EP1368550A1

EP1368550A1 - System and methods for sealing to components such as building components, in particular windows, doors and similar building elements

Info

Publication number: EP1368550A1
Application number: EP02703524A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Uffe Lykkegaard; Ole Madsboll
Original assignee: VKR Holding AS
Current assignee: VKR Holding AS
Priority date: 2001-03-11
Filing date: 2002-03-09
Publication date: 2003-12-10
Also published as: WO2002072990A1; PL364713A1; CZ20032174A3; CN1502004A; NO20033986D0; CN1261666C; NO20033986L

Abstract

System and methods for sealing components such as building components, in particular windows, doors, or similar elements which comprise a frame (10) and which are mounted in a wall or similar building component (2, 3, 4), and whereby a seal is created with the wall or the like. The system comprises a sealing element comprising an expandable sealing element (24, 34, 44, 54, 64, 80, 90, 104, 104b, 104c', 104c'', 104d) and a locking element (23, 33, 36, 43, 63, 103b, 103c, 103d), whereby the locking element can activate expansion of the sealing element.

Description

System and methods for sealing to components such as building components, in particular windows, doors and similar building elements .

The Area of the Invention

The invention relates to a system as specified in the introduction to claim 1, together with methods as specified in the introductions to claims 14 and 17, respectively, for sealing components such as building components, in particular windows, doors, or similar elements which comprise a frame and which are mounted in a wall or similar building component, and whereby a seal is created with the wall or the like.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a window, door, or similar building element as specified in the introduction to claim 18.

Thus, the invention relates to a seal for a component which is mounted in a cavity which is larger than the component and whereby the seal closes the gap between the component and the surrounding material. Thus, the seal will compensate for the difference between the size of the component and the size of the cavity.

Prior Art

Windows, doors, or the like are normally mounted by placing said building elements in a wall cavity which is adapted to the specific building element, which normally means that the cavity is a few centimeters (usually 2 - 4 cm) higher and wider than the building element, which corresponds to a gap of 10 - 20 mm (typically 12.5 mm) at the sides, top, and bottom. This makes it possible to insert the building element into the cavity and insert insulation and filler metal by using wedges or the like. The element can then be fixed in position (for example, by means of screws or nails which are inserted through the frame into the wall).

Insulation is then placed around the element, and the gap between the element's frame and the edges of the cavity is sealed. When exterior windows, doors, or the like are involved, said seal is usually created from the outside, and when a so- called "two-stage seal" is involved, this type of seal is usually created from the inside. In such two-stage sealing, the outermost seal will preferably function to create a seal against water (for example, rain water), while the innermost seal functions to create an airtight seal. The seal itself is often created by using a caulking gun to apply a seal of sealing compound (for example, silicone or acrylic sealing compound). This is performed manually by applying the sealing compound and optionally working it over (i.e., smoothing it out) in order to obtain a uniform and even surface adapted to the contiguous surfaces, and the sealing compound is then allowed to harden. Thus, this involves a relatively skilled and time-consuming operation. In addition, the results obtained depend on the conditions in which the work is performed (e.g., with poor lighting, during humid weather, at low temperatures, etc.). Therefore, the quality of the finished seal may not be consistent.

Furthermore, it is a known technique to use an expandable sealing strip. Said sealing strips are normally rolled up in a compressed shape and have an adhesive layer on one side with which they can be fixed to a surface in the gap, generally the surface of the frame. When used, the strip unrolls off of the roll, an optional protective layer of e.g. paper covering the adhesive layer is pulled off, and the strip is then inserted manually into the gap between the window and wall cavity, whereby it adheres to one surface, which is normally the surface of the frame, as mentioned.

This method has the disadvantage of the fact that it can be difficult to get the strip into the gap before it begins to expand, and the operation can be made more difficult by the conditions in which it is performed (for example, rain, cold, and wind). Thus, this involves relatively resource-intensive work which may still occasionally produce a less than optimal result.

Furthermore, it is a problem with said known techniques that the area available for creating a seal is quite often relatively small. Among other reasons, this is because a window, door, or the like is often mounted in such a way that the anterior edge is pressed back somewhat (i.e. inward) from the anterior surface of the wall, and because the sash of the door or window normally takes up a significant amount of space in front of the frame. In order to prevent this problem using the known technique, the window or door sash will often be removed from the frame before mounting the frame, and only after the seal, etc., has been created will the sash be remounted on the frame. Thus, this involves the use of unnecessary labor re- sources to remove and remount sashes, and when a sash is aligned by the manufacturer, this alignment will have to be performed again on site (e.g., at a con- struction site) when the sash is remounted, with all the disadvantages that this entails and at the risk that the alignment will not be optimal.

Therefore, it is an object of the invention to specify a system for sealing compo- nents in general and in particular components such as building elements, whereby said system will allow the seal to be created easily, quickly, and efficiently, and in such a way that the work performed will always produce the desired uniform and optimal result. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to specify methods for sealing components in general and in particular components such as building ele- ments being mounted in walls or the like, which can be performed more easily, more quickly, and more efficiently than previously known methods, and in such a way that the methods according to the invention will always produce the desired uniform and optimal results.

These and other objects are achieved by the invention, as may be seen in greater detail in the following.

The Invention

The invention relates to sealing components such as building components, in par- ticular windows, doors, or similar elements which comprise a frame and which are mounted in a wall or similar building element, and whereby a seal is created with the wall or the like. Said system according to the invention is characterized in that the system comprises a sealing element comprising an expandable element and a locking element.

This is accomplished by creating the seal using the available sealing element, whereby the activation of the expandable element is connected to the locking element in such a way that removal, detachment, or similar physical removal/activation of the locking element will activate the expansion of the expand- able element in the sealing element. Thus, unlike with the known technique, there is no need to apply or insert separate mechanisms into the gap along the length of the gap. Instead, dedicated sealing elements are used which are adapted to the given building element. Thus, no adjustment will need to be made by the construction worker or the assembler; he or she will only need to activate the sealing element by means of the locking element. Furthermore, said activation can still be performed even if there is only a small amount of space available, so it is not necessary to undertake any removal of the sash or other components. Finally, the sealing system can be mounted or supplied by the manufacturer so that a component such as a window, door, or the like can be supplied ready-to-assemble and with all of the essential parts provided with or mounted on/in the component (e.g., the window, door, or the like). This will make the mounting operation signifi- cantly easier, and it will ensure that the required seal will always be created in a uniform and optimal manner.

The term "locking elements" in this context means elements which are suitable for preventing the expandable element from expanding and/or when activated, de- tached, removed, or manipulated, can also activate or initiate the expansion or the initial expansion process of the expandable element. These elements can be designed in various manners and according to various principles, as will be exemplified in the following.

