AU2013204514B2

AU2013204514B2 - Drop door seal and connectors for modular connecting rods

Info

Publication number: AU2013204514B2
Application number: AU2013204514A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Neil Andrew Raven
Original assignee: Raven Products Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Raven Products Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2012-04-27
Filing date: 2013-04-12
Publication date: 2016-06-02
Anticipated expiration: 2033-04-12
Also published as: AU2013204514A1; GB2502697A; GB2502697B; GB201307483D0

Abstract

A door including, an elongate sealing member having a flexible part being movable vertically between retracted and extended positions, an activation member for abutment with a corresponding doorway, and first and second actuators having a biasing 5 member or members for vertical movement of said elongate sealing member, the activation member and said first and second actuators being linked whereby said activation member acts on the first and second actuators to move the elongate sealing member into the extended position, wherein at least one of said first or second actuators having a modular configuration, in that a modular connecting rod is positionable between 10 said first and second actuators to increase the distance therebetween, the modular connecting rod being connected at one end to the first or second actuator, and pivotably connected at an opposite end to a linkage that links said first actuator to said second actuator. Clf

Description

Drop door seal and connectors for modular connecting rods FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a drop seal for attachment to a lower portion of a door, and in particular modular connecting rods wherein a first connecting rod can be pivotably mounted to an actuator arm, or, can be rigidly attached to an adjacent second connecting rod or actuator.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A number of automatic drop door seals are currently available and have been described, including the seal described in the Applicant’s earlier Australian Patent Application 2007237192. The automatic drop door seals typically comprise a moveable seal member dimensioned to fit within a downwardly open channel member. The seal member includes an elongate flexible portion for engagement with the threshold of the doorway and is moveable vertically between an extended position and a retracted position with respect to the bottom of the door.

The automatic drop door seals are typically spring-loaded such that the seal member is biased away from the floor and operated by an outwardly extending activation button that is configured to bear against the doorjamb when the door is closed. Accordingly, as the door is opened by a few millimetres the activation button disengages with the doorjamb and allows the seal member to be lifted clear of the floor, thereby reducing wear on the flexible portion as the door continues to be opened.

The automatic drop door seal therefore engages the floor when the door is closed and is retracted automatically when door is opened. The seal may be face mounted, semi-morticed or fully morticed into the door.

One of the difficulties is that doorway widths can vary considerably depending upon the age of construction, design or application. Since the seal operates on the interaction between the activation button at one side of the door and the doorjamb it is necessary to ensure the seal is accurately positioned while still being able to maintain an adequate seal along the entire length of the bottom of the door.

Accordingly, various length drop door seals are required so that the actuator or actuators are positioned appropriately to ensure lowering along the full width of the seal to provide contact with the door threshold.

Another difficulty with earlier drop door seals is that the seal can tend to jam against the door frame if it is not the correct length, which may lead to damage to the door frame, the door, or the drop seal.

It should be appreciated that any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification is included solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention and should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art was widely known or formed part of the common general knowledge in the field as it existed before the priority date of the application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention could broadly be understood to reside in a drop door seal for attachment to a door including, an elongate sealing member having a flexible part being movable vertically between retracted and extended positions, an activation member for abutment with a corresponding doorway, and first and second actuators attached to a biasing member or members for vertical movement of said elongate sealing member, the activation member and said first and second actuators being linked whereby said activation member acts on the first and second actuators to move the elongate sealing member into the extended position, wherein at least one of said first or second actuators having a modular configuration, in that a modular connecting rod is positionable between said first and second actuators to increase the distance therebetween, the modular connecting rod being connected at one end to either the first or second actuator, and pivotably connected at an opposite end to a linkage that links said first actuator to said second actuator, either the first or second actuator having a first end including a first coupling means and a second end including a second coupling means, and said modular connecting rod having first and second ends including coupling means corresponding to those of the ends of either the first or second actuator

The modular connecting rod may be rigidly connected to the first or second actuators. The modular connecting rod has the same configuration as either the first or second actuator. In this way the first or second actuator may be used as the modular connecting rod to increase the length of the apparatus. Multiple actuators can be joined together in series to form the required length. The corresponding biasing member can then be connected to a mount of a first modular unit in the series and the linkage can be connected to a last modular unit in the series.

