GB2295866A - Sealing member - Google Patents

Abstract

Sealing of gaps or joints between surfaces is achieved by means of a sealing member including a first limb 10 having upper and lower edges between which there is provided a first face 44 capable of engagement with a first surface, such as a wall, and a second face 46 on the opposite side from the first face and from which a second limb 12 projects. The second limb is provided with a flexible sealing lip 50 which in use lies underneath the second limb and engages with a second surface, such as a bath, shower or work top. The sealing lip is preferably resiliently urged against the second surface to provide a watertight seal. The sealing member is easily fixed in position, for example, during tiling of a wall surface, and may be matched with its surroundings by means of a coloured insert on the upper surface in use of the second limb. <IMAGE>

Description

SEALING MEMBER This invention relates to sealing members of the kind used to provide a seal or otherwise bridge a gap or joint between two surfaces extending at an angle to each other.

The invention is specially useful in its application to the sealing of gaps or joints between surfaces which are likely to be exposed to water or other liquids, for example, in kitchens and bathrooms. In particular, while the majority of baths, basins and worktops are filted as close as possible against at least one wall, no matter how carefully they are positioned there will inevitably remain gaps through which water can drain. Over a period of time, seepage of water through such gaps can result in problems of damp walls and rotting floorboards.

In addition, gaps between surfaces can look unattractive and may be difficult to keep clean, especially in kitchens, where particles of food can become trapped. In a domestic environment this may simply be unsightly, but in commercial environment, such as a catering establishment, where health inspectors have access, poor hygiene can have rather more serious consequences.

Over the years, a number of alternative methods of sealing a gap between two adjacent surfaces have been proposed. for example, grouting material may be packed into the gap or a resilient filler may be applied to the gap as a bead fillet. These methods suffer from various drawbacks such as the tendency of the grouting material to crack and break away from the surfaces being sealed, the rapidity with which the fillers acquire a dirty appearance, and both methods rely on the skill of the person applying the seal to provide a high quality finish.

Other sealing means in the form of extruded sealing members have also been suggested and are widely used. Many of these extruded members are provided with a substantially rigid first limb having one face capable of attachment to a wall by adhesive or other such means and a second limb which extends from the opposite face of the first limb and wherein at least an outer portion of the second limb is capable of being maintained in sealing engagement with the upper surface of the bath, sink or the like.

The outer portion of the second limb can be held against the upper surface by adhesive means. However the use of adhesive requires skill in application and does not make adequate allowance for relalive movement between surfaces such as occurs, for example, when a person steps into a bath or when a bath is merely filled with water. Regular movement of the bath relative to an adjacent wall will in time result in the failure of the adhesive.

More usually the second limb is formed from a substantially rigid material and is provided at its outer edge with a flexible sealing lip which is held against the upper surface by virtue of the rigidity of the limbs. Such sealing members while initially providing an adequate seal often deteriorate if subjected to certain conditions. For example, children are apt to find the flexible lip a source of endless fascination and constant "picking" at it will eventually lead to its failure. Also, after a while, the flexible lip can become rippled or otherwise distorted thereby resulting in breaks along the seal, such deterioration possibly being due to repeated contact with various detergents or household cleaners.

The main object of the present invention is therefore to provide a means by which a gap between adjacent surfaces can be sealed which means not only overcomes or at least substantially eliminates the aforementioned disadvantages but also provides a seal which is aesthetically pleasing.

Accordingly, from a first aspect, the invention resides in a sealing member for sealing between first and second surfaces that are disposed at an angle to each other, the sealing member comprising first means for engagement with the first surface, a limb projecting from the first engagement means and second means for engaging with the second surface, said second engagement means being in the form of a flexible sealing lip projecting from the said limb for engagement with the second surface in a position in which the sealing lip lies underneath the said limb.

By means of the present invention, the sealing lip is substantially shielded from above by the limb and therefore is not only inaccessible to young fingers but also is largely prevented from coming into direct contact with detergents or other such chemicals thereby avoiding potential deterioration resulling in rippling of the sealing lip. In addition, because the sealing lip lies underneath the limb it is hidden from view and the sealing member therefore presents a more attractive appearance than the prior art sealing members.

