AU4269000A

AU4269000A - Weather seal device

Info

Publication number: AU4269000A
Application number: AU42690/00A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Andrew Leo Haynes
Original assignee: GULF RUBBER NZ Ltd
Current assignee: GULF RUBBER (NZ) Ltd
Priority date: 1998-12-02
Filing date: 2000-06-23
Publication date: 2001-01-04

Description

P/00/01 1 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

C

C.

Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor(s): Address for Service: GULF RUBBER (NZ) LIMITED ANDREW LEO HAYNES

INTELLPRO

Patent Trade Mark Attorneys Level 7, Reserve Bank Building 102 Adelaide Street BRISBANE, QLD, 4000 (GPO Box 1339, BRISBANE, 4001) WEATHER SEAL DEVICE Invention Title: Details of Associated Provisional Application(s) No(s): Australian Patent Application No. PQ1169 filed 23 June 1999.

Parent Invention Details: Application No. 95218/98 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: -2- WEATHER SEAL DEVICE FJELD OF INVENTION The invention relates to a seal device, and is applicable particularly, but not exclusively, to the use of such a device to effectively seal the join between a surface and an elongate member projecting from the surface.

BACKGROUND

In building constuction, particularly in roof construction, it is desirable to ensure the join between an elongate member such as a pipe projecting from a roof surface and the roof surface itself is effectively sealed from the elements, particularly from the ingress of water, In the past, there have been difficulties with the effectiveness of existing weather seal devices or "sleeves" when used in relation to roof surfaces of steep gradient or "pitch", The configuration and dimensions of any seal device designed for this purpose will be dictated to a degree by the pitch of the surface to which the device is to be affixed, the profile of the surface, and the particular dimensions of the elongate member.

It is desirable to provide a standard product which can be used on a variety of surface gradients and profiles with elongate members of varying dimensions, whilst ensuring that the time spent to "customise" such a standard product during installation does not detract from -3the effectiveness of the product. Ideally the nature of a standard product of this should be such that a single product is able to be used in relation to a greater range of elongate member diameters than existing seal devices.

There is a need for an effective sealing device which can be standardised to reduce the need to custom design or drastically alter the physical attributes of the sealing device during installation to suit the particular circumstances.

OBJECT

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved seal device, or one which will at least provide the public with a useful choice.

10 STATEMENT OF INVENTION 00 0e00 Accordingly in one aspect the invention may broadly be said to consist of a seal device for use in sealing the join between a surface and an elongate member projecting from the said i. .*surface, the said seal device comprising a tapered flexible sleeve member having an inner skin, an outer skin, a first aperture adapted to contact and seal against the exterior of the said elongate member, at least one raised interior rib provided on the said inner skin of the said flexible sleeve member relative to the said first aperture, the rib adapted to provide a weather proof seal against the elongate member at any angle the elongate member projects from the surface, a second aperture adapted to contact and seal against the said surface by way of a flange member provided about or relative to the perimeter of the said second aperture, the flexible sleeve member further comprising means for permitting the substantial movement of -4the second aperture relative to the first aperture, and wherein further the said flange member has an upper face and a lower face, the said lower face having at least one sealing means provided about the perimeter of the said lower face.

Preferably the second aperture is substantially elliptical or oval in configuration and has a major and/a minor axis.

Preferably the construction of the said flexible sleeve member relative to the said first aperture allows the said seal device to engage with elongate members of varying sizes.

Preferably the said means for permitting the movement of the said first aperture relative to the said second aperture is provided by the formation in the said flexible sleeve member of at 10 least two corrugations provided about or relative to the said second aperture.

Preferably the said at least two corrugations will allow substantial movement of the said first aperture relative to the said second aperture, particularly in the direction of the said main axis. Conveniently the said at least two corrugations will also allow limited movement of the said first aperture relative to the said second aperture in the direction of the said minor 15 axis.

Preferably the said at least one raised interior rib has a beaded cross-section.

Preferably the said at least one sealing means comprises at least one sealing projection of triangular configuration. More preferably, if more than one at least one projection is provided, at least one projection will be longer than the other projections.