Furthermore, it will be obvious that the term "frame" or "frame element" means a part surrounding a component which functions to position, place, and/or support said component, as is familiar in windows and doors, for example. However, in this context the term "frame" will also be used in connection with other components besides simply windows and doors, and it should be construed to include a sash element or the like.

According to one convenient embodiment as specified in claim 2, the expandable element is positioned in a retaining element which constitutes a structural component of said frame. This achieves a particularly convenient embodiment, whereby the sealing element is incorporated into the component (such as the building element) at the factory in an incredibly simple manner, because a retaining element is built into the frame's structure in advance. This also makes it possible to create the sealing element in a relatively simple manner so that it does not obstruct the insertion of the building element (e.g., a window) into the wall cavity adapted to it.

According to another convenient embodiment as specified in claim 3, the retaining element comprises a grooved component in the frame, and the locking element comprises a locking strip which works in conjunction with the grooved component. This makes it possible to achieve a simple design for said retaining element, which will be extremely advantageous for production, and whereby the sealing element will be able to be substantially incorporated completely into the frame's structure without protruding beyond the surface of the frame. Furthermore, the locking element will be able to be implemented in a relatively simple manner, while it will always be able to be removed in a manner which is simple and easy to implement. For example, one end of the locking strip can be gripped and then peeled off along the length of the sealing element, whereupon the expandable element will begin to expand. Furthermore, this will create the advantage of the fact that the sealing element will easily be made available when mounting windows, doors, or the like, so there is no need to provide separate sealing mechanisms.

According to yet another convenient embodiment as specified in claim 4, the expandable element is arranged in a retaining element which is mounted on said frame. This makes it possible to achieve yet another convenient means of arranging the sealing element, since it will be fixed to the frame and will thus be an inte- grated component thereof, and it will be immediately available for use when mounting the building element.

As specified in claim 5, the retaining element may comprise a substantially U- shaped component, and the locking element may comprise a locking strip which works in conjunction with said U-shaped component. This makes it possible to achieve a relatively simple design for retaining the expandable element, while the locking strip and its attachment to the retaining element can be designed in a convenient manner, and it will always be able to be removed in a manner which is simple and easy to implement. For example, one end of the locking strip can be gripped and then peeled off along the length of the sealing element, whereupon the expandable element will begin to expand.

Furthermore, as specified in claim 6, the retaining element can be mounted in such a way that it can be moved between two positions, whereby the first position is a mounting position for the component (for example, the window, door, or the like). This creates in a simple manner the advantage of the fact that when the component (for example, the window, door, or the like) is being mounted, the sealing component will not obstruct the insertion of said building element into the cavity created for that purpose (e.g., a wall cavity), and the sealing element will be able to be moved into a position after the building element has been inserted where the expandable element will be able to expand toward part of the wall or the like, thereby achieving optimal placement of the seal. As specified in claim 7, it is convenient for the expandable element to be positioned in or on a retaining element which is equipped with a locking element. This makes it possible to achieve an embodiment in which the sealing element is supported by the retaining element and is a structural unit which can be used in a simple manner as a dedicated sealing unit when mounting components such as windows, doors, or the like, and which can be supplied as a prefabricated building element, or elements together with or for the said building element.

As specified in claim 8, the locking element may comprise a substantially U- shaped element. This makes it possible to achieve a relatively simple design for retaining the expandable element, since the U-shaped element will grip the expandable element and prevent its expansion. When the U-shaped element is removed, which can be done in a relatively simple manner before the sealing element is inserted into the gap between the building element and the wall, the ex- pansion can begin, but since the sealing element is designed as a structural unit, it can be inserted into the gap quickly, so this operation will be completed before any substantial amount of expansion has begun.

Furthermore, as specified in claim 9, it is convenient for the locking element to comprise a locking strip. This makes it possible for the locking element and its attachment to the retaining element to be designed in a convenient manner, and it will always be able to be removed in a manner which is simple and easy to implement. For example, one end of the locking strip can be gripped and then peeled off along the length of the sealing element, whereupon the expandable element will begin to expand. Since the sealing element is designed as a structural unit, it can be inserted into the gap quickly and easily, so this operation will be completed before any substantial amount of expansion has begun. Thus, the expansion will not obstruct insertion.

According to another convenient embodiment as specified in claim 10, the sealing element may comprise two or more, preferably four, linear units of retaining elements which are positioned contiguous with one another, preferably in a rectangular pattern. This will allow the sealing element to be used in a simple manner for the sealing operation, since the contiguous pattern means that it will only be necessary to remove locking elements, which may be in the form of U-shaped components, locking strips, or the like, as mentioned, whereupon the sealing element can easily be inserted into the contiguous pattern between, for example, the window and wall cavity, where it may be retained by means of an adhesive agent or other appropriate mechanism until the expansion has begun.

Furthermore, the expandable sealing element, as specified in claim 11, can be po- sitioned at its corners in such a way that additional sealing material is available in its corner areas. This makes it possible to prevent problems with filling in corner areas in an incredibly simple manner, whereby the expansion of a sealing element in a direction perpendicular to its length will not contribute to filling in corner areas located beyond the respective ends of the individual linear sealing elements (i.e., beyond the ends of the respective frame members). For example, the sealing elements may be positioned in lengths which extend beyond the lengths of the frame members and whereby the parts which extend beyond the frame's dimensions are joined in suitable formations (e.g., fringe pockets) which may be more or less compressed and from which said parts will be forced into the corner areas and fill them in when the sealing elements are allowed to expand.

As specified in claim 12, the system may comprise elements to protect and/or retain said additional sealing material, which makes it possible to protect this sealing material during transport, installation, etc. Sealing material which is restrained from expanding by said elements will begin its expansion when said elements are removed, so the seals in the corners will be complete when the remaining sealing elements are allowed to expand after the locking elements of the longitudinal sealing elements are removed. It is convenient for said guards to comprise the usual corner guards which are normally positioned at the corners of windows, doors, or the like when they are delivered from the manufacturer in order to guard against physical impacts such as blows, bumps, and the like.

Furthermore, according to the embodiment specified in claim 13, the system may comprise one or more adapters to be arranged in corner areas around the frame. This makes it possible to fill in the corner areas in an alternative manner which may also be used in conjunction with the embodiment described above. Said adapters can be designed in such a way that they will ensure that the expandable sealing elements in their expanded state will exert an appropriate pressure on the adapters, so that the corner areas have substantially the same quality of seal as the other areas. Said adapters can be supplied along with said building element and/or said dedicated sealing elements, so the required parts will be immediately avail- able during assembly. The adapters may be designed in sizes which are adapted to a given building element and/or sealing elements.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method as specified in claim 14 for mounting a component such as a building element, in particular a window, door, or similar element which is fixed in a cavity in a wall or the like, and whereby a seal is created between the two elements. This method according to the invention is characterized by the fact that after the component (e.g., the building element) is mounted in the cavity, at least one expandable sealing element is activated which forms a structural part of the component (e.g., the building element) or which is a part mounted in a fixed position on the component.

This makes a method possible with which the disadvantages described in connection with previously known techniques can be avoided. After the component is inserted and attached (e.g., the building element) in the wall cavity, an effective seal will be created with a few simple operations.

It is convenient, as specified in claim 15, before the component (for example, the building element) is mounted, to remove one or more elements for the protection of the sealing material at the corner parts. This malces it possible to create the seal in a convenient manner for the entire periphery of e.g. a rectangular window, since sealing material which has been prevented from expanding by said elements will begin to expand when said elements are removed. Thus, the seals in the corners will be complete when the other sealing elements are allowed to expand after the locking elements of the longitudinal sealing elements are removed. It is convenient for said guards to comprise the usual corner guards which are normally positioned at the comers of windows, doors, and the like when they are delivered from the manufacturer in order to guard against physical impacts such as blows, bumps, and the like.

As specified in claim 16, it is convenient to arrange an adapter at each corner of the cavity before mounting the component (for example, the building element). This makes it possible to create the seal in a convenient manner for the entire periphery of e.g. a rectangular window.

Finally, the invention relates to a method, as specified in claim 17, for mounting a component such as a building element, in particular a window, door, or similar element which is fixed in a cavity in a wall or the like, and whereby a seal is created between the two elements. Said method according to the invention is characterized in that after the component (e.g., the building element) is mounted in the cavity, at least one expandable sealing element is activated which is adapted to both the shape (for example in a rectangular shape) and the size of said component (e.g., the building element) and which is inserted into the gap around the component immediately thereafter.

This makes a method possible with which the disadvantages described in connec- tion with the previously known techniques are avoided. After the component (e.g., the building element) is inserted and attached in the wall cavity, an effective seal will be created with a few simple operations, because the sealing element is designed as a dedicated part or parts which fit the gap to be filled precisely in shape and size. Before said element(s) is/are mounted, the expandable sealing element(s) is/are activated, for example by peeling off or removing a locking strip, which may be U-shaped. The sealing element is then inserted, and the sealing element or elements will expand to the proper size.

Finally, the invention relates to a window, door, or similar building element, as specified in claim 18, which comprises a system for sealing according to one or more of claims 1 - 13.

According to the convenient embodiment specified in claim 19, the window, door, or similar building element comprises sealing elements positioned in proximity to a first part of a frame or the like of said building element and/or sealing elements positioned in proximity to a second part of said frame.

This makes it possible to create a two-stage seal in a convenient manner, since both an exterior and an interior seal can be created with sealing elements accord- ing to the invention, and said sealing elements can be installed or provided by the manufacturer in a ready-to-activate form. The two sealing systems, which will preferably be pre-installed, may be of different designs, so they are both adapted to a specific use and so that an optimal result is obtained for both the interior and the exterior seal. Furthermore, the two sealing systems can be designed in such a way that their activation (for example, the removal of locking elements from both) is performed in only one operation (e.g., from the anterior or exterior side of a window), since the two locking elements can be connected to one another. Drawings

The invention will be described in greater detail in the following with reference to the drawings, whereby

Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an example of the method generally used to create a seal between a wall cavity and a window, Fig. 2a - c shows a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a system according to the invention, Fig. 3a - f shows a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment and variants thereof of a system according to the invention,

Fig. 4a - c shows a cross-sectional view of a modified embodiment of the system shown in Fig. 3a - 3e, Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a further modified embodiment of the system shown in Fig. 3 a - 3e, Fig. 6a - d shows a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a system according to the invention, Fig. 7 shows an application of sealing elements according to the invention with both the exterior and the interior edge of the frame element of a window or a door according to the invention, Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a system according to the invention, whereby a seal to a sash element is also created, Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the embodiment according to the invention illustrated in Fig. 8, Fig. 10a -d shows a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a system according to the invention, Fig. 11a - d shows various designs of a seal for corner areas in connection with the invention, and Fig. 12a and b illustrate further examples of applications of the invention.

Exemplary Embodiments

Fig. 1 shows an example of a method which is generally used when mounting a component such as a window, door, or similar building element, which is generally labeled 1 in the figure, in a building component such as a corresponding cav- ity in a wall or similar exterior or interior building surface, which is generally labeled 2 in the figure. In the example shown, there is an assembly in a wall 2, which is designed as a hollow wall with an anterior wall 3, a posterior wall 4, and a cavity 5 between them which may be filled with insulating material using a well-known technique. The building element in the example shown is a window or a door 1 which has a frame 10 and which is connected to a sash 12 retaining an insulating pane 11.

The frame 10 is fixed to the wall 2 (the anterior wall 3 in the example shown) by means of screws or similar fixing mechanisms, as indicated at 13, at selected positions around the frame 10. The frame will normally be positioned in such a way that its anterior surfaces are situated at an appropriate distance behind the posterior surface of the anterior wall 3.

Since the frame 10 normally has a smaller depth than the cavity in the wall 2, a lining panel 16 is positioned there which covers the remaining part of the lateral surfaces of the cavity and which is terminated by a facing 17.

At the anterior surface of the frame 10 between the frame and the wall (i.e., the anterior wall 3), there is a seal 14, and behind it in the space 15 between the frame 10 and the anterior wall 3, the insulation in the cavity 5 and/or the posterior wall 4, there may be insulation material and/or sealing material. If it is a one-stage seal, the seal 14 will function to form a wind- and watertight barrier in the gap between the frame 10 and opening in the wall 2, whereas if it is a two-stage seal, the seal 14 will preferably be a seal against water in the form of rain, sleet, etc.

Said seal 14 is positioned using known techniques after the window 1 is mounted and fixed to the wall 2, and in many instances the space available between the edges of the wall 3 and a window sash 12 may be so small that it will be most convenient or even necessary to remove the sash 12 from the window structure itself while the seal 14 is being positioned. Thus, a window structure will often be delivered intact, but the window sash and its pane will be removed before the frame is mounted in the wall. The gap between the frame and the wall is then sealed, whereupon the window sash is mounted back in place and may be aligned with respect to the frame.

Furthermore, Fig. 1 shows another seal 18 between the frame 10 and the posterior wall 4. Said seal is used in connection with two-stage seals, for example, whereby its purpose is to form a wind-tight barrier. Said seal 18 is also to be positioned or created after the window is mounted in the wall 2, and there may be difficulties with mounting it because of a lack of space in this case, as well. When replacing windows or doors, it can be particularly difficult to position a seal 18 when existing lining panels 16 are reused, since the frame 10 of the new window or the new door will then be mounted inward with respect to the lining panel 16. In this situation, a seal 18 must then be positioned immediately before or at the same time that the frame is mounted, which can be problematic.

With known two-stage seals, the anterior seal 14, for example, may consist of foam material (e.g., strips of foam material, rubber strips, or the like), whereas the posterior seal 18 may be made from a sealant which is applied with a caulking gun or the like, optionally using a backstop (not shown).

Fig. 2a - 2c illustrates a first embodiment according to the invention. Fig. 2a and 2b, like Fig. 1, show a door or a window which is mounted in a cavity in a wall or the like 2. The same or corresponding elements are thus also associated with the same reference numbers in Fig. 2a and 2b as those used in connection with Fig. 1 and will not be described in detail here.

Instead of a seal 14 which is positioned manually between the cavity in the wall 2 and the frame 10 of the window or the door, a sealing element is mounted on the frame 10 which is generally labeled 20 in Fig. 2a and which comprises a retaining element with an expandable sealing element. In this figure, the sealing element 20 comprises a retaining element with the associated sealing element shown in a non- expanded state, in which the window, door, or the like can be directly manipulated and mounted in the wall cavity. Fig. 2b shows the sealing element in an expanded state (i.e., a state in which the sealing element has expanded and thus created a seal between the frame 10 and the wall cavity).

The function of the sealing element according to this embodiment of the invention will be described in greater detail in the following with reference to Fig. 2c, which shows a magnified view of a detailed section, as indicated by the dotted circle in Fig. 2a. As may be seen, the sealing element 20 comprises a retaining element which has a part 22 with a substantially U-shaped part and a mounting unit 21 connected thereto, which, as shown, may consist of a laterally extending flange or lateral bar. The sealing element 20 can be fixed to the frame 10 by means of the mounting unit 21; for example, as shown with the mounting unit 21 pressing against the lateral surface of the frame, which faces inward toward the wall 3. The attachment itself can occur by means of the methods normally used, such as nails, caulking, etc.

An expandable sealing element 24 is inserted into the U-shaped part, and said sealing element 24 is fixed by a release mechanism in the form of a locking strip 23 which can be retained in the U-shaped part 22 along its edges; for example, by retaining the edges of the locking strip 23 in a longitudinal groove (not shown) in both sides of the U-shaped part 22, or by equipping the U-shaped part 22 with inward-facing hook mechanisms (not shown) along its edges.

The locking strip 23 can be peeled off of the retaining element; for example, by pulling out the locking strip, which is relatively flexible at least in a longitudinal direction, at one end of the sealing element 20 and then peeling it off along its entire length. The inserted sealing element 24 will then begin to expand so that the free space between the sealing element 20 and the wall 3 is filled in, as shown in Fig. 2b.

Both the retaining element with the U-shaped part 22 and the locking strip 23 can be constructed using well-known techniques such as extrusion, and both can be made of plastic materials. However, other materials are also possible, such as aluminum or other suitable light metals and alloys, especially for the retaining element, which may be advantageous when the retaining element is positioned in such a way that it will also be visible after the window or door is mounted and/or be affected by external influences such as wind, weather, physical impacts, etc. Furthermore, the retaining element can be designed in such a way that it is included or appears to be included as a structural component of the frame 10. It is also possible for the basic parts of the retaining element (i.e., those parts which comprise the U-shaped part 22) to be made of wood; however, due to structural integrity and manufacturing reasons, this would require larger dimensions than those shown in Fig. 2a - 2c, but this can be an advantage; for example, when the frame itself is also made of wood, and whereby the retaining element can be designed in such a way that it will naturally fit in the frame 10 itself.

Designs and positions other than those shown in Fig. 2a - 2c are possible. Thus, the mounting unit 21 can be positioned against a second surface of the frame 10 (for example, the anterior surface), or it can be designed as a N-element abutting two surfaces. Furthermore, the U-shaped component 22 can be positioned in such a way that, when mounted on the frame 10, it is situated on the surface facing inward toward the wall 3 (i.e., in the gap between the frame and wall cavity), and in such a way that the opening in the U-shaped part faces inward toward the wall 3.

The U-shaped part can be turned in such a way that the sealing element 24 will expand perpendicularly inward toward the wall surface in the wall cavity, or the expansion may proceed in a direction which is oblique thereto (for example, arcing inward or outward). Furthermore, the part of the retaining element in which the sealing element 24 is housed may have some shape other than a U-shape so that said shape will direct the expansion of the sealing element 24 in the desired direction or even in multiple directions. Furthermore, the sealing element 24 itself can be designed in such a way that this expansion will be controlled, e.g. by the shape of the sealing element 24, which does not necessarily have to be rectangular as shown, or by means of the sealing element's internal structure, such as by designing it so that certain parts of the sealing element expand more than others.

Furthermore, the retaining element can be designed in such a way that it can be fixed in a groove, a slot, a rabbet, or the like, because the mounting unit 21, for example, may be designed in such a way that it can be displaced directly into such a groove or the like. These parts (i.e., a groove and the mounting unit 21) may be designed in such a way that the mounting unit 21 is locked in position in the groove (e.g., by a snap lock).

Furthermore, the sealing element 24 can be designed in such a way that, on at least one part (e.g., a strip-shaped part) of the surface touching the surface of the opposite wall in the wall cavity, the adhesion and/or the friction on the wall surface is promoted or increased; for example, because an adhesive layer has been applied or because the sealing element here has a coating or is made of a material which has relatively high friction.

Fig. 2a and 2b do not show any seal between the posterior part of the frame 10 and the wall 2 (corresponding to the seal 18 in Fig. 1). However, it will be obvious that such a seal or a corresponding seal can be positioned there, designed us- ing known techniques, but also according to the embodiments of the invention, examples of which will be given below. The expandable nature of the sealing element 24 itself can be achieved using a large number of methods, any of which can be used in connection with different embodiments of the invention. Thus, the sealing element can be made of a structure which can be compressed (for example, a relatively porous structure, option- ally with cell formations) and which will expand when space will permit. Furthermore, the expansion can be initiated by, caused by, and/or accelerated by physical parameters such as temperature, humidity, pressure, etc. In addition, this expansion can be achieved when the sealing element comprises a foaming material (e.g., a material which foams because of dampness) or when two or more dif- ferent materials are brought into contact with one another, initiating a chemical and/or physical reaction.

Fig. 3 a - 3c illustrate a further embodiment according to the invention, whereby only the parts necessary to understand the invention are shown, such as a frame 10 and a (part of a) wall 3. In this embodiment, the sealing element, which is generally labeled 30, is inserted in a groove, which is generally labeled 32.

In Fig. 3a, the embodiment is shown in a situation where a window, door, or a similar building element is mounted in a wall cavity, but where the sealing ele- ment has not expanded. This is illustrated in Fig. 3b, where the sealing element is completely expanded toward the wall 3. To clarify this embodiment, Fig. 3c shows a magnified section of Fig. 3a, as indicated by the dotted circle. This shows how a sealing element 34 in a non-expanded state is inserted in the groove 32. There it is retained by a locking strip 33 which is held in place by inward-pointing hooks or projections 35a and 35b, which are formed in the sides of the groove 32.

When the locking strip 33 is peeled off, as described above, the sealing element 34 can expand freely. However, it should be noted that for the sake of the clarity of the drawing, the hooks or projections 35a and 35b shown in Fig. 3c are over- sized with respect to the dimensions typically used. When designing the lock between the locking strip 33 and the groove 32, it is essential that no significant obstructions or undesired restrictions of the free expansion of the sealing element 34 be produced.

Fig. 3d shows a modified version of the embodiment shown in Fig. 3c. Therefore, the same reference numbers are used for the same or corresponding elements to those in Fig. 3c. In this embodiment, the sealing element 34 is inserted in the groove 32 in a form in which the sealing element comprises two different materials 34a and 34b. These two materials are separated by a partition 33a on the locking strip 33, and said partition 33a can be positioned substantially perpendicularly on the locking strip 33 itself. When the locking strip 33 is removed, the two dif- ferent materials 34a and 34b of the sealing element 34 will be allowed to come into contact with one another or flow together, which allows the expansion to begin.

This function can be performed by methods other than those shown. For example, it is possible to have a partition which is penetrated or otherwise opened when the locking strip 33 is removed. Furthermore, it is possible to have more than two different materials which are brought into contact with one another, and the ratio between the respective spaces can be based on the different conditions, including properties of the materials.

Fig. 3e shows a modified version of the embodiment shown in Fig. 3c. Thus, the same reference numbers are used for the same or corresponding elements to those in Fig. 3c. In this embodiment, a groove 32 is also incorporated in the frame 10, in which groove the sealing element (which is not shown in the figure) may be placed. At its mouth, the groove 32 has slightly arcing sidewalls as shown, so the mouth is somewhat narrower than the bottom of the groove. To position and secure the sealing element against expansion, a locking element 36 is used which comprises a cover unit which terminates the groove 32 and which has inward- pointing locking corners 37an and 37b. As shown, said locking corners are formed in such a way that they can retain the locking element 36 in conjunction with said arcing sidewalls in the groove 32. On one side, he locking element 36 has a control mechanism 38 in the form of a lateral connection to the cover unit itself. The control mechanism 38 can be designed in various manners, because it is only essential that it be easy to grasp directly, perhaps by means of a tool such as a pair of pliers or the like. For example, the control mechanism 38 can be designed as shown in such a way that it projects beyond the anterior side of the frame 10.

The locking element 36 can be designed as a shaped unit by the extrusion of plastic materials or other similar materials. However, it can also be designed in such a way that the control mechanism 38 and/or locking corners 37a and 37b do not necessarily run along the entire length of the locking element, but only in appropriate lengths and with appropriate space to ensure that the locking element 36 can be removed in a relatively convenient manner and/or prevent the sealing element from expanding.

Fig. 3f shows a further modified version of the embodiment shown in Fig. 3e. Thus, the same reference numbers are used for the same or corresponding elements to those in Fig. 3e. In this embodiment, the sealing element (not shown) is inserted in a grooved or U-shaped component 32 which can be designed as a shaped part by the extrusion of plastic material, metal, such as aluminum, or similar suitable materials. The groove 32 has the same shape as the groove 32 shown in Fig. 3e (i.e., with inward-pointing sidewalls); therefore, a locking element 36 can be used which has substantially the same form as the locking element described in connection with Fig. 3e, in particular with inward-projecting locking corners 37a and 37b, as well as a control mechanism 38. In this embodiment, the grooved or U-shaped component is equipped with a fixing mechanism 39 as shown which can extend to the side of the U-shaped component 32. Said fixing mechanism 39 can be fixed in a groove or, as shown, a ribbet built into the frame 10, whereby the seal will be created in an area in front of the frame 10 itself or, if it is a seal on the rear of the frame, behind the frame itself.

What is specified in connection with Fig. 2a - 2c about the design and structure of the sealing element, groove, locking strip, and the locking strip's attachment will, of course, also be applicable to the embodiment shown in Fig. 3a - 3f. Thus, it may be noted in particular that while the sash has been illustrated as being made of wood, it is naturally also possible for it to be constructed of metal, e.g. alumi- num, plastic, or other suitable materials, and hollow shaped elements are also possible. The locking strip 33 can be designed in manners other than that shown; it can be designed with a pull- or tear-string if the locking strip is made of a sufficiently thin material.

Fig. 4a - 4c show a further embodiment of the invention, which is a modified version of the embodiment shown in Fig. 3a - 3e. As in Fig. 3, Fig. 4a shows the seal in a non-expanded state, Fig. 4b shows the seal in an expanded state, and Fig. 4c shows a magnified detailed section of Fig. 4a, as indicated by the dotted circle. Unlike the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, a groove 42 in the frame 10 is positioned in such a way that its center axis runs obliquely with respect to the lateral surface of the frame 10. In addition, the locking strip 43 is positioned in such a way that it arcs, making it easier to peel it off in certain situations. Of course, the locking strip 43 can be positioned in manners other than those shown; for example, in such a way that it is parallel to the surface of the frame 10. As may be seen from Fig. 4b, the sealing element 44 after expansion will abut the wall 3 obliquely, producing a larger bearing surface. Furthermore, the sealing element 44 will "extend" forward, which can be an advantage if there is only a small overlap or not any overlap at all between the frame 10 and the wall 3 in the direction of the bottom. It is convenient for the sealing element 44 to be designed in such a way that it has good levels of friction with the wall 3; for example, by being self-adhesive or by having an applied adhesive layer.

What is specified above in connection with Fig. 2a - 2c and 3a - 3d about the design and structure of the sealing element, groove, locking strip, and the locking strip's attachment will, of course, also be applicable to the embodiment shown in Fig. 4a - 4c.

Fig. 5 illustrates a further modified embodiment 50' of the sealing element, whereby the sealing element 54 is positioned in the frame 10 in such a way that the sealing element will expand toward a corner or edge of the wall 3. As shown, this can be achieved by incorporating a groove in the frame 10 in an oblique di- rection toward the corner, so that the contact surface between the wall 3 and the sealing element 54 is approximately linear. This makes it possible to obtain an improved seal for a wall 3 which may have significant irregularities, such as a wall with seal joints which are not filled to the surface of the wall or which project beyond the surface of the wall. Furthermore, this embodiment will have the ad- vantage that when a frame 10 is mounted in a wall so that its anterior portion lies in a plane directly on or even behind the anterior wall's posterior surface, the sealing element can expand forward obliquely, so the seal can be created with the wall. The analogous situation will apply to a seal which is mounted at the posterior edge of the frame and whereby the sealing element 54 can expand forward or backward obliquely depending on the given conditions and will thus be able to create a sealing contact with a wall surface, even if said wall surface does not lie directly in the same plane as the sealing element's position in the frame.

Fig. 6a and 6b show yet another embodiment of the invention, whereby the seal- ing element 60 comprises a retaining element comprising a substantially U-shaped component 62 which is connected to a mounting unit 65. A sealing element 64 is arranged in the U-shaped component 62 and retained by a locking strip 63 in a manner corresponding to that described above. In Fig. 6a, the sealing element 60 is shown in a position in which the window, door, or the like can be mounted in a wall cavity, since the sealing element 60 does not project further from the frame than it passes from the wall 3. Fig. 6b shows the sealing element 60' in its ex- panded position, whereby the locking strip 63 is first peeled off of the U-shaped component 63, whereupon the sealing element is pushed in behind the wall 3, causing the sealing element 64 to expand toward the wall. As illustrated in Fig. 6b, the sealing element's mounting unit 65 is arranged in a guide 66 in the frame 10, so the sealing element 60 can be moved back and forth. In practice, this ar- rangement can be implemented in several different manners, and the sealing element can also be designed in different manners; for example, in such a way that the sealing element can expand toward different surfaces and/or parts of the wall 3. Furthermore, a rabbet or groove 67 may be incorporated in the frame 10, as indicated by dotted lines, into which the U-shaped component 62 entirely or par- tially fits while the window or the door is being transported, manipulated, and mounted, so the sealing system will not be an obstruction in these circumstances.

Fig. 6c and 6d illustrate an alternative embodiment of the embodiment shown in Fig. 6a and 6b. Corresponding elements are thus labeled with the same reference numbers. However, Fig. 6c and 6d further illustrate a possible arrangement of a window sash 12 with its associated pane 11. In this embodiment, the sealing element is arranged in a U-shaped component 62 in the manner previously described, and said U-shaped component is terminated by a locking element 63. The U- shaped element 62 is connected to a mounting unit 65 which is designed to ensure that the sealing system 60 can be moved into a position 60', as shown in Fig. 6d, where the sealing element 64 can expand toward a wall surface 3 after the locking element 63 is peeled off or removed. The mounting unit 65 and its guide (not shown) on/in the frame 10 are designed in such a way that the U-shaped element 62 is pushed substantially forward, so a seal can be created with the anterior side of the frame 10 or even in front of the anterior side of the frame 10. However, the arrangement shown can, as will be obvious, also be used to create a seal with the posterior side of the frame 10, where the arrangement may then result in the creation of a seal located behind the frame's posterior edge.

As shown in Fig. 6c and 6d, the sealing system according to the invention may be controlled directly, even if a window sash 12 or the like is mounted on the frame 10 during the operation. Even if, as shown in Fig. 6c, there is little space between the sash 12 and the wall 3, it will be possible to reach in and pull the U-shaped component 62 forward to its final position, possibly using a tool, whereupon the locking element 63, whether it is in the form of a locking strip, a locking element as described in connection with Fig. 3e and 3f, or any other appropriate design, can easily be removed by pulling on a control mechanism (not shown), possibly with a tool such as a pair of pliers.

What is specified above in connection with Fig. 2a - 2c, 3a - 3f, 4a - 4c, and 5 about the design and structure of the sealing element, groove, locking strip, and the locking strip's attachment will, of course, also be applicable to the embodiment shown in Fig. 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d.

Above, the sealing system according to the invention is preferably described in connection with an anterior seal between components, such as on the exterior between a wall and a door or a window, but it will be obvious that the embodiments described can be used in connection with seals in other planes, such as on the posterior side of a frame member, because it can be used in connection with a two-stage seal, for example. This is illustrated in Fig. 7, in which a component 1 comprising a frame member 10 with an associated sash 12 with a pane 11 is mounted in a cavity in a wall 2, whereby said wall comprises an anterior wall 3 and a posterior wall 4 with a cavity 5 between them. As shown, one sealing element 71 can be arranged at the anterior part of the frame 10 and one sealing element 72 at the posterior part of the frame. In the example shown, the anterior sealing element 71 is of the type described above in connection with Fig. 3f, whereas the posterior sealing element 72 is of the type described above in connection with Fig. 3e. However, it will be obvious that the sealing elements 71 and 72 can each be designed separately for each of the embodiments in which the invention can be implemented and in the manner exemplified above. Therefore, the design of the sealing elements 71 and 72 can be selected based on the specific applications, designs, dimensions, etc. of the included components, such as walls, frames, sashes, etc. in order to obtain optimal and uniform seals.

Furthermore, it should be noted that the invention above was preferably exemplified in connection with windows, doors, or the like with opening components. However, it will be obvious that the invention can also be used in connection with components having a frame member with a fixed element which is built in, such as a non-opening window or the like. Fig. 8 shows an outline of a further modified embodiment, whereby a sealing element, which is generally labeled 80, is designed in such a way that it can function both to create a seal between a frame member 10 and part of a wall 2 (for example, the wall 3) and as a seal between the frame 10 and an opening component (for example, a sash component), which is generally labeled 12 and which is mounted with panes 11. When the sealing element 80 is activated, it will expand toward the wall 3, while at the same time a sealing surface, edge, or the like will be created, produced, or maintained with the sash 12, so the sash will be sealed to the frame in its closed position.

One embodiment of this will be described in greater detail below with reference to Fig. 9, which like Fig. 8 shows a frame member 10 mounted in a cavity in a wall 2. An opening sash, which is generally labeled 12, comprises a part 91 as shown which can retain one or more of the panes 11 included in the sash. Furthermore, it may form a grooved part or the like which can work in conjunction with a sealing element 90 fixed to the frame 10. Said sealing element 90 can be of an expandable type and can be designed as described above so that removing a locking element (not shown) will cause a seal to be created between the frame 10 and the wall 3, also as described above. Furthermore, the sealing element 90 can be designed in such a way that when the locking element is removed, a sealing surface or sealing element will be exposed or formed, whereby said sealing surface or sealing element can work in conjunction with part of the sash 12 (for example, the part 91 as shown). The sealing element 90 can also be designed in such a way that a seal to the sash 12 will already be created before activating the locking element (i.e., al- ready upon delivery from the manufacturer or supplier), but preferably by using sealing material included in the sealing element 90, and which contributes to or produces the expandable seal between the frame and wall. The embodiment shown can be altered in many ways in the context of the invention and by using the embodiments described above.

Fig. 10a - lOd show yet another embodiment of the invention, whereby a sealing element 100 in Fig. 10a is shown arranged between a wall 3 and a frame 10. Said sealing element 100 comprises a retaining element 102 in the form of a strip- or rod-like component, which supports an expandable sealing element 104 on one side. In Fig. 10a, the sealing element is shown in its non-expanded state, and it may be seen that when the sealing element expands, it will effectively fill in the space between the frame 10 and the wall 3. The sealing element 104 is prevented from expanding by a locking element, which is labeled 103b in the embodiment shown in Fig. 10b at a larger magnification. Said locking element 103b is substantially U-shaped and is sized in such a way that it retains the sealing element 104b which is supported by the retaining element 102, with such a size and shape that it can be placed in the gap between the wall and the frame. When in use, the locking element 103b should be removed from the sealing element 100 immediately before positioning between the wall and the frame, whereupon the expansion will occur without obstruction.

Fig. 10c shows a modified embodiment of said sealing element, also at an increased magnification with respect to Fig. 10a. The retaining mechanism 102c is connected here to a wall 103c which is positioned substantially perpendicular to the retaining mechanism 102c. On both sides of this wall are positioned sealing elements 104c' and 104c", which can also be connected if the dimensions of the wall 103c will permit it. In this embodiment, the wall 103c will function to support the sealing element(s) 104c' and 104c". In the embodiment shown, a locking element corresponding to that shown in Fig. 10a can be used.

Fig. lOd shows a further modified embodiment of a sealing element at an in- creased magnification. In this embodiment, the retaining element 102d is designed as a substantially U-shaped component which has a locking strip 103d or the like on its open side to position the sealing element 104d. Said sealing element is arranged in the gap between the frame 10 and the wall 3 so that the lateral surface 102d' faces either the frame 10 or the wall 3. Immediately before the sealing ele- ment is positioned, the locking strip 103d is peeled off so that the sealing element 104d can expand as described above. The lateral surface 102d' may be equipped with a layer of adhesive or sealing material in case it is necessary to be able to position the sealing element with respect to the frame 10 or the wall 3 while the sealing element 104d is expanding.

It is convenient for the sealing elements 104, 104b, 104c, and 104d in the embodiments shown to be designed as described above in connection with the other embodiments.

The sealing elements which are contained in the embodiments shown in Fig. 10a - lOd can be designed as strip-shaped elements which are cut to the correct lengths and may be compressed with the sealing material in a longitudinal direction in order to obtain the longitudinal expansion required to fill in the corner parts. The strip-shaped elements can, for example, be cut to length with their ends cut at a scissor angle, whereupon they are arranged in the gaps between the frame and the wall along the periphery of a door or a window. It is possible to use prefabricated rectangular elements manufactured in sizes appropriate for standard window and/or door sizes so that they can only be arranged in the gap to the wall after the locking strips have been removed or peeled off from the entire periphery.

Fig. 11a illustrates a seal between a wall 3 and a window frame 10 with a window pane 11 placed from the outside, whereby said seal is created with a sealing element 114 according to the invention. The sealing element 114 can, as shown in the upper right corners, be assembled by designing the strip-shaped sealing elements to be cut at a scissor angle. In another embodiment of the invention, corner joints can be designed in the manner which will be described in greater detail with reference to Fig. 1 lb - 1 Id.

Fig. 1 lb and 1 lc show magnified detailed sections of the upper left comer shown in Fig. 11a with the joints which can be implemented there. When using sealing elements which expand outward from the frame, problems may occur with filling in the corners if special precautionary measures are not taken. According to one embodiment of the invention, this may be remedied as shown in Fig. lib, which shows a corner of the frame's structure before expansion of the sealing elements. Sealing elements can be inserted here in grooves in the frame or in special retaining elements and be designed to expand outward toward the wall 3. In order to obtain sufficient material to seal the corner area also, the sealing elements can be extended beyond the comer area of the frame 10 and folded together into a fringe pocket 116. The sealing material can be prevented from expanding by mechanisms 117 which may be connected to or surround part of the locking strip which is to be peeled off, so the sealing elements can expand around the entire periphery of the frame. This will activate the mechanisms 117 as the sealing elements begin to expand, making it possible to implement an effective seal of the gap around the entire periphery of the frame simply by peeling off the locking strips. Furthermore, the sealing elements can be cut to lengths which are an appropriate amount longer than the groove or the like in which they are to be inserted so that there is sufficient material available to fill in the comers. When the sealing elements are then arranged in the grooves, they are also compressed in a longitudinal direction and prevented from expanding. This retention which prevents expansion can, for example, by implemented by means of angular (at right angles) elements (not shown) which may extend across the entire depth of the frame so that sealing elements on both the anterior and posterior side of the frame are prevented from expanding. Instead of using separate elements, comer guards, which are normally used to guard the comers of windows, doors, and the like against blows, bumps, etc., may also be used to retain the sealing material at the comers. Said guards are removed before the window or the door is mounted in the wall, and the sealing material will thus be ready to expand fully when the locking elements along the remaining length of the frame have also been removed.

An alternative embodiment is shown in Fig. lie, which shows that sealing elements 114 are extended around the comers in order to obtain the shape of the expanded sealing element shown in the drawing. In the comer area into which the sealing element does not expand, an adapter 118 is arranged with such a shape and size that the sealing element(s) will press against it after expansion sufficiently tightly to ensure an effective seal.

Said adapter is shown in Fig. lid in a perspective diagram, which shows that mounting mechanisms for retaining said part in a comer in the cavity in the wall 3 while the sealing elements are expanding can be arranged on a lateral surface 118" of the part. Said mechanisms can, for example, be adhesive materials or the like which can be arranged at appropriate positions 119. These mechanisms can be arranged correspondingly on the other lateral surface 118', if it is convenient to do so. The width of such an adapter 118 can be of the same magnitude as the width of the expanded sealing element or even wider (e.g., the same width as the frame 10). As with the sealing mechanisms, the adapters 118 can supplied together with the window, the door, or a similar element which is to be mounted in a cavity in a wall or the like so that all of the parts which are necessary for the installation are in place and supplied in sizes and designs appropriate to the actual size of the door, the window, or the like. In this embodiment, comer guards can also be used to guard the sealing material at the comers against damage and/or to retain the sealing material in its non-expanded state.

As mentioned earlier, the invention can be implemented in manners other than those mentioned specifically in connection with the examples above. Thus, it will be evident that the invention can have applications in connection with buildings, constructions, etc., in general where it is necessary to mount components in associated cavities, whereby said cavities are of a size which leaves a gap between said components and the edges of the cavity. As illustrated in examples above, these may be windows and doors set in walls in buildings, but it will be obvious that they may be windows, doors, gates, hatches, and similar components in structures other than houses (for example, ships, transport vessels such as train cars, planes, etc). Furthermore, it will be obvious that although the above illustrates windows, doors, etc. which are substantially rectangular, other shapes of the components can also be used in connection with the invention (for example, polygons and circular shapes, such as round windows, or combinations of such shapes).

Furthermore, the components described may constitute a wide array of compo- nents which have in common the fact that they can or must be mounted in cavities in structural components, since a supporting part, a frame, or sash member of the component, is to support or position the component in the cavity or is to be connected to the edges of the cavity.

Thus, Fig. 12a and 12b illustrate further examples of components in connection with which the invention can be used.

Fig. 12a illustrates a conduit unit 121 which may, for example, comprise part of a square pipe or the like 122, and which may be used in connection with ventilation systems, cable sheaths for connector and power leads, etc. As shown, the conduit unit 121 can be equipped with sealing elements 123 and 124 according to the invention, whereby said sealing elements extend around the entire periphery of the square pipe 122. Said sealing elements can be positioned as shown at each end of the conduit unit 121 or at an interval substantially equal to the thickness of the wall or structural component in which the conduit is to be mounted. Alternatively, the conduit unit can be equipped with only one sealing element or more than two, if this would be convenient.

In the embodiment shown, the sealing elements 123 and 124 are illustrated as parts (for example, comprising a part with a U-shaped cross-section) which project beyond the surface of the pipe 122, but it will be obvious that other embodiments are possible; for example, by positioning in peripheral grooved elements. In addition, the sealing elements 123 and 124 can be designed in any of the manners exemplified and described above.

Fig. 12b illustrates a similar component 125 which consists of part of a pipe- shaped object 126 which may be substantially circular-cylindrical. This can also be equipped with sealing elements 127 and 128 according to the invention which extend around the entire periphery of the pipe 126. Said sealing elements can be positioned as shown at each end of the component 125 or at an interval substantially equal to the thickness of the wall or structural component in which the con- duit is to be mounted. Alternatively, the component 125 can be equipped with only one sealing element or more than two, if this would be convenient. As described above in connection with Fig. 12a, it may involve a conduit unit which could be used, for example, in connection with ventilation systems, cable sheaths for connector and power leads, etc.

As illustrated, the sealing elements 127 and 128 can be designed in grooves which can be built into the surface of the pipe 126, but other designs are, of course, possible, and the sealing elements 127 and 128 can also be designed in any of the manners exemplified and described above.

When the conduits 121 and 125 illustrated are used, the seal or seals will be created in a manner analogous to that which is described above, because the expandable sealing elements in the sealing elements will be activated after or even immediately before the components are mounted in their associated cavities, since one or more locking elements will be activated, removed, or manipulated in another manner. Locking elements for a plurality of sealing elements may be interconnected so that the activation of all the expandable sealing elements associated with one and the same component will be activated by a single action; for example, by pulling a locking strip off of a sealing element, whereby another locking strip(s) connected to the latter is also pulled off of it or said sealing elements.

Claims

1. A system for sealing components such as building components, in particular windows, doors, or similar elements, which comprise a frame (10) and which are mounted in a wall or similar building component (2, 3, 4), and whereby a seal is created with the wall or the like, characterized in that the system comprises a sealing element comprising an expandable element (24, 34, 44, 54, 64, 80, 90, 104, 104b, 104c', 104c", 104d) and a locking element (23, 33, 36, 43, 63, 103b, 103c, 103d).

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the expandable element is positioned in a retaining element (22, 32, 42, 62) which constitutes a structural part of said frame.

3. The system according to claim 1, char ac teri zed in that the retaining element comprises a grooved component (32, 42, 72) in the frame and that the locking element comprises a locking strip (33, 33a, 36, 43) which works in conjunction with the grooved component.

4. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the expandable element is positioned in a retaining element (22, 32, 62) which is mounted on said frame (10).

5. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that the retaining element comprises a substantially U-shaped component (22, 32,

62) and that the locking element comprises a locking strip (23, 36, 63) which works in conjunction with said U-shaped component.

6. The system according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the retaining element (62) is mounted in such a way that it can be moved between two positions, the first position of which constitutes a mounting position of the window, door, or the like.

7. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the expandable element (104, 104b, 104c', 104c", 104d) is positioned in or on a retaining element (102, 102b, 102c, 102d) which is equipped with a locking element (103b, 103d).

8. The system according to claim 7, characterized in that the locking element comprises a substantially U-shaped part (103b).

9. The system according to claim 7, characterized in that the locking element comprises a locking strip (103d).

10. The system according to claim 7, 8 or 9, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the sealing element (100, 114) comprises two or more, preferably four, linear units of retaining elements which are positioned contiguous with one another, preferably in a rectangular pattern.

11. The system according to one or more of claims 1 - 10, characterized in that the expandable sealing element at the comers is arranged in such a way that additional sealing material is available in the comer areas.

12. The system according to claim 11, char ac teri zed in that the system comprises elements to guard and/or retain said additional sealing material.

13. The system according to one or more of claims 1 - 10, characterized in that the system comprises one or more adapters (118) for positioning in comer areas around the frame.

14. A method of mounting a component such as a building element, in particular a window, door, or a similar element which is fixed in a cavity in a wall or the like, and whereby a seal is created between the two elements, characterized in that after the component (for example, the building element) is mounted in the cavity, at least one expandable sealing element is activated which is included as a structural part of the component

(for example, the building element) or as a part mounted in a fixed position on the component.

15. The method according to claim 14, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that be- fore the component (for example, the building element) is mounted, one or more elements for guarding the sealing material at the comer parts is removed.

16. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that before the component (for example, the building element) is mounted, an adapter is positioned at every comer of the cavity.

17. The method of mounting a component such as a building element, in particular a window, door, or a similar element which is fixed in a cavity in a wall or the like, and whereby a seal is created between the two elements, characterized in that after the component (for example, the building element) is mounted in the cavity, at least one expandable sealing element is activated which is adapted to both the shape (for example, in a rectangular shape) and size of said component (for example, the building element) and which is then immediately inserted into the gap around the component.

18. A window, door, or similar building element, characterized in that it comprises a system for sealing according to one or more of claims 1-13.

19. The window, door, or similar building element according to claim 18, characterized in that it comprises sealing elements positioned in proximity to a first part of a frame or the like of said building element and/or sealing elements positioned in proximity to a second part of said frame.