The first engagement means preferably comprises a first face capable of attachment by adhesive or other means to the first surface, which is usually a wall. Such a first face is advantageously substantially planar and may be featured to provide a roughened or uneven surface thereby permitting improved bonding between the first face and the first surface when an adhesive is applied therebetween.

The sealing member may be such that the first engagement means is provided with an adhesive, for example a pressure sensitive adhesive, which may be protected by release paper until such time as the member is to be secured to the first surface.

As far as the flexible sealing lip is concerned, this is preferably provided on or adjacent to an outer edge of the limb from which the lip projects.

The sealing member according to the invention is advantageously adapted for use between a first surface which is substantially vertical and second surface which is substantially horizontal.

Expressed in another way, the present invention resides in a sealing member for extending between a first surface which is substantially vertical and second surface which is substantially horizontal, the sealing member comprising a first limb having upper and lower edges between which edges extends at least along a part thereof a first face capable of engagement with the first surface and a second face on the opposite side of the member to the first face, and a second limb projecting from the second face which second limb is provided with a flexible sealing lip for engagement with the second surface wherein the sealing lip in use lies underneath the second limb.

When the sealing member is for use in kitchens or bathrooms where ceramic tiles or other wall coverings present, it is desirable that the first limb is in the form of a web over which the tiles or wall covering can be laid.

Furthermore, the web is advantageously of small thickness, for example, between 0.5 and 4mm, so that the ceramic tiles are not significanlly deflected outwards from the wall thereby remaining flush with the remainder of the tiling which may be present. In this regard, it is especially preferred for the first limb to be generally wedge-shaped or tapered in cross-section with the upper end in use having the narrower cross-section thereby creating a relatively smooth transition from the first surface to the second face of the first limb.

When ceramic tiles or other wall coverings are to be fixed over at least a part of the second face of the first limb, it is useful to provide the first limb with a plurality of apertures extending between the first and second faces to allow adhesive to flow through the apertures and create a bond directly between the wall on the one side of the sealing member and one or more ceramic tiles or wall covering on the other side.

Advantageously, the first limb is flexible making installation of the sealing member easier, especially where the member is to be fitted against surfaces which are not substantially planar, for example, against walls which have surface irregularities or against fittings whose upper surfaces are profiled.

The second limb of the sealing member may be located on the second face of the first limb intermediate the upper and lower edges, but preferably towards the lower edge in use. Ideally, the upper surface in use of the second limb presents an abutment surface capable of supporting the lower edge of a ceramic tile or of any other type of wall covering.

For ease of manufacture, the second limb may be made of the same material as the first limb, preferably being formed as a single extrusion with the first limb. When the first limb is of flexible material, it may be desirable for the upper surface of the second limb to be co-extruded from a rigid or substantially rigid material, the rigidity enabling the flexible sealing lip to be more firmly engaged with the second surface and providing better support for ceramic tiles when used in conjunction with the sealing member.

Allernatively, or in addition thereto, the second limb may be provided a trim which fits onto or otherwise covers substantially all of the upper surface in use of the second limb.

Preferably, the upper surface of the second limb is recessed so that the trim can be fitted into the recess and remain flush with the remainder of the upper surface. For the reasons specified above, the trim is preferably made from a substantially rigid material.

The use of a trim offers a number of commercial advantages, one example being that it allows the sealing member to be more easily co-ordinated with or adapted to its surroundings. Thus it enables the sealing member itself to be manufactured in one basic colour which member can then be "customised" by adding a trim which matches or contrasts with bathroom and kitchen fittings, for example.

While the trim can be incorporated on the sealing member after manufacture, it is also possible to incorporate the trim using a co-extrusion process in which the main body of the second limb is extruded from substantially flexible material and the upper surface of part thereof the second limb is co-extruded from a rigid material.

In order to facilitate drainage of liquids away from the sealing member, it is preferred that the upper surface of the second limb slopes downwardly in use towards the second substantially horizontal surface. More preferably, the upper surface has a generally convex shape which not only gives an attractive appearance but also provides a generally smooth pathway for encouraging liquids to flow away from the sealing member.

Although by no means essential, the cross-section of the second limb is preferably thicker than that of the first limb for reasons of strenglh and to enable the upper surface of the limb to mainlain its desired shape in use. More preferably, the second limb in cross-section is thickest at the place where it adjoins the first limb and tapers towards its outer edge where it joins the flexible sealing lip.