Preferably the said flange member has in its upper face at least one locating means to assist in the location of the said flexible sleeve member to the said surface.

Preferably the said upper face of the said flange member is adapted to receive a deformable collar.

Preferably the said deformable collar has at least one locating means to assist in the location of the said flexible sleeve member on the said surface.

Preferably the said deformable collar is constructed of aluminium, or some other simil.ar material.

Preferably the said flexible sleeve member has at least one stepped groove in the said outer 10 skin of the said flexible sleeve member, relative to the said first aperture.

Preferably the said at least one stepped groove runs substantially around the perimeter of the said flexible sleeve member relative to the said first aperture.

Preferably the said at least one stepped groove is frangibly adapted such that the portion of the flexible sleeve member lying between the said at least one stepped groove and the said first aperture is removable to provide a contact aperture.

Preferably the said contact aperture allows the said flexible sleeve member to engage with elongate members having diameters greater than the said first aperture.

Preferably the position of the said at least one stepped groove on the said outer skin of the said sleeve member relative to the said first aperture is closer to the said first aperture than the position of the said at least one raised internal rib on the said inner skin of the said sleeve member relative to the said first aperture.

Preferably the said flexible sleeve member has a substantially frusto-conical configuration.

Preferably the said flexible sleeve member is constructed of a resilient material.

Preferably the said flexible sleeve member is constructed of rubber or a rubber coniposite.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the thickness of the said flexible sleeve member is substantially uniformn.

±*10 Preferably the said flexible sleeve member is integrally moulded.

In another aspect the invention may broadly be said to consist of a method of using the aforementioned seal device to seal a join between a surface and an elongate member projecting from the said surface, said method comprising the steps of: determining, wit 0 0 than the said diameter of the said elongate member; removing, if necessary, a portion of the flexible sleeve member relative to the said first aperture by cutting the said flexible sleeve member at the said at least one stepped groove relative to the said first aperture to provide a contact aperture; superimposing the said seal device over the said elongate member such that the said flange member is brought into contact with the said surface; adjusting the said -7flexible sleeve member relative to the pitch of the said surface and the angle at which the elongate member projects from the said surface; deforming the said flange member such that it may imitate the profile of the said surface; and securing said flange member to the said surface.

Preferably the said method further comprises the additional step of using a waterproof sealant such as silicone rubber or the like to seal the join between the said contact aperture and/or sealing the join between the said flange member and the said surface.

In yet another aspect the invention may broadly be said to consist of a method of manufacturing the aforementioned seal device, said method comprising the steps of: placing :t 10 an amount of mouldable material within a female mould member of suitable configuration; placing the said deformable collar within the said female mould member; inserting a male mould member into the said female mould member such that the said mouldable material KX> takes up the shape of the said female mould member; and removing, after the necessary curing time, the said seal device by separating the said male mould member from the said female mould member.

:Preferably the said mouldable material is a blank of rubber, rubber composite or the like.

Preferably at least one face of the said deformable collar is coated with a bonding agent prior to insertion into the said female member.

This invention may also broadly be said to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively and any or all combinations of any two or more of the parts, elements or features, and where specific features are mentioned herein which have known equivalents such equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as individually set forth.

DRAWINGS

These and other aspects of the invention which will be considered in all its novel aspects, will become apparent from the following description, which is given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which; Figure 1 shows side and plan elevations of a pipe projecting at different angles from a roof surface; 9. 9 10 Figure 2 shows a plan, side and end elevation of a seal device as herein described by the accompanying specification; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the seal device as shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 shows various cross-sections of the seal device shown in Figures 2 and 3 in use; Figure 5 shows an enlarged cross-section of part of the seal device as shown in Figures 2 to 4; and Figure 6 shows plan views of different versions of a seal device as herein described by the specification.

-9- PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In the most common example of the invention, it is envisaged the seal device will be principally used in an outside environment to seal a join between a surface and an elongate member, such as a pipe or the like projecting from the said surface. Ideally, the device is particularly suited for use in sealing the join between a roof surface (particularly a sloping and/or uneven roof surface), and a pipe projecting from that roof surface. However, the reader will also appreciate that alternative uses of the device on other surfaces such as walls or even at ground level will also be possible, including the use of the device in internal environments.