In one form said linkage includes an actuator arm for pivotable connection to said first and second actuators or to the modular connecting rod, the actuator arm having at least one projection extending perpendicular to a longitudinal length of the actuator arm, the projection being elongate in a plane generally parallel to the length of the actuator arm, such that the projection can be inserted into a socket in said first or second actuator, or said connecting rod, the socket comprising a generally circular bore having a larger diameter than an opening of said socket, whereby the projection is inserted through the opening and rotated to thereby inhibit detachment of the projection from within the circular bore, while permitting the actuator arm to pivot relative the first or second actuator, or connecting rod.

The at least one projection is elongate so that insertion is possible, or at least easier, in one direction and when the actuator arm is rotated from the orientation of insertion, then removal of the projection from within the socket is inhibited. The projection has an elongate width that is greater than a thickness of the projection perpendicular to said plane. The elongate width of the projection is larger than the opening of the socket, while the thickness of the projection is small that than the opening of the socket. This means that the projection can be inserted through the opening and rotated so that the projection is inhibited from disengaging from the socket once it has been rotated.

In one form the actuator arm includes an elongate body having parallel vertical sides, and first and second projections extending outwardly in opposite directions from the vertical sides. The first and second projections may have a generally flattened oval shape cross section, wherein the flattened sides of each projection are parallel and align a longitudinal plane of the actuator arm.

The socket preferably opens to one side of the actuator or connecting rod, and more preferably is upwardly open.

The first and second actuator and/or modular connecting rod may include two spaced apart parallel flanges that extend outwardly in a longitudinal direction. Each flange may include a respective upwardly open socket having a generally circular bore and a narrower opening. The two bores coaxially align and are configured to pivotably support first and second projections therein to provide a pivot mount for the actuator arm.

In a preferred form the distance between the opposite flattened sides of the projection may be slightly greater than the width of the opening of the sockets in the actuator or connecting rod. This results in a snap lock that inhibits disengagement during assembly. Alternatively the distance between the flattened sides of the projections may be slightly less than the width of the opening of said sockets in the actuator or connecting rod, or the opening or flanges may be, at least slightly, deformable to permit the passage of said projections.

To attach the actuator arm to the actuator, or modular connecting rod, the actuator arm is positioned at right angles to the actuator or modular connecting rod such that the flattened narrower portion of the projections can be inserted through the respective openings of the sockets until the projections are supported within respective bores. A portion of the actuator arm is thereby positioned between the spaced apart parallel flanges. The actuator arm can then be pivoted about the projections to a position where an elongate side of each protection is positioned adjacent the narrower opening to thereby inhibit removal from within the respective sockets. This means that the projections cannot be disconnected unless the actuator arm is positioned at right angles to the actuator or connecting rod.

In use the limited lateral movement of the actuator arms and minor rotation of the spindle means that the narrower side of the elongate projection is not aligned with the opening during use. Furthermore even when the narrower side of the elongate projection is aligned with the opening a degree of force is required to insert or retract the projections. This inhibits unintentional disengagement during assembly.

Once the assembled the actuator arm, actuators and modular connecting rod are slidably located with the channel member of the drop door seal the actuator arm is prevented from being positioned at right angles to the adjoining actuator or modular connecting rod. Accordingly the drop door seal would need to be disassembled to be able to disengage the actuator arm. Furthermore, upon assembly of the drop door seal, the opening of the socket is held adjacent a blind end of the channel member to prevent removal of the projection.

An adjoining actuator and modular connecting rod may be interconnected by way of a spigot on said actuator or rod that engages with a socket in said actuator or rod.

In one form the modular connecting rod includes a socket at one end and a spigot at an opposite end. In this way different length modular connecting rods or multiple modular connecting rods can be coupled between the first and second actuators and more particularly between an actuator and an adjoining actuator arm. This means that the drop door seal can be adapted for use on different width doors without requiring significant modification. The quick coupling or snap lock configuration simplifies installation of the drop door seal and means that there are no pins that can be easily misplaced.