In accordance with the invention, the second limb is provided at its outer edge with a flexible sealing lip which in use lies underneath the second limb. Preferably the sealing lip is made from a resilient material in order that when in use, the lip not only engages with the second surface but is urged against it thereby to provide a substantially watertight seal.

In a preferred embodiment, the flexible lip is attached at an angle to the outer edge of the second limb such that when the sealing member is positioned over the gap between the two surfaces to be sealed, the sealing lip automatically adopts a position underneath the second limb. More particularly, the sealing lip is adjoined to the second limb such that it depends from the outer edge of the second limb.

Advantageously, the sealing lip extends from the outer edge of the second limb at an angle whereby the lip depends at least substantially vertically from the edge portion of the lip and more preferably at an angle below the horizontal whereby the lip is directed backwards in a general direction towards the first substantially vertical surface.

It is particularly preferred that the flexible lip is attached to the outer edge of the second limb such that the lip lies substantially underneath the second limb at an angle of approximately 90" in relation to the outer edge.

The flexible lip may be of generally uniform thickness or may be tapered such that it is narrower in cross-section at the place where it adjoins the outer edge of the second limb.

By such means, "folding" of the lip underneath the second limb is facilitated.

While the sealing member according to the invention and as hereinbefore described offers a number of technical and aesthetic advantages over the prior art, further benefits may be obtained by provision of a secondary sealing lip which in use also engages the second surface.

In particular, the second face of the first limb is advantageously provided adjacent its lower edge in use with a secondary sealing lip. Such a secondary sealing lip is preferably flexible, at least towards its outer edge, and ideally is resiliently urged in use against the second surface.

In the unlikely event of the first flexible sealing lip failing to provide a watertight seal against the second surface, or should the first lip become damaged in any way, the secondary sealing lip provides a further safeguard against water penetration.

It is especially preferred for the outer edge of the secondary sealing lip to lie at an angle below the horizontal so that when the sealing member is positioned ready for use the sealing lip is resiliently urged against the second substantially horizontal surface.

One of the advantages of the sealing member according to the present invention is that it allows for withdrawal of the second surface from under the second limb should it become necessary or desirable to replace the second surface. For example, a kitchen worktop may become worn or fail to match its surroundings after redecoration and therefore require changing.

With the sealing member of the present invention, it is a simple matter of pulling the item providing the second surface from under the second limb and replacing the object with one of the same or substantially similar height whereby the flexible sealing lip will once more provide a watertight seal against the "new" second surface. By this method, there is no need to disturb the first limb of the sealing member or any ceramic tiling which may be fixed over the first limb.

In other situations, there may be benefits in permanenlly fixing the sealing member to the second surface, in which case it is a simple matter to provide the underside in use of the second limb with fixing means such as an adhesive to permanently secure the second limb to the second surface. For convenience, such adhesive means may comprise double-sided adhesive tape, one side being affixed or adhered to the underside of the second limb and the other side being provided with a release coating to be removed prior to or after positioning the sealing member in the required place.

If present, such adhesive tape is generally provided where it does not impede the performance of the flexible sealing lip and where it is hidden from view. In order to accommodate adhesive tape without interfering with the lip, it may be desirable to reduce the length of the lip slightly.

In addition, in order that the flexible sealing lip does not prevent the adhesive surface of the tape coming into contact with the second surface to which it will be adhered, the part of the second limb to which the tape is affixed may be in the form of an elongate projection depending from its underside.

For obvious reasons, it is preferred that any adhesive tape used is of the waterproof variety. Furthermore, the adhesive tape may be included in addition to or instead of a secondary sealing lip.

The sealing member according to the invention may be made from any suitable material.

Preferably, the member is made from one or more plastics materials having the required degrees of flexibility and resilience as may be required. A particularly suitable material and one which is commonly used for sealing purposes is polyvinylchloride (PVC). The properties of PVC can be readily adjusted by use of plasticisers, stabilisers, fillers or other modifiers.

In order that the invention may be more readily understood, reference is made to the following drawings in which: Figures 1 and 2 are end views of prior art sealing members; Figure 3 is an end view of a sealing member in accordance with the invention; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the sealing member of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a further embodiment in accordance with the invention; and Figure 6 is a perspective view of the sealing member according to Figures 4 or 5 in use.

