AU9521898A

AU9521898A - improved seal device

Info

Publication number: AU9521898A
Application number: AU95218/98A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Andrew Leo Haynes
Original assignee: GULF RUBBER NZ Ltd
Current assignee: GULF RUBBER (NZ) Ltd
Priority date: 1997-12-02
Filing date: 1998-12-02
Publication date: 1999-06-24
Anticipated expiration: 2018-12-02
Also published as: AU745875B2

Description

P/00/011 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor(s): Address for Service: Invention Title: Details of Associated Application No: GULF RUBBER (NZ) LIMITED Gerard Boterman

INTELLPRO

Patent Trade Mark Attorneys Level 7, Reserve Bank Building 102 Adelaide Street BRISBANE, QLD, 4000 (GPO Box 1339, BRISBANE, 4001) IMPROVED SEAL DEVICE New Zealand Patent Application No. 329305 filed 2 December 1997.

The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: 2 FIELD 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 construction, 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 if effectively sealed from the elements.

The configuration and dimensions of any seal device designed for this purpose will be dictated to a degree by the gradient of the surface to which the device is to be affixed, and the dimensions of the elongate member.

It is desirable to provide a standard product for use on a variety of surface gradients with elongate members of varying dimensions, while ensuring that the time spent to "customise" such a standard product during installation does not detract from the effectiveness of the product.

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.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION 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 surface, the seal device comprising a tapered flexible cover having a first aperture adapted to contact and seal against the exterior of the elongate member, and a second aperture adapted to seal against the surface, wherein the seal device further comprises means for allowing adjustment of the position or orientation of the first aperture relative to the position or orientation of the second aperture.

Preferably the cover has a flange about the second cover.

Preferably the first aperture is smaller than the second aperture.

Preferably the means for allowing the adjustment of the position or orientation of the first aperture relative to the position or orientation of the second aperture is provided by the formation in the sleeve member of at least one corrugation, the corrugation running around the perimeter of the sleeve member.

Preferably the corrugation is formed in the sleeve member relative to the position of the second aperture.

Preferably the flexible cover relative to the first aperture is adapted to engage with elongate members of varying sizes.

Preferably the flexible cover has at least one stepped groove provided relative to the first aperture.

Preferably the groove substantially runs around the perimeter of the flexible cover relative to the first aperture.

Preferably the groove is frangibly adapted such that the portion of the sleeve member lying between the groove and the first aperture can be removed to provide a contact aperture, thereby allowing the contact aperture to engage with elongate members having diameters greater than the first aperture.

4 Preferably the flange portion of the flanged sleeve has an upper face and a lower, the lower face being adapted for contact and attachment with the surface.

Preferably the configuration of the lower face is adapted to have a plurality of raised ribs.

Preferably the ribs run substantially around the perimeter of the lower face.

Preferably the ribs have a substantially triangular configuration.

Preferably the flexible cover has a substantially frusto-con ical configuration.

Preferably the flexible cover is constructed of a resilient material.

Preferably the flexible cover is constructed of rubber or a rubber composite.

Preferably the thickness of the flexible cover is substantially uniform.

Preferably the flexible cover has a substantially circular configuration.

Preferably the flexible cover has a substantially elliptical configuration.

Preferably the flanged sleeve is attached to an apertured base member, the base member having an upper face to which the flanged sleeve is attached and a lower face.

Preferably the lower face of the base member is adapted for contact and attachment with the surface.

Preferably the configuration of the lower face of the base member is adapted to have a plurality of raised ribs.

Preferably the ribs run substantially around the perimeter of the lower face of the base member.

Preferably the ribs have a substantially triangular configuration.

Preferably the base member has a substantially circular configuration.

Preferably the base member has a substantially elliptical or oval configuration.

Preferably the base member is constructed of a deformable material.

Preferably the base member is constructed of aluminium.

In another aspect the invention may broadly be said to consist of a method of sealing the join between a surface and an elongate member projecting from the surface, said method comprising the steps of superimposing a seal device having a proximal end, a distal end and a flexible sleeve member positioned therebetween over said elongate member such that the proximal end of said seal device is brought into contact with and may be affixed to said surface, said method further comprising the steps of deforming the proximal end of said seal device such that it may imitate the configuration of said surface to obtain a more effective seal between said seal device and said elongate member, and removing by cutting or otherwise a portion of said distal end such that the distal end of said seal device may be adapted to tightly engage the outer surface of said elongate member.