10 By way of background, to install a pipe through a roof surface, a cavity is first cut in the roof :surface through which the pipe is passed. The configuration of the cavity will vary depending on the slope or pitch of the roo f surface. This in turn will determine the type of 2> seal device required to adequately seal the join between the pipe and the roof surface. A simple example of the effect of roof pitch can be seen in Figure 1, which shows various side and plan elevations of a pipe projecting fromn a roof surface having tree different gradients.

In Figure la, the pipe projects from a substantially horizontal roof surface, in which case a Co circular cavity will suffice. There is no great skill required in providing a suitable cavity for this situation, nor are there any major problems created in the sealing of the join. In Figures lb and I c, the reader will notice how the cavity required for the pipe becomes more and more oval or elliptical as the slope or pitch of the roof increases. The reader will appreciate that the level of skill and judgement re~quired to ensure a correctly sized and shaped cavity is cut from the roof surface increases as the gradient or pitch of the roof increases. It becomes even more difficult when the roof surface is uneven e.g. constructed of comrgated iron or the like.

Therefore, to be effective, as the reader will appreciate, the device will need to interact with both the exterior of the pipe and the roof surface to provide good coverage of the cavity at the intersection of the pipe and the roof surface.

In Figure 2 an improved seal device is shown. Such a seal device may be referred to as a "rubber boot seal''.

The specific features of the invention may be shown with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

The seal device has a main member 1.

*0.0 10 In the simplest example of the invention, main member 1 comprises a one piece integrally moulded flexible sleeve member, in this case conveniently having a tapered configuration.

0000 The sleeve member has an outer skin, and an inner skin. Ideally, but not necessarily, the overall thickness of the walls of the sleeve member will be substantially uniform.

000 A first aperture 2 is provided to interact directly with the exterior surface of the pipe, and a larger, second aperture 3 is provided to ensure the cavity between the pipe and the roof surface is adequately covered and sealed from the elements. In the simplest example of the use of the invention, the planes of the first aperture and the second aperture will be substantially parallel. Also in the simplest example of the invention, first aperture 2 will have a substantially circular configuration, and second aperture 3 will have a substantially oval or elliptical configuration.

-11 The base of the sleeve member is conveniently flanged around second aperture 3. In this example of the invention, flange member 4 is provided. The width and configuration of flange member 4 can vary and can take on various configurations. Overall, the dimensions and configuration of flange member 4 should be sufficient to allow the device to be securely affixed to the roof surface, and to ensure that the seal between the roof surface and the device is sufficiently weatherproof. Therefore, the width of flange member 4 will need to be sufficient to accommodate the appropriate attachment means to achieve the seal desired, such as clamps, rivets, screws or the like, normally (but not necessarily) in combination with an adhesive and/or a waterproof sealant such as silicone rubber or the like. Other alternatives may be available for attaching the device to the roof surface. The choice of attachment means will also influence the choice of material used in the construction of the sleeve member. Finally, the width of flange 4 member will depend on a variety of other factors, including the configuration of the surface to which the device is being attached, and the size of the device itself, which will be determined ultimately by the diameter of the pipe in 15 question. As will become apparent, the configuration of second aperture 3 should always be substantially oval or elliptical, irrespective of the dimensions and configuration of flange member 4.

S. To assist in the effective sealing of the device to the roof surface, at least one sealing means is provided on the lower surface of' flange member 4, in this case a number of circumferential sealing projections 5. The number -of the projection 5 provided will depend on factors such as the width of flange member 4, the surface features of the roof surface and the nature of the seal sought. In the simplest example of the invention, there will be at least one circumferential projection. To provide superior gripping and sealing characteristics, the _12 sealing projections can be substantially of triangular configuration, and run continuously around the perimeter of flange member 4. Ideally, the bottom edge of the outer edge 3a of the flange member should be at least the length of or longer than the bottom edge of the longest projections 5b or In Figure 5, a cross-section of flange member 4 is shown, having an outer edge 5a. In this example a number of projections 5b, 5c and 5d are provided. The reader will note that in this example of -the invention, projections 5b and 5d are longer that projection 5c. This is because when the device is installed, and flange member 4 is brought into contact and pressed down against the roof surface, longer projections 5b and 5d are compressed or *10 deformed to form a pressure point, thereby forming a good seal wit the roof surface in similar fashion as outer edge 5a. Even if projections Sb and 5d were omitted, a good seal cc would be obtained simply by the compression of projection 5a and or As can be seen from Figure 2, second aperture 3 has a major axis F and a minor axis G.

