therefore, this does not lead to disadvantageous deformation of the clamping profile, resulting in the film edge being pulled out. 
         [0019]    The film edge extends, for example, at an angle of 30° to 45° relative to the horizontal. The limb of the clamping profile facing the film edge preferably extends at the same angle. As a result, in comparison with a horizontal limb, more force may be introduced by the film into the rail, before the rail loosens the non-positive connection by deformation. Thus, even with greater tensile force values, a secure anchoring of the film edge in the clamping profile is ensured by means of the invention. 
         [0020]    Such a profiled rail may be fastened to the outside of the container wall. To achieve this, there are different structural possibilities. One option according to an embodiment of the invention is that vertical fastening profiles may be attached at intervals to the outside of the container wall, to which the profiled rail is preferably fastened by welding. The rail, which preferably consists of longitudinal portions which are subsequently connected together, is initially bent and then connected non-positively to the fastening profiles. Said fastening profiles are then connected to the container wall, for example by means of suitable anchors. The container wall in this case may consist of very different materials, for example concrete, steel, plastics or wood and/or consist of a combination of the different materials. 
         [0021]    In a further embodiment of the invention, in this connection it is provided that the fastening profile is U-shaped in cross section, the web of the fastening profile being able to be connected to the container wall. 
         [0022]    A clamping profile in the form of a profiled rail may be cast into the container wall. Even with this solution, a high tensile force may be achieved when the clamping profile is arranged at a specific distance from the upper edge of the container wall. There is no risk of deformation of the limb of the rail facing the film edge. 
         [0023]    In a further embodiment of the invention, the upper edge or the upper limb of the profiled rail is flush with the upper face of the container wall. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the upper face of the container wall may rise towards the outer face. 
         [0024]    If the clamping profile and/or the profiled rail is cast into the container wall at a distance from the upper face of the container wall, according to a further embodiment of the invention the outer upper edge of the wall is rounded. In this manner, the film is not subjected to as much stress. 
         [0025]    When integrally forming the profiled rail in the material of the container wall, the thickness of the material of the profiled rail, which is preferably formed from flat material or continuous casting, only needs to be very small as the forces are substantially absorbed by the surrounding material of the container wall. 
         [0026]    As a result of the measure according to the invention, after clamping the film the insertion profile is securely supported against the lower wall. The risk of the insertion profile being moved out beyond the entry slot does not exist. This risk is potentially present, however, during assembly shortly after inserting the insertion profile and before tensioning the roof film. There is also the risk that for other reasons the tension on the roof film is reduced or is released. Thus, an embodiment of the invention provides that the lower wall in the vicinity of the entry slot of the clamping channel has raised portions in longitudinal sections, which are arranged to be removable or movable, so that in a first position they form an abutment for the insertion profile located in the clamping channel and in a second position open up the surface of the lower wall facing the clamping channel. Before mounting the insertion profile with the film placed around said insertion profile, the surface of the lower wall facing the clamping channel is completely open, so that the insertion profile together with the film may be inserted without difficulty. According to the disclosed embodiment of the invention, a series of abutment elements and/or raised portions is subsequently mounted, which prevent the lower edge of the bearing profile from slipping out of the entry slot. 
         [0027]    Various structural options are conceivable in order to implement the disclosed embodiment. According to an embodiment of the invention, abutment elements which may be inserted or screwed into openings of the lower wall are provided. Said abutment elements may, for example, consist of plastic. 
         [0028]    According to a further embodiment of the invention, folding mechanisms mounted on the lower wall are provided. The folding mechanisms are configured such that they permit in a folded-down position a free insertion of the insertion profile and in the folded-up position form an abutment and/or an obstruction for moving the insertion profile out of the entry slot. Finally, clamping elements which are also able to be clamped from the front onto the lower wall may be provided in order to form an abutment. However, it should be stressed again that the described abutment and raised portions are not required for the function of securing the film in the clamping profile. They are simply aids for mounting and if there is a risk of the clamping profile slipping out due to insufficient tension in the film. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0029]    Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail hereinafter with reference to the drawings, in which: 
           [0030]      FIG. 1   a  shows schematically the plan view of a container. 
           [0031]      FIG. 1   b  shows a section through the view according to  FIG. 1  along the line  2 - 2 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 2  shows a detail III according to  FIG. 1   b  for securing a roof film. 
           [0033]      FIG. 3  shows a further embodiment of the securing of a roof film. 
           [0034]      FIG. 4  shows a further embodiment for securing a roof film. 