The spigot on the adjoining connecting rod may include an enlarged portion that is dimensioned to fit within the circular bore to lock the spigot within the socket. In one form the spigot includes a rounded ramp that fits into the circular bore of the socket. The rounded ramp has a barb type effect to lock the connecting rod by inhibiting removal of the spigot from within the socket. Furthermore, upon assembly of the drop door seal, the opening of the socket is held adjacent the blind end of the channel to prevent removal of the spigot.

The modular connecting rod may include a fin, extending outwardly in a longitudinal direction, having at least spigot. The spigot may be an elongate finger that extends in a horizontal direction outwardly from said fin. Preferably spigots extend outwardly from opposite sides of the fin and are engagable with the corresponding sockets in said spaced apart flanges of an adjacent modular connecting rod or actuator.

The sockets can thus act to accommodate pivoting of the actuator arms that connect to the spindle, and to lock into place two adjoining modular connection rods or a modular connecting rod to an actuator.

In another aspect of the invention there is proposed a drop seal kit for a door including a seal member movable vertically between an extended position and a retracted position with respect to the bottom of a door, by way of first and second actuators at least one of which being attached to a modular connecting rod, the first and second actuators being pivotably connected to a spindle by way of respective actuator arms, wherein the modular connecting rod includes at least one upwardly open socket comprising a generally circular bore of a larger diameter than an opening of said socket, the actuator arms including at least one projection extending perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the actuator arm, the projection being elongate in cross section such that the projection can be inserted in through the opening of a corresponding socket and rotated to thereby inhibit detachment of the actuator arm from within the circular bore while permitting the actuator arm to pivot relative the connecting rod.

In still another aspect the invention could be understood of reside in a connecting rod having a plurality of modules that can be coupled between first and second actuators of a drop door seal for increasing the distance between said first and second actuators.

In yet another aspect there is proposed a method of attaching a drop door seal to the lower portion of a door located within a doorway, including the steps of: a) attaching a downwardly open channel to said lower portion of the door; b) positioning a first actuator within the channel, wherein the first actuator is slidable therewithin and connected to a biasing means for connection to a movable sealing member having a flexible portion; a. positioning a first modular connecting rod within the channel whereby one end of the first modular connecting rod is connected to the first actuator and a second end is pivotably connected to a linkage; or b. positioning a linkage within the channel whereby the linkage is pivotably connected to the first actuator; c) positioning a second actuator within the channel, wherein the second actuator is slidable therewithin and connected to a depending biasing means for connection to a movable sealing member; a. positioning a second modular connecting rod between said linkage whereby one end of the second modular connecting rod is connected to the second actuator and a second end is pivotably connected to the linkage; or b. connecting second actuator to said linkage; d) connecting the movable sealing member to said depending biasing means; and e) connecting an activation button to a free end of the second actuator wherein the activation button is configured to bear against the doorway to move the first and second actuators to thereby urge the sealing member downwardly against a threshold of the doorway.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate implementations of the invention and, together with the description and claims, serve to explain the advantages and principles of the invention.

In the drawings,

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a drop door seal of the present invention;

Figure 2 is an end view of the drop door seal of figure 1;

Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of the connected actuator arm and first actuator being slidably inserted into the channel member;

Figure 4 is a partial perspective view of the actuator arm and first actuator of figure 3 illustrating the cooperating protrusions and sockets;

Figure 5 is a side view of the actuator arm of figure 3 at right angles to the first actuator wherein the protrusions can be inserted through the opening of the socket;

Figure 6 is a side view of the actuator arm of figure 5 being rotated with respect to the first actuator wherein the protrusion is held within the circular bore of the socket;

Figure 7 is a side view of the first actuator and modular connecting rod illustrating a spigot of the modular connecting rod for engagement with the socket of the first actuator;

Figure 8 is perspective view of the first actuator and modular connecting rod;

Figure 9 is a side view of the assembled spigot/socket configuration of figure 7 illustrating the enlarged barb engaging the sides of the bore; and

Figure 10 is a partial perspective view of the assembled first actuator and modular connecting rod of figure 8 illustrating the engagement of the enlarged portions with the internal surface of the circular bore.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED AND EXEMPLIFIED