To enhance the overall flexibility of the sleeve member, a number of pleats or corrugations 6 are provided, in this case relative to flange 4. Ideally, at least two such corrugations are provided, being pre-moulded into the overall configuration of the sleeve member during the manufacturing process.

As will be seen below, such corrugations provide the sleeve member with increased flexibility. Maximum flexibility is important as increased demands are placed on the sleeve member of the device as the pitch of the roof increases. The corrugations allow the sleeve member to be aggressively flexed in the direction of major axis F, to accommodate a pipe in 13situations where the pipe is not projecting perpendicularly from the roof surface. In addition, the corrugations and the overall flexibility of the sleeve member allow limited movement is permitted of the sleeve member in the direction of minor axis G. In particular, the corrugations allow the position or orientation of first aperture 2 to be altered relative to the position or orientation of second aperture 3. Ideally, the corrugations project substantially perpendicularly from flange 4. This allows a maximum amount of expandable sleeve material to be available for the amount of space physically occupied by the corrugations, which in turn allows the maximum amount of "play" of the first aperture 2 relative to second aperture 3. Ideally, but not necessarily, the height of the corrugations is proportional to the diameter of the pipe to ensure there is sufficient "play" available in the sleeve member.

As mentioned above, the sleeve member is conveniently tapered. For ease of description, the 0 device can be said to have a distal end relative to first aperture 2, and a proximal end relative oeoa to second aperture 3.

0 gong As mentioned above, in use a cavity will be cut from the roof surface, through which a pipe 7 is installed. The seal device will then be positioned relative to pipe 7 and superimposed over same, with the pipe being passed through first aperture 2. This will result in the bringing of s* the base of the sleeve member, in particular flange 4 and projections 5, substantially into contact with the roof surface.

In use the choice of an appropriate size of seal device will be based on the dimensions of the pipe in relation to which the seal device is to be used. Clearly, to achieve the best seal possible between the device and the pipe, it is desirable to choose a seal device having a first 14 aperture 2 slightly smaller diameter than that of the pipe so that a tight seal -may be tunmed between the sleeve member and the pipe.

As can be seen from Figure 4, once the device is superimposed over the pipe, the objective is that the area around edge 8 of first aperture 2 will form a tight seal with the outer surface of pipe 7. If the pipe diameter is somew-hat larger than the diameter of first aperture 2, the effectiveness of the seal between the pipe and the sleeve member will be compromised if the device is aggressively forced over and down the pipe. Ideally the person installing the device wvill examine the diameter of the pipe and the size of the cavity surrounding the pipe, and with this information closely approximate which size of device is most appropriate for the circumstances. However, it is desirable to configure the device in such a way that the installer has some opportunity to customise the configuration of the device to suit the circumstances, which would also allow a reduction in the need to manufacture and carry a wide range of seal devices of varying sizes and dimensions.

To overcome this problem, a series of stepped grooves 9 are provided on the outer skin and relative to the distal end of the sleeve member. in this example of the invention the grooves are equally spaced from one another. The stepped grooves allow segments or ringlets of the sleeve member to be cut away in order to adjuast the diamecter of first aperture 2 to effectively seal against the exterior of pipe 7. To assist in this process, relative pipe dimensions can be provided on the outer skin of the sleeve member, relative to first aperture 2 and the aforementioned steeped grooves. Such dimensions will assist the installer in deciding at which stepped groove the sleeve member should be cut, ensuring the appropriate amount of the sleeve member to cut away relative to the dimensions of pipe 7. In an alternative version 15 of the invention, the configuration of the steeped groove can be such that the appropriate amount of' the sleeve member can simply be torn away from the distal end of the sleeve member.

To further ensure the most effective seal between the sleeve member and the pipe, a number of raised internal ribs 10 are provided on the inner surface of the sleeve member, relative to its distal end. As the sleeve member is drawn down over the pipe, the raised internial ribs closest to first aperture 2 are forcibly brought into contact with the exterior surface of pipe 7.

This provides a second seal barrier against the pipe, in addition to that already formed by edge 8. Whilst edge 8 forms a first seal with the exterior surface of pipe 7, a second inner seal is formed by raised internal rib 10. In addition, edge 8 can be peeled back if' desired to ee.

000.allow a sealant such as silicon rubber or the like to be injected into the area shown by the letter Ideally then, the position of stepped grooves 9 in comparison to raised internal ribs 10 should always be that the stepped grooves 9 are closer to first aperture 2 than raised eeocinternal ribs 10. That way when a portion of the sleeve member is cut away at stepped ses 15 grooves 9, the resulting edge 8 will always be higher than the first raised internal rib -relative to said edge 8, :00000 see As mentioned above, sleeve member 1 ideally can be manufactured in one piece. In one example of the invention, an apertured collar member 11I can be attached to the upper surface of flange 4. Ideally, the dimensions and configuration of collar member I11 will "mirror" those of flange 4. To allow the device to be used in relation to roof surfaces which are not uniform, ideally the collar will be constructed of a deformable. material. Aluminium. is preferred, although the reader will appreciate other suitable materials may be substituted. In -16an alternative example of the invention, collar member 11 could be internally embodied in flange 4.

A number of location means 12 are provided in the upper surface of collar member 11.

These are particularly useful if the seal device is being installed on an uneven roof surface, in which case the installer may encounter difficulty in drilling holes through the collar member and into the roof surface. The location means 12 are akin to counterbores, allowing easier drilling through the collar member 11 on uneven roof surfaces. Such location means can be referred to as "centrepops" or "fixing location guides".

Ideally, the width of the collar member 11 is around 0.9mm, with the depth of location means 2 10 12 being around 0.7mm.

09 To show the effectiveness of the specific features of the invention, Figure 4 shows a seal device in use two situations, the first being where the pipe projects perpendicularly from a roof surface.

A cross-sectional view of a seal device having a main member 1 as described above, being 15 used to seal the join between a pipe 7 and a roof surface 13. A weatherproof seal is obtained *0 in three ways.

Firstly, the outer surface of the pipe is gripped by the mouth of first aperture 2, in particular by edge 8. A further seal is provided by the internal surface of the sleeve member by the contact obtained between the exterior of pipe 7 and the raised internal ribs 10 positioned on the inner surface relative to the distal end of the sleeve member which, as the sleeve is 17brought down over the pipe, are brought into contact with the pipe's outer surface. Finally, a seal between the device and the roof surface 13 is achieved via projections 5, positioned on the underside of flange 4.

While the specific features of the seal device are effective in circumstances where the pipe projects perpendicularly from the roof surface, the invention is particularly useful in circumstances where the pipe does not project perpendicularly from the roof surface iLe, the roof surface is sloping.

Referring again to Figure 4, a cross-sectional view of a seal device having a main flexible member 1 as described above, being used to seal the join between a pipe 7 and a roof surface 10 13. The reader will note that pipe 7 is niot projecting perpendicularly from roof surface 13.

As discussed above, a weatherproof seal is obtained by edge 8 and raised internal ribs gripping the outer surface of the pipe. A seal between the device and the roof surface 13 is achieved via the projections 5, positioned on the underside of flange 4. Most importantly, the effect of the elliptical configuration of second aperture 3 and the pleats or corrugations 6a 15 and 6b can be seen in allowing the substantial displacement of first aperture 2 from second aperture 3 in superimposing the sleeve member over pipe In particular, the reader will note that the corrugations indicated by 6a have been substantially expanded, thereby allowing the expansion of further sleeve material to allow the distal end of the sleeve member to be.

moved relative to the proximal end of the sleeve member in the direction of the arrow, that is, substantially in the direction of major axis F. In essence, the corrugations allow the position or orientation of first aperture 2 to be moved relative to the position or orientation of second aperture 3. Corrugations 6b have not been expanded, but have been compressed to 18 accommodate the translation of the position or orientation of first aperture 2 relative to the position or orientation of second member 3.

The ultimate configuration of the flange 4 of the sleeve member can vary depending on the circumstances. In this example of the invention, the configuration of flange 4 can be square, rectangular 4 circular, elliptical or oval. Ideally the configuration will be elliptical or oval, to match the ideal configuration of second aperture 3. An oval or elliptical configuration provides a superior coverage area when the device is superimposed over the pipe into contact with the roof surface, thereby ensuring the cavity through which the pipe projects is adequately covered. In addition, an elliptical or oval configuration allows heifer coverage of 10 the roof surface in circumstances where the roof surface itself pitched and uneven, For *.*,example, with an elliptical or oval configuration, the device can be used in relation to roof surfaces covered with corrugated iron or the like.

y~*Ideally, member I will be manufactured from a weatherproof, resilient material such as rubber, a rubber Composite, or some other simailar material, Whatever material is chosen, it 15 should have a degree of flexibility, be hard wearing and resistant to the elements.

:Finally, Figure 6 shows a number of views of further examples of the seal device, indicating possible sleeve member configurations. While an overall elliptical or oval configuration is preferred, the features of the invention as aforementioned will operate equally as well with other configurations of device.

19 ADVANTAGES OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT There are a number of advantages in designing the device with an elliptical or oval shape, rather than a circular or other shape, and in particular providing the second aperture 3 of the device with a substantially oval or elliptical configuration.

Firstly, the substantially oval or elliptical configuration of second aperture 3 in conjunction with the pleats or corrugations allows one size of device to be used with a wider range of pipe sizes, allowing a reduction in the total range of the seal device required to be manufactured. Also, the pleats or corrugations and elliptical configuration allow for improved water drainage fronm around the device i.e. water is not encouraged to backlog 10 behind the device.

The use of at least two pleats or corrugations allow greater flexibility of the sleeve member.

This is particularly u~seful when. the device is being used in relation to steep or highly pitched surfaces.

It is envisaged the device will be used on a variety of' roof surfaces, and it may be that such surfaces are not always substantially flat. For example, it is likely the device will be used in conjunction with corrugated roofs, in wvhich case an elliptical base member will provide improved sealing qualities compared with a seal device having a base member wit another configuration. In addition, an elliptical configuration will provide greater flexibility when sealing the base member of the device to the roof surface and, where the device is being used in conjunction with a corrugated roof surface, an elliptical shape will provide greater 20 flexibility for "folding" the base member of the device over the corrugations of the roof surface. It is therefore easier to clamp down and fold such a seal device over corrugated iron.

The configuration of the invention will provide effective sealing against the exterior of the pipe. The raised ribs on the inside of the sleeve member, the longer lip on the outside of the base and the ribs (in particular the triangular configuration of same) positioned on the underside of the base member all add to the ability of the seal device to form a tight seal over the pipe.

The use of triangular ribs on the base of the device provides a substantially self-sealing seal.

The need to use additional sealing methods such -as the use of silicone-based gels is reduced.

10 Finally, various alterations or modifications may be made to the foregoing without departing from the spirit or scope of this invention as herein set forth in the claims.