           [0035]      FIG. 5  shows a further embodiment for securing a roof film. 
           [0036]      FIG. 6  shows a further embodiment for securing a roof film. 
           [0037]      FIG. 7  shows a further embodiment for securing a roof film. 
           [0038]      FIG. 8  shows a further embodiment of the invention for securing a roof film. 
           [0039]      FIGS. 9   a  &amp;  9   b  show a similar embodiment to  FIG. 8 . 
           [0040]      FIG. 10  shows in a perspective view a clamping profile with different abutment elements. 
           [0041]      FIG. 11  shows a section through a clamping profile according to the invention having a clamping mechanism. 
           [0042]      FIG. 12  shows the front view of the clamping profile according to  FIG. 11 . 
           [0043]      FIG. 13  shows a further embodiment of a clamping profile according to the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0044]    While this invention may be embodied in many different forms, there are described in detail herein a specific preferred embodiment of the invention. This description is an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment illustrated. 
         [0045]    A container  10  is indicated in  FIGS. 1   a  and  b , said container comprising a base  12  made of concrete and a cylindrical wall  14 , also made of concrete. The concrete wall is produced, for example, by means of a plurality of shuttering elements arranged externally and internally. At least one plastic film  16  is stretched over the top of the container  10 , the edge thereof being secured in the upper region to the outer face of the wall  14 , as will be described in more detail below. For example a fermenting agent  18  is located in the container. A peripheral walkway  20  with a handrail is shown on the outer face of the wall  14 . The walkway consists of individual walkway elements which may also be connected together. The walkway is not of significance to the invention. In Fig. lb, an external shuttering  26  and an internal shuttering  27  are also indicated. It serves, as mentioned above, for producing the wall, the shuttering being removed after constructing the concrete wall  14 . 
         [0046]    In  FIG. 2 , the upper part of the container wall is shown at  110 , as may also be identified in  FIG. 3 . It contains a clamping channel  112  which has a base  114 , an upper wall  116  and a lower wall  118 . At the transitions, the walls are curved in cross section. By means of a projection  120  facing downwards (in cross section) a narrow entry slot  124  is formed towards the channel  112 . The lower wall merges continuously with the entry slot  124 . A clamping element in the form of a planar profile  126  has approximately the same dimensions over its height and/or depth and is rounded at the edges. The width of the planar profile  126  is greater than the height of the entry slot  124  and is dimensioned so that it is retained by the inner face of the projection  120  and the wall  118  when the planar profile  126  is positioned on the lower wall  118 . In the tilted position of the planar profile  126  shown in dotted lines and which is shown at  126 ′, said planar profile may be inserted into the groove  112  via the entry slot  124 . Additionally, a film  130  is wound around the planar profile  126 . After inserting the planar profile  126  and positioning the planar profile  126  on the wall  118 , by pulling on the film  130  the planar profile  126  is tilted back into an approximately vertical position parallel to the entry slot. As a result, the film  130  is clamped in the channel  112  and cannot be pulled out. 
         [0047]    As may also be identified, the planar profile  116  has a notched portion  132  which forms a predetermined breaking point. In the case of an accident, the predetermined breaking point as a last resort prevents the film from being torn and is able to ensure emergency pressure relief. 
         [0048]    It goes without saying that the clamping channel  112  is also able to be produced, for example, by a separate profiled rail which is described further below. In this case, the profile of the clamping channel and the clamping element in the clamping channel are essential for securing the film. 
         [0049]    In  FIGS. 3-5 , a section is shown through the upper region of the container wall  14  which, however, is configured differently in the upper region, as is described below. Moreover, external shuttering and internal shuttering  26 ,  27  is also identified according to  FIG. 1   b  during the production of the container wall from concrete. The insertion profile or planar profile is omitted for illustrative purposes. 
         [0050]    In  FIG. 3 , a box-shaped profiled rail  36  is shown, which for example has the shape as shown in  FIG. 2 . As is visible, the profiled rail  36  is incorporated into the wall  14  so that the upper face and/or the upper limb is flush with the horizontal upper face of the wall  14 . During production, the profiled rail  36  is releasably connected to the external shuttering  26  (not shown). After forming the wall  14 , naturally the shuttering  26 ,  27  is removed, the releasable connection to the external shuttering  26  being previously removed. The profiled rail  36  is then connected to the wall  14 . 