EMBODIMENTS

There are numerous specific details set forth in the following description. However, from the disclosure, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and/or substitutions may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. In some circumstance specific details may have been omitted or enlarged so as not to obscure the invention. Similar reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a drop door seal 10 for attachment to a door 12, including a downwardly open channel member 14 having a movable drop seal member 16 supported therein. The downwardly open channel member 14 may be face mounted on the door 12, semi-mortised or fully mortised, as illustrated in figure 2. It should however be appreciated that the means for providing an even seal drop of the present invention could be used on drop seals of different configurations without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

The seal member 16 is moveable vertically between a retracted position and an extended position with respect to the bottom of the door 12 by way of biasing members 18, 20 that operate between the channel 14 and the seal member 16. The biasing members 18, 20 include respective leaf springs 22, 24 that are mounted to first and second actuators 26, 28 retained within an upper portion of the channel 14 by longitudinally extending cross members 30. An actuation button 32 being adjustably connected to actuator 26 is positioned such that it extends outwardly from within the channel 14 and clear of the side of the door 12 so that on closure of the door the actuator button 32 impels actuator 26 to slide laterally towards the centre of the drop door seal 10.

The first and second actuators 26, 28 are movably coupled by way of actuator arms 34, 36 and pivotable spindle 38. Accordingly as the actuator 26 slides laterally across it urges actuator 28 to likewise slide inwardly towards the centre. The coupling of the first and second actuators 26, 28 means that on inward movement of the first actuator, the second actuator moves inwardly to the same extent but in the opposite direction. The reverse or return action of the coupling may be assisted by the placement of a coiled return spring 40 between the actuator 26 and spindle housing 42.

The actuator arms 34, 36 include opposite ends configured to pivotably engage the spindle 38 and respective actuator 26, 28. The spindle 38 is pivotal around an axle shaft 44 that extends at right angles to the direction of sliding of the actuators 26, 28.

The spindle 38 pivotably connected to the spindle housing 42 by axle shaft 44 therefore couples the sliding movement of the first and second actuators 26, 28, but in an opposite direction. The actuator arms 34, 36 connect to the spindle 38 at an equal distance from the axle shaft 44, which ensures that the degree to which the actuators 26, 28 slide is substantially identical.

An end of each leaf spring 22, 24 are mounted to respective actuators 26, 28 and the other end of each spring is coupled to a mount 46 attached to the seal member 16. The location of the mounts 46 are indicated by dotted lines in figure 1. The first and second actuators may be equidistant from a longitudinal centre of the channel 14, which may coincide with a centre of action of the springs 22, 24. The reader will appreciate that the leaf springs are generally bowed downwardly and contact the seal member, to which they are fastened, either by the mounts 46 or a fastener such as a screw, or by the passing under a rod or similar capturing means on the seal member, to thereby enable positive retraction of the seal member 16 substantially within the channel 14. Modular connecting rods 48 may be positioned between the actuators and the actuator arms to increase the overall length of the drop door seal 10.

Figure 2 illustrates the seal member 16 in the retracted position wherein the actuator button 32 extends outwardly from the channel 14. On closure of the door 12, the actuator button 32 is pushed in by the doorjamb (not shown), which in turn pushes the first actuator 26 inwardly toward the centre of action of the spring, at the same time actuator arms 34, 36 and pivotable spindle 38 transfers the inwardly sliding movement to the second actuator 28, to ensure that both actuators move toward the centre of action of the spring to the same degree. This compression on the leaf springs 24, 24 cause them to bow further downwardly, thus extending them vertically downward, to urge the seal member 16 into an extended position, as illustrated by the dotted lines in figure 2. Retraction of the leaf springs 22, 24 is the reverse of the extension, in that as pressure on the actuator button 32 is released upon opening of the door, the springs are allowed to straighten out, and as such the drop seal 16 is drawn back up into the channel member 14 under the influence of the spring 22, 24.

As further illustrated in figures 1 and 2 the actuator button 32 is adjustable by way of adjustment screw 50 and spring 51, as is known in the art. The seal member 16 includes a U-shaped extrusion 52, and elastomeric seals 54, which in the illustrated embodiment are two parallel tubular members that act together to facilitate accommodation of uneven floor surfaces. The elastomeric seals 54 are retained within capturing channels 56 that extend longitudinally down the underside of the U-shaped extrusion 52.