*o*

Claims

2. A seal device as claimed in claim I wherein the second aperture is of a substantially elliptical or oval configuration having a major axis and a minor axis. A seal device as claimed in. claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the construction of the flexible sleeve member relative to the first aperture allows the seal device to engage with elongate members of varying sizes.
4. A seal device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the means for permitting the movement of the first aperture relative to the second aperture is provided -22- by the formation in the flexible sleeve member of at least two corrugations provided relative to the second aperture. A seal device as claimed in claim 4 wherein the said at least two corrugations will allow substantial movement of the first aperture relative to the second aperture, in the direction S of the major axis.
6. A seal device as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the said at least two corrugations will also allow limited movement of the first aperture relative to the second aperture in the direction of the minor axis.
7. A seal device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one 10 raised interior rib has a beaded cross-section.
8. A seal device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one sealing means comprises at least one sealing projection of triangular configuration.
9. A seal device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein if more than one .e projection is provided, at least one projection Aill be longer than the other projections.
10. A seal device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the flange member has on its upper face at least one locating means to assist in the location of the flexible sleeve member to the surface,
11. A seal device as claimed in claim 10 wherein the upper face of the flange member is adapted to receive a deformable collar. -23-
12. A seal device as claimed in claim 11 wherein the deformable collar has at least one locating means to assist in the location of the flexible sleeve member on the surface.
13. A seal device as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12 wherein the deformable collar is constructed of aluminium, or some other material similar to aluminium.
14. A seal device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the flexible sleeve member has at least one stepped groove in the outer skin of the flexible sleeve member relative to the first aperture, A seal device as claimed in claim 14 wherein the at least one stepped groove runs 1 tsubstantially around the perimeter of the flexible sleeve member relative to the first 10 aperture. 09 @9
16. A seal device as claimed in claim 14 or claim 15 wherein the at least one stepped groove is frangibly adapted such that the portion of the flexible sleeve member lying between. the at least one stepped groove and the first aperture is removable to provide a contact aperture.
17. A seal device as claimed in claim 16 wherein the contact aperture allows the flexible sleeve member to engage with elongate members having diameters greater than that of the first aperture.
18. A seal device as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 17 wherein the position of the at least one stepped groove in the outer skin of the sleeve member relative to the first aperture is -24- closer to the first aperture than the position of the at least one raised internal rib on the inner skin of the sleeve member relative to the first aperture. 19, A seal device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the flexible sleeve member has a substantially frusto-conical configuration.
20. A seal device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the flexible sleeve member is constructed of a resilient material.
21. A seal device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the flexible sleeve member is constructed of rubber or a rubber composite.
22. A seal device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the thickness of the 10 flexible sleeve member is substantially uniform.
23. A seal device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the flexible sleeve member is integrally moulded.
24. A method of using a seal device as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 23 to seal a join between a surface and an elongate member projecting from the surface, the method comprising the steps of: determining, with reference to the diameter of the elongate member, the appropriate diameter of the first aperture; identifying the at least one stepped groove which has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the elongate member; removing, if necessary, a portion of the flexible sleeve member relative to the first aperture by cutting the flexible sleeve member at the at least one stepped groove relative to the first aperture to provide a contact aperture; superimposing the seal device over the 25 elongate member such that the flange member is brought into contact with the surface; adjusting the flexible sleeve member relative to the pitch of the surface and the angle at which the elongate member projects from the surface; deforming the flange member such that it will imitate the profile of the surface; and securing the flange member to the surface. A method of using a seal device as claimed in claim 24 wherein the method further comprises the additional step of using a waterproof sealant such as silicone rubber or the like to seal the join between the contact aperture and/or sealing the join between the flange member and the surface. 10 26. A method of manufacturing a seal device as claimed in any one of claims I to 23, said :method comprising the steps of: placing an amount of mouldable material within a female mould member of suitable configuration; placing the deformable collar within the
999.9female mould member; inserting a male mould member into the female mould member such that the mouldiable material takes up the shape of the female mould member; and removing, after the necessary curing time, the seal device by separating the male mould member from the female mould member. 27. A method of manufacturing a seal device as claimed in claim 26 wherein the mouldable material is a blank of rubber, rubber composite or the lie. 28. A method of manufacturing a seal device as claimed in claimi 26 or claim 27 wherein at least one face of the deformable collar is coated with a bonding agent prior to insertion into the female member. 26 29. A seal device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 3.A method of 'using a seal device substantially as herein described with reference t h accompanying drawings. 3 1. A method of manufacturing a seal device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. DATE this 2 3 rd day of June, 2000 *feeS* GULF RUBBER (NZ) LIMITED By their Patent Attorneys :**.INIELLPRO 00 *4