To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the description herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

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 a perspective cut-away view of a seal device as herein described by the specification; Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a seal device as shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows one application of a seal device as herein described by the specification; and Figures 4a-d show one application of a seal device as herein described by the specification; and PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In Figure 1 an improved seal device is shown. Such a seal device may be referred to as a "rubber boot seal".

In one example of the invention, it is envisaged the device will be principally used in an external environment to seal joins between a roof surface and an elongate member, such as a pipe or the like projecting from the roof surface. For the purposes of this description it is assumed the device will principally be used to seal the join between a roof surface and a pipe projecting from that roof surface. In particular it is envisaged a cavity will be cut in the roof surface through which the pipe projects. Therefore the reader will appreciate that to be effective, the device will need to interact with both the exterior of the pipe 7 and the roof surface to provide good coverage of the cavity at the intersection of the pipe and the roof surface through which the pipe projects. However, the reader will 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.

The device has a main flexible member 1.

In the simplest example of the invention, member 1 comprises a one piece sleeve member, conveniently having a tapered configuration. Ideally the overall thickness of the walls of the sleeve member is substantially uniform. 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 roof cavity through which the pipe projects is adequately covered and sealed from the elements.

Ideally, and as the reader will identify from the drawings, 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.

Ideally, member 1 will be manufactured from a weatherproof, resilient material such as rubber, a rubber composite, or some other similar material.

Whatever material is chosen, it should have a degree of flexibility, be hard wearing and resistant to the elements.

To allow the device to be attached to the roof surface, the base of the sleeve member is conveniently flanged around second aperture 3. In this example of the invention, flange 4 is provided. The width of flange 4 should be sufficient to allow the device to be securely affixed to the roof surface, and to 8 ensure that the seal between the roof surface and the device is sufficiently weatherproof. Therefore, the width of flange 4 will need to be sufficient to accommodate the appropriate attachment means to achieve the seal desired, such as clamps, screws or the like, perhaps in combination with an adhesive or a waterproof sealant such as silicone rubber. 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 will depend on a variety of other factors, including 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 question.

To effectively seal the device to the roof surface, a number of circumferential grooves 5 are provided on the lower surface of flange 4. The number of the grooves 5 provided will depend on factors such as the width of flange 4, the surface features of the roof surface and the nature of the seal sought.

To provide superior gripping and sealing characteristics, the grooves 5 will have a triangular configuration, and will run continuously around the diameter of the sleeve member.

To enhance the overall flexibility of the sleeve member, a number of pleats or corrugations 6 are provided. Ideally, such corrugations will be 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 additional flexibility. The corrugations allow the sleeve member to be flexed and positioned at a variety of angles to accommodate a pipe in situations where the pipe is not projecting perpendicularly from the roof surface. 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.

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

In use the device will be positioned relative to a pipe 7 and superimposed over same, with the pipe being passed through first aperture 2. This will result in the bringing of the base of the sleeve member, in particular flange 4 and grooves 5, 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 aperture 2 of similar but slightly smaller diameter than that of the pipe so that a tight seal may be formed between the sleeve member and the pipe.

As can be seen from figure 1, once the device is superimposed over the pipe, the edge 8 of first aperture 2 will form a tight seal with the outer surface of pipe 7. If the pipe diameter is substantially 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 will 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 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 will grooves allow the installer the opportunity to cut away segments or ringlets of the sleeve member in order to adjust the diameter of first aperture 2 to effectively seal against the exterior of pipe 7.

To further ensure the most effective seal between the sleeve member and the pipe, a number of raised ribs 10 are provided around the inner surface of the sleeve member, again relative to the distal end of the sleeve member. As the sleeve member is drawn down over the pipe, the raised ribs 10 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.

To show the effectiveness of the specific features of the invention, figure 2 shows a seal device in use in the situation where the pipe projects perpendicularly from the roof surface.

Figure 2 shows 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 11.