         [0051]    The profiled rail consists of individual portions of specific length which is preferably considerably shorter than the peripheral length of the container  10 . In this case, a rail portion may be connected to one or more adjacent shuttering elements. The profiled rail  36  and/or the individual portions thereof are provided with anchoring portions which, as shown at  38 , protrude obliquely downwards into the wall  14 . In  FIG. 3 , by means of the arrows  40 , the pulling direction of a film is indicated which is denoted in  FIG. 1   b  at  16 . It is secured in the profiled rail  36 . This is described further below. The variable angles of the pulling direction  40  result from the type of film (gas storage film, air-supported dome) and the structural conditions. The pressure and bending force on the upper limb of the profiled rail alter depending on the size of the angle. 
         [0052]    The embodiment according to  FIG. 4  differs from that of  FIG. 3  in that the profiled rail  36  is embedded at a distance from the upper face of the wall  14 . In this case, the profiled rail  36  is also initially connected to the external shuttering  26 . The film which is secured with its edge in the profiled rail  36 , initially extends vertically on the outside of the wall  14  and is guided obliquely upwards via a rounded edge  42  of the wall  14 . The rounding  42  reduces the stress which occurs by deflecting the film. 
         [0053]    In  FIG. 5 , a profiled rail  18   a  is also embedded into the wall  14  so that its upper edge is flush with the upper face of the wall  14 . This upper face has, however, an incline as indicated at  44 . The incline is oriented towards the outer face. The rail  18   a  is in turn releasably connected to the external shuttering  26  when the wall  14  is produced. Subsequently, this connection is released so that the external shuttering  26  may be removed. A tilted attachment of the profiled rail has the advantage that markedly greater tensile resistances for the film edge and/or advantageous loading of the profiled rail may be achieved. The upper limb is substantially loaded in its direction of extension and less on flexion. The film edge is thus held particularly securely in the profiled rail  18   a.    
         [0054]    A profiled rail  200  is attached to the container wall  14  in  FIG. 8 , said profiled rail having a lower horizontal wall portion  202 , an upper roof-shaped wall portion  204  and a vertical web portion  206 . The oblique upper wall portion  204  merges with a projection  208  protruding vertically downwards. A planar profile  212  is inserted into the clamping channel  210  formed in this manner, the width of said planar profile being greater than the height of the entry slot  214  in the clamping channel  210 . The entry slot is formed by the approximately planar lower wall  202  which merges without projections with the entry slot  214  and the projection  208 . The film  130  (see also  FIG. 2 ) is wound around the upper projection  208  and around the planar profile  212  so that, in the lower region of the entry slot  214 , it leaves said entry slot in the downward direction. When pulling on the film  130 , the planar profile  212  is pressed in the upper region against the projection  208  and at the same time pressed downwards against the lower wall  202 , so that in this manner the film  130  is clamped effectively in the profiled rail  200 . The incline of the upper wall  214  corresponds to the angular extent of the film  130 . This is, however, not a prerequisite. In principle, the upper wall  204  could also extend horizontally. 
         [0055]    On the lower face of the lower wall  202  retaining portions  216  made of sheet steel or the like are attached at intervals, said retaining portions comprising holes through which an anchoring screw  218  may be passed in order to screw said anchoring screw in the concrete wall  14 . The profiled rail  200  and/or the longitudinal portions thereof may be formed by edging planar material. However, production by an extrusion moulding method is also conceivable. 
         [0056]    Instead of embedding a clamping profile in the form of a profiled rail in the wall, a positive profile made of plastic may be connected to the shuttering which is subsequently removed from the wall, for example by heating or by means of a reagent. Subsequently, a clamping profile remains in the wall with the same function as the clamping rail. 
         [0057]    In  FIGS. 6 and 7 , other options for forming a clamping profile are indicated. In  FIG. 6 , an external shuttering element  40   a  is releasably connected to a fibre concrete part  42   a , the releasable connection which has to be accessible from outside, not being shown. The fibre concrete part  42   a  has a prefabricated channel  44   a , and when casting the concrete is embedded therein (wall  14   a ). The fibre concrete part  42   a  may be prefabricated. It may be already connected to the shuttering element  40   a  remotely from the building site, before it arrives on site, or connected on site to the shuttering element  40   a.    
         [0058]    Merely for the sake of completeness it should be mentioned that only one shuttering element and/or one profiled shuttering element is discussed. It goes without saying that, viewed in the peripheral direction, a plurality of external shuttering elements  40   a  are provided and also a plurality of profiled shuttering parts  42   a.    