Figure 7 is an end view of a sealing member in accordance with a yet further embodiment according lo the invention.

Figure 1 shows a sealing member 20 commonly used as a bath sealing strip and for sealing splash backs and sink units and which has been on the market for almost thirty years; it comprises a substantially vertical first limb 10 and a generally convex second limb 12 extending therefrom.

Figure 2 shows a more recent type of sealing member 22 which also comprises a first limb 10 and a second limb 12. The first limb 10 is provided at its upper and lower ends with flexible sealing lips 30, 32 respectively.

A sealing member 24 in accordance with the invention is shown at Figure 3. More particularly, the trim 24 is provided with a first flexible limb 10 of co-extruded material having upper and lower edges 40, 42 respectively, a first substantially planar face 44, and a second face 46 from which projects a second limb 12. The second limb 12 is provide at its outer edge 48 with a flexible sealing lip 50 at an angle of approximately 90" to the edge 48. The second limb 12 is provided at its upper surface with a rigid inscrt or trim 52. A secondary flexible sealing lip 60 is provided along the lower edge 42. A perspective view of the sealing member 24 as shown Figure 3 is provided by Figure 4.

In Figure 5 there is shown a further sealing member 24 in accordance with a preferred embodiment. In particular, the first limb 10 is provided with apertures 70 through which adhesive can flow when the sealing member is affixed to a wall or the like.

Figure 6 shows the sealing member 24 of Figure 5 sealing a gap between a wall 80 and a bath rim 82. The first limb 10 is shown secured to a wall 80 by adhesive (not shown).

The second limb, which by virtue of its thickness and trim 52 is substantially rigid, ensures that flexible sealing lip 50 and secondary sealing lip 60 are deformed such as to ensure that they are kept in sealing engagement with the upper surface of bath rim 82.

Once in position, ceramic tiles 84 can be laid over at least a part of the second face 46 of first limb 10. The tiles 84 can be fixed to the wall 80 by means of adhesive which flows through apertures 70 (not shown).

A sealing member in accordance with a yet further embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 7. In this embodiment, the second limb 12 is provided with a flexible sealing lip 50a which is shorter in length than that shown in Figure 3. Moreover, the second limb 12 is provided with an elongate projection 90 onto which is adhered a double sided adhesive strip or tape 92.

While particular embodiments have been described, it should be appreciated that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the first limb of the sealing member may be substantially shorter than shown in Figures 3 to 7 such that the second limb where it adjoins the second face of the first limb occupies a substantial part of the second face; or the upper surface of the second limb may be straight rather than curved.

Claims (11)

1. A sealing member for extending between a first surface which is substantially vertical and second surface which is substantially horizontal, the sealing member comprising a first limb having upper and lower edges between which edges extends at least along a part thereof a first face capable of engagement with the first surface and a second face on the opposite side of the member to the first face, and a second limb projecting from the second face which second limb is provided with a flexible sealing lip for engagement with the second surface wherein the sealing lip in use lies underneath the second limb.

2. A sealing member according to claim 1, wherein the flexible sealing lip is made from resilient material such that the lip is in use urged against the second surface.

3. A sealing member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first limb comprises a flexible web.

4. A sealing member according to any preceding claim, wherein the first limb is tapered in cross-section with its upper end in use having the narrower cross-section.

5. A sealing member according to any preceding claim, wherein the second limb is provided with a trim.

6. A sealing member according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second limbs are formed as a single extrusion.

7. A sealing member according to any preceding claim, wherein the second face of the first limb is provided adjacent its lower edge in use with a secondary sealing lip.

8. A sealing member according to claim 7, wherein the secondary sealing lip is resiliently urged in use against the second surface.

9. A sealing member according to any preceding claim, wherein the underside in use of the second limb is provided with fixing means.

10. A sealing member according to claim 9, wherein the fixing means comprises an adhesive strip affixed to an elongate projection depending from the underside in use of the second limb.

11. A sealing member for sealing between first and second surfaces that are disposed at an angle to each other, the sealing member comprising first means for engagement with the first surface, a limb projecting from the first engagement means and second means for engaging with the second surface, said second engagement means being in the form of a flexible sealing lip projecting from the said limb for engagement with the second surface in a position in which the sealing lip lies underneath the said limb.