11 As can been seen from figure 2, a weatherproof seal is obtained 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 ribs 10 positioned on the inner surface relative to the distal end of the sleeve member which, as the sleeve is brought down over the pipe, are brought into contact with the pipe's outer surface. Finally, a seal between the device and the roof surface 11 is achieved via the grooves 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, it is desirable to configure the seal device so it can also be used in circumstances where the pipe does not project perpendicularly from the roof surface. Figure 3 shows how the specific features of the invention will assist in this situation.

Figure 3 shows 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 11. The reader will note that pipe 7 is not projecting perpendicularly from roof surface 11.

Again, as shown in figure 2 and as discussed above, a weatherproof seal is obtained by edge 8 and raised ribs 10 gripping the outer surface of the pipe.

A seal between the device and the roof surface 11 is achieved via the grooves positioned on the underside of flange 4. Most importantly, figure 3 shows the effect of the pleats or corrugations 6a and 6b in allowing the sleeve member to 12 be superimposed over pipe 7. In particular, the reader will note that the corrugations indicated by 6a have been substantially flexed and expanded to thereby allowing further sleeve material to be made available 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. 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 in the direction of the arrow to 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 base of the sleeve member can vary depending on the circumstances. In this example of the invention, the configuration of base member 2 can be circular, elliptical or oval. Ideally the configuration will be elliptical or oval, as such configurations 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 better coverage of the roof surface in circumstances where the roof surface itself is 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.

As mentioned above, sleeve member 1 ideally can be manufactured in one piece. In another example of the invention, an apertured base member or collar can be attached to the base of the sleeve member. To allow the device to be used in relation to roof surfaces which are not uniform, ideally the collar is 13 constructed of a deformable material. Aluminium is preferred, although the reader will appreciate other suitable materials may be substituted. If a base member or collar is to be used, the configuration of same can be adapted to contain the grooves 5 as aforementioned. Alternatively, these grooves can be added separately to the underside of the base member or collar.

Finally, figures 4a to 4d show 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.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT There are a number of advantages in designing the base member of the device with an elliptical or oval shape, rather than a circular or other shape.

Firstly, the elliptical configuration of the device 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 from the device.

Secondly, if the pipe projects from an opening in the roof which is not flush with the outer surface of the pipe, a base member with an elliptical shape will provide a more effective weatherproof seal between the pipe and the opening. The elliptical configuration of the base member provides better coverage of any exposed area between the pipe and the roof than if another seal device were used with a different base member configuration. Put simply, a seal 14 device with an elliptical base member will provide better coverage over cut holes in the roof.

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 which case an elliptical base member will provide improved sealing qualities compared with a seal device having a base member with 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 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.

Finally, 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 of the underside of the base member all add to the ability of the seal device to form a tight seal over the pipe.

Claims

1. A seal device for use in sealing the join between a surface and an elongate member projecting from the surface, the seal device comprising a tapered flexible cover having a first aperture adapted to contact and seal against the exterior of the elongate member, and a second aperture adapted to seal against the surface, wherein the seal device further comprises means for allowing adjustment of the position or orientation of the first aperture relative to the position or orientation of the second aperture.

2. A seal device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover has a flange about the second cover.

3. A seal device as claimed in either claim 1 or 2, wherein the first aperture is smaller than the second aperture.

4. A seal device as claimed in either claim 2 or 3, wherein the means for allowing the adjustment of the position or orientation of the first aperture relative to the position or orientation of the second aperture is provided by the formation in the sleeve member of at least one corrugation, the corrugation running around the perimeter of the sleeve member.

A seal device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the corrugation is formed in the sleeve member relative to the position of the second aperture.

6. A seal device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the flexible cover relative to the first aperture is adapted to engage with elongate members of varying sizes.

7. A seal device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the flexible cover has at least one stepped groove provided relative to the first aperture. 16

8. A seal device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the groove substantially runs around the perimeter of the flexible cover relative to the first aperture.

9. A seal device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the groove is frangibly adapted such that the portion of the sleeve member lying between the groove and the first aperture can be removed to provide a contact aperture, thereby allowing the contact aperture to engage with elongate members having diameters greater than the first aperture.

A seal device as claimed in any of claims 2 to 9, wherein the flange portion of the flanged sleeve has an upper face and a lower, the lower face being adapted for contact and attachment with the surface.

11. A seal device substantially as described herein by the accompanying specification.

12. A seal device substantially as described herein by the accompanying drawings.