The drop door seal 10 may also include resiliently flexible skirts 58 that extend down either side of the U-shaped extrusion 52 to inhibit the ingress of dirt or other foreign matter that could foul the drop seal mechanism. The resiliently flexible skirts 58 are retaining within respective side opening C-shaped channels 60 that extend down either side of the extrusion 52.

Turning to figures 3 to 6 for a more detailed explanation of one aspect of the present invention, there is illustrated a connecting means 70 demonstrating by way of example an arrangement in which the principles of the present invention may be employed. The drop door seal 10 includes actuator arm 34 having projections 72, 74 extending outwardly in opposite directions perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the actuator arm 34. The projections 72, 74 are elongate in cross section, such that the projections 72, 74 can be inserted into respective upwardly open sockets 76, 78 in the first actuator 26.

It should however be appreciated that sockets are also located in the modular connecting rod 48 or rods, and the following description also relates to the attachment of the actuator rod 36 to modular connecting rod 48 as illustrated in figure 1. Each socket 76, 78 comprises a generally circular bore 80 having a larger diameter than an opening 82 of the socket, as illustrated in figure 4.

As illustrated in figure 4 the projections 72, 74 have a generally flattened oval shape cross section, wherein the flattened sides 84, 86 of each projection are coplanar and align a longitudinal axis of the actuator arm 34.

As further illustrated in figure 4 the sockets 76, 78 may be located through spaced apart parallel flanges 88, 90 that extend outwardly in a longitudinal direction from the actuator 26. Each flange 88, 90 includes a respective upwardly open socket 76, 78 having a generally circular bore 80 wherein the bores coaxially align and are configured to pivotably support first and second projections 72, 74 therein to provide a pivot mount for the actuator arm 34.

The curved end 92 of the actuator arm 34 is positioned within groove 94 located intermediate of flanges 88, 90 to permit uninhibited pivoting of the actuator arm, within a range of angles relative the actuator 26.

As can be seen in figures 5 and 6, the distance between the flattened sides 84, 86 of the projection 72 is generally less than the width of the opening 82 of the socket 76. To attach the actuator arm 34 to the first actuator 26, as illustrated in figure 5, the actuator arm is positioned at right angles to the first actuator such that the flattened narrower portion of the projection 72 can be inserted through the opening 82 of the socket 76.

The actuator arm 34 can then be pivoted about the projections in the direction of arrow 96, as illustrated in figure 6, to a position where an elongate side of the protection 72 is positioned adjacent the narrower opening 82 to thereby inhibit removal. This means that the projections cannot be disconnected unless the actuator arm is positioned at right angles to the actuator 26 or as the reader would appreciate an adjoining modular connecting rod.

As illustrated in figure 3, once assembled the actuator arm is not able to be located at right angles because the actuator 26 and spindle housing 42 that secures ends of the actuator arm 34 are retained within the upper portion of the channel 14 by cross members 30. Accordingly the drop door seal 10 would need to be disassembled for the actuator arm to be disengaged. Furthermore, upon assembly of the drop door seal 10, the opening 82 of the socket 76 is held adjacent the blind end of the channel 14 to prevent removal of the projection 72.

Although not illustrated, in an alternate embodiment the actuator or modular connecting rod includes a fin including a projection or projections and the actuator arm includes at least one socket.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention as illustrated in figures 7 to 10, the sockets 76, 78 of actuator 28 are engagable with spigots 100, 102 on an adjoining modular connecting rod 48. In this way adjoining actuators and modular connecting rods are interconnection by way of a spigot that engages with the socket.

As illustrated in figure 1 the modular connecting rod 48 includes spigots 100, 102 at one end for connection to the second actuator 28, and sockets 76, 78 at the other end for pivotable engagement with the actuator arm 36.

In this way the sockets are used to interconnect adjacent modular connecting rods and actuators in a substantially fixed configuration and can also be used to pivotably connect the actuator or modular connecting rod to the actuator arm.

Different length modular connecting rods 48 or multiple modular connecting rods can be coupled between the actuators 26, 28 and the respective actuator arms 34, 36. This means that the drop door seal can be modified for use on different width doors without requiring significant modification or custom made seals. The quick coupling or snap lock configuration simplifies assembly of the drop door seal and means that there are no pins that can be easily misplaced.

As illustrate in figure 8 the modular connecting rod 48 includes a fin 104 that extends outwardly in a longitudinal direction. Spigots 100, 102 are positioned on either side of the fin 104 for engagement with sockets 76, 78.

The spigot 100, 102 include enlarged portions 106 that are dimensioned to fit within the circular bore 80 of the sockets to lock the spigot therein. In one form the enlarged portions 106 comprises a generally rounded ramp portion that can be forced through the opening 82 and engage with at least one side of the circular bore 80 of the socket. The rounded ramp has a barb type effect to lock the modular connecting rod by inhibiting removal of the spigot from within the socket. Furthermore, upon assembly of the drop door seal, the opening of the socket is held adjacent the blind end of the channel to prevent removal of the spigot.

As illustrated in figure 10 the enlarged portions 106 bear against the inside of the bore adjacent the opening to inhibit removal of the spigots. Accordingly some force is required to insert or retract the spigot.

The sockets 76, 78 can thus act to accommodate pivoting of the actuator arms that connect to the spindle, and to lock into place two adjoining connection rods or a modular connecting rod to an actuator.

Various features of the invention have been particularly shown and described in connection with the exemplified embodiments of the invention, however, it must be understood that these particular arrangements merely illustrate and that the invention is not limited thereto. Accordingly the invention can include various modifications, which fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. It should be further understood that for the purpose of the specification the word “comprise” or “comprising” means “including but not limited to”.

Claims

CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A drop door seal for attachment to a door including, an elongate sealing member having a flexible part being movable vertically between retracted and extended positions, and an operation train, the operating train comprising an activation member for abutment with a corresponding doorway, and first and second actuators attached to a respective biasing member or members for vertical movement of said elongate sealing member, a modular connecting rod is positionable between said first and second actuators to increase the distance therebetween, and a linkage that links said first actuator to said second actuator, each of the biasing members fixed at an upper end to its respective actuator, and fixed at a lower end to the elongate sealing member, said sealing member spaced apart from the operating train, the activation member, said first actuator, the linkage, the second actuator and the modular connecting rod being linked whereby movement of the activation member acts on the first and second actuators to move the elongate sealing member between the retracted and extended positions, the first and second actuator and the modular connecting rod being of rigid construction, and wherein at least one of said first or second actuators is configured the same as the modular connecting rod, wherein, the modular connecting rod comprises a fin extends outwardly in a longitudinal direction from a first end and a spigot that extends in a horizontal direction outwardly from the fin, a socket is formed in a second end of the modular connecting rod for engagement with the fin of an adjacent actuator or connecting rod, and both of said first and second actuators comprise a like socket, wherein said linkage includes an actuator arm for pivotable connection to said first and second actuators or to the connecting rod, the actuator arm having at least one projection extending perpendicular to a longitudinal length of the actuator arm, the projection being elongate in a plane generally parallel to the length of the actuator arm, such that the projection can be inserted into the socket in said first or second actuator, or said modular connecting rod, the socket further comprising a generally circular bore permitting the actuator arm to pivot relative the first or second actuator, or modular connecting rod.
2. The drop door seal in accordance with claim 1 wherein a single actuator or multiple actuators of the same configuration are used as the modular connecting rod or rods to increase the distance between first and second actuators.
3. The drop door seal in accordance with either claim 1 or 2 wherein a plurality of first or second actuators are joined together in series, wherein a corresponding biasing member is connected to a mount at one end of said series and the linkage is connected at an opposite end of said series.
4. The drop door seal in accordance with either claim 1 or 2 wherein said circular bore has a larger diameter than an opening of said socket, whereby the projection is inserted through the opening and rotated to thereby inhibit detachment of the projection from within the circular bore, while permitting the actuator arm to pivot relative the first or second actuator, or modular connecting rod.
5. The drop door seal in accordance with claim 4 wherein the at least one projection is elongate so that insertion is possible, or at least easier, in one direction and when the actuator arm is rotated from the orientation of insertion, then removal of the projection from within the socket is inhibited, whereby the at least one projection is inhibited from disengaging from within the socket once it has been inserted and rotated.
6. The drop door seal in accordance with claim 4 wherein the actuator arm includes an elongate body having generally parallel vertical sides, and first and second projections extending outwardly in opposite directions from the vertical sides.
7. The drop door seal in accordance with any one of the above claims wherein the first and second actuators and modular connecting rod each include two spaced apart parallel flanges that extend outwardly in a longitudinal direction.
8. The drop door seal in accordance with claim 7 wherein each of said parallel flanges includes a respective upwardly open socket having a respective generally circular bore and a narrower opening.
9. The drop door seal in accordance with claim 8 wherein said respective bores of the parallel flanges coaxially align and are configured to pivotably support first and second projections therein to provide a pivot mount for the actuator arm.
10. The drop door seal in accordance with claim 9 wherein the distance between the opposite flattened sides of the projection are slightly greater than the width of the opening of the sockets in the actuator or modular connecting rod, thereby forming a snap fitting that inhibits disengagement.
11. The drop door seal in accordance with claim 9 wherein the distance between the opposite flattened sides of the projections is slightly less than the width of the opening of said sockets in the actuator or connecting rod, or the opening, or two spaced apart flanges are, at least slightly, deformable to permit the passage of said projections.
12. The drop door seal in accordance with any one of the above claims wherein the first and second actuators and modular connecting rod are slidably located with a channel member of the drop door seal.
13. The drop door seal in accordance with claim 12 wherein an adjoining actuator and modular connecting rod is interconnected by way of the spigot on either the actuator or rod that engages with a socket in the adjoining actuator or rod, the spigot including an enlarged portion that is dimensioned to fit within the circular bore of an adjoining connector rod or actuator to thereby lock the spigot within the socket.
14. The drop door seal in accordance with claim 13 wherein the enlarged portion includes a rounded ramp that fits into the circular bore of the socket, the rounded ramp having a barb to lock the connecting rod by inhibiting removal of the spigot from within the socket.
15. The drop door seal in accordance with claim 13 wherein the modular connecting rod or actuator includes a fin, extending outwardly in a longitudinal direction, having at least one spigot thereon, the at least one spigot being an elongate finger that extends in a horizontal direction outwardly from said fin.
16. The drop door seal in accordance with claim 15 wherein first and second spigots extend outwardly from opposite sides of the fin and are engagable with the corresponding sockets in said spaced apart flanges of an adjacent connecting rod or actuator.
17. A drop seal kit for a door including, an elongate sealing member having a flexible part being movable vertically between retracted and extended positions, and an operation train, the operating train comprising an activation member for abutment with a corresponding doorway, and first and second actuators attached to a respective biasing member or members for vertical movement of said elongate sealing member, a modular connecting rod is positionable between said first and second actuators to increase the distance therebetween, and a linkage that links said first actuator to said second actuator, each of the biasing members fixed at an upper end to its respective actuator, and fixed at a lower end to the elongate sealing member, said sealing member spaced apart from the operating train, the activation member, said first actuator, the linkage, the second actuator and the modular connecting rod being linked whereby movement of the activation member acts on the first and second actuators to move the elongate sealing member between the retracted and extended positions, the first and second actuator and the modular connecting rod being of rigid construction, and wherein at least one of said first or second actuators is configured the same as the modular connecting rod, wherein, the modular connecting rod comprises a fin extends outwardly in a longitudinal direction from a first end and a spigot that extends in a horizontal direction outwardly from the fin, a socket is formed in a second end of the modular connecting rod for engagement with the fin of an adjacent actuator or connecting rod, and both of said first and second actuators comprise a like socket, wherein said linkage includes an actuator arm for pivotable connection to said first and second actuators or to the connecting rod, the actuator arm having at least one projection extending perpendicular to a longitudinal length of the actuator arm, the projection being elongate in a plane generally parallel to the length of the actuator arm, such that the projection can be inserted into the socket in said first or second actuator, or said modular connecting rod, the socket further comprising a generally circular bore permitting the actuator arm to pivot relative the first or second actuator, or modular connecting rod.