         [0059]    In  FIG. 7 , a further option is shown. In this case, a concrete element  46   a  is positioned on the upper face of the concrete wall  14   b , said concrete element being provided with a clamping channel  44   a . The concrete element  46   a  is prefabricated and has a reinforcement  48   a  protruding downwards which may be inserted into the soft concrete after casting the wall  14   b , in order to connect the concrete element  46   a  to the wall  14   b . In this case, the shuttering elements  40   a ,  40   b  are slightly lower than the height of the container wall  14   b , namely reduced by the height of the finished concrete element  46   a.    
         [0060]    In  FIG. 9   a , it is shown how the insertion profile  212  is inserted from below in the vertical position into the entry slot  214 . In the clamping channel, the insertion profile  212  is positioned obliquely with its lower edge in the vicinity of the wall  206  and with the upper edge bearing against the projection  208  from the inside. A projection relative to the wall  202  is not provided. Similarly, the film  130  positioned around the insertion profile is sufficiently clamped and not able to slip out. 
         [0061]    Depending on the width of the planar profile  212  and the width of the lower wall  202 , said planar profile has to be inserted in the oblique position into the slot  214 , as for example required by  FIG. 8 , primarily when the lower wall  202  extends as far as the height of the projection  208 . In  FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b , the wall  202  is shorter than the distance of the projection  208  from the wall  14 , which permits the vertical insertion of the insertion profile  212  into the slot  214 . Subsequently, it is positioned obliquely according to  FIG. 9   b.    
         [0062]      FIG. 10  shows in perspective a part of a clamping profile  300  with an entry slot  314 . The clamping channel  312  is formed by a lower planar wall  316 , a rear wall  318 , an upper wall  320  and a portion  322  edged to the front away from the upper wall, which as a projection defines the entry slot  314  from the top. 
         [0063]    Abutment elements  326  and/or  328  may be inserted into openings of the lower wall  316 . They are located in the vicinity of the entry slot and may optionally be removed. The cylindrical abutment element  328  may, for example, be also screwed into a hole of the lower wall  316 . The abutment element  326  is planar and has a cuboidal projection which is inserted into a suitable hole. The abutment elements are, for example, made of plastic. 
         [0064]    Moreover, in  FIG. 10  a spring clip  330  of U-shaped cross section is shown which may be clamped from the front edge of the lower wall  316  onto said edge. The clip  330  has on the upper limb an outwardly angled portion  332  which also forms an abutment for an insertion profile (not shown) which may be inserted via the entry slot  314  into the clamping channel  312 . For this insertion, however, the abutment elements shown may be temporarily removed. Subsequently, they may be mounted again. The abutment elements are simply examples. They are arranged at intervals, wherein naturally only one type of the elements shown is used. 
         [0065]    In  FIGS. 11 and 12 , a part of a clamping profile  400  is shown with an upper roof-like oblique wall  402 , a rear wall  404  as well as a lower wall  406 . An entry slot  410  is formed between an angled portion  408  of the upper wall  402  which forms a projection and the lower wall  406 . The insertion profile is not shown here. 
         [0066]    A sheet metal part  412  is welded to the lower wall  406  from below. With one rear edge  414  the sheet metal part is aligned with the rear wall  404 . To the front, the sheet metal part  412  has an arcuate edge  416 . On the upper edge the sheet metal part  412  has a notch  418  and/or a recess. Through the sheet metal part  412  extends a pin  420 , the ends thereof on both sides protruding over the sheet metal part  412 . The pin extends through retainers  422  on each side of the sheet metal part  412 , the contour thereof being visible in  FIG. 11 . The retainers  422  have an elongated hole  424  through which the pin  420  respectively extends. A rectangular abutment portion  426  is welded to the retainers  422 , said abutment portion in the position shown in  FIG. 11  protruding into the notch  418 . If the abutment portion  426  is raised together with the retainers, the abutment portion  426  is lifted out of the notch and together with the retainers  422  may be pivoted clockwise, as shown in dashed lines. In this position, the surface of the lower wall  406  facing the entry slot  410  is open and permits the simple insertion of the insertion profile. Subsequently, the folding mechanism shown may again be pivoted back into the position shown in  FIG. 11 , in order to prevent the insertion profile with the film from slipping out. 
         [0067]    In  FIG. 13  a clamping profile  500  is shown which is substantially similar to that of  FIG. 10 . However, the lower wall is subdivided into individual wall portions  402  which are separated from one another at intervals. In this manner, material may be saved when producing the clamping profile  500 , for example when edging the sheet metal material. 
         [0068]    This completes the description of the preferred and alternate embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiment described herein which equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto.