AU2014304295A1

AU2014304295A1 - Threshold seal and elongate seal member

Info

Publication number: AU2014304295A1
Application number: AU2014304295A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Paul CHUDLEY; Thomas KINGDON; Simon Klippel; Maria Powell; Jason Williams
Original assignee: Lorient Polyproducts Ltd
Current assignee: Assa Abloy Ltd
Priority date: 2013-08-09
Filing date: 2014-08-06
Publication date: 2016-03-31
Anticipated expiration: 2034-08-06
Also published as: WO2015019089A3; EP3030737B1; GB201314330D0; GB2516977A; GB2516977B; AU2014304295B2; HK1220750A1; EP3030737A2; ES2706151T3; WO2015019089A2

Abstract

A threshold seal comprises a casing, a seal carrier, and an actuation mechanism which is operable to move the seal carrier with respect to the casing between a retracted position and an extended position; wherein the actuation mechanism includes an actuation member movable relative to the casing to control deployment of the seal carrier; wherein movement of the actuation member is controlled by a button which protrudes from the casing; wherein the position of the button relative to the actuation member may be set to control the extent to which the button protrudes from the casing relative to the position of the actuation member; and wherein the button comprises a plurality of visual indicators which may be used to assist with setting the position of the button with respect to the actuation member, and wherein the position of the button relative to the actuation member is continuously variable between an outer position corresponding to a maximum protrusion of the button for a given actuation member position and an inner position corresponding to a minimum protrusion of the button for a given actuation member position.

Description

WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 1 THRESHOLD SEAL AND ELONGATE SEAL MEMBER TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a threshold seal and to an elongate seal member. 5 BACKGROUND Doors are typically installed with a clearance gap between the lower surface of the door and the floor surface or threshold over which the door moves to allow free movement of the door over the floor surface. However, in some cases it may be 10 desirable for a door to seal against the floor surface when the door is in its closed position, for example to improve fire resistance, thermal insulation and/or sound proofing. A seal may be provided between a door and a floor surface by a door seal or threshold seal. Typically a threshold seal has a sealing member which is held in a retracted 15 position with a clearance gap over the floor surface when the door is open to increase ease of movement of the door and avoid unnecessary wear of the floor surface. The sealing member is then moved into an extended position in which it contacts the floor surface to form a seal between the door and the floor surface as the door reaches its closed position. 20 SUMMARY According to an example, there is provided a threshold seal comprising a casing, a seal carrier, and an actuation mechanism which is operable to move the seal carrier with respect to the casing between a retracted position and an extended position; wherein the actuation mechanism includes an actuation member movable relative to 25 the casing to control deployment of the seal carrier; wherein movement of the actuation member is controlled by a button which protrudes from the casing; wherein the position of the button relative to the actuation member may be set to control the extent to which the button protrudes from the casing relative to the position of the actuation member; and wherein the button comprises a plurality of visual indicators 30 which may be used to assist with setting the position of the button with respect to the actuation member, and wherein the position of the button relative to the actuation WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 2 member is continuously variable between an outer position corresponding to a maximum protrusion of the button for a given actuation member position and an inner position corresponding to a minimum protrusion of the button for a given actuation member position. The button can be connected to the actuation member by a threaded 5 connection. The button can have an end surface facing away from the casing, and the end surface can comprise a recess or protrusion adapted to allow rotation of the button relative to the casing. At least two visual indicators can be provided. One or more of the visual indicators can be in the form of a band extending substantially around a circumference or perimeter of the button. The visual indicators can be colour coded. 10 One or more of the visual indicators can be recessed into the button or protrudes from the button. In an example, the actuation mechanism can include a first actuation element pivotally connected to the seal carrier at a first location, and a stabilising element pivotally connected to the seal carrier at a second location spaced from the first location; 15 wherein the first actuation element transmits a force to the seal carrier to move the seal carrier between the retracted position and the extended position, the force having a component aligned with a longitudinal axis of the seal carrier; and wherein the stabilising element is adapted to resist movement of the seal carrier in the direction of its longitudinal axis. The stabilising element can be a spring rod or leaf spring. The 20 stabilising element can be adapted to deflect to allow the seal carrier to move between the retracted position and the extended position. The first actuation element can be pivotally coupled to an actuation member which is movable relative to the casing between a first position corresponding to the retracted position of the seal carrier and a second position corresponding to the extended position of the seal carrier. The 25 actuation member can include a lug and the first actuation member includes a pair of lugs, wherein the lug of the actuation member is positioned between the lugs of the first actuation element. The actuation member can be slidably mounted in an actuation member guide block which is fixed to the casing. The actuation member can be moved in a direction aligned with a longitudinal axis of the seal carrier causing 30 the first actuation element to rotate with respect to the casing, thereby controlling movement of the seal carrier between the first and second positions. The stabilising element can have a hook which pivotally connects the stabilising element to the seal WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 3 carrier. The hook can be substantially U-shaped. The hook shape can be adapted to resist lateral movement of the seal carrier relative to the hook. The threshold seal can include a pin which couples the seal carrier to the leaf spring. The stabilising element can act to bias the seal carrier towards the retracted position. The stabilising element 5 can be fixed to a stabilising element mounting block which is fixed to the casing. The stabilising element can follow a single substantially continuous curve between the stabilising element mounting block and the hook. The casing can have open ends in its longitudinal direction which are covered by end plates. The casing can have first and second opposing side walls and a connecting wall 10 extending between the first and second side walls to define a substantially U-shaped channel section, and at least one of the side walls can include a region of increased wall thickness adjacent the connecting wall. At least one mounting block or guide block for mounting another component to the casing can be provided, wherein the mounting block or guide block can be attached to the casing by a mechanical fastener 15 passing through the region of increased thickness and through the mounting block or guide block. The seal member can be adapted to seal against a floor surface external to the threshold seal when in its extended position, and the seal member can include a wiper element which is integrally formed with the seal member, and the wiper element can be in sliding contact with an inner face of a side wall of the casing as the seal 20 member moves between the retracted position and the extended position. The wiper element can be adapted to form a substantially continuous seal between the seal member and the casing along substantially the entire length of the seal member in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the seal member. An actuation cable operable in tension to pull the seal carrier from the extended 25 position towards the retracted position can be provided and which is operable in compression to push the seal carrier from the retracted position towards the extended position. The actuation cable can have a first end which is attached to the seal carrier and a second end which is attached to an actuation member, the actuation member being movable relative to the casing between a first position corresponding to the 30 retracted position of the seal carrier and a second position corresponding to the extended position of the seal carrier. Biasing means for biasing the actuation member towards its first position can be provided. The biasing means can be a compression WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 4 spring. The compression spring can act between a retaining block fixed relative to the casing and the actuation member, and the compression spring can be captive in the retaining block. The actuation cable can be part of a Bowden push/pull cable assembly comprising a hollow outer sheath through which the actuation cable slides. 5 The hollow outer sheath can be fixed relative to a retaining block which is fixed relative to the casing. According to an example, there is provided an elongate seal member for use with the seal carrier of the threshold seal as provided herein, the seal member having a substantially A-shaped profile portion formed by first and second struts extending 10 from a common apex to first and second feet respectively and a linking section extending between the first and second struts, wherein a first contact point can be defined in the linking section between the first and second struts and second and third contact points are defined by the first and second feet respectively, the seal member being arranged such that, when the first contact point is deflected towards the apex 15 due to engagement with a surface, the second and third contact points are moved inwardly towards the first contact point and are compressed into the surface. The seal member can include a resiliently deformable material. The first contact point can be in the form of a bead or region of increased thickness formed in the linking section. The first, second and third contact points can extend substantially along the entire 20 length of the seal member. The linking section can have a convex shape extending outwardly away from the apex. The first contact point can be provided at an outer most point of the linking section with respect to the apex. According to an example, there is provided a threshold seal comprising a seal member as herein described. First and second engagement surfaces can be provided by first 25 and second recesses formed in opposing side faces of the actuation element, and the first and second engagement surfaces can be adapted to come into engagement with corresponding first and second surfaces of the seal carrier. The actuation mechanism can comprise a lever which is pivotally connected to the seal carrier. 30 WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 5 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a threshold seal according to an embodiment; 5 Figure 2 illustrates a partially exploded view of the threshold seal; Figure 3 illustrates an end view of the threshold seal; Figure 4 illustrates a cross-section view of the threshold seal; Figures 5a to 5c illustrate cross-section views of the casing, seal carrier and seal member of the threshold seal; 10 Figure 6 illustrates the lever and actuation rod sub assembly of the threshold seal; Figure 7 illustrates the spring rod of the threshold seal; Figure 8 illustrates an end view of the threshold seal in the extended position; Figures 9a and 9b illustrate partial cut-away views of the threshold seal in the retracted position and the extended position respectively; 15 Figures 10a and 10b illustrate cross-section views of the casing and seal carrier in the retracted and extended positions respectively in an alternative embodiment; and Figures 1la to lid illustrate parts of a Bowden push/pull cable actuation assembly used in another alternative embodiment. 20 DETAILED DESCRIPTION Example embodiments are described below in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to embody and implement the systems and processes herein described. It is important to understand that embodiments can be provided in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth 25 herein.

WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 6 Accordingly, while embodiments can be modified in various ways and take on various alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and described in detail below as examples. There is no intent to limit to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives 5 falling within the scope of the appended claims should be included. Elements of the example embodiments are consistently denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings and detailed description where appropriate. The terminology used herein to describe embodiments is not intended to limit the scope. The articles "a," "an," and "the" are singular in that they have a single referent, 10 however the use of the singular form in the present document should not preclude the presence of more than one referent. In other words, elements referred to in the singular can number one or more, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and/or "including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, items, 15 steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, items, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein are to be interpreted as is customary in the art. It will be further understood that 20 terms in common usage should also be interpreted as is customary in the relevant art and not in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Threshold seals can sometimes not drop evenly from a retracted position to an extended position, and/or may not apply pressure evenly into the floor surface along its length when in the extended position. Accordingly, the sealing performance of the 25 threshold seal may be reduced. Figure 1 illustrates a door seal or threshold seal 1 for forming a seal between a lower edge of a door and a floor surface or threshold over which the door moves according to an example. Figure 3 shows the threshold seal mounted in a recess formed in a lower edge of a door 100 above a floor surface 101. The threshold seal 1 includes a 30 casing 2, a seal carrier 3 and a seal member 4 as shown in Figures 2 to 4.

WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 7 The casing 2, shown in cross-section in Figure 5a, has a longitudinal axis and comprises first and second side walls 5,6, an open face 7, a connecting wall 8 between the side walls 5,6 and open end faces 9,10. The first and second side walls 5, 6 and the connecting wall 8 define a substantially U-shaped channel when the casing 2 is 5 viewed along its longitudinal axis. The first and second side walls 5,6 include first and second projecting portions 11,12 respectively, each extending towards the opposing side wall and dividing the interior of the casing 2 into first and second chambers 13,14. The first chamber 13 extends between the first and second side walls 5,6, the connecting wall 8 and the first and second projection portions 11, 12. The 10 second chamber 14 extends between the first and second side walls 5, 6, the open face 7 and the first and second projecting portions 11, 12. The casing also includes integral corner reinforcement portions 8' of increased wall thickness at the interfaces between the connecting wall 8 and the side walls 5 ,6. The casing 2 is an extruded aluminium component and has a substantially constant cross-sectional profile along its length. 15 The casing has a pair of end plates 9', 10' which are attached to its respective open ends 9,10, and fixed in place relative to a door in which the threshold seal is mounted by respective fasteners 10" (only one shown). The seal carrier 3 or rail, shown in cross-section in Figure 5b, has a longitudinal axis and comprises first and second side walls 15,16, an open face 17 and a base wall 18 20 extending between the first and second side walls 15,16. The first and second side walls 15,16 and the base wall 18 define a substantially U-shaped channel when the seal carrier 3 is viewed along its longitudinal axis. The base wall 18 includes a pair of seal member retaining arms 19 forming a central retaining channel 20. Each of the seal carrier side walls 15, 16 includes a stop surface 21 at the end adjacent the open 25 face 17. Each side wall also includes a recess 22 adjacent the stop surface 21 and a retaining protrusion 23 defining side retaining channels 24 in the side walls 15, 16. The seal carrier 3 is an extruded aluminium component and has a substantially constant cross-sectional profile along its length. The seal carrier is mounted within the second chamber 14 of the casing with its open face 17 facing upwards towards the 30 connecting wall 8 of the casing, as indicated in figure 3. The seal member 4 or gasket, shown in cross section in Figure 5c, has a longitudinal axis and comprises a base portion 25, first and second struts 26, a linking section 27 WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 8 and first and second side walls 28. When the seal member 4 is viewed in the direction of its longitudinal axis, the first and second struts 26 extend from an apex 29 which is joined to the base portion 25 to first and second feet 30. The linking section 27 extends between the first and second struts 26 to form a substantially A-shaped 5 profile. The linking section 27 has a convex shape extending outwardly away from the apex 29 and has a bead 27' or region of increased thickness located between the first and second feet 30. The linking section extends beyond the struts 26 to meet the base portion 25, forming a substantially D-shaped cross section overlapping with the A-shaped cross section, as shown in Figures 3 and 5c. 10 A substantially T-shaped retaining portion 30 extends outwardly from the base portion 25 in the opposite direction to the struts 26. The first and second seal member side walls 28 also extend outwardly from the base portion 25 in the opposite direction to the struts 26, and each have a clip or projection 31 and an integral wiper element 32 tapering away from the side walls 28 formed adjacent the clip 31 at the upper edges of 15 the side walls. The seal member 4 is extruded from an elastomeric material including a silicone based compound, and has a substantially constant cross-sectional profile along its length. The seal member 4 is mounted to the seal carrier 3 with the side walls 28 adjacent the seal carrier side walls 15,16 and with the bead 27' and the feet 30 facing downwardly 20 away from the seal carrier and towards the floor surface 101. The seal member 4 is secured to the seal carrier 3 by location of the T-shaped retaining portion 30 within the central retaining channel 20 and location of the clips 31 within the side retaining channels 24. The seal carrier 3 is mounted to the casing 2 by an actuation mechanism including an 25 actuation element or lever 33 connected to the seal carrier at a first location and a spring rod 34 connected to the seal carrier at a second location spaced apart from the first location, as shown in Figures 2 and 4. The lever 33 is pivotally connected to the seal carrier 3 at one end by a first pin 35a, and pivotally connected to an elongate actuation member or rod 36 at its other end by 30 a second pin 35b. The first pin 35a is sub-flush with the outer surfaces of the seal WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 9 carrier walls 15,16. The actuation rod 36 includes a brass actuator button 37 screw mounted to its end furthest from the lever. The actuation rod 36 is slidably mounted within the first chamber 13 by a guide block 38 providing a guide track which helps to restrict movement of the actuation member to linear movement in the longitudinal 5 direction of the seal carrier. By controlling the direction of movement of the actuation member, the guide track allows more accurate control of movement of the seal carrier. The guide block 38 is fixed to the casing by a fastener 39 which passes through the reinforced corner portions 8' of the casing 2. The lever 33 has a pair of lugs and the actuation rod 36 has a corresponding lug 10 located between the lever's lugs at the pivotal connection point. The lug arrangement acts to control movement of the lever, for example by preventing movement in a direction normal to the direction of movement of the seal carrier between the retracted position and the extended position and the longitudinal axis of the seal carrier, thereby allowing more accurate control of movement of the seal carrier. The lever lugs also 15 have a curved surface to reduce the probability of the lever jamming in operation. In some embodiments, the lever 33 has a pair of rollers 35b' located on alternate sides of the lever. The rollers 35b' may be in the form of wheels mounted on the second pin 35b at the point of pivotal connection with the rod 36 (as shown in Figures 2, 9a and 9b), and may be adapted to rotate relative to the lever 33. The rollers 35b' move 20 within roller tracks defined on each side of the casing between the first and second projecting portions 11, 12 and the corner reinforcement portions 8'. If no corner reinforcement portions 8' are present then the roller tracks may be defined between the first and second projecting portions 11, 12 and the connecting wall 8. In other embodiments the rollers may be replaced by projecting bosses 35b' which extend 25 outwardly from alternate sides of the lever 33, and which move within boss tracks defined on each side of the casing between the first and second projecting portions 11, 12 and the corner reinforcement portions 8' or between the first and second projecting portions 11, 12 and the connecting wall 8. The bosses may be integrally formed with the lever or may be attached thereto. 30 The rollers or bosses 35b' act to guide the movement of the lever 33 and the rod 36 by constraining vertical movement relative to the casing 2, thereby allowing more WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 10 accurate control of movement of the seal carrier 3. In some embodiments the rollers or bosses may be adapted to hold the lever 33 spaced apart from the connecting wall 8, so that friction within the actuation mechanism is reduced and the lever is less likely to jam in operation. In embodiments where the rollers or bosses are not 5 included, movement of the actuation rod 36 may still be guided by the guide block 38. In the embodiment shown in figure 2, the movement of the seal carrier is controlled by three different alignment mechanisms, that is by guide block 38, by the overlapping lugs of the lever 33 and the actuation rod 36, and by the rollers or bosses 35b'. In other embodiments a threshold seal may omit the overlapping lug and/or the roller 10 alignment mechanism. However, the combination of the guide block with the overlapping lugs and the rollers or bosses as described above allows optimised control of the movement of the seal carrier. The actuation rod 36 is movable relative to the casing 2 in the direction of the casing longitudinal axis between a first position (as shown in Figures 4 and 9a) in which the 15 button extends substantially beyond the open end 10 of the casing 2 and a second position (as shown in Figure 9b) in which the rod is moved further into the casing and the button protrudes less far from the open end 10. The actuation rod 36 has a compression spring 40 which is captive in the guide block 38 which acts to bias the actuation rod towards the first position. The lever 33 and actuation rod 36 sub 20 assembly is shown most clearly in Figure 6. The spring rod 34 is mounted to the casing 2 by a spring rod mounting block 41, as shown in Figure 7, which is fixed within the first chamber 13 by a fastener. The fastener 39 passes through the reinforced corner portions 8' of the casing 2. The spring rod 34 includes a U-shaped hook 42 at its end furthest from the mounting block 25 41. The hook 42 receives a pin 43 extending between the seal carrier side walls 15,16 to pivotally connect the spring rod 34 to the seal carrier 3. The pin 43 is sub-flush with the outer surfaces of the seal carrier walls 15,16. The spring rod 34 follows a continuously curved path between the mounting block 41 and the hook 42, as shown in Figure 4, when the threshold seal is assembled.

WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 11 By passing the fasteners used to connect the guide block 38 and the mounting block 41 to the casing 2 through the corner reinforcement portions 8' of increased wall thickness the fasteners are more securely retained by the casing. The corner reinforcement portions 8' also act to strengthen the corners of the casing 2. 5 The actuation mechanism is operable to move the seal carrier 3 and the seal member 4 with respect to the casing 2 between a retracted position (as shown in Figures 3, 4 and 9a) and an extended position (as shown in Figures 8 and 9b). The retracted position corresponds to the first position of the actuation rod 36 and the extended position corresponds to the second position of the actuation rod 36. In the retracted position 10 the seal member 3 is held above the floor surface 101 and the seal carrier 3 is substantially located within the second chamber 14 of the casing 2 with the stop surfaces 21 in contact with the projection portions 11,12 of the casing 2. In the extended position the seal member is moved downwardly with respect to the door 100 through the open face 7 of the casing 2 and forms a seal between the lower edge of the 15 door and the floor surface 101. The seal carrier 3 is moved from the retracted position to the extended position by depressing the button 37 to move the actuation rod 36 from the first position towards the second position. As the lever 33 is moved along the casing 2, the spring rod 34 resists lateral movement of the seal carrier in the direction of movement of the 20 actuation rod 36 due to a reaction force from the substantially vertical shank of the hook 42 acting on the pin 43. The lever 33 is therefore caused to rotate with respect to the casing 2 and so the seal carrier 3 is moved outwardly with respect to the casing 2 through the open face 7. The spring rod 34 deflects to allow the seal carrier 3 to move outwardly from the casing 2. 25 The seal carrier 3 is moved back from the extended position to the retracted position by releasing the button 37 so that the actuation rod is moved back from the second position towards the first position by the action of the compression spring 40. As the lever 33 is moved along the casing 2, the spring rod 34 again resists the lateral movement of the seal carrier in the direction of movement of the actuation rod 36 so 30 that the lever 33 is caused to rotate with respect to the casing 2, thereby moving the seal carrier 3 inwardly with respect to the casing 2 back through the open face 7. The WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 12 spring rod 34 also acts to bias the seal carrier 3 towards the retracted position and therefore assists with the return movement of the seal carrier. However, the compression spring 40 is capable of moving the seal carrier 3 back from the extended position to the retracted position independently of the spring rod 34 which is omitted 5 in some embodiments. When the seal carrier 3 moves towards the retracted position, the projecting portions 11,12 act as end-stops to prevent movement of the seal carrier beyond its intended retracted position, for example due to installation error or incorrect use. The projecting portions 11,12 therefore protect the actuation mechanism from compression 10 damage in the event of overloading of the seal carrier 3 in the return direction. The actuation rod 36 is moved into the casing 2 with a spring rate of approximately 1.1 Kg/mm and provides a 1:1.81 mechanical advantage ratio so that the seal carrier 3 moves in and out of the casing 2 at 1.81 times the rate of movement of the actuation rod. Having a mechanical advantage ratio is desirable so the seal member 4 can be 15 moved rapidly towards or away from the floor surface 101 as the door is closed and opened respectively, thereby minimising carpet drag or floor surface drag. Generally the mechanical advantage ratio is approximately 1:1.5 to 1:2 although in other embodiments different ratios are envisaged. The scissor action of the lever and the spring rod 34 acting through spaced-apart first 20 and second spaced attachment points ensures even deployment of the seal carrier 3 and acts to maintain even pressure between the seal member 4 and the floor surface 101 across the length of the threshold seal 1, therefore improving sealing efficiency. By resisting lateral movement of the seal carrier 3, the spring rod acts to ensure vertical deployment of the seal member towards the floor surface. By including both 25 the compression spring 40 and the spring rod 34 in the return action of the seal carrier, both acting through spaced-apart first and second spaced attachment points, the threshold seal ensures rapid and reliable retraction of the seal member 4 away from the floor surface 101. The button 37 has a threaded internal recess and is screw mounted onto the actuation 30 rod 36. The maximum travel of the seal carrier 3 is adjustable by moving the button WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 13 37 axially with respect to the actuation rod 36. The button may be moved continuously between an outer position in which it protrudes further from the end of the casing 2 to increase the maximum travel of the seal carrier 3 and an inner position in which it protrudes lass far to decrease the maximum travel of the seal carrier. The 5 button 37 is provided with colour coded bands 37' to assist with setting and adjusting the button position. For clarity only two bands are shown in figure 6, but the button may comprise any number of bands or markings distributed along its length. In an alternative embodiment the colour coded bands 37' may be replaced by one or more bands, grooves, recesses, protrusions or surface markings acting as visual indicators 10 for assisting with setting and adjusting the button position. The bands, grooves, recesses, protrusions or other surface markings may or may not be colour coded to assist with position setting. The button 37 also has a slotted head to facilitate rotation relative to the actuation rod. In an alternative embodiment the threshold seal may include more than one spring rod 15 pivotally connected to the seal carrier and/or more than one lever pivotally connected to the seal carrier. In another alternative embodiment the spring rod may be omitted, particularly for short threshold seals. When the seal carrier 3 is moved downwardly into the extended position and the seal member 4 is compressed into the floor surface 101, the central bead 27' and the first 20 and second feet 30 establish first, second and third contact points respectively. The contact points extend continuously along the length of the seal member and provide a seal between the lower edge of the door 100 and the floor surface 101. When the first contact point 27' is deflected towards the apex 29 due to engagement with the floor surface 101, the struts 26 are brought together so that the second and 25 third contact points 30 are moved inwardly towards the first contact point 27' and are compressed into the floor surface 101. By compressing the second and third contact points into the floor surface, the seal achieved between the seal member 4 and the floor surface 101 is improved. The wiper elements 32 are in sliding contact with the inner faces of the casing side 30 walls 5,6 as the seal member 4 moves between the retracted position and the extended WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 14 position. The wiper elements 32 form a continuous seal between the seal element 4 and the casing 2 along the length of the threshold seal 1. The wiper elements 32 act to prevent the propagation of sound waves through the threshold seal 1 between the casing 2 and the seal carrier 3 when the seal carrier is in 5 the extended position. The wiper elements 32 also reduce smoke penetration through the threshold seal 1 and ingress of dirt into the actuation mechanism. In an alternative embodiment there may be any number of wiper elements located on one or both of the seal member side walls 28. The wiper elements may or may not be adjacent clips 31 formed in the seal member side walls 28. 10 The inner faces of the casing side walls 5,6 are anodised to reduce friction between the wiper elements 32 and the casing 2. The ease of movement of the seal carrier between the retracted position and the extended position is therefore increased, and deformation and wear of the wiper elements 32 is minimised. The comparatively small size and tapered shape of the wiper elements 32 also act to reduce friction with 15 the casing side walls 5,6 The location of the wiper elements 32 adjacent the clips 31 acts to hold the clips within the side retaining channels 24 of the seal carrier due to the reaction force from the carrier side walls 5,6 acting through the wiper elements. The seal member 4 is therefore located more securely relative to the seal carrier 3. 20 The lever 33 includes a pair of recesses 33' formed in its side faces which provide a pair of engagement surfaces 33", as shown in Figure 6. The engagement surfaces 33" are in contact with the stop surfaces 21 of the seal carrier 3, as shown in Figures 2 and 9a. The engagement surfaces 33" act as an additional end stop for the seal carrier 3 (in addition to the projecting portions 11,12 of the casing 2). The engagement 25 surfaces 33" act to maintain the seal carrier 3 securely in the retracted position and to minimise movement and vibration of the seal carrier with respect to the casing 2, therefore reducing noise due to the relative movement of components of the threshold seal 1. In one embodiment of the invention, the casing 2 includes a pair of arms 11',12' 30 which are integrally formed with the projecting portions 11,12 and which extend WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 15 towards the open face 7 of the casing 2, as shown in Figures 10a and 10b. The arms 11',12' overlap with the seal carrier side walls 15,16 along the length of the threshold seal 1 when the seal carrier 3 is in the extended position, as indicated in Figure 10b. In this embodiment the width of the lever 33 is adjusted to fit between the arms 5 11',12'. The arms 11',12' cause sound waves travelling through the air through the threshold seal 1 to follow a longer path including additional corners and changes of direction (indicated by a dashed line in Figure 10b) compared to if the arms were not present. The tortuous route followed by sound waves passing through the threshold seal acts to 10 increase the attenuation of sound through the casing 2 so that sound insulation of the door 100 is improved. In another embodiment similar arms performing a similar function are provided by an insert or inserts placed in the casing. In one embodiment the door may be a side hinged door. In an alternative embodiment 15 the door may be a sliding door. In an alternative embodiment the threshold seal may be attached to an outside face of a door adjacent the door's lower edge. The threshold seal is manufactured and assembled according to the following steps: a) Screw the button 37 onto the actuation rod 36; 20 b) Push the compression spring 40 onto the actuation rod 36 and screw the spring into the guide block 38; c) Mount the actuation rod 36 and the lever 33 into a first retaining jig and press a spiral pin through the lugs of the actuation rod and the lever to pivotally connect the lever to the actuation rod; 25 d) Mount the pre-cut seal carrier 3 in a second retaining jig having two pillar drills and drill two holes extending through both side walls 15,16; WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 16 e) Push a third sub-jig for positioning the lever sub-assembly longitudinally with respect to the seal carrier 3 into the channel of the seal carrier; f) Press the spirol pin 43 for the spring rod into one of the holes through the seal carrier side walls 15,16; 5 g) Push the lever sub assembly up to the third sub-jig and press the spirol pin 35 through the other hole through the seal carrier walls 15,16 to pivotally connect the lever 33 to the seal carrier 3; h) Hook the spring rod 34 under the pin 43; i) Fit the seal member 4 to the seal carrier 3; 10 j) Slide the seal carrier assembly into the channel of the casing 2 so that the guide block 38 and the retaining block 41 are located in the first chamber 13; k) Fit the casing 2 into a fourth retaining jig having two pillar drills and drill two holes through the casing side walls 5,6 at the region of increased thickness 8', the first hole passing through the guide block 38 and the second hole passing 15 through the retaining block 41; 1) Press 2 spirol pins into the holes to fix the guide block 38 and the retaining block 41 relative to the casing; m) Remove the assembled seal carrier 1 and de-bur exposed corners; n) Fit the end plates 9',10'. 20 In each of the second and fourth retaining jigs, at least one of the drills is mounted on rails to allow the spacing of the holes to be varied so that different lengths of seal carrier may be assembled using the same jigs. By assembling the seal carrier 3 and actuation mechanism before inserting the guide block 38 and the mounting block 41 into the casing 2 the components may be 25 accessed and manipulated more easily than if some of the actuation mechanism components were already connected to the casing. By locating the actuation WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 17 mechanism components within the casing 2 after the actuation mechanism has been assembled the relative positions of the guide block 38 and the mounting block 41 may be controlled more easily and more accurately. Threshold seals according to the invention may be made in a variety of standard sizes, 5 for example from 200mm to 1000mm at 200mm intervals. The threshold seals may be cut to length as required before installation in a particular door. For example, if a door has a width of 750mm, a threshold seal in a standard size of 800mm may be cut down to size for fitting to the door. The threshold seals are therefore made with a free length (marked L on figure 4) which does not include any part of the actuation system 10 and may therefore be cut off as required without affecting the operation of the actuation mechanism. The lever 33 and push rod 36 actuation mechanism provides a compact deployment solution, measuring approximately 120 to 140mm from the open end 10 of the casing 2 to the pivotal connection point of the lever 33 to the seal carrier 3 in one 15 embodiment. The compact dimensions of the actuation mechanism allow very short standard lengths of threshold seal to be manufactured, for example as short as 200mm. Especially in very short threshold seals, for example 200mm long seals, the spring rod may be omitted. This enables a further reduction in the minimum length of the threshold seal so that smaller seals may be produced. 20 When manufacturing threshold seals of different standard lengths, the stiffness of the spring rod and/or the distance between the spring rod and the lever may be varied to provide maximised performance of the deployment system under different geometric and loading conditions. As the length of the threshold seal increases, the distance between the spring rod and the open end 9 of the casing 2 is generally increased. This 25 maintains optimum performance and also allows a greater reduction in length to fit the threshold seal to a particular door. In an alternative embodiment, movement of the seal carrier 3 is controlled by a Bowden push/pull cable, as shown in Figures 1la to lid. The Bowden cable actuation assembly includes an actuation cable 50, an outer sheath 51, a mounting 30 block 52, a hollow tube 53 and an actuation rod 36'.

WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 18 The mounting block is fixed within the first chamber 13 of the casing 2 and includes a first hole extending along its length in the longitudinal direction of the casing. The hollow tube 53 is mounted in the first hole through the mounting block 52, and the actuation rod 36' is slidably received inside the hollow tube 53. The mounting block 5 52 includes a lower portion 52' which extends into the second chamber 14 and has a second hole extending towards the open face 7 of the casing 2, that is perpendicular to the first hole. The outer sheath 51 extends between the first hole and the second hole to provide a pathway between the two holes. The actuation cable 50 has a first end which is attached to the seal carrier 3 via a 10 mounting block 54 and a second end which is attached to the actuation rod 36'. The actuation cable 50 passes through the outer sheath 51 and is slidably movable within the sheath. As in previous embodiments, the actuation rod 36' is movable between a first position (shown in Figure 1 1c) corresponding to the retracted position of the seal carrier 3 and 15 a second position (shown in Figure 1ld) corresponding to the extended position of the seal carrier. The actuation rod 36' is biased towards the first position by a compression spring 40 which is captive in the retaining block. When the actuation rod 36' is moved from the first position towards the second position, the actuation cable 50 operates in compression to push the seal carrier 3 from 20 the retracted position towards the extended position. The downward movement of the seal carrier is also assisted by gravity. When the actuation rod 36' is moved from the second position towards the first position, the actuation cable 50 operates in tension to pull the seal carrier 3 from the extended position towards the retracted position. The Bowden cable actuation assembly allows a single cable to control movement of 25 the seal carrier in both directions between the retracted position and the extended position. The actuation assembly is simple, rugged, easy to manufacture and assemble and has a low parts count. Optionally, the threshold seal 1 may include additional biasing means for biasing the seal carrier 3 towards the extended position to assist with downward movement of the seal carrier and compression of the seal member 4 30 into the floor surface 101.

WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 19 In one embodiment a single Bowden cable actuation assembly is located at or near the middle of the seal carrier 3. The location of the actuation assembly near the middle of the seal carrier ensures the seal carrier drops evenly and that the seal member 4 is evenly compressed into the floor surface 101 when in the extended position. In other 5 embodiments, for example if the threshold seal is too long to ensure efficient operation with a single central actuation mechanism, multiple Bowden cable actuation assemblies may be used to control movement of the seal carrier 3. According to an example, a threshold seal can comprise a casing, a seal carrier with a longitudinal axis and an actuation mechanism which is operable to move the seal 10 carrier with respect to the casing between a retracted position and an extended position; wherein the actuation mechanism includes a first actuation element pivotally connected to the seal carrier at a first location, and a stabilising element pivotally connected to the seal carrier at a second location spaced from the first location; wherein the first actuation element transmits a force to the seal carrier to move the 15 seal carrier between the retracted position and the extended position, the force having a component aligned with the seal carrier longitudinal axis; and wherein the stabilising element is adapted to resist movement of the seal carrier in the direction of its longitudinal axis. By resisting movement of the seal carrier in the direction of its longitudinal axis the 20 stabilising element may ensure accurate deployment of the seal carrier in the desired direction. By pivotally connecting the first actuation element and the stabilising element to the seal carrier at spaced-apart locations, the actuation mechanism may ensure even deployment of the seal carrier. The actuation mechanism may also ensure pressure is evenly transmitted from the seal carrier through a seal member into a floor 25 surface or threshold along the length of the threshold seal, thereby forming an efficient seal against the floor surface. The stabilising element may act to bias the seal carrier towards the retracted position. The stabilising element may therefore form part of a return mechanism. Alternatively the stabilising element may not act to bias the seal carrier towards the retracted 30 position and may only act to control movement of the seal carrier in its longitudinal direction. For example the stabilising element may be a stiff rod pivotally connected WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 20 to the casing which constrains movement of the seal carrier in its longitudinal direction without biasing the seal carrier towards the retracted position. The stabilising element may be a spring rod, that is a rod which is elastically deformable in the manner of a leaf spring. Alternatively the stabilising element may 5 be a leaf spring or a lever or a spar or a piston or any other type of element for resisting movement. The stabilising element may be adapted to deflect to allow the seal carrier to move between the retracted position and the extended position. Alternatively the stabilising element may be adapted to pivot or slide or react in some other way to allow 10 movement. The actuation element may be a lever. Alternatively the actuation element may be a cam, a cable, a piston or any other type of actuator capable of providing an actuation force with a component in the direction of travel of the seal carrier between the retracted position and the extended position and a component aligned with the seal 15 carrier longitudinal axis. The first actuation element may be pivotally coupled to an actuation member which is movable relative to the casing between a first position corresponding to the retracted position of the seal carrier and a second position corresponding to the extended position of the seal carrier. Alternatively the first actuation element may contact the 20 actuation member via a cam surface or a lever or via some other linkage or mechanism. The actuation member may include a lug and the first actuation member may include a pair of lugs. The lug of the actuation member may be positioned between the lugs of the first actuation element. The lugs may act to limit movement of the first actuation 25 element, for example by preventing movement in a direction normal to the direction of movement of the seal carrier between the retracted position and the extended position and the longitudinal axis of the seal carrier. The movement of the seal carrier relative to the casing may therefore be more accurately controlled. In an alternative embodiment the first actuation element may have a lug positioned between two lugs 30 of the actuation member.

WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 21 The actuation member may be slidably mounted in an actuation member guide block which is fixed to the casing. The guide block may provide a guide track in which the actuation member moves, and the guide track may confine movement of the actuation member to the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal direction of the seal carrier. 5 By controlling movement of the actuation member, the movement of the seal carrier relative to the casing may be more accurately controlled. The actuation member may be moved in a direction aligned with the seal carrier longitudinal axis causing the first actuation element to rotate with respect to the casing, thereby controlling movement of the seal carrier between the first and second 10 positions. The stabilising element may have a hook which pivotally connects the stabilising element to the seal carrier. Alternatively the stabilising element may have another feature for connecting to the seal carrier, for example a lug or a looped end portion. The stabilising element may be hooked or clamped or pinned to the seal carrier. 15 The hook may be substantially U-shaped. Alternatively the hook may be S-shaped or have any other hook shape. The hook shape may be adapted to resist lateral movement of the seal carrier relative to the hook. For example the hook may include a face or feature adapted to transmit a force to the seal carrier in the direction of its longitudinal axis to resist movement in 20 the longitudinal axis direction. The threshold seal may include a pin which couples the seal carrier to the stabilising element. The pin may be received in a bend of the hook. Alternatively the hook may be coupled to a hook, a loop, a hole or a recess associated with the seal carrier. The stabilising element may be fixed to a stabilising element mounting block which is 25 fixed to the casing. Alternatively the stabilising element may be attached directly to the casing. Where the stabilising element is a spring rod or leaf spring, the stabilising element may follow a single substantially continuous curve between the stabilising element WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 22 mounting block and the hook. Alternatively the stabilising element may have a varying profile along its length. The casing may have open ends in its longitudinal direction which are covered by end plates. The end plates may act to protect the internal mechanism of the threshold seal, 5 provide attachment points for attaching the threshold seal to a door and constrain movement of the seal carrier in the direction of its longitudinal axis. The combination of the first actuation element and the actuation member provides a compact actuation mechanism, therefore allowing very short lengths of threshold seal to be manufactured. The threshold seal may be manufactured in standard lengths, for 10 example as short as 200mm. Especially in very short threshold seals, for example 200mm long seals, the spring rod may be omitted. This enables a further reduction in the minimum length of the threshold seal so that smaller seals may be produced. In this case the first actuation element may act alone to deploy and retract the seal carrier. 15 According to an example, there is provided a method for assembling a threshold seal having a seal carrier which is movable with respect to a casing between a retracted position and an extended position, the method comprising the steps of: pivotally connecting a first actuation element to the seal carrier at a first location, pivotally connecting a stabilising element to the seal carrier at a second location spaced from 20 the first location, and then connecting the first actuation member and the stabilising element to the casing. By connecting the first actuation element and the stabilising element to the seal carrier before attaching the first actuation element and the stabilising element to the casing, the components of the seal carrier may be more easily accessed and manipulated 25 during assembly than if the first actuation element and/or the stabilising element were already connected to the casing. Therefore the time, cost and complexity of assembling the seal carrier is reduced. The assembly procedure is also rendered less hazardous because there is reduced need to manipulate sprung components within a confined space.

WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 23 The first actuation element and the stabilising element may be pivotally connected to the seal carrier before the first actuation member and the stabilising element are inserted into the casing. By first assembling the seal carrier, first actuation element and stabilising element as a sub assembly, the components of the sub assembly may 5 be more quickly and readily inserted into the casing in a single operation and the seal member may be used to help set the relative positions of the first actuation member and the stabilising element within the casing. The stabilising element may coupled to a mounting block, and the stabilising element may be connected to the casing by inserting the mounting block into the casing, 10 positioning the mounting block within the casing, and fixing the mounting block to the casing. Alternatively the stabilising element may be attached directly to the casing. The first actuation element may be movably mounted to the casing via a guide block, and the guide block may be connected to the casing by sliding the guide block into the casing, positioning the guide block within the casing, and fixing the guide block to the 15 casing. The first actuation element may be connected to the casing by pivotally coupling the first actuation element to an actuation member and slidably mounting the actuation member within the casing. The actuation member may be slidably mounted to the casing by a guide block, and the guide block may be connected to the casing by 20 sliding the guide block into the casing, positioning the guide block within the casing, and fixing the guide block to the casing. The mounting block and/or the guide block may be connected to the casing by boring a hole through the casing and into the mounting block or guide block and attaching the mounting block or guide block to the casing using a fastener. The boring operation 25 may, for example, be a drilling operation. By positioning the mounting block and/or the guide block in the casing before boring a hole and attaching the mounting block and/or the guide block, the position of the blocks may be easily and accurately set relative to the casing. Alternatively the method comprising the step of aligning mounting block or the guide 30 block with a pre-existing hole in the casing, boring a hole into the mounting block or WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 24 the guide block aligned with the pre-existing hole, and attaching the mounting block or guide block to the casing using a fastener. Alternatively, both the casing and/or the mounting block or guide block may have complimentary pre-existing holes which are aligned when the mounting block or guide block is inserted into the casing. 5 According to an example, there is provided a threshold seal comprising a casing, wherein the casing has first and second opposing side walls and a connecting wall extending between the first and second side walls to define a substantially U-shaped channel section, wherein at least one of the side walls includes a region of increased wall thickness adjacent the connecting wall. 10 The region of increased thickness may provide corner reinforcement at a corner formed between one of the casing side walls and the connecting wall. The region of increased thickness may also provide a region of increased strength for attaching other components to the casing. The threshold seal may further comprise at least one mounting block or guide block 15 for mounting another component to the casing, and the mounting block or guide block may be attached to the casing by a mechanical fastener passing through the region of increased thickness and through the mounting block or guide block. By passing the fastener through the region of increased thickness, the fastener may be more securely retained within the casing. 20 The region of increased thickness may provide a lip or shoulder against which the mounting block or guide block sits. Engagement of the mounting block or guide block with the lip or shoulder may assist with accurate and secure location of the mounting block or guide block relative to the casing. The casing may have a longitudinal axis and the region(s) of increased thickness may 25 extend substantially along the length of the casing in the longitudinal axis direction. According to an example, there is provided a threshold seal comprising a casing and a seal member, wherein the seal member is movable relative to the casing between a retracted position and an extended position and adapted to seal against a floor surface external to the threshold seal when in its extended position, wherein the casing has a WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 25 side wall with an inner face, wherein the seal member includes a wiper element which is integrally formed with the seal member, and wherein the wiper element is in sliding contact with the inner face of the side wall as the seal member moves between the retracted position and the extended position. 5 The wiper element may act to substantially prevent or reduce the propagation of sound waves through the threshold seal and to reduce smoke penetration through the threshold seal. The seal member may have a longitudinal axis. The wiper element may extend along substantially the entire length of the seal member in the direction of the longitudinal 10 axis. The wiper element may be adapted to form a substantially continuous seal between the seal member and the casing along substantially the entire length of the seal member in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The wiper element may be tapered away from the seal member and towards the inner 15 face of the side wall. The contact area and the friction between the wiper element and the casing may therefore be reduced. The seal member may have a height in the direction of movement between the retracted position and the extended position, and a contact patch defined between the wiper element and the inner face of the side wall may have a width in the direction of 20 movement between the retracted position and the extended position, and the width of the contact patch may be less than 20% of the height of the seal member, preferably less than 10% and most preferably less than 5% or less than 1%. The comparatively small width of the contact patch may decrease the operating friction between the wiper element and the casing. 25 The seal member may be carried on a seal carrier which is movable relative to the casing to move the seal member between the retracted position and the extended position. The seal member may include a projection or clip which extends into a recess provided in the seal carrier to retain the seal member relative to the seal carrier. The projection may be adjacent the wiper element. By providing the projection WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 26 adjacent the wiper element, the wiper element may provide a reaction force due to its contact with the casing which acts to bias the projection into the recess to ensure secure location of the projection within the recess. The material of the seal member may include an elastomeric material. The material of 5 the seal member may include a silicone based compound. The seal member may include more than one of the wiper elements in sliding contact with the same side wall inner face. The casing may comprise first and second opposing side walls each having an inner face, the seal member may include first and second wiper elements, the first wiper 10 element may be adapted to be in sliding contact with the inner face of the first side wall as the seal carrier moves within the casing, and the second wiper element may be adapted to be in sliding contact with the inner face of the second side wall as the seal carrier moves relative to the casing. According to an example, there is provided an elongate seal member having a 15 substantially A-shaped profile portion formed by first and second struts extending from a common apex to first and second feet respectively and a linking section extending between the first and second struts, wherein a first contact point is defined in the linking section between the first and second struts and second and third contact points are defined by the first and second feet respectively, the seal member being 20 arranged such that, when the first contact point is deflected towards the apex due to engagement with a surface, the second and third contact points are moved inwardly towards the first contact point and are compressed into the surface. By compressing the second and third contact points into the floor surface, the seal achieved between the seal member and the surface may be improved. 25 The seal member may include a resiliently deformable material. The first contact point may be in the form of a bead or region of increased thickness formed in the linking section. Alternatively the linking section may have an approximately constant thickness.

WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 27 The first, second and third contact points may extend substantially along the entire length of the seal member, for example if the seal member is formed by extrusion. The linking section may have a convex shape extending outwardly away from the apex. 5 The first contact point may be provided at an outer-most point of the linking section with respect to the apex. The seal member may be included in a threshold seal for sealing a gap between a door and a floor surface. Alternatively, the seal member may be a static seal, for example it may be used around the edges of a door or window to seal against a door or window 10 frame. According to an example, there is provided a threshold seal comprising a seal carrier and an actuation element operable to move the seal carrier between a retracted position and an extended position, the actuation element having at least one engagement surface which is adapted to come into engagement with at least one 15 surface of the seal carrier when the seal carrier is in the retracted position, thereby acting as an end stop. The engagement surface may only come into contact with the surface of the seal carrier when the seal carrier reaches the retracted position. The engagement of the engagement surface with the upper surface of the seal carrier 20 may prevent movement and/or vibration of the seal carrier within a casing when the seal carrier is in the retracted position. The engagement surface may be provided by a recess formed in a side face of the actuation element. Alternatively the engagement surface may be provided by a protrusion extending from the actuation element or by another component attached to 25 the actuation element. First and second engagement surfaces may be provided by first and second recesses formed in opposing side faces of the actuation element, and the first and second engagement surfaces are adapted to come into engagement with corresponding first WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 28 and second surfaces of the seal carrier. Alternatively only one engagement surface may be provided on one side face of the actuation element. According to an example, there is provided a threshold seal comprising a casing and a seal carrier, the seal carrier being movable relative to the casing between a retracted 5 position and an extended position, wherein the casing has first and second opposing side walls and an open face through which the seal carrier passes as it moves between the first and second positions, wherein at least one of the side walls has a projecting portion extending towards the other side wall, wherein the projecting portion includes an arm which extends away from the projecting portion towards the open face, and 10 wherein at least a portion of the seal carrier overlaps with the arm when the seal carrier is in the extended position. The projecting portion may be an end stop for limiting movement of the seal carrier within the casing. The threshold seal may have a longitudinal axis and a length in the direction of the 15 longitudinal axis, and the arm may extend substantially along the length of the threshold seal. According to an example, there is provided a threshold seal having a longitudinal axis and a length in the direction of the longitudinal axis, the threshold seal comprising a casing and a seal carrier, the seal carrier being movable relative to the casing between 20 a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the casing has first and second opposing side walls and an open face through which the seal carrier passes as it moves between the first and second positions, wherein the casing comprises an insert having at least one arm extending towards the open face, wherein the arm extends along substantially along the length of the threshold seal, and wherein at least a portion of 25 the seal carrier overlaps with the arm when the seal carrier is in the extended position. The arm may cause sound waves travelling through the air through the threshold seal to follow a longer path including additional corners and changes of direction compared to if the arm was not present. The tortuous route followed by sound waves passing through the threshold seal may act to increase the attenuation of sound WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 29 through the casing, therefore improving the sound insulation provided by the threshold seal. The seal carrier may comprises first and second side walls, and the arm may be located between the side walls of the seal carrier when the seal carrier is in the 5 extended position. Alternatively the seal carrier may have only one wall or more than two walls which overlap with the arm. The casing may comprise first and second arms and the arms may be located between the side walls of the seal carrier when the seal carrier is in the extended position. The first and second arms may be provided on first and second projecting portions 10 extending outwardly from the first and second casing side walls respectively. The casing may further comprise a connecting wall opposing the open face which extends between the first and second side walls to define a substantially U-shaped channel. According to an example, there is provided a threshold seal comprising a casing and a 15 seal carrier which is movable relative to the casing between a retracted position and an extended position, the threshold seal further comprising an actuation cable which is operable in tension to pull the seal carrier from the extended position towards the retracted position and operable in compression to push the seal carrier from the retracted position towards the extended position. 20 The push/pull cable actuation assembly may allow a single cable to control movement of the seal carrier in both directions between the retracted position and the extended position. The actuation assembly is simple, rugged, easy to manufacture and assemble and has a low parts count. The actuation cable may have a first end which is attached to the seal carrier and a 25 second end which is attached to an actuation member, and the actuation member may be movable relative to the casing between a first position corresponding to the retracted position of the seal carrier and a second position corresponding to the extended position of the seal carrier.

WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 30 The threshold seal may further comprise biasing means for biasing the actuation member towards its first position. The biasing means may, for example, be a compression spring. The compression spring may act between a retaining block fixed relative to the casing and the actuation member, and the compression spring may be 5 captive in the retaining block. The actuation cable may be part of a Bowden push/pull cable assembly comprising a hollow outer sheath through which the actuation cable slides. Alternatively the actuation cable may run through another type of housing, for example a guiding block with a hole for receiving the cable. Alternatively the cable may be sufficiently stiff to 10 be self-supporting between the actuation member and the seal carrier. The hollow outer sheath may be fixed relative to a retaining block which is fixed relative to the casing. The stabilising element of the first aspect of the invention may be used in combination with the actuation cable of the ninth aspect. 15 According to an example, there is provided a threshold seal comprising a casing, a seal carrier, and an actuation mechanism which is operable to move the seal carrier with respect to the casing between a retracted position and an extended position; wherein the actuation mechanism includes a first actuation element and an actuation member; wherein the actuation member is movable relative to the casing between a 20 first position corresponding to the retracted position of the seal carrier and a second position corresponding to the extended position of the seal carrier; wherein the first actuation element is pivotally connected to the seal carrier and pivotally connected to the actuation member and is adapted to rotate and translate relative to the casing under the action of the actuation member to control deployment of the seal carrier; wherein 25 the first actuation element is provided with one or more wheels or bosses which run in one or more corresponding tracks provided in the casing. A boss is defined as a fixed protrusion, preferably with rounded sides or a circular cross section. A wheel is defined as a rotating element with a substantially circular cross section. Therefore a boss is rotationally fixed with respect to the first actuation 30 element and a wheel can rotate relative to the first actuation element.

WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 31 The wheels or bosses may act to improve control of the movement of the first actuation element as the actuation mechanism is operated, thereby allowing more efficient operation of the actuation mechanism and more accurate deployment of the seal carrier. 5 The first actuation element may be provided with two wheels or bosses on alternate sides of the first actuation element. By providing a pair of opposing wheels or bosses the stability of the actuation mechanism is improved. The wheels or bosses may be co-axially aligned with a pivot axis of the pivotal connection between the first actuation element and the actuation member. 10 The first actuation element may be pivotally connected to the actuation member by a pin, and the wheels may be mounted on the pin. The wheels may be adapted to rotate on or with the pin. By mounting the wheels on a common pin with the first actuation element and the actuation member the wheels may improve control of the movement of the actuation member. 15 The wheels may be adapted to rotate relative to the first actuation element or alternatively the bosses may remain rotationally fixed relative to the first actuation element. Non-rotating bosses may be integrally formed with or otherwise attached to the first actuation element. The casing may have a longitudinal axis and the tracks may be substantially aligned 20 with the longitudinal axis. The wheels or bosses may, therefore be constrained to move substantially only in the direction of the casing longitudinal axis. The activation member may move in the direction of the casing longitudinal axis as the actuation mechanism is operated. The seal member may be deployed and retracted along a second axis substantially 25 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the casing. The wheels or bosses and the tracks may cooperate to allow the first actuation element to translate in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the casing but substantially prevent translational movement of the first actuation element in the direction of the second axis. The first actuation element may rotate relative to the casing about the wheels or bosses.

WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 32 The wheels or bosses and the tracks may cooperate to hold the first actuation element spaced apart from one or more inner surfaces of the casing as the actuation mechanism is operated. According to an example, there is provided a threshold seal comprising a casing, a 5 seal carrier, and an actuation mechanism which is operable to move the seal carrier with respect to the casing between a retracted position and an extended position; wherein the actuation mechanism includes an actuation member movable relative to the casing to control deployment of the seal carrier; wherein movement of the actuation member is controlled by a button which protrudes from the casing; wherein 10 the position of the button relative to the actuation member may be set to control the extent to which the button protrudes from the casing relative to the position of the actuation member; and wherein the button comprises a plurality of visual indicators which may be used to assist with setting the position of the button with respect to the actuation member. 15 By varying the extent to which button protrudes from the casing for a given actuation member position, the range of movement of the button (and therefore the range of movement of the actuation member and therefore the seal carrier) can be controlled. For example, if the protrusion of the button is increased, the distance through which the button is moved as it is pushed flush with the casing is increased, thereby 20 increasing the distance through which the actuation member is moved, thereby increasing the maximum displacement of the seal carrier. By providing the button with visual indicators the position of the button relative to the actuation member may be more easily and accurately set. For example, the extent to which the button protrudes from the casing may be set to a predetermined extent or adjusted using the 25 visual indicators as a guide. The position of the button relative to the actuation member may be continuously variable between an outer position corresponding to a maximum protrusion of the button for a given actuation member position and an inner position corresponding to a minimum protrusion of the button for a given actuation member position. 30 Alternatively the button may be movable to a plurality of different discrete positions relative to the actuation member.

WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 33 The button may be connected to the actuation member by a threaded connection. For example the button may have a threaded recess corresponding to an outer threaded portion of the actuation member or vice-versa. The button may therefore be rotated relative to the casing to vary the position of the button relative to the actuation 5 member. The button may have an end surface facing away from the casing, and the end surface may comprise a recess or protrusion adapted to allow rotation of the button relative to the casing. The recess or protrusion may, for example, comprise a slot or a cross or a hexagonal recess adapted to be operated by a screw driver, hex key or similar. 10 There may be at least two visual indicators. There may for example be between two and six indicators or in some cases more than six indicators. There may generally be any number of indicators as required, but preferably the number of indicators is limited to a reasonable number so that the indicators may be easily read. One or more of the visual indicators may be in the form of a band extending 15 substantially around a circumference or perimeter of the button. The indicators may, therefore, be easily read from any angle and remain visible as the button is rotated to set its position relative to the actuation member. The visual indicators may be colour coded. The colour codes may correspond to particular positions of maximum extension of the seal carrier. Alternatively the visual 20 indicators may be differentiated by numbers or other markings. Alternatively the markings may be similar or identical to each other. One or more of the visual indicators may be recessed into the button or may protrude from the button. A visual indicator may, for example, comprise a recessed groove or a protruding band either with or without colour coding or other markings. Alternatively 25 a visual indicator may be applied to the button without substantially changing the profile of the button. A visual indicator may, for example, be painted or printed or applied as a surface finish or surface markings. The skilled person will appreciate that the features of any of the aspects of the invention may be combined with the features of other aspects of the invention.

WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 34 Alternatively any aspect of the invention may be employed separately from any other aspect of the invention. Thus, a threshold seal according to an example can comprise a casing, a seal carrier, and an actuation mechanism which is operable to move the seal carrier with respect to 5 the casing between a retracted position and an extended position; wherein the actuation mechanism includes an actuation member movable relative to the casing to control deployment of the seal carrier; wherein movement of the actuation member is controlled by a button which protrudes from the casing; wherein the position of the button relative to the actuation member may be set to control the extent to which the 10 button protrudes from the casing relative to the position of the actuation member; and wherein the button comprises a plurality of visual indicators which may be used to assist with setting the position of the button with respect to the actuation member. The position of the button relative to the actuation member can be continuously variable between an outer position corresponding to a maximum protrusion of the 15 button for a given actuation member position and an inner position corresponding to a minimum protrusion of the button for a given actuation member position. The button can be connected to the actuation member by a threaded connection. The button can have an end surface facing away from the casing, wherein the end surface comprises a recess or protrusion adapted to allow rotation of the button relative to the casing. 20 There may be at least two visual indicators. One or more of the visual indicators can be in the form of a band extending substantially around a circumference or perimeter of the button. The visual indicators can be colour coded. One or more of the visual indicators can be recessed into the button or protrudes from the button. A threshold seal according to an example can comprise a casing, a seal carrier with a 25 longitudinal axis and an actuation mechanism which is operable to move the seal carrier with respect to the casing between a retracted position and an extended position; wherein the actuation mechanism includes a first actuation element pivotally connected to the seal carrier at a first location, and a stabilising element pivotally connected to the seal carrier at a second location spaced from the first location; 30 wherein the first actuation element transmits a force to the seal carrier to move the seal carrier between the retracted position and the extended position, the force having a component aligned with the seal carrier longitudinal axis; and wherein the stabilising WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 35 element is adapted to resist movement of the seal carrier in the direction of its longitudinal axis. The stabilising element can be a spring rod or leaf spring. The stabilising element can be adapted to deflect to allow the seal carrier to move between the retracted position and the extended position. The first actuation element can be 5 pivotally coupled to an actuation member which is movable relative to the casing between a first position corresponding to the retracted position of the seal carrier and a second position corresponding to the extended position of the seal carrier. The actuation member can include a lug and the first actuation member includes a pair of lugs, wherein the lug of the actuation member is positioned between the lugs of the 10 first actuation element. The actuation member can be slidably mounted in an actuation member guide block which is fixed to the casing. The actuation member can be moved in a direction aligned with a longitudinal axis of the seal carrier causing the first actuation element to rotate with respect to the casing, thereby controlling movement of the seal carrier between the first and second positions. The stabilising 15 element can have a hook which pivotally connects the stabilising element to the seal carrier. The hook can be substantially U-shaped. The hook shape can be adapted to resist lateral movement of the seal carrier relative to the hook. The threshold seal can include a pin which couples the seal carrier to the leaf spring. The stabilising element can act to bias the seal carrier towards the retracted position. The stabilising element 20 can be fixed to a stabilising element mounting block which is fixed to the casing. The stabilising element can follow a single substantially continuous curve between the stabilising element mounting block and the hook. The casing can have open ends in its longitudinal direction which are covered by end plates. A method for assembling a threshold seal having a seal carrier which is movable with 25 respect to a casing between a retracted position and an extended position according to an example, comprises the steps of: pivotally connecting a first actuation element to the seal carrier at a first location, pivotally connecting a stabilising element to the seal carrier at a second location spaced from the first location, and then connecting the first actuation element and the stabilising element to the casing. The first actuation 30 element and the stabilising element can be pivotally connected to the seal carrier before the first actuation member and the stabilising element are inserted into the casing. The stabilising element can be a spring rod or leaf spring. The stabilising WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 36 element can be coupled to a mounting block, wherein the stabilising element is connected to the casing by inserting the mounting block into the casing, positioning the mounting block within the casing, and fixing the mounting block to the casing. The first actuation element can be movably mounted to the casing via a guide block, 5 wherein the guide block is connected to the casing by sliding the guide block into the casing, positioning the guide block within the casing, and fixing the guide block to the casing. The first actuation element can be connected to the casing by pivotally coupling the first actuation element to an actuation member and slidably mounting the actuation member within the casing. The actuation member can be slidably mounted 10 to the casing by a guide block, wherein the guide block is connected to the casing by sliding the guide block into the casing, positioning the guide block within the casing, and fixing the guide block to the casing. The mounting block and/or the guide block can be connected to the casing by boring a hole through the casing and into the mounting block or guide block and attaching the mounting block or guide block to the 15 casing using a fastener. The mounting block or the guide block can be aligned with a pre-existing hole in the casing, boring a hole into the mounting block or the guide block aligned with the pre-existing hole, and the mounting block or guide block can be attached to the casing using a fastener. The fastener can pass through a wall of the casing at a region of increased wall thickness. The region of increased wall thickness 20 can be a corner reinforcement region at an interface between two adjacent walls of the casing. A threshold seal according to an example can comprise a casing, wherein the casing has first and second opposing side walls and a connecting wall extending between the first and second side walls to define a substantially U-shaped channel section, wherein 25 at least one of the side walls includes a region of increased wall thickness adjacent the connecting wall. At least one mounting block or guide block for mounting another component to the casing can be provided, wherein the mounting block or guide block is attached to the casing by a mechanical fastener passing through the region of increased thickness and through the mounting block or guide block. The region of 30 increased thickness can provide a lip or shoulder against which the mounting block or guide block sits.

WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 37 A threshold seal according to an example can comprise a casing and a seal member, wherein the seal member is movable relative to the casing between a retracted position and an extended position and adapted to seal against a floor surface external to the threshold seal when in its extended position, wherein the casing has a side wall with 5 an inner face, wherein the seal member includes a wiper element which is integrally formed with the seal member, and wherein the wiper element is in sliding contact with the inner face of the side wall as the seal member moves between the retracted position and the extended position. The seal member can have a longitudinal axis, and wherein the wiper element extends along substantially the entire length of the seal 10 member in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The wiper element can be adapted to form a substantially continuous seal between the seal member and the casing along substantially the entire length of the seal member in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The wiper element can tapered away from the seal member and towards the inner face of the side wall. The seal member can have a height in the direction of 15 movement between the retracted position and the extended position, wherein a contact patch defined between the wiper element and the inner face of the side wall has a width in the direction of movement between the retracted position and the extended position, wherein the width of the contact patch is less than 20% of the height of the seal member, preferably less than 10% and most preferably less than 5% or less than 20 1%. The seal member can be carried on a seal carrier which is movable relative to the casing to move the seal member between the retracted position and the extended position. The seal carrier can comprise a pair of opposing side walls having outer surfaces extending substantially along its length, and wherein the seal member comprises a pair of side walls which extend along the outer surfaces of the respective 25 side walls of the seal carrier. The wiper element can be integrally formed with one of the seal member side walls. The wiper element can be located adjacent an upper edge of the seal member side wall with which it is integrally formed. The seal carrier side walls can have a height in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the seal carrier, wherein the seal carrier side walls extend substantially over the height of the 30 seal carrier side walls. The seal member can include a projection which extends into a recess provided in the seal carrier to retain the seal member relative to the seal carrier. The projection can be adjacent the wiper element. The material of the seal member can include an elastomeric material. The material of the seal member can include a WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 38 silicone based compound. The casing can comprise first and second opposing side walls each having an inner face, wherein the seal member includes first and second wiper elements, wherein the first wiper element is adapted to be in sliding contact with the inner face of the first side wall as the seal carrier moves within the casing, 5 and wherein the second wiper element is adapted to be in sliding contact with the inner face of the second side wall as the seal carrier moves relative to the casing. A threshold seal according to an example can comprise a casing and a seal carrier which is movable relative to the casing between a retracted position and an extended position, the threshold seal further comprising an actuation cable which is operable in 10 tension to pull the seal carrier from the extended position towards the retracted position and operable in compression to push the seal carrier from the retracted position towards the extended position. The actuation cable can have a first end which is attached to the seal carrier and a second end which is attached to an actuation member, the actuation member being movable relative to the casing between a first 15 position corresponding to the retracted position of the seal carrier and a second position corresponding to the extended position of the seal carrier. Biasing means for biasing the actuation member towards its first position can be provided. The biasing means can be a compression spring. The compression spring can act between a retaining block fixed relative to the casing and the actuation member, wherein the 20 compression spring is captive in the retaining block. The actuation cable can be part of a Bowden push/pull cable assembly comprising a hollow outer sheath through which the actuation cable slides. The hollow outer sheath can be fixed relative to a retaining block which is fixed relative to the casing. A threshold seal according to an example can comprise a casing and a seal carrier, the 25 seal carrier being movable relative to the casing between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the casing has first and second opposing side walls and an open face through which the seal carrier passes as it moves between the first and second positions, wherein at least one of the side walls has a projecting portion extending towards the other side wall, wherein the projecting portion includes an arm 30 which extends away from the projecting portion towards the open face, and wherein at least a portion of the seal carrier overlaps with the arm when the seal carrier is in the extended position. The threshold seal can have a longitudinal axis and a length in the WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 39 direction of the longitudinal axis, wherein the arm extends substantially along the length of the threshold seal. A threshold seal according to an example can have a longitudinal axis and a length in the direction of the longitudinal axis, the threshold seal comprising a casing and a seal 5 carrier, the seal carrier being movable relative to the casing between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the casing has first and second opposing side walls and an open face through which the seal carrier passes as it moves between the first and second positions, wherein the casing comprises an insert having at least one arm extending towards the open face, wherein the arm extends along substantially 10 along the length of the threshold seal, and wherein at least a portion of the seal carrier overlaps with the arm when the seal carrier is in the extended position. The seal carrier can comprise first and second side walls, wherein the arm is located between the side walls of the seal carrier when the seal carrier is in the extended position. The casing can comprise first and second arms and the seal carrier comprises first and 15 second side walls, wherein the arms are located between the side walls of the seal carrier when the seal carrier is in the extended position. The casing can further comprise a connecting wall opposing the open face which extends between the first and second side walls to define a substantially U-shaped channel. An elongate seal member according to an example, such as for use with a seal carrier 20 of a threshold seal as herein described, can have a substantially A-shaped profile portion formed by first and second struts extending from a common apex to first and second feet respectively and a linking section extending between the first and second struts, wherein a first contact point is defined in the linking section between the first and second struts and second and third contact points are defined by the first and 25 second feet respectively, the seal member being arranged such that, when the first contact point is deflected towards the apex due to engagement with a surface, the second and third contact points are moved inwardly towards the first contact point and are compressed into the surface. The seal member can include a resiliently deformable material. The first contact point can be in the form of a bead or region of 30 increased thickness formed in the linking section. The first, second and third contact points can extend substantially along the entire length of the seal member. The linking section can have a convex shape extending outwardly away from the apex.

WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 40 The first contact point can be provided at an outer-most point of the linking section with respect to the apex. A threshold seal comprising a seal member as herein described can be provided. The seal member can be carried on a seal carrier which is movable with respect to the 5 casing between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the seal carrier comprises a pair of opposing side walls having outer surfaces extending substantially along its length, and wherein the seal member comprises a pair of side walls which extend along the outer surfaces of the respective side walls of the seal carrier. The seal carrier side walls can have a height in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal 10 axis of the seal carrier, wherein the seal carrier side walls extend substantially over the height of the seal carrier side walls. A threshold seal according to an example can comprise a seal carrier and an actuation element operable to move the seal carrier between a retracted position and an extended position, the actuation element having at least one engagement surface 15 which is adapted to come into engagement with at least one surface of the seal carrier when the seal carrier is in the retracted position, thereby acting as an end stop. The engagement surface may comes into contact only with the surface of the seal carrier when the seal carrier reaches the retracted position. The engagement of the engagement surface with the upper surface of the seal carrier can prevent movement 20 and/or vibration of the seal carrier within a casing when the seal carrier is in the retracted position. The engagement surface can be provided by a recess formed in a side face of the actuation element. First and second engagement surfaces can be provided by first and second recesses formed in opposing side faces of the actuation element, wherein the first and second engagement surfaces are adapted to come into 25 engagement with corresponding first and second surfaces of the seal carrier. The actuation element can be a lever which is pivotally connected to the seal carrier. A threshold seal according to an example can comprise a casing, a seal carrier, and an actuation mechanism which is operable to move the seal carrier with respect to the casing between a retracted position and an extended position; wherein the actuation 30 mechanism includes a first actuation element and an actuation member; wherein the actuation member is movable relative to the casing between a first position WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 41 corresponding to the retracted position of the seal carrier and a second position corresponding to the extended position of the seal carrier; wherein the first actuation element is pivotally connected to the seal carrier and pivotally connected to the actuation member and is adapted to rotate and translate relative to the casing under the 5 action of the actuation member to control deployment of the seal carrier; wherein the first actuation element is provided with one or more wheels or bosses which run in one or more corresponding tracks provided in the casing. The first actuation element can be provided with two wheels or bosses on alternate sides of the first actuation element. The wheels or bosses can be co-axially aligned with a pivot axis of the 10 pivotal connection between the first actuation element and the actuation member. The first actuation element can be pivotally connected to the actuation member by a pin, and wherein the wheels can be mounted on the pin. The casing can have a longitudinal axis and the tracks can be substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis. The seal member can be deployed and retracted along a second axis substantially 15 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the casing, the wheels or bosses and the tracks can cooperate to allow the first actuation element to translate in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the casing but substantially prevent translational movement of the first actuation element in the direction of the second axis. The wheels or bosses and the tracks can cooperate to hold the first actuation element spaced apart from one 20 or more inner surfaces of the casing as the actuation mechanism is operated. Although the invention has been described above with reference to one or more preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that various changes or modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. One or more of the features of any of the above embodiments may 25 be combined with one or more of the features of any other embodiment.

Claims

1. A threshold seal comprising a casing, a seal carrier, and an actuation mechanism which is operable to move the seal carrier with respect to the casing between a retracted position and an extended position; wherein the 5 actuation mechanism includes an actuation member movable relative to the casing to control deployment of the seal carrier; wherein movement of the actuation member is controlled by a button which protrudes from the casing; wherein the position of the button relative to the actuation member may be set to control the extent to which the button protrudes from the casing relative to 10 the position of the actuation member; and wherein the button comprises a plurality of visual indicators which may be used to assist with setting the position of the button with respect to the actuation member, and wherein the position of the button relative to the actuation member is continuously variable between an outer position corresponding to a maximum protrusion of the 15 button for a given actuation member position and an inner position corresponding to a minimum protrusion of the button for a given actuation member position.

2. A threshold seal according to claim 1, wherein the button is connected to the actuation member by a threaded connection. 20

3. A threshold seal according to any of claims 1 or 2, wherein the button has an end surface facing away from the casing, wherein the end surface comprises a recess or protrusion adapted to allow rotation of the button relative to the casing.

4. A threshold seal according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein there are at least 25 two visual indicators.

5. A threshold seal according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein one or more of the visual indicators is in the form of a band extending substantially around a circumference or perimeter of the button. WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 43

6. A threshold seal according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the visual indicators are colour coded.

7. A threshold seal according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein one or more of the visual indicators is recessed into the button or protrudes from the button. 5

8. A threshold seal as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the actuation mechanism includes a first actuation element pivotally connected to the seal carrier at a first location, and a stabilising element pivotally connected to the seal carrier at a second location spaced from the first location; wherein the first actuation element transmits a force to the seal carrier to move the seal carrier 10 between the retracted position and the extended position, the force having a component aligned with a longitudinal axis of the seal carrier; and wherein the stabilising element is adapted to resist movement of the seal carrier in the direction of its longitudinal axis.

9. A threshold seal according to claim 8, wherein the stabilising element is a 15 spring rod or leaf spring.

10. A threshold seal according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the stabilising element is adapted to deflect to allow the seal carrier to move between the retracted position and the extended position.

11. A threshold seal according to any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the first actuation 20 element is pivotally coupled to an actuation member which is movable relative to the casing between a first position corresponding to the retracted position of the seal carrier and a second position corresponding to the extended position of the seal carrier.

12. A threshold seal according to claim 11, wherein the actuation member includes 25 a lug and the first actuation member includes a pair of lugs, wherein the lug of the actuation member is positioned between the lugs of the first actuation element. WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 44

13. A threshold seal according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the actuation member is slidably mounted in an actuation member guide block which is fixed to the casing.

14. A threshold seal according to claim 13, wherein the actuation member is 5 moved in a direction aligned with a longitudinal axis of the seal carrier causing the first actuation element to rotate with respect to the casing, thereby controlling movement of the seal carrier between the first and second positions.

15. A threshold seal according to any of claims 8 to 14, wherein the stabilising 10 element has a hook which pivotally connects the stabilising element to the seal carrier.

16. A threshold seal according to claim 14, wherein the hook is substantially U shaped.

17. A threshold seal according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the hook shape is 15 adapted to resist lateral movement of the seal carrier relative to the hook.

18. A threshold seal according to any of claims 8 to 17, wherein the threshold seal includes a pin which couples the seal carrier to the leaf spring.

19. A threshold seal according to any of claims 8 to 18, wherein the stabilising element acts to bias the seal carrier towards the retracted position.

20 20. A threshold seal according to any of claims 8 to 19, wherein the stabilising element is fixed to a stabilising element mounting block which is fixed to the casing.

21. A threshold seal according to claim 20 when dependent on claim 9 and claim 7, wherein the stabilising element follows a single substantially continuous 25 curve between the stabilising element mounting block and the hook.

22. A threshold seal according to any of claims 8 to 21, wherein the casing has open ends in its longitudinal direction which are covered by end plates. WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 45

23. A threshold seal as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the casing has first and second opposing side walls and a connecting wall extending between the first and second side walls to define a substantially U-shaped channel section, wherein at least one of the side walls includes a region of increased 5 wall thickness adjacent the connecting wall.

24. A threshold seal according to claim 23, further comprising at least one mounting block or guide block for mounting another component to the casing, wherein the mounting block or guide block is attached to the casing by a mechanical fastener passing through the region of increased thickness and 10 through the mounting block or guide block.

25. A threshold seal as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the seal member is adapted to seal against a floor surface external to the threshold seal when in its extended position, wherein the seal member includes a wiper element which is integrally formed with the seal member, and wherein the wiper element is in 15 sliding contact with an inner face of a side wall of the casing as the seal member moves between the retracted position and the extended position.

26. A threshold seal according to claim 25, wherein the wiper element is adapted to form a substantially continuous seal between the seal member and the casing along substantially the entire length of the seal member in the direction 20 of the longitudinal axis of the seal member.

27. A threshold seal as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising an actuation cable which is operable in tension to pull the seal carrier from the extended position towards the retracted position and operable in compression to push the seal carrier from the retracted position towards the extended position. 25

28. A threshold seal according to claim 27, wherein the actuation cable has a first end which is attached to the seal carrier and a second end which is attached to an actuation member, the actuation member being movable relative to the casing between a first position corresponding to the retracted position of the seal carrier and a second position corresponding to the extended position of the 30 seal carrier. WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 46

29. A threshold seal according claim 28, further comprising biasing means for biasing the actuation member towards its first position.

30. A threshold seal according claim 29, wherein the biasing means is a compression spring. 5

31. A threshold seal according claim 30, wherein the compression spring acts between a retaining block fixed relative to the casing and the actuation member, wherein the compression spring is captive in the retaining block.

32. A threshold seal according to any of claims 27 to 31, wherein the actuation cable is part of a Bowden push/pull cable assembly comprising a hollow outer 10 sheath through which the actuation cable slides.

33. A threshold seal according to claim 32, wherein the hollow outer sheath is fixed relative to a retaining block which is fixed relative to the casing.

34. An elongate seal member for use with the seal carrier of the threshold seal as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the seal member having a 15 substantially A-shaped profile portion formed by first and second struts extending from a common apex to first and second feet respectively and a linking section extending between the first and second struts, wherein a first contact point is defined in the linking section between the first and second struts and second and third contact points are defined by the first and second 20 feet respectively, the seal member being arranged such that, when the first contact point is deflected towards the apex due to engagement with a surface, the second and third contact points are moved inwardly towards the first contact point and are compressed into the surface.

35. A seal member according to claim 34 including a resiliently deformable 25 material.

36. A seal member according to claim 34 or 35, wherein the first contact point is in the form of a bead or region of increased thickness formed in the linking section. WO 2015/019089 PCT/GB2014/052412 47

37. A seal member according to any of claims 34 to 36, wherein the first, second and third contact points extend substantially along the entire length of the seal member.

38. A seal member according to any of claims 34 to 37, wherein the linking 5 section has a convex shape extending outwardly away from the apex.

39. A seal member according to claim 38, wherein the first contact point is provided at an outer-most point of the linking section with respect to the apex.

40. A threshold seal comprising a seal member according to any of claims 34 to 39. 10

41. A threshold seal according to claim 40 wherein first and second engagement surfaces are provided by first and second recesses formed in opposing side faces of the actuation element, wherein the first and second engagement surfaces are adapted to come into engagement with corresponding first and second surfaces of the seal carrier. 15

42. A threshold seal as claimed in any of claims 1 to 26, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises a lever which is pivotally connected to the seal carrier.